tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89597350596521809102024-03-18T23:12:19.145-04:00Modern Day MommyA chronicle of my adventures in modern day motherhood. Follow along my every day moments from the sweet morning smiles to surviving 'the witching hour' while juggling work, home and life.Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-3324861094703859082012-05-22T13:41:00.000-04:002012-05-22T13:41:00.441-04:00Holy chopsticks-Easton goes out to eat!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdT5tLiLcmglj_rKKhjzdHwTuWMgX_nagtkpFH8nrOKekduhPZO3-fgwIDDvEsMijzvFFbhfXeSh2grlTG2WB9NUS8pw1HSa1lzZ4rFvDTsXSPxu_hP74zqmnQr4qlnHhDsDzHsFIh8s/s1600/0511122013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdT5tLiLcmglj_rKKhjzdHwTuWMgX_nagtkpFH8nrOKekduhPZO3-fgwIDDvEsMijzvFFbhfXeSh2grlTG2WB9NUS8pw1HSa1lzZ4rFvDTsXSPxu_hP74zqmnQr4qlnHhDsDzHsFIh8s/s320/0511122013.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easton enjoying chopsticks at Wild Chef</td></tr>
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These days going out to dinner is a luxury. Adam and I are normally avid "out-to-eaters" but for the last 8 months I can tell you we've put the brakes on this tradition. Mostly because we're terrified of what may happen with a busy baby boy in our booth. We have managed 2 restaurant outings with Easton which he slept the whole time. Other than being on pins and needles we made it through without a peep from our little peanut. Now that our parenting confidence is up and with a tuckered tot in tow we decided that we should try for a Friday night dinner when my in-laws were in town.<br />
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The big idea struck when the coupon-saver envelope arrived in the mail. I saw a 2-for-1 for a Japanese Steakhouse, "Wild Chef", and I thought that it would be a fun dinner for all. I figured if Easton did wake up he would likely be mesmerized by the chef cooking in front of him. So I picked him up from daycare on Friday afternoon, pleased to see he was due for an afternoon nap (fingers crossed for a sleeping baby during dinner), and stopped at home to gather the group. <br />
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I packed the diaper bag, making sure I was covered for any situation. Puffs for snacking, a bottle, diapers, change of clothes, toys and the list goes on. We load up the car and hit the road. Now, in true grandparent form, Easton's grandma and grandpa sat in the backseat with him and were enjoying gushing over him and playing with him while Adam and I sat upfront crossing our fingers that he'd fall asleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cjpT_Ttk4pTnN4z8SDHyOtZ6jO3qeCO9L0YPFDnjyTbsU4m2SkVStggzdkGWpDShiBmew_YbMEvsuANRxjjW1yRmTnIJ0hUB2uoMp9GonmeD4ZhEC_5hVkY4MBN6-lKXWKxT3K9fsUg/s1600/wild+chef+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cjpT_Ttk4pTnN4z8SDHyOtZ6jO3qeCO9L0YPFDnjyTbsU4m2SkVStggzdkGWpDShiBmew_YbMEvsuANRxjjW1yRmTnIJ0hUB2uoMp9GonmeD4ZhEC_5hVkY4MBN6-lKXWKxT3K9fsUg/s320/wild+chef+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little stinker fighting sleep</td></tr>
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When we got about 1 mile from the restaurant Easton started crying- hard. I told Adam to keep driving, told everyone to stop talking to him and we'd drive until he fell asleep. That didn't exactly work out. After several drives around the Sam's Club parking lot and the backwoods of Alpine Ave. we looked at each other and said, "What do we do?!" Now officially starving I decide we should go to dinner and hope for the best.<br />
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As I step out of the car I reach in the back for the diaper bag hoping the "puffs" or the "bottle" will save the day. That's when I realize I forgot the diaper bag! AHHHHHH! I can see it sitting on the kitchen chair and I just cringe. My mommy bag of tricks is beyond out of reach and I'm filled with hunger and dread. We get seated- order drinks and have the same conversation several times.<br />
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"Should we leave?"<br />
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"What do you think?"<br />
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"I don't know. What do you think?"<br />
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"Maybe we should just pick up a pizza and go home".<br />
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"This isn't gonna work.... what do you think?"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrKlFqP3G-_2vHUcj4r1gLasxxFqEoL6wVuMb4jBK-5VXNlMgRho53YUNPc38GsXFnG12c0FUdEOS4r6nQxpF3D-J4OYRHuwZHRxzaXxuTBKXUeLyZPDQzh_NBaDozwluWGYEdedQIVI/s1600/wild+chef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrKlFqP3G-_2vHUcj4r1gLasxxFqEoL6wVuMb4jBK-5VXNlMgRho53YUNPc38GsXFnG12c0FUdEOS4r6nQxpF3D-J4OYRHuwZHRxzaXxuTBKXUeLyZPDQzh_NBaDozwluWGYEdedQIVI/s1600/wild+chef.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Chef capturing Easton's attention</td></tr>
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I finally make the executive decision we're staying. We got Easton a high chair and pulled him up to the table which he seemed to like a lot. I gave him a pair of chopsticks (yes a def. eye poking out danger but hell what am I supposed to do?!) and the paper from the chopsticks and he went to town playing. I couldn't believe it. I had to pick them up off the floor every 2 seconds but I didn't care. He loved watching our chef do tricks on the grill and he didn't say a peep. I was completely shocked when we got back in the car and realized it's a half hour past his bedtime and even without a bottle he acted like an angel. <br />
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<b>Lesson learned: </b>Give your baby some credit and don't forget the damn diaper bag!<br />
<br />Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-62665207670630466032012-05-03T13:31:00.001-04:002012-05-03T15:24:39.666-04:00Shop till you drop- West Michigan Mom's Sale May 19!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP01kWf0bZTr0fqug_w4R85YB7KyYbqvUFl5-TSHuXRDSpvRsRomMgGognwV6q_ySj8QLfQ0w1OwF_U8nh6WEJecMh94CyZN-ZYr2P_HkpO2VxHqXmRb2-KMbTWhozEzRfufKao4Z7b4/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP01kWf0bZTr0fqug_w4R85YB7KyYbqvUFl5-TSHuXRDSpvRsRomMgGognwV6q_ySj8QLfQ0w1OwF_U8nh6WEJecMh94CyZN-ZYr2P_HkpO2VxHqXmRb2-KMbTWhozEzRfufKao4Z7b4/s200/Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday May 19th 9-3pm DeVos Place</td></tr>
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I'm so pumped for my first mom to mom sale coming up on Saturday May 19th. One of my best friends is a die hard mom-to-mom sale shopper and when I was pregnant she was always picking me up great maternity dresses, shirts, shorts ect. I'd say, "how much do I owe you?" and she'd say, "don't worry about it, it was so cheap".<br />
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Now that Easton is growing like a weed I can't keep up with his sizing and neither can my wallet (or grandma's for that matter). So my mom, future sister-in-law and I are packing up the stroller and the diaper bag and heading out to the <a href="http://www.thegr8parent.com/">Mid-West's largest Mom Sale at DeVos Place on Sat. May 19th</a> from 9-3pm. If you've never done a sale like this, it's a giant "garage type sale" where mom's can buy a table and sell their gently used baby clothes/toys/gear and maternity wear, and then mom's like me can pick it up for sweet prices that are actually affordable.<br />
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I've seen some pictures from this particular sale and it looks fun but hard core. You've got to be prepared! Don't forget the reusable shopping bags to tote home your finds and if you get a chance scout out the website early so you know which tables you want to get to first. If these other moms are anything like me- we'll be like a heard of elephants rushing straight for the baby gap and bouncy seat booths LOL.<br />
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I'll be sure to take lots of pics to show you how my first shopping experience goes! Also if you're looking to make some serious cash- they've got booth space still available. $35 for a 10x10 foot booth and the seller gets to keep 100% of what they make. Whoot-whoot!<br />
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As part of <a href="http://wotv4women.com/">WOTV 4 Women</a>, we'll also have a booth across the hall at the free <a href="http://www.thegr8parent.com/index.html">GR8 Parenting Event</a>. This is super cool, you can <a href="http://www.thegr8parent.com/classes-and-entertainment.html">watch a demo</a> on making baby food, couponing, ect. or just check out the local businesses that offer family fun activities around town and so much more. I've written a few stories recently on this event, I'd love for you to check them out:<br />
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<a href="http://www.wotv4women.com/dpp/baby/cant-wait-for-the-gr8-parenting-event">http://www.wotv4women.com/dpp/baby/cant-wait-for-the-gr8-parenting-event</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.wotv4women.com/dpp/baby/save-money-shopping-mom-to-mom-sales">http://www.wotv4women.com/dpp/baby/save-money-shopping-mom-to-mom-sales </a><br />
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<br />Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-79406489254256473622012-04-30T22:05:00.000-04:002012-04-30T22:13:11.589-04:00Our first trip to the ER<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxcnsz_ZAN6PiIc-gxTwLV4b4t110PaJYaYN4S_iMNsHz3vITEwiQ4TX0uc6nVD-0PjLufepfWuZvT9fA-vbXeona_T3QUPG2jk4ZXQbOxd6TUgJo4eSTePqMRPD447TQRszFi0ASnSA/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxcnsz_ZAN6PiIc-gxTwLV4b4t110PaJYaYN4S_iMNsHz3vITEwiQ4TX0uc6nVD-0PjLufepfWuZvT9fA-vbXeona_T3QUPG2jk4ZXQbOxd6TUgJo4eSTePqMRPD447TQRszFi0ASnSA/s200/IMG_0983.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easton brushing his teeth after being sick</td></tr>
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We knew the day would come sooner or later and it was so much scarier than I could have imagined. Easton is of course "teething" but starting coming down with a cold. I took him to the Dr. (just to be safe) and they said he had a low grade fever (99.0) but it's "probably teething". My mom instinct said otherwise but I tried to remain calm and collected instead of thinking I'm a Dr.<br />
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We got home and Easton took a good long nap. When it was time to get him up, he lay moaning in his crib, rocking his head back and forth. I knew immediately something was wrong and he was burning up. Now I started to feel panicked. Adam was at baseball practice with his team and our daycare provider forgot to send Easton's Tylenol home. I called Adam over and over until he picked up and told him to get to the store and get medicine.<br />
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I tried to keep a cool wash cloth on Easton's head and fed him a bottle until Adam got home. We then immediately tried to give him a dose of medicine and that's when he gagged on it and threw up all over me. That's when I lost it and started bawling. I was so scared for him and now we had no clue how much medicine he actually got in his system. Poor Adam. A sick baby and a sobbing wife. <br />
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We eventually get Easton's fever down and get him feeling a little better. We got him to bed and agreed at 10pm we'd wake him up to try and give him another dose. About 9:30pm I decided to check him and that's when I found him moaning and burning up. He wouldn't open his eyes and I watched in horror as the digital thermometer kept ticking higher and higher finally stopping at 104.5! I screamed to Adam we're going to the ER RIGHT NOW! We attempted to give him the medicine again and then he gagged and threw up all down the front of Adam's shirt. Ugh..... We threw on a pair of jeans, flips, grabbed the diaper bag and packed up Easton, pj's and all, into the baby carrier and flew out of the house.<br />
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I rode in the backseat with him the whole way, and he just moaned with his eyes closed. We pulled in to the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital ER entrance and rushed him in. Once in triage they were able to get Easton to swallow the medicine so I knew things were looking up. Turns out he had a chest infection. They also told us that babies can get fevers up to 105 or 106 degrees without being "Serious". I was shocked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uD4rlHRAIpeFrpMwvUKRzyqDMDtfk-ZFoAohCfA2s03Buu1F9xcZYKOQhaPPRizzGZq3NJyqDErZmAkeQOuKXKr1O41EL5bXxf701wDoh0d6fdcGLUWYSoQiQLAulpdY8RQl5cAKoVI/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uD4rlHRAIpeFrpMwvUKRzyqDMDtfk-ZFoAohCfA2s03Buu1F9xcZYKOQhaPPRizzGZq3NJyqDErZmAkeQOuKXKr1O41EL5bXxf701wDoh0d6fdcGLUWYSoQiQLAulpdY8RQl5cAKoVI/s400/IMG_0980.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easton is his little hospital gown with his red cheeks :-( Poor baby.</td></tr>
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Poor Easton was so exhausted from crying for 4 straight hours he slept the whole night through. I spent the next day tracking his medicine rotation, his wet diapers, his fluid intake, his temperature. I was exhausted! The next day I woke up excepting a healthy baby, but we were back to moaning and a 102.5 fever! Panic stricken and frustrated I paced the floors for 2 hours until the Dr.'s office opened. They get us in right away to basically tell me, "You're doing the right thing- this is a nasty virus and it may take a few more days!". A few more days?! Luckily they sent me home with a prescription for antibiotics which I swear started working right away! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easton sleeping in our bed waiting to go to the Dr.</td></tr>
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Easton struggled with his fever for 5 long days! Honestly it was so emotional and frustrating to see your little precious baby, sick and you can't do anything. I know that this is the first of many fevers, sickness, and trips to the Dr. but I can say that I've never more scared in my entire life. It's so great to see Easton back to his happy healthy self this week. I on the other hand now have his cold! Go figure ;-)Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-60242771905247196142012-04-06T11:32:00.003-04:002012-04-09T22:22:59.458-04:00Where's the mommy handbook?!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwGAeoSEp1NpTXFdqhLDWwPyprSf1A8fS4tURKZRXeiSqWyK0vjFcy_95XuqyKGDi4bpNQBSt8mx_oJEase8qr2x5G1gzzX0UT1wrgAmWHKEo7u1o_zmtkCBrNnsjZmNRl3WUs9KxLPU/s1600/blog+cool+dude+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwGAeoSEp1NpTXFdqhLDWwPyprSf1A8fS4tURKZRXeiSqWyK0vjFcy_95XuqyKGDi4bpNQBSt8mx_oJEase8qr2x5G1gzzX0UT1wrgAmWHKEo7u1o_zmtkCBrNnsjZmNRl3WUs9KxLPU/s200/blog+cool+dude+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easton sporting his new Summer hat!</td></tr>
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I've got to admit, being a mom is all about learning as you go. Let me tell you, time is moving so quickly! Easton is almost 7 months old and is growing and changing so fast. Every day he does something different and Adam and I are constantly yelling, "Quick! Come here and see what Easton is doing!" He is just soaking everything up around him like a little sponge. One of my worries about this new "sponge stage" is that if Adam doesn't watch his potty mouth Easton's first word may need to be bleeped ;-)<br />
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I wish
there was a mom handbook I could consult instead a doing a million internet
searches every day or using the dreaded trial and error process. (hmmm... write a book? Def. don't have enough time for that!) I have had some serious clueless mom moments lately while trying to keep up with this little dude. I think this one takes the cake.<br />
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I have waited for weeks for Easton to get his teeth. I've wiped up countless puddles of drool,have been drooled on and (prepare yourself..) have had Easton's drool fall directly into my mouth! ewww. Let me clarify- I'm not Alecia Silverstone, but I often will lay on the couch and hold Easton up over my head to play with him. As I'm making cute baby voices and faces- BAM! He hits me with the drool bomb. Anyway, on to the clueless mom moment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMEXcADxfDnpe79IK1lkmDxZvIIYiaVluzGQ3kKh-LvT8RVPEn-x0i24uiANl3NbU64PwAq0QF6bDSUUh0PZO_WPPgSVmaX35vY1AyyX6HuYWiQBjDClRTvdURQ9qe4_Ywfbl5NttxJQ/s1600/blog+cool+dude1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMEXcADxfDnpe79IK1lkmDxZvIIYiaVluzGQ3kKh-LvT8RVPEn-x0i24uiANl3NbU64PwAq0QF6bDSUUh0PZO_WPPgSVmaX35vY1AyyX6HuYWiQBjDClRTvdURQ9qe4_Ywfbl5NttxJQ/s320/blog+cool+dude1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool dude drooling in his shades</td></tr>
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So I wait and wait and wait for these teeth. I can be a bit impatient. Every day I feel the two little bumps on his bottom gums get bigger. Soon I can feel a little sharp corner poke through, but still no actual teeth. I give him baby Tylenol and frozen teethers ect. ect. Finally my mom and aunts came to visit and my mom exclaims, "he got his teeth!"<br />
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I of course barrel by her like, "Whhat!? Let me see!" I feel his mouth and sigh, "nope not yet. Its just the tops still. It's been like that for a week."<br />
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The girls look at me and laugh- "Carly you'd better get out the baby book because that is considered getting his teeth."<br />
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Irritated and shocked I reply, "what do you mean? I don't see two 'tall teeth'?"<br />
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They then let me know that once the teeth break the skin that's it. It takes actual time for the teeth to grow upwards into 'tall teeth'. I was, well shocked and replied,<br />
<br />
"Well shoot. He's had those for a whole week then!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqR3UgI6cJ7LqLyi44SsG-9I870WvVJWLfX-vC7keghHOOEXRzkPMbMfbPrK5IXFZGU-zaGbaVFaVTecN8cvHG-_NUl8F7b1oa8ldb-yoj8SsQpYRnv233hc-Vqse1_lQNfvZNG-vTE/s1600/blog+cool+dude+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqR3UgI6cJ7LqLyi44SsG-9I870WvVJWLfX-vC7keghHOOEXRzkPMbMfbPrK5IXFZGU-zaGbaVFaVTecN8cvHG-_NUl8F7b1oa8ldb-yoj8SsQpYRnv233hc-Vqse1_lQNfvZNG-vTE/s320/blog+cool+dude+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have teeth but I'm not gonna show you for the picture!</td></tr>
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<br />Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-75193327670361304782012-03-20T09:35:00.000-04:002012-03-20T09:39:22.055-04:00Operation Baby Food: I'm up for the challenge!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeLT3j91_HrpQsOgriNLTeiA1Fkx1bnPctA-bv2yJLPjstXE2yVmXuMrh_r2zTIRJ2bm9YLTFH77gGRVWyG4gj9yxxlWoehHKFd71qwI90PemQkPqgC9_iwcO_g5QfnUv-055-I6OQZw/s1600/IMG_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeLT3j91_HrpQsOgriNLTeiA1Fkx1bnPctA-bv2yJLPjstXE2yVmXuMrh_r2zTIRJ2bm9YLTFH77gGRVWyG4gj9yxxlWoehHKFd71qwI90PemQkPqgC9_iwcO_g5QfnUv-055-I6OQZw/s200/IMG_0929.JPG" width="200" /></a>I love spending time in the kitchen cooking up all sorts of new recipes. Now that Easton can eat solids he gets to partake in eating mommy's culinary creations! This is extremely dorky but it's so important to me that Easton grows up with a good palate, because I refuse to have a picky eater on my hands. I'm trying to expose him to fresh healthy foods. Am I going to let him eat Cheetos and cupcakes when he's old enough? Of course! BUT I feel like starting him on fresh food instead of processed will help him appreciate good fruits and veggies. <br />
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I thought for weeks about what his first food would be. Savory or sweet?! I toyed around with doing sweet potatoes but I heard about kids turning orange from eating too many orange foods (not going there just yet). Then I thought I know, Avocado! But my own mom looked at me like I was crazy and what baby would want their first food to be an avocado? I finally settled on Butternut Squash which was also my husband's "first food" as a baby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw_D8JuvVsPfAr26Rn-kuw11g66oJK46QXqH07-7FAIuLqNHUQiJXOcb97kIdLxvOUqUcBHK-V3ugmT7KKgZ8JIjzcMx12UbexJRQDFYdOf_6Z1tiv_LW4pDP2i-pJCUGxRTVnVzg17g/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw_D8JuvVsPfAr26Rn-kuw11g66oJK46QXqH07-7FAIuLqNHUQiJXOcb97kIdLxvOUqUcBHK-V3ugmT7KKgZ8JIjzcMx12UbexJRQDFYdOf_6Z1tiv_LW4pDP2i-pJCUGxRTVnVzg17g/s320/IMG_0901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I was so excited I bought these fancy little baby Tupperware containers in bright colors to store the food, and got everything prepped. (I paid way to much for these but when you're an excited new mom buying baby's first food containers- you just toss it in the cart and throw budgeting to the wind). I lugged out the food processor from it's dusty hideaway above the cookbooks and got to work.<br />
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<b>Step 1</b>: Peel and chop. I opted for the busy mom "food prep" and bought a bag of pre-peeled and cubed squash. So this step was more like, "Cut open the bag". ;-)<br />
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<b>Step 2</b>: Steam. Again- I took the easier route and used a ziplock microwavable steam bag.<br />
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<b>Step 3</b>: Puree. I put the steamed squash in the processor added a little water and presto! Baby food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzMw6s_HOhh1pzfZlqWVHDclJm3T6JtKL6ocveN36Ch6tKXb2TumE2RbnF2ZBXme_hSXRdGpLVriPfkF8yv73HHq7MQRwr-4Lgx9Q2nvwUENjOybxSPhlxT55jUHBC2oeW3QqhL3E8iU/s1600/IMG_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzMw6s_HOhh1pzfZlqWVHDclJm3T6JtKL6ocveN36Ch6tKXb2TumE2RbnF2ZBXme_hSXRdGpLVriPfkF8yv73HHq7MQRwr-4Lgx9Q2nvwUENjOybxSPhlxT55jUHBC2oeW3QqhL3E8iU/s320/IMG_0902.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pureed pears</td></tr>
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<b>Step 4</b>: Taste. Here is where I found out that I didn't steam long enough. Whoopsie! Totally gritty mess.<br />
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To say the least I had to scoop all of my gritty baby puree back into the steamer bag- resteam and repuree. (Ok- I actually had to do this about 3 times because I obviously do not understand how long it takes to steam a butternut squash.)<br />
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<b>Step 5:</b> Cool and feed to baby. Easton looked at me like I put a spoonful of doggie doo in his mouth. I had to laugh. He eventually came around! Though the squash wasn't a huge hit he is loving, sweet potatoes (and has not turned orange), apples, pears and bananas. Next up peas, then peaches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q0Wp87_FwT6ZwmsyeASsaOt9anz9cvhj1D9c5zpwnPjGRqORoiyEr5aahFU-nbPKHHZQN02wMEg76i9rmIXoupLCWqGPBBBWs5latkjw5GdFhH0DtW0OA-QgO-HJOJHw7sq8TTlvpZs/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q0Wp87_FwT6ZwmsyeASsaOt9anz9cvhj1D9c5zpwnPjGRqORoiyEr5aahFU-nbPKHHZQN02wMEg76i9rmIXoupLCWqGPBBBWs5latkjw5GdFhH0DtW0OA-QgO-HJOJHw7sq8TTlvpZs/s200/IMG_0940.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peas and peaches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpEPx6OdNzMsFy5h7X0jiI44AVp98D07yn45xAR7JRXkwlJURL_VVTJYDblNEx0aFymQTxsdjCEGSaQL_bTxOACz1KcdbHqWFIFXzXn6hPGHvermrYegekzpHT8cpH8icnN2lSde_81A/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpEPx6OdNzMsFy5h7X0jiI44AVp98D07yn45xAR7JRXkwlJURL_VVTJYDblNEx0aFymQTxsdjCEGSaQL_bTxOACz1KcdbHqWFIFXzXn6hPGHvermrYegekzpHT8cpH8icnN2lSde_81A/s200/IMG_0906.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">apples and sweet potatoes</td></tr>
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I learned a great tip (Thank You Sarah Lake!) to ditch the expensive little containers and freeze the food into ice cubes trays. It's the perfect portion and you just store them in a ziplock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2qclM7TbbnG2gsoAXdmVXfFPLBJtA93LZaEEDMPfcC4r_EQ_BHexTz0EXcky7fNfVCuzJjihLZcSJUsGDsdI27cfP9pk3yhwJ3rruDDNITA9eQ3Efma-Zh2XLYl51xOj5V_1HvnTjoA/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2qclM7TbbnG2gsoAXdmVXfFPLBJtA93LZaEEDMPfcC4r_EQ_BHexTz0EXcky7fNfVCuzJjihLZcSJUsGDsdI27cfP9pk3yhwJ3rruDDNITA9eQ3Efma-Zh2XLYl51xOj5V_1HvnTjoA/s320/IMG_0911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sure I would love to eat dinner in my Elmo bathrobe!</td></tr>
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<b> Easton Update: 6 month checkup: 19.5 LBS (must be loving the baby food) and 29.5 inches long. </b>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-10562230994684137472012-03-07T22:16:00.001-05:002012-03-07T22:18:40.284-05:00Ok- you can stop growing up now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4v1-llzrLWwFMZlWG8GnlCk3o9zKIqgyEnEDghsKh8sioSuMPk4lVAOokNcyoPUNNa-jtjnF-7AiScNMgz_WbEatPiWYZUgjldiO9uwsh5sY0qk0qWHllJFrCXqFLFrNTgBnW77j8-o/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4v1-llzrLWwFMZlWG8GnlCk3o9zKIqgyEnEDghsKh8sioSuMPk4lVAOokNcyoPUNNa-jtjnF-7AiScNMgz_WbEatPiWYZUgjldiO9uwsh5sY0qk0qWHllJFrCXqFLFrNTgBnW77j8-o/s320/IMG_0914.JPG" width="240" /></a>Easton will be 6 months old in just a few days. How did this happen?! I mean come on did time fly or what?! He's just doing so much cool stuff these days. I can see the wheels really beginning to turn all of the time.<br />
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He is really improving his coordination. He looks at something, grabs it and puts it right in his mouth. Maybe it doesn't sound like much but watching him learn all of the steps and put it together is so cool. He puts everything in his mouth and loves to grab my hair and either, pull it or put it in his mouth... sigh. At least he hasn't found my earring.<br />
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He LOVES to jump. His grandma and grandpa bought him a Johny Jumper for their house, so of course we stole it for our house. He will just jump and jump and jump. He is also rolling over like a crazy man. If you put him on the floor he'd roll straight across the room if you'd let him.<br />
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He's got the energy for it all because he's now eating some solids. I am making his baby food (which I find super fun) and he's tried:<br />
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-Butternut squash- (Easton gives it 4 of 5 stars)<br />
-Pears (Easton gives it 2 of 5 stars)<br />
-Sweet Potatoes (Easton gives it 4 of 5 stars)<br />
-Bananas (Easton gives it 5 of 5 stars)<br />
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Tonight I found myself at dinner chatting to Easton, asking him about his day and dreaming up all of the fun scenarios that may have happened at daycare.<br />
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Easton did you go outside today and take a stroll around the neighborhood?<br />
Easton did you eat pears or sweet potatoes for lunch today?<br />
Ut-oh Easton those aren't the clothes I sent you in this morning. I bet I can guess what would require an outfit change ;-) <br />
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I finally looked at Adam and said, "Won't it be fun when he talks back ;-)" Now I'm wondering what does a Easton think about? Here's my best guesses:<br />
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1. Boy these two are funny- I think they're my mom and dad.<br />
2. Where did that short dog with the funny smashed face go?<br />
3. Hello! Hello! God, they must have awful hearing, it's 2am -Mom I want you to wake up from your warm bed and come get me- hustle up!<br />
4. Food<br />
5. My teeth hurt :-(<br />
6. More food<br />
7. Yah! It's my grandma & grandpa. I love all of them!<br />
8. If I could j--u--s----t pick this up and get it into my mouth. Victory!<br />
9. Oh that's a good lion's paw (sucking on his little stuffed lion toy)<br />
10. I wish someone would play Justin Beiber again. (see video below of the cutest baby dancing to "Baby-Baby" by the Beibs ;-).<br />
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<br />Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-8425940989370365202012-02-24T00:50:00.000-05:002012-02-24T00:50:37.211-05:00Toy Takeover! What happened to my living room?Now that Easton is 5 months old he loves to play! He is learning to use his hands and his coordination is quite entertaining to watch. He often looks at his own hands as he opens and closes them, scratches at things and tries to shove his entire fist into his mouth- Delicious! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneBX95hxLCGKurFF9t_U5cnglNMNAOP8MOzpuMZfkSZ_yfz4XkTzkfPAKhV4YXVn0QgQuSoyXKunkbi6bgjmo-KlZixPTrGZEFVSAdlw1W27LclXROXEHRashh-0lOscwcwmfN0xXhO4/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneBX95hxLCGKurFF9t_U5cnglNMNAOP8MOzpuMZfkSZ_yfz4XkTzkfPAKhV4YXVn0QgQuSoyXKunkbi6bgjmo-KlZixPTrGZEFVSAdlw1W27LclXROXEHRashh-0lOscwcwmfN0xXhO4/s320/IMG_0705.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
For Christmas he got loaded up with new toys. I thought, "how cute" and bought and assembled a special shelf for his room to display the toys on (true Carly fashion right there!). What I didn't take into account is that lugging the toys from the "cute shelf" out to the living room every five minutes is super annoying. Thus the toy takeover has begun!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAQTjHwIFZ0RoiLwP0a2W4OKQUMIfzwzy9rJIGV-BQdYuJVCtyWhiBk9qwBx536p0RoCWUrtFl-qgYRYdNsvgpsDGUfAox8qsKEaBOmNXv0Nf9-aFUF75itF0Y0yMHjSWmb8iXorKxEk/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAQTjHwIFZ0RoiLwP0a2W4OKQUMIfzwzy9rJIGV-BQdYuJVCtyWhiBk9qwBx536p0RoCWUrtFl-qgYRYdNsvgpsDGUfAox8qsKEaBOmNXv0Nf9-aFUF75itF0Y0yMHjSWmb8iXorKxEk/s320/IMG_0671.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I remember 5 months ago when my living room was spotless (if my own mom is reading this she probably is picking her jaw off the ground, shaking her head and thinking ya right, it's only spotless if she cleans it, but hey I have a "selective" memory lol). Now every nook and cranny is packed with toys. It started off innocently enough. I would bring out A (singular) toy for Easton to play with. Then I would put it back. Then it grew into a small toy area on the fireplace next to the box of doggie toys. Shockingly Otis knows the difference between his toys and the baby toys.<br />
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Next, I was able to get rid of the swing but swapped it for a bouncy seat. Then Easton grew into his walker toy, so that gets parked next to the bouncy seat, across from the fireplace toybox. Then we moved his pack and play into the living room which is squeezed next to the tv, next to the bouncy seat. Did I mention he also has a little baby playmat jungle gym too?! Ahhhh! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRYDPnagpC9H0RxsCUJExOnffWD0LmK82Csy_eYnTL8w0VkPkgDwXs_hBq6AYiTBwoAkVWxVXa2z5dgx5YOeVQ74bNyBXEE1WaEDtU2qZIVwdLwsUWsbFwn2Ex6I9vunx6LzyUWpNk70/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRYDPnagpC9H0RxsCUJExOnffWD0LmK82Csy_eYnTL8w0VkPkgDwXs_hBq6AYiTBwoAkVWxVXa2z5dgx5YOeVQ74bNyBXEE1WaEDtU2qZIVwdLwsUWsbFwn2Ex6I9vunx6LzyUWpNk70/s320/IMG_0866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In addition to all of his "gear"- we often store the baby carrier on the dining room table next to the high chair which is home to several bibs and toys to occupy his during dinner. My favorite is when I'm laying on the couch and am like, "ooh what's stabbing me from under the cushions?!" Oh of course a set of baby keys! LOL<br />
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Every night I have to do an entire sweep of the house to help with the toy takeover. Clear the coffee table of bottles, pacifiers, a bib or two, check the cushions, push the walker and bouncer back to it's corner parking lot and shove the basket of clean baby laundry to it's hiding spot next to the couch. AND of course put all of the doggie toys away. They love the "Baby Stuff" (see pic below!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrkuHy3t2nGkkTzhXf6-zDdHmeR64wHQvs4aT-VTmJjyDaWlzgvyg-oNctziY_9puKdLnAj0Wq_yUpJMsYkRh_w-TjkvrXDh2E71JffdZMvkd7d8XBaqG0Bfo1pja4YfnR-Mh6BJPXaI/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrkuHy3t2nGkkTzhXf6-zDdHmeR64wHQvs4aT-VTmJjyDaWlzgvyg-oNctziY_9puKdLnAj0Wq_yUpJMsYkRh_w-TjkvrXDh2E71JffdZMvkd7d8XBaqG0Bfo1pja4YfnR-Mh6BJPXaI/s320/IMG_0684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Funny thing is- though I miss my "aspiring pottery barn" style living room I can't imagine it any other way than littered with Easton stuff. I mean look at him?! Hugging his little moose toy- god he is so cute! I'm sure in 20 years when I get my living room back, I'll be wishing it was still covered in his baby things :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiuG5Q5C01WVHn-rcw8nqNZpHu2Bi-JNRQgpC004_mvI1gIHQOfQCsnVQaaIiwTuwdT0rJLEm5rXxUpAu9Mt9beMC8Ufl2uDC8alA24qPPgaSQ5iam93PaQrzAupS2VLntGjyMZEwQqA/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiuG5Q5C01WVHn-rcw8nqNZpHu2Bi-JNRQgpC004_mvI1gIHQOfQCsnVQaaIiwTuwdT0rJLEm5rXxUpAu9Mt9beMC8Ufl2uDC8alA24qPPgaSQ5iam93PaQrzAupS2VLntGjyMZEwQqA/s320/IMG_0835.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-42727030951758336452012-02-08T16:12:00.000-05:002012-02-08T16:12:09.942-05:00Meet the Modern Day MommyI got the chance to sit down with the hosts of eightWest to talk about my baby boy, my blog and my new role on WOTV 4 Women as the Baby Expert.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ifug7UPkxaM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-63025981709981924982012-02-07T22:23:00.001-05:002012-02-07T22:26:42.769-05:00Blog Confessional: Mommy Mistakes- Whoops!I'm learning that little "Mommy Mishaps" simply happen. A good mommy friend and I just had a vent session over how easy it is to feel like the worst mom in the world. So in order to clear my conscious I'm going to have a little blog-confessional. Here goes:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q5hF-f5jdwoPpI1GmT5jrSkKO3-6DkCmQ5vcB9QtFtTUVwEdSZUI80GZ1bj5VlzdMhHnjs-LVF8g-IfwWlUmu2OtsmyuV8vcyMp8zFz-9FAL0GcmyWTBE4IrGXa6iB7I8-2N-AAmJBw/s1600/blog+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q5hF-f5jdwoPpI1GmT5jrSkKO3-6DkCmQ5vcB9QtFtTUVwEdSZUI80GZ1bj5VlzdMhHnjs-LVF8g-IfwWlUmu2OtsmyuV8vcyMp8zFz-9FAL0GcmyWTBE4IrGXa6iB7I8-2N-AAmJBw/s200/blog+19.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>MOMMY MISTAKE: Over-achiever attitude</b><br />
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I'm rushing out the door for work. I've got the stupid heavy baby carrier in one hand with my laptop bag slung over my shoulder and my purse in the other hand. Right on cue the over-excited bulldog shoves his way past my feet and tries to escape out the backdoor. As I yell at him and try to use the baby carrier as a barrier my laptop bag slides off of my shoulder and lands (you guessed it) directly on the baby's lap. I scream a blur of cuss words and drop to the ground to make sure little man is ok. I think the swearing scared him more than anything because he looked startled but thank god- unhurt.<br />
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<b>MOMMY LESSON LEARNED:</b> <b>Make two trips. Always ignore the dumb dog.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WQQwq-NF4TggnlsKX7O4122XrUL9o3gh8G_ofra_Aj6_hOrW3xiAgtKwP1HD-0v4x5GJcd0hDLdELlvKp5upBgcK5JePrngUcj1UfE7m8TuHPlB-eQq30WGemZse9Q0Tta7o3RwJP6s/s1600/blog+bundle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WQQwq-NF4TggnlsKX7O4122XrUL9o3gh8G_ofra_Aj6_hOrW3xiAgtKwP1HD-0v4x5GJcd0hDLdELlvKp5upBgcK5JePrngUcj1UfE7m8TuHPlB-eQq30WGemZse9Q0Tta7o3RwJP6s/s200/blog+bundle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>MOMMY MISTAKE:</b> <b>Bundling blunder</b><br />
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I wasn't so crazy about bundling up the baby at first until my mom finally sternly looked at me and said, it's cold and this kid needs to be in his snowsuit/blanket ect. I think I may have taken it too far. I started putting Easton in his fuzzy bear suit (hooded snow suit type thing), a winter hat AND covering him in a blanket. (writing this now I think I sound like a crazy Eskimo mother!) I take him to the Dr. for his checkup and they are like- he has a fever! What?! Come to find out they recheck him again and I had bundled him soooo much that his temperature temporarily spiked. <br />
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<b>MOMMY LESSON LEARNED: It's west Michigan, not Antarctica. A coat and hat is suffice.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ1P0ovGpGXm1zU84lvOF8nUAYMldgJlkSDr_JgXFYwyB6DtiELM1Z2oKspEot8AAGtV7tm5ihNyyFs3m-wpnRTA1uk0E-xK6anLSNKAwXMwt_hxjPdbwcYJ7eSec5_YL167ZEWdoj5Q/s1600/ry%253D400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ1P0ovGpGXm1zU84lvOF8nUAYMldgJlkSDr_JgXFYwyB6DtiELM1Z2oKspEot8AAGtV7tm5ihNyyFs3m-wpnRTA1uk0E-xK6anLSNKAwXMwt_hxjPdbwcYJ7eSec5_YL167ZEWdoj5Q/s200/ry%253D400.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>MOMMY MISTAKE: Hydration Overload</b><br />
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So when Easton got his first cold the Doctor recommended keeping him warm (see "bundling blunder") and hydrated. Since he only drinks to begin with I thought my best bet was to give him a little bit of a bottle every hour or two instead of a few larger feedings every three hours. But Easton was a little piggy and kept trying to chug way more than he should have. To say the least the poor little guy got sick 2 times in the night.<br />
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<b>MOMMY LESSON LEARNED: Don't put 4 ounces in a bottle when you only want him to eat 1-2.</b>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-47308474207901312372012-01-26T21:24:00.002-05:002012-01-26T21:27:18.883-05:00Bulldogs and baby baths.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmjalzLqQ_WoNdAqLiDUiqyEbIzfRuyn74M4whoMR3tP3ZdTq-h5ekuosAaVTNH1YvCplRjryh_zvbEa_UGruniOVbk_0pmPcbDnfYBpSV9l9n0oC3-O9g-mvAuwkWQKZJ-wsjNIfCTU/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmjalzLqQ_WoNdAqLiDUiqyEbIzfRuyn74M4whoMR3tP3ZdTq-h5ekuosAaVTNH1YvCplRjryh_zvbEa_UGruniOVbk_0pmPcbDnfYBpSV9l9n0oC3-O9g-mvAuwkWQKZJ-wsjNIfCTU/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" width="240" /></a> I don't know what it is about baby baths that our bulldog loves so much. He personally doesn't enjoy his own bath nearly as much as he loves Easton's. Maybe it's the lavender scented water that he tries to slurp, or the blue whale bathtub that he wants to soak his giant paws in.<br />
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Here is a little look into our most recent bath night...<br />
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Me: "Adam can you get Easton's bath ready?"<br />
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Otis- Ears perk up. "Did she say bath?!" Otis jumps up from his cozy spot on the couch (where he is NOT supposed to be), leaving his half chewed rawhide behind and trots behind Adam to the bathroom.<br />
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Otis takes his big bulldog head and shoves the door open and bullies his way in as Adam fills the blue whale baby tub with nice warm water. "oooh a bath, perfect ending to a rough doggie day of barking out the window and running around the backyard barking at the neighbors," he likely thinks.<br />
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Adam grabs the baby soaps and bubble bath while Otis hovers in-between his feet.<br />
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"Get out of the way OTIS!" Adam Screams. Otis who is unfazed patiently waits for the show to get underway.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Fte_RvsWJz1T2QoJrc3B_hCqL4Zdyy2Xi5mIxm7BJfO_ED8nNcEE6Kp10yxP4397d_U_CXq2UljAiQDgKYG1Kplr8TRRUjsdqxYpZmP-O8Z2hyRBGjVDoHRhsxSjsJECl8FkwFUv1-Y/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Fte_RvsWJz1T2QoJrc3B_hCqL4Zdyy2Xi5mIxm7BJfO_ED8nNcEE6Kp10yxP4397d_U_CXq2UljAiQDgKYG1Kplr8TRRUjsdqxYpZmP-O8Z2hyRBGjVDoHRhsxSjsJECl8FkwFUv1-Y/s320/IMG_0778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I enter the bathroom baby in hand. I attempt to spread the towel out onto the floor to get Easton undressed. Just as I get it- Otis flops onto the fresh towel like he's utterly exhausted from all of the excitement.<br />
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"Get out of the way! Adam get Otis!"<br />
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Adam grabs Otis by the collar but Otis bobs and weaves to escape his angry grasp. Finally too frustrated to care Adam lets him slip away while I continue to undress Easton, hoping he doesn't decide to take aim at me while his diaper is off.<br />
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Just as I get him settled into the tub I feel a big bulldog head plop onto my leg accompanied by a big "SNORT". I just roll my eyes and we continue. Adam always is the "washer" and I'm what I like to refer to as, "The Entertainer". I get to try and make Easton laugh, splash his hands in the water and shower him with "rain drops" (coolest bath toy ever). Before I know it Otis is involved.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgE-S_LTslAYqln73gqIGaQOQihJvheDrSVVPOjPEaw_lFQodGmi3zoztptwGXPeUb0rW4BP2Pe8KSAwYa6oT5SHApJUKpcuhN3D3R_0Cy4vOyo6KVtV-qFvnwJy1KX6N6CFg1_5BBC4/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgE-S_LTslAYqln73gqIGaQOQihJvheDrSVVPOjPEaw_lFQodGmi3zoztptwGXPeUb0rW4BP2Pe8KSAwYa6oT5SHApJUKpcuhN3D3R_0Cy4vOyo6KVtV-qFvnwJy1KX6N6CFg1_5BBC4/s320/IMG_0784.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>He is helping to clean the baby by licking his hair. "OTIS!" He then points his sad puppy eyes at me as to say, "what? I'm just trying to help." Then he's slurping lavender scented water as a little mid-bath cocktail. "OTIS!" Next he's trying to soak his paws by stepping into the baby tub with Easton in it. "OTIS!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwWukj59tPnPi70G2rMPI0QlN5t5ITSwJAu409N0j1818JPD1YLY95MX8zEloE8l48BoAXUHjDz9kNcMpEtMp6H7Ar6m7bXSxEokDl1H4Sf83v18toGWuJQgEzSjTapwqtpaaPs2ARws/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVxZ71pzjot5VOXxFP90TPdWtkfo6IyCY6GhQyx36LNf8uR8S1ABOKz92UN7uI0H_CK5IuoOhAlPLfVBDR1d34g_xsJ4hiZFCn2QpaS7q3Z0oATmzNsRJSUBlfIWohMs2eRN-_rqAII0/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVxZ71pzjot5VOXxFP90TPdWtkfo6IyCY6GhQyx36LNf8uR8S1ABOKz92UN7uI0H_CK5IuoOhAlPLfVBDR1d34g_xsJ4hiZFCn2QpaS7q3Z0oATmzNsRJSUBlfIWohMs2eRN-_rqAII0/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Meanwhile Easton is just cooing and squealing in excitement watching this circus unfold. He splashes Otis and tries to reach out to touch his puppy face (which is seriously a centimeter from his own). Easton grabs at him while Otis licks his baby hands trying to clean him and enjoy a few more drops of bath water all at the same time. "Thank god I'm here," he thinks. "These two have no clue how to clean this kid!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYF_a7d2Cja0TDY8oioW0OOCM24sOqMJb-y_dvErQz5B8bkr-pXgQlQjOnf7hy1TECxJScScO2AKcvRzOuz4xYL8k5NLWtKuzgFhZBaMemrlS65P8UfbM0b6FIUPh_t0fgALh9v4onCk/s1600/IMG_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYF_a7d2Cja0TDY8oioW0OOCM24sOqMJb-y_dvErQz5B8bkr-pXgQlQjOnf7hy1TECxJScScO2AKcvRzOuz4xYL8k5NLWtKuzgFhZBaMemrlS65P8UfbM0b6FIUPh_t0fgALh9v4onCk/s320/IMG_0790.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Otis exhausted from his hardwork heads back to his cozy couch to get some much needed rest and chew his bone. "What would they ever do without me?" Otis thinks as drifts of to doggy dreamland.Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-79672357320875957502012-01-22T21:36:00.003-05:002012-01-22T22:43:13.138-05:00Baby Milestone: First Feeding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxowIDT-qr78IKN4xHH3-UIqtzsIiGU1sHu_6-oDm9aNBS5CJEFw5uFEV6MLOSOLEmvT54KeyAkFcU9N58s_Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRanndI3kpzs1JJbGyl-1HVYzUv9ZAN9Fm8SgwemuN4eSPx4223fI4SFquW9ecOvElZCHqDinXXkY8tw2oe9aqmKsElhN_lkQaKLgTRlle2rSVaSb7ecOsYPF0GFhKBlhNsoT8-zvebc/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRanndI3kpzs1JJbGyl-1HVYzUv9ZAN9Fm8SgwemuN4eSPx4223fI4SFquW9ecOvElZCHqDinXXkY8tw2oe9aqmKsElhN_lkQaKLgTRlle2rSVaSb7ecOsYPF0GFhKBlhNsoT8-zvebc/s200/IMG_0745.JPG" width="150" /></a>We got the green light from the doctor to start Easton on rice cereal. I was so excited. We went to Meijer and bought him a baby spoon and bowl and of course the cereal. We took the highchair out of the basement closet and got that put together. I'm a little frustrated (and feel dumb) that we can't figure out how to lift up the tray.... seriously why do they try and make it so tough for new parents with this baby gear!<br />
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I of course had to video his big moment so here it is! I thought I'd share because he's really into and making some cute faces that I thought you might enjoy. Overall he ate the whole portion that I mixed up and seemed to LOVE it. One step closer to being a big boy! Check out the video and enjoy Easton's milestone moment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4_7FyTqGgUpwpeTMEiToL4xjBbt9gvvK2se7iMXzwqxGiD4ck6s1qsLVPq5Gnoz7FazAcVgg11mLhHysAZMmidj9ACkWPsL1x7SPGl0B03TztTiYkU9O-40PmTWGm2kNRnD6FiOL5ZQ/s1600/IMG_0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-40020571074968482902012-01-13T15:13:00.000-05:002012-01-13T15:13:59.104-05:004 Months of "Ah-HA!" moments...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G3iKy0om1B32_PwwsMqL5FOaV3dHD8ffAqV0Mg2qh7i4BeF5w2u5DJZQzWh-G7iE8sNtrBCjdqxJdyo5wrWoSU5JM9J4gGIvFzytilu5qTHRto3YkMrt4mryRzjYTFGGzTLBSJksB6Q/s1600/402395_3039563871690_1340831709_3215566_1775734396_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G3iKy0om1B32_PwwsMqL5FOaV3dHD8ffAqV0Mg2qh7i4BeF5w2u5DJZQzWh-G7iE8sNtrBCjdqxJdyo5wrWoSU5JM9J4gGIvFzytilu5qTHRto3YkMrt4mryRzjYTFGGzTLBSJksB6Q/s200/402395_3039563871690_1340831709_3215566_1775734396_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>1. Baby poop doesn't smell <i>THAT</i> bad.<br />
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2. Baby poop <i>WILL</i> smell worse later (i.e. solid foods) who knew?! <br />
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3. Breastfeeding is a MAJOR commitment that no one prepares you for.<br />
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4. Babies are bendy and their arm will not break when you try to squeeze them into their winter coat.<br />
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5. Babies hate when you bend their arm to squeeze them into their winter coat.<br />
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6. Baby Einstein videos will entrance a baby for exactly 32 minutes (or anyone on drugs)<br />
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7. A "Sleep Sheep" is not just for babies it puts parents to sleep too.<br />
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8. Watching your baby on a video monitor is like your own personal version of reality TV.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdGqLCebHu6mDEk-Tj6CMvbV_OtYliYasukLFLWJ3w1CtpBiUMUgMTk6z6AiUD1t4OJCqjgdRI209HMCCA1l7cepKMD0B6rOovidpGZv6jSp5Z-dKhky-0dP5qMZNHj97y6mJ9uh1uB4/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdGqLCebHu6mDEk-Tj6CMvbV_OtYliYasukLFLWJ3w1CtpBiUMUgMTk6z6AiUD1t4OJCqjgdRI209HMCCA1l7cepKMD0B6rOovidpGZv6jSp5Z-dKhky-0dP5qMZNHj97y6mJ9uh1uB4/s200/IMG_0582.JPG" width="150" /></a>9. Sleep is for wussies.<br />
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10. If you hated doing the laundry before having a baby- just you wait!<br />
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11. Don't kid yourself- your food will get cold before you ever get a chance to eat it.<br />
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12. A growing baby gets to wear a new outfit a total of 3 times before they grow out of it.<br />
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13. If you are excited to dress your baby in a new outfit- he/she will poop or pee on it in the first 5 min.<br />
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14. Grandparents RULE!<br />
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15. "We have a kid?" seriously?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7W_q9UDMX_4yJ9i0R45m-jYXtGQOiQ3B81fCaEeZz2pgw2v_NPRXn-UBZ5i0dCGN6e5dwfal6uccGhZRyEQ7aL9d5YiksPjKE-xy6f1gEZcixrcDpYNmDWVcT6-kwXbO_UVI2LdFgy0/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7W_q9UDMX_4yJ9i0R45m-jYXtGQOiQ3B81fCaEeZz2pgw2v_NPRXn-UBZ5i0dCGN6e5dwfal6uccGhZRyEQ7aL9d5YiksPjKE-xy6f1gEZcixrcDpYNmDWVcT6-kwXbO_UVI2LdFgy0/s200/IMG_0649.JPG" width="150" /></a>16. Babies ARE expensive! (when people want you to have a baby they say, " it's not that expensive"- liars!)<br />
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17. We have the CUTEST baby on earth.<br />
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18. Easton will of course be the most popular boy in school ;-)<br />
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19. Easton eats like his dad and Uncle Derek. I'm in serious trouble!<br />
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20. Being a mom is pretty awesome. <br />
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</a></div>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-59200906498625467032012-01-03T22:45:00.000-05:002012-01-03T22:45:33.232-05:00My Momzilla Moment of the Week.There's no real training to prepare you for motherhood. You just get thrown into the mix the day they hand you the baby and it's go-time! Your life becomes a three-ringed circus and you are the new ringmaster. Before you know it you can tackle any task with your right or left hand, you find your normally wimpy self being able to lug a 30 pound baby carrier in high heels and somehow, by the grace of god, you can even get dinner on the table most nights. <br />
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It's all a big juggling act and I never want to "drop the ball" as a mom. In turn I think I'm turning into a momzilla obsessing over every little thing. This proves it...<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Momzilla Moment of the week: </b></u></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBxYcVN4rfs/TwPJreT1gVI/AAAAAAAAAKs/mwLbFMfpiMA/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBxYcVN4rfs/TwPJreT1gVI/AAAAAAAAAKs/mwLbFMfpiMA/s320/IMG_0588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Easton wakes up from his nap the other day and feels a little warm. Perhaps it was the fleece blanket or the snugly pajamas, but I immediately jump into momzilla mode and decide it must be fever and I need to take his temperature. (I often think this and take his temp. all the time).<br />
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If you have a baby you know they hate the thermometer and trying to get it perfectly placed under his arm (because I'm totally uncomfortable putting it elsewhere) and keep it there is a nightmare. I manage to get him undressed and pull his little baby arm from his long-sleeved onsie all while he has a total screaming meltdown. I try to sing all sorts of weird made up songs that you find yourself singing as a mom while trying to squish his arm to his body and not move the thermometer. After several minutes of waiting (can't these things beep?!) I go to check it, fully expecting the worst. The first reading came back normal, instead of being relieved I totally questioned it and thought- "it's broken- I know it!."<br />
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So..... I took my own temperature to see what it said. Huh- came back normal. Was I satisfied? NOPE! I took his temperature, and my own, with 3 other digital thermometers! Needless to say he and I both are both perfectly healthy physically. I might be mentally losing it ;-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOzD2UEfLKY/TwPLRA4iRTI/AAAAAAAAAK4/P0qohq8vHcg/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cOzD2UEfLKY/TwPLRA4iRTI/AAAAAAAAAK4/P0qohq8vHcg/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-6272835846365572592011-12-19T22:29:00.000-05:002011-12-19T22:29:24.257-05:00Maternity Leave...the most exhausting vacation you'll ever take!I'll never forgot the words that came out of my mouth the week before my son was born. It went a little something like this: "Yeah, after the first 2 weeks we'll have our routine down and then I have no idea what to do with the other 6 weeks of maternity leave. I'll probably just reorganize the shoe closet and junk drawer a million times!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EdAZOTwoyo7ioP7_SoaGJvycMYtm-W_LKYz71eNVXxh_8diTNinoW5XXetl8we7-SrNYaXVKIH2rcbLu2T3s8ftmjDOuXnZderoYDgcdshEgO3xbY30BJoKK9uFIPl04e0LVrdcTaQ0/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EdAZOTwoyo7ioP7_SoaGJvycMYtm-W_LKYz71eNVXxh_8diTNinoW5XXetl8we7-SrNYaXVKIH2rcbLu2T3s8ftmjDOuXnZderoYDgcdshEgO3xbY30BJoKK9uFIPl04e0LVrdcTaQ0/s320/IMG_0302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
OMG- was I clueless! I don't know why I thought taking care of a little baby would be so easy. Like most things in my life I just assumed that if I planned accordingly and over organized that I could get a system up and running in no time. What I didn't know is that newborns don't have "schedules" and they certainly don't fit into any "system" that I could dream up. <br />
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When we joke around the office about my "8 week vacation" sitting home in pj's until noon watching soaps all day-it sounds so lovely. In reality being in your pj's until noon sucks on an everyday basis. WHY?! Because you feel like a giant loser. I was embarrassed to go get the mail wondering if the neighbors would think- "Man she had that baby and boy did she let herself go!" So in true "Carly-fashion" I got ready EVERY... SINGLE... DAY(except 2). I did my hair, full makeup and put on actual clothes- I figured the only way to be a pulled together mom is to look the part. At least you can fake it on the outside right?! The UPS man seemed pleasantly surprised when I opened the door. LOL<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEivhedfjwVXsgJhwYgfO27hyphenhyphenqU6A0Fi-3yPaJ-f_uOdfE_QNGGweTgZMs3fVTLMP09WRJTGT28AMaR7R8ehgxD5T9nnyR0R2QZpIFMNTU5V8XnpWyUu3c1LuZYJrrLygsaVm4avvPV9k/s1600/blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEivhedfjwVXsgJhwYgfO27hyphenhyphenqU6A0Fi-3yPaJ-f_uOdfE_QNGGweTgZMs3fVTLMP09WRJTGT28AMaR7R8ehgxD5T9nnyR0R2QZpIFMNTU5V8XnpWyUu3c1LuZYJrrLygsaVm4avvPV9k/s320/blog+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Seriously though, stay at home moms deserve a medal. It's exhausting and nearly impossible to get anything done, let alone "sleep when they sleep." What a crock. Sleep?! PA-LEASE, I forgot what that even is. I mean the feeding alone is something no one prepares you for. I thought OK they eat every 3-4 hours. Reality Check: make that 2-3 hours and the clock starts from when you START feeding them, not when they finish. Who knew the entire feeding process takes nearly 45 minutes. That means only 1-2 hours before you do it all again. I remember sprinting the isle of Meijer like I was in some sort of Olympic game trying to beat the clock getting groceries and get back before the next feeding. Or me saying "OK- I'm going to try to take a shower AND eat while he naps". No one ever says you lose the baby weight right away because you are literally too busy to eat and you're on an 8 week fast-a-thon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufVYS6dxHy3P3YKuoCxuCeQRSUKJJNKvmSl1m3BiLmPm8Ns_kaGs4GpE4_ODUZ7egYhYiGp8xVMmfyC4KsSgdq7MYO6UnbadjRuxGmHhmmNRi0jA5mhgra8Pdw7sCss86gq7fTilZNo0/s1600/blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufVYS6dxHy3P3YKuoCxuCeQRSUKJJNKvmSl1m3BiLmPm8Ns_kaGs4GpE4_ODUZ7egYhYiGp8xVMmfyC4KsSgdq7MYO6UnbadjRuxGmHhmmNRi0jA5mhgra8Pdw7sCss86gq7fTilZNo0/s320/blog+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Though they are the eight craziest and exhausting weeks of your life I remember snuggling my little boy on the night before I went back to work and thinking, "there probably won't ever be a time in his life or mine, where we get to spend 8 uninterrupted weeks together again." It's so weird to think that but I know it's true. It's the most exhausting- yet blissful- "vacation" you'll ever take. Cherish it... I know I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnKtl9D99xPHZQxdiJ38APiFQ28QOQyhn6kJCfqJnirrPAB83rRFxZi3d-6Ba-H75BoeRcuemoSeUDCpuMI2WyouH6bMZQjfPop9WX2ZIUt8bg1QH7r-EXjNiOxdoc2Rx69r8OH6vZo0/s1600/blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnKtl9D99xPHZQxdiJ38APiFQ28QOQyhn6kJCfqJnirrPAB83rRFxZi3d-6Ba-H75BoeRcuemoSeUDCpuMI2WyouH6bMZQjfPop9WX2ZIUt8bg1QH7r-EXjNiOxdoc2Rx69r8OH6vZo0/s320/blog+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOY5X_lAQ4g-KpZb9J2KGYktz1qYOPKiR73RgW6Bt2SthP9KpxbYY83QHWrFeE5EnNFmMbrQRAbJwSAqPaEFCELOH3JhW6CS0CNgW3WqM9UFhkP9CLJ6zbgmB238PiQIaCv-dkbXS1Yc/s1600/blog+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOY5X_lAQ4g-KpZb9J2KGYktz1qYOPKiR73RgW6Bt2SthP9KpxbYY83QHWrFeE5EnNFmMbrQRAbJwSAqPaEFCELOH3JhW6CS0CNgW3WqM9UFhkP9CLJ6zbgmB238PiQIaCv-dkbXS1Yc/s320/blog+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8959735059652180910.post-1968588839029579552011-12-12T22:19:00.000-05:002011-12-12T22:19:07.715-05:00"A baby changes everything....""A baby changes everything...." that's what I heard for nine long months. I can tell you I rolled my eyes every time I heard this. It sounded so clique. BUT (big but coming) you don't realize what they mean until you are lugging around a 20 pound baby carrier with your little peanut screaming bloody murder around the grocery store. It's at that moment that you know EXACTLY what everybody meant.<br />
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My son, Easton was born exactly three months ago today. He is the greatest joy in my "new" life. People say that soon you won't be able to even remember what it was like not to have kids. Right now I still have very fond memories of what my "old" pre-baby life was like. I thought it may be worth it to head down memory lane....<br />
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I've been married to my husband for three years (pre-baby). We're a pretty basic couple. We liked to spend a weekend doing dinner and movie, going out for happy hour, mixing up margaritas on the deck, and simply spending our evenings watching tv and surfing the web to our hearts content. We'd walk our two dogs LuLu the Shar-Pei and Otis the bulldog around the block, take them up north to the lake or simply cuddle on the couch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6vME6E0aeoDhhVX0kp92_HVBLEVSLOUcwEZChkI8IoH1gW0VGW0ciN75Rq9kmB315ErzrwY1nrEjaLuaFqtS74lGbCOZwig_POB4eoZtCcP3C9jWI84zGm6a-X5tXl3C3vXJZjKbDEs/s1600/carlyadam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6vME6E0aeoDhhVX0kp92_HVBLEVSLOUcwEZChkI8IoH1gW0VGW0ciN75Rq9kmB315ErzrwY1nrEjaLuaFqtS74lGbCOZwig_POB4eoZtCcP3C9jWI84zGm6a-X5tXl3C3vXJZjKbDEs/s320/carlyadam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Fast forward to Sept 12, 2011. Baby Easton arrives..... life will never be the same. Wow- it is an amazing feeling of awe. This baby is ours! I couldn't take my eyes off of him and I can't remember a moment (other than our wedding) where I ever felt so much love. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRYlkwuKRGUzKwTs4HqFUtwS3Ad4l8M0ImpZcKsjuHjVQp5JbAu2KLu_hEPdvJjnQFkL8fZvqiExqPkIKF3dTVQOKZMLU4mwIJgFaKLFN8dErMoDzriSfpdtE10oaMz_fh8AZmq3PcY/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRYlkwuKRGUzKwTs4HqFUtwS3Ad4l8M0ImpZcKsjuHjVQp5JbAu2KLu_hEPdvJjnQFkL8fZvqiExqPkIKF3dTVQOKZMLU4mwIJgFaKLFN8dErMoDzriSfpdtE10oaMz_fh8AZmq3PcY/s320/IMG_0283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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After the first few days of baby bliss a new feeling starts to creep in. It's a feeling a lot of parents don't talk about... you miss your "old life". It's likely because you are sleep deprived, you haven't been able to check your facebook, the guy at the drive-thru knows your husband by name, the house looks like a tornado struck, everyone wants to just "stop-by" for a visit, you have 15 voicemails (god why can't everyone stop calling me! Like I have time to chat) and you are simply put OVERWHELMED. Then you feel super guilty because you are thinking about the TV time you're missing and the cocktails you are craving all while you are supposed to be gushing over your baby 24/7. I think every new mom (and dad) goes through this and it's ok. It doesn't mean you don't love your new baby with all of your heart it just means you need time to adjust-which is exactly what we did. Here's how....<br />
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We don't get to watch "our shows" when they air. We DVR them and watch them when the baby is napping. We skip the happy hour because we've got daycare pickup. We don't get to go out to dinner but now cherish the times we get to eat a meal together. We've traded in date night for baby baths & storytime. There are still times when I wish we could get a baby break. Shoot there are a LOT of times I think this... but hey that's what grandparents are for! And when you're little guy is as cute as ours.... you can't really complain ;-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48HbNTrH5MRPGKM25lPtpKpuovlkIHbIJ7ofsstz5HD4ADkSJCg23dLmnMy0wFLwLzmziB6-MmBoPWMYIPsHNj5-nH3b74ZEcpFIWGXPtWR7KBnPh87WiiWdYz4G-MSuTX2pBgWDSvj8/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48HbNTrH5MRPGKM25lPtpKpuovlkIHbIJ7ofsstz5HD4ADkSJCg23dLmnMy0wFLwLzmziB6-MmBoPWMYIPsHNj5-nH3b74ZEcpFIWGXPtWR7KBnPh87WiiWdYz4G-MSuTX2pBgWDSvj8/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Carly Munozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15076829779417304838noreply@blogger.com2