Exactly 1 Year Ago Today

Warning:  This post is all over the place sorry for all the mindless rambling.

November 30, 2010 changed my life!

↓ The biggest change that happened was this. ↓

YEP!  This was the day that I learned I was preggo with B! 

Lots of things were going on between me and BD at the time and I had already removed myself and most of my belongs from the house by this time. 

I had a hard time during the pregnancy battling depression and anxiety that spawned from the fighting with BD.  I am 100% happier now that BD is out of my life (for the most part).  My depression is gone and my anxiety is better.  I never realized how much damage my marriage was actually doing to my health. 

Once I found out I was pregnant I started seeing a therapist and can say now that I am happy.  I haven't felt "happy" in years and most of that was because of the stress BD caused me.

My pregnancy started off with vertigo (not fun!) and I was freaking out over little things that I could normally shrug off. 

And pregnancy insanity?  Yeah, its a real thing.  One day I snapped at work which resulted in me manhandling my bosses desk.  He was complaining that we (I and his wife, who happens to be my other boss and my friend) organized his desk while he was gone.  After hearing a grown ass man whine like a child for 15 minutes I had had it!  I calmly walked over to his desk picked up the bins that we had neatly filed his papers in and shook them upside down as well as emptied the pen and paperclip holders then swished it all around.  I said "There.  Now it's back to normal." and walked back to my desk and resumed working.  He didn't know what to do.  Later that day he came over to my desk and apologized for the way he had acted. 

That was perhaps the worst my pregnancy hormones got.  Granted, I did cry a lot but who wouldn't being pregnant and watching their marriage fail?

I count my blessings everyday and I can't believe what miracle B is.  He saved my life.  I'm not sure where I would be without him.  He can bring a smile to my face when everything else fails.  I was in a bad place for a while but if given the chance to re-do it I wouldn't change a thing.  Things happened to me for a reason and B is that reason.  He is my everything and always will be!



I love you B!

Carseat Canopy Promotion

I just ordered mine today! 

All the promotions that I have posted are still valid.

If you missed them the first time around click here to view all promotions and codes.

Use the promotion code "CHRISTMAS"

**Note this code gets you the canopy only**

Weekend Recap

WOW!  This has been a busy busy weekend!  Sorry if this post bores you.

Wednesday Night
This was the night of my BILs 31st birthday so a group of friends gathered at my old watering hole Jerzees.  I haven't been to Jerzees since March but it was nice to be there again.  I spent the night laughing away with my sister, my cousin and my girlfriends Keri, Erin, Kim and Robin.  Keri made a fun dance up for us lactating moms and I wish I had recorded it for you all to see.  Apparently it was catching because the next thing I know my friend Mike is doing the "squirter" as he called it.  I'm kinda sad that we don't get to see each other every week, maybe we should make it an annual event to get together once a month or once every other month....  I found myself walking in the door at 1:30am!  I felt like an adult again.  For once I wasn't in bed by 9.  I climbed into bed and slept for all of 4 hours before B was up and ready to eat.

Thursday

I spent the morning pleading with B to let me get some more sleep but he wasn't havin it.  He was all smiles and giggles ready to play.  So I did what every tired good mom does and put him in his swing turned on PBS Kids and cranked up the volume.  I laid on the couch next to him and took a much needed nap until my sister called to see if I was up for some shopping.  Yes, I know it was Thanksgiving and yes, we did go out shopping until 1 o'clock in the afternoon.  After returning from or pre-Black Friday shopping we had lunch with mom and began to straighten up for Thanksgiving dinner.  We ate a great dinner with  my dad's 2 sisters and went to bed early.

Friday

Black Friday!  I love Black Friday.  I've been going out on Black Friday for years now, this however was the first time I had someone to go with me.  I not only had B I also had my mom tagging along.  She was a bit skeptic and thought it would be crowded but it wasn't.  B woke us up at quarter to 5 to eat, since we were all up with nothing to do we packed up the diaper bag checked our accounts and hit the road.  Our first stop was Oxford Valley Mall.  I really wanted to go to JC Penny's because they had a handful of things I wanted to get.  I got B a toy as promised but he isn't getting it until Christmas as well as a few gifts for my mom. 

He's PUMPED for some Black Friday shopping

B and his gingerbread man

After walking the mall for a few hours I found myself walking away with some wicked cute sweaters for B, another new hat for B and a few other things.  I decided while I was there that I wanted to get his picture taken (see next weeks weekend recap for the pictures) so we visited Penny's again before leaving.  We made b-line for Toy'R'Us at Franklin Mills Mall to try and catch the end of their sale since the toy my mom wants to give B for Christmas was there.  Sadly we missed the sale by a matter of minutes but she got the toy anyway since we were there.  We drifted over to Neshaminy Mall for an early dinner with my sister and BIL to finish up the shopping day.  From beginning to end we were out for about 12 hours and went home with some great buys.

Saturday

B and I slept in and were woken up by a phone call from one of my oldest friends Keri, who called to tell me that her BF Pat had finally proposed!  Congrats you two!  I'm so excited!  Kristin came down to do some errands so we joined her.  I hit Sears to get B's picture taken (I know I'm crazy but at least these pictures were free).  When I first started taking B to get his picture don he was a miserable little turd and would waste an hour of the photographers time.  But now that he is bigger and has more of a personality his pictures turn out great and it makes it super hard to pick just 1.  Luckily I had a coupon for a free collage so I technically get 4 pictures and there was an online promotion that I could get another free picture mailed to me (+ S&H) so for the $5.99 shipping and handling I ordered my free picture.  We didn't do anything that night but be lazy which was totally fine with me.

Sunday

I got B up and ready for BD.  My sister and BIL came over so we could go to the Bucks County Technology Park flea market.  It was a gorgeous day perfect for some fun shopping.  I picked up an early Christmas gift for my niece Quorra and Kristin and I got some scarfs (I'm mildly obsessed with scarfs at the moment).  After a Philadelphia soft pretzel we headed home for some Christmas decorating.  Since this is the first Christmas without my dad my mom wanted to do up the house in his honor.  My dad loved to decorate their indoor front porch with lights, trains and handfuls of nutcrackers from my nutcracker collection.  we hung the outside lights and put up his favorite wreath.  The process took a while but by the time we were finishing up dinner was done so it played out well.  BD brought B home after dinner and I wasn't too pleased with him......he had B dressed in a onesie.  That's it.  A onesie.  We live in PA and it's almost December PLUS B has a cold so at the very least he should have put the long sleeve PJs back on him.  Or even a  pair of socks.  Anything!  I was floored when I saw him carrying B.  I stepped outside with my "Are you effin' serious?" face and questioned him about it.  All I got was attitude and the response of "Stop.  He's fine."  UGH!  I kept my cool the best I could and bit my tongue until he left.  Once gone I put B in to November appropriate clothing and got him into bed for the night.  A somewhat irritating end to my perfect holiday weekend.

B on his new sport themed beanbag chair (a Christmas present that I let him enjoy now)

 I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Celebrity Guest - Amber

This weeks Celebrity Guest is BBFF
Amber from Abergontrail
If you like what you read here check out her blog and be sure to leave her some love!

What is your blog about?

I started blogging at Weddingbee.com as Mrs. Kiwi, then began trying to conceive not too long after I "retired" from the wedding blog and started up a personal blog (http://intoourlife.blogspot.com/).  I didn't think it'd take me a year to get pregnant, but it did!  So that blog is all about my life and my bitterness. :)  A month before I got pregnant I moved to wordpress and bought my own domain name- http://ambergontrail.com/ (a play on Oregon Trail, a game I played in school).  I wanted to start anew, with a new blog for what I hoped would be a new baby soon.  Well, it worked! I got pregnant and thus my blog told the story of my pregnancy, my labor and delivery, and now, my life as a parent of an almost two year old.  It's been a great outlet for sure.

How many children do you have?
I have one daughter, Piper Jane (who will be two on Thanksgiving this year), and one miniature dachshund named Woofie, who will be 7 (in people years!!) the day after Thanksgiving.


Did you breastfeed?
Yep!  I nursed exclusively from birth to 17.5 months.  I think it came pretty easily to me, luckily, and we didn't have to supplement once.  I was SO lucky.  I was able to breastfeed exclusively because I brought Piper in to work with me from 6 weeks on and was able to breastfeed all day.  Even now she's still here two days a week (while no longer nursing!).

What's the grossest thing you've had to deal with since entering motherhood?
Well, since Piper eats meat and I don't, for me the grossest thing is having to deal with cutting/cooking meat.  Then there's the random times she'll vomit and it'll be regurgitated meat.  SO GROSS.  Oh, and the fact that I nearly pee myself every time I cough or sneeze.


Who are your biggest supporters?
By far my parents and my husband, Paul.  Paul works something like 4 jobs (one full time, three small side jobs) in order for us to have things we need, and treats like a trip to Disneyland.  I also work full time, but my job just covers the bills, not our rent and expenses.  My parents are awesome.  Because I don't drive, my dad picks Piper and I up from work on the days Piper comes with me.  On the days she is home (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), my mom watches her for ten dollars a day (her choice, we're not slave drivers)!  We're so lucky to be supported so heavily.

Name something you can't get through the day without.
My Samsung Gravity S!  This phone lets me edit and upload pics of Piper to Facebook, twitter (@ambergontrail_ is my handle, it's locked because I'm constantly getting hacked, but send me a request and I'll add you!), to my blog, in a message or email to Paul or my mother in law!  It also has Words With Friends (ambergontrail is my name), Pandora, comics and I heart Radio.  All sorts of things to keep me busy when Piper is napping and I'm bored but not at home.

Do you see more children in your future?
Absolutely!  Although I wish it was more than just one other child, we know we can feasibly care for two children max while living here in Los Angeles, but more than that isn't possible.  I'd love more than just two kids, though. Sadface.

In your opinion what was the worst thing about labor?
I'd have to say the buildup to the pushing, because I wasn't able to push Piper out.  I was in agony because I needed to push and I had to stop so I could get a c-section since Piper was getting jammed.  Worst feeling of my life, for sure.  Everyone talks about how great it feels to push your baby out, right?  It's because when you're in the push push push stage it's complete torture.  I'm bummed I had to miss out on that blissful feeling, although the morphine drip during my c-section was pretty heavenly.

In your opinion what was the worse thing about being pregnant?
The heartburn/acid reflux!!  It was so bad during my third tri that I had to stop using Tums and use Pepcid.  That was a good thing- Pepcid.  And hey, that wives tale about heartburn = tons of hair was right!  Piper had a ton of hair at birth!

 Do you have any tips for our readers?
Regarding anything child related: Trust your gut.  You will know best, and that's it.  Nothing goes to plan, ever.  EVER.  From pregnancy, to labor, to birthing to raising your child, you will always be the last one in on the joke- so try not to get too hung up on what is SUPPOSED to happen, and just accept what WILL happen.  You'll be a lot happier when you realize all kids are different, and those jag emails from Babycenter are LYING.  At least, that's what I tell myself. 

Thanks Amber for being our
Celebrity Guest of the week!

Interested in being a Celebrity Guest
or know someone who might? 
Click here and we'll make it happen!

Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for so much! 

I'm thankful...

1. that my water broke on the potty!
2. that I had an easy labor and delivery with B.
3. that I was held my beautiful healthy baby boy for the first time on 7-10-11.
4. that my dad is no longer in pain or suffering.
5. that I have a good lawyer.
6. that I have an amzaing family and group of friends.
7. that my sister and my two cousins/best friends are with child as well.
8. that being a single-mom isn't as hard as I thought it was going to be.
9. that I can wear my pumps again!
10. And most of all I'm thankful for all of my BBFF's!  You lady's rock the party! 

**CD SIDE NOTE:  I'm going to try stripping the CDs this weekend and hope for the best!  If it doesn't work I'm going to try a different brand of dipes, just sucks because I'm out $60 that could have been spent on quality CDs.  I'll let ya know how it goes!**

There will be no Product Review tomorrow on a count of its Thanksgiving here in the States but make sure you don't miss Friday's Celebrity Guest of the week!

Hope you all have a great week, see you Monday!

Carseat Canopy Promotion

Use the promotion code "THANKSGIVING"



Advice on CDing

I got my cloth diapers (CDs) last week and I was so excited to try them out.  The excitement is now gone and the frustration has set in. 

THESE THINGS SUCK! 

I bought pocket diapers from Sunbaby Diapers.  It was 12 diapers and 12 inserts for $60.  I was all "SCORE!" and now I'm all "EFF THIS SH*T!". 

They leak.  No matter what I do they leak. 

I make them small, I make them big, I double stuff for more absorbency, I put them on his waist tight, I put them on his thighs tight.  Nothing I do fixes the problem. 

Perhaps it's just the brand of diaper and if that's the case I just spent $60 on something I'm going to through in the trash. 

Do any of you CDing mom's have advice?  I really wan these diapers to work because I have already purchased them.  I prefer not to waste more money on another brand of CDs. 

Any suggestions?????

Weekend Recap

Thursday Night
For the first time in YEARS my childhood girlfriends and I attempted to get together for dinner.  Broderick stayed home with Maw Maw for the night while I was out.  Only 3 of us were able to attend but we still had a blast laughing over dinner and wine. 

For some reason the only picture I took this night was of the wine....

Friday
I took B on our Friday walk to my mom's work.  We ran to the bank and got lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse then spent hours walking around at 2 separate malls.  B got a new red sweater and a really nice pair of pants as well as a new cap and a handful of knit hats.  (FYI you can get knit hats at Walmart for $1.27.)

Saturday
After B's morning feeding we got ready to head over to a friends house for a Mary Kay party.  As soon as we got there Ms. Teena's daughters were on babysitting duty.  They love B so much!  I think Avery is a better mom then some woman I know and she's only 3!  They made sure he had his blanket on when he was in the car seat.  They tried to buckle him in and feed him his bottle.  Anytime B made a fussing noise Avery was sure to run over and tell us that "Baby Brody crying."  After the party we headed home for a much for a late lunch and a much needed nap.  One of my good friends was having close friends over for an early Thanksgiving feast so B and I trucked on over for a little bit.  B spent most of the night in other people's arms but I'm ok with that because it gives me a break.  After a long day we headed home for a good nights sleep.

↑ Notice how big B is compared to a 3 year old ↑

Sunday

B was picked up by BD and I took my long hot Sunday shower followed by my uninterrupted nap.  Its revitalizing to do these things and not have to worry about B.  As much as I love these things I love my little man more and I miss him when he's not around.  After doing some tidying up and eating dinner B was home for the night.  I tried the cloth diapers on him for bedtime and it leaked but not as much as the last few times.  Don't worry you'll be hearing all about the cloth diaper experience tomorrow.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Celebrity Guest - Jessica

This weeks Celebrity Guest is very special to me. 
Not only is she one of my BBFF's and a real life BFF
she also happens to be my younger cousin! 
Give it up for Jessica from Heart on Homestead 
If you like what you read here check out her blog and be sure to leave her some love!

How many children do you have?

Right now, my husband and I only have one furbaby, Bodie! He's a 4 1/2 year old spoiled rotten West Highland Terrier and can't wait to give him a sweet sibling to play with.

When did the pregnancy become 'real' to you?

There are moments where it takes me a second to realize I'm pregnant and soon there will be another little person in the world. It feels most real when the little guy starts kicking away!

What are some cravings you've had?

Lately, my craving has been for mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar. Chocolate is always on the top of my cravings list but this last week, I've wanted super tart stuff.

In your opinion what was the worse thing about being pregnant?

The sickness was awful. I was nauseous and pukey the entire first trimester up until I was 21 weeks. I'm 25 weeks now and still have the occasional spurt of nausea but nothing like I used to.

I made Jesse an avatar for my blog check her out here :)

Do you see more children in your future?

I do but if you ask my husband, he might have a different answer. We haven't discussed having more children but I don't think I'm cut out to have just one. I think a big family is in our future!

When is your estimated due date?

Due February 23rd, 2012. Hoping for a tame Winter! We don't need a baby delivered during a blizzard!

Who did you tell the great news to first?

When I first found out I was pregnant, it was quite a shock. I had gone to the doctor thinking I had severe food poisoning. I couldn't keep anything down for two days straight and when the doctor asked when my last cycle was...well, I didn't know. From there, he took a test and it was positive. I fell apart! We weren't trying to get pregnant at all so the news blindsided me.

I left the doctor's office and my phone rang - it was my boss checking in on me and the first question she asked was whether they did a pregnancy test. I was so emotional, I broke down crying yet again and confessed that I was. After pulling myself together, I called my sister and my sister in law who were both elated to hear I was expecting.

Sad to say, my husband was fourth in line to find out that our family was about to grow since he's not allowed to have a cell phone on at work. Sorry honey! :)

Do you know the gender of the baby?

Yes, we found out a few weeks ago we're expecting a sweet little boy!

What are some fears you have about becoming a mom?

Everything! I'm terrified of labor and delivery. How do I feed the little guy? How do I change him and hold him at the same time? What happens when he gets older and I'm not able to control everything he does? Becoming a mom is a scary thought. I'm only 25. I'm gonna be a MOM. It's crazy!

  

 Do you have a name picked out?

We have an entire list of names that continues to grow. We really like the idea of naming the baby after both our fathers, David Paul, but Chase, Ethan and now Braeden are all in the running.

Anything else you would like to share?

The fact that I'm about to be somebody's mother is scary but I'm also really excited. I love this baby so much already and he's not even here yet. I can only imagine how amazing it's going to be to hold that little guy in my arms and feel a love like nothing else in the entire world. It doesn't get much better than that.

Thanks Jess for being our
Celebrity Guest of the week!

Interested in being a Celebrity Guest
or know someone who might? 
Click here and we'll make it happen!

Product Review - Medela Nipple Shield

 This Weeks Product Review is the

Medela Nipple Shield

I breastfeed.  It didn't come easy though.  When B was first born I had everyone and their mother in the hospital trying to help us get a good latch.  Both times we were visited by the lactation consultant B latched on like a champ and made me look like a liar.  As soon as they left he unlatched and started to trow a hissy fit.  With an open mouth he would slash his back and forth across my nipple and scream in frustration.  I tried for about a week and a half to get him to latch without causing a fit but it never happened.  I remember some of the girls mentioned a nipple shield back in my *♥Knocked Up♥* days so I went out and bought one.  There are a few different ones you can buy but I chose the Medela brand ones. 

Cost:  $7.99 (+tax)

Includes:  - 1 Silicone Shield

Likes:

• Easy to Use and Clean
• Comfortable
• Makes Breastfeeding More Enjoyable

Dislikes:

• It costs $8 just for 1.
• I have to wear it every time because B won't latch without it.
• They are clear and I lose them easily.

Review:

I really like the shield.  I think $8 for just one is a bit pricey when I can get 2 shields/$9 if I go with the Avent brand.  But there is most certainly a difference in quality between the two brands and I prefer to use the Medela one more then the Avent ones.  I hate that I have to wear it because it makes breastfeeding a project.  I have to wash the shield after each use and I have to prep myself for feeding him by tucking a blanket under my boob so I don't get soaked when he lets the milk drip all over the place.  He'll also knock it off sometimes when he's playing around and everything gets wet so I yell at him for making a mess (yes I get mad at him and tell him to quit it).  I have misplaced the shield as well.  When its 4am and I'm feeding him and we both fall back a sleep the shield sometimes goes missing.  Since it's clear it's a bitch to find.  I've actually walked through the entire house looking for it.  I have lost one shield but I keep back ups just in case I lose another. 

Would I Recommend It?
Sure they're a pain in the ass but it's worth it to me.  I wanted to breastfeed for all the right reasons and latching was keeping us from doing so.  I probably wouldn't be breastfeeding if it weren't for the shields.  If you are a mom with expectations of breastfeeding but are having an issue with latching I'd recommend giving the shields a try. 

I hope you enjoyed this weeks Product Review.

Christening Questions

I have to get on the ball with this christening thing.  Originally I panned on having B christened back in August.  Then I held off on doing it until November in hopes that my dad would be out of the hospital by then but he passed away last month and things kinda went crazy for a few weeks so I never planned it.  Now we're in November (and that's 1/2 over already) so I'm looking at December for his christening and I have to pick a date.  Sorry for the rambling, none of that has to do with my questions.  Here are my questions:

1. How do I get out sharing this with BD?  Originally I wanted to have my own christening and let him do his own but he said no....  I am the spiritual one out of the two of us and I belong to a church, he does not.  Why can't we have 2 separate christenings?  If I must have the christening with him I will enforce that we have separate parties for him.  I don't want to put either of our families in any kind of uncomfortable position.  Advice on how to bring this up without being yelled at?
2. Does B HAVE to wear white?  Or can I hook him up with a nice 3 piece suit in a color of my choice?  White on white bores me.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!

A Whole New Meaning to Milk 'n' Cookies

According to wikipedia.org Galactogogues is a substance that promotes lactation in humans and other animals. It may be synthetic, plant-derived, or endogenous.  In layman's terms this stuff turns you into a dairy farm.  Ever since I returned to work I've been a bit panicky thinking that my milk supply has gone down.  I pump 3x's/day while at work usually every three hours or so.  I was getting anywhere from 4-11oz per pump session and go home with roughly 12-18oz each day but ever since my dad died my supply has been screwed up.  I now get anywhere from 1.5-5oz per session.  This is not enough to feed my little porker who will gladly eat 5-8oz per feeding.  I researched galactogues herbs and I started taking fenugreek and now I've added goat's rue to the mix.  My supply has increased slightly but isn't consistent yet so I've added something else to my regime - lactation cookies.  These cookies are pretty much oatmeal cookies with some extra ingredients. Take any oatmeal cookie recipe and add the following: 2 TBSP Flax Seed Meal AKA Milled Flax Seed (add flax seed to 2 TBSP water to activate) 2 TBSP Brewer's Yeast I bought the flax seed at my local grocery store, it was in the baking isle.  Brewer's yeast isn't something you'll find in your typical store, I went to my local GNC and purchased it.  These cookies taste no different then normal, anyone can enjoy them (including your kids and husbands).  For breastfeeding moms the oats, yeast and flax seed help promote lactation but for anyone else they are just cookies.  NO worries BBFF's your hubby isn't going to start producing milk if he eats them.  I add extra raisins to my cookies and the next go around I'm adding cashews or walnuts to the recipe. My supply has increased since last month but it's not back to where it once was.  I'm going to keep up with my fenugreek and goat's rue supplements and eat a few cookies a day.  Hopefully things will get back to normal in a few weeks.  Hope you are having a happy Tuesday!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was the firehouse spaghetti dinner in honor of my dad.  We had a great time and were super busy preparing for it.

Thursday Night
Thursday marked 1 month since my dad's passing.  It's hard to explain how I feel about the past month.  Part of me feels comfort in knowing that he isn't struggling to live anymore and part of me is overwhelming sad.  Still taking each day one at a time and missing him every second.  After work my dad's cousin came over for her baby fix and hung out with my mom while I ran to GNC to buy some brewer's yeast for cookies.  I got home, made my cookies and went to bed early.

Friday
Mom and I both had off on Friday so we spent the morning baking cupcakes, brownies, mini cheesecakes and cannoli dip.  I had an eye doctors appointment that went very well in the sense of I don't have to get new glasses so I saved some money!  After that we ran to our local party store to get cookie trays and hit Burger King on the way home (I LOVE BK!).  When we were finished lunch we were visited by one of my dad's best friends who came over to help my mom figure which cars belong to the random car parts around the house.  B and I took a much needed nap and after dinner we began to make cake pops.  Once the pops were made and the dishes were washed we crawled in to bed for the night.

Saturday
Kristin came down and I spent the morning helping watching her make elephant ears, coconut macaroons and shortbread.  By the time my mom got home I had cut the tops off the cupcakes so all she would have to do is add the fillings.  We finished up in just enough time to shower and pack the car with all the desserts.  We got to the dinner a bit early and there were already people there eating.  The church seated all firemen (and their families) as well as our family and friends int he upstairs hall.  After dinner there were a ton of prizes that were raffled off, it took forever for them to go through all the prizes.  There was a short sermon by the Chaplin from Washington D.C. and a small memorial about my dad.  After all was said and done the fire chief donated all proceeds to our family in honor of my dad's dedication to the firehouse and the community.  My dad touched the lives of so many people in his 57 years of life and it is inspiration for me and many others to be the best person we can be.

Sunday
BD picked up B for the day.  I got my morning pump in and watched some TV before walking to my mom's work.  After her shift we went out in search of a camera.  I was looking at the Nikon D3100 online and decided I wanted to go to the store and play around with it before making my decision.  We hit Walmart first and the cameras weren't charged, not like it mattered anyway because no one would even assist us so we left there and hit HHGregg's were their cameras weren't working either.  On our way out of the mall we stopped at Longhorns for an early dinner.  I tried to look for cameras at Best Buy and Target on our way home but neither of them had a functioning camera that I was interested in. 

I went to Sears for my final attempt to find a store that had the camera I was looking for.  They had the camera out but it too had no battery in it.  I spoke with the associate there and she was very helpful.  I originally thought I would just buy it when I was out doing my annual Black Friday run but couldn't wait so I bought it on the spot.  It cost me a pretty penny and I got store's 2 year warranty on it just in case it takes a turn for the worse one day.  I couldn't wait to get home and open it up and play with it.  I know NOTHING about cameras so I've got a lot of googling to do today.  So far I'm happy with my purchase.  I asked the sales clerk if I could return it if I don't like it and she said I could try it out for 30 days and and if I don't like it I can bring it back for a full refund.  Hopefully I'll be uploading some awesome pictures this month!

It was a really busy weekend with lots of running around but I'm glad I got to spend it with my closes friends and family!  Follow me on Twitter or Facebook to get round the clock updates on what Mr. B and I are up to.

Celebrity Guest - Amy

This weeks Celebrity Guest is BBFF
Amy from Ribbons Recipes and Reading
If you like what you read here check out her blog and be sure to leave her some love!

What is your blog about?

RRR started off as a blog dedicated to my adventures in cooking, literature and scrapbooking, as its title suggests. It has evolved into a place to write about my experiences in Mommyhood. I do have some posts in the works though that aren’t ENTIRELY centered on baby!

How many children do you have?

Ben, our first and only son, was born on August 5, 2011. He was 8 lbs. 6 oz and is now pushing 11 lbs. I believe. I can’t believe he’s almost three months old! He’s smiling regularly now and trying to “talk” to us, though it sounds more like hooting.

What would you say the hardest thing is about being a mom?

Well, we just found out Ben has the milk protein allergy. I’ve been cutting dairy and soy out of my diet. This is not the hard part, but hearing Ben cry in pain for the first few months and not being able to help him (or know how to help him) was so hard. Additionally, I didn’t have a lot of support – my husband and family are WONDERFUL, but they weren’t able to help him either. Things are getting SO much better now!

Name some things you don't leave home without.
Obviously, the diaper bag. We cloth diaper so I usually have about 3 – 5 diapers, spray bottle, cloth wipes and wet bag. Now that we’re using some formula, I usually have my Hygeia pump and pumpease with me too.


Did you breastfeed?
I am currently breastfeeding. I love it and it means the world to me. But, we’re having to supplement some since the dairy is only slowly but surely leaving my system, and I’d rather give Ben a bottle that see him in pain. Our current routine is when his dad gets home, around 6, he gives him this bottle (of Nutramagin formula) and I pump. We have a deep freezer so once Ben’s allergy clears up, we’ll be able to use the milk then (hopefully). 

Having to formula feed has shown me that it has some pros too though. Hubby can feed him, Ben is always satisfied after a bottle, and it's easier in some ways in terms of eating at restaurants and such. So I definitely respect both manners of feeding your baby!

Do you have any products in mind that you would recommend?

A few days after we got out of the hospital, Ben had to go back in for jaundice. One of his nurses stole a Wubbanub from the NICU. It is Ben’s best friend and a life saver.

Ben’s bouncy chair is another total essential. It’s been passed around all my friends and still runs like a champ. I wanted badly to be a baby-wearer, but my baby won’t have it! When he was litte and slept more, I could sneak him in the wrap for a little. Maybe when he gets a little bigger he’ll change his mind? So, he sits in his bouncy seat while I make dinner and do other tasks that I can’t do “with” him.  

Do you see more children in your future?
Since Ben was so colicky those first 10 weeks with his tummy issues, my husband and I adopted the phrase “one and done” and meant it. But, now that Ben’s a happy baby, I could possibly see some more. Wouldn’t mind trying for a sister for Ben.

What are some cravings you've had?

I mainly just craved cereal, which is not too exciting. Although, one day in my second trimester, I thought Pesto pizza topped with creamy cucumber salad would be a good idea, and it was.

In your opinion what was the worst thing about labor?

The waiting. Ben was overdue. Then, my water broke and I didn’t really even know it. I didn’t have the gush that you see on the movies or even hear about. When we finally went into the hospital, they had to move things along because my water had already been broken for a while. Oops! Well, it all turned out fine.

Anything else you would like to share?

I guess just not to be discouraged if things don’t go exactly as you planned. You have to be flexible. I kind of wanted to be one of those women who breastfeeds their baby until they’re two (like my mom did) but that’s not going to happen. I’m not giving up yet, but my baby is happier on formula without a tummy ache.

Thanks Amy for being our
Celebrity Guest of the week!

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Product Review - Baby Trend Velocity Stroller



This Weeks Product Review is the

Baby Trend Velocity Stroller

I don't jog but I love the look of the jogging strollers so I bought one with hopes that it would motivate me to exercise.  It has yet to be used for jogging, but it has motivated me to take B on long walks to Maw Maw's work at least once a week.  Hopefully someday I'll use it for it's exercise purposes.  This particular color is discontinued but they now have the Baby Trend Velocity in Cobblestone which is this pretty burnt orange color.

Cost:  $179.99 (+tax)

Includes:  - 1 Stroller
                 - 3 Tires
                 - Pedometer
                 - Child's Tray

Likes:

• Easy to Use
• Stylish
• Rides Smoothly
• MP3 Speaker Plug-In
• Pedometer
• Parents Tray with Compartment Storage
• Collapses Easily
• Multi-Position Reclining Seat
• Baby Trend Carseat Compatible
• 5 Point Harness
• Weight Capacity of up to 50 lbs

Dislikes:

• It doesn't fit in the trunk of Maw Maw's car.
• The basket underneath isn't very large.
• Back tires are wider then the stroller.
• It weighs 25.5 lbs.

Review:
I registered for the stroller because it was nice looking and rolled nicely and when I bought the stroller it was on sale and marked down to $120 (+ tax).  It doesn't come with a carseat but its compatible for any Baby Trend carseat.  I do have a tendency to run over people's toes or get snagged on things when out shopping because the rear tired are wider then the stroller and I always forget to take that into consideration when walking down isles.  The basket under the stroller isn't very large and it is awkward to get to but I think that is common with a lot of strollers.  I love that I can plug in my iPod and rock out while we walk and that it has a compartment for things like my keys and cell phone.  The pedometer is another great thing even though I have yet to hook it up.  It folds down pretty easily but isn't very compact. It fits fine in my SUV but not so well in my mom's '89 Sierra Oldsmobile.

Would I Recommend It?
I'd recommend this to any mom.  It's sporty yet functional with some great features.  Although, if you have an infant I would recommend buying a carseat that you can snap in because the seat doesn't recline all the way down to a laying position.  All in all it is a great stroller and I am very happy with it.


I hope you enjoyed this weeks Product Review.

Question for the Photographically Gifted

I'm thinking about getting a new camera.  This is a thought I have visited a lot over the past 2 years and I think I'm finally ready actually to do it.  Here's the problem:  I know nothing about cameras.  I have my little Cassio camera which was great for a night at the bar with friends but I need something with better quality now that I have B.  Plus he moves too darn fast for my cameras shutter.  By the time it's done warming up the flash the moment is gone.

I want the awesome pictures like the ones most of you have on your blogs and facebooks.  I'm ready for the big girl camera.  I'm think DSLR.  I know they are big and won't fit in my bra like my Cassio does but that is what I need to get the quality of pictures that I desire so much.  So I am calling out to you my BBFF's to help me pick a good camera that won't break the bank.  Suggestions?

Side note to Monday's post:  I saw that the promotion was still running on sevenslings.com so I bought another sling.  I'm so weak.  But spending less than $16 on a sling is too good of a buy to pass up!

My latest purchase

Side note to Tuesday's post:  I have another point for the puppy vs. baby cuteness battle.  Even though there are some really ugly dogs out there they still get awards and prizes for being as ugly as they possibly can be.  When was the last time you heard of a baby getting an award for being ugly?  Never.  That's because no one wants to look at an ugly baby.  But on the other hand ugly dogs have their own competition once a year.

Yoda was 2011’s Winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog



Puppy vs. Baby

If you are anything like me you probably initially thought of puppies and babies in a boxing ring with little boxing gloves on duking it out when you read this blog post title.  I hate to disappoint you but this is not about that.  This post is in response to Animal Planets Puppy vs. Baby cuteness challenge. 


I went on and I voted.  And guess who I voted for?  PUPPIES!  That's right, puppies.  I casted my vote based on the sheer fact that I have never seen an ugly puppy.  Never.  Not even a Chinese Crest puppy can be deemed ugly. 

Chinese Crested Puppy



Chinese Crested Dog



BUT on contrary I have seen some ugly babies.  I opted out of posting ugly baby pictures so not to offend anyone by tagging their baby as ugly.  Feel free to do a Google image search on ugly babies for your own satisfaction though. 

The decision to me was clear, puppies are cuter then babies.  And I feel like my vote was reinforced when I got the option on Animal Planet to vote on both baby and puppy pictures submitted.  Majority of my votes for the puppy pictures were in the 7-10 range, the baby votes on the other hand were between the 1-4 range.

I casted my vote what's yours?  Leave your answer as a comment below and go to Animal Planet to cast your vote in this epic battle.

Sling and Nursing Cover Promotion

Forward this to every new/repeating mom you know! 
These are 2 really great deals!  See below!

I just got this sling for $15.45!!!  This is a crazy good buy!

1. Go to http://www.sevenslings.com/ 
2. Click on "Shop Now" and select the correct size sling or gift set you would like (be sure to visit the sizing page for instructions on how to select the right size sling for you).
3. Once you have selected the sling or gift set you would like, enter "ucovers" into the promo code box and click "Apply Code". This will bring your product total from $39.00 to $0 for one of the pouch slings or from $44.00 to only $5 for our gift sets - all you are required to pay is the shipping & processing!

 

I just got this nursing cover for $9.95!!!

 

I got this nursing SET for just $14.95!!!





1. Go to http://www.uddercovers.com/ 
2. Click on "Shop Now" and select the correct size sling or gift set you would like (be sure to visit the sizing page for instructions on how to select the right size sling for you).
3. Once you have selected the sling or gift set you would like, enter "seven" into the promo code box and click "Apply Code". This will bring your product total from $39.00 to $0 for one of the pouch slings or from $44.00 to only $5 for our gift sets - all you are required to pay is the shipping & processing!

If you are a breastfeeding mom like me and you know how expensive nursing accessories can be.  This is a STEAL!  These also make great baby shower gift for expecting mom's that plan to breastfeed.

**You can also buy an extra sling or nursing set buy using the promo code "maternity" or "carseat" but you can only use one code at a time so I made a purchase then jumped back on and made a second purchase using the other code.**