Are you a mid-afternoon kind of person? I am. I hate mornings. Take this morning. I was awake at 6:30am. However, I did not get out of my bed until 7:30am. Jackson came into our room, crawled into bed, I turned on the TV and snoozed. I just couldn't get out of bed, even though my To-Do List is about a mile long and I know it all has to be done or left undone by noon tomorrow. Sleeping is too precious to me to be a morning person. :)
Well, that being said, my son on the other hand is a morning person! He wakes up and starts asking for his breakfast! Somedays it's pancakes, waffles, or cinnamon rolls that he is craving. We found yesterday that he will eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch- score one for an easy breakfast! But most days he wants his glass of milk, banana, and pancake/waffle. So, not being a morning person I had to think of a way to make this stuff quick.
While I was working, I bought frozen pancakes and frozen waffles. However, those are EXPENSIVE!! Especially when you are serving waffles or pancakes everyday! Plus, the servings are small and my little man is a big breakfast eater!
So, I remembered back to a friend who told me about warming up leftover pancakes in the toaster and we decided to try it! It's GREAT! AND at less than $2 per box of pancake mix (I buy whatever is on sale), it's cost effective!
I usually make my big batches on the weekends, because Andy is around to keep the kiddo occupied while I am cooking. I just make up the biggest batch the box says. We eat what we want and then I freeze the rest. I do this with waffles, pancakes, and French Toast (I was getting tired of throwing out bread when it was going bad-- so I tried it, it's actually really good!).
Here's my steps:
1. Make your batch of your chosen breakfast. I have an electric griddle, which allows me to make about 4 pancakes and 4 pieces of French Toast at the same time. It also is non-stick, so I don't have to use any butter or sprays on it. Making everything just a little healthier.
2. Cool each piece before stacking- I lay them out on a big cookie sheet. For French toast, I have tried cutting it into sticks- Jman loved this!
3. After each piece is cooled:
* pancakes and waffles: place a small piece of wax paper in between each piece. Although, you don't have to, it just makes it harder to get the pancakes apart.
* French Toast Sticks: Put in small sandwhich bags
4. In large FREEZER bags (make sure you label with the date)stack your pancakes/waffles/French Toast and make sure you get as much of the air out as possible (smooshing is OK).
5. I then leave the bag on the counter a little longer to make sure it's all cooled before sticking them in the freezer.
To Re-heat:
take out your desired breakfast you can toast them or microwave. I perfer the toaster, it makes them crisper. You may have to play with your toaster to figure out where it needs to be set in order to cook the middle. I have mine about 3/4 of the way to burn. :) If you perfer the microwave pop it into the microwave for a few seconds.
ENJOY!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Etsy
My favorite site these days is www.etsy.com. This is an awesome sight full of fun hand-made crafts! I love just "pouncing" to see new items and new stores. I think at some point in 2011 I will come up with some crafty things that I am making and sell them... of course tons of my ideas are other people's ideas... Not sure how to do that. Anyway... here is a fun little clip of some of the fun things I have either bought or LOVE from etsy.com
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sites I love for baby deals...
There are a ton of sites out there to get "good deals" on baby/kid stuff. I have found these 6 that I check religously.
1. www.kidsteals.com - a new deal every day at 9am
2. www.babysteals.com - a new deal every day at 9am & 9pm
3. www.scrapbooksteals.com - a new deal every day at 9am (this one is not all about kids, but it often has craft kits, and things you could use for crafting about your child).
4. www.totsy.com - new deals daily and it's kind of like having little shops that are open for a few days with good deals. This is often high-end clothing and also includes stuff for mommy!
5. www.zulily.com -new deals a couple of times a week and it very often high-end merchandise... nice to browse!
6. www.mamabargains.com - new deal each time a previous deal sells out. I have found a lot of nursing bras and tops on this site.
1. www.kidsteals.com - a new deal every day at 9am
2. www.babysteals.com - a new deal every day at 9am & 9pm
3. www.scrapbooksteals.com - a new deal every day at 9am (this one is not all about kids, but it often has craft kits, and things you could use for crafting about your child).
4. www.totsy.com - new deals daily and it's kind of like having little shops that are open for a few days with good deals. This is often high-end clothing and also includes stuff for mommy!
5. www.zulily.com -new deals a couple of times a week and it very often high-end merchandise... nice to browse!
6. www.mamabargains.com - new deal each time a previous deal sells out. I have found a lot of nursing bras and tops on this site.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
While pregnant....
Don't:
1. Don't make a big move if you can help it, it's stressful and a lot of hard work! (that's a word from experience)
2. Don't buy all new stuff for the baby's room... you will be amazed what you can reuse from baby number 1 or friends.
3. Don't try to do too many projects! You need to rest and relax, stress is not good for anyone!
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Everyone wants to help a pregnant lady!
Do:
1. Take time to journal about your experiences, it's nice to look back on if you have another pregnancy and it helps you remember all the great things that happened!
2. do have fun decorating the nursery!
3. Spend time with your spouse and/or children. It's the last time you will have that time for them!
4. Take naps, as many as you can get!
There are of course, lots more things to do while pregnant, but these are the ones that really stick out in my mind. The most imporatant thing to do is enjoy your time bonding with your baby!
1. Don't make a big move if you can help it, it's stressful and a lot of hard work! (that's a word from experience)
2. Don't buy all new stuff for the baby's room... you will be amazed what you can reuse from baby number 1 or friends.
3. Don't try to do too many projects! You need to rest and relax, stress is not good for anyone!
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Everyone wants to help a pregnant lady!
Do:
1. Take time to journal about your experiences, it's nice to look back on if you have another pregnancy and it helps you remember all the great things that happened!
2. do have fun decorating the nursery!
3. Spend time with your spouse and/or children. It's the last time you will have that time for them!
4. Take naps, as many as you can get!
There are of course, lots more things to do while pregnant, but these are the ones that really stick out in my mind. The most imporatant thing to do is enjoy your time bonding with your baby!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Mastitis
As promised in a previous post...
Mastitis is an infection that you get in your milk ducts while breastfeeding your child. It is PAINFUL, but you can over come it quickly if you know the signs.
1. Tenderness of the breast... this is more of a localized tenderness that you will feel anytime you touch that particular part of your breast.
2. High Temperature: As with any infection you will notice a temperature. I had a 104 degree temperature when I got mastitis... 3 times... however it's safe to take a little tylenol.
3. Hard lump... this can be the clogged duct, massage it, take a warm shower, anything to get it loosened up.
4. DO NOT STOP BREASTFEEDING/PUMPING!!! It feels bad, but it will feel worse if you stop while you have the infection. If you have to stop, wait until the infection is cleared up, then wean yourself.
5. As a follow up to #4... Pump more often when you have Mastitis, it will ease the pressure and will make it feel better.
6. Call the Doctor, if you think you are getting mastitis or just have a clogged duct, try pumping more to clear it up. If it doesn't get better and you end up with an infection call your doctor. They will tell you to pump more, clean your parts, etc. But if you have already tried that they will have you come in and get an antibiotic.
7. Keep your pump parts clean... it helps! I suggest having an extra set of parts, then you can really soapy clean everything out and keep it extra clean.
8. Don't give up, I got mastitis 3 times with my first son ... it HURT... but I didn't stop breastfeeding, mostly because I was afraid of getting it again!!!
9. Most importantly, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!
10. If your nipples are burning and you get a fever, you may have a yeast infection on your nipples. Check your baby's mouth, if they have you you might have gotten it too!
a. Bottle feed until the infection is cleared up or you could keep passing it between the two of you!
b. Use a cotton ball dipped in a small container of water and white vinegar to gently rinse your nipples after each use. Let them air dry. Use this same solution on the breast shields of your pump. And be sure to rinse all of the other parts in HOT water.
c. Again, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!
d. Finally, call the doctor if it doesn't go away. They may subscribe something.
e. A fever could accompany a yeast infection.
Hope this helps all you breastfeeding Mommas!
Emily
Mastitis is an infection that you get in your milk ducts while breastfeeding your child. It is PAINFUL, but you can over come it quickly if you know the signs.
1. Tenderness of the breast... this is more of a localized tenderness that you will feel anytime you touch that particular part of your breast.
2. High Temperature: As with any infection you will notice a temperature. I had a 104 degree temperature when I got mastitis... 3 times... however it's safe to take a little tylenol.
3. Hard lump... this can be the clogged duct, massage it, take a warm shower, anything to get it loosened up.
4. DO NOT STOP BREASTFEEDING/PUMPING!!! It feels bad, but it will feel worse if you stop while you have the infection. If you have to stop, wait until the infection is cleared up, then wean yourself.
5. As a follow up to #4... Pump more often when you have Mastitis, it will ease the pressure and will make it feel better.
6. Call the Doctor, if you think you are getting mastitis or just have a clogged duct, try pumping more to clear it up. If it doesn't get better and you end up with an infection call your doctor. They will tell you to pump more, clean your parts, etc. But if you have already tried that they will have you come in and get an antibiotic.
7. Keep your pump parts clean... it helps! I suggest having an extra set of parts, then you can really soapy clean everything out and keep it extra clean.
8. Don't give up, I got mastitis 3 times with my first son ... it HURT... but I didn't stop breastfeeding, mostly because I was afraid of getting it again!!!
9. Most importantly, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!
10. If your nipples are burning and you get a fever, you may have a yeast infection on your nipples. Check your baby's mouth, if they have you you might have gotten it too!
a. Bottle feed until the infection is cleared up or you could keep passing it between the two of you!
b. Use a cotton ball dipped in a small container of water and white vinegar to gently rinse your nipples after each use. Let them air dry. Use this same solution on the breast shields of your pump. And be sure to rinse all of the other parts in HOT water.
c. Again, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!
d. Finally, call the doctor if it doesn't go away. They may subscribe something.
e. A fever could accompany a yeast infection.
Hope this helps all you breastfeeding Mommas!
Emily
Friday, March 12, 2010
Things you need to use to baby proof...
1. Cabinet door locks (kitchen and bathroom), we use one that goes on the outside of the handles and closes them together.
2. Toliet Bowl locks... it only takes a couple of times to find stuff in there for you to apperciate them!
3. VCR gaurds (we have a low TV stand and it helps keep those little fingers clear of all those tempting buttons)
4. Gates on all stair wells. We have gates that are attached to the wall/door frame at the top of all of our stair cases. Containment is key sometimes!
5. Outlet plugs-- little fingers, little toys... I don't need to explain this much!
That's really all we have had to do to babyproof. It takes a little more time to say no, no and distract the child and you don't have to take all of the little stuff away!
1. Cabinet door locks (kitchen and bathroom), we use one that goes on the outside of the handles and closes them together.
2. Toliet Bowl locks... it only takes a couple of times to find stuff in there for you to apperciate them!
3. VCR gaurds (we have a low TV stand and it helps keep those little fingers clear of all those tempting buttons)
4. Gates on all stair wells. We have gates that are attached to the wall/door frame at the top of all of our stair cases. Containment is key sometimes!
5. Outlet plugs-- little fingers, little toys... I don't need to explain this much!
That's really all we have had to do to babyproof. It takes a little more time to say no, no and distract the child and you don't have to take all of the little stuff away!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Hospital Visits
When Croup turns into pneumonia... you end up in the hospital.
Some things I learned about going to the hospital with a baby...
1. Bring your own pillows. The ones at the hospital are covered in plastic and make your head hot.
2. Bring toys... for you and the baby. It's boring in a room.
3. Keep those VHS tapes you have been thinking of getting rid of... not every room is equipped with a DVD player (unlike what they would like you to believe when you are in labor and delivery).
4. The rooms are small.
5. Bring some snacks-- everything closes up by 8:30pm.
6. There is no such thing as a comfortable place for parents to sleep... blow up bed?
7. Never send your hubby to pick out your clothes, he will inevitably pick the shirt and pants you have been keeping around "just in case" you get skinny again. ;)
Thank goodness the hospital staff is nice and Jman is somewhat comfortable... a crying baby makes for long nights!
Some things I learned about going to the hospital with a baby...
1. Bring your own pillows. The ones at the hospital are covered in plastic and make your head hot.
2. Bring toys... for you and the baby. It's boring in a room.
3. Keep those VHS tapes you have been thinking of getting rid of... not every room is equipped with a DVD player (unlike what they would like you to believe when you are in labor and delivery).
4. The rooms are small.
5. Bring some snacks-- everything closes up by 8:30pm.
6. There is no such thing as a comfortable place for parents to sleep... blow up bed?
7. Never send your hubby to pick out your clothes, he will inevitably pick the shirt and pants you have been keeping around "just in case" you get skinny again. ;)
Thank goodness the hospital staff is nice and Jman is somewhat comfortable... a crying baby makes for long nights!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Breast Feeding
I read a book Breast Feeding Sucks.... it's so true! Especially the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding... I am not going to put on this post that everyone should breastfeed, because it's not for everyone. However, I was one of those people that had a lot of trouble breastfeeding, but persevered and got some sort of results. Here are some of my pointers.
1. Talk to the lactation consultants at the hospital and be SURE you understand what the heck they are talking about before you leave!
2. Don't be afraid to call the lactation consultants about breastfeeding... they are happy to help!
3. Go visit the lacation consultant! They can help!
4. Whether it comes from a bottle or a boob, your child will not be messed up!
5. If you have to pump... I did it for 10 1/2 months. It was the best decision for all of our sanity!
6. Pay for a good pump. I loved my Medela Pump In Style
7. Buy extra parts for your pump... especially if you will be pumping often... keeps them clean
8. Don't stop pumping if you get Mastitis (later post).
9. Mix breast milk and formula if you need to, it's still good!
10. Use Fenugreek if you have any trouble producing... I use to take 4X the recommended dose... I got a lot of milk!
Good luck. I solely pumped for 10 months of my son's life and it was a great descision for my family. I would be happy to offer any help I can!
1. Talk to the lactation consultants at the hospital and be SURE you understand what the heck they are talking about before you leave!
2. Don't be afraid to call the lactation consultants about breastfeeding... they are happy to help!
3. Go visit the lacation consultant! They can help!
4. Whether it comes from a bottle or a boob, your child will not be messed up!
5. If you have to pump... I did it for 10 1/2 months. It was the best decision for all of our sanity!
6. Pay for a good pump. I loved my Medela Pump In Style
7. Buy extra parts for your pump... especially if you will be pumping often... keeps them clean
8. Don't stop pumping if you get Mastitis (later post).
9. Mix breast milk and formula if you need to, it's still good!
10. Use Fenugreek if you have any trouble producing... I use to take 4X the recommended dose... I got a lot of milk!
Good luck. I solely pumped for 10 months of my son's life and it was a great descision for my family. I would be happy to offer any help I can!
Croup
Did your child wake up last night sounding like he had a baloon in his mouth? Breathing difficultly and a "barking" cough? Mine did. Last year right around this time we ended up in the ER at 2am, because our little man woke up and we were afraid he had swallowed something... by the time we got to the ER his breathing was much better and the doctor didn't even touch him before he said he had croup. So, this time instead of rushing to the ER we tried some other methods to get his breathing and coughing under control...
1. Cold Air- take your little one outside (if it's cold) or even stick his head in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Steamy Air- Turn on the shower and get the steam going in the bathroom.
The Croup is usually much worse at night and is really scary. Once you have seen it though, you won't make that ER trip again!
** Special Note ** If you child is turning blue in the face/lips... it's NOT Croup! Call 911.
1. Cold Air- take your little one outside (if it's cold) or even stick his head in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Steamy Air- Turn on the shower and get the steam going in the bathroom.
The Croup is usually much worse at night and is really scary. Once you have seen it though, you won't make that ER trip again!
** Special Note ** If you child is turning blue in the face/lips... it's NOT Croup! Call 911.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mom's Group
The number one thing any Mommy needs is a group of other moms. It keeps you sane, gives you other people to go to, and it's a great way to meet new friends!
I am really lucky. In my area there is a Stroller Strides class. It's a great way to meet mommies and get in shape. I have met some really awesome ladies and I can't imagine my life now without them! I look forward to working out for a couple of reasons... 1. I love the friends I have met, 2. Lost some of the baby weight, 3. I get to spend time with my little man.
Another great thing about your Mommy friends is that you can have a MNO (Mom's Night Out). This is a day very different from going out with your non-mommy friends... because these people really want to hear all about your baby trials and tribulations and share with you the same! You get to talk about your little one without the guilty feeling you get with your non-parent friends.
Join a mommy group-- or create one of your own. You need other Mommies.
I am really lucky. In my area there is a Stroller Strides class. It's a great way to meet mommies and get in shape. I have met some really awesome ladies and I can't imagine my life now without them! I look forward to working out for a couple of reasons... 1. I love the friends I have met, 2. Lost some of the baby weight, 3. I get to spend time with my little man.
Another great thing about your Mommy friends is that you can have a MNO (Mom's Night Out). This is a day very different from going out with your non-mommy friends... because these people really want to hear all about your baby trials and tribulations and share with you the same! You get to talk about your little one without the guilty feeling you get with your non-parent friends.
Join a mommy group-- or create one of your own. You need other Mommies.
Why?
As a Mom I am always thinking of ideas that I would give to other moms. So, I thought I would make a blog to include some of the best things I have found out by being a mom... this blog will be lessons learned, gadgets I can't live with out, and antidotes about being called the best word in the world... "Mommy".
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