Cheap Eats

This weekend James and I sat down and discussed money and budgets, yet again. He’s had our monthly budget on a spreadsheet for the last two months. Every swipe of the card has to be recorded, YIKES! It’s amazing how fast little $5-10 purchases add up. I was not AT ALL excited about this budget when James first told me about it but I have to admit (Yes James, I’m not afraid to admit you are right! Haha), but it’s definitely been an eye opening experience. I’ve become a lot more cautious about EVERYTHING that I buy, and I’m sure I’ve spent a lot less lately because of it. Yesterday during our discussion James asked me if I ever thought about making our own baby food. Well, honestly no I had not. We aren’t really the hippy, go green, organic eating type…So I just never thought about it. We did lots of research about it and we both decided that I might actually enjoy making Carson’s baby food! It’s easy, cheaper, and it has to be better for him considering all of the preservatives that are added to baby food.
I’m SO glad James had this idea because after doing lots of research about it I really think this is something I will love to do. As most of you know I love being in the kitchen, and since I will be at home anyways there is no reason why I can’t give it a try! James found me a great website (http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/index.htm )with lots of tips, recipes, and information that I will for sure be referring back to! Even if you are someone who isn’t staying home this would still be an easy task. All of the foods can be frozen for up to 6 months! It’s AMAZING how much money you can save by making your own baby food. Take a look at this chart to see for yourself (click chart to enlarge)...

So after seeing this we did a little price comparison ourselves. We looked at a Stage 1 package of Gerber bananas (40 oz.) at Target for about $10. If I made 40 oz. of bananas at home it would cost me under ONE DOLLAR. Crazy right? And, Carson would have the benefit of eating fresh fruits and veggies! You’re probably thinking, “Yeah, sounds nice but who wants to mess with that?" Well the recipes are so easy. For example: Here’s the applesauce recipe:

Apple Baby Food Recipes - Puréed Apples/Applesauce (4-6 months old)
Ingredients
Any amount of apples you desire - we recommend using 5-10 large apples (try Macintosh, Gala or Braeburn.)
Directions
1. Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks
2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples
3. Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir, That's It. Easy Peasy.
4. Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps 5 - 7
5. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples
6. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
7. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree
8. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the
9. Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.

Last night I found a baby food cookbook on Babies R Us' website that I added to our registry along with some food storage trays… I can’t wait to get started!!!

Just an FYI... James just asked me what I was writing about and when I told him he said, "Well did you give me the credit for coming up with the idea?" Yes James, all credit goes to you! haha He must be jealous he didn't think of the curtain in the closet idea...

The Closet Debacle

Luckily, Carson's room is equipped with a large walk-in closet. If it wasn't for this closet we would honestly have NO WHERE to put our junk. For the last two years it's nearly been packed full of stuff that didn't have any other place to go. I bet in the two years we've lived here I have cleaned that closet out at least 10 times. Each time getting a car load of stuff for Goodwill. So you're probably thinking...the closet has got to be about empty right? Well... Not hardly. I have however seemed to make space for some of Carson's things. The closet is kind of a strange square shape with a long shelf in the back and two small shelves on the left and right when you walk in. The other night while trying to fall asleep I come up with a fabulous idea: If I can get all of our junk against the back wall maybe I can hang a curtain in front of the back side to close-off our mess, so that Carson can have the left and right sides all for himself. I ponder the idea for a few days before bringing it up to James because I knew he wouldn't be excited about this project, mainly because he'd be the one doing it. Yesterday while at Target I bought a cheap curtain rod for $4 and decided we were going to give it a try. I had an old set of cheap tan curtains that were here when we bought the place that I figured would work perfectly. So basically I'm thinking for $4 we can make this closet look MUCH more organized....

Over a lovely Friday night frozen pizza dinner I told James I had a project for us to do. He was thrilled. haha When I finished explaining he thought I was crazy. "Why would you hang a curtain in the closet? It's a closet, it's supposed to be full of stuff. Carson isn't going to care what it looks like. It's not like we are going to be living here forever, why does it matter what it looks like." Then he finishes off with a bold statement, "I mean, that's just ignorant." Ok... First of all, ignorant is a strong word, and who uses it anyways? haha I explained to James that word wasn't really necessary so he then just referred to the idea as "stupid" much nicer I guess? haha SO, luckily for him my mind was already made up. A curtain was going to be hanging in the closet, even if the pregnant lady had to do it herself. Of course James is too sweet of a guy and loves me WAY too much to say no. He marches up there and hangs the dang rod...thinking I'm crazy the whole time. My idea worked perfectly, of course! It turned out just like I envisioned and it doesn't look "ignorant" James. I'm pretty sure he would agree that it looks SO much nicer in there but he'd never admit it :) Of course I took a couple pictures to show you our handy work.
Here's the closet without the curtain...



And with the curtain...


Yes, a HUGE improvement! I gave James another little project today... We added another little shelf to one side for some more storage. We're ready for more stuff! haha

As requested...

I've told a few people I'd post a new belly picture so here it is :)
26 Week and 3 Days... It's getting bigger every week! It's hard to believe how much it's grown just in the last two weeks! I'm going to get HUGE!

I'll settle for a slow down...

The next couple of weeks in the Harper house are going to be a little slow. Good thing, or bad? I guess a little of both. We have SUCH an exciting March, April, and May coming up that these next two weeks leading up to it are going to be a little slow... We have our next doctors appointment March 9th so until then we've pretty much got nothing going on. Except for NOT spending money, as James would say. haha So basically we're just "taking it easy" and being lazy. I suppose all of you are probably thinking, "You better enjoy it while you can!" haha This is true I know,and we will enjoy it I'm sure :) Coming up in March I also have a lot of days off work which I am totally looking forward to. As most of you know I will not be coming back to work after Carson is born so I'm having this whole "senioritis" thing with work right now. It's like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I just wish I could reach it already! haha
Check out our exciting plans for March & April:
March 9th- 28 week check-up AND ultrasound! Yay :)
March 18th- I leave for Kentucky!
March 20th- Baby Shower in Owensboro!!!
March 21st- Baby Shower in Owensboro!!!
March 22nd- Heading back to Minnesota (another day off work! yay!)
March 27th & 28th- Birth & Parenting Class (SO excited about this!)
April 1st- We leave for Kentucky again!
April 3rd- Baby Shower in Benton!!!
April 4th, or 5th (not sure yet)- Heading back to Minnesota
April 6th or so we'll be heading back to the doctor for our 32 week check-up!!
April 19th- Breastfeeding class (James is SO excited about this!) haha
And by then Carson will only be about 6 weeks away... Ohmygosh! We JUST can't wait!!

I've also starting working on finding a pediatrician for our little man. I know this is important to do BEFORE Carson gets here so I've been asking around. I got a good reference but I need to call my doctor and see if they usually refer their patients anywhere. I've read in my books that you should "interview" your potential pediatricians... Do people really do this? Anyone have any advice on the matter? Things I should make sure the doctor does, doesn't do, etc?

Carson will be here in 100 days!!

Really? Only 100 more days until our lives change forever? I've never been SO ready for anything before in my life, except marrying the man of my dreams of course! I have spent COUNTLESS hours imagining what he will look like, smell like, and feel like in my arms! He’s going to be SO sweet! I've thought about bath time, reading stories, going for walks, meeting Daddy for lunch, visiting family and friends, and waking up every day to see his smiling face! On the other hand I have spent lots of time also thinking about how little sleep we’re going to get, the pains of labor, the first time he gets sick, and hearing him cry and not knowing what to do...yikes! These are definitely scary thoughts but just like every other Mom and Dad out there… we’ll make it through, and figure it out I'm sure!

Carson is moving around like CRAZY lately! A couple nights ago we were laying in bed and I told James he should try to hear Carson's heartbeat again...So he proceeds to put his ear on my belly and we're sitting there in complete silence and James says, "I can't hear anything...he's kicking me in the face!" hahaha It was so funny!! So, needless to say he still hasn't heard the little heartbeat himself. Last night I got in bed about 30 minutes before James and for about 30 minutes I laid there while Carson was moving ALL over the place. It was like I could feel him rolling around or something. With my hands on my belly I could tell that I was feeling his back, or head, or bottom, or something pretty solid and big that was moving! It definitely wasn't a little hand or foot! It was the neatest feeling ever :)

I'm thinking that the next 100 days are going to get a little uncomfortable. I am really starting to feel the "uncomfortableness" of having a belly. Turning over in bed has become a chore, and I'm already getting tired of my kiddos at school asking me to bend over and tie their shoes! This week I started making them put their shoe up in a chair so I don't have as far to bend! haha

Here's a funny story that's sure to make you smile :) For those of you that don't know my nephew Parker he is HILARIOUS. The little guy says the funniest things. Well, we've been telling him all about Carson and how much fun it will be when he gets here. Granny and Pops have told him that he'll get to play with him and teach him things. The other day when they said something about being excited for Carson to get here Parker says, "When he gets here I'm going to put him in the trash can and close the lid." Lovely. haha What can I say....It's been all about Parker for the last three years, why would he want that to change? haha Just the other night my mom said they were in the car going somewhere when Parker said he was going to be nice to Carson and that he was going to give him "gentle hugs". He's so cute! I know when he does get to meet Carson he will love him just as much as we do :) Although...maybe at that first meeting I should keep an extra close eye on Parker, Carson, and the trashcan. haha

Some good news and some sad news....

Good news first:
Today I had my 3 hour glucose test to see if I have gestational diabetes and.... No diabetes for me! WooHoo! I have to admit I was a little nervous about the results :) But it's now safe to say that both Mommy and Carson are perfectly healthy!

Sad news:
We found out last night that our neighbors are moving :( We are SUPER excited for them because they have just been dying to get out of their little townhouse, as are we, but we are going to be SOOO sad to see them go! Luckily... they aren't moving too far away (just a couple miles down the road)but we will miss having them right across the street! They are going to be breaking ground soon and should be able to move in not too long after Carson gets here! We had this whole plan worked out where we were going to give them an extra set of baby monitors, and if they heard us crying they needed to come running! haha Do they make baby monitors that work a few miles away? We do look forward to bringing our little man over to their NEW place to visit :) It will be here before we know it!!!!

Welcome to the 3rd Trimester

I'm officially on the "last leg" of this pregnancy! I will have to admit that so far I have enjoyed being pregnant...Maybe I say that because I am not quite to that incredibly uncomfortable phase? haha It's hard to believe that Carson will actually be here in about 104 days...We are starting to get SO anxious! We just can't wait to meet him :) I'm just dying to know what he looks like, a little James, or a little Ashley, or a perfect mix of both? During this month Carson is about the size of an eggplant. Eggplant? Really? Couldn't they have come up with a more appetizing food to compare him to? Thebump.com says that during this month James should be able to hear Carson's heartbeat just by putting his ear on my belly...he hasn't yet, so we'll keep you posted! Carson's little eyes are forming and he will soon be able to blink... So cute!

As I start this 6 month of pregnancy here is a little bit of what's going on:

Maternity Clothes? I'm pretty much wearing only maternity clothes these days...they are simply more comfy. I do still have some things that fit just fine, along with a couple pairs of jeans that work with the Bella Band. I will have to admit, maternity jeans are pretty comfy! haha

Sleep? Until about two nights ago I was sleeping really well. I have always been one to have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night so for now that's not really bothering me...I'm sure these trips will get more frequent and more annoying! The last two nights I have had a tough time getting comfortable... I think it's about time to try the pillow in between the legs trick.

Movement? I am happy to say that we're feeling Carson move more and more everyday! This morning James and I laid in bed for about 20 minutes and just felt him kick around. I just wish I knew what it was he was doing in there! haha Carson is also discovering where my bladder is located, which leads me to the next topic...

Bathroom Breaks? Frequent. I have noticed in the last week or so that it seems for about every 5-6 drinks of water I have to pee once. I don't mean 5-6 glasses of water, I mean 5-6 drinks... So, basically for every bottle of water I drink I have to pee about 3 times. We are going to burn through some serious toilet paper in this last trimester... haha I can now also tell when Carson is pushing on my bladder. This of course causes a very sudden, "Ohmygosh I can hardly hold it!" urge to pee. Lovely :) This is going to be fabulous when it comes time to make that 12 hour drive home in March. Good thing James is a patient guy :) haha

Shopping? I have been trying really hard to bring the shopping to a screeching halt. And, since Mom has left I feel like I'm doing pretty good :) James would probably even agree! I will say I had a little slip-up at Kohls the other day... It's just SO hard to pass up cute little clothes that only cost a couple bucks!

Eating? I feel lucky that I haven't really been having an crazy cravings... James said not to say that because there is still plenty of time! I am starting to notice my indigestion coming back a little bit, accompanied by a little heartburn. I hope this doesn't get any worse...

How's Daddy? Daddy is doing great! He is really enjoying being able to feel Carson move and he's been doing a lot of financial preparations to get ready for Carson. Budgets & college funds, Oh my! I am proud to say too that Daddy is also losing weight while I continue to gain it! haha I'm so proud of him... I guess he will be my motivation to loose this weight once Carson does get here!

What I miss? Right now... Nothing :) I am really enjoying my pregnancy this far! I don't even miss my regular clothes yet :) I'm sure that will come shortly! haha

What I'm looking forward to? I am really excited for our March 9th appointment because we get to see Carson again :) The ultrasound tech told us that with the 3D ultrasound this time we'd be able to really get a good look at him! Yay! I am also getting SUPER excited for our showers coming up in March :) Can't wait to see everyone!

Weekend Happenings...

I can breathe! I pretty much haven't been able to breathe for the last couple of weeks... A couple days ago I bought a humidifier and I'm giving it all of the credit! It's amazing how much it helped in just a matter of a couple hours. I am still using my Neti Pot which I think is also helping out a bunch :) I almost forgot what it feels like to be able to breathe through both sides of my nose at the same time!

James and I are taking it easy this weekend... Just enjoying a little quality time together :) James has been working on his masters for sometime now so today he spent about 5 hours at the library working on a midterm... The house was quiet and I was quite bored so I began another project that involved dragging out the ol' sewing machine :) I found a free pattern online not too long ago for a baby sling that looked pretty simple. So today's project: Making a baby sling! I'm not totally sure if a sling is something I will like using but it sounds like a great thing! Being able to hold Carson and still have use of both hands would be nice. I've seen so many cute slings out there and the cheapest being about $40...Seems silly to spend that on something I don't even know if I'll use. My solution...Make one for less than $10 :) I am so thrifty...probably why James married me. haha This sling was pretty easy to make, aside from the vague directions, and would make a great gift! When you buy the material you actually have enough to make two! I was only able to make one due to the fact that I accidentally cut the first one wrong...whoops. I'm sure I'll come up with something else to make with my leftover fabric!

The sling turned out really cute, I think...Although, it's hard to tell when you don't actually have a baby to put in there! If any of you know the sewing basics you could totally make this :) I found the pattern at http://www.mykarmababy.com/pages/BabySlingPattern.php

I go back to the doctor on Tuesday for the 3 hour glucose test so I will be sure to let you all know how that goes...Keep your fingers crossed!

Mommy & Carson update :)

Today we had our 24 week check-up :) I wasn't looking forward to this appointment because I had to do the one hour glucose screening to test if I need to do further testing for gestational diabetes... Of course the lovely lady at the lab said my count was "slightly elevated" and that I needed to come back for the THREE hour test. Just fantastic! So, I go back next Tuesday for that blood work...I will update you after that test with results :)

I was a little worried going into this appointment about Carson because yesterday I was experiencing some pretty sharp pains on the lower right side, kinda under my belly. After consulting with my pregnancy expert Cheryl yesterday she reassured me it was probably only round ligament pains. What are round ligament pains you ask? Well this is a little of what WebMD had to say on the topic:

"Round ligament pain refers to a type of pelvic pain caused by stretching of the round ligaments. This occurs more commonly on the right side of the pelvis. Your uterus is normally the size of a pear. Thick ligaments, one of which is called the round ligament, hold your uterus in suspension within your abdomen. As the uterus grows in size and weight, these ligaments become very long and thin, stressing and tensing like rubber bands. The ligaments pull and tug on nearby nerve fibers and sensitive structures, causing pain. The severity of pain can worry you. Although round ligament pain is uncomfortable, it is also very normal. A ligament spasm, an involuntary contraction or cramp, usually triggers a sharp pain. These spasms are found more frequently on the right side than the left because of the normal tendency of the uterus to turn to the right.You might awaken at night with pain after having suddenly rolled over in your sleep. The pain may also be brought on by exercise."

After talking with my actual doctor today she confirmed Cheryl's diagnosis! (Cheryl maybe you have a future in Obstetrics? haha) This was a relief :) Although, I will say these pains hurt very bad. It feels somewhat like a side stitch you get when your running x 10. At least it's coming and going instead of just constant pain! We got to hear our little man's heartbeat again today and the doctor said it was perfect :) 150 bpm! He is a snug as a bug in there and doing just fine! I asked her to about my sinus problems and she basically said that there was really nothing else to take or do...Who needs to breathe anyways?

A belly update...It's definitely growing! I feel like just in the last week it's gotten bigger! I think it's starting to really fill into more of a "belly" than a bump. So, no more "beer gut" or "bump"... We must now refer to it as a belly.



Today we also scheduled our next appointment at 28 weeks. At our last ultrasound they said my placenta wasn't quite low enough yet so they wanted to do another ultrasound (yay!!!) to make sure it lowered. So... On March 9th we get to go back to take another peek at Carson! We cant wait :) While at the office we also got our info about signing up for classes at the hospital. We'll be taking a birth/parenting class to learn all about what to expect at the hospital(Fairview Ridges Hospital), and we get a tour of The Birthplace. I'm sure the tour alone will make me feel a little less anxious on that day that I actually do go into labor! We are also going to take a breastfeeding class. Yes, I am going to give the whole breastfeeding thing a try, even though I'm not crazy about the whole process. I've thought about it, and thought about it and I've decided this is no time to be selfish. I need to do this for Carson :) I'm sure James is pumped about this class but he can get over considering he won't actually be doing the breastfeeding! The breastfeeding decision was a hard one for me so I'm sure I will be needing LOTS of support from him and anyone who's willing to give it.

James is whining about my lengthy blog...he needs the computer for homework. I guess homework trumps blog.

Kicking & Breathing...

James and I hit yet another Carson milestone this weekend! Not only are we both feeling him move more and more often but we can now actually SEE my belly move when he kicks! What a strange sight that is... I love it though! When I feel him kicking I just want to watch my belly :) James has been trying to hear Carson's heartbeat but we aren't quite there yet. I'm sure in the next week or so he'll be able to. Tuesday I have my 24 week check-up appointment as well as my one hour glucose test...blah. Not looking forward to that. I actually have done this test once already (while we were trying to get pregnant) and it was so boring. At least this time when I get there I'll drink the "special drink" and then while I wait for one hour I actually have a check-up with the OB so that will kill some of the time! I'm trying to come up with a long list of questions to make the waiting part of the test as short as possible. Keep your fingers crossed that I pass this first test and don't have to do the three hour one...

So I've mentioned in previous posts that I'm one that always has a "project" of some sorts that I'm working on... Well, my most recent project is simply trying to breathe. Sounds easy right? It would be if both sides of my nose were cooperating! For the last couple weeks I've been battling a stuffy nose. I totally understand this is part of being pregnant and I should probably just get used to it, but I feel like there has to be SOME way to get a little relief. My nose has been a mess since about the 10th week of pregnancy so I'm used to that, but this not being able to breathe stuff is killing me.

I've tried Sudafed...Not working at all.
I've invested in a Neti Pot, which I will say really does help, but I've realized that when your nose is completely stopped up the solution can't even get through your sinus cavity to help. Great.
My newest attempt is rubbing Vick's on my chest, I THOUGHT this was working until today...now I can't seem to get any relief.

I stopped by Walgreen's today to ask the pharmacist if she had any suggestions and that was pretty much a waste of time. There just aren't many meds that are approved for pregnant women to take. Lovely. So now I turn to you... Anyone have any suggestions?

First Baby Shower!

Last weekend one of the girls I work with, Gina hosted a lovely little shower for me! A shower, this early? Yes, it was a little early but she wanted my mom to be able to come, so it worked out perfect! It was really fun to start getting all of the "stuff" we're going to need to take care of this little guy! Where in the world is it all going to go? Geez we need a bigger place! Carson got a super cute swing, courtesy of the neighbors, a "Whale of a tub" with all of the bath time goodies inside, a Tummy time mat, some hooded towels,a couple toys, and a basket of all kinds of necessities from the hostess :) Mom gave Carson the quilt that goes with his bedding!! I was SO excited because this wasn't a purchase I was planning on making because I felt it was too pricey for a quilt that might not even get used that much. So, Mom being the shopper that she is, found it on Ebay for like a 1/3rd of the price! Yay :) I just love it and I feel like it really makes the crib look complete! We still have three showers left... Oh Carson you are going to have TONS of cool things buddy :) I am going home mid March for two "girls showers" as James calls them and then his family is having a big couples shower for us Easter weekend!! We can't wait to see everyone!

Carson's little pad...

Amazing weekend...Post two. I picked up Granny at the airport on Thursday at 2:15ish and of course we headed straight for IKEA! Mom and I shared a chip, soda, and 2 hot dog combo for $2 and then we were ready to get down to business! I had a LONG list of things I wanted to check out for Carson's room. Well, let me just say that 2 hours, $150 dollars, and a cart full of goodies later we were finished with the IKEA trip! After IKEA we drove across the street to the Mall of America of course! James met us for some quick dinner and then we were off shopping again :) By this point its already 5:30ish and we were beginning to get a little tired so we just planned on hitting a few stores. I was wanting to look for some maternity clothes, which seem to be only easy to find at the MOA of all places. We hit the maternity jackpot at the Gap! I found all kinds of cute things and even picked up a few more at Old Navy! Fun :) It's now about 7:00 and were exhausted... For those of you that have been up here you understand that IKEA and the MOA are only about 3 miles from the airport. So basically in about 5 hours we'd been 3 miles and spent some serious $$$... And we still have all weekend to go... Yikes!

One of the main reasons I wanted Mom to come up was to help me work on Carson's room! So of course we spent the entire weekend trying to make it the cutest room ever... I think we succeeded! I just LOVE the way it turned out,and it's very comforting to know that it's finished. Yes, I know...we still have 17 weeks until the little man arrives but I think it will take away some anxiety with it being finished. One less thing to worry about, plus...Who knows how I will feel when my belly REALLY gets huge?? Mom and I were working on hemming some curtains and I was crawling all around on the floor pinning and measuring and I told her.... Can you imagine if I were trying to do this with a belly twice this size... would have been a nightmare! However, Mom and I can not take credit for the entire room. James had a very important job...hanging our new red shelves. For those of you that really know me you know I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, and of course James is very aware of this lovely trait. He knew this could make hanging two shelves directly over top of each other a little more difficult. Of course he did a wonderful job :) They are level, secure, and perfect! We think they really make the room! Let us know what you think :)





Tomorrow I will fill you in on the second half of the weekend... First baby shower :)

What a weekend!

Let me start by saying it has been quite an exciting weekend at the Harper house! I have TONS that I could post so I will break it up into two post as not to overwhelm you :) haha As most of you know "Granny" has been in Minnesota all weekend to do LOTS, and I do mean LOTS of shopping for our little man Carson! I will talk more about this in my weekend post part two!
Yesterday I was officially 23 weeks pregnant! WooHoo! I cant believe we only have 17 weeks until Carson gets here! It really is crazy to think and I know it's going to continue to fly by. The exciting Carson news for this weekend was that James, and my mom were finally able to feel Carson kick! Saturday night James and I got in bed and I could really feel Carson kicking. I have been able to feel him moving around more and more but I think this might have been the first real kick I've felt too. It was obviously a foot, possibly even a large one kicking! haha I've been feeling the "flutters" pretty low in my stomach but this kick was up pretty high...guess he's hanging out upside down in there! haha Well, after I felt the kick I kind of froze and told James to quick feel... Sure enough a couple seconds later he was like "Ohmygosh, I think I felt it." Then we sat there for a minute...silent...concentrating...and I felt it again. I said, "There, that was it...Did you feel it?" I looked over and could tell by the smile on his face he'd most certainly felt it! AMAZING :) I'm sooooo glad that we can both now feel out little man in there rocking and rolling. I am really starting to feel him move a lot more. I can almost guess when he's going to be "active". A diet coke gets him every time....and of course he loves to bounce around after I eat, and when I'm resting. Who doesn't love diet coke, eating, and resting? Carson and I are going to get along great :) haha I love this little guy!