Wednesday, October 17, 2012
An Honest Look at Honest Diapers
While I was pregnant, I became a consumer for my baby. I was not happy to do things just because that was the way they had been done, or because others had done it that way with or without success. I wanted to do what was right for me and ultimately what was right for my baby. I began looking into things such as baby products, adult products, and diapers. I became a little overwhelmed with all the products that they put in the productions of products we were to suppose to use on our children- even our trusted Johnsons and Johnsons. When I began to examine how diapers were made, I was appalled. I never wanted to do cloth diapers as I knew that I couldn't stomach it, but I didn't want to use those diapers made by Pampers and Huggies. Then I stumbled upon Honest Diapers. Did you know that these diapers made by these trusted companies use plastics that emit VOCs-or Volatile organic compounds which might cause asthma like symptoms? Not to mention these diaper companies also use fragrances and dyes. Fragrances have been linked with reproductive and developmental toxicity while the dyes have been linked to rashes. That is just somethings that go into the diapers-lets not forget how they are made. If you haven't heard about dioxins (cancer causing), look them up.
Now, we chose to use the Honest diapers to keep these things off of our baby. There were some other good perks, like the fact that they ship right to your door (score)! Then you have a choice of patterns. For our little boy we got the plaid, anchors, and plain white. They are approximately equal in price to other diapers and wipes. We really like our diapers. Now, for one small problem. They sometimes leak. Now I know that all diapers have there issues sometimes, but it seems that these are not absorbent enough when our little one pees. Now this is not all the time. It happens most when he is laying down. One would expect that the pee come out the front but it doesn't-it drenches his little back. One night we had to change him, sheets, blankets and all approximately 3 times because of this issue. Now, during the night I do the feeding and the hubby does the burping and changing, so he was dealing with this issue and it was ticking him off. So he decided to try and experiment. We had some diapers left over from a diaper cake that I had made. So one night he put them on him instead of the Honest diapers. No leaks! He wants to use those diapers at night instead of the Honest ones because of this issue. Like I said, it doesn't happen all the time with the diapers but it has happened quite a few. The absorbency problem possible should be addressed but I still like protecting him as much as possible. As for diaper rash-zilch, zip, nada. He had a little bit of a red butt once, when he really started going a few times a day, but that is it. All in all, the diapers are good and we will continue to use them. The battle of a night time diaper switch is still on. lol.
Taco Casserole
Taco Casserole
1 package (8 1/2 oz) corn bread/muffin mix ( I used Jiffy)
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 pkg ground beef (about a pound)
Taco Seasoning (I have used mild and hot and spicy or you can go clean and use your own spices but I have to say I had more compliments with the extra spice-not like burn your mouth hot but with enough kick to say hmmm that has flavor)
1 can black beans (drained) or another bean of your choice-Kidney would be good too
1 can of corn (optional-Mexi-corn would be good-just a thought I had while typing this)
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream, fat free (optional-I like to add a little taco seasoning to this for some extra kick)
1 cup fat free cheese, shredded and divided
1/2 cup onion, chopped (I didn't use because they cause belly trouble with my little guy)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup shredded lettuce
Black olives (optional)
Anything else that you like on your taco (I make sure to have some salsa to put on top but I think you could mix some of the salsa with the beef and bean mixture too or even in the sour cream mixture-hmmm the more I type the more ideas I am giving myself-lol)
In a bowl, combine the corn bread, egg and milk until blended. Spread into an 8 x 8 pan sprayed with PAM. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. (Make sure that the bread is done). Combine taco meat and beans, spread over corn bread. Combine sour cream, 3/4 cup cheese and onion. Spread over meat mixture. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with tomato, lettuce and remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and whatever else you choose. Enjoy!
1 package (8 1/2 oz) corn bread/muffin mix ( I used Jiffy)
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 pkg ground beef (about a pound)
Taco Seasoning (I have used mild and hot and spicy or you can go clean and use your own spices but I have to say I had more compliments with the extra spice-not like burn your mouth hot but with enough kick to say hmmm that has flavor)
1 can black beans (drained) or another bean of your choice-Kidney would be good too
1 can of corn (optional-Mexi-corn would be good-just a thought I had while typing this)
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream, fat free (optional-I like to add a little taco seasoning to this for some extra kick)
1 cup fat free cheese, shredded and divided
1/2 cup onion, chopped (I didn't use because they cause belly trouble with my little guy)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup shredded lettuce
Black olives (optional)
Anything else that you like on your taco (I make sure to have some salsa to put on top but I think you could mix some of the salsa with the beef and bean mixture too or even in the sour cream mixture-hmmm the more I type the more ideas I am giving myself-lol)
In a bowl, combine the corn bread, egg and milk until blended. Spread into an 8 x 8 pan sprayed with PAM. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. (Make sure that the bread is done). Combine taco meat and beans, spread over corn bread. Combine sour cream, 3/4 cup cheese and onion. Spread over meat mixture. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with tomato, lettuce and remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and whatever else you choose. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Nursery Reveal
I can't believe we actually were able to keep this room off limits to everyone while I was pregnant. Absolutely no one saw this room, until the night that I was going into the hospital to have Korbin.
I love this room. My husband loves this room. Everyone who sees it says that their favorite thing is the wall, which is a stencil, not wallpaper as most people think that it is.
Ignore the "BU". The lady I ordered the blocks from messed up his name and sent the wrong block. Still waiting for the right one.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
1st Month products-We couldn't live without
Korbin's Favs
Fisher Price Swing -We chose the little lamb version. He loves it. He is addicted to the nature sounds on it and cries or pouts a little when they go off (they only last about 5 minutes before they stop). The material is sooo soft which is one of the reasons we think he likes it so much. It has been a lifesaver and is probably one of mommy's favorites too as it is where he goes for mama to eat or tak a quick run to the bathroom.
First Years Sleeper We orginally bought a co-sleeper for him to sleep in. HaHa. Yeah, right. He wanted to be even closer to us. I was completely against him sleeping in the bed with us as it scared the heck out of me...SIDS and all. So we looked around and found this. It has been great, especially since I am breastfeeding. It is so much easier to get him out of this in between us every few hours than having to get up and go get him out of the co sleeper or his crib.
Newborn Sleepers- Okay, I didn't buy many newborn things because everyone said that he would outgrow them quickly. I highly recommend getting sleepers that have the feet and the hand covers in it. I also went out and bought some more because I only had like 3. Well, unless I wanted to do laundry every day then I recommend having a weeks worth of these because they are so much easier. I have the baby sleeper gowns but he didn't like them and we didn't like them because his feet was exposed and he was apt to kick off his socks.
Nuk pacifers- I like that they are BPA free, and he has one he really likes.
Sofie- He loves to look at his Sofie. I can't wait til he can grab it and hold on to it.
Little Lamb- My mother bought this for Korbin from Belk. It plays the melody to Jesus loves me. Our little guy loves, I mean absolutely loves, to look at his little lamb. Its head moves from side to side while it "sings".
Mommy's Favs
JJ Cole Diaper Bag-I adore this bag for all the pockets. It looks small but it holds so much! I throw my little purse inside of it and go!
Black yoga pants-While I was pregnant, I purchased some regular yoga pants at Target in my same XS size. I would just roll the waist band a little different while I was pregnant. I have to wash these all the time because I love them. I wore them in the hospital. I wear them on quick errands outside the house. I wear them around the house.
built in bra tops-I bought nursing bras. Never ever used them. I bought built in bra tops and I live in them. I purchased cheap but soft ones from places like Marshals. My pads are held in place so I don't leak onto my shirt, and I am comfortable and not all bound up. Plus it is super easy on the feeding.
Yoplait 100 calorie Greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom-I hate greek yogurt but love these. I add a little granola. Sometimes, they are my lunch when I need a quick pick me up. SO Good!
Belly Bandit-My secret weapon for getting back into shape. It also helps with aches and after pains.
BrestFriend-If there is one thing that I would say is a must buy it is this. It is so much better than a boppy or mambo. I tried both. I bought this at half price from a website called Zulily. (love the site)
Iphone- nothing needs to be said here!
Books- breast feeding is BORING. I would put Korbin on the brestfriend, pop in the feeding machines and then prop a book up behind him. Have read like 4-5 already.
Fisher Price Swing -We chose the little lamb version. He loves it. He is addicted to the nature sounds on it and cries or pouts a little when they go off (they only last about 5 minutes before they stop). The material is sooo soft which is one of the reasons we think he likes it so much. It has been a lifesaver and is probably one of mommy's favorites too as it is where he goes for mama to eat or tak a quick run to the bathroom.
First Years Sleeper We orginally bought a co-sleeper for him to sleep in. HaHa. Yeah, right. He wanted to be even closer to us. I was completely against him sleeping in the bed with us as it scared the heck out of me...SIDS and all. So we looked around and found this. It has been great, especially since I am breastfeeding. It is so much easier to get him out of this in between us every few hours than having to get up and go get him out of the co sleeper or his crib.
Newborn Sleepers- Okay, I didn't buy many newborn things because everyone said that he would outgrow them quickly. I highly recommend getting sleepers that have the feet and the hand covers in it. I also went out and bought some more because I only had like 3. Well, unless I wanted to do laundry every day then I recommend having a weeks worth of these because they are so much easier. I have the baby sleeper gowns but he didn't like them and we didn't like them because his feet was exposed and he was apt to kick off his socks.
Nuk pacifers- I like that they are BPA free, and he has one he really likes.
Sofie- He loves to look at his Sofie. I can't wait til he can grab it and hold on to it.
Little Lamb- My mother bought this for Korbin from Belk. It plays the melody to Jesus loves me. Our little guy loves, I mean absolutely loves, to look at his little lamb. Its head moves from side to side while it "sings".
Mommy's Favs
JJ Cole Diaper Bag-I adore this bag for all the pockets. It looks small but it holds so much! I throw my little purse inside of it and go!
Black yoga pants-While I was pregnant, I purchased some regular yoga pants at Target in my same XS size. I would just roll the waist band a little different while I was pregnant. I have to wash these all the time because I love them. I wore them in the hospital. I wear them on quick errands outside the house. I wear them around the house.
built in bra tops-I bought nursing bras. Never ever used them. I bought built in bra tops and I live in them. I purchased cheap but soft ones from places like Marshals. My pads are held in place so I don't leak onto my shirt, and I am comfortable and not all bound up. Plus it is super easy on the feeding.
Yoplait 100 calorie Greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom-I hate greek yogurt but love these. I add a little granola. Sometimes, they are my lunch when I need a quick pick me up. SO Good!
Belly Bandit-My secret weapon for getting back into shape. It also helps with aches and after pains.
BrestFriend-If there is one thing that I would say is a must buy it is this. It is so much better than a boppy or mambo. I tried both. I bought this at half price from a website called Zulily. (love the site)
Iphone- nothing needs to be said here!
Books- breast feeding is BORING. I would put Korbin on the brestfriend, pop in the feeding machines and then prop a book up behind him. Have read like 4-5 already.
Lil Punkin'
I love this time of year. I love when you step outside in October and there is a slight chill in the air. I love Fall with the leaves changing and falling, the bright colored pumpkins (oh yeah, Korbin is so having his picture taken in one), hot ciders, pumpkin flavored anything, and snuggling up on the couch with the fireplace blazing. Yes! I love this time of year. However, this year it is a little different because I have someone new to share it with. I have already dressed him up in a pumpkin outfit and had pictures taken of him with pumpkins, gourds, and the cutest pumpkin hat from ETSY. I JUST LOVE MY LIL PUNKIN'!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Southwestern Chicken Chili
It was a cold, rainy, unbelievably yucky day. My little guy wasn't feeling great so I needed something that I could just throw together and walk away from. Enter the crockpot! It has been a lifesaver these past few weeks. I decided I wanted some cold weather food and found all the ingredients for my chicken chili just waiting for me in the pantry-well the chicken was in the fridge from a Sams run. I love to have soups, stews and chili as the weather begins to turn cold. It is like that hot cup of chocolate or tea covered up with a cozy blanket on the couch kind of feeling.
Southwestern Chicken Chili
Chicken-I had tenderloins and they were good size so I used 8. (Good size as in when the hubby threw them on the grill last night I could only eat one with my meal) probably 3 -4 oz a piece
1 can of cannelloni beans (white kidney beans)
1 can of great northern beans
1 can of Rotel-I used mild but you can use hot if you want more kick
1 can of cream of chicken-I used the cream of chicken with herbs because that is what I had
1/2 tablespoon cumin, chili powder,
1/4 tablespoon cajun seasoning
1/2 c -1 c of water depending on how thick you want your chili
Basically dump it all in the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours.
I cook the tenderloins then when I stir the chili when it is done, I shred up the chicken because it naturally falls apart.
Southwestern Chicken Chili
Chicken-I had tenderloins and they were good size so I used 8. (Good size as in when the hubby threw them on the grill last night I could only eat one with my meal) probably 3 -4 oz a piece
1 can of cannelloni beans (white kidney beans)
1 can of great northern beans
1 can of Rotel-I used mild but you can use hot if you want more kick
1 can of cream of chicken-I used the cream of chicken with herbs because that is what I had
1/2 tablespoon cumin, chili powder,
1/4 tablespoon cajun seasoning
1/2 c -1 c of water depending on how thick you want your chili
Basically dump it all in the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours.
I cook the tenderloins then when I stir the chili when it is done, I shred up the chicken because it naturally falls apart.
1 Month
Today, Baby Boy you are one month old. I can not believe how quickly time flies. I can not believe how quickly you have grown. I can not believe how much you can already do. You surprise me everyday with what you can do. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You really make our lives complete.
I know that I was always the one who was anti-having children of my own-teaching 8th grade in middle school will do that to you-but it changed. People asked me what exactly changed my mind about having a baby. I am not really all that sure. I have to say that it is finding the right person (your daddy) to create you with. I also have to say that it is a change in perspective, ideals, and wants. I would not have done this any other way baby boy. You completely captivate me and everyone you are around. You have made this family a real family, not just for your daddy and I but also for Gamma and Gampa, and everyone else that comes into contact with you. You are the glue, and son you have bound us together.
This month you have:
- Slept a total of 4 hours during the night but usually more like 3 on average, but sometimes 2
- peed on daddy
- had 3 changes of clothing in 30 minutes
- found and sucked on your thumb
- perfected your latch-even on daddy's nose
- lifted your head
- began making noises
- found the ceiling fan
- went to your first restaurant, Walmart, and Sams
- began opening your mouth at things and making like a O shape with your mouth-like you're saying oooo
- had your first bath-and even peed in the tub
- stolen mommy and daddy's hearts every single day
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Korbin's Birth Story
I went in to have you on September 7, 2012 at 12:00 am.
I had to sign some papers. I was shaking so bad that Jeffrey almost had to sign my name for me. I was so unbelievably scared out of my wits. You know how it is when you don't know exactly what is coming or what to expect. I was scared of the whole process. I know that some would say we should have done a birthing class; however, after much debate we decided against it for my own good. We were afraid that it would give me even more anxiety about giving birth than going in without the preparedness of a birthing class.
I was a bundle of nerves, physically shaking hands at not knowing what to expect. The night nurse named Becky was so great with me-so sweet and kind and gentle helping me to ease my fears. The first thing that they had to do was give me an IV, and really that was the worst part of the whole experience. What was really crazy is that I was having contractions (pretty strong) according to the nurse and never even felt them. I attribute that to nerves and adrenalin. Around 1:30-2:00 am, I finally got my first dose of Oxytocin.
I fell asleep for a while and woke up a few times to go to the bathroom. Around 6:00, I had a really strong contraction, one that made me realize that I was having one. Then, I felt water. I was like did I just pee on myself. I woke your daddy up and said, “Jeff, either my water just broke or I just peed on myself. I kind of hope it is the first.” Jeff was getting ready to call your grandparents when they actually got there (around 6:45). The nurses switched shifts at 7, and I got a new nurse. The contractions were really strong now and frequent. Then, came the relief, the epidural. I was shaking so hard. The nurse was so great and helped me through it. It didn’t really hurt as much as it did scare me. Truly, the IV hurt worse. After that, I was good.
Jeff decided to give me one of my push gifts. I have a pandora type charm bracelet, and he bought the carriage charm for me to put on it. (After Korbin was born, they both gave me a push gift. I don't have a picture of it here, but it is a heart shaped necklace that he had specially engraved "The keys to my heart" on the front and "Love your Jeff and Korbin" on the back. Inside I get to put a picture of both of them).
It meant a lot since Korbin's nursery has a key to my heart saying in it.
I slept til the doctor came in at 8:30 and checked me. Then, came the shocking part. I was ready to push. All those days I wished would hurry and come, instantly I wanted some of them back. I was so scared-again with the shaking.
The nurses got me started pushing and told me that your hair was black. Can you believe it? Mommy had a dream the night before about you and you had black hair and would curl up into a little ball when I picked you up-which is exactly how it was.
The doctor came in around 9: something. You arrived in a whirlwind at 9:18. They laid you on my stomach, and I cried. I cried tears of joy. Most of the people in the room were crying, including a practicing nurse who was shadowing another nurse. We were all so happy that you were here. During the rest of the day, you learned to latch with help of a consultant who also put us both to sleep (there are pictures below) with skin to skin contact. You slept well, and we were in love.
You amazed us right from the beginning lifting your little head up and looking at your daddy.
You were surrounded by love from Gamma, Gampa, Pastor Ryan, Aunt Christa, Aunt Nan and Haley and Sara, your big sister Kaitlyn, and Gail.
Your cute little going home outfit KBB.
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