I can't believe that it's been four months since I've written anything. I guess I've been busy with life. However, I do have another blog that I am trying to regularly post called pastry and kids. I've gotten into the excitement that is bento box lunches for Kai who started kindergarten last week. It's been an adjustment for every one. I miss him when he's not home, but I have my two littles to keep me entertained.
Little miss Bella is now three years old and quite a character. She is so bright, she likes to pretend that she doesn't know things, but she can count to 10, she knows her colors and the alphabet song. I will be working on letter and number recognition with her next week. She and I will be taking a mommy and me class for the fall. I can't wait, she is so excited too.
Mister Max, has four teeth up top and two on the bottom. He is constantly biting me. He is also working on walking, he can take three steps before falling on his bottom. I think that he will be walking before his first birthday.
Me and the hubby have changed our diet to vegetarian and I have been making classic dishes like Shepherds pie, chili, burgers, and stews with vegetables and tofu quite successfully. When I perfect them, I will share recipes. Until next time, may peace and health be with you.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thoughts on coupons
I love coupons! They are a great way to save money. I don't care that the cashier sometimes roll their eyes at me or the local pharmacy probably recognizes me as the coupon lady because I save a lot of money using coupons! I have gotten pretty good at the coupon game. Every Sunday I get the paper browse the ads, make a list and clip coupons. I can save anywhere from $20-$60 at the grocery store and $5-$20 or more at the drug stores per trip!
The drug stores are a great place to shop for your essentials such as paper towels, toilet paper, tissues,a few non-perishables, diapers and milk! I have figured out the sale rotation for the sale on diapers so I stock up when the brands I use go on sale. There is usually a coupon or two every week for diapers, plus the cash register reward bucks you get back make the price per package of brand name diaper $7 or less! Once a month I can get a four oz tube of big name tooth paste for 25 cents using coupons!
At CVS, if you bring your own shopping bag and have a green bag tag (initial cost of $.99) you get a quarter back for every use and after four uses you get a dollar coupon back! Can't beat that, free money for caring about the environment!
Speaking of getting cash back for using your own bags, Whole Foods Market gives you back ten cents per bag and you can choose to donate it to a good cause or have it deducted off your bill. I usually donate mine, it's just another easy way to help others when you can. At Target, you get five cents back for every bag you bring. It's a great incentive and helps rid the house of all the unnecessary bags.
You might think that it takes too long to browse and clip coupons, but it really doesn't take more than 30 minutes. I usually sit down with a cup of coffee, scissors, a notebook, pen, store ads and coupons. I do this every Sunday because Jimmy is home and can keep the kids from distracting me. If you want to give it a try and don't want to clip coupons you can load them to your grocery club card via the internet and that takes less than five minutes to do.
So how do I organize all the coupons I clip? Well, after making a list for all the stores that I will visit for the week, I label envelopes for each store and I keep the coupons that I am going to use in them. For the extra coupons, I sort and store in a coupon file that stays in the car.
It is not just about saving money, it has turned out to be a little game for me to see how much I can save. Why would I ever pay full price for an essential when I can usually get it at 20-75% off? I do pay full price for certain things like make up, cologne/perfume and other things, but the savings from groceries allow me to direct my saving toward other necessities or the occasional surprise toys for the kids.
So if you are looking for a way to cut back or save money give coupons and reusable bags a try. I'm waiting for my Sunday paper as I type. Have a great week!
The drug stores are a great place to shop for your essentials such as paper towels, toilet paper, tissues,a few non-perishables, diapers and milk! I have figured out the sale rotation for the sale on diapers so I stock up when the brands I use go on sale. There is usually a coupon or two every week for diapers, plus the cash register reward bucks you get back make the price per package of brand name diaper $7 or less! Once a month I can get a four oz tube of big name tooth paste for 25 cents using coupons!
At CVS, if you bring your own shopping bag and have a green bag tag (initial cost of $.99) you get a quarter back for every use and after four uses you get a dollar coupon back! Can't beat that, free money for caring about the environment!
Speaking of getting cash back for using your own bags, Whole Foods Market gives you back ten cents per bag and you can choose to donate it to a good cause or have it deducted off your bill. I usually donate mine, it's just another easy way to help others when you can. At Target, you get five cents back for every bag you bring. It's a great incentive and helps rid the house of all the unnecessary bags.
You might think that it takes too long to browse and clip coupons, but it really doesn't take more than 30 minutes. I usually sit down with a cup of coffee, scissors, a notebook, pen, store ads and coupons. I do this every Sunday because Jimmy is home and can keep the kids from distracting me. If you want to give it a try and don't want to clip coupons you can load them to your grocery club card via the internet and that takes less than five minutes to do.
So how do I organize all the coupons I clip? Well, after making a list for all the stores that I will visit for the week, I label envelopes for each store and I keep the coupons that I am going to use in them. For the extra coupons, I sort and store in a coupon file that stays in the car.
It is not just about saving money, it has turned out to be a little game for me to see how much I can save. Why would I ever pay full price for an essential when I can usually get it at 20-75% off? I do pay full price for certain things like make up, cologne/perfume and other things, but the savings from groceries allow me to direct my saving toward other necessities or the occasional surprise toys for the kids.
So if you are looking for a way to cut back or save money give coupons and reusable bags a try. I'm waiting for my Sunday paper as I type. Have a great week!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Play dough and mommy school
This week the kids have been waking up earlier and earlier. I think they are trying to catch some morning time with dad, but Jimmy has been waking up super early so he has been going to work earlier too. That means that I have to find more activities to entertain them with. This week we started "Mommy School" since I'm not taking Kai to preschool for the winter session.
One of the activities was making homemade play dough.(recipe from Martha Stewart)
We added our own twist to it by using Kool-Aid powder for color and scent. I also made some using food coloring and flavor extracts and oils. It was so easy both 2 year old and 4 year old was able to make it all themselves from measuring to mixing. They learned about measurement, counting and color from this exercise. Adding scent gives an extra element for their senses to explore.
Kai told me that he likes "Mommy school" and can't wait to tell his other teacher about his activities. His only complaint is about some of the activities being too easy! I've been working with him from books for pre-school and kindergarten level activities. Since that comment I've been mixing it up by adding all level activities including high school work! The advance work is mostly in the science department. We colored, labeled and learned about parts of a spider. I gave him the picture, read him definitions for parts and asked him to point at the picture where he thought the part was. He got 6 of the 8 parts right!
His love of skeletons have also led us to learn the name of some of our bones (I can't name all 206, so we will start with 30). Which has basically led to our own anatomy class exploring the eyes, brain, tongue, digestive system, skeletal system. He may not completely understand it all but the important thing is that he is learning that everything has a name and purpose. I loved science when I was small too! I remember getting my first chemistry set at 9 years old.
Cooking in the kitchen with me is teaching him a form of chemistry and math. Since I don't work, I can spend time teaching them all sorts of stuff. I am thinking of teaching them a foreign language too. Since none of my kids are in formal education yet, everything we do is just another fun activity. Even 3 month old Max loves books! We have story time everyday and between all the kids it lasts almost two hours!
Kai and Cassia both have the Tag reading system and books which makes reading more fun. Our favorite books right now are Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise, and any book with Thomas the Train.
One of the activities was making homemade play dough.(recipe from Martha Stewart)
We added our own twist to it by using Kool-Aid powder for color and scent. I also made some using food coloring and flavor extracts and oils. It was so easy both 2 year old and 4 year old was able to make it all themselves from measuring to mixing. They learned about measurement, counting and color from this exercise. Adding scent gives an extra element for their senses to explore.
Kai told me that he likes "Mommy school" and can't wait to tell his other teacher about his activities. His only complaint is about some of the activities being too easy! I've been working with him from books for pre-school and kindergarten level activities. Since that comment I've been mixing it up by adding all level activities including high school work! The advance work is mostly in the science department. We colored, labeled and learned about parts of a spider. I gave him the picture, read him definitions for parts and asked him to point at the picture where he thought the part was. He got 6 of the 8 parts right!
His love of skeletons have also led us to learn the name of some of our bones (I can't name all 206, so we will start with 30). Which has basically led to our own anatomy class exploring the eyes, brain, tongue, digestive system, skeletal system. He may not completely understand it all but the important thing is that he is learning that everything has a name and purpose. I loved science when I was small too! I remember getting my first chemistry set at 9 years old.
Cooking in the kitchen with me is teaching him a form of chemistry and math. Since I don't work, I can spend time teaching them all sorts of stuff. I am thinking of teaching them a foreign language too. Since none of my kids are in formal education yet, everything we do is just another fun activity. Even 3 month old Max loves books! We have story time everyday and between all the kids it lasts almost two hours!
Kai and Cassia both have the Tag reading system and books which makes reading more fun. Our favorite books right now are Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise, and any book with Thomas the Train.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Fun: Flashback childhood fun
When I was in first grade we got rewarded every Friday with a fun activity and my favorite was the shaving cream party! The teacher would spray a huge mound of shaving cream on to our desk and we would just have a blast playing with it! Such simple pleasures!
I decided to let my kids experience the fun at home since it's too cold to take them out for some fun and there's not enough snow to bring in for them to play with yet. Here's how much joy a $1 can bring:
Kai said he was Santa and Cassia said, "Me too, Santa!"
The clean up is a breeze, just plop the foamy kids in the tub and the bubbly fun continues! A bonus is the super clean kid's table afterwards!
I decided to let my kids experience the fun at home since it's too cold to take them out for some fun and there's not enough snow to bring in for them to play with yet. Here's how much joy a $1 can bring:
Kai said he was Santa and Cassia said, "Me too, Santa!"
The clean up is a breeze, just plop the foamy kids in the tub and the bubbly fun continues! A bonus is the super clean kid's table afterwards!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Family: Our new addition... baby Maxwell Tre
He is finally here and he's wonderful! Maxwell will be one month old tomorrow!! The picture above is of him just a few days old. Yes, he is a big boy. He is my biggest, weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces at birth. Which by the way was a day over the due date! I guess all the medications and bed rest really work. Not to mention the support of my wonderful husband and family.His big brother and sister really adore him! They always want to hold him and are so helpful when it comes to changing him. One would bring a diaper and the other would throw the dirty one away. I forgot how many diapers they go through when they are this small.
I can't believe what a good baby he is. He only fusses when he's hungry or wet, otherwise he is quite content. (knock on wood) Soon he will be ready for his first road trip, I'm so excited because we want to go visit my in-laws. The children always love visiting their grandparents and since we are close enough to drive I want to visit as much as possible.
I am feeling almost back to normal and just in time for the holiday season because there is a ton of planning to do. I'll be posting more regularly now. Have a great week everyone.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Family: Week 39!!!
I can not believe that we've made it to 39 weeks! Well, to be exact today is 39 weeks and 2 days; five more days until baby Max's due date!! He might actually come out on his day! We are still on edge because I am already 4cm dilated and have been this way for a few weeks now. This kid is either stubborn or really big! I am hoping that things will be normal and I can have a natural delivery. I really am afraid of having a c-section.
We have almost everything ready, well except the diapers and wipes but we have a drug store around the corner so it's not a big deal. If I don't go into labor today, we plan on going to get Kai and Cassia their big brother and big sister presents. They are really excited about the new baby and keep telling him, "Baby come out."
Kai started preschool last month and to our surprise really loves it. We take him twice a week to start him slowly, but he tells us that he wants to go everyday. Due to my condition and his never being in a structured class we thought that it was a good introduction for him. Next term we'll let him go five days a week.
Cassia has become quite a handful. She's really not that terrible for being two, but more like bossy. She pretends to not hear us and bullies Kai around. She's really lucky that he adores her so much that he can laugh off her attacks, but I tell him not to laugh because she thinks it's alright for her to hurt him. She already knows how to delegate! When we ask her to do something she responds with, "Kai do." We are in for it with her!
Jimmy's new job is going great. He has had to make at least one wedding cake every weekend! His hours are so much better for the family and he can have two days off a week for family and football! I actually watch games with him too. Something about football allows us to have junk food on game days! Burgers, chili, chips, wings, hot dogs and pizza!
We have almost everything ready, well except the diapers and wipes but we have a drug store around the corner so it's not a big deal. If I don't go into labor today, we plan on going to get Kai and Cassia their big brother and big sister presents. They are really excited about the new baby and keep telling him, "Baby come out."
Kai started preschool last month and to our surprise really loves it. We take him twice a week to start him slowly, but he tells us that he wants to go everyday. Due to my condition and his never being in a structured class we thought that it was a good introduction for him. Next term we'll let him go five days a week.
Cassia has become quite a handful. She's really not that terrible for being two, but more like bossy. She pretends to not hear us and bullies Kai around. She's really lucky that he adores her so much that he can laugh off her attacks, but I tell him not to laugh because she thinks it's alright for her to hurt him. She already knows how to delegate! When we ask her to do something she responds with, "Kai do." We are in for it with her!
Jimmy's new job is going great. He has had to make at least one wedding cake every weekend! His hours are so much better for the family and he can have two days off a week for family and football! I actually watch games with him too. Something about football allows us to have junk food on game days! Burgers, chili, chips, wings, hot dogs and pizza!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Family: week 27, 90 more days to go
This morning, I finally made it to the lab to go take the three hour glucose tolerance test. I can't believe that I actually made it. I had to lay down the whole time except for when I had to get the blood drawn, but I did it! I have a feeling that the lab possibly might have made a mistake and administered the higher dose of glucose for the first test I had!
The results were extremely high, from what they said my sugar level was over 120! That has never happened before! I know that every pregnancy is different, but all the other glucose tests for the previous pregnancies have been under 93! The lab technician said that if I was given the higher dose then that would explain why my sugar count was so high!
Ladies, my advice from this experience is to ask as many questions as possible about every test that you have to take. It is your body and your right. Trust me you don't want to have to redo any tests due to someone else's error. Not fun!
The results were extremely high, from what they said my sugar level was over 120! That has never happened before! I know that every pregnancy is different, but all the other glucose tests for the previous pregnancies have been under 93! The lab technician said that if I was given the higher dose then that would explain why my sugar count was so high!
Ladies, my advice from this experience is to ask as many questions as possible about every test that you have to take. It is your body and your right. Trust me you don't want to have to redo any tests due to someone else's error. Not fun!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
26 weeks and counting
Our fourth of July weekend was uneventful due to me not being able to stand or sit up for longer than 2 hours without having to lay down for a few hours to recover from the pains I was experiencing. On Monday I called my ob and told her of the pushing feeling, mild cramps and low back pains. I was also feeling a few contractions. I was afraid that it could have been early labor so I was sent to the hospital for evaluation.
I got hooked up to an IV, which I absolutely hate! I know that it's a great way to stay hydrated and gives the nurses easy access for administering any emergency drugs if needed, but I just hate it! I don't like having it on my hand, which I'm glad they did not do. Even so having it on the back of my forearm is just as annoying! They had to put it on my right arm because the veins were bigger, but I'm right handed so it was like I only had one arm. I couldn't use my right arm for anything and when you are left alone for the night, it's just not easy.
I received two steroid injections to help the baby's lungs, along with some other tests like the FFN. Luckily the FFN test came back negative indicating that I was not in preterm labor. Thank goodness, I was so scared. But now I am on bed rest, which was expected. I guess I should be happy that I got to stay on my feet for as long as I have. I was on bed rest for previous pregnancies too, but they all started before 20 weeks.
I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband who took such wonderful care of the kids and I through all of this. A strong support is crucial for a successful bed rest. At times I get depressed and feel useless because I am not allowed to do anything, but I have to remember that this is one of the only few times that I have to just relax for the sake of the baby inside of me.
I know that it is normal to feel stressed and at time think the worst, but positive thinking as hard as it may be to do is the best thing. Like I said I have a wonderful husband who understands and is super supportive. I know that he has to take on all the housework in addition to child care and work- he's my superman! I love you Jimmy!
I got hooked up to an IV, which I absolutely hate! I know that it's a great way to stay hydrated and gives the nurses easy access for administering any emergency drugs if needed, but I just hate it! I don't like having it on my hand, which I'm glad they did not do. Even so having it on the back of my forearm is just as annoying! They had to put it on my right arm because the veins were bigger, but I'm right handed so it was like I only had one arm. I couldn't use my right arm for anything and when you are left alone for the night, it's just not easy.
I received two steroid injections to help the baby's lungs, along with some other tests like the FFN. Luckily the FFN test came back negative indicating that I was not in preterm labor. Thank goodness, I was so scared. But now I am on bed rest, which was expected. I guess I should be happy that I got to stay on my feet for as long as I have. I was on bed rest for previous pregnancies too, but they all started before 20 weeks.
I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband who took such wonderful care of the kids and I through all of this. A strong support is crucial for a successful bed rest. At times I get depressed and feel useless because I am not allowed to do anything, but I have to remember that this is one of the only few times that I have to just relax for the sake of the baby inside of me.
I know that it is normal to feel stressed and at time think the worst, but positive thinking as hard as it may be to do is the best thing. Like I said I have a wonderful husband who understands and is super supportive. I know that he has to take on all the housework in addition to child care and work- he's my superman! I love you Jimmy!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Pictures of Kai's Train mini cakes
Finally I am posting the pictures of the mini train cakes that Kai decorated for his fourth birthday. Jimmy also made him a special little chocolate cake.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
week 21
We spent the weekend in Michigan visiting with family. It was my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary! I think that it is amazing and inspirational that couples can stay together forever. I know Jimmy and I will have a 50th celebration too, with our children and grandchildren.
Our children got to spend some time with their cousins and had a blast! I'm so glad that Kai didn't take to long to warm up to his cousin Bryce. He can be shy sometime. Cassia is still a mommy's girl so she stuck around with me and Jimmy instead of playing with the other kids.
We had dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant. They really had the best thin crust pizza outside of NYC! I had three slices and it was loaded with pepperoni, ham, bacon, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions! I could go for three more slices right now!
Jimmy and I made the anniversary cake. (Strawberry filled vanilla sponge cake with butter cream icing) We served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. We also made a sweet platter of fudge brownies, shortbread cookies and gold foil wrapped chocolates.
It was a great trip, just too short for spending time with family. Jimmy is so busy with work all the time, I like it when he has time off to spend with the family. We also don't get to see his sister and her family often. The last time we saw them was three years ago!
I am in my 21st week of pregnancy. All is going well, except I missed the delivery for my medicine yesterday, so now my shot days have to change to Wednesdays. The baby is almost one pound and I am gaining about two pounds a week. Right on track. I am rarely nauseous anymore, but have started to get growing pains where the side muscles ache. I have also become wobbly and clumsy!
My skin is terribly dry and flaky. I bought a new liquid exfoliant and moisturizer from Aveda and my face is no longer flaky!! I used it yesterday not expecting it to work on the first use, but it did!! Thank you Aveda, you have saved my skin again! Last pregnancy their sensitive lotion worked for me, but this pregnancy I needed more hydration so their Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion was a miracle product for me. The Botanical Kinetics exfoliant is liquid and non-abrasive. It has no grainy substance that most exfoliants have. I have no idea how it removed the dead cells, but it did and I'm so thankful. I can see a difference after one use. I love, love, love Aveda products!!
Our children got to spend some time with their cousins and had a blast! I'm so glad that Kai didn't take to long to warm up to his cousin Bryce. He can be shy sometime. Cassia is still a mommy's girl so she stuck around with me and Jimmy instead of playing with the other kids.
We had dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant. They really had the best thin crust pizza outside of NYC! I had three slices and it was loaded with pepperoni, ham, bacon, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions! I could go for three more slices right now!
Jimmy and I made the anniversary cake. (Strawberry filled vanilla sponge cake with butter cream icing) We served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. We also made a sweet platter of fudge brownies, shortbread cookies and gold foil wrapped chocolates.
It was a great trip, just too short for spending time with family. Jimmy is so busy with work all the time, I like it when he has time off to spend with the family. We also don't get to see his sister and her family often. The last time we saw them was three years ago!
I am in my 21st week of pregnancy. All is going well, except I missed the delivery for my medicine yesterday, so now my shot days have to change to Wednesdays. The baby is almost one pound and I am gaining about two pounds a week. Right on track. I am rarely nauseous anymore, but have started to get growing pains where the side muscles ache. I have also become wobbly and clumsy!
My skin is terribly dry and flaky. I bought a new liquid exfoliant and moisturizer from Aveda and my face is no longer flaky!! I used it yesterday not expecting it to work on the first use, but it did!! Thank you Aveda, you have saved my skin again! Last pregnancy their sensitive lotion worked for me, but this pregnancy I needed more hydration so their Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion was a miracle product for me. The Botanical Kinetics exfoliant is liquid and non-abrasive. It has no grainy substance that most exfoliants have. I have no idea how it removed the dead cells, but it did and I'm so thankful. I can see a difference after one use. I love, love, love Aveda products!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Week 19
I've been so scatter brained lately and just not wanting to spend time on the computer because it hurts my eyes. My pregnancy is progressing nicely. No more morning sickness, but starting to feel the growing belly pains. I can have dairy again, which I am so happy because I can have ice cream everyday again. We also started my weekly progesteron injections last week. Not fun! I'm such a wimp, I can't stand needles. (That's the real reason I avoid any kind of drugs during childbirth)
Kai just had his annual check up yesterday and he is doing well. He has gained two pounds and grew two inches. He was so happy that he didn't have to get any shots.
Cassia has started to have night terrors again and waking Jimmy and I up at 3 a.m. There's not much we can do but let her scream. She's not awake and if we touch her she just screams louder and kicks us. I really hope that it stops soon. Other than that, she wants to be just like Kai. She'll only wear his clothes unless we are going out in public because I won't let her wear them out! She doesn't care if they're three sizes too big or that the pants are so long she keeps tripping on them. I've got to take some pictures and post them. But until then here are some from our trip to Texas.
Cassia in the outfit Aunt Priscilla bought for her.
Kai showing us his chopstick skills @ a Vietnamese restaurant.
The kids with Auntie Priscilla and Cousin Tiffany @ a BBQ restaurant.
Kai just had his annual check up yesterday and he is doing well. He has gained two pounds and grew two inches. He was so happy that he didn't have to get any shots.
Cassia has started to have night terrors again and waking Jimmy and I up at 3 a.m. There's not much we can do but let her scream. She's not awake and if we touch her she just screams louder and kicks us. I really hope that it stops soon. Other than that, she wants to be just like Kai. She'll only wear his clothes unless we are going out in public because I won't let her wear them out! She doesn't care if they're three sizes too big or that the pants are so long she keeps tripping on them. I've got to take some pictures and post them. But until then here are some from our trip to Texas.
Cassia in the outfit Aunt Priscilla bought for her.
Kai showing us his chopstick skills @ a Vietnamese restaurant.
The kids with Auntie Priscilla and Cousin Tiffany @ a BBQ restaurant.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Week 16
Wow, it has been a month since my last post and so many things have happened. I am feeling better and less queasy. I spent a week and a half in Texas with my family while Jimmy was studying chocolate in Spain.
Jimmy brought home lots of chocolate and cute toys for the kids. He also got me a cute little purse (what a guy, he remembered my obsession of bags!). I wanted to go, but that would be a little hard taking the whole family. He did like it and said we should go back for a visit. I'm all for it! Who wants to babysit??
The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins. They also loved being able to play outside everyday because it was sunny and lovely in Texas. Tomorrow is Kai's birthday! He will be four! Time just flies. My sister Priscilla sent him a Thomas the Train bike. He loved riding around on his cousin's bike so we thought he should have one of his own. He is so excited!
I bought a train baking pan and plan on making him train cupcakes for his birthday. Instead of me doing it by myself, I think that it would be fun for him to help decorate it. I'll try to post pictures.
Jimmy brought home lots of chocolate and cute toys for the kids. He also got me a cute little purse (what a guy, he remembered my obsession of bags!). I wanted to go, but that would be a little hard taking the whole family. He did like it and said we should go back for a visit. I'm all for it! Who wants to babysit??
The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins. They also loved being able to play outside everyday because it was sunny and lovely in Texas. Tomorrow is Kai's birthday! He will be four! Time just flies. My sister Priscilla sent him a Thomas the Train bike. He loved riding around on his cousin's bike so we thought he should have one of his own. He is so excited!
I bought a train baking pan and plan on making him train cupcakes for his birthday. Instead of me doing it by myself, I think that it would be fun for him to help decorate it. I'll try to post pictures.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Week 12
This is almost the final week of the first trimester. I'm still not able to eat as much, but at least the nausea has not been so bad. I found out after a bowl of ice cream that I can not have any dairy during this pregnancy. Strange very strange! All the other pregnancies I ate a pint a day!!
This little baby does not like dairy of any kind! So, I'm indulging with soy ice cream! It's not as rich, but hits the spot! Speaking of ice cream, we went to a new ice cream shop for Jimmy's birthday last week. It's a place called ICream. You custom blend your flavors and they make it to order using a mixing bowl and liquid nitrogen! It was great fun for all of us because they also offered soy milk.
For Jimmy's birthday, we had a relaxing day of dining out and chilling at the house in between meals. We had fish and chips for lunch at an Irish Pub, ice cream at ICream and then had dinner at Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill. They have the best duck dishes there so it's our favorite place for fantastic Mexican food.
Kai is so excited about his upcoming fourth birthday and keeps asking everyday how many more days. It's cute. We haven't decided what we want to do yet but it's between the children's museum or the Lego discovery center.
Cassia is starting her terrible twos and she's only 19 months old!! I'm in for a ride with her. My sisters and mom tell me that she's just like me when I was little. That's karma for you.
This little baby does not like dairy of any kind! So, I'm indulging with soy ice cream! It's not as rich, but hits the spot! Speaking of ice cream, we went to a new ice cream shop for Jimmy's birthday last week. It's a place called ICream. You custom blend your flavors and they make it to order using a mixing bowl and liquid nitrogen! It was great fun for all of us because they also offered soy milk.
For Jimmy's birthday, we had a relaxing day of dining out and chilling at the house in between meals. We had fish and chips for lunch at an Irish Pub, ice cream at ICream and then had dinner at Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill. They have the best duck dishes there so it's our favorite place for fantastic Mexican food.
Kai is so excited about his upcoming fourth birthday and keeps asking everyday how many more days. It's cute. We haven't decided what we want to do yet but it's between the children's museum or the Lego discovery center.
Cassia is starting her terrible twos and she's only 19 months old!! I'm in for a ride with her. My sisters and mom tell me that she's just like me when I was little. That's karma for you.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Feeling a bit better...
Tomorrow will be ten weeks into what I call 'the last one'. The past two weeks have been miserable. The worst morning sickness I've ever experienced! I now must apologize to my best friend for constantly telling her that she needs to have another one. Why you ask? Well, she had a whole pregnancy of being sick and I just couldn't even handle two weeks!! I now understand why she wouldn't want to go through it again.
Peppermint has been my life saver this time around. I have peppermint tums, peppermint toothpaste, peppermint candies, and peppermint tea. I just can't stomach ginger any more, not since my first pregnancy.
I have good days and bad and this happens to be a good day that's why I'm able to give an update. Kai has been such a wonderful helper in my time of sickness. He helps me to take care of Cassia by keeping her occupied to let me rest. He is the best little boy a mom could wish for. Jimmy has also been great with doing housework and caring for the kids. On his days off, I don't have to worry about anything and I don't I'm usually curled up in bed wishing it was already 40 weeks.
I was telling Jimmy that I think it is probably a boy because I don't have any cravings for junk food. I want to want a dough nut, but the thought of one even makes me sick! I just want fruit! I've been trying all types of citrus, apples and bananas but none of them are satisfying. I have to try mango, pineapple and other orange/yellow fruits.
When I was pregnant with Cassia, Jimmy and Kai had to go on many Krispy Kreme runs for me. I also ate a pint of ice cream a day!! I didn't eat very healthy with her, I gave in to my every craving. That's probably why I gained 30 pounds with her.
When I was pregnant with Kai, I ate carrots and mangoes like they were going out of style! I had cereal everyday like I do now. I snacked on apples and peanut butter. The only junk craving was bar-b-que potato chips.
I will just have to wait and see.
Peppermint has been my life saver this time around. I have peppermint tums, peppermint toothpaste, peppermint candies, and peppermint tea. I just can't stomach ginger any more, not since my first pregnancy.
I have good days and bad and this happens to be a good day that's why I'm able to give an update. Kai has been such a wonderful helper in my time of sickness. He helps me to take care of Cassia by keeping her occupied to let me rest. He is the best little boy a mom could wish for. Jimmy has also been great with doing housework and caring for the kids. On his days off, I don't have to worry about anything and I don't I'm usually curled up in bed wishing it was already 40 weeks.
I was telling Jimmy that I think it is probably a boy because I don't have any cravings for junk food. I want to want a dough nut, but the thought of one even makes me sick! I just want fruit! I've been trying all types of citrus, apples and bananas but none of them are satisfying. I have to try mango, pineapple and other orange/yellow fruits.
When I was pregnant with Cassia, Jimmy and Kai had to go on many Krispy Kreme runs for me. I also ate a pint of ice cream a day!! I didn't eat very healthy with her, I gave in to my every craving. That's probably why I gained 30 pounds with her.
When I was pregnant with Kai, I ate carrots and mangoes like they were going out of style! I had cereal everyday like I do now. I snacked on apples and peanut butter. The only junk craving was bar-b-que potato chips.
I will just have to wait and see.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
October Baby?
The news is I'm seven weeks along and the baby is expected on October 8! Knowing my body the baby will probably arrive in late September. I was joking with Jimmy that the labor will probably begin on our anniversary.
What you don't know is, Jimmy and I have yet to have a normal anniversary. Our first anniversary we were driving away from hurricane Rita. Our second, we were apartment hunting and I had the flu! Our third year was so busy that I don't even remember what we did. Our last one was spent flying home from Atlantic City after his last pastry competition.
I'm not saying that I've had boring anniversaries, just not the normal date out with the husband that most wives get. We are adventurers and we love each other so I'm kinda glad we're not normal. I would hope for the baby's sake that he or she does not come out on our anniversary! I want the baby to have his/her own special day! I mean really what kid wants to share their birthday with their parent's anniversary?
What you don't know is, Jimmy and I have yet to have a normal anniversary. Our first anniversary we were driving away from hurricane Rita. Our second, we were apartment hunting and I had the flu! Our third year was so busy that I don't even remember what we did. Our last one was spent flying home from Atlantic City after his last pastry competition.
I'm not saying that I've had boring anniversaries, just not the normal date out with the husband that most wives get. We are adventurers and we love each other so I'm kinda glad we're not normal. I would hope for the baby's sake that he or she does not come out on our anniversary! I want the baby to have his/her own special day! I mean really what kid wants to share their birthday with their parent's anniversary?
Friday, February 20, 2009
A surprise and Welch's PB&J Challenge
It's been quite a week. I've spent most of it laying on the couch feeling absolutely horrible! I forgot how horrible the nausea is the first trimester! Yes, we are pregnant again! I'll have a due date after Monday's appointment.
I also made a little video of Kai showing Cassia how to make her first PB&J sandwich and entered it in the Welch's PBJ Challenge on the Food Network website. If you click here it should take you to the page where you can view and vote on the videos and pictures. The public rating ends this Sunday.
Ours is titled "Baby, Let's make a peanut butter jelly sandwich". If you haven't checked it out, please give it a viewing and rate us too. We are hoping to be in the finals. I just think it would be wonderful if we could take a "Baby-moon" before the new love arrives.
I'm still debating if I want to know the sex of the baby or let it be a surprise. What do you think? I'm up for either, I just really love babies.
I also made a little video of Kai showing Cassia how to make her first PB&J sandwich and entered it in the Welch's PBJ Challenge on the Food Network website. If you click here it should take you to the page where you can view and vote on the videos and pictures. The public rating ends this Sunday.
Ours is titled "Baby, Let's make a peanut butter jelly sandwich". If you haven't checked it out, please give it a viewing and rate us too. We are hoping to be in the finals. I just think it would be wonderful if we could take a "Baby-moon" before the new love arrives.
I'm still debating if I want to know the sex of the baby or let it be a surprise. What do you think? I'm up for either, I just really love babies.
Friday, February 13, 2009
18 months old!
Wow! Time just flies, I can't believe that my little girl is a year and a half now! She's almost 22 pounds! She had a visit with her pediatrician this week and he seems to think that she should be weighing more? Hmm...well, he actually said that she was leveling off and I should watch her. What? My girl eats more than my three year old boy! Did the doctor not notice that I'm kinda petite?
Well, I think that she is advancing well. I have no worries about her, Kai on the other hand is a bit on the skinny side. He eats, just not junk. Maybe I should switch him back to whole milk to bulk him up. We'll see what the doc says when Kai goes for his visit. I sometimes want to switch to a different doctor who understands our life style a little more, but the one we have is very good so I go back and forth.
Well, I think that she is advancing well. I have no worries about her, Kai on the other hand is a bit on the skinny side. He eats, just not junk. Maybe I should switch him back to whole milk to bulk him up. We'll see what the doc says when Kai goes for his visit. I sometimes want to switch to a different doctor who understands our life style a little more, but the one we have is very good so I go back and forth.
Friday, February 6, 2009
It's getting warmer!
I am so happy that it is finally warming up, well not in the 70's yet, but 40 will do! The annual French Pastry School's event For The Love of Chocolate is tomorrow and all will be attending. Jimmy has a table at the event, but the kids and I will be walking around eating chocolate!
I've debated going, but since it won't be so cold I've decided to go. In the past they have had a chocolate fashion show where they paired up local designers with a local chef, but this year they are not doing it. I'm kinda disappointed because I enjoyed seeing what creations the chefs would come up with for the dresses.
I'm also relieved because it makes it a little less stressful around here. Jimmy has done it twice and it was always a fun project, but since the event is around Valentine's day most chefs are busy. Speaking of projects, there is another co-worker of his who is expecting a new baby in five weeks! It's time for me to make another diaper cake!
It really is alot of fun to make. This one will be for a girl. I'll probably go out for supplies in a week and post pictures of it when it's done. I just love little baby things! I was telling Jimmy that when I'm a granny I want to open a baby shop so that I can surround myself with all the cute baby accessories.
I've debated going, but since it won't be so cold I've decided to go. In the past they have had a chocolate fashion show where they paired up local designers with a local chef, but this year they are not doing it. I'm kinda disappointed because I enjoyed seeing what creations the chefs would come up with for the dresses.
I'm also relieved because it makes it a little less stressful around here. Jimmy has done it twice and it was always a fun project, but since the event is around Valentine's day most chefs are busy. Speaking of projects, there is another co-worker of his who is expecting a new baby in five weeks! It's time for me to make another diaper cake!
It really is alot of fun to make. This one will be for a girl. I'll probably go out for supplies in a week and post pictures of it when it's done. I just love little baby things! I was telling Jimmy that when I'm a granny I want to open a baby shop so that I can surround myself with all the cute baby accessories.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Baby words
Cassia is coming up on 18 months so I thought I'd keep a list of words that she knows so far.
Phrases she says:
Things she can do:
- Mama
- Dada
- Bra (that's brother)
- Kai
- wawa (water)
- mum mum (milk or something she wants to eat)
- cheese
- ki ki (cookie)
- kitty (learned this one after visiting my sister and all her pets!)
- doggie
- uh oh
- up'a (up)
- mo (more)
- thanki (thank you)
- peas (actually please, not the veggie)
- tea
- juice
- train
- boon (balloon)
- bath
- bye-bye
- stars
- me/ mine
- paper (well something that sounds like it any way)
- bump
- pants
- shoes
- socks
- ba ba (bottle)
- boo
- choo choo
- na na (banana)
- hat
Phrases she says:
- I did it/ me do
- all done
- I stir (when she's helping me cook)
Things she can do:
- undress/dress self
- takes off diaper
- climb on to chair, bed, and sofa
- flip flaps in the lift the flap books
- tells me when she needs to go sit on the toilet for making poo (she won't go in her diaper, I think it's more comfortable for her to sit on the toilet)
- plays hide and seek with brother
- colors with pens, markers, and crayons (still gets tempted to taste it all too!)
- channel surfs
- point to body parts when asked
- eat on her own
- feeds her baby doll
- puts toys away
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