Big News All Around

So this has been a big week for us!  We found out we're having another boy and Marlo took her first real steps! 

Joe couldn't make it to the doctor's appointment, but we wanted to find out the baby's gender so the ultrasound tech aimed the shot and told me take a guess - it was pretty obvious.  I wasn't too surprised - I kind of had a feeling it was a boy, just a sense I had.  But Joe was thrilled; at first he didn't even believe me.  I guess after Gabbie and Marlo, he just assumed that he produced girls.  So, he was really excited.  And I'm excited too!  I didn't have a preference either way.

 I had reasons why I wanted a boy and reasons why I wanted a girl.  I knew Joe wanted a boy, so I wanted that for him.  I also thought that if we had a boy he would at least have some chance of being buddies with Liam, four years younger but not ages apart.  Also for my cloth diaper obsession I wanted a boy so I could get some boyish prints as well.  But I thought it would be really special for Marlo to have a sister so close in age. And I could dress them up in look-alike outfits!!! Presh!  Also, I would be able to put Marlo and a sister in the same room.  I think that Liam and the baby will be too many years apart to share a room.  I mean four years is a large developmental difference.  What 13 year old wants his 9 year old little brother in his room...I don't though....I guess I could put Marlo and the baby (when he's old enough and sleeping through the night) in the same room and just make it gender neutral.  But that would only be when they are younger.  We have more rooms, but I don't want to lose our guest room.  Once the baby is ready to be in a crib, I will just put a crib in our office.  It's off of our master bedroom and is very quiet - no one goes back there so it will be perfect for a sleeping baby.

And as for Marlo walking, well, it's about TIME!!! Gosh!  It just felt like she'd never do it.  I knew she was so close but she's been so close for so long.  It was just amazing to see her up and moving.  And she was loving it.  She had this look in her eyes that she was doing something big, really big.  She took about 5 steps a few times in a row in the late afternoon and before she went to bed she was taking about 11-12 steps in a row.  I'm just so proud of her.  I guess it means so much more to me since she's struggled with moving from the very beginning.  It was adorable how excited Liam got when she started walking.  We were both beside ourselves.  These are the moments that make me thankful for being at home.  These are the moments I don't want to miss.  I posted some cute video clips of her walking below.

Taking Risks in the Kitchen: 01

I've decided that each month I will post two new recipes that I've tried in my kitchen that are successful and share with my readers.  I figure this is a good way to hold me accountable for trying new things!  I suppose I am an okay cook.  I know some good dishes, but I wouldn't call myself a risk taker in the kitchen.  I tend to stick to what I know and don't venture out of the ordinary too often.  It's not that I don't like to try new things, but I always fear that something won't turn out well and that I'll have to throw my hard work away because, well, it was just nasty! 

But the issue here is that eating the same stuff gets boring, duh?  So, let the kitchen games begin!  In preparation for getting more diverse meals made in my kitchen, I signed up for Farm Fresh to You.  Probably many of you have heard of it, but if you haven't, it's basically a company that works with tons of organic and local farms to deliver fresh and organic produce to your door step.  I was hesitant to join because it didn't get raving reviews on Yelp and I'm a big believer of Yelp reviews.  But I like that you can control your account from online, see what will be coming in your basket of produce, and switch out items if you're not happy with what will be delivered.  There are also options for different size baskets and frequency.  And I like the idea of getting seasonal produce and trying new things that I normally wouldn't try.

In our first basket we received four sweet gypsy peppers.  I have never had these before or have ever bought them so I didn't know what to do with them.  After Googling around for a bit, I came up with an easy and very tasty recipe.  (See Below)

Stuffed Sweet Gypsy Peppers
Ingredients:
4 Sweet Gypsy Peppers
1 cup of rice (you're choice - I used a medley)
3 tablespoons pesto
1/2 cup shredded cheese (I used mozzarella)
a handful of chopped up cilantro

Directions;
Cut peppers in half, discard seeds
spread a thin layer of pesto in each pepper half
scoop cooked rice into each pepper half
sprinkle each half with cheese and cilantro
broil in high for about 6 minutes

Pre-oven Stuffed Peppers

 

Cooked and ready to eat peppers

 

 

The second recipe I will share is a bit more time consuming.  I made Fresh Lobster Salad rolls, but man, so worth it!!!  Apparently, fishermen have been catching an abundance of lobster so until the end of the year lobster prices will be much cheaper than usual.  So, if you love lobster, go and get yourself some.  Joe bought a live 2.5 lb. lobster on Sunday, we boiled it, and then put it on the BBQ for a few minutes.  We ate about half of lobster on Sunday night with just some drawn butter - delicious!  But we had plenty of lobster leftover.  Joe had the great idea of saving it and making lobster rolls.  I love lobster rolls, but have never made them.  Below is the recipe I used - I got it online but added the sautéed garlic from an online recommendation and was so glad that I did that! It added such wonderful flavor.  The recipe below is for already cooked and de-shelled lobster so if you want to try this you will need to cook, de-shell, and chill the lobster before hand. 

 

 

Lobster Salad Rolls

Ingredients: serves 4

4 cups, cooked and chilled lobster

1/2 cup Mayonnaise (I used a bit less)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1/8 cup diced celery

3 cloves of sautéed garlic

a dash of hot sauce

4 hot dog buns that open from the top (they are the larger, thicker buns)

butter to spread on buns after they've been heated

 

 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together

toast/broil buns so they are a little crisp

spread a light layer of butter on buns

scoop lobster salad into each bun

 

Pretty Simple List of Ingredients (Sans Buns & Salt)

 

Mixed and ready to go on the bun!

 

 

Both recipes were fantastic!  The peppers are great as an appetizer and can be made quick if you already have the rice cooked.  Obviously, the lobster takes more time, but wow, might be one of the tastiest things I've made.  And lobster rolls are perfect for the summer - perfect for a casual summer dinner party!  If any of my readers try these out, let me know what you think!

 

 

 



Nothing like Maternity Swim Suit Shopping to Boost Your Self-Esteem!

Or not! Ugh...we're visiting my step-daughter in Philly in two weeks and we mostly just hang out with her and do a LOT of swimming in the hotel pool.  Well, I fit in all my swim suits, but you know, the gut is hanging, and I might not look pregnant to some; I might just look like I have a gut.  Plus, because I have this blood clotting disorder I give myself a daily injection of Lovenox, a blood thinner.  And this is what the battle wound from daily injections looks like:

This bruise is about 5-6 inches long and rests on my hip.

(Sorry pic is upside down, but you get the idea - it ain't pretty)

 

My OBGYN recommends doing it in the hip or stomach. I choose hip because poking dear baby just makes me nervous.  And as long as I hit the same spot it's only one part of my body looking like my husband beats me.  So, obviously, I want to cover this up and will not be wearing a bikini. 

 

Also, the whole showing your growing belly thing with a bikini kind of makes me uncomfortable.  Don't get me wrong, I have no issues with seeing other pregnant women exposing their bellies in bikinis but for me I just feel too stared at, you know.  People are fascinated with pregnant women, especially when they are very far along.  I get it.  It really is amazing - I'm growing a human being! I mean, totally the world's most awesome science experiment happening in my uterus!  It's interesting. But I feel like as I pregnant woman (and I'm sure most women who've been pregnant will agree with me) that you just get stared at more - by everyone - other women, men, children - people are just curious.  Therefore, I feel like the maternity bikini will only draw more attention to my belly and with a bruise like the one above, yikes! Tons of stares for sure!

 

I found a really cute Tankini- style suit from Pea in the Pod.  It's ruched so it can be worn even when I'm not pregnant. It covers my bruise and I think it's quite flattering...well, as flattering as a suit can be when you've had two kids, don't work out, and your thighs haven't seem the sun since last summer.  After trying it on and really liking it, the only thing that wasn't working was that the top, the part that covers the boobs, was loose and the fabric was folding over in a way that showed the nude inside material - weird?  I showed the sales gal since I wasn't sure if there was a defect.  Her response: "No defect sweetheart.  You've got big hips and a small chest, that's the way the suit fits you."  Brutally honest.  I actually admire that.  I got the suit anyway and will just put a little stitch in the top on either side so the fabric doesn't roll over.

 

You'd think pregnancy hormones would give me a bigger rack...sadly, no.  But I've got a suit for the summer!  And despite the sales gal, who in seconds pointed out my flaws, I think I look pretty good in it.  Will post a pic when I take it for swim!

I'm Hired!

Today I had my interview at Rosie Posie Baby at it went great! The owner and I hit it off and she offered me the job by the end of our interview.  I got to talk about what I loved about cloth diapering and had to answer some questions about what would I say if a customer asked me certain questions.  Here were some of the questions: "How do I get my baby to sleep in his crib?"  How would I respond to a customer saying, "I would never cloth diaper."  Or what to say to a parent who doesn't want to baby-wear because they want to raise on independent child.  I felt right at home! Rose, the owner, thinks I will be a great addition to the team and is totally supportive of the reasons I want to work.  I was honest and told her I'm not trying to make money - I just want a few hours for myself doing something I love that is not about my kids or my husband or my house.  As a mother of three, she got it.

So, the schedule is not completely set, but I think I will work a 4-6 hour shift on Thursday and then maybe a 3-4 hour shift every other Saturday.  So at most a 10 hour week and at least a 4 hour week.  And if I can't manage this then I quite - no big deal.  I mean, the idea of quitting when I was teaching was horrific.  If you quit on a school mid-year you destroy the school, you upset families, and put loads of work on your co-workers.  So I try to remind myself that this is a cloth diapering store.  If I can't handle to work 6 or 8 hours a week, I can simply quit.  But I really hope that this will be something I can handle and love doing.  I see myself, in the future, when the kids are all in school, doing something with moms and babies - lactation consulting or maybe breastfeeding advocacy or just something.  Working at Rosie Posie Baby is a great way for me to get just a little bit involved in this world professionally.  And just think, I will have a reason to shower, to look presentable!! This could be life changing in so many ways.

Wipe Yourself

Last week I discovered the most luxurious aspect of cloth diapering - home-made wipes with home-made solution.  I seriously look forward to Marlo's poops because I have a semi-spa like experience cleaning that stuff up - no joke readers. 

So here's the deal.  If you're going to cloth diaper, why not use cloth wipes? Makes sense.  So, upon the recommendation of some friends, I purchased 3 dozen organic bamboo wipes from Ducktail Diaper Co. on Etsy.  They are so soft and wonderful.  And Laura, the shop owner let's you choose your thread color for the wipes - fun!  Then I used my friend's wipes solution recipe.  These wipes smell so delicious - I kid you not, you will want to wipe yourself.  And I'm not only using them for wiping butt, I use them to wipe hands, the kids' faces, my hand - they are wonderful.  And not only do they smell delicious because they are soaked in lavender but I keep them in a wipes warmer so they are warm upon touch - doesn't get much better than this people.

 I will post the wipe recipe and steps for making below:

Wipe Solution

Warm water

Two big scoops of coconut oil (or a half cup of olive)

Squirt of whatever baby soap you use to mix the water/oil combo

Squirt of witch hazel

10-15 drops of lavender

5 drops tea tree

 

Dry Cloth Wipes

 

Witch Hazel, Lavender, & Tea Tree Oil (got everything at Whole Foods)

 

I'm using Olive Oil - the big Costco brand - I guess if I really wanted to dip into the pocket, I'd use organic, but Marlo's butt seems to do just fine with Kirkland

 

Mix ingredients with warm water and soak wipes.

 

 

I roll each wipe up like this so they fit nicely into the wipes warmer and I make sure to squeeze out excess solution - wipes should be just a little moist.

 

(The yellowish color on some the wipes is from the olive oil - completely normal.)

 

 

Line up in wipes warmer

 

 

And heat up for the spa-like experience (this is the Prince Lionheart warmer from Amazon)

 

 

I swear if you try this - you'll love it.  And these don't just have to be for baby - you can remove make-up, moisturize you hands with these - so may uses really.

 

 

Thought I'd share since this makes me happy on a daily basis!







 

 

 



 

 

Know Your Redhead History

Since I have a redheaded child, I decided to do a little bit of research about redheads.  Here are some summarizing points from my research:

1.) Red hair occurs naturally among 1-2% of the human population - totally makes me feel special for having a redhead child!

2.) It is the rarest hair color - again, Marlo is pretty darn special!

3.) Red hair occurs in people with two copies of a recessive gene on Chromosome 16 which causes a mutation in a particular protein. - I'm thinking that both the mother and father need to have this recessive gene since two copies are needed (but I'm not science major!)

4.) It is thought that 46% of the Irish population carry the recessive gene for red hair. So, If you want a redheaded child - you're best bet is to find an Irish mate!

5.)But...Scottland has the highest proportion of redheads - 13% of the population.

6.) The US has the largest population of redheads 2-6% of the population - about 6-18 million.

7.)Red hair is very common amongst Ashkenazi Jews (maybe from the mix of European DNA over centuries)...this also may be the reason why Joe carries the recessive gene - his family are Ashkenazi Jews.  I have several red heads in my family, but Joe knows no one in his family who had red hair.  so that recessive gene must go way, way back.

8.) In Europe, prior to the 20th Century, redheads were so commonly identified as Jews that all redheads during the Spanish Inquisition were identified as Jews.

9.) Shakespeare would even identify Jewish characters by giving them red hair.

10.) Discrimination: "Gingerphobia" is the hatred towards people with red hair, "gingerism" is predjudice towards redheads - nuts? I've never heard of these before but, how about "ginger-elitists" (like me) as the term for those who think their children are superior because of their red hair? ;-)

11.) Redhead Day is a Dutch summer festival that occurs for two days in September every year that celebrates people with red hair - how awesome is that?!

There were other details about pigmentation and skin sensitivity and such for redheads since many redheads have extra sensitive skin, but these bullet points were the ones I found most interesting.  My cousin and his wife both have red hair and they have the most adorable (seriously not saying this because we're related) little redheaded girl I've ever seen.  But I'm sure her hair color wasn't much of a surprise to them. They both clearly have the gene.  But Joe and I were quite surprised with our little red head.  I sure do hope it stays red forever.  Looking at her hair reminds me of the little miracles of the world - the little wonderful things that are so unlikely to happen but do...Marlo's hair is the story of the underdog winning, you know? 

My Little Redhead

 

 

 

 

Part-time Job? Eeek!

This weekend I applied for a part time job. I know, nuts, right?! Who wants to hire a pregnant lady with a 3 and 1 year old at home?  Hmmmm....

Well, there is a cloth diapering and breastfeeding store near us called Rosie Posie Baby and they're looking for some part-time hours to be covered - the shifts can be as short as 3 hours.  I think this might be really fun for me!  I mean, I couldn't work more than maybe 6 hours a week, but I think I would so enjoy something like this.  I'm obsessed with CDing and have add my fair share of breastfeeding experience so I think I'd be great in a place like this.

I also think that having something in my schedule that is just dedicated to me would be fantastic.  After hearing the good news from my OBGYN that all is good with baby, I feel like I can commit to some things.  Maybe go to yoga regularly or work for 3-6 hours a week?  Who knows...

I just saw the job opening on their FB page and I got really excited.  And the gals who work there fulltime get to bring their kids along with them.  I'm not looking for a fulltime job or anything, but I love a place that is open and welcoming to kids being with their mamas at work. 

And this would be a job that I wouldn't take home with me.  It would just be for fun.  I've thought about getting a job at Williams Sonoma or Pottery Barn just to get the discount and to get out of the house for a few hours. 

Why not? Submitting the application can't hurt!

Out of the Weeds! (And I opted out of the Vajazzle!)

Great news to share folks!  Saw my OBGYN today for my 3 month check up and the blood clot is almost completely gone.  My doctor said it won't cause me anymore issues and hopefully the rest of the pregnancy will be smooth sailing!  Baby looks great - strong heartbeat and good growth.  Honestly, I was surprised.  I guess I prepared for bad news.  I was ready to be told that the clot had grown and the baby was suffering due to the clot.  I suppose I thought it would be easier to hear bad news if I had prepared for it.  So, obviously, I am delighted and ready to get excited about this November bean!

This evening when I got home from my appointment, Liam asked me how it went.  And this is what I said," Well, as it turns out, I haven't been eating too much.  There's a baby in my tummy." (Which was a little bit of a lie because I have been eating a lot!) But he was thrilled and asked when the baby would come out.  And then he said that he would always love Marlo more, which I thought was precious.

Also, funny story to share. So when I was at my OBGYN's office last month, my doctor complimented me on the color of polish on my toes - a pink pastel.  Let me add in here that my OBGYN is a gay man so it didn't surprise me when he told me that pastels were the "in" color at all the nail salons.  Every gay man I've known has always taken beautiful care of his nails so I'm sure my OBGYN frequents the nail salon. 

I must say I was taken aback that he noticed my nails though. I suppose my feet were up the stirrups at eye's level from his chair, but still - can you imagine what details the man notices?!!  I mean, I do my best to make sure that I'm presentable you know, down there, before I go for an exam.  Sorry, if this is too much info!  I mean, I shower, like when you go to the dentist, you brush your teeth before you go.  You don't show up with a bunch of parsley in between your teeth.  I told one of my neighbor friends that if my OGGYN pays attention to my toes, I better be getting waxed before my next visit.  She suggested that I get a Vajazzle.  Please Google if you have not had the pleasure of learning about this.  Pretty hilarious. 

But for my appointment today, I opted out of the Vajazzle.  I did, though, get a pedi before because I could not show up with the same polish color!  Surely a faux pas!

Fainting at the Wheel

The most terrifying thing happened to me last night.  I was driving home from World Market and all of a sudden my peripheral vision started to turn gray and then within seconds the gray kept closing in on my eye sight until I had finally lost all vision.  Simultaneously, my heart started racing, as if I had just sprinted a hundred yards.  I was totally conscious and aware, but just couldn't see and thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest.  I started to slow down and reach around for my emergency lights, but couldn't find them so I turned on my blinker and remembered seeing (before I lost my vision) extra space at a bus stop to the right of me.  So I slowly started to pull over to what I hoped was the bus stop.  As soon as I pulled over, my vision slowly came back and my heart beat returned to normal.  Obviously, I was terrified.  I kept thinking "thank God the kids weren't in the car and thank God I wasn't driving 70 mph on the freeway" when this happened.  I called Joe in tears and told him I thought I'd be fine driving home.

I spoke to the on-call doctor at my OBGYN's office and she said it sounded like a vasovagal episode - basically a fainting episode brought on by a sudden dip in my blood pressure.  I remember feeling very thirsty in the store so maybe I was dehydrated which can cause fainting.  Who knows?  But it was terrifying.  I'm just thankful that the episode lasted only a few seconds.  I was driving without vision for only about 5 seconds.  I was lucky this didn't turn into a full fainting episode where I went unconscious at the wheel.  I would have been in an accident for sure.  And then what if I was on the freeway.  I know it's not helpful to think of the what-ifs but I can't help it.  There are very few times in my life when I remember being completely out-of-control of my own body.  And most of those times were due to drinking too many booze!

So that's it. That's the story.  Guess I need to make sure I'm staying hydrated.  The doctor also said that pregnant women are much more susceptible to sudden dips in blood pressure so just another thing to be aware of for all those pregnant gals out there.

Have a happy and SAFE Sunday readers!

Why Stay at Home Moms need Other SAHM Friends

A few days ago I was chatting with one of the other SAHMs in the neighborhood.  She grew up in Orange County and several of her high school friends live in the area.  I was saying how nice it must be for her to have so many of her closest friends living near by.  My close friends are spread between Los Angeles and New York City.  Her response surprised me.  She said that out of those close girl friends, she was the only SAHM.  Therefore, there were a ton of things she just didn't feel comfortable saying in front of her friends.  She said she shares more with me and some of her other mom friends in the neighborhood because we "get" it.  It dawned on me that this, too, is true for me.

Even amongst my family, there are just things I know they won't really "get" because they work and I'm at home.  For example, if I tell one of the other SAHMs that my house is not only sparkling clean, but I have dinner in the crock pot and it's only 3 pm, they are impressed and giving me the verbal pat on the back that any co-worker would do for a job well done at the office.  Those who are not at home during the day might think - wtf?! Big deal - you have ALL DAY to get that stuff done.  Why do you want a gold star for doing what you should be doing?  But ask any mother/father/caregiver of young children if they accomplish their daily tasks while taking care of the kiddos, and I'm willing to be bet big money on it, their answer would be "no." 

Furthermore, being a SAHM can be very isolating if you don't have that network of other STAHMs, especially if your kids are in the baby stage and don't talk.  I truly look forward to the afternoons when I take Liam outside to play with his neighborhood buddies.  The moms and I talk about our days and we all have very similar days so no one is judgmental or thinking "gosh, must be nice to have the time to take a walk or get your nails done."  Because, yes, these are some perks.  And there are a ton of perks.  I love that I don't have to do my Trader Joe's shopping during evening shopping rush hour like I used to have to do when I worked.  And I can take Marlo to P.T. and Liam to swim lessons in the middle of the day and not be a slave to my work schedule. 

But there are many more "I want to poke my eye balls out" days than there are "Man, I am rocking this STAHM thing and happily sipping Chardonnay while my children play peacefully in the backyard" days.  I have been told by other SAHMs that the "I want to poke my eye balls out" days start to ebb as soon as kids are in elementary school, but then you have homework, the monkey on your back, and that's a drag.  So, being at home is one long road...I love in Tina Fey's book Bossypants, there is a chapter that begins like this: "The days are long, the years are short - Stay at Home Moms and Sex Workers."  It's true.  The days are long.  So long sometimes.  But just yesterday I was thinking about what we will do for Liam's 4th birthday and I just couldn't believe that I am already four years into this mothering thing.  Because the years truly are short.  I remember Liam as a baby like it was yesterday - his spaghetti covered face, the silly sound he'd make when he was excited (I would call him the fire breathing dragon when he made this silly sound), the way he looked when he slept and how he slept with his knees tucked under him and his little tush high in the air, the way he'd stand on the couch looking out the window for Joe to come home from work. 

So to bring this post full circle, it is a blessing to be home, but it's not work for the weary. And us SAHMs need other SAHMs just like any professional needs other professionals to chat with for feedback, social time, and boss bitching.  And it's a real doozie when your boss throws tantrums and there is no HR to step in!  Imagine that...

So, to all the stay at home moms out there who have been a support to me: thank you for your friendship, thank you for being my co-workers and confidantes, and thank you for understanding the crust on my pants, the oil in my hair, and the mysterious white stuff on my cheek. 

Pregnancy Round 3 and Cloth Diapering Refelctions

Just a few days ago one of the neighborhood gals asked how I was feeling, and I responded with a beaming smile, "I'm on the up and up.  Feeling like my normal self again!" The very next day, I felt like I couldn't get out of bed, had the active gag reflex all day - pretty much first trimester text book sickness all day.  Ugh.  But to honest, those days have been far and few between.  I'm not sure if this first trimester really has been easier or if I've just been so busy with two kids that I just haven't had time to fixate on it?  Probably a little bit of both.  I never stopped taking my prenatal vitamins since I was still nursing Marlo when I got pregnant so maybe that helped a bit.

I'm looking forward to seeing my OBGYN next week and welcoming the second trimester, usually the highlight of pregnancy - not sick, not too fat - just happy and pregnant.  If everything goes well at the appointment, Joe and I will let Liam in on the big news.  As I posted before, he's already been asking questions about my growing belly.  And he for sure understands the concept of getting a new sibling whereas when we told him about Marlo he was two and it was still pretty abstract.

On to cloth diapering!  I am LOVING it!  Seriously, so many moms have asked me about the hassle of the cleaning and the laundry, and I've found that it's the only laundry I look forward to doing.  No joke.

Cloth Diaper Laundry pile

 

 



 I also love that the best possible materials are on my baby's skin - and on some important body parts!  When I started this CDing journey, I did it because I didn't want harmful chemicals on my baby's skin and I've never liked the textural feeling of a disposable diaper - I wouldn't want to wear one - they seem itchy and uncomfortable.  But I am surprised by how good I feel about not adding to the waste of the world.  I saw this as an added bonus to be a bit greener, but it truly is remarkable how much less waste is created - no brainer, but didn't impact me until I got rid of the diaper genie and stopped bagging up sposies (this is the cloth diapering world's term for disposables - I love it). 

Now, I  have told Joe that we will be having another baby after this one.  You heard me right people.  I want to make sure my cloth diapering investment is well worth it!!  But really, it has been a bit of an investment since I'm getting high end diapers.  These diapers are not only adorable, but they have an incredible fit, last forever, and have a great resale value.  I know what you're thinking - who the hell would want to buy something from someone else that has been crapped in?! Well, there are a lot of mamas out there who are paying good money for resale cloth diapers. 

The brand of diapers that I've invested in, Twinkie Tush, actually holds the title for the world's most expensive cloth diaper.  The Twinkie Tush "Ella" has been auctioned and sold for $460.00.  You can check out the link here.http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/the-most-expensive-cloth-diapers-in-the-world/
The most I've spent on one diaper is $50 which is still pricey.  But I figure that as long as I keep it in good condition, I can sell it for $40 when we're done using it.

Here are some adorable bum shots...

 

 

 

This is a cute wool cover - put over cloth diapers at night to prevent any leaking.

 

 

Hello World Of Cloth Diapering!

As of yesterday, Marlo is being cloth diapered!  And I plan on doing so for the new little bean this fall.  I figured since I exclusively breastfeed, co-sleep, and make my own baby food, I might as well go full on granola mama! 

No really, it's been a hard choice for me.  I guess I was just intimidated by it all at first.  The learning curve was a bit steep as I was learning about how to cloth diaper. There are all these different kinds: prefolds, AIO, AI2, fitted, hybrids, pockets...the list goes on.  And the idea of dealing with poop on fabric and the whole cleaning thing just gave me the heebie jeebies.  But I am lucky to know to amazing clothing diapering women who have been my teachers and have made the learning process so much easier.

The bottom line - I want the best fabric on my kids' butts.  Yep.  I mean, I love the fact that I won't be contributing to the world's landfills as much, but when it comes down to it, I just don't want chemicals on my kids' genitals.  For about a month I was using the Honest company disposable diapers which are wonderful because they are plant based and contain no harmful chemicals.  But when I started to research the wonders of cloth diapering I fell in love, especially if you invest in some high end diapers.  My cloth diapering gurus introduced me to Twinkie Tush cloth diapers.  And oh are these incredible.  My friend Francie described it as "Putting the world's softest pillow on your baby's behind."  And not to mention the prints are to die for - this place restocks once a week their cloth diapers and they are usually sold out within minutes.  No joke.  Today there was a sale for a diaper of the month club membership.  There were 20 slots and they sold out in 5 seconds.  These cloth diapering mamas mean business.  And, yes, I did get a spot in the club! Yahoo!

I will upload some pics of Marlo in her new diapers when I get a chance.  Excited about this new journey.  And glad that I'm starting now and not with a newborn baby.

No more Hiding it Now

This evening as I was reading Liam his bedtime story, he started giggling and playing with my stomach and asked me, "Mommy is there another baby in there or are you just eating a lot."  I had to start to laughing.  And I didn't want to tell him the truth, that in November, if all goes well, a little special somebody will be joining the family.  So I just said, "I don't know?  Maybe I'm just eating a lot."

It's actually been hard for me not write about my pregnancy on my blog, but it's been a bit of a rough start.  And I'm still not out of the woods.  I'm about 9 weeks along and at 5 and half weeks I started bleeding a ton.  It was so bloody, and we're talking bright red blood, that I thought for sure I was miscarrying.  I've never had a miscarriage, but what else could it be?  I saw my OBGYN that afternoon and had already prepared to be told I was miscarrying.  So when my doctor said it wasn't a miscarriage I was shocked for sure.  The bleeding was caused by a hematoma in my uterus.  Basically, there is a blood clot between where the baby is and the placenta attached.  On the ultrasound picture I have, you can see this huge black mass (the clot) and then you can see where the placenta is attached and then where it is not attached due to the clot.  The good news - these clots usually resolve by around 13 weeks - they are accompanied with bleeding which is scary but usually they go away.  In some cases when they stick around into the second trimester they can cause some serious issues, the most common being placental abruption - placenta detaches completely from uterus and causes preterm labor.  Very serious stuff.

My OBGYN is hopeful that my clot will resolve before the second trimester.  Unfortunately, size matters and my clot is pretty huge.  But the baby has been growing and has a strong heartbeat so because baby is thriving despite gigantic clot with only a partially attached placenta, he thinks baby will make it through.  It's nerve racking for sure and it's been hard for me to get excited about this baby since it's been a rough start.  And I didn't want to blog about it and then have to depress everyone if things don't go well.  But honestly, if I miscarried, I would blog about it anyway whether or not I had come clean about being pregnant.  So, there you have it.

And as for Liam noticing, well, that's just hilarious because I'm showing at 9 weeks.  It's sad really.  It took me until about 4-5 months with Liam and Marlo before I showed.  Check out the picture of me at the top of my blog - my wedding day, I was 4 months pregnant here and barely showing.  By baby number three there are no abdominal muscles left, just flabby gut.  On the bright side, I guess I started this pregnancy out about 10 pounds underweight so I get to gain a few extra this time around.  This is pretty funny to me because anyone who knows me would never think I'm underweight. Sure, I'm slim, but by no means underweight.  According to my doctor, though, I've got to pack on a few more.  Done and done. Already 5 lbs. up.  Me eat extra?  Never a problem.

Hope to report good news with this little bun in the next few weeks!  Gah!  My children will outnumber Joe and me...now that is terrifying!

When Expensive Really is Better

I've never been a big spender.  Never.  I was a Marshall's kid growing up.  My mother always told me that pretty girls don't have to wear flashy or expensive clothes because it's their beautiful face everyone wants to look at.  I've lived by this advice from my mother.  I suppose it was her little way of keeping my desire for expensive clothing at bay and boosting my self-confidence, but, hey, it worked.  I've never owned expensive clothes and I've always known my mother thinks I'm beautiful.  The most expensive piece of clothing I own is my wedding dress and it was $250.  That's right people.  My wedding dress cost $250.  I never understood why anyone would spend thousands of dollars on something they wore one day (granted a very special day).  I get why people spend big bucks on the most gorgeous diamond ring because you wear that everyday, but a dress?!  I knew my dress didn't look like it was worth $5,000, but I thought is could pass for $500 or $600. 

Anywho, about 3 weeks ago I purchased a new laptop.  I was debating whether to get a Mac or this Acer PC that I'm using now.  Joe said the choice was up to me; he didn't care either way.  But when it came down to it, I just didn't see the point in spending about $600-$700 more for the Mac.  I mean, I'm a stay at home mom.  I use my laptop for internet surfing, checking FB and my email, and writing this here blog.  I don't need a Mac, please. 

Yesterday, after I installed my printer software, I found that my 3 week old laptop had some kind of software error.  And I have a anti-virus and all, but still, somehow, something happened and my laptop got infected.  I called the Acer support line and despite the fact that I could barely understand the agent due to his thick accent, I could clearly understand the part when he said to fix the issue it would be $149!!!!!!!!!!!!!My response: "What the f--k! Please explain to me how this is my issue and not a sh-tty manufacturing issue."  I was mad, boy, was I mad.  And I'm not someone who uses this type of language...with strangers. 

The agent went on to explain that it most likely happened when I was on some "inappropriate" website.  So, not only was this guy charging me $149 for a defective brand new laptop, but he was pretty much insinuating that I look at porn after my kids go to sleep, because that's what us stay at home moms love to do - eat bon bons at watch porn!

Ugh...so I feel like I should have just gone with the Mac.  I'm sure I wouldn't have an issue with it after only 3 weeks and I wouldn't be insulted by someone from the genius bar (at least I'd hope not).  I hate to admit this, but the older I get, the more I realize that sometimes paying more really does get you better quality.  Not a fan of this realization.

Dragging my Feet

Seems likes it's been forever since I've written a post.  Last week was just exhausting.  Joe was out of town again and the kids were not, I mean NOT, sleeping.  It got so bad one night instead of trying to put two crying kids to sleep, I turned on Dora the Explorer at 3 am.

I wish this experience on no one.

 

 

My mother-in-law saved me and came down for a few days to visit and help out.  She was a huge help.  Again, I am so very grateful that we have family nearby.

 

 

Joe got back late Saturday afternoon so he was able to enjoy Sunday's festivities.  Our street had an egg hunt at 9 am.  It was adorable.  I need to upload the video to share.  But it was precious.  Even though we don't celebrate Easter in our house, everyone loves an Easter egg hunt, and how could we let Liam miss out?!  We had our Passover Seder that evening.  It wasn't a Seder night, but Joe was out of town and it's hard for everyone to get off from work early so we called our Seder an Eastover Seder.

 

The  food we had was delicious! My mother-in-law made her brisket, which is to die for, and we had plenty of tasty side dishes.  Hopefully when the kids are older we can have our Seder on one of the real Seder nights.

Other than not sleeping well last week the kids are great.  Liam started swim lessons again which is great for him, but a pain in the you know what for me.  The lessons are Mon-Thru, for 15 minutes. I have to drive over to Laguna Niguel, which is a good 12 min.  So the whole trip there and back (include changing in and out of clothes) becomes an hour for a 15 minute lesson.  Nuts, I know.  But this woman is amazing.  I know she will get him to swim independently by May, when our session ends.  I can't have two kids hanging on me in the pool this summer.

Sorry for the side ways pic - but here he is floating on his own.

 

 

I'm making an extra effort this week to eat a bit healthier.  I had one of my lowest and most shameful eating experiences on Monday - I ate three Cadbury Cream Eggs at 9 am because I was hungry and too lazy to make myself something healthy.  Seriously, embarrassing and disgusting.  I was so ashamed that I immediately made myself a super healthy kale shake.  I shared it with Marlo and she loved it.

 

Kale smoothie smile

 

 

Lack of sleep and an overload of sugary food will surely make you drag your feet.  Wish me luck on my healthy eating mission.  I'm about to watch the recorded season premiere of Real Housewives of Orange County - kind of excited since I am now an OC housewife myself! 

 

 

Break Up Accomplished!

So, I went with my father-in-law's advice on how to break up with our gardener.  He said to make it sound kind of ambiguous: tell him that we are going in another direction since we inherited most of the people who do work on the house from the previous owners.  Brilliant.  So, I left a voicemail asking my gardener to call back, he called back shortly and I did it.  It was no big deal at all.  I don't know why I was so uncomfortable with the whole thing. Silly really. 

Some of my readers suggested I be truthful and say he was too pricey, but, honestly, I didn't want to give him the chance to lower his prices.  I already found a new gardener whose work I like and I want to use him.  I also didn't want to make it sound like I didn't like his work. So, saying we are going in another direction was perfect.  I also knew it would be easier for Joe to do it, but I'm the one with the relationship. I think Joe has met our gardener once.  And we'll see him each week since he still does my one of our neighbor's yards.  Glad that's over with though!

When the going gets tough, run home to mom

Joe left Thursday night for New Orleans.  He's there for the weekend for a bachelor party.  And all I've got to say is thank God for family.  I was planning on leaving to drive up to my mom's house for the weekend on Friday night, but some unforeseen circumstances happened and I had to leave Thursday.  I drove the kids up to my in-laws for the day and then made my way over to my mom's for the night.  We'll be here all weekend and I am  just so grateful that when Joe is not home I'm only an hour drive from loved ones.

I have friends whose husbands travel over the weekends and they don't have family to go to.  When we're at my mom's she gives us her master-bedroom, my in-laws do the same.  We are taken care of, food is made for us...as I was writing this post Liam woke up from a dead sleep with a terrible cough that led him into the bathroom to throw up.  This of course woke Marlo up since we're all in the same room.  And my mom was right there to help - we each put one baby back to bed.

I hope my children return home to me as adults in their time of need.

How do I break up with my gardener?

We've been paying our gardener $200 a month.  We have a lot of green on our property and our backyard is pretty big and has a full lawn.  One of my neighbors only pays $100 a month, but she has a pool in her backyard with no lawn. So, I knew we'd be paying more than $100. Anywho, I asked my neighbor's gardener to give us an estimate. She highly recommends him - says he does great work and knows a ton about plants.  He said he'd charge us $150 a month.

But how do I break up with our current gardener? I know this may seem ridiculous, but I hate these kind of things.  I like our current gardener, but I think $200 is just a bit too much to pay when I hear what others are paying per month.  Should I tell him the truth that he is just too pricey?  Or what?  When my neighbor switched gardeners she fired her other one by saying her husband would be doing the lawn work.  I can't do this for our yard - it's just too big to believe that my husband who is never home from work will be doing it.  Thoughts?

First Crash

Today Liam had an awful spill on his bike.  I didn't actually see it happen since I was turned in the other direction, but all his friends said he fell on his face.  And when he came running and crying to me with a face dripping with blood, I knew it we couldn't just brush this one off.  And Liam is a tough kid.  He has had many falls from his bike, but this one really shook him up.  Instinctively, I opened his mouth to check if all his teeth we there and they were, thankfully.  And then I picked up my little guy and played nurse. My neighbor took care of Marlo outside while I fixed up Liam with some ice and bandages. 

The crash was so bad Liam didn't even want to go back out and play with his friends...and he ALWAYS wants to play with his friends.  He wanted dinner and it was only 4:30 and he wanted pancakes for dinner.  I couldn't say no.  He was too pitiful looking.  At 5 he was begging to go to sleep.  He held out until 5:15. 

Thank God for helmets.

MIA & the million dollar family

Well, my laptop broke last week so I've been MIA.  Sad story, I tripped and fell down the stairs while holding my laptop.  Luckily I was fine, but my laptop took a beating.  I've been using the hubby's MacBook Air. I convinced him that his laptop would need to be mine until I got a new one since checking Facebook was part of my social daily need to keep me happy - great guy I married, he bought it.

On to this million dollar family stuff.  Last week a friend of mine shared a link on Facebook and the author referred to families with one boy and one girl as the million dollar family.  I had never heard of this saying before I read the blog post.  It's interesting though that so many people consider the family of four with one boy and one girl the perfect family.  I remember being pregnant with Marlo and when I told people I was having a girl and already had a boy, they would say something like, "You're so lucky! Now you're done having kids! One of each is perfect!"

I love my son, but that kid is a handful.  He makes Marlo look like the easiest, best baby in the world, which she is (most of the time).  Sometimes I wonder if my life would be easier if I had two girls.  My neighbor is pregnant with her third boy - man, the thought of that terrifies me.  She told me that she was listening to some talk show and the host said having three boys is like having six children.  I totally believe it.

But personality does make a difference.  Liam and Marlo have different fathers.  Joe is the most easy going person I know - this is where Marlo gets her disposition.  I wouldn't describe Liam's birth father as easy going at all.

Anywho, wanted to share my thoughts.  Am I out of the loop or have others heard of this million dollar family thing?  And is the family of four with one boy and one girl really the perfect family?

It has come down to threats, help

My life is being taken over with the cleaning of toy messes.  I just can't keep up with Liam and Marlo.  I tried the "you must clean up your first mess before you make another mess" rule, but that's not going so great.  Half the time they are (well, mostly Liam, but Marlo joins in) moving on to the next mess before I even realize that mess number 1 is uncool and a new mess has been discovered.  Or Liam combines the messes.  One of his favorite games is 'Garbage Man' where he takes a bunch of toys and dumps them into a pile and puts them into bags and re-dumps them (like a garbage truck). The other half of the time, Liam whines  so much about cleaning up that it just drives me nuts.  So then I tell him that I am going to clean up his toys and throw them away.  Of course this sends him into a crying fit and Marlo starts to cry because she doesn't like to see him cry and chaos and unpleasantness is brought into our day - times 5 because this happens multiple times a day.

So, I 'd like to know if any of my readers have any suggestions.  I don't want to reward him with a treat or something because cleaning up his toys just needs to be part of his everyday "to-do" list like brushing his teeth and taking a bath.  But I want a better solution than the threat.  Granted, the threat works, but I hate getting to that place where I have to make him cry to do something. 

Sunday Cuteness Video

Seriously doesn't get much cuter than this folks...

Sanity Update

Well, as it turns out, getting some exercise and taking a shower really can improve your outlook on life!  Go figure, duh.  I took Marlo for a really long walk today, about an hour, as she napped and yes, I attacked the rat's nest.   And, I get to have my nanny tomorrow morning from 7-1! Yahoo!  This woman is a life savior!  I mean, it is concerning and sad that I actually started to plummet into the deep abyss of self-pity without her for a couple of weeks.  But, hallelujah, she's back tomorrow!!  When I sent Joe a text at work saying that I had our nanny for Friday morning, his response: "Praise the Lord."  Our nanny is religious lingo worthy in our house.

Funny story to share: On Tuesday night I had Joe pick up take-out for dinner because I had no energy to cook dinner round 2 once he got home from work.  As I was complaining about cooking, cleaning, and the kids (ya know, the usual) Joe said, "I wonder how my mom did it.  She never had any help and always had this delicious dinner every night.  I guess times have changed."  (In defense of Joe's obnoxious and poorly timed comment, he did add on that he remembered his house was always messy and the standard of what moms were expected to do were not as demanding when he was growing up as they are now.)

My retort: "Your mother's idea of a rough day is a bit different from mine.  Your mother didn't have indoor plumbing until she was 16 years old.  And she had three natural births and says contractions don't hurt - they're just uncomfortable.  Oh, and your mother mother knows how to skin a chicken! Like a real one!"

My mother-in-law is a remarkable woman and I do love her like a mother.  I know not all women love their mother-in-laws this way so I do consider myself lucky.  But if Joe ever expected me to live without indoor plumbing, he'd be single and for those of you who have never experienced a birth contraction - they f-ing hurt, okay?!

Not to scare anyone from birth or mothering - it's all totally amazing and awful and fabulous and torturous wrapped up into one experience!  Do it!

And because Marlo got the video highlight in my last post, check out this little stud.

Going back to that dark place...

Intervention is needed folks.  I've been without my nanny for two weeks and I've hit my breaking point.  The girlfriend I share my nanny with has needed her for extra days because she has some family things that she has needed to focus on.  I know how much my girlfriend needs our nanny so I've had no problem giving up my days, but demon voice has resurfaced. 

I'd like to think that I have more will power and that my sanity is better.  But it's not.  Starting Tuesday night my evil twin showed up with a bad attitude and she has no intention of leaving.  I hate feeling this way.  I hate feeling like I can't cope.  I mean this is my job - be at home with the kids, keep house, make the meals, do the shopping, keep our finances organized.  I hate feeling like I'm failing at it.  It's weeks like this when I just want a "real" job.  I want to be out of the house.  I want a reason to wash my hair and comb out the rat's nest that's been growing for days.  Both kids are fed and in clean clothes today so I guess I'm not failing completely.  But when I snap at Liam and when the favorite part of my day is when the kids go to bed, I know something isn't adding up right. 

Even me writing this post is just avoidance - therapeutic avoidance so I think it's okay.  But I just need to buck up!  Need to give myself the good ol' mommy does it all pep talk and move forward.  Stifle the inner biltch that has been looming all week.  Remember that I have a great life: two beautiful children, and the sweetest husband in the world.  At the end of the day, I'm the only person who can make myself happy...although my glass of wine at 5 pm sure helps...

Okay, blah, blah, lame complaining, I know...here's a cute video of my girl laughing from my kiss attack.

Because farting is always funny

When I was little my brother (the younger of the two) would torture me with his flatulence.  To tick me off, he would fart on my pillow right before bed time or grab the cat and fart on its head.  As much as I hated it, I couldn't help but crack up with gut bubbling laughter when he did it. Why? Because farting is always funny, at least for me.  How do you think I survived teaching middle school for six years? 

Today, I saw history, my family history, repeat itself.  I was getting Liam and Marlo ready for their bath and Liam was messing around.  He bent over and put his (thankfully underwear covered tush) in Marlo's face and announced: "1, 2, 3 4, 5 fart!  I put farty poop on her!"  And he ripped a big one, right in her face.  I had to turn around and hide my laughter.  I couldn't help it!  Farting is always funny!  Once I composed myself, I gave him a little lecture about potty talk, the grossness of his actions, and made him apologize.  But all the while he had a grin on his face - he knew it was funny.  And he knew that tonight was the first of many sibling fart tortures. 

Progress!

We're pushing the stroller!  She's slow, but I think we're getting closer to walking. 

Liam was so excited when he saw her pushing her stroller.  I think he's been waiting for her to walk so she can be more of a playmate.  Fingers crossed that we'll be walking by summertime - a reasonable goal!

A Love Affair

Today my in-laws came down from Los Angeles to visit and we had a wonderful day.  The weather was gorgeous so we enjoyed the outdoors for most of the day. My mother-in-law, Mary, shared a cute story with me.  She was chatting with her girlfriend about Liam and told her that she feels like she is having a love affair with Liam.  She can't stop thinking about him or talking about him and she just wants to spend every minute of the day with him.  I hope this is how I love my grandchildren one day.

Our dinner table outside

Miss Cutie

My Boy

Stunning Flowers from my mother-in-law (in my grandmother's vase)

Let's see, other updates...Valentine's day was fun!  I made heart shaped waffles for Liam and he had a pizza party and a Valentine exchange at school.  I went out of my way to get him a red shirt for the day, but he insisted on wearing a collared shirt with a tie for the day - such a ladies man already!  (Sorry, no pic with the tie on!!)

Last year around Valentine's Day we were officially in Escrow for our house and Joe didn't get me a card or anything for Valentine's Day, but he said he was getting me a house.  Fair enough.  So, I told him I was wondering what he'd be getting me this year since it would be hard to beat last year's gift.  He said the house was the gift that kept on giving, each month, with each mortgage payment.  Witty guy I married for sure.  He did get me some nice flowers and a cute card by the end of the day.  And in the card he wrote: "P.S. Your new hair do is super hot!!"  (I just got some high lights and low lights put in.)  My husband couldn't have complimented me better!  It's been a while since I've felt "hot," but by god - when I read that card, I felt smokin' hot!

 

I'm glad I made the effort to make Liam's breakfast special.  I think I will make some green pancakes or something on St. Patty's day.  It really is adorable to see the excitement that silly, simple things like this brings him.  And although I feel like Valentine's Day is ridiculous and I made it about the kids, it really is nice to have one day out of the year dedicated to LOVE.  I've been trying to be more loving.  I play the part of the boss around the house pretty well.  But I always want my children and husband to see me and think of love, not the bossy/rule making mommy/wife. 

They're mine again!! (My boobs, that is)

Well, Marlo is down to one feeding a day, the before bedtime feed.  So, my boobs are officially, almost, mine again!  Yes!!!!! I know how wonderful breast feeding is, but, man, when your baby doesn't even take a bottle, nursing gets old, really, really fast.  Not to mention that the breast feeding gods really wanted to give me the run around - breast infections, thrush (like 10 times!!!!), lacerations because I had a baby who just wanted more all the time, etc.

I'm sure Joe will be pleased as well since I will be retracting the "no touching my boobs" rule that I enforced a while back.  I know it may seem cruel, but  I had to do it.  When your boobs are accessed all night like a 7 Eleven, the thought of having anyone else touch them, even in an intimate moment is analogous to rubbing your eyes after chopping up and handling a jalapeno.  The best part of this story is when I enforced this rule, Joe was puzzled, and said, "I don't get it.  When you were nursing Liam you let me touch your boobs."  To which I responded, "Of course I let you! I was trying to get you to marry me! Duh?" 

I just love being able to wear regular bras and not have to limit my outfit to "nursing friendly" apparel.  I'm not sure when we'll end our last feeding.  I'm not in any hurry to get rid of it.  It's a nice way to end the day and who doesn't love that milk drunk look?!

My apologies for making this entire post about my boobs, but so you have it.

Them Against Me & My Cute Heart

It's amazing that Liam has already figured out the benefits of strength in numbers.  Recently he has been saying things and including Marlo as if that will give him more of an advantage.  Upon finding my secret stash of girl scout cookies the other day, he asked, "Mom can you open these? Marlo and I need to try these."  And just this morning, he found an unopened pack of nails and asked if I could open them because he and Marlo needed to fix some things around the house.  

Even though it's completely one sided, I know Marlo will soon be doing this as well.  It's ridiculously adorable.   For right now, since it really is just Liam versus me, I am usually the winner.  But give these two a few more years, and my secret stash of girl scout cookies will be eaten before I know it.  I don;t even want to think about the teenage years until I really have to so I'll pretend that eating cookies without my permission is as bad as it gets. 

Update on Marlo's physical therapy:  she is the world's most cautious baby!  Just this week the therapist asked me to leave the room because Marlo wasn't focusing with me in there. She'd crawl over to me and bury her face in my lap in tears when pushed to do something.  Her physical therapist says she's strong enough to do it all, but she's just very cautious.  Here is a video that pretty much shows how hesitant she is:

She is a cute heart though.  I just adore her.