R is for Random: Mommy Cool 101

We sold our house. We have to move in a month.

I'm freaking out. 

Therefore:

Something short and sweet today...

Have y'all ever visited this website?

It's one of my daily reads

and has all sorts of legit mommy things...

they keep me super cool. 

(well, they do what they can at least) 

XOXO-LC

D is for Design: Tripp's Room

I've been meaning to share these pictures for months.

You might remember this post from a while back...how did I do?!

Here's a glimpse into Baby T's first room.

A room that will forever be special and always his.

He can't quite talk yet, but I'm sure he'd say he loves how it turned out!

XOXO-LC

T is for Truth: Briefcases and Breast Pumps

I'm torn. 

Little T is about 5 months old now and I'm still breastfeeding (aka "BF").

Therefore, pumping at work. 

And now I need some advice...

Some days I feel like I've reached my limit. 

That I simply cannot, will not, and flat out don't want to BF anymore, specifically b/c of the pumping.

Then, after a long day's work, I can't wait to have that time with him.
There's something about that time that is really special. 

Pumping at work is critical to keeping up my supply so I can't have one without the other.

*SIDE BAR*

Even if you aren't BF, for whatever reason, (and there are many!) 

just having one/one time over the baby's meal helps develop an emotional bond. 

I feel like the physical closeness and eye contact during is important.

Babies just know and I'm sure are grateful whichever way they get nourishment.

This isn't a post about the benefits of BF-

 rather, (and probably more honestly) its a rant about the side effects.

. I remember getting so annoyed if people, usually nosy acquaintances, would ask me if I was going to BF. How the heck did I know whether or not I'd be able to? And besides, NONE YA BIZNAS!

from here.

I digress...

My goal for BF keeps getting longer and longer. 

(Now, I'm going for 6 months max)

Frankly, I've kind of surprised myself with how long I've lasted. 

But going back to work, knowing that I'd have to pump gave me anxiety. 

It's not easy. 

Rarely, it's a welcome relief in my busy schedule; but more often than not, it's a flat out hassle. 

I pump anywhere from 3-4 times a day (btw 8am-5pm) and it usually takes a solid 20 minutes each. 

That's an hour pumping I lose out of my work day. 5 X a week (doesn't seem like much) but it adds up.

Sometimes I'll have client meetings and won't pump for 5 hours. (yes, that hurts)

I've pumped in my car. In a handicap bathroom at the airport. (gross) In the middle of the night. 

In an electrical closet. In (several) random parking lots. While driving (don't report me)...

and the list goes on and on.

It goes without saying that the benefits of BF far out weigh the inconveniences and struggles.

I feel selfish saying this but I'm ready to have my body back. Completely. 

Little T is growing (like a champ) and is of (very) healthy weight.

And since he's started some formula and cereal, the kid isn't going to bed hungry.

I've never done this before so I'm doing my best to gauge how, when, and why to stop. 

Is it bad that I get excited by how much free time I think I'll have back?!

(which I'm sure will get filled with other fun things- not being sarcastic!)

Anyways, any advice/thoughts y'all have on pumping is welcome!

XOXO-LC

P is for Pregnancy: Pagers Are BACK!

I may have discovered the jackpot.

(maybe a little too late for me, but good for you pregnant peeps)

Have y'all heard of this website?

Here's how it works- 

You're rushing to the hospital because you're in labor. 

You don't have time to call the 50 million friends and family in your phone to give them status updates because your getting checked in, fighting through a contraction, or listening to your husband snore...

SO therefore, you sign up for this little free service that keeps everyone in the loop. 

You (or let's be real, your partner) calls one number, records a personalized message or text 

and PreggoPager sends it instantly to your address book. 

It's practically genius.

(why didn't I think of this?!)

I realize it's a little impersonal, at first. 

But let's be honest, we are all too attached to our technology these days.

Put the phones/ipads/crap aside people and enjoy the moment. 

There will be plenty of time to catch up with everyone in person or over the phone later.  

Y'all better put me in your address book!

XOXO-LC

F is for Food: Cake Batter Rice Crispies

This past weekend was a reason for celebrating.

It was our sweet Ninjie's birthday (and mine too!)

So I decided to whip up an old classic with a birthday twist:

Cake Batter Rice Crispies

You can follow me on Instagram by searching for user: "corneliusl"

Ingredients:

• 1 box of Rice Crispie cereal (or 8 cups)
• 1 1/2 bags of mini marsh mellows
• 1/3 cup of dry yellow cake mix 
• Sprinkles of your choice
• 6 tbsp of unsalted butter
• a pinch of sea salt

Directions:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add 1 bag of mini marsh mellows and melt down until everything is smooth. Stir in the cake mix. Add 8 cups of rice cereal and fold in with a non stick spatula. Once well combined,  turn off heat and add remaining 1/2 bag of marsh mellows, a pinch of salt, and (the entire container of!) sprinkles. Do not melt these marsh mellows, just mix in gently. Remove from stove and pour into non stick baking dish. Leave at room temperature to cool (about 20 min), then enjoy! Lasts about 3-5 days, or depends on how quickly you eat them all! 

*Trick: Wet your finger tips in cold water and gently press down on rice crispie to get it to be more compact and not stick to your fingers. 

Y'all. These.Are.So.Good.

ENJOY!

XOXO-LC

A Day in the Life

Just hanging with my gnomies.