Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The New Crib

Posted by AngelQT at 1:20 PM 0 comments
Baby boy is growing fast, thus it's time to get a crib prepared for transfer from his bassinet. My in-laws were kind enough to purchase our convertible crib of choice for us last month that will grow with our boy over the years. Unfortunately, it arrived damaged, and we were forced to return it  for store credit, only to find that it was discontinued. We decided on this new baby that I pictured here as well.

This crib was a bit more pricey, but it received great ratings throughout the internet. So naturally I went to work on the discounts! I applied a 15% baby furniture discount, contacted the store's customer service line for a discount on shipping (since my in-laws had already paid for it) and finally used the store credit and a $10 gift card that I still had from a previous gift. Thus, we only ended up paying $10.16 extra for our (originally $30) more expensive crib. Plus, I received 6% cash back shopping through Be Frugal

Happy mommy right here!  --> :-D

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

"Little" Changes...

Posted by AngelQT at 6:24 AM 0 comments
Zavier has been keeping me very busy recently, which hasn't left much time for blogging. He is growing so well; He received a great report (and his first set of vaccinations) from the doctor yesterday. He is doing so many things now- picking his head up, "talking," rolling- and just keeps on going. We are getting longer stretches of sleep out of him too, which is quite encouraging as well.

I did find Zavier an occasional baby sitter nearby- the mother of one of my college friends. She recently lost her full time job so has more time during the day to watch him should I need to run errands, go to medical appointments, etc. She volunteered and I'm sure that she could use the compensation. In fact, today I will be calling her to set up a few times for her to watch him.

We have been hanging out with new friend in the are who have kids as well, being invited to two birthday parties for one-year-olds this month alone. I'm looking forward to him continuing to grow and do more, though I both love and will miss this adorable stage that my "Little Him" is in right now. 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

"Sitting" Pretty

Posted by AngelQT at 4:31 PM 0 comments
Though we have tons of loving family that love taking care of Zavier, they are a bit far away to call for a simple 2 hour stint to the movies or dinner. Thus, I think it's time to find a sitter a little closer to home.

Being new to town, asked local acquaintance with small children if she knew of anyone, since she was a newcomer to the area just a few years ago herself. She told me of a lady that she'd found on care.com that she had used for quite some time, but who was currently unavailable. I figured, then, that I should begin scouring internet sites dedicated to encountering nannies and babysitters too. However, I still found this uncomfortable, just not knowing who I was getting. Plus, these baby sitting sites have changed recently- charging premium prices just to make contact with applicants! Ugh!

Finally, I reached out to a college friend and her other who also live nearby. Her mother got back to me quickly, commenting that she would be willing to help out as needed, be it that she wasn't currently working full time. I was so delighted and relieved! I trust her completely, knowing who she is and how she is with her [soon to be 3] young granddaughters. And I would love to help her out with compensation during her difficult time.

I thank God again for meeting my family's needs and desires on a consistent basis. :-)

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Staples

Posted by AngelQT at 12:06 PM 0 comments
I am not going to get my pre-baby weight overnight. In fact, even with the work I am planning to put in, I anticipate it taking me months to even be close again. Thus, I am going to need a interim wardrobe as I slim back down.

Obviously, my pre-pregnancy clothes don't fit me yet. I still have a belly and about 25 extra pounds from that original date. My maternity clothes feel a bit bulky, frumpy and somewhat depressing, actually at this point. So I want to find a few things that I can wear when heading out for something special- Perhaps 2 pair of nice jeans, some black, comfy tops, a wrap dress (that falls just below my newly endowed breasts! Haha!) and a few bras with a bit more support. I also need some new exercise clothes and sneakers as well. Thankfully, I live very close to outlet shopping now, and come the first non-rainy day, baby boy and I might just have to take a trip...with daddy's credit card. Hehe.

Plus, I need to use some gift cards and coupons on Zavier at some of the stores there. Next week I will be shopping...and I can't wait! LOL!

Monday, April 28, 2014

"Just Between Friends" -- local consignment events

Posted by AngelQT at 2:44 PM 0 comments
I just found out about Just Between Friends, a child consignment faire that takes place around the Philadelphia vicinity. There are HUNDREDS of gently used items for sale for children at this flea market which occurs a few times per year.

The fortunate part is that I did indeed discover the sale...and that I can sign up to sell items! I just wish that I would have found out about this sooner. The sale is quickly approaching in my area and I just donated tons of my son's barely used and brand new, never worn items (still with tags!) This year Zavier has all he needs to get him through. But The next time this sale rolls around my neck of the woods I WILL be ready, to both buy and sell! ;-)

If you live in the tri-state area and are looking for items for your children, check out the JBF page for more info and events.


Logo extracted directly from the JBF page. I own no rights.

Getting in Step

Posted by AngelQT at 2:08 PM 0 comments
Last night I had a bit of a "breakdown." Those tend to happen when I am tired, and sitting taking in how much my life has changed over the past year, and how "out-of-my-element" I feel having just had the baby. My breakdowns usually consist of intense crying, sobbing about the "old days." They are normal though, and after sleeping a bit (Thanks to my boyfriend for helping out with the baby last night), I am able to recoup and regroup.

Besides a long day with the in-laws and a new baby as a part yesterday, my breakdown had to do with doing the things that I both need and want to do, and finding a balance between them. I have spent the last few days calling to schedule doctor's appointments at new practices in my area for current issues (another breast ultrasound being one of them, and a chafing issue from pregnancy that just won't go away!). It has been time invasive to say the least, and trial and error has played the biggest role in the process. Also, I have been attempting to find out how to get a replacement piece for the baby's new crib since one piece arrived broken. Another "process," coupled with trying to open a new bank account, moving and unpacking here at the house and of course taking care of an infant. But these are "challenges" that come with the territory, and I am thankful to be taking them in stride.

My boyfriend will be on paternity leave from work for the next 2 weeks. This means scheduling some "me time" between those medical appointments. That consists of hitting the gym, happy hours with a friend and an overdue mani/pedi with this warmer weather in the midst. And I have a suspicion that I will also be getting a Mother's Day spa treatment as well...Hmm. I'm ready. It's time to get back in step! ;-)

Friday, April 25, 2014

New-s to Me!

Posted by AngelQT at 10:16 AM 0 comments
Yesterday was my 6 week post partum checkup, and before baby boy and I even left the house, I was feeling pretty spunky. The day before I had gone out to buy some new sunglasses, the large round frames:



After watching talk show clip about how to spruce up your look as a new mom, I paired my look with a bright red lipstick and matching blush.



I was so happy when my boyfriend complemented me over dinner with a "You look nice, babe." I guess it had been a while since I'd put in the effort, understandably.

Now I'm ready to keep it going. I've gotten some new skin care products- feeling pretty dry and still attempting to reduce these stretch marks- and some new lip colors. Now I just need to find a hair stylist in the area; My boyfriend also helped me start removing these braids and I will undoubtedly need a fresh wash, blow, flat iron and trim, but in my new hood. I was also cleared by the doctor to begin my exercise routine. The boyfriend is also going on his two week paternity leave starting next week, so I think it's the perfect time to start feeling like me again with fresh workouts, colorful lips and a girl's night at our local beer distributor's restaurant, since I have yet to try any of their 100+ flavors thanks to pregnancy. Haha!

No, really. Here's to feeling like new...here's to me!

 

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