Thursday, July 12, 2012

Guest Post: Katie from Coupon Cravings

Recently, I was contacted by Coupon Cravings, a site with over 30,000 followers.

Katie Sorensen, the founder, gives great tips on where to find the best deals, freebies and coupons.

You can find her site by clicking HERE

After documenting my pregnancy week by week, Katie asked if she could be a guest on my blog!! Of course she can!

Check out what Katie has to say about tips for a Stress Free Pregnancy:


Pregnant Pause: Savings Tips For a Stress-Free Pregnancy

Saving money isn’t on many new moms’ list of what to expect when they’re expecting. But there are ways to keep from overspending.  Here are a few hints to help you save a bundle before your bundle of joy arrives:

·         Don’t Panic – You’re not the first mom to worry about finances.  Check around online and ask other moms for how they handled the extra costs, and start saving everywhere you can.
o        Experienced parent Kate Sorenson of Coupon Cravings understands how expensive a family can be and offers discounts and deals to help curb costs in daily life.
o        Savingtools.com’s Ten Ways to Save Money During Pregnancy, addresses the stress of being a first time parent and addresses the most important aspect to saving money while pregnant: planning.
The bottom line: You’re not the first person, and there’s lots of help out there, whether it’s from friends, family, or online. The key is to plan ahead and utilize every opportunity to save.

·         For Mom – Maternity clothes can be extremely expensive, especially considering how much they wear (or don’t) in the relatively short time most women use them. 
o        This can make maternity items an especially good find at consignment shops, thrift stores, and garage sales.  “Because the clothes can only be worn for a certain period of time, they are often in good condition,” says Savingtools.com. 
o        Another simple trick for saving money on clothing for the mom-to-be comes from 6 Tips to Save Money During Pregnancy at EverydayFamily.com, which suggests buying “empire-waist shirts that can be worn after pregnancy instead of maternity tops.” 
The bottom line:  The most important thing to remember here is moderation.  Writes Savingtools.com:  “Don’t go overboard…you are only pregnant for nine months.  Don’t overstock your wardrobe, and stick to the basics.” 

·         For Baby – It’s very easy with all the safety regulations and advertisements to go overboard and buy the most expensive of everything for your baby. As stated above, keep moderation in mind. 
o        “You don’t have to buy the most expensive crib or mittens for your baby unless you’re Jennifer Lopez,” cautions How to Save Money During Pregnancy on FemaleCare.net.  “There are plenty of affordable yet durable brands that will last you for years, you just have to figure out where you can find them.”  .
o        FemaleCare.net also has a unique suggestion for stocking up on diapers:  “Buy one pack of diapers every payday while you’re still pregnant so you will have less to worry about once the baby finally arrives.”  Not only will this help you be prepared for diaper changes once you bring your little one home, you will also know a good deal on diapers when you see one (before you are too sleep-deprived to do math).
The bottom line:  There is plenty of shopping for baby that can be done before the big arrival.  Start early, research deals on-line, and shop sales to save money without feeling like you’re cutting corners.

So, expectant mothers--do your homework, stay on track, and enjoy your nesting time. If you take these experts’ advice, you can use the time while you’re waiting for your little miracle to achieve some truly miraculous savings!


Thanks so much, Katie, for your post!!!  

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Happy 3 Months!!!

Gibson, you are 3 months old today!!!


What are you up to now?????


*You are up to roughly 16 pounds and over 25 inches long!! Such a big boy!!



* You still aren't sleeping through the night, but you are only up once a night.  You are still a little cat-napper during the day, most of the time.

* You are still in 3-6 month clothing, but you are getting really close to needing 6-9 months already....you are really long!! A basketball player, perhaps?!?


*You aren't rolling over yet, but I know that milestone is not far away....

*You don't mind your bath as much now...you still cry sometimes, but you are getting used to it.


*You hate your car seat....you last about 5 minutes in it before you start screaming. Our family trip to Florida (8 hour ride) should be very interesting in a few weeks!

*You don't like a pacifier, and you're getting close to finding your thumb...you love to suck on your hand. When you are tired you grab the back of your head....so cute!


*You went swimming for the first time this month at the lake...you lasted about 20 minutes, and then slept for 3 hours afterwards....the lake may be the trick to getting rid of your catnaps!


* You're a little "talker"...babbling all day long! I love it....it makes everyone smile!



*You laugh out loud now...and it's one of the best sounds I have ever heard!



*You have big beautiful blue eyes, just like your Daddy. I hope they stay that way!


*You really love your sisters...you light up with a huge smile every time they walk in a room!


*You are still suffering from extreme reflux...see below pic...you go through at least 2-3 outfits a day and 2-3 bibs and burp cloths. You're on Baby Zantac to help with the burning but it's not helping the spit up factor!


*You love to "stand" and when not standing you're constantly kicking your feet....this is no surprise since you were always kicking me when you were in my belly!


*You are growing so fast, and getting cuter and cuter every day!!!! We are so blessed to have you...you are the perfect fit for our family!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Looking back...a bit....

Hope you had a great 4th of July!! We had a nice, quiet 4th here....

Took the kids to the beach for the first part of the day....

The girls enjoyed some waves...




While Baby G ad I spent our time in the pop-up cabana....



Since Baby Gibson was a week old, I started putting his pictures on Facebook each week to document his age...

every Tuesday he turns another week older...

This week he is 12 weeks old...and I think it's starting to sound silly to say how old he is in "weeks"...

Or is it??



I figure now that I have started documenting his weeks...why should I stop?!? 

Even though I won't call him "X weeks old" from here on out, I am still going to document his week by week in photos...

I thought it would be neat to take a picture of him every Tuesday for 52 weeks. Sounds fun right? First I had a list of 100 home projects....then almost 39 weeks of pregnancy photos...and now I'll have 52 photos of Gibson's first year. Why not?!? ;-)
 
I mean, I know you ALL want to see a photo of my child every week, right?!? ;-)

So, for the fun of it, let's do it...and let's get started now with a little recap...

April 10, 2012
all 9 pounds 12 ounces of pure perfection...
Day 1

Just looking at these pictures, it's amazing to see how much he has changed from just one week to the next!! 

I'm excited to take on this fun 52 week picture project...

hope will join me every week to see a new photo!!!