Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Sweet potatoes for my sweet potato

Yesterday Madi turned 5 months and that was when I wanted to start her on soilds.  We originally did'n't want to introduce her to them until she was very close to 6 months but I knew she was ready for them.  So today for lunch Madisyn had her first real solid food (besides rice and oatmeal).  I decided to have her try sweet potatoes first because I heard that's what a lot of people first started with and their babies LOVED it.

So this morning I got up and went to the grocery store and bought fresh sweet potatoes and came home baked them and pureed them up.  It was SO simple! (thanks to my awesome new Ninja food processor- which I highly recommend).  I'm excited to be making all of her baby food.  It's healthier for her and I know how it is getting made because I'm the one doing it!  It doesn't take much time either.  Everyone should do, you can save so much money!!

She seemed to like them.  I think when I started to give it to her she was more tired so kind of got fussy towards the end.  We will try again tomorrow and see how she does.  Then I think in 4 days (since there is the 4 day wait rule to make sure there are no allergic reactions to a certain food) we are going to try bananas :)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Busy!

I haven't had time to blog lately and that makes me sad :(  So let me fill you in on what has been going on in the Arneson household the last few days.

Our beautiful nephew was born on the 11th!  He's a cutie!  9lbs 1oz big healthy boy!  Madisyn didn't really have any interest in him yet.  She looked at for for a few seconds but that's about it.

Remember how I said earlier that we co sleep with Madisyn?  Well as of Friday she has been sleeping in her own crib, in her own room!  She has been doing fantastic!  I was so surprised.  I have been camped out on the couch in the living room (which is right outside of her bedroom) incase she wakes up, which she has for her paci then goes right back to sleep.  We don't have a monitor yet, but will soon be getting one because I would like to sleep in my own bed with ease lol.  The first night I was in and out of there constantly checking on her.  I only checked on her once or twice last night, so I'm getting better!

I often go on this website called Etsy- which is a website of TONS of different little shops that people can sells their homemade stuff in.  You name it, you can find it somewhere! Baby headbands, hats, clothes, scarves, home decor-ANYTHING!  I look at a lot of baby stuff on there like the headbands and things like that and I keep telling myself, I can make that stuff!  Yesterday I came across some GORGEOUS diaper wipe cases and I looked up a tutorial on youtube on how to make them and its SO easy!  It would cost me like $5 to make them and the people that sell them, sell them for about $20- some more!  I also and going to try and make some really cute layered hair bows that I seen.  I think it might take me a few tries to get them perfect but I think I can handle it!  WISH ME LUCK!

This week is suppose to be BEAUTIFUL outside so I think I'm going to attempt to take Madisyn and Chumlee (our boxer puppy) on a walk!  We will see how that goes :)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

First play date

Today was Madisyn's first play date.  We went over to Jessica's (an old friend from high school) house.  She has a son who is almost 7 months.  One of her friends also came over with her son who is 7 months.  I had met her before at the library for baby story time (which Jessica had told me about and she also told me about the baby and me work out classes that Northpointe Wellness offers).

Madi did pretty good.  I knew she was tired because she hadn't had her morning nap before we left and she had fell asleep in the car on the way over to her house, so half way through the play date she got crabby and FINALLY fell asleep after awhile.  I felt bad for her screaming, but then I realized..DUHH they are new parents too and went through the crying already lol so they are used to it.  That's one nice thing about hanging out with other mommies.  They understand and get it.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Day 6

Day 6-  A picture of the person you would like to trades places with for the day:

Hmm this is a tough one!!


Lady GaGa because she is crazy and out there and people love her for it!  And of course I'd want to be one of the most famous people in the world for a day!!

Photo Shoot..

Madisyn and I had a photo shoot today.  Here are a few pictures:

Sleeping after story time at the library






"Okay mom, that's enough!"

I am always trying to find new things for Madisyn and I to do together to get out of the house but there just isn't much around here.  We did hear about the story times at the public library.  They have a baby story time which we have been to a couple of times (they only have them once a month) and today we went to a children's story time was they have every Wednesday morning for kids 0-6 years old.  It was fun.  Madi loves to watch the other kids.  I am hoping she learns what NOT to do! haha.  We have also done the baby and me workout class.  Other than that there really isn't much to do around here.  I looked for a gymboree class but the closest one is about an hour and a half away.  I told my husband Alex that one of these weekends we need to plan a trip to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  I heard it is worth every penny.  I'm excited to go!  I think Madi will really like it.

I hate not taking Madi out of the house because she does SO well.  She loves to look around and watch the people and take in all the new things.  I think its good for us to get out every once in a while.  And we cant really go outside yet because it's too cold.  I'm def. looking forward to spring and summer!







Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Day 5

Day 5-  A picture of your favorite memory



Right after I had Madisyn.  My mom was in the room with us and I had to tell her to quick grab the camera to take a picture of Alex cutting the cord.  My labor happened so fast that the camera was still in my bag!  This was almost a missed picture.

Favorite Things..

Here are a few of mine (and Madi's) favorite things that I don't think I could get through the day without having!  In no particular order.

1.  Bright Starts Teensy Turtle Cradling Bouncer

Bright Starts Teensy Turtle Cradling Bouncer - Blue - Bright Starts  - Babies"R"Us
It took awhile for Madisyn to want to be in this but now I can put her in it when Im doing dishes and she will sit in it and watch me and right now I am using it when I give her her cereal.  She also likes to watch tv while in it!

2.  Dr. Brown's Orthodontic Pacifier
Dr. Brown's Orthodontic Pacifier (18 + Months) - Orange/Yellow - Dr. Browns  - Babies"R"Us
Madi's favorite Paci.  It's a true lifesaver!  What would we all do without the paci's!?

3. Sophie the Giraffe teether
Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether - Vulli  - Babies"R"Us
Best teether in the world!  Madisyn loves it.  It is also one of her favorite toys!  She loves nawing on the head and legs.  It squeaks too!

4. Boppy
Boppy Slipcover - Flowers & Chocolate -  The Boppy Company - Toys"R"Us
A must have.  this is what I had to use to get Madisyn to start wanting to be on her tummy!  She hated tummy time at first.  Great for feedings and when little kids want to hold the little one for extra support.

5.  Ocean Wonders Soothe & Glow Seahorse
Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders™ Soothe & Glow Seahorse™ -  Fisher-Price - Toys"R"Us
Helps Madisyn fall right to sleep and if she wakes up in the middle of the night I can just press it and she will go right back to sleep.

6.  Little Lamb Swing
Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing - My Little Lamb - Fisher-Price  - Babies"R"Us
Madi can sleep asleep in this in no time.  She also likes to play with the tray that it come with.

7.  3-in-1 Saucer
Evenflo ExerSaucer Triple Fun Jungle - Evenflo  - Babies"R"Us
It can be an activity mat, saucer and when baby is able to stand it turns into an activity table.
.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Such a good day.

Today was great.  Although I had to work, I got to come home to my beautiful Madi.  That's what gets me through my days.  I always know I have her to come home to.  Even if I have a bad day, as soon as I see her the bad day goes right out the window.

I realized the other day how big she is getting.  You never listen to people when they tell you "they grow up so fast."  Well I sure believe them now!  It's crazy how fast they grow up and how big they get!  It's so sad.  Bittersweet.  I love seeing her grow and getting to see all of her milestones, but at the same time I want her to stay my sweet little girl forever.  But I know reality won't let her.  Hopefully she will stay sweet at least :)  I hope we can always have a special bond and she will be able to tell me everything when she grows up and we can be close.  I sometimes wonder what she will be when she grows up and how she will be in school.  Hopefully not like her mother was in high school.  I made a lot of mistakes and regret things but that I believe has made me who I am today and I'm glad that I had those learning experiences.  I guess I just thought I knew everything, but really should have listened to my parents at times.  But every teen is like that...Right????  O well..The past is the past and you can only go forward from there.  I am so happy where my life is at today and I wouldn't change it for the world.  I have a wonderful husband, beautiful daughter, awesome friends, and a great family who I love very much and who loves us right back!  Couldn't be happier!

One of Madisyn's favorite toys

Day 4

Day 4- A picture of your night:

Watching Monster's Inc. with Madi :)

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Day 3

Day 3:  A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Man o Man I have a lot of favorite shows.  It's too hard to pick just one so I'm going to list a few.  Deal with it :)

Number one.  Roseanne.
Number two.  Jersey Shore.
Number three.  Pretty Little Liars.

I also enjoy Teen Mom 2, The Bachelor, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Holly's World, Bad Girls Club and Wipeout.  I pretty much LOVE TV.  End of story.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Day 2

A Picture of you and the person you have been the closest with the longest:

Engagement Session


Our Wedding Day 10.10.09

Halloween 2009

Alex is my everything and I don't know where I would be today without him.  He is the best husband and father.

After Madi was born

I already feel like this blogging is going to become another addiction of mine.  That's okay right?

My labor was, well I shouldn't say "a piece of cake" but I'd say it was waaaaaay easier than I ever thought it would be.  My contractions started on October 21, 2010 at about 3:00 am.  I didn't think I would know if I was in labor or not, but YOU KNOW!!  Alex was going to be leaving for work at 4 am and I told him no this is the real thing.  They kept getting stronger and stronger, then I bled a little bit.  Nothing to be worried about.  I was excited because I knew this was it.  I decided to take a shower and get my bags around, I called my mom ( she knew what I was calling for.  It was 5 am for gods sake!) and we left for the hospital around 5:50 am.  It was the longest 25 minute drive I had to ever sit through. The contractions were so strong and close together.  After we got there at 6:15am I was taken to my room and they kept asking me all these questions.  I wished they would just shut up so I could relax and get through my contractions.  I went into this not wanting any pain meds.  When the time came I said GIVE ME THE EPIDURAL!  At this point I was starting to feel a lot of pressure and the doc checked me and said I was fully dialated.  They asked me if I wanted to epidural and I said no lets just get this over with.  I gave birth at 8:35 am to my healthy baby girl.  I'm so glad that I didn't get the epidural or any other pain meds because at the time it was very painful but it was all worth it.  My labor was SO fast!  I couldn't believe it!  I figured i would be in labor for hours and hours thanks to everyones horror  stories.  I think the after birth was harder than actually pushing out my baby.

After I had her they put her right on my chest.  I could get over how beautiful she was.  When they took her to weigh and measure her I couldn't take my eyes off of her.  I felt instantly bonded to her.  She was so quite during our whole stay at the hospital.  I only think she cried a few times.  She didn't even cry when she had a poopy diaper.  Being new to all of this, it didn't even cross my mind to check her diaper for the first time and when the nurse came to get her she said she had pooped!  I felt horrible that I didn't remember to check her!  That was the last time that happened.

We ended up getting to go home the next day because Madisyn was healthy and I was doing good.  I didn't tear or have to have any stitches so I wasn't feeling too bad.  A little sore.  Coming home was so surreal.  I felt like I was dreaming.  It was so strange to have this whole new little person with us forever now.  I was breastfeeding her for the first few days.  It hurt like hell.  I couldn't take the pain anymore.  That Sunday night I gave up and felt like the worst mother in the world.  I felt like she needed breast milk to be healthy and the perfect angel that she is.  She deserved that!  But I just couldn't do it anymore. My mother reassured me that it was okay so switch to formula.  She is just as happy on it, I'm happy and I know my boobs are happy.  The following morning we went on our first family outing to Babies R Us to get some more formula.  It was great.  We were finally a family.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Day 1

A picture of me and 10 facts:


1.  My favorite thing to do is snuggle with my daughter, Madisyn.
2.  I'm addicted to facebook and the bump.
3.  I had Madi all natural.  No epidural for this momma.  And that makes me very proud!
4.  I work part-time at a job that I absolutely hate.
5.  My husband and I bought our first house in May 2010.
6.  I am a licensed Medical Transcriptionist but have found NO work for it :(
7.  I LOVE to shop.  I would much rather by Madi stuff than myself.
8.  My daughter co-sleeps with us and I love it.  It's great bonding.  I am happier that she sleeps with us and i know she is too.
9.  My all time favorite food is tacos.  I'm a cheap date.
10.  I honestly didn't think I would get the whole parenting thing, but I think I'm doing a pretty damn good job at it and wouldn't trade it for the world!

Blogger Challange

I am a member of thebump.com and on some postings I came across this thing called "30 day picture challange" so I figured what the heck, might as well do it.  Let's just see how many days I actually complete!


Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Day 31 - A picture of yourself

Today is the day..

So today is the day that I've decided to start blogging.  I guess it's all the rage these days.  I figured I'd give it a shot.  It has potential to be a good thing.  I am a new first time mom to my wonderful baby girl Madisyn.  She is my life and I would do anything for her.  I never knew that I could love someone so much.  It just melts my heart every time I see her and her face lights up, like when I come home from (a long) day at work and as soon as she sees me come through the door way she smiles (if she is awake that is!).  I couldn't ask for a better baby.  She is a pretty mellow and easy baby to take care of.  Of course we have some moments, but really only when she is hungry or tired.  I have a feeling my eating right and taking care of my body during my entire pregnancy has something to do with that.

Madisyn is a little over 4 months old already and I CANNOT get over how fast time flies now!  Everyone always says how fast time goes but I don't think you realize it until you have a baby.  I cherish every moment I have with her because I know I will never get that time back.  It makes me kind of teary eyed.  She has made mine and Alex's life so much richer and I can't imagine life without her.  Here are a few pictures of my beautiful Madi:

October 21, 2010  6lb 13oz bundle of joy

12 weeks old

4 months old