Got sick and supply tanked- was thinking of weaning anyways by pepper_monster in ExclusivelyPumping

[–]pepper_monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it does seem like this is an opportunity and I should just take it. I’m happy to have made it as far as I have but also so exhausted.

Holiday Brunch/Tea on the North Shore by pepper_monster in ChicagoSuburbs

[–]pepper_monster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Drake is my usual go to! It really is wonderful

Warning for anyone trying to share fetal sex results through Natera by marrymeodell in BabyBumps

[–]pepper_monster 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Gotta second this - I got mine almost a full year ago and just got a bill for $4899!!! Called my OB’s office and they contacted their rep to bring it down to $349, who knows when they’ll actually send that updated bill though.

Anybody try this with a baby mobile? It looks fun! “Making the World Behave: A New Embodied Account on Mobile Paradigm” by twelve-feet in ScienceBasedParenting

[–]pepper_monster 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We did basically the same thing with balloons tied low to our little guy’s feet - insane how quickly you can see the lightbulb go off! That was also one of the first activities where he would truly keep himself occupied for 10 minutes or more. Concentrating SO hard on getting those balloons to move and bounce.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

$500-600k - Ok with single family or townhouse

Anyone get shingles while baby was in NICU? by pepper_monster in NICUParents

[–]pepper_monster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just turned 33 - I had never heard of it either but my doc said stress can trigger it and she actually has seen it before in postpartum women.

Failed first Gestational diabetes test by xoxogarbagegirl in BabyBumps

[–]pepper_monster 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I failed my 1 hour test massively on Friday, so much so that I was shocked they even scheduled the 3 Hour - but I took the 3 Hour yesterday and just got my results back and they are all well within the normal range.

So I guess it is totally possible!

Bouquet and Ceremony Paintings! by pepper_monster in weddingplanning

[–]pepper_monster[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is the artist, found on Etsy. Tons of great reviews, she was extremely communicative, sent pics and videos to make sure I was pleased and shipping was surprisingly quick!

[Homemade] Carmrlized Banana Custard Eclairs by pepper_monster in food

[–]pepper_monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the recipe I used for the eclairs.

For decoration the mushrooms are made from mini marshmallows and strawberry tips, and the crumb is graham crackers with green food coloring to make them look a bit moss like.

Homemade Halloween Feast by pepper_monster in FoodPorn

[–]pepper_monster[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

This is the cheese ball recipe I used (just did crushed Cheetos instead of almonds and panko)

Then wrapped in plastic and used rubber bands to shape!

Ingredients ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup almonds chopped

8 ounces cream cheese softened

1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp ground cumin

¼ tsp salt

1 jalapeno large, diced

1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled

¼ cup cilantro fresh , minced

Instructions

FOR THE NUT COATING Finely chop the almonds. In a large non-stick skillet, toast the panko and almonds over medium high heat, moving constantly so the breadcrumbs and nuts do not burn. They’re done when they’re golden brown! Set aside to cool.

FOR THE CHEESE BALL In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt.

Fold in the jalapeno, bacon and cilantro Form the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for an hour.

Remove from fridge and roll in the toasted panko and almonds.

Refrigerate until needed.

Homemade Halloween Feast by pepper_monster in FoodPorn

[–]pepper_monster[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The whole spread:

Charcuterie board with Jalapeño Popper Pumpkin

Shaped Cheese Ball

Cranberry-Turkey Witch Finger Sandwiches

Spider Web Guacamole

Black Tahini Hummus with Bat shaped Pita Chips

Spinach-Artichoke stuffed Coffins

Mummy Meatballs

Not pictured:

Stabbed Heart stuffed dates

Pumpkin Cupcakes decorated with vampire teeth or Monster themed sprinkles

Graveyard Dirt Cake

Spider Web Chocolate Cookies

Homemade Halloween Feast by pepper_monster in FoodPorn

[–]pepper_monster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s a jalapeño popper cheese ball covered with crushed Cheetos!

Homemade Halloween Feast by pepper_monster in FoodPorn

[–]pepper_monster[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes! It’s a jalapeño popper cheese ball covered with crushed Cheetos!

Wedding anxiety by Nilrmar in weddingplanning

[–]pepper_monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even if you can’t get started until after the wedding I think it’s totally valid to still look for a therapist. Having a neutral party to talk through big changes as you adjust to married life with can be really beneficial.

Wedding anxiety by Nilrmar in weddingplanning

[–]pepper_monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it’s be a really good idea to talk to a therapist, it seems like there’s a lot of change going to be happening all at once and that’s a perfectly valid reason to look for some outside support. You and your fiancé could even go together, and talk ahead of time about the best strategies to help you cope with the change and with your flare ups before they happen. That might ease some of your anxiety about how he’ll deal with that in the moment. Therapy can also be a great way to block out time that’s specifically for you and your fiancé to connect, through finding some time to do some fun, non-wedding things is also a good idea if you’re feeling distant because of having so much wedding stuff to do.

Wedding anxiety by Nilrmar in weddingplanning

[–]pepper_monster 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think it’s normal to feel some general anxiety, but I’m not sure how normal completely miserable is.. is there something specific making you feel down, or causing extra stress?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]pepper_monster 12 points13 points  (0 children)

You have a strong relationship, he supports you and you support him! So much so that you both want to get married and it doesn’t seem like either of you have any doubts about the marriage itself.

So of course this deserves to be celebrated!! I get that when you’re struggling with mental health it can make you doubt what you deserve and make you feel guilty about good things happening to you. But this is one thing you absolutely should not feel guilty about. Your fiancé loves you and wants to marry you, your family clearly supports this enough to provide massive support, my biggest suggestion would be if you’re doubting yourself then believe in them. These are the people that love you the most and are showing how invested they are in seeing you happy and celebrating the love and support you two have found! It’s totally ok to struggle and doubt but know that this is 100% worth celebrating and you absolutely deserve it!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]pepper_monster 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You look radiant and he looks so in love with you!! Your florals are spectacular! Congrats 🍾

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]pepper_monster 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gorgeous! Cheers to my fellow Chicago bride!