So I have been following a great blog about a mother and her twin boys and their journey into home preschool. Her twins are just a few months older than my Goober, so I have been considering doing something similar. I finally decided to start, and have even picked a date - 11/28/11.
So what will the Joy Home Preschool actually entail? Good question. I am still working out some details (which is why I have given myself roughly a month to put a plan together). I do know I want to work on Goober with colors, shapes, numbers, letters, basic skills (pasting), manners, self care and awareness, and other similar topics. Some of our first weeks' topics include autumn, "My Body," trains, dinosaurs, winter, Christmas/Nativity, and bugs. I will try to plan some activities for the week, including maybe an outing or two, some art projects, special books for the week, snacks made around the theme, etc. Nothing fancy, nothing set in stone... everything will depend on Goober's mood for the week. I am excited to start this with him, and see how much he will learn.
Anybody want to join me in this adventure?
Anybody have ideas for weekly topics?
I have found some great ideas on another website as well, Pinterest. Just for others who were curious. I will try to post weekly updates (with pictures), so that way I can see how far we have come (hopefully!). I am giving this a go for two months than evaluating if to continue. About that time, hopefully we have developed a good routine... just in time for baby #2 to make his/her appearance!
Well, I will try to write more regularly, I've been working a great deal (more on that later), so not much free time. I will try through...
God bless!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
How we make ends meet... or try to anyway
So, husband went to work early, leaving me alone with a sleeping baby (a good thing), two pups, and a bunch of shows on the DVR. One that I watch (and not sure why I even do) is "Extreme Couponing" on TLC. This show is unrealistic, and many of the grocery stores that have participated have regretted their involvement (Lowe's foods was the most recent that released a statement prior to the season's start already apologizing to its loyal customers). Anyway, it got me to thinking about how we make it work on mostly just a Navy man's salary, which isn't enough for the work and hours he dedicates to his job protecting us (that is a whole other post).
So what do we do?
1) Our house is within our means. The military budgets for us how much of our paycheck should go to housing; its called a housing allotment. If we lived on base, we would forfeit this money each month. We don't live on base (our choice), so we budgeted our house, taxes, and insurance to just about equal our housing allotment (we are pretty darn close). The bank said we could have twice the money, but we said "no thank you"!
2) We pay everything on one credit card and then PAY IT OFF EACH MONTH. By doing so, we are building up rewards with the card (and Discover has the best programs all around), which we either use to pay down our balance, or ask for gift cards (for gas and such) when the amounts are high enough. It makes it easy to pay just one bill, and not have something get lost in the shuffle.
3) I do coupon. Every month I get better, and I hope to see real returns in the future. Our food budget hasn't changed dramatically, but you should see our pantries (yes, two). My new goal is to try to cut what we normally spend on food each month down by half by the end of the year, and I think we might make it. It is difficult, but by spending some time each week checking just two websites (Hip2Save and Southern Savers) daily, I have helped purchase for pennies on the dollars things we use everyday and things we have wanted to try. I also shop a great military benefit... the commissary. We still eat out, but we do so with coupons, promotions, and specials that bring our bill down to about what we would have spent on a meal at home. We aren't afraid to ask for discounts (being military does have it privileges sometimes), and have learned different stores' policies (did you know the Home Depot takes competitor coupons?! ... and still gives us our military appreciation discount?!) to help with the bottom dollar. So, yes, I coupon!!
4) As the Duggars (from TLC's "19 Kids and Counting") say all the time (yes, another guilty pleasure), "buy used and save the difference." Elijah and I love to garage sale, we check out thrift stores, and I am on a couple of Facebook swaps. We have bough several pieces for our home that I am sure you couldn't pick out used, or found on the curb. A little elbow grease, and they look terrific. Several of the Goober's recent toys have been bought used (the most recent was today's train table; normal retail cost, $150 (sale price!), we got for $80 and HE LOVES IT). We don't mind hand me downs, and we are still using some of my college furniture.
5) We just do without. We've been wanting bikes and a bike trailer. Last year for Christmas, my parents were gracious to give us money to buy bikes. Anticipating an out of the country trip (which sadly fell through), we used that money for passports instead. Elijah was lucky to buy a used $800 mountain bike with all the bells and whistles for an 1/8 of that price, but we are still looking for a good deal for me and on a bike trailer. So, we wait.
6) We don't go without... on certain items. I do try to buy organic, or green, items when the price isn't too far out of reach. Thankfully, coupons are starting to come out for these products making them a bit more in the budget. We have for the past two years been members of the South Carolina Aquarium, and we have the "plus" package so we can bring in guests for free. This has more than paid for itself within two visits, because I usually bring a friend and their child along. We do spend money on The Little Gym for Goober; this is not cheap. It is a luxury item. Yet, to us, it is so essential for him. He loves it, he gains such confidence and great skills, that we will cut elsewhere before we deny him this. That being said, that is the only activity we pay for him to participate in. I will not pay to be in a "Mommy and me" type group; it is not me.
7) We are paying off our debts... which, like most Americans, includes credit card debt. We both made mistakes prior to our marriage when it came to credit cards, but we hope to be out of that soon. Each month, we try to pay whatever is leftover to lower them more. Progress is being made! Now if only those pesky school loans would just disappear ;)
8) I do work... out of state. This is a per diem position, meaning I may not work one month, then maybe have a week of work the next month. I love my employer, and my fellow coworkers, and it is conveniently near my parents. This provides me with not only free lodging but also free babysitting. Goober gets to enjoy his extended family while Mommy works, which works out for everyone (especially those grandparents!). It does take me away from Elijah, but I would have to say 50% of the time, he comes with me. Or, I plan to work around family events, so I would have been in Virginia anyway. Why not pick up a shift?
Well, at this time, either because of fatigue or because I really can't think of anymore, that is how my family is getting by on an enlisted man's salary, a mostly stay at home mom, with one child, one on the way, two large dogs, a car payment, school loans, and a mortgage.
If you find any extra money, maybe share just a little? ... :) ;) ... E
So what do we do?
1) Our house is within our means. The military budgets for us how much of our paycheck should go to housing; its called a housing allotment. If we lived on base, we would forfeit this money each month. We don't live on base (our choice), so we budgeted our house, taxes, and insurance to just about equal our housing allotment (we are pretty darn close). The bank said we could have twice the money, but we said "no thank you"!
2) We pay everything on one credit card and then PAY IT OFF EACH MONTH. By doing so, we are building up rewards with the card (and Discover has the best programs all around), which we either use to pay down our balance, or ask for gift cards (for gas and such) when the amounts are high enough. It makes it easy to pay just one bill, and not have something get lost in the shuffle.
3) I do coupon. Every month I get better, and I hope to see real returns in the future. Our food budget hasn't changed dramatically, but you should see our pantries (yes, two). My new goal is to try to cut what we normally spend on food each month down by half by the end of the year, and I think we might make it. It is difficult, but by spending some time each week checking just two websites (Hip2Save and Southern Savers) daily, I have helped purchase for pennies on the dollars things we use everyday and things we have wanted to try. I also shop a great military benefit... the commissary. We still eat out, but we do so with coupons, promotions, and specials that bring our bill down to about what we would have spent on a meal at home. We aren't afraid to ask for discounts (being military does have it privileges sometimes), and have learned different stores' policies (did you know the Home Depot takes competitor coupons?! ... and still gives us our military appreciation discount?!) to help with the bottom dollar. So, yes, I coupon!!
4) As the Duggars (from TLC's "19 Kids and Counting") say all the time (yes, another guilty pleasure), "buy used and save the difference." Elijah and I love to garage sale, we check out thrift stores, and I am on a couple of Facebook swaps. We have bough several pieces for our home that I am sure you couldn't pick out used, or found on the curb. A little elbow grease, and they look terrific. Several of the Goober's recent toys have been bought used (the most recent was today's train table; normal retail cost, $150 (sale price!), we got for $80 and HE LOVES IT). We don't mind hand me downs, and we are still using some of my college furniture.
5) We just do without. We've been wanting bikes and a bike trailer. Last year for Christmas, my parents were gracious to give us money to buy bikes. Anticipating an out of the country trip (which sadly fell through), we used that money for passports instead. Elijah was lucky to buy a used $800 mountain bike with all the bells and whistles for an 1/8 of that price, but we are still looking for a good deal for me and on a bike trailer. So, we wait.
6) We don't go without... on certain items. I do try to buy organic, or green, items when the price isn't too far out of reach. Thankfully, coupons are starting to come out for these products making them a bit more in the budget. We have for the past two years been members of the South Carolina Aquarium, and we have the "plus" package so we can bring in guests for free. This has more than paid for itself within two visits, because I usually bring a friend and their child along. We do spend money on The Little Gym for Goober; this is not cheap. It is a luxury item. Yet, to us, it is so essential for him. He loves it, he gains such confidence and great skills, that we will cut elsewhere before we deny him this. That being said, that is the only activity we pay for him to participate in. I will not pay to be in a "Mommy and me" type group; it is not me.
7) We are paying off our debts... which, like most Americans, includes credit card debt. We both made mistakes prior to our marriage when it came to credit cards, but we hope to be out of that soon. Each month, we try to pay whatever is leftover to lower them more. Progress is being made! Now if only those pesky school loans would just disappear ;)
8) I do work... out of state. This is a per diem position, meaning I may not work one month, then maybe have a week of work the next month. I love my employer, and my fellow coworkers, and it is conveniently near my parents. This provides me with not only free lodging but also free babysitting. Goober gets to enjoy his extended family while Mommy works, which works out for everyone (especially those grandparents!). It does take me away from Elijah, but I would have to say 50% of the time, he comes with me. Or, I plan to work around family events, so I would have been in Virginia anyway. Why not pick up a shift?
Well, at this time, either because of fatigue or because I really can't think of anymore, that is how my family is getting by on an enlisted man's salary, a mostly stay at home mom, with one child, one on the way, two large dogs, a car payment, school loans, and a mortgage.
If you find any extra money, maybe share just a little? ... :) ;) ... E
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Letter to Goober (20 months)
Hi Goober,
It's Mama, your one and only! You just went to bed, still suffering from a cold, which you so nicely shared with Daddy and me. Hopefully tonight you sleep the rest of it off, otherwise, off to the doctor you go tomorrow if I can get you an appointment. Just want to make sure my baby is okay!
Except... you are not much of a baby anymore. Nearing 20 months, you are into everything, running everywhere, and want to know what "tat" is for everything. You definitely know what you want now, and getting so much clearer in vocalizing your wishes. Especially when it comes to "Dinosaur Train" -- choo choo you say to the television, or you bring us the remote. We don't allow you to watch much television, but we succumb to the "Dinosaur Train."
Your vocabulary is starting to expand dramatically. You have been signing for months now - I think you started "more" when you were nine months? - and you still use it everyday. We are trying to add new words to your sign language vocabulary (we are working on "fish" and "bird" at the moment) so you can keep this skill for your future. Your verbal words are expanding as well; "ball," "cheese," "please," "truck," "Oma," "Opa," and "choo choo" (for train or "Dinosaur Train") are words that are *almost* clear. Everyday you surprise us when we ask you to repeat and you do sometimes!
For recognition, you can most animals - elephant, giraffe, alligator, lizard, zebra, bird, dog, cat, sheep, monkey, horse - and you know most of what they say. Daddy has done real well working on this with you, and Mommy tries to have you practice during the day. I think in the near future we might try to add color recognition. You also know "hair," "eyes," "nose," and most of the time, you get "mouth" and "ear." You are an intelligent little boy who loves to learn.
Some other things you love to do... you love to bring Mommy books for me to read to you... you love to snuggle with Daddy on the couch when he watches his cartoons or plays his video games... you are feeding yourself so well, most of the time, Daddy and I don't have to help you at all... you love to jump!... you have absolutely no fear... you love going to the Little Gym where you love to swing from the bar... you are starting to put your dishes in the sink and trash in the trash can... you love to "ride" Bacardi Razz or hold his tail as he tries to run away... you are a heartbreaker and love to give kisses to little girls... you love to color and fingerpaint... you are so interested in the kitchen and always want to watch or help... you love your Lego Duplos... love dinosaurs, planes, trucks, and buses and will point each one out when we drive past or see one overhead... you love your Oma and Opa, almost as much as you love Isabelle and Jackie ;) ...
My baby is growing up so quickly. Please don't outgrow kisses, hugs, and snuggles, because these small gestures remind me daily that what I do counts, and that you love me for just being your mommy. They are the best rewards, and you give them so easily now... I know in the future kissing your mother will be the farthest thing from your mind, but right now, as my little boy, you give them so freely. I love you little man, you are the best thing to have happened to your Daddy and me... you made us parents.
I love being your Mommy,
Mommy
It's Mama, your one and only! You just went to bed, still suffering from a cold, which you so nicely shared with Daddy and me. Hopefully tonight you sleep the rest of it off, otherwise, off to the doctor you go tomorrow if I can get you an appointment. Just want to make sure my baby is okay!
Except... you are not much of a baby anymore. Nearing 20 months, you are into everything, running everywhere, and want to know what "tat" is for everything. You definitely know what you want now, and getting so much clearer in vocalizing your wishes. Especially when it comes to "Dinosaur Train" -- choo choo you say to the television, or you bring us the remote. We don't allow you to watch much television, but we succumb to the "Dinosaur Train."
 |
| Your favorite show, "Dinosaur Train" |
Your vocabulary is starting to expand dramatically. You have been signing for months now - I think you started "more" when you were nine months? - and you still use it everyday. We are trying to add new words to your sign language vocabulary (we are working on "fish" and "bird" at the moment) so you can keep this skill for your future. Your verbal words are expanding as well; "ball," "cheese," "please," "truck," "Oma," "Opa," and "choo choo" (for train or "Dinosaur Train") are words that are *almost* clear. Everyday you surprise us when we ask you to repeat and you do sometimes!
For recognition, you can most animals - elephant, giraffe, alligator, lizard, zebra, bird, dog, cat, sheep, monkey, horse - and you know most of what they say. Daddy has done real well working on this with you, and Mommy tries to have you practice during the day. I think in the near future we might try to add color recognition. You also know "hair," "eyes," "nose," and most of the time, you get "mouth" and "ear." You are an intelligent little boy who loves to learn.
Some other things you love to do... you love to bring Mommy books for me to read to you... you love to snuggle with Daddy on the couch when he watches his cartoons or plays his video games... you are feeding yourself so well, most of the time, Daddy and I don't have to help you at all... you love to jump!... you have absolutely no fear... you love going to the Little Gym where you love to swing from the bar... you are starting to put your dishes in the sink and trash in the trash can... you love to "ride" Bacardi Razz or hold his tail as he tries to run away... you are a heartbreaker and love to give kisses to little girls... you love to color and fingerpaint... you are so interested in the kitchen and always want to watch or help... you love your Lego Duplos... love dinosaurs, planes, trucks, and buses and will point each one out when we drive past or see one overhead... you love your Oma and Opa, almost as much as you love Isabelle and Jackie ;) ...
 |
| Graduation Day from Bugs Class, June 2011 |
My baby is growing up so quickly. Please don't outgrow kisses, hugs, and snuggles, because these small gestures remind me daily that what I do counts, and that you love me for just being your mommy. They are the best rewards, and you give them so easily now... I know in the future kissing your mother will be the farthest thing from your mind, but right now, as my little boy, you give them so freely. I love you little man, you are the best thing to have happened to your Daddy and me... you made us parents.
I love being your Mommy,
Mommy
Saturday, October 1, 2011
One journey of motherhood: breast feeding
Tonight, as I nursed my little boy before he went to bed, I thought back on the incredible journey of the whole breast feeding. Amazing the changes that came from the unknowledgeable first time mother to a seasoned pro!
Before I even delivered, I promised myself I would go at least six months breastfeeding my baby. This was just as much for his benefit for mine; the health benefits I received are amazing (i.e., some protection from breast cancer). The benefits he gained were undeniable; research continues to find more immunities, long term benefits, and just general better health for those children breastfed for at least the first six months of their lives. How could I, an educated healthcare professional in the pediatric field, deny my son?
First mistake: I did not see (either my fault unknowingly or just a lapse in the hospital's system) a lactation consultant prior to discharge after having my Goober. Now, soon as the 24 hour time limit hit, I was ready to go, and this could of hindered me seeing someone. However, I still should of saw someone, especially since they have the services available. No one asked us, nor did we ask. I am willing to share the blame. So rule one for new mothers: prior to discharge, request/demand to see a lactation consultant prior to discharge!
Coming home, I thought Goober and I were lucky. He was eating (at least, it appeared to be -- my lucky husband changed the tarry diapers) and seemed content. It pained a little when he latched on, and I - along with my mother - thought this was natural. After all, my poor nipples have never been used in such a manner! Within the next two days, when we noticed that he did not have any wet diapers, and I was becoming more and more engorged (with the pain to match), my mother and I quickly came to the conclusion that he wasn't eating properly. A call to a great friend who was the most recent to have nursed gave us some tips to try, and when he finally got it, and was feeding, I never saw him so content. How long had I starved my child unknowingly? If only someone in the hospital had taken some more time to check his latch, to make sure I knew the signs to look for to insure a proper latch...
Second mistake: It should not hurt to nurse after the first couple of days, and it *shouldn't* send ripples of pain throughout your body. This is most definitely a sign of improper latch! I let this go on for WEEKS. I did not want to admit defeat, that I was doing something wrong, or I was afraid to give up. So I continued to nurse through the pain. My poor husband... he took the brunt of my pain, and what a man, he took it, too! So rule two: see someone if pain continues, and quickly!
I called the lactation consultant at the hospital I delivered at. She was prompt in her return phone call, and we scheduled a session. Let me tell you, that was the best $20 we spent EVER. Within second of Goober latching on, she had diagnosed our issues. Once she fixed it, he latched on correctly, and there was *no* pain as he nursed. None. I went home a happy woman, relieved to realize I can do this, and it is completely okay to admit I need help. I was once told breast feeding is natural, but does not come naturally.
We live in a society where it is not okay to nurse your child in public, even with the laws to say it is. Women are taught to hide their breasts, and they are sex objects. This is so wrong, and this is why the United States has the lowest breast feeding rates in the world. Thankfully, with education, women are making the choice to breast feed, and only as we allow it to be natural and not "dirty" will it become more natural. How can I learn if no one breast feeds, or hides it? My niece was breast fed. Her mother educated her daughter, did not hide her from it, and so I didn't. She would check under my cover (the first couple of times I tried to use it before I abandoned it) to make sure her "boyfriend" was eating his mother's milk. Even her baby dolls got the benefits of their mother's education -- no bottles for them! (If anyone tries to tell her that it is not natural for her to feed her baby that way, I will be in line to tell them otherwise.)
Now that I am almost twenty months -- well past my six month goal! -- into breast feeding my son, I realize I have become an advocate. A few of my friends have had children since I, and I have been some of their source of information. I have been there, I am not at all embarrassed to admit my mistakes, and I have the medical research to back me up and saying this is the best way to feed our children. Who can say no to decrease rates of childhood obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, etc, for our children?!
As I prepare for the birth of my second child in the next couple of months, I cannot wait to share my milk with him/her. To give my child the absolute best start in life, and to have the incredible bond that develops between a mother and her child as she nurses. All the cuddle time, the looks of content, the snuggles, the kisses... even now, as we are slowly, slowly, slowly weaning Goober, I treasure every moment that he nurses. I do not rush him, and I love how he strokes my cheeks, smiles as he nurses, and the kisses I receive. I love knowing exactly what he wants too, now that he signs "nurse"/"milk" to me as he runs up with a smile on his face, knowing that most likely, he will receive. It is a constant source of comfort to him, a soft place to land, and when he is sick, the absolute only thing he wants to eat/drink. It will be a sad day for me when he is completely weaned.
Well, I will be done (for now) on this subject... it is an incredible journey I am still enjoying, and I hope to enjoy for a great while with baby two...
Tomorrow... to make sure I sit down and write it, an update on Goober at 19/20 months (much needed for his baby book, I will have to transcribe what I do write into his book, when I get the new one)...
For now, I remain ... E :)
Before I even delivered, I promised myself I would go at least six months breastfeeding my baby. This was just as much for his benefit for mine; the health benefits I received are amazing (i.e., some protection from breast cancer). The benefits he gained were undeniable; research continues to find more immunities, long term benefits, and just general better health for those children breastfed for at least the first six months of their lives. How could I, an educated healthcare professional in the pediatric field, deny my son?
First mistake: I did not see (either my fault unknowingly or just a lapse in the hospital's system) a lactation consultant prior to discharge after having my Goober. Now, soon as the 24 hour time limit hit, I was ready to go, and this could of hindered me seeing someone. However, I still should of saw someone, especially since they have the services available. No one asked us, nor did we ask. I am willing to share the blame. So rule one for new mothers: prior to discharge, request/demand to see a lactation consultant prior to discharge!
Coming home, I thought Goober and I were lucky. He was eating (at least, it appeared to be -- my lucky husband changed the tarry diapers) and seemed content. It pained a little when he latched on, and I - along with my mother - thought this was natural. After all, my poor nipples have never been used in such a manner! Within the next two days, when we noticed that he did not have any wet diapers, and I was becoming more and more engorged (with the pain to match), my mother and I quickly came to the conclusion that he wasn't eating properly. A call to a great friend who was the most recent to have nursed gave us some tips to try, and when he finally got it, and was feeding, I never saw him so content. How long had I starved my child unknowingly? If only someone in the hospital had taken some more time to check his latch, to make sure I knew the signs to look for to insure a proper latch...
Second mistake: It should not hurt to nurse after the first couple of days, and it *shouldn't* send ripples of pain throughout your body. This is most definitely a sign of improper latch! I let this go on for WEEKS. I did not want to admit defeat, that I was doing something wrong, or I was afraid to give up. So I continued to nurse through the pain. My poor husband... he took the brunt of my pain, and what a man, he took it, too! So rule two: see someone if pain continues, and quickly!
I called the lactation consultant at the hospital I delivered at. She was prompt in her return phone call, and we scheduled a session. Let me tell you, that was the best $20 we spent EVER. Within second of Goober latching on, she had diagnosed our issues. Once she fixed it, he latched on correctly, and there was *no* pain as he nursed. None. I went home a happy woman, relieved to realize I can do this, and it is completely okay to admit I need help. I was once told breast feeding is natural, but does not come naturally.
We live in a society where it is not okay to nurse your child in public, even with the laws to say it is. Women are taught to hide their breasts, and they are sex objects. This is so wrong, and this is why the United States has the lowest breast feeding rates in the world. Thankfully, with education, women are making the choice to breast feed, and only as we allow it to be natural and not "dirty" will it become more natural. How can I learn if no one breast feeds, or hides it? My niece was breast fed. Her mother educated her daughter, did not hide her from it, and so I didn't. She would check under my cover (the first couple of times I tried to use it before I abandoned it) to make sure her "boyfriend" was eating his mother's milk. Even her baby dolls got the benefits of their mother's education -- no bottles for them! (If anyone tries to tell her that it is not natural for her to feed her baby that way, I will be in line to tell them otherwise.)
Now that I am almost twenty months -- well past my six month goal! -- into breast feeding my son, I realize I have become an advocate. A few of my friends have had children since I, and I have been some of their source of information. I have been there, I am not at all embarrassed to admit my mistakes, and I have the medical research to back me up and saying this is the best way to feed our children. Who can say no to decrease rates of childhood obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, etc, for our children?!
As I prepare for the birth of my second child in the next couple of months, I cannot wait to share my milk with him/her. To give my child the absolute best start in life, and to have the incredible bond that develops between a mother and her child as she nurses. All the cuddle time, the looks of content, the snuggles, the kisses... even now, as we are slowly, slowly, slowly weaning Goober, I treasure every moment that he nurses. I do not rush him, and I love how he strokes my cheeks, smiles as he nurses, and the kisses I receive. I love knowing exactly what he wants too, now that he signs "nurse"/"milk" to me as he runs up with a smile on his face, knowing that most likely, he will receive. It is a constant source of comfort to him, a soft place to land, and when he is sick, the absolute only thing he wants to eat/drink. It will be a sad day for me when he is completely weaned.
Well, I will be done (for now) on this subject... it is an incredible journey I am still enjoying, and I hope to enjoy for a great while with baby two...
Tomorrow... to make sure I sit down and write it, an update on Goober at 19/20 months (much needed for his baby book, I will have to transcribe what I do write into his book, when I get the new one)...
For now, I remain ... E :)
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