Saturday, August 31, 2013
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Saturday, August 24, 2013
Favorite Foods So Far...
So far he has tried peas, rice cereal, sweet potatoes, bananas, carrots, pears, and squash.
He loves his carrots! I couldn't serve them fast enough. It was the small container and just not enough!
He absolutely hates his peas! It took forever for him to eat them and he even spilled some (probably so he wouldn't have to eat them...lol).
His other favorites are squash (close seconds to carrots) and pears.
Bananas are a staple in our household, but my son is not taking a liking like I expected.
So far, I have seen our winners and not-so-winners. We'll have to see in the future...
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Birthday Planning...Already?
It has everything a mom needs on a tight budget: free printable invitations and matching thank you notes, and a free matching banner. It was just the starter that I needed.
But I knew I needed more. I've seen people label their food, put the monthly baby pictures (which I have done, just not always on the date), and have other "decorations".
Pinterest. It is where you can lost for hours and have nothing to show for it except a head full of ideas and an empty wallet. I looked there again and found another link. One to an actually party. One I actually liked: http://www.eventsnotforgotten.com/2013/05/ka-chow-colt-is-3.html.
Oh, how I got ideas from this site! She gave the link to the font in the comments, so I can make my own labels! The most simple but wonderful idea is the tablecloths! To look like roadways, it's a black tablecloth with yellow duct tape. How simple is that? And extremely cool because if they survive past the party, he can use them as a raceway.
I have many ideas that are popping into my head and I have six months to plan! It will probably just be family. I will most likely get red plates (and other red things for Lightening McQueen) on clearance through the next 6 months. It does help to start early because then you can buy something specific and not just "ideas", which tend to get you to spend more and have less ready for your party.
I want the birthday boy to feel special (because he does love attention). I was thinking of something like this for a present/place set: http://www.target.com/p/the-first-years-cars-2-mealtime-set-4-piece/-/A-13576129#prodSlot=medium_1_8.
I am really in love with this shirt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/154836993/cars-birthday-shirt. But the price is one thing I am worried about is the price. I do understand it is homemade and looks so cool! I am trying to justifying it. Maybe somebody will buy it as a present.
I could always try to get my son to wear a hat, which he is getting better at lately, but I'm not going to push it. He will need a bib (and I can probably make that).
The food list will probably be done closer to the end. We are slowly adding food, so who knows what he will be eating by that time.
The cake is the "centerpiece". I was going to get a "smash" cake and make cupcakes. It would easier to eat for the rest of us. I had this idea before I saw this post. I saw some cupcake holders and maybe toppers at Michael's.
These are just some ideas. I hope to have more posts as the party gets more and more set!
Do you have party planning right now?
Thursday, August 1, 2013
VEDA: Video Every Day In August List
Day 1: Introduction to VEDA
Day 2:
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Day 31:
This list will be updated as I get more information. I have about until the 20s planned (in my planner not with me) so I shall try to get as much done as I can. Thank you. :-)
Bonita (& Samson)
Sunday, July 28, 2013
VEDA: Video Every Day in August
If you have any suggestions, you can go ahead and leave them below.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Container Store *Mini Haul*
Mini Sprayers: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/bottlesMedication?productId=10024894&N=253&Nao=20&Ns=p_price_sort%7C0
Mini Locking Spray Bottle: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/bottlesMedication?productId=10029777&N=253&Nao=0&Ns=p_price_sort%7C0
Critter (Penguin) Luggage Tag: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/security?productId=10019959&N=254&Ns=p_price_sort%7C0
Digital Luggage Scale: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/travelEssentials?productId=10024933&N=257&Nao=40&Ns=p_price_sort%7C0
These are not the sale prices, but they are the links to the products.
*All of these products were bought with my own money. I was not compensated in any way.*
Thursday, July 11, 2013
I didn't...but I did.
But I do co-sleep (he sleeps in his crib in my room but sometimes we bed share), wear him (when he lets me...lol), cloth diaper, plan on extended rear facing, and he wears amber.
I don't prop his bottle. He hold him each time he eats, even if he's sitting next to me. If I'm not, he is holding the bottle. The bottle is in somebody's hand when he eats.
I feed him on demand. When he wants food, I give it to him. I do less him fuss/whine but not when he is full on crying. People say "it's good for his lungs". But it's not good for my heart to hear him cry like that. Even if he wants to be held, I try my best to give it to him. Sometimes, it's as simple as a change of clothes.
I honestly hating looking at "natural" blogs because they all promote breastfeeding. I am for it, but I feel so guilty I couldn't. I know I shouldn't and some days I am glad (like when I don't need to pump but have formula for "daycare"). It still makes me feel guilty about not being able to past 3 weeks and not 2 years.
But I hate reading "mainstream" blogs because they want the baby to sleep in another room, feed on schedule, push in a stroller all the time, and not always give into cries. I am not like that. I have always been a mom who loves to hold her little one. Not one for "convenience".
I am in a tough spot because I am partly one side, but mostly the other side, but not the "main" part. It makes it hard when you look at a "natural" magazine and it's 90% breastfeeding. I wish people would see and makes things for more people like me.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
I Want to Cloth Diaper But...
- ...I don't have the upfront costs.
- ...My partner doesn't want to.
- ...I have to deal with poop.
- ...I don't have a washer or dryer.
- ...I'm too overwhelmed!
"I don't have the upfront costs."
Cloth diapering does not have to be all or nothing. You could buy a diaper here or a diaper there. If you are still pregnant, buy a diaper or two every paycheck (or once a month). If you do this instead of buying a pack of disposables, your money will go long ways.
If you are in need, there are diaper banks such as Giving Diapers, Giving Hope.
If you are not pregnant, vow to replace one pack of disposables diapers with one cloth diaper (will last much longer). If you buy your diapers at Target, they do sell Charlie Bananas in store. You do have to start somewhere. Every disposable that you don't use is one step closer to their goal.
"My partner doesn't want to."
If you can convince your partner that you will be saving money for them, that might change their minds! Plus, you will probably be the one changing most, if not all, of the diapers! Try to explain that is what you want and they don't have to change diapers if they don't want to. But once they see how much trash it has eliminated and how cute the diapers can be, it would definitely help!
"I have to deal with poop."
No matter what, you have to deal with poop. I have used disposables and I will have to admit that I have had to deal with more poop with "poop-splosions" than with cloth. Exclusively breastfed baby's poop is completely water soluble. Plus, you wash the poopy clothes in the washer with your other clothes so your washing poop with it anyways. I would rather deal with a poopy diaper than a poopy outfit.
"I don't have a washer or a dryer."
Every year, Dirty Diaper Laundry posts a challenge about Flats and Handwashing. You can handwash (I know...gasp!). I have not personally done it, but I have heard many good things about it, including how easy it can be. Using flats are also cheaper and you can use practically anything. You can also use a laundromat's washer and dryer every couple of days. It might seem costly, but it is still cheaper than disposables in the long run.
"I'm too overwhelmed."
In my opinion, all parents are overwhelmed. Whether you are working, going to school, or just staying home, there are still things to be overwhelmed with. Sometimes disposables can seem like a good idea, but is throwing out all the trash, including the stinkies? A load of laundry can be a nice break for 5 minutes. It could also motivate you to get your laundry done because you're already going there so why not make it for all of your laundry?
All of these are my own opinion and I know other people might disagree. But remember, you must ultimately choose what is right and best for you family. It was right for ours to use cloth to save money, but do use disposables (which are bought by his grandmother) for unexpected overnight trips. I hope these have helped you in not to make excuses.
Remember, it starts with one.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Drama Being A Single Mom
This post is really personal and I will not give out names.
His father wants to not see him until my son asks where he is because his father cannot handle babies. He doesn't want to be with me because it doesn't work. And he says he has no money but still continues to buy all this stuff for a teddy bear (Duffy) which he got mad at me for before I got pregnant when I did the same thing.
We have a child to raise together and he really doesn't want anything to do with us. He wants to "pursue" his dreams" and we are not included. He wants to see about joint custody, but my son is only 5 months old. He is in Florida and I am in Texas.
Some things in life are not alwas what they seem. I am happy on the outside but so stressed with going to school, dealing with a son who can be quite cranky and wanting his way sometimes, and dealing with "baby daddy" drama. That is mostly why I haven't updated: because life is a lot of pressure now and I don't want to include any specific names.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Get To Know (Found on Thirft Nifty Mommy's Page)
- Favorite Food: Pizza
- Favorite Restaurant: IHOP
- Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake
- Current State: Texas
- Dream Vacation: Disney!
- Dream Car: Mustang
- Current Vehicle: Red Mustang or Beige Impala (depends on the day)
- Favorite Season: Spring - Not too hot, not too cold.
- Pets: None at the moment. :-(
- Favorite TV Shows: The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, CSI: NY; Monk
- Favorite Movies: Alice In Wonderland
- Favorite Flower: Tulip
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
His First Wardrobe
So, my son is a little bit spoiled. Right now, might be more after his baby shower Sunday, he has more clothes than I do. He is already so spoiled. The outfits are not included in the other totals except socks.
14 "onesies"
2 pants/shorts
1 overall
2 bibs
3 "sleepers" with no closure
2 "jumper"
8 "footies"
3 hats
3 shirts/tops
9 pair of socks
1 pair of mittens
1 light jacket
2 outfits:
1) onesie and overall
2) onesie, pants w/suspenders, vest
This is just 0-3m/3m and his going home outfit. I have no newborn outfits and will get more clothes as he outgrows these.
Will probably have a picture or video at some time of my spoiled little boy. He's not even here and he is spoiled.
Most of these were bought at thrift stores, clearance, or fairly cheap.
"Daily Walk"
I have a driveway that is about 1/10th of a mile long since I live in the country. I usually just walk up it to check the mail and come back because then I don't feel so lazy. I use the stroller because it helps me stay up better with the additional weight, it is getting hard just to get up. And, so I don't feel so lonely, I bring Lucky along. I do take my phone, mostly for safety, but don't really use it. I am practicing I guess. I even buckle Lucky into the car seat. Mostly for practice on how to buckle it up. She does look super cute!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Stroller and Car Seat Assembly
Now, I will admit that I am one of those people that read manuals for just about everything I have, including my phone. I was quite a bit disappointed that my new phone had no manual with it, that it only had "quick tips". What's funny is that I have found little "tricks" to do with my phone before with the manual.
So, putting the stroller together was oh so fun! I had to figure out how to open it without hurting myself, being almost 36 weeks pregnant. I got the front wheels on because they actually snapped on. The back was a little harder. I had to snap the brakes on. Got that. Get the metal pole through the axle. Done. Put on the wheel. Got it. Put the solder pin in? Not quite. It was so tight, it wouldn't go on. I understand why it was made like that but not exactly fun when you're pregnant, tired, and easily irritable.
My mom finally had to do it for me. So, the stroller is done. The car seat is put on there properly. I need someone to check out out the base in my Mustang. My car has LATCH, but it has never been used before since I have had it. I knew how to attach it but I do need someone to tell me it is right. Trust me, putting a car seat in my car is way fun, especially when it is rear facing. There is just about no room left in my passenger front seat. It is pulled all the way up and oh so much fun!
So, since he has decided to drop, it could be any day now. The only thing I haven't gotten done yet is getting him a doctor. I know, it is getting too last minute. But, if it wasn't for last minute, nothing would get done.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
His Cloth Wipes Are Done!
I have finished the cloth wipes I started the other day. I have 37 total. The first picture shows three of the wipes. The top left is the Joann's fabric with the cute little birdies. The bottom left is the scraps of flannel that my mom gave me. It is a little blue. The fabric on the right is the car flannel I picked up from Hancock Fabrics.
The second picture shows the "S" I did. It is on the darker blue flannel scrap I found. I only had one square of it and I just happened to only have one left over car fabric square so they went together. All the other ones had the same fabric on the front and the back.
The third picture shows all of them together. (Excuse the kitchen) One is missing and it needs to be finished.
The final count is:
10 white birdies
4 light blue
22 cars
1 dark blue/cars
37 total. All flannel. All homemade. All super cute!