Learning how to stand

Jace pulled himself up on to the chair. anything sister does he must do also. This is her table. He follows her around the room. if she stops he will push on her to get her to move so he can occupy her space.

He's clever.

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Crawling

Jace is learning how to move. He loves the stairs. He pulls on the gate upstairs. He tries to climb them. He's fascinated by everything. He just started scooting and now he is looking how to climb stairs.

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Petunia Picklebottom Review

I ordered the Sunlit Stockholm Sashay Satchel for a trip. The funny part is I ordered it from Petunia Picklebottoms Outlet site. I needed it for a trip and when I realized I may not get it in time I bought another one from Amazon Prime. Of course I got both at the same time so now I have two.

First off the bag is a gorgeous eye watering yellow. It's the glazed one so seems durable enough. I dragged this bag through two airports with two children to an outside rehearsal dinner by a pool and left it on the floor in a warehouse at a wedding. I thought for sure when I left it at the wedding it would be ruined. The wedding was at an old antique abandoned warehouse. the floors were dusty cement and the spot where we (the wedding party) were able to leave our items was next to the bathroom. There is no indication of such treatment anywhere on this bag. My lovely pleather coach bag which I use just to random store visits look worse than this.

The best feature was the instant backpack option. I didn't think this would be something I would ever use. I was completely wrong. Traveling with a small infant and four year old it was essential. It fit under the seat in the airplane which was a bonus. When I didn't want to use the backpack I slipped the straps into the back pouch and it easily became a purse.

This was my first Petunia Pickle bottom purchase and I feel like I am addicted. The outlet sent the bag in excellent condition with a simple $5 shipping charge. I received the items in 3 days. I was impressed with the packaging. it was much nicer than the bag that came from Amazon.

The inside is different than most of my other bags. the shape allows for deep pockets and a narrow top. Currently it holds 3 reusable BumGenius diapers, 1 wet bag, 3 outfits, receiving blanket, socks, baby wipes, hand wipes, changing mat, iPad, and my Coach clutch.

I like the easy access front pocket. There is a designated spot for my phone and keys. The changing pad is more durable than I expected. My Coach changing mat is flimsy and gross. This is definitely much better. Although my favorite changing mat came with the KateSpade bag. However it's big and bulky when folded up. This one folds neatly with a designated pouch to keep it securely in place. The side pockets fit random teething toys, my iphone, and keys. I can see how others may be disappointed about the putter side pockets as I don't think my bottles would fit in them. Although I use BornFree Glass bottles. They are heavier and wider. They do fit in the inner side pockets though.

We also bought the iPad case. It was essential while traveling to have a case. I just had to have something that matched. I was impressed. I fits our iPad perfectly. It even fits out kindle fire HD should we choose to switch them out. This fit in the front pouch with a coloring book and box of crayons easily enough.

I read almost every review. I watched Utube videos on what people pack inside the bag. It definitely has a wide bottom so if you don't like stacking items you may not like it. I love it because unlike my tote Coach and Kate Spade bag nothing falls out if I bend over to pick up the baby. Also it's so much easier to pack than my tote Coach bag which is bigger and much heavier.

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Gluten Free Oatmeal

Gluten free oatmeal my favorite breast feeding breakfast. There's something about oatmeal that helps breastfeeding.

The stores sell oatmeal in quick and easy packs for working adults. They are absolutely useful except for when you have food allergies or are smarter than the average person. Most of the store bought prepackaged goods have artificial flavors, sugars, and even added wheat flour.

So a simple idea to eat health and also save time in the morning is make your own per packaged oatmeal packs.

Items required:
Gluten free oats
brown sugar (optional)
(dehydrated fruit i.e. apples)
ziplock baggies
sticky labels
measuring cups/spoons

Measure 1/3 cups of the gluten free oats and place into the ziplock bag. Add 1 tsp of brown sugar (optional). Add sticky label with directions. This particular brand requires 2/3 cups of water and to cook for 2 minutes. If you decide to microwave this, place a wet or damp paper towel over the bowl and stir ever 30 seconds.

Add fruit if you choose. I would only add fruit if you make it yourself. Rather simple if you have a dehydrator otherwise I believe product is coated with sugar.

I keep a bag in my purse. The are great for breakfast or an early morning sack. I also make TO-GO packs for baby. we don't add sugar to his.

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After Dr Appointment

We went to the doctor this AM for a check up. Three hours later we started our errands. Surprisingly he was calm. He is so precious even if he is so tiny.

We were seeing the doctor weekly then biweekly. In August Jace weighed 17.7lbs. In October he weighed 16.7lbs. The doctor wanted to check his hemoglobin levels to make certain we didn't miss anything. 14.4 which according to him is excellent.

Doctor said what we are doing is working.

I have added fish oil, no beef, no dairy, no avocado, no coconut and no nuts.

I was surprised at how good he looked this morning. I had a grilled chicken sandwich from TGI Fridays yesterday. I cleared my plate in clouding the bread bun. The doctor said it would be safe to add but I was skeptical.

Doctor visit
Doctor Baker - PEDs
Weight: 17.1lbs
Head circumference: 46 1/4 cm
So stinking CUTE!

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Pumpkin Glazed Cupcakes

Recipe makes: 12 Pumpkin Glazed Cupcakes

Ingredients:
CRUMB-TOPPING
1/2 cup multi-purpose gluten free flour
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

PUMPKIN CUPCAKE BATTER
2 cups multi-purpose gluten free flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1 cup pure organic pumpkin puree
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup rice milk (or hemp milk)

GLAZE DRIZZLE
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1-2 Tablespoons rice milk (or hemp milk)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Coat cupcake baking pan with oil, preferably the same oil that is used in the recipe. I recommend avoiding olive oil and any type of sprays. Coat a napkin with CANOLA OIL and gently rub the edges of each cupcake tin. Set aside.

Crumb topping: In a small bowl, toss ½ cup multi-purpose gluten free flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon together. Add ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce. Mix to create clumps and crumbs. Add more applesauce to get a thick paste if you prefer more moist cupcakes and less crumb. Set aside.

Cupcakes: Whisk 2 cups multi-purpose gluten free flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice together in a large bowl until combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup pumpkin, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup canola oil, ¼ cup maple syrup, and ¼ cup rice milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.

Try not to over mix the batter. It will be rather thick. Spoon the batter into the greased cupcake pan. Fill cupcakes ¾ of the way full. This will make 12 cupcakes. Spoon the crumb topping evenly on top and gently press it down into the batter. May sprinkle with loose sugar to help coat the top.

Bake the cupcakse for 25 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If the toothpick comes on clean with a moist crumb or two, the cake is done. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake the cupcakes for 5 more minutes. I recommend starting with 15 minutes to be safe depending on your oven then add another 10 minutes.

Glaze Topping: Mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 Tablespoon of rice milk together until smooth. Add more rice milk to thin, if desired. Drizzle glaze topping over cupcakes after they are removed from cupcake tin. I leave them sitting on the cooling rack for a 5 minutes before I coat and cover.

Enjoy cake warm or at room temperature. Cover cupcakes tightly and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cupcakes may be frozen for up to 2 months.
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I hate recipes that have a huge life bio before the directions. I made it a point to structure mine differently. Enjoy the cupcakes and if you want to know more about us keep reading.

This recipe is Vegan (milk free/egg free/ butter free), gluten free, nut free and coconut free. If you love pumpkin, you will love this. They would go well with a nice steaming hot cup of coffee.

Jace will be turning one soon. I am determined to find him a cake that he will eat that won't make him sick or red.

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Update on Random stuff

It is amazing how fast he is growing. He is quick to miss his sister. Since she loves to sing everywhere she goes he can hear her anywhere in the house. He scoots and pulls himself until he finds her. I was in the kitchen with her and this tiny head pops out from the side of the couch. His face just lit up in smiles.

He is doing very well with waving. He wants to wave at everyone and when they wave back he gets overly excited he waves with both arms. He will start to babble at certain people to get their attention especially if he is waving.

He is still fragile. I don't particularly want to say frail but he lacks muscle definition and fat on his arms and legs. His face seems to be clearing up after the breakout we had last week. I added goat cheese into my diet. This was to not only increase calories but to see if he was allergic to goats milk potentially. A disaster. He was covered in hives.

I made turkey meat balls... because we can't have beef. Instead of using any flour I added oatmeal. They turned out great plus there is just something about oatmeal that helps produce milk. I pumped 5 ounces each session.

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