Dairy Free Diary

We have recently discovered that poor little Avery has a dairy sensitivity and it bothers her when I eat dairy (because she is exclusively nursing). How then do we keep dairy away from her? 

I am not allowed to eat dairy. 

At first I just though, eh, butter, milk, no big deal. But each day on this new diet I realized just how much dairy I really did consume. It felt like EVERYTHING had dairy in it. 

But that was just EVERYTHING that I ate. 

It has been a few weeks now and Avery is certainly doing better, therefore this is all worth it. 

It has been an interesting journey transitioning our family diet to dairy free. Like I said, at first, it felt like we couldn't eat anything. But, the more I investigate, the more hopeful I feel. Not only are there alternatives to dairy to get the same taste, example, almond milk or coconut milk, but there are tasty foods out there that don't involve a cow. Well, the milk anyway. 

By default, we are eating more vegetables and fruit to fill the gap. There are no longer sweet treats in our pantry because most of them have dairy. Even the granola bars that we like have dairy! No more ice cream in the freezer. No more cream based soups or casseroles. But, we are doing just fine. In fact, we are doing better. 

I have been forced to get creative and more domestic to make certain foods from scratch omitting the dairy for substitutes. Even my hot cocoa had dairy! For those who know me well, you realize this is a big deal, considering how much hot cocoa I drink. I drink hot cocoa year round, not just in the cold months. BUT, today I found a decent replacement. Best so far, but I will keep trying to get the same cocoa taste that I have grown so attached to. 

I am not a super healthy eater at the moment, but I do see that changing, little by little. I feel better, my body seems to function better, and the scale is showing me numbers I haven't seen since high school! Now, talk about motivation! But I still have a sweet tooth to satisfy. 

So, just in case there is one of you out there in a similar situation to me, these are the sweets that I have been eating. I have basically been trying to imitate chocolate.

Chocolate velvet frozen soy milk dessert.

Cocoa powder with sugar and vanilla unsweetened almond milk.

Cocoa powder with melted marshmallows. 

Peanut butter and honey.

Marshmallows.

Oreos.

Black and Green dark chocolate bar. 

The chocolate void in my life has been painful, but it is slowly being satisfied with these interesting concoctions. I have certainly felt desperate (cocoa powder and melted marshmallows)! 

Can you be addicted to chocolate? 

image via google

I just want a big piece of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and a big bowl of chocolate ice cream.

But I gotta say, I certainly don't mind the benefits of eating healthier. 

Especially the low numbers on the scale. 

Lately

So lately I have been playing with some fun picture apps on my fancy smartypants phone. 

I am going to share with you how I got the above picture to look this way without leaving the comfort of my couch and hot cocoa.

I actually used a couple few apps to make this magic happen.

First, I used an app called Snapseed to get the vintage drama effect.

 Then, I edited the picture with an app called PS Express. I used the 'reduce noise' option because the picture was very pixel-y thanks to the mirror camera on the iPhone.

Next I used an app called Rhonna Design to put the words and details on the picture.

It's actually quite user friendly and quick. You can create a hipster masterpiece in the matter of a minute and some quick thumb maneuvering.  

I just found this app today and I was so excited about it I wanted to share it. 

All of the apps are free (of course, that's my style). However, in the PS Express app you have to purchase the Reduce Noise option. Kinda ridiculous, but it makes me happy with my pictures so I think it was worth it. 

P.S. Another thing that is really exciting is that Jesus loves you! 

(Just thought you would like to know.) 

So anyways, those are some fun photo editing apps if you have the itch to spruce up your pics. 

Enjoy!

September? Where did summer go?

My parent's backyard over the 4th of July Holiday.

Summer flew by this year!  Or was it just that I was too preoccupied to notice?
Avery has kept every day interesting.  From squeals to giggles, this little girl has enough energy to make every day feel like a party. 

I jokingly mentioned to my husband that I needed a full time job to afford all the clothes I want to buy. And he said something very refreshing and eye opening. He made a comment saying that I do have a full time job, I just don't get paid money for working.  But I get paid with smiles, laughs,& priceless moments that are a gift just for me from Avery. Moments that can never be reproduced or shared, moments that shape my soul.
I have never felt more like myself than I do now being a mother. I have come into a whole new freedom that I could never have any other way.

We weren't planning to get pregnant and have a baby while going to college.  That's not the ideal financial situation, no money coming in and a LOT of money going out.  However, God had better plans.  I honestly don't think I would have survived living the same way for yet another two years, just waiting until we could start a family.  And now that we have Avery I almost wish we would have started a family sooner. The joy and freedom and life that I've discovered is like nothing else and I sure wouldn't mind having started sooner.  But God's timing IS perfect!  And it is fascinating to me how God has provided every single one of our needs (and MANY wants) seamlessly along the journey.  I have no fear of financial dismay or material insufficiency.  Not because I am stupid, unaware of reality, or careless, but because I have faith.  I trust God and have confidence without any doubts that He loves us and knows how to take care of us. He has blessed us in so many ways all of these years.  And I feel so honored that He has blessed us with a beautiful and happy baby girl.  She is perfect in every way and it brings a smile to the very core of my being when I see those little big eyes look at my face and light up. 

And there she is, her little grunts in the baby monitor.  That little voice that fills my heart with happiness anytime I hear it. Yes, I want her to sleep, but her voice is an astounding comfort that my little world is ok and normal.  I was created to be her mother, and hopefully a mother to maybe a brother or sister of hers. 

Thanks for reading to this point. I adore how every person is so different.  And how different people make up unique families.  And the unique solutions to each family's issues.  When did we start thinking that different is wrong and not just, well, different?  

The more I read about parents and babies the more I realize you need to find your parenting style and family style and commit to it. There's no uniform solution for any kind of issue with any person in any area of your life.  I wonder where the idea started that there should be one thing that always should work for everyone. 

Hmmm... that certainly doesn't make sense to me.  I really didn't intent on sharing jumbled thoughts tonight. 
But thanks for reading and you are welcome to continue the conversation.  Yes, I have conversations with myself in my head.  Who doesn't?  

Avery's First Bath

I think first baths are exiting for mothers because they no longer have to sponge bathe their poor little shivering and crying babies. Also, this signifies that the umbilical cord has fully fallen off and there is a beautifully unique belly button in its place. 

At least this was the case for me. 

Here is the story of Avery's first bath in pictures.

Little Avery with her suspicious look. She had no idea what she was in for.

At first she tried to get away from the water.

Then she started telling us all about how she didn't like what was happening.

After she settled down she didn't mind it so much.

Her eyes were so wide as if to say, "What just happened?"

She still wasn't sure what just happened.... This look cracks me up!

I am happy to say that she quite likes her baths now and they are sometimes

 the means to calm her down.

They are a happy time and I look forward to how fun they will continue to be. 

Last Day of Work

I can't thank this wonderful family enough!

 I have said it before many times, this is the best job I have ever had! I can't say enough how wonderful it was to work for them and be a part of this office and the family! 

I already miss not being around these people every day, but I know I will see them again soon. 

This was my last day of work. I will be honest and say that I am proud to have worked as long as possible. I decided that Thursday, April 11th would be my last day. Turned out that would have been my last day of work anyways because our baby girl was born on Sunday, April 14th!

Things really fell into place and it all worked out. 

It was a bittersweet day. 

I was leaving something really good!

 But, of all the reasons to have to leave such a wonderful job, having a baby is probably the best. 

Now I have my dream job, being a mom!

Thank you Ted & Christine!!

Cerminaro Family Update

We have grown!

Sunday, April 14th at 4:24 PM our little Avery Ann was born. 

She was 6 lbs & 11 oz and 19 1/2 " long.

God blessed us with a natural delivery and healthy baby and mommy.

Our experience was wonderful and we are truly thankful!

Another update:

We are staying in the UP. At least for another couple of years. 

Daniel received a grant that pays for a Masters Degree. 

Short term, I was ready to move on and be closer to family and home. But long term,

it's hard to pass up a free Masters Degree and what that can mean for our future.

We already have a house, friends, and church family. So this will be a little easier on us.

So dear family and friends,

Please come visit!!!!! 

We miss you all so much!

9 Months

This picture was taken 3 days before our baby girl was born. 

I was ready to meet her, but I had no idea how soon it would be. 

I am so grateful I made it through the pregnancy healthy and able to work the whole way.

I only dealt with mild and "normal" pregnancy symptoms. 

My husband and I were beyond blessed by our wonderful family and friends that provided so many of the things that Baby C would need. 

Thank you to all who blessed us with prayers, gifts, support, and love.

This is the end of this journey. 

The next journey is even greater!

Eight Months

 Today I am 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant.

I am glad that I still have about 4 weeks left until the due date, but it is hard to move at this point and hard complete simple daily tasks.  

Not to mention, I have serious baby brain and have a very hard time focusing now. 

Other than those few things, everything is great! 

I am so thankful for this normal healthy pregnancy. 

I feel like a whale, yet I don't feel like I look as big as this picture.  

It is somewhat strange to look at pictures from last summer and see what I used to look like. And I am very exited to get back to normal next summer.  

There is so much to think about, and so much I can't do anything about right now. 

Bottom line is:

God is in control, and I trust in Him and His plans for us. 

Everything little thing is gunna be alright.

    

Winter Carnival 2013

Winter Carnival at Michigan Tech 2013.

Dad is in front of a Green Bay helmet, Daniel is in front of a Lions helmet. No more explanation needed. haha

Star Wars!  These are things from mostly Empire Strikes Back.

So Daniel really likes to sabotage any picture that has him in it. What he doesn't realize is that I therefore force him to take another picture, a nice one. His plan backfires. 

Just making sure he was making a nice picture. 

Welcome!  Come join us for a couple hours out in the cold! Fun fun!

The brave pair that drove 9 hours to come to the UP. So glad they did!

Dad's only child still shorter than he is. =) 

Free hot cocoa! And with MARSHMALLOWS! 

Daniel's glove ripped, so he used duck tape. Thumbs up the yooper way!

Glad to be in the warm car on the way home.

Day Twenty One

This really was day 21. 

 I was so happy to be done with this series that I kind of forgot to post the last day. I took my picture and everything, and then wrote it off in my head.

And I think I can legitimately claim baby brain on this one too. 

And to prove it to you, I'll show you the picture. 

Over all, I think my plan worked. I have come back to a place of consciously choosing my clothes to look nice, or try to. 

My options are getting very limited, however. Baby C is getting bigger and bigger every day! 

As of today, there are about 57 days left until the estimated date of arrival for her.

I am so exited!  

Thanks for being part of this little activity of mine.

Happy Birthday Brother!

thanks, google

This is a special shout out to my big brother, Jeremy!

Happy Birthday! 

I hope it was an awesome day! 

Love you,

Staci

P.S. I ate some chocolate frosting in honor of your birthday. It was delicious.

Day Twenty

Tuesday, February 12th.

One More Day of these outfit posts. 

Thanks to all those who were willing to follow along. It's been fun. 

So, today is a sad story.

I burnt popcorn.

The worst part of the story is that it was at work. And now, unfortunately, I will have to smell it tomorrow morning when I get back there. I tried to clean out the microwave and everything, but that smell! It won't go away! So if any of you know how to rid an office of the burnt popcorn smell, please let me know. It's not pleasant. At all. And I feel really bad about smelling up the office.

But another part of the story is that this isn't the first time. 

In fact, it seems that I have only once successfully made a bag of popcorn at work. I don't know what it is, but it's like a ridiculous scheme to always ruin the popcorn that I look very much forward to as I hear it popping. I should simply ban myself from making popcorn at work so that I don't make the office stink. Every time I go through this process, and resolve that I won't make it anymore. And then, next time that I want popcorn, I think, "I won't burn it this time. No, this time will be different. I'll even put it in for a shorter time than I think is already too short".

Obviously it does not work. Hasn't so far. 

And I'm pretty sure my hair still smells like burnt popcorn.

The end.

Wardrobe Tip:

Well, today my tip has nothing to do with maternity wear.

But it's still a good one

*Pearls*

Always classy, always polished, always the finishing touch. 

You have to try really hard to make pearls look bad. 

Always steps it up a notch.

Day Nineteen

Monday, February 11th.

Today's schedule was complicated enough on its own, so my outfit didn't need to be difficult. 

So my outfit took a turn towards simple. 

I had a Dr.'s appointment today and it went really well.

Everybody's heart rate is in a happy place.

Size and position seem to be ideal.

My weight gain is a little scary, but so far we have a healthy mom and healthy baby.

No big concerns, and no scares. 

Thank you, Jesus, for a normal first pregnancy.

By the way, this is the "Please excuse my recent obsession with this polka-dot scarf " face.

Wardrobe Tips:

*Moderation*

During pregnancy,  there are only a few months requiring intense maternity clothes.

You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes for three months.

Make as many of your clothes as possible go as far as they can.

And then when it comes to pants, make the investment.

I have made it to this point with one pair of maternity pants. 

All the other pants I have worn are regular pre-pregnancy pants.

Well, I do believe that I have crossed the line, and I now need some real maternity pants.

So I went to Goodwill (one of my favorite stores!).

You see these pants I am wearing? It's hard to tell, thanks to the picture, 

but they are a dark brown dress pant.

They are super comfy and not too tight anywhere. 

They are also real maternity pants.

And I paid $.99 for them at Goodwill. 

Yes.

It's the little things that make you smile.

Day Eighteen

Sunday, February 10th.

Only 3 more days to go. 

Today I didn't have time to take a picture of my outfit. 

I was shopping all day after church with my mom! 

How fun!

We did really good.  As in we brought lots home and spent very little.

So today, I want to do things a little different 

and I want to show you a few pictures of some maternity fashion inspiration.

Enjoy!

Day Seventeen

Saturday, February 9th.

Today my parents, hubby, and I spent the day enjoying the Michigan Tech Winter Carnival.

(Pictures to come later)

The weather was very cooperative and pleasant. 

It was really nice with sunshine and warmth.

 And plenty of snow.

A very wonderful day.

Wardrobe Tip:

*Proper Fitting Undergarments*

This seems kinda silly, but you need to make sure that you buy proper fitting undergarments for your growing self during pregnancy. 

Because if you have an ill fitting foundation, your whole outfit will be a little off. 

I recently made sure I had this necessity, and things have been

just a little bit better since. So remember that you need a good foundation for any outfit.

Day Sixteen

Friday, February 8th.

Confession:

I never got dressed today.   

Today I was working in the house cleaning and getting things ready for my parents to come, 

and I honestly did not have time to get dressed. 

I gotta say though, I really enjoyed my sweatshirt and pj pants today.

But you do get a special treat:

Behold, my beautiful snowman. 

=)