My life...in a Blog!

Check out this giveaway!!!

2010-08-26T07:11:00.002-04:00

I know I've told you before, but if you don't read the Nanny's blog, you should!

She is doing an awesome giveaway right now--just click here!

I love reading her blog, she's so funny and I love hear her stories. Seriously, she's awesome. :)

Another giveaway!

2010-07-09T07:31:00.002-04:00

I know, I know...I'm such a bad blogger. I have a post I have been working on but haven't finished it yet.

I stumbled upon Jess's blog and she is doing an awesome giveaway. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Vera Bradley--seriously, I get one for Christmas EVERY YEAR!!! I LOVE their stuff!!!

Check out Jess's give away right HERE!

I want the new Very Berry Paisley pattern--don't care about the item, just love the pattern!

GAP 1969--What to wear??

2010-07-07T16:10:00.001-04:00

GAP, Blogher and Suz are asking "How do you wear your jeans?" Click over here and leave a comment to be entered to win a $100 GAP gift card!

Raw(e) Summertime

2010-06-29T14:34:00.002-04:00

This is my first time to link up to something fun. This picture was taken on our trip to Colorado last summer. It was July and we were seeing snow in the mountains. Isn't that gorgeous?!?! I Love it!!! We were on a hike with friends at Lake Isabelle. We have this one blown up to an 8x10 and hanging in our hallway. We get compliments on it all the time. And it has NOT been touched up or edited in any way. I have no idea how to do that stuff!!!

Check out this giveaway!!!

2010-06-16T20:18:00.001-04:00

I LOVE the Online Nanny Blog. She is HILARIOUS! And if you don't read her, you should.

Anyway, she is doing a giveaway. Click HERE to check it out!

P.S. I'm on VACATION!!! I will blog more when I return. AND I will have pics of my boys and Mickey Mouse! :)

My Mini Marathon Experience...

2010-05-09T22:15:00.003-04:00

I copied this from the Indy Star today...

"The 35th Running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon took place on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The Mini has sold-out for the past nine years with 35,000 registrants, and an additional 4,000 participants in the Finish Line 500 Festival 5K. The Mini-Marathon is the largest half-marathon in the U.S., and overall, the fifth largest running event in America. The 2010 event sold out on December 14, 2009."

To say that the race was awesome is an understatement. Let me start from the beginning....

Friday, I was nervous as heck. My stomach was in knots ALL.DAY.LONG. I was excited/scared/nervous--all at the same time. Thursday night we went downtown to get my packet and that was something. I loved the Expo. Wish I could have stayed longer...next time we won't take the kids. :)

Friday night, sister and I went to Olive Garden to carb load. I had eaten Olive Garden before a long run a few weeks ago so I knew it would be okay on my stomach. Went home with the intention of going to bed by 10. I couldn't go to bed...knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. It was crazy. I was so nervous. I laid everything out...down to my underwear. Was planning on getting up at 5 Saturday morning to be out the door by 6. Slept until 530. Got up ready to go...although stomach still in knots. Fixed me a protein shake for breakfast and had an extra banana. Did I mention I wasn't even hungry b/c I wasn't--still full from the night before. Wish I would have drank more water b/c by the time the start of the race came I was dying of thirst. Not a good thing.

We got downtown, found our corral then went inside to keep warm. B/c the weather conditions SUCKED! It was horrendous running weather. Temperature wise it was PERFECT...but the wind...oh it was WINDY. We're talking 26 mph winds with gusts into the 30s. AWFUL!!!! DH kept saying how he was so happy he wasn't doing it. (And then we wake up today--Sunday, Mother's Day, and it's PERFECT running weather--sun, low temps, light breeze--figures!)

The race started around 745...we crossed the start line around 8. I don't have my official race time or anything yet (haven't looked) but I know it took us a while to cross the start line. We were in a swarm of people. I left sis behind, told her I was taking off (she didn't train AT ALL for this thing). I started with a light run...ended up running for over 8 minutes before walking again. Then the side splits started...again. Had them on my last run not sure what the cause was this time. So at the first water stop I took 3 cups of water and drank them. Then kept going, felt better. My motto was one mile at a time. The first 5 or 6 were a piece of cake. Then we got to the track (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and it went downhill from there. The wind was awful-I had to put my sweatshirt back on b/c I was so cold. Made it through that and thought the worst of the wind would be over but it wasn't.

At this point I was starting to get sore. I let my mind get to me. The thoughts started pouring in...you didn't train well for this, you can't finish this, etc... but pushed them to the back of my mind and said too late...I WILL finish now. When I would run, I wouldn't feel any pain but when I walked my hips would hurt. So I tried to keep it a jog but heck I might as well have been walking. Did I mention the emotions at this? OMG, I was so emotional. I fought back tears more than once.

I told DH I would text him when I was at mile 12. I made it there and told him I was "almost dead". He brought DS1 down so he could see me cross the finish line. That was SO important to me--for DS1 to be there and see mommy running. He texts me back and says they are right after the 13 mile marker on the right hand side. So I hit that point and take off my sunglasses so I can see them (there was no sun but the glasses helped against the wind) and I am looking and finally spot them. DH lifts DS1 up so I can see him and he yells "MOMMY!!!!!!!" I give him a high-5 and then cross the finish line. There are photographers all over the place and I really didn't want my picture to be of my bawling my eyes out but honestly? That's what I wanted to do. I got my medal, grabbed my food, got one more picture then went to meet my men. It was the BEST feeling to get that post race hug from my 6 year old. I collapsed on the ground and quickly changed my shoes. I was so glad to be done. IT was amazing, awesome, and phenomenal.

The emotions I felt yesterday really hit me hard. I still can't believe I did it. I walked the same race in 2007 and honestly I think I finished 2 minutes slower than then...and I 'ran' yesterday. But I've had another child since then, I'm about 10# heavier than I was then and my bladder isn't what it used to be--had to take a pit stop and I didn't have to do that 3 years ago. Today, I feel great. I came home yesterday and iced my ankles, hips, knees and my low back. Then I took a shower and then soaked in the tub...then curled up with my 2 year old and took a 2.5 hour nap. The hubby and I went out last night and I had a glass of wine with dinner and a salad with real dressing. :) I felt so good. I wanted to wear my medal around last night but DH wouldn't let me. I told him I was going to OWN that medal...I FINISHED that race. I set a goal and I completed it. I was going to OWN all I could! I've gotten that message from more than one person. I will OWN this accomplishment!

Thank you all so much for the love, support, prayers, etc... I felt them yesterday. I loved the race experience so I am setting a goal to do one organized running event every month for the rest of the year. The next one in a 5k on June 5--Out Run the Sun--it starts at 7 PM! That's my kind of race. :) I'm sorry this got so long but I wanted to get all my thoughts out there.

Now it's back to the grind and a new fitness routine. I'm going to do some strength training. I've been reading about Jen for a long time now and she's awesome and so inspiring. I LOVE her blog. She has inspired me to get more into strength training. I want my butt to look good...and my arms and legs and tummy. So we'll see where I end up. :) Have a good night everyone and a great OP day tomorrow!

UPDATED to add--I'm a RUNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Who would've thunk?

2010-04-14T14:27:00.003-04:00

You may or may not remember that little race I signed up for....yeah it's in 23 days!!!!!!

Oh how I don't feel ready. I am not running 4-5 times a week like I probably should be....BUT, I am working out 4-6 days a week. I've recently discovered zumba and ZOMG!!! It is freaking AWESOME!!! I love it! The class I am doing right now is only for a 6 week stent, but I am hoping she will extend it (it's at my church and this is her first class to teach) but she's added a new class at a local gym but the time of day is really bad for me. So, for now, I am doing that for an hour every Thursday night. I work out on Friday mornings to Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred--it's also awesome! Saturday has been my running day, Sunday is Pilates. Monday is usually rest or walk or bike ride. Tuesday is either run/walk/or bike. Wednesday is rest or run. I'm really trying to get in 5 days a week of SOME form of organized exercise and then also be active the rest of the day (when I am not working). I've had some mental blocks to overcome too with my running.

I set out on Saturday (4/10/10) to do 7 miles. I got up early, carb loaded the night before, suited up, grabbed my CamelPak, and my cell phone and off I went. Honestly, I didn't think I would make it. I had a landmark to run to and then turn around and come home. I never in a million years thought I could do it. In the past few of my runs, I've had this mental wall hit me at about 45 minutes. "You can't do this, are you crazy? you are not a runner." Those types of things...this time I revved up my iPod so I would have awesome songs at the 45 minute mark--IT WORKED!!! But then I hit that wall at the 1 hour mark. Oh it was awful! I really wanted to finish in an hour and a half or less. I ended up walking more towards the end than I had been, but you know what? I DID IT!!! I made it back home in an hour and 32 minutes. If I had kept up my running, I would have made it home faster. I couldn't believe I did it! I was on cloud 9. When I was in the shower, I kept telling myself that I did it and it was AWESOME!! I felt so awesome. I thought my pace was horrendous but I got a new Nike+ and it's not as bad as I thought it was. I have been running for 5 minutes, walking for 1 or 2 minutes. During the running time, I will hit the button to tell me my pace and low and behold it's around 10 something. I couldn't believe it!!! So I don't suck after all. :)

So who would've thunk? ME?!?! ME?!?! I am becoming a runner. I will not say (yet) that I am a runner, but holy cow does it feel good!

I went out last night and did about 3 miles--why does the first mile have to suck so bad?? After that I was fine but man that first mile was TORTURE!!! I burned 455 calories and I wanted to come home and eat Thin Mints but I didn't. I had some strawberries and FF Cool Whip--it was awesome.

A few weeks ago I contemplated giving up on this half marathon race. I debated transferring out and giving someone else my bib number...but I didn't. And now? Now, I really think--NO--I KNOW I can do this! It may not be pretty, it may not be great, but I will do it. I will finish and I will be PROUD!!! I will be my own superhero.

Now, if only I could get my DIET to coincide with all the exercise I am doing. It's not awful, but it's too much of the good stuff. I'm really trying to reign that in this week. Although the scale has dropped 4# since Monday morning--but that was after a weekend of eating out a lot, not as much water, too much coke zero. So I am feeling balanced right now--right this second. I have control right now.

Okay, my thoughts are out of my head and on 'paper'. I feel better now. :) I hope whoever is out there reading has a GREAT day. Get up and get moving!

Why be normal?

2010-04-05T21:35:00.002-04:00

When I was in high school, I had a shirt that said Why be Normal? So, here I am 31 years old and being different is a GOOD thing.

Here's my thoughts....

Do you ever feel like an outcast or an outsider...in your own family? Like they are in a clique and you are not part of it? What's wrong with being different? What's wrong with living life differently than they do?

What's wrong with wanting financial peace?

What's wrong with despising credit?

What's wrong with enjoying exercise and being active?

What's wrong with not wanting to eat fast food?

What's wrong with not drinking soda or sweet tea, kool-aid or lemonade?

So what that I am not super skinny--*I* am beautiful in my own way--and I KNOW this. I don't need breast implants to be happy. I don't have to be super skinny to be happy either. My mom tells me all the time that I'd be pretty if I lost weight--something would look better on me if I lost 20#. I don't need her or anyone else to feel like I am loved. People wonder why we don't travel to visit our family more than we do now and this is why.

WE ARE DIFFERENT.

And you know what? We are okay with that! We don't feel welcome with our own family b/c we are so different from them--our way of thinking is so very different.

We visited family for the Easter holiday and we learned a lot while we were there. Feelings were hurt (mine) and no one seems to care (which isn't anything new). I've always been the Cinderella in my family. My mom's own BFF will tell you that. My sister (J) is the favorite, my sister (M) is the baby, and my brother (also an M) is the boy. But you know what? I'm learning to accept this and that it's OKAY. I will never be super skinny like J is and to my mom--that's all she cares about. She doesn't think of my boys--only herself. She doesn't keep toys at her house for my boys that they can play with outside--so we hear DS1 complain NONSTOP about how bored he is...and if you are a parent--this drives you nuts!!!

One day, they might see the light. They might see our way of thinking. But for now, it's okay that we are different. Right now, we are living like no one else so that later we can live like no one else.

I don't live my life to please my mom or any of my family for that matter. I live to please God and to serve him and my family. My husband and my boys mean the WORLD to me. I go to sleep thinking of them and I wake up thinking of them. They are my life. Behind God--they come first. I strive to make them happy--to be a good mom and an even better wife.

So...what's wrong with being different?

N-O-T-H-I-N-G!!!

Tell me--are YOU different from those closest to you?

So lucky, so blessed

2010-03-14T20:19:00.003-04:00

(Disclaimer: I debated even hitting publish on this post...but this is my blog and hence my thoughts...)

Lately, I have been feeling very lucky and blessed.

The hubby and I have been on the same page for a while now. We are in sync with each other and it's been very nice. We no longer argue about money. Almost a year ago we started on the Dave Ramsey Plan and our life has gotten better and better ever since. In October, we started going to church. We have been married for almost 10 years and I have been wanting us to go to church ever since we got married. I swore I would not be that woman at church who brought her kids but her husband didn't come with her. Besides, once we got married and moved to our current city, I lost my home church (driving 2.5 hours one way was not gonna happen). So anyway, we started going to church in October...we don't argue about money anymore b/c we live on a (gasp!) budget and our life is generally good.

We've been blessed with DH having a good job. I have been at my job for almost 10 years...and working from home for almost 7 years. My job also provides our health insurance and it's better than what a lot of people have so I won't complain about it.

We have 2 wonderful healthy boys that adore each other. They have blessed and enriched our lives so much. We adore them and love spending time with them. How did we get so lucky?

So...here's my question. And I will be 100% honest here, I am SCARED TO DEATH to even say this. I feel like things are going so well....when will the other shoe drop?? Yeah, we had some major car issues this last week but b/c of our budget and our savings, it wasn't a problem at all money wise. But I mean....I feel like I'm so lucky and we've been so blessed especially in the last year. I know there is a higher power at work here too and to that I am thankful.

I'm trying to get closer in my walk with God but I'm new at this too. The hubby and I have never prayed together before...ever. Every time we go to church (so every Sunday now), it's such an emotional experience for me. I think hubby thinks I'm crazy b/c I cry every time we are in the church service. :)

I don't know where I am going with this. Just trying to get my thoughts down on proverbial paper. Lately, I feel like things are going so well. It looks like there IS a reason for all of that.

I'll be back to your regularly scheduled blogging after this. Promise! ;P

Where does the time go?

2010-03-10T07:37:00.003-05:00

Holy cow, it's Wednesday.

What happened to the weekend?? And Monday and Tuesday?? Lately, the days seem to be going by so fast and it's only going to get worse (or maybe better? Closer to spring and summer and warmer weather).

Well, I survived the weekend. It wasn't great eating wise but it wasn't a complete disaster either. This week hasn't been great but it's not been awful either--eating wise. I've been keeping up with my workouts thus far. I need to get something done today and tomorrow.

So I want to know if this is normal. When I am running outside in the cooler air and I take deep breaths--I get a bloody like taste in my mouth. I drink while I run and also spit out mucous (sorry if that is way TMI!) and phlegm and there is no blood. But that taste is there--is that normal??

I got out on Monday and rode my brand new bike for 36 minutes. My mommy parts were sore afterwards but once I recovered I was fine. My butt wasn't even sore and that's why I bought the bike I have--LOVE the seat!

Okay, I'm going to go get some lunch. I've been trying to do higher protein at lunch time (well the whole day actually) and it's done a world of good for my afternoon snacking! Have a great OP day!

Stats don't lie...

2010-03-04T20:17:00.002-05:00

(sung to the tune of Shakira's Hips Don't Lie).

Last week I installed a new stat counter on here. I was curious if anyone was still reading b/c I wasn't getting any comments. Low and behold you are! I've gotten 2 comments (1 per post) on my last two posts but yet my blog has been visited way more than that. If you're here and you're reading, go ahead and leave a comment! I won't bite, I promise. I'd really like to know who all is out there nowadays. :)

So it's been a super crazy week! Work was pretty crazy on Wednesday and I stress ate to deal. When am I going to learn that doesn't work or help??!!? Tuesday, I did get on the elliptical for 20 minutes and it felt so good. I didn't set out to do any certain mileage or work extra hard--just 20 minutes. I felt good afterwards and I worked up quite a sweat. Today (Thursday) I got to take my workout OUTSIDE! I went to the park and ran 2 miles. Well, I won't say ran. I walk 2 minutes and run (more like jog) for 3. Back before my injury in October, I was jogging 8 minutes and walking for 1. I'm really trying to get back up to that. My mini is in 64 days and I am starting to freak out a little bit. I think I'm going to have to go back to the mentality of doing something work out wise every day. That's what I was doing back in October. I did something almost every day--whether it be a walk or a jog or the elliptical. Now, I have my brand new bike to add to the mix and I can't wait. The weather this weekend is supposed to be GORGEOUS. I'm hoping the hubby and I can go for a ride on Sunday afternoon. I still have to get a bike trailer so I can take my littlest man when I'm not riding for fitness. Can't wait to get that though and make it a family affair.

I am so looking forward to spring. Just this morning I was telling the boys all the fun stuff we are going to do this summer--the pool, the zoo, playing outside, riding bikes--oh I can't wait! I feel like I've spent so much of the last 2 summers inside b/c DS2 was so little. I'm so thrilled to be at this point with them. They adore each other which makes my life a lot easier! :)

We're trying to decide where to go for vacation this year. Looks like we are going back to Florida. I told DH that next year, we are going to the East Coast. I want to go somewhere different and somewhere we've never been before. I'm more excited to plan that trip...guess I should get this year's over with first, huh? :) Any tips out there on places to go on the East Coast. Myrtle Beach is out--went there in 2008 and didn't really care for it. I'm thinking Jershey shore or Maryland or somewhere like that. I want to get a beach house that also has a pool. Of course all of that depends on the $$$. That's why I need to start planning now. :)

Our anniversary is in June and the hubsters and I will be married TEN YEARS! How did that happen?!?! I seriously don't know where the time has gone. It's CRAZY!!! So we're talking about going on a cruise this fall to celebrate. I'm kinda excited...who am I kidding--REALLY excited! :) We're looking at five days--KID FREE!!! Oh I'm gonna cherish that!

So with all this vacation talk...I have got to get my butt in gear and lose these pounds. I've changed my goal to "only" want to lose 2o. Heck--that might as well be 200 to me. But I can do it. I'm turning in my journal next week to my leader so I have to track everything. I will exercise at least 4 days this week (hopefully more!) and I will track it all. Last time I did that, I lost 3.6# that week. Well, needless to say--I've gained that all back. ARGH!!! So, that's my plan for this week--journal and exercise. I'm also going to eat higher protein. I'm going to try to keep my snacks to popcorn or fruit. I'm having troubles with my lunches. Here's where I could use some tips! I try to do leftovers, but lately we rarely have them. What we do have, DH usually takes for his lunch. Since I am home, I can make something but I'm usually swamped for time too. I think I just had some ideas pop in my head...but I'll take any ideas you may have out there too!

If you made it this far, GREAT! Now go ahead and leave me a comment--it's not that hard. Just click where it says "comments" to the right of the time. That's where you leave it! I'm dying to know who's reading. I'll be back this weekend with an update. I already have my journal started for the week (week starts Friday morning) so I am on the right track. Have a good one!

Dear Winter,

2010-03-01T07:39:00.004-05:00

It is now March 1st.

I hope and pray that you are done with all your snow and ice and cold temperatures. It's not that I don't love you for your own reasons...but I am over you at this point. I am longing to get my exercise outside. I have a brand new bike that I'd love to rack some miles on to. I want to get my mini marathon training outdoors instead of on the elliptical. I'm starting to hate my elliptical and that's not a good thing. The weather forecast here in Indianapolis this week has lots of sunshine and increasing temps. I pray this means spring is literally right around the corner. I'm ready for sandals, pedicures, long walks outside after dinner and family bike rides. According to the calendar, March 20 is the first day of spring. Please, winter, please be over early. You always come early--why can't you be over early too? Also, my boys are dying to get outside too. They are sick of playing inside. They want to go outside and run and play and wear themselves out. I will gladly welcome you next year with open arms and all your snow. But for now, I am over you.

Love,

Amanda :)

So now it's March 1st--what are your goals for the month?? I'm going to get back on the exercise bandwagon. It's been 2 weeks since I worked out and I'm ready to feel that rush again. I didn't sleep well last night so I didn't get up when my alarm went off this morning...hoping to squeeze in a workout this afternoon. We have our FPU class tonight so Mondays are pretty tight.

Okay, so I started this post this morning and came back to finish it. Doesn't look like I'm going to get in a workout today...work is too busy this afternoon. But I will make it tomorrow! I'll report back and tell you how it went.

Oh one more thing...I'm trying to start using twitter more. You can follow me here. Later!!

Stream of consciousness...

2010-02-26T13:33:00.004-05:00

It's Friday afternoon. Izaac is asleep. Xander is at school. I have NO motivation to do anything constructive. So I am going to write. We'll see where I get.

I've had absolutely NO motivation to work out or count points the last 2 weeks. We went to Colorado on 2/13 to spend a brief time with my BFF. Izaac stayed with the grandparents as what we were going to do was not for little guys. We did take DS1 with us and he had a BLAST. While on vacation, I worked out EVERY DAY (granted we were only there for 3 days) but this is huge for me. I worked out and I didn't eat like crap the entire time I was gone--GO ME!!! We spent 2 days in the mountains tubing and DH tried snowboarding. Xander loved tubing as did I. Told the hubby next time *I* want to ski. But we came home on Tuesday (2/16) and I was sick. Spent the rest of the week sick. It wasn't fun, but on a bright note, so far this month, it's only been me that's been sick--a RECORD in this house this winter. I ate better on vacation than I did once we got home.

I swore off fast food back in January as part of a 1 month trial. Had Taco Bell in early February and felt like crap the entire rest of the day. And I mean stomach in knots for HOURS crap. I knew it was the fast food. And before I gave it up? I ate TB all the time. Like seriously, 3-4 times A WEEK! Now my body can't stand it (and my wallet is a lot fatter with all the money I am NOT spending). So needless to say, I made another 1 month vow of no fast food*. So when I am eating bad, it's not even fast food bad. But it's too much other stuff. Went to the store the other day and bought a box of Life cereal--BAD IDEA! I kid you not I think I ate half the box that day just sitting in front of the computer working.

*Fast food (to me and my sister who I made the pact with) is anything with a dollar menu AND a drive thru. We said Subway was okay and Chick-fil-a and that's about it. So there's no McDonald's, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Burger King, Hardee's--nothing like that. Places like Panera and Chipotle are okay. This is our definition...these places get us into trouble.

Today, I was going to work out during nap time. Decided to sleep in this morning since I didn't have to work (thank you new policy that I can now work ANYTIME I want). But now my foot is bothering me. My foot that I injured back in October and had me sidelined for 3 months. Like pain that hurts when I walk type of pain. WTH?!?! I haven't ran in almost 2 weeks. My half marathon is in 10 weeks. Oh and let's not even mention the weight...

Oh heck why not. I'm up almost 3 pounds in 2 weeks. Yes, 3#. Sad! I know I can do this. I've changed my weight goal once again (this is my personal goal anyway...for the time being). For now, I only want to lose 20#. Well, now more like 23 but you get the picture. So today, I am counting points and writing it down. I had a weight watcher smoothie for breakfast--so yummy and very filling. It's almost 2 in the afternoon here and I haven't had lunch yet! I may not...I think after I publish this, I'm going to curl up for a little nap.

In other news, DH and I have decided that there will be a baby #3. The timing I will keep to myself until it gets closer but I will tell you I will not be getting pregnant this calendar year. But 3# is it for us. There will be no more after that. And to answer Nanny's question about my kids names..DS1 is Alexander Kyle and we call him Xander. DS2 is Izaac Jeremiah. Initially we were going to call him Zac (still do sometimes) but Izaac sticks with us more than anything else. I ♥ his name. I love Xander's name too--don't get me wrong. I love them both in their own ways but the one commonality with both names--their daddy named them. :)

I think that's it for this update from my world. I decided to sit down and type and look where it got me? Not really about anything in particular but about a lot of different things. Have a great weekend!

Some good news...

2010-01-28T20:51:00.002-05:00

Back in December, I went to see my thyroid doctor for my every 6 month check up. Normally, I have to see the nurse practitioner b/c I wait to long to try to get an appointment with the actual MD. But not this time. They told me to call in September and I started calling on 9/1. I finally got an appointment and went before Christmas. She brings the idea up to me to start weaning me off my Synthroid. We'd never tried since I had been done nursing (and partly b/c I'd only seen the nurse practitioner the last time I was there--back in May). She told me to get through the holidays and then start weaning the pill to every other day, then get my levels checked in 2 weeks. I got the blood work done last week and got a letter in the mail on Wednesday that I could completely STOP taking Synthroid and she will re-check my levels in 4 weeks!!! Isn't that AWESOME news?!?!? Do you realize that most people take Syntroid for the rest of their lives once they get on it?? I know I am extremely lucky and I feel so blessed. I'm hoping that my body will adjust to not having the meds quickly and maybe, just maybe, it will help me lose weight to not have the meds??? I don't know but either way, I am thrilled!

My baby is now 21 months old. How did that happen?!??! We are quickly approaching his 2nd birthday (and big brother's 6th birthday!). I still can't believe it. DH is bugging me for #3, but for now, I am done. I do not want any more children at this point in my life. Life is crazy-busy with 2...I can't even begin to imagine throwing a 3rd one into the mix!

Training for the half-marathon in May has started. I want to be ready for this run but I feel like I can't make any head way in my training. I feel like I'm not doing enough...then there are times where I think I'm doing too much. DH keeps warning me of over training but at this point, I just want to feel like what I am doing is the right thing. I wonder how I can get faster? I'd like to be able to do an 11 minute mile, but at this point that's a pretty lofty goal! But I will stick with it and keep going and training. The training run that I am going to do in preparation for this is in March and it's a 10K (roughly 6.2 miles). I'd love to be able to complete that in a little over an hour or so, but we'll see. I have 100 days until the half--Oh boy!

In weight loss news, there is not much to report. First WI of the new year (1/9/10) down 4#, the following week--down .2, last week up .3, and I don't hold out much hope for this week. It's been a very snack-y, lazy week for me. I'll pull it together this week. I have a plan for this week, so hopefully that will work out for me!

Okay, I'm off of here now...gotta get to bed. 5 AM comes WAY too early....

Happy 2010!

2010-01-14T07:15:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

I love January. Fresh start to a new year, new month, new ME! I got back on the workout wagon last week. I got in 4 days and am on track to get 5 days this week (week runs Friday to Thursday). I also tracked my food and saw a 4# drop on the scale. The holiday weight is almost gone...now on to the other 35# I want to lose. This is it. I am going to do it this year. I am going to RUN that half marathon in May if it kills me. :) Okay, so not literally but I will finish it and I will run across that finish line! I want to do another half marathon in October too so that will keep me running throughout the summer.

I have some other goals for 2010 that aren't weight related. I'm going to take better care of myself. I'm going to spend more time on myself...doing this will help me be a better wife and mother. This past Saturday, I got up early (to an ALARM--a sin in my book) and worked out, headed out to weigh in at a Saturday morning meeting grabbed Starbuck's and came home. It was a GREAT start to my day. There are little things that I am doing too...making sure I brush my teeth AND floss every night before bed. All these little things are going to add up and make me a better person. I'm learning that taking time for myself is VERY important!

DS2 has been sick this past week and it's been rough! All he wants is momma and I'm trying to cater to him. Makes it hard but I've still been taking care of myself. I went to bed right after he did last night b/c I was so exhausted (mentally and physically) from the day. I'm trying to remember that I will miss this age eventually. I may not LOVE it right now but he lets me hold him and cuddle him anytime I want. Eventually he won't want anything to do with me and he'll do anything to get away from me. :) For now, I will cherish these times.

I think that's enough from me for now...I'll check in again after I weigh in this week! :) Which, BTW, is changing. I'm going to my meeting on Thursday night, but my 'official' (to me anyway...LOL) weigh in is going to be at my scales on Saturday mornings. This way, I don't go hog wild on Thursday nights and I can enjoy the one meal out that we do each week. So far, it's working well for me. We'll see how it goes.

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2009-12-09T17:38:00.001-05:00

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I did it!

2009-12-06T20:36:00.003-05:00

I signed up for the half marathon on May 8...AND I signed up to RUN it!

WhatthehellwasIthinking?!?!?!?!

Deep breaths....calm down....

Ahhh....

Yep--I did it! My sister signed up with me so I will have a partner in crime when I cross that finish line. I hope I can do it. I'm going to try my hardest that's for sure. A friend of mine ran one in our hometown back in October and she wants me to do one with her in April down there--an inaugural half marathon and marathon. Obviously, we'd only do the half. I have absolutely NO DESIRE to do a full marathon. I plan to run the one she did in October NEXT October and another one here at home in November next year too to (hopefully) keep bettering my time. :)

DH and I are thinking about doing a couple triathlons next summer as a team. He would do the swim and bike and I would do the run. He can't run anymore (bad knees) and we just got brand new awesome bikes so he should be able to keep up with the other bikers. I got a bike for exercise and to be able to go on bike rides with my kids next summer, so I didn't get a 'racing' bike (neither did DH). I wanted to be comfortable and be able to exercise...and I LOVE my bike! The bicycle shop was awesome too. Love that customer service!

Now...if only I could NOT proceed to get a big as a house this holiday season, I'd be doing GREAT! UGH!! I've decided that I really don't want to gain anymore than I already have with my inactivity (more on that in a minute) so I'm hoping to get through these next few weeks without having major gains. If it weren't for the darn weekends I'd be in better shape. :) Wouldn't we all?? BFF is coming to town the last of the month too and that always spells trouble. I love her to death but we eat out like fiends when she is in town and she's a bad influence! (she'll say it's me). :)

As far as the ankle goes, I am boot free now! I'm supposed to be working my time up on the elliptical...that isn't going so well but I am PAIN FREE!!! When I am on my feet for a long time, my ankle will give me fits but other than that I am doing GREAT where that is concerned. I see the doctor on Tuesday and I am hoping he will say I don't need any more PT. I had to cancel last week b/c I had sick (throwing up sick) kids. NOT FUN! I'm not doing my exercises the way I am supposed to, but oh well.

Gotta scoot...the dryer is going off and I still need to clean up the mess from dinner. I guess the whole family thinks I LIKE to clean up messes b/c that's ALL I EVER DO! I'll leave you with this...

Cleaning your house while your children are growing is like shoveling the drive while it's still snowing.

Yes this picture just may make the Christmas cards this year!

Well, well, well...and some pictures!

2009-11-10T20:02:00.004-05:00

Here I sit. I have so much I WANT to write about, but not enough time (at least I don't think). So I'll start and see where I end up...

Found out last week that I do NOT have to have surgery on my ankle. Doctor wants me to do some physical therapy and wean off the boot. I haven't worn the boot much the last 2 days just b/c it's so cumbersome and slows me down so much. But boy could I tell it this morning! I felt like one wrong turn and my ankle would just split in half. So, I start physical therapy on Thursday and should only have to do it for a few weeks. I'm hopeful I can go back to working out soon.

I really MISS working out. My eating has been crap b/c I feel like if I can't exercise, then why eat right. I know that is a horrible mind set but it's the truth. When I would work out, I always felt like I had to eat right b/c I was working out and fueling my body for those work outs. It's a vicious cycle these mind games we play with ourselves.

DS2 was been sick since Thursday. I had him at the pedi on Thursday afternoon where she gave him a shot for croup. Saturday night we were in the urgent care and they treated him for pneumonia--gave him a shot of antibiotic (he HATES oral medications) and started him on breathing treatments. Chest x-ray came back negative but they told me to go ahead and keep treating him.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I have! DS2 is pretty much done minus his stocking stuffers and clothes. My neice and nephew are done and DS1 is started and I just have a few more things to get him. Now...to tackle everyone else on my list. Every year my list seems to grow but my budget doesn't. :)

So here are some fairly recent pictures of the boys and me.

This is DS2 on Halloween--he was a spider. Cutest spider EVER!!! But I may be a bit biased.

This is the boys and me and the dog (Sophie). DS1 was Transformer BumbleBee and Sophie was dressed up like a pumpkin. :)

This is DS1 on his first day of kindergarten--back in August. He hasn't changed much other than maybe gotten taller.

So there you have it...an update of sorts. I'm still here, still fat, and still non mobile. Fun times in Amanda-land! :)

Down...maybe out???

2009-10-29T19:43:00.002-04:00

And I don't mean down as in losing weight down...

Two weeks ago (10/14 to be exact), I was walking DS1 out to the bus and my right ankle just rolled out from under me. I never fell per se, but I knew I had hurt it. Couldn't put any weight on it AT ALL. Went to the doctor the next day for an x-ray b/c I was for sure it was broke. It wasn't. So he tells me to rest (yeah right! I have 2 kids how can I rest?!?!) and take ibuprofen. So I start popping the motrin and the pain is hidden very well. Fast forward to 10/21 (my birthday). Doc's office calls back they need to speak to me ASAP about my ankle. I wasn't home and doc was getting ready to leave the office until this past Monday. I called back on Friday to see if the nurse would tell me anything...she couldn't/wouldn't. I knew then that it couldn't be good news. My foot/ankle had started to feel better but then it had started getting worse again. Doc calls me on Monday and thinks I may have a break somewhere and/or tendon/ligament damage, he sends me to a specialist ASAP. The NEXT DAY, I see the specialist. He orders an MRI and thinks I have tendon/ligament damage. He gives me a walking boot, tells me to wear it any time I am weight bearing and also gives me a compression sock to wear at all times as well to help w/ the swelling. The MRI is this coming Monday (11/2) and I have my follow up appointment w/ him next Thursday to make a definitive diagnosis and plan.

So...needless to say my workouts are now non-existent. I am so bummed. I may be looking at surgery...and if I need it, I'm not having it until January. I will NOT be laid up during the holidays. I don't care, I won't do it! I will NOT miss this time with my boys. And we're talking 8-10 weeks of recovery after surgery OR 8-10 weeks of physical therapy (if I don't need surgery). I had all these plans to do a half marathon in May. There's no way I can do that now if I can't even begin to think about working out for that until March! I'm so disappointed and discouraged.

So, I'm thinking about going to a Core lifestyle for eating (thank you Colette!) and doing a lot of pilates to strengthen my core and upper body. I love my legs and they've always been strong (or so I thought) so hopefully they will bounce back from this quickly. I don't know how to swim correctly and I don't have anywhere to go (FREE!) that I can use a pool in the winter. My diet is going to have to be PERFECT if I want to lose any weight. :( And we all know how hard that is!

So that's my update. My week has sucked eating wise, but I am going to try super duper hard this coming week. DH has put a monetary incentive out for us. Whoever loses the most per month (based on a percentage), will get an extra $50 of spending money in their budget for the month. WOO HOO!!!

Have a great weekend and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Maybe I'll post some pics of the boys in their costumes...if I can get DS2 to wear his. He threw a FIT to even try it on!

It's been a while...

2009-10-25T20:30:00.002-04:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I blogged...WOW!!! A lot has happened but I'll post the major stuff...

DS1 started kindergarten in August and LOVES it. He just got his first report card last week and is doing so well. He's gotten a 'green light' every day which has shocked us!

DS2 is now 18 months old...and he is MEAN! LOL!!! But he is so stinkin cute and sweet. We absolutely adore him and he is his mamma's boy.

I'm still playing with 5# that I gained over the summer. I want to lose 10# by Christmas and I was doing really well in the work out department....but then I suffered a severe sprain on 10/14 to my ankle/foot. Actually, the doctor called me back last week and left a message that he needs to talk to me about the results of my x-ray. Well, of course they called on Wednesday (my birthday) and left the message but that the doc would be out until Monday. So, now I wait until tomorrow to find out if it's really broken or if it's a torn tendon or what. I am so bummed!!! I called the office on Friday to see if the nurse would tell me what was going on but she told be that the doctor himself wanted to talk to me...that can't be good!

I had a birthday last week--the big 3-1!

DH and I had an anniversary in June--9 years!

We started Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover in May and are now credit card debt free for the first time in our marriage AND all of our vehicles are paid for (we have 3). I am not sure on the total amount of money that we have paid off but it's been AWESOME for us and our marriage. We live on a budget now (never did before) and we don't argue at all over money. WOO HOO!!!

We are debating baby #3. DH is all on board but I am not. I really like the age Zac is now and I really, really, really hate the baby stage. I hate feeling tied to the house and I did until Zac quit nursing. I loved breastfeeding him but I hated feeling like there was so much I couldn't do. I never got a moment alone...and now I do. Tonight, both boys played outside together for well over an hour...if that's what next summer is going to be like, I'm all for having some time to myself again! I know that sounds selfish but between working full time, being the primary care giver, and running the household--this girl gets worn out! I think we will wait at least another year to make any major decisions.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm going to try to get back to blogging...but I'm addicted to facebook! I'm always on there...sometimes just wanting people to post something that I can read--LOL!!! I'll try to get some pictures of the boys on here soon...they are growing like weeds and eating us out of house and home!

I survived!

2009-04-06T07:33:00.004-04:00

I did it. Almost 3 days alone with my boys. WHEW!!!

Did I mention I was also taking care of my neighbors animals while they were on spring break? So on Friday and Saturday, I had the 2 boys, 3 dogs (1 which was mine), a cat and a turtle to take care of. Oh and the neighbors dogs were sick while they were gone so I was scrubbing poo out of their carpet too at least once a day Tuesday until Friday. Yeah, fun times.

Can you say EXHAUSTED?!?! Oh yeah, that was me. I decided Saturday that I wanted to go out for dinner with my boys since I hadn't sat down the entire time DH had been gone--I'd even ate my meals standing up! I did get workouts in both Friday and Saturday. By Sunday, I was toast and so sore so working out was not in the cards. I got the house cleaned and straightened up, laundry done AND I KEPT it that way until DH got home. How come it's easier in that regard when the man isn't around?!?! I was so happy to see him walk in the door Sunday afternoon. We went out to dinner at Steak N Shake (more on that in a minute) and then I got to go to the store--ALONE. DH also let me take a shower UNINTERRUPTED after he got home so we could go out to dinner. It's the little things like that...whew. I have to hand it to any single moms out there--I bow to you. And to those whose husbands travel a lot for work (diet coke and zingers comes to mind right now as does Miss July)--I don't know how you do it and work full time! But we made it and everyone is happy and has their limbs--weekend was a success!

So, we went to Steak 'N Shake for dinner--DH orders a Diet Vanilla Coke. I LOVE Diet Vanilla Coke. So, I took a sip.....and it was the NASTIEST thing I have ever had! Oh it was gross! How did I ever inhale that stuff when we would go to Steak N Shake?!?! It was just plain gross. Makes me so proud to have broken that habit...and it's a lot cheaper when we go out too! :)

Gotta get some work done...Have a great OP Monday!

Oh how I have missed you!

2009-04-02T20:19:00.002-04:00

What have I missed you may ask?? What is it???

THE 160s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!!!

This morning on my scale I was down 2.6 from last week and my weight was 169.3!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!! I have been floating on air ALL DAY LONG!!! I'm so excited. This puts me with 3.3# to go before I get to the pre-pregnancy weight of 166. I am so freaking stoked, you have no idea! Tonight at my WI, I was down 1.8 for a grand total of 12# since going back to WW 3 weeks ago! On my scale, I've lost 8.6# in those 3 weeks so to say I am excited/thrilled/ecstatic is an understatement. I was really worried about this week too. This past weekend was not good, BUT I wrote it all down, accepted how many points I had went over and then paid back my flex points before today too. I only got in 1 day of exercise this week too :( I wanted to get in more but my body needs sleep in order to exercise and I didn't have much of it over the weekend so I think I've been making up for it this week. I hope to get in more days this week so we'll see how it goes. DH is leaving Friday night to go to his mom's for the weekend to take care of life insurance stuff with his mom--he may not be home until Sunday! I am going to be alone with the boys Friday AND Saturday. That should be interesting! As long as we all have all body parts intact when he returns, I will consider it a success! I may have some more gray hair that I just had covered but oh well. :)

I have 2 pairs of Gap Long and Lean Jeans in a size 12. Pair A fits me great, even falls off of my backside after a few hours (hello? what happened to my butt?!?!) and I love them. Pair B on the other hand is a totally different story. I tried to wear them today and they were pushing on my stomach so bad b/c they were tight it was insane! But again, they fell off of my butt! WTH?!? I guess Pair A was tagged wrong or something but darnit those are my FAVORITE jeans!!! I even love Pair B but it irritates me so much that they don't fit as well as pair A. UGH!!! I need to go shopping for some new pants but I am waiting to drop a few more pounds.

I have been diet coke/soda free for 153 days now! Five whole months without anything but water and the occassional sweet tea. {Pats self on back} :)

Tonight at the meeting, the topic was eating at social events--weddings, baby showers, 4th of July, Memorial Day, etc... The leader said something that really spoke to me--Don't focus on the food, focus on the EVENT. Wow. How brilliant is that? I love it and am really going to try to put it to use this upcoming 'event' season. Mine starts with my boys' birthday party. Izaac will be 1 in 3 weeks! How crazy is that?!?!

I am signing off now. I am getting up to work super early tomorrow (like 5 a.m.) so I can be done by 7 and hopefully before the boys wake up. Have a great OP weekend!

Weigh in, the Bahamas, menu planning...

2009-03-29T15:31:00.003-04:00

Went to my meeting Thursday night. I wasn't real sure about this WI b/c I hadn't exercised as much as I would have liked to the past week. I got in 4 days but the week before I had gotten in 5 days and some of those days had two-a-days in them. My scaled had only shown a .3 loss for the week, which BTW, is/was fine with me--at least it's down! Well, when I got to my meeting I was pleasantly surprised--DOWN 1.6 for a total of 10.2 in 2 weeks! HOLY COW!!! I was so thrilled!!!

I am going to have to be really diligent the rest of this week however. I am out of flex points and this is the first time I've had that happen since I've been back to WW. Actually, I went over my FP already this week. I had a Pampered Chef Party Friday night, ate out Thursday night after my meeting with some friends, then went out Saturday night with friends. It's been a crazy eating out weekend! I plan to get in some kind of exercise at least 4 out of the next 5 days. I really do like getting up early in the morning to get it done, I just need to go to bed earlier. :) I am .5 away from what I was on my scale back in December. I would like to at least lose that this week. I have my menu planned for the week so I shouldn't have any surprises.

Speaking of menus, I have been planning them out a month at a time and it's worked out SO WELL!!! We have our favorite meals that we rotate and we are also trying new things. It takes out so much stress from the hours of 5-7 every night. I highly recommend planning out your menus. When I think of something that sounds good that I want to have for dinner, I jot it down and put it in the menu at some point. It makes my grocery shopping easier since the meals are already planned! I have found another site that does a WW recipes. I've made a few from there and been happy with the results. You can see the site by clicking here.

DH and I booked a trip to the Bahamas at the end of May! WOO HOO!!! It will be just me and him for 6 wonderful, long, glorious days! Can you tell I am a wee bit excited about this trip? DH even asked me "what are we going to do for 6 days without the boys?" My reply was "SLEEP! A LOT!!!!" Oh gosh I can't wait to go on that trip. We've never been to the Bahamas so we are completely stoked about going. I realize I won't be bathing suit ready but darn it I am goign to try my hardest to look decent by then. I have a little less than 2 months at this point. I am so psyched!

I think that's it for me for now. My comments somehow got shut off on my last 2 posts. I have no idea how that happened but I have fixed it. Leave all the comments you want! Have a wonderful OP rest of your weekend!

Testing...

2009-03-28T23:15:00.002-04:00

to see if the comment link shows up....

IT WORKED!!! YAY!!!!

So much has happened...

2009-03-19T20:22:00.003-04:00

WOW! It's really been that long since a real update. I figure I don't have any readers so no one is going to miss me when I'm not here. So much has happened, so let me start from the beginning (be warned...this is going to be long).

So last week (week starting 3/8)...I got up on Monday and exercised. Monday night started feeling sick. How come every time I start a good new healthy habit something has to happen to sabotage it?!?! Anyway...woke up Tuesday feeling like crap...opted for sleep instead of a work out. Both boys were sick too with the same thing--runny nose, scratchy throat, cough--total yucks. Tuesday was a beautiful day here last week and we stayed in all day b/c we all felt like poo. Was sick Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Felt better come Friday but then baby had gotten worse. Finally on Saturday I felt better so I went back to my work outs. Worked out Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and today. So now I'm current on my workouts. If it's nice in the evenings, DS1 and I go out for a walk after DS2 goes to bed. If it's nice during the day and both of them are home, we've been going for walks then too. This past Tuesday, I did 3 "workouts" in one day...the elliptical at 5 AM, a walk in the afternoon with Izaac strapped into the carrier and then one in the evening with Xander. My legs were mush Wednesday!

So that's about my workouts...they are going good and I am actually enjoying them. YAY!

So last week (back to week beginning March 8) DH and I were talking about saving money and how to save $$. He mentioned my trainer. I had been debating it for a while but last Wednesday (the 11th) I had a talk with myself in the shower. I had been working out, drinking water, and writing it all down but just doing that wasn't working. Whatever I was doing on my own wasn't working! This is the epiphany I had in the shower. I decided then and there that I would go back to WW--give up the trainer and go back to WW. I knew WW had free registration until the end of last week and I knew there was a meeting I could go to on Thursday nights. I talked with the trainer and told him I had to cut something out to save $$ and he understood so then I went back to WW. The trainer was $40 a week (I know, expensive!) and WW is 39.95 a month--so HUGE savings there. I wasn't sure I was ready to count points again, but I decided it was time to do something that I knew would work. I KNOW WW works....I just have to do it! So I went back, stayed for the new member orientation and everything and jumped back in 110%! I made myself do 4 workouts this week (now my weeks will run Friday to Thursday) but my goal is 5 every week. I wrote it all down, weighed and measured everything, didn't use too many of my FPs and went to my WI tonight. I lost....are you ready for this.....8.6# this week!!!! That's more than I ever have lost in a week EVER on WW! The very first time I did WW--the VERY first time when I didn't even know what I point was-I lost 8# my first week. So tonight was a total and complete shocker to me! I planned very well over the last week and I am so proud of myself.

Remember the Gap jeans I've been trying on? Today was try on #3 and THEY FIT! I've worn them all day today and I feel FANTASTIC!!!!! It's awesome what a different size of jeans will do for you. So my WI today on my scales showed me down 3.3 or something like that from last Thursday morning--172.2 today. Amazingly, the WW scales weren't that far off tonight from what it was this morning. Last Thursday, I ate all day before I went to the meeting where today I ate lunch and that was it for the afternoon. Although, for my own sanity, I will be going by my scale to reach my mini goals--the first one of which being to be OUT of the 170s FOREVER! I've been here for 6 months now and I am SICK OF IT!!! Spring is coming and I don't want to feel fat again this year. I feel better already. I want to be 166 by the boys' birthday party-if not less. I have plans for myself for certain milestones. I am going to get this weight off once and for all.

So I think that's about it. I know I said I would blog more, but it's hard for me. I try, I really do but most nights I choose to hit the hay a little early so I can get up and exercise the next morning..just like tonight. That's my cue to say good night! Have a GREAT OP day and weekend! :)

I DIDN'T EAT CAKE!

2009-03-18T15:03:00.002-04:00

More on this later....

I will say this--that's a HUGE NSV!!!

HUGE!

OH NO....

2009-03-06T21:44:00.001-05:00

Guess what? You won't believe this....

I'm pregnant!

Okay, did that get your attention?!?! If it did then show me some love and leave me a comment!

And no, I am not pregnant. At least I don't think I am. I better not be. That's the last thing I want right now.

I am here to report that I have worked out FIVE DAYS IN A ROW. Yes, that's right--5!!! And that's 2 work outs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday and today I strapped Izaac into the baby carrier and walked with him for 30 minutes. Now THAT is a work out!!! It's insanely hard with him strapped on the front and I am sweating when I am done. I have been getting up at (gasp!) 5 in the morning, getting on the elliptical for 15 minutes and then hitting the shower. It's amazing how good I feel the rest of the day. Next week, I will up the time to 17 minutes, then 20 minutes the week after. I will not let more than 2 days go by without exercise. I want to see 166 by the end of April--if not less than that. I was at 174.7 at my WI this week. I have a pair of Gap Long and Lean jeans that I LOVE. They are a size 12 and I know that is "vanity" sizing but I don't care. I love them and the way they look on me. I put them on today and they fit and I could get them zipped but the muffin top was still a little much for me to be comfortable. I am going to try them on again next Friday and see where they are. I am going to keep trying them on every week until they fit. And then when they do, you are going to hear me scream with excitement no matter where you live!

My trainer gave me a piece of motivation (or maybe I should say he gave me a can of whoop ass) a few weeks ago. If I go in to him and I do NOT lose weight...I can stay the same and I can lose .1, but I can't gain--if I do, I have to do the leg press TWICE! At the beginning of my work out and then again at the end like we always do. Let me just say how much I HATE the leg press--HATE it!!! Loathe it! It's my least favorite exercise but, according to my trainer (Kyle), it's one of the most important exercises there. But it still sucks. No matter how good it is for you. I don't care. This week, I barely made it. I lost .2 on his scales. This goes on until I hit the 160's on his scale. I go by my scales for my weekly weigh ins. It doesn't matter as long as I am consistent.

I didn't make it here at night this week b/c I went to bed so early. But I did write everything down that I ate this week. I have to give my journal's to Kyle every week when I see him. He looks over them and tells me where I need to improve. I have cut back my Starbuck's habit. I went there today for the first time in over 2 weeks. I am really trying to limit my trips there to no more than once a week. I feel as if I have a good plan and things seem to be going well. I WILL DO THIS!!!!!

I am signing off tonight. Have a wonderful OP weekend!!!

Not a great day...

2009-03-01T22:04:00.002-05:00

So I am not going to dwell on it. It wasn't a super sensational Sunday but it was a 'typical' Sunday for me. Why are Sundays so hard?? We are home, stuck inside b/c it's cold and all I want to do is eat and munch all day long. I did not write anything down, nor did I get in any exercise. But I am here and I said I was going to blog more often!

I have my alarm set for tomorrow morning. I am going to get up and get on the elliptical at 5. Yes, you read that right. That is my plan. I HAVE to stick to it. I will report here tomorrow if I succeed or not. I had a nice long serious talk with myself today. In order for me to lose this weight, I HAVE to make time for myself and my exercise. The best time is going to be first thing in the morning. I can get up at 5, get down on the elliptical for 15 minutes (I am going to work up to 30 minutes) and then shower and get ready and I can still clock in for work at 6. This is a good plan--I just have to put it into action. I CAN DO THIS!! I can do hard things!

Okay, I am off of here for tonight. No journal today b/c I didn't write anything down. Bad Amanda, bad! I will journal tomorrow. Until then...

Pictures!

2009-02-28T22:27:00.003-05:00

I know I have been talking about posting pictures forever! So here I am, FINALLY posting some.

DS2 is 10 months old now. WOW! Can you believe that?!? He is such a joy and a true blessing to our family. He is getting more independent and 'easier' so things have gotten a lot better/easier with him. He is just so much fun right now. Here are a few pictures I snapped of him this week.

Izaac and Sophie longing to be outside

He's learning young where the goods are--although he still prefers his mama! :)

Are you saving that for later Izaac?
He will NOT eat baby food hardly at all anymore. He has 2 teeth but he chews food like he has a whole mouth full. It's hilarious!

Finally some pictures of me. Let's do a re-fresher first. Here I am back in July at my starting point (or close enough to it). I hated this picture when my friend emailed it to me, but I thought it would make a great before shot.

And here I am in December 15# lighter.

Not a huge difference but enough of one--enough that I notice. That is the picture I put up on my facebook page. Which, BTW, is my newest addiction. I can't get on there at night b/c it sucks up so much of my time...hence why my blog has been neglected.

BUT...I am making a new resolution. Tomorrow is March 1st. I really wanted to be 159 by the boys birthday party (April 25) but I realize that is not going to happen now. BUT...I can make an effort to be out of the darn 170s! I have been here forever and I am SICK of it! So, I am re-committing to my plan--diet AND exercise. I can do this.

I will begin the process of weaning Izaac in about a month and I am really hoping once my body gets back to "normal" things will move a little quicker. I have been nursing this whole time so my body still thinks 'pregnant' i.e. no period, very slow weight loss, and my thyroid is still out of whack. Although I could handle this no period thing (sorry, I know TMI) b/c it has been SWEET to go almost 2 years without one! But I know once that starts back up and I'm done nursing, my thryoid doctor will probably adjust my meds so maybe things will go a little quicker. I have been losing hair like crazy lately and I know that's all hormonal too. It's great being a woman sometimes, isn't it?!?

But I can do this and I will. I've done it before. I am making small goals so maybe that will help. DH is also on the kick to lose some weight so maybe w/ him on the band wagon it will help. Although it's not him forcing the food down my throat.

I am going to make an effort to blog more. I need to blog. I don't blog for the comments, but man it sure does help. I don't do it for everyone else, I do it for me--I keep repeating this to myself so I will believe it. So I am going to blog more and get things out there. Maybe not every night but I am going to try! At least maybe my food journal. A few weeks ago I created a Twitter account to help me journal. It lasted a few days before I quit it. Good old pen and paper is the best thing for me I think. Although I will probably use my twitter account for other things. You can follow me here.

Okay, it's late and I am getting tired. So expect a post from me tomorrow!

Oh and I got on the elliptical this morning for 15 minutes! YAY!!!

Later!

Out of control...

2009-02-02T12:16:00.003-05:00

I had this post in my head long before DH dad died Friday night. But now it's even worse...

My eating has been HORRIBLE the past few weeks. I just can't shake the bad eating that I did at Christmas. I can do GREAT at breakfast, then I fall apart at lunch and during the afternoon. It's been insane. I've had to cancel my sessions with the trainer the last 2 weeks due to work stuff.

Speaking of work....

I got put on a new task at work and I LOVE it. I really do. It's so much fun and it's a welcome break from the mundane of coding that I do every day. BUT...it's also stressful. The first 2 weeks doing it, something changed about it every day and it was like "crisis mode" every day. Do this, do that, do it NOW, change this, change that, NOW! It was INSANE!!! But it's been better this past week. I'll miss it this week since I'll be gone all week but I really do look forward to it every day. I'm glad the stress of it all is over (for the most part) though. But that was another thing leading me to the afternoon eating fiascoes.

I had it in my head last week "February 1" I would get back on track and do better. Then all this happened with DH father and now I am surrounded by baked goods, all kinds of food, and I really don't know how to deal with this type of thing. I am here at my MIL house and I just don't know what to do. I don't know how to deal. DH is a typical man. The only time I have seen him tear up was when we told DS1 Saturday morning. That was the toughest thing I think I've had to do as a parent. Giving birth was much easier. He knew his "papaw Mike" and he loved him. Xander cried when we told him and I expect he will cry when he sees him tonight at the visitation. I have yet to see DH cry--EVER in the 13 years that we've been together. He got tears in his eyes at our wedding when we were saying our vows but that was it. Everyone keeps asking me what they can do and I don't know. I keep asking DH if he's okay and he keeps telling me yes but I keep asking him anyway. This is such a hard thing to go through and I am trying the best I can to be there for DH and his mom and sister. I feel like I'm not doing anything but sit here. I vacuumed the living area this morning, I think I'm going to sweep the kitchen floor next. I just need to keep busy...but the food keeps calling me. UGH!!! Oh well. I'll be better once we get back home...whenever that may be.

I have been keeping off the diet coke so that's a plus. I have decided once we get home I am swearing off fast food. I have to get off of it. It's been a vice lately. I HAVE to swear it off. I am going to plan the menu for February. I have my laptop with me and the list of the meals that I have thought of and that DH and DS1 have requested. Maybe I'll do that Tuesday night....

Sorry for rambling but I needed to get my thoughts out. I have time on my hands right now so why not blog it all out? Thanks for listening/reading if you made it this far. :) I will be back to my old perky self soon. :)

Bad news...Prayers please

2009-01-31T21:26:00.002-05:00

If you are the praying type, would you mind to say a prayer for my DH and all of his (our) family?

DH dad died Friday night. He had been in the hospital for about 2 weeks and they were moving him to a rehab facility and he coded in the ambulance. He had signed a DNR so there wasn't a whole lot they could do for him. From what the coroner said there was a blood clot somewhere that traveled to his heart....more than likely it was in his lung and traveled to his heart. He had COPD, emphysema, CHF, diabetes, and morbid obesity. He had been on oxygen for the last 4+ years and slowly gotten worse.

So if you could send some good thoughts, prayers, vibes, etc... I would greatly appreciate it!!! Needless to say, we are traveling and not sure when we will be back home.

I have a post in my head I want to get out...NEED to get out. Hopefully I will at some point this week.

71 Days...

2009-01-10T19:10:00.001-05:00

It has been 71 days since I have had any sort of diet soda or any soda for that matter!

I'll say it again.

71 DAYS!!!!!!!!

This coming from the girl who HAD to have her diet coke EVERY day! AT least 1, if not 2 or 3! I can't believe I've done it. I amaze myself sometimes.

You know what's really ironic? I haven't been eating the greatest the last 2 weeks. Christmas, Superjayman was in town, New Year's, sickness...it's not been the greatest. And with all the bad eating--I have been CRAVING a diet coke. I haven't given in and I don't intend to. Water is my new best friend...with the occasional tea--UNSWEETENED.

I still can't believe it.

Even the dog is sick!

2009-01-05T22:19:00.002-05:00

Yep, that about sums up my week and start of the New Year.

Happy New Year!

Is it spring yet?

Seriously. I am so dead serious. I want it to be SPRING!!! I am sick of being sick, having sick kids, cleaning up vomit, diarrhea, snot, and ear yuckiness.

We went home the day after Christmas to have Christmas with the fam. NEVER again. NEVER! This is why we don't go home for the holidays. My kids get sick, then I get sick, then DH gets it too. Or vice versa...but we all get it. UGH!!! DS1 has been sick all weekend running a very high fever (105 at one point) so I had him at the doctor today. At this point, I just have to laugh about it. Even my real life friends are like "you can't catch a break!" No, I can't but at least I can laugh about it.

So that's why you haven't heard from me. I have all kinds of posts in my head, but lacking the time to get them out. I hope to do a 'real' post soon. I will say being sick sure gets rid of the holiday pounds though. Although my eating today wasn't stellar, tomorrow will be better. I go back to the trainer on Wednesday!

Happy New Year!

I GOT IT!!!

2008-12-27T15:04:00.002-05:00

Oh I am so darn thrilled! I have had the best Christmas, I am truly blessed. My mom finally took my hints (since the DH flat out refused to get it) and got me Wii Fit! YAY!!!

I got on my sister's last night and did my "Wii Age," yeah well that wasn't pretty (42!!!). It was right after a big dinner and also after Christmas Day where we ate like pigs at home! So I am hoping it will be better once I do it at my house. BFF Superjayman is in town so I hope to do it early this week. Although, her being here means eating out a lot. I NEED a day or 2 of eating well so I am making a plan for the days we will be eating out.

I didn't see 169 by Christmas but I saw 171.2 so that still makes me happy. I WILL see 169 by the end of January! After that my next goal is 166--pre-pregnancy weight! WOO HOO!!! I want to be 159 by Zac's first birthday--so I have less than 4 months at this point. YOWZA!!! I can do it though...I can.

I'm outta here for now. I'm not on my laptop so I can't post pictures but I will once I get home. I have 15# pictures to post!! :)

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-25T20:26:00.002-05:00

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!!!

Enjoy your family...not only at Christmas time but the whole year through--the time goes by so fast.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

P.S. I am posting this from my brand new lap top that DH got me for Christmas! So now I should be able to post more often! AND...I can post pictures from here too! SO no more waiting on DH to get up from the home PC so I can sit down. YAY!!!

Note to self...

2008-12-15T18:42:00.003-05:00

STOP IT!

Okay, you didn't have a spectacular eating weekend, so what? Is that any reason for it to carry over into Monday? NO!

Did you really need that burrito at Taco Bell on Saturday night? NO! You went there b/c mom was hungry...you had eaten dinner and you were still satisfied even though it had been 4+ hours (it was after midnight anyway). You don't eat that close to bedtime, EVER!

You started off today well, but it's ended up like crap! Did you need either one of those Schwan's Mini Mint Andes Loaves? NO!

Now...let's re-focus here. Let's think about it. You've lost 15# and 15 inches. That's AWESOME!!! Get out of this funk and get back on it! You wanted to see 169 by Christmas--you saw 171.4 this past week--you're SO close! Get back on it and move on! You know if you don't straighten up now, you'll throw away the rest of the month and you do NOT want to do that! So what if you are planning to do your holiday baking this next weekend. So what if you are planning to make Monkey Bread for the family Christmas morning. So what if you will be traveling after Christmas. AND...AND...SO WHAT if BFF Superjayman is coming for a visit after Christmas. NONE of that is an excuse to throw it all away and start again in January! NONE of it!!!

GET OUT OF THIS FUNK AND MOVE ON!!! Up your water, give up the carbs and bad stuff, and get in some exercise and you might actually be able to salvage a loss for this week. Maybe...just maybe!

169 here I come!

Okay...I feel better now. :)

WI day and surgery update

2008-12-11T22:07:00.002-05:00

I had WI this morning and I am seeing numbers on the scale I haven't seen since I got pregnant with DS2! I saw 171.4 this afternoon. That gives me a 1.8# loss for this week! I think that's 4 or 5 weeks in a row of losses! WOO HOO!!! I am LOVING my new trainer too, BTW. He is so much better than the first one I had. I feel like I wasted the first 8 weeks or so with him but oh well. My new one (Kyle) is awesome. Even last week when I was sick as a dog, he still worked me out but not horribly. On his scales I stayed the same but I also lost 4# on his scales last week and I didn't do that on my sclaes. I go by my scales for my losses. This week's loss also puts me over the 15# mark, so I hope to get DH to take a picture this weekend and I'll get it posted ASAP.

DS2 had his ear surgery this mornng and all went well! He was his usual playful self this afternoon. I know this was the best thing for him but it was still a very hard morning on mommy! But we made it through and I hope (PRAY) he can be healthy after this. He's breastfed--aren't those babies supposed to be the healthy ones?!? DS1 had tubes put in as well, but he was about 3 months older than Zac is now. Zac turned on the charm at the surgery center this morning. He had all the nurses cooing over him. :)

That's all from me for now. I'm outta here and headed to bed! Have a great OP day!!! I'm going shopping with a friend tomorrow--YAY!!!

People are noticing...

2008-12-09T22:32:00.002-05:00

People are actually noticing and commenting on my weight loss!

Do you have any idea how good this feels?

It feels AWESOME!!! Even before I got pregnant with DS2, I was losing, but no one was noticing. I don't do it for other people but man it feels good when they notice! It sure helps me put a swing in my step, that's for sure!!!

Seriously...I think the last time people noticed and commented was when I started this journey 6 (yes, that's right SIX) years ago. That's a long darn time! I made it down to 145 back then and got to lifetime with WW and then I got pregnant with DS1. I lost 45# that go round, and gained 55 when I was pregnant with him. Actually, if you want to get real technical I went from 145 up to 205, but the day I found out I was pregnant with him I weighed 150. I've never seen the 140s since then. But I will this time. I know I can do this and I know I WILL do this!!! I got down to 150.5 shortly after DS1 turned 1, then a bunch of stuff went on in my life (all good but very stressful at the time) and I never got back to that number before DS2 came along. I have now decided I am done having kids (we'll talk about it again when DS2 is 2 but for now, I am DONE!) and I want my body back. I want to look good. I want to run with my kids and play with them and take them swimming and feel good about doing all of it. I WILL do it this time--ALL THE WAY. My goal is 140#. I didn't weigh myself this morning b/c I forgot but I will tomorrow but things have been going well. I am just so psyched right now. I have this awesome feeling of accomplishment. And I feel so driven. It's an awesome feeling. And those compliments from other people sure do help!!!

I have to scoot for now...gotta get to bed. I have a LONG day tomorrow. I'll post WI results on Thursday!

You won't believe this--I don't!

2008-12-07T19:35:00.002-05:00

I am still in shock. Total, utter, complete shock.

About what?

Saturday morning I get up and decide I need to take my measurements. I hadn't done it since before we left for vacation back in September. My weight has dropped a total of 14.6# since I started in July. But here's the kicker--I've lost....are you ready for this??? Ready???

9.25 inches overall since SEPTEMBER!!!!

How is that even possible??? HOW???? I know I'm working out with the trainer but it just doesn't seem possible! WOW!!!!! I did the calculations three times b/c I didn't believe it. I don't measure that many places (at least I don't think). Waist (sucked in and not sucked in--got that from Dr. Oz), bust, right and left thighs, hips, right and left upper arms. I don't think that's too many measurements, do you??

To say that I am thrilled is an understatement. I have been floating on air since Saturday morning. The era (is that even the correct spelling?!) around me has been so different. I feel so much better, so thin, so in control! It's an AMAZING feeling!

In other news, I was sick as a dog this past week. I spent all day Tuesday in bed. Wednesday was better but still not 100%. My trainer told me not to gain after Thanksgiving and I didn't! I actually lost 4# but I also hadn't eaten much for 2 days. Although I have become an every day weigher and I was already on my way down from the holiday. I'm hovering right around 173 on my scales. I would LOVE to see 169 by Christmas.

DS2 has been sick again too with another ear infection. I took him to the ENT on Monday and he is getting tubes in his ears this Thursday the 11th. I would appreciate any and all good thoughts/prayers you could offer up for me and DS2 this Thursday.

Once I hit the official 15# mark, I will post some pictures. I have actually dropped shirt sizes and pants too. It's unreal to me right now but I LOVE it!!!

That's all from me for tonight. Have a great OP week! :)

I want that scale...I mean platform!

2008-12-01T19:32:00.002-05:00

What an AWESOME idea!!! I want one!!!

I entered the Mary Lou's Weigh Platform Giveaway!

Check out Roni’s Weight Loss Blog for more information.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T15:23:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful day! The weather here is beautiful and I am about to head out for a walk with the hubby after a very indulgent Thanksgiving meal with DH family. It's almost 60 degrees here today!! WOO HOO!!!

I wanted to make a quick post of what I am thankful for on this wonderful day.

*My wonderful new family of 4. It is still surreal for me to have 2 kids. I love those boys with all my heart and I am so thankful to be their mommy...and of course a wife to DH. :)

*My family--mom, dad, sisters, brothers, grandmas--everyone. I love them all!

*My life--Life is good and I am darn thankful that I can enjoy it.

In other news...since this is a weight loss blog. I saw a new number on my scale Wednesday morning--175.2. WOOT! That means I have lost 13.something. I had to take a measurement of my waist for my health assessment for work the other day and I have lost 3 inches off my waist since September! I didn't figure up what it was total, but 3 inches since September is AWESOME!!!

And to share a NSV...my MOM mentioned my weight loss to me. MY MOM! This is HUGE!!! She never says anything about my weight...well anything in a good nature anyway and she mentioned it to me twice already! She can tell I'm losing and I've lost since she saw me last (a month ago) and that I look better. You have NO IDEA how that made me feel! Coming from my mom, this is HUGE!!!

Okay, that's it for me for now. I hope to get another post up soon. I need to post a picture of the baby--who is now 7 months old! Crazy!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Enjoy your time with your family. They are so very precious.

13 Days and counting...

2008-11-13T07:25:00.002-05:00

Well, I did it. I am actually doing it.

What you may ask??

Well, I GAVE UP diet coke, actually all diet sodas. Yep, you read that right, GAVE IT UP!

I had ran out of diet coke but I still had a cube of diet mountain dew and none of it was on sale anywhere (I only buy it if it's on sale) so I thought it would be a good time. So I drank that last diet mt dew and decided November 1 would be the day! So what did I do on Halloween? I had THREE diet cokes! I NEVER do that but darn it, I was going to enjoy it that last day.

Do I miss it? Sometimes. The hardest time has been lunch b/c I ALWAYS had one at lunch time--ALWAYS. I had started ordering water when we would go out just b/c sodas had gotten so expensive. I do order tea at certain places (especially Panera--LOVE their tea) but it's unsweetened. I aim for 160 ounces of water a day and I am having NO problem getting that in now...I usually get more.

Have I had withdrawal? Not really. I didn't have the caffeine headaches like I thought I would. I was smart enough to start this on a Saturday so I was busy and was able to get my Starbuck's fix as well. :)

I have had this dull ache at the base of my skull on the left side for over a week now. I learned from my massage therapist yesterday that it is probably aspartame/sacchrin withdrawl. I had never heard of such a thing but it makes sense.

As far as eating and my diet....well I lost 3# at my weigh in on October 30th. I gained 2# the next week (11/6) and this week I am still the same as last week. I think the last time I blogged about exercise I was aiming for 4 days on the elliptical that week and I got it! BUT...I haven't been on there since. :( Yes, there are excuses but the main one is I have been SO EXHAUSTED!!! DS2 hasn't been sleeping through the night and DS1 has had strep throat (DH also had it). Along with that, I have been working a lot of nights b/c everyone has been sick and I've made a lot of trips to the pediatrician. This week has been better with not a lot of work at night but I've still been so darn tired. I have no idea what's going on there.

BUT...this week will be different. I am making a promise to myself that I will get on that elliptical Friday, Saturday, Sunday and one more night before my WI next Thursday. I will plan my meals, I will eat all my fruit (vegetables haven't been a problem), and I will be better about portion control. I haven't been eating bad...it's just my portion control is out of control. I've been making a big huge pot of vegetable soup every week and that's been my saving grace for lunches and it's so darn good and very good for you! :) I really want to see 174 by Thanksgiving(I was 178.8 today and 176.6 on October 30) if not lower. I CAN DO IT!!!

Okay, I think that's it from me. I NEED to blog more...I WANT to blog more. I will make that time if I can get DH to give me room at the computer (gosh, I need a laptop). I hope you will see more of me blogging...but less of the actual me! :)

So proud...

2008-11-05T16:23:00.002-05:00

DISCLAIMER: This is not a political blog nor am I really strong political person but I do have my opinions and this is my blog! :)

WOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!

I am so proud of our country right now. I am so proud that we voted for CHANGE!!! For the first time, I actually feel like my vote counted. I stood in line for an hour with 2 kids and cast my vote and it counted!!! And for the first time in 46 years, Indiana went Democrat! YEAH!!!

I loved Oprah's quote "Hope Won." LOVE it!!!

Okay, that's all for now.... Off my soapbox.

The best laid plans..

2008-10-26T20:43:00.003-04:00

What is it they say about the best laid plans?

Seriously, I don't know. But I do know that last week my plans didn't mean squat!

Everything was fine until Wednesday morning. I had had it with no sleep b/c of DS2 so I called the pediatrician. We were JUST there the Friday before (10/17) and his ears were clear. Were they on Wednesday? NOPE. Full of pus. So we left there with antibiotic #3 for this infection. ARGH!!! Thank god he started sleeping better immediately. But, b/c I was gone most of the day with him I didn't get to work much during the day. So I had to work at night. I hate working at night! But I am very thankful that I have the job that I do and that I have a very understanding boss. So needless to say I didn't get to do what I wanted to do last week.

On Thursday, I had my first workout with my new trainer. He was pretty good!! I left there excited to be working with him. He didn't weigh me (thank god) but he will this week. I didn't know I was a stress eater but last week I found myself stress eating. The scale is moving back down, so that is a good thing.

On Saturday I went downstairs and got on the elliptical! I'm no where near where I used to be, but I am starting out slow. So I did 10 minutes (I know, not much) but they were 10 HARD minutes! I hope to increase it a little every week and be back up to 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. I am going to try to get on there Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week. It will be tough as the first part of my week looks to be a tad hectic, but it's only 10 minutes! I just loaded my iPod with all of Roni's Ask Roni sessions so I have plenty to listen to while I am chugging away down there. I love that elliptical b/c I just put my ipod in the docking station and it plays through the speakers in the elliptical! How cool!!! :)

Okay, better get back to it. I have a lot to acocmplish before I go to bed tonight! A mother's work is never done. Have a great OP day!!!

Happy Birthday!

2008-10-21T13:45:00.002-04:00

to ME!!!!

I am 30 today.

HOLY COW!

I can't believe I have left my 20s behind. It was such a great decade. Here's to an even better decade! There are things I want to accomplish this decade and I truly do think they will get accomoplished. DH and I have big plans for the next few years. I personally have big plans. I am looking forward to my 30s! Here's to being 30!

WOO HOO!!!! :)

Do I have any readers left?

2008-10-19T21:28:00.002-04:00

Oh, I am such a bad blogger! Has it really been a month since I posted last?!? Oh my.... A lot has happened! Here's a quick run down:

We went on vacation. It was okay, a definite learning experience, kids were good and DS1 had a BLAST!
Came back from vacay, swamped at work, life happens, got put on mandatory OT at work for 2 very long weeks.
The entire month of September (except the week we were gone, thank god) someone in this house was sick. We've had about 2 heatlhy weeks and now the baby is congested again.
I've been reading everyone's blog, just not commenting. I haven't had time! I am so very sorry, I really do apologize. I've just been swamped!
I'm still seeing the trainer, but my cutie quit and went to be a fireman. So now I have a new trainer (who is cuter I think!) and my first session with him is on Thursday.
As of this past Friday, I am officially seeing the 170s every time I step on the scale! WOO HOO!!! Last Friday it was 178.3. Anything below 178 is something I haven't seen in over a year.
Ds2 will be SIX MONTHS old on Friday!!! 6 months!!! That's insane!!!
I will be 30 on Tuesday! HOLY COW!!!! I don't think I am having any issues with turning 30, it really doesn't bother me...at least not now.

Okay, I think that about sums it up. Believe it or not, I did write out a post vacation post, but I never finished it so it never got posted. I do want to report a vacation NSV--#1--I ordered GRILLED grouper on vacation! I have never tried it and it was AWESOME! #2--I came back from vacay and only gained 2#. That's the best I've ever done on vacation! #3--I had zero alcoholic drinks on vacation, which is huge for me! I usually have a couple of margaritas, but not this year. Partly b/c I'm nursing, partly b/c I never had the opportunity. As far as vacation being a learning experience, we will NEVER drive for vacation ever again! The boys did awesome I can't complain about that, but DH and I hated the driving part of it. I never drove b/c I sat in the back and popped a boob in the baby's mouth if he got too fussy. Nice visual, huh? LOL!!!

With that, I leave you with this video I shot of the boys on 10/4. :) Enjoy! I promise to post more. I am going to try really hard! I've been working a lot of nights lately and I am trying to stop doing that so maybe this week I'll actually have some time in the evenings...especially since DS2 has been going to be around 630 and we've had DS2 in bed by 730 lately. :) Okay...the video. :) That is my sister in the video talking in case you were wondering.

100 Facts About Me

2008-09-18T00:10:00.000-04:00

I saw this in a few other blogs that I read and thought it was interesting so I thought I would try it out for myself.

1. I've had my tonsils out--twice. Once in the 4th grade and again in 2006.

2. I kept the tonsils I had taken on in the 4th grade. Back then they let you keep that stuff, they don't anymore.

3. I've had multiple ear surgeries. Too many to count--3 major ones and at least 5 sets of tubes and I have a tube in each ear right now.

4. Because of the ear surgeries, I have permanent hearing loss and I now wear a hearing aid.

5. I will be 30 in October.

6. My first job was at Burger King.

7. I met DH at my first job--he was my manager.

8. I hated him when I first met him.

9. He wasn't too fond of me either.

10. We dated for 6 months before he moved away, then the rest of the time we dated we never lived in the same zip code until we got married.

11. We dated for 4.5 years before we got married.

12. We were engaged twice.

13. The first time was at my high school graduation party. WHAT were we thinking?!?

14. The 2nd time I was getting ready to start my last year of college.

15. I went to 3 proms.

16. DH went with me to 2 of them.

17. I went as a Sophomore with a friend of mine--had more fun at that prom than I did at the ones DH went with me to. Definitely more fun to go with a friend. :)

18. I've only had 3 real jobs in my life (not counting work study type jobs I had in college b/c they always ended when the semester ended)--Burger King, a local grocery store, and my current job. I don't like to job hop.

19. I've been at my current job for 8 years.

20. I'm doing what I always said I wanted to do.

21. I don't know that my job is my dream job, but I like it and it's good for me for this stage of my life.

22. I love to take naps.

23. I am NOT a morning person.

24. Over the past few months, I have developed an addiction to mochas. I have to have one about once a week...sometimes more.

25. My first love broke up with me b/c I would not have sex with him--I was barely 16 when we broke up.

26. I am a loyal friend. If you tell me not to say something or repeat something, I won't.

27. I don't have too many friends, but the ones I do have I have had for a long time.

28. I wish I had more close friends.

29. I am a good listener or at least I try to be. If you ask for my opinion, you will get it.

30. My favorite time of year is spring and fall. I love them both equally.

31. I always wanted to be a mom.

32. When I had my first, I couldn't wait to have another one.

33. Now that I have 2, I want 3. :)

34. Three will be it for me. I can't handle 4.

35. I am the oldest of 4 kids.

36. I have 2 sisters and a brother.

37. I am very close to my sisters.

38. My baby sister is 20...so we are almost 10 years apart.

39. My other sister is 26 and we NEVER got along until SHE moved out of the house (I was already married when this happened).

40. I love my brother, but he's a boy and he's young (23) and stupid. :)

41. I am a daddy's girl.

42. I'm also very close to my mom.

43. I am a family oriented person. I love my family and love spending time with them.

44. I am very close to my grandmothers--both of them and they are both still alive.

45. I have been very blessed in my adult life, but we (Dh and I) have also worked VERY hard to get where we are today.

46. I never got to go on family vacations as a kid. I can remember 1 when I was 15. There were 4 of us...my parents couldn't afford to do a vacation every year.

47. This is reason #1 why we bought a time share--it FORCES us to go on vacation every year with our kids. I want my kids to have those memories.

48. I love to pamper myself, but I don't get to do it often enough.

49. In middle school, I always wanted glasses AND braces. I always thought blonde girls with glasses and braces were so pretty. I finally got the glasses, but never the braces.

50. I had LASIK done a few years ago to get rid of the glasses.

51. I didn't have my first cavity until I was 21.

52. I've only had 2 cavities total.

53. My first car was a 1979 Mazda GLC. The body of it had holes in it where it had rustsed out and it didn't have a muffler or very good heat. I didn't care--I just wanted to drive and get me from point A to point B. It did!

54. I know exactly when I got fat as a young girl.

54. It was the summer between my 7th and 8th grade years. I remember sitting all summer and eating potato chips like mad.

55. When I started high school, I went BOY CRAZY!!!!

56. I had so many "loves" that first semester it wasn't even funny. But none of them would date me and I thought it was b/c I was fat.

57. I may have had a slight eating disorder after that. I dropped a ton of weight very quickly and then BOOM--got a boyfriend.

58. I love to plan things--especially baby showers and bridal showers.

59. I played volleyball in high school. I didn't get to play very much but I loved it.

60. I got made fun of in college b/c all I did was study and go to bed early. I had a hard time with some of my classes that required a lot of study time.

61. I hated Anatomy and Physiology in college.

62. I would love to go back and take it again just so I could learn it better.

63. I loved my Medical Terminology class.

64. I did not party in college.

65. I rarely drank in college.

66. I went to a 2 year school and actually made it out of there in 2 years...most people take at least 3--some were on the 4 year plan--at a 2 year school!!!

67. I went to college for a year at another college before I started the 2 year school. :) I wanted to get out of school and get my life started!

68. I LOVED to babysit as a teenager. I babysat for so many families at our church.

69. My parents forced me to church every Sunday as a kid/teen. I swore I'd never do that to my kids...probably the main reason I don't go now.

70. I still believe...I just don't go to church every Sunday.

71. I found out I was pregnant with DS1 on August 28...he was born April 28. DS2 I found out August 26...he was born April 24. DH birthday is September 24, mine is October 21. Our anniversary is June 24. Notice a pattern here? All in the 20s. Funny how life works.

72. I love numbers!

73. 3 is my favorite number.

74. I love the water. I love to swim (pools only though), love to go boating (although it's been years since I've been) love to be on or in the water in the summertime.

75. I've been to Cancun 4 times.

76. We may go back next year, but definitely for our 10 year anniversary.

77. I want to re-new our vows at the 10 year mark. I think it's a huge milestone and needs to be celebrated.

78. If we ever do re-new our vows, I am going to write my own.

79. My dream vacation is Australia.

80. I have a goal to visit all 50 states before I die.

81. I want to go to Rome and Paris.

82. I LOVE football! GO COLTS!!!!

83. I love to bake. Christmas time is my favorite time for baking. I've even got DS1 hooked on making cookies for Santa. :)

84. My favorite color is RED.

85. I am a huge sap. If I see someone else crying, I automatically start crying.

86. I love the smell of gasoline.

87. I hate bugs.

88. I am a city girl--love the city, grew up in the country and hated it!

89. I've had sex on a 4-wheeler. ♥ There are a few advantages to living in the country.

90. I THINK my dream job is an event planner (see # 58), but I may never get to do that, but I would love to at least try it out...someday....

91. I am not a creative person. I WANT to be, I'm just not. I don't have the creative juices flowing through my veins, thus the reason I may never get to do the event planning type job.

92. I am really shocked that I am still nursing DS2. I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought I would last this long. It's very surreal to me.

93. I have the birth of both of my children on video. We're talking the full money shot and all. I wanted it that way...with DS1 I have gone back and watched it every year on his birthday. It totally takes me back to that time and place and I can remember every single detail. Vividly. I will do the same with DS2.

94. I have a memory like you wouldn't believe. I can remember dates, times, and names like nothing else. It's amazing. I can practically memorize a calendar too. It's very odd. DH says I fill my brain with useless information, but I have no idea how to NOT do it.

95. I love shoes.

96. I have a bag obsession as well. I love bags--purses, diaper bags, back packs--you name it!

97. I love bling bling. Dh upgraded my wedding ring at our 5 year anniversary to a 2 carat total weight 3 diamond ring (one of those past, present, future rings) and I love it, but now I want a 3 karat center stone. He thinks I'm crazy (I am, we know that) but I love bling bing! OR he can get me a band to go with this ring and that will add bling to it as well.

98. For some reason--and I don't know what's different this time--I feel like I can attain my weight loss goals. It might take me a while (I fully expect it to take at least a year) but I have this sense of peace about me regarding it. I KNOW I can do it and I will.

99. I will be getting a tummy tuck and breast lift after we are done having kids AND I have been at my goal weight for at least 6 months. I think my goal weight is 140.

100. I got a mini van at the ripe old age of 27. I never thought I would love a mini-van at 27--or even almost 30--but I do. It's a 2002 Honda Odyssey--oh and guess what--it's silver. There are a zillion silver ones out there, but I don't care. I love that van!

THERE! I'm DONE!!!! Seriously, this has taken me WEEKS to write!!! I started it one night and got 20 or 30 done right away. Then the next night, I got to about 80 or so. These last 20+ have taken me FOREVER!!! Try it...you'll be amazed. It sure makes you think about yourself!

Is this cheating?

2008-09-12T08:10:00.002-04:00

I decided to WI today since I won't be at home on Monday. I was PRAYING for a 1.3 loss--which would have put me at 179.9. DS2 got up extra early (of course he did, I went to bed extra late!) so I fed him and changed him and he went back to bed. I jump on the scale and it reads 180.0! I about died! You will laugh at what I did next. I went to the bathroom to try and pee out anything I had in there, blew my nose, got down to my skivvies and hopped back on the scale. 180.0 STILL! I took of my ring, got butt naked and got back on--180.0. I got on AGAIN--180.0. I was frustrated, but still THRILLED to see a loss and just since Monday!

So, then I go to take my measurements. I am down 5.75 inches overall. A quarter of an inch at least in every spot I measure. Some places as much as an inch or even more! Of course not the places I want to be (my belly) but I am losing inches! So before I put the scale away I jump on one more time--179.9!

WOO HOO!!!! I was jumping around my bedroom and bathroom!!! DS2 was up by this time (why oh why do they have to get up so early when we DON'T have to be anywhere?!?! they don't do this on school days!) and he was with me in the bathroom. So he starts jumping around with me! :)

So, is that cheating my WI? I got on and off that scale THREE different times and they all said 179.9. I don't care, I'm counting it! And it's only .1 so its not that big of a deal, but it is to me! So I'm down 1.3 for the week and in a new 10 pound range! YAHOO!!!!! This brings my weight loss total to 7.9# so far...and a LOT more to go!

We are heading out tomorrow for Myrtle Beach! I am excited but scared at the same time. I am terrified of this drive with 2 kids. Thankfully my mom is going with us so she will be in the back of the van to keep DS2 entertained. Say a prayer that we have a good trip and cooperative kids!

On a DS2 update--took him to the doctor yesterday. He has an ear infection! His first one, which also means his first round of antibiotics (Amoxicillin) which he hates. I think this one is going to be harder to get meds and food in. He is perfectly happy at the boob! :)

DH will have his laptop on vacation so I will hopefully get to check in at least once while I am there. I do plan on behaving myself while we are gone and sticking to my food plan. I have to show my journals to my trainer when I get back! AND I have to WI with him that Monday morning, so posting a loss after a vacation would be so awesome!!!

I've gotta go pack! Have a great OP day and weekend! :)

Pictures...

2008-09-10T19:55:00.003-04:00

Here's a picture of my new 'do. I love it. Nice and short! :)

the front

the back

Tuesday morning DS2 got up before DS1. So I fed him and we played, then we ventured downstairs. I laid him on his play mat to practice his rolling skills while I looked something up on the computer. He got awfully quiet so I went in to check on him. This is what I found:

He was passed out, sound asleep. The TV was on and everything. He was tired! I scooped him up and took him upstairs and he slept for 2.5 hours!

Shouting from the rooftops!

2008-09-08T10:46:00.003-04:00

I lost 4# this week!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY!!!! Some movement on the scale!!! And boy am I glad it has moved. My morning scale reading was 181.2. I am really hoping to see 179 this coming week!

I'll tell you what though...eating 4 servings of fruits AND veggies every day leaves me no room for anything else! Seriously...I don't have time or room in my belly for any "junk." I may eat a 100 cal pack or bar once a day (but no more than that--and that's a great improvement from before) but that's it! I'm really trying to cut out my night time snacking and so far so good. That wasn't a problem with me before but since DS2 has been born, I've picked it up. Not out of boredom or stress but b/c I was finding that when I didn't eat a snack before bedtime I was almost passing out by morning b/c I'd been through 3 nursing sessions without anything to eat or drink. So I had to fix that problem! But now DS2 is sleeping from 7-7 so I don't need to eat that extra snack or 2. :)

I think I am going to take my measurements on Friday morning. We are leaving for vacation on Saturday and I need to see how things are going other than on the scales. I've had 5 workouts with the trainer. He told me it would take about 6 weeks to see results. I plan to take a few walks while we are on vacation. We aren't right on the beach so I could take a walk to the beach every day. Or DH and I could take a walk every night after the kids go to bed (my mom is going with us so we have a babysitter).

When Superjayman was here, we ate out a LOT!! I don't think I ate at home the whole time she was here! I did once I think.... That's bad! We always go out to eat a lot when she visits. But we had such a good time. I gained that week she was here but "only" 1.2, which I think is pretty darn good considering how much we ate out!

Let's see what else... DS2 rolled over for the first time on Saturday! He's still sick but he's obviously feeling good enough to try new things. :)

I've started journaling everything! And it's really helped me to see what all I'm eating and drinking. I'm getting in 160 ounces of water every day too. That's a LOT!! If I don't get in @ least 100 ounces of water each day, I can really tell a difference in my body.

I got yet another new hair cut and style. I will post pictures ASAP. I don't want to go down stairs right now b/c I'm too darn sore from my workout this morning! LOL!!!!

I have to get back to work! I'll post those pictures this week. Maybe not today b/c we have soccer tonight and I'll probably have to work tonight. Have a great OP day!

Just b/c I haven't blogged...

2008-09-05T12:56:00.004-04:00

Doesn't mean I'm off the wagon! Actually, I'm more on than I've been in a LONG time!

I have had a helluva week! First DS2 has been sick, DS1 was throwing up last night, DH and I have some sinus issues going on and I am ready for Calgon to take me away! UGH!!!

I have so much in my head to post, but no time. I may be taking DS2 to the doctor this afternoon. So I'll try to hit some highlights:

* First of all, I saw a number on the scale this morning I haven't seen in a while (182.2) so that has me THRILLED about weighing in on Monday.

* I've been journaling every single bite I take now..this is my 2nd week doing that.

* Things with the trainer are going great! I lost this week (1.2) but it was what I gained while BFF Superjayman was visiting.

* Had a wonderful visit with SuperJ. Can't wait to see her again in December!

* Drinking tons of water (160 ounces at least every day!) and eating tons of fruits and veggies (4 servings of each every day).

I think that's the highlights. I have another post I've been working on for a week now but I've got writer's block at the moment. Or maybe it's lack of sleep? I don't know.

I hope to post a real post this weekend! :)

4 months old!

2008-08-24T15:09:00.002-04:00

I can't believe Izaac Jeremiah is 4 months old!!! The time has just flown by!! He is such a joy and a true blessing to our family.

Took him to the doctor the other day. He weighed in at 16# and 25 1/4".

Here are a few pictures:

Just took these this afternoon.

I think this is my new favorite picture!! LOVE it!!

This one was actually taken by DS1. Not too bad for a 4 year old!

Took this when we got home from the doctor the other day.

Where's the Beef?

2008-08-21T21:35:00.003-04:00

Apparently, in our freezer!

Yep, you read that right. We got our beef and pork last week. It was kind of bad timing as I was NOT prepared to start cooking as much as the Core program requires, but my dinners have been more on the core side than not. So that's a good point right??

I'm taking some advice from Roni and a few others and starting out slow. I feel like I keep coming up with an excuse, but honestly, it's not. I'm overwhelmed at the amount of weight I have to lose. It's a lot. But I'm starting out slow. I'm slowly making the changes. I'm getting 160+ ounces of water in EVERY DAY. It kind of coincides with the advice I get from my trainer every week. One small change each week and keep building on that. Last week it was water (which was not an issue for me) and this week it is fruit. And I am having a HARD time with it! I'm getting it in every day, but I'm a vegetable girl. I eat vegetables with 2 of my 3 meals every day. So it's been rough, but I'm muddling through.

I do have an NSV to report. BFF Superjayman flew in yesterday. We went out to lunch together and hit Panera. I did the You Pick Two and got the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad and the Garden vegetable Soup. Such a super good lunch that was very filling and very low points! YAY!!!! I'm proud of myself for making that good decision. Today I fought the urge to go out for lunch with my boys after I took little man for his 4 month check up (post with pictures and stats to come!). I fought that demon the ENTIRE trip home! 40 minutes!!! It was insane. I probably would have done better going out b/c I kind of grazed all afternoon, but that's the trade off today. SuperJ and I have plans to go for a walk tomorrow morning and Saturday and Sunday as well. I'm psyched about it!!

I'm listening to Roni's videos while I type and she's so inspiring to me. Why is it I always get inspired AT NIGHT?!?! Even when I shower, I'll stand there and tell myself you'll have a good breakfast tomorrow and a good lunch and you'll do this and that, etc... (yes, I have these conversations with myself practically every night in the shower.) But anyway. She's had some good advice this week. Really spoke to me on quite a few of her questions. :) I'm outta here! Have a great day! :)

Assignment #2

2008-08-19T06:44:00.002-04:00

I had my weekly appointment with the trainer yesterday. I now go every Monday. I had to keep track of how much water I had each day and then show it to him. I got in 160 ounces every day except one and even that day I had 132 ounces. He said that was "amazing". It was hard for me over the weekend, but I did it! I'm actually proud of myself. I did get on the scale both at home and with the trainer. I was the same at home and up just a tad at the trainer--.2. He told me not to worry about it b/c I may be losing inches. And he said that I am learning new habits slowly, so I don't need to worry about that number just yet. He has a point and I am trying to think that way.

So my assignment this week is to eat 4 servings of fruit every day. I had no trouble with it yesterday, but my fruit stash is quickly dwindling. I may have to hit the store today to stock up. We did get our first produce delivery on Friday. It was awesome!!! I still have some strawberries and raspberries left from that, but that will be all the fruit. DS1 ate the last banana as soon as he got home yesterday and he ate 2 of the 4 apples! That kid loves fruit!!! I know it's a good thing, so I don't worry about it.

DH is heading out of town today to visit "home" b/c his great uncle died on Saturday. It was expected, just happened faster than we thought it would. I was going to go, but...... da, da, dum....SUPERJAYMAN is coming for a visit!!!!!! FINALLY she is getting out here for this court date. It's been FOREVER since I've seen her. I'm so excited. I get to pick her and her mom up at the air port and then enjoy the time that she's here since I don't have to work. YAY!!! And DH told me not to worry about going to the funeral. It's too quick of a trip to drag 2 kids out of their routine. Just in case you were thinking I'm a horrible wife... LOL!!!

Okay, gotta scoot--gotta get some work done!!! I do have another post to make so I hope to put it up later today or tonight. :)

Exercise, WI, water, and craziness!

2008-08-13T09:01:00.003-04:00

It's been a crazy week already. Thank heavens it is finally Wednesday!

I had my first real session with the trainer on Monday morning. This also means I had my WI day as well. I had maintained, which is good considering we went to the state fair on Sunday. My WI at home was 183.7. At the trainer it was 188.7. UGH. That is waaaayyyyyy too close to a number I said I would NEVER get back to--190. I know I'm close, but I'm not there so that's good. hopefully that number will be less come next Monday. I go to the trainer every Monday now so I'll WI there with him every week. He gave me my first "assignment" for this week--drink 96 ounces of ice cold water every day. Since I aim for 130 ounces a day, this has been no problem. I got in 160 ounces yesterday! I've also figured out that when my cup gets empty, I tend to eat b/c I don't want to walk downstairs and fill up my cup. So I fill up both of my 32 ounce cups when I first go down in the morning and then put the 2nd cup in the small fridge that's upstairs so when I'm done with the 1st, I can easily start on my 2nd. It's working marvelously!! And it keeps things cold! Did you know your body has to work to heat up the water when you drink it ice cold? I did not know that, so my water is COLD now! :)

I do have a NSV to report. While at the fair on Sunday we ate lunch there. I got a GRILLED pork tenderloin sandwich. That's it!! No bloomin' onion, no fried ANYTHING. I seriously wanted a funnel cake as we were heading out, but DH hates them and I knew I would eat the whole darn thing by myself and I didn't want to do that. So I said no thanks. We did stop at the dairy barn to get mik shakes and we all split 2 grilled cheese sandwiches. Again, not the BEST choice, but at least it was dairy! :) And it wasn't FRIED!!! WOO HOO!!! I'm quite proud of myself. I told DH I would get me a funnel cake when we are on vacation. My mom is going with us and she loves them, so I'll get a few bites and then "let" her eat the rest. LOL!!!

I have been doing better in my afternoon munchie time. I have the WORST trouble after lunch. About 2 in the afternoon until about 4--it SUCKS!!! I just want to eat. Yesterday wan't bad, I did have a snack, but I didn't eat everything in sight either.

DS1 started pre-K on Monday. School started here today. This time next year, my baby will be going to KINDERGARTEN!!!! I can't believe that. I'll have to be restrained that day I am sure. I won't want to let him go. The shool bus terrifies me. I know what *I* learned on the bus and it wasn't good. Breathe...deep breaths.... I'll think about it next year!!! He also started the fall session of soccer on Monday. So life will be CRAZY for the next few weeks. But that's okay...crazy is good, right?

I better get back to work. I have been neglecting my blog lately b/c we've been so busy. I need DH to get me a laptop! It's on my list.... :)

DizzyDazey had her babies!!!

2008-08-08T09:55:00.002-04:00

I emailed Dazey the other day to see if she had her twins yet b/c I knew her due date was approaching. Heard back from her last night and she asked that I give a shout out to everyone.

The boys were born July 18. Conner weighed 4# 13 oz, and Oz weighed 5# 1oz. After 8 days they got to bring them home and they've been doing fabulous ever since! She's trying to nurse--she's pumping and then feeding--don't want to make them work too hard for their food just yet. She did have a C-section and she's healing quite nicely she says. She was never put on strict bedrest, but by that last week she said all she was doing was eating and sleeping (she made it to 34 weeks). She also said they still do not have decent internet and she's really missing her blog and all of you!

As for me, I have been doing SO MUCH BETTER in the eating department the last few days. My hardest time is after lunch and before dinner. I wish I could just take a nap every day at that time to avoid the afternoon munchies, but that's not possible so I have got to learn to deal with it better. The boys and I made a trip to the orchard yesterday for some peaches and blueberries. Oh those peaches are AWESOME!!! I'm going to freeze the blueberries so we have them for later on. I'm loving them in my oatmeal.

Gotta scoot. I have to get SOME work done today! LOL!!! :)

Baked goods are NOT my friend!

2008-08-06T20:12:00.002-04:00

So as the summer has progressed, my garden has netted me quite a few zucchini (I just brought in 4--all the size of small baseball bats)...which means quite a few loaves of zucchini bread! And the peaches are abundant at the local orchard...which led me to make my first homemade peach cobbler. :) SO as these items are delicious...they are wreaking havoc on my digestive system (at least I think that's the cause). Too much sugar! So the baked goods are gone and I am back to a better eating pattern.

I sound like a broken record!

I know, I know. I need to take my own advice. So I am!

I went today for my first session with the trainer at Exercise Inc. Oh my...this is going to be good! First of all, my trainer is a HOTTIE!! We'll call him McTrainer. He got out of his car (in a suit and tie no less which to me is almost like a man in uniform) and I was like "HELLLLOOOOO Exercise!" :) He talked with me a bit on what my goals are and how things work and then took me through a mini workout. OH MY WORD!!! I was burning when I left there. It felt good. So I made an appointment to be there Monday morning at 8:40. I am choosing Mondays b/c I know how I am on the weekends and I need something to keep me accountable on the weekends. So I will be reporting my losses from their scales on Mondays. I will get on my scales this coming Monday since I haven't gotten on their scales yet. I did find out a little bit about the eating plan and it's basically core without the extra 35 points. So I will be good to go once my produce is delivered next week AND we get our cow. I will, of course, go to the store this weekend and get some yummy produce to get us through the week. After that it will be organic and delivered to my door! YAY!!

Oh and my milk delivery starts Monday too. :)

I'll give more details on the eating plan w/ my trainer later on, but I gotta scoot. Gotta get DS1 out of the tub and in bed.

Sleeping baby...

2008-08-05T11:06:00.003-04:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture of Zac. I think we have a thumb sucker on our hands! He was sucking his thumb 2 hours after he was born...so he must have done that in the womb and it's taken him 3 months plus to find it again! :) But isn't he so precious?!? Not that I am biased or anything....

Happiest person on earth right now!!!!!

2008-08-04T12:45:00.002-04:00

Waaayyyy back when, I talked about a local delivery service in the Indianapolis area that delivers fresh organic produce TO YOUR DOOR!!! Well, back in May I contacted them about signing up for this service and they told me they were not in my area yet. I thought okay, fine, maybe they will be in a year or so. So, this morning I get an email that they are coming to my area beginning AUGUST 15!!!!!!!!!!!!! In Colette's words....

HOLY MACKEREL!!!!!!

I immediately got on the phone with my friend who has this service and I was literally screaming and jumping for joy!!!!!!!!!! You have NO IDEA how happy this makes me. I am the happiest person on the planet right now. That just made me day!!!

I am hoping we have our meat by then and then I will start the Core plan. WOO HOO!!!!!!!

All of this, and I am a bit under the weather today. Got some dizziness going on and sitting up is kind of awkward, so I am headed back to bed to lay down. I need a laptop so I can surf in bed. :) I am on the hunt for a homemade granola bar recipe. The cook at DS school makes them for the kids for snacks and they are AWESOME. But she can't give out the recipe b/c it's a catering recipe?? WTH, I don't know. Whatever. So I will find me a recipe that is similar to that one and make these for my family.

Okay, I am off to get horizontal again. Been up too long already I think.

My 200th post--with pictures!!

2008-08-01T23:35:00.002-04:00

I've been lacking in the photo department lately...

First off...I never posted pictures of my new hair do. So here you go:

The front

The side

The back

I LOVE IT!!!!!!! YAY!!!

And here is a picture of Zac...taken 2 days ago! :) He's getting so big. I can't believe it. Oh and he's so very very happy. Such a blessing!!!

Been a long day...

2008-07-30T20:47:00.002-04:00

So this is going to be quick.

I did get on the scale today and I was up slightly. I think .4 (or maybe it was .8) I don't remember exactly and it was early this morning. But either way I am up. Grrr... Oh well, today is a new day and tomorrow is another new day. Going to make the most of tomorrow (as I am headed to bed for today). :)

I did contact a personal trainer at Exercise Inc. I hope I hear back from him tomorrow at some point. I'd like to get in there Saturday morning. That'd be awesome. It's supposed to be hotter than hot this weekend so I doubt DH will want to work outside. A good reason for me to be able to get started with the trainer. He'll have the kids and I'll have some "me" time. Ahhh.... Friday it will be just me and the little one as DS1 will be at "school" aka daycare. I have to work a short day and then I plan to hit a local orchard to see what fresh produce they have. YUM!!

Bad blogger..

2008-07-29T18:17:00.002-04:00

Or maybe just a super busy momma with a sick baby!

Yep, that's right little one has his first cold. Woke up with it Thursday night. He slept ALL DAY Thursday and I thought he was growing (he was 3 months old on Thursday) but when he woke up at 9 Thursday night (after laying down at 5 for his, what I thought would be normal half hour to one hour evening nap) and he was all snotty and snorty. Poor boy. DH ran out at 1045 that night to get stuff to put in the vaporizer. We bathed him in vapor bath, rubbed the baby vapor stuff on his chest and propped up his crib mattress. He slept all night that night and last night was the first time since that he's slept all the way through. I was ready to DIE on Sunday b/c he was up at 230 Saturday night...when I had went to bed at 115...and then up again at 530 Sunday morning and up for the day by 8. UGH. But, I think he is on the mend. But now I have it. It's that slight little tickle at the back of my throat that is only relieved by carbonated beverages. I'm still getting in my 130 ounces of water but also a good 20 of diet something or other.

So needless to say, I didn't WI on Friday. I think I am going to switch my WI days to Wednesdays...IF I can remember to get on the scale tomorrow morning! That's my plan anyway. I have been very inspired by Colette and her success with Core so I have decided that once we get our meat in a week or so, I am going to do core for a little while and see how that goes. My lunches will be my problem right now b/c I've been having a Lean Cuisine 2 days a week. It will take some planning, but I'm going to do it.

I wonder what's realistic for a goal? I mean is it realistic for me to want to weigh 130? Is it realistic for me to want to weigh that in a year?? If I could lose a pound a week, I would be down to 131 by this time next year. So yeah, I guess it is. For now I am making small goals. I want to lose 10# (175), be back in the 170s (179.9), back to pre-pregnancy weight (166), and it goes on and on. DH is pushing me to join a "club" here...I don't know how to explain it. It's called Exercise, Inc. You work out with a trainer once a week for 20 minutes. That's it. There is a diet that you can follow but I am not sure on the specifics yet. I know it's 4 servings of fruits AND vegetables every day and a lot of water (which we know I have no problems with) and something about no more than 4 grams of sugar in whatever you eat. I don't know the specifics yet. I have one of the trainers cards so I am going to give him a call or shoot him an email. I am intrigued that is for sure. Plus it would give me an hour away every week (20 minutes working out, 20 minutes there and back travel time), which would be AWESOME. DH is fully supportive so that's good. The girl that cuts DH hair is doing it and loves it. She raves about it. She's lost 16# in 12 weeks. I would be happy with that. And I need the umph to do more serious exercise. DS1 and I take a walk about every night for 20 minutes or so. I've gotten in to playing the Wii (LOVE boxing!) and I am trying to just be active overall. So we'll see what happens.

Okay, gotta run. DS1 is ready to go for his walk. :) I'll post WI results tomorrow. If I remember to get on the scale!

Da Da Dum....drumroll please!

2008-07-18T16:55:00.002-04:00

DOWN 1.7 this morning!!! WOO HOO!!!!

I forgot what the exact number was (183.something) but I am happy to be seeing progress.

Now..I just need to eat better! I'm eating okay, but with 36 points a day, I tend to eat worse things than I should. But...the ice cream that has invaded my house is gone so that's a good thing. And I started back to work this week and next week I will be working my full time schedule, so that should equal some better eating. When I worked on Monday, I was a ROCKSTAR with the eating! I had tons of veggies and water and I was so very good. Tuesday, not so great, but not horrible either. Wednesday was okay. I need to plan better when I'm going to be working and the kids are at home. I hate to buy Lean Cuisine type meals, but that may be what I need for the time being. So I'm hoping to get to the store at some point this weekend and pick up a few to get me through next week.

DH just called me...he ordered us half a cow for our freezer (and the meat is VERY lean) and also half a pig. YAY! We signed up for milk delivery service and that should start soon too. All I need to get at the store will be produce and canned goods once our meat comes in. YAY!!! I'm psyched about all that meat in my freezer. I've learned over the last few weeks that DS1 is a meat and vegetable kinda guy. He doesn't want chicken if it's in Chicken Tetrazinni or Burbon Chicken. He likes it plain. We fight with him every night at dinner for him to eat the main course and he won't. I'm so over it though. He loves pork chops too. We've never given him steak. He LOVES his vegetables, so that's good. I just get so sick of that fight every night at dinner. I can't wait to fire up the grill and throw some steaks on there from our own cow. YAY!!!

I still have some pictures to post so I hope to do that this weekend. Gotta scoot...little one is waking up. :)

Look what I've been up to...

2008-07-18T09:44:00.002-04:00

WARNING: The following picture some may find offensive..DO NOT VIEW with small children in the room! Scroll down to get to it....

I went to a birthday party last Saturday for a friend of mine who turned 40. There was a male adult "entertainer" there...if ya get my drift. ;) I'd have never seen one of these "entertainers" before so this was a first for me. I must say...What a trip! It was fun. As you can see in the picture, I was beside myself. I can't believe some people can do that!

Oh and he WAS dressed as a fireman before the "show".

I'll be back later with W/I results!

Oh and I hate how I look in this picture...I have to keep telling myself...you just had a baby...you just had a baby....

How many of me?

2008-07-12T18:41:00.001-04:00

I thought this was neat...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
7
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Down 2.7!!!

2008-07-11T11:02:00.002-04:00

Holy cow!

I was NOT expecting that this morning. I haven't been perfect by any means this week, but I've gotten out and walked with DS1 2 nights this week and we walked a lot at the zoo on Sunday and I hope to get out tonight too. It's not too long of a walk...about 15 minutes or so, but he loves it and it's our "special time" together in the evenings. Some days I put Zac in the stroller and he goes too, which gives me a work out on my arms pushing him. I tried to get on the elliptical the other night and I am not in shape at ALL to do that. SO I'll work up to it again like I was before I got pregnant.

I am really tired this morning so I am going to go lay down while the little one is sleeping. I go back to work on Monday! Oy!!

Back on Track

2008-07-09T22:28:00.002-04:00

I've been meaning to post this post all week, but I've been busy! It's my LAST week of maternity leave so I've been trying to get a few things done. But I can not WAIT to go back to work. I know that sounds crazy and just a few short weeks ago I couldn't wait to be done, but I am so ready for a routine, a schedule. I seriously don't know how stay-at-home-moms do it. I really don't. I can't stand not having any kind of structure to my weeks. Drives me nuts! I do have plans most days but I like the mundane of having to work. Crazy, right?!?

Anyway...I got back on track on Sunday. Well, I'm trying to anyway. I'm writing things down and counting them, so I guess that's good, right? I haven't been perfect this week by ANY means, but it's better than it was. I got up Sunday morning and took my measurements and also got on the evil metal devil (187--up 4# from when I left for my mom's 3 weeks ago) and I have chosen my WI day to be Fridays. So I will get on the evil metal devil on Friday morning to see what he says. ;)

When I was at home, I got the chance to spend a lot of time with my baby sister. Poor thing...she's 20 and has gained a considerable amount of weight since October. We're talking 30-40 pounds. She's built EXACTLY like me and I've told her for a few years now that she's going to have to watch it later on and it just hit her like a ton of bricks. So now, she's trying to lose weight. I tried to tell her the good stuff about losing weight and what she should try to avoid, but I'm (obviously) no expert. BUT...we did make a pact. Whoever got to their 10% first--for me that's 18#, for her 16#--if it's me, she'll pay for me to get a pedicure, if it's her, I'll pay for her to get a massage. She's quite determined to get that massage, and I hope she gets it. Either way, we both win, but a little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right?

Today was Zac's first day of daycare. He did fine and I knew he would. I had the HARDEST time leaving him. I bawled like a baby....I did with X too. For some reason, I thought it would be easier b/c I've done it before, but it wasn't. I called my mom afterwards, crying my eyes out, b/c I knew I wouldn't get any sympathy from DH. Mom's been there done that and was very sweet to me. Where as DH would have been like, "uuhhh, sorry, what do you want me to say?" Men! So I had a whole day to myself. Went to the dentist first--yuck, bleh, but glad that's over. Lunch at Panera, alone, a few errands, and then to get my hair cut and colored (pictures to come--I actually took them today) and then to the chiropractor. VERY busy day, but good to get a few things done. ;) I couldn't wait to pick up my boys. Thankfully I had made dinner last night and we had tons of leftovers so I didn't have to come home and cook. I got to spend the evening with my boys.

Okay, I think that catches me up. Once I go back to work, I HOPE to be able to get back to posting every day. I want to set goals again for the week every week and post my daily food journal to hold myself accountable. I would LOVE to be down to 140 by Zac's first birthday, but that's 45# and a little over 9 months. That's 5# a month. Maybe a little lofty, but I can TRY! I got down to 155 by the time DS1 had his first birthday, so we'll see. ;)

Random facts about me..

2008-07-07T15:46:00.002-04:00

This tag comes from Mtngirlincali at Taking the Reins.

I'm supposed to tell you 6 random things about me..I'll do my best so here goes.

1. I absolutely HATE the sound of teeth running across a fork, knife, or spoon. Drives me nuts. Almost as bad as nails down a chalkboard.

2. When I was younger, I had a black lab named Jasmine, a Doberman named Rajah, and a Beagle named Abu. Yes, at the same time. We LOVED the movie Aladdin. :)

3. I grew up in the middle of a corn field...literally. There was one in front of us, behind us, and on both sides. I HATED it. I'm too much of a city girl for that.

4. At the ripe old age of 28, I got a hearing aid. It's so small no one ever sees it. One of the BEST decisions I've ever made! I got it a little less than 3 weeks before my 29th birthday. I've suffered YEARS of ear troubles and had multiple surgeries (too many to count) and this was the last option. SO glad I did it!

5. My first car was a 1979 Mazda GLC. I got my license in the early 90s, so this was an OLD car. I did not care...it got me from point A to point B. Did I mention the body of the car was rusted? Yeah...so rusted that you could see through the floor board. Oh and it was missing a muffler. ;) I didn't drive it for too long, but I did drive it!

6. Since I have been married, each house I've lived in has been new. DH and I built our first one through a "cookie cutter" builder and moved in 3 weeks after we got married. And our current house we custom built and moved in April 2006. We did live in an apartment between the selling of the first house and the building of the current one. Not sure why, but we just never even looked at existing homes. Odd? I don't know, it's just how things fell for us.

The rules:

Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Write six random things about yourself.
Tag six people at the end of your post.
Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

I guess I tag Superjayman, Miss July, MMalloy, and Melanie.

I've been tagged...

2008-07-07T15:31:00.002-04:00

not once, but twice. So here I go with the first one...from Miss July.

Ten Years Ago
Hmm, 1998...DH (well then he was DBF (dear boyfriend) and I were going through a rough patch. I was trying to sew some wild oats I guess. I was in my 2nd year of college, but first year at a new college (yes, I switched after a year). I was living in a dorm and studying a lot. My dorm mates made fun of me b/c I was always in my room doing homework and studying. It was the end of 1998 when DBF and I finally worked everything out and have been happy ever since. ;)

5 Things on Today's To Do List
1. Laundry--done
2. Do the dishes--AGAIN--I feel like my kitchen is NEVER clean!
3. Make beds--done
4. Catch up on Jon & Kate plus 8--DS1 LOVES this show, as do I, and I get GREAT ideas from that show. LOVE it! (I'm also addicted to a few soaps, but I try not to watch those when little ears are around...and I LOVE GH too...and One Life to Live...and Days of Our Lives). I can't believe I just admitted that. But I don't watch them all every day. ;)
5. Need to run a few errands, but I don't think I'm going to. DS1 had a melt down so I sent him to bed.

Snacks I Enjoy
Popcorn, ice cream (any flavor, except mint chocolate chip--yuck!), anything really. I love all food!

Things I would do if I was a millionaire
Pay off my house, fund my kids college, build my mom a house and pay off all her bills, help DH family out too, and TRAVEL! I would also donate to charities that help families that have kids with cancer and donate to my work (a non profit hospital). Then I would tell them to take their job and well...you know! ;)

I get to tag someone now...I choose Superjayman, Colette, and Mmalloy. Have fun!

Finally....pictures!

2008-07-05T19:54:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know I've been home for a week. Life has been crazy this week and I haven't had time to sit down at the computer to post the pictures I want to post. ;)

First of all...the hair.....here is a before--2 views:

And the after: 2 views as well:

Yes, these were taken on different days. I forgot to have my friend take a picture when she was done cutting and I kept forgetting to ask DH to do it when it looked good. I like it b/c it's short, but I don't like the style. So I am going on Wednesday to someone else (friend lives almost 3 hours south and not going "home" anytime soon) to have her chop it some more. There is too much on the sides and it's still too long for what I want. When my friend cut it, I didn't know if it was short enough or not and she went on vacation right after she cut mine so I didn't have time for her to do it again while I was at my mom's. Since I've had time to wash it and fix it several times, I don't like it. So it's going shorter! I'll post new pics if I get what I want on Wednesday.

Speaking of Wednesday...that's when this little guy starts daycare. :(

No, mommy is not happy about it, BUT I have no other option. And my first one survived it (he still goes there and LOVES it). I go back to work on the 14th but wanted to send him for a day before that to get him used to it. He will only go 2 days a week and big brother will still go 3. As far as stats go on little Izaac...well he's not so little! As of Wednesday, he was 13# 12.6 ounces, 23.75" long. BIG BOY!!! The picture was taken on his 2 month birthday. I can't believe it's been 10 weeks already! But he's always talking and cooing and smiling at us. He's such a blessing!

That's all for now. I need to post about how OFF program I've been since my mom's, but I won't. I did learn one thing while down there...I'll never move back! ;) That and boredom + stress = bad eating for Amanda. 'Nuff said. ;)

Bottomless Pit!

2008-06-24T09:32:00.003-04:00

That has been me the past 2 days--Sunday and Monday. Not sure why...things have been running through my head..is it the nursing? Not enough water? No idea, but I'm ready for it to be over! I'm hoping today (Tuesday) is better! I've tried to keep it in check, but it's been VERY hard!

In other things...sleep is a WONDERFUL thing! Izaac has slept 6 or more hours every night now since last Wednesday night. It's been awesome for me!!! We are still at my mom's and having a blast. Izaac is 2 months old today!!!! I can't believe it. He's gotten so big and he's really starting to talk and coo at us and I get tons of smiles from him EVERY day! I love it!!!

Today is me and DH anniversary--8 years!!! We've been together for 12 years. Sure doesn't feel that long, so I guess that's a good thing! I have a nice present waiting for me when we get home on Saturday. Last night DH found an open box special on the brand new washer and dryer I've been wanting. I'm so excited!!! It's the Whirpool Cabrio. I am so excited!!!! I've had my eye on a red one, but they don't make the top loaders in red. The one he got me is diamond dust, I guess. I did not want a front loader and those were wayyyyy too much money. I'm so excited and blessed. I truly have the best DH. He is so good to me and is such a good provider for our family. He is the best daddy too. He is my best friend and I love him more today than I did the day I married him. Happy anniversary my love!!!

Gotta get things going.... My sister and I are taking DS1 to the movies this afternoon to see Kung Fu Panda and then out for dinner afterwards. Guess they are my date for my anniversary...but that's okay. DH and I have a babysitter planned for Saturday night when we get back. Make today a great day! :)

4 days down...a lifetime to go!

2008-06-20T09:23:00.002-04:00

Okay, I've done it! I have successfully counted points AND stayed within those points for 4 days now. I was even below my points yesterday (Thursday). I got on the scale Wednesday morning and was down 2# since FRIDAY! And I just started my "one day at a time" point counting on Monday. WOO HOO!!!

But now...I am at my mom's. Yep...made the trip Thursday....should have been 2 hours and 15 minutes...ended up being 4.5 hours--YIKES! The boys did AWESOME, however, so I won't complain. And I conquered a fear yesterday....nursing in public. I nursed DS2 while DS1 and I ate at Taco Bell. It was the only option I had so I went with it. Thank god for a nursing cover, otherwise I would have flashed my boob, but I'm getting better at that even! Anyway...back to being at my mom's. She does NOT eat right...BUT, I have come armed with meals to cook that are point friendly. My mom is trying to lose weight, but yet, she doesn't want to eat right or eat things good for you. Sigh...it's a never ending battle with her. Oh well!

Today is THE DAY! I am chopping off my hair! I can't wait!!! And yes, I am going to donate it. I am so excited...gotta find some new sassy, chic look for me. I will post pictures (before and after) once I get home next week...can't do it from mom's. Have a great weekend! Gotta hit the shower and pump. :)

Oh! Before I forget....Zac slept through the night Wednesday AND Thursday nights!!!! 10-5 both nights!!! Then he gets up, eats and goes right back to sleep. WOO HOO!!! And...he is 8 weeks old now. HOORAY!!!!

I'm taking your advice...and PLANKS?!?

2008-06-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

I am taking the advice of more than one person here this coming week. Instead of waiting until I hit 159 to chop off my hair, I'm doing it NOW.

As in FRIDAY.

8 inches...going to be GONE!

What made me make this decision? Well, the fact that it was HOT the other day when I went on a walk at 10 A.M. with the boys and my hair stuck to my neck. Oh lord it was HOT. And I HATE my hair sticking to me. And I hate to wear a ponytail every day too. I hate the kinks it leaves in my hair. Oh and Zac LOVES to grab onto my hair and NOT let go. It hurts! So, I'm chopping it off on Friday. WOO HOO!!! But...DH doesn't know yet. ;)

The boys and I are leaving on Thursday to go to my moms for 10 (yes, that says TEN!) days. I'm gonna chop it on Friday and not tell DH. I'll let him see it when we get home a week from Saturday. He won't care, but I can't wait to see his face. :)

In other news....

I got my WW magazine in the mail the other day. There is an article in there called "Ab Fab" and gives you a 10 minute workout that combines Pilates moves and cardio. SEEMS easy enough, no? Well, there's a word in there I haven't done before....PLANK. SOUNDED easy enough.....so I tried one. You're supposed to hold for 30 seconds. Ummmm, yeah....I held for about 5! Swizzlepop (and anyone else who can do this), I BOW to you. Holy mother of god that was hard. But....at least I have something to work towards, right? Granted, I did just have a baby and I haven't worked out more than walking and stairs in a loooooong time. But I have 89 days until our vacation. I know I won't be "Ab Fab" but it would be NICE to at least be back to my pre-preg weight (166).

I got released from my OB/GYN the other day so I can resume all regular activities. So I'm TRYING to get back into some kind of activity. As long as it doesn't affect my milk supply, I'm good to go. So I'm trying....still holding my own in the weight area. I've stopped gaining and I'm just holding where I'm at (185) which is better than gaining. UGH. Oh well.... BFF Superjayman said if I really buckled down she thinks I could lose a good amount between now and our beach vacation. She may have a point....... It's so hard to get that motivation back...it really is. But if I can just do ONE day, then maybe the next day wouldn't be so hard. I should take it the way I am taking breastfeeding...one day at at time. That's my new mantra I think.

Gotta go...gotta get some sleep before the little one gets up to eat again.

36 points....

2008-06-10T14:26:00.002-04:00

That's how many *I* get in a day right now.

WHOA.

This morning I decided to take charge and just see how many points I would get right now. I figured it up and it came up to 36. Now, if I can't lose on 36 points a day then there's a problem! So I'm starting to count points...I think. I'm going to try anyway. I tried to "be good" yesterday. I can do GREAT at breakfast...then lunch comes and I take a nose dive into whatever we are having. Yesterday DS had corndogs...so I had one...well okay, I had 2. Ouch. And chips. And dip. Double ouch. Dinner wasn't much better and the boys had been bears all day. The little one mostly....so by dinner I was fit to be tied. BUT...that was yesterday.

So today I am starting fresh...well trying to. I had to go to the dentist today and knew I would be starving afterwards. I had ate a pretty good breakfast but I knew I would be hitting something after the dentist. So I hit Taco Bell (which, BTW, is the first fast food I've had in TWO WEEKS--thank you very much). I had PLANNED to get stuff off the fresco menu. But they didn't have any of the fresco stuff (I'm guessing b/c of the tomato/salmonella outbreak). So I got my usual. Not the best...BUT...I'm writing it down AND counting it. Hey--at least it's holding me accountable, right?!?

So now I'm jonesing the web and Roni's site for some point friendly and EASY dinners for next week. Gotta hit the store tomorrow and I need to be armed with a good for you menu and list. We'll see how it goes.

I did get on the scale this past Friday and it was the same. So if I'm eating anything I want and maintaing the same weight, then if I watch it and count points I'm hoping to see some kind of a loss. I'll hit the scale again Friday and see what it says.

Gotta run...Zac is up and probably wants to eat. :)

Have you seen these? A product find/review

2008-06-09T11:27:00.004-04:00

Rubbermaid has these new PRODUCE SAVER storage containers out. (I tried to put in a picture, but I'm not THAT computer savvy.)

Always having a hard time keeping strawberries before they go bad, I knew I had to have these when I saw the $1.00 coupon in the Sunday paper last week. So I went to Target last Monday and bought 2 of the 5 cup containers. Let me just say....

I LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!

On Tuesday I bought zucchini and peppers at the store and cut them up when I got home, put them in the container and they are still good! I'm down to the last few bits and those will be gone today. I put grapes in the other container and they're still good too! I bought strawberries the other night and came home and promptly put them in one of the containers and still good--NO MOLD!!! And I ALWAYS have mold on my strawberries after 24 hours or so if I don't cut them up right away. I just tossed them into the container until I could get to them. Oh this is an answer to my prayers! I just had to tell ya! I'm currently surfing Amazon to see if I can get more of them (with free shipping of course) b/c I know they will get used in my house.

Embracing the suck....

2008-06-03T20:11:00.003-04:00

I think it's time I started to embrace the things that suck about my body right now. Yes, this is a whiney post. But I haven't done one in a VERY long time, so here goes.

Right now, my body sucks. I love that it has now grown 2 children and is currently nuturing DS2 with my milk. I love that. What I don't like is how MOST women who breastfeed don't have a period the entire time....well I am not even 6 weeks post partum yet and I THINK mine is trying to come back. WTF?!?! With DS1, it came back at 7 weeks but at that point I had started to give up breastfeeding with him, so I understood THEN. But now?!? We're going strong and it's going pretty good so I shouldn't be having a period. Grrr....

Why is it that most women who breast feed the weight just melts off of them? But me? I'm gaining! WTF?!? I have a friend who is BFing her baby (she's 9 months old now) and she can't gain weight...it's just coming off of her. AND she is one of these people who does NOT need to lose weight. She's trying to gain and she can't! SO NOT FAIR!!! She eats full fat cheese, drinks whole milk, NOTHING low fat or low cal EVER and she can't gain weight. UGH. It's people like that who drive me nuts. Why can't *I* be that way? Why can't the weight melt off of me!?! For once, why can't something go the way it should with my body???

I'm even on Synthroid for my whacked out thyroid and I'm still not losing. It's sooo unfair! I even had a "controlled" gain with this pregnancy. My goal was 39# or less...I gained 38. The recommended gain is 25-35, so I was just fine with 38. Most of my "fat" clothes still don't fit, yes I did get into a pair of capris the other day but they were tight. I wore them b/c I am so sick of maternity clothes. And a shirt? Forget it. My boobs are DD now (was a C before I got pregnant) and I am fine with the boobs...but in order to wear a shirt it has to be an XL, so I wear a lot of DH T-shirts.

I'm just having a bad body image day. I soooo hate my hair and I can't wait to cut it off but I have told myself not until I get to 159. I feel like I will NEVER get there! I go back to the doctor next week for my check up and I plan to ask her a few questions then. But I know the answers to most of them. I have to keep telling myself "you just had a baby" but some days that doesn't make it any better!

BUT...I am trying to embrace it. Notice I said TRYING?? Yeah, it's been real hard today. I NEED to go buy some clothes that fit and make me feel better but I just hate to spend the $$$ when they hopefully won't fit for very long. I need to just let it go and know that I am feeding another human being so I should just let that be the #1 priority right now. But it's so very hard. Ahhh....

Sorry for the whiney/bitchy post, but I needed to get this off my chest. I promise my next post will be a happier one. :)

Myrtle Beach trip canceled...

2008-05-31T14:08:00.002-04:00

until September anyway!

We decided to post-phone our trip. The closer and closer it got the more and more nervous I got about traveling 12 hours with a 5 week old who does NOT like his car seat NOR does he like a bottle. Yeah, that would have been interesting. So, we are going to go in September. When he is HOPEFULLY sleeping through the night and maybe he'll like his car seat more by then. And he'll be in daycare 2 days a week so he won't have a choice about taking a bottle!

That bottle thing is proving to be interesting. He'll take it, but he only nibbles. Then when I am around he is rooting around on me like crazy. DS1 never did this, so this is new territory to me. It's odd. But I kinda like it. ;)

I have an NSV to report....today for the first time in what seems like forever....I am in REAL PANTS. NOT maternity capris...REAL capris!!! They are kinda snug, but I can function in them so WOO HOO!!! I'm embarassed about the size (16), but oh well. I keep telling myself...you just had a baby...give yourself a break. So I am trying. I'm TRYING to get back on the bandwagon. Baby steps. This week I have NOT had fast food at all. This is HUGE for me!!! I've had fast food at least once a week for a loooooong time. Believe me, I was tempted. But I did NOT cave! I've been drinking plenty of water...kinda have to keep up the milk. I'm working on the fruits and veggies too. Trying to get in 4 of EACH every day. That's hard, but I am trying. Maybe next week, I'll get some exercise in. Woo!

That's all I have to report for now. I'm such a bad blogger, but I just don't have time some days! ;)

Myrtle Beach anyone?

2008-05-19T18:37:00.002-04:00

I'm calling on all my readers (if I still have any, that is!!)

I need some info. The family and I are supposed to be heading to Myrtle Beach, SC here in a little over a week. Yes, we are crazy and we know that. BUT it's the only time we could get in at our time share during my leave. I realize taking a 5 week old on a 12 hour car trip might be suicide, but, alas, we have NO other option. Unless, we wait until the end of September or beginning of October and then I don't know if it will be warm enough to go to the beach then.

SO...do you know anything about Myrtle Beach??? If so, PLEASE leave me a comment. Neither DH nor I have ever been there (which is a first for us--usually one of us has been to our destination). I am wondering about grocery stores (Walmart or Publix or what else?) and of course any recommendations on a place to eat would be FANTASTIC! We will go out at least one night and we love us some good seafood. So, please, enlighten me. Anything you can give me, I will take.

Any tips on traveling in a car with a 5 week old AND a 4 year old are GREATLY appreciated as well.

Oh lord, I hope this trip doesn't kill us all. ;0)

In other news, Zac goes to the doctor on Wednesday for his 1 month check-up (he'll be a month old on Saturday--WOW!) so I'll post an update then. The scale is NOT my friend anymore. It's showing me a gain for last week. But I digress....I must get/keep my milk supply up so I am not worried about the number on the scale too much. At least until I get the okay from my doctor. I NEED to eat better....but some days it's hard with a screaming baby and a 4 year old. Oh and add to that the fact that we have Fazoli's coming out of our ears leftover from a shower thrown for me by my friends at work. They sent me home with all the left overs...which is great...but fettucine alfredo twice a day is NOT good for you! Thankfully, it's about gone. Well, it's going to be gone anyway..... ;) I have managed to give up caffeine. I had caffeine on Thursday and that's the last I've had. Before that it had been a couple days too. I'm really trying to give up soda in general AND the carbonation caffeine. Yep, no more diet soda for me. Wow...I can't believe I just typed that.

Okay, I'm outta here. PLEASE leave a comment if you can help me out in anyway. Word of mouth is always the best recommendation! :)

2 weeks!!

2008-05-08T12:19:00.005-04:00

I can't believe my little man is 2 weeks old ALREADY! The time has gone fast, but at the same time, it's slow too. Anyone who's had a baby knows the first 6 weeks are the toughest. So in a way, I'm counting down to that (which will hopefully lead to more sleep!!) but also I'm trying to relish every little minute with my precious boy b/c I KNOW he won't be this little forever. I LOVE this baby stage where they want/need to be held a lot. I love feeding him and changing him and seeing how his big brother interacts with him. It just melts my heart.

As far as updates go let's see.... I am down another 4# since last Friday, so I have 12 to go to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Then my first mini goal after that is another 7...159. My reward for that is to cut off my hair! I can't wait!!! But I will NOT do it until I see that 159. I'm trying to be realistic...I hope to be able to cut my hair by fall, but if it happens sooner, I'll be THRILLED!!!

I can wear REAL shoes again. YAY!!!

I have on a real shirt today too....NOT maternity or nursing wear. I haven't tried to wear real jeans or capris yet. Maybe I'll try that this weekend.

Nursing is still going well. At least I think it is. We have our days but so far so good. I am still a little sore, but nothing un-bearable the way it was last week.

And finally...here are some pictures. I know I promised them over the weekend but then today I realized oh my gosh...it's THURSDAY!! Holy cow!!!

DS1 LOVES his baby brother!

A close up taken on Saturday...luckily his face has cleared up now.

A close up JUST taken.

Daddy with his boys and of course his DDoggie...she poses for all the pictures now!!

Best Diet EVER! ;)

2008-05-02T09:55:00.003-04:00

I don't have a lot of time, but wanted to post a quick update.

Things are going good. We are adjusting well as a family of 4 (at least I think we are). DS1 is doing GREAT as a big brother. He is a huge helper to me, which I greatly appreciate. I've already gone out with both of them and it was a good outing, so that made me feel good.

Thank you for all the wonderful comments! You all are the BEST! I had a request for a close up picture of Zac so I will try to get that up this weekend.

Breastfeeding and childbirth truly is the best diet ever....I gained a total of 38 pounds (there's a funny story about that too--see below) and I am down 22# as of today. ;) HOORAY!!!

Funny story....on the day I went to the hospital (Wednesday night), I forgot to get on the scale that morning. I was thinking oh I would do it on Thursday morning before we left...until the doc made me come in Wed night. So, I made DH bring the home scales to the hospital with him Thursday morning so I could get on my OWN scale to see what I weighed before delivery. My goal was to not go over 205 (what I weighed the day I had DS1)....I weighed in at 204! WOO HOO!!!

Nursing is getting better. Had a rough couple of days but it's getting better. Zac had his days and nights confused Tuesday night and Wednesday night, but last night he did NOT and I got some great sleep...thank god. I needed that. Keep praying he stays on that routine. ;)

Gotta run...gotta get Zac to the doctor to check his weight to make sure he is gaining well. I'll try to post again this weekend. TRY being the operative word!

Pictures!

2008-04-27T15:50:00.003-04:00

I hope to get the birth story typed out soon, but for now here are some pictures from the last few days.

I can't believe I have 2 boys!!!! I've ALWAYS wanted 2 boys!!!

Xander adores baby Zac!

Family picture!!!

This one was taken right after Zac was born--can ya tell??

He is just precious!!! He is doing so great. Nursing is going well. He has his first doctor's appointment tomorrow (Monday--Xander's birthday) and I am anxious to see if he is back up to his birth weight if not over.

I'll post more later. Gotta go feed my boy!!! ;0)

Baby is HERE!!!!!!!

2008-04-24T18:33:00.003-04:00

And....

it's a BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Izaac Jeremiah (we will call him Zac) was born at 2:03 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2008. He weighed in at 8# 15 oz (same weight as DS1) and was 20 3/4 inches long. Labor was fairly short and easy. I pushed for 33 minutes and he was OUT!!! Oh and he has a head full of hair!!! He is so absolutely precious. DS1 ADORES him!!! He can't stop talking about his baby brother. We are all doing great. I can't post pictures from the hospital, but I will get DH to upload some Friday morning once he goes home.

Thank you all for the good thoughts and prayers. I sooo appreciate them!!!

I'm going to the hospital......

2008-04-23T14:33:00.002-04:00

TONIGHT!

ARGH!!!

My darn cervix still wasn't doing anything today...even after all that pain I felt yesterday. So I have to check in tonight at 6:00 (that's eastern time if you are wondering). SO...kinda puts a damper on our family plans, BUT...DH is coming home early and we are going to get DS and take him to play putt-putt...well maybe. I think it's extremely hot outside and I don't know if I can do it or not. So we may just go to the park or something where I can sit in the shade. But we are going to go out for dinner, then they will take me to the hospital and stay with me for a little while. I am hoping DH will leave me his lap top and I can check in tonight from my room.

I will post an update ASAP once I have a baby. It may come from DH, but either way, you will know as soon as I can!

38 weeks picture and contractions!

2008-04-22T20:57:00.003-04:00

Sorry I am so late in getting this posted! But here is my 38 weeks shot. Oh my! You can't tell it by the picture but I am sooooo miserable!!! It got into the mid-70s here today and I was SOOO HOT!!! I can't imagine having a baby in the hot summer months!

This is a front shot. Check out my belly button! Yep, it's turned into an outie!! And I'm holding my shirt down b/c NONE of my shirts will cover my belly anymore!

I woke up this morning with contractions. And I mean painful-bring-tears-to-my-eyes-contractions. I could hardly get out of bed they hurt so bad. So I started timing them after I took a shower. When I got out of the shower, I thought my belly looked distorted so I felt for the baby's butt, which has been in my ribs for MONTHS now, and low and behold it wasn't there! It had moved down and I was having all these contractions...I started getting nervous! So I called DH to tell him to be on the lookout for any calls from me today. But, obviously, they stopped. But I am hoping and praying these contractions are doing something so that means I don't have to go in Wednesday night. I have my appointment tomorrow morning so I will TRY to update ASAP once I get home. I am packing my bag tonight b/c this morning scared me! I had it packed except my clothes (which were NOT clean this morning!) so now that is done. Whew!

I feel ready but I have a tons of things going through my head that I need to make lists for--mostly regarding DS. What he's to have for lunch on Thursday, where his soccer stuff is for Friday night, I have to get his big brother gift ready from the baby (have it all, just need to get it in a bag), little things like that. I did not sleep last night b/c I was in some major pain (not contractions, just pain in my pelvic bones) so I took a nice nap this afternoon. ;) I'm so glad I am not working anymore. I don't know how I could do it!

All right, that's it from me for now. I have to update our family blog now too. Whew!

38 Weeks....and I'm still here!

2008-04-21T07:51:00.003-04:00

Made it through the weekend. We had company all weekend...my sister and her DH came for a visit. He had a bowling tournament on Saturday and Sunday, so my sis and I got to hang out. We went shopping on Sunday. I walked 2 malls...had a few contractions but I'm still here!! ;) We ended up at a shoe store yesterday. Just to give you an idea of how swollen my feet are....I usually can wear an 8.5. I tried on several pairs of 9.5 shoes and they were SO TIGHT. I want some new shoes, but I am going to have to wait until my feet go back to normal...whatever that is!!!

I don't have any pics to post b/c DH was being a butt last night b/c I waited until late to do it and he was already half asleep. I tried to take a few in the mirror in my bathroom but I'm too short so they didn't turn out very well. I'll try to get a few tonight and get them up ASAP.

I am soooo over this right now! Apparently, I have developed Carpal Tunnel and my hands keep me up at night. So, I've been wearing my braces for them, but it doesn't always help. They just HURT!!! My doctor told me the other day that I have 3 things working against me for CTS....#1--my job, #2--pregnancy, and #3--all the swelling I've got. So I am REALLY hoping and praying that this part goes away after delivery. I am so excited too, though!! I watched the birth of DS the other night and I can't wait to experience all of that again. I am just praying it all goes quickly and smoothly!!!

A few of you asked if we could do our family night on Tuesday night...yes we could, BUT...it's supposed to rain. We may do it anyway, just depends on how things go. We could at least go out to dinner and maybe see a movie or something, but we'd have to go early b/c of DS bedtime. I can't tell you all how excited this boy is....he can't wait to hold his baby. He can't wait to know what it is...he's just too cute.

We have all the plans arranged for Thursday morning so we are all set...just have to see what the doc says on Wednesday when I go. I pray I can hold off my admission until Thursday morning. Oh I pray....

I gotta hit the shower before DS gets up, so I'm outta here! :) I'll be sure to let you all know if anything happens! :)

Darn cervix! and an Earthquake?!?!

2008-04-17T18:57:00.003-04:00

Went to the doctor yesterday. Never mind that I waited TWO HOURS. Never mind that the waiting room was excessively hot--which is where I spent one of those hours. Never mind the fact that the nurse asked me if I was sunburned when she took me back b/c I was so hot from the waiting room. Which also means my blood pressure was high. ARGH!!!

But anyway.... My cervix is not doing anything. Still at 1 cm dilated. SO I go back Wednesday morning. If I am NOT doing anything at that time, then I have to be admitted Wednesday night. That kind of puts a damper on our plans for our last family night of just the 3 of us. We were going to go out to dinner and then go play putt-putt and DH and DS were maybe going to do go-karts. SO...if you are a praying person, PLEASE say a prayer that I start dilating by Wednesday so I don't have to be admitted Wednesday night. I was really wanting to tuck DS into bed that night. We do bedtime as a family and that's the last night we'll be able to do it together for a little while.

My doctor took me off of work too. I worked today (3 hours) and got my time in for the week and I am DONE until mid-July! YAY!!! I've got loose ends tied up for the most part. I am sooo happy!! I don't have to wake up to an alarm (well, at least an annoying one) until July! I will gladly wake up to the sound of a baby!

Okay, on to the earthquake... We had an earthquake here this morning! I didn't feel it (I was DEAD asleep!) but DH did. DH mom called at 6 to see if we were okay. They felt it more than we did. But thankfully, no one was injured nor was there any damage. But man, that was weird! Of course it was all over the news.

That's it from me. I'll try to update this weekend and post some pictures. 38 weeks on Sunday!!! YAY!!!

37 weeks = FULL TERM!

2008-04-14T17:36:00.003-04:00

TEN DAYS from now, I will be holding my precious baby in my arms. To say I'm excited is an UNDERSTATEMENT!

DS and I have the countdown going. He's so cute about it too. He can't wait to be a big brother. To say I am uncomfortable might be another understatement, but I am dealing. I am so restless. I can't sit still (which puts a damper on my productivity at work) and getting to sleep at night is proving to be very interesting. My legs just don't want to stop at night, or any time for that matter. It's very odd.

The other night I had a very strange dream. I was at Diet Coke and Zingers house and she had a pool and her and I were just chatting it up while her 4 kids and mine splashed around in the pool. I have no idea why I had a dream about her. I think her blog was the last one I read that night before bed so that may explain it. But man it was weird. I know it was her b/c I could clearly see her face and we were talking about her new haircut and how much I loved it and how skinny she is.

I've been having some small minor contractions here and there and over the weekend. Nothing too major, so that's good. DH went grocery shopping with me on Saturday. It was a family affair. We haven't done that in FOREVER. I love grocery shopping as a family, but DH hates to go. Before we had DS, we went together every week. Usually he stays home with DS if I go on a weekend. But it was so nice to have someone to put the groceries in the cart once they got them bagged and then load them into the car. He has no idea how much I appreciated him going. It was awesome!

I've had none of my "spells" since Thursday night. So then I have to wonder if it's work related?!?!? My mom thinks it's anxiety. I have no idea, but I haven't had any since Thursday and I am thankful for that.

DH just took DS to soccer practice. It's cold here today so I decided to sit this one out. I'll go Friday night for their first game. I need to clean up the supper dishes and then I'm going to take a nice shower and work one last hour for the day. Ahhh...so nice to have some alone time at home. I love it!

I go back to the doctor on Thursday. I'll be sure to post an update then, if not before. :)

I'm resting.....

2008-04-10T21:17:00.002-04:00

I PROMISE!!! As much as I can, I am resting.

I have NOT cooked dinner at all this week. :) Tonight DH even said he was sick of PB&J and "whatever." So I told him to get to the store. I need to make a list so maybe we can all go. I'm really into this "as a family" thing right now b/c I know that 2 weeks from now, it won't be just the 3 of us anymore.

I ended up at the doctor's office today b/c of these spells I've been having. I am fine as is baby. We can't figure out what's causing them either. Last night, my friend came over here at 1015 to check my blood sugar b/c I was having another spell (I had 2 yesterday evening). And my blood sugar was perfect as was my pulse (this friend is a post partum nurse). I had one tonight and then had an attack and had to get to the restroom ASAP...if ya know what I mean. Been fine ever since. Doctor told me to come back the early part of next week if I keep having these so we'll see. My next scheduled appt is on the 17th. AT that point, I am going to tell her I want to be done working effective the 20th. So I have to make it through one more week and I am DONE for 12. I can't wait.

I'm cutting my work days down too. I usually work 10.5 hours on Monday and Tuesday, but this week I am going to work on Sunday 4-6 hours (haven't decided yet) so that Monday and Tuesday can be 8-8.5 hour days. That may seem normal to most people, but those long days are KILLING me. I get so tired in the afternoon then I just lay on the couch when it comes time for dinner. SO I am hoping working on Sunday will help me out. Plus we don't have any plans for Sunday, so I can work in the morning and then take a nice long nap in the afternoon. It's nice b/c baby's room is done, my bag is packed....I can sit back and relax. I LOVE it!

Come Sunday I will be 37 weeks and then this baby can come whenever it wants to. If he/she comes before that it has the potential to spend some time in the NICU b/c of the gestational age and we don't want that. I was doing the math on the way to the doctor earlier today. As of last Friday, baby weighed 7.10. And at this point in the game, they gain roughly a half a pound a week. So this Friday, baby weighs 8.2....next week 8.10...and the week of delivery we're looking at 9.2. Holy cow! But hey, if I'm going to have a 9# baby, I want it to be 9.2. My sister weighed 9-1.5, so if I'm going to have a 9# baby I want to at least beat the family record! :) LOL!!!

I think that's it for me tonight. I'm heading to bed ASAP. I'll check in this weekend. I'll try to check in as often as I can now so no one freaks out if they don't hear from me for a few days. :)

We have an induction date!

2008-04-09T13:23:00.002-04:00

God bless my doctor. I love her. She took one look at my ultrasound report yesterday and saw that 7# 10 oz and said WOW. She said 3 more weeks and we're looking at a baby about the size of DS. That's fine with me. But please don't make me go any later than I want to. So she said let's get you on the books for an induction. So, we are set....April 24th will be this baby's birthday unless he/she decides to come on it's own before that (which would be FINE by me!). If I am not doing any dilating by then, they will bring me in Wednesday night to put Cervadil in my cervix to get it going. But I was 1 cm yesterday and I will NOT need to go in the night before. I'm claiming that now too. When I walked in with DS, I was 5 cm dilated. So I expect something like that this time. ;)

My blood pressure was a little elevated yesterday so she told me to take it easy and rest and relax as much as I can. Yeah right! Kinda hard with a work-aholic DH and an almost 4 year old. But DH has been F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. He doesn't care if we have "whatever" for dinner 2 or 3 nights in a row. He's awesome like that. He takes care of DS at night now anyway giving him a bath and putting him in bed. He's so great. I truly am lucky to have him.

I am also supposed to go get my blood pressure checked every day if I can (there is a CVS not far from here) so they might get to know me pretty well in the next few weeks. My doctor also told me that she will take me off work any time I am ready. SO...I'm thinking I'll get through next week and be DONE. That's just 3 days before baby comes. I can go get my nails and toenails done, take naps, and just plain old relax. That would be nice. So I think that's what I am going to plan for. Unless she tells me I need to quit before that b/c of my blood pressure.

I think that's everything from yesterday's appointment. We are SO EXCITED to finally have the date and be on the books for that date. *I've* had that date picked out for weeks now...just glad my doctor agreed!

I did have a hypoglycemic episode last night. I ate a really big and late lunch yesterday so when DH came home I told him to have whatever for dinner, I wasn't hungry so I wasn't going to eat. I laid on the couch and watched some mindless TV for a little while and then decided around 745 or so that I was going up to bed. Got upstairs and felt like I was going to throw up, I was shaky, my heart was racing, I was hot. So I stripped down to my bra and undies and climbed in bed and still felt horrible. So I sent DH downstairs to get me some cheese and crackers and a peanut butter sandwich...oh and a Mt. Dew (I hadn't had any caffeine at that point). I told him I didn't care what food he brought "just bring me PROTEIN!" was what I said. I ate that and drank the dew and felt LOADS better. I've never had a spell like that before so it was odd. After that I settled into bed and went to sleep. It was the weirdest thing. I'm glad it was something minor though. Whew!

I better get back to it. Working a long day today...but this is the last long day for a WHILE! WOO HOO!!! :)

36 weeks and a lot going on! And pictures!

2008-04-05T19:01:00.008-04:00

Okay, the first BIG thing to tell you....

WE had an ultrasound on Friday. And as of FRIDAY (when I was 35 weeks, 5 days) this baby in my belly weighs...

Are you ready???

7 POUNDS, 10 OUNCES!!!!!!

Pardon my French, but Holy $hit! DS weighed 8# 15oz when he was born. And he was 11 days early (born at 38 weeks, 3 days). HOLY MOTHER OF JESUS!!!!

What does that mean for this baby? And for me now??? Well, I go to the doctor on Tuesday and she will have the results of the ultrasound and I *HOPE* and *PRAY* she will let us set an induction date. But here's the catch:

Having a "big baby" is not a MEDICAL reason for an induction so the hospital may not let me schedule it (no "elective" inductions before 39 weeks). ARGH!!!! Can I just say I am SO READY to have a baby?!?!? I am HUGE, swollen, sore, and just plain old over being pregnant at this point. Obviously, I want to make it to 37 weeks (considered full term at that point, the last 3 weeks are just fat building time) so I WANT this baby to stay in one more week. After that? He/she can come whenever they want! There is a full moon on the 20th...that would be fine with me!

But can you believe it?? 7.10 ALREADY?!?!?! But I also know that those ultrasounds aren't always 100% accurate...so it could be a pound in either direction (lord, I hope it's not already over 8#!) but I also know they've gotten better with that technology too. We could tell that this baby looks just like DS did when he was born. My mom says it's the face of a girl. :) I don't care either way, but at this point I am DYING to know! We do know that this baby has hair so I've not been suffering with all this reflux and heartburn for nothing.

One other reason I am ready to get this over with....I am SO SICK of listening to people say "oh you're ready to pop any time now aren't you?" And then their facial expressions when I tell them that I still have a month to go. UGH!!! And I'm SICK of listening to my family complain about me having another baby in April, and why can't I have this baby on a Friday, and why can't I do this, or that, or whatever! ARGH!!!!! I'm tired of my mom (love her dearly) complaining at the way *I* want things to go when it comes to DS after this baby is born. She balked at my "rule" that no one can hold the baby until DS does. Well, what if he's not here and it takes him an hour to get here? Well, then you will wait! I am ready to just stay in the house b/c of the way people look at me when I'm out in public. I know I'm huge, but I am still a mom and a wife and I have to get groceries and run errands and live a life! I know I'm all out in front and that doesn't help matters either.

Today, we picked up the glider and ottoman for the baby's room so the room is DONE. Meals are in the freezer. Going to make 2 lasagnas on Friday and put both of those in the freezer and I think that will be it. We have 2 meatloaves in there and another casserole...add the 2 lasagnas to that and I think we are in pretty darn good shape!

I told DH last week that he may have to take over going to the store for me for the next couple weeks. It's SO HARD on me. By the time I am done with a typical week of grocery shopping I can hardly handle pushing and turning the cart in the store. It's bad! And to load and unload...ugh it wipes me out. But we'll see if DH will actually do it. ;)

We had DS birthday party on Saturday so now that's over with (although he thinks he's 4 now, but he won't be until April 28th). He had his special day and got his cake and ice cream so he's set now too. I take him on Thursday for his 4 year well check (where he gets 4 shots--ouch!) so after that, he is 100% ready. I'm just praying he doesn't get this illness that I've had that I am finally getting over and DH had as well. It's warm and beautiful here today so I've got windows open airing out the house. I want the germs to go away! ;)

So here are a few pictures.

This is me on Easter at 34 weeks (taken at my grandma's). I had been told at my appt the week before that my growth had slowed down a little bit and I was only measuring about a week ahead.

This is me Sunday night at 36 weeks. WOWZERS!!! I have a full term baby in there (well, weight wise anyway). Don't mind the string from my capris hanging down. :)

And this is the precious baby that is in my belly! He/she looks just like DS did. Isn't it amazing that we know what this little gift from god is going to look like??

So that's it from me right now. I've been typing this post since Saturday night and it's now Monday! ACK!!! I will update once I know anything from my Doctor after my appointment on Tuesday. I'm getting really excited!!!

Weight gain, feeling better, and a poem

2008-03-28T17:19:00.002-04:00

Okay, had my check up this morning. All is well. But I have now officially entered the 200's. (sob, sob, sob!!!) BUT...I was also told I am AGAIN measuring 3 weeks ahead. So I think most of that was fluid (can you say SWOLLEN?) and baby. B/c I really haven't been eating THAT much! I gained almost 4# in two weeks. There are some nights where I am so swollen that my CROCS are tight! Yowzers!

I am feeling better. I am still stopped up, but I shoot the nasal spray when I can and that SEEMS to help. Thanks for all the good thoughts!

I am still very far behind in my reading. Please forgive me...I hope to catch up this weekend or the first part of next week!!!

Finally, here is the poem I have been wanting to post forever. I re-did it a little bit to go towards my DS more.

Loving Two

I walk along holding your 3-year-old hand,
basking in the glow of our magical relationship.
Suddenly I feel a kick from within,
as if to remind me that our time alone is limited.
And I wonder: How could I ever love another child as I love you?
Then he/she is born, and I watch you.

I watch the pain you feel at having to share me
as you've never shared me before.
I hear you telling me in your own way,
"Please love only me."
And I hear myself telling you in mine,
"I can't," knowing, in fact, that I never can again.
You cry. I cry with you.

I almost see our new baby as an intruder
on the precious relationship we once shared.
A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing,
I find myself attached to that new being,
and feeling almost guilty.
I'm afraid to let you see me enjoying him (or her) -- as though I am betraying you.
But then I notice your resentment change,
first to curiosity,
then to protectiveness,
finally to genuine affection.
More days pass,
and we are settling into a new routine.

The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.
But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two.
There are new times -- only now, we are three.
I watch the love between you grow,
the way you look at each other, touch each other.
I watch how he/she adores you -- as I have for so long.
I see how excited you are by each of his/her new accomplishments.
And I begin to realize that I haven't taken something from you,
I've given something to you.

I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.
I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong.
And my question is finally answered, to my amazement.
Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you -- only differently.
And although I realize that you may have to share my time,
I now know you'll never share my love.
There's enough of that for both of you -- you each have your own supply.
I love you -- both. And I thank you both for blessing my life.

Author Unknown

34 weeks, sickness, and mealtime battles

2008-03-25T12:59:00.004-04:00

Easter Sunday marked 34 weeks for me. YAY!!!! But man I feel HUGE!!! We ventured south to see the family for the weekend. I think that may have been a mistake. I made a new rule while we were gone. If there is a baby #3, there will be NO TRAVELING once I hit the 3rd trimester. I was just too uncomfortable, the bed I slept in was horrid, and I just didn't want to be there. We did have a great time and DS had a blast with all the egg hunts he did. But it was so darn cold!!! I do have a picture to post of me taken on Sunday...I'll get that up once I track down my camera..... where did I put that?!? ;)

I woke up last Thursday morning with a tickle in my nose. Well, Friday I felt a little worse, Saturday a little worse than Friday, Sunday was awful and on Monday I called in sick to work b/c I felt like I had been run over by a truck! Oh this sucks. And being pregnant with this sickness sucks even more b/c I can't take anything! I did get approval for Sudafed and some Robitussin but that's it. None of the good stuff...Nyquil, Dayquil, etc... BUT, on the upside, I feel much better today than I did yesterday, so that's a plus. I am back to work today too so that's good. I don't know if this is a cold or what, but either way, I feel for anyone who has had it! It's awful!!! I made it through the entire winter without getting sick and on the first day of spring I come down with this. That's not even fair!!

Okay...any seasoned veteran parents out there? I need your help! We are having the WORST mealtime battles with DS. It doesn't matter what I make..."I don't like it." And then we proceed to battle with him to just try it. He doesn't get a choice at dinner time b/c I REFUSE to make 2 different meals. Besides, what I am making is usually healthy and good for you...but he won't even try it. So then he starts in talking back to us, which leads to a time out. Then we portion off his food "just eat this much" and sometimes he will, sometimes he won't. If he doesn't eat, he gets NOTHING after dinner and we are pretty firm on that one. I think the problem is that for breakfast I ask him "What do you want for breakfast?" And I usually get back a good response...cereal, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, today it was strawberries. And when he's home with me for lunch, I usually give him options too, but at dinner he doesn't get options. So is this why he acts like this? If we asked him every night what he wanted for dinner we would get the same response every night--CHEESEBURGERS! I swear that boy is going to turn into a cheeseburger. Any tips or advice out there for me?? Last week, we made Roni's Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, which he has had before and LOVED, and last week he wouldn't even touch it. Is it the age (almost 4)?? I don't know, but I am at the end of my rope with this battle every night.

Oh and I am VERY far behind in my reading. I think I have something like 80 posts to catch up on. I'm working on it, so give me some time. :)

I better get back to it. Break is over! I'll check back later!

Where has the time gone?!?

2008-03-17T21:32:00.002-04:00

Okay, seriously (my how I miss Grey's!), this last week has FLOWN by. Actually, the last 3 weeks have flown by. I have no idea why time seems to be traveling faster now than it was, but man it feels like I just posted my 32 weeks pictures yesterday!

So this weekend, my mom came for a visit and I got ALL of my kitchen cabinets cleaned out--everything taken out, cabinet wiped down inside and out, and everything put back in. Even my FiestaWare that is up as part of the decor got washed in the dishwasher. It feels SO GOOD to get that done and checked off my list. I am going to make an appointment to get my van detailed next week at Ziebart so that will be checked off too. Oh I can't wait. DH says to me "You know the baby isn't going to care if we have clean kitchen cabinets or not. Nor will he or she care if the carpets in your van get shampooed (sp?)." I was like YES THEY WILL! These are things that I have wanted done for a very long time...nesting is just a good excuse to get it all done! :) I need to clean out DS bathroom vanity and the spare one (part of a Jack N Jill bathroom) and all will be done. Oh I can't wait.

Then...I get to start packing my bag for the hospital. That's one thing I am looking forward to doing. I just can't believe how close we are. YAY!!

I had a dream last night....this time in my dream the baby is a boy! ARGH!!!! I wish my brain could make a decision about what it is and just let me keep having the same gender dream over and over. DS has finally gotten it straightened out that brothers are boys and sisters are girls. For the longest time he has said brothers are girls and sisters are boys. Somehow my mom got him straightened out on that. Thanks mom! :)

I still haven't posted that darn poem. I can't get to the home computer right now and that's where it's at. Ack...maybe later this week. :)

Went to the doc on Friday. All looks well. Thankfully, my growth is slowing down. I was 32 weeks and 5 days at that point and I was measuring about 34, so that's good. AND...I only gained 1.2 pounds in 2 weeks. That's a good thing. But man...the next time I go to the doctor (3/29) on their scales I will be in the 200s. Oh that will hurt. But I can handle it. With DS, I hit that point but it wasn't until a little bit later on. Oh well. I don't like those doctor's scales either! I think I finally hit the 30# mark too. I forget what my home scale said last week.

Since my mom was in town this weekend, DH and I went out Saturday night. We went to a friend's house and just hung out. We did not get home until 3:30 in the morning!!! NOT a good idea when you have to work the next day AND you are growing a human. I needed to work 10 hours on Sunday...I got in 7. I was pretty darn happy with that. I worked 12 hours today and I'll work 12 tomorrow. After that I should be good to go for the week. I'm off Thursday and Friday and I can't wait! I hope to finish up in the baby's room on Thursday and then Friday we are heading out to visit family for the Easter holiday. This will be our last trip down there as a family of 3. WOO HOO!!!

I will be glad to turn this back into a weight loss blog and have loyal readers again...if I haven't lost them all yet. :) I am ready to see the scales go down and make goals and achieve them. And have my cheering section there the whole way. I am still cooking point friendly meals, it's just the other stuff in between. I am really hoping my sweet tooth stops after I deliver. I've NEVER had a sweet tooth like this before. Ice cream is a weekly thing for me right now. I guess that's good...at least it's not a daily thing! I won't keep it in the house b/c I know I'd be into it every day if I did!!! Once I get nursing established, I will be back to counting points and exercising (I hope so anyway!).

DH and I are really considering trying to go all organic in our food. We are looking into purchasing half a cow to stock our freezer. And hopefully a pig too. We are starting to talk about our garden for this year and I think it's going to be even bigger this year than last. YAY!! And we might can veggies for the year with stuff from our garden. I recently found a website that will deliver organic produce to my door every week. If I had that, plus the cow and pig in the freezer, and the milk delivered as well, I would NEVER have to go to the store again! Wouldn't that be awesome?!?! I don't know about anyone else, but grocery shopping is my LEAST favorite chore out there. I'd rather dust and scrub toilets than go to the store! And I HATE to dust. And I don't do toilets either! We are really concerned about the hormones and stuff that's used in food these days. So we're researching and hoping to make the transition soon. At least I am...I think he's on board with it too, so I am happy with that.

I am headed to bed. After Saturday night, I slept in this morning but need to get to bed at a decent time tonight too. I hope everyone is doing well. :) Have a great week!

32 weeks!

2008-03-09T20:18:00.004-04:00

I CAN NOT BUH-LEEV IT!

Wow! That's all I have to say. These last 2 weeks have FLOWN by! Since I kinda have an idea of when this baby is going to be "evicted" I think that makes it that much worse! I have a list of things I want to get done and this weekend I didn't even scrape the top of what I wanted to get done. It's okay, b/c it's not a long list. And I think (and hope) my mom is coming up next weekend and agreed to help me with the one big project I want to accomplish--cleaning out my kitchen cabinets. This entails taking everything out of each cabinet and drawer, wiping everything down/out, then putting it all back in. It's a HUGE task that I KNOW I can't do all by myself. DH thinks I'm crazy for wanting to do this, but it's something that's been nagging me for a while now. Baby's room is about 85% done. I can't wait to get finished up in there either. But with the anticipation of knowing the date and all...I can't help but to count my weekends. UGH. And I think we have 3 left where it will just be the 3 of us. SCARY!!!

Here are some shots DH took tonight. In the bottom one, DS was supposed to be kissing my belly...instead it looks like he's eating it! LOL!!! I feel huge and I can't imagine getting any bigger than I already am, but I know I will.

I was thinking tonight about the things I can't wait for after this pregnancy. Here's my list:

1. My feet--since I can't see them.
2. Having more than 3 pairs of pants to wear--I only have 3 pairs left and they are ALL black. Once it warms up and I can wear capris, it will be better. I get tired of wearing black all the time.
3. Shopping in a regular store again, in a regular section. I'm TIRED of maternity clothes!
4. A margarita!
5. Seeing the scale go down instead of up.
6. Being able to go up and down the stairs without losing my breath and huffing and puffing afterwards (baby is in my ribs so I think this is in part why).
7. Being able to bend over and tie my shoes...crocs are becoming a staple.
8. Pretty and comfortable bras! Maternity and nursing bras are UGLY! Why do they all have to be white?!?! But this won't come until I am done nursing...hoping for 6 months, if not more. And when searching for a nursing bra, you are either BIG and a DDD, or small. I need a 36DDD or F and can't find it ANYWHERE! And I NEED support! I don't want my boobs touching my belly! ARGH!! This was the reason for a crying fit earlier today. DH, of course, thinks it's hilarious. He LOVES the big boobs!
9. Knowing what this baby is! I can't wait to meet him or her!
10. Being able to lay on my BELLY! I can't wait until I can do that again.

Okay so that's my list of things I can't wait for. Here's my list of things I will miss/love:

1. My belly. I LOVE my pregnant belly. I love touching it, holding it, just the roundness of it. LOVE it!
2. Being able to eat pretty much whatever I want. I know this will come to an end soon.
3. The constant boxing ring action I feel. I love feeling the movement inside me. LOVE it!
4. Having my baby with me constantly and knowing that I can protect him or her at all times RIGHT NOW. Once it comes out, I can do my best, but I won't always be able to protect him or her the way I can today.
5. DS has 100% of my attention...I'm scared to death of not devoting enough time to him, but I have ideas on how to incorporate him into feeding and changing time.
6. This may sound conceited....but the ATTENTION! Any time I say ow or make a face, DH asks if everything is okay (especially after the false alarm 2 weeks ago). When I talk to my mom, dad, MIL, or anyone else for that matter, they ask about me and how I'm feeling. I know once baby comes, none of them will care as much about ME. Been there, done that. :) I know when they come visit, it's not to see me or DH...it's for DS. And that's perfectly fine! I don't want people making a fuss, but it's nice for once for them to be concerned about me. :) Once baby is born, I am perfectly fine to go back to NOT being the center of attention. That does sound really bad, doesn't it? It's not meant to, I swear!
7. Being pregnant! I loved it with DS, this time I haven't loved it as much, but it's still fun. I would do it all 100 times if I could. I am grateful to be able to have children and carry them. I feel very blessed.
8. Nursing...I love the closeness I felt with DS. I can't wait to experience that with this child.
9. MATERNITY LEAVE! I am soooo looking forward to having 12 weeks off of work!
10. Believe it or not....labor and delivery. It wasn't bad with DS and I enjoyed most of it. I hope to have that same enjoyment again!

Okay, that's it I think. There are so many more things I love about being pregnant (oh did I mention the cleavage? LOVE that) and I can't believe I am that close to being done! WOWZER!!!

I still have a poem I want to post...I am going to get to that at the beginning of the week. :)

Toast and a dream

2008-03-07T14:33:00.003-05:00

Toast...This is my new "thing". EVERY morning I have to have a toasted English muffin with butter and jelly on it. Sometimes no jelly and just butter but it MUST have butter. Not sure why. DS is also on the same kick, although he gets whole wheat bread. Sometimes I have my muffin and then some toast just like DS. I have been FAMISHED in the mornings lately. Oh my, it's been bad. But my English muffin with a yogurt and a banana and a big ol glass of water...YUM, YUM! My pizza addiction has subsided as has my Mexican. We had Mexican last night so I'm good for a couple of weeks now, I think.

Speaking of yogurt....I think it's really helping with my, um...how do I say this...yeast problem. I was diagnosed nearly 2 weeks ago as having a yeast infection when I was in triage. They gave me meds but as of last weekend it didn't seem all the way gone (I know this is WAAAAAAAAYYYYY TMI for some of you...SORRY!) with lots of itching still. So I got on a yogurt kick and the last few days all seems well. Whew! Thank goodness. I need to keep this up so I don't have the troubles with thrush (NOT in my mouth or DS... but on my nipples from nursing) this time. I WANT to be very successful at breastfeeding this child. With DS, I didn't have a problem making milk...it was the thrush. I had 2 very painful rounds of it and then during the 2nd round ended up with mastitis in both breasts. Can we say miserable? Yep, that was me...with an 8 week old. So, I'm REALLY hoping to avoid that stuff this time around.

A dream.....last night I finally had a dream about the sex of the baby. I haven't had one in FOREVER. And in my dream this baby is a GIRL! I have not had any boy dreams for a VERY long time (since the first trimester I think). So yes now I am wondering is this a girl? Oh I can't wait to find out. At this point, less than 7 weeks (maybe even sooner!)

Although, I am kinda worried. DS does NOT want it to be a girl. He wants it to be a boy. I know I'm not the only 2nd time mommy out there that has this fear, but it's a true worry. I know he's going to love it no matter what and I really hope he doesn't even care. But man, my heart just hurts when he says NO, I WANT IT TO BE A BOY!!!

I have a poem I want to post, but it's kinda long. No, I didn't write it, but I am going to put it in DS baby book. It's such a sweet poem and very fitting for us right now. I'll try to get that up this weekend. And pictures to come on Sunday!

Have a great weekend everyone! :)

I can't see my feet anymore..

2008-03-05T17:13:00.003-05:00

Sigh....

The other night in the shower I looked down and all I could see was belly. I can't see my feet anymore. Even last week, I could still see my feet, but not anymore as of this week. I went to the doctor this past Friday and I had only gained .4 in the 3 weeks since I had been there, so I might be growing, but it's ALL baby and belly! Sunday I will be 32 weeks and will take pictures then for you all to see. Seven weeks from tomorrow (Thursday) is d-day! At least in Amanda-land. :) I am about 95% sure my doctor will agree with me on that date, unless baby comes on it's own before then. My new "vision" is to wake up on April 24th and already be in labor on my own....so then everyone would still be here, but I wouldn't technically need the induction. Power of positive thinking...I'm thinking and believing it so we'll see if it happens! :)

Sorry I have been MIA for so long. I was off Thursday and Friday last week and did my best to stay away from a computer the whole time. I did pretty darn good! But now, I am really behind in my reading!! I hope to catch up later this week/weekend.

Someone asked me the other day if I had any dreams about the baby b/c their dreams were always right when it came to the sex of the baby. Then a few other people told me the same thing...their dreams were always right. The last dream that I can remember having said it's a girl. In my dream, it was a girl and we called everyone to tell them it was a girl, but we didn't have a name picked out so then we called them back 48 hours later to tell them the name. In the dream, we couldn't be discharged from the hospital b/c we hadn't named the baby girl yet! Thank god that won't be an issue now!!

DS told me the other day "Mommy, I can't wait to see what the baby is!" It just melts my heart when he says that kind of stuff. I had an Uppercase Living party a couple Friday nights ago and my friend brought her nearly 6 month old baby girl with her. DS, of course, HAD to hold her and he was so cute with her! He played with her on the floor and in the Johnny Jump-up. I really think he is going to do great with the baby. I can't wait to see how he reacts to him/her.

I had "the talk" with MIL that DH was supposed to have with her regarding her taking DS away the week she is off which is also the same week we plan on being baby's first week. She said to me "I thought I would take X home with me that week." I immediately said, "well my mom said the same thing and I'll tell you what I told her. NO." I told her our reasonings and she understood and said "I just wanted to help." I told her we appreciate the help and we will take any OTHER help that she would be willing to give us....ie prepared meals or gift cards for meals to get out (our favorite is Cracker Barrel). So we'll see. I'm going to call her and see if she would come up at the end of that week and help out. I doubt she can/will, but I will at least extend the offer. She thought we would want to bond with the baby and I said yes we do, but DS needs to bond as well. That is the only week that DH will be home so it's the only week all of us will be together. She understood, thankfully. I was irritated with DH b/c he was supposed to talk to her a month ago. But, alas, he didn't. He's been so busy lately, I'm lucky he has time to eat dinner with us every night!

I don't know about any of you, but I am SICK OF WINTER!!! (check local listings!) Sunday we had the BEST day here...it was 67 outside, sunny...glorious!!! DS played outside all day, I took the dog for a walk, DS rode his bike...oh it was great! It was such a tease! And today? Cold. We had ice and snow yesterday. I am soooo over all of this. It has to get warm soon, right? RIGHT?!?!? :) I am dying to wear capris again. I'm sick of the same few pairs of pants. And my feet now swell at very regular intervals so I'm ready for sandals weather...although I'll probably just be wearing my crocs all the time.

Well, I think that's it from me today. Have a great Wednesday and rest of the week!!!

First false alarm trip...

2008-02-25T21:07:00.002-05:00

Well, thank god it was a false alarm! At 30 weeks, you sure don't want to be having a baby!

So last night (Sunday), we went out to dinner at Culver's. About an hour after dinner, we were at home, and I got this sharp stabbing pain across the lower part of my abdomen. I mean pain that almost dropped me to my knees. It HURT! Dh looked at me and asked if I was okay and I said I didn't know. He got me some water and I decided to do upstairs and get ready for bed and lie down to see if that would help the pains...all while sipping my water. I was still having the pains, but not the as bad as they first were. But the thing that scared me more than anything was that when these pains did come my whole stomach would get really tight and hard. I got up and tried to go to the bathroom, but nada. So I ended up calling the doctor (luckily, MY doctor was on call) and she wanted me to go in and get checked out just to be safe. So, at 10:00 Sunday night, here we are donning clothes and getting DS out of bed (he was still awake but in bed) to take him over to the neighbors. DH was very nervous (as was I) b/c he didn't talk the whole way up to the hospital. Which BTW, is a normally 40 minute drive--we made it in 20! He was drving a tad fast, but there was ZERO traffic...I mean it was 10 on a Sunday night!

*****WARNING: TMI--bodily functions will be discussed!!!!******

Once we get to the hosptial, I had to get to the bathroom ASAP. I get in there and my bowels decide to empty themselves. I had done this Saturday night AND I had a normal bowel movement on Sunday afternoon, so this scared me even more b/c I've heard numerous women say that their bowels did the same thing in preparation for delivery. So, at this point, I am VERY nervous, but still having these pains. DH gets me all registered and up we go to Triage. They hook me up to the monitors and all is fine with the baby. I was having very slight uterine irritability but nothing for them to be concerned about. Baby's heart rate was between 130 & 150 the whole time and VERY active. They checked my cervix and all was tight and closed. They ran a few tests (all were negative) and let me go home. I did find out I have a yeast infection (which I knew) but I got some prescription cream for it instead of the OTC Monistat I was going to use. So let's hope that clears everything up! We left the hospital a little after 1230, picked up DS and were home and in bed by 1:15. It was a looooonnnnng night to say the least. But, I'm glad all was okay.

I got asked quite a few times while we were there if this was my first baby...no my 2nd was my reply each time. I KNOW you are supposed to have those false runs on your first baby, not your 2nd, but darn it those pains HURT and I knew they weren't supposed to feel that way. And besides, this pregnancy has a whole new set of aches and pains I didn't have with DS.

They did also look at the swelling I've been having (it has been the worst so far this past weekend) and all was fine there too. My blood pressure was fine too. I started swelling about this time with DS, but not in my feet until later on. I've had to quit wearing my wedding ring too as of Sunday. Sigh.... Oh well. It will ALL be worth it in the end. I told DH tonight I feel like these next 8 weeks or so are going to go by SO SLOW. He said they will if you keep going to the hospital in the middle of the night. :)

Oh and you know what DS told me this morning? "Mommy, the next time you go to the hospital, do it when the sunshine is out!"

On that note....that's all from me tonight. :)

I have the GREATEST friends! And...an NSV!

2008-02-24T10:32:00.006-05:00

Let me just tell you about my Saturday. I was supposed to go to the Children's Museum with a friend from work and her son, but on Tuesday evening she emailed me and told me she had to cancel b/c her dad had fallen and broken his ribs and she had to go up this weekend to help him out. I was like that's fine, I understand. DH was supposed to have a one on one meeting at the house with a potential female client and he wanted to make sure I was there so we could go out to lunch afterwards and "do something together as a family" something he NEVER says so I should have had a clue then. To make a long story short, close to noon yesterday the doorbell rings and it's my 3 close "church" friends from down home! They drove 3 hours to surprise me with a small shower and take me out for the afternoon! They took me out to lunch and then we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping at the mall. It was a WONDERFUL way to spend a glorious Saturday afternoon. I have never been surprised like that in life before EVER! It was so nice. They truly are wonderful friends and I am very lucky to have them in my life. I didn't expect anyone to do anything like that at all, but most of my friends are waiting until after the baby is born to do anything like that since we don't know the sex. These gals brought me diapers, wipes, a toy, an outfit, and lotion products. It was so nice! I just can't get over how it all came together and who all was in on it. My friend from work was even in on it...her dad didn't fall and break his ribs (well he did, but a few years ago) so she was in on it too. And I NEVER suspected a thing!

My NSV?? Well, we went shopping at the mall and stopped in at Old Navy. I found these cute jeans on clearance that are non maternity. I went in to try them on thinking I wouldn't even get them up...and I DID!!! The only thing I couldn't do was button them (they didn't have a zipper)!!! Granted, they are a 14 and I was a comfy size 12 when I got pregnant, BUT I think just the fact that I got them up over my butt was a huge NSV!!! We also went to New York & Company and I found a pair of jeans there for $6 and tried those on and got them up too! So I guess all this 26# is all in my belly. I am sooo thrilled!!

This has been a big week and weekend in Amanda-land.

WE HAVE A GIRL'S NAME!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

So, if this is a girl she will be named Alexis Rae and we will call her Lexi. My sister called me with the name Alexis and DH immediately said he liked it. The more I say it, the more I like it. The only problem is that DS name is Alexander and we call him Xander. So if this is a girl she will be Alexis. So both of my kids will have Alex as the first 4 letters of their name. Is that odd?? I mean we will sign cards DH, me, Xander & Lexi, so it's not like it would be OBVIOUS to anyone else. But I just love the name so I really don't care! Names are done so I feel SO MUCH BETTER!!! So we'll have either a Zac or a Lexi. WOO HOO!!!

Oh and I am 30 weeks today! I am hoping I only have a little over 8 weeks at this point. It seems now that the weeks are moving slower and slower. I guess b/c I'm just so excited, I don't know. I am getting ready to start getting stuff ready for DS bday party (April 5th) so maybe that will help time fly by a little faster. We'll see. :0)

I think that's all I have for today. It was a lot though! :) I hope everyone is doing well and having great OP days!

I had to share!

2008-02-19T08:48:00.002-05:00

I have been going through old pictures and movies of DS trying to get his scrapbook all together before baby #2 comes. I stumbled upon this video (it's very short!) and couldn't help but share. This was taken on August 30, 2005 so DS was 16 months old. We were living in an apartment while our house was being built....a time in our lives we like to forget, but we have wonderful memories like these to remind us! He was such a ham at this age. These are the little things that we forget about as they get older. We remember the sleepless nights and the illnesses and the tantrums, but it's these sweet images that we easily forget. Enjoy! :)

Holy weight gain, Batman!

2008-02-15T09:17:00.002-05:00

SO, I got on the scale this morning. I haven't been on MY scale in about 3 weeks. I don't like him very much these days so I try to avoid him at all costs. But the doctor's office scales are wayyyy worse so I'd rather see MY number than theirs! When I went to the doctor last week, a number showed up there that I have NEVER, EVER seen except when pregnant. But I forgot to get on my scales first thing that morning (and every day since too!) until today. According to him, I've gained 6# in 3 weeks. Making my total gain thus far of 26#. YIKES!

I have less than 10 weeks to go and I really wanted to stay at or under a 39# gain. So I have 13# left and less than 10 weeks. I think at the end, you gain what?? A pound a week?? Is that right?? I don't know but I'm hoping to keep it at that. With DS, I had 2 monthly visits where I had HUGE gains in my weight (one was after the holidays) so I am not too worried. I just don't want to go OVER what I weighed when I delivered with him. I'm praying I can do it, but if I don't, oh well. I feel like I am starting to swell at this point (I did with DS too) as my wedding ring is getting tight. I will probably have to take it off for the remainder of this pregnancy by the end of the month :( I love that ring so not wearing it for that long just kills me. Sigh....

I scheduled my last and final ultrasound yesterday. It will be April 4th. My doc ordered this so we can see how big the baby actually is and then plan it's arrival, if needed. I'm hoping we can schedule that at my April 10th appointment since she will have the results of the ultrasound by then. I'm thinking a scheduled induction on April 24, if I don't go in to labor on my own before then. I just hope my doc agrees with that day. :)

DS is getting over his head cold and now I have a slight one. My nose is either all stuffed up OR it won't stop running! But I think we are all headed in the right direction. My dad and step mom are coming up on Saturday to spend a day with DS. DH and I are taking off. We are going out for our Valentine's Day meal and plan to spend the afternoon together. I can't wait, I am so excited!! We are going to a local place here called Kona Grill. They have the best sushi (DH favorite) and I love their California Rolls (ok'd by my doc). YUM!!! I have wanted this place forever. Then we are either going to go see a movie OR go to Babies R Us and get a new rocker ordered. DS still won't give his up :) That's okay with me.... This baby needs something new and special anyway. Speaking of...yesterday I bought the going home outfit for the baby. I bought a blue outfit and I bought a purple and pink outfit. :) I have a friend who is also pregnant (due in July) so if I have a boy and she has a girl (she finds out on 2/27) or vice versa I'll give her which ever one I don't use. :) I think we both might be having girls, so who knows! She thinks I'm having a boy.

I think that's all from me today. I am done working for the day so I need to get upstairs and get some laundry started and get things straightened up. Have a GREAT weekend!!!