re: Thank You notes

Did I mention I finally got Sam's birthday thank you notes out the door? It only took me, what, over 2 months to do it?

And did I mention I only had to write out 8 cards for the generous individuals who were unable to make her party? I seriously think I got my wedding thank you notes out father...

Hey, a late note is better than no note at all, right? Right!

sick babies are sad babies

I bet, money down, that Samma has been sick a majority of the last 2 months... between colds and teething and just utter gross the poor thing cannot catch a break.

Finally, a few weeks ago, after the beginning of another runny nose, our daycare provider had to call me at work and let me know that Sam was nothing but out of sorts, and she asked that I come get her because she was inconsolable, feeling warm, and playing with her ears. Ahh the benefits of working and living not only in the same town as your office, but also as your child-care provider. And that our pediatrician is the next town over with later hours just makes it all the better. I called the doctor and was able to get an appointment within 30 minutes of my call, giving me just enough time to grab Sam and get to the appointment.

After a weigh-in of 22lbs 12oz, we met with one of our preferred pediatricians, so I knew we were in good hands. She listened to her chest, looked in her ears, took her temp, and everything was clear and fine. She said it seemed like just the beginning of another cold, and the best thing to do was keep her nasal passage cleared (because sucking snot out of a toddler's nose is SO easy) and keep using the cool-mist humidifier. Of course, we can never leave the pedi's office without a little underlying fear - she said if she started to cough, and if her temp spiked, to bring her right back in, because there's been a lot of bronchiolitis going around. Wonderful.

As the doctor was leaving and I was gathering up Sam to put her clothes back on her, a touch of her back reminded me to talk to the doctor about her skin. See, for the last couple of weeks she's been having these dry red patches on her back and belly... It wasn't so much a rash because it would come and go, so after talking to my mom we believed it was eczema but wanted clarification. Sure enough -- eczema it was. The solution? Unscented Dove body wash and Aveno lotion. No more Johnsons, not because it was causing the problem, but because it just wasn't helping. Sad, because we had to many to use, and it smelled so nice, but alas, I am lucky I have friends both near and far who are willing to take the half-used bottles (and then some) off our hands. Plus, there's nothing showing up on her scalp, so we can still get away with fun-smelling Johnson's shampoo!

So now this brings us to today -- Sam still has a runny nose, and the post-nasal drip in addition to the excess saliva thanks to teething causes her to cough, especially in the morning. She still sleeps with her cool-mist humidifier on, but other than that, babies be babies!

But speaking of teething? We have officially entered the world of molars. With the addition of the bottom two, we are now totaling 10 teeth, with more on the way. This last week has sucked, and I know the top two are making their debut -- I can already feel one of them poking through. What does this mean other than a miserable Samantha? It means I REALLY need to start working on fitting teeth-brushing into her nighttime routine. Have the brush and paste bought and everything.... I suck.

So that's all in the sick baby department. Stay tuned for when I update you on the wonderful world of thank you notes and holiday shopping!

bluumBox: September / October

It has come to my attention that I have blatantly overlooked writing about bluum.com and it's monthly membership boxes of goodies that arrive like a little bit of Christmas for Mom & Baby. In my defense, I could place blame on the newness of the program, and use an excuse of having a child closer to a toddler than an infant, but this is neither here nor there. This was a baby item I decided to use, and in all rights it deserves to be discussed on my blog... so here goes.

For starters, for those unfamiliar with bluum.com, it is a monthly subscription services where a box of 4-5 deluxe samples were sent to members once a month, and those members are free to try them as they please, review said products on the website for rewards points which will gradually add up for credit towards buying full-sized products. Memberships start at a monthly rate of $12, and can go as low as &9 depending on how many months you want under your belt at a time. And apparently every box is themed, as you will soon see.

September: l(a)unchbox

September's box was they're debut, so they cleverly played on the term "launch" and used a lunchtime theme. The contents of the box were as follows:

• dress for dinner: The Drooly Bib by Wry Baby
• first course: Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream
• special sauce: Episencial Soothing Cream
• sweet treat: Collectable Kids Magnet by illustrator Mimia Johnson
• freshen up: Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Wipes
• snack time: Itzy Ritzy Reusable Snack Bag

As I mentioned before, I had half-forgotten about bluum and it's boxes, so pretty much all of these items have remained in the box, intact, for the last few months. Why, you ask? I think because it just didn't call to me at the moment. But as I look through this now, I'm gradually finding items I can use for both Samma and myself. The magnet we can put on the fridge. The baby wipes and the soothing cream can go in her diaper bag. The bib can go in her bib drawer with all the others. The snack bag we can use for daycare. And for myself, I can definitely give the stretch mark cream a try. There. Box #1 solved.

Now, again, I had said I wasn't very impressed with the initial box, and I had gone to the point of canceling my subscription then and there.... for some reason, however, the website either didn't accept my cancellation (even though my account clearly said "inactive") or it was just another bug due to a new concept, but next thing I knew my debit account was charged and a new box was received. Sure, it was only $12, and I do love surprises, but even before October's box arrived I made sure for a week straight that the account was back to inactive. But alas...


October: girl talk

I don't know if it was the surprise visit of this box, or it was just kicked up a notch, but it kinda almost made me feel bad for cancelling my account. Almost. Here's what we had this month:

• Dr. Robbins - Skin Care
• Baby Gourmet - Juicy Pear & Garden Greens
• CJ's Creamy Lotion
• HuggaMind - Baby Symbolizer iPhone / iPad app
• Strivectin - Wrinkle Cream
• Collectible Magnet (special Bonus)

What really won me over was the full-sized Juicy Pear pouch - Samma absolutely loves these, and I didn't hesitate to give it to her once the box arrived. As for everything else? The iPad app for sure -- we can hardly get Sam away from it now, so I'm excited to actually have something specifically for her to play with. CJ's lotion smells awesome, and it's heavier so it'll be great for the cold winter months ahead. Dr. Robbin's Baby Wash & Shampoo and Sunscreen could be something different to try, and it's a little packet so if we're traveling and don't want to bring whole bottles that'll be good to have. As for the wrinkle cream? I don't know if I should be offended or not!

So, remember when I said I was done with bluum.com? Well, (un)fortunately for me, PlumDistrict was offering a 3-month bluumBox deal (reg. $36) for $18... but wait, there's more! Because I had a 20% off coupon code for PlumDistrict, the total deal purchase was only $14.50, which mean I was spending only $4.83 on each box... for three months? I think I can handle that.

I have yet to receive November's box as they don't ship until the 17th of each month, but the website says it's theme is "goodnight moon" so I'm hoping it either a) coincides with the beloved children's book, or b) involves items that assist in bedtime and sleeping. We'll soon find out!

Oh, and if anyone feels like they want to join me on my bluum experience, please, by all means, send me your address and I will be more than happy to refer you!

My Little Flower Girl

This past weekend was Chris' sister, Katelyn's wedding and it was fabulous.

Samantha was slated to be the flower girl only within the last couple of months -- the deciding factor was whether or not she would be able to walk down the aisle, but once she started walking on her own after her birthday, it was a done deal. Which means Mom needed to get going on finding her a dress.

With Katelyn's approval every step of the way, an my frugal budget, we decided on David's Bridal's Shantung Tank Dress with Full Tulle Skirt (Style M103) in Ivory. With a price tag of only $39 and free shipping to boot, it was going to work whether Sam liked it or not! I had decided on getting her an 18mos rather than a 12mos because I had no idea if or when this girl is going to have her next growth spurt, and once has a little more leeway when it comes to dresses than, say, pants suits.

The dress itself came with a matching Ivory ribbon to be tied in the back, but from the beginning Katelyn knew she wanted a purple ribbon to sorta match the bridesmaids' dresses, and we lucked out when the dress had an easily removable ribbon and loops for threading something new. As an added touch, we clipped a satin rose on the bow to give Samma a little more style in the back. Paired with ivory tights and little black patent leather shoes, she was ready to go!

As a final touch to her flower girl-ness, Katelyn had found a perfect purple basket for Sam to carry with her. And inside were little silver leaves for Sam to toss as she's walking down the aisle. Or not. Regardless it all came together so well at the end!

All ready to go!

She needed a little coaxing down the aisle...

... but once she saw Nana and Puppy, she was ready to go!

Eye on the prize!

... and then she ran away. Apparently once Sam had her puppy, she was done with the ceremony and decided to high-tail it outta there, so by the time I looped around to collect her from my mother-in-law, she was no where to be seen! Luckily one of our friends grabbed her and sat with her until I was able to get over to them after Katelyn proceeded down to the altar.

Despite the panic, I was told she stole the show, so I'm glad that everything worked out, the ceremony was beautiful, and the reception was a blast.

One more thing -- I had pulled the photographer aside to take a family picture of Chris, Samma, and myself because I mean, really, when are we going to have another chance to take a picture with the three of us all dressed up? So I'm really looking forward to that when the professional pics get back!

But until then, this is All I Need:

♥♥♥

 

 

Edit - 9/8/2012:   Here's our family picture I was talking about!