GotchaBaby

November 18, 2014

Waking Up the Right Way with Honey Nut Cheerios and Usher

Honey Nut Cheerios and Usher have teamed up to improve your morning- check out how and score a sweet coupon!

Cold mornings are no fun, and this week we’re hovering around single digits. Dragging the kiddos out of bed is no fun, but our 6:30 wake up call is must. I’ve learned that having something they love for breakfast can really help motivate them right out of bed- days when we haven’t run out of orange juice tend to go better than days when it’s gone.

The Fox woke up today asking for Honey Nut Cheerios and ate two bowls. As he was studying the cereal box (I love love love that he’s a box reader) he asked, “Mom? Does this say ‘grain’?” And we had a little conversation about the importance of Whole Grain. which was kind of cool.

The girl is not so much a box reader- she does well to be awake enough to get out the door. I’ve learned with her that it’s not so much the food (although she has her favorites)- it’s the atmosphere. A little music gets her moving and awake. She loved listening to “Clueless”- particularly the ending. It’s now part of our morning playlist.

Right now, there’s a box of Honey Nut Cheerios at Walmart (a coupon’s available too) that covers both my kids- delicious whole grain goodness, and a free download of the new Usher song. Inside the box there’s a code for a free download of his new single “Clueless”. These specially marked boxes are available exclusively Walmart now through December 31, 2014.

Happy kids, out the door on time= Happy mama!

Thanks to Honey Nut Cheerios (and their whole grain goodness) for sponsoring todays discussion.

October 23, 2014

Feeling Human Again, Mostly: Next Up- Flu Season

I’ve been down for the count with a respiratory illness since September 18. You might think it’s weird that I know the exact day, but calendars are my thing. Since then, I’ve been to the doctor 4 times (4 different doctors, but that’s another story for another day), I’ve had two chest x-rays, and I’ve filled six prescriptions for myself. I really wish that it was, oh, April right about now. Unfortunately, it isn’t, and we are heading right into flu season.

Something one of the above doctor’s spoke to me about was the importance of getting a flu shot this year. With the havoc that pneumonia (and the rounds of steroids) has wreaked on my immune system, contracting the flu this year could be very dangerous. I can’t get mine yet, but once I’m cleared, I’m getting my shot.

During my recuperation, I was able to take part in a Twitter chat sponsored by CVS, and it was an informational hour, peppered with facts provided by the CDC. There were a lot of thoughtful questions asked, and answers were provided. Here are a couple of things that I learned/was reminded of during the chat:

Flu Season can run from October through as late as May (!) The day I was diagnosed with pneumonia, I was also tested for the flu. The doctor told me that even though it was only September, there were a lot of positive flu tests in our area. SUPER.

How can you tell if it’s the flu? If you have a strain of influenza, you will have a fever. In addition to cold-like symptoms, body aches are common. The flu comes on fast, and you can be contagious one day before you fall ill yourself.

The flu vaccine gets tweaked every year…and people need to be vaccinated every year. Also, NOW is the time get your shot. It takes about two weeks after your vaccination for your body to be fully protected.

Ready to get your flu shot? Minute Clinics has three different types of vaccines available:

Regular seasonal flu shots
Intradermal shot for those who don’t like needles (approved for adults age 18-64)
HIgh-dose vaccine for adults over 65

When you get your flu shot at a Minute Clinic inside your local CVS, you’ll not only get peace of mind, you’ll get a 20% off CVS shopping pass!

Of course, prevention is the best medicine, so in addition to getting a vaccination, be sure to remind your family members of the following:

Eat healthy foods
Get plenty of sleep
Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth when possible

Want to learn more? Browse the #FluPlusYou hashtag on Twitter, and visit the information posted on the CDC website.

Disclosure: Thanks to CVS/Minute Clinic for sponsoring today’s post.

October 22, 2014

Celebrating 101 Years

It’s October, so it’s time for my annual Grandma birthday post. For the past 11 birthdays, my Grandma has been in Indiana, and we have celebrated together just about every year. Last year, we had the party of the century with the extended family. This year, we returned to the scene of last year’s post-party breakfast, for a special birthday dinner. The events manager remembered last year’s blowout, and made the dinner extra special for us. From the personalized menus to the private area in the restaurant, the evening was one to be remembered.

I was a little selfish that night- I took the available seat right next to the birthday girl. She was very happy to have the family gathered, and is her custom, made fast friends with the server. She told everyone to take care of themselves, not to smoke, and not to overeat- then we could all live to 101 too. “And see how much fun I’m having?” she asked with a smile.

She had been celebrating all day, starting with lunch at her assisted living center at 11am. She mentioned they had a lot of good laughs over lunch- the biggest one coming when her 75 yr old friend came to visit and celebrate. Some unsuspecting guest asked if he was her husband. She laughed and replied, “HUSBAND? I’m old enough to be his mother!!!” Think about that for minute. She’s totally old enough, and proud of it.

I’ve noticed for several years that the older she gets, the stories she tells get older. At the party, she randomly shared a memory that seemingly popped into her head as she watched my youngest niece yawn. She told me a short tale about a 25th anniversary party her family was invited to attend. She was fairly certain she was about 5 or 6 yrs old. Without a car, her family (at that time, her family of 5), traveled by street car. She remembered the party took place after dark, and the family trekked across town for it. She got tired at the party, took off her shoes, and climbed into an available bed (that self-care took root in her early, I guess). Later that night, her dad carried her younger sister as she and her older brother schlepped to the street car, and then walked three blocks home. It was a sweet picture that I’ve filed away with other stories I’ve heard over the years.

So this was 101. Meg is excited, because next year she can sing,” Happy birthday to you, you’re 102…”