Irons on the fire... updated

Hi Friends-- time for a mini update and some pics!

Awhile back I posted about "productivity coming in streaks."  So today I wanted to give a little update to remind you all, and myself, that life goes on... ... (today's comments are in red) ... comments from the original post are in black.

* Dekker's birthday party-- I was really stressed out about this but for no reason.  We had such a terrific weekend and in the blink of an eye it was over and my baby was a toddler.  Sweet thing.

* Hosting Easter Dinner for my folks and Dave's.  Again, timely and lovely.  I decided that since we're already driving to the bakery for the treats we might as well just buy the bread rolls she's been gushing about on facebook.  They were worth every penny.  We survived this, too, and had a special Easter moment with our boy.  We also had our first "by the tree" picture.  My mom took a picture of my brother and I every year at Easter until it became a family joke.

* I have decided that for some reason this year we MUST have the AC unit inspected.  This was done as well.  All clear, and we will have it done differently next time :) Live and learn.

* Decided this would be a good time for another round with the landscaping guy (part of my quest for simplicity).  The "throw money at it" is getting rather expensive now!  I just want an estimate on taking out some MORE of the shrubbery in our yard-- more lawn please, plus a spring clean up/cut back (this currently takes us almost two full weekends-- and I cuss out the former owners the entire 4 days), plus I want to know how much to totally remove the so-not-kid-friendly pond.  We'll see what he comes back with, tomorrow at 1:30.  Ug, there went my morning nap picking up dog poop. Well he came and we said yes and we are pond-less.  It is almost done.  The mulch looks fantastic and so does the old pond area-- will look better when it's totally done (look for the upcoming "Before and After" post).

Don't Mind Me...

First, an apology to the three of you who check this regularly.   I have been trying to post regularly on Tuesday and Thursday and I am back on the wagon next week, okay!  I have been struggling with MATERIAL this week.  But today I have a little time to "catch up."  Love to you all.

Don't Mind Me

Don't Mind Me... teachers of my neighbor boy.  I know I am texting him all day when he is in school.  But I need someone to take care of my dog, who I nearly forgot to arrange plans for, while I am gone Friday night.  Such a bad puppy parent.  Thankfully, he works super odd hours, so between him and his folks Josie will probably be more spoiled than when we're home!

Don't Mind Me... I'm just finally putting away the laundry I washed and folded last Friday.  Boy, these baskets look like they have been sifted through all week while a certain someone dug out just the clothes he needed for the day and left the rest in the basket.  Odd...

Don't Mind Me... unhelpful and rude lady at Mulhalls.  I could go another 28 years without you yelling out over your walkie talkie "I'm sending someone your way in a RED SWEAT SHIRT."  You don't have to talk about me like I'm not three feet from you!  And don't mind me, but directions like "Go down that way and then turn half way down" are not enough in a HUGE nursery.  If Hy-Vee walks me to the product and their aisles are numbered, surely you can do better.

Don't Mind Me... man who DID NOT meet me and my red sweat shirt near the house plants.

Don't Mind Me... man who gets the Mulhalls website e-mails who got a nasty gram from me today. (Oh heavens, update, I just got a message from Mr. Mulhalls himself.  He wants to talk about my experience and make it better...stay tuned)

Don't Mind Me... Yon, the lady who threads my eyebrows.  I'm not sure "You have really long eyebrows" is a compliment, but I'll take it.

Don't Mind Me... to the 1200 people who will listen to me preach on Sunday.  I just broke out in a sweat thinking about it.  I borrowed a sweater to wear, the manuscript is in, the program is done... so all that's left is... me.  (This, by the way, explains my non-posting this week.  Every last minute I had without daycare was spent on it!  I have been preaching to my closet doors all week.  Don't mind the crazy lady next door who talks to herself all day...)

Don't Mind Me... to the people who I have (basically) stole stuff from off Craigslist this week.  And to my neighbors, I know it seems funny that we keep coming home with the trailer loaded up with something... but we went on a poor man's shopping spree.  We love our new daybed, table and chairs, and weight set.

Don't Mind Me... to the landscaping company.  Our yard was suppose to be done by Easter.  I know it has been raining a lot.  And we're not in a big hurry.  Just communicate with us a little better next time, okay.  We still love you, and your super reasonable prices.

About An Eight

I read just a few blogs in my spare time-- spare time = nap times when I am not napping myself or finishing up some paperwork for work.  Why does that paperwork never do itself?  Anyway, one blog that I really enjoy is Debra's.  Awhile back she challenged her blog readers to answer some questions about themselves.  And with no creepy messages, funny walks, or baby drama to report on-- I am taking her up on the challenge.  If you are reading this, and blogging along, too-- I hope you will post the questions for yourself and let me know.  (Feel free to post your answers in the comments if you don't have a blog!)

When do you feel happiest?

When the entire family is around the dinner table.  I love sharing a meal on the deck with Dave.  I love sitting down to family meal with my folks, my brothers family (or all of us, heaven-- which I took for granted for too long), with Dave's parents and his sisters and their families.  Even when there are NINE grandkids together under the age of six at the Rowe family dinners-- I love it.  Well, I am not used to the noise to be honest.  But I am learning to love it-- I love the sound of cousins talking and playing and being healthy, active kids.  I can't wait until Dekker is old enough to run around with my brothers kids and Dave's sister's kids.   I consider my small group family, too.  So I love sharing a meal with them, too.

How do you take care of yourself?

I eat.  hahahaha.  And I walk.  And they honestly cancel one another out, which means that I walk a lot and can't lose a gosh darn pound.  I also love to talk on the phone.  When I was a Freshman in college, I had 40 cell phone minutes a MONTH + free nights and weekends after 8PM.  I had them all gone on the 1st.  Honestly.  One time my dad called, rightfully upset about the outrageous cell phone bill, and I told him to add up all the "overage" minutes (not nights and weekends) that I was talking to Mom and then I would pay the difference. He never called back :)  I am also pretty self-aware when I need a break and I'm pretty good about asking for help.

Are you internally (by yourself) or externally (by others) motivated?

Externally.  And I wish I could find a little more internal motivation for a few things.

What do you do for fun?

I read blogs, like Becky's and Kara's.  I also love to read books about various topics-- some Beth Moore stuff, some ridiculous stuff, Readers Digest, on-line material, books about kid stuff like sleep and food.  I love to spend time with my friends.  I like to shop, travel, and go to yoga where I am expected to be quiet for an hour.  And I love, love, love to eat out-- like the incredible sushi happy hour that keeps me up way too late.

What intimidates you?

Well Hello To You Too, Sir

Oddly enough my phone was blowing up over the weekend with Craigslisters.  I have some interested company in the POND, which is fantastic since we would love to use that money to help pay for the landscaping guy, if he ever makes it to my house (go away rain).  Last night the oddest couple came over to look at the garden pavers.  They wanted to stand out in the cold and chat about colored concrete and they didn't buy anything.  I tried to be polite but finally I started heading to the door and told them to drive safe.  Again, I love people who shop off Craigslist.  Such a fun sociology experiment.

Anyway, we were at church Sunday night (after a fab weekend at our friends cabin) and my phone has a message.  I assume it is from Craigslist so I tell my friends to wait so they can hear this message-- because for some reason I think everyone thinks this is as interesting as I do-- "Hey, I'm calling about the turtle that has water coming out of it's mouth..."  Anyway, we were all in for a surprise.  This is what I got instead...

"Hey my baby beautiful darling.  Just wanted to call and see if your Sunday was going wonderfully and if it is I hope it continues to go that way, Sweetie.  I love you.  (changes to a very low, serious tone) I'm so in love with you.  (back to normal tone) Call me if you get a chance."

Here is what was going on in my head as I listened.  My thoughts are in red.

"Hey my baby beautiful whoa wait a minute, this is not a Craigslist call.  What number was that?  I did not recognize that number... darling daughter?  Is this a joke?  Maybe this is my dad calling from Colorado-- he would call me a beautiful daughter.  This is too much.  I can't believe I'm standing in church with everyone waiting while I listen to this.  Just wanted to call and see if your Sunday was going wonderfully for sure not my dad.  This is borderline creepy...and if it is I hope it continues to go that way sweetie did he not listen to my voice mail?  Hello, this is Stef's phone... hello, this is a 402 number.  Is this actually for me?  Do I recognize this voice at all?  No I don't.  This has got to be a wrong number, right?!?.  I love you oh boy.  (changes to a very low, serious tone) I'm so in love with you I say out loud "Dave, you have got to listen to this."  I don't want to even appear to be hiding this from him-- no secrets, I promise.  Call me if you get a chance." Don't automatically hit delete, don't hit delete, don't hit delete.


In case you are wondering I did delete today after I listened to it approximately five times so I could transcribe it here.  While it was not my husband (though he does leave me yummy messages from time to time), it did warm my heart to know that two people out there are so in love and that my voice mail picked up a little of the love.

Awkward, but lovely.

On the journey,

Stef

"SKIP"

I was reminded of this story tonight so thought to write it down before I forget:

I started my college career at Nebraska Christian College when it was in Norfolk in the fall of 2000/2001 school year.  I honestly really liked it, and the people there, but I knew that I would be happier with a bigger school.  And I had kinda changed up my major to more "counseling" than "family ministry."  And a week before I went to college I had a counseling session in McCook and the counselor, whom I still greatly respect, told me all about her Family Life Science degree from UNL.  I was intrigued.  Still, I think God brought this information to me when He did because He knew how much I would get out of my time at NCC, not to mention the people I met, friends I love, and network I still count on.

I had two special friends at NCC-- Lora and Aimee.  Time has taken its toll on our friendship but I still love and cherish them in my heart, even if we don't get to talk very often at all.  It was awful to leave them.  Girls, I will never forget the special meal you made me on one of my last nights there.

So off to UNL I went, and the three of us decided to stay in touch and even to volunteer that summer at some type of camp.  I did some research and found out about an organization called "SKIP" that needed summer camp volunteers fairly badly.  I talked to the girls, we applied and were accepted.  SKIP stands for: Support for Kids of Incarcerated Parents.

Unfortunately, I thought Incarcerated meant that someone had lost a limb.  I think I had it confused with incapacitated-- which actually means disabled or "laid up" (and not having lost a limb).  Or maybe I had it confused with decapitated-- which means the head is separated from the body.  So I don't know where I got this limb business but I was pretty sure of myself.

One night at our UNL Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) meeting I stayed late and was talking to some friends and just hanging out.  We get to talking about my upcoming week at SKIP Camp.

Enough Said...

Ever since Pastor Mark asked me to offer the Mother's Day sermon I have not been able to sleep.  Frankly, it's awful.  So I had no clients today and I decided this would be the day I would get thoughts out of my mind and onto paper.  It has got to help.  And I still have three weeks.  I promised a copy to a few staffers at Stonebridge by the end of this week-- and the deadline is fantastic.  I am at the place where I need a break from it.  What better way to fill my time then post a few pictures for you all!



This is why I can't lose any weight.  Enough Said.



This is why I want to lose weight.  Enough said.



This is why nothing gets done around here.  Enough Said.



This is why I have a love/hate relationship with painting-- I hate cleaning the brushes.  Enough Said.



This is my drooling little boy.  He is getting his molars.  Enough Said!



This is the sweet boy up on the night of his birthday.  I am usually not this chipper at night.  Enough Said!

Happy Tuesday to you all.  See you again for Thursday's post!

On the journey,

Stef

Total Biff

So yesterday I had it all together.  I laid Dekker down for his morning nap and took a shower and blew dry my hair.  When he got up I put him in the bath and we played.  Then I let him play while I put on make-up and straightened my hair.  This was a good idea...it was great.  I even put on eye make-up.  Super big deal.  I put on a new shirt and sweater thing that I had gotten Tuesday at Ann Taylor Loft 40% off clearance.  And I put on my favorite Big Star jeans and the cute wedge sandals I got last year for my birthday in November (also on clearance).  I found two necklaces (one short and one long) and matching earrings.

I went downstairs and said to Dave, "I feel good today.  I feel like I am wearing clothes that fit and flatter my (new) body. "  I went on to say how happy I was that my pediatrician would see me in something other than my pajamas after being up all night.  Thankfully, I wasn't tearful, exhausted, etc.  This was a new look for me and sweet Dr. Walters.

Anyway, the appt was good, lunch was good, nap was good.  I decided to stretch the limits on the day and take a quick trip to Kohls to exchange some birthday gifts.  Dekker was super fussy, and after getting shots I wasn't totally surprised.  So I was quick about things.

On the way out of the store, I grabbed my adorable little BOY in one arm and my purse and bag in the other and strutted out the door in all my feeling good-ness-- jewelry and eye make-up and all.  I didn't see the faded orange markings that warned me of the shifting sidewalk, and I was on the ground!  I felt myself falling... I actually thought I was going to break my ankle because I felt my foot turn under the shoe and I knew a lot of weight was getting put on it, but there was little I could do to help myself because I was worried about sending Dekker across the pavement.  I kinda stumbled twice, then hit the ground.  Some man saw the whole thing.  He comes running over and asks if I'm okay.  As he tries to help me up I realized that my jeans had totally ripped in the knee.  (I mean I wear them so much they were pretty thin.)  AND, my knee was super scraped and bleeding.  So the man sticks out his hand and I say "My jeans are ripped."  Hahaha.  Priorities!  I was more embarrassed than anything.

Here is a picture of my knee.  Dave made fun of me for taking a picture.  He was harassing me and I was like, "Dave, the 9 people who read my blog will want to see this."



We made it to the car, I got Dekker strapped in, and I just kinda sat there.  I called Dave.  I was actually pretty sore.  I am sore.  But I will survive.  I contemplated saving the jeans-- a patch maybe? capri's maybe? But they are gone.  I am thinking I might go buy a new pair, I loved them that much.

Do you see them in the trash can?  So sad.  Also got harassed about taking this photo, if you can imagine! (Nothing like a good Fresca and banana.)



Have a safe day!

On the journey,

Stef

Hello, Wednesday

Today is a good day.  After all, Psalm 118:24 reminds me that, "This is the day which the Lord has made; we will be full of joy and delight in it."  I am reminded today that (Psalm 30) joy comes in the morning, (Nehemiah 8:10) the joy of the Lord is my strength.  We've got joy, people!  And I have a few Wednesday ramblings for you.

Rambling #1: We sold the alligator off of Craigslist.  So long little buddy-- he was a pond accessory and water actually shot out of his mouth-- kinda cool (just kinda).  Aside from the cash and de-cluttering the back yard, one of my favorite things about Craigslist is the PEOPLE.  I love the type of people who buy off Craigslist.  I am one of them.  I just can not get enough of people-- they fascinate me.  Last night this super nice man from Council Bluffs drove all the way to our house to hand us $40 for this beast.  And then told us a rather lengthy story about his turtle collection (it's live) all while the sweet neighbor boys tried to talk to all of us through the fence.  Then, he called my son a girl and repeatedly referred to him as "her."  I tried to correct him passively, by saying things like, "Yep, HE'LL have more grass to play in..." but it didn't work.



Rambling #2: My SON's hair may or may not need a cut.  Aside from nice-Craigslist-man, the nurse at our One Year well baby appointment told me today to "lay her right here."  I laughed.  I said, "He's a boy.  He might need a haircut."  She talked like a nervous person talked but finally did say that she should have known with a name like... Dekker.



Rambling #3: I love Chinese food.  My sweet husband took time off to go to the appointment with me today and then we went for lunch.  I love having lunch with Dave far more than Chinese food any day.  The server asked if we needed a highchair... "for him? her?"  Okay... I get it. 

Ode to Aunt God Love

... I can not get enough of posting today-- maybe it's the weather.  But I just had to get out of my head and onto this blog a few observations from my walk today.  I call this an ode to Aunt God Love because I had an Aunt Inez, who I never met but love her name, who apparently said "God Love" to everything.  So...

* God Love the grandma and her grandson who I see everyday as I walk past them in the park.  God love that we both go there at approximately 11:00AM.  Are you sneaking in the gorgeous weather in between morning nap and lunch, too?  God love that you park your Radio Flyer right in the sidewalk and I have to take my huge stroller and dog around it in the grass everyday.  We don't mind.  God love your matching track outfits today.  I think God really does love spandex pants or he wouldn't have made them...

* God love the 4 hills on my 4 mile route.  God love Dekker, who didn't cry until the last one.  It takes Mommy awhile to go 4 miles these days.

* God love Josie.  You are a hunting dog by nature.  You hunt anything, from squirrels to rabbits to weeds blowing in the distance.  I learn a lot from you and I love you.  God love you, that you are still my faithful companion even when I tug on your leash so hard that I secretly pray no one is filming it and turning it into the humane society.  God love you, you have heard more curse words out of my mouth than any other living thing.

* God love the creepy white van.  I'm sure you are simply trying to find an address as you creep down the street I am walking, but it's creepy.  I look you right in the eye like Oprah says so you know I can identify you.  God love all the traffic who hates you as you creep down the middle of the road.  These people only have 60 minutes for lunch, including commute time.  Try to pick a side.  They will gladly pass you.

* God love the grown son and elderly woman sitting on the porch.  Or maybe you are a repair man who stayed for lemonade.  I made up stories about you for a good mile.

And one more from a text I just got:
* God love my sister-in-law who just texted me a worry I forgot to add to my previous blog entry.  I am always worried that I am pregnant b/c I simply can not comprehend HOW the Nuva-Ring can possibly keep me from reproducing.

That's all for now.
God's love to you all!

Stef

PS I think I'll start counting points TOMORROW :)

From one Mae to another...

Today is the one year anniversary of my Grandma Soden's passing.  I loved her so much (and we share the same middle name, Mae).  She was so incredibly special to me, and I hope to write more as I process this day.  But for now I wanted to leave the eulogy I wrote and read at her funeral:



I am honored that Grandma and her kids have asked me to speak today, but let me confess… putting Grandma into words has been one of the hardest tasks I’ve ever been asked to do. I have asked many of you for input and I thank you greatly. I have prayed, tossed and turned, written, deleted and rewritten again. And still, I may not summarize it all. Simply put, there’s too much about Grandma to fit into this time, but I will try. And what I have forgotten, and the memories you have that you want to share, I hope will be the background music for the rest of this weekend, and years to come.

Let’s talk about the woman Grandma was:

Grandma was a fabulous cook, wasn’t she? In our home, we have all kinds of little tricks that she taught my mom and me. Together as a family, we have all kinds of recipes, smells, and traditions that started at her stove. Cinnamon Rolls, home-made dinner rolls, Chicken and Noodles, and true home cooked meals around her dinner table or out on the deck just to mention a few. Many of the grands and great-grands like Andrea and Ellie will also remind you of the vanilla and fudge swirl sundae cups she kept at her house. Grandma was never short on love, but she wasn’t short on great food, either!

Grandma was your biggest fan. If I had to guess, I would say that Grandma was present at at least one important event of every person here—and more likely, dozens of events that she may or may not have traveled hundreds of miles to attend. I love that Grandma loved watching us do ‘our thing’—maybe it was a ball game, a recital, a holiday or birthday or graduation, a wedding or shower—for you, your kids or your grandkids-- if there was any possible way Grandma could be there she was. Her love and pride for her family went beyond events though-- I think Becky said it best, “she made me feel special for who I am on the inside...and while she always was proud of her family's enormous personal and professional achievements, she seemed to know that they are really only minor considerations when it comes to the beauty that lies within…”

Grandma was selfless—in fact, probably one of the most selfless people you have ever known or will know. What truly made her happy was getting to experience the joy of the people she loved. When I first consulted my OB about traveling in late pregnancy, I cried. And she said “oh sweety, would this be your grandma’s first great-grandkid?” I laughed. “No, it would be her 29^th, but if you know Grandma she would love the 29^th just as much as the first!”

Post-Vegas-Post

First, we had a fantastic time in Vegas with Becky and Mitch and Tisha and Marty.



Above: Becky and Mitch.



Above: Tisha and Marty



Above: Dave and I, Thursday Night, Toby Keith's Bar and Grill.

There are vacations where you sit on the beach all week and rest and relax... then there are vacations to Vegas!  We were so busy!  And there is a two hour time difference, so after nearly 11 months of dreaming about sleeping in... we couldn't.  But it was still wonderful and refreshing, even if it wasn't totally relaxing.

I will give you a little rundown of what we did:
Thursday's Highlights: Worked half a day, then drove to Aurora over Dekker's afternoon nap (he still sleeps wonderfully in the car!).  We met up with Nana and Grandpa and they were so excited to keep Dekker.  It made it easier for us to leave.  We knew we'd miss him, but we weren't worried one tiny bit.  We went to Grand Island where we flew Allegiant Air.  It was an experience, and in the end all 150 of us got on the jet (as in walked right out to the plane) and made it to Vegas.  That night we went to dinner with the whole group, then walked around and saw some of the strip, including the inside of the Bellagio.  We learned very quickly that in Vegas, there is no bedtime.  We went to bed about 2AM, or 4AM Nebraska time.  I had been up for about 22 hours.



Friday: We couldn't sleep in!  Dave and I went to brunch at the Bellagio and had a great time.  We just sat and visited for over an hour.  It was one of the highlights for me.  We talked a lot about how much our baby is growing up and how much fun we have had over the last year.  We are surprised that we have enjoyed this so much.  We knew we would enjoy it-- but we had no idea how much!  We also walked around the Miracle Mile, then had a couples massage (20% off!) and then walked around the Venetian with the whole group.  That night we had a great Italian dinner and saw the "O" show.  It was fantastic.  We watched the fountains at the Bellagio that night and did the Eiffel Tower Experience.





Saturday: Breakfast from McDonalds, then lots of walking and sight seeing around the south end of the strip... MGM, New York New York, M&M World, Minus 5 Ice Bar, and a great new soap/lotion store named Lush.  Check it out!  That night we went to the club Studio 54 in MGM.  We thought the music was great and it was lots of fun-- although another late night!







Funny Story: We were leaving the club early Sunday morning and there were two older adults playing slots.  The old lady says to the old man, "What are all those wristbands?" Old man says, "The girls got in free to that club tonight."  Old lady points to Becky and I and says, "Well, those two are rather covered up!"  As we're walking by Becky hears all this and says back, "It's because we're moms!"  So funny!!  (Does it look like I am wearing the same top as I was on Thursday night?  Well, yes, I am.  I did not over-pack by any stretch of the imagination.)

Again, I really regretted my dress shoes/boots.  These black boots have needed to be replaced for a long time so... what happened in Vegas Stayed in Vegas...



Sunday: Slept in after the late night out, lunch, then off to the airport and home to see the baby boy.  We got home around 10:45 at night.  I feel like I spent all last week recovering!  I napped everytime Dekker napped when I was home on M, W, F.



A few thoughts from my trip:
1.  Both Friday and Saturday evening I split my evening meal, once with Dave and once with my cousin Tisha.  I was really aware of portion control.  That seemed to help a lot, and I don't remember myself getting so full I wanted to burst at any point.

Vegas Countdown...

Well we are absolutely thrilled to be leaving for Vegas in the AM.  Actually, Dave is in Iowa right now helping a friend of a friend get his computer up and going.  It is taking way longer than he anticipated and I'm 100% sure he's not happy about it.  So in the mean time, I am doing laundry, packing Dekkers things, and clearing the camera... so while the camera unloads I thought I had a few quick moments to post.

Here are my Top 5 thoughts about Vegas, in no order, in regards to food:

1.  It is not the last supper.  I can eat well, but I don't have to eat until I unbutton my pants at EVERY meal.

2.  I want to taste a variety of foods.

3.  I will hold off on dessert.  I love food, but I love losing weight, too.  So I don't want to undo all the work I have done.  As I look at various websites about what to order at restaurants, it continues to strike me how dessert can be the same "points value" as an entire meal.

4.  I will order red sauce instead of white.  Killer.  I will order veggies whenever I can.

5.  I will lay off the donuts.  I do lloovvee donuts, but I don't need a half dozen everyday.

(6).  (I will walk everywhere I can, and pack sensible shoes to make this possible.)

What are we planning to do while in Vegas?  Well, we're going clubbing.  I can't even type the word clubbing without laughing. 

9 Month Check Up. Check.

Well, today I finally made it in to see Dr. Walters for Dekker's 9 month well baby check up.  He is, in fact, 10.5 months old-- but she has been on maternity and Dekker has been sick so, you know, we went today.  I really love my pediatrician.  Very sweet lady, busy but not rushed, and takes time to talk to me.  In reality, I hate hauling Dekker to the doctor (it was a high of 19 today), and between the upper respiratory stuff over the last month, I feel like I have been in there weekly. But today was a nice appointment to talk about development, food, napping, other milestones and what looks like an MSPI allergy that he hasn't yet outgrown.   She assured me that deciding what the heck to feed a baby from 9-12 months can be somewhat of a challenge ("for first time moms"-- whatever, I'll admit it), and is more difficult thanks to the allergy.  A lot of foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, etc are out.  Through our discussion, she thought he was probably okay with soy, but not "big dairy" (aka not hidden diary).  She said we will probably start with Rice Milk and move to Soy Milk fairly quickly and then try Cow's Milk.  I sighed.  Never did I imagine this.  But I will count my lucky stars.  He is a healthy, growing boy in the 50% for weight and 90% for length.  I wonder where he gets that height?!?

She also listened to my over-exaggeration of Dekkers nap troubles here lately- complete with "if I have a bald spot next time you see me" language--

Bargain Shopping

When Dave and I got married he was 21 and I was 23.  To say we had no money is an understatement.  We, thankfully (oh, so thankfully) stumbled onto a "Good Sense" Money Management class.  So we set up a Spending Plan (aka Budget) and were very diligent about sticking to it, which took some creativity and sacrifice.  We only took out student loans for tuition.  We never used a credit card.  And, we believed in "allowance" -- or basically having your "own" money to do with whatever you wanted without the other asking.  We got $6 each a WEEK.  Hey, that is nearly $50 a month, and for two part-time interns and full time students, that was A LOT of money.  So needless to say, we have somewhat prided ourselves with being bargain shoppers for some time now.

Thankfully, we did eventually graduate from school, get jobs and we continued with a budget.  Our budget really needs readjusted now that my income is variable and we have, um, a kid.  Anyway, we shop around, use lots of coupons and coupon codes, and very much take our time making any big purchase.  We beg, borrow and buy on Craigslist.  When we had Dekker, I poured over the pages of Baby Bargains.  And it was sometime then that it really struck me that you can get the SAME THING barely used for half the price, or never used and uber cheap if you are willing to do your research and a little extra leg-work.  For example, I bought a BOB Jogging Stroller for literally 1/3 the price.  The guy who sold it to us explained that it spent the last two years in his wife's trunk.  Incredible.  We use that thing almost everyday Spring-Fall and it would have been worth it full price, let alone at this price!  Wow.

Okay, well all of this is leading up to Tuesday's events this week.