Ok ladies (and gentleman that wanna impress your lady), tonight from 9pm-11pm EST at victoriassecret.com get FREE shipping on any order with code SHIPANY. Also save $15 off a $100 order, $30 off $150, $75 off $250 and $150 off $500 with code FANTASY13. This does not apply to clearance and several other items (for a complete list, click here). From now through December 4th you also get a free Secret Rewards Card. These cards have a minimum value of $10 but you could get lucky and get one valued at $25, $50, $100 or $500!!
Victoria's Secret has several items priced at $10. If you purchase something for $10, it's as if you're getting it for free if you take into account the Secret Rewards Card you'll get in your order. You only earn 1 Rewards Card per order so make several orders (they'll all ship free) to get multiple Rewards Cards! Happy shopping!!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Veteran's Day Deals!
I want to start by saying THANK YOU to all that have served and all who are currently serving!! You are some of the hardest working men & women out there and your service does not go unnoticed. With that, the following discounts will be available for Labor Day for veterans, active duty members and (in some cases) spouses:
Applebee's - choose from a free signature Thank You Meal menu that includes some of Applebee's favorite items.
Bob Evans - free all-you-can-eat hot cakes.
Boston Market - free whole chicken with purchase of a family meal.
California Pizza Kitchen - free pizza from the menu (dine-in only). *Participating locations*
Carrabba's - free appetizer. *Participating locations*
Chili's - free meal from special Veteran's Day Menu.
Denny's - from 6am-2pm get free all-you-can-eat pancakes.
Einstein Bagels - from 5:30am-5pm get a free Signature or Classic Bagel & Shmear (or any other topping).
Famous Dave's - offers vary by location but include a variety of discounts & free meals.
Fox & Hound Tavern - free hamburger.
Golden Corral - free buffet and drink.
Hooters - free meal (up to $10.99 value) with the purchase of a drink.
IKEA - free entrée which includes a sandwich, hot dish or entrée salad (up to $9.99).
Krispy Kreme - free coffee & donut *Participating locations*
Little Caesar's - free crazy bread.
Longhorn Steakhouse - free appetizer from a list of 10 options.
Olive Garden - free meal from a special menu.
On the Border - free entrée from the Create Your Own Combo menu. Also, if you bring in this Carry the Load flyer, OTB will donate 15% of eligible sales to Carry the Load.
Outback Steakhouse - free Bloomin' Onion & a free beverage.
Red Lobster - free Texas Tonion appetizer and a free non-alcoholic beverage.
Red Robin - free Tavern Double Burger & Bottomless Steak Fries.
Starbucks - free tall fresh brewed coffee (includes spouses). *Participating locations*
Texas Roadhouse - choose from a free special lunch menu, includes beverage & sides.
TGIFriday's - free lunch from 11am-2pm.
Tony Roma's - free 6oz sirloin entrée.
Twin Peaks - choose any meal from their menu for lunch or dinner.
Village Inn - free complimentary Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgium Waffle or 3 slices of French Toast.
Each location will require proper identification or you must be in uniform to receive any of the above. This list does not include every place that may have a deal. If you know of one that may benefit somebody, feel free to comment below.
If you or anyone you know serves or has served, please be sure to get something listed above, as we all know YOU DESERVE IT!!!
Applebee's - choose from a free signature Thank You Meal menu that includes some of Applebee's favorite items.
Bob Evans - free all-you-can-eat hot cakes.
Boston Market - free whole chicken with purchase of a family meal.
California Pizza Kitchen - free pizza from the menu (dine-in only). *Participating locations*
Carrabba's - free appetizer. *Participating locations*
Chili's - free meal from special Veteran's Day Menu.
Denny's - from 6am-2pm get free all-you-can-eat pancakes.
Einstein Bagels - from 5:30am-5pm get a free Signature or Classic Bagel & Shmear (or any other topping).
Famous Dave's - offers vary by location but include a variety of discounts & free meals.
Fox & Hound Tavern - free hamburger.
Golden Corral - free buffet and drink.
Hooters - free meal (up to $10.99 value) with the purchase of a drink.
IKEA - free entrée which includes a sandwich, hot dish or entrée salad (up to $9.99).
Krispy Kreme - free coffee & donut *Participating locations*
Little Caesar's - free crazy bread.
Longhorn Steakhouse - free appetizer from a list of 10 options.
Olive Garden - free meal from a special menu.
On the Border - free entrée from the Create Your Own Combo menu. Also, if you bring in this Carry the Load flyer, OTB will donate 15% of eligible sales to Carry the Load.
Outback Steakhouse - free Bloomin' Onion & a free beverage.
Red Lobster - free Texas Tonion appetizer and a free non-alcoholic beverage.
Red Robin - free Tavern Double Burger & Bottomless Steak Fries.
Starbucks - free tall fresh brewed coffee (includes spouses). *Participating locations*
Texas Roadhouse - choose from a free special lunch menu, includes beverage & sides.
TGIFriday's - free lunch from 11am-2pm.
Tony Roma's - free 6oz sirloin entrée.
Twin Peaks - choose any meal from their menu for lunch or dinner.
Village Inn - free complimentary Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgium Waffle or 3 slices of French Toast.
Each location will require proper identification or you must be in uniform to receive any of the above. This list does not include every place that may have a deal. If you know of one that may benefit somebody, feel free to comment below.
If you or anyone you know serves or has served, please be sure to get something listed above, as we all know YOU DESERVE IT!!!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
FREE photos at Target....starting 10/27
Beginning Sunday (10/27), 4x6 photos will be on sale for 10 cents each. There is currently a Target store coupon available for $5 off 50 4x6 prints. With the sale price and coupon, that's 50 prints absolutely FREE. Keep in mind each computer allows two prints each for coupons so that's 100 photos FREE!! Click here to get your coupon.
Amazing deal on Vera Bradley baby bags...this weekend only!!!
Vera Bradley is having an ahh-mazing deal on baby items this weekend only. The Messenger baby bag, regularly priced at $118, and the Baby bag, regularly priced at $99, are both on sale for $49.99. They have some oh-so-adorable patterns that would be perfect for a boy or girl. Also, for any baby purchase, you score a FREE Bunny and Bear book ($8 value). Not only that, but if you spend $50 or more in baby style items, you get 3 pairs of baby socks ($19 value) FREE. Still not done.....spend $75 or more and receive FREE shipping AND an additional 25% off your order. Here is an example:
Buy one Messenger baby bag - $49.99
Buy one Baby bag - $49.99
Get baby socks - FREE
Get 2 baby books - FREE
Get FREE shipping
Get additional 25% off
Pay $74.98 total for 2 bags, 2 books & 3 pairs of socks!! This weekend only!!
Friday, October 25, 2013
6 months of pure love and happiness...
So today baby T turned 6 months old.....half a year....ALREADY. Where did the time go? I found myself looking at his little hands and feet a bit longer today. Studying his little ears and mouth and giving him extra kisses. I can't believe my baby, the little boy doctors told us almost didn't make it, is growing so fast. I caught myself tearing up as I thought back to how much joy, love and happiness this boy has brought to our lives. I can't even begin to explain how lucky I am that I was chosen to be his mother. So a big Happy (half) Birthday to my baby boy! Mommy loves you to the moon and back!!
Please stop growing my baby boy.
Family photo during the hubby's lunch break.
This boy LOVES the camera!
I cannot believe how big he's gotten
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Coupon for Lindt chocolate
If you're a fan of chocolate (I mean, who isn't?), head over to Lindt Chocolate USA's Facebook page and "like" it. Once you've liked their page, look for the post marked by today's date with a link for how to get a $2 off 1 chocolate bar coupon (you have to watch a quick video to get the coupon). You can also click on "photos" where you will find a picture that states "Save $2.00". Click the photo and you'll see the link. Now, go get your chocolate!!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Week 1 - Temptation, temptation everywhere...
Since deciding to start Operation Healthy Mom on Sunday, things have completely changed. I've become very much aware as to what I'm allowing myself to put in my body, just ask the hubby. Sunday was the day I had made the decision to finally make a change (if you haven't read about it, you can find it here). That afternoon I planned out a shopping trip and made the decision of preparing my meals for the week. Ha, so much for that idea. The Broncos game was on and I couldn't leave to go grocery shopping during it (do you know who my hubby is?). I didn't let this get me down though. I headed to the store immediately afterwards and found a few goodies to begin this change of healthy eating.
From this...
To this.....these are my goodies!
Needless to say it was almost 9:30pm by the time I got home and there was no way I was going to spend the next several hours preparing meals. I did, however, know while at the store that this wasn't going to happen and picked up a few salads for dinner, keeping it easy and healthy. For dessert I had a single chocolate rice cake with a small amount of natural peanut butter, absolutely delicious!! The hubby wanted something for dessert that I would've loved to have also, a good 'ol Snickers. He even asked me if I'd be mad if he ate it. I laughed and told him that I wouldn't be mad, although deep down I was actually jealous. Temptation number one and.....Operation Healthy Mom gets a point.
Day one proved to be even more challenging. Who decides to go to the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot the day after deciding to take control of her life? This woman right here. Talk about temptations EVERYWHERE! This was the first time I had ever been to this festival and I just wanted to try everything from everywhere.....BUT....I stuck to my plan. For anyone that isn't aware of this festival, they offer different food "samples" (a small portion) of a certain country's authentic foods and wines, so you can only imagine how hard it was. We were there during lunchtime and I was hungry. I only tried 2 samples and was rather proud of myself. I chose to have a beef empanada from Argentina and a spicy salmon and tuna bite (more like a mini roll) from China. They were both amazing. Although I debated getting a shrimp taco from Mexico, I resisted the urge. This is saying a lot because my weakness is Mexican food. To drink.....water! You heard it right. At a festival for wine, I drank water. What's even better? I brought my gallon of water with me & was drinking straight up. Imagine the amount of weird looks I got, especially since I wrote "Drink Me" on it (a gallon of water a day is my goal). We did a lot of walking around the park so by the end of the day, I didn't feel as guilty about what I ate. Temptation number two and.....Operation Healthy Mom gets (I'd say) half a point.
Delicious spicy tuna & salmon roll from China
Gotta stay hydrated!!
Later in the week good 'ol Aunt Flough came pounding on the door. I wanted to turn her away but she was here and ready to tear my insides out and put cravings in my mind that were hard to turn away. Is it too much to ask for a big fat chicken burrito with extra cheese and extra sour cream from Chipotle? Well NOW it is....bummer. Nothing says "I've got this" like resisting food cravings when the lady you want to punch the most, in her non-existent face, shows up. Friday was a little bit harder to keep on track. By now, we had run out of "healthier" food in the house and I was just too
Woke up to this from the hubby. Love!
Now I know everyday will be full of temptations but it's all about the mindset that I CAN do this and I WILL do this. Below is the list of everything I've ate this past week:
My everyday breakfast (banana, a mini whole
wheat bagel with less than a tablespoon of
cream cheese and two hard boiled eggs with
fresh cracked pepper.
Breakfast everyday (except Saturday/Sunday) consisted of what you see above - 2 hard boiled eggs, a banana and a mini whole wheat bagel with 1/2 tbsp. of cream cheese. On Saturday the hubby, baby and I went to Mimi's Café where I resisted the urge of pancakes and waffles and chose a croissant sandwich with eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese (only eating HALF) and a cup of fresh fruit. I ate the remaining half of this sandwich for breakfast on Sunday.
Snacks this week I had either a serving of craisins (100 calories), lightly salted rice cake with a tsp of natural peanut butter or chocolate rice cake with either natural peanut butter or PB2.
Lunches I ate mostly chicken (flavored with spices and hot sauce), brown rice and a veggie or lean ground turkey (spices & tons of cilantro), brown rice and a veggie. One day I substituted a salmon filet (salt, pepper, garlic and lemon) for the protein.
Dinners (except Saturday) it was pretty much the same, chicken or lean ground turkey, brown rice and a veggie (I've become addicted to asparagus). Saturday was "date" night (thank you grandma K for watching baby T). I'm sorry, but you just can't go to a movie without having popcorn (like I mentioned before) so for dinner I chose a chicken Caesar wrap with fresh fruit on the side.
When I look at this list and compare it to what I used to eat, I'm so proud of myself. I've been measuring out my portions to ensure I'm not overdoing anything, something I've never done before. Instead of starting every morning with a large cup of creamer topped off with coffee (just being honest), I'm starting it off with a NanoLean shake (you can find out about NanoLean here). Everyone sing with me, "The best part of waking up, is
Starting my day off right.
The delicious finished product.
The only changes I've noticed so far is feeling more "awake" throughout the day, probably because I'm fueling my body with healthy food instead of processed crap like before. I cannot wait to see these changes happen and what the upcoming weeks have in store for me!
Week one I'd declare a SUCCESS!! Bring on Week 2!!!
Week one I'd declare a SUCCESS!! Bring on Week 2!!!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Sneaky Peak of T's Spooktacular Shoot
So as much as I'd love to have professional pictures taken of baby T for just about anything new he does and every special occasion, I just don't know any photographers in this town nor do I want to spend a bajillion dollars to have them done. Don't get this confused with me not wanting to spend every penny on my child because.....well.....who DOESN'T want to? I just decided that I could take his pictures instead of some stranger, saving us money and giving me more bonding time with my son.
Well, the other day baby T and I did a Halloween photo shoot. It was so much fun, although pictures are getting a little more difficult to take by myself since he's becoming more and more mobile. So I figured I'd share some of the pictures with my readers.....just because. I love every single one of them and if you can't tell, I'm OBSESSED with black and white photos. There were TONS but I chose some of the best for you because I love you all (I know, I shouldn't have). Enjoy!!
Well, the other day baby T and I did a Halloween photo shoot. It was so much fun, although pictures are getting a little more difficult to take by myself since he's becoming more and more mobile. So I figured I'd share some of the pictures with my readers.....just because. I love every single one of them and if you can't tell, I'm OBSESSED with black and white photos. There were TONS but I chose some of the best for you because I love you all (I know, I shouldn't have). Enjoy!!
Love his smile. Happy Halloween!
Boo!
My favorite out of all of them! I just love his little smile/laugh.
Love the "spooky" feeling of this one.
Trick or treat from this cutie!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Halloween deal for the whole family...
Halloween is quickly approaching and you know what that means? Candy, and lots of it. Well if you need something to break up all that sugary goodness you'll be enjoying, swing on over to one of MY all time favorite places, Chipotle. If you go dressed in ANY costume between 4pm-close, you can score a burrito, tacos, bowl or salad for $3!! So save some room and get your "Boorito" on!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
It's time for.....Operation Healthy Mom!
There comes a time in life where all of a sudden things hit you like a ton of bricks. Whether this is making a change of a relationship, job or everyday activities, it just happens. Usually you wake up one day and decide "today's the day". Well, this was me today. I can't exactly say I woke up with this overwhelming feeling of needing to make a change. This feeling came over me after devouring a homemade breakfast made for a caveman. Bacon, eggs, a bagel with cream cheese and a HUGE helping of hashbrown casserole (I won't even begin to tell you what's inside this dish). Ok, ok....I had a second serving of casserole after the first (well, I'm being honest). After finishing my plate, yep every bite, I plopped my body on the couch completely full & couldn't move for AT LEAST 10 minutes. It was those 10 minutes where it hit me......I need to make a change.....NOW!! To-day. Not tomorrow, not next week but right now. This very second everything will change. I no longer want to look in the mirror in disgust, throw on my oversized t-shirt and my maternity pants (ahhhh, yes I'm still wearing my maternity pants) and wonder which roll is going to show through my clothes today. I no longer want to wonder what my husband thinks of me, although I know he loves me no matter what. I no longer want to be unhealthy. Everything is going to change. It's time for....da da da...."Operation Healthy Mom".
I know I just had a baby 5, almost 6, months ago & I shouldn't be so hard on myself. "It took you 9-10 months to gain the weight, it should take you that long to lose it". I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've heard this. Well, I don't have 9-10 months to wait in the hopes that this weight will "magically" fall off. Getting healthy, for me, needs to start today. Becoming a mom changes your way of thinking. I NEED to be healthy for baby T, there's just no other options. He needs me around for a long time and I need to do my part to ensure this happens.
So my journey begins now. Healthy eating, exercise and dedication are my new life musts along with being a loving wife and mommy. Keep in mind, I am human and I know there will be some slip ups from time to time (hello holidays, is that you knocking on the door) but this will be a lifestyle change. I'm not looking for a number on the scale. I've done that before always to be let down when I didn't hit a certain number by a certain date. I'm looking to get out of that category of "obese" that I'm currently sitting in. Would you have even guessed? Yep, I'm considered obese....oh man.
So, please follow me along this journey of Operation Healthy Mom as I post before and after pictures, recipes of how I'm keeping my body healthy & what I'm doing for workouts (including the 1 mile family walk I took today - thank you hubby and baby T). I know it will be a difficult journey but with dedication, motivation and support, I KNOW I can do this!!
Breakfast of Champions
I know I just had a baby 5, almost 6, months ago & I shouldn't be so hard on myself. "It took you 9-10 months to gain the weight, it should take you that long to lose it". I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've heard this. Well, I don't have 9-10 months to wait in the hopes that this weight will "magically" fall off. Getting healthy, for me, needs to start today. Becoming a mom changes your way of thinking. I NEED to be healthy for baby T, there's just no other options. He needs me around for a long time and I need to do my part to ensure this happens.
So my journey begins now. Healthy eating, exercise and dedication are my new life musts along with being a loving wife and mommy. Keep in mind, I am human and I know there will be some slip ups from time to time (hello holidays, is that you knocking on the door) but this will be a lifestyle change. I'm not looking for a number on the scale. I've done that before always to be let down when I didn't hit a certain number by a certain date. I'm looking to get out of that category of "obese" that I'm currently sitting in. Would you have even guessed? Yep, I'm considered obese....oh man.
So, please follow me along this journey of Operation Healthy Mom as I post before and after pictures, recipes of how I'm keeping my body healthy & what I'm doing for workouts (including the 1 mile family walk I took today - thank you hubby and baby T). I know it will be a difficult journey but with dedication, motivation and support, I KNOW I can do this!!
Friday, October 4, 2013
What's for dinner?
One of the toughest struggles my husband & I have every night is what to have for dinner. If I had it my way we'd be eating all sorts of delicious meals I find on the web/in my cookbooks (maybe a little exaggeration). The problem...my husband is a picky eater. Now, I'm kind of picky also but he is P.I.C.K.Y. There are so many things he doesn't like that makes cooking tough sometimes. I recently found out that one of my favorite dishes to make (TexMex Cavatappi) that I've made several times in the past he actually HATED! This came as such a surprise to me because each time I made it, he'd finish his bowl. You can only imagine how depressed I was. His words: "I ate it because you made it but it was actually gross"....confused much?
One thing I did to ensure I'd have recipes I KNEW my husband would like...go to his mom, Momma K. She gave me a few recipes she used to make when Tom was growing up that he liked, so I knew I was safe. One of the recipes has now become one of MY favorite meals and I probably make it once a week. The dish....Turkey and Spinach Burritos. I have NEVER been a fan of spinach but for some reason, I LOVE these burritos. They're so easy to make (even with baby T) and can even be prepped ahead of time. I convince myself these are "healthy" burritos so I don't feel as guilty when I'm helping myself to a second serving (they have lean turkey and spinach, they've got to be healthy right?). The preparation time is about 20 minutes so even the busiest of busy people can make this. Here's what you'll need:
1 - package of lean ground turkey
1 - bag of frozen, chopped spinach (if you can't find a bag, just use 2 of the bricks)
8 ounces of cream cheese (brick)
2 cups of grated cheese (I like colby jack or cheddar)
1 can of Rotel (I like to use the hot) or 1 jar of salsa
1 package tortillas
Cumin to taste
First, place the frozen spinach in a pot with about a cup of water, cover and cook over medium heat. While the spinach is cooking, brown the ground turkey in a separate pan over medium to medium-high heat. I don't really time anything, I normally just eyeball it to determine when it's done to my liking (spinach no longer frozen and meat browned).
Once your turkey is browned, add the cream cheese and salsa/Rotel. Break up the cream cheese so that it can melt a little easier. Mix everything really well. Once the cream cheese is close to completely melted, add about a tablespoon of cumin. Remember that when it comes to spices you can always add more later if it needs it but you can't take it out. Start with a little bit, taste your mixture and determine if it needs more. I don't measure the cumin when I add it in because I love cumin so for me, you cannot have too much. Once the cumin is added, add in the spinach. Mix everything together and let cook another 5 or so minutes (again, I don't time anything).
While the mixture is finishing up, lay out your tortillas and spray your dish with a non-stick cooking spray (no judgies, I only had butter flavored from my baking stash). Fill the tortillas evenly with the mixture, fold and place in your baking dish. Once you have all your burritos filled and in the dish, top with the cheese. Use more or less depending on how YOU like it. Cover with foil & bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
If you prepped ahead to make for later (like I did....thank you afternoon nap time), just take out of the fridge about 15 minutes prior to cooking. You can serve your burritos with pico, sour cream or even guacamole (or fresh avocado slices), although we just eat them straight from the oven.
There you have it. That's what's for dinner!
One thing I did to ensure I'd have recipes I KNEW my husband would like...go to his mom, Momma K. She gave me a few recipes she used to make when Tom was growing up that he liked, so I knew I was safe. One of the recipes has now become one of MY favorite meals and I probably make it once a week. The dish....Turkey and Spinach Burritos. I have NEVER been a fan of spinach but for some reason, I LOVE these burritos. They're so easy to make (even with baby T) and can even be prepped ahead of time. I convince myself these are "healthy" burritos so I don't feel as guilty when I'm helping myself to a second serving (they have lean turkey and spinach, they've got to be healthy right?). The preparation time is about 20 minutes so even the busiest of busy people can make this. Here's what you'll need:
1 - package of lean ground turkey
1 - bag of frozen, chopped spinach (if you can't find a bag, just use 2 of the bricks)
8 ounces of cream cheese (brick)
2 cups of grated cheese (I like colby jack or cheddar)
1 can of Rotel (I like to use the hot) or 1 jar of salsa
1 package tortillas
Cumin to taste
Once the spinach is cooked, drain it in a strainer. While I'm waiting for the meat to finish cooking, I usually grate the cheese and blend the Rotel (remember Mr. Picky? He won't eat tomatoes or anything that looks like a tomato so I usually disguise it by blending it, muhahaha). Unfortunately for me, my grater broke (seriously how does this happen?) so I had to use the packaged cheese already grated. There's nothing wrong with using this kind of cheese. In fact, it'll save you a little time if you're in a hurry. I just prefer to use block cheese that I can grate myself because it seems to melt better but for tonight, I'll be using the already grated cheese.
(Left: Rotel from can and yes, there was a piece of the
label that fell in but was removed. Right: Blended)
Once your turkey is browned, add the cream cheese and salsa/Rotel. Break up the cream cheese so that it can melt a little easier. Mix everything really well. Once the cream cheese is close to completely melted, add about a tablespoon of cumin. Remember that when it comes to spices you can always add more later if it needs it but you can't take it out. Start with a little bit, taste your mixture and determine if it needs more. I don't measure the cumin when I add it in because I love cumin so for me, you cannot have too much. Once the cumin is added, add in the spinach. Mix everything together and let cook another 5 or so minutes (again, I don't time anything).
While the mixture is finishing up, lay out your tortillas and spray your dish with a non-stick cooking spray (no judgies, I only had butter flavored from my baking stash). Fill the tortillas evenly with the mixture, fold and place in your baking dish. Once you have all your burritos filled and in the dish, top with the cheese. Use more or less depending on how YOU like it. Cover with foil & bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
**Disclaimer - DON'T eat straight from the oven. You WILL burn yourself!!**
Obviously we let them cool and then eat.
For the last 5 or so minutes, remove the foil to allow the
cheese to crisp just a bit.
cheese to crisp just a bit.
There you have it. That's what's for dinner!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
You know you're a mom when...
I have never been one to be in the mindset of "I must have THIS particular brand" of baby clothing, toys, furniture diapers. I've been the person to go for whatever is the cheapest or what I can get a better deal on. No we're not broke nor do we NEED to get cheap diapers but there's nothing wrong with wanting to save money, right? - (Please don't get your panties in a wad. That statement in no way is trying to insinuate that you're broke if you buy off brand) - Yes, I still have the ever so popular name brands (Huggies & Pampers), but I've also taken a liking to store brand diapers. In my opinion, they work just as good. Ok, they aren't as cute (no Elmo or Mickey) but they do the job.
I've always preferred the Pampers Swaddlers because, not only are they blanket soft (yes, I would cover my body in Swaddlers to stay warm at night) but they have the best invention ever...the wet indicator. I cannot even begin to tell you how many diapers I've changed that weren't wet (and yet I still threw them out). It may sound crazy or even a little OCD but once I've removed a diaper from little T's tushy, I just can't put it back on. I know, I know...wasteful, especially for someone looking to save money. The only problem, we can't use these diapers on Tommy anymore (enter big sad face here). Ever since he developed eczema, these Swaddlers have caused irritation on him. We (along with his Pediatrician) believe it's from the slight scent that these diapers have so, for the last 2 1/2 months or so, no more wet indicator for these parents, boo hoo.
Well, you know you're a mom when you get super excited over a diaper. YES, this was me this morning. I opened up a box of Target brand diapers from Tommy's stockpile (see photos below) and....wait for it......they had the WET INDICATOR!!! Oh my goodness I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was/am. We bought these diapers originally because they were hypoallergenic, on clearance AND there was a Target cartwheel offer for an additional 20% off (if you haven't heard of cartwheel, you can check it out here). Hello, remember me?? Saving a dollar momma? If that's not incentive to buy a box then I don't know what is. So, I probably wouldn't cover my body at night with these ones but they are soft enough & Tommy doesn't seem to mind nor do I think he even cares (he's 5 months for goodness sakes). But you know who does care....this lady right here and what's even better....they're still on clearance at Target!! Whoop whoop!!
My day....MADE!!
I've always preferred the Pampers Swaddlers because, not only are they blanket soft (yes, I would cover my body in Swaddlers to stay warm at night) but they have the best invention ever...the wet indicator. I cannot even begin to tell you how many diapers I've changed that weren't wet (and yet I still threw them out). It may sound crazy or even a little OCD but once I've removed a diaper from little T's tushy, I just can't put it back on. I know, I know...wasteful, especially for someone looking to save money. The only problem, we can't use these diapers on Tommy anymore (enter big sad face here). Ever since he developed eczema, these Swaddlers have caused irritation on him. We (along with his Pediatrician) believe it's from the slight scent that these diapers have so, for the last 2 1/2 months or so, no more wet indicator for these parents, boo hoo.
Well, you know you're a mom when you get super excited over a diaper. YES, this was me this morning. I opened up a box of Target brand diapers from Tommy's stockpile (see photos below) and....wait for it......they had the WET INDICATOR!!! Oh my goodness I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was/am. We bought these diapers originally because they were hypoallergenic, on clearance AND there was a Target cartwheel offer for an additional 20% off (if you haven't heard of cartwheel, you can check it out here). Hello, remember me?? Saving a dollar momma? If that's not incentive to buy a box then I don't know what is. So, I probably wouldn't cover my body at night with these ones but they are soft enough & Tommy doesn't seem to mind nor do I think he even cares (he's 5 months for goodness sakes). But you know who does care....this lady right here and what's even better....they're still on clearance at Target!! Whoop whoop!!
My day....MADE!!
Tommy's, ever so growing, stockpile. It's a good thing
he has his own walk-in closet!
The "magical" box
You see that yellow line? Yep, wet indicator...wahoo!!
Monday, September 30, 2013
***CHEAP Tide laundry soap & Dawn Soap (this week only)***
Alright my couponing friends, here is your first GREAT deal! If you read yesterday's blog, I mentioned there were some great scenarios for cheap items coming up this month & to be sure to get your inserts! For this specific scenario you need to get out your P&G insert that were in that newspaper you all ran to the store to get (ok, you probably didn't even get ONE but you can now sit here reading this & wishing that you would've listened to me, lol).
This week (9/29-10/5) at CVS they have Tide laundry soap on sale for $5.94 each. They also have Dawn soap on sale for .99 each. Part of the deal this week only is spend $20 on the items shown below, get $5 ECB (ECB = extra cash back, basically it's store credit to be used for any future purchase). Keep in mind that both sale prices are only valid if you have a CVS card (this is NOT a credit card it is a rewards card. This card is FREE for anyone just go to the checkout desk & ask to get one).
Before doing the scenarios below, be sure to scan your CVS card at the redbox located towards the front of the store. In fact, each time you go into a CVS, scan your card. This machine prints out coupons for the store that can be combined with your manufacturers coupons. You may even get lucky and get the $3 off $15 purchase or $4 off $20 purchase that's been printing lately and will save you even more for the following scenarios:
Scenario #1
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn original at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 1 - $5 off 3 Tide detergents coupon
Use 3 - .25 off 1 Dawn coupon
Total = $15.04 out of pocket (oop)
*If you received a $3/15 = $12.04 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $11.04 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*It's as if you're paying $7.04 or $1.17 each
**It's as if you're paying $6.04 or $1.00 each
Scenario #2
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn original at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 3 - $2 off 1 Tide detergent coupon
Use 3 - $.25 off Dawn coupon
Total = $14.04 oop
*If you received a $3/15 = $11.04 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $10.04 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*As if you're paying $6.04 or $1.00 each
**As if you're paying $5.04 or .84 each
Scenario #3
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn Hand Renewal at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 1 - $5 off 3 Tide
Use 3 - .50 off 1 Dawn hand renewal coupon
Total = $14.29 oop
*If you received a $3/15 = $11.29 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $10.29 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*As if you're paying $6.29 or $1.05 each
**As if you're paying $5.29 or .88 each
Scenario #4
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn Hand Renewal at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 3 - $2 off 1 Tide coupon
Use 3 - .50 off 1 Dawn hand renewal coupon
Total = $13.29 oop
*If you received a $3/15 = $10.29 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $9.29 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*As if you're paying $5.29 or .88 each
**As if you're paying $4.29 or .72 each
Just keep in mind, if you don't get a $3 off $15 purchase or $4 off $20 purchase, just add the amount back into the above scenarios oop price. Either way you do it, this is still a stock up price & a great time to get 3 bottles of each. The get $5 ECB with a $20 purchase is limited to 2 rewards per card meaning you can do the above mentioned scenarios twice and get up to $10 ECB. If your wanting the $10 ECB (6 of each bottle), I would recommend doing 2 different transactions that way after you get the first $5 ECB, you can apply it to your second transaction making it even cheaper!!!
Now get out there and get your soap while you can!
This week (9/29-10/5) at CVS they have Tide laundry soap on sale for $5.94 each. They also have Dawn soap on sale for .99 each. Part of the deal this week only is spend $20 on the items shown below, get $5 ECB (ECB = extra cash back, basically it's store credit to be used for any future purchase). Keep in mind that both sale prices are only valid if you have a CVS card (this is NOT a credit card it is a rewards card. This card is FREE for anyone just go to the checkout desk & ask to get one).
We're going to be utilizing the Tide and Dawn from this ad for the spend
$20 get $5 ECB scenarios, although you can pick and choose what you
want for your scenarios depending on your coupons.
Before doing the scenarios below, be sure to scan your CVS card at the redbox located towards the front of the store. In fact, each time you go into a CVS, scan your card. This machine prints out coupons for the store that can be combined with your manufacturers coupons. You may even get lucky and get the $3 off $15 purchase or $4 off $20 purchase that's been printing lately and will save you even more for the following scenarios:
Scenario #1
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn original at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 1 - $5 off 3 Tide detergents coupon
Use 3 - .25 off 1 Dawn coupon
Total = $15.04 out of pocket (oop)
*If you received a $3/15 = $12.04 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $11.04 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*It's as if you're paying $7.04 or $1.17 each
**It's as if you're paying $6.04 or $1.00 each
Scenario #2
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn original at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 3 - $2 off 1 Tide detergent coupon
Use 3 - $.25 off Dawn coupon
Total = $14.04 oop
*If you received a $3/15 = $11.04 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $10.04 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*As if you're paying $6.04 or $1.00 each
**As if you're paying $5.04 or .84 each
Scenario #3
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn Hand Renewal at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 1 - $5 off 3 Tide
Use 3 - .50 off 1 Dawn hand renewal coupon
Total = $14.29 oop
*If you received a $3/15 = $11.29 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $10.29 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*As if you're paying $6.29 or $1.05 each
**As if you're paying $5.29 or .88 each
Scenario #4
Buy 3 Tides at $5.94 each ($17.82)
Buy 3 Dawn Hand Renewal at .99 each ($2.97)
Total = $20.79
Use 3 - $2 off 1 Tide coupon
Use 3 - .50 off 1 Dawn hand renewal coupon
Total = $13.29 oop
*If you received a $3/15 = $10.29 oop
**If you received a $4/20 = $9.29 oop
Get back $5 ECB
*As if you're paying $5.29 or .88 each
**As if you're paying $4.29 or .72 each
Just keep in mind, if you don't get a $3 off $15 purchase or $4 off $20 purchase, just add the amount back into the above scenarios oop price. Either way you do it, this is still a stock up price & a great time to get 3 bottles of each. The get $5 ECB with a $20 purchase is limited to 2 rewards per card meaning you can do the above mentioned scenarios twice and get up to $10 ECB. If your wanting the $10 ECB (6 of each bottle), I would recommend doing 2 different transactions that way after you get the first $5 ECB, you can apply it to your second transaction making it even cheaper!!!
Now get out there and get your soap while you can!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
The time to start is NOW!
If you've ever contemplated couponing but don't now how or when to start, today is your day. Why you ask? Well, Sundays are the day where newspaper companies add inserts to the newspapers (not all newspapers - check your local papers for details). These inserts are where you will find your coupons. Traditionally you will find a Smart Source (ss) & a Red Plum (rp) insert in the paper but once a month (last Sunday of the month), there will also be a Procter & Gamble (p&g) insert as well. Because the P&G inserts are only once a month, it's important to get that last Sunday paper.
For those that don't know, Procter & Gamble is the company that includes all of the major products. An example of products would be: personal care items, laundry care, household cleaning, diapers, etc. The company only sends out coupons once a month so in order to save on those oh so necessary items, today's your day. There are coupons this week that haven't been seen for 8 months - 2 years!! Looking ahead for the next month, there seems to be some great scenarios that will happen as far as saving so if you choose to forgo this weeks ads, you could be missing out on some great deals!
As far as how many newspapers you should get is up to you; however, I would recommend getting at least 2 to maximize your savings (I usually get 4 papers). Example: if an item is on sale buy one get one (BOGO), you can use a coupon on BOTH items even though you're getting one for free (make sure you read your coupon details!!). Need a better breakdown? Say Bounce dryer sheets are on sale this week BOGO and are priced at $2.99. Here are 2 different breakdowns using scenarios:
Scenario #1 (no coupons)
Buy 1 at $2.99 get a second FREE
Get 2 for $1.50 each ($2.99 divided by 2)
Scenario #2 (with coupons)
Buy 1 at $2.99 get a second FREE
Use 2 coupons for .50 off one
(*you CAN use a coupon on the FREE item*)
Get 2 for $1.99 or $1 each
Always be sure to read the coupon & your store's coupon policy. Every store is different but I will say that Walmart has the best coupon policy (although I'm not a huge Wally fan) & are super coupon friendly followed by Target. I've never had issues using my coupons at either store.
Make sure you get your newspapers early, as they tend to sell out quickly (especially when they include the P&G insert). Be sure to come back to A Peak Inside as I post different couponing opportunities throughout the month!
**Free Sample alert - click here to receive your FREE sample of Bio-True contact solution. Be sure to click "no" otherwise you'll receive a coupon, not a free sample. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Available while supplies last. You're welcome!!
For those that don't know, Procter & Gamble is the company that includes all of the major products. An example of products would be: personal care items, laundry care, household cleaning, diapers, etc. The company only sends out coupons once a month so in order to save on those oh so necessary items, today's your day. There are coupons this week that haven't been seen for 8 months - 2 years!! Looking ahead for the next month, there seems to be some great scenarios that will happen as far as saving so if you choose to forgo this weeks ads, you could be missing out on some great deals!
As far as how many newspapers you should get is up to you; however, I would recommend getting at least 2 to maximize your savings (I usually get 4 papers). Example: if an item is on sale buy one get one (BOGO), you can use a coupon on BOTH items even though you're getting one for free (make sure you read your coupon details!!). Need a better breakdown? Say Bounce dryer sheets are on sale this week BOGO and are priced at $2.99. Here are 2 different breakdowns using scenarios:
Scenario #1 (no coupons)
Buy 1 at $2.99 get a second FREE
Get 2 for $1.50 each ($2.99 divided by 2)
Scenario #2 (with coupons)
Buy 1 at $2.99 get a second FREE
Use 2 coupons for .50 off one
(*you CAN use a coupon on the FREE item*)
Get 2 for $1.99 or $1 each
Always be sure to read the coupon & your store's coupon policy. Every store is different but I will say that Walmart has the best coupon policy (although I'm not a huge Wally fan) & are super coupon friendly followed by Target. I've never had issues using my coupons at either store.
Make sure you get your newspapers early, as they tend to sell out quickly (especially when they include the P&G insert). Be sure to come back to A Peak Inside as I post different couponing opportunities throughout the month!
Today's inserts you should get (from l-r: P&G, Smart Source & Red Plum)
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The day our lives changed forever (Part 2)
.....continuation from Part (if you haven't read Part 1 yet, you can find it here.....
*Note* - I delivered Tommy at a Women's Center attached to a hospital. Although this hospital had an emergency room, it did not include a children's section and if anything happened, they couldn't help Tommy there (the Women's Center failed to inform us of this during our tour).
Friday April 26, 2013
After a very sleepless night wondering how Tommy was doing in the nursery, Tommy's doctor finally came in to speak with us. I remember him telling Tom and I that around 2am, Tommy was so sick that they considered transporting him out to Children's Hospital. WHAT?? What happened when I fell asleep? I assumed he was being kept in the nursery to be observed for something minor. I was so scared for my son and what he was going through. They said he had progressively gotten better throughout the morning but he'd need to remain in the nursery for observations. The doctor also told us that they were running tests on Tommy and at this time, all he knew was that Tommy had Group B Strep (I am a carrier and he got this from me), but that wasn't the "main" issue. Tom was able to visit Tommy anytime he wanted to (which he did almost every hour); however, family was not allowed in the nursery. Tom's mom and brother would only be able to see Tommy through the glass.
As the day went on, the nurses told me that I could visit Tommy if I wanted to. It had been several hours since the one and only time I got to hold him and I was super excited to see him again. First, I'd have to get out of bed....oh man! This was more of a task than I anticipated. They had me start slow and I moved from the bed to a nearby chair to eat lunch. Tom and I had brought a birthday cake and some sparkling cider with us the previous night and we decided now would be a great time to celebrate Tommy's birthday.
Saturday April 27, 2013
*Note* - I delivered Tommy at a Women's Center attached to a hospital. Although this hospital had an emergency room, it did not include a children's section and if anything happened, they couldn't help Tommy there (the Women's Center failed to inform us of this during our tour).
Friday April 26, 2013
After a very sleepless night wondering how Tommy was doing in the nursery, Tommy's doctor finally came in to speak with us. I remember him telling Tom and I that around 2am, Tommy was so sick that they considered transporting him out to Children's Hospital. WHAT?? What happened when I fell asleep? I assumed he was being kept in the nursery to be observed for something minor. I was so scared for my son and what he was going through. They said he had progressively gotten better throughout the morning but he'd need to remain in the nursery for observations. The doctor also told us that they were running tests on Tommy and at this time, all he knew was that Tommy had Group B Strep (I am a carrier and he got this from me), but that wasn't the "main" issue. Tom was able to visit Tommy anytime he wanted to (which he did almost every hour); however, family was not allowed in the nursery. Tom's mom and brother would only be able to see Tommy through the glass.
As the day went on, the nurses told me that I could visit Tommy if I wanted to. It had been several hours since the one and only time I got to hold him and I was super excited to see him again. First, I'd have to get out of bed....oh man! This was more of a task than I anticipated. They had me start slow and I moved from the bed to a nearby chair to eat lunch. Tom and I had brought a birthday cake and some sparkling cider with us the previous night and we decided now would be a great time to celebrate Tommy's birthday.
Celebrating Tommy's birthday with sparkling champagne and chocolate cake.
After lunch, I decided I wanted to see my baby. After a very slow and painful walk, I finally made it to the nursery. Tom had somewhat prepared me for what I'd see, as he'd been visiting Tommy throughout the day. Even though I knew what I was walking into, I still completely broke down when I saw my baby. He had numerous wires running around his body and there was the sound of machines echoing in the large room. Tommy was the only baby in the nursery and at that moment, I felt guilty that he felt abandoned or lonely. Mommy and daddy weren't there to comfort him throughout the night and the only sounds he had to listen to were those sounds of the oxygen being pumped into his nose and the beeping of the machine monitoring his heartbeat/breathing. The hardest part was when the nurses told us that we couldn't hold him. The one thing I was looking forward to was having my baby listen to my heartbeat as he laid against my chest as a way to know he was safe and I wasn't even allowed to do that? Because he was so sick by this point and they were still trying to figure out through tests what was wrong, we were not allowed to hold him. This broke.my.heart!! All I could do was hold my baby's hand and talk to him, reassuring him that mommy and daddy were here, we loved him so much and everything will be ok.
Less than 24 hours old
After staying in the nursery for about 30 minutes, I had to return to my room (remember that MAJOR surgery thing??). I was sad that Tommy couldn't come with me but glad that he was just right down the hall if I needed him. One of the things I was looking forward to the most was nursing Tommy, but I wasn't even able to do that. Tom and I went about our day the best we could. All I could do was cry over and over again. This was the first time in 5 years that I had seen my husband break down. I was so glad that we were able to be there for each other during the most difficult time in our lives. Every time my phone would beep from a text message or ring with a phone call, I didn't have the strength to respond. I would look and "ignore" as I didn't know how to talk with anyone about what I was feeling and going through.
Later that afternoon, my doctor had come to visit me and see how I was doing. By this point we had heard that Tommy's condition was getting worse and Tom went to go and visit him again in the nursery. The next thing she said was something that will be forever grained into my head. "They are probably going to have to transport your son to Children's Hospital in Miami." CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL?? MIAMI?? Miami was 3 hours away. I can't stand being down the hallway from my baby and now he may go to Miami? The worst part was, when I asked if I could go with him she put her head down and said no. Again, I broke down. This was horrible news. I just want my baby to be ok. My doctor comforted me as I attempted to process what she was telling me. I never imagined anything would happen to my child. I had a healthy pregnancy and just couldn't understand.
When Tom returned from the nursery, I told him what my doctor had said. We were both so emotional over the whole thing and only had each other at that moment. Shortly after my doctor spoke to me about the "possibility" of Tommy being transported, Tommy's doctor came in to talk with us. He was leaving for the day and wanted to give us an update of Tommy's condition and told us he was passing on everything to the other doctor who would be on duty. The rest of the afternoon consisted of a lot of crying and praying. When nightfall came, Tom and I went to the nursery again. We spoke with the on call doctor at this time and it wasn't looking too good. He told us that some of Tommy's blood tests came back & he needed to be transported to a Children's Hospital. Tom and I were so shocked & all I could do was cry knowing that I wouldn't be there with him. We asked his doctor a few questions and he told us, "If this was my child, I wouldn't hesitate." This doctor is a professional and we were trusting him with this decision. I remember standing there and asking/begging the nurse if I could hold him one more time and, after looking around to see who was in there, she didn't say a word and just started moving his wires to pick him up. She had 2 rocking chairs for Tom and I and when she placed Tommy in my arms, all I could do was hold him close and cry. I gave him a million kisses and was telling him "mommy's here" hoping that he would find comfort in that. After about 45 minutes of Tom and I holding Tommy, we were told that the ambulance was on its way and that we would need to leave so they can get him ready and load him into the ambulance. I asked the doctor/nurse if I'd be able to see him once he was loaded up and they assured me they would stop by the room before leaving.
For the next hour and a half I was wondering what they were doing with Tommy to "prep" him. FINALLY, they wheeled him into my room. I was so shocked (although now it makes sense) that they had him in an incubator that I completely broke down again. The nurses were talking with us and having me sign a bunch of forms but all of what they said was a blur, as I was just staring at Tommy. At one point they put the door of the incubator down so I could hold Tommy's hand and he took the binky that was in his mouth and threw it, landing on my bed. It was that moment that Tom and I knew Tommy was strong enough to get through this.
Holding Tommy before he was transported.
We were notified around 11pm that Tommy made it safely to the Children's Hospital and, thankfully, it was in Fort Myers, not Miami. This meant that Tommy was only about an hour from us and not 3. We found out that it all depended on where there was an opening and God was definitely on our side by placing him closer to Tom and I.
Saturday April 27, 2013
Tom stayed with me that night and the next morning before heading to the house to let our dogs out (yep, I guess that's what happens when you don't really know anyone). While he was gone, I decided to take a shower (thank goodness) with help from the nurse. The doctor on duty came in and told me that if I wanted to be discharged today to go and be with my son then she would discharge me. I was SUPER excited! I called Tom right away to let him know we could go see Tommy. It took a few hours before we actually left the hospital because I was in a lot of pain and needed to rest a bit but once we left, we couldn't get to Fort Myers quick enough.
Once arriving at Children's, we headed for the NICU. After washing our hands for 3 minutes (I will always remember that sink with the foot pedal and the strong smell of the soap), we FINALLY got to see Tommy again. He was in a crib again (out of the incubator, although a few days later he would be placed in an incubator again) but still had all of the wires hooked up to him. He was still very critical and was being kept in the level 3 nursery while they still tried to determine what was wrong. I will never forget his nurse Lilly. She was amazing, so compassionate towards Tom and I and really seemed to care for Tommy. She called him her "big guy" since he was the biggest baby in there (most were in there because they were premature). We continually asked Lilly a million and one questions but she was unable to give us much information only that he was ok right now.
Over the course of the next 12 days (the amount of time that Tommy was in the NICU), everything is quite a blur to me. Maybe because my mind has since blocked out the things I don't want to remember or simply because a lot happened, I just don't remember much. I do remember that both Tom and I's family didn't waste any time in jumping in their cars and on an airplane to be by our sides. This was something we will forever be grateful for. There is nothing like the love, prayers and support from your family. I also remember the moment Tommy's NICU doctor told us that if he hadn't been transported when he was, he wouldn't have made it. My baby was that close to dying which breaks my heart. We knew he was a fighter but God definitely heard everyone's prayers and Tom and I couldn't be more thankful!! The final answer - Tommy had E-COLI. YES, e-coli...what typically kills adults my innocent baby boy had. How did he catch e-coli? We're still trying to determine that but what we do know is that, although Tommy has to have a few more hospital visits than a normal baby (checking to make sure all the antibiotics he was on in the NICU didn't cause any long term affects), he is a HEALTHY baby boy. OUR healthy baby boy and I couldn't be anymore in love with him!!
Once arriving at Children's, we headed for the NICU. After washing our hands for 3 minutes (I will always remember that sink with the foot pedal and the strong smell of the soap), we FINALLY got to see Tommy again. He was in a crib again (out of the incubator, although a few days later he would be placed in an incubator again) but still had all of the wires hooked up to him. He was still very critical and was being kept in the level 3 nursery while they still tried to determine what was wrong. I will never forget his nurse Lilly. She was amazing, so compassionate towards Tom and I and really seemed to care for Tommy. She called him her "big guy" since he was the biggest baby in there (most were in there because they were premature). We continually asked Lilly a million and one questions but she was unable to give us much information only that he was ok right now.
Over the course of the next 12 days (the amount of time that Tommy was in the NICU), everything is quite a blur to me. Maybe because my mind has since blocked out the things I don't want to remember or simply because a lot happened, I just don't remember much. I do remember that both Tom and I's family didn't waste any time in jumping in their cars and on an airplane to be by our sides. This was something we will forever be grateful for. There is nothing like the love, prayers and support from your family. I also remember the moment Tommy's NICU doctor told us that if he hadn't been transported when he was, he wouldn't have made it. My baby was that close to dying which breaks my heart. We knew he was a fighter but God definitely heard everyone's prayers and Tom and I couldn't be more thankful!! The final answer - Tommy had E-COLI. YES, e-coli...what typically kills adults my innocent baby boy had. How did he catch e-coli? We're still trying to determine that but what we do know is that, although Tommy has to have a few more hospital visits than a normal baby (checking to make sure all the antibiotics he was on in the NICU didn't cause any long term affects), he is a HEALTHY baby boy. OUR healthy baby boy and I couldn't be anymore in love with him!!
Daddy changing Tommy's diaper for the first time
So in love!
Can never give him enough kisses
Every night during my pregnancy Tom read Tommy this book.
He read it every day to Tommy while in the NICU as well.
Meeting Grandpa Eric.
A collage of pictures my sister-in-law, Whitney, put together.
So thankful for family
Meeting his Nana and by the look on his face, he loves her!
Bedtime story
Grandma Kathy
Family!
Nothing better than a bottle from Nana.
Our "big guy" today, happy and healthy.
Stealing ladies hearts, one day at a time!
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