Pinterest!

I am another female addicted to Pinterest. I always find myself saying "oh on Pinterest I saw......." And that is usually when I see my husband and others start to roll their eyes..."oh she is one of THOSE women"

I find it has a million ideas for my inner creative person [wish the inner was more outer..meaning I wish I just did some of these things] Most things cost $$ that frankly we just do not have these days.

One thing that I found I can actually do is make some of the delicious recipes for meals!! The year before last my New Years resolution, between working two jobs and being a Wife, was to make one new meal every month. Homemade. Delicious. Something I have never tried.

I started January making Lasagna, never made it, now I did not make the noodles [homemade bahh] or the sauce because ....seriously....no haha.

February I made homemade Chicken Pot Pie! I used my SIL crust recipe for Apple Pie and added veggies, chicken, and all the delicious fillings that was wonderful!!

March I think I made homemade Blueberry muffins those were so easy and so delicious.

Then i kind of lost steam, I found out I was pregnant, then the 1st trimester sleepies came, and I was still working 2 jobs so when I was actually home I was napping.

Towards the end of my pregnancy I discovered all the yummy recipes on Pinterest and was only working one job [thanks to my wonderful Husbands hard work] and since I have made all of these meals.

 Banana Bread

 South West Egg Rolls

 Bell pepper Enchiladas

 Zesty Italian chicken

 Crockpot Lasagna

 Meatball sandwich Casserole

 Mini Corn dogs

 Mini Pizzas

 Pumpkin Muffins

 Pizza Rolls

 Pulled pork Sandwiches

 Taco Quesadilla

 Mexican Stuffed Shells

 Taco pie

 Zucchini somethings

 Zucchini Tots

Zucchini pizzas

Now some are Favorites and I have definitely made them again, Some need tweaks in the recipe because I just do not like spinach THAT much,  but I feel like maybe it has been almost 2 years since my resolution but i honestly think that this totally counts as me having a successful resolution. I have made many new meals I have never made all from scratch! =D This is something that I really enjoy!

So when you are thinking of meals for the week so you can finish your shopping list... log on to Pinterest! That's what I do!!

♥ JB

p.s. bet you are hungry now! =P you're welcome!

Life Happens

I was doing really well for about 3 weeks, with working out and watching what i am eating.

As usual life happened, its not an excuse but i just need to get back into the routine of being more active. I am more active since Logan has been up and crawling around, i rarely sit on the couch only during his nap and Ellen is on! =P

I am crawling around, walking around, taking him to the park, walking to the bank to save $$ on gas and working on my feet for about 25 hrs a week.

i am still watching what i eat and havent eaten as many meals since rodney is on night shift still. We end up eating dinner at around 330p/4p then if i remember i will have a snack or two in the evening..

Just an update for those who read.

JB

Need to change

Ever since moving to Fresno 4 years ago, getting a job at Starbucks, getting Married, working 2 jobs, getting pregnant, and now having a baby and working [basically 2 jobs again] I have gained weight that I have never had.

I was always thin and never had to work for it which makes losing what i have now, hard. I do not like working out, running, or DVD workouts. I do not like to get hot and sweat and out of breath. I do not like working super hard for like 2 weeks and still seeing zero results.

But i have come to realize that this weight is not going to come off on its own. Obviously since im still stuck here. I need to make a change. I always say I need to and (ask my husband) always try something for about 2 weeks. But i never stick to anything because i get discouraged.

I think more than losing weight i would probably be more proud that I actually stuck with something for a long period of time, and actually DID something instead of just Thinking about it.

Before I got pregnant I had started a running (yuck!) program called Couch to 5K. It is supposed to help non runners[me] get off the couch and be able in about 9 weeks to run 3 miles. I believe i was on week 4ish when we had a family emergency and I got out of my Habit of running. Then we found out I was pregnant and that 1st Trimester with 2 jobs i was more than exhausted that was the last thing on my mind.

So today marks my first "run" back on the program and it is a little different since i am pushing a stroller [hey more calories burned i guess]. I looked up some fun 5k runs to maybe sign up for so that i HAVE to run to "train" for it. I found one called The Color Run and it will be in Orange County in April registration is not open yet but it sounds like fun and it gives me time to practice and save money if it costs [not sure I've never done a run].

[[However that is pretty far. Maybe there is one closer to today date that will push me even harder to practice. ]]

I want to keep up with something. I want that to be my goal. Dont get me wrong i want to lose about 45 pounds but I think sticking with something to help me lose 45 pounds will mean more to me, someone who sticks with things for about 2 weeks then gives up!

Wish me luck!!
JB ♥

I Am Your Safe Place

 I read this on  The Hippie Housewife  Blog and thought it was so sweet!
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I can tell by the way you slip into my room when you wake during the night, sniffling as you shuffle down the hallway and then, having arrived, breathing that deep sigh of contentment.

I am your safe place.

I can tell by the way you run to me, crying, holding out a hand or lifting up a knee for me to kiss better. Like magic, it works every time. The tears stop and you run off, just like that, and I wish I could cure the world so easily as I can soothe your bumps and scrapes.

I am your safe place.

I can tell by the way you curl into me when you're scared, pressed hard against me, certain that I can protect you. One day you'll realize that I can't always keep you safe, but for now you rest secure in your belief that I am omnipotent.

I am your safe place.

I can tell by the way you reach for my hand when you're feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, sometimes wrapping both arms around my leg or hiding your face against my neck. I understand, sweet child, and I will allow you the time you need to feel comfortable stepping away.

I am your safe place.

I can tell by the way you tell me a hundred times a day, I like-a be wif you. I reply in kind each time - I like to be with you too - and I mean it so very much.

I am your safe place.

I can tell by our late-night conversations, my night owl, when you ask your big questions and explore your fears. I don't always know how to answer, but I hope that I can consistently lead you to God, our true safe place in this world.

I am your safe place, but I don't always understand it. Most days I feel like a child myself, pretending to be a real live grown-up but waiting all the while for someone to discover the truth. One day you'll realize that I don't know as much as you think I do, that really I'm just stumbling along, doing my best, like everyone else on this planet.

I am your safe place, but I don't always deserve it, this I know. I lose my temper, criticize, shame, and I see the confusion in your eyes. But more than that, I see the acceptance: I am your safe place, so what I say must be true, there must be something wrong with you. Oh, but there's not, sweet child, and one of my most fervent prayers is that you will always remember my apologies above the thoughtless words that prompted them.

I am your safe place, but I know it won't always be so. One day you'll find a new safe place and it will be someone else who strokes your hair as you confess your worries into the quiet darkness of night.

But for now, for whatever crazy reason, I am your safe place.

And I am honored.

1-8 Months

It has been a loonnnngggg time.

In the past 8 months we have moved to Long Beach, Rodney has a new job, I was on maternity leave and now i am back at a new Starbucks. And Mr. Logan has been learning new things every day.

There are waaaay too many pictures to post so i will just post his monthly Pics.
Today August 10th,2012 Logan can crawl, roll over, pull himself to standing, laugh, smile, clap, splash, drink from a bottle, eat veggies, fruit, meat and those Gerber puff (baby crack), Sleeps about 11 hours straight through the night (so wonderful), takes 2 fairly good naps,

He has been swimming, to the beach, to church, on Road trips, met Most of his extended family. He has had his first hair cut, just got his first 2 teeth, watched his first Olympics, Plays with our kitty, has learned how to get into EVERYTHING but his toys.

He is a VERY happy baby who gets a long with everyone, very social [takes after his daddy]

 One Month [Jan 2012]

 2 Months [Feb 2012]

 3 Months [Mar 2012]

 4 Months [Apr 2012]

 5 Months [May 2012]

 6 Months [June 2012]

 7 Months [July 2012]

8 Months [Aug 2012]

Still crazy to believe that we are parents, especially when we still act like kids ourselves. But perhaps our young personalities make Logan the happy, silly, personable baby he is. 

We love our Bud Bud! and hopefully i can keep everyone updated! i am so bad at this blog thing. 

♥ JB

LOGAN MALIIK!

Born December 6, 2011 @ 10:58pm

Weight:: 7 pounds 7 ounces
Length:: 19 3/4 inches

[could you imagine putting him back in? how did he fit?]

How did he get here you're wondering?

[[Morning Dec. 5]]
I went for my weekly appt at the Doctor. After suffering 11 days with PUPP I'd had it!! My plan was to go in and request induction. My Dr came in asked how I was doing, I told her the rash has spread EVERYWHERE and i couldn't sleep and was going insane! She then said "well lets get this baby delivered!"

[[12/5 @ 230p]]
Rodney and I arrived at the hospital to check in. First checked in with this lady who had no clue what she was doing =/ LONG story short we finally got a room and I got changed and all hooked up. I was on a fetal heart monitor and a contraction monitor.

[[12/5 @ 6-7pm]]
Nurse inserted something called Cervidil, drug used to soften cervix and bring on labor. It is a 12 hour drug so the next morning they would take it out and start me on Pitocin.
So Rod and I just hung out that evening, got hospital food and watched cable! Rod had gone home to grab me some tums and a few other things while they gave me a sleep aid [[since i hadnt been sleeping at home and needed rest for the day ahead]]
By the time Rod got back i was kind of loopy. I tried to sleep but everytime i would move the fetal monitor didnt pick up baby so every hour or so i had a nurse coming in to "find baby"
[[i was thinking good grief ive gone 9 months without this monitor what is one more night!]]

[[12/6 @ 6-7am]]
Cervidil was removed and i was given an IV and Pitocin. I had started having mild contractions on my own before Pitocin so i figured something was happening.
My parents drove up that morning with Kaitlin to be here for Logans arrival and they hung out all day...literally all day for this boy to show up!

[[12/6 @ 1000p]]
I had been "checked" multiple times by different nurses/doctors and after 14 hours I was at 2 centimeters. I was having back labor so laying in the bed was so painful, I wanted to stand and walk around because it took extra pressure off my back. Wasn't allowed to walk but I could stand. Dr. came in and told me I was still at 2 maaaaybe 3 and asked what i wanted to do. In my head I was thinking it had taken 14 hours to go no where, i haven't eaten in over 24 hours, haven't slept in how many days, i am pretty positive i do not have the energy to go another 14+ hours. Rod and I discussed and decided to do a C-Section and get this boy out!

I was brought into the operating room [[freezing cold by the way, like ice rink cold]] Dr did a spinal block. I was hooked up to oxygen, heart monitor. Nurses counting the tools they had, i was having a drape placed in front of me so i couldnt see. Doctors were ready to go and my husband was not here yet.

"Where is my husband?" i had asked . FINALLY Rod got there and as soon as he sat and grabbed my hand, Logan was here! [[they almost didnt wait for Rod]]

I saw him for like 3 seconds then they went to clean him. they were all commenting on his birthmark and all i was thinking was "oh gosh its like half of his face" haha it isnt. He has a little birth mark and his left upper chest. [[cute]]

Then he and Rod were off to the nursery while i was being stitched up and off to recovery.

About an hour later i was FINALLY able to hold my baby boy! And he was so precious and cute and tiny and perfect!


Then it was time for Rodney to go home. =( So many women were having babies that all the rooms were full and i had to share, so Rod couldn't stay.
That night i dont remember much. i do know that Logan stayed with mommy but i am not sure how i could have possibly gotten out of bed to get the booger out of his...

Anyways that is how my little boy arrived! Eventful!


more to come ...

♥ MB [mommy butler]

PUPPP

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, is the most common rash in pregnant women. It normally occurs in first pregnancies during the third trimester with an average onset of 35 weeks.
It lasts an average of 6 weeks and resolves spontaneously 1 to 2 weeks after delivery.

http://dermatology.about.com/cs/pregnancy/a/puppp.htm

Thanksgiving i noticed a bump on my belly by my glamorous stretch marks, Rod said its probably just a new one coming... great! =/ The next day there were more bumps, and they were itchy!! So i googled it, i found a link to PUPPP rash, i self diagnosed my self because it fit!

Dr was closed until Monday, my normal weekly appointment was Monday. I told Dr i think that is what i have. She made sure my palms of my hands and bottoms of feet didn't itch because that could be a sign of Cholestasis, which is not good for baby! She then proceeded to tell me there is not much they can do for PUPPP and that delivery is the most effective solution and to try oral or topical benedryl, or any over the counter anti itch cream.

SOOO.. Rodney and I headed to Target to get something, this past week i have tried, Caladryl lotion, hydrocortizone cream, Oatmeal bath, baking soda paste, cold showers [not fun especially when it is already cold], Benedryl [took it then next day baby wasn't as active, maybe he was drowsy but it freaked me out so i haven't taken it since and he is back to squirming and stretching out a little too far] and Grandpas Pine Tar Soap.

The Pine Tar Soap seems to be helping a little, lather up, let it sit, then rinse in cool water.

Well everything is only temporary, have gotten very few hours of sleep this past week, dread going to bed because i am scared i will just lay there and go crazy, so i have been staying up late late with Rod until i am dead tired... that seems to help fall asleep at least.

Went to the Dr Friday, as they were going to give me a shot to get me through the weekend, turns out they didnt even have the medicine. =/ Lets just say that wasnt a good day. My Dr wasnt in so induction wasnt an option, but i was 39 weeks 5 days and just want to deliver to have hope that this will go away soon. I feel as long as baby is in there the rash will remain. This has been the longest, most aweful week of my life, definitely think this tops Chicken Pox. I would not wish this on my worst enemy!

Despite me having a rough time this week physically and emotionally with this, my Husband has been a huge help. He has been understanding, helpful, sympathetic, and so sweet. I do not get sick or feel icky often so he has never had to take care of me. He has been so encouraging and tells me that i can make it, i have already gone so many days and that it will not last forever! He has brought me a Jamba Juice home from work as a surprise, came home on his lunch to check on me, gone with me and has gotten me every topical ointment and soap to try, brushes my hair to keep my mind off the itch, lets me just cry to him when i can not stand it. He feels so bad because he wishes he could make it go away!

Didnt i marry the best man ever? =)

Thank you also to everyone praying for me and checking on me everyday, it means a lot. not much is getting rid of the itch but the love and support helps.

Dr appt Tomorrow finally, Dec 5th, 40 weeks, they will do ultrasound, fetal monitor, and set up induction date if i dont have my baby... pray that if baby doesnt come on his own tomorrow, that i can get induced sooner rather than later, i will go insane with itch!

♥ itchy JB and warm and snuggly inside LB