33 Weeks

Its hard to believe that November is almost half over already! Which means December will be here before we know it--which also means baby #2 will be here sooner than I know it!

This reality hit me hard this weekend--I will be full term (37 weeks) on December 11--which was a month from Monday! A MONTH! EEK so much do within a month!

I need to prep the cloth diapers (yes, we are using cloth diapers this time around to save $$$), make the crib bedding, set up the nursery, organize clothes (90% which are girly right now! but I didn't want to buy a stuff if we don't need it), set up the bassinet, get the car seat ready, pack the hospital bag, check out and clean the breast pump, pick a name (girls name is the problem here!), do the hospital tour, make arrangements for Lainey, make her big sister bag and shirt, and make freezer meals. I am sure I am probably forgetting some things but YIKES that is a tad overwhelming!

I remember this when I was pregnant with Lainey too. You think you have all the time in the world until BAM you are counting days and weeks instead of months

At 33 weeks, I feel:
1. Large. I have gained the same amount of weight now than I did my entire pregnancy with Lainey.
2. Pain in the ribs--especially my left side. At 30.5 weeks baby had already "dropped" but I swear s/he is up pushing against my ribs.
3. Headaches--almost daily. Some worse than others.
4. Tired. My last appointment they found me to anemic so I have started on iron. Hopefully I feel more energy soon!

Lainey continues to be super excited for baby to come! She is now convinced baby is a GIRL and prays for baby by her favorite girl name.  She is going to be an amazing big sister!

There's A Bun In The Oven

We finally made it OFFICIAL! Our family is growing!! Baby # 2 is due New Years Day, however we anticipate a December birth day!

Big sister L is so excited! She is convinced baby is a boy---and always wants to kiss and hug her baby brother. She is enjoying watching mommy's belly grow and I can't wait for her to feel kicks!

At almost 17 weeks I am feeling exhausted still! I am pretty much past the nausea but now have headaches. I have been feeling squirms for a while but they are getting stronger and stronger. Those are such a magical feeling!

We (mostly me, K is just on board with whatever I want) have decided to NOT find out baby's gender.

 We also booked a birth photographer---YES you read that right I will have a professional photographer in room in one of my most vulnerable moments. My reasons for that will be saved for another post.

Cravings:

Lemonade

Chex Mix

Crazy Bread

Grapefruit Juice
SweetTarts

Cleaning Schedule

One of my goals for 2013 was to follow a cleaning schedule and have a somewhat neat and organized house. I feel so much better when things are organized--and was so sick of living in clutter!  I am hoping this schedule will make life so much simpler for many reasons.
1. Things will get done when they need done. They won't get neglected or skipped and I won't waste my time "over cleaning" other areas.
2. My husband will know how exactly to help on days when he is around. He is great at following a list and horrible at just knowing what needs done.
3. I function so much better with to-do lists. Gives me obtainable goals and spells out exactly what needs done!
4. No more frantic cleaning because the house has gotten "out of hand."

So here is the schedule I came up with:

 Cleaning Schedule

Daily:
1. Load of Laundry- fold and put away
2. Pick up toys and clutter
3. Wipe off stove and disinfect counters
4. Vacuum
5. Sort Mail
6. Spot Clean floor
7. Make Beds
Monday:  

1. Wash kitchen floor

2.      Wipe out microwave
3.      Clean out fridge for old food
4.      Polish sink
Tuesday:
1. Clean Toilet
2. Clean Mirror and Sink
3. Spray Tub Down
4. Change Towels
5. Scrub Floors
Wednesday:
1. Dust common area furniture
2. Clean Glass doors
3. Clean TV
4. Steam Mop hardwood floors
5. Shop Vac under Furniture
Thursdays:
1. Change Bedding
2. Organize Drawers/Closets
3. Dust Dressers
4. Dust computer
5. Pay Bills
6. File and shred paper
Friday:
1. Clean Mirror and Sink
2. Scrub Tub Down
3. Change Towels
4. Take out bathroom trash
Deep Cleaning Tasks:
Week One:
1. Organize Pantry
2. Wipe off cabinets
3. Wipe out fridge
4. Wash Kitchen and bathroom rugs
5. Dust top of fridge
6. Clean oven
Week Two:
1.  Disinfect door handles and light switches
2.  Dust Ceiling fans and light fixtures
3.  Wipe down kitchen canisters and counter appliances
4.  Clean out cars
Week Three:
1. Clean Windows
2. Vacuum Vents
3. Vacuum Inside Furniture
4. Disinfect garbage cans
5. Clean door track 
Week Four:
1. Wash/Bleach Shower Curtain
2. Wipe down walls and moldings
3. Clean washing machine
4. Wipe down blinds

    Ahh one step closer to a cleaner house! (as long as I stick to it!) I plan on printing it and laminating it and then keeping it handy in a handy place with a dry erase marker! 

Do you follow a cleaning schedule at your house? Do you think it really helps keep the house in order??

Bubble Beanie

In 2012 I learned to crochet--I picked it up really easily and it has been a great hobby to have. I learned on youtube and I am not entirely convinced I do everything "correctly"...I actually am pretty sure I crochet backwards?? Oh well, it gets the job done! I like crocheting because it gives me something to do to pass the time when K is on overnight trips and after Lainey has gone to bed. I picked up the hobby to make my own photography props but have taken a few orders from people. I buy patterns, find free patterns but I also experiment a lot with making my own creations or replicating something I see but can't find a pattern for. Yesterday I was playing around and came up with a technique for a hat that I ended up really enjoying.

I am going to attempt to write a tutorial (hopefully I will not step on anyone's toes doing this---I haven't seen a pattern for this hat)-- I am not a pattern writer. I have only made this hat in newborn size. I also tend to crochet pretty tightly.

I used a size K hook and regular worsted weight yarn.

Gauge 4 HDC= 1 inch

Pattern is worked in rounds and is not joined together; use stitch marker if necessary 

Newborn Bubble Beanie

To Start: Chain 2-- 6 HDC in second chain

Round 1: 2 HDC in each stitch (12 HDC)

Round 2:  *1 HDC in first stitch, 2 HDC in second stitch.* Repeat from * to *  until the beginning of round. (18HDC)

Round 3:  *1 HDC in the first 2 stitches, 2 HDC in third stitch.*  Repeat from * to * until the beginning of round.(24 HDC)

Round 4:  *1 HDC in first 3 stitches, 2 HDC in 4th stitch.* Repeat from * to * until the beginning of round. (30HDC)

Round 5: *1 HDC in first 4 stitches, 2 HDC in 5th stitch*  Repeat from * to * until the beginning of round. (36 HDC) 

This is where I stopped to make a newborn size hat. If you want to increase the size, continue with a similar increase pattern. Your next round would have 42 stitches, 48, 54, 60, etc. To figure out how big to make your base simple take the diameter and multiple it by pi (3.14). Mine was slightly over 4 inches. 4 x .3.14 = 12.56. This hat has plenty of stretch. 

After you reach desired size:

Round 6:  In first HDC *SC, DC, DC skip 2 stitches* Repeat from * to * until the beginning to the round 

Round 7:  In first SC *SC, DC, DC* skip to next SC and repeat * to * until the beginning of round.

Repeat Round 8 until desired height. 

Ending round:  Chain one. SC around. Join to the beginning stitch and fasten off. 

Follow more of my crochet projects here: https://www.facebook.com/totallytangledcrochet

You may sell items made from this tutorial, but please credit me and link back to this blog. 

The shamrock pattern was found here: http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-tuesday-crocheted-shamrock.html

Super Cinnamon!

I love sugary, chocolately, cereal.  If it is remotely healthy I will probably think its gross and bland. This morning while I was pouring a bowl of multi-grain Cheerios, I get the almost genius idea to sprinkle cinnamon over the cereal to add some flavor. Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices. I then decided to do a quick search to see what, if any, are the benefits to cinnamon.

Wow was I surprised with the results! 

According to many sites, some of the benefits (just to name a few) include:
1. Lowers your bad cholesterol (LDL)
2. Helps with menstrual pain and infertility
3. May reduce the proliferation of certain cancer cells!
4. Natural food preservative
5. Anti-fungal and kills bacteria in unpasteurized juice
6. Reduces pain associated with arthritis

But the thing that caught my eye most is that apparently cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar! This is great for diabetes and those with hypoglycemia. But it also helps stabilize moods and energy level! Plus, reduce snacking!

There are many sites on the benefits of cinnamon. Here are a few:
1. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
2. http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
3. http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html


So for month of January I am going to start my morning with cinnamon. It is fantastic sprinkled over cereal or in tea. There seems to be so many benefits! Check back in a few weeks to see if I feel like it has helped me have more energy and curb those pesky cravings for snacking! Cinnamon is so cheap and there seems like so many benefits, so why not!

 If I remember correctly, Walmart sells cinnamon supplements? I will have to look into the supplements and see if I want to try them or just add the cinnamon to my diet through tea and cereals.


Two quick warnings: I did read that in large large doses cassia cinnamon can be toxic and also never try to eat powder cinnamon alone--you will choke on it!

.....can't wait to start the cinnamon challenge!

New year, new blog

I failed majorly at blogging in 2012. I didn't write a single post. (okay, technically its still 2012, so I guess I had ONE post!) My goal is for 2013 to do better...
So what kind of things can you expect to see on here in 2013?

• Recipes-- I plan on trying at least one a week
• Money saving deals! I love saving money and would love to pass the savings on!
• DIY projects--many are probably PINTEREST inspired, but I like them better when I know someone who has personally tried them.
• Cleaning and Organizing tips-- a new addiction of mine. I especially love making my own cleansers. They work better and save money!
• Photography--my family, our year and helpful tips! A real passion of mine!
• Homeschooling and activities with toddlers
• Spiritual encouragement 

Blogging has always been a good outlet for me--especially when I am lonely when the husband is on trips and I'm home alone!

Lauren

The Diary of a Pilot's Wife

I have learned there are a lot of misconceptions about being a pilot's wife. I am starting this new section of this blog to share our new journey as we venture into being an "airline" family. I want to clear up one misconception from the start:

People always assume my husband gets really, really well.

Truth: Pilots pay almost the same cost as doctors do for their education and make below the poverty line when they start off. Most pilots will not make enough to support a family until they are 10 years into their career. They can only fly 1,000 hours a year and they only get paid for the time they are flying. They collect "per diem" which adds up a little, but the reality is your pilot is struggling. When I actually talk to people about the wages of a pilot- they are disgusted. It actually makes them a little bit weary that the next time they step on a flight there is a good chance their pilot qualifies for food stamps. Some pilots do not get paid during a 6+ week training. Years ago pilots made really good money..now-a-days not so much and it is really hard to get your feet in the door.

Which leads to the question---why would anybody want to become a pilot?? Its a pure passion. Kellen knew at 7 years old that he wanted to fly. He can't see himself doing anything else. Its woven into the fibers of his being. I think he would be completely lost without aviation. He has talked about leaving it to pursue a more family friendly career but honestly can't see himself doing anything else.

The other thing people constantly assume is that my husband can work anywhere and we can live here in Pittsburgh forever. It has become increasingly difficult to commute to work when working for an airline. Pittsburgh no longer is a hub for US Airways and the senor captains get preference out of here to get to their bases in Charlotte. Although it is not impossible, it is extremely difficult especially when trying to have a family life. For this reason, we will relocate. We don't know when or where. I am patiently, well to be honest more like impatiently, waiting for bids to come out.

There are so many unknowns in the beginning of this journey--where we'll be, when do we need to be there, what will his schedule be like, what kind of housing, will I need to work- if so, how will it work with Kellen's schedule. We are nearing the end of week 1 and I have no answers.

So thus begins a new journey in our life....welcome to the dairy of pilot's wife.