Weight: 152.5! I was *so hoping* to make it to my 20 pound milestone but that just means that next week I'll get there AND post a new pic!
Diet: Great this week! My MIL was in town and baking all kinds of good stuff and I still held strong! And I totally loved getting to splurge on some of her amazing Irish soda bread, corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes on St. Patty's Day!
Exercise: Back in action even though I'm still having some back issues. It seemed that rest didn't really help so I'm just trying not to go too crazy with my workouts. I did start going back to the gym and I did my first spin class in quite a while! It felt AMAZING and Mike and I are going to start going together during the week now.
Thoughts/Reflections for the week: As I mentioned, my MIL was in town making all of this wonderful food. At the end of the week, she told me that Mike was going to make buttermilk pancakes on Saturday. "Pancakes?" I asked. "We don't eat pancakes around here." "Well, he said that he was going to use up the rest of that buttermilk and make pancakes on Saturday," she said. I explained that we probably wouldn't do that since that kind of eating really isn't in line with our diets and she expressed concern about the buttermilk "going to waste."
Mike and I talked about that a little on Sunday. This idea that food should never "go to waste" is something we both grew up with. I remember not being able to leave the table until my plate was completely cleared and Mike said he always feels like he has to finish every last bite of food. I'm here to confirm that. I have been with that man at a buffet, watching him stuff his face while complaining that he feels like he's going to pop.
Why do we treat food this way? Like every single last morsel has to be consumed? Maybe it's because we both come from budget conscious families and throwing food away is considered a sin. But so is gluttony, right? Our parents weren't trying to teach us bad habits but we decided this isn't really the idea we want Olivia to grow up with. If she still has food on her plate but she's full, we want her to know it's okay to walk away.
Don't get me wrong, it's not okay to be wasteful. But hopefully we'll be able to teach her how to make good choices about what and how much goes on her plate so that she isn't constantly throwing food away.
So, I'm going to apologize in advance to my awesome MIL for throwing out the leftover buttermilk and sour cream. At least we didn't let a crumb of that Irish soda bread go to waste!
Next week: A new 20 pound less pic of me!!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Just one of those days
Last Sunday, Mike and I had one of those days. No, not one of those days (the bad ones)! We had one of those GREAT days. The ones that make us say, "Yeah, this is what it means to be a family..." The kind where you go to bed knowing that all is right in your world. Knowing that you made the right decision by NOT dropping your kiddo off at one of those safe-baby-drop-off-zones. What? Don't act like you didn't have them mapped out in your head too.
The start of spring around here also means the start of tri-athlon season and last Sunday was the first one--The Annual St. Patty's Day Tri! Mike competed with his brother and my brother-in-law. Oli and I were in the cheering section with my mother-in-law and we were all decked out in our green.
I knew it was going to be one of those awesome days the second my angel baby woke up. She was in a great mood and humored me by wearing her St. Patrick's Day gear purchased especially for that day. She was cute and talkative when we got there and so many people stopped to stare into the stroller at this oh-so-adorable little girl.
Before the race began, we were standing next to another couple with a stroller and the mom commented on how adorable my girl is. "Thanks!" I said brightly and then realized that she was one of the competitors. "How old is your baby?" I asked (the stroller cover was up so I couldn't tell at all.). "9 weeks," was her reply. I choked "9 WEEKS!?!?!?!? Holy crap, I could barely walk around the block at 9 weeks and you are in a flippin' tri-athlon!" She kind of laughed and shrugged like it wasn't a big deal but I knew better. To be competing in such a tough event 9 weeks after having had a baby is a huge feat.
We stood and chatted for awhile and I'm not sure what she said that prompted my next statement but something indicated to me that she was still in the throes of that Newborn Phase. So I told her, "Look, I don't know about you. Maybe this whole baby gig is easy for you. But, it sure wasn't easy for me. I remember being here at one of these events at 9 weeks and thinking 'This is NEVER going to feel normal.' I was a mess. Tired, confused, in love with my kid but wondering if the rest of my life was going to suck. And if you are experiencing any level of that, I am here to tell you that IT DOES GETTER BETTER. Tons better in fact!!! Look at my kid, she's so awesome and we are having so much fun and getting here today felt NORMAL!!!"
This lady looked at me and relief flooded her eyes. "Really?" she asked, with a touch of hopefulness in her voice. "Really," I affirmed. Then she slapped her husband on the side of his arm and said "See, these people say it gets better!" And I knew I had done my good deed for the week. Then we oohed and aahed over her precious new miracle. The Boss Lady maintained her cuteness by chatting at everyone who passed by and getting lots of compliments on her adorableness.
Then it hit me: we have these great days quite a bit lately. How did I get here on the other side? How did I get to be the person assuring another new mom that things would eventually be GOOD. That one day, she would be making another new mom feel better about the insanity that had become her life.
After the tri-athlon, we went out to eat. While we were there, Olivia turned her cuteness on every woman in the place and one of them stopped to say, "Oh, she is giving me baby fever!" I'm sure my child caused quite a bit of baby making to take place that day.
I remember before I got pregnant and during my pregnancy when I would see a family like mine out and about. I would see how cute the baby was. I would see how happy the couple was. I would see just how *fun* and *easy* having a baby was. And now I know better. Now I know it's what you don't see.
For instance, everyone who saw my awesome and cute family out on Sunday didn't hear the 13 conversations Mike and I had about whether or not to wake Olivia up when he needed to leave on Sunday or let her sleep in so we could just come later. They didn't see the alarm clock go off two hours before I had to walk out the door because that's how long it takes to get a baby ready and that didn't even include a shower. They didn't see the massive poop explosion diaper that I changed in the restaurant bathroom that had my arms and Oli's legs & feet covered in poop. They didn't see that when we got home and Mike and I needed sleep, Olivia declined family nap time because she had had a nap in the car on the way home. And they didn't see that when we got home, we had a sick baby the rest of the week and I was thrown up on EVERY SINGLE DAY.
That's okay though. I feel a little proud to be one of those families that makes being a family seem so easy and fun. The truth is, it's not easy but it is A LOT of fun. It's okay if our admirers on Sunday don't know the whole truth. I was clueless before I went through this too.
This weekend, we had dinner with my sister, bro-in-law and their friends who are expecting their first baby. Mike had a chance to hang out with the dad-to-be and I asked Mike how he was feeling about his first child. Mike said he was excited and I remarked that men are pretty clueless when it comes to having a baby. "Well, I guess women are too," I added. "Isn't that a good thing though?"
Mike's response? "Yep, because if men had any clue about what happened when they have a baby, what happens to their wife, to their home, to them, then procreation would come to a halt."
Good thing for the world's population that my family makes this look easy AND adorable!
The start of spring around here also means the start of tri-athlon season and last Sunday was the first one--The Annual St. Patty's Day Tri! Mike competed with his brother and my brother-in-law. Oli and I were in the cheering section with my mother-in-law and we were all decked out in our green.
I knew it was going to be one of those awesome days the second my angel baby woke up. She was in a great mood and humored me by wearing her St. Patrick's Day gear purchased especially for that day. She was cute and talkative when we got there and so many people stopped to stare into the stroller at this oh-so-adorable little girl.
Before the race began, we were standing next to another couple with a stroller and the mom commented on how adorable my girl is. "Thanks!" I said brightly and then realized that she was one of the competitors. "How old is your baby?" I asked (the stroller cover was up so I couldn't tell at all.). "9 weeks," was her reply. I choked "9 WEEKS!?!?!?!? Holy crap, I could barely walk around the block at 9 weeks and you are in a flippin' tri-athlon!" She kind of laughed and shrugged like it wasn't a big deal but I knew better. To be competing in such a tough event 9 weeks after having had a baby is a huge feat.
We stood and chatted for awhile and I'm not sure what she said that prompted my next statement but something indicated to me that she was still in the throes of that Newborn Phase. So I told her, "Look, I don't know about you. Maybe this whole baby gig is easy for you. But, it sure wasn't easy for me. I remember being here at one of these events at 9 weeks and thinking 'This is NEVER going to feel normal.' I was a mess. Tired, confused, in love with my kid but wondering if the rest of my life was going to suck. And if you are experiencing any level of that, I am here to tell you that IT DOES GETTER BETTER. Tons better in fact!!! Look at my kid, she's so awesome and we are having so much fun and getting here today felt NORMAL!!!"
This lady looked at me and relief flooded her eyes. "Really?" she asked, with a touch of hopefulness in her voice. "Really," I affirmed. Then she slapped her husband on the side of his arm and said "See, these people say it gets better!" And I knew I had done my good deed for the week. Then we oohed and aahed over her precious new miracle. The Boss Lady maintained her cuteness by chatting at everyone who passed by and getting lots of compliments on her adorableness.
Then it hit me: we have these great days quite a bit lately. How did I get here on the other side? How did I get to be the person assuring another new mom that things would eventually be GOOD. That one day, she would be making another new mom feel better about the insanity that had become her life.
After the tri-athlon, we went out to eat. While we were there, Olivia turned her cuteness on every woman in the place and one of them stopped to say, "Oh, she is giving me baby fever!" I'm sure my child caused quite a bit of baby making to take place that day.
I remember before I got pregnant and during my pregnancy when I would see a family like mine out and about. I would see how cute the baby was. I would see how happy the couple was. I would see just how *fun* and *easy* having a baby was. And now I know better. Now I know it's what you don't see.
For instance, everyone who saw my awesome and cute family out on Sunday didn't hear the 13 conversations Mike and I had about whether or not to wake Olivia up when he needed to leave on Sunday or let her sleep in so we could just come later. They didn't see the alarm clock go off two hours before I had to walk out the door because that's how long it takes to get a baby ready and that didn't even include a shower. They didn't see the massive poop explosion diaper that I changed in the restaurant bathroom that had my arms and Oli's legs & feet covered in poop. They didn't see that when we got home and Mike and I needed sleep, Olivia declined family nap time because she had had a nap in the car on the way home. And they didn't see that when we got home, we had a sick baby the rest of the week and I was thrown up on EVERY SINGLE DAY.
That's okay though. I feel a little proud to be one of those families that makes being a family seem so easy and fun. The truth is, it's not easy but it is A LOT of fun. It's okay if our admirers on Sunday don't know the whole truth. I was clueless before I went through this too.
This weekend, we had dinner with my sister, bro-in-law and their friends who are expecting their first baby. Mike had a chance to hang out with the dad-to-be and I asked Mike how he was feeling about his first child. Mike said he was excited and I remarked that men are pretty clueless when it comes to having a baby. "Well, I guess women are too," I added. "Isn't that a good thing though?"
Mike's response? "Yep, because if men had any clue about what happened when they have a baby, what happens to their wife, to their home, to them, then procreation would come to a halt."
Good thing for the world's population that my family makes this look easy AND adorable!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Resolution Update: Week 10
Weight: 155. Plateau--boo!!! Yesterday, I weighed myself and I was at 153.5 but today I waited to weigh myself after an all-you-can-eat brunch. I think we can all see where I made the mistake. BUT, I'm sticking to 155 this week since that's what the scale says and I don't want to cheat. I'm just going to be hopeful I see some progress next week. I'm super excited about hitting the 20 pound mark!
Diet: Not so great this week since it was my birthday week but I think I did a good job of balancing everything. Even today, on my cheat day, at the brunch, I didn't go crazy. Normally I get one of everything and extra dessert. And though I did have a waffle with butter, syrup, and whipped cream, I didn't eat the desserts! And I tried to focus on things a little more protein rich. I'm still frequently amazed at how differently I look at and treat food now. I have so much more self control these days and I love that. I love knowing that food doesn't control me.
Exercise: Not good AT ALL. I injured my back somehow (turning 30 maybe???) so I've been resting it since last Saturday in hopes of healing. Well, that's not really working. This week, I'm getting back on the exercise wagon even if it means only being able to walk on the treadmill or around the neighborhood. I've got to do something though!
Thoughts/Reflections for the week: I am truly surprised how much I miss my workouts. Don't get me wrong, I love sleeping in and relaxing on the couch but my workouts really helped me get through the day. It was just a great way to get some endorphins flowing early in the morning to help me start the day out right. I've felt sluggish and flabby this week. I'm trying not to beat myself up though because I don't want to do anything that would permanently damage my back. Back pain is the worst! It's made me so miserable this week and I'm looking forward to feeling better soon.
About 3 months ago, my sister was having some back issues and had to stop her workouts. She was so upset by that and I remember thinking "Wow, I wish someone told me I couldn't work out!" Now, here I am, in the same position she was and I'm chomping at the bit to get back into things! Wow, I've changed a lot.
Okay, so I'm back in action this week for great results next Sunday!
Diet: Not so great this week since it was my birthday week but I think I did a good job of balancing everything. Even today, on my cheat day, at the brunch, I didn't go crazy. Normally I get one of everything and extra dessert. And though I did have a waffle with butter, syrup, and whipped cream, I didn't eat the desserts! And I tried to focus on things a little more protein rich. I'm still frequently amazed at how differently I look at and treat food now. I have so much more self control these days and I love that. I love knowing that food doesn't control me.
Exercise: Not good AT ALL. I injured my back somehow (turning 30 maybe???) so I've been resting it since last Saturday in hopes of healing. Well, that's not really working. This week, I'm getting back on the exercise wagon even if it means only being able to walk on the treadmill or around the neighborhood. I've got to do something though!
Thoughts/Reflections for the week: I am truly surprised how much I miss my workouts. Don't get me wrong, I love sleeping in and relaxing on the couch but my workouts really helped me get through the day. It was just a great way to get some endorphins flowing early in the morning to help me start the day out right. I've felt sluggish and flabby this week. I'm trying not to beat myself up though because I don't want to do anything that would permanently damage my back. Back pain is the worst! It's made me so miserable this week and I'm looking forward to feeling better soon.
About 3 months ago, my sister was having some back issues and had to stop her workouts. She was so upset by that and I remember thinking "Wow, I wish someone told me I couldn't work out!" Now, here I am, in the same position she was and I'm chomping at the bit to get back into things! Wow, I've changed a lot.
Okay, so I'm back in action this week for great results next Sunday!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Big 3-0!
Happy Happy Happy Birthday to ME today!!!! Yes, today, I am 30 years old!!! And what an amazing 30 years it's been! I know so many are often nervous about this milestone but I was and am not. I actually love birthdays, especially mine! It seems that every year I am getting better & better. And I don't just mean that to be funny! I'm serious!
I have been so fortunate in my 30 years and with every birthday my life has gotten richer and more full. Every year I grow and am more comfortable in my own skin. Each birthday gives me a chance to celebrate the life I have, the life God has blessed me with--and it is a WONDERFUL LIFE!
On Saturday night, my husband threw me the most incredible birthday party! Friends and family came from all over the metroplex and many from out of the city or state. It was a night I will never, ever forget and I am so overwhelmed with how generous everyone was!
I felt like I was back in college as the dancing started and that feeling was even more amplified when I got on stage with the band to belt out Sweet Home Alabama as though I was FROM Alabama! Only this time I wasn't asked to get off the stage--a story for another time. ;)
This was better than college though. Because now, all of my friends and family have reached a point in our lives where we no longer care what everyone is thinking. We aren't worried about looking silly. We just want to have fun and create memories to last a lifetime. When Mike suggested we do a party for my 30th, I was worried that no one would want to come (Yes, there is a still little girl inside who worries about things like that!). Mike convinced me though by reminding me that we need to continue creating fun memories with whoever shows up. You know by now that I lost my dad very young. Mike also lost his dad just 7 years ago. Both of our dads loved being around people and lived to have a good time. We embraced their fun-loving spirits at the party and everyone had a blast dancing, singing along with the band, and spending time together.
Some other perks to being 30 and NOT in college anymore: we didn't have to drink cheap drinks like Boone's Farm out of a paper bag, we got to use a clean restroom instead of the dirty frat house bathroom, everyone was mature enough not to cause any drama or chaos, oh, and I got to go home with the cutest guy in the place!
My 20's were a wonderful decade full of so many life changes. In my 20's I graduated college, met and married my dream guy, had a baby, and made many memories with family and friends. I loved being 20-something but I am so excited to usher in this new decade and it's already started off with a bang!
As I blew out my birthday candles Saturday night, I realized I really didn't have anything to wish for. You know when you are younger, you imagine your Dream Life? Well, I have BETTER than that life. Truly. I didn't marry Donnie from New Kids on the Block--I got to marry someone even better. I have an incredible husband, an amazing daughter, and friends and family who are always here with us through the good and bad. My only wish as I blew out the candles was that we would all be together for many more celebrations in this life.
And I hope at my 60th, I'm still getting on stage with the band!
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to ME!!!
I have been so fortunate in my 30 years and with every birthday my life has gotten richer and more full. Every year I grow and am more comfortable in my own skin. Each birthday gives me a chance to celebrate the life I have, the life God has blessed me with--and it is a WONDERFUL LIFE!
On Saturday night, my husband threw me the most incredible birthday party! Friends and family came from all over the metroplex and many from out of the city or state. It was a night I will never, ever forget and I am so overwhelmed with how generous everyone was!
I felt like I was back in college as the dancing started and that feeling was even more amplified when I got on stage with the band to belt out Sweet Home Alabama as though I was FROM Alabama! Only this time I wasn't asked to get off the stage--a story for another time. ;)
This was better than college though. Because now, all of my friends and family have reached a point in our lives where we no longer care what everyone is thinking. We aren't worried about looking silly. We just want to have fun and create memories to last a lifetime. When Mike suggested we do a party for my 30th, I was worried that no one would want to come (Yes, there is a still little girl inside who worries about things like that!). Mike convinced me though by reminding me that we need to continue creating fun memories with whoever shows up. You know by now that I lost my dad very young. Mike also lost his dad just 7 years ago. Both of our dads loved being around people and lived to have a good time. We embraced their fun-loving spirits at the party and everyone had a blast dancing, singing along with the band, and spending time together.
Some other perks to being 30 and NOT in college anymore: we didn't have to drink cheap drinks like Boone's Farm out of a paper bag, we got to use a clean restroom instead of the dirty frat house bathroom, everyone was mature enough not to cause any drama or chaos, oh, and I got to go home with the cutest guy in the place!
My 20's were a wonderful decade full of so many life changes. In my 20's I graduated college, met and married my dream guy, had a baby, and made many memories with family and friends. I loved being 20-something but I am so excited to usher in this new decade and it's already started off with a bang!
As I blew out my birthday candles Saturday night, I realized I really didn't have anything to wish for. You know when you are younger, you imagine your Dream Life? Well, I have BETTER than that life. Truly. I didn't marry Donnie from New Kids on the Block--I got to marry someone even better. I have an incredible husband, an amazing daughter, and friends and family who are always here with us through the good and bad. My only wish as I blew out the candles was that we would all be together for many more celebrations in this life.
And I hope at my 60th, I'm still getting on stage with the band!
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to ME!!!
 |
| Air guitar with the band! |
 |
| This party rocks! |
Monday, March 7, 2011
A little bit of random...
Often, I have these little thoughts that aren't really "blog-worthy" by themselves but I'd love to share them. I considered posting them on Facebook but then I'd be posting about 50 times in a day! So, here are just a few of my random thoughts & happenings:
Lately, Olivia is really into cell phones & remotes. I mean, she could have 800 of those super colorful baby toys surrounding her and she would still reach for the phone or remote. And if I try to take it away from her she throws a fit. So sometimes, I just give in and give them to her to chew on. Then I think, "Jeez, I hope those aren't shooting supersonic waves into her brain..."
***
How in the world does such a tiny person manage to fart like a grown man???
***
Lately, The Boss Lady has been pushing up and trying to get her legs under her so she can take off crawling. While this is very exciting, it's also a little scary and I have to admit that I have the urge to push her back down at times.
***
Olivia's refusal to fall asleep any other way except than while nursing is very sweet but also kind of exhausting. I love holding her and seeing her smushed up against me sleeping but then having to transfer her to her crib is tough and often she just wakes right back up. Oh well, I'm learning to just enjoy the moments I have with her that she wants to stay all cuddled up with me. So, maybe it takes me a week to get the laundry done. I'll have laundry the rest of my life. For now, I'll try to enjoy holding my sweet girl while she sleeps--while I'm thinking about all of the laundry that needs to be done, of course.
***
In the mornings, I get so excited to see Olivia. When she wakes up, she is so excited to see me and we sit on the couch together playing. Then, it's a mad dash to get ready for daycare & work. About 2 hours later, she's cranky, I'm running around like something is on fire, and saying things like "Okay, Olivia, please stop fussing. Mommy is hurrying!" Then I add "Thank you God for daycare," to my morning prayer.
***
In the evenings, we put Oli in her high chair with us at the table as we eat dinner. Mike and I talk about our days, make crazy faces at The Boss Lady and she usually sits there laughing. Those are the moments I am convinced my life is completely perfect.
***
When Olivia goes to bed with her stuffed monkey, I go in there and take it out of her crib once she's asleep. I'm convinced that everything causes SIDS. And I go check on her to make sure she's still breathing before I go to bed. Sometimes I make Mike do it and then I ask him like 100 times if he made sure she was still breathing. He usually says, "I did all of that, but you can go check for yourself if you'd like." Poor guy.
***
I'd love to wear a regular (a.k.a. non-nursing) bra. Somedays, I open my pre-baby bra drawer and just stare at all of the beautiful bras like they are gold bricks.
***
I'd like to know what's so flippin' traumatic to my daughter about having her boogers sucked out of her nose. Seriously, she acts like she's being attacked by a pack of mountain lions. She just has to get over it. I'm not okay with having my boob covered in snot while she nurses. I do have limits, people.
***
I think the face Olivia makes when she's pooping is really cute. The clean-up, not so much. Speaking of poop, what is in that stuff that makes it stain so badly that every stain remover I've tried hasn't even touched it???
***
One of Olivia's little "things" is to suck on my chin. It's pretty hilarious and I usually laugh so hard I can barely pull her off. Well, the other day, she really got ahold of me and gave me a hickey! That night I said, "Mike, did you see this hickey on my chin?" He said, "FROM ME?!?!?!?" Yeah, from you. Don't you remember that cool chin sucking thing we tried out last week? It was HOT.
***
Tonight I had plans to take a bubble bath and go to bed early. Tonight Olivia had plans to scream like a maniac when it was her bedtime. She's not called The Boss Lady for nothin'.
***
Okay, so does EVERYONE think their kid is the cutest and smartest baby on the planet? Or is my baby REALLY the cutest and smartest baby on the planet? Yeah, I think that's it. Oh, except for right now because she just turned into a Gremlin...again.
Lately, Olivia is really into cell phones & remotes. I mean, she could have 800 of those super colorful baby toys surrounding her and she would still reach for the phone or remote. And if I try to take it away from her she throws a fit. So sometimes, I just give in and give them to her to chew on. Then I think, "Jeez, I hope those aren't shooting supersonic waves into her brain..."
***
How in the world does such a tiny person manage to fart like a grown man???
***
Lately, The Boss Lady has been pushing up and trying to get her legs under her so she can take off crawling. While this is very exciting, it's also a little scary and I have to admit that I have the urge to push her back down at times.
***
Olivia's refusal to fall asleep any other way except than while nursing is very sweet but also kind of exhausting. I love holding her and seeing her smushed up against me sleeping but then having to transfer her to her crib is tough and often she just wakes right back up. Oh well, I'm learning to just enjoy the moments I have with her that she wants to stay all cuddled up with me. So, maybe it takes me a week to get the laundry done. I'll have laundry the rest of my life. For now, I'll try to enjoy holding my sweet girl while she sleeps--while I'm thinking about all of the laundry that needs to be done, of course.
***
In the mornings, I get so excited to see Olivia. When she wakes up, she is so excited to see me and we sit on the couch together playing. Then, it's a mad dash to get ready for daycare & work. About 2 hours later, she's cranky, I'm running around like something is on fire, and saying things like "Okay, Olivia, please stop fussing. Mommy is hurrying!" Then I add "Thank you God for daycare," to my morning prayer.
***
In the evenings, we put Oli in her high chair with us at the table as we eat dinner. Mike and I talk about our days, make crazy faces at The Boss Lady and she usually sits there laughing. Those are the moments I am convinced my life is completely perfect.
***
When Olivia goes to bed with her stuffed monkey, I go in there and take it out of her crib once she's asleep. I'm convinced that everything causes SIDS. And I go check on her to make sure she's still breathing before I go to bed. Sometimes I make Mike do it and then I ask him like 100 times if he made sure she was still breathing. He usually says, "I did all of that, but you can go check for yourself if you'd like." Poor guy.
***
I'd love to wear a regular (a.k.a. non-nursing) bra. Somedays, I open my pre-baby bra drawer and just stare at all of the beautiful bras like they are gold bricks.
***
I'd like to know what's so flippin' traumatic to my daughter about having her boogers sucked out of her nose. Seriously, she acts like she's being attacked by a pack of mountain lions. She just has to get over it. I'm not okay with having my boob covered in snot while she nurses. I do have limits, people.
***
I think the face Olivia makes when she's pooping is really cute. The clean-up, not so much. Speaking of poop, what is in that stuff that makes it stain so badly that every stain remover I've tried hasn't even touched it???
***
One of Olivia's little "things" is to suck on my chin. It's pretty hilarious and I usually laugh so hard I can barely pull her off. Well, the other day, she really got ahold of me and gave me a hickey! That night I said, "Mike, did you see this hickey on my chin?" He said, "FROM ME?!?!?!?" Yeah, from you. Don't you remember that cool chin sucking thing we tried out last week? It was HOT.
***
Tonight I had plans to take a bubble bath and go to bed early. Tonight Olivia had plans to scream like a maniac when it was her bedtime. She's not called The Boss Lady for nothin'.
***
Okay, so does EVERYONE think their kid is the cutest and smartest baby on the planet? Or is my baby REALLY the cutest and smartest baby on the planet? Yeah, I think that's it. Oh, except for right now because she just turned into a Gremlin...again.
 |
| She's The Boss! |
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Resolution Update: Week 9
Weight: 155!! I hadn't mentioned this before but this was secretly my goal weight. I didn't want to truly set a goal because I didn't want to put a ton of pressure on myself or create a deadline of sorts. And I didn't want to have the mindset that once I reached my goal, I would stop trying to lose weight. 155 is great but it's still a little heavier than I should be for my size. However, I am EXTREMELY happy with this!!!
Diet: Okay, so this weekend was my birthday celebration weekend so I actually had 2 cheat days in a row! I debated even allowing myself this but it's my birthday for crying out loud! One of the things I'm going to have to learn is that it is OKAY to let myself off the hook if it's something like my 30th birthday weekend. So, I had one delish piece of cake yesterday and as soon as I post this, I'm headed to the fridge for another! I guess we'll see if I have a rebound next week! Ha!
Exercise: Bad news here. I threw out my back. Go figure. I turn 30 on Thursday and I'm throwing out my back! I've been to see a chiropractor and she did recommend laying off the workouts a little. I've had to stop my Jillian Michaels because it's pretty high impact and kills my back. I've done some walking and I went to the gym and hit the eliptical. The biggest problem is that, while I'm working out, I'm not in pain at all. After, is another story. I didn't work out at all yesterday or today in the hopes that giving my back a rest will help it heal quicker so I can get back on track.
Thoughts/Reflections for the week: As I mentioned, I'm turning 30 this week! I think it's awesome that I hit my goal weight the same week as this huge birthday milestone. At 30 years old, I am taking better care of myself than I ever have and I am feeling great! Oh, well, except for the bad back part!
On Saturday night, I celebrated the Big 3-0 with a huge party and it was AMAZING!!! I'll post more on that later. But, in regards to this Resolution, I have to say that on Saturday night, I looked and felt wonderful. I had this great dress that fit so wonderfully and I felt so great showing off this new figure! It was truly incredible to be able to celebrate my birthday and feel like I looked great! I'm not trying to brag about myself here. But, so often, I've had times in my life where I was thinking "Jeez, I wish I looked a little better or lost a little weight before now." That thought never even crossed my mind!
Like I said, with 2 cheat days and having to lay off the exercise, who knows what next week's result will be!
Diet: Okay, so this weekend was my birthday celebration weekend so I actually had 2 cheat days in a row! I debated even allowing myself this but it's my birthday for crying out loud! One of the things I'm going to have to learn is that it is OKAY to let myself off the hook if it's something like my 30th birthday weekend. So, I had one delish piece of cake yesterday and as soon as I post this, I'm headed to the fridge for another! I guess we'll see if I have a rebound next week! Ha!
Exercise: Bad news here. I threw out my back. Go figure. I turn 30 on Thursday and I'm throwing out my back! I've been to see a chiropractor and she did recommend laying off the workouts a little. I've had to stop my Jillian Michaels because it's pretty high impact and kills my back. I've done some walking and I went to the gym and hit the eliptical. The biggest problem is that, while I'm working out, I'm not in pain at all. After, is another story. I didn't work out at all yesterday or today in the hopes that giving my back a rest will help it heal quicker so I can get back on track.
Thoughts/Reflections for the week: As I mentioned, I'm turning 30 this week! I think it's awesome that I hit my goal weight the same week as this huge birthday milestone. At 30 years old, I am taking better care of myself than I ever have and I am feeling great! Oh, well, except for the bad back part!
On Saturday night, I celebrated the Big 3-0 with a huge party and it was AMAZING!!! I'll post more on that later. But, in regards to this Resolution, I have to say that on Saturday night, I looked and felt wonderful. I had this great dress that fit so wonderfully and I felt so great showing off this new figure! It was truly incredible to be able to celebrate my birthday and feel like I looked great! I'm not trying to brag about myself here. But, so often, I've had times in my life where I was thinking "Jeez, I wish I looked a little better or lost a little weight before now." That thought never even crossed my mind!
Like I said, with 2 cheat days and having to lay off the exercise, who knows what next week's result will be!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Olivia and The Avocado
Like all parents, Mike and I have been so excited by every milestone our child has achieved. Last week, on her 6 month birthday we were so excited that we could start feeding The Boss Lady food! Until now she's been a breastmilk only baby. We were both so excited to reach this stage!
I was excited because I knew it would be a fun adventure to watch her try new things and I think Mike was excited because he can take part in her feedings a little more.
Oddly, I felt a lot of emotions around this milestone. I mean, it's just food, right? Wrong. As I'm learning in this new adventure, most things have a lot of emotions surrounding them. I love watching my kiddo go through all of these stages but it's always sort of bittersweet. The fact that she's at an age where she can start eating real food is proof that she's not this tiny little baby anymore. She's growing up and super fast!
And I love that I am still able to breastfeed her and that's she's been a breastmilk baby so far. But I have mixed feelings about that too. With this whole food thing, that means we are one step closer to her not needing me anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to have my boobs back to myself! However, there is something so wonderful about nursing my daughter. I love that closeness with her. I love how excited she gets to eat, how she tries to gnaw through my shirt when she's hungry. I love how she rubs the back of her head as she nurses and how she'll sometimes catch my eye from the corner of hers and give me a huge grin, milk dripping down the side of her cheek.
I know that this food adventure is going to be just as special though. Mike talks about us cooking dinner together as a family and teaching Oli about making healthy foods. I also look forward to the days where we can sit at the dinner table together and share a meal as a family.
So in preparation for our big milestone, on Thursday after work I headed to the grocery store for rice cereal, avocado, butternut squash, and carrots. I've been a reading a little about baby's first foods and a lot of people recommend avocado. And I'm going to attempt to make my own baby food, hence the squash and carrots.
That's a whole other issue: making my own baby food. I do try to eat healthy but to be honest, I'm not a big organic person. In fact, I'm not an organic person at all. Quite frankly, I've always thought it was a waste of money. I know, I know, pesticides and all of that. But, I just never think about it when I'm at the grocery store.
Yet, suddenly, as I started thinking about what Olivia would be eating, organic has become something I'm considering. And making my own baby food? What the heck is that about?!?!? Why do I suddenly feel compelled to do THAT?? A lot of the reason is because it is a money saver to make your own. The bunch of carrots I bought was $1 and can probably make several meals. Also, Mike and I eat a lot of fresh veggies so I'm hoping that eventually, she can just eat what we do. We'll see how this all plays out though. I told a friend I was going to do this and she said "Wow, I wish I was that ambitious." Well, I'm not sure I'm that ambitious either. If it turns out to be a big pain the butt, I have no problem switching to those cute little jars. Anyway, the ingredients in those are just veggies and water which is what I would be making.
See, all of these crazy thoughts and feelings over a little bit of food! Jeez. Bet you can't wait to see how long the blogpost is when she goes to kindergarten!
As soon as Mike got home Thursday night, we started getting things ready! I mashed up the avocado and mixed the rice cereal with a little breastmilk. We did NOT combine the two but we wanted to have both options in case she liked one over the other. I tried the cereal and it tasted a little funky so I was hoping she'd be a bigger fan of the straight avocado.
We sat down, got the video camera ready and got a huge surprise when our sweet girl hated BOTH! She gagged like it was the most offensive thing she had ever tasted and then she threw it all up. We tried just the rice cereal on Friday night and got the same reaction.
On Sunday, I mashed up some banana and tried that. Same reaction.
Today, I spent part of the day researching different ways to introduce solids. I checked out wholesomebabyfood.com and I put our situation out into the Facebook world. I got some great advice thanks to many of my other mom-friends. One of the strategies I'm interested in is called baby led weaning. I still need to do some research but basically, you just let the child control their own food. So, if you are eating carrots, give them some. If you are eating peas, give them some. But put it on their tray or plate and let them feed themselves.
Since my kiddo is a little bit of a control freak when it comes to her food (wonder where she gets that??), I thought maybe this might be a good option for us.
Tonight, we bought a high chair and sat her at the table with us when we sat down to eat dinner. I mashed up a banana and put it in front of her. While she had a great time squishing it between her fingers, she never once put it in her mouth. I tried to help with the spoon. She gagged. She puked. My dinner was interrupted cleaning up the high chair and her. *Deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths*
We tried some babyfood bananas. No go. Then we mixed some breast milk with rice cereal and some of the banana babyfood. It smelled like puke. I tasted it and when I did Mike gagged. Then I gagged. Because it not only smelled like puke, it tasted like puke. Lo and behold, SHE FREAKIN' LIKED IT!!!
She wasn't gobbling it down or anything but she wasn't making the crazy gagging face and she was laughing and smiling the whole time. Most of it ended up down her chin and on her clothes but she really seemed happy with it all.
When I got up from the table, I smelled the bottle that had the milk in it. It smelled rotten. It had been in the fridge since Friday so it should have been okay. But it smelled rotten. I think, no I'm pretty sure, it was rotten. Great, we just fed our child rotten breast milk. AND SHE LIKED IT!!!
Crazy, crazy baby.
We are going to try a few more times with this whole food thing. BUT, if she still acts like she isn't interested, we're going to wait a little while longer. And that's okay. I'm not in a huge rush for all of these milestones anyway! ;)
I was excited because I knew it would be a fun adventure to watch her try new things and I think Mike was excited because he can take part in her feedings a little more.
Oddly, I felt a lot of emotions around this milestone. I mean, it's just food, right? Wrong. As I'm learning in this new adventure, most things have a lot of emotions surrounding them. I love watching my kiddo go through all of these stages but it's always sort of bittersweet. The fact that she's at an age where she can start eating real food is proof that she's not this tiny little baby anymore. She's growing up and super fast!
And I love that I am still able to breastfeed her and that's she's been a breastmilk baby so far. But I have mixed feelings about that too. With this whole food thing, that means we are one step closer to her not needing me anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to have my boobs back to myself! However, there is something so wonderful about nursing my daughter. I love that closeness with her. I love how excited she gets to eat, how she tries to gnaw through my shirt when she's hungry. I love how she rubs the back of her head as she nurses and how she'll sometimes catch my eye from the corner of hers and give me a huge grin, milk dripping down the side of her cheek.
I know that this food adventure is going to be just as special though. Mike talks about us cooking dinner together as a family and teaching Oli about making healthy foods. I also look forward to the days where we can sit at the dinner table together and share a meal as a family.
So in preparation for our big milestone, on Thursday after work I headed to the grocery store for rice cereal, avocado, butternut squash, and carrots. I've been a reading a little about baby's first foods and a lot of people recommend avocado. And I'm going to attempt to make my own baby food, hence the squash and carrots.
That's a whole other issue: making my own baby food. I do try to eat healthy but to be honest, I'm not a big organic person. In fact, I'm not an organic person at all. Quite frankly, I've always thought it was a waste of money. I know, I know, pesticides and all of that. But, I just never think about it when I'm at the grocery store.
Yet, suddenly, as I started thinking about what Olivia would be eating, organic has become something I'm considering. And making my own baby food? What the heck is that about?!?!? Why do I suddenly feel compelled to do THAT?? A lot of the reason is because it is a money saver to make your own. The bunch of carrots I bought was $1 and can probably make several meals. Also, Mike and I eat a lot of fresh veggies so I'm hoping that eventually, she can just eat what we do. We'll see how this all plays out though. I told a friend I was going to do this and she said "Wow, I wish I was that ambitious." Well, I'm not sure I'm that ambitious either. If it turns out to be a big pain the butt, I have no problem switching to those cute little jars. Anyway, the ingredients in those are just veggies and water which is what I would be making.
See, all of these crazy thoughts and feelings over a little bit of food! Jeez. Bet you can't wait to see how long the blogpost is when she goes to kindergarten!
As soon as Mike got home Thursday night, we started getting things ready! I mashed up the avocado and mixed the rice cereal with a little breastmilk. We did NOT combine the two but we wanted to have both options in case she liked one over the other. I tried the cereal and it tasted a little funky so I was hoping she'd be a bigger fan of the straight avocado.
We sat down, got the video camera ready and got a huge surprise when our sweet girl hated BOTH! She gagged like it was the most offensive thing she had ever tasted and then she threw it all up. We tried just the rice cereal on Friday night and got the same reaction.
On Sunday, I mashed up some banana and tried that. Same reaction.
Today, I spent part of the day researching different ways to introduce solids. I checked out wholesomebabyfood.com and I put our situation out into the Facebook world. I got some great advice thanks to many of my other mom-friends. One of the strategies I'm interested in is called baby led weaning. I still need to do some research but basically, you just let the child control their own food. So, if you are eating carrots, give them some. If you are eating peas, give them some. But put it on their tray or plate and let them feed themselves.
Since my kiddo is a little bit of a control freak when it comes to her food (wonder where she gets that??), I thought maybe this might be a good option for us.
Tonight, we bought a high chair and sat her at the table with us when we sat down to eat dinner. I mashed up a banana and put it in front of her. While she had a great time squishing it between her fingers, she never once put it in her mouth. I tried to help with the spoon. She gagged. She puked. My dinner was interrupted cleaning up the high chair and her. *Deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths*
We tried some babyfood bananas. No go. Then we mixed some breast milk with rice cereal and some of the banana babyfood. It smelled like puke. I tasted it and when I did Mike gagged. Then I gagged. Because it not only smelled like puke, it tasted like puke. Lo and behold, SHE FREAKIN' LIKED IT!!!
She wasn't gobbling it down or anything but she wasn't making the crazy gagging face and she was laughing and smiling the whole time. Most of it ended up down her chin and on her clothes but she really seemed happy with it all.
When I got up from the table, I smelled the bottle that had the milk in it. It smelled rotten. It had been in the fridge since Friday so it should have been okay. But it smelled rotten. I think, no I'm pretty sure, it was rotten. Great, we just fed our child rotten breast milk. AND SHE LIKED IT!!!
Crazy, crazy baby.
We are going to try a few more times with this whole food thing. BUT, if she still acts like she isn't interested, we're going to wait a little while longer. And that's okay. I'm not in a huge rush for all of these milestones anyway! ;)
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| She loved the bowl and the spoon but NOT the contents! |
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