Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Breastfeeding
My ultimate breastfeeding goal was to make it a year...
We were just under a month short when my body decided it was done. I know, there are things I could have done to up the supply, but it wasn't worth it to me for less than a month. And we have a ton of milk stored up that needs to be used.
The deep freeze was entirely full of breastmilk, as well as some being stored in my parent's freezer! We have made a dent, but still have plenty left. Which means Ellie will still be on breastmilk through a year. So in a way, I still meet my goal.
We estimated that she would drink through approximately $114 in milk a month. Times 12 months: we saved $1,368 by breastfeeding for the first year! And it is healthier for her.
On the topic of Ellie and her drinking... she is now starting to take breastmilk in a sippy cup at day-care! She is not as willing at home, but is getting better. Which means the bottle should be gone at a year without too many issues.
We were just under a month short when my body decided it was done. I know, there are things I could have done to up the supply, but it wasn't worth it to me for less than a month. And we have a ton of milk stored up that needs to be used.
The deep freeze was entirely full of breastmilk, as well as some being stored in my parent's freezer! We have made a dent, but still have plenty left. Which means Ellie will still be on breastmilk through a year. So in a way, I still meet my goal.We estimated that she would drink through approximately $114 in milk a month. Times 12 months: we saved $1,368 by breastfeeding for the first year! And it is healthier for her.
On the topic of Ellie and her drinking... she is now starting to take breastmilk in a sippy cup at day-care! She is not as willing at home, but is getting better. Which means the bottle should be gone at a year without too many issues.
Friday, October 29, 2010
5 on Friday
1. Ellie took her first steps on Saturday! I got so excited I scared her and made her cry. She got over it pretty quickly.
2. We had a CRAZY busy weekend- lots of fun, but very busy. The next two weeks are super busy. I will have lots of updating to do after Ellie's first birthday.
3. Ellie participated in her 2nd 5K on Saturday. Although this time we walked vs. walk/run.
4. The Greving Family had pictures taken on Sunday. 17 of us, including 6 girls and 1 boy ages 8 and under! A shout out to our photographer, Nuzum Photography, for working with the entire crew.
5. Because the Nuzum's like us so much, Nick, Ellie and I got to see them again on Monday for Ellie's 1 year photos.
2. We had a CRAZY busy weekend- lots of fun, but very busy. The next two weeks are super busy. I will have lots of updating to do after Ellie's first birthday.
3. Ellie participated in her 2nd 5K on Saturday. Although this time we walked vs. walk/run.
4. The Greving Family had pictures taken on Sunday. 17 of us, including 6 girls and 1 boy ages 8 and under! A shout out to our photographer, Nuzum Photography, for working with the entire crew.
5. Because the Nuzum's like us so much, Nick, Ellie and I got to see them again on Monday for Ellie's 1 year photos.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sneak Peak!
Eleanor had her 1-year photos taken on Monday. We haven't gone through them to pick our favorites, but I couldn't resist showing just one!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Out at the Farm!
Earlier this month we made a trip out to the farm to help celebrate nephew/cousin Garrett's birthday. Despite it being his birthday, he still helped with cleaning lunch dishes!
We managed to get a picture of Uncle Jamie with Ellie. Going through her scrapbook, we have very few of the two of them.
The trip wouldn't be complete without wagon ride for Eleanor!
She also helped Grandma pick some mini pumpkins. They were just her size.
Ellie and Grandma by the mini pumpkin patch!
We managed to get a picture of Uncle Jamie with Ellie. Going through her scrapbook, we have very few of the two of them.The trip wouldn't be complete without wagon ride for Eleanor!
She also helped Grandma pick some mini pumpkins. They were just her size.
Ellie and Grandma by the mini pumpkin patch!
Friday, October 22, 2010
5 on Friday
1. We may not have won the 2010 Lawn Olympics, but we had fun. Ellie had so much fun that she opted to play with friends instead of napping.
2. We brewed up two, yes two, batches of beer on Sunday (2 5-gallon kegs worth of 96 bottles). 4 weeks and counting down until it is ready for consumption.
3. Ellie and I are officially done nursing. A decrease in milk supply with less than a month until my ultimate goal meant we were going to end early. While I am a little disappointed, I think it is easier to quit because I have to instead of by choice.
4. Nick raced in a cyclocross bike race last Friday. Ellie and I stopped out for a little bit to watch him. That is a really cool race to watch. We want to go to more of them, only in the day-time when it is warmer.
5. Ellie did AWESOME in church last weekend! I need to mention this because the last couple of times when Daddy has been in the choir (and it was just Mommy and Ellie in the pew) we have had to leave part way through. I hate to teach her that crying during mass will make it so she can crawl around in the entry way... so I was glad when we could stay for the entire mass with just me holding her.
2. We brewed up two, yes two, batches of beer on Sunday (2 5-gallon kegs worth of 96 bottles). 4 weeks and counting down until it is ready for consumption.
3. Ellie and I are officially done nursing. A decrease in milk supply with less than a month until my ultimate goal meant we were going to end early. While I am a little disappointed, I think it is easier to quit because I have to instead of by choice.
4. Nick raced in a cyclocross bike race last Friday. Ellie and I stopped out for a little bit to watch him. That is a really cool race to watch. We want to go to more of them, only in the day-time when it is warmer.
5. Ellie did AWESOME in church last weekend! I need to mention this because the last couple of times when Daddy has been in the choir (and it was just Mommy and Ellie in the pew) we have had to leave part way through. I hate to teach her that crying during mass will make it so she can crawl around in the entry way... so I was glad when we could stay for the entire mass with just me holding her.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Apple Picking
The other week we went to the Happy Apple Orchard in Cumming. What beautiful weather we had for our adventure. Ellie has not been a fan of applesauce, but she loved eating the whole apples! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day:
Daddy and Eleanor checking out the apples
Lots and lots of apples to pick from.
Having a little snack while Daddy collects apples
Ellie helping herself to a treat
" Hey Daddy, what are you eating down there?"Sunday, October 17, 2010
Toilet Paper Adventure
When Mommy isn't paying attention, someone likes to play.
At least I caught her before she 'played' with the entire roll. Silly girl!
At least I caught her before she 'played' with the entire roll. Silly girl!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Buggy Rides
One of the advantages of having Eleanor at day-care in the same place that Nick and I work: she goes on Buggy Rides throughout the building! Nick works on the first floor, so he gets to see her a lot. I, on the other hand, work on the second floor as far away from the day-care as you can get- so I do not get to see her. Except on this very special day. AND I just so happened to have my camera with me (seriously, it was purely coincidental). The teachers were nice and let me snap a few of her for her scrapbook (and here!).
Eleanor LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Buggy Rides and has since she was old enough to go on them. She gets to smile and high-five Daddy, impressing his co-workers in the process. She also just loves to get out and look around at new things and new people (just like how she does so well at the mall with me!).
Eleanor LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Buggy Rides and has since she was old enough to go on them. She gets to smile and high-five Daddy, impressing his co-workers in the process. She also just loves to get out and look around at new things and new people (just like how she does so well at the mall with me!).
Friday, October 15, 2010
5 on Friday
1) On bath night Ellie gets to eat messy grown-up food all by herself. This is because she gets a bath immediately following dinner. She really likes bath night. For more reasons than just playing in the water.
2) She does not, however, like being carried from her highchair to the bath tub with Mommy's arms held straight out (you know, like in the movies where the guy holds the stinky baby away from him). She does not like this at all. In fact, it freaks her out like nothing else.
3) Eleanor turned 11 months old on Wednesday. Where has the time gone?!
4) She celebrated by getting sick to her stomach that night. Not fun for her, or her parents.
5) Nick participated in the Mullet Classic on Sunday. Ellie and I stayed home, but were cheering for him in spirit. The race started at noon. Ellie takes a nap around noon. I took the easy way out and stayed home with her instead of having her sleep (or not sleep) in the stroller.
2) She does not, however, like being carried from her highchair to the bath tub with Mommy's arms held straight out (you know, like in the movies where the guy holds the stinky baby away from him). She does not like this at all. In fact, it freaks her out like nothing else.
3) Eleanor turned 11 months old on Wednesday. Where has the time gone?!
4) She celebrated by getting sick to her stomach that night. Not fun for her, or her parents.
5) Nick participated in the Mullet Classic on Sunday. Ellie and I stayed home, but were cheering for him in spirit. The race started at noon. Ellie takes a nap around noon. I took the easy way out and stayed home with her instead of having her sleep (or not sleep) in the stroller.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Happy Father's Day- A Late, Late Update
I never got around to my post on Nick's Father's Day gift, so here it is!
Ellie and I decided Daddy needed his very own kegerator as a Father's Day gift! This is something we were going to get once we moved into a new house, but with a little extra space in the basement we decided why wait! The kegging start-up kit was on back order for about a month, so the tardiness in this post is not entirely my fault. (Although it really is.)
We (Nick) took a chest freezer, added a collar (which I stained and coated) and made a few other adjustments. TaDa! A kegerator!
Now instead of bottling we are kegging! Which means if you want a homebrew, you are going to have to visit us.
Here are a few pictures during the process:
Looking in before the lid is put back on.
See all the extra space in the freezer?
Ellie and I decided Daddy needed his very own kegerator as a Father's Day gift! This is something we were going to get once we moved into a new house, but with a little extra space in the basement we decided why wait! The kegging start-up kit was on back order for about a month, so the tardiness in this post is not entirely my fault. (Although it really is.)
We (Nick) took a chest freezer, added a collar (which I stained and coated) and made a few other adjustments. TaDa! A kegerator!
Now instead of bottling we are kegging! Which means if you want a homebrew, you are going to have to visit us.
Here are a few pictures during the process:
Looking in before the lid is put back on.See all the extra space in the freezer? We have two keg dispensers set-up now, with the hopes of two more in the next month
and maybe two more before the end of the year
(sounds like good items for a Christmas list).
And the view of the kegerator almost finished
(it just needs a drip tray and the labels for the beer)
And the view of the kegerator almost finished (it just needs a drip tray and the labels for the beer)
Nick must like it, because he has already consumed one keg of beer. No worries, we have two more in there, another two in process and plans for brewing up two more this weekend.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Outside, Please!
She loves the outdoors, and her Grandma & Grandpa's deck.
So much that she waits at the door trying to get Grandpa to take her out!
So much that she waits at the door trying to get Grandpa to take her out!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Visiting Grandma & Grandpa
Last month Nick took a long weekend and went to a biking festival in Wisconsin. Ellie and I decided it would be fun to go and spend the night with Grandma & Grandpa while Daddy was gone.
It just so happened that our visit was the same weekend as the ISU vs. Iowa game, so two Hawks fans entered Cyclone Country decked out in their Hawk gear and all. Sorry, I don’t have a picture to show of us from Saturday, only pictures from Sunday. But we did wear out Hawks gear to church, and one gentleman did bow down to Ellie as we walked in (since Iowa was really handing it to ISU at the time). Anyway…
We had a great time. Aunt Megan came to visit on Sunday and Ellie had lots of playing time with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Megan.
Grandpa also taught Ellie to clap! She was very proud and clapped for herself a lot.
And of course, Eleanor had to help Grandma empty the dishwasher! She still loves to do that (I hope this continues!)
It has taken me a while to get this posted, I apologize. We had a great time and it was wonderful to have a couple extra hands to help with Eleanor while Daddy was gone.
Oh, and Ellie and I slept in the same room (my choice, as there were other open rooms I could have slept in). I think Eleanor thought it was pretty neat to wake up and see Mommy sleeping in a bed a few feet away from her!
It just so happened that our visit was the same weekend as the ISU vs. Iowa game, so two Hawks fans entered Cyclone Country decked out in their Hawk gear and all. Sorry, I don’t have a picture to show of us from Saturday, only pictures from Sunday. But we did wear out Hawks gear to church, and one gentleman did bow down to Ellie as we walked in (since Iowa was really handing it to ISU at the time). Anyway…
We had a great time. Aunt Megan came to visit on Sunday and Ellie had lots of playing time with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Megan.
Grandpa also taught Ellie to clap! She was very proud and clapped for herself a lot.
And of course, Eleanor had to help Grandma empty the dishwasher! She still loves to do that (I hope this continues!)
It has taken me a while to get this posted, I apologize. We had a great time and it was wonderful to have a couple extra hands to help with Eleanor while Daddy was gone. Oh, and Ellie and I slept in the same room (my choice, as there were other open rooms I could have slept in). I think Eleanor thought it was pretty neat to wake up and see Mommy sleeping in a bed a few feet away from her!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Special Person's Day
Almost a month ago Eleanor had “Special Person’s Day” at day-care. Since my mom had Friday’s off it worked out perfect for her to come and be Ellie’s Special Guest! They played with toys and even did an art & crafts project so Eleanor got to show Grandma her amazing coloring skills! Ellie got to show Grandma how she can climb on things, such at the snack table, and how she makes noises when she plays with automobiles (something I was not aware of until my mom mentioned it to me).
Here are a couple of pictures from the day:
This is the table that Ellie thought she needed to climb on after snack time was over (the day-care puts the table away when it is not in use- but Ellie got on it before they could move it).
Notice that Grandma was in her ISU gear and Ellie was in her Iowa cheerleading uniform? It was the weekend of the big game and they had to cancel each other out.
Thanks Mom, for being Ellie's special person!
Here are a couple of pictures from the day:
This is the table that Ellie thought she needed to climb on after snack time was over (the day-care puts the table away when it is not in use- but Ellie got on it before they could move it).
Notice that Grandma was in her ISU gear and Ellie was in her Iowa cheerleading uniform? It was the weekend of the big game and they had to cancel each other out. Thanks Mom, for being Ellie's special person!
Friday, October 8, 2010
5 on Friday
1) A happy late birthday to our nephew, Garrett and my brother, Brian! We had a great time celebrating with you guys this weekend!
2) Garrett inspired me to go back to my childhood... so I got Legos for my birthday! A castle to be specific. I love it, and although people may look at me funny- it is a lot of fun and you are never too old for them.
3) Since I have Legos on my mind, they make the kits really easy to put together now a days. Numbered bags and everything (it tells you not to open bag 2 until you are done with bag 1). I am excited for when I take the castle apart and try to rebuild it with all the pieces in one batch! It should take longer than the 1.5 hours it took the first time around.
4) Eleanor got her second pair of shoes this weekend! She was anti-sock, and was taking them off every chance she got. This is a problem on a cold morning. So a pair of Robeez it is! The socks haven't come off since we put the shoes on her feet. (I think day-care appreciates this since they lost one of our favorite pairs of socks prior to the shoes.)
5) Eleanor's scrapbook is complete through 6 months. I guess that means I have 5+ months left to do before November. Better get to work on that!
2) Garrett inspired me to go back to my childhood... so I got Legos for my birthday! A castle to be specific. I love it, and although people may look at me funny- it is a lot of fun and you are never too old for them.
3) Since I have Legos on my mind, they make the kits really easy to put together now a days. Numbered bags and everything (it tells you not to open bag 2 until you are done with bag 1). I am excited for when I take the castle apart and try to rebuild it with all the pieces in one batch! It should take longer than the 1.5 hours it took the first time around.
4) Eleanor got her second pair of shoes this weekend! She was anti-sock, and was taking them off every chance she got. This is a problem on a cold morning. So a pair of Robeez it is! The socks haven't come off since we put the shoes on her feet. (I think day-care appreciates this since they lost one of our favorite pairs of socks prior to the shoes.)
5) Eleanor's scrapbook is complete through 6 months. I guess that means I have 5+ months left to do before November. Better get to work on that!
Friday, October 1, 2010
5 on Friday
1) Ellie had her first experience at an apple orchard on Sunday. She loves eating apples (but is not a fan of applesauce).
2) Our new bed arrived on Monday! It is taking some getting used to, but I am sure we will love it.
3) I turned 29 for the 2nd time on Wednesday. My co-worker was kind enough to point out that I have a couple of grey hairs. Oh my!
4) I love the weather right now. Cold enough that we can have casseroles in the oven, yet warm enough that we can grill. It makes meal planning so much more fun.
5) I am trying to find recipes that use apples. We have a lot of them (see #1).
2) Our new bed arrived on Monday! It is taking some getting used to, but I am sure we will love it.
3) I turned 29 for the 2nd time on Wednesday. My co-worker was kind enough to point out that I have a couple of grey hairs. Oh my!
4) I love the weather right now. Cold enough that we can have casseroles in the oven, yet warm enough that we can grill. It makes meal planning so much more fun.
5) I am trying to find recipes that use apples. We have a lot of them (see #1).
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