This Week - Necessity is the Mother of Creativity

March 29, 2019

Week two of the pollen-apocalypse and if it is possible to die from lack of sleep I am near it. Not from the sleep part, but simply from the dumb stuff I keep doing because I haven't slept. 

Monday I tried to make coffee (this is running the risk of sounding like a kids book about this cat that Harrison loves) and it didn't work out. Turns out the press for the French press much be near the coffee. 

On the upside, I'm still loving life with that 14oz Yeti Rambler. If you 1) love a coffee mug with a hande 2) need to make that mess way in advance 3) have children... this is your coffee mug. 


I ventured out Tuesday to get my hair cut with both kids, this is only a feat worth recognizing because I haven't been anywhere single handed that required me to be sitting down and unable to really patrol. To my surprise they did great. Harrison ate snacks, read books, and convinced a younger stylist to spins him around on a chair. Elliot was great until it hit is usual cat nap time and then he wasn't great! (lol) 


The issue I find with "constantly entertained baby number two" is that if someone isn't looking at him or he has a lot to look at he feels mistreated. He loves nothing more than to be in one of those baby seats at the sitter straight in the line of danger. 

Who cares that some clumsy toddler might stomp you silly, at least there are things to look at and little girls to coo over you. 


Fast forward to Thursday and the lack of sleep (Elliot isn't a fan of congestion.) is really getting to me. I forgot my pump bottles entirely. I could have begged Jeremy to bring them, but I've done that so many times in the past 3 months that I really am trying to avoid it. Kid 2 is doing a doozie on my brain. 

Pregnancy brain was rough. 
Postnatal brain is tough. 
Mom brain is tough. 

I blame hormones and breastfeeding at this point, yes lack of sleep adds to it, but I can't find or remember anything. That's with 14 lists instructing me what to do when!!


So I had to improvise. 

After saying "crap" for about 5 miles, out loud, repeatedly; I remembered seeing someone catch their milk in cups. 

Ding. Ding. Ding! 

I'll write a post about it on Laffy Moms Blog, but let me tell you with a little yarn and some solo cups you can do anything. 

It also doesn't hurt to forget to drink your smoothie the day before and have a Ninja cup with a lid laying around your classroom. God must have known I wouldn't remember anything. I spent Wednesday night kicking myself for leaving that cup behind and in the end that mishap saved me big time. 

Because don't doubt for a second that I wouldn't have wandered with an open Solo cup of milk. I totally would. 

How's everyone else this week? Alive? Well? Yellow from the pollen? 

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The 4th Trimester – 5 Things I’m Doing Different

March 27, 2019

During my last postpartum period, also called the 4th trimester, I did everything wrong. At least I did it wrong for me. 

I recently shared how I vowed to do things differently during my postpartum period with Elliot, over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read what rules I set for myself that helped me have a recovery that was 1000 times better than my first postpartum period  (and I'd love it if you left a comment).
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Meal Planning Monday

March 25, 2019

To continue the "pollen season is going to kill me because the baby is miserable" I woke up this morning and attempted to French press my Yeti mug.

At least I get my long awaited hair cut tomorrow.


Monday | Leftover gumbo (somehow I managed to fit this into my low carb day macros)

Tuesday | Eating out due to the hair cuttings - Chicken Salad Chick for low carb win

Wednesday | Attempting to make Grillades in the Instant Pot, never made it last week.

Thursday | leftovers

Friday | Grilled Chicken, Birdseye Lentil Pasta, Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Saturday | French Onion Beef Sliders with Easy Tomato Soup

Sunday | leftovers

Breakfast | My favorite smoothie. 

Lunch | Kale Salad with Chicken

Snacks | turkey sticks & cheese or Lara Bar
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Life Lately. Really Lately.

March 22, 2019

It's been a minute since I did a little life recap, so here goes...

Over the Mardi Gras break I got the chance to donate my milk to a mother who had just adopted. If you're nursing, on FB, and have a stash that will go bad before you get to it... consider getting in the Human Milk 4 Human Babies group. I honestly can't remember if I said this here or just on Insta. So if it's a repeat... sorry about that. 

Mom brain has been awful lately. 


Stickers to your infant brother's head are essential the same as all of us writing "X was here" every random place as kids right?

"For a turtle sticker call Harrison at 555-5555"


While roughly 900 years old, barely hearing, blind as a bat, and her teeth falling out left and right Ellie can still spot potential food from a mile away. 

I've started setting Elliot up in the high chair (depending on his mood) when we are eating dinner. He gets practice sitting, playing, and hopefully is entertained enough to let m eat peacefully. Ellie on the other hand see that elevated white chair and is praying something good falls. Cheerios aren't good by the way. Chicken nuggets are preferred. 

The list of things this snotty dachshund won't eat are ridiculous. I tried giving her gummy melatonin the other night. She snubbed it. Wrapped it in turkey, she nearly took my finger off. 

That's the other issue. In her old age her ability to "nicely" or "gently" take items from you has vanished. 


Jeremy goes to breakfast on Thursdays with some guys from church. This past week I made him bring me a coffee, so I could have two coffees. This might have to be a regular thing. 

Year one with a kid is just flat exhausting. 


Anyone else use laundry baskets full of clothing as a momentary baby drop spot? 

I should probably reconsider this though, when Harrison was this age I left my phone in the basket (his room was upstairs and I was toting everything down stairs) and ended up washing the phone. The baby managed to survive. Just not the phone. 


There are also momentary bursts of sibling jealousy. 

Like the laundry basket. 

After I snapped a pic of giggling Elliot I heard someone saying "Mama cheese" to find this >>>


He also only says "dada dada" at random.

I'm assuming it's when he feels I've given too much attention to the small fry and needs mama.

Like this morning, I kept telling him to go to the bathroom. (while holding the baby) Once I put the baby down and went with him he was fine. He tinkled. Life was good. I even trimmed his bangs while he was sitting and then combed his hair. But while a baby is in tow... not so much. He isn't mean to the baby or does any big jealous moves you see kids do. It's just the "dada" comments that make me think that's his way of expressing that he needs some mama attention.

Sans baby.
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All the Trashy Celebrity News You Don't Actually Need.

March 21, 2019

Y'all.

Life these days. I think I say it often but, who all is finding themselves paying more attention to parody news accounts and celebrity news?


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My husband doesn't care to hear about this, so prepare your heart.

I'm a day late and a dollar short... but this college admissions scandal is hilarious to me. You know you're dumb as a sack of rocks if your mama is paying major money to Photoshop your cute little face on some athlete's body.



But while this appears to be an option, why not? Maybe I would have walked out of college with less student loans.

I heard one podcaster, wait that was on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell me from NPR this weekend, mention that his mama could have been asked for $48 dollars to get into Yale and she would have turned that mess down.

Same. Same.

Lisa wouldn't be doing the college scam for me either buddy.

Then...

THEN.

Wendy Williams comes out that she's living in a sober house and basically only allowed to leave with her 24 hour coach for Pilates and to tape her live show?!?!?


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Possibly the saddest news of the week.

But at least they're letting her workout. I feel ya Wendy. I'm kinda needing a Pure Barre moment and haven't had one all week.

UPDATE: Supposedly her husband is behind this and made her go. But he also has a long standing girlfriend that he knocked up and bought a house for. Some insider from the show said she seems frail and under his control. #ShockedNotShocked

There's also a podcast that recaps all the Bravo shows that is basically the most hilarious thing ever.

I won't link to it [language riddled] and I won't technically admit that I listen. But it's hilarious and you need to check it out.

**If you're looking for inspiration, how to be a good mother, a bible study... this is not your podcast. This is simply some trash that makes you spit your coffee laughing on the way to work while there are zero children present and no husbands around because you are just trying to make it to Spring Break alive.


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Now for Meghan Markle. I won't refer to her as a Duchess... because girlfriend is not on par with Kate.

Did y'all see that her maternity wardrobe is worth half a million bucks?

Prince Charles has been making it rain cash on that girl. She would have blown basically 1/3 of her personal net worth with that and Harry didn't get that much cash from the Queen Mother.

Speaking of Charles... he's pretty ticked off at the moment that photos were released of him and Camilla headed to the beach in Barbados. They're worth a look though. I say he's kept pretty fit for his age. But he has also been super strict with his diet/lifestyle for ages. Camilla, looking good for a long time smoker.

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Let me also say I admire Kate's ability to rewear outfits and mix in cheaper items... no one can compete with custom Gucci Markle. I would just like to see her tone it down a touch.

Also... who is betting she delivers in London vs. the rumor she does some water birth at Frogmore House?

My money is on the Lindo Wing. Not because they won't allow for some hippie birth, but for security reasons. The Queen delivered at B-Palace, and Ann was really the first one (maybe Margaret) to have a hospital birth in the family. So that's not a big deal.

But the media would descend on them wherever they are. # SafetyConcerns

Now for the every forgotten true princess in the family...


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Princess Eugenie is rumored to be pregnant because she posted to IG that it has been a whirlwind of a year. Let's be honest though, she's not super young and they've dated 7 years. If she is pregnant then
it's about time.

 
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By the way...

Did y'all see that there is a tell-all style book coming out about The View?

Jenny McCarthy was quoted this week bashing Barbara and Whoopie for how they treated her on the show. Apparently the ladies are pretty nasty backstage. But let's be honest, no one believes that they are super sweet off air after seeing how they ripe each other to shreds on air every day. I personally wouldn't be your bestie after you yelled at me for a whole 30 minute Hot Topics segment.

The best part of it is when she mentioned hearing Walter's feet shuffling down the hall to come after her.

All I can picture is some gremlins running down the hall.


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Honestly, I can't say I watch the show. It isn't even in my YouTube suggestions these days. They've just gotten so political that I could care less. But a tell-all about how nasty they all are? That could be some good car listening.

Thoughts? Feelings? What do y'all think about what's been going on lately?

And thanks for hanging around, if you made it this far, through my scattered brain celebrity gossip ramblings. 👏
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Meal Ideas to Deliver in a Crisis

March 20, 2019

Things in life happen, but the good thing about living in the South is that everyone will quickly rally around you. 
The best, no one ever shows up empty handed. 

I recently shared my favorite meals to drop off to a friend in need, over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read meals myself our entire team love to send to friends in a crisis  (and I'd love it if you left a comment).
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Meal Planning Monday

March 18, 2019

If we survive this week it will be by sheer miracle. The smallest person is proving to be much more diva than the oldest. When Harrison would get sick he'd just sleep through it, he still does. Elliot on the other hand, screamed every 30 minutes from 11:55 until he got in the car to leave the house and fell asleep on the way to the sitter... all because he is congested.

Jesus please send more coffee. Like, literally rain down coffee into my poor empty mug.


Monday | Chicken Caesar Salad (bag salad for the win)

Tuesday | Mozzarella Chicken Sausage, Tomatoes, Peppers & Onions, Spinach in a skillet concoction

Wednesday | Kodiak Cake Pancakes & Bacon

Thursday | Attempting to make Grillades in the Instant Pot

Friday | leftovers

Saturday | Chicken, Brussel Sprouts, & Lentil Pasta

Sunday | Jambalaya Girl Gumbo with Potato Salad

Breakfast | My favorite smoothie. 

Lunch | Korean Chicken, Jasamine Rice, & Asian Slaw

Snacks | turkey sticks & cheese or Lara Bar
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An Ode to the Top Knot, the New Beehive

March 13, 2019

Motherhood has done strange things to me. I was once the girl that washed her hair daily, but after having my first baby, I realized I could skip a day. 
Then I dyed my hair for the first time and started skipping two days. 
Next thing you know, I had figured out the top knot and learned how to stretch that hair-do. I went from every other day washing to washing only twice a week! 
Which, after looking in the mirror one morning at what was clearly more Dry Bar dry shampoo and hair spray than actual hair, I realized that I had turned into all our grandmothers circa 1965. 
I recently shared how I love a good top knot, over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read all about my hair obsession and how it saves me time (and I'd love it if you left a comment) .
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I Use to Obsess over What My Kid Ate, and Then I Gave Up

March 8, 2019

Don’t let the title of this post make you think I don’t try to feed him anything I consider healthy. 
No, I have found alternatives that I sneak in. 
But let’s start at the beginning. 
When I was pregnant with my first, I read that they could taste certain flavors in your amniotic fluid … so I ate a variety of things to expose the baby to flavor. 

I recently shared how I let go of the food obsession with a toddler, over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read all about how I've given it my best and realize he won't eat like this forever (and I'd love it if you left a comment) .
** Side note: he recently started eating more foods. I presented him with yogurt one day... ate it. Apples, cheese sticks, the lot. It's not a ton but it is something different (or back to what he use to eat) and that's what matters. 
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Currently | March

March 6, 2019

Linking up with in residence today for another Currently >>>



Scheming | A little bit of everything. I'm still thinking about what we want to do in Austin. There is also the upcoming summer camping trip to the Buffalo River... I've got to book that and decide on a campsite. There's also the fact that Jeremy will be gone to Brazil on a mission trip in the beginning of July, so I'll probably take the kids to my parents and visit friends and what not for a few days. But let's be really real, I'm mainly just planning how to use a Starbucks gift card a student gave me. Follow Macro Barista on IG, it's where your coffee macro dreams come true.

Reading | I haven't been so great at reading lately. I've got a huge queue in my library account though. Right now I'm finishing up The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries book 1, and I'm waiting to finish Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret when I get it back from the holds. If you were to know anything about me it is that I love a good British murder mystery that is narrated in a British accent when I'm falling asleep at night. I also just checked out Magnolia Table, I'm by no means a Fixer Upper fan but I am up for a good recipe.

Buying | In in the market for a new protein powder. I ditched my beloved Paleo Double Chocolate Protein because of the $$$ and opted for Garden of Life Spot Chocolate. The only issue is the digestive effect. It's bad y'all.  I want a good chocolate with green type of protein and might try Vega Protein & Greens this month. Send suggestions please!

Making | I haven't cooked in my traditional Meal Planning Monday fashion in some time but Mardi Gras break is where it is at. Meatballs, enchiladas, pancakes, and I'll probably toss in a dessert or cinnamon rolls or something just for good measure. I haven't had the extra time to cook in months. And I don't mean old George grilling. Now I feel like I should also make some bread too.

Accomplishing | I've changed my workouts to doing Pure Barre On Demand recently and am really loving it. I seriously was beyond excited to workout every time I went this past summer (that month I had won a free month of Pure Barre). There are just two issues with going in-studio for me 1) the $$$ and 2) the time. So On Demand is giving me a workout I enjoy (classes) in a time frame I can do (classes from 5-45 minutes each). This way I can do at the very least SOMETHING every night. I'm still following the Faster Way to Fat Loss eating plan but just needed a new workout.
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Elliot at 4 Months

March 5, 2019

I've come to realize I take more photos of this child in the bathtub than anywhere else. So instead of pretty posed photos until he is old enough to sit up... I'm not fighting it anymore. This kid is going to have a monthly Puj Tub photo.

Plus it's an easier way to watch his neck disappear.

Elliot's Current Stats:


❊ Age – 4 months old
❊ Weight & Height – 14.4 lbs and no clue on the height. He goes to the doctor this month for his baby well visit. 



❊ Eat – He is still nursing well. My supply has been much better with this second baby. I've been putting back about two days worth of milk per week... which I don't know what to do with because I have very little need for a freezer stash. Anyone want a ton of breast-milk? 
❊ Sleep – He's been doing well. I finally moved him back to the Pack n' Play after a few weeks of being congested. That dumb Rock n' Play is the devil, I can't stand breaking babies of that habit... but it works so well for a baby that spits up or is congested. Dang it! Anyway, we are on the verge of the 4 month regression so I know this waking once at night (actually mama waking him once at night) to eat is going to end soon. I had to change when he was eating at night (30 minutes earlier) because the baby who rarely cries decided to scream bloody murder for 30 minutes two days in a row. It made bedtime a nightmare... luckily I think changing the feed time has fixed the bedtime problem. 




❊ Recent Milestones – He is laughing more, smiling more, and holds his head up better in tummy time. Elliot has started getting distracted during a nursing session or two and wants to chat with me about everything. Mainly he thinks Harrison is funny and giggles while nursing whenever something is happening in the room. 
❊ Special Moments – This month seemed kinda mundane. I can't think of something that really stood out. 




❊ Mama’s Experience – The Wonder Weeks Leap 3 is going to be the death of us. I don't have to baby free time I had previously because he is much more fussy in the evenings. He also wants to be held more where before he wanted to play on his mat. It'll pass though, all nutty Wonder Weeks eventually pass. 
❊ Comparison – Chunky chunk. 

And a Harry/Elliot comparison, because they look nothing alike. 


And big brother because it was his birthday & he brought me the camera :)



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Meal Planning Monday

March 4, 2019

It's Mardi Gras break and that mean I have time to actually cook! 

All the praise hands people. All. Of. Them. 


Monday | Zucchini with Peppers, Sausage, and Goat Cheese

Tuesday | Breakfast - Making Kodiak Pancakes

Wednesday | Homemade Meatballs with Sunday Sauce and Salad

Thursday | leftovers

Friday | Grilled Round Steak with Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Birds Eye Veggie Pasta

Saturday | Eating out

Sunday | Enchiladas with Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch Dip (enchiladas are filled with cheese, topped with [this] sauce and topped with ground beef as per the husband's liking)

Breakfast | My favorite smoothie. 

Lunch | Low Carb Wraps with turkey, ham, mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and bacon with Kettle Salt & Vinegar Chips

Snacks | turkey sticks & cheese or veggies and ranch
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Things I Bought & Liked | Feb

March 1, 2019

It's been another month and I've done my best to keep Amazon Prime in business.

Here's what I've bought::


Now Essential Oils Peaceful Sleep | I've been using this for quite some time and just bought another bottle. I swear to you diffusing this in our rooms has helped with calming everyone for sleep. The aromatherapy makes a difference with Harrison, he falls asleep much faster now. Bonus points, it smells amazing.

Glass Meal Prep Containers | I've been over my old plastic containers for quite some time. These are a great size for lunch, sturdy, and heat up without burning your hands when you take them from the microwave.

Amazon Basics Stylus | This. Because everyone needs a good stylus for writing on your Insta Stories.

Bamboobies Yoga Nursing Bra | Regular sports bras are out of the question right now, the boobies need to be a tad free for milk production. This one is really comfy and did not disappoint. But it's a yoga bra so don't expect super constriction.

Revly Digestive Enzyme Complex | Postpartum mixed with a protein powder I was really liking is what I've discovered to be the root cause of some digestive issues. This makes a big difference. A friend said that her nutritionist suggested she take a digestive enzyme, and y'all know I'm always up for a good supplement.

Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer Jacket Womens & Mens | Get. You. One. This was a nice, inexpensive replacement to our old winter coats and they're super warm. Not Colorado warm, but freezing cold Louisiana warm.

Vanicream | One of my Insta mom friends suggested this for Elliot's dry skin. This cured his dry red patchy spots in two days flat. Plus it doesn't contain lanolin, parabens, fragrance, and all the bad junk.

Medela Nursing Comfort Bra | I needed to replace my bras from when I nursed Harry and this is a great, well made option. Bonus points, it's made by a brand that makes a 50 dollar bra and it's the same exact bra people. Save your money and buy this dupe.


Returns


Essential Oil Roller Bottles | I was sent these twice with missing parts, avoid them at all cost.

Zammex Collagen Peptides | The flavor of this has just gotten worse, I use to be able to mask it with coffee or a smoothie. Not anymore, now it is all beef Ramen all the time.

icyzone Workout Tanks | They ran small and the fabric wasn't my favorite. It showed every flaw you ever thought you had.



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