From the Week

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Well, I can’t say that I have much to share from the past few days. Wes has been teething like crazy and with that has come some yucky moods, lots of drooling and SNOTS-R-US. I feel bad for the kiddo, the tooth is taking it’s sweet time and he absolutely hates having his nose cleaned or wiped.

Monday: This was Wes’s worst day. He was really stuffed up and just a bit lethargic. I put him in his feel better jammies and they seemed to do the trick….at least for the afternoon. We had lots of cuddles and play time and he still managed to get in his two regular naps.

Dinner was quick and easy: One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Wes went down at 7pm, so I took the dogs for a walk. When I came back, he was up again and Tyler and I took turns soothing a sleeping/screaming/hoarse baby until he went down for good again at 10:45. I felt SO bad for the little guy- he would fall asleep in our arms, but instantly scream murder as soon as we put him down. I guess he just needed some extra cuddles!

Tuesday: Wes woke up a bit better, so I was able to run a couple of errands with him in the early afternoon. I deemed it another ‘sick’ day and he got a lot more cuddles- this time from the pups too.

FullSizeRender_1

FullSizeRender

And apparently it tired them all out..

We had chicken quesadillas for dinner. Correction: I had guacamole for dinner- with a side of quesadilla. YUM.

I was on some weird sugar buzz (didn’t know a handful of Skittles could produce such craziness!) and poor Layla fell victim..

Our walk was cut a bit shorter than intended after we encountered (and by encountered, I mean we walked RIGHT INTO) a coyote. The dogs wanted to play and I started screaming and running. We must’ve been a sight for a neighbors.

Wednesday: Another stay-in-the-house-all-day day. Crap weather means any trip outside of the house is most likely to a store which means money will probably be spent. And that cannot happen, my friends. I need to save money!!! So, to kill time we had fun in the tub.

Then I decided…meh the heck with the cold weather, let’s go to the library! I bundled up the Mr. in his new snow suit and we walked over to the library (which is only a block away).

Apparently the afternoon tuckered him out and he slept for a couple of hours. While he slept, I got dinner ready- we had taco macaroni casserole (I subbed greek yogurt for the cream cheese/sour cream and didn’t tell Tyler. He didn’t notice!). I could really see the white of his tooth when he woke up which got me all too excited so I wanted to commemorate with some pictures.

But..the dang tooth still hasn’t made it’s grand appearance.

I ate the last piece of cheesecake that Tyler made, so I needed to replenish my dessert stash. STAT. Double chocolate chip cookies it was. I used this recipe, I used semi-sweet chips instead of white chocolate.

I started watching Making A Murderer before bed and just as I thought- had the wierdest/scariest/worst dreams.

Thursday: I did my workout upstairs while Wes was still awake. It felt good to get it done earlier in the day than usual and Wes was syncing my jumping with his in the jumperoo. I’d like to think I burned more calories from laughing throughout my entire workout!

Obviously the grump face is from the pic being taken PRE-workout.

After lunch, I went to a prospective day home for Wes and I absolutely LOVED the woman- everything is exactly what I was looking for! It’s a great environment, I’m just nervous that it’s a bit pricier than what I can really pay. BUT- I would rather pay her rate than something less and have it be a crappy place, YA KNOW?! Kid comes first.

I’m still super jazzed about our meeting today, and I can only hope the stars align and she can take Wes starting April (Don’t get me wrong, I would MUCH rather stay home myself with Wes, but I would consider this woman to be a close second!)

PS: The outing required I humanize myself. Fashion sweats for the win!

Tyler had to pick up some tools from a co-worker’s house on the other side of the city, so I had a makeshift dinner of veggies, quinoa and eggs.

I watched more Making a Murderer and called it a night.

How was your week?! Best meal you ate?!

TGIF and have a great weekend!

From the Week

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Monday

Mondays. Mondays are already ew on their own. But to start it off bright and early with a consultation for my wisdom teeth? Barf city. On the way to the appointment, I had a pretty delicious smoothie (vega chocolate nutritional shake, pb2, quinoa, greek yogurt, almond milk.)

I put Wes down for his nap as soon as I got home so I was able to fit my workout in. Once he was up, we played for a long ass time. My knees are starting to take a severe beating with all the up and down from the floor with a heavy baby!

After Wes went down for his afternoon nap, I headed out for yet another appointment, this time for my annual physical. The good news- my blood work came back with flying colors and I was in and out of there in about 20 minutes.

For dinner, Tyler whipped up some fajitas. SO DELICIOUS. It’s one of our go-to’s when we can’t decide what to have. I could probably eat them every day.

The evening was pretty typical- I walked the dogs, Wes got a bath, and we hung out until it was time for the dude to get to bed. I put him in his jolly jumper to wear him out a bit before bed time, and the kid.can.jump.

Wes jumping from Jen Linton on Vimeo.

Tuesday

Same old same old kinda day. Lots of playing with Wes.

Baby boy is obsessed with flipping now. He even slept on his belly during his naps! Layla’s not super impressed, but she’s tolerating it. Reggie could care less since he hardly touches the floor (he sticks to his bed or the couches as often as possible).

Long naps are great because I can get in my workout, shower and attempt to look somewhat human.

Later, I met up with Leigh and Brie at Craft for dinner. It was really nice to get out of the house and have some girl talk- even if I did stay up way past my bed time! Fish tacos for the win. The only downside: it started to snow while we were out. Ewww.

Wednesday

I woke up at 5 and noticed that Wes was on his tummy again, so I slept pretty crummy for another hour or so before getting up- it’s still a new position for him so I’m a bit paranoid he will suffocate or get stuck and freak out. (I know, I know, he’s most likely fine but I can’t help it!)

I did a lower body workout in the late morning that left me absolutely dead and wobbly. This means not only was it a great workout, but it was a CHORE trying to walk back up the stairs afterwards.

We had an appointment for Wes to check on a scratch he has on his nether region which turned out to be fine. I’m betting he just wanted in on the doctor-appointment action.

We picked up some groceries before heading home for lunch.

You know it’s a pretty decent day when you can take a 2pm soak while the baby sleeps. I’ll take it.

We had pulled pork sammies for dinner and went to bed just after 8pm.

Thursday

It wasn’t even hard getting out of bed at 6:15am when you’ve had about 72 hours of sleep. That was fantastic. And yet, my cardio workout for the morning was ROUGH. I was gasping for air like a fool- but it was so worth it afterwards.

Wes has been really great going down for naps lately- he’s out in almost 5 minutes each time. I think I have finally started to pick up on his tired cues so I don’t haphazardly attempt a nap time when he’s not ready.

He slept on his tummy the entire night before, so I won’t be wrapping him in a blanket anymore.

Another thing- he figured out how to use a straw! I bought one of the Playtex straw cups and had him attempt it only twice before he got the hang of it. Solid food feedings are now just too funny- he wants to eat EVERYTHING and drink EVERYTHING and throw EVERYTHING.

And I somehow manage to still get in my snack plates. Even if it does come with a staring owl.

I also baked a loaf of apple cinnamon bread that is delicious! I didn’t make the topping as listed in the recipe, but instead topped with sliced apple pieces and dusted with cinnamon/sugar.

Dinner was a stuffed sweet potato (loaded with pulled pork, broccoli, cheese and green onions).

I took the pups out for a walk and it was SO SLIPPERY. Goddamn snow and ice. No wait, goddamn dogs. They’re terrible on the leash (better lately) and when combined with inclement weather..I am doomed.

I poured myself a glass of wine after Wes went down, but ended up only taking a couple of sips before calling it a night. WHO AM I.

From The Week

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Monday

Mondays are the best and the worst. On one hand, Tyler is back to work, on the other hand, it’s a nice little way to refresh in the just-me-and-Wes time and get my butt back in gear. (Actually, gear for what? I have no idea.) The morning started with a 5 am wakeup call from Mr. Wes- we both were back to sleep by 6am for another 90 minutes, so no biggie. After breakfast and a workout, Wes went down for a nap FOR TWO BLIPPIN HOURS. I was able to shower, dry my hair, and put makeup on. I think this helps support the ‘get back in gear’ comment referenced earlier. It felt SO good.

After a late lunch, we headed out to Walmart for a bunch of random things. I posted a photo on Instagram when we got back in the car- kid throws some MEAN shade. I like it. (follow me on Instagram please! @nutcaseinpoint)

I had a 5pm dentist appointment- just for a cleaning- but it looks like I really should have my wisdom teeth taken out. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I was avoiding that at all costs. I do NOT want to have them out. NO NO NO NO NO. Don’t tell me it won’t be that bad, I just don’t want to go through with it. UGH.

The second worst feeling of the day was having to ruin my freshly cleaned teeth by eating leftover pulled pork. Luckily, pork is on my top ten list of delicious meats, so it was worth it.

I painted my nails before heading to bed. Note: don’t paint your nails a dark color and get into bed right after. Unless you want to sleep with precariously placed hands all night. It can get awkward.

Tuesday

Another 5am wakeup. But, because I have the sweetest damn child, he went back to sleep shortly after and I was able to get in a couple more hours of shut eye. AND GUESS WHAT? I didn’t do my workout first thing in the morning. Audible gasp? Haha, no. No one cares. I decided to stretch it out and relax in the morning with my little dude.

When he did go down for his nap, I got in not only my workout but a shower, some cleaning, food prep, etc.

Later in the afternoon, we walked over to the library then continued on for a nice long walk. The temperature read pretty chilly, but with no wind and the sun shining it was pretty great! Wes took another nap because of all the fresh air.

Tyler made an AMAZING pizza for dinner and afterwards I took the dogs for another walk. In the 6 years I’ve had Layla, this was the BEST she’s walked for me. She stayed by my side the entire time. It wasn’t until we got back to our street did I notice a slight limp, so I’m wondering if that had anything to do with it. Hopefully it was just a random thing (the limp, not the good behavior).

Tyler had already put Wes down for the night by the time I got back so we watched the latest episode of Walking Dead before heading to bed.

Wednesday

Well, Wes didn’t wake us up early today. In fact, he slept almost 13 hours! But, we got the pleasure of a 5:45am wakeup call by Reggie when he decided to jump off the bed and dry heave. Lovely!

I’ll say the day officially started at 8am when I finally went in and got Wes.

I did my workout while he played. Tyler slept in because of the stat holiday. It was a pretty great (slow) morning all around! Once Wes went down for a nap, I made Tyler and I some adult morning beverages. Only problem is that it took me 5 hours to drink. Still good though!

The boy is on a seriously rolling roll this week. I blink, and he’s flipped his way across the floor! I love it. We all hung out downstairs for the afternoon- Tyler played his new video game and Wes and I read a ton of new library books. I managed to run upstairs for a bit to whip up a batch of the BEST banana bread. It really is my favorite recipe (screw the ‘healthified’ banana breads. They don’t even come close to the REAL good stuff)

Wes took a long afternoon nap so Tyler and I just chilled out for a bit (yeah, there were about 2305972305927 things I could have done, but it was nice to just sit and do NOTHING).

For dinner, Tyler made Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken with zucchini and quinoa. The chicken was SO GOOD.

Afterwards, I bundled up *headlamp and all* and took the dogs for a walk. Day two of Layla being good on the leash! Crazy.

Thursday

Kind of a boring (in a good way) day. Typical breakfast. Typical morning routine. Typical workout.

OH WAIT. Different breakfast! No picture, but I had a smoothie that consisted of vega chocolate nutritional shake, pb2, oats, frozen greek yogurt cubes and almond milk. YUMMMM this was really good and even got rid of the Vega chalky taste.

Wes had his morning nap was quickly woken up by our noisy neighbor. From what we gather, he doesn’t work so he’s always fidgeting around the house. This morning, I saw him on the roof of his shed, then SWORE he was on our roof (he did if before when we got our roof replace. I forgot why, but it was helpful for some reason).

Who is photobombing who?

Wes is obsessed with Reggie (to my dismay) but Reggie just barely tolerates him.

He was pretty resistant for his afternoon nap, but I finally got him down. And of course, the dogs barked. This is them after I scolded the absolute crap out of them.

Tyler made me an omelet for dinner. (I can’t make an omelet to save my life). Walked the fur children, showered and lights OUT.

How was your week?

From the Week

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Monday

Well, yay. Wes woke up at 2am. It was just for a feed, but I could NOT get back to sleep afterwards. Our bedroom was super warm, so I tried to catch some shut eye in the guest bedroom, but it just wasn’t happening.

The good news is that Wes then woke up on the right side of the bed later that morning. We got the usual done then headed over to my hot yoga/spin place to pick up something.

It was snowing out, so no walk for us. Besides, we had the good fortune of having to wait for the person come to fix the water heater. And guess what? After I had to run outside and chase him down to not leave our house- he looked at the heater for all of .2 seconds before stating that he needed to order a part and he would be in touch tomorrow. UM GUY I can’t wait until tomorrow. Cold water in snowy weather is not ideal. Especially for more than 1 day. Insert all the rage.

Anyhoo- we had salsa chicken for dinner which turned out freaking delicious. Afterwards, I put on THREE layers and took the dogs for a long walk around the neighborhood in the dark. I HATE WINTER PEOPLE. Cold + dark + no hot water = SEND WINE AND DRY SHAMPOO AND WET ONES.

Tuesday

Ok, so maybe going ‘real’ showerless for a couple days is good for my sleep? Because I slept for 9 hours and 10 minutes without a single blip. Or so says my fitbit. I woke up feeling amazing! And to top it off, I had prepared a bowl of brownie batter overnight oats the night before, so breakfast was all ready and waiting for me. BA-BAM.

I ran out real quick to run some errands before the guy came to fix our hot water tank. Now for the bad news: the HVAC people didn’t come. Which means another day sans hot water. Don’t even get me started-it is the worst customer service EVER. RAAAAAAAAAGE.

To combat this evil (and my stink) I made a giant peanut butter cookie. I should mention I was wearing my oh-so-sexy mom uniform.

It was DELICIOUS. Wes had a nice long nap and we did some reading and lots of jumping in anticipation for Tyler to come home. You know, so we could all sulk together about our lack of hot water.

I made us a super easy and quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry for dinner. It was really good! I highly recommend it AND adding sriracha 🙂

I got the coolest package in the mail, too!

One of my friends asked me to be her bridesmaid! Amy is one of my New York high school friends and we have been through A LOT together: matching tattoos, an apartment in Boston, boyfriends (yeah, we may have dated some of the same people. whoops), and lots and lots of drunk stories…which are the best kind. She still lives in the town where my parents live and her wedding will be in that area next October! Bonus: she already sent me a pic of our bridesmaid dresses and they are THEBOMB.COM. I can’t wait!

Wednesday

The day started off with some blood work. Ewww. It was just for my annual physical, but it had to be fasting, which made me a hangry lady at the lab. Thank goodness it was done quickly, so I was able to get home and have a shake for breakfast. Note: it was 7:30AM. WHO AM I THAT 7:30 IS LATE FOR BREAKFAST???? Ahh.

Wes was great the whole day- his afternoon nap even lasted 2 hours! Tyler and I were a bit grumpier because of some hiccups with getting our hot water tank repaired. The customer service was TERRIBLE and the tech was absolutely clueless on what to do (we even heard him on the phone with the tank manufacturer who was actually upset with him for not having any tools to properly diagnose the problem). Yikes.

Once the guy was gone and the tank was fixed (hooray, it only took him 3 visits!!!!) I took Wes for a nice long walk. It felt really good to get some fresh air and I was in even better spirits knowing that a HOT shower was in my near future.

Dinner was chicken and dumplings- my favorite dinner growing up. It was delicious.

I took the dogs for an evening walk- the double dose of fresh air felt unbelievably good, we bathed Wes, then I laid in the tub for as long as my body could take it. I might have even had a glass of wine too. Ok, well only a few sips because the hot water + wine made me a bit buzzy.

Thursday

It was a pretty great day! Wes slept in, I got my workout done…and I put on real people clothes! Gasp.

Only downside is that my hair dryer bit the dust. I think Tyler and I are having the worst luck with things ‘working’ for us.

After Wes woke up from yet another long nap (kid’s on a roll this week with tons of 90 minute naps!) we ran some errands, had lunch, and I did the ever important task of baking a DELICIOUS ginormous chocolate cookie.

I got some good smiles out of Wes throughout the afternoon. So nice, since we are pretty much stuck in the house! I really really HATE this cold weather.

I made spaghetti pie for dinner before meeting up with Susie to go to a local comedy club. It was a pretty good show, but not as vulgar as I was expecting (is that a good thing?!)