First Ear Infection

Last week was a rough one.  Emma started off with a cold that turned into an ear infection (her first one).  She had a very sore throat, so for most of the week she didn't eat much.  She was also very congested, so she couldn't drink much either.  Which means at her 12 month appointment, she had lost weight.  18lbs, 12 oz.  We were hoping she'd hit 20lbs by her first birthday, but the RSV and then the ear infection really set her back.  Dr. Fraser did say that she was well-proportioned though (except for her head, which is still large!).  She's 28 inches, so she's going to be short like me!  I looked at my baby book and I was also 28 inches at her age.  I weighed one pound more than her, but she would have been right there is not for the two illnesses.  She seems to be feeling MUCH better now, and is on her 5th day of Amoxicillin.  Unfortunately, she now has a rash all over her arms and legs from the medicine.  Nick and I think she's probably allergic, since we both are, but the doctor said it could just be a virus.  We're giving her Benadryl, which seems to help a little.  If she gets a rash next time she takes penicillin, she won't be able to take it anymore.  The amoxicillin also made her really fussy and it upset her stomach.  She didn't have any interest in eating, which is not like her.  She also had a really terrible diaper rash, so she's on meds for that too.  Her Allegra also wasn't working for her congestion, so we're now trying Zyrtec.  I hate that everything happened to her at once.  Fortunately, she's tolerating the medicine better now and everything seems to be clearing up.  The absolute worst part of the ear infection was how it affected her sleep.  She has always been such a great sleeper, but for the past week, she screams when we put her down.  I know her ear probably hurt last week, and now I guess she just has to be re-trained.  Tonight she did much better, so hopefully we're getting back to normal.  I did enjoy the extra time to rock and cuddle, and we even got to take a nap together with the dogs.  I read this on Kelly's Korner today.  It is the same Sound Machine we have, and I love it!  We also have a small fan in her room for white noise, but this sound machine is a lifesaver!  I don't have to worry about running the dishwasher or doing laundry while she's sleeping.  Nick can even mow outside her room. 

She's still not really crawling or walking by herself, but it's amazing how much more mobile she is.  Today she grabbed ahold of my shirt with both hands and pulled herself up.  We're finally going to have to babyproof the house.  She loves to hold our hands and walk.  She just giggles.  She is so much fun now (although she also throws some really good fits), at least when she feels well.  Hopefully this week will be better than last.

Fab 5 Friday

1.  Extra Care Bucks & Register Rewards

I love shopping at CVS and Walgreens with these!  Although I wish they would put some women's products on sale.  We are stocked up on men's body wash, deodorant, shaving cream, etc.  I need some stuff too!

2.  Hospital nasal aspirator

As much as Emma hates this thing, it has been a lifesaver.  But ours broke.  We have a store bought one, but it's just not the same.  I'm hoping to find another one at a medical supply store.  Would it be ridiculous to have another baby just to get another one?  I'm totally kidding, by the way.

3.  Free Samples

I try to sign up for as much free stuff as I can.  Last week I got a package from Kraft with free samples, and 2 coupons for free products.  Walmart and Sam's Club also have frequent free samples. 

4.  Stride Rite baby shoes
It's finally time to get Emma some shoes.  I found these and love them!  Even better, I found a 25% off coupon to use next week.  And they have a cool printable sizing chart since I have no clue what size Emma is.  Also, I saw a little boy this week with the cutest shoes.  I asked his mom where she got them, and she said Kiddos, which is a consignment store in town.  I'm totally going.

5.  Amoxycillin

Emma is on the pink stuff, and while she's not a huge fan yet, it brings back memories for me.  I used to love that stuff!  And then I became allergic to penicillin and haven't had it since. 

My Big One Year Old

I cannot believe Emma is 1!  How is that possible?  We had her party last weekend (and it's a good thing, because she has an ear infection this week).  She was a little overwhelmed by everything, and didn't much care for the cake.  On her actual birthday last night, we gave her ice cream, which she loved.  We're going back to the doctor today for her 12 month checkup, although the shots will have to wait until she feels better.  Hopefully we'll get the go ahead to try milk.  I don't know if he'll tell us to try whole milk, or stick with soy, but either way it's cheaper than formula!  Hopefully she'll start feeling better today (last night was rough); she's on the pink stuff!  Here are a few pictures from her party and her birthday.

                                        May 20, 2009   8:12am                  May 20, 2010  8:12am

Elmo Giveaway

I always see giveaways on the blogs I read, but I've never entered.  Until now.  Emma loves Elmo, so I'm entering to win this.  It would make a great birthday present (which by the way is next week!  Next week I'll have a one year old!). 

Fab 5 Friday

It's that time of the week.  Maybe I'll actually link up to my post on Emily's blog this week!

1.  Coupons!
 I love using coupons.  I've started going to Kroger, so they double my coupons up to $.50.  However, to save more money, I'm going to start buying our personal care items elsewhere.  Walgreens has been my favorite so far, but I'm going to try CVS also.  I'm excited to see how much I can get for cheap (or free!)

2.  Coupon Blogs
I have about 20 blogs on google reader, which is bad, because I can never keep up with them all, so I end up missing out on pretty much everything.  So I'm trying to focus on just a few (Southern Savers, Moms by Heart & Faithful Provisions).  Southern Savers has a handy printable guide so I can decide which deals I want and print those out to take to the store.  They list the coupon matchups on them too, so all I have to do is pull out my coupons.

3.  Video Monitor
We love Emma's video monitor.  We received it as a gift and I'm so thankful we did.  Lately, she's been waking up in the middle of her naps.  Sometimes she goes back to sleep, but sometimes not.  Right now, she's been sleeping for over 2 hours (but has woken up twice)...if I didn't have the video monitor, I would have had to go in to make sure she's still alive. 

4.  Mother's Day
Sunday is my first Mother's Day.  Technically I was a mother ( to be) last year, but now I can celebrate with Emma.  I'm excited to go to our Olive Garden for the first time, and hoping we'll get there early enough to not wait all afternoon.

5.  Saving Money
I have such good intentions to be frugal, but I have a bit of a shopping problem.  Not for me really, but for Emma.  There are so many cute clothes and bows, and sometimes I get carried away.  While I try to get that under control, I'm making an effort to save money in other areas.  I'm going to attempt to make homemade laundry detergent and fabric softener, because detergent is expensive!  It's supposed to be pretty easy, but if anyone can mess it up, it's me.  I'm also trying really hard to cut our grocery bill.  I use a list that's customized for our Kroger, so I don't go down any aisles I don't need (because I just cannot pass by the Oreos...or ice cream...or chips without grabbing at least one). 

Money Saving Tips

I love Kelly's Korner.  Here is a link to her post asking for money saving tips.  There are tons posted in the comments section.  I'm always looking for ways to save money!  One I read about it Ebates...I'd heard of it before, but never used it.  Until tonight.  I ordered something from Old Navy and just earned 4% cash back!  Of course, I would have been better off to not order anything at all, right?