Making Apple Baby Food Using a Kitchen Aid Food Strainer Attachment

I knew I would want to make our own baby food. Save money, no preservatives, ya da ya da. So, I thought it would be a great idea to have the Food Strainer Attachment for my Kitchen Aid Mixer I got last summer. My mother-in-law got it for me for my baby shower gift. Saturday I broke it out and put it to good use.

I started with 6 Granny Smith and 6 Golden Delicious apples.

Start by washing your apples and removing stickers.

 I let my apples dry while I took care of Jorja.

Then slice your apples and remove the core. My apple slicer broke so I used a good 'ol knife.

 Since it is over 100 degrees lately, I wasn't about to turn on my oven so I steamed my apples until they were tender. Be sure to save the water in case you need to thin your apple puree. The water has the nutrients in it.

 Then I set up my mixer. The big bowl catches the puree and the smaller bowl catches the peeling or "junk."

 The junk comes out the little whole at the end of the strainer attachment.

Next, feed your apples through the strainer. I decided to run the junk through again just to make sure I didn't miss out on any yumminess, but I don't think it made a difference. Some reviews said there was a lot of waste but I didn't think it was more than if I had peeled the apples to start with. 

Then you can separate your apples into ice cube trays, store them in the fridge or use at the next meal.

I have been using this website for most of my baby food questions.

 They are pretty comprehensive. They have lists of what babies should eat and when. How to cook, make, and store baby food and even menus for later on.

**A note on cleaning the mixer and attachments- do it RIGHT AWAY! **

**Do not let it sit for any amount of time or it will be very hard to clean. **

And now for some cute baby pictures...

 She LOVES green beans! Can you tell?

 She wasn't a fan of mush o' banana but she liked it in her little baby feeder thing. If you aren't familiar with these, the part in her mouth is mesh and as she bites, the juice or mush comes out. Great for teething because you can put a frozen piece of fruit in there to soothe their gums.

Here she is eating her first Popsicle. I refuse to let her have ice cream so this was a Grandpa pleasing treat. She liked it. Everything in moderation- right?!

Jorja's Schedule & Babywise

Before I ever had Jorja, I read Babywise by Gary Ezzo. Now I know, you have probably heard horrible things about this OR you have heard rave reviews. I am going to tell you about my experience and how it has turned out for us. I have a cousin that read Babywise and we loved being around her children and how well it worked for them. So, being the reader that I am, I grabbed the book and read it a whole year before I was even pregnant.

Then we had her and new mommy fear took over. I was so afraid Jorja was going to choke on her own spit and so she ended up sleeping with us for the first two weeks. Because of the breastfeeding issues I had, I was persuaded to feed on demand. By two weeks- I was about to loose my mind. Then I was able to talk to my cousin and she reminded me about Babywise. Since on-demand feeding was not working for us, what would it hurt to start working on Babywise? Since I couldn't call my cousin every minute of the day, I got out my Babywise book and reread pieces of it. Then I started searching the internet for some POSITIVE Babywise information. This is when I came across an amazing website and Google group.

This amazing woman, Valerie, is queen of Babywise. She has three children of her own which results in a lot of experience with all things baby and Babywise. She also created a Google Group for the blog so you can get real advice from other moms!

Back to Jorja's story....

We started working on getting Jorja on the Eat-Wake-Sleep pattern. This was easy enough. Then we worked towards 2.5-3 hr schedule and we managed to do that. What really made the difference and I believe led to her sleeping through the night, was starting her day at the same time. So, we would get up between 7 and 7:30 and within a week she was sleeping through the night. Jorja dropped her middle of the night feeding on her own by 12 weeks. I would feed her at 10:30 and then she would go all the way through! We have worked through our other steps and we are now on a four hour schedule.

Here is was a typical day for Jorja looks like.

7-7:30 Wake up, nurse
9 Naptime
11 Nurse & cereal + vegetables
12:15-12:30 naptime
3 Nurse & cereal + vegetables
4:45-5 Nap (if we are home)
Around 6 (just depends) Nurse
7:15-7:30 Bedtime

Keep in mind I am NOT a morning person and we are working on having fruit and cereal for her breakfast as soon as she gets fruit that is. According to Babywise II they should have fruit and cereal for breakfast, vegetables and fruit for lunch and vegetables and cereal for dinner. Since we felt it was important to get some good veggies in her before fruit, we are working towards the goal of what Babywise II recommends. Since you have to wait 3-7 days to introduce a new food, it take a little while. Green beans and bananas are on the schedule for this week!

Here are a few reasons why Babywise works for us:

1. I have a need to be organized and Babywise allows me to have a schedule while still being able to be FLEXIBLE and take care of our needs.
2. Babywise gives me guidance on things that I would have no clue about (how much food and when)
3. It combines the child's needs along with my judgment to make the best decisions. I am not letting my 6 mo old make the decisions but I do use her needs as a guide. 
4. Babywise is more than just a schedule. It is a way of life. One of the biggest things I have taken away is that I need to "begin as I mean to end." So, if I don't want to have to rock, sing, bounce, soothe, etc my child to sleep when they are 3, why would I start that habit now? If you do these things, that is your own personal desire and that is fine, it just doesn't work for us. Trust me I get enough grief for not rocking my child to sleep but my daughter is 6 months old and she puts herself to sleep. I consider this a good thing.

Just like with anything in life, you have to make your own personal decisions on what works for you. I am not trying to jam my opinions down your throat but rather share our story.
A few questions for you...
Have you heard of Babywise before? Was what you heard positive or negative?
Do you actually know someone who has used Babywise?
What do you think about it?

Hope you have a great Wednesday!

Homemade Baby Food (Acorn & Butternut Squash)

When I made Jorja's first baby food, I was utilizing the squash from our own garden (free). Not a week later, Mr. M informs me that the squash is done because of our HIGH temperatures and lack of rain. So, when I went to Wal-Mart, I grabbed some Acorn and Butternut Squash. On my seriously long list of "to-do's" I added making baby food. So, after Jorja when down for her nap at 1:00 I started.

Cut squash lengthwise, scrape out seeds and place face down in baking pan. Put 1 inch of water in pan.  Bake at 400 degree for 40 minutes or until tender.

Nice and tender!

Put the meat of the squash in blender or food processor and puree.

I got these great silicone mini-muffin pans that work wonderfully for this. They hold right at 1 ounce. I use my small Pampered Chef scoop and it takes two to make one ounce!

Allow your little helper to assist you in your physical fitness by bending over 20 times to get the toys she drops.

While you are working, have a thunderstorm come with wild winds. Then have the power go out right as you go to mix up the Butternut squash. Dig out your food mill because it is time to feed your assistant. Since you don't have power, you can't microwave the already frozen summer squash, so you go for some butternut squash out of the food mill instead. Feed assistant and then have the power magically come back on before you attempt to make the rest of the butternut squash in the food mill.

Can't complain about picking up toys when you get to look at this cutie and her piggie tails!

Since I only have two mini-muffin pans, I use some ice cube trays that also work ok. Although, it is much easier to get out of silicone trays. I bang my trays on the counter to make them level and get out any bubbles.

Freeze them for a couple of hours and then transfer to freezer baggies. I label the baggies and then place them in a Tupperware container in the freezer for added protection from freezerburn. 

Do you make your own baby food? Have any tips to share? I would love to hear them!!

New Organizers!

I would like to take a moment and tell you about my latest accomplishments!

1. I spent nearly 3 hours cleaning and organizing my sewing area. All of my fabric is now organized and arranged by color. I have a place for my templates, patterns and interfacing! I even cleaned off my sewing table so I am ready to start whipping out my latest projects.
2. I figured out how to do an accordion fold for my cash/coupon organizers! It gives the wallets so much more room for whatever you decide to use them for. My sister (this one is hers) uses hers for her cash and her coupons since she doesn't coupon much.

3. I made a change purse to match my organizer!

4. I made homemade baby food for the first time! Jorja will be 6 months old next Friday and I had some squash from our garden so I went for it. I steamed the squash after peeling it and chopping it up. Then I put them in the blender and viola-puree! Next I put them in some silicone mini-muffin pans and ice cube trays in .5 or 1 ounce quantities. Froze them for a couple hours and transferred them to a zipper bag in the freezer!

5. My hubby made me some Plexiglas templates for the cash/coupon organizers so I don't have to measure each time=faster=more products! Not my accomplishment, but Mr. M gets credit!

So, if you love my organizers you can check out my Facebook page by clicking below and order yours today!

I would love it if you voted for your favorite fabric while you are there as well! I will be doing a giveaway soon and want to know what you would like for the fabric!

Stay-at-Home Mom

I am so blessed to be able to do this!

For those of you who need some encouragement while you are doing this....

Continue On

By Roy Lessin

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.

She feared she was wasting her potetential being a devoted wife and mother.

She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference. At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.

"Is it worth it?" she often wondered.

"Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard that still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart.

"You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be.

Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward.

Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.

Your children are precious to Me.

Even more precious than they are to you.

I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me.

What you invest in them is an offering to Me.

You may never be in the public spotlight.

But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me.

Continue on. Remember you are My servant.

Do all to please Me."

Source: Pixel Perfect

Hardest thing and tough decisions...

Have a child is seriously the toughest thing I have ever done in my life. I can't begin to explain how it effects you mentally, emotionally, physical and spiritually. The thought of doing it again soon makes me nauseous. I'm not saying we won't ever have another child but the idea of that happening in the near future is too much for me to handle.
If you don't know our history, I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). It took us nearly 9 months to conceive our little one. I truly believe that it was in God's timing and that he gave the doctors wisdom to know what would allow us to conceive. So, then enters the dilemma of birth control. I HATE what the pill does to me. I am guaranteed to have one week of being a you know what from you know where. This doesn't sit well with the hubby or me for that matter. Then we have to be careful of which pill because I am breastfeeding. Since I am now staying home and we are on one income, price is also a factor.
Here is what God has finally hit me with. No matter which form we choose, God is still in control. Women get pregnant everyday being on any form of Birth Control. Women who have PCOS get pregnant, sometimes even faster after having a child. Women get pregnant against all odds. So, even though I think there is no way in the world we could have another baby anytime soon without me going into a mental house....God knows what is best. Now all I have to do is remember that. Don't get me wrong, I am totally in love with my daughter and being a mom. It is just overwhelming to think about doing it all again with having one at home...
I realize this is a random post. Believe it or not I do have a crafty post coming very very soon!

Ramblings of a new mom...

These last 3 1/2 weeks have been crazy. I have never been so emotional, tired, elated, frustrated, and love struck in my life. But, when you have this little one, it melts your heart and the cons fade to oblivion.

So, what does having a newborn mean? 

• Going through a crazy birth (crazy to me partly because it wasn't what I expected, it ended with an 8 lb baby, it was so worth it)

Me after my epidural!

• Struggling, crying, fighting, and enjoying breastfeeding
• Not getting sleep but still going on 
• Worrying if she is eating enough, growing enough, warm enough, awake enough, etc
• Seeing Mr. M melt when he looks at his little girl

•  Loving our new little family

(I have a ton of self-portraits of us and I love that Jorja is having a fit in her first one)

• Loving the little noises she makes
• Loving the little faces she makes

• Seeing her learn things like sucking her thumb

• Realizing she is already growing so much

She's Here!

Meet Miss Jorja

She arrived Saturday, January 15, 2011

5:07pm

A whopping 8lb 2oz

21 inches 

 Meet a very proud Daddy!

 She has strawberry blonde hair... at least the heartburn was worth something...

 At 1 week old, she was already the size of her sock monkey!

 So in love with our little miracle!

Baby Update: Week 39

Oh my WOW!! We made it to 39 weeks!!

How far along: 39 weeks

Size of baby:  around 7 pounds, 20 inches... mini watermelon

Weight gain: Last week I lost two pounds, this week I gained three so that means I only gained one pound right??

Maternity clothes: Oh how I loathe thee... well, except my yoga pants. If I had a few pairs of yoga pants, I could be a happy camper but it is a little hard to justify buying them at this point. 

Movement: She is keeping with doctor's orders and moving at least 5 times after I eat. There are times when I think she is practicing gymnastics in there but I am trying to appreciate and enjoy the moment. 

Sleep: I miss my side of the bed. No wonder Mr. M feels like he is sleeping on the edge when he slept on that side...because he is! His dip in the bed is right on the edge. If only we had room in our little house for a king size bed...

The last two nights I have been getting up every hour and a half to go pee. Frustrating but I know I need to be getting used to it at the same time. At least when I am getting up to feed/change Jorja it will be more beneficial. 
Symptoms:  Other than my feet swelling, not much of anything else. OH the heartburn is still KILLER!! My hands have also started to swell a little. My ring will still come off so it isn't much. I keep waiting for the contractions to start... Have I mentioned my back is killing me?

Cravings: I don't know that I have really craved anything this week exactly. My awesome family cooked me the best birthday dinner last Sunday. We had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade hot rolls, corn on the cob, coconut cake, confetti cake, and brownies!! Yumm Yumm...There was my three pounds HaHa.

Best moment this week: Being able to enjoy my Birthday with family :) Listening to everyone make their predictions on Jorja's arrival and being so excited about this little girl. 

Seeing Eric's face when I thought I was having contractions for the first time on New Year's night. He said he wasn't ready for that yet. 

Getting to spend more than a few minutes with my Bestie when she was in town. She helped me organize all of Miss Jorja's clothes!!

My grandma came over yesterday and helped me clean my house. She did some serious DEEP cleaning. Like, window seals, blinds, baseboards, dusting, windows. I was sooo grateful!! 
What I am looking forward to: Really having her and holding her and seeing those sweet little eyes, toes and fingers. Seeing everyone else light up when they meet her! 

Dr. Appointments: So, the first time the doctor checked me, I was not dilated at all. The Tuesday after Christmas I was at maybe a 2 with no thinning. Then this week, I am at a 3 with 80% effacement. He said he was just going to let me take my own time and go from there. Here are a few crazy things. My sister-in-law was getting her epidural at a 2 when she had my niece...yep past that. My sister went into labor the day after being checked and being at a 3. Mr. M says I will have her on the 13th (our due date). This wouldn't surprise me but I am ready to do this. I hate waiting and not going and not feeling ANY contractions at all. It almost makes me scared that I won't know when to go. However, God and I have been having some long conversations about this one and I know I will be fine and I will "know" when, when the time comes.   

Baby Update: Week 35

Wow! It has a been a while since I have done a baby update. I think part of this is because I felt like I was continuously posting the same thing week after week. Well, with 5 weeks to go, I think I will be more apt to continue my little updates. If nothing else, it will be fun for me to look back on later. 


How far along: 35 weeks

Size of baby:  around 5.25 pounds... honeydew melon

Weight gain: 3 pounds since last visit (11/22/10) The doctor said to just keep an eye on it and that 5 pounds would be a big gain. My argument is that it was Thanksgiving (we had Thanksgiving 4 different times...) and then we had Eric's birthday week (ate out a bit) and then were out of town last weekend. So... I will keep an eye on it. I am trying not to let the actual number on the scale freak me out.... it is some. I never thought I would be this big even though I know it is mostly baby. :(

Maternity clothes: Are you kidding?? If it isn't maternity, I'm not wearing it. I was so grateful to go to Destination Maternity in Dallas, TX this weekend though. I had a great girl named Kat help me. She even gave me a stellar coupon that saved me $30! So, I came out of there with some great nursing tops, a pair of comfy pants, my first nursing bra, and a great bathrobe and nightgown. 

Movement: Her kicks are harder. I'm so glad she isn't stretching all the way out (like my niece did) and kicking me in the ribs-yet! Daddy has been able to see some of her bigger kicks and movements. He thinks it is pretty neat. I love seeing his expression when he sees her. 

Sleep: Well, I was able to talk Mr. M into swapping me sides of the bed! This helps with laying on my left side. It also makes me closer to the bathroom. I used to love having a tall bed, now I hate it. Takes too much effort to get into it, especially at 11:30pm, 1:18am, and 4:16am. Yes, I got up three times last night. I miss being able to sleep comfortably. 

Symptoms:  Other than my feet swelling, not much of anything else. OH the heartburn is still KILLER!! 

Cravings: This week I really wanted Hawaiian Pizza from Cavanaugh Pizza in Fort Smith. Mr. M was gracious enough to take me there Monday before getting our Christmas cards and braving Wal-Mart. 

Best moment this week: Getting to spend time with my sisters and cousins in Texas. Two of the cousins are pregnant as well. Being able to listen to my sister and cousin (who each have two kids) tell me what to expect is great. 

What I am looking forward to: After going to my appointment on Tuesday, I feel better about a few things and more relaxed. I am looking forward to making it through Christmas and all the blessings that go with it. I look forward to being able to spend some more time reading which helps me feel more prepared. I am excited that both my Bestie and my Aunt will be here around Christmas. 


Dr. Appointments: I know I will have another Ultrasound, once it gets closer, to check the weight and a few other things. I was a little saddened that my last visit was the last "easy one" as the doctor put it. He will start checking my cervix now. I go back in two weeks and then I go EVERY week. Yes, it is getting closer!


I still can't praise God enough for even making it this far! I was so scared in the beginning. God keeps reminding me who is in control and I am thankful that I can rest assured in that!  

New Camera & Prego Sweet Tooth

I was so pleased to pick up my new camera (Nikon s8100) from the post office yesterday! Here is the pathetic little story that goes with that.

You see, I have been tracking this puppy since it left the warehouse. Postal services work crazy hours! Most of the check in or check out times were like 3am! Anyways, when I saw it made it to my local post office, I called and asked them to not deliver it. I wanted to go pick it up...so on my planning hour Tuesday, I went and got my new toy!!

Here is a nice little video highlighting all the little perks.

I just love it already!

Here is a picture of my lovely prego sweet tooth indulgence last night. Taken with my camera without making ANY edits!

There is vanilla ice cream with HOT fudge sauce under my mountain of whipped cream! MMM! Sad thing is that I didn't even finish it... as is the case lately, my eyes are bigger than my stomach. 

As I enter my 34th week of pregnancy, I am starting to understand the phrase "uncomfortable!" Whether its having to keep my feet up almost all the time or they swell, having a hard time getting in and out of bed, feeling my stomach stretch which makes it sore, having to go to the bathroom multiple times (fun when you are trying to Christmas shop), and all the other stuff...clothes too small....stretch marks....

I know it will all be worth it or at least that is what I keep getting told and keep trying to tell myself. 

Mr. M informed me last night that "this doesn't last forever." He then received the look and I asked if he had any other sympathetic words. He replies "I'm sorry."

We started on the promised Apple Butter Recipe last night. We will finish tonight. Hopefully I will be able to post tomorrow. 

Tonight we are also taking our family Christmas card picture. Magnificent puppy is at the groomers today. He is getting a big boy Schnauzer hair cut! I didn't really want the traditional schnauzer cut when he was a puppy, but now we are sick of the mop bucket head!

For those of you on Facebook, check out Snuggle Pups Dog Groomers. My dear puppy may be on there today! 

Happy Hump Day!!

Patiently Waiting...

I have about 5 posts ready to write with this small little thing holding me up....

and right now we are waiting for it to make its way to my front porch.

You see, without having this little camera, I am unable to take pictures and make pretty blog posts!

What posts do I have coming? Well...

1. Finished Nursery pictures
2. Adorable embellished burp cloths
3. Prego brain has made my brain go mushy...
4. Apple butter tutorial as Christmas gift
5. Cute Diaper clutch

In the meantime, I will be enjoying the week off of work. Enjoying my Aunt G that made the long trip from California (and almost gave my grandma a heart attach when she saw her drive up-SURPRISE!)! 

Since Miss Jorja is due in 51 days (but who knows how soon she could arrive), I am determined to get as much of my Christmas projects done and shopping completed as soon as possible. Yesterday, I was able to get my nephews crossed off my list. I know what I am doing for my nieces. They just require a Wal-Mart trip which we know isn't happening for a while! 

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving week! We have so much to be grateful for! 

Updated To Do List... again!

We have made it to 59 days and my completed list has grown compared to my last update! 

Completed: 

• Sew pink and denim quilt- Completed 10/17/10
• Sew crib sheet using this tutorial- Completed 8/10/10
• Sew crib bumper pad-Still working on this- I have one of the six pieces sewn.
  
• Sew crib quilt using my own pattern- Completed 9/5/10
• Sew crib bed skirt using this tutorial- well, with the help of... Completed 8/11/10
• Sew changing pad cover using this tutorial-Already received several so not making any
  
• Make foam cubes- Not gonna happen! 
• Register at Babies R Us and Blessed Baby- Completed
• Clean out nursery closet- Completed 8/7/10
• Rearrange my room to move treadmill out of nursery - Completed courtesy of my awesome sister. See this post!
• Get changing table from my sister- Completed
• Wash extra car seat base- Completed Thanks to Mr. M
• Figure out how to get odd odor out of the wardrobe- Aired it out, seems to be ok now.
  
• Get sister's hand me down clothes once we know gender Completed
• Make "It's A...." record sheet really liking this idea- Completed 
• Make room in kitchen for bottles, etc- Completed
•  Have SIL make "Every good and perfect gift comes from above" vinyl into a wall plaque- Completed 10/24 
• Have a place for kid books- Bookshelves are made and painted, ready to be hung up. 10/18-24 Hung up 10/25/10. See this post. 
• Hang shelves, pictures, etc in nursery- Corner shelves hung 10-24. Everything else 10/25/10. See this post.
• Make thank you cards to match the Peter Rabbit theme- Completed
•  Decide on what to put in picture frames (family pix, quote, scripture, etc). Made a bow holder and leaving the other for a picture- Completed
• Rehang painted closet door (a Mr. M project)- Completed
• Move hubby's clothes to my closet- Completed 11/?/10
  
• Organize baby stuff after baby shower (shower Nov. 6)- Completed 11/6-7/10 
• Finish decorating nursery- Mostly completed, it's just upkeep now. 
• Make some burp rags- Going to make them with Beatrix Potter characters on them (love my embroidery machine)!- Did some super cute ones with ribbon, embroidery and applique but no Peter Rabbit...still adorable! 
• Write a bazillion thank you notes   Completed! 
• Take breast feeding class- took a class at Blessed Baby! Got a coupon for $20 off a Medela pump, a $5 gift card to the store, a binkie, and some great tips. So, I got my Medela pump that night too!!
• Buy a rocking chair for nursery- Got an awesome deal on the rocker-recliner from Ashley furniture. I am loving it. It is "me sized" as my husband would say! What do you think? Do you like it??

Still to do: 

• Make a few wet bags for those messy times. 
• Make diaper/wipes clutch

I am stuck on this one but won't pay $25 for it :(

• Move kids books from living room to nursery
• Wash all baby clothes- started by washing bedding last night...
  
• Re-read Babywise
• Read Birthwise
• Read breast feeding book- Started 10/24
• Create nursing corner with basket of necessities
• Pack and repack hospital bag
• Bake muffins, pancakes, and other frozen goods for baby arrival (thanks Laptop to Lullabies)
• Choose pediatrician
• Fix window in nursery (a Mr. M project)
• Send Sarah scrapbook stuff (Gender party papers/card, more ultrasound pictures, etc)
• Take Oli to the groomer close to the due date so he will be handsome when his little sister comes home ;)

I am sure there are more things I should add. Experienced moms, please add to my list....