- Owen slept 13 hours last night. THIRTEEN. Anyone who has followed the blog since he was born knows that he and sleep did not get a long for a very long time, so naturally this sleeping through the night thing has thrown me for a loop. I checked on him twice to make sure he was still breathing, and what I found is that he’s finally sleeping on his stomach — something I’ve suspected for a while, just never caught him doing.
But there he was, face down, sleeping on his hands. FACE DOWN. Likes to freak me out, this kid. But hey, I guess he’s comfortable…and well rested!
- I’d also just like to state for the records, since this basically serves has his baby book, that he now says “Mama”, “Dada”, “Dog” (EVERYTHING is dog. Dog, dog, dog. Especially…well, dogs.) and…”Elmo”. Yup, he says Elmo. We do let him watch some Sesame Street so don’t bother sending the Bad Parenting Police our way with their anti-TV torches. I’m ok with 20 minutes of PBS. He turned 10-months this week and I can’t believe we have this real live person who attempts to communicate with us. Nuts!
- I’d like to start working on a photo montage of Owen’s first year before the next two months fly by me. I started looking into songs that might work with it, and most of them are JUST SO CHEESY. I have one in mind that might work, but am looking for some suggestions. What do you think would work for a recap of a little boy’s first year? (And please, no “Beautiful Boy”. I can’t put my finger on it, but that song bugs me.)
- I had a clothing meltdown last weekend. I’m not saying this is a braggy way, but I’ve lost a lot of weight and don’t know what to do with this new body. I’m about 12 pounds less than my pre-pregnancy weight and nothing I own fits. Yeah, yeah, wah, wah. But it’s true. And I know it’s because I’ve been nursing a big baby and he’s just taking away all those extra calories. Most likely when he stops nursing, most if not all of the weight will return and then my clothes will fit.
But right now, they don’t. And I can only wear the same jeggings/tee/cardigan/ballet flats- comb so many times. I need some clothes.
The meltdown happened on Easter when I realized I was dangerously approaching a go-naked-to-the-inlaw’s situation and I really don’t think that would have gone over well. I ended up in an ill-fitting outfit that made me feel sloppy and unattractive and while of course it didn’t matter what I was wearing there, it affected my mood.
Owen’s baptism is this weekend. I have a handful of showers coming up and three weddings to attend. So in addition to every day clothes, I need some fancier options. I’m hesitant, though, because I feel guilty about it. Like buying clothes that I most likely won’t fit in by the end of the year is a waste of money and I should save it or spend it on something more useful, like a new vacuum. (Ours has finally waved its white flag in surrender to the beast that is Kodiak.)
So yeah, I’m just whining. But I’m conflicted about it. And in the meantime, I absolutely must buy something to wear this weekend, because if I thought going naked to my in-law’s would have been a bad idea, I can’t even imagine the repercussions of going nude to church.
- Can we talk about Extreme Couponing on TLC? Have you seen this show? I started watching after I decided to get serious about our food budget, and YOU GUYS. These women. Ok, they do amazing saving money. I mean, they get their grocery bills down from something like $600 to under a buck by using coupons. But…BUT. Do you see what they buy? Most of it is crap.Piles and piles of frozen pizza, 50 bottles of yellow mustard, tons of candy.
I am fascinated by their skills, yet horrified by their Hoarders-esque storage rooms filled to the brim with items they don’t use, yet bought because they could. At least some of them donate items to charities.
I am super impressed by the way some get overages by couponing, which they in turn put towards fresh items at the grocery store. I’m pretty sure my store doesn’t do that, though, and also, I don’t have the desire to buy, nor the space to store 100 boxes of antacid just to earn some free stuff.
It’s riveting, though, and keeps me most entertained on Wednesday night. Thank you, TLC, for such a gem of a show.
22 comments
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April 28, 2011 at 9:04 am
Aly
I started to watch Extreme Couponing and after 2 episodes, I swore never again. I thought I would be hooked. I love to use coupons! However, I limit my couponing to things I need or will use in the near future. Watching the women on that show by 20 boxes of discontinued vitamins just because they were nearly free made me feel so uneasy! With so many people going without, to see all the excess that these people buy gave me a stomach ache! Also, would I like nearly free groceries? SURE! Do I want to spend 6 hours at the grocery store shopping and one whole hour at the register being rung out with my 12 seperate orders? No way!
April 28, 2011 at 9:17 am
kim
song – You are the best thing – Ray Lamontagne. http://youtu.be/vJ3xTjvj9tw
April 28, 2011 at 3:47 pm
molly
That’s the one I had in mind!
April 28, 2011 at 9:20 am
Keri
I haven’t watched the coupon show but I have noticed that, like the “Coupon Mom”, the majority of their stuff is processed crap. I hope coupons evolve to healthier options. I clip coupons and have for years. I use them mainly for cereals and hygiene stuff because we do our “perimeter shopping” at Whole Foods now. But I’m excited because I found a local family farm that sells chicken, beef and pork. I can’t wait to check them out!
April 28, 2011 at 9:49 am
Brooke
Just wanted to drop a note because I’ve been having the same issues as far as losing weight and not having anything fit me. I’m always afraid to buy new clothes because I tend to lose/gain pretty easily and I’ll end up a closet full of stuff that I won’t be able to wear in three months. However, if if you’re looking for inexpensive dresses, can I suggest checking out Tar-jay? This is so cute and only $24 (check out kendieveryday.blogspot.com to see it worn in person)!
http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Draped-Elastic-Waist-Dress/dp/B004FQQWWA/ref=sc_pd_gwvub_2_title
I think I might need to order it for myself. They also have a ton of cute summery dresses that won’t cost an arm and a leg. And I know I’m too old to be shopping there, but F21 also has some great summery skirts that you could pair with some cute heels and a nice top. I’m only 5’2″, though, so most of their stuff isn’t too short on me but might be for anyone taller. Good luck!
April 28, 2011 at 10:14 am
Bridget
Hi Molly,
Congrats on Owen finally sleeping through the night! A big breakthrough. For a song, what about “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder?
I also agree with Brooke. Target has some great stuff that should take you through the next few months.
April 28, 2011 at 10:18 am
Stacey
Ahhhh, I love photo/video montages. For Luke’s first year I used an instrumental song that I cannot think of the name right now but I will try to find it and tweet it to you. I wouldn’t care if you used it. For his second year I used “Catch the Wind” by Donovan. I love that song but it was also perfect because in almost every picture he was running.
I also like: Let It Be Me by Ray LaMontagne
Weight of the World by The Samples-LOVE THIS SONG, and when he says, “Can I please have one more dance with you?” I cry or almost cry EVERY TIME. There is a couple versions out there….
Godspeed-by the Dixie Chicks….I’m not a huge fan of country but back in the day I used to love the Dixie Chicks and even if you don’t like them, you will love this song as the momma of a boy.
April 28, 2011 at 11:45 am
DevilsHeaven
I have yet to watch a full episode of E.C., even though I’ve got them all DVRed. I thought I would watch it with the same thought in mind as you, pick up awesome tips for saving money; but DANG!! You are so right it is all CRAP food!!! If you have that much stock piled, are you REALLY using all of it? I liked the guy who donated his stuff to the milatary. And I do not have hours to spend making a binder of coupons. Half the time I forgot to turn in my bottle return slips that are IN MY POCKET from like 30 minutes ago! Let alone try to remember to bring all the right coupons that don’t happen to be expired. Crazy.
April 28, 2011 at 1:07 pm
kristen
The people on extreme couponing are crazy. And it’s really not possible to save THAT much money in one trip. Each store has coupon policies, usually restricting how many coupons you can use at one time and how many will double, etc. The stores are willingly and knowingly breaking their own policies for the pr. A lot of it is such crap, but I’ve done pretty well with pastas and and toilietries/household stuff – especially at cvs.
April 28, 2011 at 1:10 pm
amy
photo montage suggestion: rod stewart – forever young!
i feel you on the clothes thing, i am lose weight when i am stressed (which i am now for a variety of reasons) and my closet is ridiculous right now. i had the opportunity to see President Obama speak last week and couldn’t find ANYTHING that fit me right…and he wasn’t even going to see me! I would try a consignment shop first (they have one in northern CA that is called Crossroads and they buy quality stuff and resell for cheap) especially for more pricey things like pants.
April 28, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Erica
My Mom and I were talking about that show the other day and referring to current-day people as the “Costco Nation.” People have 2 vehicles and 2-3 car garages and can’t park in them because they have so much stuff that they picked up “on a good deal.” I’d be totally fine with the couponing if I knew that most of these people were donating the extras to a local shelter or food bank….but they’re not. And that, is sad.
Good luck on the clothes bit. It’s hard to shell out for clothes for yourself when on a budget. I always hit up Target, Old Navy, and Marshall’s first thing when I need something.
And YAY! For Owen sleeping so long. That’s fabulous. I hope he does it again, lots.
April 28, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Angela Noelle
Old Navy has some really cute stuff out right now, as well as some dresses that could work with some fancy shoes and accessorizing for a not too formal wedding! And their clothes are so cheap, you wouldn’t have to feel too bad about packing them up after a few months if they don’t fit anymore
April 28, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Elle
Email me your size. I have stuff and Christine has stuff that you can borrow to wear to weddings and showers. xoxo
April 28, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Dani
OH MY GOD. I have been watching extreme couponing also and I thought the exact same thing! They eat a bunch of frozen food crap. Where are the veggies? Although it’s mesmerizing, they are way too absorbed in the entire thing. Like last week, this lady had her toddler digging through trash…really?
April 28, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Jackie
What size are you? I imagine we are about the same size and I could send some stuff for you borrow if you’d like!
April 28, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Lee
I like the idea of couponing but it’s ridiculous to buy 28 package of cream cheese just because they are free. I mean, free stuff is cool but I draw the line at dumpster diving and stockpiling junk food!
April 28, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Britt
Extreme couponing is super crazy! The hoarding scares me! As for songs, I always love the music ThatWife uses on her videos – Oh, It’s Love by hellogoodbye is one of my favourites.
(and YAY!! for so much sleeping!! Go little O, go!)
April 28, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Mrs. Blur
I second old navy- thats where I picked up a dress for my little guys baptism in a couple weeks. I hit one of their sales and got my dress for 15 a cardigan for 8 and hubbys shirt for 8 so a total of $38 wasnt too bad.
April 28, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Jennifer
I love the extreme couponers. I am super impressed with how much they save on personal products and cleaning products.
Here are a few song suggestions:
Lullaby Song by Dixie Chicks, Swept Away(the sentimental version) by Avett Brothers or Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel(I don’t know his last name).
April 30, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Kez
Don’t feel guilty for needing new clothes! You need to live in the moment and appreciate yourself and how you look all the time – you can always sell things second hand if they never fit again but if you have more children or your weight fluctuates more often than you anticipate – the purchases may be worth it!
There are great bargains to be found, I’m sure
May 2, 2011 at 3:48 pm
kate
I have a 4 month old and had a similar crisis this weekend with clothing. Who knows how long this breastfeeding miracle diet will last, so I was hesitant to buy anything because who knows what size I’ll be in a month, three months, etc.
Long story short, I went to Gap and bought a few new-sized things and I feel like a new person. Totally worth the little amount of money you will spend for a whole big dose of happy self-esteem.
May 7, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Pam
Baby Mine. I had no clue it was from Dumbo but I love Bette Midler’s version in “Beaches”.