4 Months

At four months, he's into Scully. He's enthralled with her.



And, surprisingly, she's very gentle with him. She loves to sit next to him and lick his toes and hands. She'll cozy up to his face, showing her love. And in return, he loves to grab her ears, her necklace, and poke her eyes.



He's also into rolling over. But now that he can do it, he doesn't. Weird huh? He's sleeping through the night and has been since I went back to work. Of course there are a few set backs like he'll wake up around 4am but, the best part is he'll talk himself back to sleep. We just lay in bed listening to him babble then he's out again. It's really cute. He usually sleeps about 10 hours at night and about 3 or 4 hours during the day.



And speaking of babbling, this kid can babble! We don't know who he gets that from. He's also serious. Very, VERY serious. But all you have to do is change his diaper or change his clothes and he's all giggly again.



He's officially in 3-6 month clothes. I think he's around 17 lbs. but we'll find out tomorrow at his 4 month appt. (shots!) Actually, I think he's thinning out a little - staying the same weight but growing in length. Still a boob boy 100% (I work! It's amazing!)



Justin is doing good with him at home. They watch tpt (PBS) during tummy time and lunch, it's the only channel he'll let Jules watch.



"Come on dad, mom lets me watch Maury Povich when she's home."

Perspective

If you have cable television in Minnesota, then you have countless channels of cable access. (Tens of TENS!) We have one for Fridley. Guess what's on it? You name it. From the lunch menu at the elementary school that airs for about four hours, to the most recent city hall meeting.

(booooorrring. Actually, that's how Justin found out the Northstar Rail will start in November. He's all caffeinated up on it and wants to ride it the first day it rolls. Cause that's how he wants to roll, by train.)

Anyway, the cable access channels are something we hurriedly pass over when channel surfing. Because they ARE boring. But I feel bad. I remember when I was in school and parents would record our events. Band concerts, color guard performance, and... well... that's all we did. Oh, wait, I was in some musicals. I'm sure my parents have a tape of those somewhere. Anyway, if Friendswood had cable access, all those things would have aired on it.

Being past musicians (can we call ourselves that? We both played in College for some time. I'm gonna say.... yes, we were musicians.) and Drum Corps alumni, people always ask Jules, "You gonna be a horn player?"

I usually respond for him saying, "He can play anything he wants, even color guard!" (We're still waiting for his answer of course.) But the reality is, he'll probably take up an instrument. An instrument that we won't have any idea about (sax - oh dear, we BOTH hope not.). And he'll play it. Very, very badly for a few years. And we'll be forced to listen to him and 50 other out of tune players. And it will be on cable access boring others and they'll hurriedly change the channel too.

But, we'll do it because we love him and we want to encourage him to be the best player he can be. To be the all-star musician his dad, Aunt Heather and Uncle Joe are - me, I'm mediocre. Our parents had to endure us sucking it up for a few years before we started sounding "decent" (Well, Heather was the exception to the rule. That chick was 1st damn chair from year one. Always jealous of that.) They had to sit through countless concerts and then proceed to tell us we sounded great!

Although Jules is only *almost* four months old, I'm realizing all the stuff we'll have to endure - and possibly hate - is just part of parenthood.* And, you know what, I'm fine with that. Actually, I'm excited to see him learn, grow and excel at whatever he decides to play, instrument or not.

*It's still hard for me to realize we're parents. Parents are adults, Justin and I aren't adults, we don't feel like adults. I'm only 5 feet tall. Adults are taller and so are parents.

We've Been Waiting For This

This could be the reason for some recent fussiness.



And the real thing (it's been really rainy here and I didn't turn on the lights - sorry for the darkness. It was 4pm! Minnesota and your weird weather.):

800

We're heading to Duluth this weekend. I know, super exciting. Actually, it is. I've never been and if Justin has, it's been more than a decade (we're old enough now to measure in terms of decades). Really, the reasons I want to go are 1)I'm still new to Minnesota and want to explore 2) we like stay-cations, and 3)I saw some really cool stuff about Duluth in one of the MANY shows I've watched for work.

(Which, by the way, I've published over 800(!!!) shows - meaning I've watched almost all of them. Yes, this is my job and I get paid to do it. I'm becoming the go-to person if you want to know the gist of a show.)

So, if I may shamelessly plug my work, here are some shows you might find of interest - who knows, it might prompt a visit to Minnesota (Thanks Team Voltron!):

This is for Team Voltron: State Fair People, Summit Ave, The Gateway

I wish I'd gone up north (or Nort as some MN's call it) sooner. I'd be picking blueberry's at the Makinen Blueberry Patch.

I'll have to add this to our list of places to eat. Potica. But it's even WAY more nort than Duluth.

The Cider Man of Duluth - I need to bring him all my apples!

Hmm, this seems to revolve around food. I'm sure Duluth has more to offer. Let's see.

Bayfield isn't that far from Duluth - by boat. But seeing some of the best preserved lighthouses might be worth a boat ride.

Lock and Dam #5

On our way up, we should stop at Frank Lloyd Wright's service station. It's the only one he ever did!

I don't think we can go in, but maybe a drive by of Bob Dylan's childhood home would be interesting.

I could go on and on. 800 shows, remember? Looking for something specific? Let me know, I've probably seen it. And give me time, I'll probably visit it.

In the Land of Pop...

I said Coke and it was clearly a Fresca.

Memories

I can remember the first time I ate a french fry. I'm sure I had one or two when I was a toddler, but in my memory, it happened when I was either four or five years old. It was thick compared to my little fingers and very potatoey and I just about fell in love with them. I also remember them coming from a place with a girl who had red pigtails. My parents brought it home for us to eat and it was a treat because my mom always cooked dinner. After that, I'm pretty sure I wanted a french fry every day.

(Who knows when my love for bean burritos happened. I'm sad it wasn't as magical as a french fry.)

Fast forward 26 years or so. During my first trimester, I had dreams. Weird dreams. Dreams that revolved around Miller Lite. I couldn't HAVE Miller Lite and my mind was laughing at me, teasing me, saying, "You got pregnant and now you can't drink, so suck it up!"

Tuesday was our wedding anniversary (eight years, thank you). Almost one full year since my last cold Miller Lite. I ordered one with dinner. And let me tell you, it was like tasting that french fry all over again. The ice-coldness, the Miller Liteness, it was like I was tasting it for the first time (and this time really enjoying it). I wanted to chug it. But, we were having a somewhat classy dinner, on our anniversary with a baby sitting next to me. So I savored it, enjoying it with my dinner and cheesecake and that was it.



First Miller Lite post-baby. Tender.

3 Months

3 months already? Where did the time go? He's been the best baby, but 3 months, by far is the best age. He's very active. Talking, laughing (LAUGHING! It's so cute!), eating his hand, smiling at anyone who talks to him. He discovered his hands a few weeks back and not only do they taste good, but he realized he can touch things with them.



He loves taking a bath and it shows in all the splashing going on. It's almost like he doesn't know he's doing it but loves it when water goes everywhere. He doesn't like loud noise. No vacuum, cell phones at 7am, or Justin sneezing. He discovered the t.v. and is enthralled with it. This afternoon, he watched "Lord of the Rings: Two Towers." I told him it's a little too scary for him, but he insisted.

Jules' going through a growth spurt right now, but at his 2 month appointment, he weighed 12 pounds. I'm pretty sure he's 2 pounds heavier by now.




I think he's the cutest, happiest baby out there. I'm so glad he's ours.

New Routine

My maternity leave is over. I'm so glad I got the summer off. Justin will do great with Jules, but I'm sad.

I like my job, the people I work with, and a paycheck, but I like Jules more.

He's just so cute and sweet.



I'm gonna miss looking at his cute face all day. Lucky Justin.

Road Trip

Since I've taken the attitude that my maternity leave is really a vacation, we decided to go on one! We drove to Utah with a stop in Nebraska to visit my brother and sister-in-law (and kids). My niece wanted to hold him all the time. But her mom wouldn't share. Can't say I blame her!

Jules is a great traveler. At least at this age.

At Grandmas, hanging out in the carport. Because that's what we do on nice summer nights in Utah.



Taking a MUCH needed nap.



Justin holding Cousin Anne's baby, Kate (one month younger than Jules). She's super tiny compared to my big boy!



On our way home, we visited Mount Rushmore. We got there late in the afternoon so we saw it during the day and night. I highly recommend the lighting ceremony. Jules, of course, slept through it.



No trip through South Dakota is complete without stopping at Wall Drug. Jules says, "Meh, Dad, She seems kinda cheesy like this place."



Happy to be home and out of the car!

Cloth Diaper Fashion Show

First up, I owe you pictures of Jules' room!





Awesome chair that we waited more than the 6-8 weeks quoted. It's so nice and comfy. My mom whipped up those curtains while she was here. She's so talented.

I don't consider myself a hippie, crunchy or granola in any way (not that it's bad to be), but I really like cloth diapers. I think the more people are aware of the different types of diapers out there and how to use them, then the idea of cloth won't be seen as something foreign.

Back when I first mentioned we were going the cloth route, I really didn't know how it would go. Justin was all for it, often asking, "can we try it all day today?" I was the one hesitant to go all day. But once I got over the hang ups I had (what if they leak, will they fit him right, etc.) and the fact that he had diaper rash with disposables, the cloth diapers cleared it up in no time, I was sold.

So let me show you my cloth diapers and how I use them.

First up, I have about 8 fitted diapers with 3 covers, 14 All-in-Ones (or AIO's), 2 pocket diapers, one size and 2 pocket diapers, size small, and numerous pre-folds.

Here's a picture of my diaper drawer.


The colorful ones (blue, yellow, green) diapers are bumGenius. These are AIO's and by far, my favorite diaper. Just below those are the fitted diapers called Kissaluvs (light green and yellow). They require diaper covers and worked really well when he was smaller. They have a snap for the umbilical cord and are nice and soft. But once wet, you have to change them pretty fast since there is nothing to pull moisture away from baby's skin. They still fit and I use them when he's awake.

To the left of those, are 4 diapers. Two are bumGenius' one size pocket diaper (fits through potty training) and Fuzzi Bunz size small. Pocket diapers are good because you can add more absorbent layers inside the pocket for heavy wetters or long nap times. Although the Fuzzi Bunz is a small, it's still a little big on Jules. It has two rows of snaps so you can get a good fit. All the bumGenius diapers have Velcro. I personally prefer Velcro because I can get it nice and snug on him. And behind those (really colorful ones) are fitted diapers my mom made. (free pattern online)




The other side of the drawer consists of pre-folds which I use with the 3 covers (again, when he's awake and I can change him as soon as he needs it). Next to those are the "soaker" inserts for pocket diapers. All four came with inserts and a soaker to add for nap time or if your baby is a heavy wetter. Behind those are my 3 covers and then a few disposables. (I keep a few on hand when all the diapers are in the wash or we're going out of town or just when I'm lazy and don't want to do a lot of wash. It happens.)

On to the fashion show:

Up first, we have the fitted diaper, Kissaluvs. Size zero, these should fit him until about 15 lbs. The texture of these actually help contain messes which have never leaked on me, even with the messiest diaper. They are really soft but with such thick material, they take a while to dry. I was worried about staining but after washing, I just let them dry in the sun and it removes the stains. (None of my diapers have any stains on them because of sun drying.)




The onesie test:



Not too bad. A little bulky, but like I said, I only put these on him when he's awake and at home because he goes through them pretty quick.

I paid about $12 for each one. I found most of these on Craigslist new, but there are plenty of used ones for sale too.

Up next, Fuzzi Bunz size small pocket diaper. I purchased two to try out different brands of pocket diapers. I can see why people like these. Super soft fleece that pulls moisture away from baby, easy to stuff and two rows of snaps for a good fit. Size small will fit Jules up to 18 lbs. They dry really fast in the dryer because you pull the insert out to wash (you do this with all pocket diapers prior to washing).







The onesie test:



Jules wasn't too happy. Poor guy. Trimmer than the Kissaluvs but with two rows of snaps it can get bunchy on Jules. Fuzzi Bunz has a higher rise than Kissaluvs, and with elastic in the back for the pocket, it holds in messes. Remember, remove the insert prior to washing. I pull it out when I change him and then drop both in the diaper pail (which I'll talk about in a bit).

I paid about $17 for each one. You can find all sorts of pocket diapers on craigslist or diaperswappers.com. And if you can sew, there are a few good patterns (kwik sew) some are even free. Just do a search online.


Next up, the bumGenius AIO's. These have a built in soaker with an opening in the back to add another one if you need to. The layer next to the baby's skin is a soft fleece so it pulls moisture away, leaving the skin dry. They are nice and trim, much like a disposable and come in lots of cute colors. These are popular with father's and grandparent's because they are just like disposables except you don't throw them away.



The onesie test:



Nice and trim, just like a disposable. Justin really likes these and if these are in the drawer, he'll use them first.

If you're out and about, the AIO can be rolled up just like a disposable:



Then, with the Velcro tabs, you just overlap and it holds the diaper closed.



But when you're changing at home, you don't have to roll it up like that. Just remove from baby and toss in the diaper pail.

I paid about $16 for each one. I've bought from two different sources, Kellyscloset.com and a local place here in Minnesota.

The only problem I have with AIO's, they take a really long time to dry. And because of the type of material used for the waterproof outer layer, they can't be dried on high heat (medium or less). So that's why I hang them to dry for most of the day, then throw them in the dryer and that seems to finish them up. But other than that, I LOVE these diapers.

And, finally, bumGenius One Size Cloth Diaper 3.0. This diaper will grow with him all the way up to potty training.




This is a pocket diaper and comes with a doubler that can be sized to fit as your baby grows.




These fit him the same as the AIO bumGenius (no photo). I really like the concept of this diaper - growing with him, but I find stuffing it is harder than the Fuzzi Bunz. I don't know why. It might just be me. But I really like this diaper too.

You can buy these at Kellyscloset.com and Target.com. I used a gift card I received at one of my baby showers for a two pack at target.com. They run about $15 each. But, since you can use them through potty training, that's a pretty good investment.

The initial cost of cloth can be high. I hate to say it, but I've probably spent about $300 (maybe more?) over the course of my pregnancy and the past month buying diapers. But, I've only bought one small package of disposables since his birth. We were gifted a few packages that got us to the point of using cloth full time. I still have about 40 disposables left and we rarely use them. So, while the initial cost can be high, it doesn't have to. Craigslist and diaperswappers.com are great places to find gently used diapers. And when you're done with diapers and little ones, sell them!

Additional information: You'll need a diaper pail and a Wet Bag. This bag has a liner to help keep smells contained. I also have a smaller one for my diaper bag. It holds about 3-4 dirty diapers. I just throw both bags in the wash with the diapers. My diaper pail is just a rubbermaid garbage container (from Target). I keep the lid open for air to circulate. His room doesn't smell because I wash diapers every other day. Now, regarding really messy diapers, I haven't had any issues with leaks at all. Disposables on the other hand, does "up the back" ring a bell?

Jules is breastfed so messy diapers are treated just like a wet diaper; I throw them in the diaper pail and wash on wash day. But once he starts eating solid foods, I have options. 1) To shake anything that will come out in the toilet and be done or 2) use a liner in the diaper so I can just throw that and whatever it catches in the toilet. Some people have a diaper sprayer attached to their toilet to make cleaning them a little easier. I might consider that when the time comes. But really, messy diapers or not, it's not a big deal.

I wash all diapers, covers, bags, and inserts together. Washing instructions vary by brand but I do a pre-wash with no detergent on cold, then a hot wash with detergent with an extra rinse on cold. Then I hang them to dry outside, with the inside of the diapers facing the sun to get rid of any stains. Once mostly dry, I throw them in the dryer to finish. I could try drying them in the dryer but it would take all day and a lot of power/gas. That's why I hang them. It's free and easy.


That's it! It sounds daunting and complicated. I know, because I was really confused at first. But, remember KISS? Keep It Simple Stupid. I bought only a few different brands, found the best ones and a system that works for all three of us. I'm no expert on the subject, but I hope this helps anyone considering making the switch. And, seriously, they are CUTE! I love taking his picture wearing a cloth diaper!

Good luck and let me know what you think!

2 Months

That's my smiley boy! Even though Jules is still considered a newborn, he doesn't feel like that tiny baby I held for the first time 2 months ago. He's packed on the pounds! Actually, everyone is comparing him to his cousin who is 5 months older than him. She's petite and small. He's right where he should be weight wise.

Jules babbles and coos and loves to talk to us now. Sometimes, it's at 4am when we're trying to fall back asleep. Other times, it's while he's eating. So we just laugh and talk back to him, even at 4am.

He went on his first plane ride last weekend. I'm sure the other passengers were nervous seeing us walk on with a baby, but he did great and we couldn't be more proud of him.

He still loves his bouncy seat and swing, but now we've introduced the baby bjorn into rotation. He likes it if you keep moving. Because if you're sitting, you might as well be holding him.

For the past two nights, he has slept really well. We've had 3, 4 and sometimes 5 hour blocks of sleep! Great for the family, but not so much for the boobs. Hopefully, we'll get it all worked out before I go back to work (after Labor Day, I'm excited, but really sad).

He's scheduled for his 2 month shots tomorrow. Little does he know what he's in for.


I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of this tomorrow. I'm sorry Jules.

DCI Recap

Justin, Jules and I headed to Indianapolis last weekend for DCI. It was Jules' first flight and he did great.



Our little traveler too small for his stroller.


While the venue was great...for football, it wasn't ideal for Drum Corps. We took Jules to Quarter finals. He watched the back of his eye lids for most of it, but when he was awake, he was mesmerized.

Not so much with Blue Devils, though.

Jules says, "Blue Devils, Meh."

- Not a great venue but 100% loved climate control and comfy seats.
- Troopers made it to finals after 23 years
- Top 12 shows were all entertaining (or partially entertaining)
- Regiment went from 1st last year to 9th this year. Yikes

Next year, Jules will stay home if we decide to go. But I'm sure this won't be the last show he'll see.

Another Birth...Sort of

I've been blogging for a while now (almost 5 years?) and while my blog has generally been about me and the mundane things of my life - you know, things like moving, new jobs, running a marathon, having a baby (who won't sleep at the moment) - I feel it's been hard for me to keep you, my readers interested when the subject matter is all over the place. And I'd like to generate new readers from the blog-o-sphere (ha! Justin loves it when I jokingly use that word).

With that said, I decided to start up another website with a specific purpose.

queenofcoupons.com

How the heck did I get such an awesome domain name? John Hawkins and his impulse to buy awesome domain names even when he has no intention of using them...right away.

Since I had been posting my recent deals from CVS and other stores, John offered me queenofcoupons.com and I accepted his offer. And while I enjoy finding great coupons, I really enjoy finding the best deal, even if a coupon isn't involved.

At queenofcoupons.com, you'll find coupons and how to maximize them, generally awesome deals (with or without coupons), freebies, and ways to keep more cash in your pocket.

The site is still a work in progress but I have posted some deals that expire today (school supplies!), so head over, take a look, let me know what you think.

Jessi will still be my go-to place when I need to vent or just share cute pictures of my boy. Who, by the way, is really cute and loves to laugh and smile.







But this is him at the moment - He.Who.Hates.to.SLEEP!

CVS Deals: July 25 - August 1

I got all this for $7.11! Here's how I did it:

I started off with $7.99 of ECB's from a previous purchase last week and did three transactions. (Photo books were on sale, buy one at $7.99 and get $7.99 in ECB's. I did this twice paying out of pocket for the first book.)

Transaction #1:
Arm & Hammer Detergent 2/$6
Colgate: $2.88

Total: $9.87 - $.75 (colgate coupon) - $7.99 ECB's = $1.26 (w/ tax) out of pocket. SWEET!
Earned: $2 ECB's for Arm & Hammer and $2 ECB for Colgate

Transaction #2:
Snickers x2 $1.34 (I needed a filler so I could use one ECB from the previous transaction)
Shampoo $2.99
Mouse $2.99

Total: $7.32 - $2.99 (B1G1 for the Shampoo/mouse) - $1 (snickers) - $2 (ECB's from the Colgate) = $1.85 (w/ tax)
Earned: $1.00 for the shampoo

Transaction #3:
Kashi crackers 3/$10

Total: $10.00 - $1.50 coupon x2(found here) - $1 (ECB from the Shampoo) - $2.00 (ECB from the Arm & Hammer) = $4.00 (w/ tax)
Earned: $5.00 for the crackers!

I had a problem printing the 3rd coupon, it would have been a better deal had it printed. Usually you can only print two but if you use two different web browsers and/or two computers you can print up to four times.

So I walked out with all of that and with $5.00 in my pocket for next time.