Where do you start when you haven't been here in a while (a long time?)? Do you just word-vomit on the screen and hope that people can keep up? Just write and write and write until the words are on the screen and they fall off the screen and make sense but don't?
There have been some great big changes around here in the past few weeks. I asked my blog designer if she was up for redoing my blog and she said YES, OF COURSE. But I have to figure out what I want and how I want it to look and I really just want to start over and do a white screen with black letters and nothing fancy. I've been craving simplicity more and more. I want less and less.
Clean. Crisp. Straight lines.
I have thought of tracking my day and putting it here, as if anyone would care what life looks like for me, but just incase. I always like to hear how my peers spend their days, chasing after toddlby's and nursing infants and changing diapers and how often do you bathe your kids. But I start to track my day and then I forget to write something down and then I feel like a liar if I just try to remember-slash-make something up?, so I throw it out and don't start over for many weeks. Then I stop blogging. I want to start again, but where?
I'm gonna give this a try again. Hopefully more consistently. Anything you want to know about, say, the last 7 months?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Winner
The winner of the Medela Labeling and Storage System was Waitingforbby@yahoo.com! She was contacted by email and has already responded, so watch for your storage system in the mail!
Thanks to all who entered - I wish I could gift every one of you with something special.
Thanks to all who entered - I wish I could gift every one of you with something special.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Medela Breastmilk Labeling and Storage System
Thanks to Medela, I was given the opportunity to review a breastmilk labeling and storage system, pictured below. 
The storage system is came with two bottles that have special lids on them that are changeable to show the day of the week and time (am/pm) that the milk was pumped. This is a useful function, but would be improved by including more bottles with the system. As you can see in the picture, the tray has room to hold 6 bottles of pumped milk, which we utilized by using our own bottles that came with my pump.
I think the idea of the labeling and storage system is a useful one. Admittedly, I do not ever have 6 bottles of milk in the fridge at one time, but if you are someone who only uses fresh milk and doesn't freeze your milk, this would be a great system to keep it all in one place, and make sure that the bottles get used in the order they were pumped - just take the bottle from the front!
Medela has provided me with one of these storage systems to give to one of my readers, so if you are a breastfeeding/pumping mom, or an expectant mom, please leave a comment here and I will pick a winner at noon on Sunday, 2/27/11!
**All opinions are my own. I was provided with this product to use and review, and a product to giveaway. I was not monitarily compensated for this review and/or giveaway.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
2010 In Review
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Had an IV. Had a baby. Nursed. Nursed over a car seat in a moving car while McKinley stayed strapped in her seat. Nursed in a restaurant. Nursed in Target. Nursed in Meijer. Nursed in the mall. Babywore (?) Wore my baby. In my house. In the mall. All of the above mentioned stores. So many baby/McKinley/parenting related things I can’t even list. I can’t think of anything else. At least, that isn’t related to being a new mother.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any, so YES! Good for me!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Meet my daughter, McKinley:
My nephew, Asher:
My SIL had a baby girl, Abigail. And about 10 of my closest twitter buddies.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Dear God, I wish this question didn’t exist. And I wish I could skip it. But 2010 wouldn’t have been the best and worst year of my life without questions #3 and #4.
My Uncle Jamey died on May 11th.
My father-in-law Rich died on May 24th.
To say that May, 2010 was the worst month of my life is an understatement.
I wasn’t able to fully grieve either of these losses until very recently, due to being 7 months pregnant at the time. I knew I needed to stay well for myself and for McKinley.
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Patience, love towards others, financial security.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Tuesday, May 11
Monday, May 24
Friday, August 13, McKinley's Birthday!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having a baby, yo.
9. What was your biggest failure?
At the time, I felt like a failure for not being everything for Aaron after his dad’s passing. I now look back and realize that in that moment, I was everything I could be. I HAD to take care of myself for the sake of “the baby”. There were times that I could have, should have been more patient and understanding of his grief, and I wish I would have been. But I can’t change it.
And every year going forward, my biggest failure will be that I lived such a selfish life (read: massive debts) prior to becoming a mother, that I will have to allow someone else to care for McKinley while I work a full-time job. Ugh. My heart hurts.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Only self-inflicted, you know, recovery from a c-section.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Diapers, wipes, butt paste.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Diapers, wipes, butt paste. Actually, I’m sure it was to eating out. Which will change this year. Cause we have to pay for day care and stuff.
And repayment on Student Loans.
And my car payment. Come on, December 2011. Mama wants a mini-van.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Having a BABY!
Being a MOM!
CHRISTMAS!
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
I don’t know.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Both. Which is incredible and heartbreaking at the exact same time.
– thinner or fatter? Er, fatter.
– richer or poorer? :womp, womp: poorer
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Saved money. Ugh. Saved some freakin’ money.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spent money. I feel like this is getting boring and repetitive. How about, complained? Cried? I just feel like some of those complaints and tears were totally warranted. I’m such a Debby Downer.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
With our families, smiling through the first Christmas without our loved ones, and sharing the joy that everyone felt having McKinley present.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother, Cupcake Wars, Desperate Housewives, The Biggest Loser
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I mostly read books preparing me for motherhood, the titles of which I couldn’t tell you. And also “On The Night You Were Born”, which brings me to big, blubbering messy tears. Every time.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
I am not enough of a seasoned musical lover to answer this correctly. I’d probably put down a song that actually came out in 2008.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Again, I am not a movie watcher. My favorite movies that I watched in 2010 were probably from 2009. Or earlier.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My birthday was on a Monday. I worked. Aaron and McKinley took me to Boston’s Pizza for lunch. I turned 29.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Heh. I love my daughter. She is the best gift I have ever received. Not having to work so that I could spend every day with her would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Maternity clothes. Followed by yoga pants.
26. What kept you sane?
I’m not. :wink:
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
EVERY. BREATH. COUNTS. You never, EVER know when you will say “bye” to someone for the very last time. And also that being a mother is the single greatest thing/feeling/emotion/job in the entire world.
Had an IV. Had a baby. Nursed. Nursed over a car seat in a moving car while McKinley stayed strapped in her seat. Nursed in a restaurant. Nursed in Target. Nursed in Meijer. Nursed in the mall. Babywore (?) Wore my baby. In my house. In the mall. All of the above mentioned stores. So many baby/McKinley/parenting related things I can’t even list. I can’t think of anything else. At least, that isn’t related to being a new mother.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any, so YES! Good for me!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Meet my daughter, McKinley:
My nephew, Asher:My SIL had a baby girl, Abigail. And about 10 of my closest twitter buddies.4. Did anyone close to you die?
Dear God, I wish this question didn’t exist. And I wish I could skip it. But 2010 wouldn’t have been the best and worst year of my life without questions #3 and #4.
My Uncle Jamey died on May 11th.
My father-in-law Rich died on May 24th.
To say that May, 2010 was the worst month of my life is an understatement.
I wasn’t able to fully grieve either of these losses until very recently, due to being 7 months pregnant at the time. I knew I needed to stay well for myself and for McKinley.
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Patience, love towards others, financial security.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Tuesday, May 11
Monday, May 24
Friday, August 13, McKinley's Birthday!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having a baby, yo.
9. What was your biggest failure?
At the time, I felt like a failure for not being everything for Aaron after his dad’s passing. I now look back and realize that in that moment, I was everything I could be. I HAD to take care of myself for the sake of “the baby”. There were times that I could have, should have been more patient and understanding of his grief, and I wish I would have been. But I can’t change it.
And every year going forward, my biggest failure will be that I lived such a selfish life (read: massive debts) prior to becoming a mother, that I will have to allow someone else to care for McKinley while I work a full-time job. Ugh. My heart hurts.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Only self-inflicted, you know, recovery from a c-section.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Diapers, wipes, butt paste.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Diapers, wipes, butt paste. Actually, I’m sure it was to eating out. Which will change this year. Cause we have to pay for day care and stuff.
And repayment on Student Loans.
And my car payment. Come on, December 2011. Mama wants a mini-van.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Having a BABY!
Being a MOM!
CHRISTMAS!
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
I don’t know.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Both. Which is incredible and heartbreaking at the exact same time.
– thinner or fatter? Er, fatter.
– richer or poorer? :womp, womp: poorer
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Saved money. Ugh. Saved some freakin’ money.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spent money. I feel like this is getting boring and repetitive. How about, complained? Cried? I just feel like some of those complaints and tears were totally warranted. I’m such a Debby Downer.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
With our families, smiling through the first Christmas without our loved ones, and sharing the joy that everyone felt having McKinley present.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother, Cupcake Wars, Desperate Housewives, The Biggest Loser
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I mostly read books preparing me for motherhood, the titles of which I couldn’t tell you. And also “On The Night You Were Born”, which brings me to big, blubbering messy tears. Every time.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
I am not enough of a seasoned musical lover to answer this correctly. I’d probably put down a song that actually came out in 2008.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Again, I am not a movie watcher. My favorite movies that I watched in 2010 were probably from 2009. Or earlier.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My birthday was on a Monday. I worked. Aaron and McKinley took me to Boston’s Pizza for lunch. I turned 29.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Heh. I love my daughter. She is the best gift I have ever received. Not having to work so that I could spend every day with her would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Maternity clothes. Followed by yoga pants.
26. What kept you sane?
I’m not. :wink:
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
EVERY. BREATH. COUNTS. You never, EVER know when you will say “bye” to someone for the very last time. And also that being a mother is the single greatest thing/feeling/emotion/job in the entire world.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thankful...
I am thankful for this day. Thankful to God, for new mercies every morning.
For cuddle time with McKinley before coming to work. Thankful that our breastfeeding relationship has been successful. Thankful that she is good baby, who likes to sleep and smile. I am thankful for my husband, who hung a new shower curtain and took out the bathroom trash last night. Thankful that he is quick to forgive. I am thankful for our home and our new furnace. I am thankful that our utilities bill was $70 last month.
I am thankful for my family. For my parents and their generosity, their giving attitudes. I am thankful that they love our daughter. I am thankful for my siblings, who can always make me laugh. For inside jokes, and for the relationship with them. To call them "brother" and "sister" and to be addressed as "sister" in return. I am thankful for aunts who bring food to our home after a trying time, who call to sing you happy birthday every year for 29 years, who take you on their Black Friday shopping trip for 13 years even though you're a neice, not a sister. Thankful for uncles who make me laugh. Thankful for grandparents who give until it hurts, and then give more.
I am thankful for my freedom. For my brother, uncle, grandpa, brothers-in-law, friends and strangers, who fight every.single.day. to allow me the freedom to live in America, to be free, to worship God.
I am thankful for my job. Thankful that I have a job. Thankful that I can bring McKinley to work with me if I need/want to. That I can wear yoga pants. That I can take calls on my cell phone and leave to go to the bank. Thankful for coworkers who drive me crazy because they are like family.
Thankful that I have a car that runs. Thankful for a cell phone that allows me to keep in constant contact with friends, and other moms who support me. Thankful for social media, and for my Twitter friends who answer questions and keep me company at 2, 3, 4, 5 am. I am thankful that I have enough money to stop at Starbucks, and even though they don't fit right, I am thankful for the clothes I have.
I am thankful for all things today, and am trying to have this attitude everyday. I am thankful that you are here.
For cuddle time with McKinley before coming to work. Thankful that our breastfeeding relationship has been successful. Thankful that she is good baby, who likes to sleep and smile. I am thankful for my husband, who hung a new shower curtain and took out the bathroom trash last night. Thankful that he is quick to forgive. I am thankful for our home and our new furnace. I am thankful that our utilities bill was $70 last month.
I am thankful for my family. For my parents and their generosity, their giving attitudes. I am thankful that they love our daughter. I am thankful for my siblings, who can always make me laugh. For inside jokes, and for the relationship with them. To call them "brother" and "sister" and to be addressed as "sister" in return. I am thankful for aunts who bring food to our home after a trying time, who call to sing you happy birthday every year for 29 years, who take you on their Black Friday shopping trip for 13 years even though you're a neice, not a sister. Thankful for uncles who make me laugh. Thankful for grandparents who give until it hurts, and then give more.
I am thankful for my freedom. For my brother, uncle, grandpa, brothers-in-law, friends and strangers, who fight every.single.day. to allow me the freedom to live in America, to be free, to worship God.
I am thankful for my job. Thankful that I have a job. Thankful that I can bring McKinley to work with me if I need/want to. That I can wear yoga pants. That I can take calls on my cell phone and leave to go to the bank. Thankful for coworkers who drive me crazy because they are like family.
Thankful that I have a car that runs. Thankful for a cell phone that allows me to keep in constant contact with friends, and other moms who support me. Thankful for social media, and for my Twitter friends who answer questions and keep me company at 2, 3, 4, 5 am. I am thankful that I have enough money to stop at Starbucks, and even though they don't fit right, I am thankful for the clothes I have.
I am thankful for all things today, and am trying to have this attitude everyday. I am thankful that you are here.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Random Act of Kindness Scentsy Fundraiser
In the spirit of the season, when we all talk about giving to others, I present you with an opportunity, a challenge.
I have a dear friend who I want to help, to make her Christmas a little easier, better, brighter. I won't name names (because she doesn't know I'm doing this), but I want to help her. I want US to help her.
From now until the end of November, I am donating ALL PROCEEDS of all Scentsy sales generated from this project to this sweet friend. Chances are, if you've been around here a while, you know this friend, and love her as I do.
I would love to talk with you about the Scentsy system. There are so many reasons I love the Scentsy products, and I think if you give them a try, you will to. Email me and we can chat. Back to the project...
To place an order for this project, please take a look around my website, then email me at nataliejcline (at) yahoo (dot) com. The order will be shipped straight to your home, and you'll know that you've played a role in making someone's Christmas a little bit brighter.
If you have friends or family members who would enjoy the Scentsy product, please pass this information on.
I know funds are tight this time of year for us all. I just feel that I've been given the opportunity to use my business to bless a friend, and all I'm asking for a is a little help.
The Internet has opened the door for some amazing friendships, and I am so thankful for the wonderful people who've become my friends because of it. Now, I'm paying it forward.
Additionally, everyone who places an order will have their name entered in a drawing for a $10 Scentsy giftcard. If you're not in a place to give, please leave a comment on this post about something you plan to do this Christmas season to make a difference in someone's life. Your comment will earn you an entry in the giftcard drawing.
**All proceeds from sales generated from this blog post will be donated to one of my friends, to make her Christmas brighter. If you would like to know who this person is prior to making a purchase, please contact me at nataliejcline (at) yahoo (dot) com. In the interest of keeping things fun, I will ask you to keep the information I provide you confidential. For your purchase to apply to this cause, you must email me your order by 6:00 pm, November 30, 2010. Thank you so very much. Merry Christmas.Thursday, November 18, 2010
Zzzzooooommmmmmmm
My house is not clean. My sink is full. I've been wearing these jeans for 3 days. I could lie and tell you that I've got this motherhood thing down, that I am able to wash dishes while breastfeeding McKinley in the sling. But I don't do that.
Right now, I work full-time. McKinley gets wonderful care from her dad, and he has nicknamed his job "Karing for Kinley". He sings songs from the Mickey Mouse Club and Handy Manny, and he's gotten good at putting together a bottle with one hand. When I get home from work each night, I just want to hold my girl. I probably could wash dishes and do laundry and vacuum while wearing Kiki in the sling, or just in my arms, but I don't want to.
********************************
McKinley turned 3 months old last Saturday. I can't quite figure out where the last 3 months have gone. I don't remember what life was like without her. I know that sounds so cliche but I really mean it.
She sits in her Bebe Pod and holds her head up for about 10 minutes at a time. She lays on her play mat and swats at the toys hanging down. She sleeps like a champ.
She loves her fingers, mostly her middle and ring finger. They are in her mouth most of the time and she drools all over the place.
Last night, I saw two little teeth, anxious to make their arrival.
My baby is growing up. And it's going by so. fast.
Each night, I wash just enough dishes to get through the next day. Usually, this means pump parts and bottles. And I wear my pants for multiple days because I don't want to spend hours in the laundry room and risk missing a single thing.
{Don't tell, but they're more comfortable after a couple of days anyhow.}
Right now, I work full-time. McKinley gets wonderful care from her dad, and he has nicknamed his job "Karing for Kinley". He sings songs from the Mickey Mouse Club and Handy Manny, and he's gotten good at putting together a bottle with one hand. When I get home from work each night, I just want to hold my girl. I probably could wash dishes and do laundry and vacuum while wearing Kiki in the sling, or just in my arms, but I don't want to.
********************************
McKinley turned 3 months old last Saturday. I can't quite figure out where the last 3 months have gone. I don't remember what life was like without her. I know that sounds so cliche but I really mean it.
She sits in her Bebe Pod and holds her head up for about 10 minutes at a time. She lays on her play mat and swats at the toys hanging down. She sleeps like a champ.
She loves her fingers, mostly her middle and ring finger. They are in her mouth most of the time and she drools all over the place.
Last night, I saw two little teeth, anxious to make their arrival.
My baby is growing up. And it's going by so. fast.
Each night, I wash just enough dishes to get through the next day. Usually, this means pump parts and bottles. And I wear my pants for multiple days because I don't want to spend hours in the laundry room and risk missing a single thing.
{Don't tell, but they're more comfortable after a couple of days anyhow.}
McKinley's 3rd month
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