To Make Your Own Baby Food or Not? That is the question!

So since I am feeling particularly domesticated today...I thought I would write on making your own baby food. When I first had Caroline my goal was to make her baby food. I asked for a food processor and baby cookbook for Christmas and was all about it when she began to try new foods. But as I soon found out, it was a lot more challenging than I thought.

A lot of people think it's time consuming and that's why they don't do it, but I don't think that is it. It really is fairly simple and doesn't take a lot of time if you are freezing the food as you cook it. For me the issue in the beginning was consistency. It seemed like I couldn't get my foods to be the right puree for C to maneuver with her mouth. She just ended up spitting alot of it out.  The first couple months they are trying to figure out how to eat solids and use a spoon at the same time which makes chunkier or stringy foods difficult for them. It seemed the only things that I could get right was mashed up banana and rice cereal :). So pretty quickly I gave up and just went for the store bought.

There is nothing wrong with the store bought stuff. I mean C really enjoyed most it and they have a lot of good options out there now with organic and natural options.

 My issue was cost and how much I needed to buy. Caroline caught on to the yumminess of food pretty quickly and by 6 months old was pretty consistently eating 3 meals a day. To by that much baby food was pretty expensive. I coupon, and even when my favorite store did the BYGO sales it still was $.60 each if not more. So feeling a little more confident with Caroline's eating skills I decided to make a go of making her baby food again.

Now I make everything. Every now and again I will buy some store baby food to travel with but for the most part I cook it all...and I love it! Not only do I feel like she is getting healthier options, but man is it more cost effective. For example I bought a bag of sweet potatoes the other day for $2. This bag will last C a long time for it holds 2 servings per potato and is way cheaper than paying $.60 for one. Strawberries, blueberries, mango, green beans, peas, carrots, squash...the options are endless for fresh vegies and fruits (I also am loving going to our local farmers market to get local produce). When I get ready to cook her food I just make a lot of it at once, that way I can try new food combinations for her and then freeze it. Then when I get ready to feed her I just take the frozen food out and run it under warm water till it thaws. SUPER EASY!

I have done both options and I now prefer the do it yourself method. I do understand the convenience of just buying it and cracking open a jar, but if you have never tried it... go for it! It's kinda fun :) There are a lot of really great baby cookbooks out there...I really like this one.


Domesticated and Loving it,
Lindsey

Never A Sick Day For Us

So because of the incredible amount of storms, coupled with allergy season, yesterday my head felt like it has blown up to the size of a balloon and is floating aimlessly above the rest of my body. Today is no different except you can throw a sore throat in the mix. As I woke up to swollen eyes and a stuffy head... I revereted back to pre-baby, and thought how I would take some NyQuil and spend the day in bed. Oh how wrong I am.

You see for us stay at home moms...we aren't allowed a sick day. We aren't allowed to take NyQuil. We aren't allowed to spend the day in bed.

I never thought of this before Caroline. It wasn't on the list of things I would have to give up once she came along. See I like sick days... they mean sleeping alot, soup, movies and major catch up on all the shows I never get to watch.

Now my sick days are just another day except I feel terrible the whole day...until.... until I hear her laugh, feel her hug, hear her say mommy, or rock her as she and I both drift off holding hands. Than, all of the sudden, this sick day is better than the other I had in mind. Yeah I would love to just rest and feel better, but the the best medicine is in a little girl whose mommy and daddy named Caroline.

So she is napping, and I am off to do the same. Praying that these allergie and sinus issues work themselves out with in the hour or so she sleeps! Becuase This is what I feel like :(


Hoping to recover soon!
Lindsey

New Vows

I have told you a couple times now Chris and I are celebrating five years of marriage. It's so strange that it's been that long but also feels so short. How that happens I have no idea...but it is so true.

Our actual anniversary falls next week, June 4th. But our New York trip was part of the celebration of this year. I told you in a previous post (All Things New) that Chris and I decided to upgrade my ring as part of the deal also. (Man... I got it good, huh :)?) But after a few minor complications with a previous ring, Chris and I had to regroup. So needless to say I have been ring-less for a while now and have been anxiously anticipating the new one coming. I had no clue when I would get i,t but was thinking Chris just might wait till our anniversary to give it to me.

Either way we arrived in NYC Thursday night and got up bright eyed and bushy-tailed Friday morning ready to take on the city. We travel with two of our best buds so all four of us had come up with a jam packed itinerary for the long weekend. Everyday was filled to the brim with things to do and Friday was no exception. As we traveled into the city the subway dropped us off directly in front of the what use to be the towers at World Trade Center. I can't explain to you the feeling you get when you stare at the big hole in the ground and then slowly raise your head to look at the place where these enormously majestic buildings stood once before. I can't begin to fathom what it was like for the people of New York on that day, and was quickly brought to tears just thinking about it. We live in an incredible Country and if you ever take living here for granted, travel for a quick trip up to New York and visit this site...you will be reminded.

 place where the towers once were

the memorial

the fire department



As we spent the morning walking around the financial district and surveying the World Trade Center area we finally made our way to Wall Street (which was a huge point of interest for my financial husband).

Right at the beginning of this street stood the oldest church in America, Trinity Episcopal Church.

 Beauty doesn't even begin to describe it...breathtaking is more like it. So my love for old churches kicked in and I bolted toward the door eagerly wanting to get a gander at all its glory. So leaving our friends behind , Chris and I rushed in through the door ways and I began snapping away. Here is what we found...

 As I was turning every which way and taking picture after picture, I very vaguely remember hearing my husband quietly trying to get my attention. I honestly was too busy taking pictures to pay attention to what he was pointing out. I mean... I would get to him in a second. But as sweet as he is impatient, Chris finally bellowed out "Lindsey turn around!" As I did, Chris was holding a little box...and sarcasticly said "I am trying to give you your ring!"  (emphasis he added there)
 Oh my...wasn't expecting that! So he grabbed my hand and guided me over till we were sitting in a perfectly old wooden pew. I sat as he opened the box and took the ring out. And instead of just putting the ring on, Chris reminded me that I always did want to get married in an old church, so there in that wooden pew in front of nobody but God... we decided that the only people we needed to renew our vows was us. So we did.
 We both promised of course to love honor and obey...but we also promised other things this time around. To always stand by each other in making tough decisions, to raising our daughter together, being good parents, keeping each other first in our lives, taking care of each others needs before our own and to love and respect each other. Those are our new vows. It was a really sweet moment and one that I will never forget.

 Followed by utter panic. I had been wearing my original wedding band that we are saving for Caroline as a promise ring. So when I took it off in all the excitement, I was quickly unsure where I put it. Chris and I were all over the place looking for this special ring that I couldn't possibly have lost in 10 minutes of sitting in a wooden pew! Finally our friends came in and it looked like we were on a scavenger hunt as we searched for the ring. I found it of course already tucked into my purse (sometimes I am smarter than I look). Anyways, they snapped our wedding day picture of us, so hear you go.

We are standing to the right of our pew...



And then we were off to see the rest of NYC. That day we saw: financial district, China town, Little Italy and Central Park.
Here are just a few more of the pics from that day...

Wall Street had a plethora of things to see...

                                Chris was soaked up in the atmosphere.

 For all those Sex and the City groupies out there, this is where they filmed Aiden's Bar Scout

 Central Park in all it's beauty

 The newlyweds chillin on a park bench in central park

 Watching old guys place fast pitch soft ball from this table= hysterical and cool

 Just a moment between us<3

 We loved Central Park!

And nothing compares to the view of the city from our hotel...New York at night!

Well I hope you enjoyed getting a view of the city from our perspective! It was a special day :)

Hopelessly in love,

Lindsey

It's so hard to say goodbye

So I told you last week that we just got back from New York City :). Chris and I are sharing 5 years of marriage this year and decided that it was a BIG vacation year 5 years ago. Of course we weren't exactly thinking that we would have kids on this big anniversary year, and decided a long time ago that we would renew our vows on our 5 year  in Mexico where we honeymooned!

Well, needless to say after sweet C came along we turned our 5 year week long, all inclusive vacation into two long weekends one in May and one in October since I couldn't bare the thought of being gone from her for a full week. The first one in May we opted for a trip that we have longed to do, New York City. It just so happened that the Yankees were playing the Boston Red Sox that weekend and Chris loves the Yankees so it was a done deal!

As the trip quickly approached (and I changed my mind about going several dozen times) I planned for my goodbye to Caroline for the first time ever. It was hard enough that we had to get our will together in case anything happened to us while we were gone, and you can only imagine the thoughts that began to run through this first time mom's head. "What if...." "What if..." "What IF!" It finally came to a head the night before we left after I put Caroline to bed that I knelt beside my bed as I began to cry and plead with God to not only take care of us, but to take care of her. I couldn't imagine the What ifs.

But that evening I felt peaceful as I went to bed. I mean why wouldn't he take care of us. He loves us. All of us. But as Thursday morning arrived I held her close just smelling her sweet skin and holding her tiny little hand. The throat closing was already beginning to take place.

We drove to my friends house who was keeping C for the first night, a quiet drive it was. When we finally got there Chris began to unload the hundreds of things I packed for Caroline while we were gone. It looked as if she was going to be moving in.  Me and Caroline walked into the house. My PRECIOUS friend was too sweet as she kindly placated me while I went through my printout of schedule and prepared food list (that I had made and frozen for her so she would still have some home cooking while I was gone) as if she doesn't have 4 children of her own.

Then it was time. I wasn't prepared for it as I thought I was. I was trying to so hard to be strong...but after Chris prayed over her and I handed her off, the throat closing just couldn't hold off any longer. I solemnly got in the car, put my sunglasses on and let the tears go. And go. And go. And go...well you get the idea. About 15 minutes later Chris finally glanced at me and asked "You going to be ok?"

Well, I don't know if I will ever be Ok without her. She is part of me and with her not with me it's as if a part of me is missing (cliche I know). But I will be fine. And once we arrived at the airport and I got through the first flight to Chicago, I was much better. And once I saw the Sky line of New York I was doing great.

The fact of the matter is that WE needed this. Yes I mean Chris and I needed it, but also Caroline and I needed it. It's good for us to be fine without the other one right next to each other. It was healthy for us to do this for our relationship.

I am going to blog about our trip this coming week...so for now I will jump to the coming home part.

It sure was hard to say goodbye, but it was beautiful to reunite! I felt like it was Christmas morning as we pulled into the driveway to pick up the sweetness. It just so happened that she was standing in the window, nose pressed to the glass, looking at the bunnies in the yard. I about jumped out of the car and stood nose to nose with her at the window. The smile that exuded from her face was nothing but the pure joy that I was feeling as well. I was home. I busted through the door calling her name and then before I knew it she was wrapped in my arms and together we were again. And together we have been since then.

She adapted great, and from what I understand from my parents she was a pure angel while we gone. I mean what was I expecting. So all to those moms out there who are considering or not considering vaca'ing without your little one...it wasn't so bad. We made it and our better for it. Now I am really looking forward to our trip in October.

Reunited and it feels so good,
Lindsey

Imagine the End...18 years from now

Chris and I were asked to answer this question for Caroline's baby dedication ceremony. At first when I initially read it, I was kind of taken aback. The end... we just started. What do you mean the end?

Anyways, it was part of the homework and so we had to do it. So one night after we put the sweetness to bed, Chris and I sat and jotted down what we hope Caroline becomes by the time she is 18. We shared it at the dedication with our family and I would like to share it with you.

This is what we wrote.

Caroline, as your parents and because we love you...we hope and pray you grow up to be:

A Godly woman whose heart & soul belongs to God. We pray you live your life for Him and for His glory.

That you would love others well and treat everyone with respect. Always distributing grace and compassion.

That you would be an advocate of truth and morals.

That you would be a leader among your peers. That you would be a strong independent young adult, always giving your best in all you do.

That you would be a hardworker. Giving all that you have to everything that you do as if you were doing it for the Lord.

Follow the passion God has specefically given to you. Follow the dreams He has put in your heart.

That you would be a kind joyful person who sees life as an adventure, taking each day head on with ambition and enthusiasim.

We pray for strong confidence and security in the person God made you to be.

We pray that you would be wise in your descisions and humble in your actions.

Caroline, we hope you know that whether you succeed or fail, we will always be here for you to love, support and encourage. You will always have a home here with us. And we promise to make sure that this home will be a safe place for you to come home to. We promise you will have two parents who love eachother very much, love God more and love the first out of you.



Anyways...that is what we shared. That is how we feel. That is what I hope for my sweetness. But until then...I will live in the beginning and pray it takes along time for 18 to get here.

Sincerely,
Lindsey

Catch UP!

So It has been a while... I mean a long time! I have missed writing... but life has been incredibly busy! We just got back from New York City, and I will write about that tomorrow...

But today I wanted to catch you up to date on how Mother's Day went, my first one ever. It truly is one of those things you think about every year when the holiday comes around, one day I will be a mother. So as this one approached I was so excited about what was coming. I am a mother...this is not only about my mother...it's about me :) and any holiday where you get to celebrate you is always fun. Anyways something also fun about this day is that our church scheduled the baby dedication on this day. So, it wasn't only about me anymore but also about Caroline.

So we eagerly anticipated the day, looking forward to our family just being together. We planned for all of or family to come to Caroline's dedication which made sending out our Mother's day wishes that much easier. And luckily it was a beautiful day.  When I woke up that morning Caroline was still asleep as I heard my husband scurrying around. I smelt the coffee and I emerged from the bed. I came into the living room and cuddled up on the couch as Chris made his way around the corner with my first ever Mother's Day gift in tow. I was so excited... He got me a sweet card that told me all about how proud of me he was and what a great mother I am to our daughter. It was too much and almost got a huge hysterical crying session. But quickly the gifts came and he got me the pair of Sperry's that I wanted and a very much needed massage. Which I can't wait to use:)
After that, our little sweet Caroline woke up and of course was in the best mood. We played around for a little bit and then got ready for church. Which our pastor was awesome! We got some Starbucks picked up some barbecue and came home to meet my mom and her husband for lunch. Once they got here, we ate and then headed out for a beautiful walk on the Greenway. The day was going perfect!
As we came home... Chris's grandparents were waiting for us in the drive way. Everyone then proceeded to get ready for the dedication while Caroline entertained the rest of our guests :)
I am not going to even tell you how cute she was...you can see for yourself.

She was wearing a outfit that her Sweet Mommy (Chris's grandmother) got for her...and the bonnet just about did me in! She was so sweet and was a pure angel during the ceremony. I am not going to lie, the ceremony was a little stressful but anytime you have that much family around, you have to be expecting it. But it was beautiful and memorable to say the least.  Stay tuned for what Chris and I put together for this event at a later post this week.

Anyways...after a quick dinner we came home and put the little one to bed. Chris and I got to spend some time just laughing and talking for a while before we both crashed into bed. I have to say for my first mother's day it was pretty fantastic, definitely memorable and what I have always wanted. Just to be with my husband and daughter.

Anyways...that's for catching up. It will be a week full of posts so keep up. And here is some more pics from the day :) Just click on the photo below! Enjoy!!!

Happy,
Lindsey

dedication

The Seven Month Pinch

Ok...so C is about to be 8 months next week! I can't believe it... it really is true when they say " The older you get the quicker time flies!"

Anyways, something stranged happened to her at seven months and it is wrecking havoc on our lives here at the homefront. She learned how to pinch. I am not talking just a soft little baby pinch, but like a slap your momma in the face type of pinch. I don't have to tell you more than once how I have squeeled in pain over her now found pleasure, while she smiles with delight that she got me.

The funny thing is it happens mostly while I am trying to put her down for a nap or bedtime. It use to be that she would scratch her fingers on any surface but now...the pinch. She will be so sweet hanging her sweet head on my shoulder, arms draped over mine. Then as though she knows I am not expecting it, WHAM! a pinch. She has even broke the skin before... what's up with that?

Now that I am on to her, I try desperately to keep her nails trimmed and smooth (it makes the pinch less painful). But either way, this seven month pinch has got to have a timeline...I am hoping it is over at 8 months :) Don't by fooled by this sweetness...she knows what she is doing!

Bruised but smiling :)
Lindsey

A Royal Wedding

So if you didn't know...there was a Royal Wedding this past Friday.


I have to admit, I was all caught up in it. I was so excited the Thursday  night before, that I could barely sleep. When the baby woke up at 4am I almost went in to watch it, but decided that I had it DVR'd so I could wait and catch a few more Z's.

Either way, Caroline and I were up at Six am, and well I will let the video speak for itself :)

I laugh at this because I am wearing one of her hats :), and she is genuinely so excited! I loved the wedding and Catherine was breath taking. Everything from her dress to the sweet bridesmaids was understated elegance. I loved hearing them say their vows in their British accents, sounding ever so regal. I was enthralled with every minute of it to the very last moment of last night.

I thought it was so special for sweetness and I to share this moment together. You see... 30 years ago, I was born the year Princess Diana got married. This year Princess Catherine got married and Caroline was born as well. Maybe, just maybe, 30 years from now Caroline will be doing the same thing with her daughter. I hope they wear hats too. :)

It may seem cheesy to some, but these moments are so precious to me and I have to use them as teachable moments. I want Caroline to know that she is my princess, and she has a King that is already desperately in love with her. He waits patiently for the day that she will say yes to Him forever more. What a day that will be....better than any Royal Wedding I am sure of it! Because that day, my sweet daughter will become my sweet sister in Christ. She will go from being just a commoner to a child of the King!

I love my King...do you know Him?

Hopelessly Romantic,
Lindsey