Checking In

I think my New Year's post is scheduled to go up early tomorrow but I thought I'd check in with a quick update before that.

Since my last post, R & I have both had a stomach bug and B has some sort of something going on that we aren't really sure what it is (swollen face, hands & feet; goopy eyes; red splotchy skin). It doesn't seem to be bothering him and two Drs have said he's likely still fighting off something viral and to let it run it's course so for now we're still hanging out in quarantine at home with our little guy that looks like he lost a pretty tough fight.

Other than that we are doing better and I think we are finally on the mend!!

As we keep getting hit financially and medically this month, I cant help but hurt for friends and family who have fought tougher battles this year.

I hope you and your family have had nothing but pure joy in 2012 but if you haven't, I pray that you will have a better 2013!

As I think about my friends and family still walking through the fire right now, I think of Romans 12.

'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.'



Joyful in hope.

The last couple years the word joy just seemed to follow me around as a gentle reminder to keep choosing joy even when I didn't feel like it. Even when holding onto the tiniest piece of hope... choose joy. Be joyful.

Patient in affliction.

I've been struggling with this one this month. Patience (as well as tempers and money) have all been running short around here and I could use some prayer myself in this area. I've been repeating this verse, emphasis on the patience part, hoping I'll get it down soon!

Faithful in prayer.

I'm so thankful for my faithful prayer warriors. And I'd love to be a prayer warrior for you too. If you haven't updated me with your specific prayer requests lately, I'd love for you to email them to me. My notes list of prayer request is a little outdated in places! And if you just stumbled upon the Hickstionary today and you need prayer, you can shoot me an email too! I'd love to hear from you.

Happy 2013 y'all!! Here's to a joyful, patience filled, faithful year!

best friends

I don't think I'll ever finish my 2012 To Do list before the end of the year but at the top of the list is finishing up B's yearbook. It's taking me forever but I'm pretty sure it will be worth it. :)

Stuff To Do: My Favorite Planner

I love, love, love the holidays! Christmas is such a special time with my little family and I get so excited about ringing in the new year (even if it's from the couch at home). I really love this time of year but as much as I love it, sometimes the craziness of it can be overwhelming.

Thankfully this year we made a conscious effort to not over plan our 'break' so we'd have plenty of down time.

Ha.




I recently shared with y'all how B spent 5 days straight at Dr's offices and emergency rooms. As soon as he had the Dr's okay, we were (rushing) off to spend time celebrating Christmas at several different family get togethers. After spending a little time at home, we were headed back south to celebrate the life of my step-sister. She was celebrating this Christmas with Jesus after a tough battle with Lou Gehrig's.

While we've had a great time catching up with family this week, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't switched into survival mode yet.

Enter my new favorite planner!

The 'Stuff To Do' planner by Paper Coterie

I know you were totally expecting me to post a picture and link to my favorite planning app for the iPhone. And last year at this time I definitely would have done that. But then there was the great hard drive crash of 2012 and my love/hate relationship with technology took a little turn towards the hate side. My master calendar was (of course) on the hard drive and I spent a lot of time figuring out what was supposed to be where and when. Yikes.


So I'm back to my roots and got myself a good old fashioned, pencil to paper, planner.

But it's so NOT old fashioned. This planner has thought of everything! I love the month at a glance view but my favorite pages are the in between pages. After each month there's a page for: a to do list, favorite moments, funny happenings, 10 things i'm grateful for, ramblings and more!

And you know I love me some pictures of my sweet boy. There's room for those too!



In the back of the planner there's a section for notes and thoughts. I added a smash pocket to one of the pages and it works perfect for me to stick current projects in.

Side note: have you guys heard of Smash?? I was introduced to it at a Favorite Things Party and fell in love! Cutest stuff ever!



Besides adding the Smash pocket, I've added monthly tabs by folding washi tape over the edges and marking each month. I've paper clipped in some sticky notes. And I've replaced the elastic band that holds the book shut with a Smash band.

I also bought these super cute mini colored pencils to use in it.



Not that they're necessary but they are cute, right? :)


All that to say that this planner has totally kept me sane this month and I'm so excited about using it in 2013! If you're looking for a new planner for 2013, I definitely recommend the Paper Coterie 'Stuff to Do' planner!

Pros:
-Super cute! You customize the cover with your own photos and add your own images throughout the planner. There are more options than the 'Stuff to Do' so you can get whichever look you love!
-Month at a glance pages.
-Lots of space to add memories and fun moments (which totally makes it a memory book to keep once the year is over!).
-Sturdy, thick pages. The one year old has gotten ahold of it on numerous occasions but you cant tell-  the planner is tough!
-Great style that's easy to customize if you want!

Cons:
-If you like the weekly/daily planners, this one doesn't have that. (I don't so that's not a con for me but could be for you! They do have weekly planners so if that's more your style, check these out.)
-It's not dated so you have to go through each month marking the dates in (I almost put this in the Pros column because that means you can purchase the planner at any point in the year and make it work for you but in the end, it was just a lot of time and effort for this busy mama.)
-There are only 12 months. I know.. it's a yearly planner and there are 12 months in the year but I always like my planners to overlap just a little since I plan so far in advance.


Seriously though, best. planner. ever. Go get yourself one!! Now!

Christmas at Home

One of my new favorite traditions is being at home on Christmas morning!

This year, we were at my mom's on Christmas eve and B slept in the car on the way home. Once we got home he was awake and wanted to wait up for Santa so he played with some of his new toys from Leon Christmas. He was SUPER spoiled this year. He was excited to check out all of his toys then waved 'nigh night' and went to bed.

When I rolled out of bed at 8 in the morning he and daddy were snuggling and sleeping on the couch. Apparently B was up at 7 but my Christmas present from R was getting to sleep in today (well that and a package of peanut butter cups!). :)

B smiled real big at me, gave me some Christmas morning snuggles, then caught a glimpse of what was under the tree- a mega blocks table from Santa! He jumped down and was eager to check it out. He soon figured out his blocks from grandma and his new toy cars all work with his table too. What a lucky boy!

After checking out his new toy he helped Dakota play with his stocking stuffers (and of course gave him his Christmas snuggles). Then took a quick rest in his new recliner (thanks, grandma!). Daddy checked out the new iPad (thanks, grandma!) and we had a great morning just lounging around.

For the record- Santa brought B the mega blocks table and mommy and daddy filled his stocking (pajamas, socks, and a sippy cup- none of which impressed him). All of his other loot was from cousins, aunts and grandmas- and not even all of it is shown here! He has a lot of people that love him very, very much and you can tell by that smile that he loves all his new loot. But I cant help but feel guilty for all the stuff he has. Do you feel the same way? How do you keep your children from being spoiled as they grow?

Christmas Greetings from the H Family

Merry Christmas from the H family!!

This year's card is courtesy of Pear Tree Greetings. B won their Halloween costume contest and they generously gifted us with $150 in free Christmas cards!

We had a lot working against us in getting them out but we muddled through and got (most of) them out before Christmas. (Yes, there are still a few sitting on the kitchen counter. Yikes!)

In case you are a {cb}h client and you've asked my advice for what to wear for family pictures- I want to point out that R picked out our outfits for the occasion. Didn't he do a 'great' job. :) We were going for funny (please tell me you laughed at B's upside down buck teeth picture- I died!) but I think most people genuinely liked our attire. I guess R pulled off the reindeer sweater a little too well. ;)

Any how, if your Christmas card is still sitting on my kitchen counter, please consider this your Christmas greeting from the H fam and hopefully we'll have your real greeting to you soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! 

'twas a few nights before Christmas...

....and we were all going stir crazy.

We were bummed our baby was sick. Bummed to miss Christmas celebrations. And bummed about being either locked up in the house or stuck in a Dr's office or hospital all week.

We were ready to leave the house. Even B would point to the door and do his sign for 'let's go!' whenever he got the chance. He was ready to bust out of here!


R's family rents cabins at the lake to stay in for Christmas. We hadn't planned on going since B had been sick but R just asked the Dr to see if she thought we were crazy for even considering it. She actually said it'd probably be good for all of us so we went! (She was likely thinking of our mental health as we called her late the night before in a panic that we overdosed our baby! Yikes!)

We had our own cabin so B was in quarantine while R and I took turns escaping (I mean leaving) and it worked out okay. Not great but okay. B was exhausted and had a hard time sleeping after the steroids and the breathing treatments but I'm glad we went.

I can say that now since B and I are just waking up from naps. ;)

I am sure if B knew he was missing out on cousin time in the next cabin over he would have been pretty mad with us so I guess this is a great age for him to be at if he has to be sick around Christmas time.


On the way over we were trying hard to get rid of our bah humbug attitudes so Rusty McElfin and I wore our Christmas cheer and he made up a reindeer game- if anyone was squashing Christmas cheer the other person could slap them in the face. Baby excluded. (Of course.)
R won for having the most Christmas spirit. It was a close race and he barely squeaked by when he showed up in the party cabin sporting an ugly Christmas sweater and Jordan shorts. But I'm glad to report I didn't earn a single slap. :)

On the other hand it's a good thing B wasn't in on the game.

My camera sat unused for the weekend- every time I pulled it out the poor kid screamed so the Kodak moments were few and far between. I did get a phone shot of our cheery commute and our front porch view as the sun was coming up.

And even though we didn't get enough time to hang out with everyone, we still had a good time! Movie night at the cabins is always fun!

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve!


Bonus!! I found one more iPhone shot. B's aunt Mal Mal had given him a super fun gift. He was so growly and not real friendly while she was visiting his cabin but after she left he slowly snuck down off the couch and wanted to check it out. He did actually have some fun while we were there. :)

B's First SNOW Day!

It FINALLY snowed here at the Hicks' Ranch.


I was (secretly) excited for a snow day!



A snow day meant.....

R being home,

family snuggle time,

movies on the couch,


finally getting caught up on housework,

having time to do some {cb}h work before 11pm,

and of course, B's first picture in the snow!

After all, this would be the first snow he's ever seen! (Well he may have seen it through the window last year but that doesn't count, right?)



I had B's hat and boots all ready to go for his snow pictures.




And that's about all that went as planned...



Wednesday night B woke up from a nap in obvious distress. He was shaking, having a hard time breathing and his coloring was a purplish grey. I texted R (who was at practice) and called the Dr right away. The snow had already started flying but we loaded up the car and headed to urgent care. The 10 minute drive took about 20 minutes but it wasn't too bad. They checked him over and didn't think it was necessary to do the chest xray our Dr had mentioned. His temperature was around 104 at that point so they chalked up the cyanosis as a reaction to the high fever. They sent us on our way and we were home before the roads got too bad.

Fast forward to Thursday morning. R did get to stay home from work. And we did get a whole lotta snow! Enough snow that R headed out to clear it and it took him most of the morning. B was still feeling cruddy and looking awful but was awake and aware enough to be moving around. I even talked R into bringing in a cup of snow for B so he could at least get to see what all this white stuff was about. (For the record- he wasn't that impressed with it.) We hung out for a little bit and B was exhausted enough that he went down for an early morning nap (highly unlike him to do!). R went to work on the snow removal and before he was finished, B was up from his nap with the very same symptoms as the night before. Only this time he was super lethargic. We called the Dr right away and headed to the ER.

We attempted to head south. We got to the interstate and it was closed. We went back to the highway and got about 7 miles south of town. All of a sudden we were in a complete white out and couldn't even see the car that was 20 feet ahead of us. I've only ever been out in a storm that bad one time before but somehow it seemed a million times more scary to be in it when your sweet baby is also riding in the car. I think I prayed a million times that we not be rear ended. As it started to clear, traffic stayed at a standstill and it started to become obvious we were not going to get to go any further south. After a 407 point turn* we got turned around to go north and the line of cars was backed up to the interstate (about 5 miles). We had almost made it back to town when a semi was facing us in the wrong lane. I was pretty certain at that point we were out of options and we were all going to die on the highway. I may have been just a little over dramatic at that point. (And R might have told me I needed to stop crying. Before you agree with him, I'm gonna remind you that my purple baby was still lethargic.)

*407 might be a slight exaggeration




We didn't die.



The semi got around us. We got north of town and on our way to the next hospital. We made it safely.

I said the magic words when we got there and they got us straight to a room and a Dr. right away. (The magic words are: 'my baby is having trouble breathing.' You may or may not get a lecture about when to call 911 but you will get immediate service.)

We were there several hours (5 I think?) during which time B was poked, prodded, sticked, and restrained. And during which time I only cried once.

I learned a few important things from the visit.

1.) There is a unique form or influenza locally that the vaccine is apparently not working against. (This contradicts what the CDC is saying so I thought it was good to know.)

2.) When you go to urgent care and your regular Dr says they should do a chest X-ray, don't leave until they do it. Even if the urgent care Dr (that acts like he is way better than you and treats you like an over reacting mom) tells you it's not necessary. Just trust your mama gut and insist on it.   (B's chest X-ray didn't show pneumonia but did show a respiratory infection.)

3.) ER rooms next to the nurses station are always the most entertaining.

4.) B apparently is every bit of strong and strong willed we thought him to be. Every single Dr, nurse, lab tech, & radiologist that tried to restrain him for tests commented on how strong he was. They even had to call in back up to hold him down. Talk about making a mommy heart hurt!

5.) Our diaper bag doesn't have nearly enough stuff in it to keep a toddler entertained when locked in a small room for an extended period of time.

The car ride home was a lot less eventful. (Though it's still blowing like crazy out there and I'd love a snow day redo tomorrow!) We made it home safely and B is currently sleeping somewhat restfully. He seems to be doing better and we're hopeful he's on the mend!

(In case you're wondering about the trouble breathing, we're still not sure. He does have a respiratory infection which is likely most of the issue but he also had Vicks on his feet the two times this happened. I was questioning if that had anything to do with it and when I got home a friend had posted this link about vicks and babies on Facebook. Worth a read if you have a little one!)


Hopefully you and yours were safe at home enjoying your snow (or other weather) day today!


Did you get a snow day? How did you spend it?

_______________________________________________________________

Update (12/21): For those asking, we did go ahead and have the RSV test done. Mostly because there are babies at every Christmas celebration we would go to and that would be the contagious infection he could have even though he's on antibiotic. As of this evening, our Dr didn't have the results back yet but we're hoping to hear from her in the morning. 
Thing I learned #1 was misleading to some readers. B does NOT have influenza. They did want to test him for it though because of his symptoms and because there is an odd strand going around the area they didn't want to miss. I just wanted to share that in case there were other local readers with littles having the same issues.
B did have upper respiratory infection. One Dr thought he had viral pneumonia and another Dr thought bacterial based on his white count. Either way, after his shot of antibiotics and the z pack, his white count is looking much better. 
Today he was acting much better. His coloring still isn't great after he wakes up (and no, we haven't been using Vicks) but it's much better than it was and he isn't lethargic. (R says his coloring is fine and I'm just seeing things because I'm paranoid now... So it might actually be normal. I'm not sure!) 
Also, B actually played in the basement for awhile tonight and his fever seems to be staying down. All great things!


Update (12/22): B's RSV came back positive. He got steroids and nebulizer treatment. His lips were pink for the first time all week and his color looks so much better!  We noticed that between last night and today, he had a tooth pop through so that probably wasn't helping his fever stay down in the night but so far today he has been fever free and acting much better. Thanks for all the prayers for the little guy!

The Olivia Act

Photo shared with permission from The Olivia Act.

The Olivia Act, named after one of the children killed in Newtown, was started by by a photographer that wishes to remain anonymous. Olivia’s family had family pictures taken a short time before she was killed. Those pictures are precious and now priceless to them. Upon hearing this, this photographer was moved to give away a 30 minute family photo shoot and has challenged other photographers to do the same. We go about our daily lives and sometimes we don’t take the time or have the resources to have family photos taken. I will be taking nominations for a family who you think would appreciate this gift. This session will take place after the New Year. I will be taking nominations until December 31st. Please email their name, contact information and a brief summary of why you would like to nominate them to heidi@capturedbyheidiphoto.com (please use "THE OLIVIA ACT NOMINATION" in the subject line). The chosen family will be contacted via email or phone call. Please do not post their information here. The gift is a 30 minute mini-session, a collection of digital images, and a $25 print package  so they may have priceless keepsakes to adorn their home. Please share this blog post. Thank you.

*Please note* You do not have to "like" my page to nominate someone, nor do they have to like my page to receive the session. I will not be posting the name of the family chosen, and it will not be listed that they were chosen on their sneak peek, should they choose to have one. I am not participating in the Olivia Act to gain popularity, or get "likes", it is just my way of giving back.



This post was originally posted on my {captured by} heidi photography blog.

Jingle Bells isn't about Jesus!

Recently I listed some ideas the H family has to celebrate the Advent season.

A little update:

1. Visit Santa 
2. Pick out a new Christmas book
3. Find Elf
4. Make paper snowflakes and snowballs (B loves wadding up paper so we'll let him make some 'snowballs' and I'll make a couple snowflakes to put up with them so hopefully it wont look like we just hung garbage up in the window) ;)
5. Choose a friend from the local angel tree to shop for
6. Wrap presents (we might do this one after bedtime... or let him 'help' by wadding up paper again)
7. Christmas movie night (with popcorn and green & red M&Ms)
8. Christmas with the OK family (make gingerbread men!)
9. Make reindeer feet
10. Choose something from the 'serving friends' list to complete
11. Decorate cookies/make Christmas treats
12. Caroling (with cookies but maybe not so much singing)
13. Take a meal to someone
14. Sock snowball fight
15. Jolly Holiday Lights
16. Go out for breakfast with Santa & Rudolph
17. 'mistletoe' feet
18. Hot cocoa by the fire (straight from the 'north pole hot cocoa bar' of course)
19. Take Christmas pictures
20. Visit the library to read Christmas books
21. Take a treat to a neighbor we haven't met
22. Christmas at the cabins
23. Make Christmas ornaments
24. Read the Christmas story
25. 'camp out' under the Christmas tree (sleep in the living room)

So far we aren't doing too bad. With 8 days till Christmas night (because #25 we'll complete that night), we still have 13 to complete. With 5 on our 'to do' list for this weekend, we are in pretty good shape (and pretty good Christmas spirits too!). 

Last weekend, we completed #12 with two of my favorite Christmas cheer spreaders. Mo & Madd took B out for his first caroling trip. 

Mo & Madd decorated the goodie bags and filled them with a few little treats. (Isn't that artwork pretty great?!?) We visited a few people that live close to grandma's house- uncles, great grandma, and the sweetest lady that we grew up going to church with. It was her birthday that day (86th maybe?) so we made sure to sing extra loud for her.

One stop down and I was pretty impressed with how great the littles were doing. They sang 'Away in the Manger' and rocked it! (You know, as much as you can 'rock' Away in the Manger.)

Next stop: 'Jingle Bells'

The Jingle Bells were definitely not rocked. After one foot being stomped on (accidentally) and one crabby boy mad we sang Jingle Bells instead of Away in the Manger (because JINGLE BELLS ISN'T ABOUT JESUS!) we weren't sure how many more stops we had in us. We muddled through and finished strong and overall it was a good time! You may notice R is missing from the evening... he was still at basketball so we may have to have a repeat performance so he doesn't miss out on all the Christmas celebrating! :)

As a mom. As a teacher. As a human being....

I don't have any words.

I cant begin to wrap my mind around what has happened in our country this week and I have no idea how those families will begin to heal.



But I know Who does.






I also know I like to hold on to things (and people) tightly. My friend Ang is always good at reminding me that everything ('my' people included) belongs to Him.  It's not ours. and never has been anyway.

And as big as our dreams are (for ourselves, for our children, for the people we love),


His plans are


bigger.



I don't have any words for what happened. But (I think along with the rest of the country) have been praying non-stop and holding my little close. And somehow, that feels like enough.

Holiday Tour Blog Hop

The Holiday Tour of Homes is over on Kelly's Korner today. The last time I participated in this link up was in 2009 and as I'm looking at that post, a lot of our Christmas decorations are the same. I don't mind though- since they're only out one month a year, I don't get sick of them!

Here are the few updates:

My favorite new decoration this year are the stockings. Last year my friend got B his stocking from Pottery Barn. This year I splurged and got R & I matching ones. Poor Dakota still has his tiny stocking that looks even smaller now that ours are so big.

The little wooden drawer on the kitchen counters is a new addition from my MIL. I stuck the candy cane jar in it and added it to the line up of Christmas goodies. I love the little Christmas tag on it. The giant star is just painted yard sticks glued together. It covers a lot of space for a project that cost less than $3!

Our entry way chalkboard isn't a new addition but I was inspired to add a little wreath to it (you know you've seen the many chalkboard examples on pinterest!). The Merry & Bright is on the same chalkboard banner that said 'Happy Birthday' for B's party and 'Give Thanks' for Thanksgiving. I love how it can be changed all year long! It's c/o What's Your Sign Designs. Go check it out on Etsy!

Our little trees with our personal ornaments are getting more and more ornaments each year. This year's newest ornament was hand picked by B. He is SO into tractors this year so this was the perfect ornament for him. He typically leaves all the tree ornaments alone... except for this one. He loves it!

We've also added a few decorations in the basement family room since the last tour but getting good pictures of those would require me to pick up all the toys and keep them picked up while I shoot. That's hard to do with the B meister around so here's the only shot I have of our downstairs tree.  And the little sweetie hanging out by it. 

Merry Christmas, blog hoppers!! Hope you are all having a great Christmas season!

You can check out our 2009 tour below and the 2012 Tour of Homes at Kelly's Blog!

Christmas

Kelly's "Show Us" on the 18th is Christmas decorations. I LOVE the sights and sounds (especially the sounds) of Christmas. And in honor of a snow day today (12/8), I decided to participate in Kelly's "Show Us" (it's been awhile since I last joined in!). Welcome to our house, with a little Christmas O'lishious thrown in.
(I know.... I can't believe we don't own a nativity scene either. We only buy Christmas decorations on clearance and I've yet to find a nice, clearance one).

Merry Christmas!

The Terrible Horrible No Good Very BLESSED Days

Not too long ago I won Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday in a giveaway from Sievers CPA (thanks, Mary!). It's a cute book about Alexander and how he blows through his money. You know Alexander- the kid with the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? Since being reintroduced to Alexander, the H family has been calling everything 'yuck' a terrible horrible no good very bad thing. And bad days? Those are definitely terrible horrible no good and very bad.

The H family's streak of terrible horrible no good very bad days actually started after reading another book c/o Sievers CPA (thanks, Mary!). :) We had always loosely followed many Dave Ramsey principles but after reading The Total Money Makeover we decided to get a little more serious about it. We started in on the baby steps and wanted to pay off our car. (Maybe I should just start a whole separate post about our financial peace journey and how we gave ourselves the 'stupid tax' by going from no car payment to a big car payment... yeah I'll save that post for another day!) Against our gut, we followed the plan of getting the personal savings account down to $1000 and putting the rest towards our stupid tax. 

You can see where this is going, right?

Insert the start of the no good very bad days.

-Crashed hard drive: $2700 (I was able to get a large discount so thankfully it didn't end up being quite that much... again another post for another time..)
-R's iPhone is broken by a student: $80
-Fender bender in the car: TBD (ouch)
-H's iPhone is dropped in a pot of water by the one year old: TBD (I'm still praying the standby rice trick works!)

Add a few more unexpected expenses, unresolved arguments with people you love, a deadline closing in fast, the crazy busy season that is basketball, friends hurting, cancer attacking people you love, and yada yada yada and well.... you have a terrible horrible no good very.... blessed day.

Yep. Blessed.

It's taken me a few days (weeks?) to remember but that's probably because the devil is actually pretty good at his job. Have you ever had an experience where you're working towards obedience and the devil takes hold and works hard to discourage you? Have you ever been under so much spiritual attack that you don't recognize it for what it is and start your pity party for your series of terrible horrible no good very bad days?

Yeah... There might have been just a little of that going on in the H house.

'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.' -John 10:10

Once I recognized it for what it was, it was easy for me to recognize I had been seeking shelter in the wrong places.

'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness is a shield. You will not fear.' -Psalm 91.1-16

'Refuge.'  Ahhhh that feels nice.

And the view from this shelter? It's looking a lot more blessed than terrible horrible no good or very bad. Yes, it's looking blessed indeed.

Mommy Secrets

The kid is a great eater. He loves pretty much everything we give him. He loves it even more if it's mommy's food.
I know I'm not the only mommy sneaking food so baby doesn't steal it, right?
I mean hiding breakfast behind the cereal box is normal... Right? ;)

So what are your mommy secrets??