Just what I needed

I didn't notice but I was going a little cray after 3 weeks of nothing but breastfeeding.  Steve did notice.  He told me he thought I should get out of the house.  Who knows, maybe he just wanted me to put some damn jeans on and get out of the sweats. 

Sure I have gone to Target without the kids for 30 minutes once or twice but I really needed to get out with just Steve.  My mom offered to babysit so we could go to lunch.  My friend Jodie from college and her boyfriend were headed up to Colden Lakes on their motorcycle.  Steve loves when I ride on his Harley so I decided why not.  So much better than the chopper.  I was a little worried about my stomach and being in pain but it was so much fun.  A couple of those bumps hurt a little but I was outside in the fresh air and child free.  As far as timing it could not have went better!  Reid took his first bottle awesome.  I pumped right before we left so we had about 3 hours.  I love using washable breast pads but they are not practical in the beginning or when you want to leave the house without baby for 3 hours.  I love lansinoh pads!  These suckers hold and will not leak through.  Sorry earth.  When things calm down I promise I will use my bamboobies. 

Wish you could pack a breastpump in a saddlebag but you can't.  I even had my first post-baby Miller Light and it tasted amazing.  Best water beer of all time if you ask me :)

Actually, I may have to pick up a 6 pack for the fridge.  Beer does wonders for your supply!  We left about 12:30 and it was a gorgeous ride looking at all the leaves and Fall colors.  And I got to have my arms around the hubs the whole time.  We got home at 3 and baby was still asleep so I woke him up and fed him right away.  It was just the thing I needed to break out of the baby cave!!  It went so well I cant wait to do it again.     

Confession Time

My first confession is daily baths are overrated!  Not for me silly but the kiddos.  Brady suffered with horrible weeping eczema and his dermatologist told me to bathe him twice a week.  And to be honest I have never been a fan of the 11 step bedtime routine.  I know too may people who start that crap and then wish they never had.  Because lets face it there will be times when you stay late at a party or something and you will not have the time to do all the steps which can lead to major meltdown.  So baths in this house happen 2-3 times a week and that's it.  Now if this leads me to have the smelly kid I may have to rethink my schedule. haha 

My second confession is I don't force healthy foods on my kids.  I was THE pickiest eater ever when I was little.  I only ate pizza, mac -n-cheese, pb & j and cereal.  And I turned out just fine.  I figure we grew up on white bread and Kool-Aid and never thought about whole grains or high fructose corn syrup.  Actually, feeding Brady was such a struggle when he was little because of his allergies, I am just happy to see him eat!  I am not interested in senseless power struggles at every meal just to see my kids eat wheat bread, or eat tilapia, etc.  I do want them to try things because ya' never know but begging is not something I am going to resort to. 

As a side note, never force your kids to take one more bite.  We were at a birthday party once and I was determined to get Brady to eat a whole piece of pizza.  I turned into my mother and was force feeding him.  I could hear myself saying "eat now because you are not eating at home."  Well, I regretted forcing the pizza and the slice of cake with blue frosting as soon as it all got puked up on my white carpet the second we got home.  This reminds me of another time I forced the hot dog on him and that came up too.  Sometimes, when kids say they aren't hungry they mean it.  They could be getting the stomach flu.  Another tip is to never purchase blue, red or orange Gatorade when they are sick. My kids will never drink pedialyte, trust me I have tried.  However, the colors I mentioned stain!  Clear Gatorade is where it's at, especially when it comes back up. 

I love my Moby

My friend Nella purchased a moby wrap for me when I was pregnant with my first son.  At first, I thought it was complicated but then I wore Brady around Wegman's and he passed out.  Every time I wear my kids in it they are fast asleep in seconds.  You can wear it so many different ways and with all ages! 

This is way I always wear it.



Twins!

And there's a lot of talk right now about how regular carriers are bad for the babies hips.  Well the Moby allows the babies to be worn the correct way.  It is so versatile!  It can hold twins, allows you to carry the baby facing in and out, wearing baby on your back, in a sling hold and fits a newborn.  And the price is a lot cheaper than most rigid carriers on the market today.  I wore Reid today at Wegman's and he didn't make a peep.  It would have been even better if Pierce stopped grabbing items out of the cart and dropping them on the floor. haha.  But such is life!  This reminds me pumpkin roll is back at Wegman's!  Actually that was my lunch today.  And Yankee Candle had buy 2 get 2 large tumblers/jar free!  So this mama got Red Velvet, Pumpkin Buttercream, Candy Corn and Christmas Cookie.  I love food scents - can you tell?  And I love Fall!

1st Bath

2 weeks old and that umbilical stump finally fell off!  So you know what time it is.  First Bath time!  I had to wait till Dad came home from work because it's a big deal and a photo op :)  Reid liked it and didn't cry at all. 

Oh me, yeah this is my uniform.  Tank top, nursing sleep bra and pink sweatpants.  And when I get chilly I throw on a super sexy cardigan.  I do change into jeans when I go into public but the second I get home it's back to sweatpants.  Hey I'm in the baby cave!  You know my eyebrows are still getting penciled in though.  Some things you just can't do without.  My 8 week leave is over November 3rd.  I did the paperwork to be out for 12 weeks but we will see how I feel.  So happy I don't work 12.5 hours shifts anymore.  Papa is enjoying his time off.  He usually stops by to see the boys in the evening.  Pumping still sucks.  I pump 10 oz. day and freeze it.  I wish there was an app that could keep track of the # of ounces in the chest freezer.  Baby might get his first bottle tomorrow night because we have Open House at Brady's school.  I got a cute idea off Pinterest for a little open house gift.  Steve calls it a kiss-ass gift but whatevs!  Teachers should be appreciated more.  I read the (national) average teacher makes $50,000 a year.  I'm sure in Buffalo it's less so I think they deserve it.  I would not want 22 5 year olds for 7 hours a day.  God Bless 'em I say :)  

Uniform (bonus points for matching?)

 

And this child (below) has me convinced he is part goat!  Pierce is the reason we have no chairs around our kitchen table right now.  We had to put all of them in the garage because when I'm breastfeeding the baby is when he would decide to climb.  He loves to stand on things, tables, coffee tables, any tote or box he can find and empty out gets flipped over and stood on.  He is crazy!  Good thing he is so cute.  And I think he is going to be a talker just like his big brother.  He says a new word everyday.  Truck, Bus, Baby, Papa are a few new ones.  It is never going to be quiet in this house again.  Well, maybe in 18 years.    

 

We have a sleeper folks!

Warning: this blog entry may piss some people off.  Let me start off by saying I am someone who NEEDS their sleep.  (So why did I have 3 kids?) Honestly, I can remember in High School needing to go to bed at 9pm to make my 6am wake up call.  I hated away basketball games in far away places like Medina on school nights.  I would make my parents take me home from those games just to get home sooner than riding the bus back to school.  I have always been an early riser but I am no night owl.  Brady, my oldest was by far the worst sleeper.  He had allergies and seemed to always have an upset stomach.  I can remember being up from 11am - 4am and crying because he wouldn't sleep and going batshit crazy!  I was a freaking mess.  Steve and I laugh now because what the heck were we so overwhelmed with 1 kid for.  I think you get more efficient at the more kids you have.  Eventually, at 8 months old after a bad allergic reaction and a trip to the ER, he was taken off milk and started sleeping.  When we brought Pierce home I was prepared for the worst.  Imagine my surprise when he set up his own schedule.  Pierce would go to bed at 8:30 every night, get up at 11:30 and 3:30 to nurse and right back down till 7am.  It was beautiful!  Little did I know he would cling to 1 feeding till he was 7 months old.  But hey, he made the beginning wonderful.  So I wondered, could I really be that lucky twice?  I was already dreading the sleepless nights with a newborn before #3 came out.  I just really don't do well without sleep.  I will confess my birthday wish right before Brady blew out my candles, was for a good sleeper.  Well Folks, we have a sleeper!  Reid likes to conk out at 8pm after cluster feeding since 5:30pm every night.  And he has been getting up once a night to nurse, usually around 2am.  He is the best!  And such a good nurser.  The lactation nurse could not believe his 11 oz. weight gain in 1 week.  I don't know why or how I got so lucky but I am grateful!! Reid is way past birth weight and we don't have to go back till he is 2 months old.  Reid likes a binky.  It's funny, I never gave Brady one and Pierce got one after a few weeks.  With #3 he got his binky on at 2 days old.  I guess you can say I'm a lot less concerned with that nipple confusion nonsense!  Still waiting for that darn belly button to fall off - it is taunting me.  I somehow managed to lose 21 lbs. in less than 2 weeks.  Hopefully, from my bottom lip :)  As long as baby is putting on weight I don't really care what the scale says.  I refuse to even think about calories or fat when breastfeeding.  And celebrities that diet while breastfeeding are freakin idiots!  It isn't about mom, it's about the baby.  And our baby is doing awesome!  There is no better feeling than the "Way to go mom" you get from the Dr. or nurse when your baby gains weight and you are breastfeeding.  It's like all your hard work paying off :)  Here's our rock star! 

We have been eating a lot of sandwiches around here because it's easy.  BLT's, tuna melts, grilled cheese and pb & j.  Both of our parents sent over a turkey dinner so we had our fill of turkey.  And there's always pizza!  I have been drinking gallons of water over here because I am so freakin thirsty ALL the time.  I stopped taking Motrin and am trying to wean myself off the abdominal binder.  I feel so much better with it on and the soreness isn't there.  But as soon as I take it off the soreness comes right back.  I stopped sleeping with it on so that's a start I guess.  Can't believe baby will be 2 weeks old already tomorrow.  Almost time for the first bottle :)  Which is great because I need to see Ben Affleck's new movie - that man is gorgeous!    
    

Christmas List Started

I know, it's September.  But I have the Halloween costumes purchased and it IS 98 days away SO... I started the list.  Actually what made me think about Christmas was looking at how much "stuff" is in our house right now.  We have so many toys, it has me a little stressed.  Brady had some pretty amazing Christmases when he was an only child and honestly we have a ton of toys, games and books.  I do NOT want anymore toys with a million little pieces coming into this house.  We already have 2 bookcases full of books.  So I started thinking these kids need BIG things and maybe things for outside if you catch my drift ;).  We were at a family party and Pierce loved playing in the playhouse.  Step 2 makes a ton of different models but this is something we could put outside and it would be for everyone.  And it would get the boys out of the hot sun, our patio is full sun all day long. 

And then when I was on the website I saw this fun looking ramp!  And it comes in Thomas the Train too. 

Now that looks like a good time.  I have also been considering a big giant blow up pool/slide combo for a while and Christmas might just be the time to get it.  Even though they won't be able to use it for like 5 months which maybe is a tad mean.

Thinking about Winter made me get excited for our annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Canada.  I love it there!  Way better than Splash Lagoon if you ask me.  Hoping for a deal to arrive in my inbox soon!!   
 

1 week old

I never regretted leaving the hospital but overwhelmed is a good word to use when I think about the first 3 days.  Brady suddenly hated school, begging sobbing not to go.  Which I of course blamed myself for.  Starting kindergarten AND a new brother is huge for a 5 year old.  His teacher has been wonderful and emailing me to keep me updated.  Then Brady dropped the bomb that a kid at school was mean to him.  A bully?  In kindergarten? Oh I will not have it!!!  I just thought he wanted to stay home with dad but now we know the real reason he suddenly hates school.  So we are dealing with this on Monday morning for sure.  Pierce needed to learn boundaries with the new baby which is hard for a 16 month old.  Pierce wanted to steal the baby's blankets and binkies or "hand" him toys.  I swear the hormones come out of me right away after birth and the tears until Day #4 were plentysome.  Pierce had a stomach bug the day I got home, I caught said stomach bug on Thursday.  Thank God it wasn't an infection.  Steve did literally everything and I felt helpless on the couch.  My mom came over on Thursday and Friday to help.  Brady got a very small cold, and by Saturday Pierce and daddy had it.  OH LAWD!!!  And Pierce got up and cried 3 times between Friday and Saturday morning which is so unlike him.  Overwhelmed to say the least!  I know it will take some time for everyone to adjust.  And even though this is my 3rd baby, breastfeeding is so challenging and daunting the first 6 weeks.  I had some serious self-doubt I could do it.  But how could I breastfeed the other 2 and not this one.  And I know it IS way easier and better for baby than bottle feeding.  The mom guilt would just be too much!  So there is no giving up in this house and I am going to keep telling myself I can do it. 

I outgrew my binder and really needed the support.  The hospital said they come in 2 sizes and I had the small.  Thanks a lot!  So on Friday before baby's Dr. appointment we stopped at Motherhood Maternity, for the last time ever!  I bit the bullet and spent the $$ on the belly bandit.  It is expensive and I was worried about getting the correct size at $69.95.  Well, I'm glad I waited because I never would have thought to get an extra small but that's what fits.  Actually, I recommend waiting till you outgrow the hospital one to buy one.  I am in love with this thing!  And I really need the support picking up the 21 lb. 1 year old in the house. 

Reid is doing great!  On Friday at his appt. he regained his discharge weight of 6 lbs. 12 oz.  and is on the upswing!  He is an amazing nurser.  I think he is going to have reflux like Pierce did but time will tell.  He is too little for meds till he is like 6 weeks old.  We had Reid's newborn session on Sunday with Bossy Photography.  He was alert the whole time.  This baby acts older than he really is.  He is no sleepy newborn during the day, he likes to have those eyes open and check the place out.  Oh and I think I celebrated a birthday somewhere during this crazy week.  Two cakes: Strawberry Buttercream from Dessert Deli and carrot cake from Wegmans because that's how I roll!  Hubby got me a new Chewbeads necklace and an "R" Pandora charm and some new flats.  My parents got me a new printer because of course ours bit the dust when Steve started school.  Hopefully the craziness will calm down soon.  I have a feeling September is going to fly by with these boys!!

  

He's Here!!

I was the first one up on Monday Sept. 9th at 6:30am.  This gave me about 20 minutes to reflect.  I stared at my big boy who just so happened to be laying next to me.  And marveled at how beautiful he is.  I stared at my big pregnant belly and tried to soak in those last few movements from the inside.  And last I stared at my husband who has given me these three amazing gifts for which I am so truly blessed for.  And then the day really got started.  Big brown eyes woke up with a smile, rubbed my belly and told me was excited for baby day.  He did want to know why daddy couldn't cut the baby out of my belly and then I wouldn't have to go to the hospital.  Which I didn't think was the best idea - haha.  We went and woke up Pierce and headed downstairs.  Made breakfast and pack up Brady's lunch.  Almost broke the NPO status a few times because I forgot and apparently eat leftovers off my kids plates a little too much!  We got up Dad at 7:30am and enjoyed our last little time as a family of four.  Brady ran to the bus (little did we know this was the last happy time he would go to school for the next few days) and put Pierce down for his morning nap.  Dad and I switched into high gear and got ready.  Last minute items in the bags, woke Pierce up at 10am and dropped him off at papa's.  We were on our way!   We were on time for this C-section.  Hubs and I got instantly nervous as soon as we got out room and I put on the gown.  The 2 hour wait seemed like forever.  And of course as soon as it was time to sign the consent Steve looked at me and asked if I was sure about the tubal.  I could have killed him!  I did not want to make the decision on this day when hormones and emotions run so high and he was the one that had been SO sure.  So we stared at those 2 different consents and tried to make a decision.  Eventually we chose the tubal.  I begged the nurses and doctors for Steve not to leave my side.  Thank God for Dr. Stevens, my anesthesiologist because he is the boss and gave the OK.  Much to the shock of the OR staff and my OB, Steve got to come and watch the epidural and everything else too.  It was so nice to have him there the whole time :)  Baby came out at 1:39pm and weighed 7 lbs.  Everyone was betting he was going to be 6 lbs. but I knew my little guy wouldn't disappoint.  He cried right away and then my tension and stress melted away.  Steve went over and took pictures and I could see him the whole time.  Dr. Bob gave me one last chance to change my mind on the tubal and I didn't.  My blood pressure only needed to be medicated a few times and although I was hot and nauseous I never barfed - yay!  I wanted to nurse this little guy right away because I was feeling so good.  And I honestly think it made a huge difference.  He knew what he was doing!  No problems with the latch at all. He has by far been the best nurser out of the three.  I even wanted to eat right away which is unusual for me.  Typically I lose my appetite for days. Well I would have took a picture but I ate that BLT and chips and carrot cake in 5 bites and it was darn good!  I got into my room around 4:30 on Mother Baby and couldn't wait till the boys got there.  I freshened up a bit and put on my cute gown - thanks husband!  They came up about 6pm.  I made sure I wasn't holding the baby because I wanted to see them and let them know mommy was fine.  Brady climbed right up on my bed and gave me a hug.  He was relieved I could tell and Pierce wanted to play with the SCD's on my legs.  Here are a few pics of the whirlwind that took place for the 45 minutes the boys were there. 

Reid Michael DiPalma

Hi, It's Mommy!

Love Steve's proud face in this one

Brady was so happy to see me.

This shot was a little painful but Pierce looks comfortable.

Brady's getting to be a pro!

Family of 5!  Impossible to get everyone to look at one place.

I hated every minute of being a patient and being away from my boys.  So I put the bug in everyone's ear that I wanted to leave the next day.  I know that is crazy.  But the nurses were not around.  Actually I lost my foley and IVF at 1am and after calling for my baby from the nursery I just went and got him.   It had been 3 hours since he nursed last and the staff at the desk said she couldn't leave  I was unimpressed with the nursing care and figured Steve would do more for me than they were.  Tuesday was a little crazy getting all the things done on our list but I made it home around 5pm pod #1.  Take that C-section pow pow! 
  
And finally Home Sweet Home!  Let the craziness begin!  Milk bar open for business! 

 

 

Guilty Pleasure

Old school, retro, vintage?  What ever you want to call it or what ever sounds a little cooler? What is the one thing from the 80's I need?  A caboodles!!!!  These things hit the market in 1987.  I can remember going to Hills and buying one with my mom.   

It looked a lot like this one!  I mean you need a place for all your lip smackers lip glosses when you are in 4th grade.  I have always had a caboodles.  Steve thinks its a tackle box for makeup and he may just be right.  I do have some grown up Kate Spade cosmetic cases but I actually like to travel with my caboodles because it protects my makeup.  And don't judge but I sent my $2 check in for the name plate.  But you know my thing with personalization.  I have this one upstairs in my master bath right now.  I am huge dork and now you know why. 

Shitastrophe

Steve and I invented a new word to describe the situation that unfolded on Wednesday.  One of the many reasons I love cloth diapers is that the kids never go through that stage where they rip their diapers off.  My boys have never been able to get the snaps undone so we skip that whole not so fun stage:)  However, I have been adding to my diaper stash for baby #3 and got some good deals on Bumkins diapers from Zulily.  (I heart Zulily!) And look at this print!  This was the exact diaper he was wearing when it all went horribly wrong. 

They are not high quality diapers like Bumgenius but then again the price is waaaaayyyy lower so I went for them.  Don't get me wrong, they work and I actually like the fleece lining but these diapers are not for leaving the house or leaving them on too long.  So why did I decide to put Pierce down for his nap in just a t-shirt and Bumkins diaper?   I will blame baby brain or maybe I was just too darn tired when I grabbed for a diaper.  But I regretted that decision immediately.   

Brady gets excited when Pierce is up from his nap so he volunteered to go get him.  Which basically just means he wants to open the door and say "where's my moosie?" which is what his mommy says.  And then I heard Brady say "Mom there's poop everywhere!"   SAY WHAT!?! Oh and there was poop EVERYWHERE.  Brady was actually not exaggerating for once :(  Apparently Mr. Pierce did the deed and managed to get his diaper off.  The snaps aren't as strong (damn cheap diapers).  Let's just say it was squished between his toes - everywhere!  He got a bath and I got to wash everything, including the bumper, sheet, blanket and mattress pad.  I was a little worried how the bumper would turn out but it stood up to the hot cycle very well.  Thank you PBK.  Luckily, Daddy arrived home just in time to help.  It IS good practice for his future career.  Later that night we came up with our new word and think it perfectly described the above situation.  Here's hoping you don't encounter a shitastrophe.  We are hoping that was our last!    

Off to School

Brady's 1st day of Kindergarten.  It's here and official - my baby goes to school.  The bus comes at 8:09 and drops him off at 3:17.  Phew!  That is a long day.  I could tell Brady was getting nervous in the weeks leading up to school.  His stuttering came back, he wasn't staying asleep all night like he always does and he even wet the bed once.  Which was hilarious because I thought my water broke.  haha False Alarm.  Brady seems to take after Steve with his nerves (unfortunately).  We did have an awesome Summer and Brady wanted to talk about all the things we did over and over again.  Maybe he was trying to reassure himself that he was ready to go to school.  Brady had one last Summer sleepover at Papa and Grandma's Tuesday night and got a haircut Wednesday and he was officially ready.  Steve starts school tonight too.  Going to school must be cool if dad's doing it!  The backpack didn't make it in time.  It is getting here this afternoon because you know I had to have it personalized!  Brady was not happy about carrying his pre-k backpack and I wasn't happy it didn't match his lunchbox but we had to get over it.  We read the "Night Before Kindergarten" last night and packed up his 1st school lunch.  He of course wanted a strawberry jelly sandwich (no crusts) and salt n vinegar chips.  I know super healthy?!?   Brady kept telling me "mommy don't cry, I'm only gone for like 3 hours."  If only he knew how long he was really going to be gone for.  Pierce was still in his jammies - hey that bus comes early!  Papa came over to be our photographer and to hang out with Pierce for my appt.  I think Papa was sad too because he reminded Brady of how they used to like seeing the buses out the window during the day when mommy worked.  Steve was surprised at how sad I was but he works full time so he hasn't been home with Brady for the last 5 years.  So he just doesn't get it.  I held it together until he got on the bus and then I lost it.  After Brady got on the bus I left for my last doctor's appt. all puffy and still crying.  I was a hot mess!  I peed in the toilet instead of the cup if that helps paint the picture of the shape I was in.  And I kept seeing buses all the way down Transit Road with moms taking pictures and seriously could not stop crying.  I actually lost a lb. so I'm tipping the scales at 158 for this pregnancy.  Baby's HR was 136 and Dr. Bob said "See you Monday!"  Here's some pics of all of us.  Trying to hold it together 9 months pregnant isn't easy.   

God I miss him already!  He was my only child for 4 long years.  He was my buddy, my shopping partner, my lunch date.  We were always on the go, just me and my Brady.  I am so happy we had those years together.  I am fortunate to only work 2 days per week and thankful that I have a front row seat to watch my kids grow up.  I'm trying to think about the positive and dry my tears.  I couldn't do it without Papa who has such a special relationship with all our boys.  They are crazy about him :)  I just wish the last 4 years didn't go by so fast.  To the other mommies:  slow down and savor every moment!!  Now is it 3:17 yet???

Ready to Pop

We are almost there!  Finished up some last minute stuff and now feeling very ready for baby.  I took apart both bouncers, swing and rock-n-play and washed everything.  I was a little nervous about getting everything back together but I did it (by myself).  We are also the proud new owners of this:

Which is maybe why I am feeling so giddy!  OMG I am in love with this stroller already and haven't even put any bambinos in there yet.  It is so light and user friendly and the deal we got??  Shooooooooot!  We stopped at Babies 'r' us on Monday because I wanted to see the stroller in person before I ordered online.  It was a complete accident since my pregnant brain thought Buy Buy Baby was in that plaza and we were about to leave when Steve was like we should just look.  And let me say I really didn't want to go in because I was tired, had to pee and didn't want to waste time.  Boy am I glad he made me go in!  Well, they didn't have any in stock and according to the manager you couldn't order it, register for it, weren't getting anymore, etc so she would give us a deal.  But I thought The floor model??  Here's the thing, you cannot use coupons for city mini or get any kind of a deal whatsoever on these things.  And to be honest they are worth every penny anyway.  After hubs heavily inspected this beast it was practically perfect.  But meatball being awesome (I can never score deals with people) went and talked to the manager and made it seem like I was SO unsure, blah blah blah.  She agreed to take 40% off.  BOOM!  OMG!  So yeah we took this $449 baby home for $270.  I KNOW RIGHT?  Score of the Century :)  We picked up a couple new newborn sleepers, box of diapers, blankets, etc.  Oh and I almost forgot we didn't have a baby book for this next noodle so we got one of those too!  Me being the 3rd child my baby book is a little thin and by a little I mean ALOT.  Like there are practically no pictures of me.  I have vowed to make sure this 3rd nugget's book is just as full as his brothers with pictures and filled out! 

How about a little 39 week photo shoot? 

 

And beware a belly shot.

 

 

Let me just say I do NOT want to go early.  In part because we have everything planned as far as the kids and Steve's job.  So I could be that person who's contractions are like 1 minute apart and I'm still in denial. haha!  So please, please water do not break.  I personally think my due date is Sept. 7th which is Saturday.  The Lewiston Peach Festival is this weekend and I would love to go but am kind of afraid of all the walking so we may skip it.  Need to pack the bag this weekend.  And how much is it going to suck to make all the boys breakfast on Monday and not be able to have even a sip of juice?  Being NPO sucks. I would try and sneak some juice but barfed with Pierce's C-section and I had nothing.  I will just start dreaming about those delicious graham crackers and cranberry juice in recovery.  Can't wait to see Meatball in his scrubs and meet this little guy.  Steve is still convinced we are done having babies.  I would need to sign the consent for the tubal which I am not 100% sure about.  I won't take anything that would jeopardize my milk so no pills, etc.  Even that mini pill affects your milk, don't let them lie to you.  And seeing we got pregnant breastfeeding we do need something until we are both 100%.  A girl at work told me Mirena does not affect milk and it's good for 5 years.  I don't know what to do and we are running out of time!!  But if I do decide on the tubal I will have lots of maternity clothes to donate.    

Fiesta Dip

I love this dip!  I should mention I love all dips.  I love appetizers in general, cheese and crackers, bread dip, taco dip, bean dip, veggie tray, etc.  There are a million recipes for dips with cheese and cream cheese.  So when my mom made me try this at a party I was thrilled that I actually liked it and it didn't contain any cheese - I was shocked.    You have to like beans (which I do) but it comes out all pretty and colorful and fun looking and tastes amazing.  And so easy to make!  And who couldn't use a little more fiber?  This pregnant lady can :)

Fiesta Dip:

1 can black-eyed peas
1 can of corn
1 can of black beans
1/2 jar of Jalapenos
1 Sm. jar of pimentos
1 medium red onion
1 cup of celery 

1/2 c. olive oil
1 c. sugar
1 c. cider vinegar

Open up all the cans and jars and dump them into a big colander.  I give everything a quick rinse.

 

 

I roughly chop the jalapenos just because I want them to get all through the dip.  I can't stress enough to add all the jalapenos even if you don't like spicy food because it all gets nice and sweet.  Chop the celery and red onion small, about the same size as the corn and beans. 

 

Put it all in a bowl.  In a medium pot, combine the oil, sugar and vinegar.  Cook over medium heat until all the sugar dissolves.  The liquid will be clear again. 

Pour the cooled liquid into the bowl.  It should just cover the mixture and refrigerate overnight. 

In the morning, pour off all the liquid.  Serve with Frito's scoops or Tostitios. I usually do a bag of both because it makes a big bowl.  I have it in Tupperware because I am bringing it to work but any serving bowl would look better.  You will love it, I promise.  Enjoy!