Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Funfetti Donut Coupon

$0.50 off Any Pillsbury Funfetti Lil' Donut Kit

I love funfetti cake! I made funfetti cupcakes last week for my father in laws birthday.  I'd love to try the donut variety. 

Here are some coupons for funfetti donuts and more.
NEW COUPONS
HALLOWEEN SNACKS, TREATS, etc.

Jewelmint Jewelry

I'm not really a jewelry wearer.  I don't really know how to accessorize
However this website has some cute stuff, and I could probably make some of the necklaces work with what I have.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Three week update

Eleanor




This last week was a big week of firsts for her.

She's growing quickly.  Last Tuesday she was 8lbs 3oz and on Thursday she was 8lbs 6 oz. That's 3 oz in 2 days.  Slow down sweet girl.

She had her first bath this week, and she really liked it.  She loved the warm water and cried when she had to get out. She still has only had the one.




She also had her first bottle Sunday night. I was really kind of sad to see Rob feeding her,  because it was the on thing I could do for her that no once else could.  I know it's something she needs to learn to do, for my sanity as well as being able to leave for a few hours when that time comes.  I don't know if bottles should be an everyday thing (one a day), or just occasionally.

She cried at first trying to figure it out, but then she chugged 2 oz in just a few minutes.
I used this for her first bottle. (Medela Calma )  I actually won it (of course!) earlier this summer.







She's been a lot fussier lately, and I've had a few moments where I couldn't wait for Rob to get home. There may have been tears from both of us on at least one occasion.


I don't know if I mentioned this last week, but I discovered last week she likes being in the stroller.  Actually our car seat clips into a frame, and I love it. (We have this: Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller Frame )   It handles really nicely and turns nicely which is a plus because it's to cold to be outside and so I walk up and down the hall, and turn around in her bedroom.  Our house is small but I make it work to keep her happy.


Even though it really is getting cold I decided we both needed fresh air, and we took a half a mile walk around the neighborhood for the first time. I bundled her up really well (I know that bulky layers are a no no in the car seats, and when we are actually in the car I don't do that, but for a walk I figured it was okay if the straps were a little looser) and she was fine.  She was fussy and I had hoped the walk would help and it did.  She slept the entire time (which was really only like 10 minutes).   




I was a little chilly (my coat wouldn't zip, I had better loose a few more pounds or I'm going to need a new one), but the fresh air was nice.  I hadn't really gotten more than a minute here and there (from getting in and out of the car) since before she was born.

I'm always nervous to put her in the carseat because I'm worried it's going to be to loose, or if it's to tight it will choke her and she'll stop breathing when we are in the car and I won't be able to tell.  I'm pretty sure that's irrational.


She also went to church for the first time yesterday.  We kept her with us and sat in the back and she did okay.  I got up once to change her diaper, but other than that she was pretty quiet.









Me
I hadn't taken pain meds in almost a week, but Friday night I needed to for breast pain.

I had issues with engorgement on Thursday for the first time.  Oh that really hurt. And I also had a leaky boob for the second time.  That was fun.  Luckily it was as I was leaving the store.  It was still an hour before I got home and since Eleanor was still sleeping I pumped the leaky boob.  I got 5oz in under 30 minutes.  I don't pump much, but that was the fastest I've ever gotten that much in.

Friday I'm pretty sure I developed a clogged or blocked milk duct.  I didn't pump that morning because sweet girl was fussy and even though I tried later it was useless. I think I got an ounce out.  I was in a lot of pain.  I couldn't even hold her because it hurt.  I took a long hot shower, held a wet hot towel onto the breast, used a heating pad, and even took a pain med.  Nursing her didn't help, and it was really bad.

I've only worn the binder for a few hours since Friday.  I think it helped because sometimes I feel like it does smush my boob a little and that might have helped with the milk duct issue.  It didn't hurt as bad as I thought to be without it at the beginning but after a few days I need it back I think.

My stomach area is still tender and walking without it kind of hurts.  My belly area is really soft and everything jiggles without it.

Rob told me no more skipping a pump session.  I only pump once a day, but when I'm home alone and she's fussy, what am I supposed to do?  It's a little hard to pump when you have to hold it to your breast, and then take care of a mad angry little person (even if she is cute)

My stomach has shrunk a ton.  I wore maternity jeans twice this weekend, but other than that I've only worn sweatpants since she was born.  I have been wearing a few of my non maternity tops though.


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Kleenex Cottonelle Wipes

Talking about bathroom habits isn't the most exciting thing, and it's personal, but it's just one of those things that everyone does.

I was given the chance to try out the new cottonelle wipes shortly before giving birth.  I thought that they would be perfect for post partum.  I wound up having the c-section so I didn't think that I would use them as much, but I have used them more than I thought I would.   I like to joke that baby girl and I each have our own wipes.



I do feel kind of silly using wipes sometimes, but they have helped me and are much more gentle than toilet paper. 

I would recommend them not just for momma's who gave birth, but for everyone who sometimes needs a little extra clean feeling. 





Saturday, October 26, 2013

Weekly Wrap Up 10/26

It's another really short one this week.  I have a few things I could write about for Eleanor, but I'll save them for the weekly update on Monday.

1) I got out of the house a few times by myself (well by myself with Eleanor).  I'm still nervous but it's getting easier.  I wish I could park in the garage though.  I start the car up and bring out the diaper bag, purse, and anything else I'm bringing with me, while Eleanor waits in her car seat inside.  Then I get her and we are ready to go. 

2)  It's obvious I don't enjoy cold or even cooler weather, but the colors around here are beautiful with all the leaves changing.  I'd miss that if I lived somewhere else I think.



3) Yesterday was Rob's dads birthday and he came over for dinner and to share his trip pictures.  I felt bad because I spent most of the evening in the bedroom feeding the baby.  She wanted to eat every hour.  She seems to do that whenever we have people over, maybe it;s a comfort thing?

4) We tried to get newborn/family pictures today.  Eleanor was awake the whole time and by the end was over it and crying so I wasn't able to get a few shots I wanted. Hopefully we got some decent ones at least.

5) Right around the time Eleanor was born (I think I got the email in the hospital) I won a fall food package.  I responded within time and was just waiting.  The other day I got an email from the bloggers who had the giveaway saying that they didn't get my email, due to server switching and thought I didn't respond so they gave my prize away to someone else, and just realized it when someone else said something about emails not getting through.

I started to read it and was thinking well that's not really fair, but oh well.  Then the next paragraph said something along the lines of we feel really bad and to make up for it want to send you a $50 amazon code.  Is that okay?   Um yes, it is.  So I got that this week.  I thought it was great that they did that. 

Friday, October 25, 2013

Silly Souls Body Suit Review


Baby girl has a ton of clothes, and probably didn't really need one more bodysuit/onesie, but when given the chance to review it I couldn't turn it down.

I love baby clothes and finding new companies is always a plus.  Silly Souls is a company that sells more than just bodysuits though.  They sell hats, bibs, socks and other baby gifts,

This is the bodysuit I was sent for review.  They offer many different options for boys and girls as well as gender neutral ones.

Eleanor has some seriously smelly farts.  This one would be perfect though.








The body suit was a little big on Eleanor (who weighs about 8lbs), although I still think she looks adorable.  She seemed to like it also.  

I even washed it and the colors didn't fade and the bodysuit didn't shrink. 

I would recommend this company for anyone looking for a fun and unique baby gift.




Silly Souls is offering 25% off their site with the coupon code sillyblog.  This code is valid through 12.31.2013 

You can also connect with Silly Souls via their facebook page






I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

(End 11/7) Little Passports Giveaway



Sponsored by:

Hosted by:

Co-Hosted by:


One lucky winner will win

3 months subscription to Little Passports

Details:

October 24 to November 7

US Residents only

All entries are optional

We appreciate the support of our sponsor and co-hosts, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.


Sweet girl is a little young for this cool giveaway, but it's something I'd love to do with her when she gets older.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Urban Times In Michigan is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

(Ends 11/6) Cryoow doll giveaway



Sponsored by:

Hosted by:

Co-hosted by:


One lucky winner will win
a

Cryoow Doll 
Value $149 

Winner: Your child will draw a picture, upload your child drawing and send the drawing to the host of this giveaway.   Wait a few weeks and you will get a doll exactly as the drawing!!

My oldest niece is 8 and she would just love love this.  She loves to draw and do artsy stuff and this would be the coolest thing for her.

Details
October 23  12:01am to November 6  11:59pm

Open Worldwide 

All entries are optional

We appreciate the support of our sponsor, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: Urban Times in Michigan is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com





Tuesday, October 22, 2013

SendOutCards.com Review


SendOutCards.com allows you to send card and postcards for any occasion without ever leaving your house. 

I was happy when I was given the chance to do this review because this would be so convenient for me with a newborn.

The site is easy to use.  You pick the category of card you are looking for (birthday, holiday, baby etc...)

Then you decide if you want a card or postcard format, write your message and add a picture if you want.

After that you add to cart and then fill out the return address (yours) and the address you are sending it to. 

You can save addresses using the contact manager tool, and can choose to send out the same card to one person or to everyone in your contacts.

This is a great tool for businesses as well as individual users as there is even a reminder system so you don't forget birthdays, anniversary's and other important dates.

The site works on a point based system.  The customers pays for a certain amount of points a month, and unused points do roll over.














For example one plan costs about $10 a month & you get 20 points (additional points are .49).  A 2 panel card costs 2 points, and adding a picture is an additional point.  When you factor in the cost of a stamp, a card can costs between $1.40 and $2 on average.

I couldn't drive to the store, using gas, buy a card, buy a stamp, and send it out for cheaper.  And even if doing that was cheaper, it certainly isn't convenient.  I'd prefer to do it from my nice warm house, especially with winter coming up.

If you want to send a gift Send Out Cards also has a gift catalog where you can choose from gifts such as food gifts, gift cards, books and much more. Your points can be used towards this as well.

I think the concept behind this site is awesome and would recommend it especially since they also have a pay as you go plan which would be perfect for someone who just sends out occasional cards.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMd26f5b3c77458adeb617aa87a4f81ec8" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Win a dropcam video monitor.

We actually have one of these in Eleanor's nursery.  She still sleeps next to our bed so it hasn't really been used much yet, but we are really impressed with the quality of it. When we first got it and played around with it we would turn it on (via a app) when we were out at other people's houses just to show them how cool it was.

And you can enter to win your own.  Click the image below. 


Monday, October 21, 2013

2 weeks

Eleanor
I gave her a pacifier for the first time because it was middle of the night and she was screaming when I tried to change her clothes after a blowout.  She took it, and I've given it to her a few times since.

I posted about this in the weekly wrap up, but we had a nurse visit this week as part of a free program though our county.  It was nice to have questions answered, and confirmation that she is doing well.

I think that her legs are finally straightening out.  The first week and a half they would be all curled up in the rock n play, which is a good indicator of how she was in the womb, and I think she's figuring out she can finally stretch.

I swear that she giggled over the weekend.  Not just once, but four times.  And after the second time she had a smile on her face, but she has that smile a lot and it was probably just a similar sound.  Of course I think it had to be real, but I know that at less than 2 weeks it probably wasn't.

She finally lost her cord stump over the weekend.  It took almost 2 weeks, which is on the far end, but she does things on her own time, obviously so I shouldn't be surprised.  It's not that it was a problem that she had it, but we hadn't given her a bath (not even a sponge bath) because we were going to wait.  Actually I would have done a sponge bath, but not without Rob and he just wouldn't do it with me.

So she still hasn't had a bath yet, sponge or real. Maybe tonight?


Me
I started getting night sweats this week.  I wake up soaked in sweat and have had to change my shirt on occasion.  It's like I ran a race or something. It's as gross as it sounds.

I'm still having some post-partum bleeding.  It isn't a lot and other than the first day or so has never been heavy, but I was surprised it was still happening. I knew it would still happen even with a c-section, but I guess I was surprised by how long it as happening.

I also started pumping this week.  I'm still jobless, but I'm going to start looking soon so I feel like working on getting a stash is important.   In an hour Sunday morning I pumped 10 oz after feeding her, which I was impressed with.  I will need to invest or fashion some sort of hands free pump bra though, because it was a little tedious.

Recovery keeps getting easier.  I've done the basement stairs a few times (not with her though; I'm nervous about that), and I don't take pain meds very often at all.  I am nervous though that I will wind up over doing it though because I feel 'fine.'

After coming home from the hospital my feet and legs swelled up. I had no pregnancy swelling or even in the hospital, but when it kicked in, it really did.  It lasted for 5 or 6 days.  I had only one pair of sandals that fit.

And 2 weeks later I still haven't put on anything but sweatpants and have no desire to put on jeans or anything that would be tight on my incision.  I'd go for skirts or dresses but now that its getting cold I don't want to go that route.


Eleanor with my dad and my grandma


(for more pictures of sweet girl follow me on instagram)




Saturday, October 19, 2013

Weekly Wrap Up 10/18

1) Since I haven't had the time to enter contests I haven't won anything in several weeks. And even if I had the time I haven't had any desire to do anything, but snuggle sweet baby girl.  I have gotten a few prizes in the mail that I had won before Eleanor was born though.

I got the chicco travel system, a veggie tales DVD, a lorax DVD, $75 in visa debit cards, a multi-drawer storage unit & coupons for food products

2) Pain wise, I'm doing much better this week than a week ago.  Last weekend was really rough, but I don't take my pain meds very often now.  I use my belly binder almost 24/7, usually only taking it off to shower or for a few minutes rest.  I only am nervous that now that I'm feeling better I'm going to overdue it and not realize it until it's to late. 

3) My county has a program where they offer a one time home nurse visit shortly after giving birth.  I don't know if it's just for first time moms or all moms. I took advantage of the program this week. It was such a good visit though.  The nurse came and chatted about how I was doing, asking questions about if I had support and how I was coping.  She weighed Eleanor, and answered questions I had about breastfeeding and went over a bunch of resources available to us.  She even checked my incision and said it looked good.  Eleanor got a book and a sleep sack.  It was a fantastic program and I hope they are able to continue it.

4) I know this is a bit lame, but after much begging, we finally got a chest freezer.  I'm super happy about it, and am excited to be able to stock up when I see sales and to be able to start pumping and storing breast milk.  Apparently I offended Rob though because I made a comment about how when he wants something (like a new crossbow) he gets it, but a practical need like a freezer takes way to long.

5) My best friend was in town this week to visit baby girl.  She was over almost everyday and Eleanor got so many good snuggles in.  I still got nothing done, even though I could have since she was busy being loved on.

6) I went to the grocery store last night to get milk.  I went by myself and even though I was only gone a short time I missed her.  It was the first time I left her, and it was just kind of strange not having her with me. It was also the first time I'd driven in a few weeks, and even that was a little odd.   

Other than that quick trip to the grocery store, and the two trips to the pediatricians, I haven't left the house.  I still have a weight lifting restriction (only can lift her for the first two weeks) so I can't lift her and her car seat.  It's a little difficult to put her in and out of the car seat if I were to leave it in there, so we've just stayed at home.  I do have a few appointments next week so we are going to have to get out of the house. 

7) I've mentioned this before but I love how good Rob is with her.  He actually slept in our room last night, and she was making a little noise this morning around 7 am.  I had just fed and changed her so I wasn't to worried about her, but he got up out of bed, got her and hung out in the living room so I could get some more sleep. He's a great dad. 

8) And as always, here are some pictures of my sweet girl.