The Grocery Game

Yes ladies and gents, I'm playing The Grocery Game! I'm slightly addicted. It's so much fun to see how much you can save!

For the last 3 weeks, I have been collecting coupons and stockpiling items that are really low-priced. I've even gotten a bunch of stuff for FREE or nearly free. It's amazing!

The first week I got $68 worth of stuff for under $10. Last week I got $168 worth of stuff for around $20. This week I got $123.36 worth of stuff for $17.07 Those prices are my stockpile prices only...it doesn't include my weekly groceries.

Including my weekly groceries, this week I spent $87.58 for $218.04 worth of groceries. I'd say that is pretty awesome!

Brennan

Brennan is my little miserable baby. He just cries and cries and cries. The only time that he is semi-happy is when he's being held. I love the little boy to death, but man oh man, it can wear you down.

Miguel and I have noticed the crying spells getting worse over the last 6 weeks or so. He's to the point now that he's started waking up several times a night crying and not napping very much or well during the day. He's pushing his bottle away, pulling his hair, scratching up his face. It's not fun to watch or hear.

Brennan's had a cold for about a week. Nothing major...just a runny nose, congestion and a dry cough. When he went into his screaming bloody murder fit this morning, I couldn't take it anymore. I called the pediatrician, and they decided to have us come in.

We saw the nurse practitioner. She listened to his tummy, talked to us about formula and solids, looked into his eyes, ears and throat and determined that he has a little bit of fluid in his right ear. It wasn't red, but she said that it could turn into an infection, so she's treating it as one just in case it was causing pressure. She also is having us stop baby food and only give him formula and rice cereal to see if all of this has something to do with food. If the last two things don't work, then at Brennan's 6 month appointment (in about 2 weeks), they will increase the dose of his Prevacid and chalk it up to his reflux. If that doesn't work, then they will consider a 'behavior problem'. What in the heck is that?

Anyway, after a very frustrating 6 weeks (and getting a little worse each day...), I'm looking forward to the easy-go-lucky Brennan that we used to have! I'm really hoping that the antibiotics work, and that the fluid in his ear was bothering him, though, I don't really believe that to be the case.

Brennan's Doctor Appointment - Updated

We just got back from Brennan's doctor appointment where the pedi. re-checked Brennan's head shape, and told whether or not he thinks Brennan should go for a helmet consultation.

First, the pedi. was very impressed with Brennan's torticollis improvement. He said he would no longer classify him as having torticollis. Yay! He was also impressed with the fact that Miguel and I did all of the stretching exercises ourselves. He was saying that most kids with torticollis that have that much improvement have gone through some sort of PT or OT.

Now the head...

The pedi. said that Brennan's head is much BETTER than the last visit (at 4 months). That being said, it is still slightly flat. The bulge that was in the front of his forehead has greatly improved, and there is only a small ridge in the back of his head. Perfect, no. Liveable, sure. The pedi. said that he doesn't feel it medically necessary to have the helmet. At this point it is strictly cosmetic. He said that he's leaving the ball in our court...if we can live with a little bit of noticable asymmetry, then don't bother with the helmet. If we want the 'perfect' head, then go have the helmet put on. The pedi. also said that since his head will still be growing for the next 4-6 months, the more he sits up, his head will get better...but not perfect.

So, yes, our prayers have been answered! Praise God! We don't NEED the helmet. Now, the tough decision...spend a ton of money (which won't be covered under insurance now since it's cosmetic) to give Brennan a 'perfect' head, or do we forego the helmet, let him have a little bit of asymmetry and hope that it's gets a little 'better' over the next 4-6 months?

What to do, what to do. Miguel and I haven't decided yet.

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 3 Challenge

Here's Bonnie's Challenge:
Week 3 - 'It Makes Me Happy When I...'

What delights you? What lifts your spirits? What's the one thing guaranteed to cheer you up when you are down?

Have your LO to Bonnie by next Wednesday night. She'll post the LO's on Thursday and the next challenge host will be announced. Anyone is welcome, and if you're new to Digi questions are welcomed. We'd love to help.

***Edited 4/1/09***

Journaling:
It Makes Me Happy
When I...
See my boys together.
Nothing brings a smile
across my face faster
than this. They are a
joy in my life!

Again...

A few years ago, probably about 4 or 5 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My grandmother, mother and sister all have this condition. I was put on synthroid. About 2 months later, I stopped taking the synthroid and my thyroid levels have been normal since then.
I noticed about a month ago that my neck looked 'fat'. I asked a few family members if it looked fat, and everyone said no...but I knew it was. I went to my OB/GYN the Wednesday for a well woman visit, and she felt my neck. She said that my thyroid is in fact enlarged. She sent my blood over for a TSH level.
I just got called this morning and they said that my TSH level is elevated (31.4...normal is 0.3-4.0), which means that I, once again, have hypothyroidism. I'll be started on synthroid again, and my blood will be re-drawn in 4 weeks to check the TSH level again.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido

I have a vast majority of those symptoms, but just chalked it up to motherhood, little sleep and poor diet. I guess I should have trusted my instinct about my 'fat' neck! ;) Hopefully I'll be feeling more energized soon!

Brennan's Doctor Appointment

I'm going to take Brennan in a little while for an appointment with his pediatrician to determine whether or not he thinks we should take Brennan to be assessed by the cranio specialist.
Over the past month or so, Miguel and I have been very diligent with re-positioning his head, and stretching exercises to help his torticollis (which is what caused the flat head). His ROM (range of motion) in his neck is sooo much better now, and I think the flatness has also gotten better. The question is, is it good enough to not require a helmet? I hope so! At least it hasn't gotten any worse!
I'll update in a bit with the doctor's opinion. I went ahead a few weeks ago and made an appointment with the cranio specialist (since the appointments are so far out), and if he the pedi. thinks we should go, then our appointment is for April 9.

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 2 LO's

Week 2 - 'Lovin' It'

My LO

Casey's LO

Bonnie's LO



Emily's LO

Check out Bonnie's Blog tomorrow for our next Digi Collab Challenge

The Love Dare Blog

So, I did go ahead and start a new blog to follow my journey through The Love Dare. I just have a simple template for now, since I couldn't get the one to work that I wanted. I'll work on it a little more tomorrow.
Not much posting up yet either, just the initial and some background.
It can be found here: Kristen's Love Dare Journey

The Love Dare

So a few nights ago, Miguel and I started The Love Dare. I'm really enjoying it so far. I look forward to reading it each evening and completing the challenge each day.

I'm considering starting a new blog to follow my journey through the book. Not sure yet if I want to do it on this blog or start a new one... I see pro's and con's to doing it each way.

Cute Little Brennan

We went to dinner with some family the other night, and this picture was taken of myself and Brennan. I just thought it was too cute and I had to share it!

Digi Scrap Collab - Week 2 Challenge

Week 2 - 'Lovin It'

Everyone loves something!
Tell us what you just love and couldn't live without by journaling it on your LO
Include a picture of this 'something' in your LO

Have your LO to me by next Wednesday night. I'll post the LO's on Thursday and the next challenge host will be announced. Anyone is welcome, and if you're new to Digi questions are welcomed. We'd love to help.

***Edited 3/21***

Journaling:
I never
would have
imagined
that I couldn't
live without
my iPhone 3G,
but she's my baby,
and I feel lost without
her. What a simple pleasure,
to have the internet at your
fingertips at all times...but
I can't live without it.
Oh, iPhone, how I love thee!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!
We had a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, applesauce, and irish soda bread. Mom has made it every year for as long as I can remember. I got a few good pictures of the family! More on my smugmug.

Digi Scrap Collab

Wanna join? Every Friday a rotating member of our crew will host a challenge. The following Wednesday night is our due date, then Thursday the layouts will be posted and the next challenge host will be announced. Anyone is welcome, and if you're new to Digi questions are welcome and we'd love to help.

Here's Emily's challenge: Find your oldest digital photo and scrap a LO that tells how long ago it was and what memory it holds.


***Edited 3/18***

Journaling:
Miguel bought me my very first digital camera for Christmas in 2002.
I can't remember the exact specs., but it was something pathetic
(according to today's standards) like 1.8 megapixels. The picture is
special to me b/c it was our first trip back to NY since moving to
TX, and I was so happy to see my Nanny! She is one of my
favorite people, and my hero!

New Layout

OMG! LOVES IT! Thank you Emily for my new AWESOME blog template. I can honestly say that this is better than any template I've ever made.

Em, we totally need to have a digi scrap class...so you can teach me all of your tricks!

5 Month Comparison

Colin - TOP Brennan - BOTTOM

I'm thinking that they boys look so different now! They have the same mouth, but that's all I see!

5 Months Old

My 'Baby Brennan', (as Colin calls him) is now 5 months old! I can't believe it! How the time is flying! He is similar to Colin at this point, but also different in so many ways!

Since turning 4 months, we have started baby food. So far he's had: peas, green beans, squash & carrots. Carrots are by far his favorite...who like peas anyway? He loves to eat. He taking 7 oz. bottles 4 times a day and solid food 2-3 times a day. He's a very good eater. He's not rolling over quite yet, but he's almost there. I'm sure that will start any day .

We've made an appointment with the cranio specialist, b/c the flatness on the side of his head doesn't seem to be getting any better. his torticollis has GREATLY improved, since Miguel and I have been diligent with the positioning and stretching exercises. His appointment is on April 9. I plan to call my pediatrician this coming week to see if he will have 1 more look at him before the cranio appointment.

He's starting to come into his little personality. He's not a very 'happy go lucky kid'. He cries quite a bit. He calms down as soon as you hold him. He has to see someone at all times...or he cries. Think he's spoiled? He has this little stuffed monkey that always seems to help quiet him down...and he tries to eat him! I told him hat we don't eat our friends...but he doesn't get it yet. He cracks up when he's tickled. He just LOVES that!

More pictures can be found on my smugmug (link to the right) in the '5 Months to 6 Months' folder.

Life Organization

It's been a long time coming, but the 'closet' of my life needs some spring cleaning and re-organization. I don't want to do it, and it's going to suck. Oh, it's going to SUCK...but it needs doing...

There are so many things that I want to be and do...but there just isn't enough time for all of it. There are so many plans that I have, aspirations & goals...but I can't do them all. Not right now. Not all at the same time.

Currently, I am juggling: caring for my boys, being a good wife, working 16 hours a week, spending time with family, trying (not doing a very good job) to be a good Christian, attending church, doing housework, starting a small online business, being an Assistant Organizer of a very active mother's group, Colin's Kindermusik class, finding time for friends outside of my mother's group, going to the gym, and getting the daily errands complete.

Here are some of the things that I want to do in addition (in no particular order...just as they come to me): have a successful online business, learn to sew, have a personal relationship with God (which requires time...time I'm not making for it right now), digi scrap more often (this is almost non-existent right now), play more WoW & Halo, become more active in church, foster loving Godly friendships, and work on my photography hobby.

So, if you can help me find some more time...let me in on the secret!

***I started this post on Saturday, but only got around to finishing it this morning 3/13***

I Need a...

Haircut.

I don't know if I'm up for a new style just yet...but I do at least need a haircut. Maybe tomorrow.

The question is: to bang or not to bang?

Colin is Sick :(

Doesn't he just look sick?

My poor Colin has been throwing up like crazy. He threw up this morning right after breakfast, and was fine right after. I gave him a bath, got him cleaned up, and he acted like his normal self for the rest of the day...

Until 5:00ish. He got whiny, came over to me and I just knew he was going to vomit. I put Brennan down just in time to be covered in vomit. It was all over me, Colin, the floor and the couch. I finally got Colin cleaned up and Brennan was screaming for food. By that time, and several vomitings later, Miguel was home, so he was able to help with Brennan while I finished getting Colin and 'the mess' cleaned up.

I made Colin a 'sick bed' on the floor in the living room, where he fell asleep around 8:00. We moved him to his room. Hopefully we will have a good night and he'll sleep through.

Brennan is Eating Baby Food

My baby is eating baby food. I can't believe it. Miguel and I gave him peas for the first time this afternoon, and he just loved them! Well, he didn't love them at first. It took a few bites, but now he loves them!