Author: Allie Zottola

Sadie’s First Ear Infection + Coffee Talk

Poor Sadie girl came down with an ear infection last week. She randomly started tugging on her ear and acting not at all like her happy-go-lucky self. I gave her some Tylenol and booked an appointment to see the pediatrician the next morning.

Sadie did well at the appointment, except when the pediatrician wanted to look in her ear. We left the office with a diagnosis of an ear infection, a script for an antibiotic, and were on our way. I’m so thankful we were able to get in to the doctor quickly.

This little ear infection made me thankful that Sadie has been quite healthy otherwise! What a blessing. Another blessing? My mom had slept over that night because Jimmy was out of town for work. God knew when this mama needed her mama 🙂

Our little chicka doesn’t seem to be in too much pain. She’ll tug her ear and cry every now and then, and she’s not sleeping great, but she has taken everything in stride (even the diaper rash from the medicine, ugh). Getting the antibiotic in her has been quite the challenge! We tried giving her the amoxicillin in a mini medicine bottle, but that was a bit of a disaster, haha.

As I’ve mentioned before, she’s not a fan of bottles. We thought maybe she’d take the medicine from a bottle because it was bubblegum flavored, but nope! We’re using a syringe, but it seems like she just pushes the medicine right out of her mouth. Fellow parents, do you have any tips?!

Okay, enough about ear infections and bottles! Did everyone have a nice weekend? It was cold here in Pittsburgh, but we stayed warm with coffee!

Starbucks coffee date

My mother-in-law gave us Starbucks gift cards for Christmas, so we’ve been enjoying great coffee lately! I tried the Papua New Guinea blonde roast and loved it.

I had coffee on the brain this morning (see above about not getting much sleep, lol), so Sadie and I went on a little Starbucks date so I could work on editing my book.

Book editing at Starbucks

I tried the Kenya Barichu Reserve coffee, which was awesome. Having the Reserve coffee brewed in Starbuck’s Clover Brewing System was such a treat and reminded me of my coffee date with my dad around this time last year! Is anyone else really into the flavor profile of coffee, or are you in the coffee is coffee camp?

At home, Jimmy and I brew the Fair Trade Organic whole bean coffee from Aldi because it’s less than $5 for a 12 ounce bag and the coffee tastes great. If we go out to coffee shops like Starbucks, though, I really enjoy trying different blends and drinks!

Well, I better wrap this post up. Sadie is currently napping on me (I’m practicing my typing-with-one-hand skills, lol) and is starting to stir. Before I go, I need your help!

I’m still deciding on what to cook for our Valentine’s Day get-together. I’m considering the following: chili and cornbread, grilled barbecue ribs and chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, or a make your own pizza bar. What would you pick?!

Currently: February 2019

Well, here we are. It’s the second month of 2019. February has been treating us well so far. Pittsburgh has had some warm weather and sunshine the past few days, which has been absolutely lovely!

Family with baby girl

Here’s what’s currently going on in my life!

Current book Just finished this, which was really gripping. I picked up this political-based book and this medical memoir and can’t decide which to start first! I’ve also been reading all about about soup and cookies. A great combo, lol.

Current joy When Sadie wakes up and realizes who I am. She gets the biggest smile on her face and it makes me so happy.

Current food Rye bread. I just love that sharp, almost licorice-y flavor.

Pepperidge Farm Seedless Jewish Rye Bread

Current laugh I recently fed Sadie right before Jimmy and I walked into church and forgot to pull the flap of my nursing shirt back down and totally walked into church with my bra showing LOL.

Current blessing Jimmy and I bought a family car! We were using his truck as our family vehicle, and Jimmy was taking my two seat truck to work, but it was tough to get in and out of his two-door truck with Sadie’s carseat. Now we have a five person SUV!

Current beauty product Clear coat nail polish. I haven’t had much time to full-on paint my nails, but just adding a clear coat makes them look a little more put together 🙂

Current cuteness Sadie and her cousin Hunter! They spend a lot of time together in the church nursery, and I’m really excited to see them interact more as they grow up together.

Babies laying together

Current song Known by Tauren Wells.

Current baked good The best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever baked. Up next, I’m thinking I need to make graham cracker chocolate chip cookies because Maureen mentioned them and now I must. bake. them.

Current drink Going out for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. It has felt so necessary to have the extra caffeine with Sadie’s sleeping habits lately, haha.

Current indulgence Pet sitting! Doing things I did pre-Sadie feels so indulgent, lol. My mother-in-law and her fiancé baby sat Sadie and I was able to pet sit one of my long-time clients. I’ve also taken Sadie pet sitting with me a few times, which has been a lot of fun.

Walking chocolate lab in Pittsburgh PA

Current goal I’ve been wanting to paint the drawers on a hutch in our living room for a long time. I have the paint, I just need to make it happen.

Current excitement Jimmy and I are having his siblings and their significant others over on Valentine’s Day for a special dinner. I just need to decide what to make! Any ideas?!

Current craving A date night with Jimmy.

Current fun Taking Sadie to the library. I know this is only going to become more and more fun as she grows up, too! I just found out our local library is having a “babies and books” day a few times each month starting in March. Can’t wait!

Mom and baby at library

Current obsession Researching topics for a Bible study I’d like to create.

Current need Absolutely nothing! I have been so blessed.

Tell me something current from your life!