Home Made Baby Food -- Bananas

A week or so ago, I made my first every home made baby food -- sweet potatoes.  I haven't made another batch yet to "chronicle" the step-by-step process though ... so that will be a future post!

Last night, however, I finally made my second baby food -- bananas!!  This one was way simpler than the sweet potatoes.  I stopped by my new favorite website Wholesome Baby Food to find out what I needed to do to turn my bananas into baby food.

It's this simple:

1.  Get a bunch of bananas.

2.  Peel bananas and put them in a bowl or pot.

3.  Get a potato masher and mash up the bananas.

4.  Put the mashed up bananas in your ice cube tray(s).

5.  Freeze.

Tada!  You now have banana baby food!  =D  After they were frozen, I popped them out with a fork and put them in a Ziploc freezer bag.

Just like home made mashed potatoes mashed up with the masher, there will be some lumps.  But I made sure they were small and easy for JD to swallow.  And I've let him suck and gnaw on the end of an unmashed banana, so I knew he could handle some itty bitty chunks.  If you want your bananas to be completely smooth, you can toss them into your food processor.

I did find a tip from a fellow Facebook user that adding a little lemon in with the banana will keep it from turning brown.  But I didn't seem to have that problem when I was making them.  Even so, JD didn't seem to mind if it did!

Also, the half-tray I made I put toothpicks in to make some banana pops.  JT loves them!  It's his new favorite "cake".

Amount of baby food made using 6 medium sized bananas: 24 cubes (1 cube is approx. 1 oz) 
Approximate cost ('cause I don't know where the receipt is to find out how much I paid for those bananas! lol):  $2.00

Happy Banana-ing!  =D

Potty Time

It's finally here ... potty training time. 

As excited as I am for Jaiden to learn how to use the "big boy" potty, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions.

1. My baby is growing up.  No more diapers = big boy.  *sniffle*

2. Yay!  No more diapers!  lol  That means more money for other stuff, right?!

3. Oh Lord ... how am I going to get thru potty training?!  Sure, I did it at a day care with about 20 2 year olds ... but that wasn't a 24/7 thing, ya know?

I've mostly been postponing the start of potty training for two reasons:  

1. Jaiden didn't show much interest in the toilet (aside from trying to play in it) or using it to go potty.

2. I didn't really have a good 'system' to make it easier for Jaiden to learn ... no small potty chair, no stool for him to be able to get up to the big adult potty, and an unreliable potty seat cover that goes on the big toilet.

But, just recently, I have been introduced to the Boon Potty Bench!  To me, it's a very innovative potty chair to help moms and toddlers alike.  When it's not being used as a potty, it folds up into a small step-stool and it has storage compartments to hold things like toys and toilet paper (or, heck, if my son's like his dad .. .reading materials!  lol).  

Right now there's a giveaway going on over at A Nation of Moms to win a Boon Potty Bench.  You know I'm all over it ... daily tweets and all.  But even if  Lady Luck isn't shining on me on March 20th, I plan on buying one of these awesome potty chairs!  =D

Blog Revival

So I don't blog nearly as much as I once did.  Between two boys, my husband, crocheting, Facebooking, and heavens knows what else ... I just let it fall to the wayside.  But, I would like to try to bring back my blogging days and what better way with some Mommy and Baby stuff?!

Recently I've discovered the fun of making home made baby food for Jack.  So I'm going to start there and see how it goes!  Let's hear it for the Blog Revival!!!!

I am Thankful for ... (2010 Recap)

As the years go on, there seems less and less to be thankful for.  Things have steadily seemed to worsen since 2009 began nearly two years ago.  But that doesn't mean there's nothing to be thankful for this year ... there's plenty!  =D  It's times like these that really make you focus on the important things in your life.

** my wonderful husband, Jaimie **

** my incredibly smart almost-2 year old son, Jaiden **

** my super strong baby, Jack-Jack **

** my dog, Luna ... as much of a pain in the butt that she can be **

** my parents **

** snow **

** wonderful friends who have not thought twice when we've needed help **

** Disney Pixar ... for making great movies that entertain Jaiden AND me! **

** Baby Talk **

** my local library **

** coffee with peppermint mocha creamer on a cold day **

** sign language, because without it I'd have no idea what Jaiden wanted! **

** consignment shopping **

** holding hands **

** playdates **

** hot baths **

** all the fans on my crochet page on Facebook **

** curling up in bed with JTUs **

** socks to keep my toesies warm **

** "Dob" **

** baby giggles **

** naptime **

** "alone time"  wink, wink lol **

** mom internet friends **

** baking cookies with Jaiden **

** keeping busy with work! **

** reading stories with my boys **

** those who serve our great country **

** popcorn and milk duds on movie nights! **

** love, because it has kept me going this year **

Newborn Posing Guide Giveaway!! =D

After months of not posting, what's the first thing I do? Post about this awesome giveaway on www.inspiremebaby.com!! =D It's for a Newborn Posing Guide for photographers! Awesome!!

Jackson is due in two weeks and you know the "paparazzi" is going to go nuts. So when I saw this giveaway I thought it would be great if I won and got some great ideas and tips for posing him. Even tho I'm an amateur photographer, I love learning new things. So fingers crossed I win!! =D

Now that I'm "back" ... let's hope I post a little more often! Fingers crossed for that, too!!!

Our Little Upi

Well, we're on the ride again! =D

In December we found out we're going to have another baby! I had an ultrasound and doctor's appointment a couple days ago and we got to see our little 'alien'. =D S/he had a strong heartbeat and waved to us! The ultrasound tech put me at about 10 weeks and my due date is August 10th, two days after Jaimie's birthday! Maybe he'll get an early present! Let's hope Upi doesn't come late like someone else I know (psst, Jaiden! lol).

So here's our little alien squiggling around in Hanger 18. =D

Our next appointment is on February 11th! By then I'll be in the second trimester (and hopefully feeling better ... morning sickness is kickin' my butt!). We're super excited and can't wait to see our little Upi again!

A Year Ago Today ...

...I was in a delivery room pushing out my beautiful (pumpkinhead!) baby boy!!


I was so amazed that this beautiful little creature was *my* son. I'd always imagined myself as a mother, but it was so surreal (and sometimes still is).

Now my little baby is getting so much bigger! He's one year old today!! *sniffle* I don't know where the time went. But Jaimie's always telling me, "Don't blink." And, boy, was he right!


I am amazed and in awe of this little guy every day. He is my pride and joy and I look forward to watching him continue to grow into a wonderful little boy, teenager, and man. I love my Baby Ohz! <3

For all the birthday pictures, check out Jaiden's blog!

I am thankful for ... (2009 Recap)

** my wonderful husband, Jaimie **

** my beautiful son, Jaiden **

** my funny step-son, Miah **

** my wonderful family **

** a car that runs **

** snow **

** my fantastic neighbors **

** Elmo, for putting a smile on my son's face **

** filtered water **

** my local library **

** popcorn made on the stove **

** playdates **

** the thrift store **

** holding hands **

** sleepy-time music **

** hot baths **

** the dollar menu **

** snuggling on the couch (heck, snuggling anywhere!) **

** socks to keep my toesies warm **

** cheese-ball smiles **

** laughter **

** naptime **

** alone time **

** friends all over the country **

** homemade mashed potatoes **

** distractions **

** my rock **

** sleep **

** hard working Americans **

** love **

What's a Blog?

So I've totally blown off my blog ... and I feel bad 'cause I love my blog!! I just get so wrapped up in a million other things -- Baby Ohz, Facebook, WoW, crocheting, spending time with Jaimie, going for walks, etc -- that there's no time for blogging!

My little man is just getting bigger and smarter every day! He is an utter joy to be around ... yes, even in his "bad" moments when he's not feeling good or just pissed in general. But those moments are so few and far between.


Jaiden can do so many things now, it's hard to imagine that only nine months ago he was just a tiny little human that only cried, pooped, and slept! He's crawling *everywhere* and, I swear, he can find everything he's not supposed to play with. As Jaimie says, "Pour a whole bunch of toys and candy on the floor, and the kid will go straight for the razor blade in the middle." Baby-proofing is no joking matter! Mostly, I just make sure his play areas are free of things he shouldn't touch so I'm not saying "No!" every five seconds! =D And Jaiden is able to explore (and oh! does he love to explore!) and play without worry that he'll get hurt or stick something in his mouth that he shouldn't!

Jaiden goes for his nine month well visit this month. I'm excited to see how he's growing and to show him off to our wonderful nurse who absolutely adores him! =D I'm such a mom ... I love taking Jaiden with me wherever I go to "show him off". He is my pride and joy!! =D

As for me, I'm trying to walk more, especially with the weather getting *much* nicer. Granted, today it had to go and rain and now the cats are meowing at me incessantly and it's driving me nuts. I have fun strapping Jaiden in his carrier and walking around the neighborhood or down to the store. Yesterday, I put him in his carriage and we went to Goodwill to find a Halloween costume. We had some luck and I found an adorable costume for him. =D I have yet to dress him up in it entirely, but I'll probably do it sometime today and take a couple pictures. I thought about playing a guessing game on Facebook to see if anyone can figure out what he's gonna be. =D I know, I'm mean! =D

Anyway, there's a baby who needs a boobie banshee-screeching at my side. So, until next time...

It's My Problem

I've recently realized that I'm the one with the problem when it comes to transitioning Jaiden to formula. I know he'd take formula and a bottle perfectly fine, but I just can't let go of breastfeeding. Even in those moments when his little teeth chomp down on me and I say to myself, "That's it! He's done!" ... I still find myself not wanting to give it up.

Last month I told myself that by my birthday I would have him weaned from the boobie. Now, nearing the end of July, two weeks *after* my birthday, he is still a boobie baby. LOL. So much for that plan.

When we took Jaiden for his 6 month appointment, I told the doctor that he was getting about 4-8 ounces of formula a day. I explained that I wanted to switch him, but that *I* was having difficulties with breaking the "habit." She said that if I don't want to, don't. She fully supports me breastfeeding as long as I want, so that was nice to hear. =D

My biggest worry is that I'm not producing enough. I see my friend giving her baby an 8+ ounce bottle of formula very frequently, and I worry that Jaiden's not getting enough from me (I still only produce about 4-5 ounces total). But he seems satisfied ... so I don't know. I guess we'll just have to see how he keeps doing. His weight was low at his appointment (well, not *low*, but in the 45th percentile), which the nurse said could be because he started solid foods.

Overall, I *don't* want to give up that special bond that I feel I have with Jaiden when I'm breastfeeding. It's something only I can do for him and I want to hold on to that as long as he'll let me!

Losing Weight

After I had Jaiden, I lost pretty much all the weight I had gained during the pregnancy. But afterwards, I seemed to have lost sight of how to eat well. Finally, after six months of more weight gain instead of loss, I opted to go to Babyfit's site and follow their meal plan for breastfeeding (and pregnant) women. Their main site is Sparkpeople.com, but since I'm breastfeeding, they sent me to their sister site (Babyfit).

So far, I've been doing good! [This is only day 4, so it's not like I've been at this for long.] I swear, I feel like I'm eating just as much as I was before ... but I know I'm eating a lot better food instead of snacking on stuff that's not that nutritious. I'm totally looking forward to lunch today (Salmon sammich with lettuce and tomato, a pear, and some cottage cheese!), and so far there's not much on the menu I dislike ... with the exception of grapefruit, V8, and OJ (bleh!!). I've also discovered a few things I wasn't sure I'd like ... for example, hummus. That's some good stuff!! Especially the garlic hummus! Mmmmmm!!

Even if I'm not rapidly losing weight, I feel better about eating right. It's not just for me either ... I want to show Jaiden how to eat well, even if he's too young to understand that right now. I can do this!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a fantastic day! Jaimie got Miah and I the internet back for our birthdays (Miah's b'day is today ... so Happy Birthday Miah!!). It's great to finally be able to hop on the computer and email pictures to my mom or look up an address on Google maps or read articles about baby stuff. I missed it!!

I had Jaimie take a picture of Jaiden and I that morning. We "matched"! ^.^ Not only was it my birthday, but it was Jaiden's six month birthday too!


The rest of the day was relaxing and fun. Jaimie did one of the sweetest things ... albeit, in other peoples' eyes this might be considered "dorky." He went on World of Warcraft and asked in the trade channel if people would mind sending my character some "Happy Birthday" greetings thru the in-game mail system. When I logged on, my mailbox had three pages worth of cards and presents. =D Here's a few that were sent:

So, we may be dorky, but it totally made my day! I knew how cool it was to get mail from nice strangers, so this morning I went on and asked that people do the same for Miah. So we'll see how that turns out! =D

The only small downer to the day was the realization that I didn't get a card from my grandmother. It's still strange to think that she is no longer with us ... sometimes on Wednesdays when I call up my Mom, I expect her to be over at Gma's house after taking her out shopping. I really miss her a lot, and yesterday even more so.

It's good to be back in the world of the internet. Until next time ... and thank heavens that doesn't mean a few months from now!

Updates Updates

It really stinks not having the internet in my home. It's really hard to get out of the house for long periods of time with Jaiden ... he usually ends up getting fussy when I come to the library with him and I never get anything done. I hope we can get our internet back soon, but I really doubt it.

Jaimie, Jaiden, and I have been sick ... again. It completely stinks!! Poor little J-bird is on more meds. This time Dr. Pease gave him a steroid to knock all the gook out of his lungs ... but it makes him pretty fussy and angry. I can't wait till he's done with it (which will be by Friday). Otherwise it's really helping ... his cough doesn't sound as yucky and he doesn't cough as much.

Last weekend was our March of Dimes walk. But with us being sick -- not to mention the day-long thunderstorms -- we didn't go. I was really looking forward to it too. But I want *all* of us to start feeling better before we undertake anything big.

Which brings me to our trip to Florida. In May we're heading to Jax to visit family and friends and introduce Jaiden and Miah to the family. I'm *SO* super excited about it! I got an Infantino baby carrier and a Moby Wrap from two wonderful ladies on Freecycle, so I can't wait to use them on our little vacation.

Anyway, I need to finish uploading some pictures to Photobucket! Hopefully it won't be another long time before I get to post again ... I so miss blogging. ; ;

Goodbye BSG

Last night Jaimie and I watched the series finale of Battlestar Galactica. It was a bittersweet moment because since we started watching this show last year, it's been our "Friday Date Night" show.

We were hoping and praying that the finale would tie up everything with a nice little bow, and we were not disappointed. There were things done by certain characters that really made Jaimie cheer ... the writer in him hates that the majority of stories nowadays contain too much "mercy". Obviously not everyone is like that, so when characters in stories act against the 'norm' of most shows and books, it really makes him smile. =D

As the show ended, Jaimie and I held hands as tears of joy and sorrow welled in our eyes. We've watched some video blogs that one of the executive producers made, and the cast and crew of BSG cried as well. Over the past five years, they had become a family, and they had let so many people into it. BSG will be greatly missed, but I am so thankful for the wonderful story we got to be a part of!

ToD Thursday?!

Okay, so I know that this usually goes on Tuesdays ... but I had to make an exception today.

Truth: I am jealous of my step-son's best friend.

Just some quick background ... when I was four or five months pregnant, our son told us that his best friend found out she was pregnant. I was incensed at the time because 1. I found out she had smoked pot after finding out, and 2. she did not know who the father was because she slept with two different guys during a time when she'd had a falling out with her then-boyfriend. Pregnancy hormones probably increased my anger, but I eventually simmered down and was okay with it.

In the past week or so, she's come over a few times. I found myself horribly jealous that she was pregnant and I was not. I won't deny that I completely miss being pregnant. It was so wonderful, even with all the aches and pains and worries associated with it.

One thing I've found myself thinking is that she's got it a lot easier than most moms. I know this isn't completely true ... but when I think about how I have to not only take care of Jaiden, but the rest of my family, I know she won't have to do the same. She has her mom and dad to take care of her still while she learns to care for her daughter. She doesn't have to worry about the house getting messy and doing dishes and making dinner. But, on the other hand, she's had to deal with the stigma of being a teenage mother, and she'll have to figure out how to do that and finish her schooling. So, I give her a lot of credit for that.

This morning, Jaimie came in and told me that she had called saying she had her baby and Miah was going to be heading up to the hospital to visit. Again, I found myself feeling tinges of jealousy ... no one came to visit us in the hospital when Jaiden was born. Granted, I did enjoy just spending time with just Jaimie and our new little guy ... but it still would have been nice to know we had people busting our door down to see us at the hospital.

So, Miah came home and I quizzed him on his visit. And, yet again, I feel so jealous of his friend. She went into the hospital at midnight ... had 6 hours of labor and pushed her baby out in 10 minutes. Really?! Son of a ... I attribute some of the 'ease' of her labor to the fact she pushed out a 6 lb baby and Jaiden was over 9 lbs ... not to mention he had quite the pumpkinhead. *And* she went into labor before she was due ... I had to force Jaiden out. Ugh ... I hate feeling so jealous of other people ... it's such a nasty way to feel!! But, to my credit, yesterday ended on a pretty crappy note, so I've already been rather emotional.

Now ... my dare ...

Dare: Remember that every one is different and has different experiences when it comes to pregnancy. There is no step-by-step pattern. And, also, keep in mind that pregnancy will come again for me and I'll get to revel in all those aches and pains again.

March for Babies

While reading one of my favorite blogs, I came across a post about the March of Dimes. I have always desired to help people in need, but now that I have my own child, this organization seems to mean something more. Even though it focuses mostly on premature babies, I feel a deep urge to help others who have not been as fortunate as I have. I am so lucky to have a healthy baby boy and there are so many people out there who struggle every day hoping that their little ones will make it to tomorrow.

So, Jaimie and I created a family team on the March of Dimes' site called "J Team Go!" (If you wonder how we came up with the team name, just think of all our names!) The walk is on April 26th at the Mahoney State Park and we're really looking forward to taking Jaiden in his stroller and walking for all the babies who need our help!

If you can, please sponsor our team and donate to this wonderful organization by clicking on the banner at the top of my blog. I wish I had been more active with it before, but it's better late than never!

Jaiden Sings!

Making his musical debut ... Jaiden Thomas! =D



The inspiration for this video came yesterday after I videoed Jaiden sticking his tongue out, which can be found here. I showed Jaimie the video after he had been playing some of his music and he asked me to queue up the video while he started 'Six' by All That Remains. The result was the video above, which I created this morning using Windows Movie Maker. =D

We all get the biggest kick out of it, Jaimie especially. =D I'm glad some video editing could make him laugh!

My New "Obsession"

A couple weeks ago, I caught a couple episodes of America's Best Dance Crew Season 3. I've always been impressed with dancers, so this show really caught my interest. But I kinda forgot about it until this past Friday night when they were running a marathon of it on MTV. These groups of dancers are so talented and athletic ... and I *love* watching them!

The show's finale is this Thursday night and I can't wait to watch it! The last two crews are both amazing and it's going to be such a hard decision. I'm so torn between Beat Freaks and Quest Crew!! Like I said, they're both amazingly talented groups ... but lately I've been leaning a little toward Quest Crew. They're not only athletic and well-coordinated, but they're entertaining too. They always seem to create characters while they're dancing, and they always make me laugh, as well as WOW me! =D

In the final week before the finale, the remaining crews were challenged to the "Hip-Hop Decathlon". They had to incorporate four very tough hip-hop styles into their routines: tutting, threading, waving, and krumping. I couldn't find a video for the Beat Freaks' routine, but here's Quest Crew's! They completely rock!



All the episodes can be found at America's Best Dance Crew on MTV's website. I've been voting for both teams until I can decide who I like better! LOL And come Thursday night, we'll find out who wins ... Beat Freaks or Quest Crew!!

Luna the Advertising Dog

It seems Luna has decided to pick up a side job as a billboard. I came up from the laundry room last night to find Luna laying on the kitchen floor advertising for Jimmy John's. Take a look:


I know money's been tight ... but when your dog starts advertising to earn extra money, you really have to wonder ...

Wordless Wednesdays