Happy Halloween

Here are some pictures of our Catepillar and Pink Witch....

4 Weeks Old

Wow.  Time flies.  Chase is now 9 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.5 inches long.  He is growing at a good rate.  He had a check up this morning and all is well.  He also got a shot for Hepatitis B.  More shots next month...he was not a fan of the shot.  I don't blame him.  He still sleeps a lot but is becoming more alert in the mornings. I am going to start an evening routine with him tonight to start working on getting him  to understand what bedtime is and to work on having him sleep without me holding him.  He has slept the past 3 nights in the bed with me and I did not have to hold him so I am hoping we can move to the bassinett next. 

Here is a picture of him with his owl from his room.  I will try my best to take a picture each month of him with the owl so we can see how he is growing. 

Clean Bill of Health

Got the all clear this morning from the doctor.  None of the tests came back positive so it was just some sort of virus our little guy picked up.  He weighs 7 lbs 10 ozs so he is gaining weight like a champ (and eats like one too).  He has almost gained a pound this week.  The challenge now is to keep the all adoring big sister out of his face as she is a walking petri dish I am sure of all sorts of bad germs.  I told her she can play with Chase's feet and she has to wash her hands, constantly.

Two Weeks Old

Chase is now 2 weeks old and the time is flying by.  He got to meet his cousin, Colt, last week and we enjoyed the time visiting with Russell and Katie.  Unfortunately, later that evening, Chase decided to spike a 101.8 fever and we went to the ER of the children's hospital here.  Chase had to have all kinds of tests (even a spinal tap, not fun) and had to stay in the hospital for 48 hours.  He had great nurses and got lots of attention.  All of the tests have come back negative so far so they think it was a viral infection.  His temp finally has come back down and we are enjoying being at home.  We visit the pediatrician again tomorrow for a check up but I expect it to be a good visit.

One week old

The week has flown by. Chase visited the pediatrician yesterday for a check up and all is going well. He weighs 6 lbs 15 oz, up 2 ounces since birth and up 9 ounces from his lowest weight at the hospital.  I had a setback with nursing Saturday morning and so I fed him by the bottle for Saturday but by Sunday was ready to give the nursing thing a try again, it is getting better.  Definitely easier in the middle of the night than going to get a bottle, washing it, etc. 

Parker is still pretty excited about the new addition.  She told us she announced to her friend at school that she has a little brother and she was real excited as she told us the story.  She got her hair cut this weekend and the lady asked if she could have Chase and Parker said no, not even for a lollipop, good sign.  Check back in 5 years and we will see what she says then.  She likes to help me get stuff for the baby and loves to look at him and rub his head. We did some tummy time with him last night and she loved that.  She got to see him raise his head and turn it to the other side.  He has a strong little neck. 

Here is a picture of Chase at one week old, relaxing in his bouncy seat.

Chase Michael Stewart

Born at 7:54

6 lbs 13 oz

19 inches

Mom and baby doing great.  Parker so far is pretty enamored with him.  Here are a couple of pictures.

Football and Ice Cream

Here's Michael and Parker gearing up for football season and enjoying ice cream.  Soon we will be able to eat this on the back deck that will be screened in...Michael is screening now.

 

Quiet weekend (one of the last) before baby #2

Barnsley Gardens Resort ( http://www.barnsleyresort.com/) was where we chose to spend a quiet weekend this past weekend. It was a very unique place and one that I would highly recommend.  I got a prenatal massage (wow, how relaxing) and we explored the property on our rented golf cart and hung out by the pool...it was soooo nice.

Here are some pictures.

  Where we stayed...isn't it cute?

5 Week Countdown

Only 5 weeks left until Baby # 2 will make his arrival.  We are trying to get all our open ended projects completed.  Michael is staining the deck as I type this and over Labor Day he will get it screened in.  Next weekend we are taking a short trip to Barnsley Gardens for some rest and relaxation before the baby comes.  I had a second 4D ultrasound Friday and all is well.  Here are some pictures from the session...

 

3-D Pictures of Baby #2

Here is a 3 D pictures of Baby #2....he is doing well and weighs 3lbs 3 oz.  Only 8 more weeks to go.  

 

Nursery Almost Ready

If we had a baby today we would be ready to welcome him home in style.  We worked on getting the nursery set up this weekend and taking stock of what we else we need to get before the little one arrives. Parker had a lot of fun playing with all the toys and using them with her baby doll so she is ready for her brother and can now operate all the equipment. She even got in the crib and wound up the mobile.  LIke my sister in law, Kelly, said, we will need lots of batteries thanks to Parker playing with everything all the time. 

Here are some pictures. Just need to hang a few items on the wall and we are ready....

 

 

 

 

 

Update

So it has been forever since I posted....here is a little update on the latest with the Stewart's.

• Baby #2 is a BOY!  We are excited if a little nervous about a boy.  Parker not sure what to expect.  She loved playing with her new cousin Blake at the beach. 


• We enjoyed a lovely time at Myrtle Beach about a week ago...Parker loved the sand, surf, and baby pool (and the kiddie rides at Broadway on the Beach)


• We cleaned out our attic this weekend to get all the baby gear down and make room to put our guest room items so we can get the baby's room ready (Man, Parker had a lot of clothes...mental note, they can only wear so much)


• Parker watched a July 4th parade (Mom and Dad were in it with the derby car)


• Parker enjoyed playing in the pool on the back porch


• Parker does not like fireworks, too loud.  She lied when she told me in the car she would not "freak" out...she did. 

That wraps it up for the most part.  Just getting the guest room cleaned out and ready for Baby #2....we are going to get the furniture picked up next weekend so I may have some pictures to show off of the room...we have the bedding and accessories ready to go.  He has lots of clothes too already (thanks to the Carter's outlet). 

Hope all is well and I will try and post more in the coming weeks!

Is it a Girl or Not?

So, baby number 2 is going to be the uncooperative type...how can I tell?  Today we went to the doctor for a check up and this was the visit where we were supposed to find out if we are having a boy or a girl.  However, baby number 2 decided to keep their leggs shut tight and only offer up a possibility that it is a girl....that is the doctor's guess.  So, back in two weeks to see if we will have a more cooperative child.  I will remember to drink a coke right before next time. 

A Day Out with Thomas (the tank engine)

Despite the pouring down rain (and no umbrella against my better judgement), we enjoyed a ride on Thomas this morning.  It was Parker's first train ride and she had fun.

On the way, the excitement builds:

Riding the train: 

 

Saying goodbye to Thomas:

My secret is that...

I am not sure what all the fuss is about, though I do like mom's doctor...he gave me a sucker Monday.  However, I think he was trying to bribe me into being excited about this little stinker's arrival.  I am not sure about that yet.  Mom is doing well though tired.  Baby Stewart not due until October 8th so we are not very far along.  The doctor also said the baby looks like me but I have no idea how he could tell that from this...how is this even a baby for goodness sakes. 

Mom goes back to the doctor on March 2nd for another ultrasound and check up.  And no, Mom and Dad say that they are not telling ANYONE (that includes you Grammy) what the name is once picked out, so don't ask. 

Parker says

That she cannot wait to share with you so check back tommorrow to see what it is (and no Mom, you cannot call me to get it out of me before then). 

Parker Update

With all the meal planning, coupon cutting, money saving endeavors of late, I have been remiss in posting an update about Parker for the grandparents, aunts, and uncles, etc.

She has been busy as a bee playing with all her new Christmas toys.  She especially likes playing with her new kitchen and her baby dolls.  Her vocabulary is getting bigger and bigger everyday and she says please and thank you.  She helps me feed the cat after work and gets mad if I do it first.  Oh how I hope she always wants to be so helpful.  She thinks she is 30 so we have to remind her she is 2.  As I write this, she is trying to figure out how to open the front door, NICE. 

Here are some recent pictures:

Yes, I am one of those parents who lets my kid veg out in front of TV.  Don't worry, she does not sit still for long.

 

Look at me Pap, I have a pink conductors hat.   

Meal Plan Monday

Last week was a little crazy so we ended up not following most of our meal plan.  We were out of town Fri and Satuday nights so I have those meals saved up for later.

Here is what is on tap for this week:

Monday-left overs

Tuesday-Spaghetti (moving this to Tues this week since I have an after work meeting Monday and we have leftovers from Sunday)

Wednesday-Chicken Teriyaki, rice, and brocoli

Thursday-White Chili

Friday-Pizza Hut (we have a $5.99 coupon)

Saturday-Fiesta Chicken Pasta

Sunday- Slow cooker Cheeseburger soup

Hope you all have something yummy planned to eat this week!

Focus: Being more Fiscally Responsible and CVS

So, in an effort to be more fiscally conscious this year, I have been looking at the sales and clipping/printing coupons.  I am stockpiling items we need/use when they are on sale versus paying full price.  Of course, before I embark on something I have to research it until the cows come home.  And I have hit the motherload of advice on how to save money....it is like a cult out there on saving money at CVS, Walgreens, Publix, etc.  I did my first purchase at CVS today using my new knowledge...I felt like the coupon police were going to come after me when I first went in but once I only spent $2.30 on my items, I was hit with a rush and cannot wait to save some more. 

SO, look at what I got for only $2.30 out of pocket (oop):

   

My Home Ec and 4-H teachers would be oh so proud of me. Here's the lowdown:

The CVS allergy tablets were $3.79 but you get an extra care buck (ECB) of $3.79 back=FREE

The St. Ives was on sale for $2.99 but I had a $2 off coupon from the internet=- $.99

The V-day Cards were $.99 a piece but if you buy 3 American Greetings cards, you got $3 in ECB back=FREE

The Johnson and Johnson Buddies Soaps were $1.19 but I had a $3.00/3 coupon making them $.19 apiece= $.57

The Kleenex is on sale for $.99 and I had a $.25 coupon=$.74

On top of all of that, I got a $5 off on $15 coupon on the bottom of my receipt.  I have $10.58 in ECB to use the next time I go in and I had a $10 ECB that I used on this above transaction so I really saved some moola. 

I had other purchases to make but I needed the Throat Coolers to be in stock (you get one at 4.99 and you get 4.99 back in EC's and I have 5 B1G1 coupons) so once those come in Thursday, I will be back to get them and to use my ECB's earned to buy the Pepsi and Cover Girl deal and I will come home from those purchases with another $13.00in ECB's to use in the future 

The best way to make all these deals happen is to use your ECB on purchasing other items where you get an ECB back, and to of course only buy things you will use or can give away as gifts or as a donation.  There are some great deals out there for free where you can stuff for your favorite charity of choice. 

Here are some resources I have found super helpful:

Money Saving Mom-insight on great deals, lists and links to CVS and Wal Green scenarios and links to printable internet coupons.  She has all kinds of links that will take you to other great resources.

Coupon Mom: Great description of how to save money in her free e-books, excellent message board and she matches up the weekly sales to the coupons in the paper so you can keep track of all this mess easily and she will e-mail them to you based on your store preferences.

Hope this helped get some of you motivated to try your hand at saving a buck!

Meal Plan Monday

I am so loving this meal planning....we did pretty good last week except Michael went out of town so I splurged on Wed and Fri with Parker.  We had McDonalds Wednesday and Dominos Friday but I had not put our food out to thaw yet so I still have Taco Chicken Packs and Bruschetta Chicken in the freezer for another night. I ate left overs on Thursday so all the food for the week was maximized. 

Stay tuned for another post this week on maximizing your savings at CVS...all I can say is WOW, where have I been. 

OK for this week, we are having:

Sunday: Slow Cooker Lasagna (this was supper easy and supper yummy)

Monday: Leftovers (switching it up this week bc we have so much left in the fridge to get rid of from the weekend: Taco soup and the lasagna)

Tuesday: Spaghetti

Wednesday: Taco Bake

Thursday: BBQ Chicken, green beans, and wild rice

Friday: Calzones

Saturday: Sweet and Sour Meatballs, rice, and brocolli

Sunday: Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup

Slow Cooker Lasagna:

1 lb uncooked lean ground beef

1 sm onion, chopped

1 medium garlic clove, minced

28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

15 oz can tomato sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 cup part skim ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cup part skim mozarella cheese shredded, divided

6 no cook lasagna noodles

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Heat large nonstick skillet and brown the onions, garlic and ground beef.  Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper and simmer 5 minutes.  Meanwhile, stir together mozarella and ricotta cheese.  Spoon 1/3 of the beef mixture into the crock pot, layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, add the cheese mixture and repeat.  Cover slow cooker and cook on low 4 to 6 hours.  Remove cover; turn off heat, and season to taste.  In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup mozarella cheese and the 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, sprinkle over beef mixture.  Cover and set aside until cheese melts and lasagna is firmed up.  About 10 minutes.

Note:  I left out the Ricotta cheese and it was still yummy.

Mexican Chicken Soup

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 cans cream of chicken soup

2 cups water

1 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes and green chile peppers, undrained

1 tsp ground cumin

sour cream (optional)

crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Brown chicken in skilet coated with cooking spay and transfer to slow cooker.  In a bowl, combine the soup, water, beans, undrained tomatoes, and cumin.  Pour over chicken in slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low about 6 hours. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream and chips.