Money Saving Monday

Do-It-Yourself Project:

Birthday Balloon Wreath

What You Will Need:

balloons - greening pins &

straw wreath (leave the plastic on)

Grandpa got to use it first on Dec 30th

I followed the directions from How Does She - I did make a few changes to this wreath - I used smaller sized balloons and I put 2 balloons in each greening pin so I wouldn't have to buy as many. I also think my wreath is a little bigger. I found one at a thrift store for dirt cheap!

Everyone should feel special... especially on their birthday!

I Found Love

I love putting Aliyah on my lap and watching this sweet little video with her.

Teething Tip

Gnawing on a cold or frozen carrot! Other tips... freezing a washcloth or putting an ice cube in a food net

Aliyah turned 8 months old yesterday

(same day as her YaYa's birthday)

There are still no teeth in that gummy baby mouth. And to be honest, I am okay with that! My mom told me that I was 12 months + by the time I finally got my first tooth. While this is an ideal situation for a nursing mama, I hope that her first grade teacher will have a tooth chart for her.

Getting my teeth later also meant that I lost my first tooth later too. I remember the AWESOME tooth train in Mrs. Griffy's kindergarten room. When you lost a tooth, you got to write your name on a paper tooth and put it in the train. I watched all year as my classmates filled the train with their white paper teeth. Sadly, by the end of the year, my name was never on the train.

I finally lost my first tooth when I was eating an apple some time during my first grade year but there wasn't a tooth train or anything fun for missing teeth. But like my mom did for me, I will make sure Aliyah feels special whenever that first tooth pops out...the funny the things you remember!

On a side note - when I taught 1st grade you better believe I had a VERY cool tooth chart (and song) for every kiddo with a missing tooth.

What did you use that helped with your teething babe???

Real Food

Aliyah hasn’t been too impressed with the mushed & puree foods that started her food journey. She just seems bored to death by each spoonful and eats it as if every bite is a small favor for us. Her face always reads “Why are you shoving this mush into my mouth? I’m only eating this because I love you”

Then after about two (if we're lucky) bites her head turns to the side and her lips slam shut.

But because Aliyah is sitting up on her own, we have been giving her small bites of finger foods here and there like mangoes, eggplant, well cooked green beans and carrots, etc... even still, she picks it up, waves it around and then is completely uninterested. Every once-in-a-while she will stick something in her mouth, make a face and put it back down.

Since I am still breastfeeding, I am not too concerned and have come to grips with allowing Aliyah to tell us when she is ready... even though we have a freezer stacked of yummy home-made frozen mush for her... untouched *sigh*

Our girl had her first taste of real, honest-to-goodness people food this week. Tyler and I were sharing a plater of pulled pork. Aliyah started to show some interest in what we were doing so Tyler tore off a small piece and gave it to her.

It was the first time we have seen her fuss for MORE food. She leaned up to the table over and over with her little baby bird mouth wide open.

our sweet little carnivore washed it all down with a big girl cup of water (through a straw!)

These are my favorite experiences as a first time parent - the experimentation of giving your baby a new experience and the anticipation of her reaction. (especially when her reaction is a positive one!)

Aliyah Learns a New Trick

This little lady has us doing handstands just to see her smile. We have been singing and dancing... playing peek-a-boo and soooooooo big (which I still need to get on video). But tonight she did something we hadn't seen yet - she clapped her hands!

It is just plain silly how excited Tyler and I both get when she does something new. We have been singing the "clap your hands, clap clap your hands" diddy all week - I even heard it coming from the shower one night when I was rocking Aliyah before bed :)

Don't mind Tyler's singing or my attempt at Spanish...
She's cute as all get out

Money Saving Monday

It's been awhile, and I have a new and improved way of couponing!! my BINDER is a fabulous way to coupon and keep all those clipped papers organized, but with a sweet baby to keep me busy, clipping coupons was taking waaaaay too much of my time.

I get coupons every Sunday, and if I missed one week of clipping them, the papers really started to pile up. It quickly felt impossible to sit down and clip the huge stack I let build up. (I was cutting out every coupon if I thought I would use it or not... this is because I may not pay for an item that I have a coupon for, but if a deal came up where I could get it for free, I would use it - or donate it)

Now I only clip what I use because I am organizing the whole coupon insert that comes in Sunday's paper in a file box vs. organizing each separate coupon in my binder. This has been saving me so much time each week, it's unbelievable.

I was nervous to switch over from my binder to "the box"  because I couldn't actually see the coupons without taking out each insert and flipping through it - but then I found this website:  hotcouponworld - This is a coupon database where you can type in a word like "pepsi" and see if there are any coupons out there. Another website you could use is sundaycouponpreview - scroll down a little and on the right side you can choose from "categories" or "archives" to see what coupons are in past inserts.

To help with gathering coupons for my grocery runs and trips to CVS I use pennypinchinmom - she will match up the coupon inserts or list a coupon that you can print so that you can get the best deal. She has a coupon database on her website too and will post some fun freebries or other fun deals around the KC area.

I just started my box and do not have a perfected system yet, so if you are doing clipless couponing let me know your tips!

Here are some pictures to show my new system:

all inserts have a date on the crease - this RP (redplum) insert is from 1-2-11

there was also a SS (smartsource) insert that was in the same Sunday paper. I wrote the date on them so it is easier to see, paper clip them together, write the date on a sticky note, and file them together under 1-2-11

I file each insert by the date. I have an extra folder to put the weekly advertisements in as well. I label with the sticky notes so that I don't have to replace the folders.

Jammies

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Yesterday was another great snow day spent in our jammies. It was extra special since Tyler got to stay home with us girls. Lots of snuggles, movie marathons and pizza on the couch.

matching polka dotty pjs and fuzzy socks

Then and Now

I was so excited that my mom saved this sweet knitted hat and sweater from when I was a baby. Such a bummer when I put it on Aliyah last month to find that I had waited a bit too long. Not exactly sure how old I was in these pictures (maybe 2/3 mo), but I was definitely younger than Aliyah (7 months)

Marcie 1982

Aliyah 2010

I Love You Over and Over Again

My Peaceful Dove,

I haven’t written you in some weeks. I’ve found myself struggling more with words lately. How can I tell you the things I feel for you without saying what I’ve already said?

I’m not sure it’s possible.

I’ve whispered in your ears a thousand times that God picked you out especially for your father and I. I’ve traced the words I love you in your tiny palms over and over again. The two of us have sat many afternoons just studying each others faces. I’ve looked at you so long, I feel as if I should know the number of lashes on your lids and the name of the exact color of the blue that fills your eyes.

I’ve come to realize that all I can do is continue searching the rest of my days for new ways to tell you the same things - that you’ve changed everything. that you are my most tangible joy. that being your mother is beyond a gift. beyond a blessing. It is the thing that my life was meant for.

but you’ve heard this all before.

and you’ll hear it again.

today and tomorrow and the day after that one too.

love, your mama

Bath Time Mohawk

Getting your first bath time mohawk is a big deal. So to mark the occasion, here’s an awesome little photo from Aliyah's bath last night.

What makes this an even bigger deal is that she HAS hair at all. Just a few short months ago she was a baldy bald head. We didn’t have the heart to brush down such excellence, so we put her to bed with it.

sweet dreams rockstar

A Helpful Daddy

‎I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the weekends Tyler always wakes up first, grabs Aliyah and the two of them spend some quality daddy/daughter time together. It is fabulous for them and of course I appreciate any extra minutes I get to sleep in! Today, Tyler didn't have to work so we were able to stretch out our weekend - yeah!

Aliyah is usually still in her jammies when I get up, but recently I’ve awoken to find my dear child in the craziest get ups. Her daddy-selected fashion ensembles have included tank tops on cold days, mixes of polkadots and patterns that hurt your eyes to look at together and multiple times I’ve discovered her wearing clothes she outgrew months ago and her baby belly hanging out in all its glory.

However, there really are few things I find more amusing than seeing what kind of silly clothing combos Tyler comes up with.

This morning he managed to squeeze her 20(ish) pound little body into a size 3-6 month shirt. After I stopped laughing, I took a few pictures. Tyler was proud that he matched stripes with stripes. And I’m happy to report that shirt and those pants are now tucked away with the other itty bitty baby clothes.

she is still scooting (backwards)... crawling is coming soon I know it!

The Beautiful Thing About Becoming a Mother

You know what is the beautiful thing about becoming a mother? You get to always be one. It’s not like being a child or a teenager or a twenty something - those are all phases. They are all moments in life that come and go. But to be a mother. To become that woman who holds a tiny newborn in her arms and who watches that newborn grow into a unique individual. To become that woman who knows the feeling of loving another being with every cell in her body - the beautiful thing about that is that it never ends. No matter what happens in life. Becoming a mother is a journey that always will continue.

Diaper Deals and Other Stuff

Just thought that I would share a picture of this sweet cake my mom made:

It's a "Snow Day" cake - white cake with white icing!!!
and pink sprinkles ;)

On Tuesday (the 2nd day of no school due to the snow) my mom surprised Aliyah and I by coming over with lunch and a "snow day" cake - yup! my mom totally rocks

Also I wanted to share an amazing deal to any mamas (or papas) out there who are interested in cloth diapering... Cotton Babies just announced a "seconds" sale. There are cloth diapers on sale as low as $9. This is what the website says about the diapers on the seconds sale:

... cloth diapers with minor defects. Most issues are cosmetic (slightly uneven seams, dirt market, etc) and will not affect the diapers performance.

We have only used gDiapers, but with such a great deal, we ordered a few of the one-size snap. I have heard such great things about bumGunius and am really excited for these to get here. I will keep you posted on how these compare to our current stash.

No Soliciting

check out my sweet M&M

I went to our neighborhood HOA meeting last night and the topic of outside soliciting got brought up - which got me thinking...

I need to find someone on etsy that will make a pretty sign I can hang by our front door that reads "There maybe a baby asleep in this house. If you are selling something, keep walking - we are broke and you will be too if you knock on our door and wake up our child" I want it to say those exact words.

I love the walk-ability of our neighborhood. The neighbors who stroll by with their dogs and strollers - but there must be a van that lets out somewhere nearby with salespeople of every sort and they are driving us bonkers... the snow seems to be slowing them down a bit

I remember a nice day a while back when a door to door salesman knocked right after I'd gotten Aliyah down for her morning nap, causing our dogs to go crazy, and thus waking her up causing her to tummy scooch, fussy sleepy-baby circles around me in the living room while I looked longingly at the to-do list that I hoped to accomplished during her nap.

This happens atleast once a month during naptime.

Does anyone know how much it would cost to get a trap door installed on our front porch?

Winter Wonderland

We got about six inches of snow yesterday. I love how insulated and pure everything feels when snow falls. Aliyah and I spent the day snuggled up on the couch but ventured out twice to play in the snowy fluff... then right back to snuggling and sipping on a mug of hot chocolate. The only thing missing was Tyler! Although, he was happy that he now rides the bus downtown every day and was able to get an extra 1 hour 1/2 nap in on the way to work.

Yesterday was so incredibly beautiful and such a treat for us!

A Night Out with the Girls

I didn't think to snap a picture of the girls,
but feel free to enjoy this one of Aliyah's sweet get-up

I really enjoyed my time out with a few of my wonderful friends last week. While my sweet dove spent the evening with her daddy, I enjoyed time with the girls catching up, eating frozen yogurt, and reminiscing about our time at Baker.

I can probably count on one hand how many times I have been away from Aliyah. Not that I am crazy about being apart, there are just not many times when the opportunity arose (and I really don't mind hanging out with the little gal)... Just as I was starting to really relax and enjoy the uninterrupted adult conversation, it was time to go. I reached into my purse to grab my keys as we hugged and said our goodbyes. I was getting ready to wrap my arms around my old college roomie as she laughed, "What the heck is in your hand?!?" I answered, "My keys" as we hugged.

"Do you drive a tonka truck?" she asked. Huh???? I looked down and in my hand and saw a brightly colored plastic key ring that belonged to Aliyah. BAhahahaha... I couldn't stop laughing! How did I not notice?

It made me smile to think of who I am evolving into - laughing with friends with pink shinny lips while wearing my favorite sassy winter boots and a mama with a plastic key ring in her purse and cheerios in her pocket.

My Big Girl

This little lady is moving right along! I have to keep reminding myself that a growing girl is a healthy and happy girl... maybe just slow down a tiny bit? Look how big she is!!!

what girl doesn't love shopping?

riding in her stroller WITHOUT her infant carseat

Then and Now

Here I am with my Grandma and Grandpa Madsen. My first Christmas 1982

Aliyah wore this special dress on a very special day... Uncle Austin and Aunt Jamie's wedding. She wasn't quite a month old - such a doll! Summer of 2010

A Story About Transitioning

snoozing in my arms one lazy afternoon

A friend and I were recently talking about the sleep schedule (schedule - HA!) of newborns and transitioning Aliyah from our room to her own room. The whole co-sleeping thing is a hot button topic...

Some parents swear by it - others are horrified by it. Personally, I think every family will figure out what works best for their individual needs. I don’t know if sharing our experience with transitioning Aliyah to the crib will be helpful or not - because if I’ve learned anything so far, it’s that every baby is so different and what works brilliantly for one may be a complete failure for another. But here goes...

When Aliyah was a newborn we started her off in a the infant sleeper that is attached to some pack-n-plays. We pulled the pack-n-play right next to our bed - she was waking so often to nurse that even getting up to go across the room to get her was wasting precious seconds of sleep. I was also obsessed with checking on her to make sure she was breathing so we slept with a lamp on in our room.

At three months, the pack-n-play's safety manual recommend that we no longer use the infant sleeper, so we moved her to the flat bassinet in the pack-n-play. We always put her to sleep flat on her back. She wasn't a fan of this, but swaddling really helped and also prolonged the length of time she would stay asleep at night.

Eventually, as she slept for longer periods of time, we pushed her pack-n-play to the other side of the room. It took me MONTHS before I was ready to transition her to her crib. I think she was ready within weeks after removing the infant sleeper - but I couldn’t bare the idea of her being in another room!

Truthfully, it didn’t happen until she was around 5 months old. Finally, finally I put on my brave mama face and put her down in her own crib in her own room. I slept fitfully but she actually did pretty well! I think that our turning over and movements woke her more often than I realized when she was in our room.

Now she’s exclusively going to sleep in her crib every night unless she’s sick - but we bring her into our room every morning when she wakes up (anywhere between 3am and 6am). I miss her the minute she goes to sleep - but it sure is nice to have alone time with my husband back!

My advice? Take your time - baby step the process and don’t feel like you need to rush it. There is no timeline - do what works for your family!

Healthy Eating

"We know that first foods can have permanent effects on growth, strength, the immune system, and intelligence - with long-term consequences for many other aspects of health and even personality...

From nine to 18 months is an incredible opportunity to train our children’s taste buds to enjoy wholesome foods forever. It’s the cornerstone of a longer, healthier and happier life."

-Article: Your baby’s first foods can affect later health on MSNBC.

Everything about this makes perfect sense. I thought this was an interesting read (and it features a couple of great baby food recipes - Aliyah loves baby guac)

Happy New Year

Our New Years Eve Summed Up In One Photo:

LAZY PERFECTION: It was a peaceful evening of fried chicken, champagne and smooches at midnight.

My resolutions for the coming year are simple:

1. Worry less. Pray more

2. Make my bed every morning

3. Create a healthier mind, body and soul

4. Focus my energy on being the best mom that I can be

Did you make any new year resolutions?