Gift Idea for Guys

This seems like a great business idea! Here's a company that has come up with shirts for men (and women) that are the perfect length. They are designed to be worn untucked. The shirts show a little of the rear end but still hang appropriately.  Check out this company, UntuckIt, and all their inventory! 

http://www.untuckit.com

'Twas the Night Before Gracie

This is a poem I wrote last year about my birth experience. It is modeled after the famous and old poem, 'The Night Before Christmas' by Clement Clark Moore. My due date was December 25, 2014, but my daughter came a few days late. I wanted a natural child birth in a hospital setting, but quickly changed my mind when I felt the horrific pains of labor a few days after Christmas. I was in labor from 3:45 am until 1:40 pm on December 28, 2014. I did not have a natural (drug-free) childbirth, but all went smoothly regardless. I did have a vaginal delivery, and most importantly, I had a beautiful and healthy daughter named Grace who's almost one year old now! Wow. 

Here's my story:

‘Twas the night before Gracie, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Grace’s stocking was still hung by ours with such care, in hopes that this Christmas, with her we would share.

But Christmas had passed, and we wanted her here! We knew that “the day” was soon drawing near…

The dogs were both nestled, all snug in their beds, while visions of beggin’ strips danced in their heads.

And Daddy in his jammies, and me in mine too, had laid down at 9, like we usually do… 

When all of a sudden Charlie heard pitter patter; he sat up in bed to see what was the matter.

I was sweating and shaking, and stricken with pain, my back was on fire, contractions- INSANE!

I said, “This is labor- we really should go.” And to my surprise, my husband said, “No.”

“We’ll labor at home , that’s what’s in your plan.” “UMMMM, WE’VE GOT TO GO!!  I’VE FELT ALL I CAN STAND.”

We arrived at the hospital at half past six. There was no denying- I needed a fix. 

My Doula consoled me said “You really should wait. Don’t get it too early,”  but it was too late.

I’d already decided, I was getting relief. Or else I would die, I’m not lying, GOOD GRIEF!

Now Demerol ! Now Stadol!  I need a spinal block!… “No, Kelly…remember? Just get up and walk.”

On Epidural, On Morphine...”I need drugs to get through it!” While Catrice calmly said again, “No, You can do it.”

She rubbed my back as I sat on the ball... I could’ve collapsed, didn’t feel good AT ALL! 

The doctor then checked me.  “You’re only at 4.” (cm)  Five minutes later, the anesthesiologist walked through the door.

He came to save the crazy lady, thank GOD he did. Then a 2 hour nap…resting up for my kid… 

No, the epidural was not part of my plan. But it helped me so much…I was dying, OH MAN! 

Just three hours later, I was finally at 10! (cm) Couldn’t believe it was time for pushing to begin!

For an hour and a half, Charlie counted to 10, he was the most amazing husband and coach, the greatest of men!

Then suddenly, I realized, but how could it be???????   The most perfect angel you ever did see!

Her cry, the most heartwarming sound you could hear, she’d finally decided, it was time to appear.

Her eyes, how they twinkled, her nose, so, just fine, her cheeks warm and rosy, and she was all MINE!

10 fingers, 10 toes and a perfect round face, so much hair, so much life, all God’s Grace in ONE PLACE!

That cute little body, not much vernix at all, 7 lb, 14 oz. and 21 inches tall…

My darling, my angel, the love my life…you were DEFINITELY worth all of the pain and strife…

To see her, to hold her, JOY! I can hardly explain.... This feeling of love shall forever remain!

She spoke not a word, but went straight to the breast. She was certainly hungry and ate like the best!

How is it possible that we were this blessed? I looked at my husband with the babe on my chest.

He looked at me too, with a gleam in his eyes… She’s finally here safely, what a glorious surprise!

I was truly in heaven, with her in my sight… “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!    : ) 

Here is Grace now at 11 months old!

 

You'll Thrive if you Unsubscribe

Recently I decided to unsubscribe to all of the retail emails that I receive daily.

The short story is… This has helped drastically reduce The amount of money that I spend. It has changed my thought process about buying or even thinking of buying something or anything. In turn,it has helped change the way I look at spending money.

I used to love receiving coupons from all of the retailers in case I needed to buy something. Now I save far more money in the long run not buying anything at all really, compared against the money I would have saved with the coupon from an email, if I did buy something.

Another great benefit of unsubscribing to retail emails is your phone goes off less, therefore you check it less, and overall you're on your phone less, yielding a better quality-of-life.

Do it TODAY Mommies. Click unsubscribe! 

My First Mother's Day

Today was my First Mother's Day as a Mom. It started off with little Gracie sleeping in bed with me all night last night. There's a first time for everything. I'm pretty against co-sleeping but I wanted to snuggle and so we did. So I woke up with the most angelic face I've ever seen, soundly snoozing next to me. She breathed in and out. I held her hand. I kissed her head. I stared at her for a really long time. Then we nursed. 

My husband worked a shift last night at the Fire Station so he got off work early this morning. He brought Kolaches and donuts home for breakfast. Yummy! Then he took a needed nap. 

Mid morning, Grace and I watered our vegetable garden, played and did all the things we do when we have time...swinging, bouncing, standing, giggling, tummy time, hugging, dancing, etc.  We had some great bonding time this morning. I even did some laundry and didn't hate it. I felt honored and grateful to be a Mom doing Mommyish things around the house, all the while wearing the baby. 

Then Daddy woke up at 11:30 am, and he gave me a card for a 90 minute in-home massage! Hallelujah! He also gave me a picture book filled with photos of me and my daughter. Love it!

Then we went to the zoo and saw all the Animals. I even hand fed a giraffe some Lettuce. Grace and I also went down the slide. She pet a goat too! Next we had a late lunch/early dinner at one of my favorite restaurants Barnaby's. I enjoyed a delicious salad and strawberry lemonade.

In the evening, Gracie had her sweet potatoes meal and milk, splashed around in her bath, then went night night. I enjoyed every single moment with her. Her bright eyed smiles are the highlight of my every day. Her hungry, sleepy tears, while heartbreaking, are the very reason I love being her Mommy, because I yearn to take care of my darling and give her everything she needs. 

We topped it off with some chocolate chip cookies at home, then getting in bed before 8 pm. Wow! It was a day filled with doing fun things that I enjoy. It feels amazing to be Gracie's Mom and I thoroughly enjoyed my first Mothers Day!

Motherhood is not a Competition

If there's one thing I've learned in a little over four months of Motherhood, it is this:

Motherhood is not a competition. I didn't always know this. But now I do. So I'll say it again... Motherhood is not a competition. 

It is not about who had the most ideal birth, the safest, the healthiest, the most natural, etc. It isn't about who need pain relief and who didn't, who pushed for the least or longest, or who didn't push at all. 

It isn't about who gave their child the healthiest food, be it breastmilk, homemade puréed baby foods, Organics, homemade formula, commercial formula, etc. Who cares? Did your baby eat? Good. Be thankful. 

It isn't about who kept their child at home the longest, or who didn't... Or who went back to work or who didn't. Some people get to stay at home, and others cannot. 

It isn't about who hit the gym the hardest or bounced back the fastest. 

It isn't about who maintained their social life pr who didn't. 

It isn't who spent the most or saved the most. 

It isn't about the best baby gear brands, cutest clothes, or best schools. 

And it sure as heck isn't about judging or criticizing other Mothers. 

It isn't about any of this crap. 

Motherhood is simply about loving your child unconditionally and being the best Mom you can be. It's also about being a Mother among other Mothers. Because it truly takes a village. 

If you think Mothers should stop being at war with each other, please share this article. Moms, we should stop the judging. We all need help and support from each other. 

Motherhood is not a competition. It is a community of millions of women who share similar joys and struggles. It's the best sorority in the world and you don't have to have any credentials to get in. You're born with the instincts to raise a child, and you're doing a great job! Keep up the good work and let's all encourage or compliment another Mother this weekend. 

I'm wishing all Moms a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. 

Dish of the Day

My old go-to breakfast was 3 or 4 whole eggs new and 3 (or 4) slices of bacon. I ate this meal literally every morning like clockwork. 

Now that I'm in baby weight loss mode, my NEW go-to breakfast is: (nothing against back really, still love it, just manikin' some changes...)

1 cup of raw spinach

2 eggs, 2 egg whites scrambled with black pepper 

Sometimes I substitute kale 

(And if I'm not lazy or rushed I'll add a tbls Of avocado 

At 3 months post partum, I had 10 lbs left to lose. Now 4 months post partum, I have 5 lbs left to lose til  I reach my pre-baby weight. 

#dishoftheday #fittip #fitThriftymom

Baby's First Float- My Review of America's First Infant Float Facility and Massage Spa

Today at lunchtime, myself and 3 other Moms from the Moms in the Heights group met up at Float Baby to do a fun activity with our infants - "Baby's First Float."

Float Baby is an Infant Spa where babies can move, float, splash around and 'swim,' enjoy water freedom, get a massage, hang with other babies, and Moms can socialize! It is the first facility in the U.S. of it's kind. There are 3 others like it around the world. Float Baby is located at Del Monte Drive at Voss here in Houston's Memorial/Galleria area. The business is owned and operated by Kristi Ison, a Certified Infant Massage Therapist and Entrepreneur.

Kristi is pictured below with her new float client, baby Olivia.

Since the Spa's opening 15 months ago, parents have found that babies eat more and sleep better after floating there. It is a wonderful infant movement activity. Newborns as young as 2 weeks old have come, and she has also accommodated infants as old as 9 months, but is more based on size than age.

The babies arrive and a head flotation device is placed around their neck so that they can move their limbs freely while enjoying their float in the spa. They are also given a satin-y swim diaper. This type of exercise for babies strengthens and develops their little muscles. It also is great for increasing mobility. Infants with torticollis benefit greatly from water therapy, and often see increased mobility- often as much as 5 degrees in turning their head after just one visit! Floating helps to relieve digestions issues in infants including gas and colic, and the combination of float along with massage relaxes the little ones as well. There are plenty of bath toys and bubbles in the spas to entertain them while they float.

My daughter, Gracie, sure enjoyed her float session! She loved spinning around and played in the water. She pushed herself off the bottom of the spa and moved all about. She smiled and chuckled. She made new friends and she worked up a good appetite too. She was ready to eat when she got out, and she'd eaten just before we arrived. Kristi, the Owner, also said they might take a much needed 3 or so hour nap afterwards. Sure enough, Gracie did! I am a firm believer that Aquatic Physical Therapy helps ease pain and ailments, is good for the brain and the soul, and is just plain fun.

The facility is just gorgeous! There are 3 spa tubs, comfortable and stylish lounge furniture and a massage pit in the middle where the babies lay on cushions post-float and Mommies can massage them. Organic oils and interactive instruction are provided. There are changing tables and scales there for convenience. The calming, clean white subway tiles give the space a sleek and modern look. The spa baths are immaculately cleaned. You can purchase innovative toys, baby apparel and accessories there, and you an even have your car washed while you enjoy the class from a service across the street! I mean WOW. Hello Service! The towels for drying babies off after the float are soft and warm. I can't say enough great things about this awesome place and cool experience! The babies loved it. So did the Moms!

My daughter, Grace...

Pictured below is my friend Kelli and her daughter, Olivia. They were there today!

Kristi offers an hour long class for $72...a 30 minute float and 30 minute massage for baby. Free coffee, sodas and water are available.

Man, my kid really lived it up today! And she totally should. That little fishy deserved it. She's my princess...



For more information about Float Baby, visit the website at www.floatbabies.com.

My 10 FAVORITE Baby items! MUST HAVES!

I have to say...I just couldn't get by without these 10 things. Before I had my daughter, I was given a list of what to register for. I kind of just discovered along the way that I needed these things, and now our family just can't imagine life without them! They can make unique gifts too! In no particular order, they are:

10. Daddy Diaper Bag - By: Diaper Dude
My husband is with our daughter just as much as I am. I'm pretty sure he would feel silly carrying my diaper bag, so he has his own! We ordered it from Amazon. It is a basic black cross-body male bag with lots of pockets! Can't beat it. It is $59.99 though. Not exactly a steal, but worth the comfort of him feeling manly and prepared.

http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Dude-Bag-Black/dp/B000G2B2PY

9. Swaddle - Take your pick
We have all of these and they are all great! Grace loves sleeping swaddled and cozy. In the beginning, Grace would only sleep if she was waddled, so I consider a swaddle to be invaluable!

The Halo Sleepsack Swaddle $17.99
http://www.target.com/p/halo-sleepsack-swaddle-100-cotton/-/A-12756497?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=12756497&CPNG=Baby&kpid=12756497&LID=9pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=12756497&kpid=12756497&gclid=CjwKEAjwx9KpBRCAiZ_tgYKWvhQSJABQjGW-ixxV5SzmojWa86Vw8cl3R1Vu2cMBKHoMExCc653ayhoC-YPw_wcB

The Ollie Swaddle $48.00
http://shop.theollieworld.com/shop/swaddles/pink-stripe/

Summer Infant Swaddle $20.00
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-SwaddleMe-Adjustable-Small-Medium/dp/B006YNM5DC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1429571368&sr=8-4&keywords=swaddle+me+summer+infant

8. White Noise Maker - By: Homemedics 
This item I purchased at CVS drug store. What a steal for $9.99!This little device provides the shush sound or rolling waves my little one needs to doze right off to sleep.

http://www.cvs.com/shop/household-grocery/electronics/audio/homedics-soundspa-mini-portable-sound-machine-skuid-807589

7. Hands Free Pumping Bra - By: Lansinoh
I use this bra every day, multiple times a day...in the car and at home. It is comfotable and secure.
I paid $34.99 at Babies R Us.

http://www.toysrus.com/buy/nursing-bras/lansinoh-simple-wishes-hands-free-pumping-bra-xs-l-53100-30823796

6. Hands Free Feeding Tools - Take Your Pick
I have and use all of these...

Bendy Armz $18.99
http://www.amazon.com/Bendy-Armz-Attachment-Stroller-Bottle/dp/B00P6WZ7QY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429582424&sr=8-1&keywords=hands+free+bottle+holder

Bottle Sling $19.95
http://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Feeding-Bebe-Sling-LLC/dp/B003Z6AO7U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1429582424&sr=8-2&keywords=hands+free+bottle+holder

Hands Free Bottle HOlder Bib $24.95
http://www.amazon.com/Hands-Bottle-Holder-Multi-Purpose-Bib/dp/B001KTWXLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429582572&sr=8-1&keywords=bottle+bib+hands+free

5. Bumbo Seat By: Bumbo
This was a hand me down gift, but I am so glad I have one because Gracie LOVES sitting up!
She can also eat in this little chair because it comes with a tray. It is a great little seat for them before being in the high chair to eat.  She hangs out in it all the time...when I am doing something and can't holder, when she wants to practice sitting up, when I am posing her for photos, etc. This item is $39.99 new.

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1452598/bumbo-floor-seat.jsp?ci_mcc=ci&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=93792975&utm_campaign=EC%20BABY%20NON-APPAREL&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=93792975&CID=shopping15&gclid=CjwKEAjwx9KpBRCAiZ_tgYKWvhQSJABQjGW-_b6n-LpcMWX0-EfUpPuWRT_tHulqYx-A8lhySJHgMBoCJkfw_wcB&dclid=CIHLxOyqhsUCFbB_MAodyVkApQ 

4. Pacifiers By: Phillips Avent
Two kinds of pacifiers, for different stages, and I couldn't have made it to 4 months old without either...My daughter is a pacifier baby. She loves to suck. Both of these styles by Avent have been a lifesaver.

Soothies are THE BEST for newborns..they are awesome!  These are often the type of paci offered in the Hospitals... $2.94 for a 2-pack.

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Avent-Soothie-Pacifier-Purple/dp/B0045I6IA4/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1429583496&sr=1-2&keywords=soothies

Also, the Avent 0-6 months pacifiers are the pnes she now loves. Once she got a little older (2 month and up,) she held these in her mouth well and they worked great for little Grace. They are $5.97 for a 2 pack. The shape works well for her face and mouth and this one seems to stay in better now that she has stronger jaw muscles.

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Avent-Translucent-Orthodontic-Pacifier/dp/B0057EEC3A

3. Orbit Bottle Labels By: Inchbug
If your infant or child is going to be in the care of another person besides you at any time, where there are multiple children, these are a DARLING must have item! They are silicone stretchy little bottle wraps. You can customize them. They remind me of a rubber bracelet around a bottle. Love them! Great gift idea!

http://www.inchbug.com/custom-orbit-labels.html


2. Comfort and Harmony Swing

We use this daily. She gets in it every morning, swings and talks to George, her stuffed animal Giraffe. She gets buckled in it. I feel safe with her in this, and It's fun for her. It plays soothing music that we also play for her when she goes down for naps. She loves it and it's just over $50.

http://m.target.com/p/comfort-harmony-portable-swing/-/A-14580482?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14580482&CPNG=Baby&kpid=14580482&LID=9pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14580482&kpid=14580482&gclid=CK6x5ca3h8UCFYsCaQodWnQAqw

1. Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Carrier

This is a lightweight infant carrier and I really like it. Weighing in at only 8 lbs, it is fairly easy to carry around. I am really happy all around with this car seat and it's base. $199

http://www.toysrus.com/products/maxi-cosi-car-seats.jsp

Maxi Cosi now lets you customize your car seat... Pretty cool!

http://www.maxicosicustom.com/mico-max-custom

It's a Monday...Just BREATHE!

It's Monday, April 20th, and it sure feels like a Monday. 

I woke up at six something to a wailing, fussy baby who was quickly pacified by nursing. I 'nipped' that one in the bud rather quickly. Hopefully she will have a good day, but my little stinker seems cranky...is today going to be one of those days? I should really just be thankful she sleeps through the night.

I wander into the kitchen only to find that one of my dogs was really pissed off at me, so he spitefully pooped on our Brazillian cowhide rug. Wow!  That'll be the last time I baby gate him off from us. I'm trying to find some way to turn this situation into some kind of non-negative thought. However, this is annoying and also disgusting, so it's a toughie! 

I'm cleaning up and then my husband comes home at 7 something, pretty exhausted from a 24 hour shift at the fire station. He's tired from working a fire from 2 am til 4 am and needs to sleep. No help here, but I understand. Just be thankful he made it home...thank you, Lord, for bringing my husband home to me. 

I feel the anxiety and stress flowing through my body and hovering over me like a rain cloud. Rain... Like the tons we have had lately that have made my back yard looking like a lake. Be thankful for rain and glad we aren't going through a drought, I tell myself. 

So I dart out to the local laundry mat to use their industrial sized washer and dryer to handle cleaning the rug. 

At least I didn't pay a hundred bucks for a cleaning company to come to the house and clean it for me. I just saved a ton of money. And bam! I think I just found the good in this 'shitty' situation. Ha!

Then it's off to the doctor for my weekly allergy shot so I can one day breathe while playing outside. 

At some point, I'll need to work. I have things to do, people to see, reports to submit, a house to clean, laundry to do, etc. Gotta eat some time in between too...and eat healthy at that, so I can lose these pesky 10 lbs that are really lurking and refuse to go away. Irritation.  Frustration. 

All the while, I'm taking 10 deep breaths, which I am now calling rescue breaths, to combat the tendency for my day to go south, go sour, or turn into a bad day, a MONDAY! I'm deeply breathing in slowly through my nose and out through my mouth to rescue myself from a meltdown. 

Every. Single. Day...It seems like! I'm constantly taking 10 breaths over and over...Because I don't have time to make it to yoga every day. 

I'm going through this life wishing I had it all together, pretending that I do. Maybe I can trick myself into believing that I'm highly organized and knowledge. Ha! 

During these deep breaths, initially I think of how bad certain situations are, how people suck, and how overwhelming and busy life can be. I think of how badly I want change...a better attitude, a less busy life, a bigger house, less bills to pay, etc. Then, as I'm breathing, I think of the bigger picture. I keep telling myself to be thankful. I start to calm down. I think of how grateful I should be that I have a job to do, a home to live in and care for, an angelic daughter to love, an amazing husband to go through this life with, and dogs to bring joy to our lives. Not everyone has these things. 

These things aren't guarantees. They are blessings. I really do have the tendency to let things allow me to quickly become negative, and disturb the peace and joy of my day. 

I then stop and think of how there are people out there in really bad situations. There are lots of people facing illness and even death. These are big things. Dog poop on a rug doesn't seem significant anymore. 

My Mom's friend was recently put on hospice. She's expected to live 1 week. Mom will go visit her in a few days to say her final good byes. How hard is that? And how sad...She will lose her battle with cancer all too soon. But this woman has a great attitude. I need to have a great attitude. Also, My Best friend's mom has been in the hospital since last Wednesday with a very rare and severe cranial spine bacterial infection attacking her bone, all because of some pork she ate while vacationing in Mexico. This is truly awful. She's not doing well. These are BIG things. These are serious things. Everything else is petty. 

I'm a highly emotional and sensitive person. Moody too. But I have no excuse NOT to have a great attitude. I have my health. While I may have a mildly uncomfortable case of Dequariveins and some wrist bone bruising, I'll make it. Be thankful, I tell myself. Take your 10 deep breaths. Keep doing it.  I don't have a simple, easy, always blissful life, but I have everything I need and most of what I want. I am blessed and I'll make it through one stressful day after another. But I need to enjoy each day in this life. Really enjoy all the moments, instead of letting them stress me out! 

I won't get home til late tonight. I'll have to work at our gym after work. I will finally get home from my day after 7 PM, I'll have to do dinner, clean up, shower, put  Gracie to bed and then finally, I'll go to sleep myself. I'll say my prayers and I will take 10 rescue breaths again. I will thank God for all the blessings he's given me this day. And I will hope to wake in the morning. But there's no promise for tomorrow, so I should really keep trying every day to be positive, handle the curve balls as they're thrown, try to thoroughly enjoy each day that I've been given, not sweat the small stuff and be thankful. 

We all should.  Just remember to breathe! 

Why children should have a pet...

Today, April 11, 2015, is National Pet Day. 

I can think of at least 8 good reasons why your child should have a pet. My preference is a dog, but any loving animal will do the trick, I suppose.

Here are some...

1. Pets provide extra love to brighten anyone's day! A child can further experience love by loving a family pet. 

2. Cuddling with a pet reduces stress, loneliness and anxiety in kids (and adults.)

3. Sharing the responsibilities of caring for a pet including, feeding, grooming, walking it, etc. makes sibling bonds stronger. 

 

4. Handling pet care duties teaches responsibility and hard work early in children. 

5. Children who are reading or learning to read feel comfortable reading out loud to a pet, moreso than to a parent or sibling. 

6. Children who grow up with a pet have less of a risk of developing allergies. 

7. Kids with pets go outside more! (Playtime, walks, etc )

8. A study found that children with pets had better social skills and self esteem

If you've been considering adopting or buying a pet, do it! It will add joy to your life!

We have two dogs. 

Parker is a 4 year old Yellow lab who we adopted when he was 1 from a Labrador rescue. He's our original baby and we love this active, but lazy buddy. He's obsessed with the tennis ball and makes us laugh. Parks thinks he's a human. 

We also have a Terrier/Poodle mix , Otis, who wandered into our back yard last summer. He is 5 years old. We weren't able to find his owners so we gladly kept him! OTie thinks he's a cat and acts like one. He's timid but demanding. He loves giving kisses and we love giving them to him! 

Our pets get along very well.  They love each other and are the best of friends and brothers. It's truly precious. 

These dogs are wonderful additions to our family. They are gentle and sweet with our 3 month old baby girl, Grace.

They are protective of her and she loves them! 

Our family is filled with so much more joy and love because of our dogs and daughter! 

Happy National Pet Day!