Grant's Sleeping Notes

I feel like I should have recorded a little bit more about sleep tactics and routines up to this point and I don't know if I really have kept track very well. I'd like to reference these details later to change or use some of them for the next children.

So I'll just start now- G is 19 months:

1. He needs 7-8 hours after his nap to wind down for bed. If I try to put him to bed before then, it's a battle that I always lose because he gets too upset and won't calm down, even if I stay in there for an hour or more- he refuses to sleep. I've learned that if he isn't going to go to sleep that we should at least make it fun so we will go out of the bedroom and I'll do my thing or the other night we all watched 1/2 hour of The Lorax and then tried bedtime again.

2. He uses "hungry" as his way to escape bedtime. So we try to offer a snack before bed- something I know he will eat (rice or banana and some milk) then bring a sippy cup to bed with us to if he says he needs water, we have it right there.

3. He is getting more upset about having to go to bed so we are now, instead of calming, soothing voices or songs- I have to catch his attention and make him think going to bed is fun. We bring Beary and Bambi and read stories, sing songs and have "mama milk". It's been working better. But now that Jay gets home around 9 ish (most of the time G is just winding down) he wants all of us in bed or he wants to be out with whoever is not in bed so I know something should change here- getting him to bed before dad comes home so Jay can study during that time. I know I'm going to really like using him though once the baby comes so we can tag team bedtime.

4. He is still in our bed so I'm a little torn on what to do at this point. I would like to keep nursing him (I only have colostrum at this point) but if he wants comfort in the night I would love to continue our nursing relationship but....the baby is coming very soon. I think baby might have to start on the baby mattress next to our bed and I'll sleep on that edge of the bed so I can get the baby easily to nurse and have G on the other side? Or maybe we'll attempt again to get G in his own bed. I actually like that idea more because I could still let him nurse, but then he has to go back to his bed to sleep....hmmm....maybe it could work...I guess it's at least worth a try.

5. We always clean up toys before bed as part of our routine, then bath, snack, brush teeth and say goodnight to the house and read 3 stories- I am trying to do a certain number of books so we don't drag it out for an hour.

6. He doesn't always sleep through the night but he is getting better at it. Usually he still wakes up 1 or 2 times to make sure we are there or have comfort. Sometimes I can reassure him with my touch- just reaching out and putting my hand on his arm but most of the time he still wants to nurse for comfort.

29 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 29 weeks

Total weight gain: over 25 pounds

Maternity clothes: I wear my stretchy pants every single day. Sometimes I put jeans over them to be warmer- but every day. I cannot express my love for these pants.

Stretch marks: They're looking good- need more coconut oil!

Sleep: Story time: so now that Jay's hours are different at work (he gets home at 9 instead of 10) Grant usually waits to see dad before bed. Then he insists we all go to bed together. Lately, we go in there with Grant and nudge each other saying, "Don't go to sleep...are you asleep?" but we've both been conking out at 9:30. We really wanted to make some homemade caramels the other night so after we both fell asleep at 9:30 with Grant, we both randomly woke up at 1:20 and decided to have a date night! We stayed up till 4 and watched some shows and made treats! It was so fun, I am tired though- maybe our midnight dates will have to be a little shorter still....

Best moment of this week: Eating a Christmas dinner with our Nepali friends. They are so kind and thoughtful and so good. They really are our family away from family and I'm so thankful for them. Sushila and I decided we are sisters. Whenever I get a little nervous or worried about what I'm going to do with a newborn and a toddler, I just know Sushila will check on me and help me with anything I need- I hope I do really well- I just know that I have someone that's looking out for me and that feels pretty good.

Thankful for: So many things! I am still learning to focus on the good but here are a few things lately: My eyes. Sometimes when I look at Grant, I imagine what it would be like if I couldn't see his eyes light up and that huge grin of happiness sneak across his face or his emotions as he learns throughout the day. I am so glad I get to SEE that. Seeing it helps me feel it- I feel so much love for him when I look at him. And I'm soooooo excited to be able to see my next baby too- I love my eyesight!!!!!!!!!

Movement: Movin and grovin.

Food cravings: Lately, I've kind of lost my appetite a bit. It might have something to do with the treats I've been making lately- I eat those and my body thinks I don't need more? Uh....so I am trying to make sure I eat real food- it's weird just not feeling hungry when you are pregnant. I eat because I know the baby needs some nourishment.

Anything making you queasy or sick: On our midnight date night I was all of a sudden nauseous so I tried drinking water and that didn't help but then I had some toast and a little cereal and I guess my body needed some food- that's the first time that's happened since 1st trimester.

How you feel: I feel so much better than ever in my entire pregnancy. I have a little bit of that weird right shoulder/back pain again but it's manageable which is such a blessing (I have a rice pack that does wonders), but seriously I have never felt better. I thought 2nd trimester was supposed to be the good one but I feel like I have energy and can jump up quickly and move around- I did not feel like that 2nd trimester....I am sooooo blessed!

Gender: Surprise, surprise. I'm guessing girl lately....

Belly button in or out: Out!

Wedding rings on or off: fat fingers.

Exercise and preparation for birth: I go outside with Grant pretty much everyday and he likes to walk so it's soooo slow for me- he stops and looks and pokes everything so lately I've been pacing back and forth from where he stops. I'll make tracks in the snow and walk around trees and such just to get moving a little bit more. I can't go too far though because even though we live in an apartment complex, cars are constantly on the sidewalk so you do have to be careful.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!!! I really am.

Looking forward to: Okay, I know I mentioned this last week in the "best moment of the week spot" but I cannot contain my excitement: I get to most likely get Treana Hunt at my birth! Can you believe it? I not only get Brenda, who is a caring lady who wants to help me have a natural birth but I get someone who has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 25 years and a doula for I forgot how long but long enough to have almost every mom I ask who has had a doula to recommend her. I feel like crying every time I think about this because I know Heavenly Father loves me. It's a miracle and a tender mercy and the biggest bestest blessing I could have ever received. I mean for free? REally? I get two wonderful ladies to help assist me in my birth? I just can't help but be soooooo excited to meet them in person...I know it's the holidays so I have to be patient and wait a little bit but can I just meet them now?!!!!! I CANNOT wait!!!

Samosas- More Nepali Cooking- Updated with Pictures!

Update: I made these again and made a huge batch so I could freeze some wraps and filling for another day. And I took some pictures! I still don't know exact measurements because I was doing this by myself- just looking at how much seasoning to put in. 

Yummy.

Now I know why my belly is bigger! I can't believe I just figured it out. Hello! It's because of all the good food I am being introduced to. I am serious. You eat and you never know when you are full because your taste buds keep begging for more.

Well Sushila and I were in the kitchen cooking again- this is becoming a little bit of a tradition once a week we get together and just cook. It's usually because she lets me sample something she makes and then I have to make it and I start but then have no idea how to actually put it all together so I call her and explain what I am trying to do, ask if she is busy, then she comes over to help me. I lovvvve learning how to make her food.
It's funny how a meal can take 3 hours to prepare and she just brushes it off saying, "It's fun! So simple! And delicious!" This lady really likes to cook. I am starting to really like it too- three hours is still a little much for me but it's a good thing meals like this take so long or else I have a feeling you would get really fat really fast.
So we started at 4ish and ended were eating around 7. It's fun though if you are cooking with someone so maybe a good date night dinner to make together or with a friend- or a special occasion.

I have no idea what the measurements are but I'm just going to scribble some notes down so I can have this to refer to in the future.


Samosas

Filling:

5-7 cooked potatoes
10 oz thawed frozen peas
1 onion
6 cloves of minced garlic
1-2 tsp cumin/coriander mixed spices
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
cilantro





Fry onion and garlic- then add peas and spices with turmeric.
Add potatoes cut up small or mashed with hands (how Sushila does it) then add cilantro to mix

For the dough:

• 2 tsp or Tbsp gi (cooked unsalted butter- um have you ever tried this? It has the BEST flavor- it's like candy- you just cook butter until it browns and smells like caramel and pour out the top stuff to eat because you will end up with par of it looking burned but it sinks to the bottom and you just throw that out)
• flour (2ish cups?)

Keep covered so dough doesn't dry out

• water (enough to make dough soft and pliable- but not sticky...maybe around 1/2 cup? 1 cup? I have no idea).
• Salt to taste...maybe 1 tsp.

Mix gi and flour really well with salt- then add flour slowly mixing with hands and kneading after each addition in bowl.



Achar (dipping sauce):
3-5 tomatoes chopped roughly into 8ths or something somewhat smaller chunks
5ish cloves of garlic cut roughly small
salt (1 tsp?- I don't know the one I made last night needed more salt (says Sushila) and I think I only did 1/2 tsp)
 and cumin/coriander mix- 2 tsp? (again mine didn't have enough spices in it and I thought I put a good amount in....)
1/2 onion chopped roughly

Cook onion and garlic- then add tomatoes and fry for about 10 minutes. Add spices and salt.
Put mixture in blender and blend until smooth.

Put it all together:
Roll dough out into small circles. About the size of your fist.

1)

I add water to my fingers to make dough pliable

2)

Smash in hand and swipe flour on front and back while flattening

4)

Cut down the center with sharp knife

3)

Roll out to about 8 inches diameter

Wet finger with water and put on straight edge.

Fold dough over and press together to make a cone.

Hold cone upright

Put about a tablespoon or a little more leaving space at the top to close shell.

Wet finger and go along top edge. Take middle of front of cone and pinch and press onto the back where the seam is. Then press dough together on the top making sure it is sealed tightly for cooking process.

Cook:
Submerge in hot oil and cook maybe 3 minutes on each side.

Dip into achar and mwah!!! So yummy!!!!

28 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 28 Weeks

Total weight gain: 25ish pounds

Maternity clothes: My favorite piece of maternity clothing is still my stretchy black leggings I got from Ross. I am in love. I just got another pair (grey) for my stocking for Christmas! I am so excited to have 2 to swap.

Stretch marks: AH! So these ones aren't on my belly but on my sides! I guess I should be doing coconut oil everywhere on my torso....

Sleep: Need more sleep.....

Best moment of this week: I won the lottery. Sorry-It feels like I won the lottery. I can't even contain my happiness. I called a doula who I knew I couldn't afford (why? So many people recommended her when I put the word out I was looking for a doula- I at least had to talk to her) and she recommended a lady who was training to become a doula and will attend my birth for free. I talked to Treana this week to see if Brenda (training doula) would be available for my March birth and she said she would! That's not even the best part. The best part is she is nervous to attend me alone so Treana, wanting to help Brenda, will be assisting her at my birth!!!! I get Treana Hunt for FREE!!!! So I get two helpers really-I am ecstatic. I can't help it. I know it's not guaranteed still that she'll be there (she has quite a few March births she will be attending) but the thought that I could have this experienced, wonderful, recommended, loving lady at my birth is so incredible. I feel like there are tender mercies at work here.

Thankful for: Prayer. I know Heavenly Father is blessing me as I pray for the things I need and want (Treana Hunt). What an amazing thing to know that our Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants to help us- he's just waiting for us to ask him.

Movement: This baby moves soooo much. So much. Which is a good sign- the doctor says that means they have energy and feel good- I'm so glad.

Food cravings: milk. It's weird. I'll get a bowl of cereal, thinking that's what I'm craving, but end up just gulping down the milk before really even eating. I'll do that a couple times. The other night Jay was eating oatmeal squares and I asked if I could have some and just drank his milk. He was sitting there watching me going, "Yah right, you aren't going to drink all my milk? What?"

Have you started to show yet: How are people not noticing? It's funny that so many don't. REally? I'm so big but maybe when I'm sitting, I slouch forward and cover it up? I know the coats have something to do with it but it's making me laugh how many people have been surprised and said, "I didn't even notice!" Oh one lady in my ward was so sweet- she came up and said I was a cute pregnant lady and that made me feel so good- I gave her a hug and I think sometimes you just need to hear that and hear how exciting it is that you are having a baby, even if you are showing more than anyone else! But also, with Grant's pregnancy I was always worried I wasn't showing enough so I think no matter what I'll worry. I just need to learn to love the process and not worry so much.

Gender: I still use "he, him, his" when referring to baby- I think that's because that's what I'm used to (with Grant). But then I'll stop and go, "Wait! This baby could be a girl!" And I get really excited that I still don't know- I can't believe how much I've loved having this mystery. I don't think I'll ever find out again- it's just too fun not knowing!

Belly button in or out: Out.

Wedding rings on or off: Off- they fit but my fingers swell at night and when it's warm- so much more comfortable to just wear them on my necklace.

Exercise and preparation for birth: I bought some raspberry leaf tea and am researching kefir....apparently kefir is like a yogurt drink that has so many different good bacteria and helps get rid of bad bacteria and yeast (um that's what I need!) and can help prevent mom having strep B when delivering!!! I would love to avoid the antibiotics and if this will help I am excited to try it out!!! Also, I think my hospital bag will include some honey sticks- easy to eat and some good sugar to keep energy going! Great idea I found somewhere.

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been more on the moody side this last week. I think it's the lack of sleep maybe.

Looking forward to: Getting huge. ha ha...okay...jokes. But I am looking forward to knowing what this little munchin's gender is! It hasn't been hard not knowing, but I am really excited to find out. The anticipation is starting to really build for me.

Beary and Bambi

Grant actually got both of these stuffed animals last year for Christmas from both sides of the family: 

Bambi (Rudolf) is from Grammy and Grandpa Yorgason and 

Beary is from Nana and Papa Jensen.

A Friend At Naptime

A month ago we started making Beary part of nap time to make it fun winding down. I would get Beary and make his hands sign "book" and get excited and dance around that we were going to go in the bedroom and read together. Grant LOVED this and every day after that started grabbing Beary and making him sign book. He became his little friend. He would talk to him and kiss him and smile REAL big at him. I figured it would be a good idea for Grant to get used to sharing "mama milk" for when the new baby arrives and so Beary gets a turn to drink while falling asleep too. It's been such a fun little friend.

Playtime Friend 

Then more recently "Bambi" (Grant has been in love with the Bambi books and I showed him a clip of the movie on youtube of Bambi learning to say "bird" and Grant laughs his little head off-he loves Bambi) so anyway when we started playing with Rudolf, his name became Bambi. I wanted to correct him but oh well- he can say Bambi really well and that's what he loves so why can't Rudolf be Bambi? So this has been Jay's fun toy to play with Grant. Bambi and Grant and Dad play the mini basketball together. Bambi shoots and then Grant and Bambi try to get the ball running around like wild animals and laughing hysterically. I've tried to play with him a few times but he wants "Daddy" to play with him! So it's their thing but I love watching-

Our Bed Is Getting Crowded

Well, now when it's nap time, we have to have Beary and Bambi- both. And he shares milk with both of them. It's tough with the belly and two stuffed animals for Grant to reach and nurse but somehow he manages and conks out next to his two friends. 

Looks like I fixed the month and day- not year! ha ha- it's 2013 for the record.

27 Weeks of Pregnancy

I feel soooo much better! My stress is gone and guess what? I think I've been stuffing myself too often. Seriously with all the good food my friend has given me and introduced me to, I have made a conscious effort to pay attention to when I am full and when I am just eating because it tastes good. I am surprised at how much I have been eating. I will stop when I am full and go, "huh...I am pretty sure I would have had 2 more pancakes because they are yummy- even though I am satisfied right now". And not having this constant stress has helped so much. I can't believe how much better I feel just having that gone!!! Whew!

How far along: 27 weeks... Officially starting 3rd trimester baby! And I've never felt better.

Total weight gain: 25 pounds-ish

Maternity clothes: Hubby's sweats have all been commandeered.

Stretch marks: Coconut oil- I need to pick some more up at Costco next time we go down to see family....it's great.

Sleep: I take naps with Grant now- I just forget the house cleaning sometimes...oh well, I feel good sleeping.

Best moment of this week: This week has been the best week EVER!!!! Okay?! I feel 1000% better- my body feels good, I feel like I can do another 3 months of pregnancy- I feel just so good. I think for the most part the thing that was stressing me out is taken care of -I mean there is always stress, but that was impacting me a lot- I just can't express- I feel right on track.

Thankful for: Good friends- people who support you and help you see that you are important and loved. I am so thankful for those people.

Movement: Sometimes baby goes crazy, and sometimes not much movement- I don't think there's a very consistent pattern.

Food cravings: Hot chocolate- but that's this time of year- it is FREEZING here and I just want hot coco every night to warm my bones.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm not going to lie- Jay's breath sometimes. He wakes up in the morning and wants a smooch and I'm just like, "Ewwwww" in my mind- it's so gross- how do I let him know without him feeling badly?

Have you started to show yet: Well, apparently some people don't notice the bump and they are surprised I am pregnant but I think it's because of the big winter coats now:) ha ha.

Gender: I had a dream it was a baby girl- 8 pounds, 10 ounces- wait a second....is that how much Carlee weighed Nicole? Maybe that's where that number came from in my brain....

Belly button in or out: out

Wedding rings on or off: on my necklace.

Exercise and preparation for birth: Oh no! I didn't do yoga! Why? It is so hard to fit it in my day with Grant. I mean I could be doing it right now I guess, but then I wouldn't get to document that I did it....

Happy or moody most of the time: happy

Looking forward to: Christmas break! I just can't wait to spend time with awesome family and relax and have some FUN!!!! I have never looked forward so much to a little break from the norm.

Facebook.Thoughts and Feelings on DELETING.

I am sitting here at my computer deleting fb friends one by one.
Why?
We'll get to that in a minute.

I am a little shocked how hard it is deleting each and every person.
As I get to most faces, I am sad and wonder, "Why am I doing this? What was my purpose again? Why can't I see their cute family pictures and see their funny posts/ inspiring posts?"
Then as I get to others, I am relieved to delete.
Then, as I keep going, I "unfriend" some and think, "Wow- this is like deleting my life- my memories with them. There they go. That was a happy time"
Continuing on I reflect that most of these people probably don't know or really care what's going on in my life.
Still going, some people I really don't want lose contact with. I am happy that I've sent an email to them and that those wanting to stay in contact with me have emailed me back with their info! I am happy that those people cared.
What? Still 295 to go? This is going to take forever.
"Unfriend-ing" is so harsh. It's almost like it's real or something.
Then I'm worried, "What if someone's feelings get hurt that I didn't realize does want to be in my life and we've just lost contact over time and I delete them?"
Will anyone even know I'm gone?
Is facebook one of those things that people only know you are there when you are posting things in their faces?
Some faces it's easy to love them still, yet know that our lives are in different places now.
Others still it's hard to let go even when I know they are not in my life. Why? There is some forgiveness and letting go that needs to happen with these ones.
And yet there are still others, I delete easily, wishing them the happiest life and knowing that our time is over and has been for some time.
And I'm not going to lie- Jay's old girlfriends I am happy to delete. Not because I don't think we couldn't be friends but because it feels so weird seeing their pictures, knowing they can see ours.  And if I had deleted them before they would have perhaps thought I was rude and maybe someday down the road we would have met in person and they would have thought I was just the selfish rude wife of their ex that wouldn't be friends with them on fb. Now, if I meet them down the road, well awesome! I would love to meet them. Just not trade photos and never speak a word. So weird.
Grandpa- can you delete your Grandpa? That felt kind of wrong. If your grandparents use fb, they just don't deserve to be deleted...right?
And some people- I had to do one last "check" on their profile- what drew me to that? They usually weren't the best of friends with me but I think what drew me to do that last check is they had some quality I wish I possessed.
Now we can stop pretending we were friends- you are a nice person, I'm a nice person but that doesn't mean we have to pretend we really were or are in each other's lives. Sincerely wishing you the best.
Will I ever hear from this person again? Will it matter?
You know when you look at the same word over and over again it starts looking wrong....is that really how you spell Friend? F--R-I-E-N-D?
Looks like a lot of these people are really happy. I'm so glad. I really am.
I'll admit it: there were people I really questioned if I even knew them...who are they again?
0 friends...oh my goodness. I did it. Gone.
Now my profile added something that says, "find friends" and there are suggestions across the top.
It feels clean.

Okay, so why this madness?

1. I spend too much time on Facebook
2. It felt impersonal to me at times
3. I felt many times jealous of others...something that I know I can work on but I would see something about someone and feel jealous- not happy for them. I think that's what happens when you are only connected with someone through a way that only shows the things they want the world to see- you know in real life you get to hear more of a balance- like "oh they are human too and not everything's perfect".
4. The main reason was I was spending so much ENERGY into things on fb. Not only time, but my actual energy was being spent- yes, that was my choice, but sometimes I just felt compelled to read everything or research everything and it just was overwhelming.
5. I really don't need facebook. It really came down to that. I just think there are other ways for me to share- like the blog for example- or calling people. What ever happened to that? I'm just trying other ways to build relationships and share.
6. Jay was starting to say that's all I did- was fb and he felt left out.
7. Like some of my comments and feelings as I deleted people- I just was out of someone's life and they were out of mine really, yet here we were, swapping pictures and such- it just felt weird.
8. I felt a lot of the time like I had to defend my feelings or thoughts on things, when really it wasn't necessary and I think people don't really care what you think unless they know you care about them and it was easier to just say what I thought first then let people know I really did care about them first and foremost.

I'm not going to make a list of all the good reasons, because there are plenty- I just know that these "negative" reasons for me was enough.

So will I miss it?
Yes, I think so. But at the same time, with everything weighed out, I think it's totally worth it for me personally in my life at this time. And my account isn't really deleted. I mean, I'm still there because there are things I want to follow and read about still that I have found through Facebook has been a good way of doing those things- but I'm not using it to be really connected to anybody as a "friend" and it's okay because I am finding other ways to connect that feel great to me. And I am definitely not telling you this because I think everyone should do it- oh no- I understand everyone is in way different places and I know of plenty of people who don't put the energy and time into fb that I was doing- they know how to balance it out and it blends perfectly into their lives- just for me in my life, it wasn't blending in with what I wanted to be happening.

So, I'm happy to be trying something different and as time goes on, I guess we'll see what the impacts really are- for now I just feel good. I feel happy to be doing something different and making other things in my life a priority where I saw I needed to change something.