TheMainKatie

Single mom of a Teen, 2 cats, and a hyper pup. I drive a Prius. I have naturally curly hair. I am infatuated with food and saving money. I workout some too. I am blessed to have family nearby and believe family is important. You'll notice all types of topics get my attention. I am very random. If you have a suggestion for a post, message me and let me know. Checkout my Amazon storefront: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/home/account/tag/manage?tracking_id=themainkatie-20

Saturday, July 5, 2025

I did a thing…

Well, I did a thing. I just signed up to be a Pampered Chef consultant, and let me tell you — I’m equal parts excited, nervous, and so very tired.

If you know me, you know my plate is already pretty full. I work full time from home in a demanding job that doesn’t slow down just because I’m in sweatpants. On top of that, I’m juggling life with my very active, very opinionated 27-month-old, who apparently thinks sleep is optional.
So why in the world did I decide to add Pampered Chef to the mix?

Because I needed something for me.

I’ve always loved cooking (or at least eating). But lately, my kitchen adventures have been more about survival than joy — think chicken nuggets at warp speed. I was craving a little spark, a reason to play around with new recipes and tools, and honestly, to have a bit of fun adult interaction that doesn’t involve the word “diaper.”
Pampered Chef seemed like the perfect fit. I get to share products that I genuinely love (seriously, who doesn’t need a good chopper or a stone that makes pizza nights way better?), earn a little extra money, and hopefully build a community of food-loving friends along the way.

I’m hosting my first party!

So here I am, planning my very first Pampered Chef party. I’m excited to show off some awesome kitchen gadgets and maybe inspire a few of you to try something new in your own kitchens. It’s going to be low-key, fun, and all online — meaning I’ll probably be answering questions with a toddler climbing my leg, but hey, we’ll roll with it.

I’m not superwoman. I’m just… trying.

Honestly, I’m exhausted. Working from home with a little one is already a circus act, and now I’ve basically added a juggling torch to the mix. But I keep reminding myself this is a season. And who knows — maybe this new adventure will lead to more freedom down the road.

Want to come along?

If you’re curious, I’d love for you to join my launch party. You can check out some fun recipes, score kitchen inspo, and maybe even snag a freebie or two. No pressure — just a chance to hang out, laugh a little, and celebrate this new (slightly crazy) chapter I’ve jumped into.
Drop a comment or send me a message if you want an invite. And if nothing else, wish me luck… because this mama needs it.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Some of the reasons my 2 year old cried

Some of the reasons my 2 year old cried yesterday :

I gave him the cereal he wanted.

I took away the cereal because he no longer wanted it.

I opened the smoothie pouch he picked.

I used the bathroom.

I answered the phone.

I put the wrong character pull up on him.

His brother left the house.

The vacuum came on.

The dog sat on his playmat.

The towel he put on his head fell off.

There was other times too but I can’t remember all of the reasons his life is hard.

At least he neverer cried anout the color of his cup. 😂

Toddlers are FUN. 😅

#momlife #toddlerlife

Thursday, September 26, 2024

My little man is 1 1/2!💙

Mama’s baby boy turned 18 months old yesterday.

Nobody talks about when you no longer use the baby scale and now use the big kid scale. I wasn’t prepared and I don’t remember this moment with Nathaniel, which makes me feel a little bad. It made me a little emotional. My baby isn’t a baby.

He’s into everything of course. Loves Ms Rachel, Halloween, the cats, Mama, Dada, and Nathaniel. Loves to eat, especially lasagna, fish, bananas, and bread. Of course he still loves to nurse.

He has a lot of personality and his sense of humor is a little wild. Poor Daphne has been teased with food that he rescinded the offer on more than a few times.

As you know, we love this little guy and are obsessed with him.

Happy 18 months my sweet boy. 💙

*Follow me on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/katiemain

Saturday, August 31, 2024

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Thursday, August 29, 2024

Almost at Pre-Pregnancy Weight 🥳

Finally holding under 140 🙌🏼

I’m smaller right now than I was at this point after Nathaniel. I really thought I would be back to “normal” by Devon’s first. It has been a little disappointing to still not fit my jeans. But I’m getting there! 🥳

My heaviest was 166.6lbs the day before I gave birth. I was just at 131 before I got pregnant. It feels good to say I have less than 10lbs to go. Finally! 🙌🏼👏🏼

Btw we are 17 months postpartum. And, I’m still breastfeeding. And, I work a full time demanding job while simultaneously caring for Devon. 🥹

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

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Friday, July 26, 2024

Making Bath Time Fun: How We Turned Showers into a Splashing Success for Devon

We have figured out how to make Devon love bath time!

First, we discovered he prefers showers. This made him 1000% better about water in his face.

Second, we put his infant tub in the shower. It’s like playing in a pool while it’s raining.

Third, we occasionally add bubbles! Maybe always.

I have an extra-large jacuzzi tub, so giving him baths in my tub would be a lot of wasted water. We still keep the other bathroom off limits to Devon so Nathaniel doesn’t have to put all of his stuff up and out of reach every time he uses it. So, showers in my bathroom are the most ideal option.

This has made getting clean after dinner so much better and easier! He goes straight from the high chair to the shower. I literally strip him of everything as I’m taking him out of his chair, and he runs to the shower.

I never would have imagined my one-year-old taking daily showers, but here we are.

Thursday, July 25, 2024

My Little Warrior's First Busted Lip

Yesterday was a tough one for my little adventurer. At just 15 months old, he's always on the move, exploring and discovering the world around him. But sometimes, those little legs don't quite keep up with his curious mind or he inherited my clumsiness. Maybe both.

It happened in a flash. One moment, he was gleefully playing at his activity table, and the next, he tripped and fell right into it. The sharp cry that followed sent my heart racing. I scooped him up and saw the blood on his lip—his first real injury.

As a mom, seeing your baby in pain is one of the hardest things. But in that moment, I had to stay calm. After some gentle cleaning and a lot of cuddles and nursing, the bleeding stopped, and his tears turned into little whimpers.

Throughout the rest of the day, he showed me just how resilient he is. Despite the swollen lip, he was back to his usual self, exploring and playing with a smile. His bravery reminded me of how strong and resilient our little ones are.

This experience was a reminder of the countless firsts that come with raising a child—both the joyful and the challenging. Each bump and bruise is a part of his journey, and as his mom, I'm here to help him through them all.

Today, he's sporting his little battle scar like a true warrior. And while I'm sure this won't be the last of his adventures, I know we'll get through each one together, one step (and tumble) at a time.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Exhausting Yet Beautiful Journey of Working Full-Time and Caring for My One Year Old

Working full-time while caring for my almost 16-month-old is an experience that can only be described as both exhausting and profoundly rewarding. The daily routine is a whirlwind of activity, from early morning wake-ups to late-night work catch-ups. Every day is a balancing act, trying to meet the demands of my job while ensuring my little one gets the attention and care he deserves.

The exhaustion is real. There are days when I feel like I’m running on empty, with barely enough time to catch my breath. The constant juggling of tasks—responding to emails, attending meetings, preparing meals, and managing nap times—leaves little room for rest. It's a relentless cycle that often feels overwhelming.

Yet, amidst the fatigue and the endless to-do lists, there are moments of pure joy that make it all worthwhile. The first smile in the morning, the giggles during playtime, and the quiet moments of cuddling remind me of the incredible blessing that motherhood is. These moments are fleeting and precious, and they provide the strength and motivation to keep going.

Balancing a full-time job and caring for a toddler requires a tremendous amount of energy, patience, and resilience. But it also brings an unparalleled sense of fulfillment. Every challenge overcome, every milestone reached, is a testament to the strength and love that define this journey. While the exhaustion is undeniable, so is the profound blessing of watching my child grow and thrive each day.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Just a little goes a long way

I just realized today that the 529 I opened for Nathaniel at birth is still open. I forgot about it after I got busy as a single mom going to school, working, doing homework and housework.

Every month from March until December of 2006 I put $5 a month in it (we were poor poor). In 2007 it received a deposit from Upromise (cash back incentives from shopping). Nothing since.

Today the account that I haven’t personally but anything in since 2006 is worth $289.89.

17 years of just sitting in an account growing with the market.

I wish I had continued to contribute to it because imagine what $5 a month for 17 years would have looked like when $84.28 increased by over 343%.

My point is that 17+ years from now, even saving as little as $5 a month will grow your savings more than not saving anything at all. Whether you save for yourself or your children, you won’t regret putting that $5 away.

*Btw this account was abandoned but he does have another 529 so he will be ok.

If you’re interested in saving for your child with as little as $5 a month we have been using College Backer and highly recommend it. Not only can you set an automatic contribution as as low as $5 a month but you can also invite friends and family to contribute.

For myself, I use Stash to grow my savings. For just yourself it is $3 a month and you can also set an automatic contribution for as low as $5 a month. You can upgrade your account to contribute to an IRA and/or custodial accounts for your children. I also use Robinhood but just for myself. Robinhood has cryptocurrency and options available but you should know these can come with higher risk.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Missing my cousin

Time is a thief while watching a little one grow. However, when mourning a loss, it doesn’t pass quickly enough.

This morning I woke up thinking how my cousin should have been 40 today. I couldn’t help to be overwhelmed by not just what he missed but also what he might have accomplished.

He never got to go to prom.

He never got to graduate high school.

He never got to be engaged or married.

He never got to have his own family.

He never got to be successful.

Passing at 17, changed his family but also his extended family. We will never know what life would have been like with him here these past 23 years.

I wish we could be celebrating this milestone with him. Instead, we are missing him more today than ever.

Happy 40th David. 💔

#forever17

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Baby “Cookies” made from Baby Food

Devon is loving these little bites I made from his Littlle Spoon purée. It was easy to make, they are delicious (I tried them) and they are healthy for him.

This recipe only uses 4 ingredients!

It’s a great way to use up some of the baby food you have left.

1 container of purée (here is Little Spoon ancient grain banana + coconut cream pie)

1 egg

1/4 cup of Gerber Organic Oatmeal

1/4 cup of cheese

Blend and drop in small bites onto a parchment lined pan.

Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.

I only make one tray at a time because he’s only snacking on these. He eats about 2 while I make my coffee and fix our breakfast, 2 while I prep our lunch, and in the evening he has 2 while I prepare dinner. Since these are made with excellent and nutritious ingredients I feel good about giving them before (or after) meals.

#babysnacks #babycookies #pureecookies #cookies #foodforbaby #blw

Sunday, December 10, 2023

My Oldest Son is Transitioning to Adulthood this Coming Year

As a mother, the odyssey of raising my only child has been a profound journey, filled with a spectrum of emotions that swell as I witness my firstborn son embarking on the threshold of adulthood. Today, my heart is both aflutter with pride and heavy with reflection as he proudly dons the mantle of an Eagle Scout.

The achievement of Eagle Scout is more than a badge; it symbolizes a voyage of growth, resilience, and commitment. I marvel at the transformation of the young boy who eagerly joined the scouts into the poised young man whose accomplishments stand as a testament to dedication and character.

Come February, we will mark his 18th birthday – a significant waypoint in the timeline of his life. It's a moment to celebrate the passage of time, as well as an opportunity for me to acknowledge the profound changes in him and in our relationship. The days of bedtime stories and scraped knees feel like distant echoes as he stands at the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood.

The culmination of his high school journey in May is a beacon on the horizon, illuminating the memories of countless school projects, soccer games, and shared laughter. As a mother, watching him stride confidently toward graduation is a poignant reminder that the child who once sought my guidance is now ready to navigate the world on his own terms.

This juncture prompts a delicate dance between holding on and letting go, as the nurturing instincts of motherhood collide with the awareness that he is prepared to chart his own course. The values instilled during his formative years become the compass guiding him into the uncharted waters of independence.

The achievement of Eagle Scout, the upcoming 18th birthday, and the impending high school graduation are not merely milestones but markers on a map of shared experiences and shared growth. The quiet evenings of homework assistance and the exhilaration of accomplishments both big and small have sculpted the contours of our familial landscape.

So, here's to my son – a new Eagle Scout, on the brink of adulthood, and poised for the exciting journey beyond high school. May the winds of change carry him forward with the wisdom, resilience, and compassion that have been nurtured through the years. As a mother, I embrace the ebb and flow of emotions, knowing that our bond will endure, even as he sets sail into the vast expanse of adulthood.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Navigating the Struggle: Working from Home, Parenting an Infant, and the Constant Battle of Self-Doubt

Parenthood is an incredible journey, but when combined with the demands of working from home full-time, it can feel like an unending balancing act. In this blog post, we'll dive into the raw and honest struggles of caring for an infant while juggling the responsibilities of a remote job. The constant stress, self-doubt, and the perpetual question of whether alternative childcare solutions could make a difference are all too familiar to many parents in similar situations.

1. **The Constant Battle:**

Caring for an infant while working full-time from home is a challenge like no other. The continuous juggling act between meeting work deadlines and tending to a little one's needs creates an environment ripe for self-doubt. As parents, we often question if we're doing justice to either role.

2. **The Elusive Work-Life Balance:**

The concept of work-life balance can feel like an unattainable dream. The struggle to compartmentalize professional and personal responsibilities within the confines of your home blurs the lines, leaving you in a perpetual state of being pulled in different directions.

3. **Milk Supply Woes:**

For breastfeeding parents, the concern about milk supply becomes an additional layer of stress. The nagging question of whether being physically present at home, or opting for daycare or a nanny, could positively impact lactation looms large.

4. **The What-Ifs:**

a. **What If I Wasn't Working?**

The thought of how different things might be if you weren't juggling both roles simultaneously can be both tempting and tormenting. The grass often seems greener on the other side, but the reality is that each choice comes with its unique set of challenges.

b. **Daycare or Nanny Dilemma:**

Exploring alternative childcare options introduces another layer of decision-making. The internal debate over whether enlisting the help of a daycare or a nanny could alleviate some stress adds to the already overwhelming mental load.

5. **Navigating Self-Compassion:**

Amidst the chaos, it's crucial to practice self-compassion. Understand that it's okay not to have all the answers or to feel like you're falling short. Parenting is a journey of learning and adapting, and acknowledging your efforts is an essential step in finding peace amidst the chaos.

Conclusion:

Parenting while working from home is an intricate dance of love, stress, and constant adaptation. The struggle is real, and the self-doubt is a universal sentiment. Whether you're questioning the impact of your work on your milk supply or considering alternative childcare solutions, it's essential to recognize that you're not alone in this journey. Embrace the challenges, seek support when needed, and remember that finding your unique balance is a process—one that evolves with time and experience.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Your friend just gave you $20! 🙌

Hey Mama!

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When you spend it, they'll get $20 off too. Just use this VIP link to apply your discount automatically: http://rwrd.io/yprto33

Enjoy!

Click To Activate Your Referral Code

$20 discount applies to purchases of $80 or more before tax and shipping.

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Caden Lane 12 Worth Dr General Delivery Boerne, TX 78006-5693

Saturday, November 25, 2023

We're saving together for Devon 🚀

We're saving for college together with Backer, and we'd love to have you on our team ❤️ https://backer.com/devonmainvalle

Sunday, September 24, 2023

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Friday, August 25, 2023

Pumping Success as an EBF

I think everyone knows I breastfeed, but I also started pumping so that I can bump my supply up and have some extra for various reasons. I am no where close to a super supplier like I was with Nathaniel. When pumping I was getting like 1.5 ounces with the first morning session and it was less over the next two throughout the day. Fairly frustrating considering this isn’t my first child even if it had been a while.

I ordered smaller flanges for my Motif Luna and finally dropped the dime (lots of dimes on the Willow 3.0) and the milk containers for it since the bags are a little pricey.

I did worse with the Willow with the bags but when the milk containers arrived it was like a miracle. I finally pumped just over 2oz (albeit it took 45 minutes) in my morning session while he nursed from one side. Later after Devon’s nap, while he nursed from one side (I don’t want to wash 2 containers 😅), I pumped another 2oz! I finally could bag 4oz and I only did 2 sessions! 🥳🙌🏼

Today, another 4oz day success! 🥳🎊

I should say that I had a slight diet change. As of Tuesday I started adding half a scoop of protein powder to my morning and afternoon coffee. Since that didn’t change my output Tuesday or Wednesday I feel like that had trivial effect here.

Someone told me it’s funny how what excites us changes with every stage of life. Very true statement. I am literally so freaking excited about being a better human cow. Moooo 😂🥰

Thursday’s bounty! 🥛

Friday’s milk treasure! 🥰🥳

This makes this mama feel so accomplished! 🏆

Please Continue to Support the Breast Pump Tax Elimination

Greetings,

I am a proud constituent and a mother, and I am writing to you today to thank you for your efforts in eliminating the breast pump tax, and encourage you to make every effort to ensure that the breastpump sales tax elimination contained in the bipartisan budget bill becomes law.

Breast pumps are an essential tool for breastfeeding mothers like me who need to express milk for their babies when they are away from them. However, breast pumps can be costly, with prices ranging from $50 to over $500. For many families here in North Carolina, the cost of a breast pump can be a significant financial burden for working parents.

By eliminating sales tax on breast pumps, we can make this essential tool more affordable for all mothers who want to breastfeed. This tax exemption would benefit enumerable North Carolina families who may struggle with the high cost of breast pumps, while also enabling us to provide nutrients that have been proven to reduce the risks for significant health issues and reducing our risk of certain cancers.

Getting rid of the taxes on breast pumps in North Carolina will lead to healthier children and mothers, as well as have a significant cost savings for our state. I urge you to keep working to include the sales tax exemption for breast pumps intact in the current budget legislation in our great state. Thank you for your service to our community and for your support on this request.

Thank you for your consideration and support!

Katie Main
Proudly breastfeeding my 5 month old

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Support Breastfeeding 🤱🏼

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, as a proud EBF mom, I had to make a post.🤱🏼

For something so natural, breastfeeding isn’t easy. Some women are fortunate that it is but many have struggles and have to work to be able to breastfeed their babies.

Seventeen years ago when I had my first it took a week for my milk to come in. The pediatrician threatened me with CPS instead of referring me to a lactation consultant. I was determined to nurse my son and a woman at a drugstore told me to try Mother’s Milk tea. That worked! Probably helped that I sat down and relaxed while drinking it. After that hiccup start I ended up able to fully feed my son and pump at the same time. Our journey then lasted almost two years.

Seventeen years later and I’m nursing my second son. This time my milk came in shortly after birth. However his weight didn’t jump up fast enough apparently (even still) and the pediatrician asked “how many ounces was he drinking when he nurses?” Very clear sign that once again I have a pediatrician who has little knowledge of breastfeeding and he didn’t refer me to a lactation consultant either.

I’m 42 and have had some thyroid issues. But I’m determined! I have added several galactagogues to my diet, I pump while nursing at least twice a day, and I drink over a gallon of water each.

We are succeeding! At his 4 month visit he was up 26%! He’s happy and thriving!

We are happy and thriving!

I love that we are on this journey.

If you want to breastfeed and struggle please know that you can get help from a lactation consultant. Contact your hospital, birthing center, or your insurance for help locating one if your pediatrician doesn’t refer you. Btw a pump is a friend in building your supply and it’s covered under insurance.

https://portal.ilca.org/i4a/memberDirectory/index.cfm?directory_id=19&pageID=4356

https://llli.org/get-help/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning-breastfeed/finding-breastfeeding-support-and-information