MM - June 27

What a busy weekend. We got all but 2 things on our weekend to do list done and we even got a date night! T watched E while we went to Outback for steak and crab legs. Yum!

In this week's CSA I got romaine lettuce, sugar snap peas, green onion, zucchini,green beans and red potaoes. I'm still holding out for more regular peas to make soup!

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Heary Italian Sandwiches and Potato Salad or Italian Pasta Salad

Monday: Beef & Snap Peas with Rice

Tuesday: Scallop & Chicken Skewers with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Potatoes

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Pork Chops, Southern Green Beans, & Baked Potatoes

Friday: Take Out or Leftovers

WW - Vegas

B, E, and me at Margaritaville in Vegas

MM - 6/20

We're back from Vegas and B's off again! He headed out of town with his dad for Father's Day weekend since the big boys are gone and E doesn't know the difference. It was nice having the weekend to myself with just the littles.

In this week's CSA I got romaine lettuce, peas, sugar snap peas, green onion, and radishes. Hopefully I'll get more regular peas over the next few weeks so I can make pea soup and freeze some for throughout the year. I'm not sure what to do with the sugar snap peas beyond a sautee or stir fry!

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Saturday: Out for Pizza

Sunday: Tortilla Roll Ups and Fruit

Monday: Steak, Sauted Snap Pea and Radishes, Baked Potatoes

Tuesday: Chicken Carbonara with Crusty Bread (peas)

Wednesday: Grilled Shrimp Ceaser Salad (romaine)

Thursday: Tacos (romaine & green onion)

Friday: Take Out or Leftovers

WW - 6.5 months

6.5 monts - 27.5 in and 18lbs 10oz

MM - June 6

This is a short week on the menu. The big boys are off to FL for the summer with their mom. Little A is with his dad for the week and B, E, and I are off to Vegas!

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Saturday: Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, Chips & Salsa

Sunday: Italian Beef Hoagies and Potato Salad

Monday: Inside Out Bacon Cheese Burgers and Onion Rings

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Vegas

Thursday: Vegas

Friday: Vegas

Birth Control = 2 : Me = 0

I got pregnant with E on Paragaurd. I'd had it put in the summer after I had little A. It worked great for 2.5 years. Then I got her as a surprise. After she was born B got a vasectomy. I posted about it back in the winter. I opted for a tubal in January. (Also a post.) I got the Adiana which is like Essure; plugs not a snip and burn.

Today it was time for my follow up to make sure the scar tissue formed around the plugs and that my tubes are blocked. I went into an xray room and the dr basically did a pap and added some dye. The x-ray tech took some pictures. They commented on my toe polish (cheeta polish strips from Sally Hansen) and we talked about all of our children.

Then the dr went to look at the xrays. Shortly after he called me into the viewing room and told me we had a problem. My heart started racing and I was just waiting for him to tell me it failed and I was pregnant. He showed me one side that looked good. Then he showed me the other side. It leaked! The dye leaked pas the plug in my tubes. The dr said he first became concerned because when he did the exam I didn't have cramping and I was supposed to.

Then we went back in the exam room. I asked what this means now that I've had both an IUD and a tubal fail! He said that since B had the vasectomy and one tube is blocked I have good coverage and should be fine. At this point, though, the only way to be sure my birth control is effective is to have a hysterectomy which he doesn't advocate since I'm 32 and healthy. I don't want one either. I figure if birth control has won 2 rounds and I've won none I quit the game.

My dr said he's never seen anyone like me and can't explain it. I can't wait to hear B's reaction tonight.

WW - Storm Damage

Looking down our street after last week's storm. Next week I'll post the cleaned up street.

MM - May 30

Ok, so I'm a day late again on the menu. We got hit with one of the midwest storms last week and didn't have power from Wednesday evening until Saturday afternoon. I had to throw out everything in my fridge and freezer.

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Saturday: Italian Pork Chops, Fettecine Alfredo, Roast Asparagus

Sunday: Ranch Chicken Legs, Green Beans, Butter & Herb Pasta

Monday: Calzones and Salad

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Eggs, Biscuits, and Bacon

Thursday: Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, Chips & Salsa

Friday: Takeout

WW - Where I'd rather be.

I'm not having a very good week today and would much rather be here:



Sandals, Negril

4 is going to do us in

Little A has always been a wonderful child. He never had the "terrible 2s." Once we got past the colic and figured out he was allergic to disposable diapers and carrots, figured out his eczema, and the best way to handle the transition back home from his visits with his dad, he's been great. Then he turned 4.

I've heard the year 4 referred to as the "F*@$%! 4s." At the time I thought it was funny and over exaggerated. Not any more. Now I think it is quite accurate. EVERYTHING is a battle and most things result in a meltdown. I've been trying a variety of techniques with no luck.

This morning we had the daily clothing battle. We've tried I pick, we pick, he picks. We've tried timers, games, incentives, and punishments. Nothing works. Every morning it's a 30 min battle. This morning involved 2 time outs, a punch, and the promise to carry him to the car naked if he didn't cooperate. It ended with me dressing him while he cried cooperatively.

When we left the drama was left at home and we had a great drive to daycare. It was blissful. It was fun. We had great conversation (well, great with a 4 year old). When we got to daycare he refused to get out of the car. I said ok and bye and walked to the door with E. Usually this is when he'll follow me when he tries this. I look back this morning and saw him crying in the car. I went back and asked what was wrong. He replied "you left me." Ok mood swing. We get out and go in together.

We dropped E off first and all was well. He was ready to go to his friends, so we walked into the cafeteria for morning snack. I signed him in and gave him a hug and kiss and said goodbye. This is all our normal morning. Then I turned to leave and his stuck on me like a leach. He will not stay. I bend down and explain I have to go to work, I love him, he'll have a great day. Another hug and kiss and I leave. Then I hear screaming, crying, and he runs out the door.

We go back in and try again. This goes on for a few minutes including a time out for not listening while I stand there and a few physical carries back to the teacher. Fifteen minutes later it ends with the teacher holding him kicking and crying while I leave.

Twenty minutes later I get to work and I texted a friend who was Little A's teacher for 3.5 years to check on him. He was fine and playing with his teacher next to him. Oy.

I seriously don't get the mood swings or the testing. One minute he's fine. The next is a nuclear meltdown. One minute he's fantastically well behaved and we're having a great time. The next he's the devil child and in trouble.

For some reason he's having a rough morning today. We'll have some extra attention tonight which usually helps with the clingyness. I'm also listening to 1-2-3 magic in the car (without the kids) and will be trying that technique. Let's hope it's really magic or 4 is going to do us all in!

MM - May 23

Remember how I said our CSA started last week? I was wrong (and very dissapointed.) Our CSA delivery starts this week on Thursday! I can not wait. I love CSA time. Every week is a suprise and a new challenge to work into our meals.

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Saturday: Grilled Brats, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cobb

Sunday: Sloppy Joes, Mac n Cheese, Carrots

Monday: Ravioli, Mixed Veggies, Texas Toast

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Fried Chicken, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes

Thursday: Crockpot Pork Tacos, Mexican Rice, Chips & Salsa

Friday: Peperoni, Mushroom, and/or Spinach Calzones & Salad

The not awesome drawer

Every morning is a clothing battle with Little A. I have given up and he can choose whatever he wants, matching or not, as long as it's weather appropriate.

This morning I told him it was going to be warm enough today that he could choose either jeans or shorts. He was excited and told me E wanted to help him pick. We followed him to his room and watched him begin opening dresser drawers. I knew he was searching for basketball shorts, so I explained there weren't any clean. He'd have to choose another pair of shorts or jeans. They're all in one drawer.

He continued opening different drawers so I reiterated the above. He huffs and says "but I don't want to pick from the not awesome drawer." I told him he chose all of the bottoms in that drawer and they were indeed "very awesome." Then I told him to please pick or E and I were going to go get dressed ourselves. That's when he started crying and repeating "I don't want to pick from the not awesome drawer." I had to leave because I was cracking up.

Eventually he did get dressed after getting in trouble and has lost the privilege of choosing for himself for a week, but I just can't get over the "not awesome drawer."

WW - The house I need to sell

MM - May 16

I'm a day late on the menue this week. E had a fever of 102 all weekend. When I took her to the doctor yesterday they couldn't find anything wrong other than the unexplained fever. I just watched her yesterday. She seems better now.

Our CSA delivery starts this week on Thursday! I can not wait. I love CSA time. My menu from now through fall will begin on Saturday instead of ending on Saturday so that I can encorporate the week's delivery.

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.




Sunday: BBQ Pork Sammies, Leftover Corn & Hashbrown Casserole, Deviled Eggs

Monday: Take Out

Tuesday: Greek Chicken Pitas and Fried Zucchini

Wednesday: Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Scalloped Potatoes, Carrots

Thursday: White Chicken Chili

Friday: Leftovers

25 things about me

I borrowed this idea from another blog I follow. Here are 25 random things about me. I think I may follow this up with one on B and each of the kids at some point.

1. I quit a PhD program in social psychology after a year. I'm starting a PhD in education this summer.

2. B is 11 years older than me. T is the one who set us up on a blind date.

3. I got pregnant with E on an IUD.

4. I never wanted a big family. I wasn't sure I wanted kids until I had little A. Thankfully I liked him!

5. My 4th toe on both feet is curved so much it goes behind the middle toe. It's a family trait. Little A has it too. E does not.

6. I don't like tomatoes or milk. Surprisingly I craved both when pregnant with E. With A I craved corn dogs and lemons with hot sauce.

7. I'm spatially dyslexic. I can't put anything together and once put a filing cabinet together inside out.

8. I love to cook and bake. I can't frost a cake for the life of me though.

9. I really like quiet activities. If I had a night to myself I'd read, do a puzzle, watch a movie, etc.

10. I cannot pluck my own eyebrows. Growing up my dad tweezed my mom's and my eyebrows. I started waxing them in college.

11. My favorite desert is blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. The strawberry shortcake at MCL is a close 2nd. (What is their shortcake made out of?)

12. I hate button up shirts. I feel like they're constricting. I have to wear knit or t-shirts.

13. I love flip flops. I'd wear them all the time with everything if I could. I hate socks.

14. If I could go anywhere in the world it would be Greece; the beach, great food, amazing history.

15. I hate the new group format on Facebook. If they'd bring back the discussions tab and contained conversations it would be fine.

16. I don't like touch screen phones or phones that do everything. I get the most basic cell phone I possibly can when I need a new one.

17. Until recently, I didn't like chocolate. It was too sweet. Even now I prefer dark chocolate and will usually pass unless it's the really good stuff.

18. I don't collect anything. I don't like Longaburger, Vera Bradley, or Fiestaware.

19. The shoes with toes freak me out, but toe socks do not. If you haven't seen the toe shoes, here they are:



20. I love shopping for little boys. I think it's great fun to put cute outfits together for them. I hate that little A has such an opinion now and doesn't like what I pick out.

21. I don't sweat much so I overheat very easily and pass out. Great excuse to get out of yard work. Horrible when I want to do something fun outside.

22. I cannot keep house plants. I forget to water them and they die. This is ironic since growing up we had plants EVERYWHERE.

23. I am allergic to dogs to the point that I had to get weekly shots and take 3 prescriptions daily when we had a dog. If the kids want a dog in the future it has to be hypoallergenic because I'm not doing that again.

24. I have never been outside of the country.

25. I wonder about strange things like what I'll be like as an old lady, if people are red or white meat, if a Playboy is like a Harry & David catalog to a breast-feed baby, etc.

WW - Super A

What little boy doesn't want to be a superhero?

She FINALLY laughed!

After almost 6 months E FINALLY had a big deep belly laugh. Little A was dancing in the kitchen just being incredibly wound up. E was grunt laughing a little so I just stopped and watched. All of a sudden he turns around, pulls down his shorts, and moons her! She lost it. She thought it was the funniest thing ever.

I can't believe we've all tried to get her to laugh for almsot 6 months and THAT'S what did it. Crazy girl.

MM - May 9

I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day yesterday. E decided to let me sleep in. Unfortunately little A didn't agree with that gift and got me up at 6:30am. I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Chicken Burritos, Chips & Salsa

Monday: Cheeseburger Pie, Tator Tots, Cheesey Califlower

Tuesday: Ham & Cheese Omelettes with Toast (carried over from last week)

Wednesday: Pork Chops, Broccoli Cheese Rice, Mexican Veggie Mix

Thursday: BBQ Chicken Legs, Hashbrown Casserole, Baked Corn Casserole

Friday: Take Out

Saturday: Date Night

Wolverine and a PhD

Recently we had a job candidate give a talk at work. He was explaining why he wanted the position in question. He explained his professional reasons and then explained his personal reasons. The personal reasons were his children. He started with his eldest child and went through each one chronologically explaining that the middle child wanted to be a Wolverine.

I admit my mind wanders, but when he said this I immediately asked my coworker next to me what that was and thought "that's weird," followed by "how is he going to grow those metal spikes in his hand." Yup, I thought of the superhero Wolverine and began picturing this:




Then I began processing how incredibly impossible that is and it hit me. The kid doesn't want to be Wolverine, he wants to be A wolverine.



Following the presentation 3 coworkers and I were discussing the candidate and the Wolverine story. Suprisingly, I was not the only one who thought superhero. Two of the 3 also had the same idea.

To make this story even better, 3 of the 4 of us have or are currently working on a PhD. The 4th is applying to graduate school now.

When I got home and told B about this his response was "I'm so glad you're all so highly educated."

Stuff I want and the no spend month

I'm trying not to spend any money on "stuff" this month. Our house is over run with stuff and I'm feeling a strong urge to declutter. Part of this is not bringing any more stuff in. Of course, I also really like buying kids clothes and figure they 'need' clothes right?

Here are the things I want this week I'm trying hard to resist.

Mis-Tee-V-Us shirt on Totsy

DwellStudio romper on Zulily

Wes & Willy on HauteLook

Remote control motorcycle on MiniSocial

Zebra outfit from Crazy8

Most of the new Gymboree flamingo line

Looks like this might be a hard month since it's only May 4! Maybe I should clean out the house and make a trip to Once Upon a Child.

WW - The Wedding

B and E at T's wedding. Aren't they cute?!

Custody Agreements

Right now we are supposed to have the big boys every other week for the entire week. In actuality we have them about 4 days every week. Their mom pretty much tells us when we have them based on her work schedule. While that kind of sucks for planning purposes, we have at least 1 kid at all times, so it's not a huge deal. Every few months she decides she's going to move 6 states away and just sign over the boys.

I am always bothered by this. First, why keep bringing it up to the kids? It stresses them out for no reason. Second, who just up and leaves their kids? Our state has a law that the custodial parent can not move with the children unless the non-custodial parent agrees. Therefore, she has to choose. Either stay here or leave the boys. Personally, I would stay (and did when I divorced my ex-husband). The boys are 14 and 15 this summer. She's got 5 years before the youngest is out of high school. Why not just wait?

Well, she has brought this up again. She wants to follow her boyfriend 6 states away because this is the only place he can get a job. Why that seems to be the only state in the country he can work also baffles me considering he's been working here for almost 2 years and it's not some obscure job he holds. Basically she just wants to put a man first and abandon her children.

This time it seems pretty real though. She told B she's been drafting a new custody agreement. (Yes, without his input. Nice, huh?) In it she'd like to put that if the boys get in trouble they have to go live with her. The boys don't want to go and she knows this. When B told me I thought it was a great idea! He couldn't figure out why at first. I pointed out that it makes our job easier. It's great motivation for them to do well and behave if they know they have to go somewhere they don't want to if they misbehave.

Exactly what the "in trouble" entails, who knows. That will have to be worked out along with a host of other details. I think A will do a lot better being with us full time. S, I have a feeling, is going to be the challenge.

MM - May 2

Happy 1st week of May! Did you know that all of the National Food Days this week are sweets? Today is National Truffles Day. I'd love to celebrate with some Godiva, but there's not a store near me. Onto the real food for the week. I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Shepherd's Pie

Monday: Leftover Shepherd's Pie

Tuesday: Baked Ravioli, Texas Toast, California Veggies

Wednesday: Ham & Cheese Omelettes with Toast

Thursday: Margarita Chicken, Mexican Rice, Mexican Veggies

Friday: Take Out

Saturday: Hopefully eating out for Mother's Day.

Laundry is taking over my house

The laundry is seriously taking over my house right now. It feels like B and I are CONSTANTLY washing and folding and trying to get it all put away. It never gets completely put up and there's always dirty laundry in piles.

We cloth diaper, so there's a load every 2-3 days. The big boys feel they need a new towel every day. I refuse to wash them or their clothing that's not in a laundry basket. Doesn't help. B just does it for them and then complains about the laundry. I tried to point out the other day that if just the 4 big people got a new towel every day we'd go through 28 towels a week. That's nuts. That's at least a load every 3 days. Then there are the normal clothing loads for 6 people.

I've had enough. It's time for a new system and I'm looking for ideas. Here are the components I need to figure out:

1. How to get B and the boys on board with not having a new towel every day.
2. How to get the laundry put away.
3. How to contain all the piles and get everyone to use their laundry basket.
4. How to not overflow our laundry basket all over the bathroom floor.
5. How to get it all washed without feeling like that's all I ever do.

I've decided to start by tackling number 3 and ordered this laundry sorter from Amazon.



I know it's kind of big for the bathroom, but we have a nice little niche it will fit in. Once we get our 'real' house after selling all 3 I can put it in the laundry room and get a larger hamper for B and me and E her own hamper in her own room. With the sorter I can use the hamper for B and then the sorter for me, E, and towels.

I'm also thinking I'm going to have to throw a load in every morning before work. Our washer has a timer so I can set it to wash right before I get home from work leaving the evenings still open for diapers. Of course, this adds another item to the morning routine.

I think a schedule of who's items get washed each day might work too. Every day of the week I'll just grab one hamper and toss those items in. The schedule or calendar will hopefully keep me on track. Then on the weekend I can do towels and any other random laundry that's around.

I guess then the big items are still, how to get it all put away and how to get the boys to stop using so many towels and B to stop enabling them.

What's your laundry system?

WW - The Dress

This is the dress I think I want when B and I get married!

The Soda Debate

I was reading a thread on an on-line community I follow about "strange" rules in the home. Some made me laugh. Some made me roll my eyes. Most though, made sense to me. One of the rules another mother posted was about soda. She stated she doesn't let her 4 or 5 year old have any and her family thinks she's strange.

This always baffles me. Why do some parents think it's strange to limit what a child eats or drinks? We put all kinds of limits on kids.

I have a no soda until age 5 rule and a no caffeinated soda until age 10 rule. It's not really about the sugar since I do give juice. It's more not needing soda and it's lack of any nutritional value. I'm not completely naive though. I know I will not be able to keep little A and E away from soda forever, hence age 5.

As for the caffeine, I have a hard enough time having the energy for them some days when I have caffeine and they don't. Why would I willingly give them something that gives them even more energy?! Although I suppose I would get more exercise in if I did!

Do you have an age limit on soda? What are your reasons?

Menu Monday - April 18

We have a big week this week. It's spring break. I have a work conference. There's a 4 day weekend with Easter coming up. The first soccer game of the season. I'm tired just thinking of it. Onto the food for the week. I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Mac n Cheese with Bacon Topper

Monday: Chicken and Yellow Rice with Green Beans

Tuesday: Cream of Asparagus Soup and Monte Cristos

Wednesday: Baked Pork Chops, Broccoli Cheese Rice, Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Take Out

Saturday: Cincinatti Chili and Cornbread

Sister for Sale

It happened. Just shy of 5 months and Little A is ready to sell E. It all started when he asked for candy at 6:30am. I told him if he could get dressed and brush his teeth without throwing a fit he could have a few sweet tarts. He couldn't do it. After flinging himself on the floor 3 times (once over his jeans not feeling "good," once over not getting to wear shorts, and once over it being "too cold" to get dressed) he came into the bathroom where I was getting ready. This was our conversation.

Little A: "I want to give my baby back."
Me: "She's my baby and I want to keep her."
Little A: "Well I'm going to sell her."
Me: "Who are you selling her to?"
Little A: "James" (little friend at school)
Me: "Well, why don't you see how much you can get for her today and then we'll decide."
Little A: "No. We're giving James our baby and all your money."
Me: "What will we do for money then?"
Little A: "You and B will have to work extra hard and make more."

I can't believe he's ready to pay someone to take the baby just b/c he couldn't have candy. What happens when I really make him mad?

WW - Nana & Little A

Nana is having surgery today. Here she is with her best grandson ever.

Menu Monday - April 11

Only 3 more weeks until T gets married. Hard to believe we'll have one with her own family and one that's only 5 months old! Onto the food for the week. I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Sausage & Veggie Pasta with Texas Toast

Monday: Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein and Crab Rangoon

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Maple Pecan Pork Chops with Peaches, Carrots, Baked Potatoes

Thursday: Crockpot Cincinatti Chili and Corn Bread

Friday: Take Out

Saturday: Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Rolls, Parmesean Noodles, Green Beans

Purse or diaper bag?

Have you played the bridal shower game where you look for things in your purse? Whoever has the most things of the list wins. I think I'd win by a landslide right now. Most people say that the diaper bag becomes their purse when they have kids. I think my purse becomes a diaper bag. I dug in it the other day to find some lip gloss. I pulled out:

• a diaper


• 3 head bands


• 2 kid sunglasses


• a matchbox car


• a paci


• part of a school bus


• a checkbook, wallet, and DR envelope system


• a cell phone


• 2 hair ties


• a reusable bag


• some receipts


• change


• a coffee shop punch card

I didn't have any lip gloss. What's in your purse?

WW - What was he thinking?

Notice the "custom" smokestack coming out of the side of this old Mercedes.

Too Much Wisdom

E had her 4 month well baby check this morning. I'm still not quite sure how it's already been 4 months since I had her. The nurse walked us back to the exam room and asked if we were there for the 4 month visit. Then she asked little A how old he was. He told her 4. Then he proceeded to tell her he was just moved into Ms. T's room at school. The nurse being used to little ones pretended to know exactly what he was talking about. Continuing on, little A said:

"You have to be 5 to move to that room, but I have so much wisdom I got to go now."

Stifling laughter, she asked him where he got all that wisdom. He replied, "I don't know. I was just born with it."

Friday Favorites - April 8

Zulily is a great site for boutique items at great discounts. Their stock changes daily. Right now there's a $15 off coupon!

French toast, pumpkin pancakes, eggs benedict.... yum. Kids eat free for the month of April at IHOP.

With the royal wedding coming up in 3 weeks there has been a lot of trinkets floating around. Here are some of my favs for this week:

Royal Wedding Pez
Knit your own Royal Family
Royal Wedding Gnomes

Menu Monday - April 4

Happy first week of April! April showers bring May flowers and we're definately off to a good start with the rain today! Only 4 more weeks until T gets married. I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Hot Dogs and Hamburgers on Grill with Potato Salad

Monday: Pulled Pork Sammies, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli & Cauliflower with Cheese

Tuesday: Chicken Strawberry Club with Veggie Chips

Wednesday: Grouper Sammies, Potato Salad, Mixed Veggies (eventually I really will make these)

Thursday: Leftover Pork and Chips

Friday: Take Out

Saturday: White Wine and Herb Grilled Chicken, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Friday Favorites - April 1

It's April 1st, or April Fools Day. I'm really not a practical jokester though. Will you be playing a joke today? Here are my favorite things I read or found this week.

1. I got another clogged duct this week. This is the second time in 4 months. I really hate these things. Kelly mom has a great comparison of clogged ducts vs. mastitis and how to treat each.


2. I've decided I want to go to a Sandals Resort to get married. No kids, no stress, no planning.... I'm in! B's on board too. Now we just need to sell my house so we can save up to go when E's done nursing.


3. Soccer Season started this week with little A's first practice last night. This gave B and I a chance to try out our new Quest shade chairs. I LOVE these things!


4. We cloth diaper primarily, but use Pampers at night. Another lovely blogger linked up various GTG points totaling 320!


5. Even though I'm not 40 yet, this blog post comparing 20 vs. 40 totally applies. I definitely agree the 40 year old man is better than the 20 year old man!

Wordless Wednesday - Feet & Pie

How exactly did she get her foot in the pie?

Menu Monday - March 28

I can't believe it's already the last week of March. It seems like 2011 is flying by. I really hope my house sells this spring or summer since it's been on the market for 6 months now. I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Potato Soup and Mandarian Salad (Big A's request)

Monday: Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Sausage

Tuesday: Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Cheddar Broccoli Rice, Veggies

Wednesday: Grouper Sammies, Potato Salad, Mixed Veggies (carried over from last week)

Thursday: Meatloaf, Mac n Cheese, Veggies

Friday: Take Out

Saturday: Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Cheese Breadsticks

What's Harder to Find than a Good Nursing Bra?

A dress for a wedding that can be nursed in. T is getting married next month. This means I need a new dress for two reasons. 1 - The father of the bride is my pretend hubby. 2 - I'm nursing a baby. I need something fancy enough to fit number 1 and practical enough to fit number 2.

I went with two friends and E to an upscale mall last weekend to hunt for the perfect dress. I figured if this mall didn't have a workable dress I wasn't going to find one. We spent three hours going in every store that may have a suitable dress. Unfortunately I only found three that would even be contenders to try on. These are the two dresses I really wanted, but obviously will not work since I'd rather not go to the bathroom and undress every 2 hours.

All three of the realistic contenders were wrap dresses. One dress was out of stock in my size. One dress was $200 and cute, but not $200 cute. That left dress number three. It was the very first dress I tried on and is from White House Black Market. This is my new favorite store for work clothes I can't afford on a daily basis.

The dress I ended up with isn't very fancy on it's own. It could be worn to work as well, but I got some great jewelry and have some fantastic shoes to dress it up. This is what I ended up with:

So, how did I do? Where have you found good dresses for nursing?

The Illusive Hunt for a Great Nursing Bra

Why is it so hard to find a good nursing bra? I have tried 6 different nursing bras so far with E. There is only 1 I like. I like it not love it. I had 2 and the hooks on 1 broke. I figured it was a fluke so I went to order another the other morning and they're not available anymore. (probably not a fluke then)

Instead I spent $150 on 3 nursing bras and a pair of panties. This was AFTER a 15% discount! I don't spend that much on my real bras! Granted, the panties and 1 of the bras are fancy to wear under a dress for T's wedding next month, but still. E better want to nurse until she's 10 so I can get good use out of these suckers.

Let's review what I've tried in my hunt. For reference, I'm a 36C.

Like

The hook broke on one when washing and the other seems to be stretching out fast. It's only $14 though at target. Probably not great for large sizes. It doesn't seem like it would support heavier breasts.

Dislike

Gilligan & O’Malley® Women's Nursing Soft Cup Bra - Ebony from Target. For some reason I can't get the picture in here, so if you really want to see it you can follow the link. I wouldn't recommend it though.

The cups were molded and super uncomfortable and hard to pull down. They're very stiff and scratchy.



This bra came from JC Penney's. It just had a weird fit.


This bra also came from JC Penneys. It also had molded cups, so it had the same issues as the Gillian O' Malley bra linked above.


This is a sleep bra from Motherwear. Apparently my boobs hang to low from my shoulders for this and the straps are not adjustable.


This bra also came from Motherwear. I have no idea how it fits since the elastic on the straps snapped from the band the first time I put it on.

Loving

The bras in this section are the 3 that cost me $150. I found out why though. They're all great. I got them from Bare Necessities. They currently have 41 different styles of nursing bras to choose from! I've decided when I'm done nursing and regulate to a consistent size again I'm restocking ALL of my undergarments and getting the good stuff.

Le Mysterie underwire nursing bra. It's recommended to stay away from underwire in a nursing bra to avoid plugged ducts and mastitis. I bought this one specifically to wear under a dress for a wedding, so it's not my daily bra.

I wore it last weekend when we went shopping to find the dress and really love it. I forgot how much I miss my non-nursing, non-maternity underwire. It's pretty, supportive, and has a lining so you could wear nursing pads and not see them from the outside of the bra. This would be a great sexy time bra to avoid leaking. ;)

This is a Bravado seamless silk. FANTASTIC every day bra. It's supportive and looks great under all tops whether I'm full or just nursed or pumped. It definitely adapts to my cup size throughout the day.

This last bra is a Bravado sublime. It's very pretty and feminine. Support is similar to the Target bra I like, but not as good as the Bravado seamless silk. This bra fits the best when I'm full since that's when I fill out more on the top side of my breast.

Friday Favorites

I've decided to try a new weekly posting of my favorite things I learned about or read during the week.

Domestic Enemies of the Single Mom - Having been a single mom I found this hysterical and really pretty accurate.

Dave Ramsey Giveaway - I did FPU a few years ago and it's fantastic. Here's a giveaway not only for FPU, but some of Dave's other resources as well.

Lemon Loves Lime - Incredible girly cuteness. This could put my Dave Ramsey skills to the test!

Largest LLL for best price - Even I have limits on how much I'll spend for cuteness.

Carseat guidelines - New extended rear facing suggestion explained.

Dunk-a-Roos - Fantastic cookie in icing dippers are back! Definitely going on my grocery list this week.

Menu Monday - March 21

Spring is in the air, which means with the warmer weather at the begining of the week we're grilling out! Unfortunately the dairy experiment from last week was a fail, so it's back to dairy free diet for me for another month.

On to the menu for the week.

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Clean out the Fridge

Monday: Hamburgers & Hot Dogs on the Grill, Tots

Tuesday: Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Carrots, Roasted Potatoes

Wednesday: Grouper Sammies, Potato Salad, Mixed Veggies (carried over from last week)

Thursday: Sesame Chicken, Mushroom Orzo, Salad

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Mac n Cheese with Bacon & California Veggies (carried over from last week)

Monday Menu - March 14

Tommorw E will be 4 months old! I'm trying dairy back in my diet this week. I had a yogurt with lunch. I really hope it doesn't bother her. She developed a seal like cough yesterday so now I'm watching her. I'd hate for her to have an upset tummy with the cough.

On to the menu for the week.

I've linked up this menu to Menu Plan Monday over at Orgjunkie.com.

Sunday: Individual Pizzas and Salad

Monday: Banana and Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Bacon

Tuesday: Mac N Cheese with Bacon Topper and California Veggies

Wednesday: Grouper Sammies, Potato Salad, Mixed Veggies

Thursday: Corned Beef with Potatoes and Carrots, Irish Soda Bread, Grasshopper Pie

Friday: MCL

Saturday: Dinner on your own. I'm shopping with a friend and B will be kid free!

Dressing kids with an opinion

I have always loved to dress little A. My theory is that just because he's a boy doesn't mean he can't be stylish. He had the matching socks in the fall and winter and the matching hats in the summer. It was fun to hunt down deals and choose his outfits in the morning. Then this fall he got..... AN OPINION! He refuses to wear most of his clothing opting for jeans, tees, and Gap underwear. He literally will have a melt down if there are no Gap underwear clean.

My favorite stores for him continue to be Gymboree, Crazy 8, Gap, Old Navy, Children's Place, Boden, and NEXT. Of course, we can't forget the Carter's and Oshkosh outlets too. It looks like this year he'll be coming with me though so we don't end up with a closet full of clothing he refuses to wear for summer.

The big boys are also jeans and tee shirt kind of guys. We're lucky if we can get a coat on them. They definitely have opinions, but refuse to go shopping. That means we do a lot of buying and returning. I think with them we're either going to have to start shopping on line or refusing to dress them unless they go.

They are very much into labels right now and want the brand plastered across their shirts. Hollister and Fox racing are the 2 biggies. I'm still trying to learn to get the best deal with those and it's not easy.

E I'm not sure what to do with. I really haven't found my girly style yet and she is growing like crazy. She's already 15lbs and not quite 4 months old yet! The 3-6 month sized spring stuff I have is not going to fit much longer so it looks like I'm shopping for more spring in 6-12 month!

Accessories are a challenge at the moment too. I love the headband and big matching bow look, but it's impossible to nurse with those on so we don't have many. Finding socks to fit her big feet is challenging as well. Hopefully by this summer we'll hit a stride since she's the only kid without an opinion on clothing yet!

I still love all the same stores I love with little A with the addition of two more; Pumpkin Patch and Tea. I really like the dress & leggin combo on girls and I'm lusting after this from Tea:



I love the colors in this dress and the pattern is so different from what you normally see on kids clothing.

Right now Dawn's Great Finds is giving away a $50 gift card to Tea Collection! It's the perfect amount for the outfit above. Maybe I'll get lucky enough to win it and E will have some clothes that fit! Then I'll just be on the perfect made to match bow.