A New Dishwasher Soap (A Thrilling Tale)

Okay, you're going to think I'm nuts... Since I first became pregnant with Emma (October 2011), I can taste the soap on all of our dishes after being washed in the dishwasher! I can smell it while it's running. I can even taste it if I wash stuff by hand and rinse like crazy! Gene swears he can't smell or taste any of it, but how can he not; it's so strong!

We've switched soaps more times than I dare to recall. I wouldn't even wait until we were out; I'd have to switch right then and there. It was a losing (and costly) battle. Seriously. I just re-rinsed and paper-towel-dried all of my dishes before using them, and heaven forbid if a plastic Pyrex lid touched the food inside because if it did the food was completely inedible.

Now, what I'm about to tell you is all me. I wasn't offered free products, I haven't been paid, and it's all my own words being used here... but I've found the answer!

I was at Target and saw that The Honest Company had dishwasher packs. I was intrigued. I had used the household cleaning products from "Honest" before, but nothing for dishes!

I knew that The Honest Company was all chemical-free and plant-based products, and most were scent-free as well. I also knew that all of their products were safe for children and infants. So, I thought I'd give it a try. Now, mind you, I have a love-hate relationships with packs - laundry packs, dishwasher packs, ice packs (haha) - so I wasn't too excited about trying the dishwasher packs at first, but let me tell you, it's the best move I could have made!

The packs are actually a bit pricey for this frugal Momma. $11 for 32 loads ($0.34 per load), and we run 32 loads in less than two months. However, I tried very hard to smell the soap while the dishwasher was running... but nothing. I opened the door once it was done and stuck my head in... and still nothing! I took a PLASTIC CUP (gasp!) from the dishwasher, did not rinse it first, drank water out of it, and I was shocked to taste... nothing! I'm sold!

I decided to check out the other options from Honest.com, and I found that they have Dishwasher Rinse Aid ($5.95 for 70 loads = $0.09 per load), Liquid Dishwasher Soap ($5.95 for 40 loads = $0.15 per load), Dish Soap (for hand-washing), and more. I bought each of those online (the rinse aid is 1/3 of the cost online than at Target, yes, it's $15.95 there), as well as an oxy booster for the laundry and a fabrics air freshener. All safe for babies and kids!

The reason for this post is that I wanted not only to share my good news, but to share the wealth! All new customers can use promo code INVITED10 for $10 off of $30. If you're new to Honest, and you invite three friends after your first purchase, you get a free product of your choice added to your cart as well! No catches, no gimmicks. :-)

Here is the link to get you there: http://www.honest.com/accept_invitation/704858

If you try the products for yourself, or have any favorites that you love, tell me about them!

16 Week Pregnancy Update & MORE

Don’t you just love this time of year?!? I know I do. I can feel it in my bones that a new year and new chapter is going to start soon. Not to mention that Valentine’s Day is less than two months away. ;-)

Pregnancy Update:

Woweee… to say that I’m tired would be an understatement. I am downright lethargic. Please, don’t ask me to move or get up to answer the phone. I don’t want to go to the copier. I don’t even want to get up to pee. I want to sleep!

I’m averaging about nine hours a night right now (interrupted, of course) and it’s nowhere near enough. I try to stay up later because I keep wondering if I’m getting too much sleep and it’s causing me to feel more tired, but I can hardly keep my eyes open past 8pm. I think I would be fine if I could have caffeine throughout the day, but sadly I am against it altogether while pregnant (to each their own, I’m just against doing it myself). I try to nourish my body with energy boosting foods, but it’s of no use; I’m still tired. I’ve brought it up to my OB a couple times, but she assures me that it’s normal for a Mom of a toddler, who works full-time, to just be tired all day long.

I’m tired of being tired. Hrmph!

If you missed it before, I have to have an ultrasound every four weeks until my 20 week appointment to check out the thickness and length of my cervix. I’m at high risk of cervical incompetence; that’s a fancy term for early dilation (which means I could deliver the baby at any time). I just had my 16 week appointment today. My cervix is “perfect” at the moment (it’s at a four if that means anything to you), so it looks like I should be good as long as my 20 week goes well. While they were checking out the cervix, I caught some glimpses of the baby kicking and squirming all around. The ultrasound tech was nice enough to even take an “outside” look to see the baby’s head as well, and she shot me a good picture.  

FYI – We got an early look at the gender. Nothing is set in stone though because the “parts” aren’t developed enough to be certain (that’s why women go in at 20 weeks for the gender look), but we have a pretty good idea. Nope, we aren’t telling until we are sure!

I also got a chance to hear the baby’s heartbeat. I’ve seen the heart flutters on the screen multiple times now (because of my many ultrasounds to watch to see if I was having twins), but nothing compares to hearing your baby. I could have listened to it for hours.

One last note… the stomach flu and whatever bug I have right now has set me back 6 pounds. I’m not complaining really because I feel a bit lighter on my feet and my belly is rounding out nicely, but I just hope I’m getting everything I need from what I eat and drink to keep the baby healthy. I mean, prenatal vitamins can only go so far, right?

Christmas:

Christmas was a great time for the Brink family. We had three Christmas parties to attend, and then Christmas day was circled around Emma (and Mom, Dad, Gene and I) getting gifts and playing the day away. She was exhausted at the end of all the festivities, and so was this Mommy. I took down the Christmas decorations three days after Christmas. We are moving on! Or trying to… I keep finding toys for Emma that I forgot to put out.

Side note – We taught Emma all about how Christmas is a celebration of Baby Jesus (He’s a baby because that’s the only way to keep her interested at this point). Well, low and behold, she got five new baby dolls on Christmas morning, and guess what all of their names are. That’s right. Baby Jesus.

I hope Jesus isn’t mad at us for flubbing that up. :-/

New Years:

Well, we’ve decided not to do anything this year for New Year’s Eve. Besides going grocery shopping. We were invited to a few events this year, but I just can’t get in the mood. Like I said before, I’m tired all the time. Plus, whatever we did would have to be kid friendly and eventful for Emma. It’s just all too much this year. We have a wedding to attend on Saturday, so that’ll be our chance to go out and have a fun time.

Other Notes:

I’m really looking forward to Valentine’s Day. I always do, but this year it’s on a Saturday, so it’ll be our date night out and I think we are going to try to make reservations for Maggiano’s! So dinner, maybe some shopping, maybe a movie, who knows!

I’m using the gift cards from Christmas to buy some new maternity clothes. Of course with Emma I didn’t get big enough to wear them until it was summer clothes time. This time, I’m busting at the seams at just 16 weeks!

Work is kicking my butt. It has gotten so busy and I’m always doing so many things. I think that’s a big part of my lethargy lately. I may sit at a desk, but my brain must be on overdrive because I am pooped.

I’m hoping the next five months just fly by. I’m ready to meet our bundle of joy! That’s our big to-do for 2015! 

Pregnancy, Santa Claus, and Baby Jesus

PREGNANCY UPDATE:

Well, I’m starting my second trimester. The first trimester was tough and I’m so glad it’s over! There was morning sickness, exhaustion, and waves of doubt. Again, SO glad it’s over.

It’s amazing how different two pregnancies can be. Multiple people tell me that this time around it’s a boy, and that’s why it’s so different. We won’t know for sure until the end of January, but my gut is telling me that they are right. I just knew Emma was a girl, and somehow, I just know this one is a boy.

The first time around, with Emma, pregnancy was a gift! I was glowing and I felt like a million bucks! It actually “healed” me in ways and it was one of the best times of my life. Right now though, there is more negative than positive (although a new baby is the greatest gift ever so I’m not REALLY complaining). I am extremely tired and lack energy all day long, I have heartburn and indigestion, I’m gaining weight rapidly, I have this “eh, I don’t care” feeling about everything… I can’t explain it all, but it’s almost like a depression of some sort. It’s odd. I couldn’t be happier about a baby, and I’m so anxious to meet them, so how can I feel like this?!?

I miss my Mommy friends this time around. If you missed it, my first pregnancy I felt alone and out of the loop, so my high school friend Megan, who was pregnant at the same time was a friend on Twitter, and she introduced me to my other (then pregnant) Mommy friends Liz, Alyssa and Angie. Since then we’ve had breakfasts, dinners, playdates, holiday events, etc. However, lately everyone is so busy with toddlerhood that it’s near impossible to see them. Liz moved away (miss you Liz!), Angie moved like to another country (Wildwood I think, lol), Megan’s husband is a farmer so her schedule is crazy, and Alyssa is a FT worker, PT professor, and an author (3 books out now) so she’s super busy these days. I did get to see Alyssa this past weekend, but Emma was a mess and it was for breakfast so it was quick. I need a playdate soon!

CHRISTMAS:

Christmas is just about two weeks away now and it’s so thrilling to watch Emma enjoy the season. She has gotten all hyped up about Santa (from school I’m guessing), so I’m spending a lot of time telling her about the real reason for the season. The only way I could capture her attention though is by referring to Him as “Baby Jesus.” So now each time we talk about Him, she says she wants to hold Him. How do you explain to a two year old that she can’t do that?

I’ve warmed up to Santa Claus surprisingly. I grew up in a house where Santa wasn’t allowed. No movies, no pictures, no toys or decorations; it was always all about Jesus. I didn’t mind it at all actually, but I want Emma to have the first few years with Santa. Only because she doesn’t really understand yet that he’s a big figure and she doesn’t look at him and presents as the big part of the holiday. In all reality, it’s the lights and decorations that she calls “Christmas.” She might finally be getting old enough to teach her about Jesus and God and read her stories from her children’s Bible, so maybe next year she will understand a bit better. FYI - she's seen two Santas already!

I splurged earlier in the year and bought us tickets to the Polar Express at Union Station, you know, since I’m okay with Santa for the moment. **Pictures to come later.** It’s so hyped up and it looked so magical! The event for us finally came on December 4^th, and let me tell you… unless you purchase the most expensive option, save your money! I was pretty disappointed with it all, and I think some other parents were as well. It’s just like any other Amtrak ride, but hotter and with treats, and Santa gets on at the end. Ugh, lots of money for nothing that special. We are going to go to the Holiday Dinner (same location) on the 23^rd, and I’m hoping that it’s not as disappointing.  

Because we started Emma in daycare this year, money has been tight for Christmas gifts. I know she’s two and she won’t remember down the road, but I want her to have everything she could want! Here is my dilemma: I don’t want my parents to upstage Mommy and Daddy. They want to spoil her as well, and I know they have already gotten her a ton of gifts including some big items, so I’m compelled to keep buying so Emma doesn’t look at our Christmas as “nothing” but Grandma and PawPaws as the “grand finale.” I know, you probably think I’m being silly. I should feel blessed that my parents want to give her a wonderful life, but it just gives me anxiety for some reason. I keep telling myself “let them do this now, because one day they might not be here to do it.”

Another thing I’m noticing with this holiday, is that Emma is all about Christmas crafts. She got a kit from Schnucks’ Santa to make her own Jingle Bell necklace and gingerbread sticker house, and she’s been asking for more crafts ever since.  So we made a Michaels run on Sunday night and got six or seven crafts for her to do. Needless to say it’s Monday night and we only have one left. Lol, she just won’t stop! Looks like I’ll be making another trip. Girlfriend loves to paint!

Surprisingly, I’m almost done with shopping. Have a wrapped a single gift? No. They are still in their shopping bags in the corner of our bedroom. Thank goodness Emma isn’t old enough to snoop yet. I just have a couple more things to buy, and I’ll be done. I’m kind of bummed about that though because I love the hustle and bustle of shopping last minute. Maybe I’ll wait for one thing until Christmas Eve just to be out in it. Haha.

How are you all holding up this holiday season?

Toddler Bed

I get a lot of questions from other Moms about whether or not my kiddo is in a toddler bed or still in a crib.

Emma started climbing out of her crib mid-summer; maybe a month after her second birthday. It was the cutest thing to watch. She’d prop one leg up on top of the bed rail, and then like a gymnast use her leg strength to pull the rest of her body up and over. She was a pro at it the majority of the time. However, the few times that she got “stuck” were enough to scare me into getting a rail for her toddler bed.

I went onto the crib manufacturer’s website a few times to look at my options, but wow, the prices for the little rails were expensive! So, I switched gears to look on Amazon and found that they sell universal crib conversion rails for $23! Even though it’s not very cute, I bought two of those right away! Momma’s on a budget!

Here is the finished product! *The picture was taken mid-sheet-changing.

I had Gene put it on to where the left side had a smaller gap than the right. This way, she can't fall out when she sleeps (she sleeps on the left), and she has plenty of room to get in and out on the right.

 

Another huge bonus for me right now, is that when you convert it, you raise it back up a notch or two. So now this lady doesn't have to strain her back getting Emma in and out of bed! Woohoo! My growing belly is loving that!

The next questions I tend to get are all about her cooperation with it. Knock on wood, so far so good. 

We've been using the toddler bed for well over a month now, and she loves it! She can climb in and out as she pleases, she gets up on her own in the morning and comes in to get me, and she can even play in it throughout the day if she wants to.

Now, Emma is a great sleeper (again, knock on wood), so if you have a problematic sleeper at home, I’m not sure I’d be switching so quickly. I’d wait until the very last second possible to switch your child. Don’t just do it because they are “old enough” or they “seem ready.” Any doctor will tell you to keep them in the crib as long as possible, and I would totally agree.

There is one downside. If Emma isn't really ready for bed, she will get out of her bed two or three times before finally giving in. So far this has only happened three times, and twice were in the first week. But again, if your child doesn't like to sleep, hold out for your sanity!

Who’s ready for a slumber party?!?!

The Brinks Are Due With Baby #2

Well, it’s official! Gene and I are expecting another baby!

We’ve actually known for at least five weeks now but we’ve kept quiet until the doctor was satisfied and we had the “green light” to spread the news. We tried for a few months to conceive and I actually know the week this baby was created which was very helpful to know for scheduling the ultrasound (instead of the traditional first-day-of-your-last-period).

I had one ultrasound done around 5 weeks to confirm the positive tests, and low and behold, there were two baby sacks in there! How exciting, right?!?! The tech couldn’t get a clear shot of the baby in one of the sacks though because they were staggered so I had to make an appointment for another ultrasound three weeks later. Talk about agony! For three weeks I went around thinking I had two babies in my belly. Well, if you’re a Facebook friend, you would have already seen by now that there is only one baby.

In the second ultrasound, the second sack was gone. The baby didn’t develop and my body absorbed the sack. Talk about a bummer. I had myself all worked up for twins. It was supposed to happen; my Mom is a twin and my Dad is a twin. I was supposed to have twins (if not five at once)!!! But, I am still 100% happy with one baby.

It was so precious to watch them in there dancing around and wiggling away. They’re probably going to be a rockstar. It made me remember when we saw Emma in there for the first time. She looked like a little gummy bear and she was just as spry as this baby is. However, this baby looks more like a sour patch kid than a gummy bear. So, I’m thinking maybe a boy??? Wouldn’t Gene be happy.

In case you’re wondering, this time around is way different than the first. Or at least I think it is. When I got pregnant with Emma I was still bartending at PYC on top of my full-time job so maybe I didn’t notice all the symptoms (if you didn’t know, I took six tests my last pregnancy and they were all negative so I didn’t find out until nine weeks in). This time around I’m so unbelievably tired all day long (I even asked my doc for a note that says I need to nap each day). My breasts hurt like you wouldn’t believe. I have gained twelve pounds already somehow. I had morning sickness each night (that just ended thank goodness). What’s funny though, is that now that I think of it, maybe it isn’t all that different. I remember wondering why I was gaining so much weight and chalked it up to eating bar food all the time. I didn’t care to drink alcohol at all and I was sick each night, which I thought was because I had drunk myself into a funk. And I vaguely remember my breasts hurting, but I thought it was because I was gaining so much weight. And of course, who wouldn’t be tired each day from working two jobs (one being until 2am some nights)? So, maybe it’s not so different after all.

So, now that we are past all of the “what ifs,” we can move on to fixing up the house to put on the market in the spring (or maybe just rent it out). I want to move on with the next chapter of our lives by finding our “forever” home in the school district that we like. So if you know of anyone interested in living in Hazelwood, or if you have some good vibes built up, please send them our way!

Thank you everyone for the well wishes on Facebook!  

Brink Recap

Whoa! Where has the time gone?!?

There are a few things to update everyone on when it comes to the Brink family.

First, and probably the most interesting, Emma can now climb out of her bed. She performs the stunt in a very acrobatic way too (no, she’s not shy, she will do it with you standing there). I thought for sure she’d forget about it after the first time, but nope, it’s a nightly game now to see how many times it takes before Mommy gets mad. Oy. So, I’m now looking for toddler conversion pieces for both cribs so that she doesn’t slip and fall on her head. Her crib came with the rail to turn it into the daybed, but conveniently, they don’t include the toddler rails (which would naturally be the next step), so you have to call and order them. The only good thing I can see coming from this is I won’t hear “Momma, put Emma in bed” anymore.

Next, Emma’s daycare is going really well! The first two weeks were rough, the third was a bit trying, but the fourth and on have been wonderful! She wants to go, and has a blast while there. However, the little booger is starting to test out her teachers by doing things like running after being told not to, climbing the chain link fence outside, and refusing to nap. She also picked up some bad habits there that she brought home to torment Mommy and Daddy with. Yes, terrible twos are very real and Emma is the perfect example of them. I lose my mind weekly. I’ve cried harder than her on multiple occasions. I’ve even done things like scream back at her or tell her that I’m leaving for good if she doesn’t stop. Yes, I know, those were both bad choices; although the screaming one does snap her out of it sometimes. I’m fully defeated with this one, and I’m at a loss for how to fix the problem. I’m now just trying to accept the fact that my child is a terror sometimes.

Emma is already "over" her breathing treatments (we call it her "Sammy" because it's Sammy the Seal). We stick to a strict routine each day so that she's aware that she's expected to do it, yet I still get a tantrum each morning and night because she doesn't want to. "No! Don't wanna' do Sammy!" And I have to do this for a YEAR?!?! Lord, help me. She throws herself down on the floor and we wrestle with time outs for at least 30 minutes. Then she finally gives in and does it. I don't get it... it takes like three minutes and she gets to watch whatever she wants during and have three M&Ms afterwards. I'd totally do it.

I think Gene’s work hours are changing, and hopefully for the better. He’s been playing around with his schedule to see if he could be off both Saturday and Sunday, which I’m kind of excited for. I mean, it’s been a while since he’s had a Saturday off (where we weren’t running like crazy) so I don’t know how we will handle two days off together, but I know he missed out on so much with Emma, so hopefully this will help to fill up his Daddy meter.

Gene and I went to an adult only reception last weekend. My parents were there too, so it was Emma's first night with someone other than one of us four. She stayed with Holli and Russ that night for a little under four hours. I think she they had a lot of fun. I'm almost positive too that she just took over the place and did what she wanted. Haha. By the time we went to get her, she was so tuckered out it was pathetic. I bet she slept like a rock that night.Did I mention that I just adore Holli and Russ?!?!?! <3

The same day as the reception, I took Emma to Oktoberfest. We met some friends there and we had a ball! Emma painted a pumpkin, had her face painted, bounced in a bounce house, climbed through a catepillar, and rode in the stroller with baby Sam. It's funny how all the kids, except for Sam, just did their own things and didn't really play with each other. Lol, kids are weird sometimes. I also picked Emma up an awesome new shirt!

*I somehow failed to get any decent pics of Sophie and Nick. They were bouncing away in the bounce houses.

I’m anxious for Christmas. Get here already, dang it! I realize that now, with Emma in daycare, we won’t have as much money for gifts and all, but I’m still excited. She’s old enough now to show her expressions more and I cannot wait to see her eyes light up. I’ve already booked us for the Polar Express, the Holiday Dinner in the Grand Hall downtown, and I plan on taking her to a breakfast with Santa event and the weekend parades on Main Street in St. Charles. I’m stoked.

I know, I know, I shouldn’t rush past the other holidays. I do enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving too, it’s just that Christmas is so magical! Speaking of Halloween, I’m still trying to decide on what Emma will be this year. I’m one of those people who are afraid to make a decision just in case it winds up sucking. Yep. So I wait and wait and wait until it’s the last minute and I’m trying to desperately find something the night before. I’ve been searching and scouring to find something great for her, but right now I’m leaning towards a more girly option than what I initially had chosen. So, we’ll see.

Okay, that’s it for now. I’ll spare you the boring details from our day-to-day lives (wake, dress, breathing treatment, school, work, home, dinner, bath, bed). I’m sure I’ll have more exciting stuff to talk about once the holidays get closer!