August 31

Waving!
I know this is blurry but I thought his expression was too cute.

All dry and clean after having a bath!

Sweet daddy time tonight

August 27

Swaddle Blanket gone wrong.

We have since realized that we can't swaddle him without a shirt on or he can get out very easily. Those little arms sticking out are just so stinkin cute!

August 30

This is one of the cute Hendrick outfits. They were so sweet to let us borrow LOTS of their boy clothes. It will probably be the first and last time he can wear it! The tag says "up to 7 pounds".

Favorite Things (First Weeks), Updated Packing List

I am in no way claiming to be an expert on being a Mommy, I mean it has only been 4 weeks but there are a few things I wish I would have known. I know many of you that read my blog are pregnant or will be so I thought I should share. These are a few things that I have LOVED having and I think are worth the money.

1. Swaddle Blanket: After a few nights we started swaddling Chandler and he has slept MUCH better with it. We LOVE the Miracle Blanket. 

2. Lansinoh Cream: They gave me a tiny tube of this at the hospital but I had a big one also and I have used it alot. Even if you don't think you need it, I would recommend using it after every feeding at first.

3. Soothies Gel Pads: My cousin, Alicia told me about these amazing things. You can buy them at Target. They are kind of expensive but worth it in my opinion. I used them for the first 2 weeks or so. I think I went through like 3 sets or so.

4. Motherhood Nursing Sports Bras: These have worked for me. I know everyone has their own opinion on nursing bras but I got these since I didn't know what size I would need. My only complaint is that they are razorback and sometimes that doesn't work with the shirt you are wearing. 

5. Gripe Water: My friend Lynsey told me about this and I was excited to know about a natural product for gassy tummy problems.

6. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow: We got a Boppy initally but my friend Laura told me about this amazing jewel of a pillow. It is SO much more supportive than a Boppy. It goes all the way around your body and you velcro it to fit you. It even has a nifty little pocket. I am loving it.

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Laura also posted an updated packing list with things she really used at the hospital. I saw two things I wish I had on my list.

1. My own towel: The hospital ones are TINY.

2. Depends: I know this sounds crazy but trust me they sound like a good idea now. :)

Also, I found this homemade post partum kit and wished I had known about it sooner.

Updated Hospital Packing List:

*Someone told me when packing to pack a bag seperate for labor type things. This worked out great for us. I only took this when we went to check my blood pressure since we didn't know if we were staying. I had all my essentials and Cody was able to get the rest later.

Chelsea:

-Drivers’ License, insurance card, pediatrician info (No one asked me for my DL or insurance, you should probably still take it though)

-toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, deodorant, brush, makeup, bobbypins/headband, hairbands, shampoo/conditioner, soap, lotion, facewash, blowdryer, Always infinity pads (I used all these things, especially the chapstick, I held on to it pretty much all through labor because my lips were so dry, I did use the hospital pads instead though)

-bathrobe, nightgown, slippers/socks (I didn't take any of these things but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. I wore the hosptial gown and these changed into shorts and t-shirts asap and never used anything else)

-pillow/Boppy My Brest Friend (see above)

-I Pod/headphones (great to have)

-cell phone/charger

-nursing bras/tanks/nursing pads/cream/Soothie's gel pads (see above)

-witch hazel pads and Dermaplast spray

-journal/pen

-Bible, book to read

-baby book

-going home clothes

-FAN (I didn't end up using my fan because the hospital room was cold enough)

-snacks

-hot/cold packs

-tennis ball (for back massage)

Chandler:

-carseat

-clothes/socks

-blanket

-pacifier

-diapers/wipes (just a few)

-baby clippers baby nail file (We just kept shirts with the mittens on him instead)

-socks (to put on his hands)

Cody:

-camera/video camera (battery charger)

-toiletries

-comfortable clothes/shoes

-snacks

-Bible, book to read

-cell phone/charger

-laptop/charger

-blanket/warmer clothes (Cody was freezing, especially during the night)

August 26

August 27

Today Chandler got to meet his great grandparents!

My Papa and Gram came into town to see our little man.

Also, my parents came with them.

I didn't get a picture of dad (Pappy) the other day when he was here.

I tricked Parker into getting a picture with Chandler!

If you look close he is "showing him where the dog is". :)

You would never think that Parker looks big until you put him next to Chandler. Sweet boys!

August 25

That cute boy was enjoying some play time!

And then it was sleep time for Chandler/errand time for mommy.

{Recipe} Bubble Up Pizza

Bubble up Pizza

1 lb. beef

1 jar Ragu Roasted Garlic sauce (or whatever sauce you want)

2 cans buttermilk biscuits

1 ½ cup pizza cheese

Optional: other pizza toppings if desired

Preheat oven to 350. Brown and drain meat. Stir in sauce. Cut biscuits into 4ths. Gently stir in and mix until coated. Add in other optional toppings if desired. Pour mix into 9x13 pan. Bake 25 minutes. Sprinkle cheese and bake 10 more minutes.

{Recipe} Cornbread Thing

Cornbread Thing
1 lb. beef
1 can Ranch Style beans
1 onion, chopped
1 small can tomato sauce
1 can creamed corn
2 pkg. Jiffy cornbread

Brown and drain meat. Mix remaining ingredients (except cornbread) with meat and pour into a 9x13 pan. Prepare cornbread according to directions on box. Pour over meat mixture. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes.

{Recipe} Jalapeno Chicken Casserole

Jalapeno Chicken Casserole

3 chicken breast

1 mild taco sauce

½ medium onion

1 cup sour cream

11 oz. corn tortillas

1 ½ cup Monterrey jack cheese

Sliced jalapenos

Garlic powder

Chili powder

White sauce: 2 T butter, 2 T flour, 1 cup milk

Cook chicken, dice, add taco sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, stir in onion

Make sauce, heat, stirring constantly, take off heat, add sour cream

Tear tortillas, cover bottom of pan. Layer: tortillas, chicken mix, sauce, repeat

Top with cheese and jalapenos. Bake until cheese is melted. Serve with rice/beans and tortilla chips.

As of lately...

Our sweet boy is growing so quickly.

He is gradually becoming awake more and looking around.

We love the funny faces he makes.

His eyes seem like they are starting to focus more.

Oh how we love him!

August 18

August 19

August 21

August 23

Month of Meals

Being a new mommy I am a little overwhelmed at grocery shopping, meal planning, and even the thought of cooking so in my spare moments lately I have been planning out a months worth of meals. I decided to go for a "theme" each night just to help me plan. Some recipes I have linked are from online and others are from my cookbook.

Monday- Italian
Tuesday- Mexican
Wednesday- Breakfast
Thursday- Soup or Salad
Friday- American
Saturday- Leftovers
Sunday- Any quick meal I can make for pot luck at church + a dessert

Week 1
Monday: Mexican Bowtie Pasta
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Pancakes
Thursday: Beans/Cornbread
Friday: Shepherd’s Pie
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: 16 minute bowtie Lasagna, Brownies

Week 2
Monday: Pasta Presto
Tuesday: Jalapeno Chicken
Wednesday: Breakfast Casserole
Thursday: Manitoba Soup/Cornbread
Friday: Plov
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Skillet Enchiladas, Heath Bar Cake

Week 3
Monday: Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Tuesday: Beef/Bean Burritos
Wednesday: Breakfast Tacos
Thursday: Beef Tips/Rice
Friday: Cornbread Thing
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Spaghetti, Snickerdoodles

Week 4
Monday: Bubble up Pizza
Tuesday: King Ranch Chicken
Wednesday: French Toast Casserole
Thursday: Cobb Salad
Friday: Grilled Veggie Sandwiches
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Taco soup, Jello Squares (recipe on the gender party details)

The past couple days...

have been busy ones! We are doing great. Finally feeling a little "normal" again.

Chandler went to the grocery store for the first time Wednesday.

We had his newborn pictures taken yesterday. Sweet Ryan and Sara were so patient. Chandler didn't like the pictures so much. Most newborns look so calm and sleepy in their pictures...not Chandler. I'm pretty sure he is awake in 99% of his pictures. It is so crazy because he is such a good sleeper.

Today I had a doctor appointment to check my blood pressure and talk to my doctor about what is going on. My blood pressure was actually good for the first time since the week before Chandler was born. YAY! She reduced my medicine a little and said she thinks that by the time I have my postpartum appointment (in 3 weeks) I should be able to stop taking them.
We also went and got Chandler's birth certificate today!

I have taken a couple other pictures over the past few days but I haven't put them on the computer yet so I will try to post them soon!

Pappy came to visit today.

I can't believe I didn't get a picture!

Also, Chandler had to get his PKU newborn screening done.

He cried a little but overall I was suprised at how great he did.

Parker also came by to see Pappy.
This was the clearest picture I could get.

He did NOT want to be still for a picture.

Cute boy.

Cody decided a while back that he wanted to be called Uncle D.

(his middle name is Dewayne, that is where the D comes from)

We aren't sure why he chose this but it is pretty cute.

Parker started saying "Unc D" the other day and now has shortened it to just "D".

Also, he called me Tia for the first time today.

So fun!

Chandler was moving like crazy but I wanted to get a picture of his cute gloves. Candice made them to help with him scratching his precious little face.

Thanks sweet Candice!

Little precious is happy today.

(I know...who lays like that?)

He had his 2 week appointment today.

Everything looked great.

7 lbs. 12 oz.

20 1/4 in.

He got this goodness..

to help with his stinkin diaper rash.

16 days old and has his first prescription. Poor baby.

The amazing Dr. Bacak swears by Crisco to protect his little bottom.

We can't wait for it to heal soon.

And he got to have some play time with these sweet friends.

Adorable huh?

Joshua was laying by himself and his sweet sister went to keep him company.

We love those Owens! 

And last but not least.

This is what happened to my baby when I left him at home with his daddy. :)

First, I couldn't figure out where his other arm was and I found out those toy baskets were to keep little man from sliding down in his boppy.

Nice huh?

Chandler has been spoiled all day.

His Paw and Nana came to visit him in College Station.

He has been sleeping alot of the day.

The only bad part is that he has diaper rash.

We have been trying lots of things to get rid of it. So sad.

Aren't those the cutest little things?

Black and White day

Clean happy boy.

Love this blanket.

You are sure precious Chandler Owen.

Yesterday, sweet Ashley mailed Chandler a card.

Adorable huh? Thanks Ash! Chandler can't wait to meet you!

Morning play time

Sweet boy and his mommy!

Aunt Ashley came over tonight and took this cute picture of him.

He loves his hands!

Such a relaxing day!

Loving on Mammy!

Cute little profile smile.

Funny faces.

Sleepy time.

Baby burrito!