Back at It... with a New Look!

Hello friends!

Notice anything different? My blog has been revamped! I love the new look! Shannon of Persnickety Pages {& More} has been a busy bee. I was uber impressed with the first design she did, and am now even happier. How is that possible?!? I think it goes without saying that Shannon truly is persnickety when it comes to her designs. She always, always, always goes above and beyond.

Bobby's turning two in April, and I am already trying to think of a theme for his party. I am leaning towards Thomas the Train, because let's face it... he's obsessed. Anyhow, I will also be turning to Shannon to design his birthday invitation. Did you hear that Shannon? You're hired!

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Onto other things...

My laundry pile is slowly starting to dwindle after our return home. And, I also completely counted the days we were gone. It wasn't 9, it was 11! Geez. My brain is fried. Thankfully though, life is returning to normal. We arrived home from our trip Monday night. On Tuesday, I went for a run with Bobby that morning, and just enjoyed getting the exercise. I feel like I've been a fat, junk-eating sloth since Halloween. After a long nap, I headed out to Publix for a big grocery shopping trip. Yesterday was spent with our normal morning trip to the library for story time. We then both headed home and crashed. It finally caught up to me. We both slept, and slept, and slept. Needless to say, it was well worth it, and needed. After a refreshing night out with some friends for dinner, I feel like a new woman today! I love seeing my family during the holidays, but I always feel so disconnected from my friends. It was great to catch up!

I'll be doing some trip, party, and holiday recaps over the next few days. I hope to not bore you all too much - but, I must document this stuff for our family!

Stay tuned... and, thank you again Shannon for the make-over!

Blogger Exclusive: Shutterfly Christmas Card Promotion!

One of the things I was most excited about after getting married, was being able to send out a Christmas card from our newly formed family of two! (Well, let's not forget about our regal pup, Winston). When embarking on my search for the perfect card, I immediately went to Shutterfly's site to check out their cards. There was a ton of options that were so incredibly cute! I found a cute pink and green card, uploaded a wedding picture, and was on my way! I was very happy with the quality of the card, and turn-around time in receiving my order.

There are so many options for this year to choose from too! I LOVE this card, and you may very well find it in your mailbox from us this year!

This card speaks to me as a blogger!

Each year, I also make Bob a desk calendar for his office too! Shutterfly has them available here, starting at $17.99, and any others at 50% off. I know a good deal when I see one!

And, for those of us out there that are just too swamped for Christmas cards, Shutterfly offers a huge variety of New Year's cards too.

How cute is this card? Love it! Find more here.

I know what I'll be doing right after Thanksgiving - ordering my Christmas cards from Shutterfly!

Birthday Banner

I ordered this banner for Bobby's birthday party, and thought it was really cute!

After scouring the internet, and mainly blogs, I agreed that a Radio Flyer Wagon themed party was the way to go. The Preppy Baby and Marriage, Magnolia, and Manhattan both did posts with great suggestions. If you know Bobby, then you know he is obsessed with wagons! He will crawl over to ones all the time at the pool and park. It is too funny. As with most kids' parties, you really just gotta go with what they love at that age. Next year? Who knows... maybe it'll be an Elmo themed party!

Anyhow, if you are interested in ordering a customized, personalized banner for your little one, here's the 411:

Blooming Babies Boutique

bloomingbabiesboutique.com

bloomingbabiesboutique.blogspot.com

Still in Shock.

Ok, so Bob and I are junkies for most shows on HBO and Showtime. They are just so much more entertaining than regular network TV.

One of our favorites is Dexter. Well, last night's season finale was probably the best I've seen yet. I'm not going to say anything about it, in case you haven't seen it yet. But, WOW. Do you think Showtime should be held responsible for the anxiety I felt when the show ended?!?! :-) I think the darkest show, just got darker after that finale.

Seriously, if you have Showtime, or are looking for a show to rent - get Dexter!!! You will not be disappointed! It is SO good!

Run Mommy, Run!

Isn't this stroller a beauty?

We have the same model, except ours is navy blue. Instead of having several different types of strollers, we opted to buy just one. We use it as our everyday stroller, because we bought the car seat adapter too. It's perfect for the infant seat, for jogging, and, just as an umbrella stroller. It is, in my opinion, the best jogging stroller available. If you are interested, go here, for more about the B.O.B stroller. Luckily, because of my job, we were able to buy the stroller at cost. But, be weary, they are expensive. However, if you are a runner, and want to take your tyke with you, it is important to find one that is safe. I have heard too many horror stories of cheaper versions. It's like buying a car... you need to make a safe investment.

Besides, how can we not have a B.O.B stroller? ha ha!

On Monday night, I joined some other mom's in my neighborhood for a night run. It was great! We all became connected through the Mommy Network in my neighborhood. Here's what the group is all about:

"We are a group of fun-loving Moms who live in Ross Bridge in Hoover, AL. If you and your kids are looking for friendship and a fun time, then this is the group for you. Our kids like to play hard and so do their parents."

Anyhow, it felt great to get a run in with some women who are in the same boat as me. We are all either new to running, or getting back into it after having a baby. I think we ran 2-3 miles, but I'm not sure. We are planning on meeting 2-3 times a week. Bob and I have also gone a couple of times. It is so fun to do our family runs! We take Bobby and Winston. Luckily, Bob pushes the stroller. It is tough with some of the hills in our neighborhood. I miss the flat surface in Florida.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm hoping to do an 8k in September! Yikes!

The 5 S's

A few weeks ago, Bobby was crying and fussy for 3 days straight! I was feeling overwhelmed, and there was nothing I felt could calm him. The only thing that would calm him was being held in the Baby Bjorn. While I usually wear him in this at least once a day, I was having to wear him all day long. It was taking a toll on my back. Anyhow, during all of this, my friend Ginger brought over the book, The Happiest Baby on the Block, written by Dr. Harvey Karp. The book was written I believe for parents who have babies with colic, but nonetheless, it had some great calming methods for all crying babies.

The secret?

The 5 S's:

1. Swaddle your baby.

2. Hold your baby on their stomach or side. (I will usually hold Bobby on his side).

3. Shush loudly in your baby's ear. (This is supposed to imitate the loud sounds of your womb).

4. Swing your baby. (Or, in our case, I usually rock him).

5. Give your baby something to suck, like a pacifier, or finger.

I have done this each time I have put Bobby down for a nap or to bed. I also will take this approach when he is fussy during the day. I know a lot of you are expecting out there, and I just wanted to recommend this book to you. It states that the first 3 months of a baby's life is basically the 4th trimester, and you should try and simulate the womb as much as possible.

Happy reading!

Routines

I have a question for all the moms out there... what type of routine, if any, have you used with your newborn/infant? I have read a couple of books on the subject, and am just curious what other moms (and dads too) have done. We are not on any routine really, as of yet. The pediatrician said to wait until his due date, at the earliest, to start anything. As of now, I am feeding Bobby on demand. On average, he eats every 3 hours, sometimes 4.

Also, this is a random question, but do you change the diaper before each feeding, or after? I seem to change it up every time.

How long did you wait before you took your baby to the grocery store? Did anyone else lack the confidence to take the baby out alone? So far, I've just taken him on a walk by myself. Tomorrow we go to the pediatrician alone. I'm not nervous though, the office is very close to our house.

Finally, here's a cute picture taken today of Bobby. Look at him holding his own pacifier!

FYI

FYI to all you preggo's out there - Babies R Us will not take ANYTHING back without a receipt. Luckily, I had only two toys that were not returnable, amongst my stuff. They will not take anything back period. It does not matter if you want a store credit, instead of cash back. Hang on to those receipts!

edited to add - if you are returning an item on your registry without a receipt, then yes, they will accept it.

NurtureBaby

A childhood friend of mine has launched a great, new website, NurtureBaby.

As an expecting mom, I am already thinking of ways to give my son the best possible nutrition, without spending an arm and a leg. Thankfully, this website will be a huge resource for me. As the website states, there are three reasons why mom's should check it out: Nutrition, Cost Savings, and Environmental Stewardship. And, to top those great benefits off, you only need about an hour/week to make the recipes! I'm sure the amount you'll save in time and money, along with a healthy baby is well worth it!

The website is by far one of the cutest I have seen out there. The recipes are organized by age groups, and types of foods. There is also a resource of information on everything from what supplies you need, what fruits or veggies are in season, and how to make the food. You really just need to see it for yourselves!

New moms, expecting moms, anyone - if you like what you see, spread the word. Christen (the founder) is by far one of the sweetest women I know. Check out her information on the About Us page. I'd love to let her know some bloggers have helped the cause :-)

Did I mention it's FREE!?!?

Spring Fever Cuteness

I just ordered the above towel (three, to be exact) from Williams-Sonoma. Isn't it cute? It'll match my kitchen decor perfectly. I used a gift card from our wedding, way back in October of 2007. I am so bad at using gift cards, but I love receiving them! In some cases, I'd rather get a gift card. It may take me awhile to use one, but it's always worth it...

Find these towels and more for Spring at williams-sonoma.com.

Belly Laughs

I finished Belly Laughs, by Jenny McCarthy in less than two hours on Sunday night. I highly recommend it if you are pregnant. It really is a fun, entertaining read. The only word of advice... don't read in bed while your husband is sleeping next to you. I had to keep my giggles to myself :-).

Half-way there!

Today, I am 20 weeks pregnant!

Bobby will hopefully be making his entrance into the world in another 20 weeks! As I am sitting on the computer this morning, I am feeling him like crazy! He's quite active right now. If Bob is around, I always tell him when I feel him. He is just dying to feel him too! I think he'll have to wait a few more weeks. It is so amazing, I love it!

Oh, I think I have found the diaper bag I want. It's the new Vera Bradley Baby Bag in Cupcakes Green. It is kind of pricey, but so cute! Of course it is green :-)

My neighbor and friend ordered furniture for her baby from JC Penney's. It is good quality, cute, and reasonably priced. We don't want to spend a lot of money on furniture, but we also want something that is safe, and durable. I have been scoping out their furniture, and we are hoping to order it in March. I have also been looking at bedding from Pottery Barn Kids, and JC Penney has a cute selection too. I need to check out Babies 'R Us. I am definitely planning on registering at Babies 'R Us, and possibly Pottery Barn Kids, if I decide on their bedding.

I'll be ordering a BOB stroller from work. I should be able to buy one at cost. They are great jogging strollers, and can be used full-time. I'll have to buy an infant car seat adapter, for the first 6 months of munchkin's life.

I still have a lot to look into and research. For any mom's out there, do you have anything you highly recommend? Do you know of any items out there that are a complete waste of money?

Do you game?

GroceryGame.com is my new obsession!

I am always up for a bargain, and with a baby on the way, saving money is the way to go! This is how it works at GroceryGame.com:

You sign up for a weekly list of savings and sales from your specified store. For example, I have signed up to receive my list for the closest Publix to my house. The site will each week, show an updated list of all the sales in the store. Here's the catch though, you have to still clip coupons. Basically, the site will tell you when to use your coupons you clip, along with the advertised sales in the store. I clip coupons anyhow, so this is not a big deal for me. So, with the advertised sales and coupons, you spend next to nothing, and get a lot! The coupons will always come from your local Sunday paper. The site is smart enough to know which sales will be happening in what stores, and what coupons will appear in each Sunday newspaper. Amazing, right?

Look how much I saved my first week! $49.66!!! And, over time, I will only spend less, and save more.

Please see the website for more details. You can try the site for 4 weeks for $1.00. After that, it is $10.00 for every 8 weeks, per store.

If you sign up, use my email address as a referral - jen_ross@earthlink.net.

Should I even bother?

Should I even bother to finish our anniversary trip recap?

Yes.

This blog not only serves as a way for our family and friends to keep updated on our lives, but also as a journal for our family. So, I know it's almost 2 months later...but, again, better late than never. I am hoping to be posting more, as the house is finally starting to come together. We still have lots to do, but it's definitely not stressing me out anymore.

So, without further ado...

Here are some cool pictures from the eclectic downtown of Asheville, North Carolina.

Locals engulfed in a serious game of chess.

A neato-mosquito copper door we passed.

Wig shop anyone?

It's not very often you see an iron sculpture!

Our lunch choice...it was organic Mexican cuisine. Fabuloso!

Asheville is a great little town. You've got the mountains and all things outdoorsy to do. And, then, you have the cool, eclectic downtown to explore. Asheville reminded me a lot of the place my sister-in-law lives in Atlanta, Little 5 Points.

Ramblings...

I'm addicted to Facebook. Seriously.

I am so thankful for my best friend Lisa. She has no idea how much I miss, and depend on her.

Can someone please recommend a good razor? Still having problems...

I cannot wait for 90210 tonight! Bummed over Tori Spelling not reprising her role though.

The Jolly Green Giant lives above us. I have never heard someone stomp around so loudly!

I want a hot tub, badly.

My knee is finally feeling better. I ran for all of 7 minutes today on the treadmill.

I'm excited for my sister's trip to Germany!

I really like my new job, and truly want the store to do well, because the owners are genuinely kind, good people.

I think McCain's VP nominee, Palin is a cutie pie.

We are doing a lot of traveling over the next few months - hello Road Trips!

I give props to Obama for stating in the media that candidates' families and especially children should not be brought into the election. SHOCKER!

How do I say this?

When I find a product I like, or dislike, I want to share it with my readers. Do I even have readers? LOL....  Anyhow, since working at Fleet Feet, I have noticed that I now have a bit of a sweat problem.  I've never been much of a "sweat-er" before, but I find myself coming home, and seeing pit stains. Am I grossing you out yet? If you have this problem, I suggest the above.  I have seen it at Publix for about $8.00.  It is quite pricey.  I bought some at Sam's, and it was $12.00, which included two sticks, and a travel-sized one.  Good deal.  I no longer have those pesky stains, but it hasn't completely covered the odor.  In my opinion, the stains are the lesser of the two evils.  

I do NOT endorse this product.

To my women readers,

Do not use these razors. They are horrible. End of story.

Love,

Jen