Friday Things
1. Dominic had his first music class yesterday and… he was not terribly fond of it, gah! As soon as we walked in, he started crying and ran to the door to leave. He did warm up a little bit as the class went on and we started playing with beach balls and bells; hopefully next week will be better!
2. Another first this week – Isabelle came to the grocery store with me! She enjoyed it for the first few minutes, and then was on the very verge of a total meltdown the rest of the time. I did my best supermarket sweep impersonation and got out as fast as I could. Sweet girl held it together (barely) until we got in the car and then screamed the whole way home. Apparently a trip to the grocery store is a bit too much wake time at this point!
3. Joseph’s blood work from last week came back… Brazil nuts and macadamia nuts are holding at negative, pistachios and cashews are maintaining in the 3’s (moderate) and peanut is down to a 7 from 35 when he was originally tested. That’s still very high, but encouraging that it has gone down so much. We’re just going to sit tight and do blood work again in another year. Not going to attempt oral challenges on pistachios or cashews at this point since he failed pistachios last year and the numbers haven’t changed.
4. These leggings are my new favorite thing on the entire planet (minus my husband and kids, of course!).
5. I give very little credence to to anything celebraties do, but I happened to see Chris Pratt’s speech at the MTV Movie Awards come up in my Facebook feed multiple times and finally watched it. A few quirky points, but super refreshing coming from Hollywood… (you can watch it here if you’re reading this post in email)
6. I am incredibly frustrated with my baby weight situation right now, but every time I get bummed out when picking out clothes, I try to remember that in the last four years, my body has made room for and grown three beautiful, healthy babies. On top of that, it underwent major surgery each time to deliver them into the world, and so I try to give myself some grace. I’m currently struggling with having approximately zero time to get myself healthy meals and a lot of times (especially for breakfast and lunch) am eating standing up or between getting the boys their food, Isabelle a bottle, etc. If you have any tips or suggestions, I’m all ears :)
7. Quick question! Where do you prefer to see the recipe videos when they are included in a post? I can’t believe I have over 60 now! They are currently towards the top of the post but I’m thinking they might be more helpful down below where the actual recipe is? You can see an example on my white bread recipe. Thanks for your input!
8. I had watched approximately one thousand videos about how to fold a fitted sheet, but I still wasn’t able to do it until my mom was here one day after I had Isabelle and was helping me fold laundry. I had a crib sheet and asked her to show me how to fold a fitted sheet and, voila! It all clicked. Now I get this crazy satisfaction from folding them all tight and neat and perfect, ahhhh a type A person’s dream come true ;-)
9. Have any of you seen the new Incredibles movie? I loved the first one and think Joseph might enjoy it!
10. TGIF! I hope you have some great buddies to share the weekend with!
I prefer when the videos are all the way at the bottom of a post, underneath the recipe itself. Usually I am just scrolling down to find the recipe or to find the link to print it and I don’t usually watch cooking videos. So to me, the video is something that is in my way when trying to quickly find and use/print the actual recipe . . .
oh my goodness–you are so beautiful Michelle—don’t even go there about your weight—society makes women feel so bad about their bodies,,,and you are NOT fat. You always look so radiant, and beautiful—you look fit.
Love those doggies staring to sweetly at your new baby–these are the beautiful things :)
Ergobaby – I wore both my babies to my chest when they were that age and they loved it. they could sleep or look to the side. They were comforted by the sound of my voice and often fell asleep while grocery shopping. It also kept people from touching them which was helpful because they were newborns during cold/flu season.
Baby weight – Like you said “my body has made room for and grown three beautiful, healthy babies.” IF someone wants to pay to clean my house, do my work, chase after my kids, take care of my family, basically live my life, then I’ll work out all the time and eat like a rabbit. But right now, my family is healthy, I’m basically healthy, we’re all happy (for the most part) and loved so I’ll wear my big girl pants for now and smile at my wonderful babies. I wouldn’t trade my slobbery teething cranky toddler and his sister for a size 4 pair of jeans any day!
Give yourself grace when it comes to losing the babyweight. Maybe splurging on precut fruits/veggies will help you reach for them when you don’t have time. Also, babywearing has always been a lifesaver for me at the grocerystore.
I think folding a fitted sheet is one of life’s great mysteries. I just don’t get it. And now with deep pocket fitted sheets? Forget it.
I recently started The Balanced Life Pilates program. I was struggling getting back into fitness and healthy eating after multiple abdominal surgeries. The videos i started with are just 15 minutes and I found easier to fit in then other workouts. Plus she provides lots of modifications. She has a free challenge going right now so you can see some videos for free.
As always love the pics of the dogs and kids!!!!
I have a 7 month old and breastfeeding as long as i can so i will keep loosing that weight. I also joined a stroller running group and ran 1/2 marathon when he was 5 months old. I started running as soon as i was cleared at 8 weeks and then ran with other stroller moms.
Everything about this response is self-congratulating and condescending and not at all helpful to someone who is feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and looking for practical advice.
First of all – I cannot believe Dominic looks so much less of a toddler -he is really changing! And how much of a little boy Joseph looks! It’s like it just suddenly happened! And I know that you are relieved with parts of the nut testing. I really hope he grows out of it. Do they give allergy shots to kids so small? I have only known of 2 people who had regular allergy shots, but they were adults.
Poor Dominic – my youngest son was like him at that age – he just wanted to be with me, not in a group setting.
I’m sorry about your grocery store experience. There is nothing worse! YOUR kid is making all the noise, for who knows why, but nothing helps – AND having everyone look at you AND you NEED groceries! As you already know, there will be better days, but that just flat wears you out!
I know that you are unhappy about your baby weight, but don’t you worry. Enjoy your life and do what you do! You are a beautiful woman, Michelle – you look perfect to this “older woman” (I’m 60 now). Your body will settle into the weight you are supposed to be.
I prefer the recipes to be after the recipe. That may sound weird, but here is my reasoning – I like to get to the recipe to see if it is something I’m interested in, and if I like the looks of the recipe and want to try it, I will basically BE at the video when I get through checking out the instructions!
I really liked the Chris Pratt video. Thanks for sharing.
I laughed when I read about the fitted sheets! Isn’t it funny how little it takes to get a thrill? LOL
Have a great weekend!
My now 4.5 year old was a terrible napper, even as a baby. I’d feed him when he woke 5 or 6, then put him back to bed when I was ready to be up, as soon as I’d think to make breakfast, he’d be up!
I started packing a lunch when we went out and I’d eat it in the car because that was one of his happy places. I’d drive to a small outdoor mall near my house and read and eat lunch while he napped, before running errands, then once we was up, feed him again and run my errands. It was probably a little ridiculous, but when you’re in it, you do what works!
Your kids are so adorable (and that includes the ones wearing furcoats!) I am very glad to see Joseph’s doing better with his allergies! I’ll keep thinking good thoughts for him.
Now a message for Dominic – little dude, music is awesome! You’ll get the hang of it.
Isabelle, stop (not really) being so cute! I can’t take it!
I love your blogs and especially your Friday Things. Oh! The kids are so cute. Love the picture with Isabelle and the dogs. They look like they want to protect her. I am a 76 retired women and have gained weight. I find it hard to lose the weight I have gained over the past year. When I was younger I was skinny and it was hard to gain weight. Maybe it is hard to lose weight because
I like to eat, but try to watch what I eat. So I can relate to trying to lose weight can be frustrating. I bake a lot but I take my bake goods to work and then I don’t eat it all. Keep up blogging and sending us recipes.
I am glad you are doing well, Michelle, and the fact that you are grateful to have even been given the gift of three beautiful and healthy children is much appreciated. Thank you for stating this fact and not making weight loss your main focus. I think you are beautiful just the way you are. I wish people wouldn’t be so weight conscious because they want to please the eyes of society. Not everyone can have children. If temporary weight gain is a byproduct of a lifetime of having a child, I would take the chance.
Hi! So love your blog! It has been a few years since I’ve had little ones but here are my tips! Healthy protein/healthy fat green smoothie for breakfast. Prep it in the blender the day before so there is always one in the fridge ready to go. Easy to drink while you are doing the “Toddler Triathlon”. The other healthy, fast go to is the whole grain bread PBJ. Goes great with coffee or chocolate milk. Easy, and portable. These two meals saw me through many mornings with my kiddos!
I still make a ‘kitchen sink’ salad for at least one meal a day. Protein, 2 healthy fats and as many veggies/greens as you can chew. The key here is to have the chopping of all your veggies in ziplock or containers ready to go in the fridge. That way you are just tossing handfuls of healthy produce in a big bowl. Dress with hummus or any dressing you fancy!
Don’t hold out on us! lol
Share the secret #8 to folding those darn fitted sheets please.
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/fold-fitted-sheet
On your question of where to put the videos…I rarely watch any videos because it uses too much of my data so, at the bottom of your post is good with me. Looking forward to reading you soon!
Think I have see Chris Pratt a dozen times.. You have had those three babies so fast you don’t have time to heal. I have a sister in law who could fold a fitted sheet when she was in high school. I still can’t and her grown daughters can’t. I gave up trying . Heard about the Pittsburgh flooding and thought of you.
Love the sweet pics of your babies and fur babies.
I’d prefer videos at the bottom, simply because I never watch them for any recipes. I’ve been cooking for 50 years and I think I’ve tried almost everything so I’m just looking for the recipe to print/save, etc. I love your commentary and the recipes. I totally understand including the videos but it’s just not a need for me.
I can’t fold a fitted sheet either and HAVE watched some videos but it’s not working for me. It is frustrating. Maybe I need your video on this one ;) !
The baby is still so little, give yourself some time. 3 surgeries makes 3 times longer!
Hi! I have been doing JJ Smith’s 10 day smoothie cleanse for a month (the modified plan, not the full cleanse) and have lost 8 lbs. and 16 1/2” overall. (If I actually exercised I’m sure it would be more!!) I prep all the fruit (I use frozen) and greens for the week in one session. Store them all in marked bags in the freezer. Takes about half an hour, then make the shakes for the next day before I go to bed. That only about 5 minutes. They are so good my husband has started doing it for breakfast and lunch, too. Also… Incredibles 2 was adorable!! Took my grandson to see it and he loved it!!
Your kids are so cute and growing so fast! I think Isabelle looks a lot like Dominic right now. Don’t stress about your baby weight. Your body made 3 beautiful, healthy children plus 3 c-sections. I know my c-section seemed like I would never heal or be able to loose it. I have a little shelf that is still there to this day and my boy will be 13 in August. Give yourself time and love yourself now for what your body has done.
Love your blog and seeing your beautiful family. You’ve got this momma!
I had 3 kids in 4 years and it became nearly impossible to find the time to plan healthy meals for myself…it’s still hard now. Even though I love to cook, I ended up buying Fitnesscarli (instagram) meal plan bc it requires no meal prep and it’s regular food. It worked great for me and I find myself still using some of the lunch and dinner ideas even though I’m not trying to lose weight, I just enjoy them and they are quick and easy.
Hi, I am a huge fan of your blog and have loved watching your family grow over the years. Just wanted to shout out a quick mommy tip that saves me every time. I have five kids, our youngest is six months old. I have always relied on a baby wrap and then transitioned to a the Ergobaby carrier. It is the only way I get the grocery shopping and many other things done. Don’t know if you already have something like that but literally it’s one of my favorite tings ever! Thanks for all the fun blog posts and great recipes!
I have to agree with this. Babywearing is a lifesaver, especially with multiple little kids (I have 4). Plus, you really aren’t supposed to use car seats for anything other than the car – the position isn’t good for oxygen saturation. Try to find a local Babywearing group or store so you can try a few carriers and see one that fits you.
I took my 9 yo son and some of his friends to watch The Incredibles 2 last weekend. His friend’s 3 yo little sister was with us and she could not sit through the whole thing; her mom had to take her out to the lobby. It’s run time is 1 H 58 M. Even the older kids struggled to sit still through the endless previews (they were pushing all of the summer movies) + the movie. Just food for thought if you are thinking of seeing it in the theater. It is a very cute movie just much longer and louder than I thought it would be!
Michelle my daughter was a complete angel until we got to the grocery. She would not stay in the seat and often did what I called the “ boneless chicken “ flop in my arms screaming. I even had the clerk y’all to her. He said HEY! Boy did that shush her up☺️ Alas, she made it to 22 😊. I like to see the video first but I really like it when there’s a button to advance to the recipe too.
As for the weight, no time for healthy meals and standing while eating – remember this is just a phase. By the time Christmas is here, so many things will be different. Hang in there.
Thank you for your infos and tips .I really enjoy that .great job my lady.
Mimi
Decided to check out the Chris Pratt video and was impressed by (most) of what he had to say! However, since he decided his career was more important than spending more time with his family, I’ve lost a lot of respect for him.
Thank you for being so open about your struggles with postpartum weightloss. It’s so tough to find time to take care of yourself after a baby. Keep giving yourself grace. I’ve found what helps me give myself grace is thinking of how body positive I hope my daughter will continue to be.
Re: your #6 – say out loud to yourself the second part of the first sentence you wrote and the second sentence. Be patient with yourself and your amazingness! Cassy Joy from Fed and Fit has a great podcast and blog post about her recent postpartum experience( http://fedandfit.com/ep-150-listener-qa-part-2-postpartum-baby/) and how to love your body now (http://fedandfit.com/love-body-right-now)/.
Thank you for posting the link to Chris Pratt’s acceptance speech. I had all but given up on any award shows, celebrity interviews, etc, bc I am so tired of what I am hearing. This was a great and refreshing change.
Happy weekend!
I think I would prefer the video down with the recipe. You always have such great pictures, so I love that those are what I see as I scroll through the post.
I love your blog! You are my “go-to” place whenever I need to find a great recipe:)
My 3rd baby is now 7 months old, and my postpartum weight loss this time around has definitely taken much longer than it did after my first two pregnancies. After feeling like I stalled out with losing weight for the first few months, I’m finally starting to see some improvement. That’s all to say …. don’t be too hard on yourself – I know you just want to get back to “normal” but sometimes bodies just need some time, especially when you’ve so recently delivered your 3rd kiddo! :)
You shouldn’t worry about your weight/body right now – you just had a baby! I totally understand though. I felt the exact same way and had 2 c-sections. My kids are 3 and 21 months and I’ve been running some the past year but I still need to lose weight/tone up. I started Faster Way to Fat Loss this week. I’ve known several people that have done it and I couldn’t find a single negative review! Everyone says it’s a lifestyle change for them. I’m hoping it lets me tone up! Its supposedly safe to do while breastfeeding – the founder is currently breastfeeding now!
I also have diastasis recti from my babies being close together and having c-sections. Not sure if you have that but I’m also doing Natalie Hudson’s program for that. Maybe one day we will have our pre baby bodies back (or maybe even better!).
Thank you for sharing the Chris Pratt video! And LOVE the Isabella and dogs photo – they obviously adore her!
It isn’t just new moms that struggle with planning healthy quick lunches. How about focusing one post a week on that for the summer, or even once or twice a month since changing seasons change our tastes. You get time to focus that was used for recipe development and we get some fresh healthy lunch options. I love your blog, but more things I can eat everyday would be great. As you know, the daily grind of feeding ourselves can be a challenge sometimes.
Don’t stress about the baby weight! ☺ I know, easier said than done! My third is 10 months old. The weight is about down, but I definitely feel my body shape has changed. One thing I did to help eat healthy was veggie trays. It was a huge splurge for our budget, but I just wasn’t getting around to prepping all the veggies I bought. It was so easy, when your exhausted and so busy, to get raw veggies in my diet. Your baby girl keeps getting cuter every week! Enjoy!
I jus wanted to share this…our neighbors also have three little ones. The middle one (boy) sampled his mom’s store-bought hummus and had a reaction. By the time they got to the pediatrician’s office, the little guy was in anaphylactic shock from (apparently) SESAME seeds. He was hives from head to toe, and was as red as a boiled lobster.
The mom had nothing but praise for the doctor, but says if she had it to do over, she would have gone to the ER.
Most hummus is made with tahini which is, in part, ground sesame seeds.
So this is weird, “introducing” one of my favorite food bloggers to another favorite but have you heard of Skinnytaste? Skinnytaste.com. She does amazing recipes with a “lighter” touch. She of course provides all the nutritional information if you want to track calories or such (I use her recipes because I’m on weight watchers and she provides the point values) but you can also search her recipes for different food plans like keto or whole 30 (just go under “special diets”. She also does meal plans every Saturday for the following week which even includes a shopping list. https://www.skinnytaste.com/skinnytaste-meal-plan-june-11-june-17/ Many of her recipes are kid friendly too. The main reason I thought you might find her helpful is there’s a big focus on meal prep. So if you could find time on say, Sunday, you could prep a few meals to then have ready to eat quickly all week for lunch or even your family dinners. She’s got a community Facebook page too that’s extremely helpful for feedback and ideas for using her recipes.
P.S. those yoga pants look amazing! It’s interesting but it seems the new marketing thing for clothing is word of mouth/social media rewards – “I give you a code and you get a discount on your first purchase and then I get money toward my next purchase” – sort of thing. Rothy’s shoes are like this too. If you haven’t checked them out, you should. So comfortable and so fun. And if you need a code, let me know…😉.
Hi! I’m a fan of your blog and love seeing “Friday things” in my inbox each week :) I came across your site likely bc of other food blogs that I follow. I’m a huge fan of cooking and baking! Although, not doing much of it lately because I had my 2nd baby 6 days ago via c-section. The first baby (who is now 3 1/2) was delivered naturally, so this recovery so far has been REALLY challenging! Lots of tears and frustrations, so Kudos to you for doing this 3 times!! Anyhow, thank you for the weekly updates and just know that you do have viewers out there that can relate a lot to you, and love the recipes you post! Happy Friday!