Friday, September 19, 2008

Weekly Menu - Sept 19-27th

Friday - Frozen pizza and salad (DH will be gone for drill this weekend)

Saturday-Sunday - We will be at my parent's house for the weekend, so whatever my mom cooks!

Monday - Sloppy Joes with mixed veggies

Tuesday - Pineapple chicken, mashed potatos and corn

Wednesday - Spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread

Thursday - Grilled pork chops, baked potatos and green beans

Friday - Chicken pot pie

Saturday - Tacos and corn

Monday, September 8, 2008

3rd trimester!

I can't believe how this pregnancy is flying by. Today marks the first day of the third trimester! I've passed the double digit mark and now have about 90 days to go until my due date. In some ways, I feel like 13 weeks is still a ways to go. I haven't done too much preparation yet and probably won't for at least a few more weeks. Other times, I do realize that the next 13 weeks may fly by and I should kick it into high gear to get ready for the baby. So far, I've started dragging the tubs of clothes, blankets, bibs and burp cloths upstairs from the basement, to get an idea of what we have. I bought bedding, although we'll be at least another month before we start on the bedroom (most likely longer). I started buying some clothes, and realized we need more than I thought. I still need to get some much warmer sleepers and outfits with long sleeves and pants in 0-6 month sizes. I bought a snowsuit at Old Navy on Friday because they were having some good sales. I started ordering my fall/winter maternity clothes, because the weather is getting a little cooler and my tank tops aren't going to work for much longer. In reality, there isn't a ton more to buy. Just the cosleeper, a swing, our diaper stash with some more wipes and wetbags, more clothes, and items to decorate her room.
Really, I'm not ready for this pregnancy to be over yet. The thought of getting 4 hours of sleep in 1 hour stretches each night, being tied to the couch for hours on end nursing, and trying to comfort a screaming baby that can't tell me what's wrong, makes my head spin. Babies are a joy, but also so much work! For now, I can deal with some of the discomforts of pregnancy and wait out the next 13 weeks for this baby to come. I'm sure in about 10 weeks I will feel differently, but I'm very happy being pregnant for the time being!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Research

It's a word that means a lot to me. I feel very strongly about research now that I have done it myself and have learned so many things. Many of us base our opinions or assumptions off of very little information or facts, or off of someone else's experience.
One thing I notice a lot, being a member of a "mommy" forum, is that many people have very strong opinions on a subject, based off of little or no research. We many times base our opinions off of the opinions of others or information they give us. I can't stress it enough though, do your own research! Especially when it comes to making decisions about your children or thier health. Things like vaccinations, circumcision, and feeding play a big part in our children's health. So many times, we just do what everyone else is doing, or what our doctor implies that we should do. To most, that seems like the logical choice, "listen to your doctor", but I can tell you from experience (as can MANY other moms) that doctors are far from being the only source of information. As parents, there's always more than 1 way to do things. It may seem like our doctor wants what is best for us or our children, but I'm beginning to think there are many other factors that play a part in it.
Either way, I just ask that you always do your research on subjects. Learn the pros and cons of the different options. Weigh them out for yourself and your family and do what you feel is best. Don't let someone else influence your decision, it's your resposibility to stand up for yourself and make an informed decision.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Talking politics

This presidential election seems to be one of the most talked about elections yet. From a woman and black man running for the Democratic spot and now the possibility of the first black president and woman vice president. My personal views lead me to vote Republican most of the time, so I had planned on voting for McCain this election. I was so disappointed to wake up to the news that McCain had chosen a female VP running mate :( Most people's first reactions have been that it's such a wise move on his part, because he'll win the votes of the Clinton supporters and get many of the 'soccor mom' votes. Why am I disappointed? It's a publicity stunt. He didn't choose her because of her views or because he feels she'll be a good vice president and to me, that is important.
This years election has turned into a high school popularity contest. Unfortunately, I feel far too many people aren't voting on the issues or because they feel one person will be better suited over the other. Typically that is how we vote, right? This year, many people are voting for Obama simply because he is black and McCain simply because he has a female VP running with him. I'm not saying all voters are focussing on these aspects of the candidates, but I do think more people than not are voting with those facts in mind. I already had issues with this election and the reasoning behind people's choice. Twice already I have heard from family members "I'm not voting for Obama because he's Muslim" This stems from the forward that circulated the internet earlier this year. Unfortunately, there are too many gullible people out there who believe these things and have chosen not to vote for him because of it. I think it's sad that is what our presidential elections have come down to. Voting for someone because of sex, race, or simply because they believe rumors about another candidate.
I know there is usually a lot stressed on voting because we have the right to vote. This year, I'm strongly considering not voting at all. I can't say with confidence that I like either candidate (or the independents running). I don't feel comfortable saying "I voted that guy into office", support him and agree with his policies - and I feel that is how one should vote for the leader of thier country. It's a sad day to think that this is what our presidential elections have come down to.