Baby Must Haves: Month Eight

Robby turned eight months old on November 9! We are getting closer to the one-year mark and I'm kind of freaking out. What happened to my teeny tiny baby? It's one of those best/worst at the same time kind of things. Best because you get (a little) more sleep as they get older and their little personalities evolve. Worst because you realize how fast time passes. Tear.

Here are our baby must haves for month eight!

• Nuby teething ring - Teething blows. This helps. Poor babies. Robby can be screaming bloody murder and this gets him calm immediately. He loves it! He also loves these that you can keep in the fridge.
• Sophie the Giraffe - Still loving Sophie. Not sure what it is about this toy but it is like baby crack. It's been a must have since about three months.
• Aden and Anais Security Blankets - We started letting Robby sleep with "lovies" when he was about 5 1/2 months old. He loves to rub these on his face while he sleeps. We put two in his crib, one at either end so he can always find one. They come in packs of two so it works out perfectly! Breathable, soft, hold up in the washer. Love them.
• Peg Perego Convertible Car Seat - We originally got the Britax Marathon for my car, which gets rave reviews but just didn't work out as our main car seat. The sides of the Marathon came up a little high which made it a huge pain to get Robby in and out of, especially in the rear-facing position. *By the way, how long are most people doing this rear-facing situation? I realize its all for safety but I can't wait until R can face the front. I think he'll be happier. With all the car seat rules, I feel like he may be in a car seat when I am dropping him off at school in 7th grade. That'll definitely get him some friends. Ha. I guess if all the other kids are doing it too, then we'll be ok. Come to think of it, I believe I may qualify to ride in a car seat. There is one out there, the Diono Radian that is built for occupants up to 120 pounds. (We also tried out the Radian but returned it. It was a BEAST! And I don't drive a Suburban, so it had to go). OK back to the Peg Perego. VERY easy to get R in and out. (lower sides), comfy, and easy to install. Made in Italy. Sleek-looking. Love those Italians. Pricey but worth the investment, considering how long they have to ride in a car seat.
• OXO Tot Sprout High Chair - We tried to get away with the Fisher-Price Space Saver chair and R hated it. He screamed every time I put him in it. This OXO chair is awesome. It looks modern and is a breeze to clean, which is always appreciated.
• Bag Balm - If your baby has had a bad case of diaper rash, I feel your pain. This stuff was apparently originally made to use on cow udders...but now has a cult following for diaper rash. (And after a little research I discovered that it is also a phenomenal moisturizer ladies). Slather it on baby's tiny hiney (or in R's case, large hiney), and see the results almost immediately. We were able to find it at a local mom and pop pharmacy in town, but you can always get it on Amazon.

Robby Eight-month Update

 Our little guy loves yogurt and bananas, taking baths, being outside, crawling around the house, and anything involving not being still.  Playing with Tupperware is a new favorite game. I keep saying I am going to get into a solid work out routine but chasing and carrying around all 21.8 pounds of him has proven to be pretty good exercise.

R is not a fan of most table foods yet. Except for ice cream. Don't judge. He hates anything involving being still. Diaper changes are like a wrestling match up in here. He's also not a fan of strangers getting up in his face at the grocery store.....sorry little old ladies. By the way, what is it about people that makes them think it is ok to TOUCH someone's child in public.....no wonder we have been sick. Ugh. #alwayscarryhandsanitizerwipes #OCDprobs

He drinks around 4 bottles a day with "food" three times in between his bottles. On a fussy day, sometimes we have to have 5 bottles. Fine by me if it makes him happy. Take that BabyWhisperer book! (Just kidding - I do actually give some credit to the Eat, Play, Sleep Routine and this book for helping us get Robby sleeping through the night). Most days he takes two naps that vary in length from 45 minutes to two hours. Let me tell you how I love those two hour nap days. I love them. I never let him sleep longer than that for fear he won't sleep well at night. And we simply must.sleep.at.night. He dropped his third nap about a month ago.

That about sums up month eight! My little turkey hopes you are all having the best November.

November Around My House

I tend to go all out for Christmas decorating around my house. It takes so much energy (by energy I mean wine and chocolate) that I keep it simple for other holidays. I added a few touches to the house for some Thanksgiving flair this week.

 

I made a few mini-banners to hang and framed a Give Thanks chalkboard printable that I made (see above). I'm a sucker for a good printable. And my love of Photoshop....don't even. If you are interested in these printables, visit me on Etsy! This is TOTALLY a backseat project/hobby to my real job, so there's not a whole lot listed yet. I plan on adding more customizable gift tags, cards and labels.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I can't believe this time of year got here so fast. The holidays are so busy with all the parties, decorations, and baking that it seems like there's no time to even sleep. But who needs sleep? Ha. I answered that question myself after having a child. If I don't get at least 5 1/2 hours a night, you DON'T need to be around me. God Bless My Husband.

Happy mid-November and good luck with all your holiday decorating!

Cold Weather Dinner: Easy Chicken and Dumplings

I'm loving this cold weather! The change in temperature has me craving soup. Last night I made Chicken and Dumplings. So yummy and so easy. I cheat and use refrigerated biscuit dough for the dumplings. Like the kind out of the can. Please forgive me. But if you have all kinds of time to make homemade dumplings from scratch, then by all means do it. And bring me some.

I've heard Cracker Barrel has the best Chicken and Dumplings. I've never been there but I am positive this recipe must compare. I have a feeling that they don't use biscuits out of a can though. And what beats canned biscuits? MAYBE Nutella.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts, uncooked
1 32-ounce box chicken stock
1 cup milk
1 can cream of chicken
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
4 stalks celery, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
pinch of dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough *I used a can of Grand's buttermilk biscuits.

Directions

• In a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Saute the carrots, celery, and onion about 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken stock, milk, and cream of chicken. Bring to a simmer.
• Add salt and pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken breasts.
• Let simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove chicken and shred. Return to pot.
• Drop in pieces of the biscuit dough to the simmering liquid. *I usually take each biscuit piece and divide it into three or four chunks. Cover pot, reduce heat, and let the dumplings cook for 12 minutes.
• Remove lid, stir, and enjoy!

Mommy Must Haves: November Favorites

We are all finally well in our household! Hallelujah! Now if we can just stay that way through the Holidays. November is one of my favorite months. The cooler weather has me feeling festive and I'm already thinking about Christmas. If you need a few more ideas for Santa, check out my Mommy Must Haves for November.



 

• JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo - After pregnancy, my hair was in terrible shape. My child sucked the life out of it. Hope it was delicious, Robby. It sure wasn't left looking delicious. I don't want to scare anyone but can we say shedding much? I cannot believe I'm not bald after the amount of hair I found on the floor, in the shower, and everywhere. #sick (This would fall into the "I don't have amnesia from that post-pregnancy issue yet" category). This shampoo is really gentle and helps add shine. Sometimes I can find the huge bottle of it at Marshall's on the cheap.
• Indigo by Clarks Boots - I feel like riding boots go with anything and give you that effortlessly pulled together look. OK, I probably wouldn't wear them with a bikini. But I bet Princess Kate could pull that off. My faves are from a few years ago. They are made by a division of Clarks but I swear they don't look grandma-ish at all. And they're so comfy, who cares who makes them? AND they don't cost $1,000,000. Woohoo! More saved money for my babysitter/vacation bank. Because I am determined to go on a vacation soon. Even if I have to call in the British Super Nanny from that show on TV. I have an available room for Jo. Isn't her name Jo? Has anyone participated in one of those "au pair" exchange programs? I might be on to something....Actually, this just in - Marmi told me when she was here helping us during our week from hell to start calendar planning so she can block off some dates to keep little R. She has to coordinate with my sister Allison of course, now that she has baby James. Marmi is awesome at juggling two little grandbabies so close in age! She had twins so she is totally cut out for this.
• Nutella snack packs - These just make me happy. If you don't like Nutella, I'm not sure if we can be friends. It can really turn your day around. Count me in for chocolate-hazelnut goodness paired with tiny little breadsticks. Carbs and chocolate. The end.
• Dead Sea Spa Anti-Aging Night Cream - My little sister Caitlin introduced me to this face cream. It smells divine. It is really rich and moisturizing, and with such a good smell it must be doing something good for my face. I've only been using it for about a month but so far I love it. It's on the heavier side which is nice for the cooler weather. Get outta here fine lines!
• OPI Nail Lacquer in Glitzerland - OK, I cheated on my girl Sally this month. OPI is NOT a quick dry polish like Sally Hansen, but I love this color so much that I can rationalize my cheating ways. I have been looking for a good shimmery gold polish for awhile and this one fits the bill. So festive!

Hope your November is going marvelously. My goal tonight is to add a few Thanksgiving touches to the house. I'm really having to restrain myself from getting started on Christmas decor. Happy Monday!

Having a Baby: Pros and Cons

Well, this.has.been.a.week.for.the.record.books.

Robby has had a cold for about 14 days now. We thought he was on the upswing until Sunday night when he screamed bloody murder for three hours straight. We were at a total loss for what to do and assumed something must be really wrong. To the urgent care center we went at 2 am. Diagnosed with ear infection. Got antibiotics. No one slept a wink that night, or much at all the week leading up to this.

Enter Monday afternoon. Reinforcements are on the way. Marmi is coming to the rescue. About 30 minutes before she arrived, I start vomiting. Which if you read my blog, you know this is totally not ok at all ever. Hmm. First thought is that this is from sleep deprivation going on two weeks now. But the vomiting continues. Stomach bug strikes the Lombardi house. Enter Tuesday. Andy now has the bug too. Yet we are also all still recovering from a terrible cold. At the same time as the stomach bug. A series of events followed that can only be described as hell on Earth, or the makings of a Saturday Night Live skit. Baby has been awake every night for multiple hours. What happened to my good sleeper? I have now cleaned Robby's sh*t off of his favorite bouncer, the changing table, about four of his outfits, and the couch in our living room. The couch. #gross Not sure if this is him getting the stomach bug or a reaction to antibiotics. He also peed in Marmi's face multiple times and let's just say he isn't good at taking medication from a syringe. I feel like I have a newborn again. Leading me to my list of baby pros and cons.

This pic is from our family photo session with Sabrina Gebhardt (she takes amazing photos-check her out!) on Sunday, the day before the sh*t hit the fan. No wonder R didn't want to smile much.....he was on his way to being so sick. :(

Having a baby is the most fun ever! Except for the times that are the opposite of the most fun ever. I've been keeping a record of pros and cons in case baby fever strikes and I need a reality check. Although after this week I don't believe I'll be getting baby fever any time soon.

PRO: You can throw away your alarm clock. Or keep it, but never have to set it again. Yay! Kidding.
CON: Sleeping in is over. I don't even remember the last time I woke up and the first number on the clock was greater than a 7. And that's if its a good day. Most days the first number starts with a 6......and the past few weeks its been a 5. Sometimes things get crazy and you are looking at the clock from 2 am to 4 am. Thanks, baby cough and cold. Followed by ear infection. Followed by stomach bug. Are you there, God? It's me, Adrienne. Unless your spouse is willing to go in on taking turns snoozing late on Saturdays, you can kiss those days goodbye. I'm lucky and Andy lets me sleep in some Saturdays. (*He is actually the most giving, fun, thoughtful husband and dad! He changes diapers. He gets up early. He deals with cry-fests. He picks up bagels for breakfast and does laundry. Now that's hot.) But it takes planning. And you have to take your turns getting up early too or no one will want to return the favor. I'm still learning to be less selfish.

PRO: You become a planner and think about things ahead of time.
CON: Spontaneity is gone. Mostly. There's always that time you planned on the usual one-hour nap but were thrown for a loop when nap time was cut short by 30-minutes. Spontaneity at its best!

PRO: You are at home more often, so you can spend lots of time scoping out new vacation spots. Online, of course.
CON: You better hope you have someone calling you up to volunteer to keep baby overnight or you won't be vacationing anywhere. Heck, I'll even take someone calling and volunteering to keep my child for a few hours so we can have date nights. We have been lucky in the "keep my baby overnight so I can vacation" regard thanks to Marmi and Opa volunteering to keep R for a 5 night stint back in July. We are hoping to get away for a weekend again sometime soon! Hint, hint, hint...anyone?..."Buehler?.....Buehler?...." I think I am still hearing crickets. What about for just a few hours? I'll take anything at this point. (*Disclaimer: We DO use hired help from time to time but we've only got so many hundred dollar bills, y'all....) We intend to travel the world with little R but the more mobile he becomes, it just seems so.......hard. Like major amounts of effort difficult. I'm sure we could do it though. For now, we're reserving big trips for just the two of us. Whatevs. Looking at a digital beach sounds pretty good to me. I love making my own piña coladas too. Said no one ever. Oh well. This too shall pass. In the meantime, I'll live vicariously through the Travel Channel.

PRO: You learn patience. Buckets of patience.
CON: It's not necessarily in the ways you would like to learn patience....we're talking tolerating non-stop crying, waking at all hours of the night, and arguing with your spouse over who slept more the night before. I usually win this one. ;)

PRO: Your baby loves you no matter what.
CON: Your baby loves you no matter what.....especially when he is teething at 3:15 am. When he just sh*t his brains out and it's in the car seat. And when he cannot be put down or you will experience a scene from the movie Chucky in real life.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for sure. Mostly because I don't want to die alone when I'm 98. Nope, I'd rather be surrounded by my kid(s) who I may have lost lots of sleep over, but who love me no matter what!

Oh, and just for your information, once again, Gus seems totally unaffected by this week's events. How nice for him.

Breakfast Pizza

I love breakfast foods. My friend Brie was kind enough to share her breakfast pizza recipe with me. Thanks, Brie! This is great for feeding a crowd. Or just yourself. I made one this past Sunday and it was gone by the end of the day. What can I say? It rained last weekend and rain makes me hungry.

There are endless variations of this recipe. You could use bacon, or make it vegetarian with tomatoes, mushrooms, or any veggies you like. But who doesn't love meat? Especially bacon. And breakfast sausage. I'm salivating. I.could.never.be.a.vegetarian.

Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients
1 1/2 cans of Crescent rolls for the crust
1 pound breakfast sausage, browned and crumbled
1 package Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns
2 cups shredded cheese *I used cheddar.
5 eggs, beaten with a splash of half and half, and salt & pepper to taste

Directions

• Press your crescent rolls into the bottom of your greased pan.
• Sprinkle breakfast sausage on top, followed by hash browns and all of the cheese.
• Slowly pour eggs over the top.
• Bake in 325 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Baking time may vary - watch for it to start to brown.

Happy Day-After Halloween!

Happy Day-After Halloween from Dr. Robby!

We had the best day. We kicked it off going to our morning music class with friends.

Then we watched Hocus Pocus, ate sugar cookies (Ok, just I ate cookies), and relaxed before our big pumpkin photo shoot with our friends Lia & George. Since I waited until the day of Halloween to take R to a pumpkin patch, everywhere was out of pumpkins. Bad mom. And note to self for next year. So, we had to make do with our own version in our friends' front yard. I think it turned out just perfect!

 

We ended the night at our neighborhood Halloween party with R's GrandBob and KK.

Hope you all had the BEST Halloween!