Sandy Came Storming Through and Left Us in the Dark

On Monday evening, Hurricane Sandy came storming through NJ. It was a scary storm that took about a total of 24 hours with the worst part being during the overnight. High winds and rain slammed our area. You could hear the trees falling and only prayed it wouldn't hit our house. Needless to say, I hardly got any sleep that night. We were all camped out in our den, so we could be together in the dark (the power had gone out at around 8pm that night). It wasn't the safest room, but it was the safest 'most comfortable' room. We don't have any rooms that aren't by windows and our hallway is too narrow to fit us all in...When the storm was over, we fared pretty well compared to others. Although we had lost our power, my family and property made it out unharmed...It wasn't until later that we saw how lucky we really were. Trees had fallen down all around us. Neighbors had their houses hit and cars smashed. This though was nothing compared to the shore. Total devastation.

On Tuesday, day 2 of no power, hubby had to search out gas for the generator. Our entire town (and neighboring ones) were dark. He had gone about 10 miles until he found an open gas station. There was a line. And it was cash only. Not even at this point did we understand the extent of the issue we would face going forward...We got enough to get the generator working for a couple of hours and plugged in our fridge, computer, and a light. We waitied patiently for the power to be restored in the cold. Later that night, I tried to seek out gas for my car so I'd be able to drive to work the next day but after waiting in line for 45 minutes (and having someone cut me) they ran out of gas. And there were no other stations in the area open. I barely made it home. Half of the ride was with my warning light on.

On Wednesday, day 3 of no power, we were up at the crack of dawn in search of gas. I had read on FB that an area Quik Check had received a delivery. Hubby went and filled the gas cans and his car. When he returned he put a couple of gallons of gas in my car and then we went back to fill my tank and the gas cans for the generator. We waited in line for about an hour. Next on our agenda was securing heat. Hubby was able to get the woodstove relined and working. Thank goodness because it was COLD. The final item needed was internet so I could work from home. Luckily, littlesoldierboy had talked me into purchasing him a Droid phone about a month ago. The droid had an app that could turn it into a hot spot. SCORE! So day 3 brought us fuel, heat, and internet. What more could we want ;)

On Thursday, day 4 of no power, my BIL made the trip to PA to get us all fuel. We realized that my internet could be plugged into the generator so I don't need to go over our data plan limit. And it was just in time since Verizon had sent us a text that we were at 90% and still have 13 days left to go! We were warm and able to watch some TV through the computer. We are making progress.

Today, day 5 of no power, we are getting the hang of 'camping at home'. We no longer wait in the fuel lines choosing to drive into PA instead. I have been stressing because of the situation and the fact that I am behind at work and leave for Jamaica in oh 5 days. It doesn't appear that we will ever get our power back. I have yet to see a power truck in my development or anywhere around my town and now I heard a rumor that it may be out until after Thanksgiving. God help me. I don't think I can go that long!...But again, I am extremely thankful that I was one of the lucky ones...here's to hoping I wake up with lights =)

9 months...And Dances with Girls

Babygirl turned 9 months on Wednesday. For some reason, it seems like time goes by faster when you're not pregnant - at least for me. Although she hasn't taken the 'plunge' yet, I know her first steps are days away. She has mastered climbing though and even escapes out of the chair she is pictured in. My very own Houdini. She is my fearless one; too smart for her own good.  And at least every other day we are taking something else (generally paper or leaves) out of her mouth. Don't ask me where she finds them, I think her eyes are magnifying glasses!

Littlesoldierboy had a milestone of his own. He went to his first school dance...with a girl! I'm so not ready for the dating years. I'm not ready.  I need more time...He isn't forthcoming with the details - always has been difficult to get things out of this kid! What I do know is that he had a good time, meet up with her and his friends, and even had a dance with her...here's hoping that it was the last for a while, although I tend to think the opposite...pray for me =)

Life is Busy...Teeth, HS, and Balance

Babygirl has gotten her bottom 2 teeth. They have been threatening to come in for a while now, and about a week ago they broke the surface. When she bites you, it hurts. I have first hand experience with it!

Littlesoldierboy is all grown up =/...I still can't comprehend that I have a high schooler. I know, I know. It has been a month already. I do see a difference in his personal hygeniene. I no longer need to fight him to get in the shower, he just does it himself.

Things have been busy here. Trying to balance family, work, gym, and house chores in our daily life is quite challenging. I wonder how others make it seem so easy. They must all be closet millionaires ;)...I on the other hand am not. And as I get older, I realize how precious time is. And even though I say this, I still am the crazy lady screaming about the house chores that need to get done or at the boys to pick up after themselves because I spent an entire weekend re-cleaning the entire house to only get done and find out that the first room that I had started with already looks like a hurricane came through. Ugh - where are those damn cleaning fairies ;)

Hopefully I'll take a minute and breath...and then get back to cleaning the house so we can have a family day tomorrow...until then =)

Family Outing: Apple Picking

What to do on a warm fall day? Apple picking of course!

We headed to a local farm and made an afternoon of it. Littlesoldierboy was on the hunt for the biggest apple. I was on the hunt for the crispy apples. And babygirl just wanted any apple. Hubby just enjoyed spending the time together.

Fun was had by all, including babygirl who wouldn't let go of her apple. What a way to experience her first 'apple'.

They really mean the world to me. How did I get so lucky to get these two wonderful kids?!

Fever Breaks to Rash...and Season Starts with RBI

This week in review:

Babygirl's fever finally broke on Monday. We suspected that it was her teeth, but thought it was best to bring her to the doctor to be sure. The doctor prescribed her an antibotic because he thought she might be getting an ear infection.

Tuesday came and we attended littlesoldier boy's first fall ball game this season. I was extremely proud of him. Although he only played one inning in the field, he had a hit that drove in the first RBI for his team. The game was called when it got dark and ended in a tie. If you ask him or anyone else on his team they will tell you they won because the ump had a bad call and took a run away.

When I got home I noticed that babygirl had gotten a rash. Since she didn't have anything new to eat that day, I assumed that she had been allergic to the antibotic =(...Hubby called the doctor on Wednesday and he called in a replacement prescription...Good news is that this one is flavored (the first one was NOT!) and she only needs to take it once a day for 5 days as opposed to the twice a day for 10 days. Bad news is now we are 2 days later and the rash is spreading, not going away. Now I am thinking that she may have Roseola and not allergic to the antibotic after all...Man, I so need to stop going on Web MD to diagnose illnesses here. I am hoping the rash goes away soon.

High School, Craft Fairs, Fevers oh my

My littlesolderboy started High School on Thursday. I can't believe it. It seems like I just signed him up for Kindergarten yesterday! I am so proud of him. He is turning into such a great young man. I think he was excited to start school. He was up early (like 5:30am early). He got himself ready and was at the door to the bus stop at 6:10. Too bad the bus never came and he needed to be dropped off. And can I just say 6:10 is just too early! Who comes up with these start times?! Most of the world works 9am-5pm. Why doesn't the school have the same hours??

Babygirl had a fever today =(...I think hope it is due to her teething. Other than the fact that her body felt like it was on fire, she had no other symptoms. She was still her normal sweet self.

After a dose of baby Advil, we headed out to littlesoldierboy's baseball practice. We apparently didn't get the message that 1. the practice began at 9am and 2. that it was moved to the high school field. We ended up getting there nearly an hour late. Good thing is that we at least got his uniform minus the hat - don't ask! They seem to struggle with their orders every year. And we are finally on the contact list. Bad news is we arrived as another team was coming to use the field, so littlesoldierboy didn't get any hitting time.

Afterwards we went to do some 'research' at a craft fair. My hubby and littlesoldierboy have been begging asking to sign up as vendors for a craft fair. Littlesoldierboy wants to make metal christmas ornaments and hubby wants to make fine furniture. Both are extremely talented. I just want to make sure that they sign up for the fair that is the best fit for them. Wasting time, energy, and money doesn't work for us.

The fair was marketed as 10,000-20,000 attendees with over 100 vendors. So.not.true. It cost $15 for the three of us to attend. And I was disappointed. Not that there wasn't talent there, there was. But it didn't have the 'type' of customers that craft fairs need. It didn't look as if there were many buyers. And I even heard a couple of the customers making comments such as 'I can buy that for less than half of what they are selling it for at Walmart' and 'if I buy more than can I get a discount?' The answer is simply no. These are handmade, one of a kind items. The item you purchase in Walmart is not comparable. If you want an item at Walmart, a craft fair isn't for you. And no you cannot get a discount. The price includes the labor to make it. We are in the business to make money not give it away. They are priced fair and reasonable based on material and time.

All and all we got some ideas of what works and what doesn't and this particular fair and the people it attracted is really not the one we are looking to get into. But that is exactly the reason why we were 'researching' it....And the search continues! 

Color Run

'We will be meeting at my house at 5:30am' is the text message I received. Come Again?! It was a 5:30 am departure for a 8 am race. At this moment I was wondering what the heck I signed myself up for. It was sold as the Happiest 5k on the Planet but I was thinking it may end up being the 'Crankiest' 5k. I don't do mornings. Can you tell?

I needed to wake up at 4am to ensure that I was ready and out the door by 5am. The only time I am up this early is if I hadn't gone to bed yet or my babygirl needs to be fed. I got on my black shorts with neon green and pink stripes, LOVE rainbow knee socks, and white tee-shirt. I added pink, purple, gold, and teal rhinestones to my face. The more color bling the better for this race. And off I went to meet my teammates for the trip into the city.

We got on the road about 5:45 am. And with just a brief drive-by in Newark (there was too much excitement over feet that we accidentally got off 280) we arrived there with ten minutes to spare. Enough time to take some pre-race pictures and then make our way to the start line.

We were in the 4th heat so there were about 3,000 runners ahead of us and 21,000 behind us. You could feel the excitement around us. People of all ages, races, and walks of life. All sharing in the same experience.

I can't explain how fun it was. Getting pelted with colored dust, walking 3.1 miles, and having a ball. The energy was unbelievable. It truly was the "Happiest 5k on the Planet'.

Color me thrilled! Well until the ride home...but we'll save that for another day!

Beach Time...and 15 Years

15 years. That is how long my hubby and I have been married. Both of us are all about our children. And truth be told, if my hubby could physically have the children, we'd have 10 kids by now. We aren't the couple that plans vacations without the kids. We are the ones that bring the kids with us EVERYWHERE. So in due fashion, we took the kids to the beach to celebrate our 15 years together.

This was the first time that babygirl had been to the beach ever and littlesoldier boy's first time this year. It started out as a great family outing. We beat the estimated time that GPS had us arriving (I always love that, and take on the challenge). We found free parking 3 blocks from the boardwalk.

We did the walk the entire boardwalk from start to finish before deciding to grab something to eat. The options are always so tempting. I try my best to make smart decisions. I hate to undo in one meal what took weeks to burn off. Littlesoldier boy went for the tacos, I the turkey burger, and hubby an Italian wrap. A large fry to share and two sodas for them. Total, $40. I guess for shore prices, not too bad.

After lunch, we headed for the beach. Babygirl was loving the sand. And littlesoldierboy was loving the water. Hubby took babygirl to put her feet in the water when his back went out. Not good. Needless to say, it was a chore to get him off that beach. He couldn't stand, couldn't walk, and neither littlesoldierboy nor I could carry him. It took nearly an hour, 4 extra strength tylenols, and the baby stroller acting as a walker to get him onto the boardwalk.

We took a very slow trip back down the boardwalk, let littlesoldierboy play in the arcade for a bit, and then headed home. Even though it didn't go exactly as planned (but does it ever?), we both enjoyed spending our day with the family, the sun, and the shore.

Happy Anniversary Hubby! Here's to another 15 years =)

Family Pool Party

Yesterday my job held its annual Family Pool Party. I took the family along with my son's best friend. It was a long day. The party was 6 hours and it is a 3 hour roundtrip drive. Needless to say, we are TIRED. Good thing I am on vacation this week!

Pool, BBQ, co-workers, and music. It has all the parts of being a good time - if I wasn't the drink nazi. In order to make sure that we didn't have any underage drinking, I needed to check everyone in and keep an eye on the teenagers. That is a task in and of itself. I think next year we should have it off premises so I don't need to worry about it. That aside, my son and his friend had fun and my co-workers finally got to meet my babygirl.

Now is it me or is something wrong with this? One of the attendees had an 8 or 9 year old daughter that he had swimming topless so her shirt wouldn't get wet. I know she is a kid and all, but that is so inappropriate. Don't you think?

Swings, Sand, and Airplanes

Saturday I took babygirl to the park for the first time. She rode on the swing, played in the sand, and spent time with mommy and daddy. She seemed to enjoy the sand (maybe too much as she thought it made a great snack).

On Sunday, for family day, we went to the air show. My littlesoldierboy had fun looking at all the military vehicles and the plane formations. The show was temporarily held up while the police chased some kid on a four-wheeler off the track. Apparently the FAA frowns upon that.

All and all it was a fun weekend. It is these kind of weekends that I look forward to. Especially the spending time with my kids.

Going Away

So my baby sister is moving to Miami. I'm a little sad, but a selfish sad. She is 22 and a semester away from graduating. It is just hard to think that she won't be a short drive away. She is also the first of any of my siblings to leave the state for an extended period of time. And she is the youngest. My family is extremely close, to the tune that we all live within 10 minutes of the next with 30 minutes being the furthest.

We are all going to miss her, but no one as much as my mother. She will be without a child living home for the first time in 38 years. She also is a worrywart. And I can sympathize. In just 4 short years my littlesoldier boy will be off to college. We are hoping he stays in the area but know that might not be the case.  I am going to try to not think about it and enjoy the next 4 years regardless if they may be the tough teen ones.

Here's to hoping my sister has a safe and fun experience in South Beach. We will be counting down the days till the Homecoming Party!

In other news, babygirl now has the hand/mouth coordination down and she also has been climbing to stand. It may not be long until she walks. Oh how quickly she is growing.

The Fair Is In Town

On Sunday we attended the fair. It was babygirl's first fair. 6 hours and a total of 4.5 miles walked, I've come to the conclusion that I am not a fan. The rides didn't seem stable, the games are overpriced for a chance to win a crappy prize, and the food - well if I wasn't counting calories, would've been great - but doesn't fit into my diet.

We got there around 4pm and it was extremely hot. So hot that we were breaking into a sweat just standing there. Of course I had forgotten the sunscreen and with the skin I have, that was an extreme bummer. We walked around for about an hour. Little soldierboy got sucked into playing a shooting game for $5. $5, my friends to take 4 shots with a cork gun. And to even win a crappy prize, you need to hit and knock down 3 cups with 4 shots. Such a scam. But we knew that when we handed our $5 over. Littlesoldierboy hit 1 of the 4 shots (technically 1 of 3 as 1 of the shots misfired - again - a SCAM!).

Next we decided to grab something to eat. Since hubby was volunteering at one of the food stands, we thought we would 'donate' our dollars to his stand. I was good and ordered grilled chicken. I did however steal borrow a mozzarella stick and some fries from littlesoldierboy. Not more than 10 seconds after we sat under the tent with our food, a thunderstorm rolled on in. Luckily for us, we got hungry at just the right time.

Following the storm, it cooled down significantly. We walked around, played a few more games, looked at the exhibits and animals, and was just counting down the time until hubby was off duty. Babygirl slept most of the time, and really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought. I think she is still too young. It is hard to see much from the baby stroller and she can't enjoy the food or games.

On the way home, littlesoldierboy tells me that next year we should just rent a movie and order pizza. That is my kind of family time. He is such my kid! And I love him lots! He was a trooper during the whole outing and helped with his sister.

All and all, we walked 4.5 miles in 6 hours and I burned 674 calories, enough to offset the mozzarella stick, fries, and 2 small zeppoles I ate. And I spent time with my kids, which made it all worth while!  

7 months and counting

Baby girl turned 7 months today. As I say every month (and nearly every day) - the time goes in a blink of an eye. During the month she has learned to crawl, and boy is she fast. She also does planks and sit-ups. Her core is unbelievably strong.

She still continues to sleep with me and eat about 2 to 3 times a night. I am actually enjoying snuggling with her at night and in the morning. I fall more in love with her every day.

She has graduated to stage 2 foods and her favorite is Cinnamon Raisin Granola from Beechnut. But she will eat almost anything. She has a very big appetite.

She is now in 3-6 month clothes although a lot of the 0-3 still fit. She is getting my money's worth out of her clothes - or I should say my sister's money's worth since most of her clothes for the next 4 years has been given to me from my sisters (I have 3 nieces).

Bedtime is still around 11pm and other then getting up to be fed, she sleeps until 8am. The creature of habit in her, which I LOVE!

She doesn't go back to the doctor until 9 months (for shots - boo!), so I don't have a weight update. She is starting to fill out, so I would suspect she is about 13 lbs. I'll try to weigh her myself tomorrow for a more accurate weight...on the plus side - I am within 5 lbs of my prebabygirl weight - woot woot!

In other news...I had a very bad day - please say a prayer that what has been lost will be found. I can definitely use them today. Thank you.

A Farmer's Market Bounty

How much do you think that bounty cost me? 7 green peppers, 3 red peppers, 1 zucchini, 8 cucumbers, 11 plum tomatoes, 2 green tomatoes, and a pint of exotic cherry tomatoes. All of it organic. From a local farmer's market. All for....wait for it...$12.50. A steal if I do say so myself. And even though Mother Nature tried to put a damper on our trip, we were troopers (so go stick it MN...just kidding...okay, maybe not). Going to be a good, healthy week! A total vegetable fest. Tomorrow we hit another farmer's market where we are looking to get fruits, fresh eggs, and farm-raised meat. Our adventure to healthier eating has begun.

In other news, my babygirl has DEFINITELY found her voice - and boy oh boy is it loud. Good thing she was born into this family, she fits right in. She is still sweet - just had a higher pitch.

And my soldierboy is becoming a man (cue tears). I noticed hair growing above his lips. Any day now he will begin shaving. And then driving. Followed by college. It is going too quick. I miss holding my baby...but am so proud of the man he is becoming. I want to enjoy every day, one slow day at a time.

Family Day

I decided Sundays were now going to be titled "Family Day". We will spend the entire day doing things together. No chores (okay little to no - we still need to try and keep a clean house), electronics, or home improvement...We had our first one today, and it went something like this:

At 9:30 am, hubby, babygirl and I embark on a 3 mile walk. I should've went to Zumba with my sister, but our gym had cancelled class due to a blood drive and I didn't want to head to Nash Dancecenter for 2 reasons (not a fan of the instructors and didn't want to pay for a class). So 3 mile walk it was. 

When we returned hubby cooked us all omlettes. Made to order omlettes. I know you are jealous. He is a keeper. 

Next we were rushing to make mass. My soldierboy was an altar boy for the service. And us, well we are always so timely, NOT! For some reason, we are 10 minutes behind the rest of the world, unless we are going to a drive-in movie - but I am getting to that.

Following mass, we decided to head to Warwick, NY. The plan was to go to the drive-in to see Ted. On the way we thought we would hit up Farmer's markets to get some fresh vegetables and goodies. We are really trying to eat healthier in this household.

First stop, Lafayette Village. We arrived a little tardy. What?! That surprises you? Doesn't surprise us. Although there were still a couple stands, most had or were in the process of packing up. Their loss cause we had dollars to spend. We ended up spending $23. We got 3 green peppers, 2 big tomatoes, 2 croissants, a jar of salsa, and a jar of jalapeno jam (that'd be for the hubby). SCORE!

At this point we were starving, but since we only had 20 minutes until we hit Warwick, we chose to wait until we were in town to grab something to eat. That is when we stopped at our next Farmer's market, Pennings. Here they have a Harvest Grill (and beer garden for those drinkers out there). I was a little grossed out (okay, that is an understatement - more like a LOT) by the amount of flies in there. I hung in there and placed my order which I was regretting as the minutes passed by waiting for my food. I am happy that I stuck it out. The food was ah-mah-zing! My turkey burger was the bomb. So full of flavor and it came on a wheat bun. Hubby's grilled chicken with mozzarella and pesto looked good too. I didn't try it, but I took his word on it. Soldierboy, went with his usual standby, chicken fingers. Yes, he is a work in progress with the healthy options. $28 for a late lunch and $13.25 for zucchini bread and blueberry pomegrante jam.

By now it is 4:30 and 4 hours until the movie starts. We drive around for a bit but find NOTHING to do. Then babygirl reminds us that she hasn't had lunch yet by her piercing scream. Any of you moms that nurse can relate. Babygirl is fed, and there is still 3 and a half hours to go. Oh the torture. Apparently if we aren't late then we are too early for the party. We'll get this right one of these times. Long story short, we decide to skip the drive-in.

We meet up with my sister back home. Babygirl and I walk another 3 miles; hubby and soldierboy practice hitting and catching. Hubby takes soldierboy to theater by my house to see Ted.

All in all, I would call it a success. $64.25 (excluding gas and movie). Time was spent together. Without electronics. With those I love.

Definitely doing something again next Sunday, together.

She's On the Move...To Family Outings

So my girl is mobile. She isn't walking yet but the way she crawls, techincally she is using her feet (more like planking followed by mountain climbers). She is definetely going to be into fitness - YAY!

I also found the first food that she doesn't like - Beech Nut Mixed Fruit with Yogurt. She is NOT a fan. She does however love their cinnamon raisin granola. She would eat that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I let her.

I sometimes secretly wish I was a stay at home mom. Realizing how quick my little soldierboy's childhood has flew by, I would love to spend every day for the next 4 years trying to make up for the all the time I missed due to being stuck at work. I keep telling my baby girl that I want her time to go slower than her brother's.

As I get older, I realize how important making memories with my family is. I vow to let the house chores, personal errands, and all other tasks that get in the way of 'family' time take a back seat to outings with the kids. My goal is to make sure we do something as a family at least once a week. We will see how that goes starting this weekend. Wish me luck!

Mondays Aren't That Bad

I have to admit that I don't hate Mondays. I know I am probably the only one on the planet. But you wouldn't either if you were me. Maybe I should've started with, don't hate me that I get to wear my pj's to work twice a week. Oh and by to work, I mean to my chair with my laptop.

I know what you are thinking - lucky b*tch! Yes, yes I am. I am extremely fortunate that my job allows me to telecommute two days a week. But as much as you may hate me for that. You should understand that the commute to the office is an hour and half. One way. With minimal traffic. Yes, it stinks. No, I am not use to it yet....So you can hate me two days a week. As long as you feel for me the other three workdays.

Now let's not discuss my disgust for Wednesdays ;)

Catching up: Shots, Shots, and progress

It has been awhile since I have blogged. This thing called life keeps getting in the way. On Tuesday, baby girl had her 6 month check-up. She is now 12lbs 11.5 ozs and 25 inches. She gained a lb in a month, so the doctor is happy with her progress. She is STILL in the 5 percentile - but hey - someone has to be! She was also given 2 shots. I think these shots hurt me more than then hurt her. She only cries when the needle is taken out and only for a minute. Then it appears that she instantly forgets about what happened. Lucky her! I have anxiety the entire time we are waiting for the doctor as I can't handle my babies crying. It literally hurts me. I am thrilled that she is so brave.

My other baby, that I call my 14 year old soldier boy, went yesterday to play paint ball with our neighbor and his son. I don't understand the lure of paintball. The whole point is to hit another person with a 'paint' bullet, which I am told hurts like being slapped with an open hand. Not.my.idea.of.fun! He came home last night, after spending 7 hours in the heat, running through the woods, trying to shoot the 'enemy' all while trying to minimize the amount of times he got hit. And the team he was on, wasn't the brightest group, as most of his hits came in the form of friendly fire. He is black and blue and drained of all his energy. And he would do all over again. God I love his enthusiasm for the insane. I just wish he would channel this energy into his school work.

My progress with my diet and exercise are coming along. I have lost 14.4lbs in 70 days and am nearly at my prebabygirl weight. I couldn't be more thrilled. I have to say that most days, I have incredible willpower. As long as I am seeing progress, it makes it that much easier for me to stick to the program. I do endulge from time to time, but I try to make that the exception and not the norm. Especially since I tend to feel guilty afterwards. I'm hoping that once I reach my goal, the guilt will begin to subside.

My workouts consist of the following:
Sat - zumba or muscle pump class
Sun - zumba or spin
Mon - in the am a muscle pump class and in the evening a zumba class
Tue - in the am zumba and I will begin taking spin in the evening
Wed - Fri I am in the office and don't always get a chance to get to the gym.

In addition, I try to walk at least once a day with my husband and baby girl. I'd take soldier boy too - but he generally isn't up for it. (You know, those 14 year olds.) We walk around our development and the lake because I feel we get a better workout with all the hills. Truth be told, I mostly walk around this area because I am trying to get my husband to be more active. Unless I am asking him to take a walk, he isn't going. But it truly is a good workout, and we walk about 3 miles at a time. I also meet a friend or family member sometimes just to get an extra workout in or to help keep them motivated. I really think that is important - to help motivate and support each other not only in our fitness journeys but in life in general.  

In a blink of an eye...she turned 6 months

In a blink of an eye, baby girl turned 6 months. Actually it was yesterday at 2:12pm to be exact. The time is just passing by and although I love seeing her (and her brother) grow - I wish they would slow down a bit!

In the past month, she has begun to try to be mobile. Now she has never been one to sit still. Not even in utero. She kicks her way around EVERYWHERE. And she prefers to be held 24/7. I blame my husband for that. When she was born he didn't put her down for the entire night; now just the threat of a cry and he goes running to her. This girl had him wrapped around her finger from day one.

She has definitely found her voice. And boy is she loud. I guess she'll fit right in this family.

She is eating more and more solid food. She loves green beans, peas, bananas, and apples. She also must have a daily dose of oatmeal for breakfast. So far it appears that she may be allergic to pears as she broke out in a rash the one time we fed them to her. We think we may try again in case it just was a coincidence (she only had a rash on the back of her neck). I am thrilled that her favorites so far are the vegetables. I hope that lasts.

She is still in 0-3 months, but I think any day she will be in the next size.

Her core is so strong, and yes I am jealous. She can lift herself up using just her core muscles. It is quite impressive. She can't balance herself to stay up - but any day now she will be sitting on her own.

We have also started supplementing with formula - due to the doctor's recommendation. He was concerned that she wasn't getting enough since she was in the 5 percentile for weight and height back at her 4 month check-up. After supplementing, she gained a pound in a month (at her 5 month check-up) and the doctor was pleased with that progress. We try to limit her formula intake to one bottle a day since it makes it more difficult to produce milk if she isn't nursing more frequently.

She still sleeps with me. And I love it. She gets up twice a night to be fed. If she didn't eat much during the day, then we are up three times. It is okay; as my husband says, it is time with the kids. Time is the biggest commodity that we take for granted. Once it has past, we can't get it back. As I get older, I realize how quickly it goes.

I'm looking forward to the next 6 months and many decades more!

Happy Birthday Soldier Boy =)

I have been busy. Too busy. Really that is an understatement. Work, gym, and family have been kicking my you know what. It just doesn't seem like I have a free minute EVER. I guess there is no sleep for the...well in this case - the busy!

Now to catch you up...Fourteen years ago this past Tuesday, my life changed forever. I became a mom. I was now responsible for someone other than myself. No one could've prepared me for the journey I was just about to embark on. Funny thing is that once you have a child, you can't remember what it was like not having them in your life. And my boy, my perfect little boy, was no different. He is becoming such a young man. Oh the time has gone too fast. It was just yesterday that his knees were his mode of transportation, and in 3 short years it will be wheels. I am truly blessed to have such a great kid in my life. Happy Birthday to my wonderful son. I love you so much and am so proud of the man you are becoming.

For his birthday he wanted a lunch at Panera (which worked since our electric went out for a couple of hours during the day). His dad needed to work that night, so I took him to Applebee's for dinner and then his grandparents took him to see a movie. I would've loved to have gone to the movie with him (like old times) but I don't think the rest of the audience would've appreciated his sister's commentary =)

Baby girl will hit a milestone next Tuesday - 6 months! She is such a joy, although lately she wants to be held ALL the time. I blame my hubby - from day 1 she has had him wrapped around his finger. If she even threatens to cry - he picks her up - which makes it difficult for me when he is not around and I have things to get done...oh well - I'm going to take it all in now, since I will just blink and she will be 14 =).

Surprise Party

Today was my graduate's surprise party. I literally put this party together in 4 days. It was originally going to be at my house on the 23rd but since his grandparent's were up from NC for the weekend, I thought it would be great to have the whole family surprise him. Putting the party together while working a FT job and having an infant, proved challenging. I DO NOT recommend it. Luckily I had the help of my sisters. In order to make it a surprise party, I had to change the venue. I rented the town recreation building. It really wasn't a bad deal at all. Had I known that they rented it, I would've utilized this building when I did baby girl's christening. We decided to purchase 3 FT subs and make salads. And buy the cake at BJ's. I am usually not a cake person (unless it is made with a little help from Betty Crocker), but this cake is just too good to turn down - all 320 calories (for 1/24th of cake - how they think there are 24 servings in this cake is beyond me) times 2 is more accurate.

All morning I was running around to pick up the food, and last minute decorations. In order for us to get my son there, my husband told him that he needed his help for pricing out a job. When we yelled surprise, I think we scared him. He never thought he was attending a graduation party. It is nice to give your kids the unexpected, especially when they appreciate them...All his aunts chipped in with his grandmother to purchase him the new IPAD. This was by far his favorite present EVER.

My little muchkin continues to grow. She was cracking herself up with the party balloon. And she most definitely adores her big brother.

I am do proud and lucky to have these two amazing children.

Class of 2012

Last night my first baby graduated 8th grade. What a proud moment. I remember him beginning kindergarten 9 years ago. It doesn't seem possible that time has passed this quickly. 4 years and he will be an adult. These 9 years have been tough for him, but he succeeded. It truly was an accomplishment. His grandparents flew in from NC to surprise him (they arrived Wed afternoon). Although he was only allowed to bring 8 guests, he inquired at the office to get additional tickets so a couple of his aunts could attend. This is the first kid in our family to graduate. And we all were thrilled to be a part of his special day. As we entered the school, we realized this was the last time we would be here. No more concerts, school plays, or conferences. A little part of us were sad, but happy about what journey lies ahead for him. Goodbye LPS, hello Tech.

Baby girl seriously has the strongest core. She pulls her head and feet off the floor and holds herself up. Yesterday her brother brought to my attention that she had pulled herself up to play with the plastic bird on her seat. It must have been all those zumba and spin classes while she was growing inside me =)

Weighing in...To Dancing the Night Away

Weighing in at 11lbs 14.5ozs is....baby girl! She had her 5 month weight check today with the doctor. She almost gained a pound in a month, so the doctor was happy. She still is in the 5 percentile for her age, but I shake that off to her being on the petite side (someone has to be in that percentile). After a month of supplementing one bottle a day, she still is averaging a one pound per month gain. She will hit her growth spurt! The best part is baby girl knows her name. When you call her, she turns her head to look at you. It is so sweet! Overall she continues to be a happy baby, although she doesn't like to be put down. She will cry bloody murder. She also can't eat fast enough, she starts yelling at you the minute you take the spoon away from her, and that is just to refill it.

Today my little soldier boy is at his 8th grade dance. Gosh, where does the time go? It seemed like yesterday he was just starting school, and on Thursday he will be graduating and about to start his journey in HS. This is the first formal dance that he has attended. He looked so grown up in his shirt in tie. At first he tried to get out of going, but with some pushing, I talked him into going. It is one of the things that you only get one opportunity to experience. There will never be another dance with only this group of kids, celebrating the past 9 years that they have shared together. It is something that all children should experience. Having been in many schools as a child, I can say I remember my 8th grade dance vividly. It was one of the few schools I was in that I attended for more then a year (3 to be exact!).

Oh how I love these kids! I just wish time could slow down a bit!

Weight for Now

Baby girl went to her first street festival today, Stanhope Day. It was H-O-T! And over the years, the festival has dewindled down to barely anything worth looking at. It took us all of 30 minutes to get through and other than the zeppoles that my sister purchased, we went home empty handed.

Thank goodness for that early morning spin class! An hour of spin burns off 400 plus calories - do you know what you can eat for that?! I try to take spin every Sunday so I can enjoy an Italian pasta dinner. My husband makes the BEST sauce!

Tonight we ate at my sister's BBQ. Grilled shrimp is only 6 calories a piece! And the london broil wasn't that much either. My son loved the corn on the cob. I even got to sneak in 2 stuffed shells to fit in my pasta quota for the day!

She had over her SIL's childhood friend and family. Her husband and mine seem to hit it off as they talked 'business' the entire night. I wonder if either remember the non-responsive call.

On a weight note, I track every damn calorie and work out at least 4 times a week. I am really putting in an effort to get back to my pre-baby weight. It has been more difficult than I had imagined. When I had my son, I was literally back in my jeans a week or so later. I had expected the same this time. I know I had my age against me, but I was in my best shape ever prior to this pregnancy. Those carbs did me in. It is coming off slowly, but it IS coming off. And I have this beautiful baby on top of it....My husband on the other hand wonders why he doesn't lose weight. Umm, perhaps it was those beers and cake that are sabatoging you!

Let's Get This Party Started...Oh wait, what did you call her?

Baby girl attended her first wedding today. She was such a good girl. And looked sooooo cute!...Her brother did a great job both being in the wedding and assisting the photographer with taking pictures.

All and all, it was a good party. The DJ, not so much. First he forgets to announce the Maid of Honor, and after he is reminded to, he calls her Adrianna - so.not.her.name. Then he refers to our deceased father as, 'Father #1". No buddy - he IS our father! And that is no disrespect to my mother's boyfriend who has been in the family for 15 years. Umm, can you say poor choice of words??...People, don't book your DJ off the internet. You WILL be disappointed.

I think about my dad daily, but it is times like these that I miss him most! I know he is looking down sharing in the day and is proud of all that we have accomplished...Dad, I love you!

Goodbye Fury Friend...Hello Sugar

Today was an emotional day.

It started with the text 'We need to put the dog down. Anyone wishing to say goodbye, please stop by before 11:30am'.

Now truth be told, I am not an animal lover.

But this dog has been in the family for 9 years. And was a really good dog.

My son LOVED this dog as if it was his own. Of course he was heartbroken and insisted he skip batting practice prior to his baseball game so he could say his goodbyes. 

We drove there.

He asked to go in alone. 

A short while later he returned with tears streaming down his face.

It broke my heart, but I understand the importance of allowing him the moments he needed to share his love and gratitude to his fury friend.

He went on to to hit a double his first time at bat and score the first run, but his team ended getting killed in the next inning and forfeited after falling behind by 10 runs.

As the game had just ended, I got the call that 'she went to sleep'. A couple more tears were shed, but ultimately he knew she was out of pain.

He really is a sweet kid with a heart of gold!

~In happier news, my little peanut had her first taste of frosting from her cousin's 1st birthday cake and some syrup from her daddy's waffles. I also noticed her first tooth has broken through the surface. She has been drooling and 'chewing' on her fingers for weeks and now I know why.

What a joy to have these two in my life!

 

On the move...but can we please slow down?!

My little peanut, being 2 days shy of 5 months, crawled for the first time! It was only a small movement - and more of a dragging motion - but she did it! She is incredibly strong and once she realizes it, I am in TROUBLE. She will be on the move..can you say proud momma?!

...In other news, my little soldier is 13 days away from graduation. I can not believe how quick the time is passing by. He went from being 2 to about to be turning 14 in a blink of an eye...I often see people counting down days until a vacation or a special event; wishing it was 'Friday' when it just turned Monday and so on. To them I say - stop wishing MY life away. Time is a commodity that all the money in the world can't buy. As much as I too look forward to special events, I prefer to live in the moment and take it all in. Life goes fast as it is, no need to wish it away any quicker.