Okay, so when I was at Target today I saw they had a sit and stand double stroller for roughly $179.00. It seemed pretty light although I was only able to judge it by lifting it slightly on the rack it was displayed on. I decided to come home and do a little research on it since the one I had registered for on Amazon is pricier but seemed lighter and thinner.
Now I'm really torn! I guess the perk about the Baby Trend is that it can be a double stroller AND a sit and stand. Which is nice so both kids can take a nap together at the same time. The Joovy is just a sit and stand so if Chase wanted to nap, he'll have to sit in the front and only possible if Trent is still in a baby carrier. My thing is, Trent will be in a carrier for the first year pretty much..well maybe less than that. We don't really go anywhere long enough where Chase naps in the stroller. Usually, he's awake the moment we put him in the stroller. I don't want to sacrafice how compact and lightweight the Joovy is. I wish there was one I could see in person and maybe even see them next to each other so we can make a comparison. We don't have an SUV anymore so any space saved is space needed.
Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double Stroller VS Joovy Caboose Ultralight Tandem Stroller
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
2 More Weeks Left...
I can't believe in two weeks (if I don't go into labor before then), we will be walking into the hospital to welcome our second baby boy Trent into the world. Finally, now that Chase's birthday has pass, I can get baby Trent's stuff ready. I don't know if it's because it's the second one, we're waayyy more non-chalant about it. I just packed the hospital bag yesterday! I managed to get almost everything done in one day. Washed the bassinette, carseat cover, nb and 0-3months baby clothes. There are definitely things that I still need to do around the house, but if I go into labor tonight, at least we'll have enough stuff to bring the baby home with.
I feel really bad, but lately my tolerance for Chase is so thin. I think it's just because I'm so worn out that it's hard to find the funny things he does humorous! Brandon loves it though, he thinks it's the funniest. As I'm sitting here typing this, Chase is standing behind me on the couch and coming to my cheek and blowing it. What a goofball huh?!? He is pretty darn cute I must admit. He's just so goofy and silly. I'm really glad he hasn't hit that "terrible two's" attitude yet but I don't want to jinx it. He has been saying no or nope more often but it's not outrageous and we usually work it out. It's not like he's so defiant that it's embarassing.
His birthday was amazing. We got a couple of our friends to ride their bikes to the party and Chase woke up just in time to see everyone take off on their bikes and ride along the car. The whole time, he's all "OoOoH! BIKE! BIKE!" I must say he is one of the coolest kids I know. Who else has bikes ride along him for a 2 year old boys birthday. What sucks is I didn't get to take any pictures because I was so occupied with entertaining and keeping an eye on him!
After today's appointment, I'll start going every week. You know how I've complained about the fact that me and my OB has no relationship and I really wanted to switch. Today was the perfect example. At one point he goes, wait what are you having again? A boy or a girl? I KNOW! I was kind of upset from that. He just doesn't seem to really care. I don't feel a closeness with our OB and honestly I think if this person is going to help you welcome a baby into this world..you should feel a bond or some type of closeness like they care. So far I weigh 129lbs. I started at 107lbs this time. With Chase I believe I gained a total of 25-28lbs. I think the baby might be smaller this time since I've only gained 22lbs but I do still have 2 weeks to go!
After washing all of the baby clothes, seeing how tiny and remembering Chase in it is getting me a little more excited for the baby. My main concern is just how Chase is going to handle it I guess. It does worry me, especially since we love Chase so much and he's so much fun. I don't want him to feel different.
The last big project I have left is turning the closet in Chase's room into a more practical closet. He really doesn't have a closet, it's just an indentation in the room and we have a dresser and two shelves in there. His dresser is already full of his clothes, there's definitely not enough room for Trent's clothes.
I feel really bad, but lately my tolerance for Chase is so thin. I think it's just because I'm so worn out that it's hard to find the funny things he does humorous! Brandon loves it though, he thinks it's the funniest. As I'm sitting here typing this, Chase is standing behind me on the couch and coming to my cheek and blowing it. What a goofball huh?!? He is pretty darn cute I must admit. He's just so goofy and silly. I'm really glad he hasn't hit that "terrible two's" attitude yet but I don't want to jinx it. He has been saying no or nope more often but it's not outrageous and we usually work it out. It's not like he's so defiant that it's embarassing.
His birthday was amazing. We got a couple of our friends to ride their bikes to the party and Chase woke up just in time to see everyone take off on their bikes and ride along the car. The whole time, he's all "OoOoH! BIKE! BIKE!" I must say he is one of the coolest kids I know. Who else has bikes ride along him for a 2 year old boys birthday. What sucks is I didn't get to take any pictures because I was so occupied with entertaining and keeping an eye on him!
After today's appointment, I'll start going every week. You know how I've complained about the fact that me and my OB has no relationship and I really wanted to switch. Today was the perfect example. At one point he goes, wait what are you having again? A boy or a girl? I KNOW! I was kind of upset from that. He just doesn't seem to really care. I don't feel a closeness with our OB and honestly I think if this person is going to help you welcome a baby into this world..you should feel a bond or some type of closeness like they care. So far I weigh 129lbs. I started at 107lbs this time. With Chase I believe I gained a total of 25-28lbs. I think the baby might be smaller this time since I've only gained 22lbs but I do still have 2 weeks to go!
After washing all of the baby clothes, seeing how tiny and remembering Chase in it is getting me a little more excited for the baby. My main concern is just how Chase is going to handle it I guess. It does worry me, especially since we love Chase so much and he's so much fun. I don't want him to feel different.
The last big project I have left is turning the closet in Chase's room into a more practical closet. He really doesn't have a closet, it's just an indentation in the room and we have a dresser and two shelves in there. His dresser is already full of his clothes, there's definitely not enough room for Trent's clothes.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Spinach Cream Sauce with Shrimp and Scallop Fettucine
We ate at this Italian place with our friends Adam and Sonia this past weekend. I ordered a lemon/garlic cream sauce type fettucine with shrimp and scallops and it inspired me to try and make something similar. I Googled a lot of different recipes on how to make cream sauce and kind of just did my own thing with what I had. I liked the dish a lot although my fiancee is not a huge fan of it. He likes things that are very flavorful though I think that's why. He puts hot sauce on EVERYTHING! Thought I'd share this recipe with you guys :)
Spinach Cream Sauce Fettucine with Shrimp and Scallops
7-9oz Fresh Spinach (I used 3/4 of the steamer bags from Fresh&Easy)
5 Cloves of garlic minced
1/2 pint Heavy whipping cream
1/2 pint Half & half
1 tsp Cornstarch
1/2 Bag of fettucine pasta
1 Cup 4 Blend mexican cheese (most recipes I found used parmesan or mozzerella but this was what I had in the fridge..)
Frozen Shrimp and scallops (your choice of how much you want)
Olive oil (I always cook with olive oil, I'm sure oil of your choice is just fine)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Add oil and 1/3 of the minced garlic to a pan. Saute the shrimp and scallops with a little salt until cooked. Try not to overcook it! Shrimp cooks very easily, usually when they turn orange and seems to shrivel a little they are already cooked. Scallops cook fairly easy as well. My scallops were little so they cooked the same time as the shrimp. They will have a "bounce" to them when they are cooked. After they are cooked, set aside.
If needed, add more oil to the pan and the 1/2 of the remaining garlic. Cook the spinach until they seem wilted. Remove from pan and drain excess oil. Carefully chop the cooked spinach until fine. You don't really want huge chunks of spinach with every bite. You might also want to let it cool a little bit before touching it.
In a medium sauce pan, add the heavy whipping cream, half & half and the remainder of the garlic. Bring to a boil stirring occassionally. Becareful, when it starts to boil it usually starts to foam up and rise so keep an eye on it. After it comes to a boil, add the cheese and stir until melted. Add the spinach to the sauce pan and let it simmer. Stir occassionally.
In a small bowl, add the cornstarch with 3 tsp of water and mix until dissolved. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce. Continue to let it simmer, stirring occassionally. Salt and pepper to your liking. When the sauce has reached the thickness you like, turn it off.
In a separate pot, cook fettucine noodles to your liking and drain.
Add fettucine on plate, layer with sauce and top with shrimp and scallop.
Spinach Cream Sauce Fettucine with Shrimp and Scallops
7-9oz Fresh Spinach (I used 3/4 of the steamer bags from Fresh&Easy)
5 Cloves of garlic minced
1/2 pint Heavy whipping cream
1/2 pint Half & half
1 tsp Cornstarch
1/2 Bag of fettucine pasta
1 Cup 4 Blend mexican cheese (most recipes I found used parmesan or mozzerella but this was what I had in the fridge..)
Frozen Shrimp and scallops (your choice of how much you want)
Olive oil (I always cook with olive oil, I'm sure oil of your choice is just fine)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Add oil and 1/3 of the minced garlic to a pan. Saute the shrimp and scallops with a little salt until cooked. Try not to overcook it! Shrimp cooks very easily, usually when they turn orange and seems to shrivel a little they are already cooked. Scallops cook fairly easy as well. My scallops were little so they cooked the same time as the shrimp. They will have a "bounce" to them when they are cooked. After they are cooked, set aside.
If needed, add more oil to the pan and the 1/2 of the remaining garlic. Cook the spinach until they seem wilted. Remove from pan and drain excess oil. Carefully chop the cooked spinach until fine. You don't really want huge chunks of spinach with every bite. You might also want to let it cool a little bit before touching it.
In a medium sauce pan, add the heavy whipping cream, half & half and the remainder of the garlic. Bring to a boil stirring occassionally. Becareful, when it starts to boil it usually starts to foam up and rise so keep an eye on it. After it comes to a boil, add the cheese and stir until melted. Add the spinach to the sauce pan and let it simmer. Stir occassionally.
In a small bowl, add the cornstarch with 3 tsp of water and mix until dissolved. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce. Continue to let it simmer, stirring occassionally. Salt and pepper to your liking. When the sauce has reached the thickness you like, turn it off.
In a separate pot, cook fettucine noodles to your liking and drain.
Add fettucine on plate, layer with sauce and top with shrimp and scallop.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
July's Glam Bag!
So I'm a little late. I got my Glam Bag on Saturday and I haven't gotten a chance to blog about it. I'm quite satisfied with the goodies this time though! They were actually things that I could use or am excited about trying!!
The bag is covered, but its this mesh type see through bag. I think I might actually use this one to bring my beauty products to the hospital with me.
Yes to Cucumbers on-the-go Facial Towellettes $5.99 for full size
Okay, sorry to be lazy but I am not rotating that picture. I've reviewed this product before so I was very ecstatic to learn that we were getting it in our Glam Bag! It's perfect timing because I was just thinking about getting another one of these to pack for the hospital. These by are are the best make-up removing facial towelletes. They do a good job of removing make-up and dirt from your face without leaving that nasty film you sometimes feel. Whenever I get other facial towelletes they always say you don't have to rinse but it just feels like there's residue on your face. With this one, I don't have that problem. You can get one of these travel size packages for around $1 at Target in their travel products bin. Another plus is, they're not heavily scented like most face wipes are. They're AMAZING!
Josie Maran Magic Marker Cheek & Lip Stain in "Jitterbug" $19
Ugh, I'm not loving pictures of myself. I might come back on here and delete it, but I love the color! I just had to show you how "bright hot pink" it looked on lips and it's really wearable! I'm really excited about this because I've always been into lip stain. I lick my lips a lot and I don't really feel like re-applying lipstick all day so I feel like lipstain is more suitable for me. I must say that it's been half a day and it's definitely still on my lips but it's not as pigmented around the center of my lips anymore but it's still hanging in there. I know this says it's a lip and cheek stain, but after trying to Benefit cheek stain, I just am a little hesitant because I don't think it would blend very easily. The last thing I want is a freaking hot pink line on my face that won't blend.
After looking at the product on the website, I love it even more because it's made of natural ingredients, fragrance free and paraben free. I find a common problem that lipstain always has this stink to it. It's weird I know, but the last thing you want is a stink right underneathe your lip.
Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer Orig $38
So at first, I was really excited to see a moisturizer with SPF in the bag. I've been looking for a daytime face lotion to try that has SPF since it's summertime now and as you can see from the close up am getting a TON of freckles! To read on and see that it was an organic formula made with a variety of organic ingredients. It says on the website that it's designed for mature skin that's effective for hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone and texture. AWESOME RIGHT? I am down for something that corrects uneven skin tone.
I decided to try it this morning. It has a light green apple smell. I'm not sure how I feel about that since I feel like fruity smells should be left to body lotion, but on top of that the texture was VERY thick. It literally feels like you're applying sunblock, that's the only way I can describe it. I expect my face lotion to be light and feel like I'm not wearing anything. I guess I'm spoiled by my Tea Tree products and that's why I hold a higher expectation for how my face should feel after I put a daytime lotion on my face. It used just a tiny bit, (the same amount I use for all face lotion) and tried to spread it on my face. It was very hard to spread evenly. Once again, the only way I can describe it is that it feels like you're trying to put sunblock on your face. I'm not crazy about how it feels afterwards too. I even tried to wait about 5 minutes before putting on my make-up hoping thhat it would absorb a little bit and feel less heavy on my face. It definitely feels kind of greasy and when I touch my face now, you can feel the lotion on there. Even though this stuff might work miracles, I don't think I'd ever buy it. I can't stand that greasy heavy feeling on my face.
NuMe Hydropunch Conditioner Orig $24.99
This is suppose to be a great conditioner for hair that is dull and dry. I guess if you're a beach bunny this is for you! Unfortunately, I am not a bunny nor do I get a chance to go to the beach very often, but I'm sure that post pregnancy or maybe even right now since the baby is taking all of my nutrients this would be good to hydrate my hair. I feel like my hair always gets so bushy when I'm pregnant! Haven't tried this yet, so I'll have to let you know how it goes. :)
Circus by Andrea's Choice in "Reverse"
Not even on sale yet on the website but I do love the packaging. I wish I got it in a different color since I'm not sure if I can pull off white nail polish. I think I'm going to have to review this product at a later time. Maybe I'll paint my fingernails although that never turns out well.
**Here's a update on the polish. It doesn't remove very well I tell you that. Well, it comes off easy but it leaves this white powdery looking residue. I like it because it's thick. It doesn't require many coats. I just wish I got this in a different color! This is after one coat.
Overall, I am very satisified with this month's Glam Bag. I'm glad they're stepping up with their products because I was about ready to cancel. The only product I'm somewhat disappointed with is the Green Apple moisturizer. I mean, it's really not that bad. I think I'm just use to wearing a very light weight moisturizer. I see that the other moisturizer they were giving out in the Glam Bags is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion. I wish I got that one instead!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
No more Baby Chase..he's toddler Chase now :(
Let's face it, he hasn't been baby Chase in a really long time. I think we just try not to think about how fast he's growing up but it's undeniable. Especially, when we have big moments like..his first night sleeping in a bed!
Last night, for the first time we decided it was time to make the big transition to move him into a bed. That way we have time to get him adjusted before the baby takes over the crib. I read that you have to do it months prior so he doesn' feel like he's getting "kicked out" of the crib because of the new baby. We've had the crib for over a week now. We put it together last week but didn't have the wood to put under the mattress for support. When he jumps on it, he falls in and when we lay on it with him we all fall in. Yesterday, my fiance finally brought home some 4x4's to put under the bed. To be honest, we have no idea what we're doing. What the "proper way" is to transition him into a bed. He's never slept in a bed before. We are not supporters of co-sleeping and I'm not going to get into that controversial conversation right now, if ever. :)
He thinks a bed is to jump on. He climbs into our bed sometimes and sits down and pulls the blanket up to his chest and says night night. But, if we ever try to get him to sleep in our bed he would just laugh and play.
We decided to wait until he's very tired before we put him down for bed. He usually lays in his crib for a while before he falls asleep and we're worried that he's just going to jump on it, or climb right out and open the door. Last night, we put him down for bed at about 10pm. His bedtime is 8pm. I had him lay down on the couch with me for a long time with dim lighting just to get him relaxed. Then we tried to prep him by telling him that tonight he's going to sleep in his big boy car bed and that he's not a baby anymore. We did our usual routine, kisses and group hugs. Then Brandon laid down on the car bed with him until he fell asleep. For the first time, we actually used a baby monitor the whole night. We recently got a video monitor from Groupon (I think it sucks by the way) so I had it on the whole night and woke up several times to check on him through the monitor. We were more concerned that he was going to roll off the side of the bed because he's a crazy sleeper! He sleeps sideways, upside down..you just never know where he's going to end up. I didn't sleep very well. We haven't used a baby monitor since maybe after the first week of him sleeping in his own room. His room is right next to ours and I guess our theory is, if he's not crying loud enough..then he's okay to self soothe and cry it out. I read somewhere that having a baby monitor sometimes isn't always the best for the parents or the baby. Because you're hearing every little thing and you wake up and the sound of a turn, a cough and sometimes even a whimper.
Last night at 4am, he sat up and cried. I went in the room and laid down with him. He started drifting off back to sleep. I got up and told him, okay buddy it's night night time. He didn't even cry. He did wake up awfully early this morning, but he didn't cry like he was confused. He just stayed in bed and yelled for mommy. I watched him for a couple minutes through the monitor just to see what he was going to do. He did nothing out of the ordinary. He did what he normally did in his crib. He just rolled around like the wiggle worm he is.
We survived our first night of him sleeping in his bed. I'm sure all of us are suffering. I didn't sleep well. Let's face it, I'm 9 months pregnant..I haven't slept well in a while. I'm sure he didn't sleep well either but maybe he'll adjust? I think it's because he moves so much and the sound of his mattress is pretty annoying I must admit. But, his other mattress is the same way!
I must say I feel accomplished. I really was worried about how we were going to get him adjusted. It's moments like this though, that makes being a first time parent exciting. It truly is a journey and a learning experience because with Trent, we're not going to have that newbie feeling. We would've done it and experienced it already. Chase will always be the one we experience all of our first with.
I can't believe he's turning 2 this Sunday. It is mind boggling how fast time has gone by and how much he has grown. I swear in the last week he's gotten taller, speaks more words and his personality has gotten even weirder.
Our little baby Chase is all grown up..
Last night, for the first time we decided it was time to make the big transition to move him into a bed. That way we have time to get him adjusted before the baby takes over the crib. I read that you have to do it months prior so he doesn' feel like he's getting "kicked out" of the crib because of the new baby. We've had the crib for over a week now. We put it together last week but didn't have the wood to put under the mattress for support. When he jumps on it, he falls in and when we lay on it with him we all fall in. Yesterday, my fiance finally brought home some 4x4's to put under the bed. To be honest, we have no idea what we're doing. What the "proper way" is to transition him into a bed. He's never slept in a bed before. We are not supporters of co-sleeping and I'm not going to get into that controversial conversation right now, if ever. :)
He thinks a bed is to jump on. He climbs into our bed sometimes and sits down and pulls the blanket up to his chest and says night night. But, if we ever try to get him to sleep in our bed he would just laugh and play.
We decided to wait until he's very tired before we put him down for bed. He usually lays in his crib for a while before he falls asleep and we're worried that he's just going to jump on it, or climb right out and open the door. Last night, we put him down for bed at about 10pm. His bedtime is 8pm. I had him lay down on the couch with me for a long time with dim lighting just to get him relaxed. Then we tried to prep him by telling him that tonight he's going to sleep in his big boy car bed and that he's not a baby anymore. We did our usual routine, kisses and group hugs. Then Brandon laid down on the car bed with him until he fell asleep. For the first time, we actually used a baby monitor the whole night. We recently got a video monitor from Groupon (I think it sucks by the way) so I had it on the whole night and woke up several times to check on him through the monitor. We were more concerned that he was going to roll off the side of the bed because he's a crazy sleeper! He sleeps sideways, upside down..you just never know where he's going to end up. I didn't sleep very well. We haven't used a baby monitor since maybe after the first week of him sleeping in his own room. His room is right next to ours and I guess our theory is, if he's not crying loud enough..then he's okay to self soothe and cry it out. I read somewhere that having a baby monitor sometimes isn't always the best for the parents or the baby. Because you're hearing every little thing and you wake up and the sound of a turn, a cough and sometimes even a whimper.
Last night at 4am, he sat up and cried. I went in the room and laid down with him. He started drifting off back to sleep. I got up and told him, okay buddy it's night night time. He didn't even cry. He did wake up awfully early this morning, but he didn't cry like he was confused. He just stayed in bed and yelled for mommy. I watched him for a couple minutes through the monitor just to see what he was going to do. He did nothing out of the ordinary. He did what he normally did in his crib. He just rolled around like the wiggle worm he is.
We survived our first night of him sleeping in his bed. I'm sure all of us are suffering. I didn't sleep well. Let's face it, I'm 9 months pregnant..I haven't slept well in a while. I'm sure he didn't sleep well either but maybe he'll adjust? I think it's because he moves so much and the sound of his mattress is pretty annoying I must admit. But, his other mattress is the same way!
I must say I feel accomplished. I really was worried about how we were going to get him adjusted. It's moments like this though, that makes being a first time parent exciting. It truly is a journey and a learning experience because with Trent, we're not going to have that newbie feeling. We would've done it and experienced it already. Chase will always be the one we experience all of our first with.
I can't believe he's turning 2 this Sunday. It is mind boggling how fast time has gone by and how much he has grown. I swear in the last week he's gotten taller, speaks more words and his personality has gotten even weirder.
Our little baby Chase is all grown up..
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Last Day of Work! 36 Weeks Pregnant!
I can't believe it, but it's finally here. The last day of work before I start maternity leave. I've been waiting for this day for tooooo long and it's surreal that it's finally here. Last time, I was looking forward to it because I knew that meant I got to rest. This time, it's a little different. I know there is no rest and more like time to get stuff ready but in a way it's good because it's the only time I know I'll have to get stuff ready. Part of me is excited to have a newborn again because now when I look back now I feel like it was so easy. I would have so much time to get all these things accomplished. Then I remember, I have a 2 year old AND a newborn this time. Not so relaxing. The perk is, I'm going to enroll Chase is school part time so at least I'll have some time to myself and just the newborn.
I don't know how this is gonna work out. Having a 2 year old and a newborn to myself. I think it's definitely going to be challenging. I'm ready for this baby to come, I think it's more of, am I ready to go through this new adventure with Chase. To help him understand and cope with what he might go through physically and emotionally. I only have 4 weeks from tomorrow until my schedule C-section. We did the hospital tour yesterday (our first time since we didn't with the other hospital) and it was kind of nice. Makes reality sink in a little bit. I have to clean, the house, prep the room, go shopping for a new closet layout for Chase's room, prepare stuff for Chase's birthday, prepare stuff for the baby, put Chase's bed together, prepare for diaper party. I have ton's of stuff to do and I feel like so little time.
My back has been killing me lately. I got in this really bad car accident when I was around 15-16. I was a passenger in an S2000 and the car lost control. Ended up on the opposite side of traffic with the car facing sideways and an Albertson's Semi ended up hitting the passenger side. I don't really remember much. I just know that the car crushed up like a tin can. All of my stuff flew everywhere since the top was down. I hopped out of the car and tried to walk home and I was only 2 blocks away but I couldn't remember where I lived. I just started walking feeling really fuzzy. I was on probation at the time and this is at like 2am and my curfew was 7pm. People asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital and I said no cuz I didn't want to get in trouble for breaking curfew, although now I wish I did. These two ladies in a truck that witnessed everything was following next to me asking if I wanted a ride. I just remembered getting in and trying to give them directions as to how to get to my house. It took me a while to remember and when I finally went home I just crawled into bed like nothing happened. I found glass pieces in my shoe the next day. I had a big lump on the side of my head. I think I shattered the window with my head. My back felt like I had got batted up and jumped. My body was so sore. I never told my sister because I was afraid I was going to get in trouble. I ended up telling her maybe a year later about the incident. Ever since then, my back has never been the same. When I was 21, I started going to the chiropractor every other week because my back got really bad. It was misaligned, I had inflammation on my spine in certain areas. I went for a while but eventually stopped.
With this pregnancy, I think my back is getting worse again because of the weight and with the lack of rest. It's hard when you have to carry a 2 year old and pick him up, bend down and do all these things with 30 lbs hanging from your belly and you're picking up another 25lbs.. The first time around, I got to rest when I got home and I didn't do as much physical labor.
Anyways! I took a picture of myself recently to compare my size. When I was pregnant with Chase, I took this picture of myself that was around a month before I delivered. I decided to take a picture around the same time to compare my belly size! Everyone keeps asking if I'm bigger or smaller and to be honest I can't tell. I feel like I'm smaller?
I don't know how this is gonna work out. Having a 2 year old and a newborn to myself. I think it's definitely going to be challenging. I'm ready for this baby to come, I think it's more of, am I ready to go through this new adventure with Chase. To help him understand and cope with what he might go through physically and emotionally. I only have 4 weeks from tomorrow until my schedule C-section. We did the hospital tour yesterday (our first time since we didn't with the other hospital) and it was kind of nice. Makes reality sink in a little bit. I have to clean, the house, prep the room, go shopping for a new closet layout for Chase's room, prepare stuff for Chase's birthday, prepare stuff for the baby, put Chase's bed together, prepare for diaper party. I have ton's of stuff to do and I feel like so little time.
My back has been killing me lately. I got in this really bad car accident when I was around 15-16. I was a passenger in an S2000 and the car lost control. Ended up on the opposite side of traffic with the car facing sideways and an Albertson's Semi ended up hitting the passenger side. I don't really remember much. I just know that the car crushed up like a tin can. All of my stuff flew everywhere since the top was down. I hopped out of the car and tried to walk home and I was only 2 blocks away but I couldn't remember where I lived. I just started walking feeling really fuzzy. I was on probation at the time and this is at like 2am and my curfew was 7pm. People asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital and I said no cuz I didn't want to get in trouble for breaking curfew, although now I wish I did. These two ladies in a truck that witnessed everything was following next to me asking if I wanted a ride. I just remembered getting in and trying to give them directions as to how to get to my house. It took me a while to remember and when I finally went home I just crawled into bed like nothing happened. I found glass pieces in my shoe the next day. I had a big lump on the side of my head. I think I shattered the window with my head. My back felt like I had got batted up and jumped. My body was so sore. I never told my sister because I was afraid I was going to get in trouble. I ended up telling her maybe a year later about the incident. Ever since then, my back has never been the same. When I was 21, I started going to the chiropractor every other week because my back got really bad. It was misaligned, I had inflammation on my spine in certain areas. I went for a while but eventually stopped.
With this pregnancy, I think my back is getting worse again because of the weight and with the lack of rest. It's hard when you have to carry a 2 year old and pick him up, bend down and do all these things with 30 lbs hanging from your belly and you're picking up another 25lbs.. The first time around, I got to rest when I got home and I didn't do as much physical labor.
Anyways! I took a picture of myself recently to compare my size. When I was pregnant with Chase, I took this picture of myself that was around a month before I delivered. I decided to take a picture around the same time to compare my belly size! Everyone keeps asking if I'm bigger or smaller and to be honest I can't tell. I feel like I'm smaller?
Okay, I definitely feel like I look smaller this time around or maybe its the way I'm taking the picture. Although, I think weight gain I'm the same so far. I gained a total of 28lbs with my previous pregnancy.
I feel like I'm going to go into labor earlier this time, but what do I know. I hope I do I think it would be exciting to actually freak out and "experience labor." Technically I did, because I didn't get my epidural until I was 5 cm dilated. I went in to get induced at 4 cm, and they gave me a little bit of pytocin. I had contractions every 3 minutes to 5 cm then they gave me the epidural. I didn't think contractions were that bad to be honest. It wasn't anything to scream or cry about. But who knows, maybe if I go into labor it'll feel different?
Friday, July 6, 2012
Stain Glass JELLO Recipe
For the first time ever, I made something patriotic for July 4th. I think this was the first year where I actually felt like I was celebrating July 4th. Growing up, we didn't really celebrate any holidays. I mean, we would have go out for dinner or have hot pot for Christmas or Thanksgiving. Chinese New Years we'd go and eat out somewhere. We never really decorated, planned for anything or was gung-ho about holidays. I think that's why now that I have my own family I want to celebrate everything!
This year, we had a bbq with all of the neighbors and friends. I actually enjoyed the preparation although my feet was killing me afterwards. I wanted to do something patriotic but didn't know what and I decided JELLO! Who doesn't love jello and it's something fun to eat on a hot day and I can make it red, white and blue! I was going to make them into star shapes, but the cookie cutter I borrowed was too big and I would only have a couple stars. I also got antsy and didn't let them solidify enough before bringing them out.
Stain Glass JELLO
2 6oz Boxes of different color JELLO
2 Pockets of Knox unflavored Gelatin
14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
Make the two flavors in seperate pans. I used 9x13 glass pans. When firm, cut them into small blocks and mix carefully in a 9x13 glass pan. I would recommend approximately 1/2 inch blocks. I made mine a little too big.
In a separate bowl, sprinkle Knox gelatin mix into 1/2 cup of cold water. Bring 1 1/2 cup of water to a boil. When gelatin has bloomed, add boiling water and mix until dissolved. Add the 14 oz of condensed milk to the hot water and mix well. Let it cool. After condense milk mixture has cooled. Pour over the cubed JELLO and place place in fridge until firm!
You can cut them into cubes if you'd like, use a cookie cutter and make shapes. I'm looking forward to using this recipe for future holidays and trying a variety of color! Mine didn't come out as pretty. I think my cubes were a little too big so the white gelatin didn't really make it stick. I also didn't do a great job of scooping it lol.
It's suppose to look like this!
Cilantro-Lime Chicken Marinade
So I decided to try a different marinade for the chicken I was making for July 4th. I've always seen different recipes that asks for you to throw the ingredients in a food processor but I'm always too lazy. I finally got around to it and it turned out amazing. I also tried making stain glass jello, which wasn't as pretty as I thought but still turned out pretty patriotic.
Cilantro-Lime Marinade
1 Bunch of cilantro
2 :Limes
3 Cloves Garlic
2 Whole Dried Red Pepper
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (or whatever oil you choose)
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Coarse Pepper
Chop up the cilantro, (I only used the leafs), place in processor along with all of the other ingredients. Blend until a smooth puree. Add to chicken and coat! Told you it was easy!
I used a little over 4lbs of boneless chicken breast, but that's because the store ran out of bone-in chicken thighs.
Cilantro-Lime Marinade
1 Bunch of cilantro
2 :Limes
3 Cloves Garlic
2 Whole Dried Red Pepper
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (or whatever oil you choose)
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Coarse Pepper
Chop up the cilantro, (I only used the leafs), place in processor along with all of the other ingredients. Blend until a smooth puree. Add to chicken and coat! Told you it was easy!
I used a little over 4lbs of boneless chicken breast, but that's because the store ran out of bone-in chicken thighs.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Men Pregnancy Challenge (I dare you!)
Let's face it ladies, men will NEVER understand how difficult it is to be pregnant. Since they can't experience it, they can never even fathom what it's like and what self sacrifice it is. However, just because they can't physically endure all of it, that doesn't mean they shouldn't try to experience at least part of it. Maybe if they even got to experience just some of the things we go through, and realize that there's more they would respect us more for what we have to endure, maybe be a little more considerate?
I wonder if there are any men out there that can actually complete this challenge or would they give up halfway. Ladies, if you could get your man to try this tell me how it turns out. If they pull through or give up half way.
Just because men can't feel the hormonal changes, backaches, morning sickness, headaches, leg cramps, indigestion, heartburn, frequent urination, belly itch, swollen feet and other internal things. BUT, there's more to that then just pregnancy. Pretty much from the moment we find out we're pregnant til we are done breastfeeding, it is a constant self sacrifice. We no longer live for ourselves, we live for your fetus, for our newborn.
The 10 Month Challenge
I wonder if there are any men out there that can actually complete this challenge or would they give up halfway. Ladies, if you could get your man to try this tell me how it turns out. If they pull through or give up half way.
Just because men can't feel the hormonal changes, backaches, morning sickness, headaches, leg cramps, indigestion, heartburn, frequent urination, belly itch, swollen feet and other internal things. BUT, there's more to that then just pregnancy. Pretty much from the moment we find out we're pregnant til we are done breastfeeding, it is a constant self sacrifice. We no longer live for ourselves, we live for your fetus, for our newborn.
The 10 Month Challenge
- No smoking or drinking. You know the drill. From the moment you find out to the day you give birth and if you want to extend the challenge to when you're done breastfeeding even better.
- Give up sports or whatever it might be. Yeah for us athletes, we have to give up the sport we love for the sake of the baby..so you do too.
- Pretty much adapt your lifestyle as we do for the sake of the baby's health. No more energy drinks, eating healthier, cutting down the caffeine, sleeping on your side, no jacuzzi's and etc..
- As for the weight gain, I don't think we can ask them to wear additional weight to work or out in public. They should at least experience what it's like to have discomfort in their sleep. Make them wear extra weight around the house or when they're sleeping. Maybe even go as extreme as those fake pregnant bellies they use in school. Hell make them carry around a 30 lb bag of rice or dog food in a baby carrier when they're home or when they're sleeping.
I think it's time men learn to appreciate what women go through to bear children. I'm sure most men do appreciate it already, but I don't think they ever truly will unless they endure it themselves.
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