Bountiful Baskets

Ever since moving to the PNW I’ve been wanting to do a crop share type thing.  There are several local ones and I’ve either missed the deadline or we haven’t had the money for it since you have to pay upfront.  Then I had a couple of friends who participate in Bountiful Baskets.  When I saw the amount of veggies they were getting I knew I had to try it out!

It’s a Co-Op and in our area it runs every other week.  What you do is contribute on Monday or Tuesday and let them know what you want.  We did a conventional basket for $15 (Organic is $25) and there’s a $1.50 processing fee.  We also paid a $3 fee for a basket the first time and we won’t have to pay it again.

Then on Saturday you go to the location you picked to pick up your fruits and veggies.  I was surprised with how much produce we got!  We got apples, bananas, pears, limes, a melon, an avocado, tomatoes, English cucumbers, sweet potatoes, celery, carrots and collard greens.  You have no control over what you get so it is a bit of a gamble.  For us, we don’t usually eat collard greens.  We have found a yummy sounding soup recipe and are excited to try it!  The Man doesn’t enjoy sweet potatoes so I’ve been enjoying sweet potato chips.  Have you ever made them?  They are easy and delicious!

First, thinly slice your sweet potato.  I use my easy slicer so they are all the same size and will cook the same.  Spread them out on a cookie sheet.  I use stoneware so I don’t have to worry about turning them.

Next spritz with olive oil.  I used my Pampered Chef spritzer thingie.

Then I sprinkle a little salt on them.

Finally, bake them at 375 for 20-25 minutes.  Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

We love our little girl!

Civilian Life

It’s been about three months since The Man went on terminal leave and about two months since he separated from The Navy.  It was a little strange to have him home all the time in the beginning but it feels normal now.

About a week after Munchkin was born The Man’s boat left for an underway.  We were both very, very thankful that he was no longer on that boat.  That separation would have been brutal.  For those of you that have face separation after the birth of a child, my heart feels for you.  I would have and could have done it if I had to but I am oh so thankful that I didn’t.

The Man had a job offer in April.  He said yes but had to go through the hiring process which included a physical and the ability to show that he could handle small spaces and lift 50lbs.  This usually takes months and was starting to take a little longer cause he had to go on an underway.  Things were going pretty well and we were hoping for an August or at the latest a Sept. 1 start date.

Then I went into labor.  That morning he was supposed to have an appointment for the job and didn’t end up going cause we headed to the hospital instead.  It took over a month to reschedule that appointment.  So bye-bye August start date.  We were still hoping for one in September. 

We knew he failed the color portion of the vision test.  He had a waiver from the Navy so we didn’t think it would be a problem.  They needed to see the waiver and then talk to the department that DH will be working for.  They had to approve the waiver and while everyone was expecting to it took them awhile.  So we were a little nervous because you never know, they could say no.  Then The Man would have to look for another job.

Thankfully they approved it so he is officially hired!  That’s the great news, knowing he has a job with a good salary and health insurance and other benefits.  The not so good news is that we still don’t have a start date.  They’re backlogged so we should find out in a month what is start date is.  So it’s looking like it will be at least another month and a half before he starts work

We hadn’t really planned on this so financially it’s a little tight.  We’re thankful for unemployment.  We went to a Veteran’s benefit fair today and The Man applied for VA health insurance.  We also applied for health insurance for Munchkin.  She’s due for he 2 month appointment and we were hoping we’d have health insurance to take her.  We also got a meal and some groceries which are a big blessing.  We have food and are not starving but the little extra is helpful.  We don’t want to take advantage of the help but we do want to use what we can and stop when we don’t need it anymore.  It helps to fill in the gaps.

So all in all, our needs are being met.  We’re able to meet our obligations with creativity.  We’re enjoying more time together as a family.  The Man is enjoying being able to work on projects around the house that he hadn’t had time to get to before.  We’re also learning to trust and wait on God’s timing.  

Thoughts On Sleeping

I’ve always enjoyed sleep.  I actually didn’t have a bedtime growing up because if I was tired, I went to bed.  Even now, as an adult, I prefer 8-10 hours of sleep a night.  Naps are my best friend.

I bet you’re laughing now because you know sleep and babies are NOT friends.  They are not things you associate with each other because frankly they DO NOT go together.  It’s been about 9 weeks since I’ve had a full night of sleep.

In the hospital, munchkin never slept in the little plastic bassinet thingie they have in the room for the baby.  She either slept in my arms or on her daddy’s chest.  We might have created a monster cause it was hard to get her used to the co-sleeper when we got home.  At one point in the second week I gave in and did what I said I would never do…I  pulled her in the big bed.  I curled myself around her and fell asleep.  It was the best the sleep I ever got.  While I was nervous at first to bed share, the need for sleep continued to win out.  Munchkin joined us in bed more and more.

Now, at two months Munchkin is sleeping in her co-sleeper for the most part.  She gets put down in it to start the night.  She’ll sleep 4-5 hours before she wants to nurse.  I pull her into the big bed and nurse laying down (learning how to do this is one of the best things I’ve done!)  Some nights she lets me put her back in her co-sleeper.  Other nights she stays in bed with us.  I love waking up to her smiley face and her baby coos.

I feel like bed sharing in our dirty little secret.  When you’re pregnant you’re told over and over again how bad/dangerous it is to sleep with your baby in your bed.  Yet I have to wonder…how many of us do it to save our sanity?  There is no way I would have made it through those first few weeks without bed sharing.  In talking with friends, it’s amazing how many people have told me that they too, slept with their baby in their bed.

For us, it was what felt right and what worked for us.  We did have some people who told us it was a bad idea…that we would never get munchkin out of our bed and that she needed to learn independence.  I’m no worried about either one as she has plenty of time to learn to be independent.  As for not getting her out of our bed, there have already been nights that she’s only in our bed to nurse.  I’m not worried. 

If you are sharing your bed with your baby, please so safely.  There are guidelines to keep your little one safe.  You should make sure to keep pillows and blankets away from your little one, and you shouldn’t drink or smoke.  And did you know that it’s safer to bed share than sleep with your baby on the sofa? 

Did you bed share?

It’s Been A Year

One year ago today my daddy went home to glory.

The grief is still there and it hits at unexpected times.  It doesn’t happen as often as it did a year ago but it still comes without warning.  Out of nowhere I’ll find myself thinking of dad with tears running down my face. 

I wish he could have held my daughter.  It hurts so much that she won’t know him.  I’ll tell her of him but it won’t be the same.  I know he would have loved his granddaughter. 

Even with the pain and the grief, my beliefs haven’t changed.  I know I will see him again.  For him it will be like no time has passed.  It’s harder for us left here, as we have to go on without him.  We feel the separation much more since we are still in time.  So it’s about taking it one day at a time. 

 

Daddy, I miss you. 

Two Months

Munchkin is two months!  I love watching her grow.  She’s smiling and cooing even more now.  She’s also starting to not like the camera.  She’ll be smiling and cooing and you pull out the camera and she stops immediately.  I’m hoping she doesn’t cry like her daddy did but I guess we’ll have to see.

Munchkin is still a super sleeper.  She takes several naps a day and I often join her in the afternoon.  She’s doing well at night as well, usually only waking up once or twice. 

Breastfeeding is still going strong. We often just stare at each other while she nurses.  I love when she smiles at me round the nipple.  It’s kinda like she’s saying “Thanks Mom!”  or “I love you!”  Once she falls asleep I usually have my kindle nearby so I can read while she continues to eat.  I’m behind in the books I want to read this year and I’m trying to catch up.

Sleeping beauty.  I could watch her for hours.

A happy baby after eating.

She’s wondering what her silly puppies are doing.

She was smiling right before I took this…promise!

No more pictures Mom!  People are tired of seeing me!

Wordless Wednesday

We think she’s going to be a roller coaster lover!

Not Surprised

I got a phone call today.  I wasn’t expecting it but it didn’t surprise me.  It was from my mom and she had bad news for me.  A close family friend lost her battle with cancer today.

I called her Auntie growing up even though there is no shared blood.  When I was 9 I spent the summer with her.  I got to swim in her pool and and read her daughter’s Nancy Drew books (she had them all in hardcover.  It was a book lover’s dream!)  Auntie and Uncle bought a cottage in Cape Cod and Uncle  redid it.  It was gorgeous when it was done and I loved visiting them there.  As I got older they would let me borrow it for a night or a weekend.  The summer I worked on Cape Cod they let me bring some friends to relax.  Auntie was giving and fun.  You knew that when you spent time with her you’d end up laughing.  As for the giving aspect, after they bought the cape house they decided they didn’t need/want their pool anymore.  I had asked them if they ever decided to get rid of their pool if I could have it.  They had said yes so guess what?  I got the pool!  My parents were ok with it and we had it for a long time.  I remember being in shock because who gives away their pool?!?  At least that’s what a 10 year old thought.

In the past few years we haven’t been as close but they still hold a special place in my heart.  I’m sitting here, trying to figure out what I should write.  I have nothing though.  I’m still in shock.  I knew she was sick and not doing well.  I wasn’t expecting this though.  I just expected her to get better.  My heart is hurting for her husband,  daughter, son in law and grandchildren.  I know that they were close and I can just imagine the pain they are feeling.

Since they (whoever they are) say that death comes in threes and this is the third death in September, I’m hoping it’s done.  And I’m very, very ready for September to be over.

TV Meets Real Life

We don’t have cable but we do get several free channels.  Our favorite is the Discovery Channel.  They have several shows that we enjoy, like Mythbusters, American Guns, Property Wars and Gold Rush.  Actually, we like most of the shows on Discovery.  Our favorite is Auction Kings. 

It’s such a fun show!  We love seeing the random things that people bring in to auction off.  We enjoy learning about the items they highlight and root for the house when it’s being auctioned.

There just so happens to be an auction house near us.  We drive by it on the highway and I’ve been saying we should go sometime for the past 3 years.  Well, we finally went!

It’s nothing like Auction Kings but it is fun.  We looked on the website to see what they would have and then we went on Friday to see the items in person.  We were interested in a dog crate, a pile of wood and a lot of storage totes.  We really wanted the dog crate and the other items went first so we didn’t bid on them.  We set a limit and waited.  When it was up we reached our limit pretty quickly.  We walked away with nothing but it was free entertainment for the morning.

Some of the tools went dirt cheap…like 5 bucks for a few items.  I think The Man wants to go next month for this birthday to add to his tool collection!  They also had plants and people were getting great deals on them!  A plum tree for $5?  I’ll take it!  We didn’t but maybe next time.  We’re looking forward to hopefully getting some plants there in the spring.

Munchkin did great too.  The Man carried her in the new carrier we got.  A friend let us borrow her Mei Tai carrier but Munchkin doesn’t like it.  She cries when we put her in it unless she’s asleep.  So we broke down and bought an Ergo carrier along with the infant insert.  Munchkin likes it much, much better.  I’m going to try the Mei Tai again when she gets older.  I really need a carrier that she won’t cry in because I’m planning on flying with her soon and want a carrier to to carry her in through the airport.  She did great in it and slept almost the entire time.  We were there for two and a half hours.  And yes Nana, we made sure to keep her out of the sun so she wouldn’t burn.

Have you ever been to an auction?

Life With A Baby

So life with a baby has been good.  Hard at times but that’s to be expected.  Some days are easier/better/more productive than others.  Other days are hard and I wonder if it will ever get easier.  Lots of people have told me that it gets easier at three months.  We’re at two so I’m 2/3 of the way there.

Today has been productive, or at least it’s felt that way.  I actually have time to sit down and write a blog post (sorry if it’s choppy.  I’m not taking the time to proofread it like I normally do because it wouldn’t get posted!)  Today I managed to:

-Go to the local Just Between Friends Consignment event and pick up some long sleeve outfits for Munchkin.  Somehow we mostly have short sleeve stuff and I know she’ll be cold.  I was able to get a few good deals.  Some items were overpriced but you just have to weed through them. I was able to shop early as a first time mom and I got there when it opened.  There was barely anyone there and it was so nice.  I was in and out.  It was nice to not have to worry about Munchkin as she was with daddy.

-Complete a load of cloth diaper laundry.  Well, everything is dry at least.  I still have to stuff the dipes but that won’t take long and I like to do it when Munchkin is away cause then I talk to her while I do it.  She just smiles and coos at me.  I love it!

-I got TWO loads of adult laundry and a load of baby laundry done. (ok, to be honest one is sitting in the basket next to me.  I’m writing this so I can avoid folding it but it will be done before I go to bed tonight!)  Two loads, plus dipe laundry in one day is a lot for me.  It might not be impressive for anyone else but it’s an accomplishment for me!

-I made dinner.  The house smells amazing from the roasted tomato and basil soup that simmering on the stove.  I think we’re going to have BLT’s with it.  Yes, I know you should have grilled cheese with tomato soup but I’m currently avoiding dairy so no grilled cheese for me.  BLT’s are the next best thing!

-I finished a book!  I’m something like 17 books behind on my goal of reading 115 this year.  It didn’t help that I didn’t ready anything for the first 7 weeks of munchkin’s life.  I’m now fitting it in while Munchkin is breastfeeding.  She tends to fall asleep while she eats.  I do love watching her but it’s nice to be productive while just sitting there too.  She eats a lot too.  There are days where I feel like I do nothing but sit and nurse her. 

-Munchkin is happy, fed and dry.  She is my number one priority and everything else that got done is just icing.

-I’m showered and dressed.  I have made it a goal to shower every day.  I think there was one or two days where I didn’t shower but that was my choice and not because I couldn’t find time. 

-Dishwasher unloaded and reloaded with dirty dishes from the sink.  I like having a clean kitchen.  Even if the rest of the house is a mess, I can handle it as long as my kitchen is clean. 

-I got this blog post written!  Someday I’ll be back and write more often like I used to but for now, it’s better to spend time with Munchkin.  She’s growing so fast and I want to enjoy every moment I can with her.

So as I read back over it it doesn’t seem like a lot.  I’m still getting used to having a baby and keeping up with the house.  I’m hoping it gets easier as she gets a little older.

Road Trip

We made our yearly trek down to Eugene, OR this past weekend to go to a Duck’s game.  I love going to games at Autzen stadium.  It’s so fun and I love the energy and excitement. 

We drove down on Friday.  Munchkin did great during the first half of the trip as she was asleep.  We stopped for lunch at Ruby Tuesdays and it as downhill from there.  We had to wake her up and we changed her but it was really hot out.  The A/C wasn’t working so we had the windows down in the truck.  It was just really hot and munchkin was uncomfortable, even though she was only in her diaper.  There was a lot of crying (screaming really) and heartache for mommy.  I was very thankful to arrive at my brother & sister in law’s house so we could calm her down.  She was  very happy to cool down!  She slept really well that night…the silver lining of getting so upset!

Saturday we went and finally bought her some duck gear.  We got her two cute onesies, a pair of pj’s and a headband.  She doesn’t love headband but I keep trying cause eventually she’ll get used to them! 

The Man and I went to the game while Munchkin stayed with Grammy, Grandpa and her Aunt and Uncle.  I think she had a good time being spoiled by family!  It was the longest that I had been away from her and leaving her with someone other than The Man and I was really ready snuggle with her by the time we got home.  We then had a great dinner with everyone.

Munchkin also made a new friend.  Her aunt and uncle have a 11 month old Jack Russell Terrier named Cooper.  Cooper was so interested in Munchkin!  He kept sniffing her and trying to give her kisses.  Munchkin wasn’t totally sure what she thought but she did pretty well.  I think she’ll have fun playing with him when she gets older.  We also think that Joey would have a great time playing with him!

I was also able to meet one of The Man’s aunts that he hadn’t seen in years.  It was fun to meet more family.

How was your weekend?

September

I’m not really looking forward to September this year.  The past two years it hasn’t been very nice to me.  September is starting to be synonymous with death and it has me wondering if someone is going to die this year too.  Morbid I know.

Two years ago my Granny died on September 15.  While it wasn’t expected it wasn’t totally unexpected either has her health wasn’t the best.  I went to Arkansas for the funeral and it was nice to have that closure.  It was also nice to see family that I hadn’t seen in years.  The sad thing is that I probably won’t see most of them until my grandfather’s funeral, which I’m praying won’t be for several years.

Then last year happened.  My dad died on September 21.  I can already tell it’s going to be a tough month.  Over Labor Day I was thinking about how mom had had to take dad to the hospital last year.  How they released him on Monday and how on Wednesday she had to take him back.  How I offered to fly out to help out, which I did on Thursday.  When this happened none of us expected it to end with daddy dead. 

As I sit here typing this my 7 week old daughter is sleeping in her bouncy seat.  She’s so peaceful and adorable.  There are days it just kills me that he never knew about her.  He would have loved her.  I know that without a doubt, that he would have loved her for no other reason than the fact that she’s mine.  He would have been so happy and proud.  Everyone he talked to would have known that he had a new granddaughter  He would have fought with my mom about holding her.  I know he’s in heaven and that he does love her and is so proud.  It’s just not the same. 

Well, someone just opened her eyes so I’m going to go take care of her.  What a beautiful distraction I have! 

September Milspouse Friday Fill In

It’s my first Friday fill in as the wife of a civilian!  Actually, The Man is still in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) so we still have ID cards and have base privileges.  I’m hoping it means I’m still a milspouse!

I wasn’t going to participate this month as I couldn’t figure out when to do it.  The Man took Munchkin with him this morning and I got everything done that I needed too so I have some extra time.  It’s amazing how much quicker I can get things done when the baby isn’t around!

 

1. What’s one thing in the past month you would have changed?
Nothing.  Well, If I could control the weather I would have kept it from getting into the 90’s.  I wish I could control the weather!

2. What was your favorite thing that happened in August?
Watching Munchkin sleep.  I tell you, I could watch her all day!  There were a lot of fun things though, like the Baby Welcoming party Wifey threw me, taking Munchkin to her first baseball game, taking Munchkin and Nana to Ocean Shores and Port Townsend, and just having The Man at home.

3. What did you do to celebrate Labor Day?
Friday we did something fun but I can’t remember what cause my brain is fried, Saturday we just hung around the house and watched the Duck game (they won in case you were wondering), Sunday I shot a gun for the first time and Monday I forget.  The baby has killed my brain cells. 

4. What do you HAVE to have handy by your bedside?
My cell phone and my water bottle.  I get so thirsty when I nurse so it’s a must!  Also, Munchkin sleeps on my side of the bed in her co sleeper.

5. What are you looking forward to in September?
The Man starting work!  I love having him home but it will be nice to get a paycheck too.  We don’t know for sure that he’ll be starting this month as he doesn’t have a start date yet but we’re hopeful.  I’m also super excited to go to Eugene, OR for a Ducks game.  I love going to games at Autzen Stadium.  We have to get Munchkin some duck gear too as she doesn’t have any yet.  This must be fixed ASAP!

Don’t forget to go link up with Wifey!

Newborn Photo Shoot

I know my last post was about my maternity photo shoot but I really want to share these adorable photos with you!  Ashley, my doula, also does photography.  She had gotten some new equipment and props and was looking for babies to try it out on.  Of course I volunteered Munchkin.  What mom doesn’t want free newborn photos?!?! 

Munchkin was not very cooperative but Ashley managed to get several adorable photos.  I don’t think Munchkin likes the flash…hopefully she’ll grow out of it.  It will be horrible if she’s like her daddy who used to cry whenever someone took his picture.  It will be much easier if she takes after her mom in this, as mom was a ham and LOVED to have her picture taken.

Maternity Photos Shoot

At the end of June The Man and I had the chance to get together with Bonnie from Makin’ Plans for a photo shoot.  Bonnie has recently opened up her own photography business and this was skill building shoot for her.  We had a great time and we love the pictures that she took!  If you’re in Western Washington I recommend her.    You can check out our session on her website.

As I look at these pictures, is it crazy that I really can’t remember what it was like to be that pregnant?  I remember feeling uncomfortable and wanting the baby out.  I remember being so excited to meet munchkin.  But I can’t remember what it was like to have that huge belly out in front of me.  I’m thinking that’s a good thing!