Trying New Foods

Filed Under Avon, Cooking/Baking, Food, Sensory Processing Disorder, Two and a half years old | 4 Comments

We had some major progress today with trying new foods! It is SO hard to get Bailey to try anything new. After hundreds of hours of OT, and a cooking class at her Early Childhood Center, we have determined that she is just going to be a picky and hesitant eater. It frustrates me to no end. It’s like if I could just get her to try a certain food, I know she would like it. Mealtimes are not pleasant at our house- mainly because I stress out over everything and Jonathon keeps trying to convince her to eat.

Well tonight, I made a pot roast for dinner. Roasts are one of my favorite comfort foods. Jonathon is not a big fan, and Bailey has never touched one before. Well despite the opposition from those two, I make a roast anyway once every few months. Today Bailey smelled it cooking and started asking what it was. She said she wanted to taste it. At dinnertime I put a few carrots, pieces of celery, and meat on her plate. Along with a half a banana, a buttermilk biscuit, and some corn. We always give her at least one thing she is guaranteed to eat (in this case the corn and banana) and one thing we KNOW she won’t eat (the roast) and one thing that she might try (biscuit).

She started off by telling us that biscuits were for dogs, and flat-out refusing to taste it. So she kissed it goodbye and handed it to me. That was fine. Then she ate all of her corn, as expected. Then I casually picked up a carrot off my plate and commented, “I’m going to bite this little carrot in half.” She picked up her own carrot, repeated that, and ate it. Then she said, “That’s very good!” and ate the rest of her carrots. AND tried the celery- which I thought she would hate- but she said, “These green beans are good!” Since the child has honestly not eaten a green bean in at least a year I guess she didn’t even know that wasn’t what it was. We just went with it and she ate about five bites of cooked celery and took seconds on carrots!

Once she was done with that, she wanted to get down and I told her to eat her banana first. She did, and then as I was washing dishes she came into the kitchen and asked for more carrots. I’m not one to ever deny my child a vegetable (maybe because she only eats them once every six months) so we stood in the kitchen and picked cooked carrots out of the pot and ate them together.

We opened a new silicone baking pan that I got from Avon, and I showed Bailey how we can make little cakes and muffins in the shape of butterflies, ladybugs, etc. She wanted to try it, so we used a Jiffy chocolate muffin mix (the box ones that are like 2/$1). It was the perfect amount of mix and they only took 12 minutes to bake. She was so excited to watch them in the oven with the light on. After we took them out I told her they needed to cool off, and that when we got back from delivering Avon we could have a tea party with our special cakes.

We went to deliver some Avon orders and drop off new brochures to my customers. She mentioned a few times how she wanted to go home and eat one of her special cakes. She had fun deciding which one to try. She ate a ladybug one and I had a butterfly. They turned out really cute. This is my child who will NOT eat any sort of bread, muffin, or cake. She has has problems in the past with gagging on these textures and basically avoids them at all costs now. I think she was excited enough to try these, that she didn’t worry about that. She ate almost the whole ladybug and then told me she wanted to save the rest for later.

This was a super way to make a snack into something fun. I am going to have to buy more healthy mixes (like berry ones instead of chocolate!) so we can do it again soon. If you have a child who is a picky eater, this pan is an absolute miracle. They aren’t available yet on my website because they are brand new, but I can advance order them if anyone is interested. I believe they are only around $10 intro price.

Anyway, all this talking about food. If you have a child who eats normally it doesn’t make sense. If your kid is a bad eater like Bailey, well first of all HUGS to you, and second, you know why I am so happy about this small step we took today!

Free Day

Filed Under Books, Food, Grandparents, Me, St. Louis | 1 Comment

Tomorrow my parents are watching Bailey so I can have a day to myself. They always watch her if we have kid-free plans, or if our schedules don’t work out right. But about once a month they take her for the day so I can just go do something fun.

Tomorrow I am going to deliver ONE Avon order (not wasting the whole day with work stuff!!) and then I am going to go to the new CVS and use my coupons! We are just starting to get CVS’s in our area but I am assuming it’s pretty similar to Walgreens. Only they mailed me some pretty sweet coupons! Like $10 off $20, which will be used for diapers…

Then I am planning on going to a book sale at the library and hopefully getting some new books for Bailey (25 and 50 cents each, if you are local, email me and I’ll tell you which branch!) and then I am going to enjoy a lunch alone with a book at either Macaroni Grill (Chicken Scalloppine) or Uno’s (deep dish pizza and dessert). I’m leaning toward pizza!

Prenatal Vitamins

Filed Under Freebies, Frugal, Pregnancy, Second Pregnancy | 1 Comment

I am really excited because I just found out that a local grocery store is now offering free prescription pregnancy vitamins. Which is awesome because I will still be taking them for the next year while I’m nursing. I’m not positive about all the details- but wanted to pass it along– if you live in the Missouri/Illinois area you can check with your Schnucks store to get more information. Next time I need a refill I will be definitely going there instead of W@lgreens!

Wordless Wednesday- Princess

Filed Under Play, Posing for Pictures, Two and a half years old | 1 Comment

This is my princess.

She likes to wear heels with jeans.

She prefers to wear her tiara backwards.

She likes to eat cookies and not get her mouth wiped off.

But isn’t she beautiful?

Skin Care Tip

Filed Under Avon, This Rocks | Leave a Comment

I have to admit that I have been very blessed with my skin. It looks kind of splotchy sometimes, but overall I don’t get too many pimples and stuff like that. Except for when I am pregnant, when it just goes all out of control. It was much worse during my first pregnancy, and then soon after giving birth.

If you are tired of trying home remedies for blackheads or breakouts then I have to recommend this Avon product called Clearskin Immediate Response Spot Treatment. All you do is dab a little bit on the spot and it clears it up superfast. It’s clear, it doesn’t sting or anything when you put it on, and it seems to be fairly gentle. I have sensitive skin and it has never bothered me. The best part is that it’s on sale right now for $3.99 and you can use the code FSANY to get free shipping from my Avon site!

New Babies

Filed Under Congratulations | Leave a Comment

A big congratulations to my friend Canape, who gave birth to her second son, C, this weekend. I bet she will have some pictures posted soon. Or if you are friends with her on Facebook you can check him out there. He’s adorable and they both look like they’re doing great!

And congrats again to my friend Jen, who just announced her pregnancy to the blog world. She is 13 weeks now and this is her first baby. We’re so excited for them!

Faith’s Wedding Weekend

Filed Under Friends, Gifts, Toys, Travel, Two and a half years old, Weddings | Leave a Comment

This weekend we went to Iowa for my friend Faith’s wedding. I was the matron of honor (doesn’t that sound really old?) and Bailey was one of the flower girls. Actually, Bailey was the ONLY flower girl who actually went down the aisle. She did a fantastic job!

The car ride was fairly uneventful. There was a light rain for about the first two hours of the drive which always sets me on edge. Thank goodness Jonathon loves to drive because I hate it. About the last hour of the six hour drive, Bailey started yelling, “Help! I’m trapped in this chair! Somebody let me out!” we were trying so hard not to laugh!

She was beyond excited about staying in a hotel room. It was the first time that she was really old enough to enjoy it, and there was an indoor pool so we got to swim several times. We had a suite with a separate area where we put her bed (we brought her toddler mattress from home). It worked out really well and she was much more comfortable sleeping in her own bed/mattress on the floor. She ran around the room like a crazy girl for about the first half hour after we arrived.

The first night we were in town, I went to the bachelorette party/lingerie shower. It was a fun and relaxing girls night at her house. I was glad to be able to just put my (extremely swollen) feet up and hang out and catch up. Faith is the type of person who blushes and gets embarrassed easily so it was fun to watch her open the gifts.

She got a really cool set of products from her sister in law. There were all different bars of soap and bath oils and fizzies and stuff. Apparently everything was natural and preservative free. Her sister in law was telling us all about the company and I might have to go check them out. They even have something with top fat burners in it.

On Friday morning, we got up and went to the church to help decorate and set up. Bailey met the other little flower girl who was NOT friendly at all. There were a few other kids there for her to play with, though and she stayed pretty busy with the toys she got from the nursery.

Bailey also got to see Faith for the first time in about two months. She was so excited. On the drive there, she told us, “I can’t wait to see Aunt Faith! And Uncle Bryan! He’s her cousin!” More like fiance, but anyway…

Friday night we had the rehearsal at the church. We all sat and introduced ourselves. I was getting ready to introduce Bailey when it was her turn but she spoke up and said, “Hi, my name is Bailey. I’m a flower girl!” She always surprises me- I mean she’s really outgoing, but I didn’t know she was capable of making an introduction like that to a group of people!

Bailey cooperated for the most part. She took her job of walking down the aisle very seriously and practiced twice. The other little girl started crying, so Bailey walked down by herself. At first her flower basket just contained some Little People…

She was given a Dora house for her flower girl gift. She carried it around with her all weekend and then ended up losing Dora. So we are currently looking for a small (like two inch tall) replacement Dora figurine, if anyone has one or knows where to get one. She’s about the height of Little People, but thinner. You know, to fit through the narrow doorway in her house…

I’ll try to get the pictures from the actual wedding posted soon! Need to go make some Avon phone calls now.

Healthy Eating

Filed Under Food, Learning, Talking, Two and a half years old | Leave a Comment

We have been doing a lot to teach Bailey about healthy foods vs. junk foods. I would love for her to have better eating habits than me or Jonathon. We have also been more careful about what we eat (okay, at least in front of her!) since she has been noticing. She knows that she has to eat healthy food before she can have a “junk snack” and she only gets one junk snack per day. For her, a junk snack is something like fruit snacks, a cookie, chips etc.

I think it is starting to sink in with her. When she was playing with the pretend kitchen in one of her classes, I heard her say, “I’m playing with all these healfy foods!” Another time, she was eating lunch with a little girl at church. She looked at the other girls lunch and said, “You have lots of junk snacks. Those are not healfy foods. I eat healfy foods so my body can have energy!” And it was true- the other girl had a half sandwich, pudding, chips, cookies and a candy. I was proud of Bailey for recognizing that. Next we will work on being tactful…

She does get fun foods and snacks occasionally. We eat fast food about once a week. She loves pizza too. We are not crazy about what she is allowed to consume (I think parents who are too much this way almost encourage their kids to gorge on junk food when they have the chance). I have also seen some statistics about girls- even younger than you would think- with eating disorders or using dieting pills. I don’t want her to be obsessed but I want her to be able to make smart choices for herself.

We just make sure that we have healthy things to offer her and that she gets a balanced diet. I wish she would eat more vegetables but we’re working on it. The other day at her cooking class she announced, “I don’t like to eat betchtables. I only like cookies!” Nice and loud and clear for everyone to hear, of course.

And here she is enjoying her pudding snack! She gets a half a cup of pudding when we need to hide a pill or something in it crushed up. She does okay with liquid medicine, but unfortunately her allergy medicine only comes in chewables

Contentment

Filed Under Being a Mom, Thoughts, Two and a half years old | 3 Comments

I have been thinking a lot about being happy with the way things are- instead of looking forward to or worrying about the next step. Things may be easier when Bailey is in underwear, but things are so fast right now. It might be nice when she can put her own socks on, but for now I get to hold her in my lap while I help. We might be looking forward to having a new baby, but these are the last few weeks when I can enjoy being the mom of one little girl. I love her to pieces.

Last night I went in her room after she was asleep (I do this probably once or twice a week) and picked her up out of her bed. This time, I had to take her into the baby’s room to sit in the glider, since it has been replaced by a beanbag chair in her “big girl room.” Already the little signs of her growing up… as I sat there and held her and smelled her hair, I was thinking about how not too long ago she fit curled up against my chest. Now she is so long, and her feet hang down off my lap. Her long hair was tickling the back of my neck, instead of just the baby fuzz I used to rub my face in. Her eyelids are still almost transparent, but I’m sure one day I will blink and she’ll be ready to put eyeshadow on. Her face is so calm when she sleeps. I sat there listening to her breathe and thanking God for her. And I just let myself enjoy that moment, instead of wondering what would be next.

Mall Playdate with Ella

Filed Under Food, Friends, Playdates, Talking, Two and a half years old | Leave a Comment

Today we met Emily and Ella and Beatrice (Babytrice) at the mall for a playdate. The play area was disgustingly crowded. That place is just like a petry dish for germs anyway though. Bailey and Ella were DONE with it in about five minutes. They checked out the little rides outside the play area and then we were on to other things.

We went to Gymboree to do some shopping (also way too crowded but I got some really cute stuff) and then to Barnes and Noble. I just love buying books for Bailey and looking at books. I didn’t even get anything today though. We just hung out in the kids area and let the girls play at the train table. The cutest thing happened when we were leaving. I commented to Emily that I needed to find a bathroom. Bailey heard me and immediately walked up to some random 12 year old boy and said, “Excuse me, Boy. Where is the bathroom?” I was so surprised that she would approach a stranger to ask for directions. I was also so proud of her that she took the initiative to ask someone for help. And how sweet of her to want to help me. It was just such a good mommy moment.

Bailey also did a pretty good job of staying next to me in the mall. I brought her stroller, but really I just used it to carry the diaper bag and our purchases and my chai latte. We had lunch at Chick Fil-A, my favorite place to eat with a kid. They gave us plastic placemats that have adhesive to put on the table, wipes, extra napkins, and then we traded in Bailey’s toy for an ice cream.

The girls had so much fun eating ice cream together. They interact so much with each other now and really talk to each other. I’m glad they’re friends too, because then Emily and I get to spend time together!

Wedding this Weekend

Filed Under Input Needed, Second Pregnancy, Two and a half years old, Weddings | 1 Comment

This weekend I will be a bridesmaid in my friend Faith’s wedding. Haven’t you always dreamed of being a bridesmaid at 34 weeks pregnant? What? You haven’t?

I will be glad to stand up with her and I am looking forward to taking part in all the wedding stuff. But honestly I am terrified to wear my (maternity) bridesmaid dress and heels with my beginning-to-swell ankles. My little daughter is the flower girl and I’m sure she will either charm everyone or be a disaster. Here she is trying on her dress a few months ago (with a onesie under it).

I am just doing her hair myself since I know she won’t put up with anyone else trying anything crazy on her hair. At least I can threaten bribe her while I fix it myself. My husband is the only family member who is not “in” the wedding. (Hey, at least we don’t have to rent a tuxedo!) He will be helping to get Bailey ready to walk down the aisle since I will already be at the front of the church. We are planning to tell her to walk to mommy to get her new present and a lollipop. Hopefully one of those will sound appealing at that moment and she won’t have a two year old stubborn fit. Then once he is seated he will be videoing the rest of the ceremony.

If you have had your two year old/younger three year old in a wedding please tell me what you did to help it go smoothly!

Sluggy

Filed Under Me, Second Pregnancy | Leave a Comment

I am starting to notice a definite decline in my energy level. 33 weeks pregnant means that I am only 7 weeks (or less!) away from having this baby. I know, I’m a math genius. But it’s just kind of snuck up on me. Everything has been so smooth for so long, but now I just feel TIRED a lot. I lack the energy to do the things I want to do with Bailey. We’re fine when we are out somewhere, but at home I feel really lazy. Jonathon keeps trying to make me feel better by saying that it’s not laziness, it’s pregnancy. Whatever it is, it’s interfering with my mothering. Today I fell asleep on the couch while Bailey played.

After this pregnancy I definitely want to get back into better shape. I know when I am exercising that my overall attitude and level of energy is better. I was thinking I would join a gym but I have also been looking at treadmills on Craig$list. Not sure whether it would be harder to get myself to the gym or to get motivated to do something at home… but something needs to change with my habits so that I can feel better.

32 Weeks Pregnant (Bonus: Belly Shot)

Filed Under Doctor Stuff, Friends, Second Pregnancy, Two and a half years old | 1 Comment

1/10/2010

I am officially 32 weeks pregnant! I have been feeling so good. The swelling that I have is really minor compared to my pregnancy with Bailey. I will have to look back at my blog to see when that got worse. I have not had heartburn since around 22-24 weeks…. except for the night I thought I was invincible and ate chili. Baby Boy continues to move a lot and I enjoy seeing my belly wiggle when I’m laying on the couch. My doctor’s appointments have all been fine- no concerns, nothing out of the ordinary. Got my rhogam (sp?) shot at 28 weeks and I am going every other week now. No contractions yet (at this point with Bailey I had already had some). I found out our pediatrician goes on vacation March 11th so I am hoping this little guy is here on time so she can see him in the hospital!

We were at Sarah and Ryan’s house the other night and she got a few belly shots of me. And of my extra chin. Yikes.

And a cute one of the girls playing together-

Inkblots

Filed Under Input Needed, Random | Leave a Comment

Normally I am not a huge online quiz type person- but this inkblot one completely describes me. Either it’s freakishly accurate or I had really good random luck with it. Take it for yourself and tell me whether it worked or not!

You Are Balanced and Thoughtful

You view people with optimism. You have many meaningful relationships in your life. You had more conflict with your father than your mother. Your relationship with him was healthy but challenging. You don’t deal with stress well. Even moderately stressful events tend to send you in a tailspin. You require a lot of calm in your life. When things get too hectic, you need to step back and reassess things.

And since I am all about relevant things here (clearly, right?) how many commercials need to be on for mesothelioma lawyers/cases during one daytime television show? I am so tired of hearing the same commercial over and over again while trying to watch my HIGH QUALITY court tv.

Leftover Christmas Pics

Filed Under Christmas, Family, Gifts, Two and a half years old | Leave a Comment

Just realized that I STILL haven’t finished posting pictures from Christmas at my mom’s house. Here they are, if you want to see them enlarged you can click on the pictures.