Quick Minestrone Soup

I love minestrone soup. I created a quick and easy way that you can make this in no time!

You will need:

1 can of pasta sauce (your choice)

1 can of green beans

4 potatoes (I used red potatoes)

2 cans of kidney beans

3 cups of pasta (your choice)

1 onion chopped

Yup! That's all the ingredients easy right? We usually have all of these at home already!

Get a large pot and add the can of pasta sauce.

Put water in to the empty can and add to the pot.

Cut potatoes into bite size pieces and put in the pot.

Add pasta about 10 minutes after.

Put in green beans, onions, and kidney beans.

Simmer until pasta and potatoes are cooked.

Then enjoy!

I told you it was quick and easy. Oh and very healthy as well.

Deanna

What's in my diaper bag?

My dog wanted to be in the picture say hi to Roko!

This is what I keep in my diaper bag. It changes depending on where we are going!

1. Diaper bag (of course)

I got this at Marshalls for $69.99 Its stain-proof and has tons of pockets.

2. Blanket- To cover up for nursing or if the car is cold for my son.

3. Diapers- Target Brand size 1. I also keep extra in the car.

4. One outfit, socks, and hat.

I also carry another outfit in the car just in case.

5. Bib

Grandma where are you?

I got this bib when I had my daughter it got passed down to my son!

6. Mucus/Snot sucker.

A must have!

7. Sanitizer.

I use this constantly.

8. Changing mat.

Came with the diaper bag.

9. Face cloth.

For dry milk around the mouth or to wash his face after a sweaty outing.

10. Jergens Lotion.

This lotion I use on myself.

11. Q-tips and band aids.

For small incidents (my neosporin is missing!)

12. Handi-snacks.

For my 4 year old when we go out so she can eat a snack when she's hungry.

13.Evian water spray.

For anyone around me to keep a fresh face or cool when hot.

14. Pen.

No need to explain ALWAYS HAVE A PEN!

15. Toy.

My son already loves toys!

16. Nursing pads.

For the leaky nipples we seem to always have.

17. Wipes.

Self Explanatory. Plus they can get any stain out of any fabric.

18. Mittens.

My son likes to scratch his face.

19. My dog.

Well we don't take my dog but he's so darn cute!

If I travel longer distances I always double everything.

In my car I keep extra diapers, nursing pads, wipes, nail clippers, tweezers, first aid kit, outfits, socks, and hats, toys, blanket, and the stroller.

What do you carry in your diaper bag? What do you keep in your car?

Deanna

The Undomestic Goddess (Book Review)

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

This is my all time go to favorite book! Here is the information on it! This book is funny, romantic, dramatic, and fun!

Samantha Sweeting, the 29-year-old heroine of Kinsella's latest confection (after Shopaholic Sister), is on the verge of partnership at the prestigious London law firm Carter Spink—the Holy Grail of her entire workaholic life. But when she finds she has made a terrible, costly mistake just before the partnership decision, she's terrified of being fired. In a fog, she stumbles out of the building and onto the nearest train, which drops her in the countryside, where she wanders to a stately home. The nouveau riche lady of the house mistakes her for the new housekeeper—and Samantha is too astonished to correct her. Numb and unable to face returning to London, Samantha tries to master the finer points of laundry, cooking and cleaning. She discovers that the slow life, her pompous but good-hearted employers and the attentions of the handsome gardener, Nathaniel, suit her just fine. But her past is hard to escape, and when she discovers a terrible secret about her firm—and when the media learns that the former legal star is scrubbing toilets for a living—her life becomes more complicated than ever.

Will you consider reading this?

Deanna

Post-Partum Depression (the honest truth story)

When I got pregnant for the second time I thought okay this pregnancy is going to go a little bit better then my first. Let me tell you about my first pregnancy a little bit first.

I got pregnant when I was 19. I was young and had no knowledge of what to do in the situation. I knew it was hard to take care of a baby and without her father in the picture I knew I had to grow up and be a single mother. My pregnancy was off the wall I had morning sickness in the beginning and for some reason tomatoes and mashed potatoes would make me vomit nonstop until they were out of my stomach. Other then that I was really active I was always going out and always walking I hardly gained weight but I gained enough to keep a healthy pregnancy. My daughter was born on August 1, 2006. She is going to be 5 soon and she amazes me everyday. After I had her I suffered Post-Partum Depression severely. I was always crying, always sick, and I couldn't handle taking care of my daughter by myself. I thank god for my family everyday because without them I couldn't have overcome it. I didn't know there was such thing as PPD and how serious it really was. I felt in a daze the first year of my daughters life. I regret not seeking help when I knew I needed it. I may have not seen it then but now I see that my mom helped me so much with my daughter; more then she should have in reality and I am very grateful to her for that.

Now let's roll to the present and I have my son he is now a little over 6 weeks old. My doctor told me I have a mild case of PPD and that I should talk to someone and find a positive person other then the people in my house and other then family to confide in when I need someone to talk to. I have a friend named Megan who I met on the WhatToExpect June 2011 board and we met around my 3rd or 4th month of pregnancy. She has been my positive person that I confide in. I chose her because she has two kids like myself now and she understands pregnancy and the aftermath of pregnancy. I really didn't know that having someone in the same scenario as me would actually help my PPD.

I still have my moments of crying and being overwhelmed but I am taking it a day at a time. Even with the lack of sleep (and sadly lack of showers). I love my two kids to death and I would take a bullet for them. They are what keep me motivated and keep me going every single day. I don't hesitate or protest I do what I have to do everyday to make sure my kids are happy and healthy.

If it wasn't for them I don't know what my future would hold. Now I have a plan. I am going to follow that plan. Before I would procrastinate and never finish everything I started. Now I know I have two kids that are looking up to me to be a good person. I want them to know they can to great things in life and that bumps in the road shouldn't stop them and that it should push them even more to do great things for themselves and their future.

I hope they both go to college and have great careers but most of all I want to them to be doing what they want to do because I want them to be happy and have great confidence and self esteem. If they hit the many bumps that they will hit I want them to know I will be there to get them through it no matter what it is. I am their mommy I am here for them until I am no longer here. I will never give up on them.

This is just my story of PPD and overcoming PPD.

Deanna

Post-Partum Appointment

I had my 6 week post-partum appointment today. I got the okay to exercise (wohoo!)

She did a cervix check, breast check (for lumps), and uterus check.

Everything was great!

I also decided to get the Implanon Implant as a birth control.

I will blog my experience getting it and take pictures for you ladies.

I will be getting that on August 8th.

I did have to take my son with me to my appointment so I ended up breastfeeding him while having my exam (a challenge that I won!).

Are you ladies getting birth control? Which one?

Deanna

Fisher-Price Cradle 'n Swing Review

I really love swings. I just put my son in there and he just relaxes and falls asleep I can actually get time to do things I need to do!

I have the My Little Lamb version I know there is another one out there.

There's a volume control for the music that plays, and water sounds, crickets, music, and the mobile moves in circles. The seat is so soft and comfortable (If only they made these for adults I would be happy)

It was so easy to install (thank god I am horrible with assembling things).

As you can tell my little chunky monkey loves it in there!

What swing do you mommies own?

Deanna

Kristina's Breastfeeding Success Story

At around 3 months pregnant I found an app called WTE. I had no idea that I was going to meet the most amazing women & how it would change my life & my unborn child's.
At around the time my son was 3 weeks old, I was ready to give up on breastfeeding. I have 2 older children (10 & almost 5) that I was not successful with breastfeeding with. This child was to be the last we had & I was convinced no matter what I would breastfeed him. Well, that didn't go so right on. After 2 different Lactation Consultants, many hours researching, and supplementing every feeding followed by pumping, I posted on WTE for help from "MrsAnnaLynn" because I had seen her answer many questions on this topic. I read one where she pumped 16 oz & was convinced! At this point I could only pump 1/2 an ounce from both sides. Deanna replied right away with "Don't Panic" as the title in the email. I though "Yeah, right!". She gave me a link to her blog & emailed back & forth with encouragement & let me ask a million questions!
3 days later I was so excited to see that the supplements had more than cut in half from following her advice on her blog! Now I am less than a week in & only supplementing 3 feedings a day compared to the 10 or so from before!
I reached out & did not expect this to work, but I figured, "What's one more shot?" Not only that, but my son is so much happier. We were having many problems finding a formula that would work for him as his stomach was not accepting any well. Even with the couple feedings of formula he is much more regulated & not spitting up every time he eats. I thought it was going to be a long fight, but here I am now enjoying every smile my 4 week old gives as he unlatches from my breast! Thank you so much Deanna!!!

I am glad to help Kristina!!!

July Mommy of the Month

The mommy of the month for July is Tara a.k.a Tara4862.

You girls nominated her and she grabbed July!

Here is what she wrote:

The lowdown:
I'm Tara, married to Randy and mother of three boys, Blake (10), Keegan (7), Phoenix (3) and my long awaited little girl Isla (eye-la) who is 5 weeks old.

I must say that I feel like the luckiest woman alive to be married to my husband. He is everything I could dream of and more! My prince charming came into my life over 7 years ago. He is amazing to me and our children and I am the happiest I've ever been!

A day in my life can be pretty hectic! Not only do I have our four children, we have also opened our home up to watch two more kids as well! So add eight year old boy Michael to the mix and 13 week old Charlee :-)

About me:
I'm a simple woman. I'm into living a more healthful, natural lifestyle that includes chemical free cleaners, essential oils, energy efficient and recycling. I have a green thumb and enjoy plants and gardening. My family likes to go to the zoo and spent time outdoors. Overall, life is great and I could not ask for more! I'm so glad I have my family, at the end of the day, they are all that matter :-)

Here are some pictures of her adorable kids!

Isla

Keegan

Blake

Phoenix

Congratulation's Tara!

Deanna

Preventing SIDS

Mamaofallboys requested a blog on ways to prevent SIDS.

There is no for sure way to prevent SIDS keep that in mind but there are ways to REDUCE the risk.

1. Put your baby to sleep on his/her back.

This is the most important thing you can actually do to prevent SIDS. Side sleeping isn't safe either even though most people think it is safe babys can easily end up on their stomachs.

2. Stuffed animals and pillows in crib.

Avoid anything in the crib except for a firm mattress and sheet. This will make sure nothing gets into babys face.

3. Don't allow smoking around your baby.

This can greatly reduce SIDS the second hand smoke is very bad for baby. If someone NEEDS to smoke tell them to do so outside.

4. Crib bumpers.

Bumpers aren't a need. The slates on the crib are far enough that baby's head will not go through and if your baby's face goes onto the bumper there is a chance for suffocation.

5. Blankets and Swaddles.

Do not blanket your baby in bed. Choose clothing that is warmer for them if they are cold to the skin. If you need to blanket baby tuck blanket under armpit to secure that babys face will not get covered. If you need to swaddle do so with a light blanket or recieving blanket due to the hot weather in most places this is very important.

6. Air.

Keep air circulating with a ceiling fan in the room or window open if cool outside.

7. Exposure.

Make sure anyone that holds your baby washes their hands first.

These are tips I have heard from my doctor and my kids doctor.

Deanna

Hope this helps!



Post Partum Update 1 Month 5 Days PP

159lbs.

Total of 47lbs lost to date.

Here I am 1 month 5 days PP I am still waiting for my okay from my OBGYN to workout!

Deanna

Breastfeeding Menu

(I needed a picture and I found the neighborhood rabbit Bob!)

Here is another menu for you breastfeeders!

BREAKFAST

Bean and Cheese burrito with a whole wheat tortilla

(3 tbsp beans and a good handful of cheese)

1 cup of cold 1% milk

1 piece of fruit or half a grapefruit

SNACK

3 cups of popcorn with blackpepper (YUM)

1 cup of low fat yogurt

LUNCH

Ham sandwich on wheat bread

(4 slices ham with any toppings)

1 cup of salad

(1 teaspoon dressing)

2 cups of watermelon

1 cup of juice or iced/hot decaf tea (no green tea)

SNACK

1 hard cooked egg

1 banana with peanutbutter

DINNER

Palm sized portion of salmon

(baked with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice)

1 cup of brown/white rice

1 1/2 cup mixed veggies

(or your favorite veggies)

Bread with light butter

SNACK

1 cup of yogurt with added fruit

or

chocolate cake

(any kind its dessert you deserve a treat)

That is my plan for one day of meals for breastfeeding.

We need this daily:

3 cups of dairy

6oz of meat/beans

8 oz grains

2 cups of fruit

3 cups veggies

6 teaspoons of oil (butter, olive oil, mayo, etc.)

So while I will be posting menu's with the daily requirements above you can make your own menu's as well.

Remember 13 8oz cups of water at the minimum.

You deserve a treat AFTER dinner.

You can always eat more fruit, vegetable, or dairy when hungry.

ENJOY!!!

Deanna



How to Gain Breastmilk

Hello Ladies!

Breastfeeding can be challenging but rewarding I am happy to tell you how to gain breastmilk naturally and easily with no complications.

1. Drink water. Drinking water doesn't only gain breastmilk it increases your hydration which is key on you being healthy enough to breastfeed. So remember 13 8oz glasses of water a day at the minimum for us breastfeeding mommies.

2. Oatmeal. Eating oatmeal once a day keeps your supply up because of everything that is good for you in the oatmeal. Add fresh fruit to get even more out of it!

3. Relax. Relax when breastfeeding or pumping listen to soothing music and close your eyes.

4. Breastfeed or Pump more frequently. Pump every 1.5-2 hours or in between feedings. Each day your ounces will increase.

5. Fenugreek. 1-2 days you will see an increase of breast milk by about 80%. Don't exceed 12 capsules a day.

6. Breast Compressions. When your breastfeeding hold your breast with thumb on top and other fingers on bottom and squeeze. Do this when you see that your baby is only sucking but not drinking or swallowing milk.

7. Use one breast per feeding. Allowing the breast to drain helps it accumulate more milk each feeding. If you aren't able to drain one breast due to your baby sleeping go ahead and pump the rest out for later use.

8. Pumping. Pump after every feeding for 10-20 minutes even though you don't see milk coming out sometimes it helps massage the nipple to stimulate saying "more milk more milk".

9. Eat.  Breastfeeding mothers need an additional 500-800 calories a day. For twins get about 700-900 calories more. So roughly 1700-2200 calories for
mommies. Are you eating that many calories?

10. Try not to drink Alcohol. Alcohol can deplete supply. People say beer gains breast milk and its true for SOME mothers but not all.

11. The No pacifier. I have expressed on the boards a few times my DISLIKE of pacifers. There is a reason behind this. Pacifiers can cause nipple confusion early in the early weeks but it also can reduce the amount of time your baby is at your breast which can cause your supply to drop.

12. Nipple Shields. When they are needed please use them. But when not needed please avoid using them they reduce the stimulation of your nipple and can interfere with the supply-demand cycle.

13. Do NOT STOP! Do not stop a feeding let them finish.

14. Purchase a Nuk. A Nuk cool and warm pack that is! I use this before breastfeeding and before pumping. I NEVER USE IT TO COOL THE BREASTS (cooling can deplete your supply). This is what it looks like.

 There is a link in the post to purchase from Amazon if needed at the bottom of this post. Target sells them for $12.99. I found it for you guys on Amazon for $6.99. When your babys is done breasfeeding after a year or more you can use this as an icepack or warm pack for bruises, headaches, and anything else!

Did you know when you have a headache if you put a cool pack on your head the headache goes away 75% faster?

How about drinking cold water and not warm burns 30 more calories!!!!!

Good Luck breastfeeding mommies!

Don't give up!

Deanna

*I purchased the Nuk Cool and Warm Pack with my own money*

Top Mommy Apps for iPhone or iPod

I love my iPhone and I have a ton of apps on here that really help me out.

babynavarrofeb2011 requested apps for new moms or cool apps in general here are my top 10.

#1. What to Expect (Baby)- Free

(getting most out of baby's first year)

#2. Baby's First App- $0.99

(learning letters, numbers, animals, shapes, colors, and objects)

#3. Baby 411 by Dr. Ari Brown- Free

(breaking news on medicine recalls, the latest research on baby's growth and development and more)

#4. Pandora- Free

(stations I recommend: nature, lullabye radio, soundscapes & lullabies)

#5. GasBuddy- Free

(finds cheap gas in your area)

#6. Flashlight (iPhone 4 only)- Free

(great to use at night)

#7. AllRecipes- Free

(tons of recipes for any occasion)

#8. Heart Fitness (iPhone 4 only)- Free

(really charts your heart rate)

#9. Sleep Maker All in One- Free

(great soundscapes to relax with)

#10. Photoshop Express- Free

(edit those iPhone pictures of your baby!)

Can you tell I love my free apps?

Deanna

Feel free to comment below and tell me your favorite apps!