Pulling Up and Standing is the New Black

 Now that Red is crawling everywhere, he knows how to crawl speedily over to the toy box and pull up on it.  It was really early this morning as I attempted to snap a few pictures in between sips of tea.  Red's sleepy eyes are evident.  

But not sleepy enough to go BACK to sleep!

It's a big deal. 

He thinks he's absolutely hot stuff being able to control what toys he wants to play with.  Those would be whatever I didn't pull out for him that morning.  

My Dad especially thinks this is funny, and loves to have these pictures of the mischievious ongoings.   I think Red's newfound ability to get into the DVD shelves, blinds, fireplace and nightlight are less hilarious.  A-Babyproofing I go!

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Review: BabyTrend Expedition Single Jogger

Since I've been trying to drop some inches, I've been walking 6 days a week.  So far, no loss in the poundage, but my Lilly Pullitzer sundress fits again! I figure it's more moving the fat around, much like I move our money around before it blows out of our account again.  

Regardless, the awesome Peg Perego stroller we have wasn't cutting it on the scraggly sidewalks and uneven terrain around our neighborhood.  Even some of the hills and lifted sidewalk blocks IN our neighborhood were doing a number on it.  So I started looking at joggers, and debated whether or not to go for it, or get my next pair of awesome cowboy boots.  

Just kidding. These are $800.
But really, anyone wanna pitch in? 

Then a friend, "Alice and Peanut"'s Mom, said she had one she wasn't using, and would loan it to me to see if I like it.  YUSS! A free trial is most excellent!  She sent me a few pictures to seal the deal, but I was already there!  Red and I took a little trip to go and pick it up that week! 

After pumping up the tires a bit and giving it a quick wipe down, at the owner's recommendation, I took it for a spin.  Wow.  So much better.  If you've never used a jogging stroller, you may not know that it has actual tires that help to support the stroller as you go along.  Smooth.  It even gave me a faster time on Runkeeper! (Thanks to NC Friend Tara for suggesting the app!)

No cracks about how slow I am.
I'm a walker, people! And there's hills...
And....

I liked it so much that now I'm going to write a little review for the BabyTrend Expedition Single Jogger.  This exact color and model combo aren't sold anymore, but there are models just like it for sale at  Target, Walmart, Amazon.com and other local and online retailers.  

First of all, I noticed the compact fold that helped us get this puppy home in our Jeep.  

Nice and compact!

A 3 wheeled, older model, this thing is very light, tightly folded with standing lock, and two handles for easy lifting and maneuverability.   To unfold, simply release the standing lock, push on the safety press, and squeeze and release latches on each side.  The stroller folds out easily and quickly, but it still takes two hands.  (You'll need to set it up while baby is in the car seat if you're out on the trails)

Easy to fold and un-fold. But it takes two hands.

Our tester peeks over at us

The three tires need to be pumped up to 25 psi, which is easy if you have a bike pump with a gauge.  Available at Walmart for only $10 - easy purchase and good to have around for other things like sports balls, pool gear, etc.  The front wheel of this model DOES NOT swivel.  Most newer models have a front wheel that can remain fixed for jogging, or swivels with a latch to allow for walking.  I think I would like that feature very much, but I've learned over the short period of loaner-ship that I can make this work.   (Also note the foot rest here).

Non-swiveling model, front single wheel

Unlike several joggers that I have encountered, BabyTrends have a nice little storage bin at the bottom.  This is very helpful to hold your giant Nalgene of water, mail that you picked up, treasures that Red finds, keys, or sweatshirts that you have to peel off during the sweat-hog jog.  It's soft but sturdy, and high enough off the ground not to scrape over tree roots or bad sidewalks.  

Boo - We got bills that day.

There's a few little extras for Mamas or Daddies up higher, too.  A zippered pocked on one side of the canopy holds looser items that you might bring with you, and there is an identically sized pocket on the other side, but it is velcro-secured instead of zippered. Still handy, though.  

I like this next feature the best.  The Mama tray at the top of the jogger fits your iPhone or iPod perfectly.  It stays at finger's touch for run trackers, music, or answering the phone with your headset.  One hand can stay on the brake if needed (labeled below).  Now, the 2 cup holders, I feel differently about. They are very shallow and puny. I'm not even sure you could have a can of something without sloshing it everywhere, much less a tall bottle of water.  I believe the newer models fixed this, but please check for yourself before you purchase!  

And now some features that affect your little one.  The canopy is adequate, and folds forward to nearly a flat plane. It doesn't cover the side very much, so if you are running late in the day, or early in the morning against the sun, be aware of that.  I do like the large clear window in the canopy, and the rolldown and velcro-able shade.  Allows more visibility or less sun - whichever is needed.  I also find that the shape of the canopy doesn't affect wind resistance, so that's nice! 

A nice foothold sits in the middle of the rear axle, and provides good leverage if you need to get over a large curb.  Two exceptionally strong (read: hard for me to release with my feet, had to use my hands) stop brakes can stop the rear wheels for a stand-still stop. They are GOOD!  

A nice option I saw was the recline. Most joggers have a "soft" recline using a strap to sit up or lay back (not flat) the rear seat. This one, Red prefers reclined, but I think that's because he likes to be lazy on our walks. They almost always chill him out.  It acts like a seatbelt on a grocery cart - snap in and out - tighten and loosen. 

And speaking of seatbelts, this one was very satisfactory. I didn't seen anything it was lacking, or wished it to be more than it was.   There are two "optional" releasable shoulder straps that click on in a D-ring carribeaner sort of way, a crotch strap that acts as the female portion of the buckle, and the side pieces.  It's a 5 point harness that can convert to a 3 point, which is nice for both older babies and younger ones to keep them safe and interested in the walk.  

The newer BabyTrend Expedition models retail for about $99 to $139, depending on which one you buy.  Doubles are always more expensive.  If you are a Mama on a budget (aren't we all!), try your local consignment sales or stores.  I usually see one or two of these on the first morning of the sales.  Craigslist Atlanta has several doubles for sale at any given time.  If none of those work for you, ask around! See if someone will loan you one to try, or perhaps sell you their older one!  

Lastly, I think my tester really enjoys his rides! He gets very excited when I pull it from the garage for our daily walk, and this Mama loves how much easier it is to **achoo** exercise.  

Loves the walks!

And Red makes quite the happy walking companion!  After our "loan" is up, I might have to shop the consignment sales and get myself one! Thanks again to Carly for the loan - we love it!

Sweet Red

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WHERE did I put that??

I was feeding Red a post-nap bottle when the phone rang. It was a great friend and client, and we started to chat about a project.

Red stopped eating, to notice the call and then become distracted by toys, which was fine. I put down the bottle to pick up some notes about the project.

Client and I went on to discuss the project for a little while, and when we were done, I looked and looked and looked.

Bottle was GONE. I mean no where. Not under the couches, in the kitchen, any of the usual, or UNusual places. It's been 3 hours, and I can see the bottle leaking formula somewhere in my house... pooling in a little Red-tasty treat pile.

Was it in a drawer with the folded laundry? Under the couch mingling with the dust bunnies?  Maybe Dooley took it for a snack.

This thought will, no doubt, plague me for the rest of the week until I find it. Or I don't.

Ever. Or until we move.

WHERE IS IT?????

Two Babies - English Bulldog and Red!

The two of my babies were crawling around on the floor after each other. Red was chasing Dooley, and I caught these quick photos.  They are both on all fours, and then as Red reaches for Doo, Doo decides he's outta here.  

Oh Hai!

I managed to get Dooley to answer a few questions about how he feels about the whole thing.

I'm sorry, you wanted, what?

But then Red decided that he wanted to pet Dooley again and went right after him, causing the English Bulldog to dodge the baby by escaping around the ottoman.  Swiftly.

Doo escapes the iron-grip of Red the Red.

For the record, Doo only moves a few feet away, causing Red to crawl right after him, and the event plays out again.  It's a scene that plays out around this house many times a day :) And it entertains me every time.

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Mama's night out!

Niether Red nor Hubs will be going with me tonight! I'm headed to a work function/fundraiser for The Lovett School called The Great Conversation.  It's a plated dinner and cocktail hour designed around small tables of people hosted by a local accomplished artist.  I went last year when I was massively pregnant with Red, and it was a whole lot of fun.  

Hubs will have Red - they are going on a little field trip to his parent's house for dinner and family time.  

It's not often that I get out by myself, and in heels, even!  I'll try to remember to take a few pictures, but it's a fun night out for me! (Even if it is work).  

I'm also wearing seriously dangle-y earring that Red would have a field day with.  

I'll also tell you that without a stroller or large diaper bag, I feel kinda naked!

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Make Your Own Baby Food! (A How-To)

I didn't start out making my own baby food. I think I was a bit overwhelmed with work, intimidated by the vast amount of foods, and scared of doing it all wrong.  

Red made such faces when we first introduced solids, that it made me worry that I was already doing something wrong.  I started reading up on organics, bought what was on sale and used my coupons like a crazed woman.  

Looks like the Longhorn Bouffant Lady!

But, it was still expensive in the long run.  Plus, there are only a few "Stage 3" foods available out there.  They usually vary from store to store, but there are not a lot of them.  Once we got to this point (where Red needed to learn how to eat chunkier textures), I started to make my own bananas and easy to mash foods like that.  Success came slowly.  Now that he's used to that, I need to create more chunky things like veggies, and (dear god) meats.  

Cue the process of making your own.  What follows is my step by step process to create a few purees. The great thing about doing it this way, is that you can create a customized chunkiness/pieces designed for your needs, it's way cheaper, fresher and easier than I thought.  Feel free to mix flavors or add some light seasonings and salt if you feel it's necessary.  Remember - baby's taste buds are much more sensitive than ours!

I wanted to make Sweet Potatoes for Red.  Some people call them Yams (we southerners do!), but there is a subtle difference in these roots.  The rounder version on the left is a sweet potato.  It is lighter in color and usually doesn't get longer than 5-6".  The version on the right hand side is an actual Yam.  They are darker, sweeter, and get very large naturally.  If you shop in the south, you will most likely find Yams in your store, even if they are marked "Sweet Potatoes".  

Sweet Potato vs. Yam

First, drag out all the stuff you need to make your purees - cutting board, boiling water, knife, peeler, food processor with good blade, and little storage jars.  

Mise-en-place

I prefer to use these Rubbermaid Easy-Find 4oz. thingies. They clean really well in the dishwasher and are secure enough to take with you.  You can also use washed and dried baby food glass jars, larger tupperware, etc.

If you don't have a food processor, you can always hand-mash your potatoes.  For other things like broccoli and snap peas, you will want to dice them finely with a knife and mix them into something like sugar-free applesauce.  (You can also use your blender, but it doesn't work as nicely).

Mashy Mashy Mashy, Mash your little veggies.

I like to add a little salt to my water, but just a pinch.  And, like Alton Brown taught me, I make sure it's a nice Kosher salt!  Next up, use your peeler and get all the skin off your potatoes.  Dice them into smaller pieces, which helps them cook faster!!

Slice and Dice!

Slip them carefully into the boiling water, making sure not to splash yourself with scalding-hot-fire-of-God water. Boil for about 10-15 minutes or until your potato piece mashes gently with a fork.  After your potatoes finish cooking, drain them in a strainer in the sink.  Note the excessive steam.  HOT!!

After draining the water, place your blazing hot veggie pieces into the processor.  

Use the Chop and Gring features of the control panel to alternate blade spin directions to get a creamy consistency.  If your puree is too think, add some formula, breast milk, or water to get the desired creaminess.  Now would be a good time to add other purees that you have on hand or have already made in order to mix flavors.  I added a tiny pat of butter and a mini-dash of seasonings to mine. 

Gently spoon out your finished puree into the tupperware containers, or washed and dried baby food jars.  You can also spoon the purees into ice cube containers and freeze your "cubes" of food.  

Also, you little piggy, clean up your mess when you're done :) And make sure you're not a horrible mother and operate the food processor when your baby is in the highchair looking on. You might irrevocably scar him with the loud noises.  

Just sayin'. 

Review in Babyproofing: BabiesRUs Outlet Plugs, 36 pack

Yesterday, as I was snapping photos in the living room, Red crawled away from his toys, all the way across the room to something he wasn't supposed to touch at all.

The wall outlets.  ...but the nightlight is soooo shiny, Mom!

Yes, it may be shiny, Red, but it's still a no no in this game!  His little activity prompted me to go ahead and dig out my box of socket plugs from his baby storage boxes.  

From our registry at BabiesRUs, these have finally come in handy.  They came in a pack of 36, costing less than $3.50, which has stretched a long way.  I'm glad there were so many in the pack, because I have 8 uncovered outlets in the den alone, much less those that are covered by furniture.  

The plugs have a rounded front, and equal-sized double prongs on the back.  They are smooth to the touch, and fairly easy for adults to get out of the wall.  

Pronged back

Smooth front

 I think the smooth rounded front will keep Red from pulling these out for a little while, but everything becomes a toy eventually. Things I like about these plugs? 

~They are very clear to allow the aesthetic of the room to show through, but thick enough to prevent little fingers from wandering.  

~The prongs are both the same size, which allows quick insertion and removal without figuring which side is which.  

~They are cheap!!

~Fairly sturdy

~Clear plastic material lets the wall/outlet not look strange

~36 count was plenty even for our outlet-plentiful room(s)

Plug in action

Close up!

Things that are not the best: 

~I really don't get the need for directions on the back. Really, BabiesRUs? I thought it was very simple.

~Red will eventually learn to pluck these from the wall

~I have to remove them when I want to vacuum - which happens a lot!

I fully expect Hubs and I to teach Red that outlets aren't something to play with. They are to be respected for the electricity that they contain.  But for now, they sure are a handy little way to help teach this lesson.  All in all, I would buy these again because of the safety issue, even if it becomes unnecessary for us in the future.  I read reviews on other types of outlet covers, and it seems that they too, have flaws.  Even more.  I'm happy with out choice.  How did you or do you plan to tackle this safety issue?

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Wonderful visitors!

Last week I was slammed with work, and I was gone from the blog for a little while.  

And now that I'm back, I get to tell you a little about what happened!  My Mom, (who can't decide between Nonna and Dragon for her name) and My Nana (Mom's mom) came this week to lovingly take care of Red while I was pulling long hours at the theatre(s) and Hubs was working.  

It was Sunday afternoon, when the suitcases started rolling in...

And even a few gifts graced our doorstep! (Oranges for Hubs, collected magazines for Me, Dipes for Red).  We were very happy and thankful to have all of it!  Mom did all our laundry, and dusted the house - which was AWESOME!  Um, Mom - can you be my professional duster? You know very well it's the one household chore I absolutely detest.  

Presents!

Mom and Nana really helped Red along this week, lavishing attention on him that Hubs and I couldn't while we were working so much.  Red got to eat his first cookie - a Gerber Graduate Arrowroot Cookie, but still a little sweet nonetheless.  And he liked it.  He knew exactly what to do with it when it was presented. Grab, and shove in mouth.  More on that (with photos!) later.  

I was ecstatic that Mom and Nana wanted to cook for us - we got veggie soup, cornbread and mac n cheese.  (This is the South, after all!)  Later, they made Chicken and Rice, Butter Beans with Ham, and Meatloaf (strictly for Hubs, as I pretend to be allergic to the stuff... BLECK!).  

nom nom nom

Red got to watch Sesame Street and Sing a Longs, play with new toys from T (My Dad) and finally wear his awesome Batman pajamas (WITH DETACHABLE CAPE!) from family Christmas presents.  

Hanging out, watching and listening
intently to Elmo & Grover

I'm Batman.

But Red had to work for all this fun.  He learned how to stand in his crib (and not nap for anyone), eat chunky food, feed himself puffs, crawl on all fours with his belly off the ground, and pull all the baskets off the shelf.  Overall, Red was spoiled rotten the way only grandmothers can do - with lots of love, holding, and cookies.  

And I think they liked it, too.  And we liked having them here.  A lot. 

Four Generations

I miss you guys a lot. Thank you for all that you did, and come back soon.  xoxox

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Red's Photo Shoot

Since Hubs and I both work in the artistic industry, we both have some very talented friends.  One of our special family friends Hubs met back in 2007-2008.  Her name is Tracy, and she runs Babycake Studios.  An awesome photographer, Tracy arranged a few sessions for Red as he has gotten older.  We were so lucky to have Tracy visit the hospital on the day of Red's birth to take newborn photos. I mean he was one day old - fresh - as I like to call it.  

These shots helped us to make our newborn announcements, too!

A week later, she came to the house to get some more shots of Red - a little less wear and tear, more sleeping and sniper pooping.  (Sniper poop is where you think you're safe from a poop, get the baby nakie for a shot, and then the poop flies - it's a bad, but hilarious thing).   

Thankfully, no one got hit, and it was a wonderful session.  When your little one is this small, it's easy to pose them while they sleep, and you get some great shots!  

My Mom's favorite!

And last, we just recently had our 8 month shoot.  We decided to wait past 6 months so Red could sit up steadily on his own and develop some personality, but catch him quickly before, as Tracy said, "he crawls right out of the frame"!  Red was very cranky that morning, but over the course of about 90 minutes, we got some shots.  (Even if he was crying to be held!)  Let it be known that Red wanted his blankie in every shoot to keep him calm, so we started to improvise.   (I think this is my favorite shot!)

If you have a chance, go check Tracy out at Babycake Studios. I also do headshot makeup and styling for her, so we might meet up!  Hubs and I treasure these photos so much - as clothes become too small, toys break, and diapers are used, these photos will live on for us, and remind us of when Red was so very small and needed us so much.  A session is the perfect baby gift.  I love these photos!  THANK YOU TRACY!

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Even Dooley got in on the shoot :)