Carnivore. Vegans Beware.

Recently, we were given an opportunity to buy lots of meat at a discounted price. Chicken, pork and beef. 55 lbs of meat at a smokin' deal (ok, as it turns out, it really wasn't all that smokin').

Plus, I had just bought a large amount of meat from Sam's Club thanks to a gift card from my Dad. Figured since I am not working at the moment, we should take the opportunity to stock up now.

Problem: we have an average fridge with an average size freezer.

So....how do you put approx 100 lbs of meat into a little freezer?



Very, very carefully.....



Post Edit:
We are now the proud owners of a small chest freezer. Much needed.

Why It Is All Worth It

It is so amazing to watch them grow and discover things. Since Mia's grandparents (yes, all 6) are not close enough to see this in person, I must use this forum to share her milestones. Enjoy!

Discovered mobile toys:

first smiles and coo's, even if it was brief and, - ok so I just missed the smile on camera, but it was there!

Colic or...?

A brief moment of Zen

I apologize for the lateness in this new post. I have been too busy, and too tired to walk up the stairs to the computer.

Just as we are starting to settle into a routine, the evil, elusive Colic rears its ugly head.

First, it was just a couple bouts of inconsolable crying a couple times per week. As new parents we scrambled to find the fastest way to fix it. Is she hungry? Dirty diaper? But then the crying turns into painful wails, as if she is in horrible pain. Then she has a monster poop and its all over.

Last week, it was a few hours every other night. Distressing, but manageable.

Now.....[sigh], it is an all day, exhausting ordeal. Won't sleep, isn't happy, crying, fitting...nothing works. Mia is tired. We are tired.

All the signs point to colic. But during those painful fits, I worry that it is something more. Pain when she poops. I just know there is something wrong. Doc suggested changing the formula to a lactose-free variety. It might help, but I now am resolving myself to the idea that is it just plain colic and there isn't much we can do but wait it out. Joy.

There is light at the end of this tunnel. But it is 6 weeks away. Can we last six weeks? Of course we can. Maybe some of my hair will fall out by then and Gabe will be visibly more gray around the temples. But we will endure this temporary pain. The first of many, I am sure.

So I am thankful brief quiet moment while she sleeps in her bouncy seat (the only place she will sleep), so I am stealing this moment to update the blog from my hubby's laptop in case I have to jump at the slightest stir. It's like a headache. If you catch it early, you can avoid a much worse pain later....

Easter, etc...

This weekend Gabe's parents came down to visit and be with Mia on her first Easter. Bonnie, a seasoned pro with babies, was a big help to us while we caught up on a couple of things. I was able to get my hair cut and colored and my brows cleaned up so I could feel like a woman again and not a blubbering zombie mom with bad hair.

The weekend was one for firsts:

Saturday, Mia's umbilical cord finally fell off! YEA! Just in time to wear this:

Sunday we all went to church. Mia's first time to church. After a meltdown when we put her in the car seat, once we were in the car she promptly went to sleep and slept all through the service until we got home.

Heading to Church...

After church we hosted Easter dinner with Gabe's family. Bonnie made an awesome feast, after which we all played a little Rock Band while Mia spent some quality time getting to know the family.

Gotta luv Grandma... Uncle Michael
It was a busy day for a little girl

Today, I am reveling in my first successful, albeit small, 1st outing with Mia by myself. A drive into town and back to go through Sonic for my daily Diet Coke. No meltdowns. YEA!

And that's not all.

Mia took her first nap in her crib (as opposed to the bassinet)

And, had her 1st few minutes of tummy time:

Oh, and we can't forget the 4 legged kids. They are slowly getting to know their new sister.

Could this be a little sibling rivalry? Auntie Cindy has her hands full!

Over the Hump

So THIS is how its supposed to be!
Things are finally settling down. My rash is slowly, but surely, clearing up. Itching is at a dull roar. Mia is on a good feeding routine. Eating every three hours during the day and sleeping 4-5 hours at night between feedings. So we are getting some good sleep. We even have spent a few nights relaxing in front of the tv and making up with our animals. Mia is just awesome. She is so strong! She wiggles and squirms and pushes and pulls. She holds her little head up like a pro! She coos and oohs and cackles. I am telling ya, at 2 weeks, this girl is going to town!

This week, we are working on outings. My friend Cindy is in town this week to help me ease into a couple of these hurdles that for some reason seem terrifying to me. Taking Mia out in the car on errands..etc. Today was a test of wills, nerves, and patience. We had a small outing planned. Mid morning Dr. appt for a weigh in then a quick trip to Target for some supplies. Yesterday's outing to Walmart was a success, I am feeling confident this will go smoothly. All is planned out carefully. I will feed her right before we leave, so that she is happy and full and we will be home by the next feeding time. out we go.

So far, so good. No meltdowns in the car. Love the car, they fall right to sleep.
Dr. appt went well, she is now over 8lbs. (should be with all she eats!)
Dr. then drops the doosie. Her newborn screen came back "insufficient", they couldn't get a reading. Needs to be re-done. Must go back to the medical center lab (20 miles away) and give another blood sample.
uh-oh. Ok. We could still make it home before feeding time if we hurry.
Fast forward 1.5 hours. Lab personnel are totally inept. Taking forever. Waiting...waiting....
Feeding time fast approaching. Please just let her sleep a little longer. Finally, we are called back. She sleeps through the undressing, the alcohol swab. Then THWAP! A prick in the foot.
Mia's eyes pop open! WAIL!!!!!! Getting the sample takes forever, WAIL!! WAIL!!
SCREAM!! SCREAM!!! By this time, she is in full blown freak out. Get to the car. Into the car seat. Screaming at the max. I fear she is going to choke herself.
I crawl in the back, take her out of the car seat and try to console her. Finally, she drifts off to sleep, we make it home ok.

So much for easing into outings.