And the name Jamers picked out of our popcorn bowl was . . .
Erin! Which is convenient because I have a baby present to send you anyway.
Don't worry, if you live close by or I already owe you something anyway, you may also be lucky enough to get something from me.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
My Little Chunkster
Speaking of Jamers, he still loves his little sister. He's always sharing his blankets and stuffed animals with her, which coming from him is huge and shows how much he loves her.
At three months Livy is talking a ton, smiling lots, but you have got to work your tail off to get her to laugh. She is also a terrible sleeper and getting worse by the day. She is probably worse at night now than when she was a newborn. I didn't know babies could regress like this. Anyone else have a baby who did this? I swear, last night I was up with her at least five times. It's terrible. A few weeks ago she was sleeping 7 hour stretches consistently but that has gone out the window this week. Luckily, she's cute, otherwise I might not have as much patience. Her naps are okay but nothing great. Morning naps are way too short (unless we go for a drive somewhere, than she is out) but she usually takes a good afternoon one. One thing she is better at than James is going down to sleep. Usually you can just lay her down awake and she can fall asleep on her own. That is a breath of fresh air compared with James who we always had to either hold until he was asleep or lay next to him until he was asleep. She's still got the crazy hair (the Kramer hair as Andrea calls it), but we love it. She's also still got blue eyes and I'm crossing my fingers they stay that way!
Grateful
Have you ever had one of those dreams where all your teeth just spontaneously start falling out? Or your teeth are super fragile and break at the slightest touch? And then you wake up, super freaked out, and check all your teeth to make sure they're still there?
No? Just me?
Well, last week one of those nightmares of mine kinda came true. See, I woke up Thursday morning with a broken tooth. Like, very broken. I didn't notice it until I was eating breakfast and a piece of pancake got stuck there. As I tried to scrape it off with my tongue I felt a very jagged, very sharp tooth. My #15, the very back upper molar.
"Hmmm. That can't be good," I thought. And then the major question: "How did that happen without me noticing?" I mean, seriously? Wouldn't that have been all sorts of painful? Where did the broken part of the tooth go? Did I swallow it? What now?
Good thing my husband's a dentist.
Brian and I weighed my options. We have dental insurance, so I could go see a regular dentist. Or, I could be supportive of good ole' University of Tennessee and go to their General Dentists office, possibly saving some money. Of course, my cheap self decided to go the route of saving money even if it meant the dentist I would see would be less experienced.
But as I sat in the dental chair of the UT General Dentists office yesterday morning, I seriously questioned my decision. Their "financial specialist" had just explained to me that my "I-don't-have-any-idea-how-I-did-it-tooth-breakage" was going to cost upwards of $1000. And that was including the "Five-percent discount we'll give you since you're husband is a UT resident."
Ouch. Literally. My tooth was uber-sensitive at this point and telling me that what I'd unknowingly done was going to cost us an arm and a leg and I would only save a measly five-percent by going to the more ghetto office was a good way to hit me while I was down.
I wanted to cry. And the cheap part of me wanted to get right out of that pleather dental chair and say "Nevermind. I don't care if my tooth is broken. I'll have my husband sand it or something and save a thousand bucks."
Of course, in my head I could hear Brian chewing me out for not getting it taken care of, despite the cost.
The cost though, made me sick to my stomach and I just didn't think I could go through with it.
But then, amidst my silent prayers, there was grace.
Two minutes later, Ms. Financial Specialist walked right back in and said "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize your husband was an oral surgery resident. That changes everything. See, we have an agreement with the oral surgery office. We will pick up the tab for whatever your insurance won't cover. You won't owe a dime. Sorry to alarm you!"
Oh sweet relief. Thankyouthankyouthankyou.
And after that awesome news I didn't even care as much that I was being semi-tortured in the dental chair while my overly small mouth was being stretched beyond its elasticity by overly large latex-gloved hands trying to reach my very back molar that I don't even remember breaking in the first place.
All I could think was thank goodness my husband does what he does. Oh, that and "Dang you insurance companies for not covering more than 50% of dental bills and almost giving me a heart attack!" Isn't oral health equally as important as the rest of a person's body? Who runs insurance companies these days?
So today, with a temporary crown in place, tender gums, and the corners of my mouth so sore it hurts to smile, I am thankful. Thankful that despite the obsurdity of not knowing how I broke my own dang tooth, I am watched out for. And that even God knows I am too cheap for some things.
How many times is Brian's occupation of choice going to save me? That's twice in the last three months that my dear hubby's profession has come to my rescue.
So even though I'm grateful, that's enough for now, thanks.
No? Just me?
Well, last week one of those nightmares of mine kinda came true. See, I woke up Thursday morning with a broken tooth. Like, very broken. I didn't notice it until I was eating breakfast and a piece of pancake got stuck there. As I tried to scrape it off with my tongue I felt a very jagged, very sharp tooth. My #15, the very back upper molar.
"Hmmm. That can't be good," I thought. And then the major question: "How did that happen without me noticing?" I mean, seriously? Wouldn't that have been all sorts of painful? Where did the broken part of the tooth go? Did I swallow it? What now?
Good thing my husband's a dentist.
Brian and I weighed my options. We have dental insurance, so I could go see a regular dentist. Or, I could be supportive of good ole' University of Tennessee and go to their General Dentists office, possibly saving some money. Of course, my cheap self decided to go the route of saving money even if it meant the dentist I would see would be less experienced.
But as I sat in the dental chair of the UT General Dentists office yesterday morning, I seriously questioned my decision. Their "financial specialist" had just explained to me that my "I-don't-have-any-idea-how-I-did-it-tooth-breakage" was going to cost upwards of $1000. And that was including the "Five-percent discount we'll give you since you're husband is a UT resident."
Ouch. Literally. My tooth was uber-sensitive at this point and telling me that what I'd unknowingly done was going to cost us an arm and a leg and I would only save a measly five-percent by going to the more ghetto office was a good way to hit me while I was down.
I wanted to cry. And the cheap part of me wanted to get right out of that pleather dental chair and say "Nevermind. I don't care if my tooth is broken. I'll have my husband sand it or something and save a thousand bucks."
Of course, in my head I could hear Brian chewing me out for not getting it taken care of, despite the cost.
The cost though, made me sick to my stomach and I just didn't think I could go through with it.
But then, amidst my silent prayers, there was grace.
Two minutes later, Ms. Financial Specialist walked right back in and said "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize your husband was an oral surgery resident. That changes everything. See, we have an agreement with the oral surgery office. We will pick up the tab for whatever your insurance won't cover. You won't owe a dime. Sorry to alarm you!"
Oh sweet relief. Thankyouthankyouthankyou.
And after that awesome news I didn't even care as much that I was being semi-tortured in the dental chair while my overly small mouth was being stretched beyond its elasticity by overly large latex-gloved hands trying to reach my very back molar that I don't even remember breaking in the first place.
All I could think was thank goodness my husband does what he does. Oh, that and "Dang you insurance companies for not covering more than 50% of dental bills and almost giving me a heart attack!" Isn't oral health equally as important as the rest of a person's body? Who runs insurance companies these days?
So today, with a temporary crown in place, tender gums, and the corners of my mouth so sore it hurts to smile, I am thankful. Thankful that despite the obsurdity of not knowing how I broke my own dang tooth, I am watched out for. And that even God knows I am too cheap for some things.
How many times is Brian's occupation of choice going to save me? That's twice in the last three months that my dear hubby's profession has come to my rescue.
So even though I'm grateful, that's enough for now, thanks.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Siblings
Jamers absolutely adores his "Livy Liv." As soon as I pull him from his bed in the morning he asks "Is Liv awake?" And if she is his face will light up and he'll smother her with hugs and kisses and tickles. He just loves her. I hope it lasts.
This morning I was making us smoothies in the blender. I had Livy in her chair and Jamers didn't want to be left out, apparently. I turned around and found him like this next to her. The Bumbo is his chair of choice these days. I think he might be slimmer now than he was when we actually sat him in it as an infant. His massive infant thunder thighs used to get stuck in that thing big time but now he slides in and out easily. Go figure.
World's Greatest Mom . . .
Yeah, that's definitely not me.
My own mother, however, is pretty great. This post is long over due. When she came out to help with Livy she beautified and organized my home in ways that only a mother can (but obviously this mother couldn't).
First up: every time she comes I beg her to help me get planter boxes for my front porch. She finally got the hint and her last night here she came up with these beauties.
Then on top of that, she added more flowers to our walkway.
She also turned what would have been a super expensive idea of mine into something that cost much less and probably looks a lot better: a family photo framed along with the Proclamation to the Family and pictures of temples that have meant something to us.
Brian thought we needed more "churchy" pictures in our house. I concur. This picture of Christ has always been one of my favorites. I gave it to Brian for Christmas and my mom framed it for us.
And the most revolutionizing part of her visit: she organized Jamers' toys. This was long overdue. I should have done it myself years ago but my unorganized self just couldn't figure out the best way to do it. And so I did nothing instead. Aside from the last couple weeks (I'm not sure what happened), our house has been so much cleaner since. It's amazing.
Oh, and last but not least, she planted my garden for me. If that's not love, I don't know what is. Thanks, Mom!
James is just itching to pick our first tomato. Every day he asks if it's big enough.
My own mother, however, is pretty great. This post is long over due. When she came out to help with Livy she beautified and organized my home in ways that only a mother can (but obviously this mother couldn't).
First up: every time she comes I beg her to help me get planter boxes for my front porch. She finally got the hint and her last night here she came up with these beauties.
She also turned what would have been a super expensive idea of mine into something that cost much less and probably looks a lot better: a family photo framed along with the Proclamation to the Family and pictures of temples that have meant something to us.
Brian thought we needed more "churchy" pictures in our house. I concur. This picture of Christ has always been one of my favorites. I gave it to Brian for Christmas and my mom framed it for us.
And the most revolutionizing part of her visit: she organized Jamers' toys. This was long overdue. I should have done it myself years ago but my unorganized self just couldn't figure out the best way to do it. And so I did nothing instead. Aside from the last couple weeks (I'm not sure what happened), our house has been so much cleaner since. It's amazing.
Oh, and last but not least, she planted my garden for me. If that's not love, I don't know what is. Thanks, Mom!
James is just itching to pick our first tomato. Every day he asks if it's big enough.
More Jameisms
This kid continues to crack me up.
We were watching a cartoon and in one scene the characters were running in slow motion. James instantly says "Look, Mom, they are being careful!" I asked him what he meant and he said "They are running slow so they can be careful!"I guess he does understand why I tell him to slow down when he's running.
Almost nightly at bedtime he'll look up at me with his sweet hazel eyes and say "Please, Mom? Please can I not go to bed?" Nice try buddy.
Every morning this week when he's woken up the first thing he says to me is "Mom, please can I have chocolate milk, pretzels and Phineas and Ferb? And that's everything I need!"
Today while I was folding laundry James decided he wanted to wear Brian's scrubs. He walked around in them for a good hour or two.
Of course he had to add his beloved fire hat (he goes everywhere with this thing).
He even headed outside in his getup to play some golf.
A few weeks ago he kept calling Brian "Mom" on accident. One time he caught himself in the middle of saying it and it came out "Moddy." James now calls Brian that more than he calls him "Daddy." He thinks it's hilarious.
We were watching a cartoon and in one scene the characters were running in slow motion. James instantly says "Look, Mom, they are being careful!" I asked him what he meant and he said "They are running slow so they can be careful!"I guess he does understand why I tell him to slow down when he's running.
Almost nightly at bedtime he'll look up at me with his sweet hazel eyes and say "Please, Mom? Please can I not go to bed?" Nice try buddy.
Every morning this week when he's woken up the first thing he says to me is "Mom, please can I have chocolate milk, pretzels and Phineas and Ferb? And that's everything I need!"
Today while I was folding laundry James decided he wanted to wear Brian's scrubs. He walked around in them for a good hour or two.
He even headed outside in his getup to play some golf.
A few weeks ago he kept calling Brian "Mom" on accident. One time he caught himself in the middle of saying it and it came out "Moddy." James now calls Brian that more than he calls him "Daddy." He thinks it's hilarious.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
CSA
In my
recent efforts to eat healthier, I decided to go out on a limb. I wanted
to eat more fresh produce and challenge myself to eat kinds I wouldn't
normally think to buy. The solution? Community Sponsored Agriculture, or CSA.
Here's the gist: a local farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables/fruits/herbs. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. The member benefits by receiving weekly fresh produce (like we're talking as fresh as it can get) and eating what is in season. The farmer benefits by receiving payment early in the season which helps their cash flow.
I first heard of CSAs when we moved to Tennessee and knew right away I wanted to join one some day. I just didn't think that some day would be anytime soon. I always thought they were too expensive. But it turns out if you split it with a friend it is surprisingly affordable. I get to try new fresh, local produce every week and don't spend much more than I would have at the grocery store anyway.
We're in our third week. Here's what this week's (and a few items leftover from last week) share consisted of:
-Turnips
-Onion
-one ball zucchini (never knew such a thing existed)
-a handful of small red potatoes
-broccoli
-Napa cabbage
-kale
-raddishes
-garlic
-zucchini
-the biggest head of lettuce I've ever seen. I think it was called red leaf buttercrunch
The first couple weeks we also tried bok choy (different but not bad), cauliflower, tons of butter lettuce, and the most amazingly sweet strawberries I've ever eaten.
I've been trying to incorporate at least one item into our dinner every day. Tonight we had the potatoes and a salad. Even picky James, whose diet generally consists of milk, milk and more milk, ate the salad.
Thanks to the zucchini will be lots of zucchini bread around our house later this week and I tried turnips for the first time yesterday (might not be buying a ton of those in the future).
Now I just have to figure out what to do with that Napa cabbage. Any ideas?
Here's the gist: a local farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables/fruits/herbs. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. The member benefits by receiving weekly fresh produce (like we're talking as fresh as it can get) and eating what is in season. The farmer benefits by receiving payment early in the season which helps their cash flow.
I first heard of CSAs when we moved to Tennessee and knew right away I wanted to join one some day. I just didn't think that some day would be anytime soon. I always thought they were too expensive. But it turns out if you split it with a friend it is surprisingly affordable. I get to try new fresh, local produce every week and don't spend much more than I would have at the grocery store anyway.
We're in our third week. Here's what this week's (and a few items leftover from last week) share consisted of:
-Turnips
-Onion
-one ball zucchini (never knew such a thing existed)
-a handful of small red potatoes
-broccoli
-Napa cabbage
-kale
-raddishes
-garlic
-zucchini
-the biggest head of lettuce I've ever seen. I think it was called red leaf buttercrunch
I've been trying to incorporate at least one item into our dinner every day. Tonight we had the potatoes and a salad. Even picky James, whose diet generally consists of milk, milk and more milk, ate the salad.
Thanks to the zucchini will be lots of zucchini bread around our house later this week and I tried turnips for the first time yesterday (might not be buying a ton of those in the future).
Now I just have to figure out what to do with that Napa cabbage. Any ideas?
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