Wordless Wednesday

Son't forget to enter my giveaway for a Bailey Medical Desluxe Nurture III Breast Pump. Giveaway closes on August 7th!!!!

An Update and a Sale

I know that today is Tasty Tuesday but the truth is I'm not really feeling it especially since I'm not supposed to be up long enough to cook a meal yet anyway. I feel well enough but I guess I should just enjoy the pampering while I can! Anyway we were back at the pediatrician's today and Stella got a clean bill of health. She still has a slight yellow tinge which was enhanced by my stupid move of having her wrapped in a yellow blanket but well enough that we didn't have to go back to the hospital for more blood work. YAY!!!!!! She is already up to 7 lbs. so we are good to go until her two month check up. Double YAY!!!!!!!!! I had a few errands to run so Mom came with us (she had to drive anyway. I'm really trying to behave myself unlike last time!) and stayed in the car with the girls while I ran in and out of a couple of places. The TV/DVD player really came in handy today! It has only been 10 days and I already feel so out of touch with human beings born before the 21st century so it was really nice to get out even if it was for a little bit.



I also wanted to let you know about a freebie with purchase over at Expressiva nursing clothes. From now until Thursday, July 31st if you make a purchase for $50 or more you get a free nursing bra laundry cube. Just make sure you use the code BraCube. Let me just tell you that the nursing gown that they sent me is awesome. It is super soft, actually covers my bra which few of my gowns do and I didn't mind being seen in it at the hospital 'cause it is really pretty unlike many other boring nursing gowns. I have the Sleek Maternity/Nursing Gown in blue and highly recommend it to anyone shopping around for some cute, comfy, affordable nursing wear! Thanks so much to Expressiva!


P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the brand new Bailey Medical Deluxe Nurture III Breast Pump before August 7th!

Lucky For You I'm Impatient!

I know I've hinted around about it but I just can't wait anymore! In a few days the World Breastfeeding Awareness Week will begin (August 1-7) and I have the most exciting giveaway for it! Bailey Medical has graciously donated one of their Deluxe Nurture III Breast Pump for my latest giveaway! "The Nurture III is the only small pump approved by the FDA for multiple users, so after you're finished with it, you'll be able to pass it along to a friend! It is safe for multiple women to use the same Nurture III Breast Pump motor, provided that each woman has her own collection set. Our Double Collection Kits contain everything needed for single or double pumping with the Nurture III except the motor."

I also love, love, love this company because they are small! They believe that "breastfeeding is an important step towards healthier children and a better society" and by purchasing a pump from Bailey Medical you are not only buying a great product but putting money into the pockets of real people with names and faces that you can see on their website! This is so different than purchasing a more popular brand of pump that goes towards big business. Plus Bailey Medical offers discounts to people with a limited income. How many companies do you know of that do that?

I'm guessing that right about now you would like details on how to win? It is simple. Just comment on why you have chosen to breastfeed or a tip that you may have on breastfeeding (I'm new to it so any advice I can get is greatly appreciated!) to get one entry into my randomly chosen raffle.

To get a second entry blog about the giveaway and comment a second time with a link to your blog. I told you it was simple.

Now for a few rules. You MUST live in the U.S. or Canada, you must have a blog or leave your email address so I can let you now if you win and the winner must send me their home address within 2 days of winning or a new winner will be selected. Any questions feel free to ask.

Good luck to everyone! All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. eastern August 7, 2008.

The Winner is . . .

Lilith Silvermane! Congratulations on winning your Soda Club Fountain Jet. Please make sure to contact me at tramacg (at) yahoo (dot) com within two days to claim your prize.

For everyone else make sure to check back later this weekend. I have an AMAZING giveaway planned for World Breast Feeding Awareness Week!!!!!

All about My Girls!

It has been a week since Stella was born and it already feels like she has been a part of our family forever! Despite the jaundice and the constant to the pediatrician/hospital every other day she has been a very easy baby (so far, fingers crossed). Her billirubin count is finally on its way down so by Tuesday we should be done with the blood work! She has been eating a ton and having no problems going between the breast and formula supplement. Basically if it is put in front of her she is going to eat and eat a lot! Soooooooo different from Madison who would peck away at about 1/2 an ounce and fall asleep no matter what we tried! Stella has no problem guzzling up to 3 ounces and then sleeping for 3-4 hours. For now we've been waking her for feedings in order to get rid of the jaundice during the day but it is so nice only getting up about 2 times at night! I definitely don't feel like a walking zombie who needs to go to bed at 7 p.m. every night! We'll see what happens next week when Justin is back at work though.

Madison is the best big sister and is sooooooo interested in EVERYTHING that the baby does. At times it gets a little trying but nothing she does is malicious so I can't complain!

I guess that is about all for now. Remember to enter my giveaway by 5:00pm today for a Soda Club Fountain Jet 'cause we are choosing a time tonight and announcing the winner tomorrow. Good luck!

She's Here!

Stella is Here! A little earlier than planned but perfect in every way! Stella arrived Saturday, July 19th at 3:13 p.m. She is 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. Much smaller than Madison who was 8 lbs. 9 oz. and 20 1/2 inches. We've been back and forth to the doctors and hospital because she does have some jaundice. Hopefully she'll be cleared tomorrow so we can go about settling in. Thanks to Danielle and the awesome Sleepy Wrap that arrived today I'm wearing my baby for the first time and actually getting a chance to catch up in bloggy world and on emails! Here are some pics. Enjoy!



P.S. Saturday is the last day to enter my giveaway for a Soda Club Fountain Jet. You have to be in it to win it (I know it's dorky but I've always wanted to say that. Besides I'm working on minimal sleep here!)

Last Preggo Post?

So it is 6:00 a.m. and I'm 3 hours away from heading into the hospital for a couple of tests. My doc. suspects the beginnings of preeclampsia so for the past 24 hours I've been collecting my urine (one large container not a bunch of little samples but gross none the less). Two days ago when I found out there was a very good chance Stella would be coming ten days earlier than originally scheduled I started freaking 'cause I just didn't feel ready. Now my bags are packed, Madison and I had a great day together yesterday and Justin and I had our last date night last night for probably awhile. At this point I'm ready as I'll ever be. Sure the house could use another good vacuuming, there is probably another load or two of laundry to do and a pedicure to be had (never got to that yesterday) but nothing monumental. Definitely not anything that can't be handled by Justin while I'm in the hospital or anything that won't need to be done once I get home and on my feet again!
I really can't wait to meet my little girl, see who she looks like, smell her sweet baby breath. I know Madison and Justin can't wait either but at the same time I feel slightly guilty for making Madison share us from now on. I know the bond between sisters will be an amazing one that I've never experienced and she will be better for having a little sister in her life but the guilt is still there. I know it is not just me though 'cause I've heard the same thing from other moms going from 1 to 2 children. Well I guess we'll just have to see now if today is actually the big day!

In the meantime don't forget to check out my new giveaway for a Soda Club Fountain Jet.

Dropping Madison off at my parents' before going to my fav. restaurant Labrador Lounge. I can't beleive how swollen my legs are! No Madison is not happy and yes she is wearing a Cinderella costume!

My First Giveaway!

So yesterday in the middle of me practically having a melt down after finding out we may be having the baby this Saturday and not July 29th (I'm 2 1/2 weeks from my original due date I shouldn't be freaking!) a large package arrives at my door step. Don't you just love when this happens? Inside is my Soda Club Fountain Jet. Even though it is Madison's nap time and she is in her room picking out her nap time stories I can't help but tear the box open. Inside is a shiny new soda fountain, the carbonation tank and a bunch of yummy sounding soda flavors. When Madison sees this new gadget her eyes light up in excitement and says"No nap Mom we have to play with this!". Wrong I told her it was a soda machine for a soda party we were going to have once Daddy got home. Madison's first question after nap time, "Is Daddy home yet?".

Once Justin got home we started our little party. I had the two bottles of plain old water chilled and ready to go. We put the Fountain Jet together in less than 5 minutes and started making our first batch of soda. At his point I was so psyched 'cause I have not had soda since trying to become pregnant last summer and before then I was a soda fiend. Madison has had Sprite or root beer on several occasions but never any hard stuff like Coke or Pepsi. For the sake of the review I figured what the heck we'll hit the hard stuff and gave the Cola a whirl.

In the directions we read that we would hear a loud buzz after several presses of the carbonation button but I never heard anything more than a hiss. This resulted in me over carbonating the water. Oh well it was my first try so we still have to work out the kinks. After carbonating the water I unscrewed the bottle from the carbonator and added the Cola flavoring. No I didn't read that you should tilt the bottle and add the flavoring slowly. The result was having soda fizz up to the top of the bottle and overflowing all over my baby shower thank you cards. Strike two for me! Finally when we got to taste the finished product we all liked what we tasted. Madison LOVED the fact that Mommy and Daddy were letting her have a taste of soda! Justin said he couldn't taste the difference between this cola or any major brand. Like I said I used to be a fiend and would only drink Pepsi so I could taste a slight difference but nothing that major. Overall I was pretty impressed!

For our second batch we gave the orange soda a whirl. I gotta tell you that this was pretty darn good and so far my favorite. We still have more to try and I plan to order the cream soda and the flavor that is comparable to Dr. Pepper. I also love the fact that they are going to start offering tonic. Vodka tonics are a favorite cocktail with my family and whenever they are over we blow through a fair share of those tiny tonic bottles. Being able to make our own will not only save money but cut back on our household waste big time! I also love that the Fountain jet doesn't need batteries or electricity so you can literally take it anywhere.

So how would you like to win one for FREE? Yep thought that might get your attention. Not only did Soda Club send me a Fountain Jet to review they are also graciously sending one to one of my readers!

• In order to get a chance to win, check out Soda Club and comment back to me about what your favorite feature of the Fountain Jet is and the flavor soda you would most like to try (no guarantees that the flavor will be sent to you). This will give you one entry into my giveaway.


• Receive a second entry by blogging about this giveaway along with a link back to my blog to receive a second entry. Send me a seperate comment telling me you blogged about the giveaway with a link to your blog so I can check it out!

Deadline for entrants is Saturday, July 26th. You must be a U.S. or Canadian resident. You must also have a blog or include your email in your comment so I can contact you when you win. If the winner does not get in touch with me within 2 days of me notifying that person they will forfeit their prize and I'll pick a new winner. Good luck and happy soda drinking!

Pack Those Bags!

I just got back from my weekly ob appointment and my head is spinning! I generally have very low blood pressure but today it decided to spike! This is the same thing that happened when I was pregnant with Madison although I was overdue at that point. When you combine that with my swollen feet, headaches and the fact that I have occasionally seen stars over the past week the doctor was pretty concerned.

The next step? I have to collect my urine starting tomorrow a.m. for 24 hours. and store it in the fridge. Thank goodness we have a second fridge for water, beer, etc. 'cause I don't want even my own pee near my food. After the collection period, the doc wants me to go directly to the ob floor of my hospital drop off the pee pee and have a few more tests done. Depending on the results I will more than likely be having the baby on Saturday. Does it make sense that I'm ready to not be pregnant but not ready to have the baby? My bags aren't packed, I've yet to buy anything that remotely resembles hospital garb (mostly 'cause I'm expecting a few goodies in the mail for reviews) and I NEED a pedicure (GASP)! Now I know all of these little items are ultimately unimportant and my baby's health is all that matters but I'm just not ready!

I'll make sure to keep you posted. In the meantime make sure to check back tomorrow because I have a review along with an AWESOME first giveaway planned. I'm thinking the end date will probably Saturday, July 26th but that all depends on what happens this weekend!

You're going where?

One of my closest friends is expecting her first baby. Her due date is August 11th which last time I checked was less than a month away. She looks amazing but is definaltely tired all the time and is dealing with constant backaches and water retention. Duh she's about to give birth!
Throughout her whole pregnancy she has been talking about her family's annual vacation in Cape Cod (about 5-6 hours from where we live). She has also said all along that she plans on going as long as she feels good and her doctor is okay with it. Any of her friends that already have kids just told her she was crazy and that she won't be up to going. Well this weekend she is heading up to Cape Cod with her husband and dog in tow for a week AGAINST her doctor's wishes. Everyone including her husband has tried to talk her out of it but she refuses to miss the chance to spend a week with her parents and sisters (she sees them all on a regular basis anyway).
Whenever she asks what I think I tell her I think she is absolutely insane for going on the trip and that she better take a hospital bag and the baby's car seat with her just in case. Her response is to usually laugh or say that there is no room in the car 'cause her German Shepard takes up the whole back seat. I love her dearly but I do think she is being super selfish and needs to start putting her child ahead of her desires. Maybe that is just something that comes after the baby is acutally here. Please tell me if I'm being too harsh or if what she is doing seems completely fine. I'm not trying to rag on her I'm just really concerned for her health and the baby's and I think she is making a really poor decision. I also forgot to mention that she has not researched the nearest hospital or doctor's office in case one is needed and the fact that she is actually going to miss one of her ob visits for this trip!

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

We love to grill! Even if there is a foot of snow outside it doesn't stop us from going out back and grilling up something yummy for dinner. This time of year almost every meal is made on the grill including cakes! Here is a delicious recipe that I got from my Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Grilling cookbook. If you enjoy cooking but don't have a lot of time you'll love her books 'cause everything looks like you spent all day in the kitchen but doesn't take a fraction of the time.

Enjoy!

New Mexico Catfish with Bean Salsa

Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs. catfish fillets 1 tsp. lime juice

2 tbsp. Southwest marinade mix, McCormick Grill Mates 1 can (15 oz.) low sodium black beans

1 can (11 oz.) sweet and zest corn, drained, Green Giant 2 tsp. lime juice

1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes w/lime juice and cilantro 1/2 tsp salt

drained, Ro-Tel Lime slices (optional)

Paprika(optional)

1. Heat grill to medium heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.

2. Place fillets on large plate. Sprinkle w/ 1 tsp lime juice. Pat Southwest marinade mix on both sides of fish. Cover w/plastic wrap; cure in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl; combine black beans, mexicorn, and tomatoes. Add the 2 teaspoons lime juice and salt; set aside.

4. Place fillets on hot, oiled grill. Cook 4-6 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove fish from grill.

5. Garnish catfish fillets with lime slices and sprinkle with paprika (optional). Serve hot on salsa.

P.S. Keep coming back 'cause there are some GREAT GIVEAWAYS that I'll be doing soon! All are so exciting but there is one in particular that you nursing mommies are going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I can't say anymore yet but it is killing me to keep this secret!

Finally a chance to catch up!

These past 5 weeks have been such a whirlwind! Between bathroom renovations, getting ready for our annual Fiesta and getting ready for Stella I haven't known which end was up! The bathroom is finally finished so we are no longer living between our home and my parents' next door! There are still a few touch ups and finishing decorations that need to be done but nothing that is necessary at this point.


BEFORE (left)AFTER(right)

Luckily the bathroom was finished just in time 'cause the next day was our Fiesta! Danielle, Eliza and Aly made the trip down. It was so great to see them! Unfortunately I don't get to see Danielle as much as I'd like and Eliza has grown so much since the last time I saw them! Madison was

OBSESSED with Eliza. I was thrilled to see how attentive and loving she was towards a little one but it also makes me think I might be driven crazy once Stella is born! Madison was all about making sure Eliza was happy, holding her hands, touching her face (kept telling her we can't do that but she just couldn't help herself), trying to give her juice, change her diaper.... You name it and Madison wanted to do it. It was really sweet to see but I kept thinking I'll never get a moment of peace once Stella arrives 'cause Madison will be hanging over her every second of every day. Maybe (hopefully) once the novelty wears of Madison will not be as interested in her little sister. Either way I know she'll be a wonderful big sister and I'm pretty sure the jealousy will be at a minimum (fingers crossed).

HOW CUTE IS ELIZA?

Can I Please Have My Windows XP Back?

About a year ago I bought a new computer. It was right around the time that Windows Vista came out. I knew I should've gone with what I knew and liked and stuck with XP but I decided to give Vista a whirl. Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I still don't know all of the ins and outs but my latest complaint is that I can't seem to install my Adobe Photoshop! Remember my goal of designing my own blog? Well it hasn't gotten very far 'cause without a program that can do what I need to do I'm kinda screwed.

I'm not exactly computer savvy and I'm sure there is a way to fix my dilemma. If anyone has advcie or a solution I'ld love to hear it! Thanks!

Can't Wait to Wear My Baby!

Nope no baby yet. I've just been super busy trying to help Justin finish the bathroom in any way I can and get ready for or annual Mexican Fiesta tomorrow. Not sure what I was thinking when I gave the green light on that one so close to my due date and all. Anyway I haven't had much time to do a real post or any updates but I did find another great giveaway. Save Your Money Mama is giving away a gorgeous sling from Serena and Lily in the color and size of your choice. These slings look nice and light for the hot summer weather and I can't say enough about how beautiful they are. Check out the post for a chance to win! Good luck!

Momma Loves Giveaways

I just found two great giveaways and thought I would share.

The first one is hosted by Skimbaco and is for a $150.00 gift package from Ambajam. What is Ambajam? Super cute, comfy clothes for your little ones and too cute for words blankets and accesories. My personal favortie is the green and yellow quilt! Head on over to Skimbaco Lifestyle to find out how to get entered into the giveaway.

The second is the Ambajam August 2008 Cutest Baby Photo Contest. We all love showing off our little cuties so why not get some goodies in return? The winner of the contest will win a $75.00 gift certificate for Ambajam clothing. Make sure to check out Ambajam or Skimbaco Lifestyle for details on the contest!

Good luck everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

Privacy Please!

I Need To Win But I'll Share Anyway!

I was so excited when I read Danielle's blog this morning at New Mommy Rant! She announced a giveaway that she learned about at Along for the Ride. This giveaway is for

An Essential Baby Wearing Stash (1 Becco Butterfly, 1 Hotsling Pouch, 1 Baby Hawk Mei Tei, 1 Zolowear Ring Sling and 1 Gypsy Mama Wrap).

How exciting is that! To be honest I really, really, really want to win because Stella will be the first baby I'm into wearing and right now I only have a Peanut Shell in my collection. Good luck to everyone that enters though!

Preferences

With only 22 days left until our new addition arrives it seems like much of my time is spent preparing for the big day. One of the preparations includes purchasing a breast pump. I having every intention of nursing but if for some reason it doesn't work in the traditional way I want to be prepared by having a pump ready to go in my home. I've heard positive reviews about the Ameda Purely Yours breast pump and the Medela Pump In Style. So far the two differences I've seen about the two is that the Medela is readily available at my local Babies 'R Us and Target along with any needed accessories but the Ameda is about $80.00 cheaper and has free shipping! In most other ways they seem very similar so any comments that anyone has about either or both would be greatly appreciated.

I know renting a hospital grade pump is also an option but I'm leaning towards purchasing one of the two. Thanks for your help!

Check Out This Giveaway

Dana over at Just Talk is hosting a great giveaway for all you mommies. She's got a bunch of goodies from Nature's Baby organics including shampoo, moisturizer and detangler just to name a few. Make sure to check out her blog and learn how to be entered into this giveaway before July 17th. Good luck!

When a box is more than a box.

I'm so excited to be doing my first review with help from Madison! Last week while searching for some fun "green toys" for my very imaginitive preschooler I came across fridge box! Next thing I know there is a HUGE box being delivered to my front door. At this point I don't know who was more excited, Madison or me! We immediatly tore open the box and found two of Fridge Box's cotttage/shop kits and a flower shop sticker kit. I wasn't exactly expecting on "creating" a masterpiece yesterday afternoon but I knew there was no chance that we would be able to wait until after a trip to the craft store for some supplies! So we got out some paints, brought everything outside and went to town! Within minutes Madison was placing stickers all over the box and painting designs on her "food store".

After about an hour of decorating and painting the box we decided to bring Madison's market inside to cool off and play. For the rest of the evening she was taking orders through the market's window, cooking on the play stove that we made and serving anyone who was willing to play along. The first thing she said this morning while still half asleep was "Mommy can we play with my market?". Needless to say the fridge box was a huge hit and it didn't matter how creative or uncreative we were with the decorating because it would have been fun no matter what it looked like! Even better yet is the fact that I have another one stored away for a rainy day!

Fridge Box not only has the cottage/shop. There is also a pirate ship and a race car kit to choose from and all different sticker kits. They also offer the Fridge Box Color Kit featuring eco-friendly mixes from Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company. Plus for those of you who need some creative assistance you can check out the Fridge Blog. This is seriously a fun, creative way to explore you child's imagination and to keep him/her busy for hours at a time! We love Fridge Box!

What's in the box?

Decorating my market!

Checking out the window.

How Can I help you?