The Snack Trap is a cup with a lid that allows kids to pull out their snack without spilling them all over the place. I bought ours at Babies-r-Us after seeing another kid using one. The idea is great. If the kid turns the cup upside down and shakes, the only thing that comes out are any crumbs you put in with the snack. But, when the kid goes to pull out the snacks, there can be problems. First, there are kids (AJU5 has done it) that take great joy in emptying the cup. This definitely is just as messy as if she had just dumped the whole container (but it did take longer at least!). Also, when she pulls one snack out, a few extra tend to come with it because she holds it sideways. This isn't a huge problem though because she has this issue with a normal cup as well - Cheerios get stuck between her fingers! Another possible problem we have yet to have (but I have a friend who had it) is that the lid can be removed fairly easily. If your child figures this out, the cup is just a normal cup!
It cost less than $5, so I think it is a fairly good product. It isn't perfect, but a lot depends on your child's mentality and how you use it. If you only give it to your kid when you are watching him/her, then it will probably be neater than most alternatives. Even with the past emptying by AJU5, she seems to have learned that if she empties it, then it disappears. So, she uses it properly most of the time now.
I will give this product a B+. The idea is great, but some kids are too smart or devious for it to work!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Storytime Comparison
Last week, the normal librarian/story teller was sick. So, one of the other librarians filled in. Here is a comparison of their styles:
Normal:
Oh, one other issue with story time today. During the felt story, she was supposed to have five fish. There were eight on the board. She didn't take three down before she started! So, she had the wrong number up (and admitted it through out the story). It was kind of annoying to me!
Do you go to a story time? What is it like? Where is it?
Normal:
- Hand warm up
- Book
- Felt story
- Thumbkin
- Story (book or felt)
- Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
- Story (book or felt)
- Itsy, Bitsy Spider
- Bye activity (clapping, etc)
- Different warm up - but similiar
- Book 1
- Thumbkin
- Book 2
- Another song/activity
- Book 3
- Bye activity
Oh, one other issue with story time today. During the felt story, she was supposed to have five fish. There were eight on the board. She didn't take three down before she started! So, she had the wrong number up (and admitted it through out the story). It was kind of annoying to me!
Do you go to a story time? What is it like? Where is it?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
New Idea
So, we are FINALLY almost done remodeling the inside of this house. We just have flooring and finish work left. It has been over 15 months of work - a lot longer than we had expected. Between this house and our first house, we have done a wide variety of home improvement projects. Would you be interested in hearing a little about them? I was thinking of including the following in the posts:
Project we have done:
- Pictures (of course!)
- Tools/materials needed
- Time required
- Skill level needed
- Muscle/Strength needed
- Tips and hints
Project we have done:
- Tiling - floors and walls
- Painting
- Railing (stairs)
- Cabinet installation
- Countertop installation
- Doors - interior, closet, standard exterior, French exterior, and sliding glass
- Window replacement
- Staining
- Light and bathroom fixtures
- And probably more that I can't think of right now!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
AJU5 and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Hour or So...
I went to get AJU5 out of her bed yesterday afternoon (following a nap), and found a DISGUSTING mess (I will leave it to you to figure out what I am referring to there). So, off to the bath tub we went. I hosed her down, rinsed out her clothes, and started the bath for her. I then went and stripped her bed and threw everything in the washing machine (I had just run her stuff in the washer, so I just re-ran that load with the additional items). She was due for a bath last night anyways (we do every other day), so I washed her hair, etc. I left the shampoo on the side of the tub and just let her play. Next thing I know she is screaming because she pulled the shampoo bottle down. I think it hit her leg pretty hard, and it hurt (but I am not 100% sure - it could have also been the splash is caused as well). Needless to say, she wanted OUT of the bathtub then. So, out she came. Then came her next unliked event - diaper and clothing! She hates this time - probably because she is cold and just wants to snuggle. By the time I got her dressed, she was very thirsty, so she was even more miserable until I got her downstairs to her cup. But the cup was empty since she had lunch right before her nap. So, she had to wait for me to fix her another one.
After that, things were good! We went outside to get the mail, and she got to walk around some. The only mail we got was a catalog, so I let her carry it. she enjoyed being able to "freely" roam outside. I bet she would have stayed out there for hours if I had let her! Unfortunately, I was getting hot, so we went inside eventually. Then she became clingy later, but she was probably tired and just wanted attention (AJU1 was home late from work, and the clingy-ness started about when he should have gotten home). Today, she seems her happy self!
After that, things were good! We went outside to get the mail, and she got to walk around some. The only mail we got was a catalog, so I let her carry it. she enjoyed being able to "freely" roam outside. I bet she would have stayed out there for hours if I had let her! Unfortunately, I was getting hot, so we went inside eventually. Then she became clingy later, but she was probably tired and just wanted attention (AJU1 was home late from work, and the clingy-ness started about when he should have gotten home). Today, she seems her happy self!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Some Random Thoughts About Food
AJU5 is a little silly about food. She is now refusing to eat somethings with her hands. Luckily, I figured this out! If I feed her with a fork or spoon, she eats it all. But, she won't eat them with her fingers any more. This is especially the case with vegetables. Unfortunately, they aren't easy to keep on a fork or spoon - especially corn. But, I am getting better at getting them into her mouth without dropping half first. She does try to do it herself some too, but she isn't always able to skewer the food due to aim and force limitations. But, she does have the idea!
She is also a snacker some days. Other days, she refuses her snacks. It is really hard to guess what the day will be too! The same goes for drinking. Saturday she only drank about 10-12 oz (although she did have a lot of juicy fruit). Yesterday she drank about 24 oz I think. This makes it hard to pack enough for church through - she had emptied her 10 oz cup by the end of Sunday School! Luckily I had some water that I put in her cup, but she didn't like it as much...
She pretty much eats whatever we are having. I do make her her own veggies most of the time - but that is just easier (she doesn't like broccoli and doesn't actually swallow lettuce). It only takes about 30 seconds to warm hers up anyways. But, other than that, she has what we have. Breakfast might be the only time she gets something "unique" - but it really isn't. She likes oatmeal, as does AJU1 - but he leaves way before she has breakfast. So, I make her oatmeal and then I eat cold cereal. She likes the cold cereal too, but it isn't as easy to feed her. When we have a hot breakfast, she gets some of what we are having and then some of her snack foods to supplement. But again, there is no extra work for me.
Tomorrow or Wednesday I am going to try to "roast" a chicken in our crock pot. Hopefully it will turn out well! I have had it in the freezer (with its twin) for about a month now. I took it out to defrost Friday afternoon, and it seems to be getting tehre finally! Then I need to clean it and possibly deskin it (still undecided on this - sounds like a lot of work for little benefit) and cook it.
So, what is going on in your house with food? Are you feeding your kids what you eat? Are you trying out anything new?
She is also a snacker some days. Other days, she refuses her snacks. It is really hard to guess what the day will be too! The same goes for drinking. Saturday she only drank about 10-12 oz (although she did have a lot of juicy fruit). Yesterday she drank about 24 oz I think. This makes it hard to pack enough for church through - she had emptied her 10 oz cup by the end of Sunday School! Luckily I had some water that I put in her cup, but she didn't like it as much...
She pretty much eats whatever we are having. I do make her her own veggies most of the time - but that is just easier (she doesn't like broccoli and doesn't actually swallow lettuce). It only takes about 30 seconds to warm hers up anyways. But, other than that, she has what we have. Breakfast might be the only time she gets something "unique" - but it really isn't. She likes oatmeal, as does AJU1 - but he leaves way before she has breakfast. So, I make her oatmeal and then I eat cold cereal. She likes the cold cereal too, but it isn't as easy to feed her. When we have a hot breakfast, she gets some of what we are having and then some of her snack foods to supplement. But again, there is no extra work for me.
Tomorrow or Wednesday I am going to try to "roast" a chicken in our crock pot. Hopefully it will turn out well! I have had it in the freezer (with its twin) for about a month now. I took it out to defrost Friday afternoon, and it seems to be getting tehre finally! Then I need to clean it and possibly deskin it (still undecided on this - sounds like a lot of work for little benefit) and cook it.
So, what is going on in your house with food? Are you feeding your kids what you eat? Are you trying out anything new?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I Am So Happy To See You!
Thursday Night:
Wake up 3 or four times with an interesting dream sequence.
Friday:
Debate with myself whether parts of the dream could be true. Continue to debate throughout the day.
Friday Night:
Sleep a little better, but I still think there was a dream or two that were "odd."
Saturday:
Think that the dream is probably not true. Things seems to be indicating this is indeed the fact.
Saturday Night:
Once I fell asleep after a little more debating with myself, I slept great.
Today:
AF arrived - yippie!
If you haven't guessed by now, I was a little afraid that I might be pregnant. We are using birth control, but the only 100% fool-proof method is not going to happen around here. I had these dreams back in November as well, and that time I was pregnant. I was also having PMS symptoms that are very similar to my pregnant symptoms. But, luckily AF showed up this morning. She wasn't late even (although I am still figuring out my cycles after pregnant-breastfeeding-pregnant and breastfeeding-weening and miscarriage). But, yeah, that was a fun few days!
The plan isn't to even consider starting to try again until this summer. My doctor said to wait until now (second cycle) at the minimum. Then I did a little math. If we got pregnant the first time around, we would have a late November/early December baby - not something we wanted to repeat (just too much craziness with the holidays and family living so far away). Then I thought some more and realized we wanted to be able to travel at Christmas. So, that would mean I wouldn't want to have a due date any earlier than March. That means we shouldn't start trying until at least the end of May if not June. So, that is the plan for now. God might tell us different, but at least that is our plan!
Wake up 3 or four times with an interesting dream sequence.
Friday:
Debate with myself whether parts of the dream could be true. Continue to debate throughout the day.
Friday Night:
Sleep a little better, but I still think there was a dream or two that were "odd."
Saturday:
Think that the dream is probably not true. Things seems to be indicating this is indeed the fact.
Saturday Night:
Once I fell asleep after a little more debating with myself, I slept great.
Today:
AF arrived - yippie!
If you haven't guessed by now, I was a little afraid that I might be pregnant. We are using birth control, but the only 100% fool-proof method is not going to happen around here. I had these dreams back in November as well, and that time I was pregnant. I was also having PMS symptoms that are very similar to my pregnant symptoms. But, luckily AF showed up this morning. She wasn't late even (although I am still figuring out my cycles after pregnant-breastfeeding-pregnant and breastfeeding-weening and miscarriage). But, yeah, that was a fun few days!
The plan isn't to even consider starting to try again until this summer. My doctor said to wait until now (second cycle) at the minimum. Then I did a little math. If we got pregnant the first time around, we would have a late November/early December baby - not something we wanted to repeat (just too much craziness with the holidays and family living so far away). Then I thought some more and realized we wanted to be able to travel at Christmas. So, that would mean I wouldn't want to have a due date any earlier than March. That means we shouldn't start trying until at least the end of May if not June. So, that is the plan for now. God might tell us different, but at least that is our plan!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Product Review Friday - JcPenney Portraits
On February 4, AJU5 had her pictures taken at our local JcPenney. I had a coupon (from their webpage) for free sitting fee, free 8x10, and $3.99 for sheets of pictures (I could have also gotten a package for $7.99 instead). I had made an appointment two days earlier online (which is really handy!).
We showed up a little early, but it was lunch time for them (2-3pm), so no one was there. I took that time to get AJU5 cleaned up (hair fixed, face cleaned, etc) and just to let her play. The photographer showed up on time and we got started pretty quickly (she had to set up the back drop based on what AJU5 was wearing and get the camera ready). The flash wasn't working well, but after a few "fixes" it was ready to go. The photographer was really nice and let me have lots of control over what we did. Once all of the pictures were taken, we got to see them on the computer (after about a 5 minute wait for loading, etc). I picked what we wanted, paid, and we left. The total after the coupon was just over $20. It would have been over $60 without the coupon!
I ended up paying for SmilebyWire, which cost $4.99 (part of the $20). All of the photos and cute things they created for me to look at were loaded on the web for me. I was then able to downloaded small versions of each of these (about wallet size - just smaller than the preferred dimensions for a wallet from Costco). I can now put the pictures together to make a bigger picture and then have them printed at Costco for her scrapbook. Also, I can share these pictures with anyone and post them anywhere. I think it is a fairly good deal I guess.
We got 1 8x10, 4 5x7, and 16 wallets as well. I was supposed to be able to pick them up last Thursday, but they called and told me they weren't there (they weren't sure where they were, but they had been printed just not delivered to the store). They did say they would call me and tell me when they were ready (which was Friday). When I went to pick them up, the offerred me three more sheets for $19.99. I went ahead and bought them. In hindsite, I wish I had just order more things to begin with (would have been cheaper), but the pages had some cute things like two Valentines and three bookmarks with her picture on them.
All in all, I think it is a great deal! They may not have all of the cute props, but for the price, I don't know if you can beat it. Now, if you don't have a coupon, then it probably isn't worth it. But, I am considering taking her again in April for Easter pictures. I wish I had done this sooner though...
Here are a few of the pictures (made into a collage in Picasa):
We showed up a little early, but it was lunch time for them (2-3pm), so no one was there. I took that time to get AJU5 cleaned up (hair fixed, face cleaned, etc) and just to let her play. The photographer showed up on time and we got started pretty quickly (she had to set up the back drop based on what AJU5 was wearing and get the camera ready). The flash wasn't working well, but after a few "fixes" it was ready to go. The photographer was really nice and let me have lots of control over what we did. Once all of the pictures were taken, we got to see them on the computer (after about a 5 minute wait for loading, etc). I picked what we wanted, paid, and we left. The total after the coupon was just over $20. It would have been over $60 without the coupon!
I ended up paying for SmilebyWire, which cost $4.99 (part of the $20). All of the photos and cute things they created for me to look at were loaded on the web for me. I was then able to downloaded small versions of each of these (about wallet size - just smaller than the preferred dimensions for a wallet from Costco). I can now put the pictures together to make a bigger picture and then have them printed at Costco for her scrapbook. Also, I can share these pictures with anyone and post them anywhere. I think it is a fairly good deal I guess.
We got 1 8x10, 4 5x7, and 16 wallets as well. I was supposed to be able to pick them up last Thursday, but they called and told me they weren't there (they weren't sure where they were, but they had been printed just not delivered to the store). They did say they would call me and tell me when they were ready (which was Friday). When I went to pick them up, the offerred me three more sheets for $19.99. I went ahead and bought them. In hindsite, I wish I had just order more things to begin with (would have been cheaper), but the pages had some cute things like two Valentines and three bookmarks with her picture on them.
All in all, I think it is a great deal! They may not have all of the cute props, but for the price, I don't know if you can beat it. Now, if you don't have a coupon, then it probably isn't worth it. But, I am considering taking her again in April for Easter pictures. I wish I had done this sooner though...
Here are a few of the pictures (made into a collage in Picasa):
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Shoes and Walks
AJU5 is in love with shoes now! She will walk in mine (until she steps out of them). She will carry them around the house (mine and AJU1's mainly because hers don't have shoe laces - which makes them harder to carry around). She empties the shoe rack as much as possible (sometimes I get lazy and don't put them back). She also knows that shoes go on her feet and she tries to put them on herself. Sometimes she tries to put the second shoe on the foot that already has a shoe though... But, she also loves to take her shoes off and throw them! I guess it is a love/hate relationship! She is like her daddy and likes to have her toes free a lot of the time!
We finally got a walk in today! Monday she napped later than normal, so by the time she woke up from the afternoon nap it was time for dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday we had wind advisories, so I decided a walk would not be fun (walking to the mailbox was fun enough!). Technically we did walk a little on Tuesday though - at work when we went to pick up exams, etc. Today was still a little breezy, but we made it to the library and back. The other issue with walks these days is that AJU5 wants to do the walking. I either have to let her out of the stroller or listen to whining and crying. It makes it hard to get an hour walk in! Hopefully she will outgrow this or at least learn to walk faster :)
We finally got a walk in today! Monday she napped later than normal, so by the time she woke up from the afternoon nap it was time for dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday we had wind advisories, so I decided a walk would not be fun (walking to the mailbox was fun enough!). Technically we did walk a little on Tuesday though - at work when we went to pick up exams, etc. Today was still a little breezy, but we made it to the library and back. The other issue with walks these days is that AJU5 wants to do the walking. I either have to let her out of the stroller or listen to whining and crying. It makes it hard to get an hour walk in! Hopefully she will outgrow this or at least learn to walk faster :)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Honest Scrap
Corinne from The Story of Fynn and Paige tagged me for my first blogging award - The Honest Scrap Award!
To get the award I have to share 10 Scraps of information about myself, and then tag 7 other bloggers, how fun! Here goes:
- I am addicted to the computer! I spend way to much time on here!
- My husband and I met on the internet - ICQ if you have heard of that...
- I love to snow ski, but unfortunately it looks like this will be year number two (in a row) of not going.
- If God agrees with my plans, I hope to not be able to ski next year :)
- I am not good at cleaning things up. I can definitely live with a mess for a while.
- I am very introverted! I don't like asking for help or talking to people I don't know.
- I am a terrible singer. I have no ability to carry a tune what-so-ever.
- I can fall asleep anywhere even if there is noise- well, at least I could before AJU5 was born. I haven't tried it out much since then...
- I haven't had alcohol since 2000, and I don't miss it. I wasn't a big drinker (I think I drank once or twice when I wasn't at a party/restaurant), so it was very easy to give that up.
- I haven't had more than 8 ounces of caffeinated drink in almost 2 years. The only times I have had any were because there wasn't anything else available at that moment and I was thirsty!
- Sarah from Harry Times... All Jacked Up
- Marianne from My Left Nerve
- Jen L. from Hey, Y'all
- Corrie from Corrie's Blog
- Stacie from Stacie's World
- Becca from Academomia
- Sarah from No Whey, Mama
And no, you may not just copy and paste from your 25 Random Things Facebook lists :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Can you relate?
Today's For Better or Worse comic strip totally hit home!
*******
AJU5 was crying at 5:45, so I got up. She had some milk, but she didn't seem to want to eat (refused to sit in her chair), so I put her back to bed. She whimpered for a while, so I got out of bed. By the time I had gotten my glasses out of the bathroom and gotten to her room, she was quite again. But, I am awake now at 6:45 am (I have been at the computer for a while - the office is next door to her room). Maybe I will get my stuff done today at this rate!
I haven't been able to get up 30 minutes before her lately because she has been very unpredictable with her waking up (and I want as much sleep as possible). I also haven't been able to walk the past week and a half. So, hopefully I can get back on the bandwagon this week, as we are both on the mend and life isn't so crazy!
*******
AJU5 was crying at 5:45, so I got up. She had some milk, but she didn't seem to want to eat (refused to sit in her chair), so I put her back to bed. She whimpered for a while, so I got out of bed. By the time I had gotten my glasses out of the bathroom and gotten to her room, she was quite again. But, I am awake now at 6:45 am (I have been at the computer for a while - the office is next door to her room). Maybe I will get my stuff done today at this rate!
I haven't been able to get up 30 minutes before her lately because she has been very unpredictable with her waking up (and I want as much sleep as possible). I also haven't been able to walk the past week and a half. So, hopefully I can get back on the bandwagon this week, as we are both on the mend and life isn't so crazy!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Fourteen Things...
AJU5 is fourteen months old today! Can you believe it? Here are fourteen things about her:
Happy Valentines Day!
AJU5 one year ago!
AJU5 on 2/4/09 (JcPenney Portrait - more of these to come!)
- She likes to disect her food. The specimen so far have been granola bars and pizza.
- She prefers to be barefooted but will accept socks and shoes if she is walking around enough (or just plain forgets she has them on).
- She hates me doing her hair. Luckily, I am still stronger than she is and can distract her long enough!
- She loves to put things around her head - lanyards, bags, clothing, what ever else she can find. I have to make sure and remove said articles before leaving the house or putting her down for a nap.
- Another one of her favorite hobbies is leading us around the house. Although she can get to all of the places on her own, she prefers to have a finger and lead us!
- She has re-found the love of eating paper. She ate part of a cardboard puzzle pieces and gnawed on books until we took them away.
- She sleeps! It has been almost two weeks of success - oh, how I love my sleep!
- She has an ever-changing food preference scheme. She loves pretzels and then won't eat them. She loves green beans and then she refuses them. It is so hard to determine what she wants to eat!
- She doesn't have many words that we understand. But, she is very clear in what she wants. She leads us to where it is and points. If it isn't what she wants, she will refuse it or give it back. Now if only she would use the words so we can avoid the guessing sometimes...
- She can drink out of a straw. Unfortunately, she also prefers to pull the straw out of the cup. So, she doesn't get too much practice. But, at least we can take her to restaurants and not worry if she is out of milk!
- She will play in her crib for a while if she is tired but not sleepy. This makes it hard to determine if she has actually slept though.
- She is a sound sleeper most of the time. I left my cell phone in her room while she was napping (accidentally), and AJU1 called. It beeped every few minutes to tell me of the missed call, and she didn't stir! I can also move her from the car seat or stroller to her bed most of the time. But, if I open the door at the wrong time, she wakes up!
- She does not like it when certain doors are shut. She will lead you to the door and push until you open it. She can also open and close her door (as long as it isn't latched).
- She is not a fan of the toilet. After a few too many code browns in the bath tub, I bought a toilet seat (there are warning signs). Unfortunately, she refuses to sit on the toilet. Hopefully this will change in the near future!
Happy Valentines Day!
AJU5 one year ago!
AJU5 on 2/4/09 (JcPenney Portrait - more of these to come!)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
At least she has gained some weight!
AJU5 is sick. We went to the doctor today just to make sure it was just a virus (she has had the cough since Sunday, runny nose for over a week). She is finally up to 19 lbs 5oz. That means she still had 11 oz until she has to move out of the infant seat (yes - she still fits in her Graco SnugRider). It is in fact just a virus, so hopefully last night was the worst! She woke up around 8:30, then midnight, around 1 and around 2. At that point I took her down stairs and we slept on the recliner together until AJU1 came down for his breakfast (which she wanted to join in). Then she was up until 7:30 when my parents left. That was followed by a two hour nap and a bath. Luckily I could also join in the nap with her (in our own beds)!
I am kind of glad my parental units are gone. I liked the extra help playing with AJU5, but my mom is very loud (has no volume control) and I like to have life back to normal. My dad understand that we can only handle a few days with Mom - that is why he golfs as much as possible and is out of the house quite a bit.
Now to get some things done while she is napping. I gave her Robitussin (as directed by the doctor), and hopefully it is helping!
I am kind of glad my parental units are gone. I liked the extra help playing with AJU5, but my mom is very loud (has no volume control) and I like to have life back to normal. My dad understand that we can only handle a few days with Mom - that is why he golfs as much as possible and is out of the house quite a bit.
Now to get some things done while she is napping. I gave her Robitussin (as directed by the doctor), and hopefully it is helping!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mommy Survey
I know some of you are on Facebook - have you seen the Mommy Survey? I did it, and some of my friends from high school have done it recently. Here is what I posted (note- AJU5's age is not up to date - I am just cutting, pasting, and removing personal info!):
Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!
Let's see how much you remember!
1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
NO!!!
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
Yes
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
Umm, this isn't our plan... God - why?
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
28-29
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
HPT!
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
AJU1 (husband)
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
NOPE!!! Why ruin a perfectly good surprise?
9. DUE DATE?
December 18, 2007
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
Yes - that is what clued us in to the fact I might have been pregnant. Lasted until week 16.
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
Sandwiches - although I don't know if it was a craving or just what I could stomach.
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
Itchy belly
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?
Girl
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
AdJU1 definitely wanted a boy. I wanted him to be happy - so I guess that would be yes.
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
About 35
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
Yup - thanks K for throwing it!
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
I knew about the shower
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
Kidney infection at week 18 (spent 48 hours in the hospital as a result).
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Pres. Hospital
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
About 13 (although if she wasn't stuck it probably would have been even less)
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
AJU1
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?
AJU1 and everyone else in the OR (I have no clue who was there!)
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?
C-section
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
Yup - narcotics first. Then epidural once it wore off. Nitrous oxide during the c-section. Probably something else too during the c/s.
27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
8lbs 3.4 oz
28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?
Dec 14, 2007 (10:0?am)
30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
A J - about 46 hours later :)
31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?
13 months 3 weeks 1 day
What surprises me is the number of people that did it totally natural! With the exception of the people I know here, none of them had to have c-sections. I gave up shortly after going to to the hospital (I was 8cm dilated at the time though) and got the IV pain stuff. It worked some (about 2 hours) until they thought AJU5 was coming (and then they wouldn't give me more as a result). I really think natural birth is coming back into favor. I know I was willing to try. But, I know others who wanted the epidural as soon as they got to the hospital.
I hope to either deliver completely natural or have a c-section with the next one. The infection I got (and made her go to the NICU was probably due to having my water broken and then having an internal contraction monitor placed. So, I am definitely not going to allow those next time around. Some of her breathing issues may have been a result of the drugs, but some of it probably was her position as well (which is why she never dropped and had to come via c-section).
How do you feel about totally natural birth? Did you consider it? Did you do it? Are you considering it for a future birth?
Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!
Let's see how much you remember!
1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
NO!!!
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
Yes
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
Umm, this isn't our plan... God - why?
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
28-29
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
HPT!
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
AJU1 (husband)
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
NOPE!!! Why ruin a perfectly good surprise?
9. DUE DATE?
December 18, 2007
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
Yes - that is what clued us in to the fact I might have been pregnant. Lasted until week 16.
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
Sandwiches - although I don't know if it was a craving or just what I could stomach.
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
Itchy belly
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?
Girl
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
AdJU1 definitely wanted a boy. I wanted him to be happy - so I guess that would be yes.
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
About 35
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
Yup - thanks K for throwing it!
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
I knew about the shower
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
Kidney infection at week 18 (spent 48 hours in the hospital as a result).
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Pres. Hospital
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
About 13 (although if she wasn't stuck it probably would have been even less)
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
AJU1
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?
AJU1 and everyone else in the OR (I have no clue who was there!)
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?
C-section
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
Yup - narcotics first. Then epidural once it wore off. Nitrous oxide during the c-section. Probably something else too during the c/s.
27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
8lbs 3.4 oz
28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?
Dec 14, 2007 (10:0?am)
30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
A J - about 46 hours later :)
31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?
13 months 3 weeks 1 day
What surprises me is the number of people that did it totally natural! With the exception of the people I know here, none of them had to have c-sections. I gave up shortly after going to to the hospital (I was 8cm dilated at the time though) and got the IV pain stuff. It worked some (about 2 hours) until they thought AJU5 was coming (and then they wouldn't give me more as a result). I really think natural birth is coming back into favor. I know I was willing to try. But, I know others who wanted the epidural as soon as they got to the hospital.
I hope to either deliver completely natural or have a c-section with the next one. The infection I got (and made her go to the NICU was probably due to having my water broken and then having an internal contraction monitor placed. So, I am definitely not going to allow those next time around. Some of her breathing issues may have been a result of the drugs, but some of it probably was her position as well (which is why she never dropped and had to come via c-section).
How do you feel about totally natural birth? Did you consider it? Did you do it? Are you considering it for a future birth?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Plan
My parents should be arriving within the hour for a two night stay before heading on to their time-share in the mountains for skiing (we are sort of on the way). Last night I had a break down. The house was a mess, and I hadn't had enough time to clean. AJU1 finally realized this (after I got a little frustrated) and helped get the downstairs cleaned up. But, the big issue is that I let it get bad. Yes, some things don't have homes yet due to the remodeling still in progress, but it shouldn't have gotten this bad. So, from now on:
I am going to get up at least thirty minutes before I think AJU5 will get up. This means about 6am most days (unless she has woken up around 5 - then I can go until about 7). During this time I will get my Bible reading done, check my emails and deal with work things (except Mondays when I will just check how many things I need to deal with), and empty the dishwasher if necessary. If I still have time, I will probably shower and get dressed.
That then will allow me to put dishes in the dishwasher after meals (I can't empty when she is around because she climbs in, etc) and pick up during her naps (I have been showering, reading, etc during naps lately). Hopefully this will keep the house picked up at least. Once the remodeling is done, I can also spend about 30 minutes each evening vacuuming, etc.
Now to make sure everything is ready for the parental units. Not that their house was that clean at Christmas before we got there though....
I am going to get up at least thirty minutes before I think AJU5 will get up. This means about 6am most days (unless she has woken up around 5 - then I can go until about 7). During this time I will get my Bible reading done, check my emails and deal with work things (except Mondays when I will just check how many things I need to deal with), and empty the dishwasher if necessary. If I still have time, I will probably shower and get dressed.
That then will allow me to put dishes in the dishwasher after meals (I can't empty when she is around because she climbs in, etc) and pick up during her naps (I have been showering, reading, etc during naps lately). Hopefully this will keep the house picked up at least. Once the remodeling is done, I can also spend about 30 minutes each evening vacuuming, etc.
Now to make sure everything is ready for the parental units. Not that their house was that clean at Christmas before we got there though....
Monday, February 9, 2009
Walks, Parks, and Other Thoughts
Last week we went to four parks. There are actually four parks on our normal walking routes, and each is quite different. We didn't visit one of those last week, but we did visit the one near church. I am really liking the walks, but unfortunately I haven't been up for them in a few days (more on this later). AJU5 on the other hand is getting less interested in the walks. She wants to do the walking! She actually pushed her stroller about 3/10 of a mile one day - and wanted to go for more! So, I am trying to find a better time to go for her so she is happy to be in the stroller for about an hour!
Now on to the parks:
The one closest to our house (less than 3/10 of a mile away) doesn't have swings. It has lots of grass and two jungle gyms though - one for big kids and one for little kids. The only thing I don't like about the little kid jungle gym is that it isn't safe for AJU5 to be on it alone. There is a suspension bridge that could be very deadly - as well as other exits that are to be expected (slides, stairs, and one fireman's pole). All in all, I give that park a B for AJU5.
Then, there is the one NE of us (about a mile away). It has swings and one jungle gym. It also has some grass and a rope climbing thing (that I haven't investigated in detail). The jungle gym is DEFINITELY for bigger kids, with no small slides, etc. So, we only go there for swinging and climbing. This park gets a C for AJU5 (currently only - it will be better when she is older).
Then, there is the park to the SE of us (less than a mile away by roads/paths). This park is more of a nature park than the others - with a big rock outcropping and nature trails. But, it does have a little jungle gym and two swings. We have only stopped at this one to swing so far (and AJU5 isn't a big fan of swings right now). So, it gets a current grade of a D.
Near the library (about a mile away - NW), there is also a park. this one is older than the others in terms of equipment. It has the big grass area that is nice, but the equipment and surrounding area aren't the best. We went with some of the moms/kids from story time, and none of us were that impressed. You definitely can't turn your back on the kids at this park with all of the dangers. Grade - F!
Near our church, there is also another park. This park is fairly nice, although it doesn't have swings (there are swings at the elementary school next door though that can be used). The older kid jungle gym is very cool! It is the best one I have seen in town. The little kid one is similar to the one near our house, but it doesn't have the draw bridge. So, this is the best one - A!
Okay - so, that was probably a lot of randomness because 99% of you have NO IDEA were I live! But, I have been thinking about the parks for a while. What are the parks near you like? Do you like the design or not? Do you have options near you?
Oh - and why I am not up for walking - allergies! I am stuffed up and sneezing like crazy these days. On top of that, AJU5 is stuffed up and has a little cough. Hopefully we will both be better soon!
Now on to the parks:
The one closest to our house (less than 3/10 of a mile away) doesn't have swings. It has lots of grass and two jungle gyms though - one for big kids and one for little kids. The only thing I don't like about the little kid jungle gym is that it isn't safe for AJU5 to be on it alone. There is a suspension bridge that could be very deadly - as well as other exits that are to be expected (slides, stairs, and one fireman's pole). All in all, I give that park a B for AJU5.
Then, there is the one NE of us (about a mile away). It has swings and one jungle gym. It also has some grass and a rope climbing thing (that I haven't investigated in detail). The jungle gym is DEFINITELY for bigger kids, with no small slides, etc. So, we only go there for swinging and climbing. This park gets a C for AJU5 (currently only - it will be better when she is older).
Then, there is the park to the SE of us (less than a mile away by roads/paths). This park is more of a nature park than the others - with a big rock outcropping and nature trails. But, it does have a little jungle gym and two swings. We have only stopped at this one to swing so far (and AJU5 isn't a big fan of swings right now). So, it gets a current grade of a D.
Near the library (about a mile away - NW), there is also a park. this one is older than the others in terms of equipment. It has the big grass area that is nice, but the equipment and surrounding area aren't the best. We went with some of the moms/kids from story time, and none of us were that impressed. You definitely can't turn your back on the kids at this park with all of the dangers. Grade - F!
Near our church, there is also another park. This park is fairly nice, although it doesn't have swings (there are swings at the elementary school next door though that can be used). The older kid jungle gym is very cool! It is the best one I have seen in town. The little kid one is similar to the one near our house, but it doesn't have the draw bridge. So, this is the best one - A!
Okay - so, that was probably a lot of randomness because 99% of you have NO IDEA were I live! But, I have been thinking about the parks for a while. What are the parks near you like? Do you like the design or not? Do you have options near you?
Oh - and why I am not up for walking - allergies! I am stuffed up and sneezing like crazy these days. On top of that, AJU5 is stuffed up and has a little cough. Hopefully we will both be better soon!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Product Review Friday - Laugh and Learn Puppy
AJU5 got the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Puppy for her first Christmas from my parents - way before she was able to play with it. I have mixed feelings about this toy. It has lots of fun sayings and songs. It is definitely interactive and a learning tool.
So, what is the problem? It isn't predictable! You push a button and you don't know what you are going to get! It can be very frustrating for a little one who wants to hear a certain song again to have to repeatedly press a button until the song comes back.
The other problem is that the off/learning.song button is very easy to touch - it is on one of the feet and is identical to the other buttons for playing. I wish it was a switch so I could lock it in one setting!
Overall, I think this is a good toy. It is definitely one that can grow with a kid.
Grade: B!
So, what is the problem? It isn't predictable! You push a button and you don't know what you are going to get! It can be very frustrating for a little one who wants to hear a certain song again to have to repeatedly press a button until the song comes back.
The other problem is that the off/learning.song button is very easy to touch - it is on one of the feet and is identical to the other buttons for playing. I wish it was a switch so I could lock it in one setting!
Overall, I think this is a good toy. It is definitely one that can grow with a kid.
Grade: B!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Grandparents
All of my grandparents are dead - my grandfathers passed away when I was in kindergarden, my mom's mom died in 1997, and my dad's mom passed away this weekend (not unexpected - she was giving up for a while, etc). My husband still has three grandparents left. One set (grandfather passed away when AJU1 was young due to Alzheimer's) lived on the same piece of land as he did until he was a teenager. The other set lived farther away, but they are pretty involved in our lives still (we see them almost every time we see the rest of his family).
I was never close to my grandparents though. We moved away when I was a few months old. I really don't have any memories of my granddads at all. I do remember my grandmas, but we still weren't close.
I wonder how close AJU5 will be to her grandparents. They don't live close, but we are going to try and see them at least twice a year (which is more than I saw my grandparents growing up). With Skype, we can video chat with them as well, so she can "see" them and talk to them. But, will she remember them if they die while she is still young? I hope so.
How close are you to your grandparents? What are you doing to make sure your kids have a good relationship with their grandparents?
I was never close to my grandparents though. We moved away when I was a few months old. I really don't have any memories of my granddads at all. I do remember my grandmas, but we still weren't close.
I wonder how close AJU5 will be to her grandparents. They don't live close, but we are going to try and see them at least twice a year (which is more than I saw my grandparents growing up). With Skype, we can video chat with them as well, so she can "see" them and talk to them. But, will she remember them if they die while she is still young? I hope so.
How close are you to your grandparents? What are you doing to make sure your kids have a good relationship with their grandparents?
Monday, February 2, 2009
Yeah, I didn't want to sleep all night last night...
Hi. It is AJU5 here - as I have commandeered Mommy's computer to type my own post.
I did not sleep through the night last night, but Mommy wasn't too upset with this. I woke up at 10:30 and then at 4am. Then I slept/played in my crib until almost 7:30. So, Mommy did get a good night sleep. I highly recommend letting your Mommy and Daddy get a good night sleep guys (Jack, Paige, Wesley - I talking to you!). As Dean, Nathan, Kara, and your older brothers can attest to, when Mommy and Daddy get a good night sleep, they are in a better mood!* Mommy didn't get nearly as mad at me for throwing food on the floor this morning. Mommy and Daddy were both happy to play with me yesterday afternoon. I even didn't get into as much trouble when I emptied out the cabinets yesterday. I definitely recommend it!
Also, walking is kind of fun. Just make sure the area around you is clear of legs when you go to sit down. Sitting down on a 5 year old's leg is not easy - you are likely to fall backwards and hit your head. This is especially not fun when there is no padding on the floor! Luckily Mommy was there to pick me up and hold me.
* I know I forgot some of my friends in this post. If I forgot you, I am sorry. Please identify yourself so I don't forget you next time!
** Pictures and Video to come when Daddy removes them from the camera (he has to do it on his computer - which Mommy doesn't have the password to).
I did not sleep through the night last night, but Mommy wasn't too upset with this. I woke up at 10:30 and then at 4am. Then I slept/played in my crib until almost 7:30. So, Mommy did get a good night sleep. I highly recommend letting your Mommy and Daddy get a good night sleep guys (Jack, Paige, Wesley - I talking to you!). As Dean, Nathan, Kara, and your older brothers can attest to, when Mommy and Daddy get a good night sleep, they are in a better mood!* Mommy didn't get nearly as mad at me for throwing food on the floor this morning. Mommy and Daddy were both happy to play with me yesterday afternoon. I even didn't get into as much trouble when I emptied out the cabinets yesterday. I definitely recommend it!
Also, walking is kind of fun. Just make sure the area around you is clear of legs when you go to sit down. Sitting down on a 5 year old's leg is not easy - you are likely to fall backwards and hit your head. This is especially not fun when there is no padding on the floor! Luckily Mommy was there to pick me up and hold me.
* I know I forgot some of my friends in this post. If I forgot you, I am sorry. Please identify yourself so I don't forget you next time!
** Pictures and Video to come when Daddy removes them from the camera (he has to do it on his computer - which Mommy doesn't have the password to).
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hallelujah!
I didn't not have to get out of bed last night! She was definitely cranky from about 3pm until 6:30 when we put her down. I gave her some Motrin before bed (teething like crazy again on top of the runny nose - but no fever). We heard her around 8:30, but it was a very short cry period. I think I heard her again around 10:30 - again very short. I didn't hear anything from then until 5:30* this morning! Now, she could have cried and I didn't hear it. AJU1 shut the door to our bedroom, so hearing her is slightly harder. But, I have heard her before with the door shut (and did around 10:30, but I wasn't asleep yet).
I woke up around 3:30 and was surprised it was so late! I then woke up quite a bit until she cried at 5:30. But five good ours of sleep is great! A year and a half ago I would have thought that was bad sleep! Now if she will only keep it up!
*I think around 5 the alarm on AJU1's cell phone went off - AJU5 must have turned it on last night when she got a hold of his cell phone (and he hadn't locked the keys). Luckily I was half awake anyways!
I woke up around 3:30 and was surprised it was so late! I then woke up quite a bit until she cried at 5:30. But five good ours of sleep is great! A year and a half ago I would have thought that was bad sleep! Now if she will only keep it up!
*I think around 5 the alarm on AJU1's cell phone went off - AJU5 must have turned it on last night when she got a hold of his cell phone (and he hadn't locked the keys). Luckily I was half awake anyways!
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