I AM The Lucky One

I had a knack for entering unhealthy, highly drama filled relationships that were on the road to no where. I was like Jennifer Aniston, the butt of everyone relationship jokes, and that I sure "knew how to pick em' ".

Then one day I had teased hair, pointy shiny shoes on, and lots of rhinestones. Who would have thought this look would make history in the early years of the the 2000's? Luckily this wasn't my normal look, it happened to be an 80's birthday party. An 80's party that this skinny dude wearing a Don Johnson outfit served my sister and I a glass a wine, and this made my childhood best friend declare someday I would marry him.

Don Johnson and I had a first date a year later. It flopped on it's face. I was a New York City jaded gal, and he was a gentlemen that tried to help such gals cross the street and wave down cabs for them (a big no no when you are all "I am independent women" and all). So we became friends.

My childhood friend tried to sell this dude to any single women she could get her hands on. Prior to meeting him for myself she begged me for single girlfriends to have a blind date with him. She said things like "he drives a Sabb, dresses better then any guy I know, is a lawyer, and will treat whomever he settles down with like a queen". I considered my then single friend Susanne, but never got around to actually hooking them up. It's a good thing I was so flaky.

Flash forward to years later, and we are still friends. He did something he never did before and mentioned some girl. It made something inside me twist and turn and I didn't like it one bit. So naturally I invited myself to a Dave Matthews concert he was going to, and the rest is mere history.

We got a lot of flack for getting engaged after six months dating, and getting married within a year of dating. People whispered that I was "settling" because my sister was having a baby, or that I was done with dating and was leaping for security. I even was told by friends "he is not your type", the same friends that told me before that all the men I ever dated were all wrong. Nobody considered the fact that when you know you know.

July 31, 2005 was a beautiful day in Newport. Even if guests whispered that he and I were rushing, or that I must be knocked up for something, nobody could say they didn't have fun or that we didn't go all out for our big day. The setting was perfect.

Pete saved me. Honestly he did. The person I was, with walls I built so high around me, and loved drama, went missing when he came into the picture. He was the first man to show me the respect I deserved, the love I deserved, and I could trust him. I loved him more then I had ever loved anyone in my whole life. He made me want to be a better person. He made me want to leave NYC and settle in a suburban life.

It has been four years, two kids, and a house later, and I still can not imagine my life without him. He is my best friend, my boyfriend, my husband, the father of my children, ... he is my life. He has helped me learn how to travel, given me a sense of family that I have never known, and pushed me to try and do things that scared me.

Pete, I may kid and tell you that you are lucky to have ME, when actually I am the lucky one. I am eternally grateful I did not set you up with any of my single friends over the years, and that you continued to be my friend and waited for me to come around. I am the lucky one.

To Beer Pong Or Not To Beer Pong: Today's Parenting Debate

Yikes. Who would have thought the mere mention of beer pong and flippy cup would stir such emotion! And I thought it would be mini-van talk that would be all the rage! Geez, by golly I was wrong!

Listen, I am not here to throw stones. This thing called my blog just happens to MY opinion. I am not telling any of you awesome readers that it should be yours too. So lets not cast stones and be hurtful to one another. The good ol agree to disagree is what makes the world go round. I appreciate you reading my site which ever side of the "beer pong" debate you may stand (or the mini-van one too). I take it as a compliment when I write something that pisses someone off because it means I made someone, anyone, reflect for a moment and feel something-anything. Wouldn't I be the boring blog if I was all Kumbya-let's hold hands, and just listing how many times I fed a baby today, or changed a poopy diaper. My take on blogging is using it as my outlet, a diary of sorts. Sure I know a gaggle of people are reading it, but I write it as no one is, to make it real, raw, and ME. 

Those that know me in real life, and not over the Internet would laugh hysterically at the thought of me being "boring" and not knowing to "have fun". BELIEVE me when I tell you--this chick knows how to have fun! It just so happens I do not choose, nor want to, do certain behaviors in front of my kids, or on a regular basis, and this was the point I was trying to make. There is a fine line between going out for an adults only gathering and pretending to be twenty again every now and then, verses having a kegger and ice luge with you kids sleeping, or better yet running around as Mommy, Daddy, and friends get wasted. I apologize if this comes off hastily to any of you readers, I just felt after reading the comments that I needed to clarify it a bit. I personally think it's irresponsible parenting, and you may think my parties are a snooze fest. It is all good. Luckily we aren't raising each others kids!

I commend you for speaking up. I invite all of you to challenge me, challenge you, challenge each other, on any and all topics I post about. Like I said, it makes us all think and reflect, even if you are sticking the middle finger up at the computer screen at me. I appreciate that finger, I really, really do.

After all "hate mail" of sorts means this must be a damn good blog, and personally I am really proud of it!

Meet  you at the bar. Beers on me. Babies or kids under 18 are not invited!

p.s. I happen to loathe Gymboree, but that weird looking clown makes my kid smile every time. So you are right, that is infact fun for me! A different kind of fun.

A Family Of Babies

I thought it would be fun to see our families baby pictures all together, to see our similarities and differences! What do you think? Apparently both of our babies were destined to have a head of hair when you look at Pete and I.

STOVE TOP UNDER $10: Low-fat Thanksgiving Turkey Wrap

Here we are at the end of our Stove Top month. I am so thankful for Stove Top for giving me this opportunity, as I love a good challenge, and I have always enjoyed there product. Who would have thought there were so many ways to use it? However, Stove Top I love you, but five meals of you in one month...man that is ALOT of Stove Top!!!!! As for my readers, I hope you enjoyed (and tried) some or all of my creations, and those of you who won those handy dandy FREE Stove Top coupons will give it a whirl in challenging yourselves to come up with your own under $10 Stove Top creation. 

My last under ten meal was lunch today. I know it wasn't dinner, but I had left over Stove Top and I seized the idea of using the left overs for FREE since $10 in a tight budget. 

Low-Fat Thanksgiving Turkey Wrap

 

What you need: Alpine Lace Swiss Cheese (1/4 pound), low-salt (or no salt) turkey breast (1/4 pound), whole-wheat or grain tortilla wraps, lite mayo, craisins, and of course... Stove Top (cranberry flavor)

Step 1: using a wee bit of orange juice (1 cup) place a handful of craisins into it, and let sit for at least 20 min or so. When they puff up a bit and get a bit juicier, mix the craisins with lite mayo to make a cranberry based mayo. Spread this mixture on the tortilla

Step 2: place a layer of the turkey, and a layer of the swiss ontop of the mayo mix

Step 3: Fill the middle with Stove Top and roll the tortilla. Cut into two and Whah-la you got yourself a yummy lunch! 

(can also be used in a salad with all of the above (minus mayo) over greens!--toast tortilla and put strips ontop of the salad, and add walnuts!)

Sorry no pictures today--I was in between appointments, hungry, and neglected to take a photo before stuffing it in my mouth :-)

Cost: Alpine Lace Swiss $1.55 (on Sale)

          Low-Salt Turkey $2.33

          craisins $2.99

          Wheat tortillas $2.60

           Lite Mayo $1.25 (small jar)

          Total: $10.72  (Yes I went over 72 cents on my last challenge can you believe it? Even without having to buy Stove Top! YIKES. Apparently lunch is more expensive.)

THANK YOU STOVE TOP!

My Swagger

Today I am walking around with a little bit swagger thinking I am hot sh*t! Why you ask? I LOST SIX FREAKEN POUNDS IN A WEEK ALLLLLLL ON MY OWN! If you add that on top of the 20 I lost post pregnancy, that puts me down 26 pounds! How's that B*tches? I am going to be smoken when I am 35 someday.

Seriously though, kids put a real ass cramp in ones exercise intentions. I woke up early thinking I would get a walk in and some weight training. Granted when I woke it was a feeding time, and I thought (wrongly of course) that I could transfer the baby from my warm bed, into the swing. It seemed to have worked so I bolted. I got my 25 minute hilly, sweat my ass of in this humidity, walk in, but when I returned Pete was trying to get ready for work while man handling the baby. So I thought I will just feed the kid, and then retreat into my work out bliss downstairs for some squats and weights. Of course, silly me should not think so much so early in the morning, because Rylan had awaken from Addisons squawking. What else was a good Mom to do but cave into her own needs and take care of the kids? ... ok really I couldn't retreat anymore because I can not trust Rylan in the same room with her alone without adult supervision. 

So my improv for the day was I instead made a super healthy egg white, lite swiss and tomato omelet on wheat bread for breakfast, which followed me begging Rylan to eat his fried egg with processed cheese. 

Today is also my "6 week" Dr visit (which is really 7). I am happy to return to the office and step on the scale to show everyone I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, and still going for the gold. I also can not wait to chat with my favorite doctor. My my how I have come so far since the women I was post Rylan mixed with Post Pardum Depression issues, and 100% uncomfortable in my new found skin.  I am walking in with mad swagger today.

StOVE TOP UNDER $10: Twice bakes sweet potatoes with Gouda

You must have thought I forgot about Stove Top month?! Have no fear, I have been a bit under the weather, and busy with midnight feedings, so forgive me for the delay. 

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes With Gouda Cheese

(this was my attempt at a low-fat meal but you could easily use a regular baking potato too)

What you need: 2 sweet potatoes, 1 box of Stove Top (I used the cranberry flavor which was awesome), reduced-fat sour cream, all-spice, Gouda cheese

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425, clean potatoes, spray them with Pam, and wrap them in tin foil. Bake for 45-60 min. Meanwhile make Stove Top as directed on the box. When they come out let them breathe on a cutting board for 10 min:

Step 2: Slice them in half. With a spoon take out the filling in eat one and mash the potatoes. Then add 1/2 cup of reduced fat cream cheese and all spice to taste. Stuff the skins with this mixture, and then add the Stove Top on top of that. Top with two small slices of Gouda cheese.
Step 3: Bake at 425 for 10-15 minutes
Step 4: Enjoy! The cheese tastes AWESOME with the Stove Top! Not sure how I created this yummified potato but hot damn it is good!
I paired this yummy creation with a mustard/sesame encrusted pork chop, and some apple sauce!

Price list:

Potatoes  $2.00 (.99 cents each)

Stove Top $1.29 (on SALE)

Reduced fat sour cream $2.50 (really cheaper since it was buy one get one free)

Gouda Cheese $1.99 (I bought a little trial size cheese that was just the right size to divide up)

Total: $7.78

Also:

Pork Chops $4.40 (also cheaper because they were buy one get one free)

I highly recommend trying this gem! Another recipe tomorrow before saying farewell to Stove Top month!

Preschool Mom Dating Begins

First the playground, now Preschool!

It is never fun being the new kid on the block. This is happening at preschool, not for Rylan, but for ME. As I try to weave my way through the Mom's waiting outside to retrieve there kids, and make small talk, it is apparent who in the group has no "room" for new comers. Crap did I just go back fifteen years to high school?

I think I have. I get the once over glances at my outfits (which happen to not be so hot lately since ... um..I just had a baby! and I am lucky to be showered!) I get fake smiles, a few coo's at my baby, but really, the entire high school posse plays me no mind. 

There is always a ring leader. This one happens to be mid-forties, a complete loud mouth, and clearly think she has always been president of the cool kids club her entire life. She shows up in her bikini top and a throw dress that was CLEARLY purchased in the juniors section (the last time I checked people in there forties don't shop in that section). The first day I met her she makes some cool kid comment about the scratch on her nose and that it was from tripping, which she goes on to explain as "I am sure it had everything to do with me being clumsy, and nothing to do with all the rum I drank". I outwardly want to give her a "PA-lllleeeeaaasseee lady", but I silently take all of what she is, in and thank the heavens I am not in her club. This chick is the type that still plays flippie cup in her back yard while her kids are swinging on the swing set, and goes to college concerts to dance in the aisle drunk and barefoot. The kind that probably gives the teacher a bottle of Jack Daniels as an end of the year gift. She think she oozes cool and needs me to know it. When frankly there isn't an ounce of cool in her. At least not at this age. I'll take the dorks club over in that corner thanks.

Age is something else. I honestly look like a baby next to most of these women. Here I thought I was an "older Mom" having kids in my early thirties, when apparently I am the youngest of the bunch. I had yet to feel that in this town, as most of the women I have met with children my kids ages are the same age as me. Preschool is an entirely different animal, and I am still not sure what to do with it quite yet.

Thankfully I have met one nice women in the bunch of cool kid followers, she luckily isn't one of them. She also happened to be someone that once was in a swimming class with us, and ironically graduated high school with Pete. The adult, mature, conversations I have had with her has reminded me that yes indeed we are all adults here and no longer infact in high school. That is doesn't matter if you are the new kid on the block because there is always a "normal" one in the bunch too. The best part of meeting her so far has been someone who is open to talk about our kids special needs. We talk feverishly about what we have been through, our hopes, our fears, and even what our kids specific needs are. This is freeing. Finally someone who knows what I am going through. Finally someone who, after telling them the run down about Rylan, won't look at him for only his diagnosis. A safe place without judgement or fear of judgement because you are on the same path going down the same journey.This, I think, is what all of us women in the entire bunch should be doing. Talking about this, and supporting one another, instead of my shoes being looked at for a brand name, or bringing a bottle of wine to preschool as my way to pay for an "in". 

Note to "cool" Mom: Please don't invite me to your flippie cup party, nor any play dates in the near future. This "young" Mom is so not interested. 

Along Came Colic And A Belly Button

I am quite sure my baby is not only reflux invested, gassy, and drinking extremely expensive, "top shelf" formula mixed with mega spoon fills of oatmeal, she also...I dread even writing it...colic. Colic aka. cries bloody blue murder for no apparent reason, can not be soothed, makes mommy go bat shit, ALL DAY-everyday, fun. Wanna babysit? Even better, got a teenager at home you want to teach a stern lesson to about reasons to not have sex...BINGO, do I have the baby for you. She is only calm when she is like this:

Stuck to me like glue. If I was a Kangaroo she would happily live in my pouch all day every day.

I know what you are thinking, that is so mean. Addison I love you, but honey you are a freaken hard baby if I have ever seen one. Ok there was ONE baby I saw that cried about twenty thousand more times then you did, and that my dear is why you only have ONE cousin. (my poor sister, I can't believe she made it out of that newborn stage alive! --either one of them for that matter). Seriously though, I feel ultra bad when people ask me how Addie is as a baby, and I can't say she is "great" or "easy". I can say she is "sick like Rylan". However, she includes an element Rylan never had: cries cries cries cries cries and cries so more.

I used to make fun of this women who I was a nanny for when her family was on the East coast(NYC) (there main home was on the West coast in Cali), and she would tell me about all the things I should do when I had children someday. This of course coming from a women living in a pent house over looking Central Park, bathing her baby in a luxurious tub, and making his bottles with ONLY and I do mean ONLY Evian water. She told me the most important thing to do was "hire a night nurse". I smiled at her while thinking in my head that it was so wrong to pay others to raise your children. Today, however, I must admit, if I had the bling I would be loven me some night nurse! (and a maid, and a cook, and an occasional nanny for my West coast home :-) ) And heck I might as well mix her formula with only Evian water since the formula is so fancy.

Addison sure loves herself some Momma. Not only does she like to plastered against me preferably at all times, she also hung on to her umbilical cord for what seems like record time. For weeks that little stump was annoying me: in the way of diaper changes, having to avoid it for bathes, and it started to stink. At her one month appointment the doctor kiddingly said it could be a sign of her personality. That she just might end up being stubborn, and everything having to be done on her time line. Well on her six week mark of birth, she finally decided that it was time to cut the cord. 

I was holding her when it fell off. Casually it sat on her pant leg staring at me, and I wanted to weep. It was the last visible certainty that she and I were once connected as one. I thought for a weak, sensitive moment, that I might just keep it. Then I thought that it might be like saving babies first poo. As it smelled, was crusty, and really would Addison want to see it is twenty years? I think not. I am guessing she would just think her Mom was a lunatic. So there were were at the six week marking, saying good by to the cord and a hello to a new perfect belly button that her father will make her cover until she is at least forty.

Instead of focusing on the fact the cord was sitting in my waste basket, I of course choose to take pictures:

First glimpse of a belly button:

A real bath that finally included enough water for her to soak in so she didn't scream from being cold:

Happily snug with her new belly button:
The good news is as much as this little love bug cries, and as much as she loves to be all up in my grill... I love her. I love her SO much. Her and her little belly button.

School Project

Here is Rylan admiring his school project (he made binoculars since the theme for this preschool session is camping):
Can you tell how they were made especially by him?:

ahh yes. We don't even escape the love of planes and helicopters when pretend camping.

ps. I love that he comes home with so many home made projects from school. I wish my fridge was big enough to hang them all.

Mini-vans Are For Dorks

My best friend in junior high's parents had a mini-van. It became all the rage in the early 90's. I remember on a trip to New Hampshire with her family, we all had so much room, and how comfortable it was. I was so impressed by it, that I remember telling her that someday I would have a family and I would drive one.

Then I grew up and got cool. As a New York City girl I would sneer at a mini-van driving Mom's. I would say things like "why not an SUV?" or "they used to be cooler then that". One family I was a nanny for in the city had a Mom with the perfect make-up, and awesome 7 jeans on, but I could not see past her mini-van. To me her mini-van had aged her young hip thirty-ness. It was just a fact. You could not be cool/ hip AND drive a mini-van.

Then I moved to CT. Everyone practically has a darn mini-van. I still sneered. I even vocalized the "why not an SUV" over and over again. Even after having Rylan I still didn't understand the desire. I nearly flipped my lid when two of my favorite friends said they were considering the prospect, and told them they would totally lose their "cool" badge if they went that way.

Then I had Addison.

I have no room in my back seat thanks to two car seats. I have no room in my trunk thanks to my Sit N Stand stroller. I start to think about the need for a bigger car.

I have been talking Honda Pilot for a good year now. Then I start thinking about the "what if's". What if I forget about how hard screaming reflux babies are and I pop out another? What if there is an "opps I did it again" sibling? Sure there is third row seating, but then where does all the crap I need in the trunk go? and how about the groceries? And wasn't it nice to borrow my Mother in-laws mini-van to Rhode Island the other weekend where all of our stuff fit and we still had room?

Shit. I want a mini-van.

Pete is fighting me on this all the way. He is of the same mind set I was just a mere short few months ago. He wants an SUV and does not want to drive around in an old mini-van. I don't blame him.

Mini-van's come with such a stigma. I know cause I spread it all over the place. I still think it sucks all the cool out of you. However, one must ask themselves if coolness really matters when a parent of two. If you have to choose coolness or sanity which way would you go?

I ran into a Mom friend in the parking lot at Rylan's school the other day. She is about to have baby number two and wanted all the details on what it is like to adjust from one to two. She noticed I kept looking behind her and was half listening. I was looking behind her because I was admiring her shiny Honda Odyssey. She told me that she LOVES it, and that she too never thought she would be driving "one of those".

Crappers. I want a mini-van. My cool days are numbered my friends.

Blogher: Someday I will make it there.

Ever since I joined Blogher and posted advertisements on this site, I have felt part of a community. A community of strangers, yet I feel like they aren't so strange after all, once I start reading their blog. Being part of Blogher has been an honor in it's own right, and it certainly has made me smile when I get a check in the mail for doing my hobby. However, one of the great perks has nothing to do with money, or hits, it has to do with networking. I love getting invitations to special events in NYC for bloggers who also are linked to Blogher, even if I can't make them. I love going on there website and checking out new blogs. I especially adore how they not only advertise the big wig companies, but they also post links to blogs so that I can not only get newbies reading my lil site, but I also get to feel out other sites as well. So many reasons to love this company and being part of this grand community revolved around my favorite "hobby".

Naturally, since this all started, I wanted to join in at the grand Blogher festivities at their yearly blog conference. Last year I battled the thought of going since it was in San Francisco and I could also visit a dear friend in the area. However I didn't make it. Then this year came and a fellow blogger was going and e-mailed me to ask if I was going to giddy up and go. I wanted to right YES. However, I was knocked up. I knew once July hit I would have a newborn and the reality of my getting away was slim to none. Plus, did I really want to meet my internet stranger friends in person with my muffin topper and still wearing maternity clothes--heck I could have even still had leaky boobs--now that just screams "be friends with me" right? ...so I passed. AGAIN. Sadly again I was going to miss the Blogher conference and meeting all those faces I see daily on the internet that I know so much about. I could make their coffee exactly how they like it, rattle off names of their children, while asking them about how that ointment is working on that nasty rash that broke out on that bad part of him/her last night. This is how us bloggers roll. We write the raw deal. Even when you never ever have met this person writing these handy dandy blogs, you end up knowing more then their family does about them and their everyday lives.

I am so F'N bummed I am not in Chicago right now meeting them. I am so bummed I am not connecting with the people I basically work for. I am bummed I am not sitting in a conference listening to how I could make this site better. I am bummed.

The worst part is... Pete is away for his hobby this weekend. That's right folks, he is off playing soccer yet again for a long weekend in Florida. It is a big deal, as his team is playing the finals for the US champ for 30's and over. If you were reading this last year, he was doing the same thing in Seattle.

So here I am, home with my newborn (my in laws thankfully have taken Rylan for the weekend), reading all of my fellow bloggers blogs about the conference, and trying to not eat the ice cream Pete left in the freezer.

Next year it is SO my turn. In the meantime I am so green with envy.

The 25/35 Challenge

I am on a mission. A big one. A flabby, muffin topper killing one.

As I approach my six week mark I am well aware of what the doctor is going to say. She is going to point to the muffin topper, that is now twice as large thanks to two c-sections, and tell me now that the six week mark is up, losing it is all up to me. I remember when this was first told to me three years ago, I was devastated. I was under the diluted impression that God would make me a size 2 again without any effort on my part, because heck I brought life into the world and used my body as it's vessel. Seriously. I thought it would "melt away".

Since I am not naive this time, and I refuse to settle into this left over flabified vessel, it is time for project Bye Bye Baby Blubber, other wise known as "I wanna be a MILF".

It started yesterday. This mission. I went and filled my cart with healthy food, and put together in my head my intentions. Then I ate some McDonalds fries because heck isn't that weight watchers friendly? Seriously, I decided that if I want to eat fries I am going to eat the darn fries. It is when I deny myself when I set myself up for big ol failure. I just can't divulge like I did when I was a walking condo because wouldn't I be a bad parent if I hadn't eaten for two?

Today. 5 am bottle. Half awake thinking about the fact people in the world actually get up at this time for fun. One being my best friends son, who I just can't imagine how they function all day. I mean for three entire years my poor friend has had to get up at this God for saken time and play trains, change diapers, and make breakfast. With this thought I feel a sudden urge of motivation. I think of all the things I can do before Rylan wakes up at 7:30. I think about the fact that if I go back to bed I will just feel worse and hung over. So what do I do...I bite the bullet and go work out.

I was one of those crazy people walking/jogging the streets this morning at 5:30 am listening to awesome tunes on my ipod and thinking about goals. My long term goal happens to be that I want to look and feel better at 35 then I did at 25. This gives me some years to work on this and work my ass off. The thing is at 25 I was a size 2 (sometimes 0). I can pretty much bet everything I have on the fact I will never be THAT again. No work out in the world if going to move my hip and ass bones back in, nor will they perk my boobs up to go north instead of south. Lets face it, once you have a baby the body just moves, and spreads, and you are forever changed. The thing that is different is at 25 I was unhealthy. I would eat candy bars and ice cream for dinner, and skated through life doing what I want, eating what I want, and never thinking twice. I think this had great affect on my emotionally, and I feel like your state of mind has everything to do with your outer beauty as well as your inner. So I am off to work on both. That of course means my butt is back to therapy tonight too.

Will I fall off the band wagon? I am sure I will. However, I have to--HAVE TO, make it a personal promise to myself that I will get back on for the journey. I not only want to look great, I want to feel great. I want to be ecstatic to turn 35 someday.

Sweet Baby Girl

Parenthood: The Planned and Unplanned

Something I never planned out or prepared for when considering two kids: torrential rain. I can deal with a few rain drops, but buckets of downpour that hurt when they pang you in the ass--so not cool with two kids who are dependent upon you.

What I have learned in this process in becoming a parent from one to two children is planning. I have never been a great planner. Thankfully my two years teaching in a classroom forced me to be, and I can thank that experience for dealing with this experience. I remember when I was in one of my first classes for getting my Master's in Education, when the professor explained being a good classroom teacher included being the best at improv and wearing many hats, while being well planned and thought out. I can tell you that if I was getting my Masters in parenthood right now, they would be telling me the same thing.

Today was a total doom and gloom sort of day. The sort of day you want to crawl into bed and not step foot out of your house because you will be soaked to the bone in a matter of seconds. I must admit there was part of me that thought for a second "does Rylan really HAVE to go to school today?" Ahh...yes responsible parent. You are indeed the one that has to show him the difference between right and wrong. Wrong of course being, skipping school because it is raining outside. So I get out of bed, and run through my very planned half hour before the kiddies wake up. Everyone's breakfast is layed out and ready to be fed, clothes are out to be put on, I am bathed and fed, back pack is packed, and I am ready to take on the world... but not the rain. 

It dawns on me as I am feeding the 7:30 am bottle to Miss Addison, and hear Rylan wake up saying "Big rain outside..BIGGGGGGGGG", that I will have to do today something I hadn't considered or planned for. That today was going to be 100% improv day, mixed with some semi last minute planning with hopes of it working. I had to bring my son to school, and pick him up in torrential rain!!!!

Thankfully the weather as is predictable as the plan, and it wasn't in issue going in. Picking him up on the other hand was an entirely different story, especially since the parents are expected to wait outside of the door for their preschoolers to appear. So what do I do when it is 45min before pick up time...I plan.

Parking is hell at the school so I better go early. Make sure to have an umbrella. Don't take the stroller since I can not man handle it with the umbrella, and Rylan's hand. It seemed to be a good plan. Until the baby started to cry.

Crap. It was feeding time. So I rushed over to the preschools parking lot WAY early. I had thirty minutes until the doors opened and my son would be looking for me in a panic. So I got myself a good ol spot, retrieved my baby from the back seat while getting soaked, and I fed her. Then I started to think about the next steps. How long do I have? Should I just hold her? How will I hold everything while making sure Rylan doesn't get run over? and my most important question of the day: Which kid goes in the car first during such a massive storm?

My heart literally races as I exit the car after last burp, and five minutes to spare before preschoolers start running out of the near by door. Thankfully there is an over hang for baby and I to seek coverage. I see Rylan running down the hallway yelling "Mommy" while waving through the glass. This reminds me never ever be late for this moment, I must always be on time.

Then the improv happened. I realized I couldn't hold Rylan's hand and had to direct him verbally (which if you know my son, isn't easy), as buses pass inches by us. I am holding his book bag, the umbrella, the car seat, and my keys. I get to the car and think "which kid first". I decide on Rylan because he is a flight risk. I have no other option then to put Addison on the ground right next to me (with her car seat covered of course). I start getting surrounded by dirty looks, as cars and buses pass and are mere inches from splashing the baby. I want to yell "I HAVE NO CHOICE PEOPLE" it is wet baby, or injured kid--I pick wet baby. The last person beeped and I start getting flustered. Rylan isn't secured in his seat yet but I explain to him it is raining and I need to get baby in, so I will be right back to snap him in. In my fluster however I forget to shut his door, and people passing by give me more dirty looks, even though both of my children are now dry and out of harms way. I got back and buckle him in, and put my soaked to the bone body in the front seat and breathe. Ok I did it, but next time I need to try I different place to park that is safe on both sides for both kids if possible.

This is the real deal about parenthood. Everyone gingerly says we shouldn't judge each other in our efforts to be good parents, but let's face it people, we always do. I can't say I wouldn't beep when seeing a newborn baby's car seat being pounded with rain, because frankly, I might not know the persons situation and just assume they were dumb. I forgive those that judged me today, because crap, the harshest of them all is writing this post. 

I can only plan so many situations out, and hope for the best. I am only one person during the work days, responsible for two other people, that can only do so much. Sometimes, especially on rainy days like today, you just have to say "F' it" and wing it. I did and I learned from it. Next time it will be different because I have done it before.

The good part about rainy days is sleeping kids. It sure it raining, and pouring, and the kids are happily snoring, and I finally knocked off quite a bit off of the "to do list" this afternoon (yes the very planned out "to do list") thanks to the very unplanned parallel napping.

About Me

I was alone today indulging in some well needed Aimee time. It felt odd not to have even one child with me, since June 12th I have had at least one attached to me at all times. I was getting a pedicure. 

A women comes in with her cheery three month old, without a bib, and happily sitting in her car seat. She sits there the entire time her Mom gets a pedicure. Her Mom says this is her second child, and how easy it has been to adjust.

I want to cry.

I am jealous. Inanely jealous. 

I don't have a baby that can leave the house without a bib, 3 outfits to change in, spit up clothes, nor is she willing to sit quietly in a car seat, because she is uncomfortable. 

I had dreamed while pregnant that I had my "hard baby", and would a get a break. That I would be like a few of my friends that had second babies and seemed unscathed by the change.  I couldn't help but think about them, and this women who was getting her pedicure, that they got to pee. They got to eat lunch. Did they have prolonged days when they had to hold their new little one all day everyday, while using the other hand to dress their 3 year old? 

I needed this pedicure. Not only because my feet looked horrid, but I needed a moment. A moment about taking care of me and only me. I even got to pee afterward!

Reflux Baby or Happy Spitter?

I am here to help. 

I am sure many of you are wondering why I am writing a post dedicated to this, when most of my readers have heard about my reflux drama for years now. Well the main reason is I was on Babycenter's June 2009 board during some down time (because we all know I have tons of that now a days--NOT), and I read some pretty desperate postings of first time Mom's being told one thing my pediatricians, and feeling another. Worried, tired, Mom's that do not know what to do, or who to turn to. It brought me back to where I was in June 2006, desperate to be heard and for answers. So I write this in hopes some new Mom out there googles "reflux" (or something of the sorts), and finds me over here, reads this, and finds some sort of comfort. For the rest of you that will be bored to tears with my story, feel free to skip reading this post.

My credentials as the "Queen of reflux": 

Rylan was born in June 2006. The first ten days were pure bliss, and I thought I was given an easy breezy baby. Then on day ten something went horribly wrong. My baby was arching his back, gagging, turning red/purple while trying to swallow, hiccuping, spitting up after feedings, and having a hard time with being comfortable on his back. So I soon became black listed at the pediatricians office because I was calling everyday for answers. I kept getting the same response: "All babies spit up". A few days later my child moved on to projectile vomiting all day long. I had enough. I went in and was told the same ol things you have all heard: "It is not as much as it seems" "maybe he is a happy spitter" "Zantac is the answer""he is gaining he is fine". To make a very, very long story short, I spent three months battling the practice, and trying to get heard. I became an advocate by reading everything I could on GERD, and reached out on Babycenter to a small group of women on the June 2006 board that also had reflux babies. They became not only my daily support of saying things like, "we know how you feel", and were also the only source I started to get REAL information from.  

Rylan stopped breathing on me early one September morning. He was sleeping in the co-sleeper and my Mommy meter knew something was wrong. I picked him up to find him limp. I began to bang on his back, realizing he was choking on thick flem in his throat. I ran to get the blue bulb and suck it out, while scooping what I could with my fingers. He began to cough and I thanked God out loud that he was alive. He then started to foam at the mouth a bit, and I cried. This was not supposed to happen. Most people can easily put their three month old in their crib in another room, but we couldn't. I needed to hear my baby breathe. 

He spent three days in the hospital, and I was finally heard. He was diagnosed with sever GERD. Every Dr. and nurse that has since seen him always recalls that he was the worst "puker" they ever saw. He would puke buckets upon buckets. He also was diagnosed with an allergy to cows protein, and put on special formula costing $500 a case. Luckily insurance covered it. There was nothing I didn't try to help my baby. I learned of every medication, and tried them all until I found one that worked. I brought him to a pediatric chiropractor, thickened his feeds, bought a wedge to sleep on, and prayed the day would come he would be cured. It took a full year. 

Baby #2 was born June 2009, and the first ten days seemed to be glorious days without bibs, and worry. Day 10 it began again. Luckily this time I was heard by the pediatricians office from day 1. Addison also has reflux, and an allergy to cows protein. She was put on Nutramigen AA which is something like $65 a can. As we wait for the insurance company to decide to cover it or not, my pediatricians office called their Enfamil rep and they gave us a free case to last us until the 30 days are up for the insurance company. This is because I asked. If you don't ask, you don't get. THANK YOU to the Enfamil people out there that do such nice deeds to help us, already overwhelmed Mom's, not have to worry about $65 a can. She is doing MUCH better on this stuff.

My advice to all those worried Moms out there:

• Do not take the typical "happy spitters" "all babies spit""if they are gaining they are fine" as the answer. The GI specialist my son went to (who was also the chairman of Pediatrics at a local hospital) once told me that pediatricians only know the cliff notes about reflux, and Mom's need to know to go to someone that actually read the book. If you have concerns, feel like you aren't being heard, CALL A GI SPECIALIST NOW!
• Is your baby doing any of the following: arching back during or after feeds, turning bright red and making a noise like they are trying to swallow, hiccuping everyday all day, gassy, crying excessively, uncomfortable after eating, spitting up, only sleeps peacefully when upright, having issues with stools --if so you have a case!
• Try medications. I know who wants to put their newborn on medication? I feel your pain. I certainly did not want to. But I also didn't want to see either of them in pain, or uncomfortable. Try Zantac first. If that doesn't work they will move on the Previcid (both of my kids had a horrible reaction digestive with this), and our golden potion was liquid Priolsec which is very hard to find. 
• If my baby isn't crying but has other symptoms should I still be concerned? YES. YES YES. Our poor babies think this is the "norm". They get used to it. Don't take "s/he isn't crying about it so move on" as an answer. 
• Pyloric stenosis --defined online as: Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus, the lower part of the stomach through which food and other stomach contents pass to enter the small intestine. When an infant has pyloric stenosis, the muscles in the pylorus have become enlarged to the point where food is prevented from emptying out of the stomach. --this happens more to baby boys, and a surgery is needed. It can be detected by a feed scan.
• If your baby is gassy, odd stools, and seems a bit too fussy (often told that they are "just colic") they can be allergic to cows protein! Tests can be run on stools to see if there is blood in it. My 2nd baby just had this done and I would have NEVER had known there was blood (can't see from the naked eye) without this test. Although she is still refluxing, she is much better on the Amino Acid formula
• buy yourself a gaggle of bibs, don't wear expensive clothes while holding your baby :-), get a wedge for their cradle or crib, thicken feeds with rice or oatmeal cereal, use Dr Brown bottles, burp often, let baby sit upright for at least 15 min after feed, consider a pediatric chiropractor, and most importantly, as said above, push to see a GI specialist.
• find other Mom's going through the same thing. Support is key when you see so many other new Mom's adjusting so easy, and not having the difficultly of all of this on top of just the average newborn doings. You are not alone.
• Last, but not least, your baby will grow out of it. 

I hope this helps at least one Mom out there who is feeling lost and alone in this. Reflux Mom's she be awarded something extra special after going through this long road. Sadly it is heredity and if you have more kids the odds are you will be blessed with it again (especially cows protein allergy). I wish you the best of luck on  your journey.

AND THE Stove Top WINNERS ARE:

Here are the TEN winners getting a full value coupon for any flavor Stove Top their little heart desires!!!! Please send me your mailing address so I can get them to you ASAP at aimeelovesnyc@yahoo.com !! If you happen to have a blog I challenge you to give the $10 or less meal a whirl and write about! Or if you aren't up to it and want the easier way out--read over my recipes and try one! I still have TWO more on the way next week!!!

If you wrote a comment on my blog on ANY post in the past month during Stove Top Month Of July, you were entered. The winners are:

• Deb from Baby Steps
• The Grady Chronicles
• Misguided Mommy
• Tara from My Mini Munchkins
• Bianca
• Meridith 
• Christina from C3Family
• Emily from Great Expectations
• Pam from Pam's Life
• Rebecca

Send me your info and enjoy a free box of Stove Top on Momma's June Bugs!

STOVE TOP UNDER $10: Stuffed Corn Bread Porkchops

What you will need:
Stove Top (Cornbread flavor), Shake N Bake (pork), A can of corn, and a can of Apple pie filling

Step 1: Make Stove Top according to package, and cook corn. Mix the two together once done.

Step2: Cut a slit into pork chops to stuff, and use Shake N Bake to coat them

Step 3: Fill them with the cornbread Stove Top and corn mix:

Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 15-25 minutes depending on how dark you like them

Step 5: warm up the apple pie filling

Step 6: Make a side (this is NOT included in the $10 and is a copy cat from my friends YUMMY salad)

Salad includes: Spring mix, goat cheese, strawberries, blackberries, crainsins, walnuts, and raspberry/walnut salad dressing

Finished product:
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
This was really good! I really enjoyed Stove Top's cornbread flavor, and it tasted even better with corn mixed into it!

The ten dollar break down:

Pork chops   $3.67

Apple pie filling: $1.30

Can of Corn $.97

Stove Top $1.20

Shake N Bake $1.50

Total: $8.64

All products except for pie filling was on SALE this week! I figured out that the way to make these $10 and under meals is to check the flyer's at the beginning of the week and go from there.

WINNERS FOR THE FREE COUPONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON! Stay tuned!

Weekend at the beach

We spent the long weekend in RI down the beach where we rent a house every year. This year, thanks to Addison's arrival, we couldn't commit to a week, in fact we only decided to do a weekend last minute. It was a well needed little get away. Rylan was in heaven. We are also confident our little girl loves the beach just as much as the rest of us!!!!

Here is some pics from the weekend:

Me and my beach baby
Excited to see the waves
Grampy and all of his grandkids
The fam at the beach
Giving kisses to the kids
tossing rocks
Ry and his Dad on the beach blanket
Auntie Kel and her Addie
The cousins

1 Month

This is how Addison spent her 1 month birthday on July 12:
Hard life this kid has already right?... she is truly a beach baby, and seemed just as pleased as her brother that we had a mini get away to the beach for three days.

We had her 1 month appointment. The good is she gained. The bad is her reflux is horrible. Last Friday I did the stool test for blood to see if we had to switch her formula, and sure enough we do. She still had blood, and this confirms her being 100% allergic to cow protein. The hard part about this switch is the insurance company! We are patiently awaiting to see if they will cover the cost of this mighty formula like they did with Rylan (up to $500 a case of 5 cans)!!!! In the meantime the GI Dr. gave us two cans of amino acid based formula, and we are almost done with ONE!!! What the heck will I feed her if the insurance doesn't pull through in a few days (you can't buy this formula in the store)! Luckily she no longer has diarrhea thanks to the new formula, but seems to have worse reflux since the liquid is so watery. We are off to try out Prevacid as a medication (Rylan did horrible on it, but we can only hope this little gal won't). We also got the go ahead to thicken some of her bottles with rice and/or oatmeal, which of course was never a help to Rylan either. All I know is I am willing to try it all again since we were up the other night and could not sleep until changing her into eight outfits and ten bibs were over. The pediatrician said today, just as the GI Dr said last week, that apparently this is how I make babies. Most likely, no matter how many kids I have, they will suffer with this. She laughed and said, "imagine if you were a teenage Mom dealing with this?". She makes me feel better by saying although this is the norm to me, that my babies are way more challenging then the average, and that my kids should thank their lucky stars they have me. 

Regardless of Addison's issues with formula and reflux she really is a wonderful baby. She barely cries (only after eating, or hungry), and sleeps like a champ. She is trying so hard to make sounds come out of her mouth when she is looking at me. Her hair continues to stand tall. And her umbilical cord is still intact because apparently she wants to stay close to her Mom!

I can't believe it has been a month, but in many ways it is as if she was always here.

Happy 1 month Birthday Addie!

Some Things Never Change

It is interesting how you can be 32 years old in the shower sobbing, while telling yourself you have to be a "big girl about this", and yet you still feel as if you were still ten years old. Here I am Mom of 2, happily married, well accomplished, and yet the same pink elephants or scary skeletons from my past, still seem to haunt me. 

I thought I magically fixed this problem years ago with therapy. Heck I thought I was done with therapy. Apparently, I have to go back, or start severing relationships, or both.

Can I just tell you lovely America--I , Aimee Dos Santos, is sick of being the person everyone always thinks, or assumes to think, "Oh Aimee will understand", and that be translated into never being put first. 

I became a Social Worker years ago because I seemed to have a knack growing up for listening to peoples problems. Problems I probably was too young to listen to but heck I didn't mind listening. I liked to listen. I still do. However, the fine line came when no one heard me. Instead I reverted in. On the outside I seemed like I was one way, but on the in felt like someone totally different. 

I have said many times on this blog how I might seem harden, or cold. That is my protective gear, the same gear I had to grow each year that passed growing up, with every sensitive tiny tear I shed thanks to wearing my heart on my sleeve. Gear I hold tightly too, and continue to not let go of, even in relationships I have as a confident adult knowing they are safe, but are too afraid. To damn afraid to be let down again. To damn afraid from people to manipulate me, forget about me, and pretend to hear my words, but don't want to listen. 

The sad thing is no matter how much I worked at that gear it still doesn't work with those you love. Certain moments in your life you are like a tortoise reverting back into your shell, feeling ten again. The mere fact I have to remind myself that now is the time to act like a "big girl now" is so incredibly sad when I am in fact a "big girl". 

Pardon me for thinking I deserved a voice. Forgive me for caring, and wearing my heart. And lastly, excuse me if I can no longer be that "oh Aimee will understand" person, because if you won't put me first... at 32 years of age... I will.

(insert Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry" here... because hell... I need a theme song right now)

GONE FISHEN

We are of for a mini vacation! After much debating about going to our yearly Rhode Island beach house with a newborn, we decided a long weekend was doable! Rylan needs some ocean water, and we all need the salt air to help the sleeping kiddies! I can't waits for some Del's lemonade, sun, clam cakes, lobster rolls, walks on the beach, ice cream, and of course... spending time with the family. 

Momma's June Bugs will be back in action on Tuesday! Tune in then! 

Are All Diapers The Same?

For a minute there I thought diapers are diapers what's the big dif? ...and I can tell you what it is...A NEWBORN. When it comes to lazy, "I am not potty training" Rylan, he could wear any diaper and be just fine, but apparently a newborn tests out diapers like nobody does. Who needs that blue liquid in the commercials to test them out when you have a brand new baby who can show you?

Huggies I hate you. Ok hate is a strong word. I love your price. I love that my three year old son can wear you. However newborn babies of America-- Huggies were not made for you. First of their NB size is huge, and the elastic bands around the legs have gaps galore. I thought it was a fluke when I stuck one on Addison for the first time and she peed through her entire night time layers (including the one and only very favorite swaddle blanket a far away friend sent us). After some middle of the night curses when this happened, I tossed another one on and thought she probably just had a gallon of pee that one time. Well ladies and gents, I changed her entire outfit today, not one, not two, but THREE times today ALL because of leaky newborn diapers. So my dear Huggies, I might be saving some $$$ when I purchase you, but it so isn't worth my screaming naked baby pissed off she woke up in piss, and has to get changed AGAIN. For now on we are married to Pampers Swaddlers and we aren't turning back. 

Pampers Swaddlers--I love you and your cute little NB design diaper. It is clear that you have done your homework on newborns body types, pee amounts, and what is comfortably fit. Also the new line that shows if the baby has a wet diaper or not--GENIUS! You, my dear Pampers, are worth every shiny coin I spend on you to cover and love my babies behind. Never, (ok maybe when she is three like my son), will I ever turn to another diaper!

All I can say to all of you new parents, or those expecting is: there is a reason the hospital is stocked up in Pampers Swaddlers, and take it from me my friends, you pay when your stray.

BREAKING NEWS: BABY SLEEPS

I was a wreck yesterday. If you came to my door, or walked past my house I would have willingly, whether I know you or not, hold my baby. My screaming baby. My screaming for hours baby that didn't want to be put down the entire afternoon. The baby I let cry hysterically in her crib so that I could quickly eat, and pee. 

Thankfully Rylan was having an afternoon with Papa, two wonderful women came over with meals for the rest of the week, and I made it to 5 pm for Pete to come home without unraveling at the seams. Of course once Pete held her she snuggled in silence. urrrrr.

She made up for it last night when she had a bottle at 8pm, a bottle at 12:30 pm (on Pete's shift), and a bottle at ... 6:30 am (YIPPPPPEEEEE on my shift! Can I tell you I have never been so excited to be up at 6:30 in my life. I nearly did I little shimmy as I went to get the bottle ready. Of course she did start to stir at 3:30 but after speaking with a friend of mine who got her son to sleep through the night at 11 days, I took her advice, and plopped Addison in bed with me. She snuggled in the crook of my arm for three hours, and every time she stirred she would rethink to herself "hmmm this is comfy I think I should stay". Even at 6:30 she was still willing to sleep more, but I needed to get things moving for the day before preschool! So even though I had a drenched sweaty arm, and didn't sleep very soundly during those hours, I got some sort of sleep/rest. I took back all the complaining from yesterday, until of course this afternoon hits and I am sure she will scream again! 

Dear baby, it is ok to sleep through the entire night without eating! Mommy will be a much better Mommy because of it!

Hamburger With Sprinkles

The other day I took Rylan to Burger King in order to celebrate his first day of school. As we drove up to order he tells me he would like "a cheese burger with sprinkles". I giggle  while I am thinking in my head the two places I thought I would "never frequent when I have kids", was now being confused in his head. It is obvious my child eats lots of fast food cheeseburgers, and doughnuts. So I remind him we are not a Dunken Donuts and that means no sprinkles today bud!

He, however, insists the cheeseburger will have sprinkles. I order and say "cheeseburger" over the intercom, while Rylan is in the backseat yelling "sprinkles". 

We get home and I unwrap his cheeseburger and to my surprise Rylan had me fooled. He looked up at me as he pointed to the sesame seed bun and said "see Mommy sprinkles"! 

Yes it is a fact America, my kid knows the difference between McDonald's and Burger King's cheeseburger, and clearly it is sprinkles. Don't even get this kid started on who has better fries, because it is for certain nobody makes fries like Ronald McDonald. 

A Quickie

Not the kind you are thinking about you bunch of sicko's! :-)

I just wanted to give you a quick update on our happenings:

Rylan: 2nd day of school AWESOME. He entered like a MAN today. He also came home with his first art project and full of smiles. He does continue, however, (insert sneer, grunt, and a wtf?), to be evil when at home. He loves to scream in the babies face when she is sleeping and startle her so she jumps up and cries! He also loves to be HORRIBLE for his nighttime routine, and kick/hit his parents with no...I MEAN NO...discipline actions working. He is lucky he is cute and we love him. I am lucky he is in preschool for 3 1/2 days for this entire month.

Addison: is going to be a month this weekend. CRAZY. She is starting to see alot better and is trying so hard to chat with me. She also loves to watch the lights and colors on her playgym, and the mobile (but only for VERY limited amounts of time). Homegirl wants to be held all (ALL) freaken day. She will fall asleep all snug as bug in your arm, and just as you are dripping with sweat from her neck being hot on you, you place her down and her eyes fly open. I usually say a profanity, and pick her up for a re-try. A re-try that lasts all afternoon long. I did let her cry it out a few times today when I had to do essentials like eat and pee, because kid I am not starving myself, nor wear Depends for NOBODY. The other savior has been the blessed Aquarium bouncy seat the Rylan loved. This was NOT the one we registered for, and is a hand me down from my sister. Ironically it is the only seat either of my kids are willing to tolerate. When my sister gave me this piece of love it came with a malfunction. When it is supposed to play you soothing music with spinning starfish in running water, it also makes a very loud machine gun noise. I MEAN LOUD! This seems to soothe my kids, and apparently Addison would love to take a nap on the battle fields!  As for her not feeling well, the saga continues. She is totally puking in her hair, and constantly smells like cat food. Not because we are feeding her Fancy Feast or anything, just because her formula smells like cat food and doubly smells delightful when brought back up. 

The Dos Santos Family: is off for a long weekend to Rhode Island. We aren't staying for our yearly week down the beach, but are going for a few days. I couldn't pass up giving Rylan sometime in the ocean. Also Grammy and Grampy will be meeting Addison for the first time, and THANKFULLY someone else will hold her so I can pee.

not much of a quickie was it? Well...I hope it satisfied you in some sort of way.

STOVE TOP UNDER $10: Thanksgiving Casserole

Thanksgiving Casserole  

What you need:
-1 pound of chicken (any type on sale: thighs, legs, breasts, or even better a precooked rotisserie)

-1 package of Stove Top stuffing (I use the chicken flavor)
- 1 can of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce
-1 package of McCormick or Knor Chicken Gravy
--Make the stuffing and gravy according to the package --De chicken the chicken --shred all chicken and put into a baking dish --pour gravy over shredded chicken and salt and pepper to taste (here is what it should look like)
--Place stuffing on top of the chicken with gravy (here is what it should look like) --Cut up canned cranberry and place on top of stuffing. (here is what it should look like) --cover with foil and bake at 350 for about 20-30 minutes depending on how hot and baked you like it!

This weeks Cash total: Chicken $4.20

Stove Top $2.25

Cranberry sauce $.98

Gravy pack $1.12

Total= $8.55

ENTER TO WIN FREE STOVE TOP! I am giving away 10 FREE coupons for a full value box of Stove Top! Write a comment this week or next week on this blog and you are entered to WIN! It is just that simple! If you have already left a comment since my last Stove Top posting--no worries you are IN! I will announce at the end of next week in my next Stove Top post who will be receiving this FREEBIE!

--I know I posted this yummy recipe before on this blog. I couldn't pass making it up again since it is under $10 and one of our favorites.

School Days Are Here

Today was Rylan's first day of preschool! It went well. He only cried a little bit and it was his Mom's fault since I went in for a kiss. Prior to the kiss I told him I was leaving and he said "BYE" (I should have exited then) but then I went in for a kiss and all hell broke lose. Luckily he didn't cry for long and enjoyed his day. The teacher told me he had a hard time transitioning between things, but other then that he enjoyed the activities and especially loved the slide outside, and the planes he found in the classroom. 

I came home and watched the clock tick. I couldn't wait to get him. I did not cry, but I was worried about him. I was thankful that the teacher filled out a notebook to write back and forth with me, since when I picked him up he didn't feel like filling his Mom in on what his day was like. 

I hope tomorrow goes with such ease and less tears.

Lil'Stawberry

I love little girls in strawberry outfits! I couldn't resist this cute number and had to take a picture!

The Verdict Is IN.....and it's not very good

My sweet baby girl is a trooper!

We went to the GI Specialist today, and I am so thankful I did. Many people tried to talk me into waiting it out, or giving it a few more weeks, but mothers intuition told me to bite the bullet. Poor Addison is allergic to cow's milk, has reflux, an inflamed rectum, esophagus issues, and horrible horrible diarrhea that sadly contains high amounts of blood. 

The Dr. told me to give her until Friday on the current formula since sometimes after three weeks a baby can gain tolerance over these things. However he feels it is unlikely since Rylan had this allergy too, and since there is blood in the stool it is a pretty serious reaction. So it is about 99.9% that our future holds another baby on the real liquid gold. She will be switched to amino acid based formula that costs hundreds of dollars (Rylan's cost $500 a case filled with four cans), that luckily will be covered by insurance. In the end it will cost us less for formula then it would if we just bought regular old Similac. This Friday I will conduct another stool test (which are these nifty little swab stickers that turn blue when they have blood instead of trying to get a stool sample from a baby like the pediatricians office wanted me to do). If it still contains blood, we will change the formula. He also knocked up the Zantac for her reflux. He told me that for the amount of discomfort this baby has, I am lucky she isn't crying 24/7 (which he said often is ignored and called Colic when in all actuality it is allergies and reflux). 

There is a slight chance that once we switch formula all the other things she has going on, including reflux, will go away. While feeding her a bottle after our visit, I felt like I was putting poison into her, knowing it would cause her discomfort right after she ate. Wouldn't you know that the moment she sipped her last bit, she screamed and hollered. I want to switch her NOW! I am not sure I can wait five days.

It is the worst seeing your baby in pain. I thought my seeing this was over after Rylan. As if I paid my dues properly. Apparently this crap is hereditary, and my poor babies suffer. If there is ever a number three I will be holding amino acid based formula in the wings waiting!