Saturday, January 29, 2011
At Work with Mommy!
Since Kentucky has had soo much snow, Henry has had to venture into the office with me at least once a week! We normally are on the same schedule as our public school system, if they are closed we are closed. We were missing too much and getting too far behind so we had to brave the snow and come in.Problem is, when Matt is as work, childcare is an issue, so Henry has to bundle up and come along for the ride. My boss Andrea has a little boy, Joey, who is adorable. He helps me around the office when he comes in. Last week, he helped me by keeping Henry amused while we got some paperwork finished up for Farmington's annual Derby Breakfast. I quickly realized that they are becoming B.F.F's. Here are some pictures of the guys!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Weekly Updates? Not so much.
Ahh, the neglected blog. Sorry to everyone who reads this, but we have been extremely busy at the Young household. Matt has been working almost every day since Christmas, and I have been busy trying to organize the house and working full time. Henry's first Christmas was super busy. Too busy. In fact, things are going to have to be different next year. It was too much running around. By noon on Christmas, Henry had already had 3 screaming fits and a full blown MELTDOWN. He was not full of the "Christmas Spirit." Maybe next year will be better.
I made my first ever Christmas dinner. Baked ham with a brown sugar and clove glaze, cheese grits, made from scratch biscuits and of course gravy. It was so amazing! I think it will be an every year tradition. Henry slept through dinner and had squash when he woke up. He was happy; he loves squash!
The New Year got off to a great start. We spent New Year's Eve at home, playing pictionary and eating roast beef with our good friends Eric and Jake. Henry LOVES them. We barely made it to midnight. Goes to show how old we are! New Years day started off my diet. I usually don't give in to the "New Year, New You" bullshit, but this year I have too! I have way to many events coming up, both family and work related that I have to look fabulous for. I know everyone tells you "9 months on, 9 months off" with the baby weight, but I don't think that is always true. I have 24 pounds of baby weight to lose, but I am aiming to lose 60 pounds all together. That will put me in the 140's. Hard to believe, but I weighed 170 before I got pregnant. No one believes me though! I am my WORST critic and I did not look like I weighed that much. I was a size 8. Maybe I ate gravel in my sleep.
As of this morning (January 8th) I have lost 3.1 pounds. I am excited! I was only able to make it to the gym once this week. I mean really. I was only PHYSICALLY able to make it there once this week! HAHA. I started a new fitness program called CrossFit and it kicked my ass. In a good way. I probably would have been able to make it to the gym on Thursday, but I had to work late. I am able to do much of the CrossFit exercises at home, and I try to do them in the mornings before work. I think this is my year!
Other than the crazy ass kicking circuit training, I have started to manage my meals on a weekly basis. I plan out at least 4 days of meals ( I try really hard to shoot for 5) to cook at home that are 500 calories or less per serving. You would be surprised at how many tasty meals only contain 500 calories. The rest of the meals are from restaurants. I wish we could stop eating out all together, but with a 5 month old and work schedules like ours, there is no way. It's going to happen so you might as well plan on it. There is a fantastic website www.500calorierestaurantmeals.com, that gives you meal choices at lots of restaurants. Once you get used to the smaller portions, you can easily see what a 500 calorie portion looks like. After the first few days, your body begins to adjust and you really don't feel like you are hungry 100% of the time. I think I actually felt what true hunger felt like for the first time yesterday. Not the "let's snack on a half a bag of chips I am starving" kind of hunger either.
This is all the updating I can do for now, I will try to get back into the swing of my weekly posts! I will post Henry's Christmas pictures in a separate blog entry!
Love and Hugs!
M&D&H
I made my first ever Christmas dinner. Baked ham with a brown sugar and clove glaze, cheese grits, made from scratch biscuits and of course gravy. It was so amazing! I think it will be an every year tradition. Henry slept through dinner and had squash when he woke up. He was happy; he loves squash!
The New Year got off to a great start. We spent New Year's Eve at home, playing pictionary and eating roast beef with our good friends Eric and Jake. Henry LOVES them. We barely made it to midnight. Goes to show how old we are! New Years day started off my diet. I usually don't give in to the "New Year, New You" bullshit, but this year I have too! I have way to many events coming up, both family and work related that I have to look fabulous for. I know everyone tells you "9 months on, 9 months off" with the baby weight, but I don't think that is always true. I have 24 pounds of baby weight to lose, but I am aiming to lose 60 pounds all together. That will put me in the 140's. Hard to believe, but I weighed 170 before I got pregnant. No one believes me though! I am my WORST critic and I did not look like I weighed that much. I was a size 8. Maybe I ate gravel in my sleep.
As of this morning (January 8th) I have lost 3.1 pounds. I am excited! I was only able to make it to the gym once this week. I mean really. I was only PHYSICALLY able to make it there once this week! HAHA. I started a new fitness program called CrossFit and it kicked my ass. In a good way. I probably would have been able to make it to the gym on Thursday, but I had to work late. I am able to do much of the CrossFit exercises at home, and I try to do them in the mornings before work. I think this is my year!
Other than the crazy ass kicking circuit training, I have started to manage my meals on a weekly basis. I plan out at least 4 days of meals ( I try really hard to shoot for 5) to cook at home that are 500 calories or less per serving. You would be surprised at how many tasty meals only contain 500 calories. The rest of the meals are from restaurants. I wish we could stop eating out all together, but with a 5 month old and work schedules like ours, there is no way. It's going to happen so you might as well plan on it. There is a fantastic website www.500calorierestaurantmeals.com, that gives you meal choices at lots of restaurants. Once you get used to the smaller portions, you can easily see what a 500 calorie portion looks like. After the first few days, your body begins to adjust and you really don't feel like you are hungry 100% of the time. I think I actually felt what true hunger felt like for the first time yesterday. Not the "let's snack on a half a bag of chips I am starving" kind of hunger either.
This is all the updating I can do for now, I will try to get back into the swing of my weekly posts! I will post Henry's Christmas pictures in a separate blog entry!
Love and Hugs!
M&D&H
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Say Peas!
I wanted to wait until Henry was closer to 6 months before starting him on solids other than rice cereal, but unfortunately that's not how things fell into place. Henry was showing all the cues for solid food, so I went with it. His doctor said that it would be ok to go ahead and introduce one fruit or vegetable once a day for the next month or so. Since at this stage, solids are more for food training rather than consumption, I am taking this time to learn the art of homemade baby food and teaching Henry mealtime manners. We'll get into that one later.
All in all, he did a fabulous job. I started with peas. My favorite vegetable! As far as he is concerned, peas are stupid and are not milk. Therefore he was not thrilled. I'll give it some time and keep working with him. Couple of bites a day...or until he gets to the point of outright agitation. I have decided to invest in the Boon Spoon, as he smacked the little rubber tipped spoon out of my hands several times.....this is where the mealtime manners will come into play.
I let him get a feel for the peas in every way shape and form. Fed him a few bites, and let him "play" with a small bit on his tray. He was amused! I can't say that I ended up covered in peas, he somehow managed to spit the peas in the air and they landed on HIS forehead.
Here are some pictures from his big day!
Notice the color difference in the fresh peas, and the Gerber ones! SICK!
All in all, he did a fabulous job. I started with peas. My favorite vegetable! As far as he is concerned, peas are stupid and are not milk. Therefore he was not thrilled. I'll give it some time and keep working with him. Couple of bites a day...or until he gets to the point of outright agitation. I have decided to invest in the Boon Spoon, as he smacked the little rubber tipped spoon out of my hands several times.....this is where the mealtime manners will come into play.
I let him get a feel for the peas in every way shape and form. Fed him a few bites, and let him "play" with a small bit on his tray. He was amused! I can't say that I ended up covered in peas, he somehow managed to spit the peas in the air and they landed on HIS forehead.
Here are some pictures from his big day!
Notice the color difference in the fresh peas, and the Gerber ones! SICK!
Monday, November 29, 2010
He's Invisible Baby!
This post is a full blown rant, so please be advised. Today was one of those days where you end up REALLY wanting to punch something...or someone. In my case, I want to punch the birth registrar at Baptist East Hospital. I received a piece of paper when I was discharged from the hospital that read "This hospital has filed for a social security card for your child. It takes about 9 weeks for us to notify the Kentucky State Department of Vital Statistics. It will take them about a week for your child's birth certificate to be accessible. Because of this, please allow up to 12 weeks for your social security card to be processed."
Great. I thought that was too good to be true. Why in the world did I ever believe that filing paperwork for a new human being would be a simple, pain free process? Henry will be 4 months on Sunday. I figured that something had to be wrong because this is obviously well past the 12 week period. I began to worry because it is quickly approaching January...that means TAX TIME. Without a social security card and number, we can't claim Henry on our taxes. I hate to think that I am one of those parents that associates TAX DEDUCTION and BABY, but dammit, I want what I am entitled to.
Here's the scoop. After HOURS of calling the Social Security offices in Louisville, all 2 of them, I was finally able to determine that the hospital NEVER FILED for the Social Security Card. This scared me. If they had not filed for the card, what else did they say they were going to do...then didn't? I was able to get the application process for the Social Security Card started, I had to have his birth certificate, verification of birth statement and a pediatrician issued immunization record certificate. My aunt came in to take me to Frankfort since I only have Mondays off. We wanted to get this taken care of as soon as possible since we were already getting such a late start.
So we stopped past Henry's pediatrician and picked up the immunization certificate. I had the verification of birth statement. I figured that getting his birth certificate would be easy. HA! Boy was I wrong. Not only did Frankfort NOT have his birth certificate, they had no record of Baptist East even submitting ANY information about his birth. According to the sate, the baby is NON-EXISTENT!
I can tell you right now, spending close to $9000 on health care and medical bills for a NON-EXISTENT baby seems kind of foolish, so I kindly (not so kindly) called Baptist East from Frankfort and informed them of this. They were extremely clueless as to what happened, and offered me their sincerest apologies. That's fine and dandy, but that isn't going to get my aunt her gasoline and time back. They said " well, it says here that it was entered into the computer. I don't know what happened after that." They referred me to a woman who works for the Kentucky Department of Health, who apparently forwards (and is apparently crappy at her job) all the information on the birth certificate to Frankfort. Seems to me, this is a middle-man position and the freaking HOSPITAL should be responsible for this to prevent confusion.
Of course I called this woman, and there was no answer. I left 2 messages on her machine, I am sure that by the second message she probably doesn't wan to call me back. I am generally nice, but when it comes to personal information about someone (more specifically MY BABY) that cannot be accounted for, I do tend to get pissed. I get even MORE PISSED when I am ignored. A simple explanation was all I was asking for.
What does all of this mean? The obvious answer to this question is that I have no record of my son ever being born. I have no birth certificate, no social security card. Nothing. All of the paperwork I have from the hospital is apparently a formality, because NONE of the documents I was given can be used to apply for any government issued documents. I have a non-existent 4 month old.
This also means that it is almost December and that it will take up to 3 weeks for them to prove he was born, another 2 weeks for that to be sent to the Kentucky Department of Health, another week for that to register with Vital Statistics and another week for that information to arrive in my mailbox in from of a birth certificate. My child will be almost 5 months old before the state recognizes that he is a real baby! Too damn bad the insurance companies already recognize him!
What I have learned. I have learned that you should never, ever trust that bureaucracy will serve you well. I should have trusted my gut instinct when I left the hospital and filed for everything I needed on my own. Afterall, the birth registrar misspelled my name twice, and could not explain any of the paperwork to me in English. She was Indian. Nothing against that, but the hospital should have someone on staff that can explain things clearly to you when you ask. She kept saying "How do you say" and "I don't know." Only one piece of paper that I received from the hospital was self- explanatory, and that was the above mentioned piece about when I would receive his social security card. Even that was a bust!
All in all, I am very tired and frustrated that I had to haul Henry so far for nothing. I could have spent that day enjoying my time with him and not worrying about if the state even acknowledges his birth. I did have a great time with my aunt though. We always have fun on our increasingly pointless adventures. Enough about that. I will just sit back and wait for either Baptist East or the Kentucky Department of Health to screw something up again....on to happier thoughts.
Since I can't get away with not posting a new picture of Henry, here is the newest one that I have of him. This was taken on Thanksgiving at "Uncle Aarons" Henry was amused by the rather large ornaments that they put on their 15 foot tree!
That's all for now,
Great. I thought that was too good to be true. Why in the world did I ever believe that filing paperwork for a new human being would be a simple, pain free process? Henry will be 4 months on Sunday. I figured that something had to be wrong because this is obviously well past the 12 week period. I began to worry because it is quickly approaching January...that means TAX TIME. Without a social security card and number, we can't claim Henry on our taxes. I hate to think that I am one of those parents that associates TAX DEDUCTION and BABY, but dammit, I want what I am entitled to.
Here's the scoop. After HOURS of calling the Social Security offices in Louisville, all 2 of them, I was finally able to determine that the hospital NEVER FILED for the Social Security Card. This scared me. If they had not filed for the card, what else did they say they were going to do...then didn't? I was able to get the application process for the Social Security Card started, I had to have his birth certificate, verification of birth statement and a pediatrician issued immunization record certificate. My aunt came in to take me to Frankfort since I only have Mondays off. We wanted to get this taken care of as soon as possible since we were already getting such a late start.
So we stopped past Henry's pediatrician and picked up the immunization certificate. I had the verification of birth statement. I figured that getting his birth certificate would be easy. HA! Boy was I wrong. Not only did Frankfort NOT have his birth certificate, they had no record of Baptist East even submitting ANY information about his birth. According to the sate, the baby is NON-EXISTENT!
I can tell you right now, spending close to $9000 on health care and medical bills for a NON-EXISTENT baby seems kind of foolish, so I kindly (not so kindly) called Baptist East from Frankfort and informed them of this. They were extremely clueless as to what happened, and offered me their sincerest apologies. That's fine and dandy, but that isn't going to get my aunt her gasoline and time back. They said " well, it says here that it was entered into the computer. I don't know what happened after that." They referred me to a woman who works for the Kentucky Department of Health, who apparently forwards (and is apparently crappy at her job) all the information on the birth certificate to Frankfort. Seems to me, this is a middle-man position and the freaking HOSPITAL should be responsible for this to prevent confusion.
Of course I called this woman, and there was no answer. I left 2 messages on her machine, I am sure that by the second message she probably doesn't wan to call me back. I am generally nice, but when it comes to personal information about someone (more specifically MY BABY) that cannot be accounted for, I do tend to get pissed. I get even MORE PISSED when I am ignored. A simple explanation was all I was asking for.
What does all of this mean? The obvious answer to this question is that I have no record of my son ever being born. I have no birth certificate, no social security card. Nothing. All of the paperwork I have from the hospital is apparently a formality, because NONE of the documents I was given can be used to apply for any government issued documents. I have a non-existent 4 month old.
This also means that it is almost December and that it will take up to 3 weeks for them to prove he was born, another 2 weeks for that to be sent to the Kentucky Department of Health, another week for that to register with Vital Statistics and another week for that information to arrive in my mailbox in from of a birth certificate. My child will be almost 5 months old before the state recognizes that he is a real baby! Too damn bad the insurance companies already recognize him!
What I have learned. I have learned that you should never, ever trust that bureaucracy will serve you well. I should have trusted my gut instinct when I left the hospital and filed for everything I needed on my own. Afterall, the birth registrar misspelled my name twice, and could not explain any of the paperwork to me in English. She was Indian. Nothing against that, but the hospital should have someone on staff that can explain things clearly to you when you ask. She kept saying "How do you say" and "I don't know." Only one piece of paper that I received from the hospital was self- explanatory, and that was the above mentioned piece about when I would receive his social security card. Even that was a bust!
All in all, I am very tired and frustrated that I had to haul Henry so far for nothing. I could have spent that day enjoying my time with him and not worrying about if the state even acknowledges his birth. I did have a great time with my aunt though. We always have fun on our increasingly pointless adventures. Enough about that. I will just sit back and wait for either Baptist East or the Kentucky Department of Health to screw something up again....on to happier thoughts.
Since I can't get away with not posting a new picture of Henry, here is the newest one that I have of him. This was taken on Thanksgiving at "Uncle Aarons" Henry was amused by the rather large ornaments that they put on their 15 foot tree!
That's all for now,
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Try it! You'll like it!
Henry is quickly approaching 4 months (hard to believe I know) so I have been practicing making different kinds of babyfood in my Beaba Babycook. I was concerned that consistency would be an issue, either I would have a whole bunch of food that is too thick...or too thin. However, the Babycook takes care of that. After you steam the veggies and fruit, the water drains off into a separate container, you can then add that water back into the puree to the desired consistency. Simple! Today I made winter squash and sweet potatoes. I gave the sweet potatoes to my friend Heather for her little boy. I can't wait until Henry can eat them!
Here is the recipe for Winter Squash
I LOVE this recipe because its a great way to get fresh tasting squash post growing season. (yes, I tasted it.)
1tbsp. olive oil
1 8-oz bag of frozen, precut winter squash
Water, breastmilk or formula for thinning to desired consistency.
Preheat oven to 400*
In a large bowl, combine squash and olive oil. Coat completely.
Place on a large baking sheet
Roast for 20 minutes until tender. Puree in food processor.
Add desired amount of formula, breastmilk, or water until desired consistency is achieved!
This is a simple recipe! It's even easier for me because I don't have to roast the veggies in the oven, I simply place the squash in the Babycook and add water! LOVE IT!
In other news!
Henry has made the transition into cloth diapers. We are diapering 100% in cloth while we are at home....and have even made short trips out while in cloth. I have to wait for my wetbag to arrive before we can take longer trips. I will post pics of his new diapers in a few, they are currently in the dryer!
Here are some more pictures from the past week! Hopefully I won't go so long without updating again!
Henry had a visitor today! Benjamin (and Heather too!) came in from Lexington to visit us. We were SO happy they made it in. We hope they can move back to Louisville soon. Last time Henry and Benjamin were together, Henry wasn't even a week old!
Nanny sent Henry a hat today in the mail! She is the best nanny ever!
Henry made a new friend this week. Met Yot. He lives in a pot! (A character from Dr. Seuss's There's a Wocket in my Pocket!
That's all for now~
Here is the recipe for Winter Squash
I LOVE this recipe because its a great way to get fresh tasting squash post growing season. (yes, I tasted it.)
1tbsp. olive oil
1 8-oz bag of frozen, precut winter squash
Water, breastmilk or formula for thinning to desired consistency.
Preheat oven to 400*
In a large bowl, combine squash and olive oil. Coat completely.
Place on a large baking sheet
Roast for 20 minutes until tender. Puree in food processor.
Add desired amount of formula, breastmilk, or water until desired consistency is achieved!
This is a simple recipe! It's even easier for me because I don't have to roast the veggies in the oven, I simply place the squash in the Babycook and add water! LOVE IT!
In other news!
Henry has made the transition into cloth diapers. We are diapering 100% in cloth while we are at home....and have even made short trips out while in cloth. I have to wait for my wetbag to arrive before we can take longer trips. I will post pics of his new diapers in a few, they are currently in the dryer!
Here are some more pictures from the past week! Hopefully I won't go so long without updating again!
Henry had a visitor today! Benjamin (and Heather too!) came in from Lexington to visit us. We were SO happy they made it in. We hope they can move back to Louisville soon. Last time Henry and Benjamin were together, Henry wasn't even a week old!
Nanny sent Henry a hat today in the mail! She is the best nanny ever!
Henry made a new friend this week. Met Yot. He lives in a pot! (A character from Dr. Seuss's There's a Wocket in my Pocket!
That's all for now~
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Playtime!
I love that Henry is getting to the age where independence is fun for him. Meaning that he has something to do! Before, all he could do is lay around and stare at the ceiling, mobile, or mommy. Now, he can grab things, sit and jabber at himself or even watch t.v. We recently bought him an activity gym, and I think it was a great investment!
That's all for now!
That's all for now!
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