Insert foot into mouth

There are several things people say that they shouldn't say...or so others think. I am one to insult others because I tend to speak my mind, and a little too much sometimes. The older I get, and the more OPEN MINDED I get, I have realized that some people talk out of nervous habit....they don't know what else to say...or they are just ignorant. I feel if I take offense, then it's MY issue, not theirs.

- Maybe I should read between the lines. -Maybe they are trying to help understand my feelings. 

- Maybe their mouth is moving faster than their brain.

- Maybe, just MAYBE not everyone can read my mind! 

Once I started realizing these things, I wasn't walking around picking a fight with others in my head. 

Touchy subjects for everyone. Things that people could potentially get offended by: 

- Suicide. This is a HUGE touchy subject for me. Recently, I lost one of the closest people to me to this. My heart is still broken and I am trying to wrap my head around it, still. Just about every single one of my friends asked "why" this person did it. It took everything I had to not curse them out. I threw my phone after reading all of those text messages..."omg Steph..why". But, now I look back and realize, they didn't know what to say. This might be better,"I am so sorry, how are you". But, they couldn't read my mind. Not their fault. 

-Religion. We all have our own views. If you get ANGRY about somebody else's views....just, well...get off your high horse 

-Politics. Pretty much the same as religion. Touchy and heated subject. You can't have a conversation about political views with a closed minded person. Simple as that. They will get offended. 

Having children. "Omg, why would you want three?","Wow, you have your hands   Full" , "eww, you might have to get a minivan", "you aren't consistent enough", "why is he not talking", "why is he throwing a tantrum", "don't vaccinate", "do vaccinate", "you need to spank his butt". That is just a small list of several statements from people. Most that come from those without toddlers, without children, grandparents that forgot how children act, and some that just need to keep their mouth shut. For the longest time, I got so upset and offended. Then, I realized..

- maybe I do need to do some things different

-maybe I need to look at the source.

- Maybe I am a good parent and I am being too hard on myself, due to what others are saying to me. 

Vaccinating vs not vaccinating. I have never looked at another parent and criticized them for not vaccinating their children. It was their decision...why make them feel shitty??? I will say, I know several parents that have made ME feel shitty FOR vaccinating my own children. Just realize we have our own views and opinions and You look like the uneducated one making others feel bad about trying to protect our children to their knowledge.

Infertility: this is one I have witnessed many friends get upset over. Unfortunately, I have more friends that can't get pregnant, can't carry, or even find a partner to try with...than I do that don't have issues. So, when I give advice, it's usually to let others know...hey you aren't alone. You aren't the only woman in the world that can't have a baby. It's trying to encourage you and keep you positive. But, MOST don't look at it that way. Most don't want to hear it from a woman that can look at her husbands boxers and get pregnant. I have learned over the years what I should and shouldn't say to an infertile friend. Most just want somebody to listen. And if you try to say something encouraging...some may or may not look at it as encouraging. Just depends on how open minded they are. For the most part, what I have been told...things not to say to an infertile couple: 

- "everything happens for a reason"

- "my friends sisters couldn't get pregnant for 6 months,I understand"

- "just adopt" 

Marriage Counseling. Holy shit balls. You tell somebody you are in marriage counseling, they automatically think you are getting a divorce. How about try to say "I am so glad you are trying to communicate better"....that sounds a lot better than "oh NO, I am so sorry". Lord people!!!!  

College. Hey, it's for some..not everyone.  Don't question somebody why they didn't go. I don't ask somebody "why are you going to college". 

Breast feeding. This is the Mothers choice. As long as she is feeding her baby, shut up. There is Breast Feeding and formula feeding....get the word...feeding!!!! This is a whole other Blog post....

Anxiety/depression. I wouldn't wish this on my own worst enemy. Once again, another Blog Post on its own

So, I am sure left so much out but this was just an idea! So, before you open your mouth...stop and think. I am trying to. But, also remember....take things with a grain of salt. Life is too short to walk around pissed off all the time. Frowns cause wrinkles too....gross. 

Strawberry ice cubes

I love flavored water!!! However, I don't like to buy it because I don't like the cost or..lets be honest...what is really in that water???? 

I cut up strawberries and placed a slice in an ice cube tray. Poured water over it. Froze it. Used the ice cubes in my water!!!! As the ice was melting, I got great strawberry flavor! All natural! I want to try it with lemons, cucumbers, blueberries, and raspberries! Yum yum 

Delivery of our Prince Parker

So, this is a continued post from my pregnancy with Parker, our second son.

On New Years Eve, I went to Triage for contractions 8-10 minutes apart. I had chosen to go natural, considering I had nerve damage from my epidural from my first delivery (yes, that sucked). Since I had chosen to go natural, the nurses decided to let me go home and come back when my contractions were about 5 minutes apart. PS, I was already dilated to a 4 1/2 and 90%effaced! So, as we were texting our friend that we were coming home, Parkers heart rate started dropping. When you see a medical professional have that "oh shit" look on their face, you tend to lose all the color in your own face! They contacted my doctor, that was actually already in the hospital, and told me I was being admitted right away. They weren't exactly sure why his heart rate was dropping, but it was obviously a concern.

I was scared to death. You always picture going in to the hospital, everything fine and dandy..get your epidural...and bam, there's your baby. However, luckily I knew better. I knew there was a reason my body told me to go to the hospital that afternoon. Thank God I listened!!! By the time I was hooked up to all the fun machines and such, they broke my water AND hooked me up to Pitocin. For those that have not read my other post about my first delivery will soon learn..I HATE.PITOCIN. IT'S THE DEVIL'S BLOOD. I knew right there, SHIT, this baby better come because contractions with Pitocin are a B I T C H and I don't want another epidural. They told me it would be 5-7 hours before I delivered, so Nathan went home to check on Grady. A few of my girlfriends actually came up to the hospital to sit with me while I was in labor. FUN WAY TO SPEND NEW YEARS!!!!

So, they broke my water and hooked me up to Pitocin by 7pm, so my contractions were coming on STRONG. I was sitting on a birthing ball (it does help the pressure, I promise) and fluids are leaking out everywhere. My friends were saying "you are doing great...you look fabulous.." It was pretty awesome, but I knew they were full of it. I yelled at the nurse a few times to lower my Pitocin because it got to the point where I wasn't able to take a break between contractions. She got yelled at by my doctor for actually lowering it for me HAHA Around 8 I told the girls to go get Nathan. The pressure was getting intense and I had no clue when Parker was going to make his presence.

Around 9 PM it was to the point that I couldn't talk, couldn't breathe, and wanted to take the baby out MYSELF. I SOMEHOW told Nathan I wanted an epidural. It was a hard call, because I was so scared of nerve damage again. I had talked myself and Nathan into a natural birth. But, I sucked up my pride and said SCREW IT. I was stuck at a 5 and was loosing strength to even breathe. I got my epi at 930 and I knew right away that it was inserted correctly. I was still able to move my toes and my legs!!!! So, this small story is a little TMI, but SO FUNNY. When you have an epi, you have to get a catheter. So, as she was inserting it...I started to pee....EVERYWHERE. It was coming out like the fountains at the Mirage in Vegas. I am not even joking. So..I peed on my nurse. Luckily, she was an old stoner and thought it was awesome...but, back to my labor/delivery. Nathan went to the vending machine to get a snack and I told the nurse I was feeling a lot of pressure. She decided to check me. Remind you, I was a 5 when I got my epidural. It was about 11pm and I was at a 10!!!! Nathan walked in, and was SHOCKED. We thought we would get some shut eye for a few hours. nope. We were told that the epi helped me relax, helping my uterus contract regularly and to dilate faster. win win.

We could hear women delivering all over the hallway. There was a total of 14 women delivering that night. Most wanted that tax break for having the baby before midnight. Well, once word got out that I was pushing at 11:30pm...EVERY.SINGLE.NURSE. was in our room screaming "PUUUSSSHHHH". We were all making jokes...and I was already so excited to have two babies born on drinking Holidays.

I will say, pushing Parker was a little more difficult. He was at a higher station when I started pushing, so it was a little bit of an exercise. I had scar tissue from my incision from Grady, so his big ole head was having some issues getting through it. So, she cut me. SNIP SNIP. Sounded like chopping a head of lettuce. no joke.

Sure enough...I had Parker Nolan at 12:01am. That kid was screaming while his butt was still in my vagina....I was like "oh boy...he will be a pleasant baby". All of the nurses were so excited to call the other hospitals. WE HAD THE 2012 TUCSON BABY!!!! We were SO EXCITED!!!!

I was able to move around after my epidural was removed...immediately. I got to enjoy so much more in the beginning with Parker. He was 8lbs 10oz...I kept calling him small. No, he wasn't small. He was just smaller than Grady HAHAHA

I honestly don't remember too much from that point on until about 8am in the morning. We were exhausted. I had to get ready for two news stations to arrive for filming. Of course, I did my hair and makeup...DUR!!!!!!

It was so much fun sharing our story, but the news did change it up a bit. Get a woman going on 3 hours of sleep, crazy hormones, and ask her about her husband possibly deploying. She will BAWL HER EYES OUT. I looked insane....my makeup looked good..but I looked insane.

Diaper Cake

This was my first Diaper Cake I have made. I have been given them for my babies...but never got to make one! This technique I used is easy for the person making it and the person receiving it. The diapers are wrinkled from rubber bands, and you can use more diapers for the cake itself! I wanted to keep it simple...less is more approach. And...I was on a budget!

Material:

I purchased Size 1 Pampers. I prefer Pampers for newborns and Size 1 is very very needed in the beginning!!!

ribbon and what you want to decorate with.

I ended up not using rubber bands or wipes (I just handed her the wipes with the rest of the diapers I didn't use)

 

I used a big serving platter to help keep the diapers UP and just kept forming them as they made a circle. It did take a little patience!!!! Once they are in place, it's pretty simple to tie the ribbon around it. My rubber bands weren't big enough for the diameter of the cake!

My second layer, I  used a cake pan because it was smaller than my serving platter.

 

 

 

 

I rolled the receiving blankets into flowers and placed them in the center...they fit PERFECT. I hot glued on those awesome HUGE flowers where the ribbon did meet and placed the hair clips throughout the cake on the ribbon.

 

 

 

All together, it took me about 25 minutes. I was impressed, considering it was my first diaper cake!!! Can't wait to make more!

Not every pregnancy is the same...

We decided to try to get pregnant when our first son was 9 months. The week he turned 1...VOILA..I AM PREGNANT!! We were traveling from Arizona to Florida, and conceived in Van Horn, Texas! I am sure most of you have never heard of this little ghost town haha Hey...they have a Historic Hotel with great food, and obviously some love making in the air (I call it vino)!! We obviously had NO clue and traveled to Florida... I was staying with my sister for a few weeks while Nathan traveled down to Tampa to get settled. One night, we were drinking and I said "something isn't right...I think I am pregnant". Sure enough..I WAS! We were so excited! I had to wait 3 days to tell Nathan!!! Aahhhhhh

Grady and I drove down to Tampa (7 hours), and I changed his shirt right before we met up with Nathan at the front gate of the base. He had never seen Grady officially walk...so Grady was stumbling over to him with a shirt on that said "Big Bro". At first, Nathan didn't notice...but once he did..TEARS.OF.JOY. It was AWESOME.

Immediately, I wasn't feeling well. Everything made me sick. I could have slept ALL DAY LONG. But, I couldn't...I had a one year old to take care of! Everyone was convinced "it's a girl". I had no clue. All I knew was that I was having severe ligament pains and severe Nausea. I was told by my doctor that we have muscle memory, so my body remembers everything and this pregnancy might be a little harder on me.

I was showing VERY fast. I was still carrying about 15lbs of extra weight, so my belly already looked like I was pregnant haha It drove me crazy when people would say "it's twins".

My first doc appointment was an eye opener. Only because when I delivered Grady, the doctors office was across from the beach. This Doctors office in Tampa was in the middle of the GHHEEETTOOO. I will NEVER forget the girl sitting across from me in the waiting room. Legs spread open (you could tell she really enjoyed that position, a little too much) with money signs and dollar bills GOING UP HER LEG into her WHO WHOO. Yea...it was at the moment I knew my little pink flower tat I have on the inside of my wrist was not offensive to others. Well, the doctor couldn't find the heart beat. We were heart broken. We couldn't get a sonogram for TWO DAYS. I had to wait TWO.DAYS. to know if our baby was okay, or if I was miscarrying. Well, our doctor was just an idiot and was known to not be able to find heartbeats. He was like 93 and I am sure his equipment was the same age.

When I was 17 weeks along, I had opened our freezer door and dropped something..I came up and my back hit the freezer door..causing it to FALL ON ME! YES. The dang FREEZER DOOR fell on me. I immediately started having contractions. Of course, my doctor was not concerned, but just told me to go to the ER to make sure everything was fine. Yes it was...but the landlord got CHEWED OUT.

A few weeks later, we found out we were having another BOY!!! I was fine with that...I mean..he's healthy and I saved all of my boy stuff!!! Hell yea!

BTW, I STILL felt like crap.

Grady and I flew back to Arizona when I was 27 weeks, and Nathan drove back with the dogs. (for those confused, we are Military and he had a short assignment in Tampa for 6 months)

I did a lot of research to find a new OBGYN. There was NO way I was going to just settle for anybody...especially what I went through with doctor in Tampa. I found a practice that had 3 doctors, and I fell in love immediately. The hospital they delivered at was about 7 minutes from my house, and I got to meet all three doctors that could potentially deliver my baby.

 

I started to dilate around 36 weeks. My doctor told me, you will deliver any day. This is your second baby, you are progressing very fast. But, I knew my body. My babies love my uterus..it doesn't matter if their hand is hanging out..they want to chill. Unfortunately, I couldn't rest as much as I wanted because I had a 20 month old at home, and stairs, and chores, and Holiday parties to throw/attend. Friends and family were making bets on when I would deliver. Most said Christmas. I mean, I was 80% effaced and 3cm dilated. Most women would have said "induce me and get this baby out of my uterus". However, I knew when that baby came...our lives would change forever. Yes, they would change for good...but I also knew how hectic it would get. Two under 2. Holy COW.

39 weeks New Years Eve

 

On New Years Eve, I went and had donuts/coffee with some girl friends. I had been having mild contractions, but nothing was regular. Then, my friend that is a massage therapist hit some trigger points in my hand....they the contractions were coming on stronger. I was just uncomfortable. Not in pain....but like severe Braxton Hicks. Then, I started feeling the sharp pains in my cervix and pressure. So, I knew..I was progressing further. I went home, took a shower and took a nap (just in case I went into labor). I got up, did a few laps around the neighborhood...but my contractions weren't very regular. They were definitely getting stronger, so we went to the hospital. I didn't want to be the lady delivering on the side of the road. I was at a 4 1/2 90% effaced. My contractions were every 8-10 minutes, but they told me I could go home since I wanted to go natural. I decided to go natural because I had nerve damage from my epidural with my first delivery. Well, THEN..as we were texting our friend that had Grady...alarms started going off. Parkers (that was the name we decided on) heart rate was dropping.

To be cont....

Nap time.

There are two things I look forward to each day; Naptime and bedtime. Don't get me wrong, I love when my husband walks in the door. I love playing with my children and hearing laughter. But hey...lets get real. You never know what kind of day you are going to have, especially as a stay at home parent. 

My first born took two..two hour naps a day until he was 2. So, during the morning nap I would clean. During his afternoon nap, I would nap (I was pregnant with his brother, so I needed that extra sleep. 

Once our second son was born, Grady was getting out of the two naps a day. So, I pretty much got it down to where they both would take an afternoon nap so I could get things done around the house. 

WELL....now that I am pregnant (again), I cherish the days that they both nap at the same time. This pregnancy is kicking my ASS (and taking names) so I say..."screw housework..I am napping". I have been SO desperate for some shut eye, that I have actually driven around for 30 minutes until they fall asleep. Once they are out..we go home and I throw their cute butts in bed. I have bribed (yes,bribed) my 3 year old with snow cones, lollipops, trips to the zoo, and new monster trucks if he would lay down with me. 

I am sure this is outrageous and "not good parenting" to some. Get off your high horse....and look at the big picture. Sleep is very important. Lack of sleep is horrible for anyone, especially an expecting Mother.  

Now...bedtime!!! Bedtime gives me anxiety. I won't lie. Once your children are able to get out of bed, they will come up with every excuse in the book to get out of bed. It doesn't matter if they have an awesome Car Bed with glow in the dark friggin sheets. At first, it took us an hour to two hours a night to get our 3 year old in bed. We did everything Super Nanny told us to (on tv). Now, it's gotten a little better, but now he is able to communicate with words and EXCUSES!!! "My toe hurts, I am sick, I have to poo poo, pee pee, there is a bad guy, monster truck, baby awake (when I want to scream "you woke him up!!!!", and every night....I am hungry". And you KNOW right when he falls asleep, a car horn or barking dog will wake up your infant. Rude.

Every parent looks forward to bedtime because that's when they can wind down, catch up on tv shows, clean up the house, talk to another adult without interruption, or have some wild monkey dancing under the sheets. Whatever...haha 

In our home, we don't get to relax until about 830 and by then...I am ready for sleep myself!

So....I have another 4 years (atleast) without good sleep, and having a conversation with my husband. Hey, we chose this life and giggle everytime we look back and remember saying "one and done" 

Home made Playdough

I remember making Playdough at VBS, in kindergarten, and with my Mom. Now that I have toddlers, I started making our own. I am not a fan of the smell of the store bought...especially pregnant!

I have only tried two homemade recipes.

Oatmeal Playdough and Rubbery Playdough

We like the Oatmeal recipe because its a no bake and has tons of texture!!! Here's the recipe:
1 cup of flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup water

And we always had food coloring! I highly recommend adding the food coloring to the water. I actually add more flour so it's not so sticky.


NOW, I tried the Rubbery Playdough recipe today and actually took pictures of the process. This is one that has to he cooked, but doesn't take long at all!!!

2 cups baking soda
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup cornstarch
(And food coloring...duh!)



I preferred this recipe over the oatmeal due to the texture and smell. It took a little longer, but much better! It does get a little sticky on your fingers, but so does store bought Playdough.


Place in saucepan and mix with fork until smooth.

Add the food coloring!

Boil over medium until thick....mixing in between so it doesn't stick to pan (about 8 minutes)

Spoon onto wax paper, plate, cutting board...whatever you want!

Let it cool before you knead it a few times. It's hot,baby!!!!

My three year old, Grady is loving it!!!

Sneaky smoothie for a toddler

My 3 year old does not eat veggies. I usually have to hide them in calzones or muffins. So, I started reading about smoothies. I have never been a smoothie fan...at all. However, I know Grady loved anything that is sweet and looks like a slushy.

This is the first time I have made a smoothie with so many ingredients. The only reason I used so many is because well...I needed to get rid of some things in my fridge!!!!

I used:
Strawberries
Kale (two leaves, minus the stems)
banana
handful of blueberries
about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
strawberry yogurt (My 3 year old isn't a fan of milk, and needs some more calcium! I also thought this would help with the sweetness)
6 icecubes
and a splash of applejuice. I didn't want the smoothie to be too runny.
The consistency was perfect for a toddler because it was thick...but still runny enough to drink from a straw without getting clogged up.

This is NOT a good looking smoothi. It almost looks like a funfetti smoothie. hahaha

 

Grady, was so excited to try it! He helped me put the fruits/veggies in so I think that made him more interested. He finished his entire cup. I am still working on mine. I won't add lemon juice next time! But hey, next time I will add more veggies to sneak in his precious daily meal!!!!

Color me HAPPY

I have been coloring my hair since I was in 7th grade. My BFF and I would pull our hair through a cap for some fun highlights...or orange streaks,whatever the case may be. Sun In was my FAVORITE, and now I get the shivers every time I even HEAR that brand name! Most of my life, I stayed a Blond. Either Platinum...ash....medium....or golden. I didn't start getting "brave" with my hair color until Cosmetology School. I had three of my friends (which I am still in contact with, 9 years later) color my hair a dark brown. I was HOOKED after that in going BOLD AND DIFFERENT.

When I met my husband, I was a redhead with a cute sassy bob. He saw pictures of me in Highschool, and made a few remarks that made me go back to Blond. Rude. STILL....I hadn't seen my natural hair color in years, unless it was about an inch of new growth. And, as a Stylist...that means "OH, SHIT. TIME TO COLOR MY HAIR". In between pregnancy, kids, and Stay at Home Mom duties, I started to keep it very minimal in maintenance. Once we moved to Arizona, and I was out of the Salon Industry (which I still miss), I started doing my own hair. It's cheaper, and I can only get mad at myself if I don't like it. Well, nothing was making me happy, as far as my appearance. I was changing my hair color every two to three months...growing it out....chopping it off. In reality, I needed to surround myself with positive women and get my fat ass in the gym. That might have saved my dry hair a little bit.

As women, we tend to do something "different" with ourselves when we are going through certain times in our life to make us feel BETTER about 'WHO WE ARE'. Some might cut their hair (even if it's one more layer to make it look different), get a full bang across their forehead that most can't pull off, color their hair something drastic, get a tattoo, join a gym (and go once a month), buy a new car, buy a new wardrobe...you get the point. And I am SURE that most of you reading this has done one of them. I HAVE DONE EVERY SINGLE ONE. They will make me happy for that minute...but then I say "Why in the HELL did I just give myself bangs??? Where are the fucking bobby pins to pin this shit back"

Just recently, I decided to "go natural" as far as my hair color. I still cut my hair OFF for easy maintenance...which I am regretting BTW. I haven't colored my hair since December, and it's June 2nd. I haven't gone this long without coloring my hair since I was in 6th Grade!!! I finally saw what my natural color really looked like. I was getting compliments, but honestly..I was DYING inside. I wanted to scream "THIS IS MOUSY. THERE IS NO SHINE! I WANT TO LOOK FUN AND CREATIVE!"

THEN.....I saw it. My VERY FIRST GRAY HAIR. It is thick, and course....and, with me turning 30 this year, this didn't sit well with me AT ALL.It  NEEDS TO GO. Or, get covered up. So, as I type this rambling Blog..I have hair color on my hair. I will either hate it or love it. I am sure that while watching The Real Housewives of Orange County OR New Jersey in the next two days..one of those lovely (sarcasm) will inspire me to go either Platinum or Brunette. I am never satisfied with my hair color....or is it, I am never satisfied. Period.


Oh, and for those that do not know the Proper Terms. It's COLORING HAIR. We do not DYE our hair, we DYE EASTER EGGS. Just wanted to make that clear =)