tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70300424799277988042024-03-05T02:23:50.926-08:00BhimiBlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-68647296820533563302012-07-08T09:57:00.000-07:002012-07-15T20:46:27.387-07:00Monkey's Birth Story<text-align: left;"="">Quite strangely, I went into labor at the same time as Munchkin's - 2 days early at 3:30am! Though, the similarities ended there! I let my husband and son sleep, and started calling my mother to notify her so she could drive here in time to watch my son. Unable to sleep, I decided to get out of bed and bake some muffins for breakfast and make sure I had all my ducks in a row so to speak. I was having contractions the whole time, but they were short - maybe 30seconds; so, I just paused to breathe, visualize and such. Eventually the boys got up and grandma arrived. I notified my doctor's office when contractions were 5min apart (about 9am) but my husband had some work he needed to do so I took a bath to slow things down. Unfortunately, they slowed too much (to about 7min apart). Then, around noon I posted to Facebook that I was feeling discouraged and thinking it was going to be another long labor. I snapped one last picture of my pregnant belly and tried to get things going again by bouncing on the exercise ball. BAD idea - way too painful. So I tried to rest in bed on my side. No luck. </text-align:><br />
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<text-align: left;"="">Then, very soon after I got dressed, contractions jumped to just 4min apart, lasting 60sec but then after just 10seconds, ANOTHER 60second contraction would start! It was WEIRD, and they became more intense as well - to the point I had to vocalize to get through them! As soon as I could talk, I told hubby he needed to finish up because we needed to leave ASAP! By the time we got out the door, I could barely support myself through the contractions, but was managing the pain pretty well using the hypno-birth breathing exercises, and meditations of acceptance, surrender, allowance, and so on. However, when it came to actually getting IN the van...this proved difficult. I couldn't IMAGINE sitting down, knowing the pain would be intolerable. So, in the 2minutes I had between contractions, I climbed in the seat backwards and held onto the headrest. Munchkin, who was watching all this from his carseat, quickly scolded me for not wearing my seatbelt; so, after the next contraction (which was stronger and louder now that I was almost squatting) I somehow got the seatbelt around my huge body and reassured him I was 'safe.' (After that, he scarcely said a word for the rest of the 25minute drive!) For the first part of the drive, I was still coherent enough to yell at my husband for his driving. For the later half, I had to hold my hypno-birth type of recordings to my ear to keep it together as not to scare my son!<br />
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We arrived at about 1:25pm. Naturally, I refused (via a head-shake) all FOUR wheelchairs that were offered to me, even though I was having to put all my weight on my husband during contractions. I simply had NO strength left in my legs from mostly being on my feet since 3:30am. Slowly, but loudly I made my way to the Labor/Delivery floor as the contractions seemed to be coming one on top of another by then. I do remember two strange things at this point: First, MANY people randomly asked my husband if it was my first birth. Later, the nurse told me this was because that gives them an indication of how much time they have to work with. And 2)I remember my husband requesting they hold the elevator for us, only to walk up to it being FULL, and I said "Huh-ah...Are you kidding!?" I'm not laboring in there with all those people! LOL</div>
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When in the LD room I immediately started undressing (!), had a contraction, then climbed onto the bed backward, essentially kneeling. At this point while putting on the fetal monitors, my L/D nurse figured out I was in back-labor and suggested counter-pressure on my sacrum. It SAVED me! Although, my husband was the only one strong enough to apply enough pressure to make a difference!! Meanwhile, a doctor entered, introducing himself (I still don't know his name, but later found out he was a resident) and when he made his way to my side, I remember hearing him say to me DURING a contraction, "Okay, Ma'am. We'll just get you your epidural and break your water, and you'll have your ba--" I responded the only way I could: non-verbally...bulging my eyes and vigorously shaking my head! When I could talk again, I said "No. Not what...I want! Birthplan...Honey, birthplan," as I pointed to my bag. When handed the big folder of papers, the doctor's eyes widened at the size. (No worries! In reality, he only needed to read the first few bullet points of the first page!) He skimmed it, and said no problem, but added, "First things first, we need to check how dilated you are." I thought, "Oh yeah. Of course," then proceeded to plead with him to lie on my side, insisting with something like "I can't do it. I just CANNOT lie on my back. Please don't make me lie on my back." He consented, and I heard him say I was 7CM!!!! A HUGE wave of endorphins rushed over me, because although I felt the urge to push while kneeling in the van and lobby, I didn't want to get my hopes up for anything more than 4CM. So, the next choice was whether to break the waters or not. And I was just about to decide when I felt a contraction coming on, and had an inkling it was going to break anyway. It DID! The next few contractions brought with them an urge to bear down, so he did another awkward cervical check, and...9 1/2CM! ("Yay!!") A few more contractions and my body was pushing the baby for me. I recall saying "Wooooooww" through the contractions because it was such an overwhelming physical sensation :-) I got the OK to bear-down, and several pushes (on my part) later, Monkey was here! I almost COULDN'T believe it. I mean, in my mind we had *just* arrived to the hospital, afterall, and I didn't even have an IV in! </div>
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When I saw him for the first time, my eyes went straight to his HAIR, then his face and body. He just had so much hair! One of the highlights of the whole thing, was that my friend Allison arrived just in time for his birth, and stayed until I was able to settle into my room. GaGa brought Munchkin to the hospital that night to meet his brother for the first time :-) </div>
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It was all so powerful, so wonderful - almost overwhelming.</div>
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<b>How was it different?</b></div>
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I couldn't possibly list them all, but the major differences were: </div>
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1) It was a third as long! (Yay!!!)</div>
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2) It was intervention-less. In part, it was because there was simply no time for anything to be done, not even a simple HepLock, nor a more complicated epidural, nor breaking the waters early (like previous birth), and so on. But also, I was more mentally prepared and resolved about it this time; they would've had to work really hard to convince me the risks outweighed any benefit. </div>
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3) Recovery from the tear was a breeze compared to the first time around. </div>
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4) It was MUCH more physically demanding: From being on my feet, gripping the bed's side-bars, and the strength of the contractions, etc. (Honestly, I wish I was more prepared; my abs and thighs were literally fatigued and 'shaky' for weeks.)</div>
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5) It was also more 'positive' generally speaking in that the natural endorphins were stronger and/or more plentiful this time and lasted for days! Mentally, I was sharp and alert postpartum, and morale was actually high! </div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-79218430447494941662012-07-05T21:14:00.000-07:002012-07-08T10:03:32.674-07:00Welcome to the World Monkey!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">We're proud to announce the birth of our second boy</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;"><b>(to be officially known as "Monkey" on the blog!)</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">He was born April 23rd </span></span></span></span>after a natural birth of just 11 hours.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;"> He was a healthy 8lbs even, and 21inches long!! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">As you'll see, he seems to get his eyebrows, nose, and lips from daddy and only his eyes from me!</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">I'll try to post more pics by the weekend. I know I've been negligent. So sorry!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Like Munchkin, he's a very 'happy' baby. And thank goodness all the tasks of his care are repetitive and simple! (SOME part of the birth and infancy has to be simple, right!?) Overall, we're doing pretty well, trying to be patient with ourselves and eachother! Having two kids is different ballgame for sure - much harder on a marriage. But we try to keep things light-hearted. I keep reminding myself that things will become more of a routine soon, and Munchkin will be back in preschool too. So that will at least give me some down-time to 'catch-up" on SO many tasks that have been put off since mid-pregnancy! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Joys of Breastfeeding</b></span></div>
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From his first feeding, he has been a champion eater. The only glitch we ran into was that he tended to just 'hold' the nipple in his mouth, not sucking. Almost like he thought he didn't have to do any work ;-) It quickly passed though, lasting only about a week or so.</div>
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As each day went by, I was reminded of all the real benefits: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It forces you to sit down and relax every 2-3 hours!</span></span><br />
Doesn't stain/stink like the "formula smell" and I'm sure it has to taste better to him.</div>
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It supports his immunity in these early weeks/months.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It's way less expensive than the formula we would use.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Munchkin's poo doesn't smell as bad as formula poo! (What more can you ask for.)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">My <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">favorite </span>part has to be the "reward" of how cuddly he is afterward, and the little sounds he makes!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As a bonus, it's so sweet to see him play with his hair - heehee!! </span></span></div>
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That's all for now. Thanks again for everyone's encouragement and support!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">**</span>If you leave a comment below, please remember to not use baby's name online - thanks.**</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-40086174260434562662012-03-25T22:09:00.001-07:002012-03-26T19:47:33.396-07:00Freezer Crockpot Meal Bags<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently I came across the concept of FREEZER Crockpot Meal Bags. Basically it's where you prep the whole recipe, place it in a bag in the freezer, thaw it the night before, and then plop it in the crockpot the day of! I found out about it via a google image search for regular crockpot recipes, and then a site called: <a href="http://mamaandbabylove.com/2011/04/05/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker-recipes/">MamaAndBabyLove.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I couldn't imagine being on my feet for as long as it would take to grocery shop, wash, and prep everything, especially at nine months pregnant; so, last Saturday my mom visited and helped me do this for 8 freezer meals. (Thank you Mama!)Below is basically how we did it, and what I learned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><b style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">ADVICE/GUIDELINES: </b></u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>So, f</b><b>irst, is recipe selection.</b> Select your recipes wisely, or modify them. Don't even try to freeze sour cream, creams, cheeses and other dairy products,
or delicate vegetables and fresh herbs such as green onions, parsley or
cilantro. Stir those ingredients into the recipe at the end of the cooking
time, or garnish on individual servings.</span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #a2c4c9; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Planning/Timing:</b> If you're gonna be making many meals with dried beans or beef/steak meals that require soaking the beans overnight or browning of the meat, you may want to do those tasks, plus washing your veggies the night before so everything's ready to go in the morning. (Otherwise, if you do everything all in the same day, the beans stay too firm (for my taste), the meat doesn't cool fast enough to put into bags, and the veggies take forever to wash!) Just a suggestion that I wish we would've thought of; but, it's your choice of course.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #a2c4c9; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>To start Prep Work:</b> clean/sanitize your entire countertop. Pull
all needed spices, condiments and sauces out so they're ready to go. Drain
& rinse any canned beans. Start to wash, and cut all your veggies to their
sizes. Then place them all assembly-line style down the counter. **Tip: prep your potatoes and onions last so they don't brown too much, nor stink up the kitchen, respectively! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #a2c4c9; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Before Filling bags:</b> Label each on a FLAT surface (Yes, I learned that the hard way! heehee) Recipe Name
/Date, Cooking time/Setting, Anything that will need added in (water, broth,
cilantro, etc)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #a2c4c9; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Lastly, I did see 2 advisories somewhere online:</b> 1) About Needing to THAW out the bag the night before to prevent your crock from
cracking! And 2) That you don't want to
skimp on the quality of the freezer bags. I don't KNOW that either is
mandatory, but you wouldn't want to learn the hard way, right!? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>MY RECIPES: </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The weird thing I found while researching...as usual, the measurement were given in typical 'cups', etc. BUT I needed to know </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">HOW MANY </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of each veggie</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to buy. So, I changed the recipes I found to show the NUMBER of veggies I needed.<i> Sorry if that's confusing for you; I wasn't planning on posting them.</i> It's really a personal choice of proportion anyway - answering for yourself which veggies you want to dominate according to your tastes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With all that said, here are the 4 recipes I came up with: I'm gonna try cooking each for: 6Hrs on LOW and see how they turn out in my 3qt crockpot. Wish me luck cause </span><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the recipes I used CANNOT be called *TESTED* until I eat them in about a month from now when baby's born :-P</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">BEEF STEW:</u></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">3 carrots, diced</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 stalk celery, diced</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 yellow squash, diced</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">3/4 cup green beans, fresh or frozen, diced</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 med onion, diced (or 1 tablespoon onion powder) </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 1/2 potatoes, cubed</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 lb. Beef Stew Meat, cubed</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 can diced tomatoes, undrained</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce</i></b></span><br />
<b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. beef </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bouillon</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 tsp chopped garlic (chopped, diced, or pureed)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/4 tsp pepper (white or black)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 tsp salt </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 T. A/P flour</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 tsp onion powder</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 tsp dried thyme</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 bay leaves</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">**ADD: 2 cups water to crockpot</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">POT ROAST: </u></i></b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">6 carrots, large cut OR 1 bag baby carrots</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">4 stalks celery,
large cut</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 large onion (or 2
med.) large cut</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">5 med potatoes,
large cut</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2lb beef, large cut
& browned/pan seared & cooled</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 tsp beef bouillon</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 tsp garlic puree</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2
tsp pepper (white or black)</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1
tsp salt</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1tsp
onion powder</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2
bay leaves</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">**NO WATER ADDED</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">BEAN CHILI: </u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 zucchini, diced</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 med. green pepper, diced</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 med. onion, diced</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 can diced tomatoes, undrained</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 cans dark kidney beans, drained</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 can black beans, drained</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 tsp Worcestershire sauce</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 tsp garlic puree</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/4 tsp pepper (white or black) </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 tsp salt </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 tsp onion powder </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 T. cumin
powder</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 T chili
powder</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">VEGGIE SOUP: </u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 carrot, diced/grated</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 stalk celery, diced</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 cup green beans, diced (fresh or frozen)</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 zucchini, diced</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 squash, diced </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 med onions, diced</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 potato, diced </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 cup Peas, frozen</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 cup Corn, frozen </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 cup lima beans, frozen</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">2 can tomatoes, diced</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 can navy beans , drained </i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1tsp garlic puree</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 onion powder</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/4 tsp pepper (white or black)</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1tsp salt</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1 tsp Italian
seasoning</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">1/2 tsp paprika</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-11607101029553717232012-01-30T04:44:00.000-08:002012-07-15T20:47:32.326-07:00Preserving Childhood :)this was a list I recently saw of things for every child to experience before turning 3. It was compiled from a survey of 1,000 parents by the baby food manufacturer, Cow & Gate. The results are SO telling about what's important for kids to EXPERIENCE, not just LEARN! The activities are innocent, simplistic, and good ol' fashioned fun!! I LOVE IT, and had to share with you all :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul 0px;"="" 0px;="" 13px;="" 16px;="" both;="" font-size:="" initial;="" line-height:="" list-style-image:="" list-style-position:="" list-style-type:="" margin-bottom:="" margin-left:="" margin-right:="" margin-top:="" none;="" padding-bottom:="" padding-left:="" padding-right:="" padding-top:="">
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Make a mud pie</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Bake a cake</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Finger painting</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Sing loudly in public</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Climb a big hill</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Pick fruit</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Dance without any inhibitions</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Make sandcastles on the beach</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Be chased by a monster (Ahh!)</span></li>
<li style="background-position: -1200px 5px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Jump in mud puddles</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Sadly, I have to admit that Munchkin has only done #6, #7, and #9...we've got some checking off to do before he turns 3 in April, huh!!?</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-69135623827127948092012-01-11T18:03:00.000-08:002012-01-11T18:03:27.063-08:00What do women want!?On my local, online forum for moms the question was asked casually, "What do you want?"<br />
<br />
It got me thinking.<br />
<br />
At first thought were various MATERIAL things, of course! Among those are:<br />
-A different washer we're waiting on in exchange for the frustrating front loader we have.<br />
-A more comfortable bed - haha! Our $300, 6year old queen with a foam topper is dying a slow death, and we're suffering right along with it!<br />
-An OB/GYN who makes the effort to understand my body better.<br />
<br />
My second thoughts bubble up more difficult things that simply can't be solved by money! Among those are:<br />
-More 'family time' - TV, laptops, and phones off. Fire started and quality time talking, playing games, and just being together.<br />
-More time with other moms & friends. I've carved out one night each week for myself finally, but can't seem to make the mom 'dates' happen consistently. Kids get sick, obligations get tin the way, and plans fall through.<br />
-More energy, and time, to do the projects that need done before baby comes. (That list is a page long itself!)<br />
-More support, the kind that in reality only family typically provides: meals made when you're sick, impromptu visits to simply connect after a long day and 'see how you're doing,' free babysitting that allows hubby and I to get away overnight once in a while.<br />
<br />
Ah, but upon more reflection, arises what I realllllly want....GRATITUDE. True gratitude for the things I have and the people around me who do care, and the time, health, and wealth that we do have.<br />
<br />
I covet only the ability to stop looking over at the grass on the other side and stop labeling it greener!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-73821820390005409022011-12-25T11:55:00.000-08:002011-12-25T11:55:11.919-08:00Corinthians' Christmas<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A friend of my mom's gave this to us years ago. It's really quite special (and brief); so, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I'd pass it along! Whether you're religious or not, I don't know. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I assume if you're celebrating 'Christ'mas you won't be offended at my posting this!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">If I decorate my home perfectly with bows, twinkling lights, and shiny balls, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">but do not shine love to my neighbors, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">am I not just another decorator?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">If I slave away in the kitchen, bake dozens of cookies, prepare tasty meals, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">and arrange a beautifully adorned table, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">but do not show love to my family by spending time with them, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">am I not just another cook?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and hand-crocheted snowflakes, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">attend a myriad of parties, and sing carols for hours, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">but do not focus on Jesus' birth, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"> have I not wholly missed the point?</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">And even if I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home,</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> and give all that I have to charity, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">but do not show love to my enemies, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;">can I truly say I am loving?</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE...stops the cooking to hug the children.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE...sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE...is kind, though weary at times.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE...doesn't envy another's coordinated china and table linens.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE...doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">but is thankful they are present to be in the way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE...doesn't delight in receiving just the right gifts, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">but rejoices in giving to those who can never repay.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE...bears all things, believes all things, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">hopes all things, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">and endures all things. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">LOVE NEVER FAILS.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u>BUT GIVING THE GIFT OF LOVE ENDURES!</u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving</span>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">E</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">R</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">R</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Y C</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">H</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">R</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">S</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">S T</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">O</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> A</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L </span></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-11010052203903488082011-12-24T05:46:00.000-08:002011-12-24T05:50:57.138-08:00Defining Christmas for my family...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Having kids makes you literally rethink almost every decision and action you make - from what restaurants to go to and which cleaning products to use to how you celebrate the holidays. I've avoided it for 2 Thanksgivings and Christmases, but this year I knew I had to face it head on! Munchkin is old enough that I knew he'd hear about Santa, knew he'd see light displays at night and probably ask why they're done. Most influential is the fact that this year we will be celebrating Christmas at our home for the first time! So I had to come up with some answers fast. Unfortunately, the questions I would likely encounter piled up much faster than the answers. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Why put up a tree? Lights? Wreaths?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Who's Santa? (Ssetting aside for at least this year the question of whether he's real. Whew!) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-What's Advent? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-What's Christmas?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Why DO I bake so many cookies!?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-How many presents should I give to him? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Are traditions even important? Afterall, I didn't grow up with any...</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So shortly after Thanksgiving, I started asking all my family and friends to share their traditions with me. Some were surprisingly meaningful, wonderfully thoughtful, and resonated with me, while others were rather goofy and didn't 'stick'. That said, the common theme was HOW the tradition was executed - either <i>as a family </i>or by "only mom and I," for example. Those relationships that were nurtured seemed to be what had the lasting impact. Also, underlying them was the fact that the child was made to feel special and/or part of a family unit! When trying to draw our our traditions from the suggestions given, we kept that in mind. We also tried to only start what we could maintain; after all, our children, (and we) will 'mature.' Although I hate to admit it, toddlers do indeed turn into teens with ideas of their own!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So here's the answers that we came up with and have explained to Muchkin, thus far: </span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. "Santa is the nickname for Saint Nicolas. He was a real person long ago who gave gifts to needy kids. Some people say he still comes and gives gifts to kids, but no one really knows. It's a wonderful mystery!"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. "Christmas is the day we celebrate when Jesus was born. He was a very special man who taught many people how to love eachother and to give openly to those in need."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. "We remember him by doing things like decorating an evergreen tree and putting up evergreen wreaths. His love for all his creation is as constant as an evergreen tree's color. And also we remember him by singing hymns and carols about him." And so on...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. "Advent is how we count the days from Thanksgiving, up to Christmas. We'll state each day what we're thankful for and how we can show our appreciation for it." (Specifics below.)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. "And we are so thankful for daddy that we will write a special letter to him about how much we love him." (Come to find out, this is actually an old Italian tradition as well. They place it under the dad's plate on Christmas Eve!)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. "On Christmas Eve, we will set up the Nativity scene of Jesus' birth and tell the story. Then, we'll give eachother 3 gifts like he received: Gold = one gift you want, Frankincense = one you need, and Myrrh = one that will help you grow. And maybe Santa will even bring you a stocking in the morning with some goodies in it". (Of course, he'll get one, which will serve to occupy him while I make a nice breakfast Christmas day.) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. "I chose to bake cookies because I'm thankful for our neighbors, and friends, and firefighters, and others, and want to show them that we appreciate them."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. We do ________ because we love eachother! (This will hopefully be the answer that explains any other tasks we perform or behaviors we exhibit - NOT to include pepper-spraying fellow shoppers!)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Repetitions of the above: Attend our town's Tree Lighting event, attend performances of the carols and the like.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Lights: "These don't really have anything to do with Christmas that I know of, Munchkin, but because it's wintertime. We celebrate the winter season by making warm fires, roasting marshmallows, putting up beautiful garlands and we light them on the longest day of the year: usually December 22." Adding in that "Some people like the lights and decorations SO much, they put them up reeeaaally early, Sweety!" </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>Advent calendar</u></b>: Here's the list we came up with for this year. We were able to do about 1/2 of them this year, which I'd call success considering I started this endeavor the 5th and am pregnant! If the daily tasks get overwhelming as the kids are in school and have additional obligations, I could also see it being done on a weekly basis, focussing on one category each week. For instance, the first week being thankful for things we're given (and in return giving to those who don't have those things), the next week centered on community, the next week focus on family/friends. Then, the week leading to the 25th, focus on Jesus. Some people even continue these advents as counting toward the new year so as to avoid the anti-climax that happens on the 26th! (I formatted the list as: We're thankful for X, so let's do Y.) I intend to just print them out and cut them into little strips that I can fit into his Advent Tree drawers.</span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Blessings we have. Bless others in need</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For
having so many toys to play with. Because we have so many, let's sort through
our toys today and see how many we can share with other kids who need toys .
(Or for older kids, video games and the like, or go out together to buy some
new ones to donate.)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For healthy bodies and healthy food to eat the whole year round. So let's go
grocery shopping today, buying food for kids and families who don't have enough
food today. (Or when kids are older let's go give blood to help someone who needs it.)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the gift of plenty of food to eat all year round. Many kids and families don't have enough to fill their bellies, and don't ever get to have treats like Chocolate, Candies, Popcorn, and Lollipops, so let's go to the grocery store today and buy those things to donate to kids.
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the gift of God's love that never leaves us, just like the greenery of an evergreen tree! (Tree Decorating Day)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the gift nature and its beauty, smells, and sounds. So let's make some treats for the birds to enjoy outside this cold winter! Or we could gather pine cones and leaves and acorns to spray with glitter and decorate the house or some other nature craft.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the gift of having a beautiful home that keeps us safe from the winter weather. So let's decorate our home with fun paper chains and paper snowflakes today. Or when kids are older, let's give a donation to Habitat for Humanity. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the gift of wintertime when all things rest except the evergreen, which is like God's love. So let's decorate our house with evergreen garlands and wreaths today. We'll light them on the Longest Night of the year.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Community: </span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For all the extra special 'treats' we get to enjoy in life like cookies and candies. So let's bake some cookies to share some treats with the people we appreciate the whole year round. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our local firefighters who protect us. So lets write them a note of thanks, and take some treats to them.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our neighbors. So let's deliver our treat bags we made them Candies, Cookies, an Ornament!?
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our teachers who help us learn and grow. So let's give them their cookies/gift, and a note that lists all the things we've learned from them.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our mailcarrier, barber, doctor, and so on. So let's write them a note too.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our Mayor, Pastors, School Principle, and others. So let's write them each a note of thanks.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our local food bank workers. So let's write a note to the employees to thank them for their work.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the troops who protect us. So let's write and send them cards.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the sacrifices that the troops' families make. They have to stay behind and sometimes need our support. So let's show them our appreciation today by giving them something special!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Friends/Family: </span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For our friends. So let's give them their cards/gifts/cookies.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For Mommy and all she does for us through the year. So today we'll do something special for mom (take her to dinner, make something special, or write her a letter telling her how much you love her.
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For dad working so hard all throughout the year. So today, let's write daddy a letter telling him how much we love him.
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For time spent together as a family. So let's go take a Night Drive to see all the beautiful light displays.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For having Mom & Dad and Brothers/Sisters who love us. So let's enjoy each other's company tonight by watching a funny movie, playing games together, and laughing a lot!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Date-specific" Activities:</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the great community of people we are a part of, so let's go be with them to watch the town's Tree Lighting event!
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For Jesus' coming into the world as a baby long ago. So let's set up the Nativity Scene Christmas Eve.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For the Longest Night of the year and how things will only get brighter after tonight! So let's have a fire (bonfire when they're older) and have Hot Dogs, Veggies, Smores, and Hot Cocoa</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For Jesus' Birth. So let's celebrate with a cake (or cupcake/muffin) and a lit candle.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For beautiful music and the local fine arts. So let's attend a Messiah performance. (Or when kids are older have a “Silent Night” at home – turn off the cell phones, computers, and all technology that begins with the letter 'i' to play board games as a family, listen to some carols or holiday music, drink hot apple cider, and so on.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other Activity Ideas: </span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For living in the US and having the freedom to celebrate the change of season as we wish, so let's learn about ways other people chose to celebrate this special time of year: Kwanza, Hannukah, and so on.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our Heritage. So let's have a Christmas Curry Night and invite some friends over. (or go out to an Indian dinner with friends!) (You could fill in anything from something from your culture's customs).
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our neighborhood. So let's go for a walk and pick up trash today.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our town having a great playpark for us to enjoy. So let's go to the park today, and if we see any trash lying around we'll pick it up.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*For our house and its fireplace that keeps us warm. So today, we'll give blankets to families/newborn babies in need, and create a fire tonight remembering that others are cold. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>If you've read this far, then I'll add that I just discovered, last night, something called Advent Conspiracy. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU">Here's the Youtube video about it.</a>) After viewing it, it's made me rethink *some* of what's above and you may just see a post around November 2012 containing some changes to the list above!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Merry Christmas to all!</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-22115530172573532362011-11-28T17:13:00.001-08:002011-11-28T17:56:44.092-08:00A Brother it will be!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ultrasound this morning told us it shall be a boy. Munchkin will have a brother! I'm overwhelmed at the thought of a SECOND boy with his energy level, but maybe the second will be the art loving, book reading, boys-choir type ;-) Just teasing; because, even if they both have loads of energy they can at lease wrestle it out with EACHOTHER instead of with me :-P Most importantly though, is that the ultrasound showed him to be a healthy little guy, and very happy at about 9oz (18weeks along).</div>
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Just thought I'd share that happy news. Oh, and the kitchen is getting close to being done. Below is a pic of the original fixtures, and one where the kitchen stands right now. That is, it still needs the backsplash done, the flooring tackled, and painted. But as long as it's done before baby gets here, no worries. It was SUCH a joy to cook in over Thanksgiving! Reaffirmed for me one more reason we chose this house! Have a great week everyone :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaJnQvINh-yhKOkljAEhFfSMQNEfpK2glN7M-PiVkOjoRFrkZr3mnl93N48ncIs2WNzqW8OMoUqUdQqkP9dyd28C0HM69h7CMtLZlmyAoTOTKeSVA92EcId822pXX-M74-YgDU8aHo_02/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaJnQvINh-yhKOkljAEhFfSMQNEfpK2glN7M-PiVkOjoRFrkZr3mnl93N48ncIs2WNzqW8OMoUqUdQqkP9dyd28C0HM69h7CMtLZlmyAoTOTKeSVA92EcId822pXX-M74-YgDU8aHo_02/s320/IMG_5371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM03SswpEKRcoXv7J2CwKKBDC3RjbFVOJ5D0udfBXAWjnKfsCZH4zdU8l7Du4bQXJB08rh4tvohq18kIpOdChhhdvCBS_1Nr9rYogbEX6cDabPIwjEMhhyt6P4jOkuVKujirYTQsvjFZ96/s1600/kitchen+mid+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM03SswpEKRcoXv7J2CwKKBDC3RjbFVOJ5D0udfBXAWjnKfsCZH4zdU8l7Du4bQXJB08rh4tvohq18kIpOdChhhdvCBS_1Nr9rYogbEX6cDabPIwjEMhhyt6P4jOkuVKujirYTQsvjFZ96/s1600/kitchen+mid+way.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-89241467595964535342011-10-28T06:05:00.000-07:002011-10-28T06:55:16.089-07:00We have been BUSY! I mean busy like I've never experienced, and never would've intended! To tally it all: we've sold our house, bought a house(after 8mths of looking), remodeled the kitchen, made the move, and, oh yeah, I'm pregnant and seriously fatigued, but no morning sickness (thank heavens!).<br />
<br />
And what timing we chose, because I planned on doing all the painting of the new house's kitchen cabinetry myself; however, once I knew I was preggers I couldn't. (That alone was a $4800 mistake!) Then all the appliances were backordered til November! So we had to choose different ones, which still ended up coming after we moved in. The kitchen ended up being almost a complete overhaul - not down to the studs exactly; but in total it will include the countertops, floors, walls, sink/plumbing, backsplash, appliances, painting those cabinets, the doors, trim, you name it! It all kinda sprang from my inability to embrace its original PINK countertops - can you blame me!? We only have the backsplash, floors and some painting still to complete. But with the the end is in sight, we're now able to relax a bit.<br />
<br />
Overall, I'm equally excited and exhausted. It's a great house on 2 acres with a huge kitchen. We got a real deal on the house (meaning more than we lost on the old house), so we're grateful for that. We've been in about 3 weeks and are just now getting settled. Hope this finds each of you as healthy and happy as we all are :-) And I hope this explains (not justifies, but explains) why I've been such a poor friend, sister, daughter, wife, mom, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law - you name it - lately. Hugs to you all and I'll try to be better about updating Munchkin's albums, and keep in touch!<br />
<br />
Here's the granite we chose: Khaki & caramel colored with rust and chocolate colored veins.<br />
<img height="297" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292743_2050149299009_1402795187_31882905_1799005310_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Here's the right side of the kitchen's cabinet boxes being sprayed.<br />
<img height="298" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310547_2074706352920_1402795187_31902524_2136141415_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Day after we moved in - no stove, no refrigerator, & non-functional dishwasher!<img height="298" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308101_2103932163547_1402795187_31926693_2024500642_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Here's the latest pic. The island's black walnut butcher block *should* get installed this week! And the backsplash we chose is on the far right side (by a sample color we chose for the walls). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORaTYLuqrShOTJ4GyFF6fKGKfBbyTBNlpS9lNahEUmn9TcObSu4eZgHdEbMuryEpcTwrXBIDr0IgY9zx4Z5q8x45O7WfjR1jIeJR8Mw3RglgwDnw9Xv2XBFrcynFY67JclXJ76Ze29GW-/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORaTYLuqrShOTJ4GyFF6fKGKfBbyTBNlpS9lNahEUmn9TcObSu4eZgHdEbMuryEpcTwrXBIDr0IgY9zx4Z5q8x45O7WfjR1jIeJR8Mw3RglgwDnw9Xv2XBFrcynFY67JclXJ76Ze29GW-/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-2698674786779238802011-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:002011-09-08T10:36:30.159-07:00MunchkinWell it's been so long since I've written, so it will probably come as no surprise that there is nothing Munchkin can't say at this point! He still speaks in broken sentences like "Daddy, hab it, peas?" = Daddy, may I have it please!? Or Mommy, pay me peas!" = Mommy play with me please! And yes, he is that polite in almost all his requests - it's adorable. Some of my favorite phrases are "No tanks, Mommy" which he says a lot, even to tell me he doesn't need to go potty. Or he says it when he really seems to want to shout, "NO WAY!!!"<br />
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When he's really happy and 'rompy', he gallops around the house acting like a horse, or hops about like a kangaroo! Wish those bursts of joy lasted long enough to grab the video camera though so you all could see it! His favorite toys lately are construction vehicles (still...) and firemen and superheros, getting more into the pretend play - very cute to watch! <br />
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He's having an issue with playing too rough and sometimes outright hitting. It's super frustrating, but after a lot of unsuccessful "talking through it" with him, we have seen success with an immediate Time Away and Zero Tolerance policy.<br />
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The latest news is during a hard rain the other day, hubby had taken him to the toy store and saved a turtle from sure death on a 4 lane road. So munchkin has a new pet! We're gonna keep him long enough to get Munchkin over his fear of it, or let it go before winter so it can hibernate properly (whichever comes FIRST!) I like him fine enough, it just saddens me to see him in a little baby swimming pool, and not in nature...ya know!?<br />
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Well, there's not much else to tell about Munchkin, so thanks for reading and I'll add more photos to his albums (link found on the left side of the blog's home page).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-59240081337785930382011-05-07T15:12:00.000-07:002011-05-07T15:12:17.562-07:00He's talking!!!I mean talking a LOT! Just in the last 2 months, he's gone from around 20 words to two word sentences like "Dada walk!" and "El (Ellie) sit." It's so cool. But it happened so fast I didn't realize that I hadn't changed my methods with him accordingly! Today I was on a "mom forum" while my guys were napping, and found this post about how to teach a toddler to NOT do a behavior.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><i><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805588912170" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"My son is a 'young' 19 months-- I think he's a bit less mature than others his age. We've been disciplining by 1) just plum avoiding bad situations 2) distracting him and have slowly been working on teaching appropriate behavoirs. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i></i></span></div><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i></i></span></i></div><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805588912169" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><i>This has been working really well for us-- I'm so proud that he now understand that you 'pat' little sister, that chalk can only go outside, that we say 'sshhh' quietly when sister is sleeping. </i></i></div></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805588912168" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">But I've never been successful at teaching him *not* to do something. the two main issues are hitting the power button on the tv, and going through the clothes baskets adn throwing everything on the floor... but it's getting worse.</span> "</i></span></div></i></span></i><br />
A very thoughtful mom responded with the following!!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805588912182" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>"In my house with my own kids and my daycare kids, this is what I do. For the trivial things, like pulling clothes out or all the books on the bookshelves, taking out the movies, etc...I give it a couple weeks to see if they get it out of their system. Sometimes the novelty of it wears off during that time all on its own. If it doesn't, then I will say, "Uh oh, clothes stay in the basket, if you want to dump, lets find a toy" and then we will find something that addresses the same skill in a more appropriate forum. Even filling up a cardboard box with rags would be a great way to offer him a place he can play and an activity you can immediately redirect him.</i></div><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805588912173" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805588912176" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>The things you are describing your DS doing are all great skills for his age and he is learning cause and effect with the things he is doing. Fill and dump and on and off are both developmentally appropriate actions. As caregivers, it is our job to provide them with opportunities to practice these things in a safe space. </i><i>I don't think you will have any success simply telling him what he can't do. A toddler's brain doesn't work like that. You can definitely show him the things he CAN do using the same skills and everyone will win."</i></div></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><i></i></span>I LOVED this, not only for its clear wisdom of focusing on WHY the child was dumping things and turning an item on/off. But for another reason entirely. It taught me something and I thought I'd share my 'discovery' with you all. <br />
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I responded to the wise woman's words with this:<br />
<b>WOW! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">My son (25mths) wasn't verbal until just about 2 mths ago. So since about 14-16mths when he started understanding the meaning of No, but couldn't say it yet, I had to find some way to get him to 'NOT' do certain things that were off limits like hit, nip/bite, etc. (Especially only for those cases, because I wanted my "No" to still hold weight as he gets older!) I was a fan of 'redirection' to other activities, but when it was any sort of aggression, I drew the line and felt I had to start using at least simple 2 word phrases like "No Bite," "No Kick," "No Throw" when throwing wasn't appropriate, and so on. </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><b><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805918944130" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805918944127" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">But reading your post today, I realized I'm STILL using those "No ____" phrases, even though he's recently started talking! That's so mindless of me I almost can't believe it. I will definitely start giving him the outlet for these skills, and the words to name them as they occur!</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805918944133" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_7_1304805918944134" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I guess that's another lesson for ME: Just because he couldn't understand something yesterday, doesn't me he can't today!! Address him at his level, BUT constantly re-assess where that level is!!!! </div></b></span><b><br />
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</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-32212250032271123952011-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:002011-04-12T20:39:02.495-07:00Happy Birthday Munchkin!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Wow....WOW! i'll say it again, wow, I can't believe he's 2! Where has the time gone!?</div><div style="text-align: center;">He's really growing and changing, but I'll post about all that later, I know you want the GOOD stuff -- pictures, so here ya go! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaqgBhGxAGvRA_8OsmweK7a24oZiKqpJrNFxo-s_e_jaW2uTMJ_GMuRgE4xKUM5Uetct00FkUBQOBR1VuWco0ZRImrEhKC7Wrs4O1Ky6esMwE5CfsSBORE2Jll4bj3sxKGcqJOSyoicQ1/s1600/blog+1st+one.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaqgBhGxAGvRA_8OsmweK7a24oZiKqpJrNFxo-s_e_jaW2uTMJ_GMuRgE4xKUM5Uetct00FkUBQOBR1VuWco0ZRImrEhKC7Wrs4O1Ky6esMwE5CfsSBORE2Jll4bj3sxKGcqJOSyoicQ1/s320/blog+1st+one.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I've created a NEW ALBUM of pics of him. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The link is on the left of the blog as always, now labelled: Munchkin (2yrs old)!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdOtBOYpgJujqVBZzLqGfue5exHagT6R2VaG3wsDukW1nkHzTv9XypHg4pgYyI2Qq4rgeYoAN8_1HJ9zif-gsQT018Xjcw36YhX-hiG1UlWzNoWCD5ZFMSa1IwUdxUVaecCQy_-AhnXq4/s1600/blog-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdOtBOYpgJujqVBZzLqGfue5exHagT6R2VaG3wsDukW1nkHzTv9XypHg4pgYyI2Qq4rgeYoAN8_1HJ9zif-gsQT018Xjcw36YhX-hiG1UlWzNoWCD5ZFMSa1IwUdxUVaecCQy_-AhnXq4/s320/blog-2.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">To celebrate, we let him have everything he wanted --</div><div style="text-align: center;">LUNCH: cookies, french fries, and chocolate milkshake!</div><div style="text-align: center;">DINNER: Pizza and some soda!</div><div style="text-align: center;">GIFTS: Trip to the Zoo (his first), a Children's museum membership, a bucket of sand toys, some other toys, some MORE books! And last but not least, a visit to see his favorite people -- "GaGa" (grandma) and "PaPa" (grandpa's). We all took him out to dinner and returned to their house for cake. Pics below...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20KAFHuyL3355eOTEf1ngMpOPYclOfa4bzU2rOylpSSk8mDiARNMNYY9fFoc96Bw02Ize_C0bIoScwuJfNhrfMm4t_DuroH7Q-9leE4snxoejyGe2uSvzhIiUno4vEv0wdqQmcY1lZDo0/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20KAFHuyL3355eOTEf1ngMpOPYclOfa4bzU2rOylpSSk8mDiARNMNYY9fFoc96Bw02Ize_C0bIoScwuJfNhrfMm4t_DuroH7Q-9leE4snxoejyGe2uSvzhIiUno4vEv0wdqQmcY1lZDo0/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Climbin' up to the table</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tVP29HNmHv-uBqTmjc7tfL8ncKuLfMjajZhg9GZNhZ2Wcqa-pAhaiwUyDtOUmy3UuEgtsmqchIbHxUpuA6QHlI-TgI0OmJ8dfAsLk65ZbE5PIV7hBgAgeRxz4fi1hogyoGJvBMl7LlP1/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tVP29HNmHv-uBqTmjc7tfL8ncKuLfMjajZhg9GZNhZ2Wcqa-pAhaiwUyDtOUmy3UuEgtsmqchIbHxUpuA6QHlI-TgI0OmJ8dfAsLk65ZbE5PIV7hBgAgeRxz4fi1hogyoGJvBMl7LlP1/s1600/2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tVP29HNmHv-uBqTmjc7tfL8ncKuLfMjajZhg9GZNhZ2Wcqa-pAhaiwUyDtOUmy3UuEgtsmqchIbHxUpuA6QHlI-TgI0OmJ8dfAsLk65ZbE5PIV7hBgAgeRxz4fi1hogyoGJvBMl7LlP1/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Wondering if that's for him, and if he's allowed to play with the flames!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1BzKZ_k5gQZlVK6HvYthuh4KaAZvLSauSc62NgKEX3FJjiXYByqAiZirgojhzyYP7BdCYQgamGNgckizVahCk15rLKO5Vms73pOjMKRfoPWzmqR72aPVPCMEscUBCq4pEIiOpagtYZ2t/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1BzKZ_k5gQZlVK6HvYthuh4KaAZvLSauSc62NgKEX3FJjiXYByqAiZirgojhzyYP7BdCYQgamGNgckizVahCk15rLKO5Vms73pOjMKRfoPWzmqR72aPVPCMEscUBCq4pEIiOpagtYZ2t/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trying to blow the candles out, but missing the small flames!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4xDctRn6lO7DulRXfgpTOLWoiCYU6fIHL_4zW_n4Y3p5L8K8YstonsqA3ZpMHdNHqPITCysfeTBG6rZFkrvYHO0oLjbpvn7CLNhyphenhyphen5GvQFshyzEQ9ZpzUiZI6Fcv7AjdtM5lyc-93x7ZV/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4xDctRn6lO7DulRXfgpTOLWoiCYU6fIHL_4zW_n4Y3p5L8K8YstonsqA3ZpMHdNHqPITCysfeTBG6rZFkrvYHO0oLjbpvn7CLNhyphenhyphen5GvQFshyzEQ9ZpzUiZI6Fcv7AjdtM5lyc-93x7ZV/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He didn't miss the cake though!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxLehH2gQS1OQFJfx1gwm31rIInxdAHGsD_YMrcBVrqzgntIRCgZlNMG1JNLufKrYOTFQrNfjEJtf0UsN2LxfNuHsM9b4hmPJarcz1h83T87gu3xxA16ICUi2mOMBShnF-pltLJw5XU85/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxLehH2gQS1OQFJfx1gwm31rIInxdAHGsD_YMrcBVrqzgntIRCgZlNMG1JNLufKrYOTFQrNfjEJtf0UsN2LxfNuHsM9b4hmPJarcz1h83T87gu3xxA16ICUi2mOMBShnF-pltLJw5XU85/s1600/5.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And as in Indian tradition, he fed his first </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bite (well his first forkfull) to his favorite person, Mama!</div><br />
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</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAxPqjNLcV8WrdUxa4wpAEB3UBFV_XTSmaVK733ESfBpdKgLcMRgOA8H-_Wpo_nmP0o-0owYS94SwP90tAWg0GQCFwp7AD29UJVM50TTpyEMwu5_kXWs5abf-ngKg2xOn3kAJ0MZI45FR/s1600/blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXze-o8U6VgIJ9fupOFXctPBPKsaT00dWY6CbJOwAJPkWN1Z2iHf3HFju69sB9lrZ0VKMFtCIRfHEJ5sZjKR5OavuHJANKochVnsBQ0Qx6vClNfR-YjQiRXeXFUmnTDqOEM15_zIoSPmC/s1600/blog-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXze-o8U6VgIJ9fupOFXctPBPKsaT00dWY6CbJOwAJPkWN1Z2iHf3HFju69sB9lrZ0VKMFtCIRfHEJ5sZjKR5OavuHJANKochVnsBQ0Qx6vClNfR-YjQiRXeXFUmnTDqOEM15_zIoSPmC/s1600/blog-3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A special pic of both of my special guys!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXze-o8U6VgIJ9fupOFXctPBPKsaT00dWY6CbJOwAJPkWN1Z2iHf3HFju69sB9lrZ0VKMFtCIRfHEJ5sZjKR5OavuHJANKochVnsBQ0Qx6vClNfR-YjQiRXeXFUmnTDqOEM15_zIoSPmC/s1600/blog-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAxPqjNLcV8WrdUxa4wpAEB3UBFV_XTSmaVK733ESfBpdKgLcMRgOA8H-_Wpo_nmP0o-0owYS94SwP90tAWg0GQCFwp7AD29UJVM50TTpyEMwu5_kXWs5abf-ngKg2xOn3kAJ0MZI45FR/s1600/blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAxPqjNLcV8WrdUxa4wpAEB3UBFV_XTSmaVK733ESfBpdKgLcMRgOA8H-_Wpo_nmP0o-0owYS94SwP90tAWg0GQCFwp7AD29UJVM50TTpyEMwu5_kXWs5abf-ngKg2xOn3kAJ0MZI45FR/s320/blog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Such utter joy!!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-10442988991564232522011-03-10T20:14:00.000-08:002011-04-05T20:17:42.714-07:00Bedtime BooksLots of my mom friends discuss what books we read to the kiddos at night, so I thought I'd share what his favorite books are thus far!<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">He seems to like routine (read "same books over and over and over!) and likes animals, so he really enjoys: </div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Poetic: </div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Good Morning, Good Night. (he likes to "tickle" each animal goodnight!)</div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Going to Bed Book (new classic!)</div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Storylike: </div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">So Many Bunnies (subliminally teaches ABCs and rhymes LOL)</div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">That said, MY favorite books are the "I Love My Mommy Because..." book and it's counterpart "I Love My Daddy Because..."). I got it from the library when he was maybe 12mths old (?). They're just GREAT, and you can teach "baby" animal names like cub, chick, etc! We don't own them though :-( I keep saying to myself I need to get online and order them, but just haven't yet! </div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</div>Oh, and how can I forget....my other favorite is "The Snuggliest Snuggle in the World." It was given to us by a friend for his first birthday! This book is AWESOME and the voices can be really fun to make! He really enjoys it and picks it out first if given a choice of which books to read!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-11186220517761406392011-03-04T11:21:00.000-08:002011-03-04T11:21:08.184-08:00Crib Tent, continued!So last night he slept through the night, and woke with a smile on his face :-)<br />
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And at naptime today he fussed ever so slightly and I said "Nigh, Nigh. I love you." I closed the door and he stopped! He's napping a long time so hopefully all our worries of "How will he deal with the crib tent" will be over! Here's hoping tonight goes well, and each night after that!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-53050115538426888662011-03-03T20:14:00.000-08:002011-03-03T20:14:38.157-08:00Crib Tent, Shmib Tent (night 3)Well, last night didn't go as hoped -- he got up 3 times again, I think! It all started to blur together, but I don't *think* I took him out of his crib. What was weird though is that the tent wasn't even zipped, so I don't know what he was so fussed about -- MAYBE teeth!? <br />
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Anyway, the afternoon nap was fine, but again only half zipped. He did take a full-length nap, and was a bit edgy all day. So it may in fact be teething pains, as he seems to "sleep it off" instead of lose sleep like most toddlers. <br />
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However, tonight at bedtime we had a breakthrough. He was awake when I put him in the tent, and asked for (signed for) "more" songs for a 3rd time. So as I hummed, I managed to zip up the tent. He only fussed a bit, so I walked out of the room. Then he wailed in protest, but only for about 30-45 seconds. I haven't heard a thing since, so here's hoping tonight goes better than the previous 2! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-24785454487230968712011-03-02T11:35:00.000-08:002011-03-02T11:35:51.967-08:00Crib Tent, Shmib Tent (take 2)Well, I wouldn't wish last night on anyone! Normally, he sleeps through the night without a sound coming from his room. Last night, he got up 3 times and wailed. I was able to settle him easily the first time without removing him from the crib, but the second and third time, he was determined to "get outta Dodge" :-) The morning was a disaster...I thought maybe he'd get used to his tent if I put some books in with him. That only seemed to make him more angry about his plight! <br />
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This afternoon, however, I got off easy.He was SO tired, he fell asleep really quickly and deeply; so, I placed him in the crib and he didn't wake up when I zipped it. He didn't sleep as long (about half of his typical nap), but hopefully he'll be tired enough tonight to do the same! <br />
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On a lighter note, about 2 weeks back while singing his lullaby, I sang a bit too loud for his liking and he told me so, with a soft "Shhhh" and a tiny finger pressed to his pursed lips! I melted right then and there! (We've recently been working on Loud/Soft and apparently he wanted me to know he got it!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-10117900206946276752011-03-01T20:50:00.000-08:002011-03-01T20:50:46.894-08:00Crib Tent, Shmib Tent!So Munchkin has climbed out of his crib, in fact, fallen out :-( Ouch!! So it's time to either convert his crib to a toddler bed, or strap on a crib tent to his crib...Which did we choose? Well I'd prefer Toddler Bed, but we also double purpose his room as the office, so it's not really baby-proof. So crib tent it is!<br />
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We just spent 5 days at Aunt Bonnie's house and Munchkin climbed out of the pack-n-play over 40 times (exhausting) so we tried to get him to nap in his cousin's crib (which had a tent), but he was totally freaked out by it. When we were leaving her house, she said she wanted to order a crib tent for us because "that way it would be there the DAY we needed it -- sitting in a box, read and waiting!" So, it arrived today! But since we're thinking of going on a mini family vacation, I thought now's as good of a time as any to introduce it to him. I asked around on Facebook for any other moms' advice and one friend had used one. She had a VERY helpful suggestion of allowing him to play with it, the zipper, the poles, the fabric, etc before I set it up. And then also letting him play in it as I raised the arches, etc...He LOVED it! Even when I zipped it up and gave him kisses through the mesh. Adorable! He was also mashing his nose against it, which looked QUITE funny!!<br />
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Then it was bedtime -- the real test! I delayed it by about 45minutes so he was REALLY tired. He drank his milk, we changed into PJs, brushed his teeth, read his books, sang his songs, and so on. Then, in the dark, I placed him in his crib, content and sleepy. But wait, I had to actually then ZZzzzzzziiiippppp up the tent.....As soon as I did ---> "Wahhhh!!!" I figured I'd give him a minute or two to stop crying and settle himself before going in; so, I went downstairs and put in a load of diapers. Meanwhile, hubby went in and unzipped the tent..(Grrr!) He told me we'd introduce it in "Baby Steps!" Of course, Munchkin immediately stopped crying and fell asleep, but we'll see tomorrow during his nap how he handles it in the light of day....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-70951821705665726742011-01-31T15:42:00.000-08:002011-01-31T16:51:04.310-08:00Munchkin @ 22months old<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXPkn_Lamfs-pLRz-lBIGGM96T-lTBdPSQmEbddHFLGnvuYBDfyQKWqMe_-jSJ1Hr_qmQmYwdsY0qIxZ_sY0gbQkNhTTJphmUgJBlfXFu4mih_YYupIPFRnD9hYj7E2MXjoRBmbukORjF/s1600/IMG_4885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXPkn_Lamfs-pLRz-lBIGGM96T-lTBdPSQmEbddHFLGnvuYBDfyQKWqMe_-jSJ1Hr_qmQmYwdsY0qIxZ_sY0gbQkNhTTJphmUgJBlfXFu4mih_YYupIPFRnD9hYj7E2MXjoRBmbukORjF/s320/IMG_4885.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXPkn_Lamfs-pLRz-lBIGGM96T-lTBdPSQmEbddHFLGnvuYBDfyQKWqMe_-jSJ1Hr_qmQmYwdsY0qIxZ_sY0gbQkNhTTJphmUgJBlfXFu4mih_YYupIPFRnD9hYj7E2MXjoRBmbukORjF/s1600/IMG_4885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Since my last blog post about him:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>2 haircuts have come and gone (his hair grows at an amazing rate -- I wonder if all kids' does). </div><div>He's grown a clothes size and 2 shoes sizes.<br />
Played in 6 total inches of snow!</div><div>He's figured out ways to throw almost all his toys over the deck railing...</div><div>He's learned that just because I put his socks and shoes on, that doesn't mean he has to keep them on!</div><div>He's learned he can climb anything and everything he wishes. Although he (THANK GOD) has not learned to push chairs over to the counters, or over to the ledge by the stairs, etc! But at the rate of discovery he's shown thus far, that feat is in the near future I'm sure :-( </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5LUf48w3MOgl2MEmNhd72S-eh44CFSLlwv_vW2BmLwt3opgoAgqmGWpoN3Z5GtmsW87DqiWu95I9VD5f5hv0S3ho5sw0ouk6ImT6XE0_qfng6D1j__MDT6fJcBVrTJOYuB9MuVRlJwgM/s1600/20101223085048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5LUf48w3MOgl2MEmNhd72S-eh44CFSLlwv_vW2BmLwt3opgoAgqmGWpoN3Z5GtmsW87DqiWu95I9VD5f5hv0S3ho5sw0ouk6ImT6XE0_qfng6D1j__MDT6fJcBVrTJOYuB9MuVRlJwgM/s320/20101223085048.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div>But MOST EXCITING? He's almost talking! At this point, he can say probably about 30 words. He knows hundreds, but can't say them all just yet. Although he can say words, the cutest is when he climbs high on something and appears to be giving us a speech! He says long "sentences" and waits for a response from you, then continues, then waits! It's hilarious :-D By the way, I can't praise the LeapFrog "Letter Factory" video enough for helping him be able to sound out his letters! (Thank you Aunt Bonnie for telling us about it!) He can sound out 17 of the 26, and recognize almost as many! It's a little miracle for us. I was getting a bit concerned that his speech was delayed! Some of his most precious words are the ones that are "almost" right, like cars say "Bip, Bip," etc. His actions that delight me most (as a mom) are when he gestures to me asking for kisses and when he signs that he wants me to sing to him "MORE" at bedtime! I MELT into a puddle when he does that! He's at his silliest though, when he's wrestling, tackling, hiding, and generally rough-housing with hubby! I swear they act more like long-lost brothers than father/son! But it's the best entertainment in MY book!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5dAR6YlAUGw/TUdIP6P7WJI/AAAAAAAAG60/bx6giicNLWI/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5dAR6YlAUGw/TUdIP6P7WJI/AAAAAAAAG60/bx6giicNLWI/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Meal times are still my most "adventurous" with him still; I NEVER know what will happen. The other day, he didn't eat ANYTHING for lunch and then for dinner ate a full cup of broccoli. However, a few weeks ago, he would only eat orange and yellow items: eggs, oranges, lentils, carrots, peaches, corn, etc. Other days it's been only green things! Yet, from hearing the tales of other moms I know he's definitely a typical toddler! </div><div><br />
</div><div>His latest toy acquisitions came from their quarterly father/son trip to the toy store (so I could have an hour in a quite house). What did they bring home? 2 enormous dinosaurs -- like 24 inches long! He's played with them and dragged them all over the house for the past 2 weeks! You might remember that one of their previous excursions brought home a TRICYCLE which Munchkin couldn't even ride (still can't), so I was thrilled that this trip produced a more age appropriate set of toys! But some things never lose their appeal, namely the Thomas table Aunt Bonnie passed onto us before Christmas! That thing has been through 6 kids and will probably make it through 20 more! It's indestructible! Thanks again Aunt Bonnie! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkVI6ZHxURyWPSCkpHsjBn7UoNLv5DADHuZhJX632qMZ20GDlzMzbRVJ585ePwXtTEdzM-_uFRLNDzmm9_uZ8Sa5_UbMqPxQMEAWSzQiStdBaRfrOXdtg5zRXCmpW5MGZ4IzaHoEpDr36/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkVI6ZHxURyWPSCkpHsjBn7UoNLv5DADHuZhJX632qMZ20GDlzMzbRVJ585ePwXtTEdzM-_uFRLNDzmm9_uZ8Sa5_UbMqPxQMEAWSzQiStdBaRfrOXdtg5zRXCmpW5MGZ4IzaHoEpDr36/s320/IMG_4795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>Well, I can't believe I wrote so much about him, since I only wanted to simply catch you up on how he was doing before he's TWO!! But there's so many things that make him who he is that I couldn't help myself! Ultimately, he's our little Munchkin ,who's growing and learning at an incredible rate! Want proof? There's lots of current pics in his photo albums on the left side of the blog -- Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_Zn1KT5TVdHmpoK63qfgUFLJb4C4AFLQciKbNzRowchL4wv_325kxV3V24CuKpoAyFeys2TWTX_03_aa-0eeDTZqUm_Nvsw9yUpr4iboIQeDNOH5l82bVV91QBlGpE27-kJvZUQ1D2qg/s1600/IMG_4924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_Zn1KT5TVdHmpoK63qfgUFLJb4C4AFLQciKbNzRowchL4wv_325kxV3V24CuKpoAyFeys2TWTX_03_aa-0eeDTZqUm_Nvsw9yUpr4iboIQeDNOH5l82bVV91QBlGpE27-kJvZUQ1D2qg/s320/IMG_4924.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-1611390638004857832011-01-12T22:55:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:52:16.680-08:00Who am I? What are we!?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Who are we really? Are we our experiences? Are we our struggles/triumphs? Does our consciousness/self continue to exist after our physical body dies? I just listened to this fabulous discussion between a neuroscientist who studies states of mind, a cardiologist who studies "clinical-dead" survivors, and a philosopher who bridges the gap between Western and Eastern philosophies about states of being: <a href="http://www.nourfoundation.com/media-gallery/videos/Perspectives-on-the-Self/To-Be-or-Not-to-Be/The-Self-As-Illusion.html">FOUND HERE</a>. Listen and see what you think and if it challenges your thoughts about "who you really are" in any way! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">That said, one of the guests spoke about real experiences of clinically dead people who have "come back." AMAZING! Along those lines, I'd like to share here with you about my<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 15px;"> grandfather's experience. Around 1980 he had heart-related near-death experience and had the EXACT same description of it, as the patients described in the stories. He described it as a wholly enveloping feeling of being unified, one with his family, and with all that he knew. Whatever words best describe it, it changed him ENTIRELY (so my mother and aunts/uncles tell me). That you'd never know him as the man they grew up with. Now, for HIM, this desire to understand what happened to him manifested in a earnest *religious* pursuit of what that experience was and what it meant. He came to believe the truth was Christianity. He said it was the feeling of his family's energy in the room emotionally (and forcefully) pulling him back to his physical body that "brought him back." But he said it was so tempting to want to stay "there" -- ONE! As if it were *their intentions* for him to return that brought him back. He is now deceased, but I am glad I was able to know him, and know him as the reborn person - wise, compassionate, and loving. </span> </span><br />
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</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-27901469897489829632010-12-03T22:17:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:53:33.976-08:00What Moms Really Want for Christmas....Ha, you're kidding right!? Nobody knows that, except her! No matter how long a woman's been a mom, there's no way to generalize and proclaim what all moms want. Although, many articles I've read recently online have certainly tried, naming the typical candles, perfume, jewelry, and such. Not that those things are "wrong" but you simply can't say that any one thing or "10 top things" will fit all moms. One article actually suggested tools & storage tubs in it's top ten! (No joke -- <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-10-Christmas-Gifts-Ideas-For-Moms-2010">HERE </a>it is!) Those items are certainly useful, but who would pass up a day at the spa for a set of wrenches!? One of my favorite (and completely unexpected) answers to this question came from a mom of older children <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/724309-what-moms-really-want-for-christmas">HERE</a>! And no, moms certainly don't want the proverbial kitchen sink thrown at them either, in hopes that one of many items pleases her. This method only shows just how little thought was put into her gift. <br />
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When my sisters and I were young I remember one Christmas we all got together to choose a "birthstone ring" for my mom that we thought was so special. But she probably just wanted a week off from doing her 3 teenage girls' laundry or a day to sleep in each week! I'm sure we asked her what she wanted, but received the usual response: "I don't need anything, girls. Don't waste your money on me." So we went with what the ad agencies told us: "Any mom would be happy with...." (insert candles, perfumes, soaps, etc). I've learned a lot since then. Now, I <b>ask </b>her each year, and she asks for a pair of earrings -- and that exactly what I get her!<br />
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That's my tried and true approach. Asking! Surprises are nice on Christmas morning, but what if the mom hates the item every other day of the year and it ends up in the box headed to Goodwill?!! <b> </b>Ultimately the only way to choose the perfect gift is by asking. (Although, you may have to add a threat that if she isn't honest, her gift will be set of wrenches!) Seriously, moms are women, and who is the only person who will really know what she wants? She will. (Well, <i>most </i>will!) So ask! <br />
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While it's true that you can't generalize about material gifts, it's also true that no mom would turn down some time away, with or without Mr. Right by her side! Time to do whatever her heart desires: maybe read a waste-of-time-and-money magazine, get a massage, read a book, or SLEEP! Just some "time off" :-)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">**This comes with a caveat: General categories are not allowed. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You can't let her just say JEWELRY, for instance. Either let her select it or give her a gift card with a memo line stating what it's for! For instance, I would not be pleased if my husband bought me a watch simply because I said JEWELRY and he saw a "Jareds" commercial! I don't want a watch that's picked out by someone else, and he bought me one the first year we were together (selected by me) and I LOVED it and STILL love it. I wouldn't want a new one! Other women I know just don't wear necklaces, or don't like a certain style of jewelry, etc. So be specific moms and hopefully, you'll get exactly what you asked for!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And for the record, that article linked above was way off: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>DON'T get ANY mom ANYTHING on the following list </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>unless she ASKS for it specifically: </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i>Tools, Appliances (large or small), "Junk-of-the-month Club" subscriptions, Knick-knacks (aka dust-collectors), nor anything that requires more work or maintenance on her part ;-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-41565628699095308662010-11-15T10:13:00.000-08:002010-12-27T18:40:36.441-08:00It's Autumn -- Yay!So it's Autumn and I was SO in the mood for warm, hearty comfort foods specifically chicken and biscuits! I never actually remember eating this as a kid, but my mom used to make a French sauce I LOVED called "Veloute" for pouring over my chicken (or turkey). She actually made it especially for me, but called it simply "gravy" so I'd eat it. (But now that I think of it, I don't actually know that she knew she was really making a gourmet sauce!) Anyway, a favorite of mine as a kid was definitely chicken pot pie, so this seemed like a great compromise to avoid all that work :-)<br />
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Anyway, so here's the recipe I used to make it and it was SUPER easy -- like klutz-proof!! Actually it's SO klutz-proof that I used egg whites on accident instead of the egg yolks and it still turned out to be exactly as I had hoped! <br />
<br />
I've seen recipes online where they just drop biscuit dough in the mixture and bake it in the oven so the biscuits still came out crispy, but I had biscuits in the freezer that needed used before their expiration. So that's what I used this time. HERE and HERE are the recipes for "dropped" chicken & biscuits. I hope you all enjoy it in this chilly fall weather and it warms your hearts and bellies! But if you need a truly NO fuss recipe, <a href="http://homemadewithlove.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/chicken-and-biscuitschicken-pot-pie/">HERE's</a> one from HomemadeWithLove's blog. It uses canned items, so don't add any salt!<br />
<br />
<br />
So take 2 chicken breasts and simply cook over medium heat till done. Then dice into bite-size pieces. While that's cooking...prepare the Veloute sauce. <br />
<br />
4 T. butter (unsalted or salted)<br />
5 T. white flour (can't be whole wheat)<br />
2 c. chicken broth/stock (homemade or canned)<br />
2/3 c. whole milk<br />
2 lg egg yolks (OR WHITES, haha!)<br />
salt to taste<br />
pepper to taste (white pepper if you have it!)<br />
I also added a bit of onion powder, a pinch of paprika, and a bay leaf<br />
<br />
1. Melt butter in a heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour til pasty. Whisk for one minute (don't brown this).<br />
2.Pour in the stock and whisk till combined. Add the bay leaf if you'd like. Leave uncovered till sauce is creamy and smooth (about 2 min).<br />
3. Add in the cream and whisk.<br />
4. Beat egg in a small bowl and add 2 T. of the warm sauce to the eggs. Whisk. <br />
5. Slowly drizzle the eggs mixture into the pan. Whisk. <br />
6. Add salt and pepper. Taste. Adjust. Whisk for 2 min. Remove from heat.<br />
<br />
Add the cooked chicken to 2 cups of fresh or thawed veggies and half of the Veloute sauce. (Freeze the rest for another night!) Add about a cup of water (according to how thick you want the sauce) and stir all together. Bake the biscuits according to the packaging and pour the hot Chicken mixture over the biscuits! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
If you need a simple biscuit recipe, I'd use this one since it has some whole wheat! You'd just drop the dough over the "casserole" and bake for 10-13 min til they are browned.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 c. whole wheat flour<br />
1 c. white flour<br />
1 T. baking pwdr<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 cup oil<br />
3/4 c. milk (2% preferred)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-21939123603984280572010-11-06T11:17:00.000-07:002010-11-06T11:17:00.490-07:00Baked French Toast<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the best creation I've come up with in years! You HAVE to try this!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For a kids Halloween party, I had made really cute cut-out cheese sandwiches for the kids to have a healthy snack. I used pumpernickel and wheat breads but COULD NOT throw out the crusts, so I saved them and wished I could make french toast (one of my favorite breakfasts) with them that weekend. So I did! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Come to find out, this is NOT new! There's MANY recipes online for this fabulous invention. (<a href="http://notjustgreens.blogspot.com/2010/03/pumpkin-french-toast-casserole-or.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">HERE's </span></a>one that sounds especially tasty!) Below is the version I made up according to what I had in the house to use up! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> I was most happy that it had a lot of flavor, but only 3 tablespoons of sweetening ingredients for 4 adult servings!! Compare THAT with all the syrup put onto French toast! It took less than 10 min to mix up and 20 min to bake! Delicious! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="yiv584869319Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">So here it is. Recipe serves 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 munchkins! </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="yiv584869319Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="yiv584869319Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">Oh, and just to mention 2 things, the pumpernickel was INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend using at least half pumpernickel! And the other thing I've found since then is that I can keep a bag in the freezer for bread "ends" and crusts, always having some bread read to make this dish whenever I wanna make it without using up the "good" slices! Enjoy! Let me know if you make it!</span></span></span></span><br />
<div id="mailContent" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="undoreset clearfix" id="message704632909" role="main" style="clear: none; display: block; height: auto; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0.8em; padding-left: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-top: 0.8em; position: relative; visibility: visible; zoom: 1;"><div id="yiv584869319" style="line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="yiv584869319Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Must-haves:</span></span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">about 3/4 - 1 loaf of sliced bread, cubed into chunks<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(pumpernickel, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288549412_2" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">whole grain</span>, and/or <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288549412_3" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">whole wheat</span> breads work best to not end up being soggy!)</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 c milk (at least 1% or 2%)</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4-5 eggs (depending on how you normally like your french toast)</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288549412_4" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">pumpkin pie spice</span></span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 Tbspn <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288549412_5" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">maple syrup</span> (or <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288549412_6" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">brown sugar</span>)</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 Tsp vanilla</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Optional Add-ins:</span></span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup fruit (diced apple, pumpkin, banana, pear, )</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/4 c coconut</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 c nuts</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Toppings:</span></span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 c Nuts</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 Tbspn brown sugar or honey</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Steps: </span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350 F. No need to grease your casserole dish.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mix wet ingredients.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pour over bread and stir only to combine. (don't let sit or end product will be soggy).</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bake in oven for 10 min.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stir and top with nuts and sprinkle the brown sugar or honey over the top.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bake for another 10 more min, or until the bread's no longer soggy!</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> ** If you stir it more than once, it will mush up and be more like <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1288549412_7" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">bread pudding</span>, which may be desirable to you depending on your texture preferences. </span></span></div></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span></div></div></div><div class="contentbuttonbar msgview clearfix" id="contentbuttonbarbottom" style="background-color: #9fb16c; border-bottom-color: rgb(209, 227, 163); border-left-color: rgb(209, 227, 163); 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</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-1041436648417707342010-10-31T11:17:00.000-07:002010-11-01T13:46:36.345-07:00Where have you BEEN!?It's been almost 2 months, I know. Well, a funny thing happened when I logged onto Blogger one day. They had come out with a new feature: STATS. It allows you to see how many people visit the site, how often, which posts were most popular, etc. While its intention is to encourage you and give you feedback to guide future posts, I was DIS-couraged at how many people actually visited the blog, so I stopped blogging. What was the point?<br />
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Unfortunately, since then, I've been much less creative. When I did make something (a recipe, a craft project, an apron, etc) I had no one to share it with; so it was terribly unsatisfying!! Amazingly enough, not blogging made me see that I NEED to be creative and expressive. It's therapeutic for me.<br />
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So, I'm BACK! As often as I'm able to post, I'll post, whether anyone reads or not! Posting what I've done gives me a way to organize my recipes, thoughts, and projects and to share them easily. It gives me a way to look back over any given time period, remember what I've accomplished, and be proud of my successes, which encourages me to do greater things and try NEW things! <br />
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Oh, and although I've not been posting, I've continued adding pictures to Munchkin's albums so go check out his most recent 18-24 moth one (link on the left-hand side of the page)!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-86895682092071091852010-09-01T15:37:00.000-07:002011-01-31T15:22:05.935-08:00Our little Monkey!<span id="goog_1689518212"></span>Wow, where to start? I haven't updated you all on how Munchkin's doing in a LONG time. (This post may end up being reallllly long, so I'll jump right into it!) Below you'll see his new haircut (a trim really!) The curls were turning into a mullet and people were asking how old *she* is!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4AAZpbg1WzaU4XrKwS5kz6XrZtLMUy2OeeqR-B6fAk0VT1tUcB30rA1qt43jP1bNXmQm_6Zw4lK_35PvQIFusUyXljbWxnn17ROm9V4HzKXJCxYUjpn2xTiDUobOGQS93LYaRf35dL3o/s1600/Raj+haircut+on+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4AAZpbg1WzaU4XrKwS5kz6XrZtLMUy2OeeqR-B6fAk0VT1tUcB30rA1qt43jP1bNXmQm_6Zw4lK_35PvQIFusUyXljbWxnn17ROm9V4HzKXJCxYUjpn2xTiDUobOGQS93LYaRf35dL3o/s320/Raj+haircut+on+deck.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Doesn't he look so cute with his tushie cheek peeking out!? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was in a "sposie" cause he had a bit of a diaper rash that day :-(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So trust me when I say, he's such a monkey! I mean it. He climbs the kitchen chairs and table, and even over onto the bay window sill! He empties and climbs into the bottom kitchen drawer. When he became able to climb the couches and chairs we had to rearrange the living room, believe it or not! While in the kitchen he also enjoys emptying all the cloth napkin and handtowel baskets that he can before I sweep him off the floor and strap him down in his highchair! Don't think his menacing ways stop there though! He still does the throwing the food off his tray, or smashing it through his hair! Some forms of kitchen amusement never cease to deliver, namely kitchen utensils!! He LOVES opening that drawer and pulling out every single one, spreading them all over the kitchen floor, just to find one that appeals to him and drag it all over the house! (Yay, MORE dish washing for mommy!) tThen, recently, while my dad was visiting, he helped me add lattice to the deck railing so Munhckin can now go out on the balcony with us. Good intentions, but he thinks we did it so he could drop toys over the railing -- a habit which came from throwing toys over the ledge and gate in the living room so he could hear them crash down the stairs! I told you, he's a little rascal! We actually nicknamed him "Mowgli" like from the Jungle Book! Mostly, because he acts like a little animal (but also because he's so good at making many of the sounds!)<br />
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To be fair, I'll admit that most of his activities are less mischievous. He loves building block towers; he's able to stack 8 high on carpet! He loves his train STILL! He hides little toys in the seat and pushes it around. When I vacuum Munchkin gets his little Ikea <a href="http://kidcrave.com/toys/ikea-mula-push-along-toy/">roller toy</a> and pushes it forward and backward just like mommy! He loves to be chased lately, and hides daily behind a spider back chair, just so I'll yell "Where's my baby?" In the past week, he has had a complete fascination with everyone's toothbrush but his own! And get this: when Barney, Dora, WonderPets, or Jack sing music, he rolls his fists and elbows to "dance" even though he looks more like he's punching a speed bag! Let it be said though, that this is a progression in his dancing. About a month ago, his idea of dancing was to press a button on one of his farm toys that plays "Farmer in the Dell" and Old McDonald, and spin in a circle till he fell down dizzy :-) Yes, I got that one on video! <br />
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One of the most precious things he does (and has been doing since he figured out what shoes are) is when we say "Let's go outside," he stops what he's doing immediately, goes to his room, retrieves two shoes (they used to not match, but now match) and brings them to the front door. He sits down, attempting to put them on himself, but waits for you to come help him put them! Once outdoors, nothing is as fun for him as having a stick in each hand toddling around the yard looking for something on which to tap them! It's quite amusing. He doesn't relinquish the sticks for anything, even to try to pick up a rock. You have to pry them out of his fingers while he throws a tantrum at the front door! But no trip outdoors is complete without a ride on his swing! He loves to just sit back and feel the cool breeze in his hair. <br />
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A few weekends ago, hubby got the desire to take Munchkin for his first trip to the toy store -- just he and baby (first sign of trouble!) He wanted to find Munchkin chunky legos, but came home with a TRICYCLE! Munchkin can't reach the pedals, but that hasn't stopped him from pushing it around and sitting in the seat for us to push him! Then, this morning we gave him a metal, mini red wagon to troll toys around the house, which he seems to really like. However, I don't think any toy could replace his love for books. All on his own, he will go pull a book out of his book tote and plop down on the floor to "read" it, or he brings it to us and climbs into our lap -- which is MY favorite part.<br />
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One of his sweetest abilities is to sign for "MORE" when he wants more of ANYthing, food, sweet juices, piggy back rides, chasing, tickles, rides on the swing. You name it, and it melts me every time he does it! Teaching it to him was really easy. It took about 5 minutes and 1/4 cup of sweet orange juice! He was so excited and proud of himself when he realized that all of a sudden he could communicate in a way I understood. As far as speaking goes, only this past week has he really started saying anything. He's said mama and dada since he was probably 6 or 8 months old and has made MANY animals sounds. Now, however, he's able to sound out some consonants finally that correspond to some words: "sh" for shoe, "bob-bob" for Pop Pop, "g-g" for Ga-Ga (our word for grandma), "st" for stick, and "ch" for truck. I'm told he's way behind "schedule" (if there is such a thing) for boys his age, but he's understands most of what I say to him, he just doesn't have much of a desire to sound it out back to me yet. So no big deal, we can wait it out till he does!<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">ALL these incredibly cute things he does actually make his toddler tantrums bearable. He only really has them when we take a toy from him or when he's teething. For the first, redirecting his attention to distract him when he gets fussy works well so far, since he doesn't understand yet that he's doing something negative. For the second, iced wet cloths, and teething tablets work wonders! I'm very grateful to say that, as a rule, we're lucky his teething doesn't interrupt his sleep! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What's strange to me is that my greatest source of frustration is not his tantrums, but his eating habits! Sounds stupid, I know, but he (like many toddlers, apparently) is so inconsistent with what he'll eat, and how much he'll eat. So many moms keep trying to reassure me that it's normal, but that doesn't make it any less worrisome that he's getting the nutrients he needs! He's not a picky eater, but he doesn't seem to like lentils for lunch ever, but LOVES them for dinner. And he does like steamed green beans and such, but sometimes will have NO part of them. What can I do about it? Not much for now, really. So I just try to stay calm when he throws things at me, and not react. I'll confess, it's challenging and I've lost my perspective that he just doesn't know better yet, and have had to just walk out of the room once or twice. All in all though, he is the sweetest, happiest little kid I know. He's almost always smiling or laughing, and 'flirting' with the ladies who stop to tell me how amazing his eyes are, or how cute his curls were, or how happy he seems! </div><br />
Of all of his many daily activities, his nighttime routine is just about the most enjoyable for ME, and maybe him too! I get him changed, prepare him his milk, he drinks it himself, and then I brush his teeth. When back in his room and given the choice of which books to read, Goodnight Gorilla, Good Morning/Goodnight, and The Going to Bed Book are his absolute favorites! Then it's snuggle time after the lights go out! He flips over and climbs up me like a tree trunk and lays his head down to relax. And with a kiss, I lay him on his pillow and say "Nigh, Nigh Baby" knowing full well that he is not a baby anymore. <br />
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Thanks for reading (what has ended up being a short book!!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030042479927798804.post-44639361753780561562010-08-06T14:03:00.000-07:002010-08-06T14:03:00.487-07:00Handknit Shorties (yay!)So thanks to a local mom on Craigslist.org, Munchkin is now sporting the cutest summer pajamas (handknit!) that I've seen yet! Don't you agree??<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGgRf_PeZNRRCjmShz1YQuMDlV_nUUN5KMoFdXgB9AMQ-7sqalv-CspqIppL54bGuKQXbFJI1ARbikcuTW8wKsi0jM27k0baa952wWrU56X9NIFS_QCynobWVCelOUo5sU94RvF1MzJzB/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGgRf_PeZNRRCjmShz1YQuMDlV_nUUN5KMoFdXgB9AMQ-7sqalv-CspqIppL54bGuKQXbFJI1ARbikcuTW8wKsi0jM27k0baa952wWrU56X9NIFS_QCynobWVCelOUo5sU94RvF1MzJzB/s320/IMG_4533.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLhAoIFmY8ndnAPKkAxDq1BxBUs9v_-At_UTeWJdx_11Z9ejxXIS9k8kR8pg3pxHDW_RghyphenhyphenhL3aOBxrTYLJWpjZAuQ2tXaYNdlCdtR-FUmYhKuC4zcH4DYR9BaFvlEL3hpCu_Q1BIeCn_/s1600/IMG_4537.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLhAoIFmY8ndnAPKkAxDq1BxBUs9v_-At_UTeWJdx_11Z9ejxXIS9k8kR8pg3pxHDW_RghyphenhyphenhL3aOBxrTYLJWpjZAuQ2tXaYNdlCdtR-FUmYhKuC4zcH4DYR9BaFvlEL3hpCu_Q1BIeCn_/s320/IMG_4537.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Since he's cloth diapered, every so often he pees more than his diaper can hold since he sleeps for 11-13 hours. Thus I started sewing the longies (<a href="http://bhimiblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-longies-some-applique_30.html">HERE</a>). Those first two pair are pretty thick, and are a bit warm for him now that the summer heat is relentless so I've stopped using them till winter. His other two pair (<a href="http://bhimiblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/quick-longies.html">HERE </a>& <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://bhimiblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/squirrelly-bottoms.html">HERE</a></span>) are cashmere or angora (lighter weights) so they're not quite as warm, but still absorbent! I had been using them, but was getting bored with only the two pair night after night! I felt I needed a couple more pairs and haven't had time to sit at the sewing machine lately. <br />
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S0,...while searching Craigslist on a whim one day, I spotted three amazing Handknit shorties for a steal! (:Lord knows, I haven't figured out how to knit yet so I didn't make them!) But they are basically handknit versions of my recycled felted, "knit sweater" longies as SHORTS! So cute! I didn't get to take a pic of the third pair, but they're teal, chocolate, and copper brown! I absolutely love each of them on him! They're even cuter in person than in the pics and he seems to really like how soft they are, as you can plainly see from his sweet smile! <br />
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