Day 25 - Making Food

Today is day 25 of me being a SAHM - Stay At Home Mom (Mother) for those who are unsure of the acronym. Let me catch everyone up on the previous 24 days. The first week home was quick. It did not feel like anything more than a vacation as the second week we spent on the Vineyard with my family. Last week was my first full week home where it felt like I was a SAHM. I have officially lost track of the days. If you were to ask me what day it was, I would have to pull out my phone to look! I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but days all seem to blend together.

So my days seem to be scheduled loosely as follows:

6:00-7:00am - wake up
8:30-9:30 - Dominic takes a 35-45 minute nap
9:30-10:30 - breakfast
10:30-12:00 - play time
12:00-12:30 -  Dominic takes an early afternoon nap for 35-45 minutes
1:00-1:30 - Lunch
1:30-4:00 - play time
4:00-4:30 - Dominic takes early evening nap for 35-45 minutes
5:00-5:30 - Dinner
5:30-7:30 - play time
7:30-8:00 - Bed time routine

Dominic still nurses on demand during the day, which changes upon his needs daily, so it is not always something I can schedule; but he nurses every 3-4 hours.

So onto what today has in store. Today, Dominic woke up at 5:00am in his crib and came into bed with us. He nursed and then slept until 7:15am. We then went down stairs and played until 8:30 or so which is when Dominic started rubbing his eyes and yawning, so he went down for a nap until about 9:30. Steve was so great to take Dominic down to eat and play while I got to take a nap until 10:45, which was HEAVENLY.

We had a DirecTV technician come out to fix the cable, which we have not had for 2 days. It was nice not watching the tube but I have to say, and I am a bit ashamed to admit this, I missed the squawk box!

After we played and then Dom took 2 naps. One for 35 minutes, and then another about 15 minutes later for 30 more minutes. Sometimes he wakes up but is still tired, so if he is fussy 10-15 minutes after waking, he will typically nap for another 30-45 minutes, then wake ready to play hard!

After his nap he woke up refreshed, and we had lunch. Today he ate squash and mangoes and then some cheerios and juice. He played in his high chair while I made him some green veggies. I made spinach and pears, and then spinach, pears, peas and green beans. I have some frozen in ice cube trays and then I left some in the fridge for dinners and lunches for the next few days.

I took a few photos as I am always making his foods and am trying to come up with new veggie and fruit combinations for him. Next week I am going to purchase a food pouch system to help make his food quicker and easier, and not have to use the ice cube trays any longer. Infantino Fresh Squeezed System - was introduced to me by Steve's cousin, Karyn, who uses it for her daughter. She also gave me some great ideas for food combinations. She suggested tofu, quinoa, and beans to thicken some of the foods, as a lot of the fruits, and some veggies, can tend to be runny. I have also used baby cereal (rice or oatmeal) to thicken mixes I have previously made. Babies R' Us has a special that if you purchase 3 Infantino feeding products you can get a $10 gift card. They also have a 20% off one regular priced item coupon. I will use the coupon for the $24.99 system, making it $19.99. I will also get 50 food bags for $16.99, spoons for $3.99, and the saver sleeve (to store the bags in the freezer for $9.99, totaling $50.96 before 6.25% taxes, which would be approximately $54.15. When I get the gift card, I will go back another time for more bags. I have to wait at least 6 hours from when I get the gift card to when I can use it.

Making his food has been so cost effective, especially now that I am not working. I also feel great about him eating fresh or frozen fruits and veggies, and not something prepackaged with who knows included as preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. He has tried lots of fruits and veggies so far, but we still have lots more to try!

Veggies:
Peas
Green Beans
Butternut Squash
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes
Spinach
Beets
Peppers
Carrots

Fruits:
Cantaloupe
Avocado
Watermelon
Bananas
Blueberries
Peaches
Apples
Pears
Mangoes
Plums
Cherries

Beans:
Lentils

Meats:
Chicken
Hamburger

Spices:
Vanilla
Pepper
Cinnamon
Ginger

Other:
Pasta
Cheerios
Toast
Bagels and cream cheese
Yogurt
Rice
Pancakes
Eggs
Crackers

I will be trying to add quinoa, kidney beans, chick peas, black beans, acorn squash, summer squash, zucchini, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, eggplant, cauliflower, parsnips, turnips, apricots, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, papayas, grapes, and honeydew. I am going to wait for citrus and strawberries until he is after a year old.

Ok. I think that is all for now. Help me come up with food combinations, and you can mix fruits, veggies, beans, and other stuff! He likes peas, lentils, and pears. This will help me to make food he'll love for life with new combinations to keep his taste buds happy!