@mrs_drc_rn I got lucky and got mine for free- my mom won it at my school's auction and since she doesn't cook she gave it to me. I feel like I don't use it enough where it would have been worth it for me to spend the money (I only use it around once a month) but if you plan on using it more than that, it's totally worth it. It was great to have a batch of tomato soup cooking in my instant pot, minestrone on the stove, and chicken noodle in my slow cooker all at once. It's super user-friendly and cooks everything really well.
Me: 28 DH: 29 Married: 6/2016 TTC #1: 12/2016 Benched due to deployment- Off the bench 8/8/17!
@mrs_drc_rn Yeah, I think the InstaPot is worth it. I dont use mine terribly often, but it's really handy and gets things done in a hurry. I anticipate using it a lot more when I'm making baby food, too. I got mine on a Black Friday deal, but it really wasn't expensive. It definitely warrants the counter space, which to me is a better indicator of value in the kitchen!
Me:32 DH:45 DSD: 20 DSS: 18 Team green baby due: Aug 6th, 2018
I love my IP! I use it at least once a week. I cook anything from hard boiled eggs (gets them perfect and peel SO easily), spaghetti squash, whole chicken, tacos, you name it!
Unrelated: Today is one of those days I'm going to lose it if DS2 doesn't take a nap. We have family in town from England, and everyone but DS2 and I went to the zoo today (it's freezing, so I didn't want to take him). I was really looking forward to catching up on some housework and also resting a bit while they were out. But, he's been in his crib for 25 minutes and he's still up there yelling. No crying, just hyper. I'm scarfing my lunch and looks like I'll get nothing accomplished. I'm so tired from entertaining and I NEEDED this break, kid!
IP has been worth its weight in gold for me this pg. I bought it a couple years ago to replace my crock pot that stopped working. I’m throwing in a BBQ pork roast tonight to pressure cook so I don’t have to smell it cooking. Tomorrow I’ll use it to slow cook bulk taco meat.
The Instant Pot has been one of the most useful and versatile things in my kitchen in years. I actually got rid of my much beloved crockpots.
Now the IP does some things really, really well...and others, I still prefer stove-top or oven. It cannot recreate the Maillard reactions that give you that caramelized flavors that oven roasting can. So if I'm making a stew, it gets baked in the oven in my Dutch oven. I also found it didn't extract the savory flavors out of venison/beef bones for broth very well, but it works okay for chicken/pork bones for bone broth. I guess just the density and porosity of the bones makes a difference there.
Like today, I'm making my "sickness soup" to hopefully bump my husband and myself out of this ridiculously stubborn cold. While I still simmer the bones on the stove for hours, the IP allows me to cook the venison stew meat to "fall apart" in less than 30 minutes, and when it's done I just toss it in the bone broth. I don't like cooking both in the same pot, because I strain the broth for bone chips and whatnot, so the IP has made my life easier.
Likewise every IP recipe I've tried, I've loved. So I highly recommend it. Even gave one to my best friend for her birthday because she works 12hr shifts and I'm trying to get her and her husband to eat better. They eat out for virtually every meal...and they're both too unhealthy right now. The jury is out on whether or not it's been useful for her, but when she does cook 80% of it is IP recipes now because it's so fast.
I've been quiet. Caught up on randoms. @Firemanswife11 they can also stick their entire arm/hand up there and sweep to feel for retained placenta. Real pleasant.
+1 for the jjb. I got mine half off though. I'll be able to carry enough cloth diapers for two, snacks, and outfits. I don't carry toys and shot because when we're out I can throw a magazine or paperclip at my son and it's like Disneyland. If you formula feed you may need something bigger. It's very comfortable and I appreciate the quality.
I've eaten 10 Cadbury eggs since....MONDAY. Omg I need to stop.
My friend has an uppa. I don't know if it's the Vista or Cruz, but the other day I went over and we put both seats on it and I pushed my son and her daughter in it. Two thoughts. The lower front seat made it perfect for my son to kick her daughter in the head non stop. Fixed that by turning his seat to face me, which yeah, was cool, but he was PISSED he couldn't see out front. Also, it was akward AF to turn. I don't know if it is because it is a little on the long side or what. But my joovy is way easier to turn with 50lbs of humans in it.
I'm super behind, I'll try and catch up today but I'm slammed at work.
I was contacted by a non-profit last week that places adults with disabilities in jobs they are a good fit for and I am SO excited to work with them! The lady came out today so I could show her around and show in detail the tasks for the position I am hiring for and she feels she has at least 3 candidates for me to interview. My heart is so happy today, I absolutely love working with people with disabilities and I cannot wait to start this program.
Catching up here... Love my Instant Pot - DH uses it more than I do but he's been doing the majority of the cooking lately. Making shredded chicken is so easy and we do it for everything - enchiladas, salads, casseroles...
@calimom2524 - that's so exciting! I hope that you get a great new employee!
My random is that I need to stop looking at newborn / birth photography at work because either I'm crying over the brand new babies or crying over the amazing photos that capture those first moments when the parents / loved ones meet the new baby.
Oh and birth photography is absolutely NSFW but I can't stop!
Thanks for all the JJB feedback! I took the plunge and ordered!
So a great, random, WTF story. I show up yesterday for our AS; husband met me there. I was scheduled at a different hospital, across town. No way we could hike all the way over. I was so annoyed and mad and felt bad H took time off of work. Luckily there was a sono opening for today but, OB didnt have an appt until next Friday. Y’all. No way could I wait a week and half to be told that baby looks great or any concerns! Luckily, she had a cancellation for the afternoon, so while I had to make 2 trips to the OB office, 4 hours a part, it was worth it to be told baby girl looks great!
DH just found a box of baby bottles & baby food making stuff that I thought I threw away years ago. Would you still use the stuff? It’s been in storage in our spare bedroom for about 6 years. The bottles were great for DS’s reflux, and they’re not made anymore.
DH just found a box of baby bottles & baby food making stuff that I thought I threw away years ago. Would you still use the stuff? It’s been in storage in our spare bedroom for about 6 years. The bottles were great for DS’s reflux, and they’re not made anymore.
Yes except for the nipples for the bottles. After using them, there are micro cracks that can develop and grow bacteria. I’d just get a couple new packs of nipples and go for it!
April Siggy Challenge: April Showers
About me:
29 y/o Married 6.26.11 BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14 BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now! BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17 BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
Good morning! DS decided that 530 was the ideal wake up time this morning so I got some baby snuggles before work. Makes the upcoming day of crap seem not so bad lol!
@melprop - I would get new nipples and any part of the baby food making stuff that is rubber first, then look for any cracks or wear and tear on the bottles before using. I know you said the bottles aren't made any more but are there nipples on the market that would fit the bottles?
@mrsbubbles-2 If I remember correctly, the generic Walmart nipples used to fit these bottles. If they’re still the same size, they should work.
I did find some extra nipples still in the packaging, mostly Stage 3 and a couple Stage 1. Are those ok to use since they’ve never been used before? Or should I toss them too?
@melprop I would probably toss the nipples even if they've never been used. 6 years is a long time for rubber products to hold up, even in perfect circumstances.
Can you call your DS's pediatrician and ask for their recommendation on using the bottles? That might not be the right person to call, but I don't know who else would? Maybe there's something on the manufacturer's website or something about the lifespan of the bottles?
So apparently the bottles were updated, but the updated ones were discontinued in 2017. I can still get the updated nipples from Amazon, so I added those to my registry and will order them soon.
I haven’t found anything in online searches suggesting I shouldn’t use the bottles again. They’re BPA free, and they’re in great condition since DS usually nursed. I’m going to run them through the dishwasher today. If they come out looking bad, I won’t reuse them. If they’re still ok, I’ll keep them on hand.
I’ve been wondering about bottles and bottle nipples. I only work part time, so DS didn’t use the bottles much. I was just going to boil everything and call it good. This baby will be using the bottles even less than he did, so I really don’t want to buy all new stuff....
I have every intention of reusing the same bottles that DD used and not changing the nipples. I will wash and sterilize them all of course, but definitely not buying new ones.
I didn't even think about buying new nipples.....my son is 18 months, oh wait, I'm going to try the kiinde system, nm. I'll buy a pack of nipples for our Dr Brown bottles just in case this babe won't use kiinde. If she does, I CANT WAIT to get rid of all the bottles and parts!!!!!
Eating leftover chili relleno from dinner with a friend last night and holy crap, it is so spicy. I'm gonna have fire coming out all orifices. TMI. Lol.
I have bottles that are four years old and after reading this. I will definitely toss out the nipples but I will keep the bottles. I have bought a few new bottles as well. We won’t really use bottles until baby goes to daycare, so hopefully that won’t be until 10 months.
I bought new bottles for DS2, but there was a 3-year span when they weren’t used. DS2 is only 17M, so I think I’ll reuse his.
Had my anatomy scan today. All looks good! Baby girl was moving around a ton, but they saw everything they needed to see.
What’s interesting is that baby is measuring 60th percentile. My doctor has me limiting carbs because that is one way we can maybe keep baby’s weight down (I’m prone to big babies and DS1 has shoulder dystocia). Anyway, at this point in pregnancy with DS1, he was measuring 87th % and DS2 was measuring 79th %. So, I’m hopeful this is actually helping and I can keep her under 10 lbs!
So I am sitting here at work and this lady shows up. Not unusual. We are across the street from the jail and GPS takes EVERYONE to our office instead of the jail. In theory, we shouldn't have any random people show up here.
I go greet the lady and she says she needs help paying a bill because she has a kid and she can't afford the bill. She figured she'd stop here because our office says "Emergency" on it.
Ok. That's not the weirdest thing ever but, it's still kinda funny. (The weirdest thing ever was the pregnant lady wearing only a bra and shorts who tried to attack me through our window because I wouldn't let her come in and use our phone when she got released from jail.)
The lady then starts to leave, turns around suddenly and says, "You pregnant or somethin'? I saw you scratchin' yo' belly. Don't be doing that, you're gonna leave marks."
Hi Guys! I took a few days off to hang with my family while they were visiting. It was awesome. I want to kidnap my niece and nephew as permanent entertainment for my toddler. I actually sat down a few times! And even got a pedicure! I have 250+ notifications, so I'm going to clear those now, let me know if I missed anything important!
For someone who only worked with 1 nursling and was home after that I sure bought a shitton of bottles bc my kids were all special snowflakes when it came to what they’d accept (such a pita)
For someone who only worked with 1 nursling and was home after that I sure bought a shitton of bottles bc my kids were all special snowflakes when it came to what they’d accept (such a pita)
I realized yesterday that we currently have everything we need to bring a newborn home, not counting a finished nursery. I’m done shopping until July. This is huge as we can now put our $$ toward renovating the house!
Re: Randoms 4/2
Me: 37 Him: 38
Married 11.07.2015
Married: 6/2016
TTC #1: 12/2016
Benched due to deployment- Off the bench 8/8/17!
Yeah, I think the InstaPot is worth it. I dont use mine terribly often, but it's really handy and gets things done in a hurry. I anticipate using it a lot more when I'm making baby food, too. I got mine on a Black Friday deal, but it really wasn't expensive. It definitely warrants the counter space, which to me is a better indicator of value in the kitchen!
DH:45
DSD: 20
DSS: 18
Team green baby due: Aug 6th, 2018
DS: 5.28.15
DS#2: EDD 8.31.18
Unrelated: Today is one of those days I'm going to lose it if DS2 doesn't take a nap. We have family in town from England, and everyone but DS2 and I went to the zoo today (it's freezing, so I didn't want to take him). I was really looking forward to catching up on some housework and also resting a bit while they were out. But, he's been in his crib for 25 minutes and he's still up there yelling. No crying, just hyper. I'm scarfing my lunch and looks like I'll get nothing accomplished. I'm so tired from entertaining and I NEEDED this break, kid!
Now the IP does some things really, really well...and others, I still prefer stove-top or oven. It cannot recreate the Maillard reactions that give you that caramelized flavors that oven roasting can. So if I'm making a stew, it gets baked in the oven in my Dutch oven. I also found it didn't extract the savory flavors out of venison/beef bones for broth very well, but it works okay for chicken/pork bones for bone broth. I guess just the density and porosity of the bones makes a difference there.
Like today, I'm making my "sickness soup" to hopefully bump my husband and myself out of this ridiculously stubborn cold. While I still simmer the bones on the stove for hours, the IP allows me to cook the venison stew meat to "fall apart" in less than 30 minutes, and when it's done I just toss it in the bone broth. I don't like cooking both in the same pot, because I strain the broth for bone chips and whatnot, so the IP has made my life easier.
Likewise every IP recipe I've tried, I've loved. So I highly recommend it. Even gave one to my best friend for her birthday because she works 12hr shifts and I'm trying to get her and her husband to eat better. They eat out for virtually every meal...and they're both too unhealthy right now. The jury is out on whether or not it's been useful for her, but when she does cook 80% of it is IP recipes now because it's so fast.
+1 for the jjb. I got mine half off though. I'll be able to carry enough cloth diapers for two, snacks, and outfits. I don't carry toys and shot because when we're out I can throw a magazine or paperclip at my son and it's like Disneyland. If you formula feed you may need something bigger. It's very comfortable and I appreciate the quality.
I've eaten 10 Cadbury eggs since....MONDAY. Omg I need to stop.
My friend has an uppa. I don't know if it's the Vista or Cruz, but the other day I went over and we put both seats on it and I pushed my son and her daughter in it. Two thoughts. The lower front seat made it perfect for my son to kick her daughter in the head non stop. Fixed that by turning his seat to face me, which yeah, was cool, but he was PISSED he couldn't see out front. Also, it was akward AF to turn. I don't know if it is because it is a little on the long side or what. But my joovy is way easier to turn with 50lbs of humans in it.
I'm super behind, I'll try and catch up today but I'm slammed at work.
I was contacted by a non-profit last week that places adults with disabilities in jobs they are a good fit for and I am SO excited to work with them! The lady came out today so I could show her around and show in detail the tasks for the position I am hiring for and she feels she has at least 3 candidates for me to interview. My heart is so happy today, I absolutely love working with people with disabilities and I cannot wait to start this program.
August 18 Siggy Challenge: April Showers
Love my Instant Pot - DH uses it more than I do but he's been doing the majority of the cooking lately. Making shredded chicken is so easy and we do it for everything - enchiladas, salads, casseroles...
@calimom2524 - that's so exciting! I hope that you get a great new employee!
My random is that I need to stop looking at newborn / birth photography at work because either I'm crying over the brand new babies or crying over the amazing photos that capture those first moments when the parents / loved ones meet the new baby.
Oh and birth photography is absolutely NSFW but I can't stop!
Is it August yet?
Me: 37 Him: 38
Married 11.07.2015
Married: 6/2016
TTC #1: 12/2016
Benched due to deployment- Off the bench 8/8/17!
So a great, random, WTF story. I show up yesterday for our AS; husband met me there. I was scheduled at a different hospital, across town. No way we could hike all the way over. I was so annoyed and mad and felt bad H took time off of work.
Luckily there was a sono opening for today but, OB didnt have an appt until next Friday. Y’all. No way could I wait a week and half to be told that baby looks great or any concerns! Luckily, she had a cancellation for the afternoon, so while I had to make 2 trips to the OB office, 4 hours a part, it was worth it to be told baby girl looks great!
I was just browsing FB as I often do when I'm bored and the BMB is dead and saw a trigger warning. It was a trigger warning about trigger warnings.
August 18 Siggy Challenge: April Showers
About me:
Married 6.26.11
BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14
BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now!
BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17
BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
@melprop - I would get new nipples and any part of the baby food making stuff that is rubber first, then look for any cracks or wear and tear on the bottles before using. I know you said the bottles aren't made any more but are there nipples on the market that would fit the bottles?
Me: 37 Him: 38
Married 11.07.2015
I did find some extra nipples still in the packaging, mostly Stage 3 and a couple Stage 1. Are those ok to use since they’ve never been used before? Or should I toss them too?
Can you call your DS's pediatrician and ask for their recommendation on using the bottles? That might not be the right person to call, but I don't know who else would? Maybe there's something on the manufacturer's website or something about the lifespan of the bottles?
Me: 37 Him: 38
Married 11.07.2015
I haven’t found anything in online searches suggesting I shouldn’t use the bottles again. They’re BPA free, and they’re in great condition since DS usually nursed. I’m going to run them through the dishwasher today. If they come out looking bad, I won’t reuse them. If they’re still ok, I’ll keep them on hand.
August 18 Siggy Challenge: April Showers
Had my anatomy scan today. All looks good! Baby girl was moving around a ton, but they saw everything they needed to see.
What’s interesting is that baby is measuring 60th percentile. My doctor has me limiting carbs because that is one way we can maybe keep baby’s weight down (I’m prone to big babies and DS1 has shoulder dystocia). Anyway, at this point in pregnancy with DS1, he was measuring 87th % and DS2 was measuring 79th %. So, I’m hopeful this is actually helping and I can keep her under 10 lbs!
I go greet the lady and she says she needs help paying a bill because she has a kid and she can't afford the bill. She figured she'd stop here because our office says "Emergency" on it.
Ok. That's not the weirdest thing ever but, it's still kinda funny. (The weirdest thing ever was the pregnant lady wearing only a bra and shorts who tried to attack me through our window because I wouldn't let her come in and use our phone when she got released from jail.)
The lady then starts to leave, turns around suddenly and says, "You pregnant or somethin'? I saw you scratchin' yo' belly. Don't be doing that, you're gonna leave marks."
I don't think I was scratching my belly but...ok.
Now she's sitting outside smoking a cigarette.
11/18/16 missed m/c 9w1
08/03/17 no hb 8w
ETA the link because I can't tell if the picture is loading. https://babytula.com/products/cheshire-tula-baby-carrier?variant=32912885770