Homemade Baby Food - Easy as 1, 2, 3

Since my little man is getting ready to start solids, I thought I'd start making some homemade baby food. I feel better making it then buying it. It's cheaper, I know exactly what is in it and how old it is, and it's super simple. I've made all of his food so far (Mama's Milk!!!), why not keep the trend going? I decided on carrots. My DH doesn't like carrots at all, but I do, so I wanted to get Little Man to like them right off.

I started with a lb of carrots. I peeled them, cut the ends off, and rinsed them. Then I sliced them up
and put them all into the steamer
and onto the stove

I steamed them for about 25 minutes. I have heard they only need 15 when cut up this small, but I wanted to make sure they were nice and soft.

I then put them in the blender

Added about 4 oz of breast milk (I have over 200 oz in the freezer, I have plenty to spare for baby food lol) and pureed it until it was smooth.

I put a heaping TBS in each section of an ice cube tray
I covered the whole tray with a single layer of saran wrap
and stuck them in the freezer.

Once frozen (I left them overnight), I moved them from the ice tray into a gallon size freezer bag, with the type and date written on the bag for easy identification

This amount made enough for two dozen cubes, along with a little bit left over to use right away

Mother's Day- How it has changed for me

It has SUCH a different meaning to me this year. For the last many years, I have hated the holiday. As in, I would give my gifts a week early, and then close myself in the bedroom and spend the entire day bawling my eyes out. It was the one day every year I would allow myself to mourn my son. I know he was happy, and his mom was having a wonderful Mother's Day. But I needed one day per year to be sad and cry, and it was Mother's Day.

This year is going to be wonderful. First, on Sunday DH and I are going to church. My church makes a big deal out of Mother's Day. They have all the women stand and they give them a flower or little gift to celebrate them. This year, I get to stand up as a mom (instead of just a woman- not that they pointed out the difference, but I always felt different), and that means so much to me. Then, after our church, we are going to church with my SIL, where she is going to have her baby (born 5 weeks ago) blessed. That's a big deal for my husband's family, and will be fun to celebrate. DH is getting me something, but hasn't told me what yet. He said he wants to surprise me and plans to take me today. I'm excited. For my mom and MIL, DH and I gave them a moon windchime from us and the baby, and it matches the star/moon windchime in the nursery. I even helped DH get together a gift and card for his ex-wife, so he could thank her for being a mom to his daughters. As for our baby, I am going to be a mommy! That is a wonderful, beautiful, fantastic miracle of a gift in itself!

This Mother's Day is a big deal for me. I am counting my blessings and being grateful for all the wonderful things that are and have happened to bring me to this point in my life.

We're to the "any day now" month

Any day this month, my husband will have a son. Any day this month, we'll be making a trip to the hospital, and bring home our beautiful little son. My guess date is middle of this month, and since babies are born two weeks before or after the guess date, that means he'll be here any time during the month of May. We will become parents together, and bring a child into this world that we will raise together and love together and continue our family together.

We had some maternity pictures done the weekend before last. Not only did we have a blast, but they turned out better than I ever could have hoped. Thank you to Valerie at Photography By Valerie, a friend I've known for years and recently caught up with again, for her excellent photography and photoshop. You will tell by the photos that she is incredibly talented. And, her prices are extremely competitive. She is worth significantly more than what she charges. We recommend her very highly. We've already decided she'll be our photographer from now on, and she'll be doing the newborn photos of our son.

And here's the one Kenn says is his favorite. I'll probably get this, and some of our son, framed to give him for Father's Day.
Soon enough, we'll be making an announcement about the birth of our son.

Our BabyMoon

This last weekend, we took our first BabyMoon. It was a first for both of us. But after the experience, it definitely won't be our last.

We stayed at the Westgate in Park City. It was beautiful, and very tourist-y, which is exactly what I wanted. There were places all over that had good photo opts, a real stuffed bear, elegant couches, a huge Christmas tree. We stayed in a one bedroom suite, and it was so roomy. We ate at Smokey's for lunch. Wow! The people there are SO nice (they are part of the Canyons, and not Westgate, but we were still so impressed.), and the food was fantastic. For dinner, we went to the Westgate Grill. It was very fancy and romantic. Selo had the Herb Crusted Chicken, I had a specialty salad that isn't on the menu, and we both had desert. It was so good. We visited the pool, too. They have more pools than we could visit, so we chose the Adult Only pool. It had a heated pool, a hottub, a sauna, and a steam room. I very much enjoyed reading my book with my feet soaking in the hottub. Selo visited all the luxuries of the adult pool area. We debated on visiting the Serenity Spa and having the Couple's Hideaway, since that's exactly what we were there for. We had appointments set, but then backed out at the last minute because we couldn't fit the time in with everything else we wanted to do. We're going to have that done sometime in January instead. The whole weekend, we snuggled in bed together anytime we wanted, we stayed up late, we slept in, we were treated like royalty because we were on our BabyMoon. Overall, the whole weekend was a fabulous experience. We both agree it is a must, and totally worth everything that was invested in it.

Motherhood in the Animal Kingdom

I got this email today, and laughed SO HARD. It was sent to me by a co-worker, and no, I didn't make this up.

The Ocean

The riverbank

India

The Arctic

Africa

And finally, near a WalMart, somewhere in Montana

Fantastic video of Fetal Developement

It's amazing what you can find on YouTube.

Easier than a dentist visit

I had the Mirena taken out yesterday. It wasn't that bad! I was expecting a lot more pain. I mean, my uterus has been wrapped around this little device for four years, there has to be a lot of pain, right? Wrong. It felt like a pinch and tug, and it was over. You know that feeling you get at the dentist when you are getting a numbing shot? It was that same sensation, but not that painful. Afterward, I cramped a bit. It was like very mild period cramps. No bleeding at all, which was also a very pleasant surprise.

The doctor confirmed what Selo and I thought about the IUD- although it is wonderful and has worked like a charm for me, the hormone level in it has been dropping these last few months and that's why it didn't seem to be working as well.

My doctor was really nice, and he was funny. He was excited for us to be having the IUD taken out, it's a big step. He told us we "should get pregnant tonight!" We laughed and told him we weren't THAT ready- I haven't even had a period yet! Honestly, I am looking forward to starting my periods again. I haven't had one in over three years, and I'm looking forward to knowing I'm female and able to bear children.

I was a little concerned about a lot of different hormones messing me up so we couldn't have kids. But he said something that really comforted me. He said he has more cases of women coming in that got pregnant from missing a pill or two, than he has cases of women that go off birth control and struggle to get pregnant. That made me feel a lot better.

Today Is The Big Day

We've been talking and making plans to start our family for a few years. We are making and accomplishing financial and emotional goals to bring us closer to it. Today is another big milestone.

Today, we are having my IUD removed.

Wish us luck!

Two appointments and birthday planning

Quick post, because I am short on time. I have two appointments coming up that are going to be pretty exciting.

This Saturday, I'm cutting my hair. Remember the post about Loving my Locks? Yes, the moment has come. I looked up the info I need on Locks of Love's website, I'm browsing cute hairstyles, I have the appointment made, and the camera ready. Selo and I will be going Saturday morning. I am so excited. So excited. Some cute little kid is going to get my hair. What a fantastic feeling that is!

The other appointment is for Selo and I to see my PCP about having my IUD removed. You know what that means- we are in the Family Planning mode. Or maybe I should say mood. *wink* That appointment isn't until we get back from our big vacation to Vegas this month, but I wanted to set it early to make sure we had plenty of time to get work off and do any research we needed. Oh don't worry, it won't all be facts and charting. We plan on having a good time DTD. lol


We're also having a big birthday for Selo this year. I've always tried to make sure his birthday is very special, because he says no one has before. So I plan parties and trips and stuff. I've done a surprise party, I've done a trip to St George. This year, we're doing a big dinner on the evening of his birthday at one of his favorite restaurants, and tons of his family and friends are coming. Plus, I'm going to have a big surprise for him for his birthday, too. It's going to be a blast.

We've got some great things planned!

Welcome to the World, Nicole Susan!!!

Crystal had her baby! I am SO excited. I'm working right now on getting a ride to the hospital so I can go see her. (Darn not having a vehicle!!!)

Nicole Susan was born at 5:30 this morning. She is 7lbs, 12oz, 20 1/2 in, and has a little tiny bit of hair.

Welcome to the world, Nicole Susan!

April Fool's Memory

It was one year ago today that I found out my sister was having a baby. My first niece or nephew. I was in shock at first, she seemed so young still. But she had already been married almost a year. I wasn't sure if the news was true or if it was her idea of an April Fool's joke.

But now, I have a cute little nephew. And I couldn't be happier.

I'm fine, right?

Robert and Taya had their baby. That means my son now has a sister. Autumn Lynn was born on February 26. She was 6lbs 14 oz and 19 inches long.

It's been exactly three weeks now, and I'm still not sure how I am handling it. Not breaking down means I am fine, right?

A New Baby On Its Way

Robert is having a baby. Well, his girlfriend is having a baby. But, he is going to be a father- again. That is so weird to me. But honestly, I am really excited for him. It took me a few days to get used to the idea that the man I had a son with will be having another child. And now, I can't wait. The baby is due on February 27, and could be born any minute now. I know he will be a better dad now than he would have been six and half years ago. He is older, more mature, and in a better place in his life. It is a big milestone for me that one of us is having another child. We still have a good relationship, and talk on the phone or over messaging. (No, we never see each other.) I am happy for Robert. I look forward to going to see his new baby, and maybe even holding it. This baby will be a sister for my son. What a weird thought! I probably won't completely grasp it until I actually see her. But more than that, I really am happy for Robert. He says he is happy, and sounds excited about it. And if this is what he wants, then I am excited for him.

Congrats Adana!

Welcome to the world Cylei Adina!

My good friend Adana had her baby Cylei today at 4:14. Cylei is 7 lbs 7 oz and 21 1/4 inches long.

I'll get some pictures up when I can.

(PS Was the rumor about you checking out life insurance quotes true? I bust up laughing when I heard it, but I just wanted to know.)

I Dreamed A Dream

And in my dream I was pregnant. 4 Months to be exact. That means Selo and I were 5 months from having our first child.

Being pregnant is becoming a frequent re-accurance in my dreams. It's the second time this week alone I have dreamed I was pregnant. It is becoming more frequent the more passes.

So what does it mean?

Does it mean I want to be? Does it mean subconsciously I am telling myself I am ready to become a mother? We have been preparing our lives to begin having our children for several months- does this mean we are ready?

Is one ever fully ready to have a child?

Catherine Lily Smith is Born

Tuesday Morning
CRYSTAL IS HAVING HER BABY TODAY
I am SO excited. Bouncing around not able to concentrate kind of excited. My best friend in the whole world for most of my life is having her first baby today. she and her husband tried and tried, and then finally got pregnant. Well today is the day she is scheduled to be enduced. I called her, and they are on their way to the hospital. She's having her baby today!!!

(This blog will continue to be updated all day today, and will reflect all updates recieved.)

Tuesday Afternoon
I am still waiting for the call saying she has had her baby girl. Last time I checked, her contractions were a minute and a half apart, so it's close. Wait, the phones ringing! Got to go!

Tuesday Night
She had the baby! Catherine Lily Smith was born at 7:45 pm MST. She is 8 lbs 3 oz and 20 inches long. She has tons of curly hair! Baby Cathy, Mom (Crystal), and Dad (Jim) are all doing great!

Thursday Morning
I got a picture last night. She is so beautiful!