tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68242009611770804042024-02-19T14:59:58.464-08:00Queen Rabbit's RealmThe irreverent musings of a slightly crunchy mother of 5-the astronaut, princess, the squirrel, side salad, popcorn-and elementary school teacher. I am a semi-crunchy, slightly attached, cloth diapering, breastfeeding mama.Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-77784477630953098672019-04-17T05:44:00.000-07:002019-04-22T12:48:11.817-07:00Parenting with GraceA few days ago, Squirrel [age 13] spilled red koolaid on my white jeans. Let pause and say that I rarely buy koolaid. It isn't healthy at all. But since we're on spring break, I conceded.<br />
So, she knocks over the RED koolaid on my WHITE jeans and my heart drops. My first impulse was to yell and be mad but it was honestly an accident. We all have accidents. She already felt bad about it. So instead, we googled "how to get koolaid out of white jeans" and she followed the steps. My jeans are white, she learned a new skill, and all is well. The rest of the day, this intense kiddo was much calmer than usual and more affectionate.<br />
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The next day, I started thinking about it and came to some realizations. I was hot because I looovvvveee those jeans. But sometimes we gotta fight the impulses and look past how we feel in the moment because there are a LOT of lessons she learned:<br />
1. Be more careful.<br />
2. How to remove stains.<br />
3. How to use Google for something useful.<br />
4. How to be calm even when you're super pissed (from watching me).<br />
5. One mistake isn't the end of the world or even a day ruiner.<br />
6. Be accountable and fix it when you mess up.<br />
7. Own up to your mistakes; don't hide them.<br />
8. Treat others with grace.<br />
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All of that is more important than how mad I was if she had messed up my doggone pants [which are replaceable anyways]. Someone asked how I would have felt if the stains didn't come out. To be honest, I didn't think she was going to be successful.<br />
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I don't always do this mommy thing right but I felt good about that moment so I was moved to share it.<br />
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So IDK who needs to hear this but parenting is teaching and almost everything is a teachable moment. Making kids feel worse than they do for making a mistake or physically hurting them isn't necessary.<br />
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Parent with intentionality and grace.<br />
<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-37627606175402685822018-08-24T09:27:00.000-07:002018-08-24T09:27:26.721-07:0024 Hours with a Newborn Part 2When we last left off, Lil Fish was down for a nap and I was pondering my next move: bathroom, shower, lunch-in that order. Even cold Chickfila is amazing.<br />
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1:00 pm: I took a long shower and washed my hair which improved my looks and mood by 17%. Thought about hiring a house cleaner. Groupon has some deals. After I got out, I scheduled the baby's 1 month appointment.<br />
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2:43 pm: Changer a wet diaper. Took the little one on a short walk around our building. Gotta get that vitamin D.<br />
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2:55 pm: Elementary kids are home! Told them to eat an apple or banana for snack.<br />
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3:04 pm: Feed the baby and open mail. I got packages! A couple from Amazon with cleaning and school supplies, my nursing bras from Bambooies, aaaaannndddd a #WalmartBabyBox :-(<br />
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3:30 pm: Took living room rug outside to clean it with this new Woolite stuff I got.<br />
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4:05 pm: Realized that I've been sitting on the couch quietly and doing nothing for some time. I should clean the bathroom or start dinner but I need a minute. Maybe I should take a nap.<br />
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4:22 pm: Feed the baby. Then she took a nap with her bro.<br />
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4:50 pm: Rug still isn't quite right so treat again.<br />
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5:30 pm: Start dinner. My new rule is, if it takes more than 30 minutes, I'm cooking something else. Tonight, it's lemon garlic tilapia, spaghetti with garlic and olive oil, broccoli, and croissants.<br />
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6:07 pm: Dinner is plated and on the table. I scarf down 2 croissants and feed the baby. And myself. I'm hungry<br />
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6:33 pm: Laid her down in her own bed. Danced to "Moo" by Doja Cat. Then, had a full on dance party with the big girls, featuring aaliyah, Ciara, and Beyonce, with a lil Migos and Cardi.<br />
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8:24 pm: Gave Lil Fish her first bath. She didn't wake up when I put her in the water. She fussed a little when I washed her face.<br />
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She was super chill afterwards.<br />
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Then, of course, fed the baby. <br />
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11ish pm: Fed the baby.<br />
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Everything got a little fuzzy after that but I got my FitBit data. It says I slept from 11:20 pm to 6:20 am.<br />
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I remember her eating twice but I don't know what time. Looks like a 12:30ish feed and a 5:30ish feed. There may be another in the middle. Little one was next to me so neither of us fully woke up for night feedings (#reasonstobreastfeed) and I got the best sleep I have had since she was born-6 whole hours!<br />
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6:32 am: Fed the baby after her daddy changed her. Went back to sleep.<br />
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9:47 am: Diaper and feeding again. Woke up MechanicBae. <br />
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Time to do it all again.<br />
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<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-63620281702575827212018-08-23T10:09:00.000-07:002018-08-23T10:09:16.865-07:0024 Hours with a Newborn Part 1I haven't blogged in a week. I am adjusting to life with 6 kids and recuperating. I was laying in bed last night when I came up with the idea of blogging what 24 hours with Lil Fish & Co is like. She's 11 days old today, so still a newborn.<br />
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9:47 am: Wake up to the smell of Lil Fish's diaper. Surprise-she is on our bed. I need to use the bathroom and I want her to sleep like 5 more minutes.<br />
9:55 am: Looked at my reflection in the dirty mirror. Admired my milk stains. There are at least six; they overlap. Thought about cleaning bathroom.<br />
9:56 am: Baby was not asleep. She looked at me while I changed wet/poopy diaper.<br />
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10:00 am: Tried to wake up MechanicBae and then Princess. I think she has a live lesson at 11 am but I'm not sure because I'm not sure what day it is.<br />
10:04 am: Gave baby to her Papa and set up living room to be my base for the day. Diapers, wipes, onesie, socks, bib, receiving blanket, swaddle, nursing pillow, and baby box.<br />
10:20 am: I was fixing yogurt parfaits for Princess and me when I heard the baby crying and her daddy asking her if she's hungry. Duh.<br />
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10:22 am: Fed baby. Right side first.<br />
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(10:37 am: Switched sides and thought about giving her a bath)<br />
10:46 am: Swaddled her and put her down.<br />
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10:47 am: Baby wakes up and wiggles out of swaddle. To be fair, it was a garbage swaddle. I used a receiving blanket and bn left her legs out. Picked her up and sang and danced with her for a while.<br />
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11:07 am: Laid her down in her Snuggle Me Lounger and made up my bed.<br />
11:11 am: Made a wish. Tried to finish breakfast coffee.<br />
11:20 am: Baby fussed so I picked her up.<br />
11:23 am: She was wet so I changed her.<br />
11:28 am: Milky time. She only nursed on the left and for only 10 minutes so #issasnack. She's sleep so I scroll FB, log into my Young Living account and update my order, and order car parts for the shop on eBay.<br />
12:10 pm: MechanicBae walks in with Chickfila for lunch.<br />
12:11 pm: Lil Fish wakes up ready to eat. She stares in my face to compensate for making me wait to eat. I don't mind. I sing to her.<br />
12:25 pm: She's ASLEEP! I need to eat, use the bathroom, and shower but her diaper is wet. I change her quick and put her in her own bed to sleep.<br />
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Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-6006602836247178412018-08-15T16:41:00.002-07:002018-08-15T16:41:36.581-07:00Wordless Wednesday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-79311116547906651682018-08-14T15:17:00.001-07:002018-08-15T16:52:55.872-07:00She is here!It all started with a text from MechanicBae's mom. <br />
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She sent it Sunday morning, early, and I decided to take her up on it. I got dressed, put on my contacts, and did my make up. I also extended the invite to the crew-threebbn of them opted to go. <br />
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At church, I noticed my contractions were getting...annoying. I timed a few and they were about 10-15 minutes apart, but not super strong. The sermon went on and the pastor randomly said, "That baby you're carrying will be born today!"<br />
{Now let me pause for a moment. I know he didnt mean a literal baby but I was shooketh.}<br />
Princess, MB's mom, and I were like, "nooooo," and laughed it off. <br />
After church, Cracker Barrel for lunch and then home. <br />
I'd stopped timing contractions by then. I planned to go swimming but I decided to nap first but I couldn't sleep. I was restless and tired at the same time. Princess got in my bed and napped like a pro. <br />
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Relaxing with my belly</div>
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At about 5, I thought about cooking dinner. It was then I realized the contractions were getting strong. I started considering my situation/options: MB was at work. I am full term (almost 40 weeks). I tested positive for Group B Strep. I have precipitous labors. I decided to head to L&D, just in case and while I could still drive. Worst case scenario, I go home and go back to the doc Tuesday and induced Wednesday.<br />
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I got to L&D around 7:30ish and Princess said my contractions were 4-5 min apart. I didn't really believe her because I didn't want to believe her. However, I just have looked "labor-y" because a stranger took off running for a wheelchair when she saw me. <br />
Let me add a little info. When I have a contraction, it is insane but as soon as it's over, I'm normal. So they nursed were concerned at first, then mildly puzzled when the contraction stopped. They decided to check me.<br />
5 cm and 90% effaced. <br />
$#!+ just got real.<br />
They put in an IV immediately but tbh, pain was only a 4. Then, at 8:10pm, I heard/felt/sensed a POP. I thought it was a big kick at first but quickly realized my water had broken. As soon as I changed positions, the whole bed was flooded. All that extra amniotic fluid made quite a mess. I actually flooded the bed twice. My bad.<br />
MB and Smoo arrived. I made a few Marco Polos and send some texts. They checked me again (6cm) and hit my IV with a little happy juice.<br />
I made a FB post around 10.<br />
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Why is he writing on the board?</div>
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Then it got real. The contractions moved closer together and became intense. I turned into a crybaby asked for an epi. Now my brain was telling me it was almost over and to chill but the pain told me to get the needle. They checked me again and I was 8cm but baby was high up. Again, brain told me the epi window was closed but they still called for the anesthesiologist. <br />
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Then something happened. I PROMISE I wasn't pushing but I could feel the baby coming. I told them something was happening. They peeked and saw hair. MB said he thought they were joking.<br />
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No one was joking.<br />
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They grabbed my legs and pushed them into position. The anesthesiologist walked it. It was cool. She said she liked babies. I pushed exactly zero times. My body was on auto pilot so I let it do its thing and on Sunday, August 12, 2018, at 10:37 pm, my sweet girl made her appearance! She is 7lbs 1 oz and 20in long. Her very proud daddy cut her cord. Zero pushes. Zero stiches. No interventions, save 1 dose of antibiotics and 1 of nubaine. Delivered 3 hours after arriving at the hospital .<br />
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Hello, sweet girl </div>
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Proud papa</div>
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Getting loved on by big sis while Mommy has post-labor Rush's. </div>
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She is beautiful. She is perfect. We love her.<br />
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<!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/share/clipdata_180814_181614_215.sdoc-->Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-6156690225701204772018-08-04T09:25:00.000-07:002018-08-04T09:31:28.175-07:00More Making and Doing Our new <a href="https://www.make.do/" target="_blank">MakeDo</a> pieces came and we are quite pleased! Our weather forecast called for rain EVERY SINGLE FLIPPING DAY this week.<br />
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Perfect time to build.</div>
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I also got several packages from <a href="http://tgt.gifts/CamandGina" target="_blank">Target</a> this week so we had an abundance of boxes around.<br />
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MakeDo is bringing all the kids together. Popcorn's helpers were Side Salad and Astronaut. They decided to make a house. Popcorn planned to sleep in the house and outfitted it with a pillow and blanket. She then her Sharpie to draw her windows and door (and to label the roof), then put her big bros to work.<br />
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It came out super cute, with a little arched door. That last pic is the new Scru pieces he used to attach the handle. They tend to be a lot easier to use and hold longer. We just used MiniTool to punch holes and the ScruDriver to attach them. </div>
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Astronaut constructed the door with hinges from the older generation car kit and we used the older attaching pieces. The window opens and closes-we used Scrus for that, too. I didn't get pics that day but here is the final product 2 days later. Somehow, she removed the hinges. The older attaching pieces and they can be a little tricky, plus they have pieces in the back that are poke-y. The Scrus held well.</div>
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She took her house into her room and snuggled inside but found it wasn't that comfy after all and slept in her bed instead.</div>
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<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-54426717630692547662018-08-03T23:14:00.000-07:002018-08-03T23:14:24.437-07:00Online School for Princess<head>
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Many moons ago, I <a href="http://rabbitrealm2.blogspot.com/2013/01/it-matters.html" target="_blank">blogged</a> about the challenges of being a minority student. Princess struggles the most with this. Her outspoken attitude can make her a target for some adults so she and I have been discussing online school for months. We decided to proceed with it this school year. I have mixed feeling about it, to be honest, but it really is in her best interest. This is a big change for our family. <b> {Note: The others will be attending their zoned schools-Astronaut will be be a senior, Squirrel will be a 7th grader, Frick & Frack will be in 6th grade, Side Salad in 5th, and Popcorn in first.}</b><br />
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The reasons:<br />
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<ul>
<li>My girl had several incidents with the adults in her building. Nearly all of them were the result of an adult giving conflicting directions and continuously escalating a situation. In the end, she wasn't punished. In meeting with administration, it was clear the adults were wrong. It was evident that the adults in her school have a low understanding of child development when it comes to certain students. </li>
<li>Princess has been state identified as a gifted/talented student. She is a TIP Scholar. Yet her GPA was a 2.0 and she nearly failed some core classes. This is unacceptable and the school was unable to provide the type of support she needed as those particular teachers were busy singling her out repeatedly for their own inconsistent practices instead of focusing on student success. </li>
<li>The teachers weren't the only issue. For some reason, she just couldn't seem to get her bearings. Maybe it was the size of the school-over 2,000 students. Maybe it was her own maturity level. She struggled all year.</li>
<li>Her guidance counselor left. That was one of the few faces that looked like hers in that building and she left. She was Princess' trusted adult in difficult situations and was the leader of her mentoring program as well as her step team coach. Without her, who would P go to when she had issues?</li>
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I want my children to be successful. I don't know if she could be successful in the environment she was in. If that environment is the dining room table, so be it. This model of learning comes with its own set of concerns.</div>
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I am concerned about her time management and her ability to keep up so we'll be utilizing a planner. This is a strategy we've been using the past few years to help her be accountable for getting things done.
We'll also create a daily schedule for her. <b> </b>Luckily, I'll be home for the entire first marking period and part of the second, so I can help her transition.<br />
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She will be missing out on some extracurricular activities but the online program we chose, <a href="https://www.connectionsacademy.com/south-carolina-virtual-school" target="_blank">SC Connections Academy</a>, has clubs she can participate in.<br />
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I also plan to get her the Rosetta Stone in German to ensure she is both challenged and supported. We're going to get it through the Duke TIP program. We are also looking into summer programs she can attend next year at colleges.<br />
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She's going to have an exercise schedule to ensure she maintains an appropriate level of physical activity.<br />
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I also found out one of her school friends and my stepsister's daughter may be enrolled in the same program! The girls may be able to support each other.<br />
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I hate sometimes that parenting doesn't come with a manual and so much is trial and error but I think this decision may pan out for us in the end. If not, she can always return to her zoned school.Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-83082024301531135292018-07-30T10:45:00.005-07:002018-07-30T10:45:50.389-07:00Make it Monday: It's a-MAZE-ing!The car Popcorn made last week is falling apart so she decided to turn it into a maze for our mBot.<br />
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She busted out her trusty <a href="https://www.make.do/" target="_blank">MakeDo </a>saw and got to work. Since Frick & Frack were here, she had lots of help...at first. The 10 year olds were quite excited to cut up the car but not as enthusiastic about actually constructing the maze.<br />
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Eventually, they got tired of working and went off to design spacecraft and play Slither.io. Princess stepped in and there was lots of sisterly STEAM bonding.<br />
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Finally, her maze was complete. We set the mBot to green mode and away it went!<br />
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She lost 2 teeth last week.</div>
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Another successful project!<br />
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Then, she made herself some lunch.</div>
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<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-92073499838408723322018-07-30T09:46:00.001-07:002018-07-31T05:11:41.499-07:00Blended Family: Yours, mine, and ours.<head>
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</head>It's been a busy weekend. In addition to my crew, my plus 2 (Frick & Frack) was here. Those are MechanicBae's twin sons. They are 6 months older than Side Salad so it's a party when the whole gang is here.<br />
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Blended families are a unique challenge. We've known these little guys for about 3 or 4 years now so they aren't new to us. They are great kids; their mom is awesome, too. She has done a phenomenal job raising these little guys and we get along very well. She and MechanicBae have a good coparenting relationship. Frick & Frack fit right in with the crew. They are bright, respectful, funny-just really good kids.<br />
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But sometimes, I feel guilty. See, their dad is here. Everyday. We live together so my kids are in a 2 parent home, for all intents and purposes. MechanicBae is the one who took Popocorn to school everyday in 4K. He's the one the teens call when they need a parent during the day. He takes them to their friends' houses and gives them spending money. He has inside jokes with all of them. He is even learning to say "no" to their constant and incessant requests.<br />
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But he is Frick & Frack's dad. We didn't date until after MechanicBae and his ex-wife were already apart and their divorce was finalized before mine. And then we weren't a couple until a couple of years later. So I don't feel like our relationship interferes with his parenting. BUT, I can't imagine not seeing my babies all the time. And I know what it feels like to not see your parent every day.<br />
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I do what I can to make them feel like a part of the family. We take them on vacation. I get them the same level of gifts I buy mine. They have some clothes and PJs here. I hold them to the same standard I hold me. They have to read during reading time, no tech at the table, and even summers have bedtimes. Just like I fuss at Side Salad about showering and brushing his teeth, I do the same for them. When we are out, people assume that I birthed them, too.<br />
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Teaching them to play Phase 10</div>
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But then....they go home. And MechanicBae is still here.<br />
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And I still feel guilty.<br />
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And it's even harder now that Lil Fish is on the way. I already told MechanicBae that I want all the kids to see the baby at the same time. This means the crew will be in the waiting room until Frick & Frack can get to the hospital. This baby is as much their sibling and I don't want them to feel like they aren't equally important.<br />
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I do what I can.<br />
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Are you raising a blended family? Did you grow up in one? What were your challenges?Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-46047712389659609832018-07-27T10:43:00.000-07:002018-07-30T09:54:47.585-07:00Woo hoo! I won!<head>
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</head>I spend a lot of time on social media, specifically Facebook and Instagram. Lately, I get suggestions to look at baby stuff and my ads are baby related. One from <a href="https://snugglemeorganic.com/collections/snuggle-me-organic" target="_blank">Snuggle Me Organics</a> [ @snuggle_me_organic on Insta] popped up in my feed and I was like, "What the heck. Can't win if you don't play." They were picking four winning pairs (you had to tag someone) to get an organic baby lounger and a 3 pack of swaddles. Their products looked excessively soft and cuddly.<br />
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I tagged Princess (she is active of Insta and her gift could be split between my 2 pregnant coworkers) and my cousin's wife, who is 6 weeks behind me.</div>
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We won. My cousin's wife and I. For reals. I was legit confused at first bc who really wins these things? I am elated. It would have been a splurge to buy the items (value $239). I adore their earthy tones so I am getting my lounger in Ember, a deep warm gold, and my swaddles in Moss, Slate, and Natural. I can't wait to see Lil Fish snuggle for a nap in these products. </div>
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If you want to splurge a bit on a gift for a special little one from a cool mama-owned (Mia is a mama of 7!l) company that follows through with their word, look no further. And if you want $25 off your purchase, I got you, fan.<br />
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COUPON CODE:<br />
<strong><span style="color: #336699;">SHARE25 </span></strong></div>
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This code is good for $25.00 OFF any order of 100.00 or more</div>
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Thanks, Mia!</div>
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Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-58547718326279089252018-07-26T08:46:00.003-07:002018-07-30T09:53:00.464-07:00That time I got stuck in a booth<br />
Last night, I had a hankering for a delicious dinner cheesesteak from Waffle House. Initially, I wanted pasta, then poutine but I definitely wanted cheesesteak. It was pretty late so the little kids were asleep. I told the Astronaut & the Princess to put their shoes on and come with me.<br />
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We got to my favorite Waffle House and my favorite cook was working so I was elated. As we selected our seat, both the cook and server eyed me suspiciously.<br />
"You sure you don't want to sit at the low bar?" asked the concerned cook, as I lowered myself into to the booth.<br />
"No," I answered. "It's fine." I turned to the kids. "I think this is my last time in a booth, ya'll."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PQgdN6Ui3jOpcs7LkS2LUcRsBP_ZHw-570TWKJwkzuAk7jBXu95_5bXbvgWwob0VZ_ygQEfJpzefsjnMbeKXJw3a8SofZjGVaBK1YtCrCaHT9Rn3YpFFbSiI9dbfXsx7CMbJWALX9wA/s1600/IMG_11711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PQgdN6Ui3jOpcs7LkS2LUcRsBP_ZHw-570TWKJwkzuAk7jBXu95_5bXbvgWwob0VZ_ygQEfJpzefsjnMbeKXJw3a8SofZjGVaBK1YtCrCaHT9Rn3YpFFbSiI9dbfXsx7CMbJWALX9wA/s320/IMG_11711.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We ordered and ate, enjoying our unique brand of humor until Lil Fish tapped my bladder as if to remind me I wasn't entitled to uninterrupted time with my 1st and 2nd born. As I went to get up, I noticed that the frisky fetus had shifted slightly and I, as a result, was firmly wedged between the table and chair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4LzyXQI2vaL7Yj9g3amZ4cBXkZfA5_fV9Ww5K8JN0_uu8EdWaoYPdiadX_H5XMZvdFy1c0abFv-xgwiMYsib1P04HW-pUoweLP7dB111jrKSA5LnM4cGIpkVngupppbk-dc6PLyZHh8/s1600/IMG_11721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4LzyXQI2vaL7Yj9g3amZ4cBXkZfA5_fV9Ww5K8JN0_uu8EdWaoYPdiadX_H5XMZvdFy1c0abFv-xgwiMYsib1P04HW-pUoweLP7dB111jrKSA5LnM4cGIpkVngupppbk-dc6PLyZHh8/s320/IMG_11721.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I tried to shift, to no avail. Additionally, the booths in Waffle House are permanently bolted down. A noticed and asked if I needed help. P simply snickered.<br />
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I'll spare you the details but A slid me out without me on the floor and I had to sit sideways for the rest of the meal.<br />
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<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-66368221252386227822018-07-25T18:40:00.001-07:002018-07-30T09:53:26.987-07:00That Face!
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I had my 36 week appointment today. There's nothing too new or exciting to report. Blood pressure still good, still got a ton of fluid, not gaining much (a little under 20 pounds). Since I have polyhydramnios, we get frequent peeks at our little fish and today's peek was AMAZING! It was challenging at first since someone wanted to duck on their hands. Here are a few of the best shots:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZXJsnY8bAaZUxWm5cxEMoj3h6iCAM-6K06qtNjKFDEPvidWnizqkVaDdhjruec9eSJEz1q5EC4YScLR1tanqrKQcX3g0qfiFd18Jh4gHc1umdlhLy01mK6Ee4AYISuziKB4QHhd3l2Q/s1600/20180725_212908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZXJsnY8bAaZUxWm5cxEMoj3h6iCAM-6K06qtNjKFDEPvidWnizqkVaDdhjruec9eSJEz1q5EC4YScLR1tanqrKQcX3g0qfiFd18Jh4gHc1umdlhLy01mK6Ee4AYISuziKB4QHhd3l2Q/s320/20180725_212908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello, love!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVzM0HfzwU4FvKz_nOkwIOwvwXOvY6HSR77y_64sp4t7269wiVOTmwLzcKXwvP0hYiajVVMDhQbw7v-iy-Zu06RRNWEYinJrJMCs9gqgUWNkOIit31Z42Tf4NyqKzIlHm5Pn19h2JQxo/s1600/20180725_212929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVzM0HfzwU4FvKz_nOkwIOwvwXOvY6HSR77y_64sp4t7269wiVOTmwLzcKXwvP0hYiajVVMDhQbw7v-iy-Zu06RRNWEYinJrJMCs9gqgUWNkOIit31Z42Tf4NyqKzIlHm5Pn19h2JQxo/s320/20180725_212929.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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We were clearly annoying the little night owl with our morning antics</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPMs6DRdEgO_c1XzeW05B0_5p95qgGc0U-_VMB49xFDj4ygN20ukSdgdvFq2dhdKBjXgy0Qgkz0869ua1KbxjFECic_dW97mjX2-b1ij_wVYP-aEJS7UvqP9c6793k9SROtRh82VV3sk/s1600/20180725_212948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPMs6DRdEgO_c1XzeW05B0_5p95qgGc0U-_VMB49xFDj4ygN20ukSdgdvFq2dhdKBjXgy0Qgkz0869ua1KbxjFECic_dW97mjX2-b1ij_wVYP-aEJS7UvqP9c6793k9SROtRh82VV3sk/s320/20180725_212948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Those lips! Those cheeks! That little nose! Be still my heart! Our technician said my extra fluid and baby's fat layers are why these pics are so great.<br />
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I think it's amazing that we can see the baby so clearly before s/he is born. This level of technology didn't exist for my first 3 children was quite new when I was expecting Side Salad.<br />
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While we know what Lil Fish looks like, we don't know the gender. If you think you do, click the link and make a guess!<br />
<a href="http://www.expectnet.com/logingame.php?game_name=BabyFerraro"><img src="http://www.expectnet.com/148075/17eeb73d/banner1.png" border="0"></a><br />
<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-75540907440724420012018-07-25T07:15:00.000-07:002018-07-30T09:25:19.869-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Maternity Pics (the professional ones)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVlCu4aPbsRmbk08mrkt3n5JqmJres21TVI6Pi0cqjEBvqb_-Konf3OWd2zGxjfd5h0Zqsv2IwWpuAM8nZFLPMphCPGHl3iUurBH-_2Nty0wLSsbwBdypxZoAGs2odaSj7WP5G42LDII/s1600/_DSC5802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVlCu4aPbsRmbk08mrkt3n5JqmJres21TVI6Pi0cqjEBvqb_-Konf3OWd2zGxjfd5h0Zqsv2IwWpuAM8nZFLPMphCPGHl3iUurBH-_2Nty0wLSsbwBdypxZoAGs2odaSj7WP5G42LDII/s320/_DSC5802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Location: </div>
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Hope's Ferry Landing </div>
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Photographer: </div>
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NTHeSTReeTzENT <a href="mailto:marketrap009@gmail.com">marketrap009@gmail.com</a></div>
<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-11573358324819771562018-07-23T08:45:00.001-07:002018-07-30T09:55:05.556-07:00Make it Monday: If you give a first grader a saw...<head>
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</head>Usually I spend my summers traveling with the crew but I'm nearly 37 weeks pregnant so we are staying close to home this year. It kinda sucks-I want to camp and hike and whatnot. Next summer, we'll be back at it.<br />
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So because I can't do what I want, I do what I can. Today, that means making stuff. Getting all these baby gifts mean lots of boxes and what better way to repurpose boxes than to make a car!<br />
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I got this <a href="https://www.make.do/" target="_blank">MakeDo</a> kit a while back from Target. [Note: this is a first gen kit and Make Do has some awesome upgrades that make it even easier for kids to create.]<br />
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It came with a "saw," some plastic connectors , and lots of stickers. <br />
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I gave Popcorn a couple of boxes and a Sharpie and got out of her way.<br />
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Getting out of the way is important. We adults tend to like things to be just so and that's fine BUT kids need freedom to create and experiment. I helped her a little-when she asked-and encouraged her all the way. Her siblings and MechanicBae offered support and advice intermittently. Pepperoni offered moral support.<br />
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<br />
After a couple of hours, this was her final product.<br />
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<br />
Not too shabby for a 6 year old. But bigger than that are the lessons:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Creativity-she designed the car</li>
<li>Planning-she had to plan where to put the roof and doors, create a steering wheel, etc</li>
<li>Perseverance-she worked through frustration and kept working until she was done</li>
<li>Problem solving-she originally wanted to use an old Wii steering wheel but it was too heavy so she constructed a cardboard steering wheel. This took several tries, which is important, too. Kids need to fail sometimes. They need to know that failing is part of learning and growing.</li>
</ul>
<div>
All of these are important critical thinking skills and translate to real life problem solving.</div>
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<div>
I shared these pics with the folks at Make Do and they were super responsive-and they told us all about their new products. Stay tuned for a future post with more making and doing!</div>
Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-68846486912519079552018-07-21T15:56:00.003-07:002018-07-21T15:56:43.807-07:00Happiness not allowed I was scrolling though Instagram today and came across an old pic of this drop dead gorgeous mama and her brood.<br />
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<br />
I've seen this pic before and I'm wowed by it every time. That woman is #flawless and giving me all sorts of Mama Earth Fertility Goddess life.<br />
<br />
Then, I read the comments.<br />
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<br />
Why do I ever read the comments? I wish I could say was floored...but I wasn't. See, I know those sentiments well. It's part of the reason I wait to share my pregnancies. I think I was in my 3rd trimester before I shared Popcorn and I was about 33 weeks when I shared this pregnancy. Black women frequently "aren't allowed" to celebrate new life in ways others are. Allow me to explan.<br />
<br />
There is a very single faceted perception of what a Black woman can and can't be. One of those things is "happy to be a mother of many." If a woman has more than 3 children, the perception is that she's poor, ignorant recieving public assistance, and promiscuous. It's up to the woman to prove she's none of these. However, if a white woman shares a pic of her large family, it's by and large "a blessing" and she is a super mom. It doesn't matter if dad is in that shot or not. She's assumed to be married, nurturing, intelligent , and pious. Heck, she might even get a TV show. I am not disagreeing; I clearly love large families. I'm shappy MechanicBae came with offspring (and a wonderful exwife), even though they are only with us sometimes. I'm just pointing out that it's hypocritical. The automatic aassumptions are unfounded and insulting. And the most vocal outcry comes from other Black women. Why? How?<br />
<br />
Because people breath life into tired, false stereotypes. Here are some facts:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/17/us/fertility-rate-decline-united-states.html" target="_blank">Birth rates</a> are <a href="https://ifstudies.org/blog/baby-bust-fertility-is-declining-the-most-among-minority-women" target="_blank">down</a>. Black women declined from 2.14 births per woman to 1.89 births per woman. People are not "having a whole bunch of babies." (Except me. I'm having a whole bunch of babies.)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/the-top-myths-about-black-marriage-2834526" target="_blank">Black people do get married</a>. 75% of Black women marry before 35. I could have told you that, anecdotally, but I prefer facts. I have very few friends who have never been married and most of those are by choice.</li>
<li>Black fathers are not across the board <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2017/01/10/the-dangerous-myth-of-the-missing-black-father/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.83380693b987" target="_blank">absent</a>. MechanicBae is a great dad/stepdad. My male friends are awesome fathers. My friends' husbands ROCK.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Every time I see a baby, Black or otherwise, I feel a little peal of joy. Babies remind us that life goes on, that there's hope for the future. But Black people represent such a tiny sliver of the population, 13% if I recollect. That should make each little melanated munchkin extra precious to us all.<br />
<br />
So now that you know some facts, how about we all just #letblackbabiesexist<br />
<br />
<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-42344858520011017772018-07-20T11:19:00.000-07:002018-07-30T09:49:43.266-07:00Heartbreak<script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br />
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<br />
Have you ever had your heart broken so poignantly you could hear it? Today, at 1:41 PM, I experienced that pain first hand.<br />
<br />
I had my mouth set for a pile of delicious southern fried goodness and a slice of coconut cake with a sweet tea served in a Mason jar on the side so I decided to go to JackSons, a local buffet. I knew lunch ended at 2:30 so time was of the essence. As I drove, I planned my first & second plates. I like to come prepared. I could almost smell that amazing fried fish as I wove through the traffic on 378. Cars, everywhere-why? Don't these people have jobs? Didn't these fools understand? I was on a mission!<br />
<br />
When I got there, the parking lot was eerily empty and I noticed a sad faced elderly couple in a late model Caddy backing out. "Better parking spot for me," I mused gleefully yet something nagged at me. Where was the crowd? It should be thinning by this time but today it was literally nonexistant. I was so confused. I got out and strode warily up to the door and there it was. A sign. An odious message. The most woeful words that could be printed on a sheet of 8 1/2 by 11 :<br />
<br />
CLOSED<br />
ON VACATION UNTIL 7/22<br />
<br />
Y'all, I almost fell out. I don't even want to eat anymore. Ever. For the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
The moral of the story? Eat at <a href="http://www.jacksonssouthernkitchen.com/" target="_blank">JackSon's</a>. After July 22.<br />
<br />
#imnotbeingdramatic<br />
#okaymaybealittle<br />
#atleastididntcry<br />
#stillhungry<br />
#wheretoforlunchReginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-20861355253663668822018-07-18T07:29:00.002-07:002018-07-30T09:53:51.626-07:00Back on the sauce<head>
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</head>
My iron is chronically low but this pregnancy caused it to plummet. A little background: complications with my previous birth control decimated my iron levels. They never fully recovered over the past 2 years. It appears that I don't absorb iron efficiently through my stomach. Additionally, iron supplements both nauseated and constipate me. No fun.<br />
<br />
I'd been able to keep my iron at the lower end of respectable for the others but this little bugger had me below 8 which concerned my docs and left me achy, cranky, and exhausted. We're talking waking up ready for a nap. Taking a nap before bed. Barely able to cook or fold laundry. Being a crappy mom.<br />
<br />
So today, I'm having my 4th iron infusion<br />
At last check, my iron was a smidgen over 9 but they want it higher so here we are.<br />
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Looks like soy sauce...I am hungry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2por1VWH7_ZPsSG_nkkTci01NBCeU3UEMtlVzCqj1U-0O0JdTFVicVO6i1c61G_bSBTUScipqJYOss1-Q8A-uJF3y7TXyMmCirCIZafQW2Dx34ee33QLM_AYH15cbHfe2LOObGkswZY/s1600/20180718_101311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2por1VWH7_ZPsSG_nkkTci01NBCeU3UEMtlVzCqj1U-0O0JdTFVicVO6i1c61G_bSBTUScipqJYOss1-Q8A-uJF3y7TXyMmCirCIZafQW2Dx34ee33QLM_AYH15cbHfe2LOObGkswZY/s320/20180718_101311.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Needles in, time to begin.</div>
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This is NOT my favorite thing. I hate needles. And it feels so weird going into my vein, cold. Plus, what if I had a run in with Magneto-he could use this extra iron as a weapon against me! That's a valid concern, right? </div>
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But to paraphrase Tommy Pickles, "A mommy's gotta do what a mommy's gotta do!"</div>
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The plus side is 2 quiet hours! I usually watch "Arrested Development" until I fall asleep (the process takes a couple of hours) but my son wants me to read this book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiYQj0-xu8wqm3H53IAtDRqXiYoSaPw-tM4L55YxZx841okELNfmqsZIvDJlgZ2Rq4ecRMVk7MADRb6-0xwrUfH0j38nCboQfJNCMwGhTCShY9JKtp4TGWxXOpuN57Y-_zJiweyD35yc/s1600/20180718_102229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiYQj0-xu8wqm3H53IAtDRqXiYoSaPw-tM4L55YxZx841okELNfmqsZIvDJlgZ2Rq4ecRMVk7MADRb6-0xwrUfH0j38nCboQfJNCMwGhTCShY9JKtp4TGWxXOpuN57Y-_zJiweyD35yc/s320/20180718_102229.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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He read it while in Germany last month. I'm a quick reader and I have 2 more infusions after this so that is what I'll do. As I keep watch for errant mutants. By the way, which mutant do you most worry about encountering?</div>
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Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-70932630754195574542018-07-17T18:40:00.002-07:002018-07-21T15:59:53.341-07:00Target Registry BagIn my last post was about the Walmart Baby Box , I mentioned my Target Registry Bag. I recieved it free at my local Target after creating my registry online. I wanted to share the contents .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wPcoSyw7hi0VuyfPr-4drSvOIzVuzQXUuoQGelVxBSYtR-6Gfdq9eJ0lZ4OxGCaeM_e4JLe4Qexyak5PxcBdMYudVq6OKRx8R04j89jKN4EBSg50sjchBjXxtdK0oCCHM9MSjyKNHL4/s1600/20180717_211429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wPcoSyw7hi0VuyfPr-4drSvOIzVuzQXUuoQGelVxBSYtR-6Gfdq9eJ0lZ4OxGCaeM_e4JLe4Qexyak5PxcBdMYudVq6OKRx8R04j89jKN4EBSg50sjchBjXxtdK0oCCHM9MSjyKNHL4/s320/20180717_211429.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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First, the bag itself. It is a cute little gray and white patterned tote. I am gifting it to Popcorn as it's the perfect size for a 6 year old.</div>
Here are the contents of the bag:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjVz-CEoqW7Kml5bUojyizxA29F_8e79KOPWRVoKyigxi6GAvKO1rgh2myGUqcxFcdYz6fA8BexjH7Eaqa7RHQ-Y8WPVqrH6uHlUHktGSSNaYv1HHzaT-0HIaLlKGvl8eLCxNEtVWLHs/s1600/20180717_211554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjVz-CEoqW7Kml5bUojyizxA29F_8e79KOPWRVoKyigxi6GAvKO1rgh2myGUqcxFcdYz6fA8BexjH7Eaqa7RHQ-Y8WPVqrH6uHlUHktGSSNaYv1HHzaT-0HIaLlKGvl8eLCxNEtVWLHs/s320/20180717_211554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Not too shabby!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzgNBFVfZ_hUiXW70qYdaNAZxvbUz5AC4-sqrTHwxG22R5RFPCI3QEAgROUxrbo5sJIsurjWVbwmy_RkkiM_WFgJGact_3GLBzJIUeSG06E7k1TaatKazvOa4w3miTV95tBjRXsDAoBs/s1600/20180717_211632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzgNBFVfZ_hUiXW70qYdaNAZxvbUz5AC4-sqrTHwxG22R5RFPCI3QEAgROUxrbo5sJIsurjWVbwmy_RkkiM_WFgJGact_3GLBzJIUeSG06E7k1TaatKazvOa4w3miTV95tBjRXsDAoBs/s320/20180717_211632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Samples I recieved were Palmers Stretch Mark Cream, Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment, and babyganics moisturizing daily lotion. Being an eczema family, we love Aquaphor so I'll be tucking that into my diaper bag. Good samples, but no coupons for the products.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYAyyuJc8UllvYDDy7q6joW_lpQ_nTeJZYhlNGELRX3JEO64Tui7_nuHxhU-_L4D_RvApLNe-gqQUSBiGjtBkoV4l4nDy3TOCtfBHY4ZLXgHo39CVEvIHoE0m7p5ZUrIewH9kcktoiHE/s1600/20180717_211648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYAyyuJc8UllvYDDy7q6joW_lpQ_nTeJZYhlNGELRX3JEO64Tui7_nuHxhU-_L4D_RvApLNe-gqQUSBiGjtBkoV4l4nDy3TOCtfBHY4ZLXgHo39CVEvIHoE0m7p5ZUrIewH9kcktoiHE/s320/20180717_211648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
BUT there are coupons! There is a whole booklet of coupons for products for mama and baby...AND A STARBUCKS COUPON!!! 50% off a beverage. I went with passion tea lemonade. There are some nice Seventh Generation coupons, too. This bambino will be in sposies so they will come in quite handy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h3pqldDWDUq6fR31Z6d_1Pz15KMS2-55H2xqGA_dAkJksC4xmE0y-1mpaXpUsFxOB_iYEHKxtxyqGTbpgyHTxwdqAr-1lZnuDLfML6lS3qK58F_U742525ol8EUOinwMVDsR6yCDonk/s1600/20180717_211722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h3pqldDWDUq6fR31Z6d_1Pz15KMS2-55H2xqGA_dAkJksC4xmE0y-1mpaXpUsFxOB_iYEHKxtxyqGTbpgyHTxwdqAr-1lZnuDLfML6lS3qK58F_U742525ol8EUOinwMVDsR6yCDonk/s320/20180717_211722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There was some breast pump info and a pair of nursing pads and a couple of breastmilk storage bags from Lansinoh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhvbnUchCxwJqUH6ckNUDIDEbRvQjVQqHO9SbFR0QTu5SHRXjJUnF3R8pBoNEy_oveJC1mQsl2dxvDhyPANoek3oiEl0rHW5HE16rdRCh2oaSsYbetn6dlnQSiUm1CMc4qyxH5tOJNrI/s1600/20180717_211734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhvbnUchCxwJqUH6ckNUDIDEbRvQjVQqHO9SbFR0QTu5SHRXjJUnF3R8pBoNEy_oveJC1mQsl2dxvDhyPANoek3oiEl0rHW5HE16rdRCh2oaSsYbetn6dlnQSiUm1CMc4qyxH5tOJNrI/s320/20180717_211734.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, my favorite, the trial sizes! There are 2 up&up (Target's house brand) size 1 diapers, a 10 pack of honest co wipes (woot woot!), a travel size Baby Dove Tip to Toe wash, and an 8 oz Dr Brown Natural Flow bottle.</div>
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All in all, it is a nice bag. It being free is icing. And if you want to send a little love this way, feel free to visit our <a href="http://tgt.gifts/CamandGina" target="_blank">registry</a>.</div>
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Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-83547675879779363912018-07-11T07:00:00.000-07:002018-07-21T16:03:19.550-07:00Walmart baby BoxI love getting things and the mail, so I order the #WalmartBabyBox. It was only $5 that seems like a steal. As a lover of samples, I have to say that I was patently underwhelmed. The Box took so long to arrive that I had forgot I even ordered it. Additionally and likely through no fault of Walmart, the Box look like it had been kicked around the mail room before it was delivered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOazS6SJhFalK_ImG26LgPjotFrXwp_Nl5w00GEG1lJOFbN5QujT0Yp4UsrH8lfzi12DB1fBYH4l3ZU8NfT6o3RMgWCxQUJnykiB7N_0O1vTmQ-BTq0zr_Y44rCL8NBrcWW8eerREWMr8/s1600/20180709_161726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOazS6SJhFalK_ImG26LgPjotFrXwp_Nl5w00GEG1lJOFbN5QujT0Yp4UsrH8lfzi12DB1fBYH4l3ZU8NfT6o3RMgWCxQUJnykiB7N_0O1vTmQ-BTq0zr_Y44rCL8NBrcWW8eerREWMr8/s320/20180709_161726.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Luckily, there was nothing that great inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbDAGwfCm5FMMU2p-eNHnxMnoPfXAiY1l8Ueb46o1I1XOiPTVB8lwk9OQyhDRdttQLClqGQkvKEOcnfWjmCq6tVocLS5HhmLQJ3-Ovf6nqTgTGrQIppPhIa-8Eo7ax4879N6uT1SK1RU/s1600/20180709_161852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbDAGwfCm5FMMU2p-eNHnxMnoPfXAiY1l8Ueb46o1I1XOiPTVB8lwk9OQyhDRdttQLClqGQkvKEOcnfWjmCq6tVocLS5HhmLQJ3-Ovf6nqTgTGrQIppPhIa-8Eo7ax4879N6uT1SK1RU/s320/20180709_161852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a sample box, in the purest sense of the word. You get a few samples and coupons. Dassit. Let's go over the contents<br />
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Let's start with the trial size items.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyjVf_flb7hvKBjAn5M0zf149tjlvHIBp5jeiwCAmuVq65nB81JoWE_yuCi5eSz7r4gGh3sarjmvUFmWh_qFuxDiSQOksJ-x0TVQ58S7gFGYOZYaWJAOdUjEzPeiUp64dGizStx_RdUs/s1600/20180709_161933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyjVf_flb7hvKBjAn5M0zf149tjlvHIBp5jeiwCAmuVq65nB81JoWE_yuCi5eSz7r4gGh3sarjmvUFmWh_qFuxDiSQOksJ-x0TVQ58S7gFGYOZYaWJAOdUjEzPeiUp64dGizStx_RdUs/s320/20180709_161933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There is a pack of Huggies wipes, which is probably the most useful thing in the entire box. I stashed them in my glove compartment. additionally there's a trial size bottle of baby Dove body wash, an adorable Nuk pacifier, a sample of All Free & Clear (my preferred baby detergent), a 4 pack of Stayfree pads and the single dose of Tum's.<br />
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Now the samples:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid-sJrCBWewVpmhyiDWET_rX8jUFaLhgq17vDeTWEixlsqWWwg0PlSLIaB3bQ2iKfoJ4CwbRQacu8ipxy-5P0rd-ClEwLC_qIdm3c5hxtV_SUqvHYltNOOPkNWYD74mwcWO9KbDkc2W8/s1600/20180709_162012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid-sJrCBWewVpmhyiDWET_rX8jUFaLhgq17vDeTWEixlsqWWwg0PlSLIaB3bQ2iKfoJ4CwbRQacu8ipxy-5P0rd-ClEwLC_qIdm3c5hxtV_SUqvHYltNOOPkNWYD74mwcWO9KbDkc2W8/s320/20180709_162012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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An Olay cream and a Burts Bees foundation. Or concealer? BB cream, maybe? I legit don't know because it nowhere near matches my skin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1jYO3fE1Ge6Vw6tPCmdoUn5PzKxnvpneYwOfPsQTGc8phFOjSsB5wgYLitWAx2lMwl33WsXt2VdKUeScF_vlpeIqAA9F8yXPRpvSpdNuzQIozNIMrtIh3QphJNmPfNkLW3pN5JoSEjw/s1600/20180709_162003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1jYO3fE1Ge6Vw6tPCmdoUn5PzKxnvpneYwOfPsQTGc8phFOjSsB5wgYLitWAx2lMwl33WsXt2VdKUeScF_vlpeIqAA9F8yXPRpvSpdNuzQIozNIMrtIh3QphJNmPfNkLW3pN5JoSEjw/s320/20180709_162003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I wish they'd put a coupon for me to go get my own at Walmart.<br />
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Finally, the coupons:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQQ4vzwkFI2yqm-6fXnAzu0RSbxWVNFkp-mUmT5eNAqXqGDyEeM18MROmCnAv9Ulhp70fJXd3sg8AABuxyVCCZVZpgBrYN0SDiMOagosEbOjdw8q4iQT5LgAfIh2A1nRsq1VtnC3gm2Q/s1600/20180709_162037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQQ4vzwkFI2yqm-6fXnAzu0RSbxWVNFkp-mUmT5eNAqXqGDyEeM18MROmCnAv9Ulhp70fJXd3sg8AABuxyVCCZVZpgBrYN0SDiMOagosEbOjdw8q4iQT5LgAfIh2A1nRsq1VtnC3gm2Q/s320/20180709_162037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The $5 Huggies coupon means I essentially broke even, so that's a plus. I may try the Slow Fe as my iron levels are fairly low.<br />
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The final item was a Bio-Oil informational pamphlet. Not a sample, not a coupon. A tiny booklet that looked like it came out of the box. Super disappointing because I really want to try Bio-Oil.<br />
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Overall, this box isn't great. Compared to other sample boxes, like Target's registry bag or Amazon's Welcome box-both of which contain MUCH better items-it wouldn't matter. But it definitely wasn't worth the $5 and I wouldn't recommend ordering it. Sorry, WallyWorld. This was a miss.<br />
Here's a belly shot to make up for this disappointing sample box!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUN9JZ8nXB6no_DQ8GbT1Xp_sT_yAxq2n4H_IrvQhibg1lGilZ6bHfKxI8Ghbf3qfXhmjds0HMh_dbjtB1yU0QYmg4gelpkEjWpNOHHEGyji8ey8CZTZPh129TRCvv7j2I6fIdy8ZzmA/s1600/20180710_174647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUN9JZ8nXB6no_DQ8GbT1Xp_sT_yAxq2n4H_IrvQhibg1lGilZ6bHfKxI8Ghbf3qfXhmjds0HMh_dbjtB1yU0QYmg4gelpkEjWpNOHHEGyji8ey8CZTZPh129TRCvv7j2I6fIdy8ZzmA/s320/20180710_174647.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-65517353769622729862018-06-28T03:51:00.001-07:002018-07-30T09:22:44.593-07:00Poly?[It's a twofer! I haven't blogged as much as I meant to due to some tech issues.]<br />
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I went to my 32ish week appointment. My funeral measurement (pelvic bone to top of uterus) has been 4 cm/weeks greater than expected so a growth scan was ordered. Turns out I have a lot of fluid. (Baby is **estimated** to weigh 4lbs 6oz right now. It's within a pound of it's papa's birth weight. ) This is called <b style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; max-height: 999999px;">polyhydramnios</b>. The main concern is early labor. It makes me wonder if this is why the Mechanic was a touch early. Anywho, enjoy this sweet baby face and make a <a href="http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyFerraro" target="_blank">guess</a> on what it will be!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULcTi6p5N-Sg8jzQIRJCssXTpJUvrq6bj_oQ7KUUnYQF0l5zmZ8sdm29JW_FyzlWk779ev-735DoIu45V6Kj6F7GHq_K4pbi0uzaXOvTGXjdLmMZaG80Y8jD4RoWeLRtzWXU_8_35X6k/s1600/20180626_111251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1440" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULcTi6p5N-Sg8jzQIRJCssXTpJUvrq6bj_oQ7KUUnYQF0l5zmZ8sdm29JW_FyzlWk779ev-735DoIu45V6Kj6F7GHq_K4pbi0uzaXOvTGXjdLmMZaG80Y8jD4RoWeLRtzWXU_8_35X6k/s320/20180626_111251.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was hard to catch this pic as baby was waving its arms about. It's a busy bee. On another positive note, the wee one has already wriggled to head position.Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-46539759672331489702018-06-28T03:41:00.001-07:002018-06-28T03:41:26.399-07:00Enjoy the momentsSo I'm abt 33 weeks now. I'm not a big believer in due dates. The doctors said August 14 based on an early ultrasound. To me, that means August 10-24, based on how I birth. This really is the last baby for me. I'm 36 now. That's twice as old as I was for my first. I'm trying to savor every moment.<br />
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<br />
Last weekend, I did a thing. I took maternity pics. When I was pregnant for the first time, I don't know if maternity pics even existed. [Was Facebook even a thing? I I didn't have that until 2007.] I have so few pics of that pregnancy. This one, there will be lots. These are a few shots Princess took on her iPhone 8 and my S9. They look so amazing-I can't wait to see the professional ones!<br />
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Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-89463734007204101792018-05-21T05:54:00.001-07:002018-05-21T07:59:50.109-07:00Little FishSo we're having a baby.<br />
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A real baby.<br />
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In about 11-13 weeks (ya'll know I don't believe in due dates), The Mechanic and I are adding a little person to our brood, and I do mean brood.<br />
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There are seven children in this picture. SEVEN!</div>
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I know this is a late announcement but it took me some time to reconcile this whole adult child/newborn thing I'm going to be doing. Yep, the Astronaut is turning 18 in October. My kiddo will literally be the age I was when I had him. It's wild.<br />
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In my coming posts, I'm going to compare being a pregnant teen to being of "advanced maternal age," being a primapara to being a grandmultipara, and raising kids at literally every stage. In the meantime, go head and make a <a href="http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyFerraro" target="_blank">guess</a> of what Baby Fish will be.<br />
<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-82067316750027742852018-04-03T06:36:00.001-07:002018-04-03T06:36:30.123-07:00Why I love spring breakI love teaching. It's fun and meaningful. It's also all-consuming and stressful.<br />
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I feel like I sacrifice so much time with the crew. That's why breaks are so important. My squad gets all my time and I get to relax. Today is day 2/5. It's 9:20 am. I'm in bed. It's glorious!<br />
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Astronaut and princess left because they are teenagers and have lives. Just kidding! They are with their grandparents. Nerds. Yesterday, I had breakfast with mechanic bae & squirrel, took squirrel to 2 doctor appointments, helped the little girls clean their room, helped side salad go through his clothes and weed out the small stuff, had lunch with them at Chickfila, saw a movie ("Coco"), did laundry, and went to bed at a reasonable hour.<br />
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It's like my SAHM days, but temporary and paid. Today, I'm going to do more laundry-it never ends in a family of 7-and consider taking the kids to the pool. I organized my closet this past weekend.<br />
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I loved being able to do things with my crew but I don't think I'd want to be a SAHM now. For one, I have no kids at home. They are all in school now. It's kind of purposes when they are this age. Also, I truly LOVE my career, my students, and my school. The balance part is hard, though. I leave before most of the kids. There are days when I don't get off until 6:30 or 7. I don't get to chaperone field trips and I miss programs. It's stressful, too. Extremely stressful . But it adds a different type of value to my life. <br />
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In a perfect world, I would have a job with equal pay but half the hours and twice the flexibility. <br />
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One day...Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-59772024498110367762018-04-03T06:08:00.003-07:002018-04-03T06:37:03.775-07:00Roughing It-Post 100!The kids are getting big. The Astronaut will be 18 in 6 months-and graduating from high school next year. Princess is turning 16 at the end of the year. Squirrel will be a teenager in the fall. Side Salad hit double digits last month. And Popcorn will be 6 this week.<br />
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So in my quest to create lasting memories as well as do things I want to do, regardless of the opinions of others, we went camping.<br />
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It. Was. Awesome.<br />
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I had a lot of reservations. What do we need? Where do we go? How do we do it. And I'm not particularly close to anyone that is a camper. I like I know some people But I don't *know* them.<br />
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Luckily, the SC State Park system employees a crack team of mind readers and created a program called the Palmetto Campout . Apparently, it's been going on like a whole decade but who knew? [Actually, a friend of mine posted about it on Facebook and I stalked the park people until registration opened.]<br />
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So I applied and.....we got accepted! I paid my registration fee ($50) and now we're campers!<br />
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We learned so much, how to pitch the tent we got to keep:</div>
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The astronaut and the princess did an amazing job building and maintaining the fire. And encouraging the flames with their dance moves.</div>
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It was a super cool experience. We cooked over the fire and on coals, we made campfire cobbler. We survived a surprise cold snap (overnight low was about 37° and rainy). We weren't eaten by raccoons. We created epic memes.</div>
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But mostly, we had fun. We did something new. We learned things. We spent time together. We survived. And we made new memories. </div>
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The lesson? Do that thing you were thinking about. New experiences are amazing. What's something you've always wanted to do?</div>
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<br />Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824200961177080404.post-5664049557691534272016-07-21T11:07:00.000-07:002018-04-03T06:47:48.770-07:00Goodbye, Nexplanon!<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>**WARNING: This whole post is going to be TMI but I think it is important to talk about these things**</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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So today I had my Nexplanon removed. I ended up going alone since the Mechanic overslept (as well as some <span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">other drama). It was the fastest doctor's appointment I have ever had. Seriously. Like they must have sensed my fear and told the good Doctor see me posthaste. My appointment was at 9:30 & I was out the more door before 10.</span></div>
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I had it removed for several reasons, the first being that my 3 years were up. That was the least important thing, though.</div>
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The main issue I had was heavy and frequent bleeding. The average blood loss is 30-40 mL. Heavy is 60-80 mL. Or so says the NHS. I knew I was heavy but I really had no way to quantify it. So I stuck with it for the full 3 years. Also, I was scared to have it removed. The insertion had already traumatized me.</div>
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Then I switched to the Diva Cup. In 24 hours, I bled about 3 0mL. </div>
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And I go for DAYS. 13-15 each month. probably 6 of those are heavy days. 6 × 30 mL is 180 mL. Add in the not heavy days and I had to be losing at least 200 mL a month.<br />
Let's do the math:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Normal=30-40 mL</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Heavy=60-80 mL</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Me=200+ mL</span></li>
</ul>
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My iron level was a little over 9 in February.</div>
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The thing is, I knew it was bad but I couldn't quantify how bad until I had the Diva Cup.<br />
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There are other issues, possibly caused by the devil's matchstick. I lost a LOT of weight. Double edged sword: I'm definitely toting extra pounds but I'm really getting questionable. Y'all know how people get when you lose weight. I developed fibroid tumors. I'm too young for fibroids. And my uterine tissue is going rogue. I've developed a condition called adenomyosis. Basically, my uterine tissue is growing into the walks of my uterus .<br />
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It hurts. The cure is a hysterectomy . Mine isn't bad, though, and we're going to see if it progresses after the demon splinter is gone and reassess the situation then.<br />
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<br />
So my doc and I agreed it had to come out and out it came.</div>
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As far as the removal, it was scary because I'm a sissy. I shed a few gangster tears. The needle hurt, the numbing meds tingled. After that, I could only feel the pressure and pulling. Mine had moved and was encapsulated in scar tissue. It literally took like 5 min because my doc went slow. I couldn't bear to watch and I didn't record, which sucks in hindsight.<br />
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Funny, such a small thing but such a big issue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErRlBCA6w6wS13NX9inrFoRZcdyrTpvm8-oWd0WsF9u3SxPhutIqLB4opqjH9ODHxvPkuJAFREiNHZAqPER1Jn_pQIUqSg0nkjC5y9Kf4RgRbXUzALy5Z2nQsLHJ-pSkBa7jWkEX5F-4/s1600/20160721_095517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErRlBCA6w6wS13NX9inrFoRZcdyrTpvm8-oWd0WsF9u3SxPhutIqLB4opqjH9ODHxvPkuJAFREiNHZAqPER1Jn_pQIUqSg0nkjC5y9Kf4RgRbXUzALy5Z2nQsLHJ-pSkBa7jWkEX5F-4/s320/20160721_095517.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Have you tried Nexplanon or Diva Cup for that matter? What were your experiences like?</div>
Reginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967751049941012326noreply@blogger.com0