Double the Trouble: Our crazy car day

Last weekend was generally going to be a nice weekend of fun.  On Saturday, Koral was invited to a Princess Jasmine themed birthday party and she had a nice time.  Senthil was starting a cold and opted to stay home - but Sunday, we had planned a day trip to Charlotte to visit my cousin, Sarah, and her little five year old daughter, Avery - and visit IKEA, as I had heard it was a cool store.  On the way, for the first time for either Senthil or I, our car broke down.  It started to not accelerate, so he pulled over to an exit ramp and on the side.  The hood started steaming/smoking.  Senthil really flipped out.  He ran to the back, grabbed Koral out of the car seat, and started RUNNING away from the car.  This was all really great instincts as he was sure the car was going to explode since he only watches action movies, except that she was hatless and in normal clothes with no shoes or coat on in 30 degree weather with wind on the side of a highway.  I got him to get her in the bassinet covered up with a hat before explaining that the car was okay to be near.  He was still very skeptical about toxic killer fumes and the safety of being inside the vehicle, but after a few minutes, he agreed to sit back down with the doors slightly open, which was very good wind cover.  In the mean time, I called my cousin who was able to pick us up - and Senthil eventually called State Farm for a tow.  Goodness, we had no idea what to do.  The towing was covered by our insurance.  

Soooo, we met my cousin, went out to lunch with her, and then she graciously offered to let us use her car to drive home and return it the following day (presumably picking up our fixed car then).  Trouble is, on the way home, HER car broke down.  I am not joking.  In 16 years of driving I had never experienced a break down, and then boom, two in one day.  This occurred the moment of the super bowl kick off.  I called our friend and neighbor, Tina - the dog-mom of Milo's playmate, Evie - and luckily she not only answered but came right away.  This time it was pitch dark out and the battery and alternator were out, so we had no light except our dying cell phones.  Again we moved the car seat and got a ride, whilst working out the towing details for Sarah's car with her!!  

Since then, this whole week has been car related.  Bottom line - our car is dead.  We are shopping for a new one.  Last night we drove Sarah's repaired car and our other car back to her, then returned home together.  It has been such a busy week.  

Koral and I went to a Mom Group party tonight for the interest group I started, which is all about holidays.  This one was the first event, and a Valentine's Party hosted by a friend.  Here's a few pics of my sweet cupid daughter today:

Time with Koral - Valentines

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A friend of mine told me last fall about how when her second child was born, her "heart split into two" and she felt the same love for both children.  I can say that when I was pregnant with Koral, she didn't become real and that enormous love didn't truly start until she was in my arms.  The same goes for Ocean.  I am THRILLED to have him coming, I am nesting and excited, but he's just not real yet until he gets here.  I do anticipate him taking lots of time and this will be a huge change for Koral.  So for right now, while I still feel pretty good and not too huge, we are spending lots of play time together.  This week, we're doing valentines and crafts while it rains, and walking outside when it's dry.  And thanks to Mom's Club, we also had a social Monday and Tuesday - but I'm planning on staying in today for the most part.  It's nice once in a while to just stay home.

Kitchen Overhaul

One of the new things in our house for the past 8 weeks was Senthil's decision to be on an Oil-Free, Plant Based, Whole Foods Diet.  In a nutshell, it means eating food in it's original, unprocessed form often and not eating foods with added oils or sugars.  It's a vegan diet with a healthier twist.

While this might sound daunting - we prepared for this by watching the Netflix movie "Forks Over Knives" - then we bought the book and both read it - then we thought about it for weeks in India - and came home to start.  He has done absolutely amazing with it.  So far, he has stopped having sleep apnea and stopped snoring completely.  He feels lighter and healthier without going hungry - he can eat as much of this kind of food as he wants.  The only extra restriction he placed on himself this week is to avoid peanut butter a bit as it was becoming an every night treat on toast with jelly, and he would not only like to feel good, but also start losing weight.

Koral and I still go out and have treats or eat pizza occasionally - and last night, we 3 went to eat at Moe's for a diet-friendly meal - BOGO free burrito and a free kids meal on Tuesdays made the entire enormous meal for all of us less than $8!  Senthil ordered a whole grain tortilla with brown rice, veggies, black beans, salsa, guacamole, corn, etc. for a healthy meal.  I ate the same thing but with chips, and Koral got a free cheese sandwich, apple juice and cookie.  But at home, this is a typical breakfast:

Fruit, Sugarless cereals, Almond Milk

Our bowls of cereal and Koral's tray