tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23175204810421472912024-03-13T17:26:46.580-05:00mommy of 2 boys under 2, now has 3 boys I'm a nurse by trade and former stay at home, homeschooling mom. I've got three boys, ages 7, 6 and 7 months. I want to share any knowledge I've gained raising two completely different personalities and adding a third. My goal is to share my experiences and favorite things for my family. I love a good bargain so I hope by sharing ideas I can help other moms discover amazing products too! I'll also be sharing crafts I've attempted, recipes I've tweeked, and family friendly ideas I try out.Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-62126101641927657662018-02-23T22:35:00.002-06:002018-02-23T22:35:45.048-06:00TeethingWhat I've learned with my first born is teething comes at all ages. Some references say 4-7 months and as late as a year. My baby was an early bloomer and got his first at 4 months and didn't stop until he had 8 teeth, 6 months later. Right before his first birthday we noticed a bit more biting and chewing on things. 4 molars are working their way in. He's been teething his whole life! Mostly he drools and chews, occasionally fever, but I don't think diarrhea is a symptom of teething. Sensitive skin may break out around the mouth, I tried to keep his face dry by blotting a bib frequently but never used an ointment. <br />
<br />
So what do we do about it? The teeth he has are sensitive so popsicles and frozen rings aren't a favorite. Instead we freeze wet washcloths. For the molars, he likes frozen grapes he can gnaw on. I still have teething tablets from Hylands and Little Rememdies so he gets those at night. I don't treat fever unless he's cranky.<br />
<br />
originally posted 3/11/2011Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968744070304166514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-63189939995737972182018-02-23T22:33:00.000-06:002018-02-23T22:33:29.721-06:00Handmade 2nd Birthday Car InvitationsI decided for Liam's 2nd Birthday I would make his invitations. Can't be too hard eh? After I started putting all the pieces together I found just the right elements to make it work without being too complex. Here's how it went down.<br />
While talking to my sister on the phone I got the idea to hand make car shaped invitations. I tried to explain th her how I thought it should work out. I took a post it note and cut it out freehand. I was so impressed with myself I saved it! I figured I could find a picture online to model my design after and draw it myself. It's somewhat VW Beetle-ish.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be cute to have the door open and reveal the party details. I then picked out scrapbook paper I have on hand for taillights, headlights and windows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq7syz1ttC0/T9qnrlBcaOI/AAAAAAAAArg/7E1RB1yPNf0/s1600/2012-05-21+21.37.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq7syz1ttC0/T9qnrlBcaOI/AAAAAAAAArg/7E1RB1yPNf0/s320/2012-05-21+21.37.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, that got to be a little much when I was going to make 50 cards. so the design got whittled down to this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkWk_qT4hZQ/T9qnukVvY0I/AAAAAAAAAro/SLcwja5hB58/s1600/2012-05-21+21.38.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkWk_qT4hZQ/T9qnukVvY0I/AAAAAAAAAro/SLcwja5hB58/s320/2012-05-21+21.38.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I bought number stickers at the dollar store to complete the look and this is how they were mailed:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOngmjiHbmE/T9qnxVcQhKI/AAAAAAAAArw/2x1qamwXIEM/s1600/2012-05-22+14.54.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOngmjiHbmE/T9qnxVcQhKI/AAAAAAAAArw/2x1qamwXIEM/s320/2012-05-22+14.54.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-56340147001395009092015-05-28T21:10:00.001-05:002015-05-28T21:13:37.638-05:00Gluten Free Cauliflower waffles<p dir="ltr">2 cups unseasoned steamed caulifower <br>
2 cups GF Pancake & waffle mix (I used Bloomfield farms)<br>
1.5 cups milk<br>
1 tbsp sugar<br>
1 egg<br>
Approx. 1 cup water<br>
*Makes about 5 medium waffles</p>
<p dir="ltr">Whip the wet ingredients and slowly add flour mix. Add water slowly to get consistency you prefer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We made Mickey Mouse Waffles in the Disney Waffle maker. My kids thought they were "so yummy" :) Score 1 for Mama!<br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XY2v5jnDGfo/VWfLTmHGZTI/AAAAAAAAAV4/wi_JVw4gBgk/s1600/FB_IMG_1432865474740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XY2v5jnDGfo/VWfLTmHGZTI/AAAAAAAAAV4/wi_JVw4gBgk/s640/FB_IMG_1432865474740.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mj9Wzme_c_M/VWfLUA6rLRI/AAAAAAAAAV8/_h0-Eaj1o9M/s1600/FB_IMG_1432865484449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mj9Wzme_c_M/VWfLUA6rLRI/AAAAAAAAAV8/_h0-Eaj1o9M/s640/FB_IMG_1432865484449.jpg"> </a> </div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968744070304166514noreply@blogger.com0Fondren, Jackson32.338974 -90.17291tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-51789036468646041362014-06-01T00:23:00.002-05:002014-06-01T00:24:43.166-05:00Rachel and the Treeschoolers, back with another Kickstarter!<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/twolittlehands/rachel-and-the-treeschoolers-three-brand-new-episo/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe></div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-53197102806264456982013-12-19T01:04:00.000-06:002015-12-10T23:51:36.747-06:00Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUCkwBa9iXY/UrKYamL_UwI/AAAAAAAAF7M/BhMGJWO6C1E/s1600/20131219_004004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUCkwBa9iXY/UrKYamL_UwI/AAAAAAAAF7M/BhMGJWO6C1E/s320/20131219_004004.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
I was looking for something creative yet simple to do as a happy for friends and coworkers this Christmas season and I stumbled upon this <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/11/our-familys-favorite-semi-homemade-hot-chocolate-mix.html" target="_blank">post</a> on Pinterest. It was good hot chocolate, but it needed more. So I played with the recipe a bit and looked at a homemade Nesquik recipe <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/08/homemade-nesquik.html" target="_blank">here</a>. We don't do just any chocolate milk, it's always "Ovaltine and Nilk pwease" around here. All that being said, I came up with this recipe which makes a little more than 1 quart of dry mix.<br />
<br />
Homemade Hot Cocoa/Chocolate Mix<br />
<br />
2/3 cup granulated sugar<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
1 cup non-dairy coffee creamer<br />
2 cup dry milk<br />
1/2 cup powdered sugar<br />
pinch of salt<br />
<br />
Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl with a fork or whisk until larger clumps are mixed in well. Store in glass airtight container.<br />
<br />
To make a mug, add 3-5 heaping tablespoons of mixture to hot water. Add marshmallows or marshmallow bits if you like. Enjoy. It's smooth and chocolatey and way better tasting than store bought brands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-38119261279202108252013-08-05T12:56:00.003-05:002018-02-24T00:20:49.188-06:00Rachel and the Treeschoolers<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/twolittlehands/rachel-and-the-treeschoolers-by-the-makers-of-sign/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-53884777376150369482013-07-18T20:06:00.000-05:002013-12-19T01:05:33.204-06:00Traceable Letters For On The Go Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K9082wJykY/UeiIgSZXtlI/AAAAAAAAA7A/IZYOiXsqPZg/s1600/20130718_192840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K9082wJykY/UeiIgSZXtlI/AAAAAAAAA7A/IZYOiXsqPZg/s400/20130718_192840.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Supplies needed:</b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
heat laminator</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
printer with ink and paper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
scissors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
binder ring</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
name badge laminate sleeves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dry erase crayons </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
font found <a href="http://www.fontspace.com/kimberly-geswein/kg-primary-dots" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rJbaWHyuqw/UeiHF2ytq5I/AAAAAAAAA6c/S-i84sfvnZ8/s1600/20130718_185003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rJbaWHyuqw/UeiHF2ytq5I/AAAAAAAAA6c/S-i84sfvnZ8/s320/20130718_185003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
** you can substitute badge holders with pockets if you don't have a laminator**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a Duck brand heat laminator I bought at Walmart years ago. Not sure if they're still available. It's pictured above. I also helped myself to a glass of red wine to ease the pain of cutting paper. I ordered my sleeves on amazon.com.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First I googled for a kids traceable font with lines. Then I typed each letter on a single line, centered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kNCM3SOhKQ/UeiHCea7W-I/AAAAAAAAA6U/59jVyLicBGM/s1600/20130718_191951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kNCM3SOhKQ/UeiHCea7W-I/AAAAAAAAA6U/59jVyLicBGM/s320/20130718_191951.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cut them free hand so they're crooked and uneven so my kids know mommy made them herself just for them. I printed each page twice to make double sided cards. I thought about gluing the pages together but after running that through the laminator and seeing the glue through the letters decided it wasn't the way to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8DEeXeSuho/UeiJKGi-ybI/AAAAAAAAA7I/APdDb8ddYpc/s1600/20130718_193112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8DEeXeSuho/UeiJKGi-ybI/AAAAAAAAA7I/APdDb8ddYpc/s320/20130718_193112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the letters I had to cut out for the ring hole. Naturally, they were G, P, Q, and Y.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVBjnexDGCA/UeiJkJDaxVI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/WXe3aX-EX7E/s1600/20130718_193352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVBjnexDGCA/UeiJkJDaxVI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/WXe3aX-EX7E/s320/20130718_193352.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the end it looks like this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K9082wJykY/UeiIgSZXtlI/AAAAAAAAA7A/IZYOiXsqPZg/s1600/20130718_192840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K9082wJykY/UeiIgSZXtlI/AAAAAAAAA7A/IZYOiXsqPZg/s320/20130718_192840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-68613864322401349072013-05-16T01:25:00.000-05:002013-05-16T01:25:05.046-05:00How to Clean your PillowsSo I was surfing Pinterest and came across a blog about how to clean pillows. I can't find it now and that disappoints me but basically the author had a magic recipe for getting yellow pillows clean and white. It involved laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and borax. The comments section had questions about front loaders and whether or not the dishwasher detergent was necessary. I've seen it recommended that you wash your pillows three times a year although I prefer to do it more often. Since I did this just this week by chance with awesome success I figured I'd blog about it. I washed my 9 (yes all on my bed) standard size pillows 3 at a time in my Samsung HE top-loader with Planet detergent on the gentle cycle. There is no agitator in this machine. I then laid them outside on my front lawn for 12 or so hours, flipping every couple of hours. This not only dried them in the 80 degree heat but also sun bleached the yellow sweat and drool stains.They looked almost new except the frayed stitching. I wish I had taken pictures but I didn't know it would work so well or that it was interesting enough that other people have blogged about it. Oh well. Maybe next time. Before you look toward chlorine bleach, give the sun a chance. Lay it out on some green grass and watch the stains disappear.Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-73362625573787548612012-12-13T13:51:00.000-06:002012-12-13T13:51:37.201-06:00Cricket's Crack Dip AKA my version of Mississippi Sin DipI took several recipes I found online and modified them to fit my tastes. This is what I used. (For once I took notes AND measurements!)<br />
<br />
2 cups (16 oz) sour cream<br />
1.5 box (12 oz) Neufchâtel cheese or cream cheese<br />
1 roll Jimmy Dean Regular sausage<br />
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese<br />
2 cups green onions, chopped<br />
1 can (4oz) green chiles, undrained<br />
<br />
Crumble sausage in frying pan and cook fully. Mix sour cream and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Add other ingredients and mix. Pour into baking dish and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serve warm with Triscuits or pita chips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAb7PqaRq18/UMovM5LezhI/AAAAAAAAA1c/etAd9R-OJDg/s1600/2012-12-13+11.18.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAb7PqaRq18/UMovM5LezhI/AAAAAAAAA1c/etAd9R-OJDg/s320/2012-12-13+11.18.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOWdg7SZ9Ys/UMovB8xVJ8I/AAAAAAAAA04/Z7GUy4FNhTw/s1600/2012-12-13+11.03.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOWdg7SZ9Ys/UMovB8xVJ8I/AAAAAAAAA04/Z7GUy4FNhTw/s320/2012-12-13+11.03.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYVnSgOQ-xo/UMovEQkoHRI/AAAAAAAAA1A/f6xe8k6JQlk/s1600/2012-12-13+11.03.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYVnSgOQ-xo/UMovEQkoHRI/AAAAAAAAA1A/f6xe8k6JQlk/s320/2012-12-13+11.03.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rRwk_fE5D8/UMovHctLHXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/nUHGj71mtZE/s1600/2012-12-13+11.11.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rRwk_fE5D8/UMovHctLHXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/nUHGj71mtZE/s320/2012-12-13+11.11.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dd6Zk7B-ags/UMovJ--n9qI/AAAAAAAAA1U/ScEVinBq68Q/s1600/2012-12-13+11.13.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dd6Zk7B-ags/UMovJ--n9qI/AAAAAAAAA1U/ScEVinBq68Q/s320/2012-12-13+11.13.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaQBC_RBCTw/UMovPvV6zBI/AAAAAAAAA1k/bVGol4D9ZRM/s1600/2012-12-13+11.29.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaQBC_RBCTw/UMovPvV6zBI/AAAAAAAAA1k/bVGol4D9ZRM/s320/2012-12-13+11.29.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After 45 minutes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GM9cHg9b76w/UMoxIbIpESI/AAAAAAAAA1s/OdVbKqCE7Gg/s1600/2012-12-13+13.43.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GM9cHg9b76w/UMoxIbIpESI/AAAAAAAAA1s/OdVbKqCE7Gg/s320/2012-12-13+13.43.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-66223426040350117752012-12-05T23:11:00.005-06:002012-12-05T23:11:02.462-06:00Stationery card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2baN2rJ6o&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/2baN2rJw/2baN2rJ2EW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1354770198000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Everything Is Merry Holiday Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations" style="color: #6666cc;">Create unique holiday invitations</a> at Shutterfly.com.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968744070304166514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-64834604192542252252012-11-21T19:42:00.001-06:002012-11-21T19:44:31.185-06:00Revamping some old Cloth Diapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A dear friend of mine had 20 Bamboo Baby cloth diapers she wanted to re-purpose. The diapers are clean and in great shape with the exception of the velcro closures. They are worn out completely. For her I "unstitched the tongues" ( basically took a seam ripper to the microfiber inserts). They came out cleanly to be used as doublers for other diapers. :) Since I'm in the market for some new diapers I thought I would try my hand at putting snaps on these diapers and using them with prefolds. With my friend's blessing of course! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkIfsPed8bQ/UK1-61eIoZI/AAAAAAAAAy4/kVUmc86T1zw/s1600/566875_10100219401395069_441135489_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkIfsPed8bQ/UK1-61eIoZI/AAAAAAAAAy4/kVUmc86T1zw/s320/566875_10100219401395069_441135489_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It took quite a while to get the velcro off, and the process took off the tags as well. Lots of little strings but the fabric still inact. Total of 5 pieces had to be removed from each diaper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwzcSwUkd0/UK1-8blTEqI/AAAAAAAAAzI/yuuKgmJVdB0/s1600/703019_10100219401464929_2040843848_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwzcSwUkd0/UK1-8blTEqI/AAAAAAAAAzI/yuuKgmJVdB0/s320/703019_10100219401464929_2040843848_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I used this blog <a href="http://allaboutclothdiapers.com/converting-bumgenius-cloth-diapers/">allaboutclothdiapers.com</a> as a tutorial. I made my own template on the inside of a cereal box.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CznidF-eLM4/UK2B_qVEumI/AAAAAAAAAzo/EOJdoJhpShU/s1600/703083_10100219420347089_822408747_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CznidF-eLM4/UK2B_qVEumI/AAAAAAAAAzo/EOJdoJhpShU/s320/703083_10100219420347089_822408747_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Using a pencil I marked the spot for each snap and using an awl poked the holes from the inside of the diaper to the outside. I used the clamp tool and secured the snaps on the front of the diaper, and then on the tabs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN6gkqXA1Ag/UK1-7lMMoCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/tqVI-s8WuUA/s1600/567466_10100219403530789_1828592851_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN6gkqXA1Ag/UK1-7lMMoCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/tqVI-s8WuUA/s320/567466_10100219403530789_1828592851_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
...And it works! Since my babies have to be asleep for me to work on this project, they are asleep now and cannot model for this blog entry. Maybe sometime later they'll be still long enough to snap some good shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIvO5QFIyYE/UK1-9HOnbkI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/qNdOB5sRWgo/s1600/703090_10100218893802289_217462216_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIvO5QFIyYE/UK1-9HOnbkI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/qNdOB5sRWgo/s320/703090_10100218893802289_217462216_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-33648666000086443432012-11-21T17:57:00.000-06:002012-11-21T17:57:01.434-06:00Daily Chores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My husband got the bright idea that we need to schedule a room to clean each day to keep our house livable. It will never be spotless again. Not with two toddlers who throw sippy cups full of milk across the room where they roll under the couch, or at dinner when they're finished eating and just drop their plates from their highchairs onto the floor splashing food on all surfaces in range. Forget the splash sheet, our dogs can't even keep the kitchen floor clear of food! I agree, instead of cleaning every room every day, one room each day might actually get accomplished around here. After looking at several formats and reminders of what ought to be cleaned regularly I came up with a poster for my family. Notice there is nothing there about organizing anything. Yeah, as organized as my brain can be, I cannot keep my house that way. I blame it on the lack of cabinet space and closets. I mean, my sewing machine lives on a table next to my kitchen table with the projects in bags underneath or on top. I forgot to add "dust the sewing machine corner" to the list. Oh well, everything here is a work in progress! Here is my master design.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2LbVniXSHU/UK1pZBs_BRI/AAAAAAAAAyo/fG940bA07sc/s1600/2012-11-21+17.38.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2LbVniXSHU/UK1pZBs_BRI/AAAAAAAAAyo/fG940bA07sc/s320/2012-11-21+17.38.04.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We're starting Friday since Thursday is technically a holiday and I need an excuse to postpone this!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-43651751851829868422012-11-14T00:03:00.000-06:002018-02-24T00:17:20.904-06:00From one Mom to Another, More of My FavoritesI feel like Oprah! Here are a few websites to check out. I love sharing all the knowledge I've gained! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://babysteals.com/">Babysteals.com</a> twice a day they have a quick deal on nifty items from clothing to furniture. I've gotten quite a few and if you miss the goods one time, they tend to repeat a few weeks later. Some of it's frivolous but I've bought fedoras, travel high chair, baby legs, and innobaby food storage towers.<br />
<br />
Local to Jackson MS Seasonal Consignment Sales:<br />
<a href="http://www.all4childrenconsignment.com/">All4Children </a><br />
<a href="https://littlefeetconsignment.org/" target="_blank">Little Feet</a><br />
<a href="https://www.rhealana.com/content/madison-ridgeland" target="_blank">Rhea Lana</a><br />
<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-49053759815623678262012-11-12T14:59:00.002-06:002012-11-14T00:09:33.652-06:00Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin<br />
2 boxes cream cheese or similar<br />
3 tsp. cinnamon (or more to taste)<br />
3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice<br />
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract<br />
1 cup powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients and mix very well (I use my stand mixer with whisk attachment). Chill for 1 hour. Serve as a dip with graham crackers, ginger snaps, or fresh fruit. Keeps refrigerated for 4-5 days.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com/wp-content/uploads/Pumpkin-Cream-Cheese-Dip_10E57/Addictive-Pumpkin-Dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com/wp-content/uploads/Pumpkin-Cream-Cheese-Dip_10E57/Addictive-Pumpkin-Dip.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
adapted from the recipe found here: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/10/14/pumpkin-pie-cheesecake-dip/" target="_blank">chocolatecoveredkatie.com</a>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-62467993469640979752012-08-06T23:52:00.001-05:002012-11-14T01:04:25.562-06:00Chimichanga RecipeMy aunt Sarah (Nanny to me) taught me how to make these and my family LOVES them. We use the meat for tacos, quesadillas, and chimis.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkL40qovI3U/UKNBN3XFwPI/AAAAAAAAACs/-u1GQHZYLiU/s1600/2012-11-08+16.47.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkL40qovI3U/UKNBN3XFwPI/AAAAAAAAACs/-u1GQHZYLiU/s320/2012-11-08+16.47.54.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<b>For Meat only:</b><br />
6 boneless chicken breasts<br />
1 jar chunky salsa<br />
<br />
<b>For Tacos:</b><br />
shells, soft or crunchy<br />
tomato<br />
sour cream<br />
lettuce<br />
guacamole<br />
shredded cheese<br />
salsa<br />
<br />
<b>For Quesadillas:</b><br />
tortilla shells<br />
shred cheese<br />
canola spray<br />
<br />
<b>For Chimis:</b><br />
3 c. cooking oil<br />
1c. water<br />
fajita size tortilla shells<br />
tomato<br />
sour cream<br />
lettuce<br />
onion<br />
guacamole<br />
shredded cheese<br />
salsa<br />
<br />
To prepare the meat, boil chicken in large pot until cooked thoroughly. Drain stock (save if you want or toss) and let chicken cool to touch. (Fridge, Time, Freezer, it doesn't matter). Once chicken is cool, shred with fingers, disposing of fat and goo. (This is why you're using boneless). Then return chicken to large pot and mix in jar of salsa. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until chicken is colored orangish and salsa is no longer a liquid. Make your tacos or quesadillas with hot meat.<br />
<br />
OR Let the meat cool again (Fridge works great). Heat tortillas between paper towels for 15-30 seconds in microwave until malleable. Using the cold meat with some shred cheese, roll tortillas into burritos. Use the water to make the tortillas gooey as to glue themselves together. If tortillas crack or break, either your meat is too hot or your tortillas are too cool/old. Fry your wrapped tortillas over medium heat until golden brown, turning once. Serve with sour cream like an eggroll or cut with knife and fork. Garnish with veggies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2008/11/06/GD0104_Top-Round-Chimichangas_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2008/11/06/GD0104_Top-Round-Chimichangas_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(NOT MY PICTURE, but really close to what mine look like finished)</div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-54947986294071642212012-07-11T14:35:00.003-05:002012-07-11T14:37:20.746-05:00Pinterest Acomplishment: CoastersThe first thing I created after "pinning" on Pinterest was my own coasters that I gave to friends and family for Christmas presents. I used scrapbook paper I've been collecting for scrapbooking (which I can't get back into). My mom had a stash of tiles in her garage for years so I made use of them while the boys were asleep. These are the ones I gave to my "sister-cousin" Lauren.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqbLZOae5zc/T_3T7eeijzI/AAAAAAAAAtU/nMq74PpCX4E/s1600/coasters1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqbLZOae5zc/T_3T7eeijzI/AAAAAAAAAtU/nMq74PpCX4E/s320/coasters1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And these are two of the pinterest posts I've seen. I used one of them as a reference and actually had similar paper on hand.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twogirlsbeingcrafty.blogspot.com/2011/02/ramseys-finally-have-coasters.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynjq-kmiRBg/T_3T8lk6arI/AAAAAAAAAtk/-WuEZ_qRzD4/s320/coasters3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click the picture to open original post</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQyWS_1_TSk/T_3T70814BI/AAAAAAAAAtc/zHxMC5mOe1Q/s1600/coasters2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQyWS_1_TSk/T_3T70814BI/AAAAAAAAAtc/zHxMC5mOe1Q/s1600/coasters2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the original link is no longer active :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-47300251473813983002012-05-15T11:31:00.000-05:002012-05-15T11:31:50.304-05:00Time Mag Cover Interview<object width="420" height="245" id="msnbc818fde" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0"><param name="movie" value="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" /><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=47385461&width=420&height=245" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="msnbc818fde" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" width="420" height="245" FlashVars="launch=47385461&width=420&height=245" allowscriptaccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><p style="font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 420px;">Visit msnbc.com for <a style="text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#5799DB !important;" href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" style="text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#5799DB !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" style="text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#5799DB !important;">news about the economy</a></p>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-60290993297140261232012-05-15T00:00:00.001-05:002012-05-15T00:00:51.901-05:00Dr. Sears on the View<object height="288" width="512"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/2fIx9KdROmEExIPX8IQ0bw">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/2fIx9KdROmEExIPX8IQ0bw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="288" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-24980896846043701072011-10-04T12:42:00.000-05:002011-10-04T12:43:02.422-05:00BabySteals.com: Earth Mama Angel BabyOne of my FAVORITE brands for Moms and Babies. Hurry, there's a limited supply and steal ends at 9pm MDT.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://babysteals.stealnetwork.com/"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLeojEJJdlI/TotFB_Qo-9I/AAAAAAAAApA/8Hbs5SWwoag/s320/main-earthmama-480-3000511.jpg" width="320" /> babysteals.com</a></div>
Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-49580526031897206702011-08-08T11:15:00.006-05:002018-02-24T00:07:44.967-06:00Registering for Baby #1<span style="font-size: small;">Target, Babies-R-Us, Wal-Mart, etc. all have helpful lists to guide you into registering for all the items you'll need for your first baby. Except, they include EVERYTHING you could ever need and with the economy like it is, we can get by with the bare minimal and not miss a thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">What I registered for and what I got were not even close, but, it did give family and friends an idea of the type of items I needed. Bear in mind, this list is the ultimate bare necessities. :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Nursery & Gear</span><br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
S<span style="font-size: small;">omething for newborn to sleep in. (we used a wicker basket in a stroller for quite a while); </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>bassinet, playyard, cradle</b></span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I<span style="font-size: small;">f you don't plan to co-sleep and even if you are, you'll probably need a </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>crib.</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> but not right away. There are deals to be found online but they tend to take a long time to deliver. A convertible crib is money well spent. Our boys didn't like the crib at all, weren't too fond of the toddler bed but absolutely loved the full size bed we turned it into with an additional purchase of bed rails.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>arseat</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. the travel systems are great but if you know you're going to have a big baby you may want to look at borrowing a carrier and opting for a bigger seat. Most weight limits on baby carrier seats are around 20 lbs. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Just a reminder, these things expire after 6 years (or manufacturers recommendations, whichever come first) and HAVE to be replaced after an accident in which the vehicle is now longer drivable.</i></span> Please have your carseat inspected for appropriate installation. <a href="https://csftl.org/finding-a-cpst/" target="_blank">To find a provider near you</a>. Vehicles and seats vary. The incline of a seat may affect the way a carseat installs. <a href="https://csftl.org/" target="_blank">Car Seats for the Littles</a> is a national group with great information and a FB group as well. Please note pretty car seat accessories like shoulder straps and covers could affect the way a carseat is designed to work and therefore are not recommended, ever.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mirror</b> for back of seat so you can see baby while you're driving.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>High Chair.</b> Totally up to you as to whether you get a full stand alone or one that sits in a chair. We didn't use it until our first born was too active to sit in a swing or stroller. I even opted for one with cheap padding and he used it without to make clean up easier on me.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Shopping Cart Cove</b>r. Keep all the cooties under wraps when baby is big enough to sit in buggy/cart/basket. It also gives some cushioning and warmth for sleepy babes and nippy weather.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Stroller</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. Again, the travel system is great, but it can be bulky. A simple umbrella stroller works well too once baby can sit supported. Unless you're an avid walker/runner, I don't recommend shelling out big bucks for a jogging stroller. Strollers are best for hands free activities and carrying baggage.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Baby carrier/Sling</b>. Makes shopping and socializing with infants easier than dragging a stroller around. Most are breastfeeding friendly and washable.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b></b> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Diaper bag</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. Any washable bag with a comfortable strap and lots of pockets. You'll want to store things like pacifiers, meds, and other small items somewhere you can find them in a pinch. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Baby Bathtub.</b> It's just easier to bathe a new baby in a reclining seat meant for a bathtub that to hold a slippery baby in a large space. Sinks are an okay size but I don't like washing my dishes in a place exposed to feces.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Swing</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. A lifesaver for naps, laundry, and showers. Doesn't have to be fancy but needs to have head support, automatic swing, and seatbelt. My boys liked the side sway the best but as long as they're moving, I don't really think it matters to babies.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>crib sheets and mattress pad cover</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. I recommend minimum of 2 of each for times when diapers leak or baby gets sick.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>breathable bumper for crib</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. Don't get the cute padded ones. They increase the risk of SIDS and then when baby can stand they act as an enabler for crawling out of the crib. The breathable ones will keep arms and legs in, drastically reduce the risk of suffocating, and hardly help assist out of a crib. </span> </div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="CENTER">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rBParOqypo/TkAKag2g-GI/AAAAAAAAAo8/ju0N__enXRQ/s1600/breathable+bumper.jpg"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="200" name="graphics1" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rBParOqypo/TkAKag2g-GI/AAAAAAAAAo8/ju0N__enXRQ/s200/breathable+bumper.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Layette/Wardrobe</span> <br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>onesies and footed onesies</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. I recommend at least 5 of each but you'll probably have tons more. Have a few sizes on hand, babies tend to magically grow overnight into the next size. In the footed onesies, snaps are most common but zippers are a lot easier when you get into 3-6 month.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>gowns</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. Great for newborns, easy to change diapers and acts as a blanket until they're too tall for them.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>shorts/pants</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. I don't recommend these for newborns unless home environment is cool, but more towards 6 months when baby can sit supported. Otherwise it's another layer to remove to change a diaper.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>mittens.</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> just a few pair for newborns to keep them from scratching their faces. Many gowns and footed onesies come with optional mittens.</span> Nails will need to be trimmed frequently.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>hats</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. Heads grow fast but as a newborn they need to stay warm. If you aren't planning a nurse-in the first few weeks of life, you'll want to keep a hat on until baby is old enough to maintain temperature.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>socks</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> if you don't plan on keeping baby in footed onesies. keep head and feet warm to maintain temperature.</span> Those with tighter elastic will stay on longer that stretchier ones. I like Trumpette.</div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>shoes</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. are totally optional. My firstborn had a ton of shoes and he learned to walk in them at 12 months but they're not at all necessary unless the weather is cold or you need help keeping socks on baby's toes.</span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Diapers</b>. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I was encouraged to stock up on diapers while I was pregnant. I did, and a year later I still have some that my kids may never wear. My first born was so small in the rear that he wore preemie diapers for several months. I had a ton of newborn diapers and he stayed in those for a good while too. At a year he was still only in a size 2. That being said, gauge your child's size on you and your partner. Stock up on newborns and size 1 mostly. You can always exchange unopened diapers. Most places have no problem taking back diapers without receipts but make sure the quantity you have is sold at that particular store.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Try out several brands and types. Not all brands fit the same and each child and size is different. For example, my firstborn fit into Pampers newborns a lot longer than Huggies but he wore Huggies size 2 with a better fit than Luvs. Also note that there are Pampers swaddlers vs. baby dry, Huggies snugglers vs. snug & dry. The swaddlers and snugglers were my favorites because I felt they were softer and well, snugglier. The baby dry, snug & dry, and Luvs are all very similar in make and material.</span> <br />
For cloth diapers, there are so many options now. What fits as a NB may not be the right style for a crawler. There are also specifics for washing, drying, and ointments that can be used.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Feeding</span><br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bottles</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. You'll want a few 4 oz bottles for newborns and and then 8 oz bottles for infants. My personal opinion is that most bottles are the same as long as they don't leak. I didn't like the drop ins but they're not hard to use. I preferred Phillips Avent bottles based on size (I found them on clearance and fell in love, I never paid full price). They fit in the diaper bag better, are short and fat, and easier to hold. For breastmilk I used Gerber 4 oz glass bottles. I had the Medela glass bottles too but they always seemed to leak. I've got cheap bottles from the dollar store that work just as well as the expensive ones. The claims against colic and gas did not affect my choice. My child was gassy because of what he ate not how he ate it. What I'm telling you is don't break your budget buying the most expensive bottles because of their claims. Pick the ones that fit your child likes or you find on sale! Some babies are particular about nipples, so try out a few different ones. Also with nipples, as a newborn they really need a slow flow but after 6 months it doesn't quite matter unless they're extremely thirsty and you've given them a slow flow.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cups</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. We started out sippy cups around 8 months with different styles of spouts and handles. As he got better dexterity my firstborn changed his preferred cups. Start with 2 or 3 and as baby grows, expand your cup collection as you minimize your bottle collection.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">You'll want a </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>bottle brush</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> to hand wash but don't worry with sterilizing bottles unless your pediatrician tells you too. Dishwashers just don't get all the milk scum out of nipples or bottles so prepare to hand wash and get some kind of </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>rack</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> to dry them on. I use a round candle holder I found for $1 at a thrift store. Anything that they can hand on to dry works just fine.</span></li>
<li>Steam bags are helpful for sanitizing hand soap washed bottles while traveling, at work or school, or for the new mom's sanitizing sanity.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Breastfeeding.</b></div>
<ul>
<li><b></b> If you plan to work or spend time away from baby, you'll definitely need a good <b>breast pump</b>. I've had several and my best advice is find one that travels well and has fewer parts. Medela Pump n' Style has been my most used electric but I hands down get better output from my manual Phillips Avent. I also have a Spectra 2 I keep set up at home, if I ever get the chance to use it around baby.</li>
<li>A <b>good nipple cream is a MUST</b> for new moms. The first few weeks of breastfeeding are challenging. Nipples get sore and dry as they adjust to baby's immature latch. We're born with an instinct to nurse but not with the mastery. Mom and baby will have rough patches as you learn each other. Using a moisturizing cream before, after, and in between nursing sessions will help keep nipples from cracking and soothe those that do. I also use it on my nipples every time I pump to prevent blisters if I'm in a rush and don't position correctly. It only takes once to learn prevention there!</li>
<li>You'll need a few comfortable <b>bras or nursing tanks</b>. No wires, easily accessible for baby, especially in public. If you're modest, there are a few <b>nursing cover</b> options to chose from including blankets, scarves, and slings. Just know that once baby becomes mobile these covers rarely stay in place and are always warm underneath.</li>
<li>Also invest in <b>nursing pads</b> if you have an abundant supply, it may resolve after you establish a bond with baby. Not everyone leaks.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <span style="font-size: small;"><b></b>Meds, you'll want to keep these on hand at all times to prevent frantic trips to a store in the middle of the night</span> <br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>acetaminophen,</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> doesn't have to be Tylenol brand (I no longer keep this in my household since learning more about our genetics and <i>I would never give prior to or after vaccines</i>)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>INFANT ibuprofen </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">(again, doesn't have to be Motrin or Advil)</span> 6+</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Gas relief drops</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">, brand name: Mylicon</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
probiotic drops for gut flora after antibiotics</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vitamin D drops. Breastfeeding mama's can take 6400 IU daily </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Gripe Water</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">, it's great for hiccups, gas, and tummy aches you can't figure out</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Benadryl or Zyrtec for allergies and allergic reactions</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Neosporin/Bacitracin/Triple Antibiotic Ointment</b></span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Saline spray/drops</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> for stuffy noses</span> </div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Diaper rash ointment</b>, just beware of sensitive skin. It can be extremely sensitive to zinc oxide. Try samples first or check my blog for a recipe</span></li>
<li>I prefer to use homeopathic remedies so I use Tiny Cold Tablets, Calm Forte, and Rescue remedy for restful sleep, especially when sick.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">Misc Baby care Items</span> <br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Wipes of course</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">nasal aspirator bulb, or "suckers" like the Nose Frieda</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">nail clippers</span> </div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">oral/axillary thermometer because temporal and ear thermometers are not as accurate if not used exactly right</span> </li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">receiving blankets, 3-5 for snuggling, swaddling, and diaper changes</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">wash cloths, you'll want several for faces, bottoms, and baths</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">towel, just 1 or 2 for after baths</span> (I like hooded solely to keep baby snuggled while wet)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">baby wash</span> or gentle castile soap but babies don't need baths but once a week if that often</div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">baby lotion (if you so choose, I didn't)</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">pacifiers if you want. I like the First Year soothies because they have no hard parts</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">simple toys, rattles, blocks</span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">This should get you started. Email me with questions. I'm sure I can think of more later. This is completely from my head, no books or lists required. :) </span><br />
<br />
8/8/11, updated 2/23/18Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-1082120049485513422011-07-12T08:58:00.000-05:002018-02-24T00:30:27.958-06:00Homemade Diaper Rash Cream "Anti-Paste"<span style="color: #674ea7;">Since I couldn't find </span><a href="http://www.happytailscream.com/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">HappyTails</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"> cream and after talking to our pediatrician, I've concocted my own diaper cream that I call Mommy's Anti-Paste because it's anti-microbial with an antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic, and antipruritic. Real creative I know. Wanna know what's in it? </span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> Unmeasured amounts, but close to equal parts of: ** substitutions permissible for any of the antimicrobials**<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: #674ea7; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><em>Desitin (zinc oxide ointment) for diaper rash </em></span></div>
<span style="color: #674ea7;">
<div style="color: #674ea7; text-align: center;">
<em>melaleuca/tea tree oil, an antiseptic astringent</em></div>
<div style="color: #674ea7; text-align: center;">
<i>N</i><em>eosporin cream (triple antibiotic cream), for bacterial infection</em></div>
<div style="color: #674ea7; text-align: center;">
<i>Tinactin (tolnaftate), for fungal infection</i></div>
<div style="color: #674ea7; text-align: center;">
<em>organic baby lotion (angel baby earth mama) as a neutralizer</em><br />
<em>or organic almond or coconut oil as a neutralizer</em><br />
<em>hydrocortisone cream for itching</em><br />
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
</div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
</div>
<div style="color: #674ea7;">
Liam has such sensitive skin I probably put more lotion in than anything else based on smell. I have it in a tupperware type container next to the changing table. Be sure to stir well before applying. I make more as the supply gets low. I never measure anything so it's probably different every time but it has worked wonders! Whatever the rash is has disappeared almost completely!<br />
<br />
Note: This mixture is not cloth-diaper friendly so please use a liner between ointment and diaper to protect your diapers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ_81EDGcYU/UyMZnmTTEcI/AAAAAAAAHPY/8FSV0KOYJ-4/s1600/20140309_121908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ_81EDGcYU/UyMZnmTTEcI/AAAAAAAAHPY/8FSV0KOYJ-4/s1600/20140309_121908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</span>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07968744070304166514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-20147206751899334352011-07-06T11:15:00.001-05:002011-07-06T11:22:18.788-05:00Still a work in progressI'm still working diligently when Liam allows to compile all my favorite things. This is a constantly evolving project as I find new things that I like better. :) Feel free to share input and ideas to my email.<br />
<br />
Thanks for sharing in this project with me!<br />
<br />
CricketCrickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-69942191739008833832011-06-27T00:56:00.000-05:002011-06-27T00:56:59.372-05:00New Blog!This is my latest adventure, putting together all my knowledge and references for mom and mommies-to-be. It's still majorly under construction so check back often for changes. Right now I'm working on the pages section. Feel free to comment or give me suggestions. You can email me at <a href="mailto:mommyof2boysunder2@gmail.com">mommyof2boysunder2@gmail.com</a>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0Sacramento, CA, USA38.5815719 -121.4943996000000138.4576054 -121.59308960000001 38.7055384 -121.3957096tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-38251614248062110712011-02-22T11:59:00.000-06:002011-06-25T19:21:12.286-05:00My Review of Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat in Onyx<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><a href="http://www.strollers.com/Britax-E9LB11A-BRX1215.html">Originally submitted at Strollers.com</a><br />
<div><div style="margin-top: 0;"><br />
<br />
Features:</div><ul><li>Convertible car seat</li>
<li>Marathon 70 Collection</li>
<li>Color: Onyx</li>
<li>Rear facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing from 1 year and 20 lbs up to 70 pounds</li>
<li>SafeCells designed to compress in a crash, significantly lowering the center of gravi... </li>
</ul></div><a class="url fn" href="http://www.strollers.com/Britax-E9LB11A-BRX1215.html" style="display: none;"><span class="fn">Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat in Onyx</span></a></div><br />
<b class="summary">Wish we had two!</b><br />
<div>By <b>CrickeeMac</b> from <b>Jackson, MS</b> on <b><abbr class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;" title="2011222T1200-0800">2/22/2011</abbr></b></div><div class="prStars prStarsSmall" style="background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -144px; height: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0; width: 83px;"></div><div style="display: none;"><span class="rating">4</span>out of 5</div><div class="description" style="margin-top: 1em;">I love how secure the seat is in my Pathfinder. It is a little cumbersome to get my 8 month old in and out of it but I'm only 5'0. The rest of the family was able to figure out how to use it without in depth instruction and have no complaints. I think I will prefer it better front facing but it makes me feel secure rear facing as well.</div><div style="margin-top: 0.5em;">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</div></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317520481042147291.post-44102809712959954332010-06-12T11:32:00.000-05:002011-06-25T19:34:41.201-05:00in the NICUThursday, June 3 and the next 4 days...<br />
<br />
I was moved to the Mother Baby unit not too long after delivery. There I waited for some news about Liam. Finally around 3 am the neonatal nurse practitioner visits my room. She gives us news that Liam isn't very active and they are concerned that he has a neuromuscular disorder or disease. He is very flaccid and physically nonresponsive. His breathing is impaired so they've intubated him and a ventilator is helping him breathe. With the little activity in his extremities they've had problems drawing blood from his heels and hands so they've inserted a central line through his belly button. A mother's worst nightmare. After a very active baby in utero and 11 hours of labor, how in the world can he be flaccid? He was kicking me during labor!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBPHEZi-hiI/AAAAAAAAAfY/aqElmv7Kwoc/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBPHEZi-hiI/AAAAAAAAAfY/aqElmv7Kwoc/s320/IMG_1442.JPG" /></a></div>We were finally allowed into the NICU to see him. Jason's Mom (aka Drucilla aka Wicky) and Sam (aka Liam's Uncle Sam) were still with us at 430 am. The neonatologist was baffled about his condition because all the tests they performed were mostly normal. She did explain that he had metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis which is odd, compensation for each is the opposite's alkalosis. Basically some of his lab work was off but that didn't explain his flaccidity. Once he heard Jason's voice he moved. He was able to hold Jason's finger (which was what he was most looking forward to after birth).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBOxjyFE5gI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/nOBFfsUF1Dk/s1600/DSC07553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBOxjyFE5gI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/nOBFfsUF1Dk/s320/DSC07553.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBPCSWCrByI/AAAAAAAAAfA/TmICVeE7HGA/s1600/DSC07558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBPCSWCrByI/AAAAAAAAAfA/TmICVeE7HGA/s320/DSC07558.JPG" /></a></div>By the afternoon and us being able to see him frequently (not hold him but see him) he started moving a bit more. His acidosis resolved and we were able to hold him. I just cried. My poor baby had tubes and wires. When I was away I had a snuggie type cloth that I kept in my shirt to get my scent. At night they draped the cloth over his head for comfort. It worked! Each day he moved more and they were able to take out the breathing tube and let him use a nasal cannula.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBPCh7LjfFI/AAAAAAAAAfI/9U5rWN1DNaE/s1600/DSC_8694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBPCh7LjfFI/AAAAAAAAAfI/9U5rWN1DNaE/s320/DSC_8694.JPG" /></a></div>As the days passed he grew more alert but still not opening his eyes long enough to see them. He moved all his extremities and began fussing at diaper changes. By day 2 in the NICU I was able to pump and give him bottles several times a day. His little body just didn't have enough energy to take to my breast for very long, but we did try.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBOyatMQTEI/AAAAAAAAAdg/trzB6ql_6bw/s1600/DSC07611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBOyatMQTEI/AAAAAAAAAdg/trzB6ql_6bw/s320/DSC07611.JPG" /></a></div>Day 3 we moved out of the critical area and into a private room in the NICU. Liam began breathing well on his own and the nasal cannula was removed and the central line from his belly. Yay! Poor thing has his mommy's sensitive skin and allergy to tape we think. It took a few days for the rash to clear up from the oxygen pads on his cheeks. Daddy got a few chances to feed him and we began to transition him for home life. I was discharged from the hospital as a patient but given a room to "room in" with Liam. While the nurses were still taking care of us, we got to be parents and do the majority of his caretaking with guidance from our favorite nurses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBOz6cwpDAI/AAAAAAAAAdo/NlkEh9kPd0Q/s1600/DSC_8716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBOz6cwpDAI/AAAAAAAAAdo/NlkEh9kPd0Q/s320/DSC_8716.JPG" /></a></div>Day 4 the jaundice really set in and our little angel was put on phototherapy with a bililight. Boy was it cool to look at, and he had great "shades".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBO1qi_Wu-I/AAAAAAAAAdw/nRLCN8WQrUs/s1600/DSC07623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBO1qi_Wu-I/AAAAAAAAAdw/nRLCN8WQrUs/s320/DSC07623.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBO2Zlk1wqI/AAAAAAAAAd4/cmevAF_36S8/s1600/DSC07625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BWK-HanUQsA/TBO2Zlk1wqI/AAAAAAAAAd4/cmevAF_36S8/s320/DSC07625.JPG" /></a></div>Crickethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11980864120518130770noreply@blogger.com1