Four months...

When you're pregnant (or in my husband's case, about to be a parent... There was no pregnancy for him), everyone tells you how fast it goes. You smile, and shake your head, as you do with all the other pieces of advice and tips that everyone gives you, thinking they are clever and that no one else told us the same thing. I mean, how fast could it really go, right?

My son entered his fourth month of life on Sunday. Four peasly months. In the grand scheme of things, four months is still brand new. If it were a four month old appliance or phone, it would probably still have a protective sticker on it. Four months. Our little man is rolling, making noises like he's having a full blown conversation with you and expects you to understand (and respond). His facial expressions are priceless, as are his laughs. His cries break my heart, and when he lays his head on my shoulder, I melt. In four short, yet crazy long, months, everything we thought we knew about life changed. We are wrapped around the tiny little finger of a four month old.

Now, our four month old is not petite. At his check up yesterday, he weighed in at 19lbs 11oz and measured 27", which would explain my need to visit the chiropractor on a weekly basis. He's growing way to fast. I told him to stop, but he just won't listen. Today he got his first taste of food. After discussion with our pediatrician and my own little research, I decided we'd try oatmeal. I made it (found something I can actually cook) and was surprised how well he took it. Although, the initial look on his face said, "what the hell!?" I was impressed at how he attacked the spoon (though, at nineteen pounds, it shouldn't surprise me he likes to eat).

At four months he is constantly craning his neck to take in the world around him, and has a new found interest in what the dog's up to. He is having fun playing with his toys (and by playing I mean putting in his mouth) and I take every opportunity to change him into a new outfit because he's growing out of his 3-6 month clothes way, way, WAY too fast.

Why am I writing this tonight, and why does it seem to have no point at all. Because my little man is asleep in his crib, and I hate it. The bassinet next to my bed is empty and I really want to go get him out of his crib and keep him next to me.  I like being able to roll over and see him breath, check to make sure he's not to hot or to cold, or put his binky back in his cute little sleeping mouth. It's so much better than rolling over to a beaming baby monitor.

How is it possible that in four short months, no amount of time spent with this new little creature is enough? What did I do before I was a mom?

Seriously, get with it.

Remember me? It's been two and a half years since my last post. Life has changed in so many ways since the last time I wrote. Mainly, my job title has gone from teacher, to stay at home mom. That's right. It hasn't been long, but I already think it was the best decision my husband and I made.  (Both the having a baby and me staying home.) Challenging, absolutely, but the benefits are incredible. It's nearly impossible to describe to someone what it's like, emotionally, to have a child of your own. Everyone tries, but really, it is indescribable. I still can't wrap my mind around it. Writing this, I am crazy tired, have a terrible headache because I can't drink coffee anymore, and really have to go the bathroom, but I can't move because there is an infant napping on my chest. I should be miserable; it sure sounds miserable. But I am not. I look down at my little guy and I could melt. I'm with him 23.5 hours a day (24 if I can't manage a shower) and I don't ever feel like I've gotten enough kisses, hugs, cuddles, or laughs in that time. Tears, there's always plenty of.

Why have I decided to (attempt) come back to the blog you may ask. So many of my friends are new mommies and daddies that I thought it would be nice to share the trials and tribulations of being a new parent... And, as I found out from a recent Facebook post, a lot of them might appreciate if I let them in on some of my couponing... Specifically when it comes to baby products.

Yesterday was a busy day. Six months ago, when I was six months pregnant, I made a dentist appointment. I assumed I wouldn't ever be sleeping or leaving the house with an infant, so I made my appointment for 8am. I could go before my husband had to leave for work and not have to take the baby. What a bad idea. I could've slept in. I should've slept in. We are extremely fortunate that our little guy usually sleeps through the night... I actually had to set my alarm and leave everyone else in the house sleeping to go to the dreaded dentist. Now the dentist interrogated me about the amount of times I floss, to which my reply was that many days, some time between breakfast and lunch I realize I forgot to go the bathroom, brush my teeth, and put on deodorant. But sure, I remember to floss after every meal. Jokes on me I guess because I have to go back next week for a filling.

Thanks to my very helpful mother-in-law who dropped by, I was able to shower and eat lunch before the next to-do of the day.

I fortunate enough to have, yet again, another doctor's appointment. This one was with the doctor that delivered my little guy. Usually, I would think that the "lady doctor" appointment would be more dreadful than the dentist, but after going through countless exams and the birth of my son, I'm not hiding anything from this woman anymore.

After being at the doctor for over an hour, my two minute long exam was over, and my son and I were headed off to Target. I knew I was pressing my luck because it was nap time and dinner time, but thanks to a very well behaved newborn and the Maya Wrap ring sling, the trip to Target was a great success.

The cashier was a great help. Here is my Target breakdown:

Box of 124 count Pampers Swaddlers Size 3 $32.49

Target deal is buy 2 get a $20 gift card.
ALSO, spend $40 online for in store pickup, get $10 off.

2 boxes=$54.98 (-$20 gift card = $32.98)

Paid $54.98 and took my two $5 off Pampers coupons with me to pick them up and got a $10 credit back to my card. So, when all is considered, 228 diapers cost me $22.98! I'm hoping to do the same purchase again before it ends, tomorrow.

Today's plan: tons of laundry, clean the house, bathe myself and my son, and figure out dinner since my original plan fell through. What I expect to accomplish: bathing my son.

Loving every minute. Well, almost. :-)

Where have I been?

I know, I know, you all missed my posts terribly.  I feel like I haven't had any "me" time the past few months to sit and post.  Honestly though, I think it has been planned that way.  My hubby has been such a great support, but as part of his support tactics, he has tried his best not to leave me to my own devises.  I still find it very difficult to sit in quietness and not let my thoughts focus on life without mom.  Life without mom is hard; actually much more than hard, but I don't think there is a word for it.  There are so many times I want to pick up the phone to ask her how she is, or her opinion.  She always was so good at giving me advice, and if she didn't have any she would just say "I don't know baby, you'll figure it out".  Anyway... let's change the subject. 

Happy, Happy, Happy.

So many things are coming up on our oh so busy social calendar.  Since we have so much coming up, we are trying our best to budget accordingly.  Therefore, it is back to business with the couponing.  With a full time job and essentially a one day weekend, it has been nearly impossible to find time to dedicate to couponing/ shopping.  I contemplated doing a few couponing trips during my lunch break at work, but I was worried it would take me more than an hour, and I didn't want to lug my loot home on the train. 

Today it was back to the couponing grind.  I did pretty well, and even had the cashier impressed (which I thought was funny because he was a miserable teenager).  While I did spend money on the things that I can never seem to find a coupon for, I did manage to get a lot of things for free.  When you coupon, you learn quickly that every penny counts, especially when you add up all the pennies you save.  Today I saved one hundred dollars in my shopping trip.  I look at that as essentially adding to my salary for the day, since that is money I would've spent on our groceries. I taught a few people at work today that when trying to plan a coupon trip, the easiest thing to do is google the store for matchups (i.e: Walgreens matchups 2/5).  There are so many great blogs that put all the information out there for you, all you need to do is print, clip, and shop!

Ok, so I didn't really have anything to write about today, I just thought it had been a while, so I would say something. 

How about that Pinterest? Addicting?  I think so!

I will try to post again soon with an actually topic in mind.

Part II- “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

So in an attempt to get my mind off of things, I did two couponing trips this week and set up my stockpiling shelves (yes, I have a stockpiling shelf now!).

CVS is quickly becoming one of my favorite stores to do my couponing. Since I was sick and my husband was trying to take care of me (and probably wanted to keep an eye on my emotional stability too) he decided to join me. 

(CVS sales begin and end on Saturdays, so these deals are still available today if you are interested.)

Scott Paper Towels $5.49
     Use $1/1 Scott Paper Towel Rolls (SmartSource 11/13)
     Total: $4.49

Scott Toliet Paper $7.49
     Use $1/1 Scott Bath Tissues (SmartSource 11/13)
     Total: $6.49

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste $3.49
     Use $1/1 Colgate Optic White coupon (SmartSource 11/13)
     Total: $2.49 (and you will get $1.50 Extra Care Bucks)

Dawn Dish Soap $.99
      Use $.50/1 Dawn coupon (Proctor & Gamble 10/30)
      Total: $.49

Finish Gel Pac Dish Detergent $2.99
     Use $0.75/1 Finish Powerball or Gelpacs (SmartSource 10/23)
     Total: $2.24

Blistex $2.00
     Use $1/2 Blistex (11/13 don't remember which insert though)
     Total: $1.50 each (and you will get $1.00 Extra Care Buck, limit 1)

Kleenex Facial Tissue $.99
     Use $0.50/3 Kleenex Boxes coupon  (SmartSource 11/6)
     Total: $.82 each

Garnier Fructis Shampoo & Conditioner 3/$10
     Use 3/$1 off coupons (found online)
     Total: $2.33 each

Advil Congestion $4.99
     Use $1/1 coupon (found online)
     Total $3.99

After buying a few other things, my total was 80.31
   Then I scanned my Extra Care Card, my coupons, and my Extra Care Bucks from a previous shopping trip. 

Total: $19.25 (before sales tax for my Delaware readers)

Part I- "For some moments in life there are no words"

Since my blog is about life, and this week was a reality check in that department, I have decided to dedicate this entry to writing about just that.  However, in an attempt to prevent you all from slipping into a deep depression, I will write a "part II", and that one will be about couponing... something I did once or twice this week to get my mind off things.

We all knew it was inevitable. My mom fought unlike anyone for much longer than doctors believed she could.  In July of 2009, doctors told her she had a very aggressive form of Appendix cancer and there wasn't much they could do.  Despite being told she had about three months to get her affairs in order, my mom researched, found doctors, and endured countless surgeries.  She prayed, fought, and made promises to my sister and I that she would be at our weddings; promises that she kept.  As the priest at our church put it "Barb lived until the day she died".

While my family knew how sick mom was, I think everyone started to believe that she was untouchable.  No matter what happened, mom would pull through.  That being said, I still spent countless moments over the past few years a puddly little mess, crying about all the things my mom would miss in my life, and my sisters lives.  My mom would never get to meet my children, she wouldn't get to see my little sister go to high school, prom, college, and wouldn't get to see her get married and become a mother of her own.  I will spare you all the thoughts I have had about the things my mom and dad had planned that he is left to do alone.

My mom was my hero, and this week helped me realize I wasn't the only one who saw her as one.  The amount of people who have reached out to my family and I has been overwhelming, and for a moment yesterday I thought "if she could only see how many people she has affected".  Sitting in church I felt comfort in the belief that mom was watching.  She was seeing everything from her new home, and was helping me get through the day.  I found strength this week that I never knew I had, and I thank her for giving me that strength.

Falling into November

I don't know where October went.  Halloween is tomorrow, which as a married adult with no children, isn't as much fun as I remember in years passed.  Not losing my love, is fall.  The holidays are right around the corner, the scenery is changing, and I tend to increase the baking.  Today I baked a Apple Walnut Pie... I hope it turned out, otherwise, I quit trying to make pie.

Also, today, the hubby assisted me in a shopping trip to Shoprite.  They had some pretty good deals this week, but nothing compared to my trip to Rite Aid.  I took a picture of what I bought, and planned on showing how I did it, but there were a lot of personal products purchased, so I will forgo the list.  I will tell you that I spent less than $30 and saved over $50.  I am getting the hang of this!

I decided to put up links for some awesome websites I found.  I think they are going to be an excellent resource with Christmas right around the corner.

Awesome websites for online shopping:
Shop at Home: Do your internet shopping through this site and get coupon codes and CASH BACK! (Totally worth signing up!)
No More Rack : has 8 deals a day, up to 100% off. (Yes, 100% off!)
One Sale A Day: has 5 deals a day, also up to 100% off!
One Kings Lane: Excellent clearance prices for household decorations, accessories, etc.

Most importantly, today my mommy had chest tubes put in to help with the fluid in her lungs.  She is in a lot of pain, and trying to rest, so I have been resisting the urge to text her and call her every five minutes.  Thank you for all your prayers.

I realize this all sounds frantic and sporadic, but this post pretty much reflects how my brain has been functioning lately.  I am scatter-brained, and for that, I am sorry.  Until next time, which is hopefully after a long night of deep sleep. :-)

Undefeated...

Ok, so I titled today's blog undefeated, because I feel that word describes so many aspects of my life. Not only is my team undefeated (Go Pack Go!), my family is undefeated, and I feel undefeated.  So I've decided that "undefeated" is my word of the week.

The new job is going well, and I am figuring out how to balance everything. The key is a good partner.  My husband is awesome, I think we make a pretty good team.  We are now sharing the responsibilities when it comes to the cooking and cleaning, much more than when I was home all day.  Lucky for me, and unlucky for my waistline, Chris is an excellent cook.

The couponing is going well too.  I am finding that it is difficult to commit sufficient time to couponing when working a full-time job, but I am making it work.

Deals this week that I've cashed in on:

Like L'OCCITANE en Provence - USA on facebook and you can get a FREE hand cream ($10 value)
      They will send you a coupon in your email... I picked mine up today!

Friend Kodak on Facebook, and you can get a coupon for 20 free photos.
      The coupon can be redeemed at CVS, Target, and a few other stores.  With all the wedding and honeymoon pictures, I will take any free prints I can find!

Received a $15 credit when I signed up for One Kings Lane, with it I bought Hamilton a new collar. 
      (On clearance for $19, used my $15 credit.  Final cost, with shipping $8.95)

FREE 8x10 Canvas at http://www.canvaspeople.com/ 
      (all you have to pay for is shipping! For me that was $14.95)

Keep an eye on samples.target.com
     (I have some free K-cups for the Keurig coming my way!)

At Shoprite this week, I got some pretty good deals.  One I was particularly excited about was:

CoverGirl products are 50% off.
      I bought FOUR lip glosses (which I was in need of) @ $3.75 each
          Then I used TWO $8 off two CG products coupons
          (Final cost= free!)

Also, I won TWO giveaways that I entered on blogs that I follow on Facebook.  So, I should be receiving my envelope full of coupons in the mail soon, as well as my Hello Kitty Nail Stickers.  No, I will not be sporting them any time soon, but I know someone who might like them, and she has a birthday coming up! :-)

And to think, it is only Tuesday.  Wonder what other deals I will stumble across!