Uncategorized – Page 78

Mammoth Family Trip: Day One

July 24, 2010 by Danielle

We began our journey a bit off schedule. I had asked Joseph if we could leave super early so E would sleep most of the way and we wouldn’t throw him off his schedule too much. But my loving husband chose sleep over leaving early…

We rushed to get everything into the car and than went to change E’s diaper and clothes for the ride. We realized we didn’t have the snappi for E’s prefolds. And I needed that snappi… Prefolds were what I was counting on as my main diaper source while on vacation since we have more of these than any other type of diaper.

With a phone call to Grandma Ann we found the snappi and made a detour before hitting the road. Once we had our snappi in hand it was off to the 15 north!

About three hours into our drive I was starving and E needed a break so we stopped by a Denny’s even though Joseph doesn’t quite care for it 😉

I didn’t realize how much this magna doodle would save us on this trip… it kept E entertained for each meal at a restaurant. We now plan on bringing it to every restaurant no matter what looks we receive from other restaurant goers. Much better than a screaming child and a cold meal!

E kept us entertained on the whole way up… he made funny faces and learned lots of new words (see the left hand side of the blog to see all his new words!)

This is the road we saw for quite some time…

And finally a glimmer of light in our long journey! Food! We stopped at Schat’s Bakery for a sandwich, some cookies (ok… for those who know Joseph… lots of cookies) and a few other pastries.

E even got a pony ride!

When we started to see snow on the mountains we knew we were close!

We finally arrived at the condo that Joseph’s Aunt Louise graciously let us stay in and E was ready to explore! Luckily there was a pond filled with fish right outside the screen door ready for him to play with. And, as we found out later in our trip, there was even a bigger pond just beyond this one with DUCKS!

A view from the back of the condo

And a shot of Joseph trying to wrap up a few things for work before storing the laptop away for the weekend and enjoying himself…

We were so exhausted after the drive that we may have passed out at around 8:30…

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Mammoth Mountain, traveling with a toddler, Trips

Sneak Peek of our First Family Trip

July 18, 2010 by Danielle

This is the view from our condo… About a quarter mile past the small pond (with fish!) is a big pond with fish and ducks. There’s a meadow with intertwining creeks and lots of fun for a 17 month old. We’ll have more pictures when we get home.

Today we went to Devil’s Postpile and tomorrow we head for Yosemite’s Bridal Veil Falls (plus fun stops along the way). We’re still figuring out what to do Monday but we have time! Loving every minute of this fun vacation.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Trips

E’s Family/Friends Birthday Party

February 28, 2010 by Danielle

I made a few gift bags for the kids…

Melissa of Le Petit Kupkak made some DELICIOUS cupcakes for E’s birthday gift (recipe here)

I made the cake (Dorie’s Perfect Party Cake)

Tessa took a few pictures of E devouring (not) his cupcake

Mom, you can’t force me to eat the cupcake!

Ok… the frosting is pretty good.

And I LOVED smushing the cupcake through my fingers… see?

Opening gifts

Look what E got!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Birthday

Charlie Brown Halloween Costume for Baby

November 1, 2009 by Danielle

We had a wonderful day today. It all started with pumpkin carving and ended with a wonderful Halloween party at my neighbor’s mother’s house. Little E had a wonderful time with all the kids and I took many pictures!

Everyone loved his costume and we got many compliments for it. Most were shocked to find we made it ourselves but it was so simple I couldn’t see NOT making it!

Since this was Ethan’s first Halloween we didn’t want a costume that would make him too hot or uncomfortable so we stuck with an easy Charlie Brown costume. A t-shirt with a squiggle and shorts, how simple is that!

How to make a Charlie Brown Halloween Costume for Baby

What you’ll need:

A dark yellow t-shirt
black felt
No-sew fabric glue
black shorts
brown shoes

What you do:

Ok guys… this can’t get more simple. Cut your black fabric in a zig-zag pattern. Apply No-Sew to the back of the fabric and adhere to shirt. Let dry completely.

Try the shirt on, add the black pants and brown shoes and your Charlie Brown is ready for his big debut! Remember to add Snoopy for an added touch so no one will ask what your little man is for Halloween.

Extra bonus points if baby is still bald… like mine!

My husband made an iron-on transfer for his shirt that had a picture of Charlie Brown and it said “Wah, Wah, Wah” all over it and underneath Charlie it said “Charlie Brown’s Dad” so everyone would know what the “Wah, Wah, Wah” meant. So cleaver he is!

And one more showing Charlie Brown with his Pirate mommy… my neighbor is the lady in front of me with the most adorable panda bear 🙂 He’s 5 months old and we always talk about how E and him are going to be the best of buds when they’re older.

E and his buddy. And shortly after this was taken…

He didn’t know what he did wrong 🙂

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!

Filed Under: Baby, Halloween, Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: costumes, DIY costumes, Firsts, halloween, halloween costumes, Holidays

Safety: Baby Proofing

October 26, 2009 by Danielle

We changed things around in our living room to accommodate our new lifestyle. One of the major things we needed to do was to find storage for E’s toys. Since he’s had a fond interest in the end tables we decided to take all the junk we were storing in them and filling them with his toys. He loves it! He can go in at any time to pick up a toy or two and than is on his way.

And he loves the fireplace area so much we decided to just put a whole bunch of toys up there too so he doesn’t climb up and hurt himself. We put a bunch of his soft blocks in the wicker basket (to the right of E in the picture) and put his bumbo with Tad his leap frog frog in it to block the space that he’s currently occupying in the picture above.

It’s kept him from getting into too much trouble. He knows where he can go and what drawers he can get into (i.e. pots and pans drawer). He hasn’t yet tried for any of the other drawers/cupboards yet *crosses fingers*. His favorite spot lately is the coffee table we’re using to house our cable box/DVDs/Wii and Wii games/etc. He loves to pull up on the table and cruise from one side to the other getting into all the fun stuff up top.

I really didn’t want to hide everything/tape stuff off/put up blockers because E is going to go to other houses with the same types of set ups. I would rather redirect him from something dangerous/off limits than to completely block it from him so that when he goes somewhere new where it’s available he goes right for it. It’s worked for us so far!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Miscellaneous

Breastfeeding: A Vent

October 8, 2009 by Danielle

Can I vent a little here?? When I first got pregnant (well… I guess before then too) I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to successfully breastfeed my baby. I read about all of the health benefits of breastmilk and the statistics of breastfed babies vs. formula fed babies. I was very aware of the different problems I could have and the ways to get help if needed.

Now that I am actually breastfeeding I am lucky enough to have had no major problems and no supply issues. I had a bit of thrush early on but that was quickly resolved by applying yeast cream to the nips (yes, I put vag yeast cream on my boobs!). E seems to enjoy breastfeeding as much as I do and it just feels so natural.

Now that I’ve been breastfeeding for 7.5 months I’m starting to get comments from various people about when I am going to stop. Why do people feel the need to ask this? Why would I consider stopping? Why would I share this personal information with others??? I completely understand if a family member or close friend were to ask this if they were truly curious but I get this comment from people I barely know and from co-workers.

My standard answer is I’ll stop when he wants to. And I get various reactions. Some are shocked that I would even think about breastfeeding after he gets teeth or after he turns one. Others ask if he wants to keep breastfeeding until he’s in school will I continue. And sometimes I get the jaw-drop. “Seriously? You’d breastfeed for that long? Isn’t that a bit weird?” Again, there’s a line… and they just crossed it. I shouldn’t have to justify myself with regards to how I raise/care for my child.

And FWIW, I will probably try to wean E when he’s two if he hasn’t already done so himself. I don’t mind getting through the teething. I don’t mind the night wakings. I don’t mind his using me for comfort by nursing. I actually quite enjoy it. I am nourishing my baby and he is thriving. And if he chooses to earlier than we’ll do that.

This post is in no way criticizing those who choose to formula feed, or who breastfeed for a few months. I think that whatever works out best for the family is the best thing to do. And this works for us.

Now you tell me how you feel on the subject. I know I don’t have a lot of readers but those of you who read my blog… let me know how you feel 🙂

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Breastfeeding, Crunchy, Miscellaneous, Vent

Ethan Joseph is here!

February 24, 2009 by Danielle

He was born on Sunday, February 22nd at 2:45pm. Delivery went well (as it could have). Water broke at 7:45am. We called L & D shortly after (I took a shower and ate first). They told us to come in. We came in and I was having no contractions/no pain and was only 1cm dilated. We tried to walk around a bit to get contrax going but weren’t progressing so they had to put me on pitocin 🙁

I tried to labor it out without going for meds but had to at least get something to take the edge off. At that time I was 3cm dilated. When that wore off I couldn’t handle it anymore and went for the epidural. I was about 4 cm dilated at the time. After an hour or two of intense pressure they checked again and I was at 9cm! Shortly thereafter I was ready and so was he. His head was right there ready to come out!

After 30 minutes of pushing he joined us. Throughout the pushing I had no tears and than when he came out I did tear quite a bit because he came so fast. But I don’t mind it. He’s just perfect. He’s 7 pounds 13.5 ounces and 21 inches long. He has blonde hair like his mama and papa and his eyes are gray-blue for now. We’ll see what they are in a few months. More pictures to come when we get settled.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Birth Story, Life

Our Kitchen Remodel (Almost) Complete!

February 10, 2009 by Danielle

I just wanted to share a few photos of our (almost) complete kitchen remodel.

The only things we have left to do are install the knobs and pulls and repair/paint the window sill. I couldn’t be more happy with the results. Joseph worked long hours to make sure that the kitchen was done before the bridal shower I threw Amanda and all of his hard work definitely paid off.

I now have a beautiful kitchen to cook and entertain in. The extra space is just wonderful and all of the details help to make the kitchen easier to use. From spice racks next to the stove to fully extending pull out drawers in the pantry this kitchen is our dream kitchen.

I’ll take pictures of the different components and post those soon but wanted to show the over all changes 🙂

A view from the barstools overlooking the main counter space

Dog food bowls… now you see them…

Now you don’t! When we entertain we can push the bowls in

Can lighting that Joseph installed along with our pantry and broom closet (left) and extra counter & cabinet space (right). From right to left on the bottom cabinets we have a cabinet for our trash & recycle bins, a cabinet with a stand for my KA mixer, a lazy susan corner cabinet, and a cookie tray rack.