Latest obsession

I've become a little obsessed with cooking blogs this week.

It makes me want to start my own.

But then I don't think I have enough experience with ingredients and creating my own recipes.

But I still dream about it...

Maybe someday.

Maybe not.

I'll let ya know.

New favorite toy(s)

Here are some pictures of what we've been up too these days. First off, it snowed on Saturday. I blogged about it, but didn't include a pictures. This was the day after. Of course it was totally melted by that night. But still...in March? Almost April? How bout some warmer weather and thunderstorms, please?

Last week we got a surprise package in the mail!! I had seriously been thinking about this exact toy earlier that day and wondering how I could get one without paying too much...Then this showed up!!!

THANK YOU Uncle Afton and Aunt Tina!!! We sure love you guys.

It took him a couple minutes to figure out what to do. Now he LOVES playing here!! It's his new favorite toy.

Of course he loves looking at me way more than playing with any toy... :-)

And of course he loves to smile.

We did a little tummy time on the play mat. He's getting pretty good! I'm amazed I caught this shot. I was twisted all funny and not even looking at the screen on the camera. Wahoo!

This was bath time yesterday. I give him a bath every morning. It's part of our morning routine. This time we tried the tub in the tub. He doesn't seem too sure about it....

But afterward he was pretty darn cute all wrapped up! He's much happier about being in a towel these days. However, he still prefers to be nakee shakee. :-)

And those are some things we do all day! We're still waiting on mom and dad's (our) new favorite toy. I'll post when it gets here!!!

p.s. As I've written before, our babe sleeps amazingly at night. However, he struggles with day time naps. Today I dedicated the day to setting a new nap routine. It's almost identical to the bed routine: double swaddle, binky, hold and rock in chair while reading a story, lay in crib. So far he has taken a 2 1/2 hour nap and a 1 1/2 hour nap today! He was SO exhausted yesterday because he slept maybe 2 hours during the day. Last night he ate at 9 pm and woke up at 7 am. Ate and went back to sleep for another 3 1/2 hours. Then he had the two long naps. It'll be interesting to see what our day is like tomorrow since he'll be all caught up on sleep.

My thoughts this evening

Well, I finally did it.

I finally left my baby at the child care in the gym.

It was a big step for me.

Luckily there were only a couple other kids in there and my babe is a social bug, so he was happy the whole time.

I burned 450 calories in 30 minutes.

according to the treadmill.

but how accurate are those things, really?

I also experienced an old man fall off his treadmill. While it was steeply inclined.

It broke my heart in a billion pieces.

I would've helped, but several other people got to him first, so there wasn't anything I could do.

Probably didn't feel very good. He was between 70-80 years old I think.

I'm sure his pride was broken too.

Broke my heart. I just wanted to hug him.

I also saw a funeral procession on my way to the gym.

I almost cried.

I feel like having a baby makes me more sensitive to things.

Especially things that are really important.

Things like people. Life. Death. Service in the military. Miracles. Tragedy.

I guess helping create a life causes that.

Sometimes it still seems so surreal that I actually had a baby.

It seems so natural to be a mom. I almost forget what it was like before.

easier in alot of ways.

mostly easier to get out and about.

It just amazes me that I had a baby.

I was a co-creator of a human being.

Wow.

and the verdict is...

Bag balm + blow drying + a little cornstarch = healing diaper rash!!!!

I got a billion different answers on how to help diaper rash on my facebook. (even though I wasn't directly asking for it!)

But, I decided to trust someone who I can always trust...

"drum roll please..."

Dr. Mom.

Dr. Mom seriously has all the answers for pretty much everything.

perhaps someday I'll get to that point...

She reminded me of this really awesome thing called Bag Balm!

It's actually this balmy balm-like vaseline-y substance that farmers use on their cows udders. And it works great on pretty much any rash too! I remember Dr. Mom using it on little brother's bum when he was a baby. So, I decided to get me some and try it out.

We did lots of blow drying, lots of bare bum time, lots of bag balm and about 2 diapers with cornstarch. This morning the rash looks SO much better! And is more than halfway gone!

Yay for Dr. Mom!

(and kudos to my cousin for reminding us about cornstarch. amazing what kitchen items can do when not used in the kitchen)

and now even though it is bright and sunny and much more beautiful outside than the blizzard on Saturday, I have no motivation to do anything but eat a chocolate cupcake and climb back in bed for another nap while my baby is sleeping. Why does it seem like I never get enough sleep even though I get more sleep than ALOT of other moms I know?

yes and no, why did it snow?

Yes, I really did sprain my rotator cuff.

No, I have not stopped swaddling my baby.

He sleeps 8 hours straight at night, why would I stop?

No, he does not break free anymore.

Yes, he likes being swaddled to sleep now.

No, I was not viciously swaddling him, I just happened to pull the corner tight using my muscles the wrong way.

I don't know how long treatments will last.

Probably until it gets better.

Yes, it did snow a blizzard yesterday.

Probably like 12 inches.

just kidding.

more like 4.

but that's pretty much the same in March, right?

Someday we'll go to the Zoo...

No, Kansas did not win today.

Yes, both of my teams are out of the tourny.

No, I did not cry.

but almost...

Yes, my birthday is in one month and one day from today.

Yes, I will finally have a party this year! With friends!

as opposed to a party with strangers...

No, the party will not be on my birthday.

but it's okay.

I'd rather have friends there.

If you're around, you're invited!

If not, sorry. Sucks for you.

oh, that was a little rude.

sometimes I can be a little rude when I'm trying to be assertive.

especially when I'm trying to get something I want.

like a new couch.

I can be pretty dang assertive when I want to be.

and if I really want something, I'll get it.

but I have to reaaaally want it.

then I make a way.

I'm stubborn and persistent like that.

don't think I'm a spoiled brat.

cuz I'm not.

I just speak my mind and go after things I want.

like jobs.

I've never been not offered a job I've interviewed for.

drives my hubby crazy.

and that's it for tonight.

Have you ever...?

I went on a 2 week Ballroom Dance tour with my team to Nauvoo, Illinois 2 years ago.

One night, this happened...

Summer in Midwest = humid.

Humid = sweat.

Sweat = sticky skin.

Sticky skin = difficult costume changes.

Difficult costume change = crotch snap unsnapped

Crotch snap unsnapped = "tail" hanging out the back for the Finale

Have you ever tried changing from a one (long) sleeved Jive dress to a long sleeve, turtle neck, snap crotch, spandex leotard, with spandex jazz pants, a sequin vest, and a bowler hat in about 30 seconds?

...with 3 inch latin heels on.

...oh yeah, and without prepping the costume earlier in the show.

(which meant the leotard was inside out and backwards)

Good thing it was a good thing to have a huge smile on-stage for the Finale!

A "sports injury" from swaddling??

I think I am the only person in the whole world that could sprain their rotator cuff swaddling a baby.

My baby was an escape artist.

Most nights we would find the swaddle completely intact but with both arms out.

How?

No idea.

So I got tired of it.

I started the double swaddle.

Worked for one night.

Then he got out.

So I decided to swaddle tighter.

And one night, I apparently swaddled too tight.

For me.

I was pulling the blanket as tight as I could and I heard a distinct pop in my shoulder.

Followed by intense, extreme pain from my shoulder to my fingers.

I couldn't move for a minute.

I finished the swaddle as best I could and stumbled to bed.

A few days later I went to the chiropractor (well, intern).

After lots of ranges of motion testing, she announced my treatment plan:

"I want to do laser treatment on your shoulder. It appears that you have strained or sprained your rotator cuff."

Are you kidding?

Seriously?

I sprained my rotator cuff....SWADDLING A FREAKIN BABY!

Who does that!?

...apparently me.

So anyway, I think she's probably right. It hurts like crazy when I move my arm certain ways and especially when I, well, rotate.

Imagine that.

Secrets that will change your life

Before I reveal my secrets, here is a picture.

Can you believe how stinkin cute he is?

Oh my goodness.

I seriously cannot get over his cuteness.

And how big he's getting.

And how happy he is.

AHH! I love my baby.

I have finally done it.

I have mastered....

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Okay. I have some explaining. Then I'll post the recipe.

First off, I can cook really well. I know this, hubby knows this, friends and family know this. I know when I make something that is less than stellar because it doesn't taste good, and I know when I make something amazing. I'm picky like that. I'm not ashamed to say I can whip up some dang good food. However, I lack in the baking department.

Even hubby agrees with that.

Cookies are more of a baking thing than a cooking thing.

I'm not sure why it's so difficult for me to bake.

A couple times hubby has said things like "maybe you should stick to cooking dinner and let me handle the baking."

Yes, he has better baking tendencies than me. Oh well.

So, I'm picky about chocolate chip cookies. Don't get me wrong, I'll always try one. If I like it, I might eat two. If I don't, I won't. I have been in search of my favorite CCC recipe for many years. Quite often the dough is too sweet, or not salty enough. Or the cookies collapse. Or the cookies look that grayish un-done color when they're at the perfect gooey stage. Or the consistency is not right. Or they taste too much like shortening and flour and not enough like sweet yummyness. Etc.

But I finally found the perfect combination.

For me.

Here are my secrets:

-Use part butter and part shortening.

Why? The butter adds the savory, salty, yummy flavor I love, the shortening keeps the cookies fluffy and soft, and they don't collapse in that gooey stage.

-Use chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.

Why? It adds a bigger assortment of flavors. Every cookie is different, yet every cookie is delicious. The variety of chips adds an element of surprise and sweet flavor.

-Bake at 350 for 8 minutes.

Note: this is in my oven. Which I am still learning how to use. When cooked in my oven at this temp for this time, these cookies have a perfect golden top, gooey inside, and crisp edges.

Now, here is the biggest secret of all: With the butter/shortening combo, you have to be really careful with the butter temperature! It has to be soft enough to beat, but not melting. And, if you leave it on the counter too long, it'll get too melty and the dough will get that gray/brown color and the cookies will collapse. (I've tested this out) So, as soon as you whip up a batch, throw some in the oven, then REFRIGERATE the dough asap! Or you can freeze it. The fridging/freezing stage also helps the flour absorb the flavors more so the dough becomes even more savory and delicious. And the key is to keep the dough that very light color.

I don't have a picture of the cookies.

But here is the color the dough is and should be.

So basically, with these secrets I have finally figured out, and this recipe, it has all come together for the most amazing and delicious chocolate chip cookies I have ever made in my life. YUM!!!!

Mom Dodds' Chocolate Chip Cookies (with my edits)

1 1/2 c. shortening

*1 c. shortening, 1/2 c. butter

1 1/2 c. white sugar

3/4 c. packed brown sugar

1 1/2 teas. vanilla

3 eggs

1 1/2 teas. soda

1 1/2 teas. salt

3 1/2-4 c. flour

*I start with just under 3 1/2 then add more as needed. The dough should be soft and just barely sticky to the touch.

2 c. chocolate chips

*I never measure the chips. But I would guess I do about 1 c. chocolate, 1/3 c. white, 1/3 c. butterscotch.

1 c. nuts (optional)

Beat shortening, sugars, vanilla eggs. Add soda, salt, flour. Mix well. Add chips. Drop onto cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes (8 min is perfect for our oven)

Me: before and after pictures

I just want to make sure I explain that my post yesterday was not intended to be depressing or to make it sound like I am unhappy with my body since having a baby. It was a re-commitment to the gym and exercising because it makes me feel good. (and because we're paying for it...) Call me crazy, but I love waking up in the morning with my whole body sore and aching from my workout the day before. It's happy pain. And it helps me feel accomplished.

So here's comparison pictures.

Before.

9 months pregnant.

(boy am I glad to not be that big anymore!!!)

AFTER!

10 weeks post baby

I am actually quite satisfied with my body since having my baby!

I took this lovely self-portrait today in the mirror.

Self-portraits in the mirror are kind of tricky.

I think I look pretty good!! :-)

(especially considering I eat way too much chocolate, cookie dough, fruit snacks and cadbury mini eggs)

I feel really good too. I can fit in pretty much all my pre-pregnancy pants and shorts, the ones I've tried on anyway. I'm mostly just working to get that little poochy band around my lower tummy to go away. And also to re-tone and sculpt my muscles. That picture also makes me look a little bigger than I might actually be in an upper region of my abdomen. I'm not complaining though. One (of many) awesome thing about having a baby and nursing!

I did go to the pump class last night.

I left my baby for the first time with a friend. It made me feel better than leaving him in the child care.

I am SO sore this morning.

It feels spectacular.

This is my baby.

He does this all day.

Especially after naps and eating.

And especially when I smile at him.

Sometimes I wonder if he's TOO happy.

But then I just feel grateful that he is.

And that he's mine.

I also feel really grateful that this bigger guy is mine.

He's pretty happy all day too.

Cute, too.

But I don't get to see him much until night.

He claimed he had to study alot last night.

Do you really think he got much accomplished?

;-)

I seriously love my boys.

p.s. this photo may or may not have been staged... :-)

Re-commitment

I just realized I do not have a recent photo of myself. I take a billion of my baby and my hubby, but none with me in them.

This is not a recent picture.

It was taken almost 2 years ago.

Doesn't my hair look awesome?

And isn't my man so sexy? (he tans so nicely)

I love this picture.

Saturday was a glorious day.

My baby slept until 4:30 and then woke again at 7:30.

I couldn't get back to sleep after 7:30, so I did something I have not done in months.

GYM.

It was delightful!!!!!!

I hate running. But I also love it.

I felt pretty accomplished walking and running intervals of 4 and 5 mph for 3-5 minutes at various inclines. I did this for almost 40 minutes.

Then I did the elliptical for 16 minutes. I tried using my arms more than legs.

It felt delicious to be sweaty and achy.

I came home very happy.

Is it weird that I find delight in sweat and pain?

Today I'm going to try a pump class.

It's like a cardio/aerobic/weight lifting class.

Fun.

On Friday my man and I had a deep conversation.

He reminded me that before I can take care of others, I have to take care of myself.

Which I have not been doing.

He reminded me how much I love working out.

How good and happy it makes me feel.

I told him that I was scared to work out.

Because I knew where my body was and what I had been previously capable of.

But that now I'm scared and I feel like I'll fail.

He reminded me that if I don't try, I've already failed.

And that I will fail my expectations of being able to do what I did before I got pregnant the first time I go to the gym.

But that I won't fail if I actually try and start easy.

He likened the situation to Biggest Loser

(reminding me I'm not that huge, nor will ever be)

He said that the first time those people did the workout, they couldn't do it. They failed.

But as they kept working and the weeks went on, they can do more than they ever thought possible.

So basically, I just have to start somewhere. And by consistently working I can get back to where I was. (which was pretty dang hott. and buff. and fit.) (it's okay, sometimes I have pride issues)

This was my peak of amazing body shape.

I was 16.

125 lbs. 18% body fat.

25 hours of dance a week

3 hours of weights a week

I thought I was fat.

(I am realistic and realize I probably won't get to that size anytime soon considering I'm still nursing, just had a baby, and my boobs are 3x as big)

But, I have now re-committed and decided I HAVE to make the gym a priority in my life.

(or at least exercising)

My body was meant to move and be active.

Sitting around does nothing good.

Like my man said the other day as well "wouldn't you rather be running around playing in the game than sitting on the sidelines?" YES!!!!!!

I should put together a co-ed soccer team...

This picture has no relevance.

Except that I was SO tan.

And I was also very small and buff.

I was 17.

Still dancing at least 25 hours a week.

Lifting weights 3 hours a week.

Running a 1-2 miles a day.

And I still thought I was fat.

I had issues.

But I won 2nd place in Leaps and 5th place All American at this National competition! Our team won 1st in Collegiate Hip Hop.

I am now composing in my head a future post about body image.

THE END.

BYU ball

I've never been that interested in college basketball until this year. That all changed with a guy by the name of "Jimmer Fredette."

If you follow college ball, you know who he is.

But if you don't, then I'll tell ya.

He's a guy on the BYU basketball team.

One time he scored 52 points in a game.

He shoots and makes shots that make you say "how the heck did he make that!"

He can shoot almost 30 feet away from the hoop and make it.

Who does that??

I kept hearing all the hype about this Jimmer kid and figured I should probably watch him.

It was worth it.

His name has now become more of a verb than a noun.

"You got Jimmered"

"Jimmer-time"

"Fredette about it"

"The Jimmer Show"

Oh yeah, and he's made it to Wikipedia here

I've been loving watching BYU play. And not just because of Jimmer. The whole team is great.

Also, a guy on the team, Brandon Davies, got suspended because of Honor Code violation.

Basically, BYU has been in the media BIG TIME this year!!!

It's kind of awesome.

Proud to be an Alum.

And proud to be a Mormon.

In closing, March Madness is much more fun this year!!!!

Can't wait to watch BYU play in the 2nd round tonight.

And, my bracket is beating my hub's.

Boo-yah!!

p.s. this is probably old news to anyone who reads my blog, but I figured I should write about it for more of a history/journal-type entry.

2 month stats

I took the babe to the pediatrician yesterday for his 2 month check up.

First of all, since when the heck did he become 2 MONTHS!?!?!? I seriously just had him yesterday!

Second of all, remember when I was SO worried he wasn't getting enough food? HA! Guess how much he weighs??

12 pounds 9 ounces.

Mr. Chunky Chunk! I'd say he's definitely getting plenty of food! He is also: 22 inches and his head is 40 cm. At birth he was 7 lbs, 8 oz, 19 3/4 inches, and his head was 13 cm. We got a growing boy on our hands!

Last night I was at a church activity and one of the gals just had a baby a little over a week ago. Her baby is the same size ours was when he was born. It was so crazy seeing her baby! She looked so teeny tiny! And that's how big our babe was 2 months ago. It didn't seem quite right. Or real. I guess that's why people have more than one kid...they forget how cute and little they are right after birth.

I wish I could freeze time and keep my babe little. He's just growing so fast. I can't believe how quick time flies and how fast these babies grow up.

My challenge and game plan

So now that I wrote about Japan I feel like I can move on to lighter things.

Today my sweet babe had a delightful conversation with the mobile animals on his swing before he fell asleep. It was pretty cute. He is becoming such a flirt! Lately he would rather smile, coo, and flirt with me than nurse. It's quite funny. I smile at him, he smiles back. I smile bigger, he smiles bigger. He also thinks it's really fun to try and smile and coo when the binky is in his mouth.

Mostly he's just dang cute.

Also last night he slept through the night.

I fed him at 8 pm.

He fell asleep around 9:30 pm.

He woke up at 4:50 am.

That's 9 hours without food.

7 1/2 hours of straight sleep.

He spent only 30 min awake at 5, then was asleep again til 8 am.

Can he please do that every night?

I did a little "research" about it online (google)...if it's "normal" for a 10 week old to sleep that long. I guess it is. Especially when the baby has had a consistent night time routine they sleep through the night sooner. I'd say we have a consistent routine.

Every night at the same time (between 7:30-8 pm) I feed him. Change diaper. Dress in pj's. Double swaddle. The hold him and rock him while I read "Love you Forever." Then when he's almost asleep, but not completely out, I lay him in the crib.

Sometimes he's out and we don't hear him.

Sometimes he fusses right away.

Sometimes he sleeps 30 minutes, then fusses once and is out.

Sometimes he sleeps 15 min, fusses, sleeps, wakes, fusses, sleeps.

But he hasn't ever fussed more than 2 or 3 times.

And he hasn't ever been awake still after 9:30 ish.

Except when we're not home.

And we do let him cry it out.

(unless the cry turns to a "I need you now!!" wail)

(and really, it's usually more of a fussy-tired cry)

He doesn't usually cry more than 5-10 minutes.

And he sleeps longer and better when we let him do that.

It's not for everyone, I know.

But it works for us.

Enough about the baby. Here's some facts about me.

The other night I challenged my hubby to a "who can get a 6-pack (abs) first?" contest.

He declined.

But he offered me $150 to have a flat stomach by May 15th.

Don't ask why that date.

I have no idea.

Random.

I think it's possible. But I'm not 100% sure. He did say that it doesn't necessarily have to be a six pack, but he'll be the judge.

...$150 sure sounds nice for some new clothes

So, if I don't write my goals down, and I don't make it public some way, and I don't have someone to be accountable to (besides myself), then it doesn't usually happen. So, here is my game plan.

Keep in mind I'm still less than 10 weeks post-partum

Which means the plan could change.

But right now it sounds good. in my head.

Mon/Wed/Fri- 30+ min cardio: walking/running, mall walking, tae-bo, bicycle, elliptical

Tues/Thurs/Sat- 30+ strength/abs: free weights, squats, lunges, abs, calf raises, glutes

Sunday- rest

Food:

Since I can't restrict my calories too much because of nursing, I am limited to what I can do.

Smart snacks: fruit, veggies, yogurt, granola bar, string cheese, jerky, etc. 100-200 cal

Smart meals: lots of protein, salads, veggies, fruits, etc. Portion control.

Water: at least 96 oz. a day

Sugar: limit to only 1 or 2 sweet treats a day

-this will be the toughest. I'm a chocoholic. I feel the need to have a dessert after every meal. Even breakfast sometimes. Ice cream, cookies, chocolates, easter candy, etc. I'm awful at it. But, this is the thing that will help me the most. If I can limit and/or cut sugar out, I know I'll drop inches fast.

Lately we've been on a salad kick. I bought a ton of lettuce and we're trying to use it up. We have salads as a side with everything and then have salads as meals too with lots of veggies and fun stuff. It's yummy and healthy!

Also, there's this little thing that gets in the way of this wonderful-on-paper-and-in-my-head plan: nursing.

Nursing makes me so hungry! I seriously could eat every single hour. And no matter how much I eat, I'm still hungry an hour later. It's stupid. I guess I should drink more water and just try to overcome it.

Any moms out there got any advice, tips, or anything else to share that might help me?

p.s. Do I write too much? Sometimes I think I do. But I have alot to say! Plus, I want to have some record of cute things that happen with my babe. I'm not very good at journaling, so this is pretty much my journal. And maybe I want to go buy some Easter candy tomorrow...

reflections

I read a blog post by a friend today and by my mom the other day that have caused me to stop and reflect.

It's snowing and cold again today. I could complain about it. But I'm inside. Warm. Dry. The heater is running.

450,000 Japanese people are living in shelters.

Thousands of others are roaming the streets with nowhere to go.

I made a sandwich today for lunch. Accompanied by yogurt and chips.

The Japanese people are rationing dried noodles and rice balls.

I poured a large glass of cold water to drink.

The Japanese people are struggling to search for water.

I've tried to turn lights off to conserve electricity.

Most Japanese people do not have electricity.

Or a home.

I could complain about gas costing $3.50 a gallon.

I don't have to wait in line for 5 hours just to hear the gas is only for emergency vehicles.

My baby is sick with a cold.

Many mothers are wondering where their babies are.

If they're alive.

I cannot comprehend the heartache that is happening as I type. I cannot comprehend what it would be like to lose everything. I cannot comprehend what it would be like to not know where my family was, or if they were alive. It breaks my heart to see a video on CNN titled: "I don't know if it was good that I survived." I cannot comprehend destruction so massive it seems a better option to not have lived.

I read one headline yesterday that made me cry: "All LDS missionaries in Japan safe and accounted for."

As I reflect I feel grateful.

Grateful for every single thing I have. Every moment I have with my husband. Every cuddle I get with my son. I am even grateful for the hardened cheese stuck to the brush in the sink this morning. Because it means that we had a good dinner last night. It means I have a sink and running water to wash our dishes in. It means I woke up this morning to my life as it should be.

I am grateful.

I can only pray I will not ever take for granted the blessings and trials I have been given.

I never know when disaster might happen.

And I can only pray for those who are suffering that they might find comfort and peace to their souls through the love of God.

sick baby

Our baby is sick.

(this is not a sick baby photo)

(it is a cute, chubby, happy, baby-who-never-stops-kicking-and-moving-so-his-limbs-are-always-blurry-in-photos- photo)

Not really-really sick, but he has a little cold.

It broke my heart last night when he woke up 45 minutes after going to sleep because he had a stuffy nose so he couldn't breathe as easily. I tried using the syringe to get some of the stuff out, but I'm not that good at it. He screamed like crazy. I wanted to cry a little. Then, of course, I couldn't sleep because I kept listening for him wanting to make sure he was okay.

Which he was, of course.

And then he woke up this morning and his eyes were red and watery, his nose was still stuffy, and he had a little cough every so often, but he was still smiling at me.

We stayed home from church.

I fed him and cuddled him.

Poor guy was exhausted too!

I think he only slept for about an hour yesterday between 6pm-11:15pm.

no, we're not bad parents.

we tried to put him to sleep.

he didn't want to.

we were hanging with some friends, and he wanted to be social too.

So he's been sleeping alot today.

Which is good.

Because being tired and having a cold is a bad combination.

I just hope he doesn't get any worse because I feel so helpless now, I can't imagine how it would be if he was worse. And really, he's not that bad. You probably couldn't tell. But I can. Because I know my baby. And I know when he's not acting normal and when he's feeling sick.

Amazing what kind of mom super powers you get when you give birth.

We also have our 2 month check up on Tuesday. So I'm not too worried about him since he'll see the doctor anyway. Not that I would rush to give him medicine (unless it was necessary) but it'll be nice to have her check him out and make sure he's fine.

I think this marks the beginning of the never ending: mom-worries-about-baby/kid/teenager-when-sick phase.

Or actually more appropriately: mom-never-stops-worrying-about-her-children-ever. phase.

It's so fun.

And something I wouldn't trade anything in the world for.

yay!

I don't have alot to say today.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan is devastating. Watching the footage is unreal. It's hard to believe something like that can actually happen. But it did. And it does. I guess the end of the world is coming quick.

Talking to my sister in law today we agreed that it seems like the world is falling apart a little. All these crazy natural disasters, political craziness, and other things. It makes me wonder what the world will be like when my baby is grown up.

All I know for sure is that his spirit is stronger than mine.

It was great to have the hubby home early today. We survived the week of tests! I didn't see much of him, and what I saw was "I'm studying, so I'm out of commission." We celebrated with lunch and a big shopping trip at Costco.

(lame, I know. but it was fun)

I think we have at least a 3 month supply of food storage now! Wahoo! Makes me feel good.

Now I will cuddle with my man, eat some delicious cookies and ice cream, and watch the BYU game. Go Cougs!

New friends and decisions

Today was fantastic.

Remember how I said I wished I knew more people here in my situation? And how I wished I had more friends?

I feel like that changed today.

I met a couple girls on Sunday whose hubby's go to the same school mine does. We talked about getting together for a lunch group. And it happened! And at this lunch group I met about 10 other awesome gals whose hubby's also go to the same school as mine!! Some of them have kids, some don't. But they're all fantastic. I had so much fun!

And it's SO nice to know so many more people who are LDS and who are doing chiropractic.

Kinda makes things easier because people can relate.

And also my kid is adorable.

I'll probably say it everyday.

You'll probably get sick of it.

I don't care.

He's so Dang. Stinkin. Cute.

I'm taking a break from Facebook. I realized last night that I spend way too many hours doing absolutely nothing of value. I thought it'd be interesting to see how much more I can accomplish and do with my life with the time I would normally be a zombie clicking through junk.

(it's not really junk. it's just not a good use of time.)

...and maybe it will help with this "not being able to fall asleep" problem

Some things I want to do with my time:

-journal (like the real, pencil-paper deal)

-clean the bathrooms (don't ask how long it's been...)

-study the scriptures

-read the Ensign

-make jewelry (i miss it!!!)

-call friends and family

-organize places that I feel are unorganized (like my closet.)

-finish and mail the thank you cards that have been sitting on my counter for 2 months

-blog. (i can't give that up. it's a form of escape and freedom for me.)

-write a novel. (i've always wanted to. and i've started several times. i doubt it'll actually happen though. but at least i can try. and hope. or try to hope.)

I also made cookies tonight.

Told you I had an obsession with chocolate

(and I bought chocolate ice cream.)

I changed the recipe a little.

They turned out delicious.

Call me. I'll share. :-)

He's a chub.

A very cute and happy chub.

I love him.

Insomniac

I feel like every post should be named "random thoughts." But that would probably get boring. Maybe I feel that way because my thoughts really are random. And because I'm not so good at labels.

Today, however, I have named this post Insomniac for a few reasons:

1. I feel like an insomniac.

2. I was composing this post in my head numerous times during the night when I should've been sleeping.

3. Because insomniac sounds dramatic. And sometimes my blog posts are more dramatic than real life.

I feel like an insomniac because every night when I lay in my bed exhausted and excited to sleep, guess what happens? My brain decides it's suddenly time to go wild and crazy and think of every possible thing I couldn't have possibly thought about during the day.

And I get itchy. Don't know why. I just do. When I'm tired.

Back to my brain. I try to makes lists of things I'm thinking about before I fall asleep, but that doesn't help too much. A little, but not enough. This morning Hubby asked for an example of what my brain is busy thinking about.

"well, right now I'm thinking about my American Heritage lab when I was in college"

"What the heck!? Why the heck are you thinking about that?"

"Well, I thought about that you said you studied all day yesterday. And I wondered if you went to your cadaver lab. Then I thought about different "labs" in college. How there might be a dry lab and a wet lab. A cadaver lab would be a wet lab because you're actually doing something. My American Heritage lab was a dry lab because I just sat there and it was like another class. But I didn't know that before. I thought I would actually do something in it. But I didn't. And I'm amazed I passed that class because I always fell asleep in lecture and didn't do any homework or studying, and then I had no idea what was going on in the lab. But I still managed to get a C- and pass the class and not have to take it again. And that was my thought process 2 minutes ago."

"Wow."

I think I might need a new brain.

One that likes to sleep more than think.

Also Mr. Man broke out of the double swaddle last night.

What the?? Really?

He has some serious skills.

(maybe I didn't make it tight enough...)

And I also decided last night that when I write, I say things how they are. I don't sugarcoat. Upon occasion I may make things sound worse or better than they are. But I try to be honest and real. My life is not perfect. It's not roses and butterflies. I am not perfect. Sometimes I have really hard days. Like when I get 5 hours of sleep between 10 pm and 5 am. Or like when I feel lonely because it's cloudy outside and I have nothing planned for the day. Or like when I miss my husband because I have seen him for all of 60 minutes in a 24 hour time period.

And I blog about those hard days.

But there are days that make up for those days. Like when my baby wakes up smiling, cooing and kicking all over. Or like when he plays with me for an hour. Or like when he spits up all over my newly washed jeans and then smiles and kicks so much he makes the ottoman he is sitting on rock. Or like when my hubby comes home earlier than expected and we get to cuddle and talk. Or like when I get to see friends and show off my baby. Or like when my baby sleeps a ton so I get lots done. Or like when my baby is asleep in my arms and he smiles. Or like when I send lots of picture texts to hubby and my mom and they think he's adorable. Or like when it rains and sounds glorious. Or like when I cook something really fantastic. Or like when I get an email from an old friend and I get to reminisce about good times.

And I blog about those good days.

I can't appreciate the good without experiencing the hard.

Really, my life is great. I love being a mom!

But it's not always easy.

And sometimes it's not quite fun.

It can actually be pretty tough.

But I love it. And it's worth it. I wouldn't trade being a stay at home mom for anything. I blog to share the good, the bad, and the ugly.

And, of course, the ridiculously cute!!!!

My jeans saga. And other random things

One day I decided to buy myself a pair of jeans.

I thought it would be so wonderful to have some jeans that I could fit into now and not have that "I need to lose 5 more pounds" hanging over my head.

So I did. I bought them.

(and I haven't lost 5 pounds.)

(I have a slight obsession with chocolate.)

(Every. Stinkin. Day.)

And now apparently my dear sweet son loves those jeans best for catching spit up.

Especially right after I pull them out of the dryer and put them on.

But it's all good because he was very pleased with himself today.

I know this because he was kicking, wiggling, smiling, almost giggling, and talking up a storm right after he emptied the contents of his belly onto my newly washed pants.

How could I possibly be mad after that?

Oh yeah. He also discovered how to kick his legs during his sink-bath and splash me all over.

Who is teaching him these things?

It's okay though because last night hubby said "I've never seen such a happy baby before." It's true. He is a ridiculously happy baby.

Except when we swaddle him.

But then he decides it's okay because he sleeps better.

I discovered the double swaddle last night.

I slept 4.5 hours straight.

Bliss.

Mr. Man is a macho man.

When he breaks from the double swaddle, we're in big trouble.

But for now, it works wonders and blesses me with sleep.

Tomorrow I think I might make it to the gym.

He's old enough to attend the child care.

I only feel okay about it because I'll be 100 feet away.

Or less.

a few of my favorite things

First, my apologies for the gigantic pictures. I'm lazy. So I copied and pasted.

Today I was thinking of my favorite things. Here are a few.

1. Levi 524 Too Superlow jeans. They're tight in the morning and stretch out in all the right places by the end of the day. And they don't break the bank. I have two pairs. Love.

2. Kirkland brand Macadamia nut clusters with salted caramel. This is sin in a jar. Heavenly.

3. Homemade pizza. It's more fun and delicious than ordering out. Cheaper too (sometimes). We've had a couple of these in the past week. I also like spreading sauce and cheese on a wheat pita to turn it into a pizza. Yum. (note: this is not a pizza we made. I have a hard time remembering to photograph our food)

4. My black Adidas jacket. It looks a little like this one. We bought this gem in Park City on our honeymoon. I wear it alot. The zipper is broken and the cloth is super worn and thin. And the black is more of a grey from being loved. Yet, I love it. I feel sporty and cute when I wear it. Someday I hope to get a replacement.

5. Euphoria perfume. Hubby bought this for me shortly after we were married. It's my favorite scent. He wears the man version. Makes me want to kiss him all over and, ya know...

6. On the Border chips (round style) and San Antonio's Black Bean & Corn salsa (from Costco). This is a spicy, sexy, heavenly combination of the most delicious chip and the most delicious salsa. It leaves that amazing burn on your tongue that makes you want more. I may or may not be headed to Costco today to get 4 more jars...

7. Bath & Body Works lotion. Black Amethyst or Irresistible Apple. It's the perfect silky smooth and not sticky consistency of lotion. Both scents are divine. mmm.

8. Silver hoop earrings. Not too big, not too small. I wear them almost every day. My current pair(s) need replacing. They're not sterling silver and thus not really silver anymore...

9. Deep action cream cleanser. I still get zits (ick) and this is the only face wash I've found that consistently keeps my face the clearest.

10. My wedding ring. (please disregard my face in this photo, my eyes are a little odd) I wanted something simple, elegant, and unique. I got exactly what I wanted. The man in the photo ain't half bad either :-)

And those are a few of my favorite things!!!

random ramblings

After writing that mommy post and generating one comment, I decided I should change something.

I shouldn't try to write in my blog to generate comments. I should just write in it for me.

And if someone comments, awesome. If not? Big whoop.

So, here's to writing in MY blog for ME.

I guess I don't really have much to say. Other than I'm pretty sure it was pouring rain for about 7 hours last night. It was lovely laying in bed listening to it pound down. Too bad we're in an apartment on the second floor so we don't get the full effect... At least our backyard is a forest so it amplifies the sound.

Also, I love the TV show Chuck.

Especially while eating ice cream. And snuggling my hubby.

And sometimes I eat lots of cookies while watching Biggest Loser.

If we can survive next week, we may be able to survive anything. Hubby has 6 tests in 5 days. Looks like a mall walking and dinner alone kinda week.

Good thing I have a baby to keep me company... Sometimes I get really, really lonely.

Is it so lame that going to Costco or Target to just walk around is exciting to me?

Maybe because I need to be around people.

I wish I knew more people here who are in my same situation.

Or maybe I just wish I knew what the people I know do all day.

Maybe I think just because they have more than one kid they're too busy to hang out with me.

What do mom's with more than one kid do all day?

Do they "hang out" with another mom who has only one tiny baby?

It feels weird to call one of those mom's and say "I'm bored. What're you doing? Wanna hang out?"

And it's not warm enough to call and say "Wanna go to the park? Or to the zoo?"

I guess I'll never know what they do unless I ask.

Also, I feel really young sometimes...

...and by sometimes I mean, all the time. Almost.

I think I'll take a nap.

p.s. I love Burt's Bees baby shampoo & lotion. It makes my baby smell delicious!

Mommy Favorites

I feel inspired to write a "Mommy Favorite's" post. Before I had my baby, I always wished someone would tell me the most essential things to get. Well, I had alot of people tell me. And everything was different. Now that I have my little angel here, I have compiled my own list of most essential things to have. He's still little, so I'm sure the list will change as he does.

First and foremost, I have to write about these blankets:

1. Aden+Anais, Swaddleplus blankets

A dear friend of mine got these for her little babe. On Monday we were talking to a couple who were registering at Target. She swore by these blankets and told the couple to get them. I kinda rolled my eyes and thought "too expensive, not worth it." Two days later I went and bought me some. Yes, that's right. I did. These blankets are huge. Super light weight. Stretchy. Perfect for swaddling ANY size baby. And the baby can't break free. And you can layer two for cold nights or one for warm nights. She had me sold when my baby wouldn't fall back asleep at her house while she was doing my hair (friend with same age baby who can highlight my hair? Seriously awesome.). She wrapped my babe in one and put him in the kitchen with the vent fan on. He was out in 2 seconds and slept for almost 2 hours. Sold. Done. I ran out and bought them. (he hasn't been taking good naps lately...or really naps at all, longer than 45 minutes)

Last night my babe slept from 8pm-1:40am. He hasn't done that in weeks. I'm singing Hallelujah's in my head. If you have a new baby and they need to be swaddled. Get these.

Okay, onto the list of things, in no apparent order:

2. Bouncy chair

from Target. Couldn't live without it.

3. Huggies or Kirkland brand diapers.

Don't go cheap on these.

4. Pampers or Huggies wipes.

Don't go cheap on these either.

5. Lansinoh nursing pads.

Don't go cheap on these either.

6. Medela single pump.

Life saver.

7. My Udder Cover nursing cover.

LIFE SAVER. I'm not coordinated enough to just use a blanket.

8. SwaddleMe blankets.

These have velcro and a sack for the legs. Great when he was smaller!

9. Thick, heavy burp clothes.

10. A big, yellow, bath sponge for him to lay on in the bath.

It fits in the sink so he stays warmer and it works better than the plastic tub so far.

And obviously you can't take a baby home without a car seat. I love our Chicco Keyfit. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes! It's about 5-6 lbs lighter than any other car seat. The base is so easy to click in the car, and the seat is so easy to click in the base. I do wish it had a bigger sun shade. And I wish the stroller had a bigger (and easier access to) basket on the bottom.

I'm still testing these to decide if I love or just like:

1. Butt paste cream and spray

2. Johnson's Lavender bath soap

3. Burt's Bees bath soap and lotion

And now here are a couple comparison pictures of my babe and how much he's grown.

(this is the aforementioned bouncy chair. love.)

1 week.

8 weeks.

What are your "Mommy Favorites?"