In the past week, I have had pasta carbonara twice. Both times, about an hour after I had some, Nathaniel got super upset. Something in the pasta must disagree with him, but I don't know what! Here are the ingredients:
- spaghetti noodles
- eggs
- parmesan cheese
- olive oil
- bacon
- granulated garlic
- salt
- onions
I'm assuming it must be the onions--but here's the problem. I have cooked onions in just about everything. We have tacos like 2x a week (love those things). Ground beef n' rice pie. Regular spaghetti.
He's never had a problem with garlic, bacon, eggs, noodles, onions, salt, or cheese separately. But the combination seems to just drive him crazy. Any ideas? I guess I just won't have any more carbonara (sadday!) but I'd like to know if there's anything else I should be avoiding.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Baby D and the Eye Infection
Ever since he was born, Baby D has had eye problems. Mostly just green gooeys, which I figured were normal. Over time, the gooeys dried up and stopped being a problem--in the right eye. Three days ago, though, his left eye got way worse.
When I saw "way worse," I mean that he had so many gooeys that unless I was washing them off his eyes every hour or so, he couldn't open his eye because his lashes were glued to his cheek. Also in the mornings he would wake up with just a giant encrusted line of green goop, dried, on his lashline. Poor kid.
But this morning it seems to have cleared up. Here is what I did:
1. Prayed
2. Dripped breastmilk into his eye every time we breastfed, and also used it on tissues and cotton balls to clean out the goopies
3. Massaged his tear duct every time we nursed (I tried to at other times, but he wouldn't hold still--but given a choice between nursing and having his tear duct rubbed or not nursing and not getting it rubbed, he picked nursing)
I will say that we only started the tear duct massage yesterday morning after some Google research, but it seems to have worked.
Yesterday I took him over to my mom's house so she could see him, and while he was sitting in his little chair his eyes got all goopy. So I used a tissue to wipe all the goo away. He didn't cry or anything, and he didn't really move that much. My mom noted this and said, "He trusts you."
That kind of melted my heart a little bit. She's right. This baby does trust me. Every time he gets goo in his nose I grab the nose bulb and suction it out. He hates it but he'll just look in my eyes and hold still while I do it, despite. I'm so glad he knows, at the tender age of, what? eleven weeks, that I only do things he hates because they're good for him.
That level of trust has come from a bunch of things: our breastfeeding relationship in which I feed him with my own body every time he shows signs of hunger (I try to catch it before he has to cry). Our bedsharing that means we basically cuddle all night long and he never has to be cold or lonely or scared or hungry in the night. Our showers together. How promptly I try to change his diaper (he hates being wet there so much!). How I carry him all the time, either in my arms or in a sling or wrap, so he never has to be lonely or bored.
And really, all those things have made my life infinitely easier. He rarely cries, because he never really needs to. It makes things way less stressful around here. I'm so glad I stumbled across natural parenting. It has been a real blessing.
When I saw "way worse," I mean that he had so many gooeys that unless I was washing them off his eyes every hour or so, he couldn't open his eye because his lashes were glued to his cheek. Also in the mornings he would wake up with just a giant encrusted line of green goop, dried, on his lashline. Poor kid.
But this morning it seems to have cleared up. Here is what I did:
1. Prayed
2. Dripped breastmilk into his eye every time we breastfed, and also used it on tissues and cotton balls to clean out the goopies
3. Massaged his tear duct every time we nursed (I tried to at other times, but he wouldn't hold still--but given a choice between nursing and having his tear duct rubbed or not nursing and not getting it rubbed, he picked nursing)
I will say that we only started the tear duct massage yesterday morning after some Google research, but it seems to have worked.
Yesterday I took him over to my mom's house so she could see him, and while he was sitting in his little chair his eyes got all goopy. So I used a tissue to wipe all the goo away. He didn't cry or anything, and he didn't really move that much. My mom noted this and said, "He trusts you."
That kind of melted my heart a little bit. She's right. This baby does trust me. Every time he gets goo in his nose I grab the nose bulb and suction it out. He hates it but he'll just look in my eyes and hold still while I do it, despite. I'm so glad he knows, at the tender age of, what? eleven weeks, that I only do things he hates because they're good for him.
That level of trust has come from a bunch of things: our breastfeeding relationship in which I feed him with my own body every time he shows signs of hunger (I try to catch it before he has to cry). Our bedsharing that means we basically cuddle all night long and he never has to be cold or lonely or scared or hungry in the night. Our showers together. How promptly I try to change his diaper (he hates being wet there so much!). How I carry him all the time, either in my arms or in a sling or wrap, so he never has to be lonely or bored.
And really, all those things have made my life infinitely easier. He rarely cries, because he never really needs to. It makes things way less stressful around here. I'm so glad I stumbled across natural parenting. It has been a real blessing.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
laundry thoughts
Back when I lived in Springville, UT, my ward at church was heavy-duty into emergency preparedness. I loved it because I, too, am heavy-duty into that sort of thing. Anyway, one week, a friend there found a deal where we could order these guys for cheap. Cheaper than they already are.
Here, a picture from that website:
I ordered one way back then. For the past almost three years, it's been chillin in storage. But when we moved, I decided I would keep it in our laundry room just in case. I made it a goal to try it out.
It basically works like a plunger. You put the things you need to wash in a 5-gallon bucket, add your detergent, and plunge away.
Since we started cloth diapering,--which I still need to write about--I decided I would try using this washer on the dirty diapers.
So far I've used the mobile washer twice. It's worked pretty well--no worse than the washing machine. Even the dirtiest diapers have turned out as white as the ones I put in the machine. Actually, the biggest problem has been drying the things: when I hang the diapers to dry, they end up drying stiff and, well, crunchy. I searched online and found that the problem can be mitigated by the addition of vinegar to the washing water, so I tried that last night and we'll see if it worked.
The other problem has been rinsing. I put the diapers in the bucket, fill the water up to cover them, add my detergent (and now vinegar), and then plunge for a few minutes. Occasionally I reach down and rearrange the diapers, just to get them in a different position for cleaning. They turn out looking clean and smelling clean, but then I have to rinse them out. Or, at least I feel like I have to rinse them out. That makes sense, right? Neither the reviews nor the instruction manual mentions rinsing, but I feel like it's still a good idea. So I rinse each one out in the laundry sink again, squish out as much water as I can, and then hang them to dry.
We have enough diapers to last between two and four days without washing, but I like staying on top of things. There are so many things in this world to worry about, clean diapers does not have to be one of them. So if I can make this work as part of a daily routine, that would be awesome.
Although--
To go back to the rinsing thing. I rinse each dirty diaper in the sink, and I always squish some soap on it and agitate it a little with my hands just to get out anything super gross. I imagine that once the diaper actually hits the pail, it's already relatively clean. I probably use two or three times too much soap with the mobile washer, now that I think of it. That's why the rinsing thing has been so disheartening: I've been using almost the same amount of detergent as I would for a full load in the washing machine. That's silly.
I guess I'll try it again next time with less detergent and more vinegar and no rinsing. I'll let you know how it goes.
Even with the extra rinsing, this mobile washer is pretty darn portable and handy. It's also a good way to squeeze an upper-body workout into a daily routine. And at under $15, it may not be a bad investment for those a) living in a place with no washing machine, b) cloth diapering, c) wanting to save money on water and detergent and electricity, or d) all of the above.
Here, a picture from that website:
I ordered one way back then. For the past almost three years, it's been chillin in storage. But when we moved, I decided I would keep it in our laundry room just in case. I made it a goal to try it out.
It basically works like a plunger. You put the things you need to wash in a 5-gallon bucket, add your detergent, and plunge away.
Since we started cloth diapering,--which I still need to write about--I decided I would try using this washer on the dirty diapers.
So far I've used the mobile washer twice. It's worked pretty well--no worse than the washing machine. Even the dirtiest diapers have turned out as white as the ones I put in the machine. Actually, the biggest problem has been drying the things: when I hang the diapers to dry, they end up drying stiff and, well, crunchy. I searched online and found that the problem can be mitigated by the addition of vinegar to the washing water, so I tried that last night and we'll see if it worked.
The other problem has been rinsing. I put the diapers in the bucket, fill the water up to cover them, add my detergent (and now vinegar), and then plunge for a few minutes. Occasionally I reach down and rearrange the diapers, just to get them in a different position for cleaning. They turn out looking clean and smelling clean, but then I have to rinse them out. Or, at least I feel like I have to rinse them out. That makes sense, right? Neither the reviews nor the instruction manual mentions rinsing, but I feel like it's still a good idea. So I rinse each one out in the laundry sink again, squish out as much water as I can, and then hang them to dry.
We have enough diapers to last between two and four days without washing, but I like staying on top of things. There are so many things in this world to worry about, clean diapers does not have to be one of them. So if I can make this work as part of a daily routine, that would be awesome.
Although--
To go back to the rinsing thing. I rinse each dirty diaper in the sink, and I always squish some soap on it and agitate it a little with my hands just to get out anything super gross. I imagine that once the diaper actually hits the pail, it's already relatively clean. I probably use two or three times too much soap with the mobile washer, now that I think of it. That's why the rinsing thing has been so disheartening: I've been using almost the same amount of detergent as I would for a full load in the washing machine. That's silly.
I guess I'll try it again next time with less detergent and more vinegar and no rinsing. I'll let you know how it goes.
Even with the extra rinsing, this mobile washer is pretty darn portable and handy. It's also a good way to squeeze an upper-body workout into a daily routine. And at under $15, it may not be a bad investment for those a) living in a place with no washing machine, b) cloth diapering, c) wanting to save money on water and detergent and electricity, or d) all of the above.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
revelation
We're having some new people in the house tonight and I've taken it as motivation to get as much done as I can around the house before I run off to watch my brother.
I've been putting off cleaning the kitchen floor until I had the wet swiffer things, but today I decided I needed to just get it done. So I got on my hands and knees and did it the old fashioned way.
And it occurred to me: this is a workout. I don't need to exercise separately today. I already spent 30 minutes scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees. And vacuuming everything with my twelve-pound two-month-old tied to me in his sling. That involved some lunge action. And carrying tons of boxes around (ugh, yes, we are STILL not done unpacking) was working out, too.
I guess the revelation is that I could be in way better shape if I just cleaned more. Also, perhaps it's better all around if I just use my washcloths and cleaner spray instead of getting swiffer wipes.
I've been putting off cleaning the kitchen floor until I had the wet swiffer things, but today I decided I needed to just get it done. So I got on my hands and knees and did it the old fashioned way.
And it occurred to me: this is a workout. I don't need to exercise separately today. I already spent 30 minutes scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees. And vacuuming everything with my twelve-pound two-month-old tied to me in his sling. That involved some lunge action. And carrying tons of boxes around (ugh, yes, we are STILL not done unpacking) was working out, too.
I guess the revelation is that I could be in way better shape if I just cleaned more. Also, perhaps it's better all around if I just use my washcloths and cleaner spray instead of getting swiffer wipes.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Debate thoughts
On Thursday night was another GOP primary debate. I watched it then, and then watched it again last night with Carl, since he hadn't seen it.
My thoughts:
- I like that Johnson is all about the FairTax--me too! But other than that he sounded like a broken record: "I promise to balance the budget," over and over and over again, regardless of the question.
- I LOVED that Perry and Romney were at each other's throats the whole time. Here's to the two of them taking each other out of the race!
- Huntsman still creeps me out. Carl and I decided that he's like Mitt Romney if Mitt Romney were created in Mordor.
- Michelle Bachmann's all right, I guess.
- Loved Paul's response regarding the 10th Amendment. That's really all it comes down to, folks: the executive branch has got to veto all bills that violate that amendment. So simple.
Overall, my favorite from the debate was Herman Cain. Right now, I would be happy with a Cain-Gingrich ticket.
But I read last night that Chris Christie is reconsidering his decision to abstain from the presidential race. If that is true--if he actually throws his hat in the ring--then I will be Christie ALL THE WAY. Oh wow. Carl and I spent like a full hour last night watching him on YouTube. He's been my hero since just about Day 1 of his gubernatorial stint in New Jersey, and I always wished he would run, and now that he actually might--ah!!
I'll admit, I've got my hopes up. Carl even said that if he does run, the day he declares we can donate him some money (Carl doesn't typically let me donate to campaigns).
Go Christie!! <3 <3
My thoughts:
- I like that Johnson is all about the FairTax--me too! But other than that he sounded like a broken record: "I promise to balance the budget," over and over and over again, regardless of the question.
- I LOVED that Perry and Romney were at each other's throats the whole time. Here's to the two of them taking each other out of the race!
- Huntsman still creeps me out. Carl and I decided that he's like Mitt Romney if Mitt Romney were created in Mordor.
- Michelle Bachmann's all right, I guess.
- Loved Paul's response regarding the 10th Amendment. That's really all it comes down to, folks: the executive branch has got to veto all bills that violate that amendment. So simple.
Overall, my favorite from the debate was Herman Cain. Right now, I would be happy with a Cain-Gingrich ticket.
But I read last night that Chris Christie is reconsidering his decision to abstain from the presidential race. If that is true--if he actually throws his hat in the ring--then I will be Christie ALL THE WAY. Oh wow. Carl and I spent like a full hour last night watching him on YouTube. He's been my hero since just about Day 1 of his gubernatorial stint in New Jersey, and I always wished he would run, and now that he actually might--ah!!
I'll admit, I've got my hopes up. Carl even said that if he does run, the day he declares we can donate him some money (Carl doesn't typically let me donate to campaigns).
Go Christie!! <3 <3
Friday, September 23, 2011
"with at least five toes"
Carl and I were just trying to remember how to play "This Little Piggy" with Baby D. Wikipedia helpfully reminded us, and added the following useful bit of advice:
Thanks, Wikipedia!
Although the game is usually played on a baby, it can be played on anyone with at least 5 toes.
Thanks, Wikipedia!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
i guess baby d likes cloth diapers
Baby D HATES hates hates to be wet. The minute he pees, we all know it because he screams like the world has ended.
Strangely enough, he enjoys hot showers, warm baths, and cold rain.
Anyway, we've been out and about all day, and I packed 3 diaper shells and maybe 7 inserts. We use Best Bottom diapers and I for one really love them. They are so easy and so cute.
I have been a little bit worried, though, because I've read accounts of babies not liking cloth diapers because they are too thick.
Well, today the baby and I were out and about. We visited my mom at her work to help her set up a facebook page for her business, and then came home to take care of my handicapped older brother. We went through just about all the diapers, and I decided, what the heck, I'll use a disposable diaper, rather than go home to pick up another insert.
I diapered up my little boy in his Size 1 disposable, and that lasted, oh, maybe 3 minutes. I had just enough time to feed one cat, and on my way down to feed my parents' other cat who lives in the basement, the screams began.
At first I assumed he was hungry, because that kid decides he's starving to death and all hell breaks loose. But he wouldn't nurse.
So in a moment of inspiration and happy fortuitousness, I dug around in my diaper bag and found a final shell and insert to use. I stuck them together as quick as I could and got to changing this kid.
The second the 'sposie was off, he calmed.
When I snapped the final snap on his Double Chocolate diaper shell, he stopped crying altogether.
All was well in the world once again.
So, I guess that's the end of sposies for him. I'll admit I'm pretty relieved. Cloth diapers were a bit of an investment but if he genuinely prefers them AND they save us money in the long term, I'm happy with it.
Strangely enough, he enjoys hot showers, warm baths, and cold rain.
Anyway, we've been out and about all day, and I packed 3 diaper shells and maybe 7 inserts. We use Best Bottom diapers and I for one really love them. They are so easy and so cute.
I have been a little bit worried, though, because I've read accounts of babies not liking cloth diapers because they are too thick.
Well, today the baby and I were out and about. We visited my mom at her work to help her set up a facebook page for her business, and then came home to take care of my handicapped older brother. We went through just about all the diapers, and I decided, what the heck, I'll use a disposable diaper, rather than go home to pick up another insert.
I diapered up my little boy in his Size 1 disposable, and that lasted, oh, maybe 3 minutes. I had just enough time to feed one cat, and on my way down to feed my parents' other cat who lives in the basement, the screams began.
At first I assumed he was hungry, because that kid decides he's starving to death and all hell breaks loose. But he wouldn't nurse.
So in a moment of inspiration and happy fortuitousness, I dug around in my diaper bag and found a final shell and insert to use. I stuck them together as quick as I could and got to changing this kid.
The second the 'sposie was off, he calmed.
When I snapped the final snap on his Double Chocolate diaper shell, he stopped crying altogether.
All was well in the world once again.
So, I guess that's the end of sposies for him. I'll admit I'm pretty relieved. Cloth diapers were a bit of an investment but if he genuinely prefers them AND they save us money in the long term, I'm happy with it.
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