Can I say breastfeeding on here?
Wow, I am finally done breastfeeding kiddo number 1 and boy was that a roller coaster.
People always say that it is such a good time to bond and enjoy with your little one but they left a few details out.
Breastfeeding hurts until everything becomes numb(?) and then you become a pro.
It is worth it though and saves so much money.
Lactation specialists aren't really that great....don't have one come talk to you...they charge you $30+ for looking at you.
It is a great time to bond and I really did love that! My busy guy actually would sit still for the entire 10 minutes, another plus!!
I was entirely blessed with a lot of milk production...too much info again? Sorry! Zac would eat on both sides and be done in 10 minutes. That's awesome!!
Nursing pads were a joke for me.
I would leak through my shirts every day in the beginning. I finally found AWESOME nursing pads.
I tried using disposable pads and went through them so fast that I would have spent $100 a week on those things. I used washable and they were amazing and comfortable. Funny story, I was in babies r us looking to buy some washable ones and this guy saw me looking at them and said out loud to his wife in front of me, "EWWWWW, can you imagine what someone would smell like if they used washable nursing pads!" I wanted to turn around and karate chop him in the jugular. Any way, you don't stink, if you were wondering. I used FuzziBunz nursing pads and you can get them on Amazon so that you don't have to have people look at you funny :).
Back to the producing too much, my poor little guy would have to get used to the milk shooting him in the eyes, face, and back of the throat because there was no stopping my supply. I was grateful, don't get me wrong, and it was HILARIOUS!!
I could hit a target 10 feet away. Just kidding. But maybe 5 feet away hahaha.
I wanted to feed Zac for a year and I did it!!! WAHOO!!!
Even after breastfeeding for a year, I still couldn't really do it in public. I need tips from people on this one. I felt like I had to strip down to do it and there's no way i'm doing that in front of everyone.
Weening: I was going to Hawaii and so I wanted to be done before we left. Weening was harder than I thought, if you want to do it gradually, and so I got him down to morning and night. I thought that that was good enough and then I'd only have to pump twice a day and I wanted to ensure that my monthly friend wouldn't come while on vacation.
I completely forgot the pump though. YIKES!!!
Last tip from me and for future weening reference:
Benadryl and Sudafed dry everything right on up!
Last Last comment, promise, your milk producers will go back to smaller than before you were pregnant in two days flat.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
I have problems
There was this one time that I was pregnant and didn't really exercise.
Not a good idea.
Now my baby is 10.5 months old and I still have a hard time exercising.
What happened? I used to exercise all of the time and was in such good shape.
I went running today for 1.1 miles, did some lunges, and 68 jump rope jumps.
Then I came inside and had a cookie, some chocolate and a bowl of ice cream.
I need some motivation to stop.haha
Ideas?
Not a good idea.
Now my baby is 10.5 months old and I still have a hard time exercising.
What happened? I used to exercise all of the time and was in such good shape.
I went running today for 1.1 miles, did some lunges, and 68 jump rope jumps.
Then I came inside and had a cookie, some chocolate and a bowl of ice cream.
I need some motivation to stop.haha
Ideas?
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
FREE Sam's Club Membership
Ok, I have wanted to try Sam's Club but have a Costco membership and couldn't justify having two memberships. If you are the same then here is your chance get a free year membership!!
Go to this link - http://www.livingsocial.com/deals/628922?rpi=108122796&ref=personalized-link-box-108122796&rui=147258317
Use promo code "OURTHANKS" for $5 off. Lucky for you, I didn't get this on mine.
The membership is $45, you get a $20 voucher and $19.84 in food vouchers.
Awesome!!!
Let me know if you get one and we can go browse together :)
Go to this link - http://www.livingsocial.com/deals/628922?rpi=108122796&ref=personalized-link-box-108122796&rui=147258317
Use promo code "OURTHANKS" for $5 off. Lucky for you, I didn't get this on mine.
The membership is $45, you get a $20 voucher and $19.84 in food vouchers.
Awesome!!!
Let me know if you get one and we can go browse together :)
Monday, March 4, 2013
Favorite Video
Me and Mark love this!
We may or may not watch this everyday....3 times.
Even though it is hard and sometimes you wonder, "How could you do this to me?", I still need to remember that Heavenly Father is the master gardener and he loves me enough to hurt me because he knows what I can do/become!
Hmmm...
So...Mr. Zac is 9 months old and he is walking? Is this normal?
As much as I love that he is walking, it terrifies me.
He is mega mobile and super hyper - difficult combo.
I'm tired. I'm proud of him. I'm in love with him. I'm exhausted.
I am just waiting for him to start running, which scares me more because he is already a speedy crawler.
All of those times that I giggled to myself as I watched mom's chasing their little ones to the pulpit in church, or out of the store into the road, or...that might be me. It's ok if you giggle, but be understanding too!
Monday, February 4, 2013
DIY - Making your own Canvas
Ok, so this year for Christmas I wanted to give my mom a canvas of Zac. I debated and debated on whether I should buy one or make one. I had seen tons of pinterest posts on making one and it seemed so easy. Lies...all lies. Alright, I'm being dramatic but seriously...lies. The canvas on the right is crap and my sweet mother was so sweet about the gift and said that she would hang that on her wall. That right there shows the unconditional love that a mother has for her child because I would never hang that on my wall. hahaha so after two attempts here is how to create your own canvas and I'm telling the truth!!!
2. Choose the picture that you want transposed onto the canvas. You will need a laser copy of the picture. Do not use photo paper. They are less than $1 at your local office store. FYI - Costco does not carry a laser printer and so don't go there for your copy. Also, your picture will be in reverse and so if that makes a difference, get your copy backwards.
3. You will need a paint brush and this Liquitex Matte Gel in medium. You can probably use other types of gel medium but this is what I used and it worked great! The Liquitex is around $24 at Hobby Lobby but I would use a 40% coupon and it makes it a great deal :).
5. Add the photo, ink down, to the gel medium
6. Let the medium completely dry
7. This is the fun part! Get a spray bottle and spray the paper in small sections and then use your fingers to gently rub the paper until it is removed off of the canvas. The photo/ink will remain. This is where I went wrong on the pic on the right. I thought that I had gotten all of the paper removed and hadn't. This step actually took me weeks to do when it worked out. I did a little every day because my fingers would rub raw. Exciting!! Also, if you do it over a few days/weeks then, when it dries, you will be able to see if the paper was removed entirely.
8. Once all of the paper is removed, then apply the gel medium over the top and you are done.
I absolutely love how the canvas, on the left, turned out!! It is antiqued. Some of the photo/ink comes off with the paper but it gives it character and I LOVE it!! It sounds easy enough but be patient and give yourself plenty of time to do step 7.
Good luck!! If you have questions, ask away!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Rite of Passage
Ok, I think that after a baby turns 6 months, they start progressing at the fastest speeds. It was nuts!!! It was as if it was Zac's rite of passage and he was now allowed to be a man child.
He was rolling everywhere and off of everything...whoops!!
He was sitting up, nice and tall.
He was talking, err babbling, and it just felt like he was an actual human.
Now, that he is almost 9 months, it must be coming on to a second rite of passage?
He has been doing this adorable army crawl and has it down to an art using a combination of rolls and scoots and army crawls to get exactly where he wants to be. It's impressive.
Zac only wants to stand. Never sit. Never lay. It feels like he stands half of the day with no help at all. He walks, with help, and it really good at it.
He actually crawled up the stairs...I think I'm doomed with this child. He stands on his own, with no help, for a few seconds.
January 31, he actually did his first "real" crawl on his hands and knees. I was so happy, that I only allowed him to do two slow crawls before I swept him off of the floor in excitement and started running around the house. Weird? Not at all.
Then, today, he has his first little peek-a-boo of a tooth. Barely poking through the gums. Couldn't be more excited/scared.
I may have to end breastfeeding.
He was rolling everywhere and off of everything...whoops!!
He was sitting up, nice and tall.
He was talking, err babbling, and it just felt like he was an actual human.
Now, that he is almost 9 months, it must be coming on to a second rite of passage?
He has been doing this adorable army crawl and has it down to an art using a combination of rolls and scoots and army crawls to get exactly where he wants to be. It's impressive.
Zac only wants to stand. Never sit. Never lay. It feels like he stands half of the day with no help at all. He walks, with help, and it really good at it.
He actually crawled up the stairs...I think I'm doomed with this child. He stands on his own, with no help, for a few seconds.
January 31, he actually did his first "real" crawl on his hands and knees. I was so happy, that I only allowed him to do two slow crawls before I swept him off of the floor in excitement and started running around the house. Weird? Not at all.
Then, today, he has his first little peek-a-boo of a tooth. Barely poking through the gums. Couldn't be more excited/scared.
I may have to end breastfeeding.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Nurse Kim - Essential Oils Part 2
Growing up, my Aunt would have her herbal remedies and little natural tips that would help in any time of need, whether it was a stomach ache, headache, sore muscles, cold, etc. It seemed interesting and a little funny but I used what she would give and it would always work. As I’ve grown up and had a munchkin of my own, I’ve realized how amazing all natural remedies really are.
It’s that first time that your little one gets sick and you can’t give them anything because they are young or as a breastfeeding/pregnant person that gets sick and you can’t take anything. Whew, that stresses me out. I think it’s also the fact that I know that I can’t take anything and then I worry too much that I can’t.
I’ve used essential oils before, when I had a sore throat or got a cold and would put oregano under my tongue or I’ve used lavender on skin rashes or to calm my little munchkin, or eucalyptus in a humidifier to help a little one with a cold. They work great and I love them. That has been the extent of my knowledge with these magic potions.
Lately though, I’ve really gotten into the fact that there are tons of oils that fix tons of ailments. I love it!
You can use them to cook, clean, sanitize, help your house smell good, and make you feel better. Uh, does it get any better?
My first moment of “ah ha” was when little Zac was sick for weeks and it wasn’t getting better. He had an eye infection, congestion, cough, all of the yucky stuff and after a day and a half of my magic potions, “Poof,” all better.
These oils that have been used for centuries by our ancestors have gotten lost in world of medicine. Not that going to the doctor is bad, it’s not.
The other oils that I’ve used were good but, since then, I have started using doTERRA. There oil is a different than most because it is certified pure and therapeutic grade. It is safe to ingest and put on your body. They also have blends, which is nice because you can buy less instead of more. You can use other brands and most health food stores carry oils.
Here are some uses for the oils that I can’t live without!
Lemon:
You can take Lemon and some baking soda and sprinkle on carpet. Leave for 30 minutes or so and then vacuum it up. Smells fantastic!
10-15 drops of lemon
1 cup water
1/8 cup vinegar
Add to a spray bottle, shake, and apply to windows and then wipe clean.
You can add a few drops to water for a refreshing drink that will help clean up the liver.
Lavender is used to relax and prepare for sleep. Calms Zac right down when he gets in crying fits. My bro used this on that rash that people get on the back of arms and he no longer has that rash. You can use this for any skin rashes or burns too.
On-Guard (Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Eucalyptus) helps with immune building and aid in fighting off harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses. This is one of my favorites!! I apply this to Zac’s feet and the rest of my family takes it under the tongue to help our bodies fight sickness during cold and flu season.
Deep Blue (Wintergreen, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Osmanthus) helps with any sore muscles or aches. It truly is miracle oil. They have a rub that combines this oil in lotion and it's like Icy Hot on steroids.
Breathe (Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara) is a respiratory blend and works so well in helping with congestion and to open sinuses. I love putting this on Zac’s little chest and it does wonders.
Melaleuca or tea tree oil (it's one in the same) is one that helps with infection or wounds. I gargled this after I had two cavities filled and my teeth hurt; the pain was gone in seconds. This also helps with sore throats along with On Guard. This can also be rubbed on eczema.
Digest-Zen (Ginger, Peppermint, Tarragon, Fennel, Caraway, Coriander, Anise). This is what I use for nasty stomachaches. Put a few drops on my tongue and it takes the stomachache away very quickly. My grandpa had pancreatitis and gallstones and thought he had just majorly bad stomachaches. He was using this oil and it would help for a little while and then it would hurt again, he would take more and it would help. Obviously, he should have gone to the doctor. He ended up needing his gallbladder removed but I couldn’t believe that this oil helped him at all.
Past-Tense is a headache blend. You just apply to your temples and/or forehead and your headache will be gone. Awesome!
Wild Orange is an oil that I wish I could attach to strings and have it always dangling under my nose. It makes me happy and smells so good. You can cook with it too!
Hopefully you have learned something new and find your own ways to use essential oils. If you do, I hope you’ll share!
It’s that first time that your little one gets sick and you can’t give them anything because they are young or as a breastfeeding/pregnant person that gets sick and you can’t take anything. Whew, that stresses me out. I think it’s also the fact that I know that I can’t take anything and then I worry too much that I can’t.
I’ve used essential oils before, when I had a sore throat or got a cold and would put oregano under my tongue or I’ve used lavender on skin rashes or to calm my little munchkin, or eucalyptus in a humidifier to help a little one with a cold. They work great and I love them. That has been the extent of my knowledge with these magic potions.
Lately though, I’ve really gotten into the fact that there are tons of oils that fix tons of ailments. I love it!
You can use them to cook, clean, sanitize, help your house smell good, and make you feel better. Uh, does it get any better?
My first moment of “ah ha” was when little Zac was sick for weeks and it wasn’t getting better. He had an eye infection, congestion, cough, all of the yucky stuff and after a day and a half of my magic potions, “Poof,” all better.
These oils that have been used for centuries by our ancestors have gotten lost in world of medicine. Not that going to the doctor is bad, it’s not.
The other oils that I’ve used were good but, since then, I have started using doTERRA. There oil is a different than most because it is certified pure and therapeutic grade. It is safe to ingest and put on your body. They also have blends, which is nice because you can buy less instead of more. You can use other brands and most health food stores carry oils.
Lemon:
You can take Lemon and some baking soda and sprinkle on carpet. Leave for 30 minutes or so and then vacuum it up. Smells fantastic!
10-15 drops of lemon
1 cup water
1/8 cup vinegar
Add to a spray bottle, shake, and apply to windows and then wipe clean.
You can add a few drops to water for a refreshing drink that will help clean up the liver.
Lavender is used to relax and prepare for sleep. Calms Zac right down when he gets in crying fits. My bro used this on that rash that people get on the back of arms and he no longer has that rash. You can use this for any skin rashes or burns too.
On-Guard (Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Eucalyptus) helps with immune building and aid in fighting off harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses. This is one of my favorites!! I apply this to Zac’s feet and the rest of my family takes it under the tongue to help our bodies fight sickness during cold and flu season.
Deep Blue (Wintergreen, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Osmanthus) helps with any sore muscles or aches. It truly is miracle oil. They have a rub that combines this oil in lotion and it's like Icy Hot on steroids.
Breathe (Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara) is a respiratory blend and works so well in helping with congestion and to open sinuses. I love putting this on Zac’s little chest and it does wonders.
Melaleuca or tea tree oil (it's one in the same) is one that helps with infection or wounds. I gargled this after I had two cavities filled and my teeth hurt; the pain was gone in seconds. This also helps with sore throats along with On Guard. This can also be rubbed on eczema.
Digest-Zen (Ginger, Peppermint, Tarragon, Fennel, Caraway, Coriander, Anise). This is what I use for nasty stomachaches. Put a few drops on my tongue and it takes the stomachache away very quickly. My grandpa had pancreatitis and gallstones and thought he had just majorly bad stomachaches. He was using this oil and it would help for a little while and then it would hurt again, he would take more and it would help. Obviously, he should have gone to the doctor. He ended up needing his gallbladder removed but I couldn’t believe that this oil helped him at all.
Past-Tense is a headache blend. You just apply to your temples and/or forehead and your headache will be gone. Awesome!
Wild Orange is an oil that I wish I could attach to strings and have it always dangling under my nose. It makes me happy and smells so good. You can cook with it too!
Hopefully you have learned something new and find your own ways to use essential oils. If you do, I hope you’ll share!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Recipe - Best Grilled Cheese...Seriously!
The other day we were craving a grilled cheese sandwich and Mark decided to get crazy with it :).
Ok, it's not really that crazy or complex, but it tasted so freaking good! Maybe it just majorly hit the spot for us, but I swear it was the best sandwich. Tell me what you think...
Here goes:
2 pieces of bread (we used a multi-grain, but any is fantastic)
Cheddar Cheese from the block (I'm sure shredded would be just as good)
Honey
Butter
First, you are going to butter one side of each piece of bread, this will be the outside of your sandwich.
Then, you will butter one inside piece.
Next you will put some honey on the other, non buttered, inside piece.
Put your cheese in between the buttered side and the honey side and cook your sandwich like any other grilled cheese.
We did it in a non-sick pan on our stove. Cook until the cheese is melted.
I seriously have been asking Mark to make one of these for me every single day, and NO, I'm not pregnant :). Enjoy! Sorry that I don't have a pic to share. I ate them all too fast...
Ok, it's not really that crazy or complex, but it tasted so freaking good! Maybe it just majorly hit the spot for us, but I swear it was the best sandwich. Tell me what you think...
Here goes:
2 pieces of bread (we used a multi-grain, but any is fantastic)
Cheddar Cheese from the block (I'm sure shredded would be just as good)
Honey
Butter
First, you are going to butter one side of each piece of bread, this will be the outside of your sandwich.
Then, you will butter one inside piece.
Next you will put some honey on the other, non buttered, inside piece.
Put your cheese in between the buttered side and the honey side and cook your sandwich like any other grilled cheese.
We did it in a non-sick pan on our stove. Cook until the cheese is melted.
I seriously have been asking Mark to make one of these for me every single day, and NO, I'm not pregnant :). Enjoy! Sorry that I don't have a pic to share. I ate them all too fast...
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