Just as I suspected. Confirmed Tuesday, January 31, 2012. I have Alopecia Areata. We discovered a week ago that my one curious spot had become THREE curious spots (one of them about the size of a quarter) in less than two weeks. In my case, it is most likely aggravated by stress. I've been pretty significantly stressed out since August 28, 2010. If you know me, you know why that day is infamous. If you know me and don't know but want to know, then shoot me an e-mail.
Either way, it's good to have an answer. They injected cortisone under my scalp to kill off the white blood cells that are attacking my hair follicles. I've got some new sprouts poking through, so now I'm just working on managing the stress....as if losing your hair doesn't add to it!
Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Small kitchen
I'm still adjusting to a smaller kitchen. I always feel like my counters are completely cluttered {worse than in my other kitchen: mail, recycling, dirty non-dishwasherable dishes, clean dishes set out to dry, wire microwave oven rack that I don't use.....blah!} and I hate that I have to crawl into the back of my cabinets. Oh, and that corner cabinet between the stove and dishwasher? It doesn't even open all the way because of the way the kitchen is organized, which makes storing things in the back of that one a complete pain! I really need something to organize it all, or some sort of system that would help me keep it decluttered with two little kids around. I still want this grass drying rack, so at least then I'd have a place for the clean drying dishes {that are hiding on that towel behind the milk jugs!}.
Here's a picture of the mess, and a paring knife at the edge of the counter that Isaac could reach {gasp!}, and a cute baby in a Bumbo chair on the counter {gasp!}, and a toddler attempting to pull that baby off of the counter {gasp!}. Any other hazards you see?
P.S. Totally unrelated to this post, but all signs are pointing to my very first blog giveaway soon! Still ironing out the details, but I'm sooooo excited about it! :)
Here's a picture of the mess, and a paring knife at the edge of the counter that Isaac could reach {gasp!}, and a cute baby in a Bumbo chair on the counter {gasp!}, and a toddler attempting to pull that baby off of the counter {gasp!}. Any other hazards you see?
P.S. Totally unrelated to this post, but all signs are pointing to my very first blog giveaway soon! Still ironing out the details, but I'm sooooo excited about it! :)
Monday, November 15, 2010
New Adventures
Starting December 1, I will be mostly a stay-at-home-mom to my two little hooligans. I'm excited about it, but it's really bittersweet. I really didn't want to leave my job. But, after a bunch of failed efforts to find a decent middle ground with my new boss, I submitted my resignation because I honestly felt, as long as I was having kids and they weren't in school, that there was absolutely no way I could meet his new expectations for my position. I'll be helping them out a little bit until they can find a replacement for me, I still have my part-time job elsewhere, and I'll be spending a day at Blake's office to help with some PR/Marketing stuff, so at least I'll have a day or two out of the house. :)
After much struggling and spending most of my maternity leave fairly distraught, I've really made peace with my decision. Five years from now, I know I won't regret being able to be with my boys.
After much struggling and spending most of my maternity leave fairly distraught, I've really made peace with my decision. Five years from now, I know I won't regret being able to be with my boys.
Besides, who wouldn't want to hang out with these two cuties {sitting in my Paternal Grandfather's old chair. *Tear*}?
Don't we look like we're having so much fun watching Sesame Street videos on YouTube? :)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The most useful things
I can't believe we're almost 10 weeks into being a family of four {and a dog!}. So, in honor of 10 weeks together, a list of the top 10 things that have really helped me out {outside of the usual baby swing, bouncy seat stuff}- perfect for new mommies, moms-to-be, and been-there-done-that moms:
1. My parents and Blake. Really, having the necessary support system is the absolute best, which is the reason for being #1. Blake tries to let me catch a few z's whenever possible, and my parents are always happy to step in last minute to watch the boys if I have to run out to play a funeral, have a meeting, whatever.
2. PBS Kids. Namely, their great morning shows - Curious George, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, Super Why, Sesame Street, Word World. Their morning lineup keeps Isaac pretty entertained, no matter what time we tune in. We almost never catch all of those shows in one morning, but they can distract him for 20-30 minutes while I try to get a few other things done.
3. A good nursing cover. Perfect for nursing in public, nursing at home, and keeping the girls {and the eating baby} hidden. I have an Udder Cover {actually, I have 2!}. You can score a free one {just pay shipping} by using code NEWBABY.
4. My Ergo carrier. I'll pop Owen in it and run around/play with Isaac, make lunch/dinner, all while he contently looks around or sleeps. One day, I even weeded my gardens with him in it, while Isaac dug in the dirt. Sweet! I also have a Peanut Shell sling that worked nicely for the first few weeks, but Owen isn't a huge fan of the "cuddly" style. So I prefer the Ergo with him!
5. Our double stroller! I never thought I wanted one. I honestly thought I would always just use the Ergo or Sling and just push Isaac in the stroller we already owned when necessary. Isaac loves to walk/run, but when we actually take walks or on long shopping trips, he eventually tires and wants to be carried. So, I took the plunge {our only baby purchase this time around!}, and I couldn't be happier. So easy to walk both boys on my own, take them shopping on my own. Talk about feeling like I just conquered the world! Thank you stroller!
6. My breast pump. Thank you Medela!
7. Colic Calm. We discovered this gripe water when Isaac was around 3 months old, and we were at our wits end listening to him cry and watching him writhe in pain while he tried to pass gas. I eventually also cut dairy out of my diet with him, but this helped him soooo much. Plus, it's homeopathic, so you know it's gentle on their tummies. We've used it with Owen this time around {though he is no where near as bad as Isaac used to be!}, and within a matter minutes, he's calm and farting up a storm. Total lifesaver!
8. Nursing moms, please do yourself a HUGE favor and invest in an Undercover Mama or two or three. They are amazing. It allows you to turn every one of your shirts into a nursing shirt. You don't have to spend any money on the special-made nursing shirts, or pull up a regular shirt and have your tummy, side, and back showing. I didn't have these with Isaac, but wish I would have. I spent so much time FREEZING while I was nursing. Not anymore!
9. Speaking of nursing, I say splurge and buy yourself one nursing dress {I found mine here}. This is another thing I didn't have when Isaac was a baby, and I missed wearing dresses for a year! I bought one with Owen, and it's my go-to for things like his Baptism, weddings, special events. If I don't feel like wearing the dress, there is always the nursing friendly pants/skirt/shirt option.
10. Frozen meals/snacks! Before Owen was born, I started freezing any leftovers we had that I knew would re-heat {Lasagna, tater tot casserole, breads, cookies, soups, beef/pork sandwiches}. Again, this is something I didn't do too much of before Isaac was born. For some reason, I thought I could handle cooking with just one kid. I was worried though, with two, that Isaac wouldn't end up with lunch some days! HUGE lifesaver. Actually, when we were discharged from the hospital, they sent us home with a boxed lasagna, some garlic bread, and an apple pie. Nice, right? Since we've been home, I've continued the freezing of our leftovers. I figure it saves on waste, and it's a quick{er} meal for when we need something fast. Highly recommend!
PS. Happy 25 months to Isaac today! Happy 10 weeks to Owen tomorrow!
1. My parents and Blake. Really, having the necessary support system is the absolute best, which is the reason for being #1. Blake tries to let me catch a few z's whenever possible, and my parents are always happy to step in last minute to watch the boys if I have to run out to play a funeral, have a meeting, whatever.
2. PBS Kids. Namely, their great morning shows - Curious George, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, Super Why, Sesame Street, Word World. Their morning lineup keeps Isaac pretty entertained, no matter what time we tune in. We almost never catch all of those shows in one morning, but they can distract him for 20-30 minutes while I try to get a few other things done.
3. A good nursing cover. Perfect for nursing in public, nursing at home, and keeping the girls {and the eating baby} hidden. I have an Udder Cover {actually, I have 2!}. You can score a free one {just pay shipping} by using code NEWBABY.
4. My Ergo carrier. I'll pop Owen in it and run around/play with Isaac, make lunch/dinner, all while he contently looks around or sleeps. One day, I even weeded my gardens with him in it, while Isaac dug in the dirt. Sweet! I also have a Peanut Shell sling that worked nicely for the first few weeks, but Owen isn't a huge fan of the "cuddly" style. So I prefer the Ergo with him!
5. Our double stroller! I never thought I wanted one. I honestly thought I would always just use the Ergo or Sling and just push Isaac in the stroller we already owned when necessary. Isaac loves to walk/run, but when we actually take walks or on long shopping trips, he eventually tires and wants to be carried. So, I took the plunge {our only baby purchase this time around!}, and I couldn't be happier. So easy to walk both boys on my own, take them shopping on my own. Talk about feeling like I just conquered the world! Thank you stroller!
6. My breast pump. Thank you Medela!
7. Colic Calm. We discovered this gripe water when Isaac was around 3 months old, and we were at our wits end listening to him cry and watching him writhe in pain while he tried to pass gas. I eventually also cut dairy out of my diet with him, but this helped him soooo much. Plus, it's homeopathic, so you know it's gentle on their tummies. We've used it with Owen this time around {though he is no where near as bad as Isaac used to be!}, and within a matter minutes, he's calm and farting up a storm. Total lifesaver!
8. Nursing moms, please do yourself a HUGE favor and invest in an Undercover Mama or two or three. They are amazing. It allows you to turn every one of your shirts into a nursing shirt. You don't have to spend any money on the special-made nursing shirts, or pull up a regular shirt and have your tummy, side, and back showing. I didn't have these with Isaac, but wish I would have. I spent so much time FREEZING while I was nursing. Not anymore!
9. Speaking of nursing, I say splurge and buy yourself one nursing dress {I found mine here}. This is another thing I didn't have when Isaac was a baby, and I missed wearing dresses for a year! I bought one with Owen, and it's my go-to for things like his Baptism, weddings, special events. If I don't feel like wearing the dress, there is always the nursing friendly pants/skirt/shirt option.
10. Frozen meals/snacks! Before Owen was born, I started freezing any leftovers we had that I knew would re-heat {Lasagna, tater tot casserole, breads, cookies, soups, beef/pork sandwiches}. Again, this is something I didn't do too much of before Isaac was born. For some reason, I thought I could handle cooking with just one kid. I was worried though, with two, that Isaac wouldn't end up with lunch some days! HUGE lifesaver. Actually, when we were discharged from the hospital, they sent us home with a boxed lasagna, some garlic bread, and an apple pie. Nice, right? Since we've been home, I've continued the freezing of our leftovers. I figure it saves on waste, and it's a quick{er} meal for when we need something fast. Highly recommend!
PS. Happy 25 months to Isaac today! Happy 10 weeks to Owen tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Not bad at all
So, I've officially been cloth diapering Isaac for almost two weeks. We still use disposables on the go and at night, but other than that he's in cloth. Hopefully this move has not come as a total shock {but it's ok if you think I'm crazy. You would definitely not be the first.}. With my super sleuthing to find the most thrifty deals around, this was bound to happen. I was tired of paying between $16-20 for a box of diapers - and each time Isaac goes up a size, there are less diapers in the box!
By going to cloth {I bought one-size diapers - they fit kids 7-35 lbs}, I calculate that it has already saved us around $4 worth of disposables {I realize I also have to work to pay off the intial cost of the cloth dipes, but this should be no problem!}. I thought I was going to be grossed out by having to clean up after them, but the new age cloth diapers are SUPER easy - no pins, no folding {if you want to get started, I highly recommend Smartipants. I've tried out some others, and these are still by far the favorite!}. Sure, I have to dump poo in the toilet, but that's basically it. The liners that I stuff them with come out in the wash, so I don't have to touch them when they are dirty {some of them DO require you to touch dirty liners, but my fave dipes, Smartipants, don't!}. I simply stuff the liners back in when they are washed and dried, and then put the diapers back on Isaac. Like washable disposables. And, you can get them in colors and prints!
When I first thought about cloth diapering, I admit it was intimidating, scary even {and the up-front cost is probably the scariest thing. Do not fear - you can find cheap, and reliable, cloth diapers by keeping your eye out for sales, buying homemade, or joining sites like this one. I have purchased all ten of Isaac's diapers for less than $100. That includes tax and shipping charges.}. I didn't know if I could do it. But then I started researching it and realized there are a lot of people who ARE doing it. Young mothers like me. That encouraged me enough to buy a three pack to try out. After three days in cloth, it was very clear how simple and easy it was going to be, so I'm now up to six cloth diapers with four more on the way. At first, I tried to avoid the poop, putting disposables on him around his pooping time. Well, wouldn't you know, babies don't do what you want them to. Isaac {and his intestines} worked with me for days one and two. I was confident I could always avoid poops after getting through day two. Day three, I had poop in four of my six diapers. Bah.
Check out Isaac in his fluff. I can't wait for my new diapers to arrive {hooray for fluffy mail!}.
By going to cloth {I bought one-size diapers - they fit kids 7-35 lbs}, I calculate that it has already saved us around $4 worth of disposables {I realize I also have to work to pay off the intial cost of the cloth dipes, but this should be no problem!}. I thought I was going to be grossed out by having to clean up after them, but the new age cloth diapers are SUPER easy - no pins, no folding {if you want to get started, I highly recommend Smartipants. I've tried out some others, and these are still by far the favorite!}. Sure, I have to dump poo in the toilet, but that's basically it. The liners that I stuff them with come out in the wash, so I don't have to touch them when they are dirty {some of them DO require you to touch dirty liners, but my fave dipes, Smartipants, don't!}. I simply stuff the liners back in when they are washed and dried, and then put the diapers back on Isaac. Like washable disposables. And, you can get them in colors and prints!
When I first thought about cloth diapering, I admit it was intimidating, scary even {and the up-front cost is probably the scariest thing. Do not fear - you can find cheap, and reliable, cloth diapers by keeping your eye out for sales, buying homemade, or joining sites like this one. I have purchased all ten of Isaac's diapers for less than $100. That includes tax and shipping charges.}. I didn't know if I could do it. But then I started researching it and realized there are a lot of people who ARE doing it. Young mothers like me. That encouraged me enough to buy a three pack to try out. After three days in cloth, it was very clear how simple and easy it was going to be, so I'm now up to six cloth diapers with four more on the way. At first, I tried to avoid the poop, putting disposables on him around his pooping time. Well, wouldn't you know, babies don't do what you want them to. Isaac {and his intestines} worked with me for days one and two. I was confident I could always avoid poops after getting through day two. Day three, I had poop in four of my six diapers. Bah.
Check out Isaac in his fluff. I can't wait for my new diapers to arrive {hooray for fluffy mail!}.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bugged
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think these are young box elder bugs, living in our sprinkler system control box. They are all over. It's gross. Anyone know of a good way to get rid of all of them? Otherwise, it looks like I'm going to have an army of box elder bugs all over the south side of our house in the fall. Boo. Hiss.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Deals of the week
Ooh yay, I love saving money. Here are some of the sweet deals I found today {thanks to some frugal mom blogs}, so you can save too!:
1. $1.50 off two packs of Velveeta Shells and Cheese dinners (or buy 3 get one free of the Kraft mac and cheese variety). If I wait until they are on sale (2/$3) I'll essentially get one free, AND if I pair that offer with the $1 off coupon from here, I'll get two boxes of Shells and Cheese dinners for $0.50.
2. Free customized Father's Day card at Shutterfly. You pay shipping and tax, but with the free card, your total will be a little over $1.
3. If you're in the market for a movie, get a Disney Pixar movie, batteries, AND a movie voucher to the new movie, "UP" for $10.99 total.
4. Coffee lovers, you can get a FREE small coffee at Borders, but you have to get it by SUNDAY 5/31.
5. YUM! I hope you have free time on June 3rd. Sonic is handing out free 10oz root beer floats from 8p.m. to midnight!
6. And, this is my standby website for all things grocery.
1. $1.50 off two packs of Velveeta Shells and Cheese dinners (or buy 3 get one free of the Kraft mac and cheese variety). If I wait until they are on sale (2/$3) I'll essentially get one free, AND if I pair that offer with the $1 off coupon from here, I'll get two boxes of Shells and Cheese dinners for $0.50.
2. Free customized Father's Day card at Shutterfly. You pay shipping and tax, but with the free card, your total will be a little over $1.
3. If you're in the market for a movie, get a Disney Pixar movie, batteries, AND a movie voucher to the new movie, "UP" for $10.99 total.
4. Coffee lovers, you can get a FREE small coffee at Borders, but you have to get it by SUNDAY 5/31.
5. YUM! I hope you have free time on June 3rd. Sonic is handing out free 10oz root beer floats from 8p.m. to midnight!
6. And, this is my standby website for all things grocery.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Purse
I need a new purse. My old standbys are really starting to fall apart and one of my favorites suffered a broken zipper over the weekend. Sad. I can't ever seem to find purses that I like, in my price range, when I'm out shopping. I want to go with a purse from ALDO {click here} because Jennifer told me that they had a store in London, and I really wanted to get a purse while IN London, just never came across one I was so-inclined to purchase. I have found many I like on the website, but just want your opinions on what YOU like. Hopefully some of my choices will coincide with yours and my choice will be easier. Thanks in advance.
Here are my criterion:
1. $50 or less
2. Simple yet classy. It needs to go with many outfits. I like colors, but should probably purchase a brown, black or other more neutral color for functional purposes. I am open to options, but maybe something like this.
3. Not too small. Now that I have a kid, I've got to be able to keep necessary baby items, in addition to all of my stuff in the purse.
4. Not too big. I don't want it to be a total diaper bag, but I DO want it to be big enough for the basic necessities for quick runs.
Please help! And, if you're feeling motivated, you can scope out the shoe department too. I would like one pair of gladiator-style sandals for summer, additional dressy flats for work, and a nice pair of dressy, but comfortable black peep toes. Gosh, I'm needy.
Here are my criterion:
1. $50 or less
2. Simple yet classy. It needs to go with many outfits. I like colors, but should probably purchase a brown, black or other more neutral color for functional purposes. I am open to options, but maybe something like this.
3. Not too small. Now that I have a kid, I've got to be able to keep necessary baby items, in addition to all of my stuff in the purse.
4. Not too big. I don't want it to be a total diaper bag, but I DO want it to be big enough for the basic necessities for quick runs.
Please help! And, if you're feeling motivated, you can scope out the shoe department too. I would like one pair of gladiator-style sandals for summer, additional dressy flats for work, and a nice pair of dressy, but comfortable black peep toes. Gosh, I'm needy.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
This is not a game
We have the hardest time getting Isaac to smile for the camera. Whenever he sees it he stares, then looks away and does something else, then stares, then ignores us, then looks and does something silly {like stick out his tongue} and THEN he teases us with a smile with his hands in front of his face! Anyone have anything else we can try? Here are my attempts {and proof of them}:
1. Car seat {which he hates lately}
2. Bath time {probably too relaxing}
3. Tummy time {since he has been loving it lately!}
4. Bouncy chair {his first love}
5. Floor time {toys and all!}
6. Jumper {wait, is he smiling a little in this one?!}
7. Chilling out on the couch {this one could be good...except there's that tongue, and it looks to me like he's grabbing his crotch...*sigh*}
8. Dad holding him
9. Mom holding him {self photos are back people!}
10. Snugli
11. Sling
12. Distracting him {Dad or mom off to the side acting absolutely ridiculous, book, toys, mirror - I actually caught one in the mirror, but too bad it's soooo off-center!}
13. Loads of attention from his PMB family
14. Loads of attention from Grandparents
14. Loads of attention from Grandparents
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Hypocrite
For all the complaining I do about Thanksgiving being overlooked in favor of Christmas, you would think I would take time to bask in the celebration of Thanksgiving and put decorating for Christmas on hold.
Now that my house is basically completely decorated for Christmas and it's only the day before Thanksgiving, I guess I should just shut my mouth. Oops. :)
I hope all of you have a very safe and happy Thanksgiving! I'm sure I'll be seeing some of you at our family get-together. To the rest of you, enjoy your holiday!
Here's a sneak peek at my hypocrisy {**gasp!**}:
Now that my house is basically completely decorated for Christmas and it's only the day before Thanksgiving, I guess I should just shut my mouth. Oops. :)
I hope all of you have a very safe and happy Thanksgiving! I'm sure I'll be seeing some of you at our family get-together. To the rest of you, enjoy your holiday!
Here's a sneak peek at my hypocrisy {**gasp!**}:
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Really?
Normally, I'd just try to ignore these. Call it the hormones or whatever, but who says this to people?!?!?!?
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
O-M-G! :-O Can we say SELF-ABSORBED?
Anonymous said...
U go, Girlfriend!
Yet another sad try to get people to give you stuff.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Another project
Remember how I wanted to change the color of our master bathroom? Well, after getting ready this morning, I decided I couldn't wait any longer. While Blake was away, I took advantage of my day off and started painting! Here's a little look at the before and after:
Our positively blah bahtroom before its makeover
After a little painted face-lift, I think it's absolutely gorgeous
Our positively blah bahtroom before its makeover
After a little painted face-lift, I think it's absolutely gorgeousThe dark brown is beautiful. My bathroom is so cozy now. Next on the agenda is to find some white frames for the photos that I have for the bathroom, above the toilet {woodsy photos from my trip to Muir Woods in San Francisco seen here- #3,4,5}. I'm thinking one of these two. The first one is simple and the cheapest. The second one is especially lovely because of the subtle stripe design running through it. Hmmm...what to do...what to do?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Help....advice....anything?
My sister is a bridesmaid for her friend's wedding in Vegas next weekend. She needs advice on her hair style. You can read her post here. The hairstyles, sampled on her head, are below. Which do you like best? French twist on the left, chignon on the right. Any other easy do-it-yourself ideas? Comment comment comment!
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