Happy Holidays everyone!
I know I owe you pictures of Emma, but that isn't going to happen today. Sorry!
This week the whole company is shut down (it's an annual thing)-so Corey and I have the week off--which is great; the downside is that there is no pay which can be tight around this time of year..however we will make it work. Our Staff Accountant at work put in her notice and yesterday was her last day, so for the past two weeks I have been training to take over her position. It will be a good challenge but it is a LOT of work. So while I would love to stay home this week and be with the fam, a smarter idea would be to go in and work at least one of the days to catch up.
Corey has put together his new sponsor packet and he will be meeting with potential racing sponsors this week, so before we know it..the week will be over and we will be back at the office on Monday.
Christmas was good to us, like it is every year. We have a wonderful family and are greatful for our blessings everyday. Some of Emma's favorite toys are the small magnidoodle and the rocking chair she received. She is a big fan of both items..among other things but those seem to be her favorite right now.
She has been walking more and more since my last post. She is pretty much a walker now- it is her mode of choice unless she is wanting to really get somewhere fast..sometimes she gets a little excited and ends up falling more than walking so she will just crawl. Otherwise she will choose to walk most places. She also has been recognizing more and more words which is fun to watch her learn. She doesn't really speak any words but she does recognize them. Of course we love her to death and just have more and more fun with her.
Hmmm that is about all that is new with us. Hope Christmas was wonderful to all of you!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Are you kidding me?
Was my last post really in AUGUST? Wow! That is incredibly horrible. So much for 'keeping tabs on the Eystads'! Well, I guess this is the reason I have stayed away for so long. So much has happened and I don't really know where to start.
Somewhere around September Emma started crawling, although the day before she started I was pretty sure she was going to start walking first. She seemed to have way more interest. Then one Saturday she woke up and just crawled over to Corey. Seriously, that is how it happened. Everything is always on Emma's terms and this was no exception. She has walked along furniture since before she was crawling. She is almost walking now but not quite. She zooms around furniture and if we are on the floor with her she tries to stand up and walk to us on her own. It is obvious that she is pushing herself and really trying. Corey has better luck with her than I do. She just wants to come to be so bad that she chooses the fastest mode of transportation-crawling. We are just getting over pink eye now which she got last week-end and she is battling a bad cough/possible upper respiratory infection. Poor kid. She is still the cutest button ever. For Halloween she was Minnie Mouse-pics are on Facebook. Mickey's Club house is still her favorite show; however she enjoys Elmo and we even watched Monster's Inc the other night and she was pretty 'in' to that too. She eats anything and everything, still loves bread. In fact, she still gets excited when she sees the loaf come out of the cabinet. She is still a happy baby and we couldn't ask for anything more. On October 9 we had an early birthday party with some close family. She loved her mini cake and her gifts.
I have started my Masters program. I'm attending Adler Graduate School in Richfield for Marriage and Family Therapy M.S. I know, its a far cry from my Business degrees however it has been a goal of mine since early High School years. With the recent layoff from Rasmussen, it has allowed me to persue things that I truly want. I absolutely love classes and the students I have met so far.
In the midst of everything on October 31 I started working for my dad, another goal of mine since my early years. I truly love it!! Things are going very well so far.
Hmmm....as you probably have guessed the racing season has ended; however we did race after the 'poof' post. We went to Alexandria for the Fall Classic. Emma got some quality time with her nanas. It was a good time, thanks to my dad for allowing us to take the RV. Without it, I am pretty sure we wouldn't have made the trip.
Well, that is about it. I am sure I am missing milestones and I could spend days telling you about all the cute things Emma does but these are some highlights of our lives since Aug. Now that I have bit the bullet and caught myself up, I hope to continue..............................but we'll see :)
Somewhere around September Emma started crawling, although the day before she started I was pretty sure she was going to start walking first. She seemed to have way more interest. Then one Saturday she woke up and just crawled over to Corey. Seriously, that is how it happened. Everything is always on Emma's terms and this was no exception. She has walked along furniture since before she was crawling. She is almost walking now but not quite. She zooms around furniture and if we are on the floor with her she tries to stand up and walk to us on her own. It is obvious that she is pushing herself and really trying. Corey has better luck with her than I do. She just wants to come to be so bad that she chooses the fastest mode of transportation-crawling. We are just getting over pink eye now which she got last week-end and she is battling a bad cough/possible upper respiratory infection. Poor kid. She is still the cutest button ever. For Halloween she was Minnie Mouse-pics are on Facebook. Mickey's Club house is still her favorite show; however she enjoys Elmo and we even watched Monster's Inc the other night and she was pretty 'in' to that too. She eats anything and everything, still loves bread. In fact, she still gets excited when she sees the loaf come out of the cabinet. She is still a happy baby and we couldn't ask for anything more. On October 9 we had an early birthday party with some close family. She loved her mini cake and her gifts.
I have started my Masters program. I'm attending Adler Graduate School in Richfield for Marriage and Family Therapy M.S. I know, its a far cry from my Business degrees however it has been a goal of mine since early High School years. With the recent layoff from Rasmussen, it has allowed me to persue things that I truly want. I absolutely love classes and the students I have met so far.
In the midst of everything on October 31 I started working for my dad, another goal of mine since my early years. I truly love it!! Things are going very well so far.
Hmmm....as you probably have guessed the racing season has ended; however we did race after the 'poof' post. We went to Alexandria for the Fall Classic. Emma got some quality time with her nanas. It was a good time, thanks to my dad for allowing us to take the RV. Without it, I am pretty sure we wouldn't have made the trip.
Well, that is about it. I am sure I am missing milestones and I could spend days telling you about all the cute things Emma does but these are some highlights of our lives since Aug. Now that I have bit the bullet and caught myself up, I hope to continue..............................but we'll see :)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Poof!
Usually 'poof' can be a good thing- like the conclusion of a magic trick where a rabbit all of a sudden appears out of a hat or 'poof' one of your socks is left solo at the end of your laundry pile. This is not the kind of 'poof' that happened to us, wish it was!
Friday Corey decided to go racing in Superior, WI. It was a 2.5 hour drive but I decided not to moan and groan because he has always wanted to go. We packed up Emma and headed out. I have to say, it wasn't a bad trip and Emma did very well. We got there, unloaded, and got on the track. Corey looked great in his heat--until around lap 3 when the car went from a strong 3rd place to fighting for 4th. Then it came- poof-- white smoke. As a racer or race fan, you know this isn't a good thing. Corey put the car in neutral and rolled to a stop. They pushed him in and that was the end of the night. We know the motor has some big problems but we haven't rolled it out of the trailer to look at it yet. Needless to say we drove 5 hours for 4 laps. :(
We had a wedding on Saturday night and hung around the house on Sunday. A lazy rest of the week-end..and that was all right for us!
Friday Corey decided to go racing in Superior, WI. It was a 2.5 hour drive but I decided not to moan and groan because he has always wanted to go. We packed up Emma and headed out. I have to say, it wasn't a bad trip and Emma did very well. We got there, unloaded, and got on the track. Corey looked great in his heat--until around lap 3 when the car went from a strong 3rd place to fighting for 4th. Then it came- poof-- white smoke. As a racer or race fan, you know this isn't a good thing. Corey put the car in neutral and rolled to a stop. They pushed him in and that was the end of the night. We know the motor has some big problems but we haven't rolled it out of the trailer to look at it yet. Needless to say we drove 5 hours for 4 laps. :(
We had a wedding on Saturday night and hung around the house on Sunday. A lazy rest of the week-end..and that was all right for us!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
HELP! Need help in the food department!
Emma has been off the bottle for over a week and was off of formula for almost that whole time as well, until recently when I started giving her a little in her sippy cup as a snack to help supplement the nutrients she needs because....she has become a very picky eater! In the morning she does great- I still have her on Gerber Cereal mix that up with some applesauce or yogurt and she is in heaven. However for lunch, snack, or dinner she isn't eating so well. About 5 days ago or so I gave her a piece of dry bread as a way to buy time while I was getting her supper ready. Needless to say, she fell in love that day...with dry bread. She will eat 2 whole pieces if I let her. She will ignore everything else-spaghetti, lasagna, green beans, fruit, any meat etc. However, she will eat grilled cheese (Go figure--bread!). She also loves toasted bread sprinkled with cinnamon or even a little peanut butter. If its bread- dry or toasted- she loves it. When she was younger, she used to love the fruit and veggies in the jar..and now none of those things interest her. At first, I liked that she was getting her grains and now it seems that is all she is getting. I will say, that generally I don't give in. If she doesn't eat then I may try another thing but then she is done. For example, last night she wasn't eating her lasagna. I tried to spoon feed it to her and I also put it on her tray for her to pick up and neither option worked. Then I tried some fruit and also green beans. She ate a few green beans and then was done. I try to offer a variety of food groups during each meal--and it was working well--until the bread came along!
HELP! Anyone have ideas of how to integrate other foods or how to ignore her only choice? Where am I going wrong?
HELP! Anyone have ideas of how to integrate other foods or how to ignore her only choice? Where am I going wrong?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A Maze'n!
Our life is always eventful in the summertime, but I wouldn't trade my family for anything in the world (the hobbies--maybe but not the people :) Friday we bummed around the house and then Saturday we went racing. The last few days Emma has been in such a great mood that we decided to bring her and she did not dissapoint! It was her second time at the races and the weather was much more favorable this time. Emma hung out on a blanket in the trailer. She played with toys and ate supper/snacks. She got sleepy but I was trying to keep her up for as long as possible so she would just crash. Well she did just that the race before Corey's feature. I put her in her carseat in the truck. She sat up and played with the buckle on her seat belt and then ended up falling asleep like that. I layed her back and turned on the truck to keep it a bit cool in there. Lucky for us we didn't have too long to wait, Corey wanted to watch the Mods after him but it all goes pretty fast at that point. Plus I knew she was out.
Sunday we went to the A Maze'n Farmyard in Eden Valley with Jen, James, and Avery Unger. It is a farm that you can pet animals, enjoy a pony ride, has a large slide, and a train ride (that literally takes you on a path to see nothing--very (un)interesting!). However, the weather was great and it was just fun to have Emma pet the rabits, the camel, horses, and so forth. We even got to feed them a bit..it was a good time.
Emma is on her 4th day without having a bottle (may even be longer but I realized it and started counting 4 days ago). She has had formula 1x the last 2 days. She eats a large breakfast- usually a formula/cereal (toddler cereal) mixture with yogurt and a piece of toast. Then she really hasn't been eating lunch so formula has been supplemented to get her to eat something then at night she eats a full lunch. We haven't tried milk yet but will be soon. She loves to drink out of her sippy cup--usually prefers juice or formula--but will also drink water almost the same. She doesn't crawl yet but she has been rolling over for the past week and a half. She rolls both ways but hasn't really used it to get to places. I know...a lot of babies roll over when they are like 4 months old..but Emma decided that she wasnt' ready until she was 10 months. She also loves to be on her feet and walk around the house. When we let go she falls instantly--still not sure how to balance her weight but we'll take it one day at a time.
Emma's first racing bracelet.
Sunday we went to the A Maze'n Farmyard in Eden Valley with Jen, James, and Avery Unger. It is a farm that you can pet animals, enjoy a pony ride, has a large slide, and a train ride (that literally takes you on a path to see nothing--very (un)interesting!). However, the weather was great and it was just fun to have Emma pet the rabits, the camel, horses, and so forth. We even got to feed them a bit..it was a good time.
Emma is on her 4th day without having a bottle (may even be longer but I realized it and started counting 4 days ago). She has had formula 1x the last 2 days. She eats a large breakfast- usually a formula/cereal (toddler cereal) mixture with yogurt and a piece of toast. Then she really hasn't been eating lunch so formula has been supplemented to get her to eat something then at night she eats a full lunch. We haven't tried milk yet but will be soon. She loves to drink out of her sippy cup--usually prefers juice or formula--but will also drink water almost the same. She doesn't crawl yet but she has been rolling over for the past week and a half. She rolls both ways but hasn't really used it to get to places. I know...a lot of babies roll over when they are like 4 months old..but Emma decided that she wasnt' ready until she was 10 months. She also loves to be on her feet and walk around the house. When we let go she falls instantly--still not sure how to balance her weight but we'll take it one day at a time.
Emma's first racing bracelet.
Cute girls!
Let's pet the bunny!
This fun lil guy kept following us around since we had food. So we decided to let Emma ride him!
Let's go down the slide!
Weeeeeeeeeeeee!
Mommy & Emma
Thursday, August 11, 2011
2 + 2 = 4 teeth!
Emma's two top front teeth coming in. We noticed that one broke through the gum over the week-end and noticed the other yesterday. She has had a temp on and off and has been kind of whiny, but she has been WAY better than I expected a teething baby to be.
She turned 10 months old yesterday-so hard to believe. Every time I am away from her I feel like she grows like a weed. :)
Love that girl!
She turned 10 months old yesterday-so hard to believe. Every time I am away from her I feel like she grows like a weed. :)
Love that girl!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Do you have any allergies?
Up until about 2 months ago, my answer to this question was always "Nope." However, I have realized that I have been allergic to eggs and milk probably most my life. I would get stomach aches after eating and just thought I over ate (again) but now I have realized that it was an allergic reaction. Now that I have stopped eating the foods I have really noticed a difference, especially since I drank at least one glass of milk with every meal.
Well, yesterday my sister and mom had Emma so I asked that she take her to see Jim, the ultimate Chiropractor/Muscle Tester because she has been struggling to have a bowel movement for up to a week. He gave her an adjustment, which he said was needed. Then he also completed a nutrition check and low and behold, she is allergic to eggs as well. If this girl gets any more like her mama--she would BE her mama! She is a true Mini-Me. It goes without saying that 24 hours after her appointment her colon is empty and she is a very happy girl.
I haven't given her a lot of eggs, but I have made them on at least 3 different occassions for her because I just thought it would be a great food for her to eat- protein, easy to make, and easy to eat. She never really cared for them and so it's not a huge loss----however my allergy is strong. I can't even eat foods with eggs and milk in them. I made salmon last night for supper and put mayo on the outside (grilling tip for salmon btw, the mayo adds flavor as well as prevents it from sticking) and I was extremely sick--read the ingredients of the mayo and of course there was egg in there. Yep...thats how bad my allergy is. I will assume that Emma will be the same way for now. So that means a lot of 'ingredient' checking as well as good-bye egg noodles, pudding, a lot of baked goods, ice cream, and all the other yummy foods!
I can't recommend Jim and his practice enough--honestly--it doesn't always work overnight but for Emma it always has. For me it took 2 months but it is SO worth it. In addition, we are working to correct my knee which keeps dislodging and has prevented me from running and enjoying other excersises for years. If I lived close and was able to go as often as I need--it would probably be fixed by now but due to living an hour away, working, and so forth-- I just haven't been able to!
Well, yesterday my sister and mom had Emma so I asked that she take her to see Jim, the ultimate Chiropractor/Muscle Tester because she has been struggling to have a bowel movement for up to a week. He gave her an adjustment, which he said was needed. Then he also completed a nutrition check and low and behold, she is allergic to eggs as well. If this girl gets any more like her mama--she would BE her mama! She is a true Mini-Me. It goes without saying that 24 hours after her appointment her colon is empty and she is a very happy girl.
I haven't given her a lot of eggs, but I have made them on at least 3 different occassions for her because I just thought it would be a great food for her to eat- protein, easy to make, and easy to eat. She never really cared for them and so it's not a huge loss----however my allergy is strong. I can't even eat foods with eggs and milk in them. I made salmon last night for supper and put mayo on the outside (grilling tip for salmon btw, the mayo adds flavor as well as prevents it from sticking) and I was extremely sick--read the ingredients of the mayo and of course there was egg in there. Yep...thats how bad my allergy is. I will assume that Emma will be the same way for now. So that means a lot of 'ingredient' checking as well as good-bye egg noodles, pudding, a lot of baked goods, ice cream, and all the other yummy foods!
I can't recommend Jim and his practice enough--honestly--it doesn't always work overnight but for Emma it always has. For me it took 2 months but it is SO worth it. In addition, we are working to correct my knee which keeps dislodging and has prevented me from running and enjoying other excersises for years. If I lived close and was able to go as often as I need--it would probably be fixed by now but due to living an hour away, working, and so forth-- I just haven't been able to!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Fun week-end with friends!
Friday came and went without much action around the Eystad home. As Saturday came, Corey's excitement hightened for the big $20,000 to win Modified special at Deer Creek Speedway, which he attended that night. My friend Sarah Anderson and her son Tyson came and spent the day/night with us. We had a lot of fun just hanging out together. Once the kids went down we brought out the adult beverages and sat and laughed. Corey got home around 1:30 and caught us watching our wedding video......yes we started at the beginning and were just minutes from the very end. It was like 'people watching' without having to leave our couch. It was fun to watch our ceremony but a lot of fun to watch the reception and people dancing. Corey joined us for a few drinks and then we all hit the hay. Sunday became a lazy day but I did get the lawn mowed, so it wasn't a complete waste.
Today (Monday) I was supposed to go to Valleyfair with a friend, but thanks to the storms, we didn't get there. Instead, I had a day home with Emma. I also did all the laundry and some homework. It was a successful day...now back to work tomorrow.
Here are some new pictures--until next time..
P.S- It's August?!? Really.....not cool!
Today (Monday) I was supposed to go to Valleyfair with a friend, but thanks to the storms, we didn't get there. Instead, I had a day home with Emma. I also did all the laundry and some homework. It was a successful day...now back to work tomorrow.
Here are some new pictures--until next time..
P.S- It's August?!? Really.....not cool!
Here are some pictures of Corey and 'daddy's little girl'
Here is Emma & Tyson taking a bath.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Last dr appt as a 'baby'!
Yesterday was Emma's 9 month doctor appointment--the next one she will be at she will be a toddler..so sad!
Here are her stats:
Height: 28" = 57th percentile
Weight: 20.8 lbs= 80th percentile
Head: 45 cm= 76 percentile
Seriously, she has gained like one pound in the last 4-5 months..it's just crazy! The doctor still said that she is healthy and isn't worried about her size :)
We asked about concerns since she isn't crawling/moving and she is not concerned at all--so that is good to hear! She still loves to try new foods and is doing well with the sippy cup...but still loves her bottle!
Just wanted to give you all a quick note....
Here are her stats:
Height: 28" = 57th percentile
Weight: 20.8 lbs= 80th percentile
Head: 45 cm= 76 percentile
Seriously, she has gained like one pound in the last 4-5 months..it's just crazy! The doctor still said that she is healthy and isn't worried about her size :)
We asked about concerns since she isn't crawling/moving and she is not concerned at all--so that is good to hear! She still loves to try new foods and is doing well with the sippy cup...but still loves her bottle!
Just wanted to give you all a quick note....
Sunday, July 17, 2011
9 months old!
I am the mother of a 9 month old--it is so hard to believe but it's true! Friends of ours, Avery Unger and Jessica Studanski, are celebrating their 1 year birthdays this week-end and it just reminds me that Emma's is just around the corner!
We have been giving her more foods and trying to rely on the bottle less often. She still isn't perfect at the sippy cup but is doing really well during meals. Recently, Corey made his ice cream concoction (ice cream, malt powder, and chocolate syrup) and she tried it..needless to say she was a huge fan and kept leaning closer to him to get more. One evening we also gave her a frozen thin mint girl scout cookie. We thought it would be nice and cold on her front gums as well as a nice treat. We just gave it to her as she sat on the living room floor. Well Corey and I began talking in the kitchen and temporarily forgot about her. Needless to say, when we went back she had chocolate all over her hands, face and even a toy. Just as I began to pry the cookie from her hands it broke in two and she got another taste before the fun ended. She loved it. Since, we gave her another one. Only this time we did so in her booster chair. I also love the graduate meals because they are an easy meal to warm up in a pinch and she eats them really well.
Corey went racing this past Saturday and it was our first time in 3 weeks. It didn't go so well and I don't really know the whole story. It sounds like there was a lot of water on the track and it just wasn't a good thing. Last week-end we went to Watercade in Litchfield. We watched the parade and then grilled with friends. Emma got to be at her first parade and of course I forgot my camera. I have been doing that a lot lately. Then we brought her to my mom's house as we went out for the night--and had a blast with Sarah & Tyler Anderson as well as Laura & Dale Imholte (our new friends). Sunday we came back and grilled with the Ungers-of course that is always a good time. It was too warm to spend time outside so we stayed in.
That is about all that is new..here are some updated pictures.
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We have been giving her more foods and trying to rely on the bottle less often. She still isn't perfect at the sippy cup but is doing really well during meals. Recently, Corey made his ice cream concoction (ice cream, malt powder, and chocolate syrup) and she tried it..needless to say she was a huge fan and kept leaning closer to him to get more. One evening we also gave her a frozen thin mint girl scout cookie. We thought it would be nice and cold on her front gums as well as a nice treat. We just gave it to her as she sat on the living room floor. Well Corey and I began talking in the kitchen and temporarily forgot about her. Needless to say, when we went back she had chocolate all over her hands, face and even a toy. Just as I began to pry the cookie from her hands it broke in two and she got another taste before the fun ended. She loved it. Since, we gave her another one. Only this time we did so in her booster chair. I also love the graduate meals because they are an easy meal to warm up in a pinch and she eats them really well.
Corey went racing this past Saturday and it was our first time in 3 weeks. It didn't go so well and I don't really know the whole story. It sounds like there was a lot of water on the track and it just wasn't a good thing. Last week-end we went to Watercade in Litchfield. We watched the parade and then grilled with friends. Emma got to be at her first parade and of course I forgot my camera. I have been doing that a lot lately. Then we brought her to my mom's house as we went out for the night--and had a blast with Sarah & Tyler Anderson as well as Laura & Dale Imholte (our new friends). Sunday we came back and grilled with the Ungers-of course that is always a good time. It was too warm to spend time outside so we stayed in.
That is about all that is new..here are some updated pictures.
Bathtime fun!!
Avery & Emma---3 months difference (Avery turns 1 this w/e..yes Emma is a tank next to her)
We told Emma to give her a hug, she leaned in for a kiss instead!
Ice cream with dad--YUM!
1st cookie incident..this is what we found as we came back in to the living room.
She didn't give it up willingly but was still so happy!
Blowing bubbles during tummy time. Puppy finally got to be in a picture.
2nd cookie incident. I have to say, she is a spitting image of me (and my baby pics!!)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
1+1=2
2 Little teeth are peeking their way in to Emma's mouth. We noticed last week that she had 1 peaking through..and now there are 2! She has been kind of whiny at night but I have to say I am a HUGE fan of the teething tablets that melt in her mouth. I know some moms don't use them anymore but, I will use them until they are gone. I think it is like any other medicine, don't over use it and your baby will be fine! I prefer them to Tylenol.
She also added 'Nana' to her vocab. I say ' Moma Moma' and she says 'Nananana' or 'Dadadada'..she thinks its funny :) She has said moma before but it's a little game we play.
She is also giggling more-- love it.
Two nights ago during tummy time she lifted her hips/butt up and started to get on her knees. She isn't even close but the fact that she is starting to move the rump roast at all is a nice change!
She also added 'Nana' to her vocab. I say ' Moma Moma' and she says 'Nananana' or 'Dadadada'..she thinks its funny :) She has said moma before but it's a little game we play.
She is also giggling more-- love it.
Two nights ago during tummy time she lifted her hips/butt up and started to get on her knees. She isn't even close but the fact that she is starting to move the rump roast at all is a nice change!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
4th of July
Happy (belated) 4th of July everyone!
Whether you were racing, with family or friends, or just hanging out at home----I hope you all enjoyed your week-end!
We had a great time. Friday we hung out with Jennifer & James Unger as well as Siri & Phil. Of course the Ungers are always a great time and with the addition of Siri & Phil, it was a good time. We started off at Space Aliens for dinner and lunar teas (my favorite)! I hope you were all safe during the storms. Corey and I ended up driving through it on our way to town. The straight line winds hit us and we ended up pulling over-at one time we were thinking the Edge was going to lift off. The sirens were going off but we got to the old neighborhood safely!
Saturday we spent a few hours at the lake with our daycare lady- Brooke & her family. Then Sunday we hung around the house then went to my dad's house to just hang out in the yard for a couple hours. Corey went racing that night, wasn't too successful but at least he got the itch scratched for a little bit. Monday we grilled with my dad and just enjoyed the day as well. Overall, we didn't do a ton but it was still fun!! Here are some updated pictures...
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Emma & the puppy (a few weeks ago)
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Hangin' out on the beach with friends!
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Whether you were racing, with family or friends, or just hanging out at home----I hope you all enjoyed your week-end!
We had a great time. Friday we hung out with Jennifer & James Unger as well as Siri & Phil. Of course the Ungers are always a great time and with the addition of Siri & Phil, it was a good time. We started off at Space Aliens for dinner and lunar teas (my favorite)! I hope you were all safe during the storms. Corey and I ended up driving through it on our way to town. The straight line winds hit us and we ended up pulling over-at one time we were thinking the Edge was going to lift off. The sirens were going off but we got to the old neighborhood safely!
Saturday we spent a few hours at the lake with our daycare lady- Brooke & her family. Then Sunday we hung around the house then went to my dad's house to just hang out in the yard for a couple hours. Corey went racing that night, wasn't too successful but at least he got the itch scratched for a little bit. Monday we grilled with my dad and just enjoyed the day as well. Overall, we didn't do a ton but it was still fun!! Here are some updated pictures...
The crew at Space Aliens-----From the left: Siri, Phil, Corey, James, Me, and Jennifer. It was taken on Corey's cell phone so it isn't the best.
Emma & the puppy (a few weeks ago)
Lake picture #1. She is just getting the feel of the cold water. She whined at first but then didn't mind it at all. If it wasn't so cold, I think she would like it.
Happy 4th of July ---From the Emma Bear
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Aloha!
Wow, she was 7 months old the last time I wrote..which means that was almost 2 months ago..SAD!
Since May, we have had a few changes at the Eystad residence. Here is a breakdown:
1. Emma is almost 9 months old!
2. She is saying words like "momma" and "dada"
3. She is eating more and more solids, loves puffs, yogurt bites and anything else she can get in her mouth. The other day I was sitting next to her eating a pop-tart and she just grabbed the entire thing and put it in her mouth. I let her until it started crumbling more than I liked. Based on her snack consumption, one would think she is starving but she isn't, she just likes snacks!
4. Although she is getting better at chewing, still no teeth have popped through
With the arrival of summer, we are at the race track again. With the rain, we haven't went as much as we would have liked but considering it is just a hobby I think we are right on schedule. So far the season is going very well and we can't complain whatsoever.
Last Saturday we were in Brainerd for the USMTS show and so Emma went to her favorite 2nd mom & dad's house (Godparents) and she had some fun of her own. Bryn, her Godmother, took her to her first play! Oh she had a good time. Bryn said that she began talking quite loudly during the play so they had to walk out but then she fell asleep right on the floor. Cutie pie! She also had the joy of going to her first baseball game on Saturday and first soccer game on Sunday.
We have begun more construction on the yard. A lot of the landscaping (around the house, walls, etc) is done and now we are working on our patio and bonfire pit. It's a lot of work but it will be well worth it in the end! Do you know anyone that does concrete work? We are willing to pay for some help in this department!
Lastly, for those of you that do not know, I am no longer with Rasmussen College. It was a bittersweet ending and although I really enjoyed the work I did, I didn't always enjoy all the other parts. I am now working for First Financial Merchant Services out of Medina. I am a Recruiting Manager and started with a team of 3 and we are up to 6 and hope to be up to 8 by the end of the summer. I have been there about 3 weeks and have been extremely busy. So far I have enjoyed it-every job has its ups and downs as well as a learning curve for new things- but it is going as well as I could hope for.
Til next time -- (which will not be in 2 months!)---
Since May, we have had a few changes at the Eystad residence. Here is a breakdown:
1. Emma is almost 9 months old!
2. She is saying words like "momma" and "dada"
3. She is eating more and more solids, loves puffs, yogurt bites and anything else she can get in her mouth. The other day I was sitting next to her eating a pop-tart and she just grabbed the entire thing and put it in her mouth. I let her until it started crumbling more than I liked. Based on her snack consumption, one would think she is starving but she isn't, she just likes snacks!
4. Although she is getting better at chewing, still no teeth have popped through
With the arrival of summer, we are at the race track again. With the rain, we haven't went as much as we would have liked but considering it is just a hobby I think we are right on schedule. So far the season is going very well and we can't complain whatsoever.
Last Saturday we were in Brainerd for the USMTS show and so Emma went to her favorite 2nd mom & dad's house (Godparents) and she had some fun of her own. Bryn, her Godmother, took her to her first play! Oh she had a good time. Bryn said that she began talking quite loudly during the play so they had to walk out but then she fell asleep right on the floor. Cutie pie! She also had the joy of going to her first baseball game on Saturday and first soccer game on Sunday.
We have begun more construction on the yard. A lot of the landscaping (around the house, walls, etc) is done and now we are working on our patio and bonfire pit. It's a lot of work but it will be well worth it in the end! Do you know anyone that does concrete work? We are willing to pay for some help in this department!
Lastly, for those of you that do not know, I am no longer with Rasmussen College. It was a bittersweet ending and although I really enjoyed the work I did, I didn't always enjoy all the other parts. I am now working for First Financial Merchant Services out of Medina. I am a Recruiting Manager and started with a team of 3 and we are up to 6 and hope to be up to 8 by the end of the summer. I have been there about 3 weeks and have been extremely busy. So far I have enjoyed it-every job has its ups and downs as well as a learning curve for new things- but it is going as well as I could hope for.
Til next time -- (which will not be in 2 months!)---
Monday, May 9, 2011
7 months!
Wow, my last post was almost a month ago..where does the time go to? My appologies!
7 months ago from right now I was receiving petocin in an attempt to keep the contractions constant. I was nieve in thinking that too much petocin may mean that she would be born before midnight, thereby just missing the cool birthday of 10/10/10--yep I was a nieve first mom..especially since she wasn't born for another 7 hours(!!!) at 5:01am. That is ok- I wouldn't have it any other way.
My first Mother's day was a great one. We woke up and hung around the house and then headed for Hutchinson to spend time with our moms. Corey gave me a heart necklace with Emma's birthstone in the middle and a really sweet card, what can I say--I enjoy cards that come from the heart!
Emma is at the age where she is SO fun! We love to just watch her, play with her, and get her giggling or just making any noise. Her eating patters are odd and seem to constantly be changing--some days she loves veggies and other days she doesn't want to eat any solids.
Last Saturday was our first race and it started rough and ended really well! If you are not an avid race fan, you may not know of the new rule changes this year where Corey had to adjust the set-up of his car (ask him for details). With this major change, we weren't sure how the car was going to respond. In the heat race- it wasn't well! Corey literally could not turn the car....at all! So, he did a total makeover and changed a variety of things ..which had great results. He started 11th in the feature and ended 4th (he was running 3rd but was passed right at the end). Considering first went to Dan Ebert and second went to Shane Sabraski..being 3rd would have been like winning the race for us..but 4th was WONDERFUL. He reflected and realized that he wasn't in the tech shed at all last year--so to be there the first race of the season felt great and we hope to be there more this year.
Here are some pictues of our trophy girl :)
Also- I completely forgot to make a May resolution--in fact it didn't cross my mind until a couple days ago. Therefore, I think I failed for May..although I could use Penny Pincher Jennifer since I have been doing that since the beginning of the month and am not sure how much longer I will do it for.
Have a great week!
7 months ago from right now I was receiving petocin in an attempt to keep the contractions constant. I was nieve in thinking that too much petocin may mean that she would be born before midnight, thereby just missing the cool birthday of 10/10/10--yep I was a nieve first mom..especially since she wasn't born for another 7 hours(!!!) at 5:01am. That is ok- I wouldn't have it any other way.
My first Mother's day was a great one. We woke up and hung around the house and then headed for Hutchinson to spend time with our moms. Corey gave me a heart necklace with Emma's birthstone in the middle and a really sweet card, what can I say--I enjoy cards that come from the heart!
Emma is at the age where she is SO fun! We love to just watch her, play with her, and get her giggling or just making any noise. Her eating patters are odd and seem to constantly be changing--some days she loves veggies and other days she doesn't want to eat any solids.
Last Saturday was our first race and it started rough and ended really well! If you are not an avid race fan, you may not know of the new rule changes this year where Corey had to adjust the set-up of his car (ask him for details). With this major change, we weren't sure how the car was going to respond. In the heat race- it wasn't well! Corey literally could not turn the car....at all! So, he did a total makeover and changed a variety of things ..which had great results. He started 11th in the feature and ended 4th (he was running 3rd but was passed right at the end). Considering first went to Dan Ebert and second went to Shane Sabraski..being 3rd would have been like winning the race for us..but 4th was WONDERFUL. He reflected and realized that he wasn't in the tech shed at all last year--so to be there the first race of the season felt great and we hope to be there more this year.
Here are some pictues of our trophy girl :)
Bath in the sink! Emma had a #2 accident in the bathtub and so we relocated her to the sink to finish bath time! There isn't much room to kick and play here..but lots of bubbles to make up for it!
Happy Easter!
New bathtub- this is our 3rd bathtub purchased and so far--my favorite!! She was having fun but on the edge of bedtime so she took a time out from splashing to suck on her fingers a bit. For those of you that knew me as a kid...it looks familiar..only she uses her pointer and middle finger whereas I used my middle and ring finger.
Also- I completely forgot to make a May resolution--in fact it didn't cross my mind until a couple days ago. Therefore, I think I failed for May..although I could use Penny Pincher Jennifer since I have been doing that since the beginning of the month and am not sure how much longer I will do it for.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April {Snow} showers?
The Eystads are ready for Spring, as I am sure you are as well! It seems that we always get a late snow shower after everything melts..and we received that, on schedule, in March. Now more icky weather in April? Ew. We need sun!
Recently, Corey and I purchased a storm door to accompany our front door. We have installed it (thanks Denis for the help...or for doing most of it :) and we just love it. I look forward to summer when the sun shines through. It allows the area to be brighter and for us to actually see out the front of our house.
Emma had her 6 month appt today and I always get so excited for her measurements..but they can't be right. The nurse rushed through them. She said her weight was 18 lbs...but Corey and I weighed her about 2 weeks ago and she was 20, then her height was less than what she was last time we were at the doctor..and I can guarentee you she didnt' shrink. Even the doctor mentioned that it seemed off so it's a bummer we don't have the correct ones in the record book. Other than that, she got 2 shots and screamed but did well otherwise. The rest of the day she was calm and very tired. I can feel myself getting sick as my sinuses have become inflamed as the day wore on, so I didn't mind. Selfishly, I hope that tomorrow is another calm day.
I found another vegetable she likes- grean beans! I told the dr that she loves veggies and isn't a fan of fruits, for now we will soak that in since most kids are the opposite. She doesn't have any teeth so I haven't ventured to give her anything other than puree food..I think this also has to deal with my nervousness of being a first time mom.. I can tell she really wants to try everything, she gets so excited when I put her in the highchair as Corey and I eat. Poor thing.
Nothing else is new with us--
Recently, Corey and I purchased a storm door to accompany our front door. We have installed it (thanks Denis for the help...or for doing most of it :) and we just love it. I look forward to summer when the sun shines through. It allows the area to be brighter and for us to actually see out the front of our house.
Emma had her 6 month appt today and I always get so excited for her measurements..but they can't be right. The nurse rushed through them. She said her weight was 18 lbs...but Corey and I weighed her about 2 weeks ago and she was 20, then her height was less than what she was last time we were at the doctor..and I can guarentee you she didnt' shrink. Even the doctor mentioned that it seemed off so it's a bummer we don't have the correct ones in the record book. Other than that, she got 2 shots and screamed but did well otherwise. The rest of the day she was calm and very tired. I can feel myself getting sick as my sinuses have become inflamed as the day wore on, so I didn't mind. Selfishly, I hope that tomorrow is another calm day.
I found another vegetable she likes- grean beans! I told the dr that she loves veggies and isn't a fan of fruits, for now we will soak that in since most kids are the opposite. She doesn't have any teeth so I haven't ventured to give her anything other than puree food..I think this also has to deal with my nervousness of being a first time mom.. I can tell she really wants to try everything, she gets so excited when I put her in the highchair as Corey and I eat. Poor thing.
Nothing else is new with us--
Sunday, April 10, 2011
New Year's Resolution Update
My New Year's Resolution was to have a new resolution every month..here is how I would grade my progress so far:
January- Refrain from buying ANYTHING without a coupon or in-store savings= A+. As many of you know, I am still actively doing this and am sharing it with you at www.pennypincherjennifer.com
February- Get organized= I give myself a 'C' here. I made progress but not as much as I wanted to do.
March- Complete my weekly homework by Friday of each week I give myself a 'B' here. I missed it one week but there were only 2 weeks (I didn't think of this before the quarter started). Although, I started my April resolution during the last week of March..so actually I only went 1 week without being connected to a resolution.
April- Make meals 5 nights/week. These can not include frozen pizza, so if we decide to have that it has to be on one of the other nights. So far this has went very well, I have been doing it for the last 2 weeks.
I have some ideas for what I would like to do in the coming months, but I have not made any decisions yet.
Have you stuck to your New Year's Resolution?
January- Refrain from buying ANYTHING without a coupon or in-store savings= A+. As many of you know, I am still actively doing this and am sharing it with you at www.pennypincherjennifer.com
February- Get organized= I give myself a 'C' here. I made progress but not as much as I wanted to do.
March- Complete my weekly homework by Friday of each week I give myself a 'B' here. I missed it one week but there were only 2 weeks (I didn't think of this before the quarter started). Although, I started my April resolution during the last week of March..so actually I only went 1 week without being connected to a resolution.
April- Make meals 5 nights/week. These can not include frozen pizza, so if we decide to have that it has to be on one of the other nights. So far this has went very well, I have been doing it for the last 2 weeks.
I have some ideas for what I would like to do in the coming months, but I have not made any decisions yet.
Have you stuck to your New Year's Resolution?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Where have I been?
Wow it has been a long time since I posted on here. I knew it had been a while but I didn't realize it has been THAT long. So what have the Eystad's been up to?!? Good question...let's just summarize it all
Emma:
As of this Sunday she is 6 months old. Wow. It is true that time flys by when life happens. In the past week she has began sitting by herself (glad this has finally happened), actually jumping in her jumper. She just LOVES it. I also put her in her booster chair while we are eating where she plays with her toys, she seems to enjoy that as well. A couple weeks ago we went to Iowa to visit our good friends (5 hour drive - she was absolutely fantastic!) and she all of a sudden began grabbing at things. My pop-tarts wrapper, my subway sandwhich wrapper (yes while my sub was on it), my nose, ears, lips, anything. Today she reached for Odie and has began petting him...or at least trying. He is so god with her. He just started licking her hand-which she also loves.
She is smiling all the time now and is just becoming so much fun. Both Corey and I just laugh with her. She loves eating sweet potatoes and squash. Those are her favorites! We have also tried carrots, prunes, and peas which she does well with but doesn't seem to love them as much because she allows herself to become distracted. She is wearing 9-12 month clothes and seems to be lengthening out and just overall, so big! She seems uninterested in her bouncy chair so we may begin growing out of toys now as well. She still loves her mobile over her crib though, I don't see that going away any time soon. She is also a huge fan of her blanky. Honestly, we don't go anywhere without it. The only time she isn't gripping it in her little fingers is when she is eating or in her jumper. Otherwise, she loves it. My sister told me that with her "new" love (it's been going on for 3-4 wks) for her blanky she may stop sucking on her fingers. I said, "No way" She is a huge fan of sucking her pointer finger and middle finger on her left hand..although I think she might be right. Emma used to suck her fingers all the time, and it is slowly going away..even when we lay her down in the crib. We love this!
She is still sleeping through the night, daylight savings seem to have a big affect on her but now she is back to her schedule: goes to bed around: 6:30 and up between 4:30-6am. She eats and then goes right back to bed. Then wakes up, eats, stays up for maybe 30-45 minutes and takes another nap. She is such a good baby- we understand this! She is so good in fact, that when she shows signs of being tired we just put her in the crib and she puts herself to sleep. Love that girl!
Corey & I:
Nothing is really new with us. Just lookin' forward to summer! We have spring/summer fever.
Racing:
Race car is ready. Corey spends his time tinkering. I know he needs to buy tires, fuel, and also scale it but just small (but important) things like that. I know he is getting excited to get on the track but we are hesitant with the year we had last year.
That is about it! Hope all is well with everyone else!
Emma:
As of this Sunday she is 6 months old. Wow. It is true that time flys by when life happens. In the past week she has began sitting by herself (glad this has finally happened), actually jumping in her jumper. She just LOVES it. I also put her in her booster chair while we are eating where she plays with her toys, she seems to enjoy that as well. A couple weeks ago we went to Iowa to visit our good friends (5 hour drive - she was absolutely fantastic!) and she all of a sudden began grabbing at things. My pop-tarts wrapper, my subway sandwhich wrapper (yes while my sub was on it), my nose, ears, lips, anything. Today she reached for Odie and has began petting him...or at least trying. He is so god with her. He just started licking her hand-which she also loves.
She is smiling all the time now and is just becoming so much fun. Both Corey and I just laugh with her. She loves eating sweet potatoes and squash. Those are her favorites! We have also tried carrots, prunes, and peas which she does well with but doesn't seem to love them as much because she allows herself to become distracted. She is wearing 9-12 month clothes and seems to be lengthening out and just overall, so big! She seems uninterested in her bouncy chair so we may begin growing out of toys now as well. She still loves her mobile over her crib though, I don't see that going away any time soon. She is also a huge fan of her blanky. Honestly, we don't go anywhere without it. The only time she isn't gripping it in her little fingers is when she is eating or in her jumper. Otherwise, she loves it. My sister told me that with her "new" love (it's been going on for 3-4 wks) for her blanky she may stop sucking on her fingers. I said, "No way" She is a huge fan of sucking her pointer finger and middle finger on her left hand..although I think she might be right. Emma used to suck her fingers all the time, and it is slowly going away..even when we lay her down in the crib. We love this!
She is still sleeping through the night, daylight savings seem to have a big affect on her but now she is back to her schedule: goes to bed around: 6:30 and up between 4:30-6am. She eats and then goes right back to bed. Then wakes up, eats, stays up for maybe 30-45 minutes and takes another nap. She is such a good baby- we understand this! She is so good in fact, that when she shows signs of being tired we just put her in the crib and she puts herself to sleep. Love that girl!
Corey & I:
Nothing is really new with us. Just lookin' forward to summer! We have spring/summer fever.
Racing:
Race car is ready. Corey spends his time tinkering. I know he needs to buy tires, fuel, and also scale it but just small (but important) things like that. I know he is getting excited to get on the track but we are hesitant with the year we had last year.
That is about it! Hope all is well with everyone else!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Online shoppers-save more!
Do you shop online? Then you need to save more!! Sign up for Ebates by clicking on the logo. By signing up through this logo you and I will both earn a credit!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
"Emma...meet the race car"
Emma got to meet the race car yesterday. Corey was working on it and he just couldn't wait to show her. Here are some pictures of their experience:
Daddy let's chat...
Getting an "inside" view...
"Emma......here is the race car....."
Daddy let's chat...
Big girl on the race car---Corey is so happy!
Getting an "inside" view...
Productive Saturday!
What a great Saturday! Emma slept on and off throughout the day which was good but still time consuming. By the time I would get her to sleep she would sleep for 20 minutes and then be back up again. Then late in the afternoon she snoozed for 3 hours. I was able to get 4 lbs of hamburger browned. I packaged them in air tight containers and threw them in to the freezer. I love doing this for meals throughout the week. I also took out a huge sirloin steak for 2 to defrost it. We will be grilling today in the wonderful weather and then making some potatoes to compliment the steak. In addition, I made racers tacos for us to eat during the Bud Shoot out! Yummy!
I also took out Emma's baby book. We purchased a book that labels all her firsts as well as thoughts we had before she was born and after and just other details on her life. The majority of it focuses on before birth and just weeks after her birthday. Then the other half focuses on things that can come up throughout the first 3 years of life. My sister and I (probably more effort from my sister..she is the creative one) will be making a scrapbook as well but this is just a nice book that holds a bunch of dates and things. I also went through on read my blog days leading up to her birth and a couple weeks after. It was so sweet to read and I am SO happy that I did it!
Hope everyone had a great week-end!
I also took out Emma's baby book. We purchased a book that labels all her firsts as well as thoughts we had before she was born and after and just other details on her life. The majority of it focuses on before birth and just weeks after her birthday. Then the other half focuses on things that can come up throughout the first 3 years of life. My sister and I (probably more effort from my sister..she is the creative one) will be making a scrapbook as well but this is just a nice book that holds a bunch of dates and things. I also went through on read my blog days leading up to her birth and a couple weeks after. It was so sweet to read and I am SO happy that I did it!
Hope everyone had a great week-end!
Friday, February 11, 2011
New Resolution?
Yes, its true. I am changing my February resolution to - Get more organized!. You may say, "Um nice work...11 days in to the month." The truth is, I have been working on this since day 1. In addition, I need to get organized before I can just start having these domesticated meals 3x per week. For all you moms and wives out there who work full-time outside the home and make homemade meals every evening- I bow down to you. Now that I have realized it, I don't know how my husband and I have made it through suppertime for the last 4 months. When I was working from home (during the end of my maternity leave) I made meals all the time because it was easy since I was already home-now time is my biggest roadblock. I am organizing all the roles I play in my life: student, wife, and mom. I know I will feel better at the end of the month too. I also need to organize everything for our taxes and clean out a couple closets. I already look forward to it!
Yes, I am loving these challenges so far. It may only be 11 days in to February but I like it!
Yes, I am loving these challenges so far. It may only be 11 days in to February but I like it!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Superbowl Sunday
My title itself tells you I am days late. Either way..here is our life for the past week...
Last Friday my mom and her main man came up to Cloud. We were going to meet my oldest sister Kari but she had some car troubles, so instead us 5 went out to eat. It was good to see them again. Emma loves seeing her grandma. Saturday we went back to Hutchinson and she got to see her other grandma. Then Sunday we hung around the house. I did homework and then we headed to the Studanski household for the big-game. I didn't really watch much of it and really didn't pay much attention to the commercials either. You could ask me what my favorite commercial was and I wouldn't know one to choose because I don't remember any of them, now ask me what my favorite food was and you will get a whole different answer. I guess you can see where my focus was.
Emma is doing great. I can't wait for her to be able to sit up on her own to be able to play with the other kids. Brooke, my daycare lady, has an 8 mo. old and he just wants to play with her so bad so she has been working with Emma on that as well.
I realized today that it is already the 2nd week of February, so you can imagine how my February resolution is going...........umm...not so well. Last week was wicked bad since I didn't come up with it until mid-week so I already knew I would be carrying this in to March (even though I already have several ideas for March). Monday night I made spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic toast. Now, I was thinking fruits and vegatables were together on the food guide pyramid, obviously I was wrong and should have done research to prepare for this. I have since looked it up and realized there are a whole lot of food guide pyramids out there-I went with an old school one and have now put it on my fridge so I know. Therefore, Monday night we missed the mark. I have added a small "exception" since we don't eat fruit with our meals I have allowed a snack to be included where I will make smoothies or some other fruit gig. So this one isn't going so well..I may have challenged myself a bit too much.
Pictures:
Last Friday my mom and her main man came up to Cloud. We were going to meet my oldest sister Kari but she had some car troubles, so instead us 5 went out to eat. It was good to see them again. Emma loves seeing her grandma. Saturday we went back to Hutchinson and she got to see her other grandma. Then Sunday we hung around the house. I did homework and then we headed to the Studanski household for the big-game. I didn't really watch much of it and really didn't pay much attention to the commercials either. You could ask me what my favorite commercial was and I wouldn't know one to choose because I don't remember any of them, now ask me what my favorite food was and you will get a whole different answer. I guess you can see where my focus was.
Emma is doing great. I can't wait for her to be able to sit up on her own to be able to play with the other kids. Brooke, my daycare lady, has an 8 mo. old and he just wants to play with her so bad so she has been working with Emma on that as well.
I realized today that it is already the 2nd week of February, so you can imagine how my February resolution is going...........umm...not so well. Last week was wicked bad since I didn't come up with it until mid-week so I already knew I would be carrying this in to March (even though I already have several ideas for March). Monday night I made spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic toast. Now, I was thinking fruits and vegatables were together on the food guide pyramid, obviously I was wrong and should have done research to prepare for this. I have since looked it up and realized there are a whole lot of food guide pyramids out there-I went with an old school one and have now put it on my fridge so I know. Therefore, Monday night we missed the mark. I have added a small "exception" since we don't eat fruit with our meals I have allowed a snack to be included where I will make smoothies or some other fruit gig. So this one isn't going so well..I may have challenged myself a bit too much.
Pictures:
Emma looks sad because she can't play with the fun toys with Jessica Studanski (Jessica is almost 7 months)
Jessica & Emma
Emma looking very tired.
Avery Unger & Emma. Avery is also almost 7 months old. They didn't take pictures too well together.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
All about E!
I know 2 posts within minutes yet you haven't heard a peep from me since Jan 17th. My appologies! I am sleepless tonight so I figured I might as well be productive and get some things done!
Emma is sleeping through the night regularly. She seems to wake up when its Corey's night (Thursday-Saturday). She must know that if she cries she can have quality E + Daddy time. He doesn't see the humor since she gets to be with him all day on Fridays while I work (he works 4-10's)
For those of you wondering- we have tried cloth diapers and I like them a lot but am also still playing around with them a bit. If you have tried them before you know what I mean- I am trying to find how many inserts to use and a pattern. I only have a handful. I plan on using them whenever we have her and then continuing to buy disposable for daycare.
Here are a couple pictures:
Play mat time!
Checkin' out the jumper!
The Jan. Res..
Hello again-
Sorry for the absence there is no reason for it! This is a post to let you know I made it to February! It is officially February 3rd and it is my last day of my January resolution. Since I cheated 3x in Jan I carried it over to February.
I loved my resolution and things turned out fantastic!! I will be carrying part of it throughout the year. I have mastered couponing (not to the limits of getting $3,000 of groceries for $100 but close enough).
Last week-end we ran to the grocery store after church. I spent a total of $86 and saved $41. The best part is I only buy things I need/will use. With this couponing stuff I buy more at a time but I actually feel the need to shop less-its a double bonus! I was at Target and used the Cub ad to price match Campbells Chunky Soup and Wheat Thin crackers. I got 10 cans of soup and 2 boxes of crackers for a total of $6! Stellar deal! I spent $6 and saved $16 just on those items. Corey was with this time and was shocked...he is even getting in to this a bit. We decided to put the money towards debt payments (car, house) instead of a vacation. I know vacation is more fun but once we are debt free THAT will be MORE fun!
With your requests, I will be starting a savings blog. There are a ton of them out there, all you have to do is google "ways to save" or "coupons" or anything around those lines. My blog will be better because it will be local. Meaning: you can go to other blogs and they will say things like "Save with Kellogs this week" and it will tell you where to find a manufacture coupon and a store coupon..but the store will be like Hy-Vee foods, which we don't have. My only promise to you is that I will keep it up as long as I am getting hits every day/week. If I don't then I will stop just because it will take a lot of time to update and I don't mind doing it (in the least) but just want to make sure its helpful for others as well. I can't wait to get started but it probably won't happen for another week to two weeks then should be in full swing for my March resolution.
How are your resolutions going? Did you use any savings tips I have given you so far? Have you thought differently about your spending? Comment on this page!
Sorry for the absence there is no reason for it! This is a post to let you know I made it to February! It is officially February 3rd and it is my last day of my January resolution. Since I cheated 3x in Jan I carried it over to February.
I loved my resolution and things turned out fantastic!! I will be carrying part of it throughout the year. I have mastered couponing (not to the limits of getting $3,000 of groceries for $100 but close enough).
Last week-end we ran to the grocery store after church. I spent a total of $86 and saved $41. The best part is I only buy things I need/will use. With this couponing stuff I buy more at a time but I actually feel the need to shop less-its a double bonus! I was at Target and used the Cub ad to price match Campbells Chunky Soup and Wheat Thin crackers. I got 10 cans of soup and 2 boxes of crackers for a total of $6! Stellar deal! I spent $6 and saved $16 just on those items. Corey was with this time and was shocked...he is even getting in to this a bit. We decided to put the money towards debt payments (car, house) instead of a vacation. I know vacation is more fun but once we are debt free THAT will be MORE fun!
With your requests, I will be starting a savings blog. There are a ton of them out there, all you have to do is google "ways to save" or "coupons" or anything around those lines. My blog will be better because it will be local. Meaning: you can go to other blogs and they will say things like "Save with Kellogs this week" and it will tell you where to find a manufacture coupon and a store coupon..but the store will be like Hy-Vee foods, which we don't have. My only promise to you is that I will keep it up as long as I am getting hits every day/week. If I don't then I will stop just because it will take a lot of time to update and I don't mind doing it (in the least) but just want to make sure its helpful for others as well. I can't wait to get started but it probably won't happen for another week to two weeks then should be in full swing for my March resolution.
How are your resolutions going? Did you use any savings tips I have given you so far? Have you thought differently about your spending? Comment on this page!
Monday, January 17, 2011
I cheated...
So I cheated on my New Year's Resolution.....
We went to Litchfield on Saturday and spent some time with my best friend Sarah (Fischer) Anderson and her husband Tyler. We went to the liquor store and I bought myself a bottle of wine. No coupon, no discount. On Friday, we got Emma's 3 month pictures done. I had a coupon for the pictures but then we went and got her ear's pierced which I did not have a coupon for. Two items with no savings, means I have to do this resolution for 2 days longer.
We went to Litchfield on Saturday and spent some time with my best friend Sarah (Fischer) Anderson and her husband Tyler. We went to the liquor store and I bought myself a bottle of wine. No coupon, no discount. On Friday, we got Emma's 3 month pictures done. I had a coupon for the pictures but then we went and got her ear's pierced which I did not have a coupon for. Two items with no savings, means I have to do this resolution for 2 days longer.
Emma did excellent with her ears. She screamed but then once it was over she was smiling again. I am glad I did it at this age because she hasn't found her ears yet so she isn't pulling on them.
Last week Corey and I decided to try the "cry it out" method. This means that we decided we would let her cry when she wakes up at night in an attempt to train her to sleep through the night. For those of you who are new parents..you understand this. For those of you that are not...I am not a bad parent. Babies get in the habit of waking up at night, just like if you set your alarm at 7am every morning and go to bed the same time every night, eventually your body will just start waking up at 7 am automatically. This is what happens with babies. You can do it as of 2 months old but I decided to wait. Then she began to really settle in to a routine in the last couple weeks so we decided now would be good. She needs to be in bed by 7:30, about 6:30 she begins to get really tired and its almost impossible to keep her awake so we start our routine at that time (bath, reading, bottle, etc). She would wake up between 2-2:30 every night and when I would feed her she would eat 2 ounces and then fall asleep as I was burping her, so this told me that she wasn't truly hungry.
So last Thursday night, we put her down and about 2:30am she woke up. We didn't get up but watched her on the monitor (we have a video one...LOVE it). She was so tired half of the time she had her eyes shut and just did this half attempt at a cry. She has two very distinct cries: hungry and sleepy. After about 40 min of her crying on and off I decided to go in and put her pacifier in her mouth. When I got back to bed I looked at the monitor and she was already sleeping. She really likes the pacifier to go to sleep but doesn't keep it in her mouth through the night. Now 40 minutes seems like a long time but she would cry and then stop for a long time and then start again, I promise it isn't as bad as it sounds. Friday night around 3:30 I could hear her getting restless so I ran and put her nuk in her mouth before she woke up and she kept sleeping. I don't want her to rely on the nuk but at the same time I wanted to train her body to keep sleeping. Saturday night we were in Litchfield but we put her down, moved her a total of 4 times and she never woke up. She probably fell asleep around 8 or so and didn't wake up until 7:30. Then Sunday, she didn't fall asleep until around 9 because she became over tired but then didn't wake up until 5:30. I can get used to all of these situations. As her body was trained to wake up at 2-230 my body was starting to get in that habit as well and I wasn't able to get back to sleep..but now I think we will be good for a while.
I know there are some of you who are going to play Devil's Advocate and tell me that her sleeping patterns will change, don't get used to this, and blah blah but guess what- I will deal with that when it comes, for now I will enjoy.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Cha-Ching!
My January resolution is in full swing! I am addicted to this saving money gig! I have about 10 hours of research in but it doesn't feel like work. I am enjoying it. These 10 hours include surfing the internet in finding "saving" blogs, coupon sites, and other deals. Based on this I have been pretty successful. I even found a blog that compares stores ads with available coupons. For example: last week Target had a deal on Lean Cuisine frozen meals and there was also a manufacturer's coupon for $1 off when you buy 2. It is nice because they do the work for you..yet they are not local so sometimes the deals are not the same.
I choose to go to Target for grocery shopping for a few reasons:
1. I love Target. It is bright, clean, and reliable.
2. They are about the same distance as a true grocery store but I like the idea of being able to pick up other items at the same time.
3. Target Rewards: When I use my DEBIT card I receive 5% off my total purchase. (They used to only offer this for their credit card but now also offer it if you connect it to you existing Debit card...I wonder if they are having a problem with collecting on those credit cards!).
4. Their prices are very similar, and usually cheaper, than other places.
Saturday I went to Target and it was the first grocery experience of the new year, and first time under my resolution. Now, originally I said that I would buy groceries without a coupon but I think I may go back on that because I think I can do it with coupons. There are only certain items that I need to buy without a coupon. We have a freezer full of beef and pork so I don't need meat coupons so I just need to find things to go with it..and that isn't hard. So back to my trip...it was also the first time that I had to ask them to price match. I had called earlier to find their guidelines. If you want to price match at Target you go through the main line for everything NOT getting matched and then you go to the Service Desk for everything that is. WHAT IS PRICE MATCHING? Price Matching is when you bring a competitor's ad in to a store and they honor the competitor price. For example, Coborns had a deal on Special K cereal at $1.99 plus I had a buy one get one free manufacturer's coupon..so I got 2 boxes for 1.99..lucky for me I had 2 coupons so I ended up getting 4 boxes for 3.98!!!! That is insane since each box is usually $4.39. Anywho, the point of price matching is so you don't have to go to every store to get the merchandise you want..plus you can still use manufacturer's coupons PLUS any in-store coupons (for the place you are at..Target will match ads but not take competitor's coupons!). So I went through the normal line and unloaded half my cart. Then, I went to the Service Desk and unloaded the other half. My savings: Of the 73 items I purchased...I only paid full price for 9 of them..and since I got 3 milks and 2 cans of tuna..I only paid full price for 6 different items. I was pretty proud of myself. My final savings including coupons, Target rewards, and matching ads: $36.11.
I have learned a ton from reading blogs though...and have even considered starting my own!
Here are a couple things on coupon etiquette:
-Don't assume every store price matches- it isn't true. Call your favorite store and ask!
-Keep manufacturer's coupons until there is a store coupon and/or in-store special. If I would have used my BOGO free Special K coupons without the in-store special I would have paid $8.78 for 2 boxes instead of $3.98.
-Don't be afraid to stock up on non-perishables as long as you have the space.
-Don't buy things you won't eat/use just because you have a coupon. This isn't truly saving anything.
You may think I am crazy for buying 4 boxes of the same kind of cereal and that is ok-I have been called worse :) The thing is, Corey and I both love it and we eat cereal every day. Plus I bought 4 boxes of Chewy Granola bars because I got them cheap as well. Corey and I go through a box of 10 a week (we each eat 1-2 per day). Therefore, I know we will go through it.
Another deal I had this week: Office Depot had copy paper on sale for $1 (after mail-in rebate). I also found a $1 off coupon, which I saved instantly. So I paid $13.56 in store but am sending in the rebate and once I receive the money- I will have received both reams of paper- FREE!
I could go on and on ..(I am also changing to rechargeable batteries since Emma's toys eat them up like crazy..might as well change now instead of buying "disposable" ones that are bad for the environment and are equivelent to throwing my money in the trash..especially since you can buy Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries on Amazon for almost the same price of "disposable" ones...).....but I will stop :)
All in all- I am quite satisfied with this month's resolution...........
I choose to go to Target for grocery shopping for a few reasons:
1. I love Target. It is bright, clean, and reliable.
2. They are about the same distance as a true grocery store but I like the idea of being able to pick up other items at the same time.
3. Target Rewards: When I use my DEBIT card I receive 5% off my total purchase. (They used to only offer this for their credit card but now also offer it if you connect it to you existing Debit card...I wonder if they are having a problem with collecting on those credit cards!).
4. Their prices are very similar, and usually cheaper, than other places.
Saturday I went to Target and it was the first grocery experience of the new year, and first time under my resolution. Now, originally I said that I would buy groceries without a coupon but I think I may go back on that because I think I can do it with coupons. There are only certain items that I need to buy without a coupon. We have a freezer full of beef and pork so I don't need meat coupons so I just need to find things to go with it..and that isn't hard. So back to my trip...it was also the first time that I had to ask them to price match. I had called earlier to find their guidelines. If you want to price match at Target you go through the main line for everything NOT getting matched and then you go to the Service Desk for everything that is. WHAT IS PRICE MATCHING? Price Matching is when you bring a competitor's ad in to a store and they honor the competitor price. For example, Coborns had a deal on Special K cereal at $1.99 plus I had a buy one get one free manufacturer's coupon..so I got 2 boxes for 1.99..lucky for me I had 2 coupons so I ended up getting 4 boxes for 3.98!!!! That is insane since each box is usually $4.39. Anywho, the point of price matching is so you don't have to go to every store to get the merchandise you want..plus you can still use manufacturer's coupons PLUS any in-store coupons (for the place you are at..Target will match ads but not take competitor's coupons!). So I went through the normal line and unloaded half my cart. Then, I went to the Service Desk and unloaded the other half. My savings: Of the 73 items I purchased...I only paid full price for 9 of them..and since I got 3 milks and 2 cans of tuna..I only paid full price for 6 different items. I was pretty proud of myself. My final savings including coupons, Target rewards, and matching ads: $36.11.
I have learned a ton from reading blogs though...and have even considered starting my own!
Here are a couple things on coupon etiquette:
-Don't assume every store price matches- it isn't true. Call your favorite store and ask!
-Keep manufacturer's coupons until there is a store coupon and/or in-store special. If I would have used my BOGO free Special K coupons without the in-store special I would have paid $8.78 for 2 boxes instead of $3.98.
-Don't be afraid to stock up on non-perishables as long as you have the space.
-Don't buy things you won't eat/use just because you have a coupon. This isn't truly saving anything.
You may think I am crazy for buying 4 boxes of the same kind of cereal and that is ok-I have been called worse :) The thing is, Corey and I both love it and we eat cereal every day. Plus I bought 4 boxes of Chewy Granola bars because I got them cheap as well. Corey and I go through a box of 10 a week (we each eat 1-2 per day). Therefore, I know we will go through it.
Another deal I had this week: Office Depot had copy paper on sale for $1 (after mail-in rebate). I also found a $1 off coupon, which I saved instantly. So I paid $13.56 in store but am sending in the rebate and once I receive the money- I will have received both reams of paper- FREE!
I could go on and on ..(I am also changing to rechargeable batteries since Emma's toys eat them up like crazy..might as well change now instead of buying "disposable" ones that are bad for the environment and are equivelent to throwing my money in the trash..especially since you can buy Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries on Amazon for almost the same price of "disposable" ones...).....but I will stop :)
All in all- I am quite satisfied with this month's resolution...........
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone!!
2010 was a great year for us and we look forward to an even more wonderful 2011. Looking back, I feel like I was pregnant for the entire year..and for 40 of the 52 weeks: I was! I traveled for my job for the first couple months until my body told me that it didn't like the mini pea-pod growing inside. In February I stopped traveling and hung out in the metro area for work. Corey raced his 3rd season and "3rd time's a charm" was not true in this case. It was a tough season! Then shortly after the conclusion of racing came our lovely baby Emma Louise Eystad. We have officially survived the first couple months as new parents.
On New Year's Eve Emma visited her Godparents and Godsiblings in Rice (Thank you Muehlbauer family!) while mommy and daddy went to the Tatge residence. We had a blast (like usual) with Kari and Carter. We played games and drank a little. Then around 10pm we headed to DB Searle's where we met up with some of our friends. It has been a long time since I have been downtime St. Cloud (May 22, 2009 in fact...my wedding day) the music was good but it was just a little too loud for my liking so once the ball dropped we jetted. New Years day we picked up Emma and spent some time with her Godfamily. Then we stopped by the Sabraski house on the way home and hung out with them. Then off to our house for a relaxing evening and an exhausting day following.
Emma was almost over her cold and then got it back-double as bad. She has a runny nose and a cough that doesn't stop. Poor thing! She just wants to cuddle with mom, literally. She hasn't been good at daycare and she wouldn't eat for Corey either...I get home and wa-la she wants to eat and sleep with mom :) Love that girl!
Here are some pics from NYE -
Kari Tatge and I
2010 was a great year for us and we look forward to an even more wonderful 2011. Looking back, I feel like I was pregnant for the entire year..and for 40 of the 52 weeks: I was! I traveled for my job for the first couple months until my body told me that it didn't like the mini pea-pod growing inside. In February I stopped traveling and hung out in the metro area for work. Corey raced his 3rd season and "3rd time's a charm" was not true in this case. It was a tough season! Then shortly after the conclusion of racing came our lovely baby Emma Louise Eystad. We have officially survived the first couple months as new parents.
On New Year's Eve Emma visited her Godparents and Godsiblings in Rice (Thank you Muehlbauer family!) while mommy and daddy went to the Tatge residence. We had a blast (like usual) with Kari and Carter. We played games and drank a little. Then around 10pm we headed to DB Searle's where we met up with some of our friends. It has been a long time since I have been downtime St. Cloud (May 22, 2009 in fact...my wedding day) the music was good but it was just a little too loud for my liking so once the ball dropped we jetted. New Years day we picked up Emma and spent some time with her Godfamily. Then we stopped by the Sabraski house on the way home and hung out with them. Then off to our house for a relaxing evening and an exhausting day following.
Emma was almost over her cold and then got it back-double as bad. She has a runny nose and a cough that doesn't stop. Poor thing! She just wants to cuddle with mom, literally. She hasn't been good at daycare and she wouldn't eat for Corey either...I get home and wa-la she wants to eat and sleep with mom :) Love that girl!
Here are some pics from NYE -
Kari Tatge and I
Me and Corey. I was so worried he was going to make a face and look dumb that I am the one that ended up looking away...
I am SO blessed with wonderful friends and family as well as a healthy family. I can't say it enough -- I am so lucky!
January Resolution-Save Money!
Hello hello-
I am not one to keep New Years resolutions, in fact I don't even remember any I had last year. This year I decided to be a bit more realistic. I am going to attempt to have a new resolution every month, for a total of 12 for the year. For January: Don't buy anything unless it is on sale or I have a coupon. The only exceptions I could think of would be gas and groceries (which I still look for coupons for but it's impossible to find a coupon for some things, like milk...believe me I have already tried). I can sometimes get coupons for gas off my grocery receipt, but I won't require it every time I fill up. I am already a coupon clipper. It takes a little bit of time but once you get in the habit of checking-it is so easy! To benefit the most you also need to research and plan. Every week-end I go through the newspaper and internet sites to cut coupons. Then I gather them and decide where it is best to shop. Some stores will match competitors but it may not be beneficial. Target matches all competitors yet they have their own brand (Market Pantry) and therefore don't sell some other brands. I try to make my grocery/necessity list before I go out, that way I can look up specific things online. If you want to try this resolution with me, visit these websites to get started:
http://www.coupongreat.com/- for groceries and beyond, online or in store!
http://www.target.com/ then go to the bottom and choose "Coupons" these are only good at Target. Also, if you are a consistent Target shopper get their Red DEBIT Card and save 5% every visit...this is not a credit card. It links to your existing checking account but still saves you $.
http://www.redplum.com/- get the Sunday paper for the coupons? Cancel it! Get the same coupons here!
http://www.coupons.com/
Here are some more websites that offer you low prices on every day things or extra bonuses:
http://www.thevalueconnection.com/
http://www.amazon.com/ - in love with this site. Even with shipping costs (which are usually waived) it is cheaper than stores.
http://www.ebates.com/ - Shop online? Earn rewards for your normal spending!
http://www.upromise.com/ - shop at their vendors and they will put money aside for your child's college fund.
So many options and so much money to save! It is rare for us to go grocery shopping at Target and save less than $15/visit. Join me for my Jan. Resolution!
I am not one to keep New Years resolutions, in fact I don't even remember any I had last year. This year I decided to be a bit more realistic. I am going to attempt to have a new resolution every month, for a total of 12 for the year. For January: Don't buy anything unless it is on sale or I have a coupon. The only exceptions I could think of would be gas and groceries (which I still look for coupons for but it's impossible to find a coupon for some things, like milk...believe me I have already tried). I can sometimes get coupons for gas off my grocery receipt, but I won't require it every time I fill up. I am already a coupon clipper. It takes a little bit of time but once you get in the habit of checking-it is so easy! To benefit the most you also need to research and plan. Every week-end I go through the newspaper and internet sites to cut coupons. Then I gather them and decide where it is best to shop. Some stores will match competitors but it may not be beneficial. Target matches all competitors yet they have their own brand (Market Pantry) and therefore don't sell some other brands. I try to make my grocery/necessity list before I go out, that way I can look up specific things online. If you want to try this resolution with me, visit these websites to get started:
http://www.coupongreat.com/- for groceries and beyond, online or in store!
http://www.target.com/ then go to the bottom and choose "Coupons" these are only good at Target. Also, if you are a consistent Target shopper get their Red DEBIT Card and save 5% every visit...this is not a credit card. It links to your existing checking account but still saves you $.
http://www.redplum.com/- get the Sunday paper for the coupons? Cancel it! Get the same coupons here!
http://www.coupons.com/
Here are some more websites that offer you low prices on every day things or extra bonuses:
http://www.thevalueconnection.com/
http://www.amazon.com/ - in love with this site. Even with shipping costs (which are usually waived) it is cheaper than stores.
http://www.ebates.com/ - Shop online? Earn rewards for your normal spending!
http://www.upromise.com/ - shop at their vendors and they will put money aside for your child's college fund.
So many options and so much money to save! It is rare for us to go grocery shopping at Target and save less than $15/visit. Join me for my Jan. Resolution!
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