Crock Pot Meals for a Month!

One day on Pintrest I stumbled upon this site : http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-cooking.html. I decided this would be a fabulous idea to do before Mason got here. Well of course Mason is  due to be here in less than a month and I am just now getting it done!

I started with some of the recipes from the site above and searched and found more all over the place. I compiled my list of recipes and then sat down to make my grocery list. What a process, I think making the list was almost the hardest part. After a 2 hour grocery trip I still forgot stuff, and had to do another day. I did the shopping when Landon was at school on Wednesday (and then again Friday night and then again today. I blame baby brain). I was already exhausted and hadn't even done the actual work yet. So after 3 trips to the store and a few phones calls in which I freaked a couple people out thinking I was in labor (sorry mom, I will text with stupid questions from now on). I finally had every thing I needed

Today I started with this crazy pile of groceries:

 

After 5 hours of work I ended up with 34 meals in my freezer, that can all just be dumped into a crock pot when needed. In the end I think it was worth the time and effort because it will be great to have little cooking to do while I am still in school for the semester with a toddler and a newborn.

Mason's Room

I can not believe that in a month Mason will be here! Really crazy. I decided to wait on doing a belly picture because on Friday we are getting maternity and Landon's 3 year pics done. But here is the finished nursery pictures... ( well almost, need to frame and hang the cross stitch once he's here and frame some family pictures for his wall).

31 Weeks

Only 9 more weeks to go. We are up to every 2 week Dr appointments. Crazy how fast this is going. I am most likely going to be induced on November 8th or 9th. Everything is going great. This has been a very easy pregnancy so far. Mason is still being picky about what meats he lets me eat, and I have not had any new crazy cravings. He loves to move and kick just like big brother did. Landon, is starting to ask more questions. We have been working on getting the nursery set up, and telling Landon that it is his brother's room for when he comes. The other day he walked up to me and put his hand on my belly and said brother. Then said, "Mommy, when is mason coming?" (yes he is starting to use sentences!! Which is amazing). I don't know if he gets what we keep telling him about his new brother. Excited for Mason to be here, we can't wait to meet you little guy!!

We had a lot of craziness the last few weeks but we are officially moved into a house (with a fenced in back yard!!!).  School has started and I can tell its going to be a busy semester. Chris is still working and it looks like they plan on having work for awhile. Landon is enjoying daycare and is making new friends. I picked up a new client that is a mile from our house and am working 15-20 hours a week now. Funny how they had no work for me when I was off from school.  Hoping now that we are moved we can settle into a good routine (just in time for Mason to get here and mess it all up lol). Overall things are going great for us!

26 Weeks

Wow! 26 weeks already (almost 27 since I'm a little late posting this). Almost to the third trimester already. Crazy how fast this is going. Mason is growing great and his heartbeat is still very strong. I am pretty sure he has finally flipped around, will know for certain on the 27th when we have another ultrasound. He seems to be kicking my ribs more and more. Crazy cravings this month include cheesy broccoli soup (I could eat a gallon a day!) and Nutella by the spoonfuls. As long as Mason makes it to 39 weeks and doesn't decide to make an early appearance like his brother, Dr. Canales really wants to be the one to deliver him so I get to schedule my induction! Can't wait till November when we get to meet you Mason!!

23 Weeks

23 weeks already! Over halfway there. Mason is kicking up a storm! He moves almost all the time. Just like big brother! Landon got to feel Mason kick for the first time the other day. His eyes about popped out of his head and he won't touch my belly anymore except to kiss baby Mason (which he does very quickly). Craving fresh fruits like watermelon and blueberries right now. I am bigger than I was with Landon and actually have gained less weight than I did with him. Can't wait to meet you baby Mason! Only 17 more weeks to go!

23 Weeks!

It's a...........

Baby is growing great! Right on schedule measuring exactly 20 weeks 2 days. Due date is officially November 12th. Now the part everyone really wants to know....Is it a boy or girl. 

Introducing Mason Wayne Collins!!!!

18 Weeks

We have had a fun filled start of summer so far! We went camping with Nancy and Barry over Memorial weekend. This was our first time camping with Landon not in a pack n play. It went great. Ton of fun even though we got rained on. 

helping Barry build the fire

roasting marshmallows with daddy

Yummy!

Then this last weekend we spent some time at my grandparent's. We went yardsaleing with Aunt Mandy, Vanessa, Robby and Jaden and then to the asparagus fest. Then on Sunday we went to my cousin Tyler's graduation open house. It was nice to see the family, but I was glad to get home. Chasing Landon everywhere is getting a little more exhausting than it used to be.

This week we are busy again. I had a work in-service Tue and today I had a doctors appointment. Friday we are going to Greekfest with Auntie Anna. Can't wait for that...yummy Greek food time!

The doctor's appointment went good. We are at 18 weeks already almost halfway there. Getting excited to find out if it's a boy or girl. Landon's vote is baby guuurlll. I'm thinking girl. Chris says boy. Anybody else want to take a guess? We find out on the 27th. I can't wait!!

18 weeks