And just like that..

After texting, messaging, blogging, and googling..

 

 

I think I have figured out how to post pictures on my Blog again!  Yay me!

 

Here is the latest picture of my three beautiful kids!  Max was so excited to hold baby Titus!  I think the minor jealousy he felt towards Titus is now gone!  Thank you Jesus!

 

Here is a little update on the family:

 

Paul

The poor guy is still working 12 hour shifts Monday through Saturday.  He has been working this crazy shift, alone, since August of last year!  Thankfully he now has two part-timers that started yesterday!  No more loneliness for my man!  God is good!

 

Grace

I am doing my best to lose baby weight by watching calories and, when I can, working out by using a DVD, YouTube, or apps on my phone.  I have lost a lb a week so I'm slowly getting to where I want to be!  Thank you Jesus!

 

Zoe

I try to do school with Zoe for an hour everyday.  When I say school I mean flash cards, board games, etc.  She is getting so smart and she is such a comedian -- just like her Dad!  She is my daily entertainment!  She is also the perfect mother hen!  Don't mess with her bubbas!

 

Maximus

Max is currently trying to push out more teeth so he has kind of been a monster.  This boy has the worst temper ever -- yet he can be the happiest little fella too!  He absolutely adores Zoe and they follow each other around the house all day.  I have also noticed he is watching over Zoe's shoulder and learning a lot from the flash cards too!  He's a genius.

 

Titus

It looks like Titus is slowly losing his beautiful dark hair.  It also looks like he will be a blondie like his brother and sister.  It was fun while it lasted I guess!  He is so observant.  He'll just sit and watch you -- and he has the best smiles!  Just so happy and content with life.

 

As you can see we are doing great!  I'm so glad I figured out how to post pictures again!  More to come!

I'm not givin' up!

Source: littlefancynancy.blogspot.com via Nancy on Pinterest

Paul and I both decided it's time to work out and get our bodies back into shape.  He worked out with weights and I attempted to do zumba.  I did about 10 minutes worth because I was tired of bumping into kids and hearing them cry the. whole. time.

Our winter has been CRAZY this year -- hardly any snow and it's been in the 40's and 50's with an occasional day that's chilly.  Maybe I should take advantage of it while I can?  I can start walking.. but I'd have to wait till Paul is home because I don't think I want the kids out in this weather.

I'm not givin' up!

I will continue to wake up early, zumba and/or walk and jog, and I will start to lose weight!  I'm ready to look and feel amazing.  I want to try on clothes and WOW my husband.

What are you not giving up on??

Making change

Source: healthylivingforyou.tumblr.com via Maria on Pinterest

The other day I noticed that Netflix had The Biggest Loser seasons.  I always wanted to watch that show, but never got around to doing it.  Well, one day I decided it was time to watch the first season.  I have watched 4-5 episodes so far and I think I'm hooked.

I was looking at myself in the mirror afterward.  Yes, I did just have 2 babies in 2 years, but I'm feeling a little flubby.  I'm definitely not that hot, petite, size 6 girl Paul married 4 years ago.  I want to get back to that -- as close as I can anyways.

This morning, instead of my morning coffee, I grabbed some water and my iPhone.  Thanks to all the apps they have on there I was able to find a workout that suits where I am right now, AND I have a calorie counter.

I know this is just the first day, but I already feel so much better about myself.  Instead of complaining to my husband about not feeling attractive, I'm doing something about it!  I know it will take a little time, since I have NO ab muscles whatsoever, but I know that everyday will count for something.

I know I'm starting this at a crazy time -- what with holiday snacks and desserts all over the place -- but what better time to start?  There is temptation all over the place and I need to learn to make wise decisions.  I can do this.  I want to be healthy and fit.

One of those days

 

I don't mean to complain, but I've been having one of those days.  As a matter of fact, it's slowly turning into one of those weeks!  Don't worry, this won't be a woe-is-me kind of post.  I always try to find humor in everything that's going on in my life, but to be perfectly honest, I'm almost getting to the point of hysterical laughter and an eye twitch.  Won't I be funny to watch at my next Walmart trip?!

I'm totally kidding by the way.  The past couple of days have not been the best for me, but they could always be worse.  I'm still in a good mood (for the most part) and at the end of the day Paul and the kids always have me laughing!

We all fall into ruts here and there, though.  No biggie.  Life goes on!

How do you cope when having a bad day?  I just indulged in a couple of Reeses cups and now I feel like a heffer.  Maybe I'll take my babies and go for a walk up at the mall.  The chocolate made me feel better, though.

"Go away pain.."

Haha!  Oh my word, I'm JUST kidding!

Prioritize



Source: moneysavingmom.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I don't know how it is for other mothers, but for me, I have a hard time accepting the fact that I'm not superwoman.. yet. =)  I get so frustrated when I need to take a break because my body is still healing.  I wish I could just "shake it off" and run the marathon I feel like I can, but nope.  I still have to take breaks.  I feel like such an old person.  No offense to the older generation! =)

I get up around 7:00 a.m. and feed Zoe breakfast.  While she's eating I drink my coffee and either read my morning devotions or hop on skype with my mom so she can say hello to Zoe and Max before we all start our day.

When Zoe is done eating I get her and Max ready for the day.  Diaper changes, put on day clothes, you know the drill.  It seems like by the time everyone (including myself) is ready for the day, Zoe and Max are exhausted and take a morning nap.  How nice for them, huh?  I know everyone will say I SHOULD take a nap as well, but nap times are the best time for me to get work done.  So I take that time to fill out my permits.

When Zoe wakes up I get her lunch ready and then back to work.  After lunch is when it gets fun.  I try to work while keeping Zoe entertained with constant reruns of Veggie Tales when all she really wants to do is crawl into the bathroom and unroll all the toilet paper (I REALLY need to get a gate!).  By the time 7:00 p.m. rolls around I realize Paul will be home any minute so I run around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to figure out what to do for dinner.

After dinner is when I try and get the house looking decent.  That is unless Paul comes home with a movie, and then I want to spend quality time with my family till the kids go to bed.

I don't know.  I'll figure something out. =)

Oh, and when I do feel well enough, I totally want to lose my baby fat!!  I'm thinking zumba or something fun like that.

Meet the Beached Whale

23 weeks 2 days

So maybe I'm not that big, but I feel like it some days.  Like yesterday, Paul had the day off so we went out of town for the day.  We hit up Ross and I tried some shirts and dresses on.  ::ugh::  Why do I torture myself?!  I feel like I'm getting to the point in my pregnancy that no matter what I wear I look like a heifer.  I was able to find 3 things I settled on -- after going to the dressing room twice with handfuls of clothes.  Oh well.  I'm over halfway done and then I can start planning my next diet/workout plan to get me back to feeling better. :)

On June 20th we get to see our baby again!  Paul and I are so excited.  Also, my family will be in town! We get to see how many people we can squeeze into the ultrasound room, I'm sure!  Plus Paul and I are curious to see if our boy is still a boy or if he's changed genders.  Ha!

Have a great weekend!

Let me explain.. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

In case anyone is interested, I did tidy my house, I did wrap all of the presents, and I did watch one more Christmas movie before Christmas was officially over.  So there you go. :)

Also, Paul and I have come to a decision.  It was a hard pill to swallow for some, but we decided to bring the pacifier back.  Here's our proof.

::Sigh::

Just for the record, Paul and I have nothing against the pacifier.  The reason why we took away in the first place was because we spent more time keeping it in her mouth than she did herself.  I spent hours, literally, keeping it in her mouth during the night because she would accidentally spit it out and want it leaving us both exhausted and slightly crabby.

It didn't take long and she forgot about it, but lately something else took it's place.  She started doing something that I absolutely despised.  She became a thumb sucker.  At first I thought she was simply chewing on her hands, but yesterday Paul and I realized that she deliberately puts her thumb in her mouth.  We counted, and she did it 25 times.. in a row.

So we brought the pacifier back.  I refuse to have a thumb sucker.  It's unsanitary and just plain gross.  You can throw a pacifier away.. not a thumb.

On to more exciting news..  Christmas was absolutely lovely!  It was Zoe's first Christmas and I think she loved it!  Here are some pictures.. mostly of Zoe.

We hardly ever have any pictures of just us anymore so I had Paul take a quick snapshot on Christmas Eve.  This is us in a nutshell, don't you think?  Paul looking like his Uncle Steve and me laughing at how crazy he is.  I absolutely love this man!

Here is Zoe, Christmas morning, trying out one of her gifts from Mommy and Daddy.  He first tea set!  I don't know who loves it more -- Mommy or Zoe.  The teapot sings catchy tunes.  I can see Zoe in the future.  I'm sure she'll memorize those songs and sing away pouring tea for her stuffed animals.

Here is Zoe with her stocking from Santa Claus.  I absolutely love this picture!  She is such a smilie kid.  She was so interested in everything that was going on.  Her arms and legs were constantly going because she was so excited!  She got her first cans of baby food, and we let her try pears for the first time.  It was pretty hilarious!  It gave her the heebie jeebies every time she took a bite.  I have a feeling she will be like her dad and enjoy sour things because even though every bite gave her the willies, she kept accepting bites.

Here is Zoe opening a Christmas gift.  Like I said before, she was so excited!  She did such a good job ripping the paper -- for a 5 month old.  She also showed interest in all of her gifts.  I think she loves all of them!  I'm so glad.

Later Christmas night Zoe and I had our first tea party.  She really showed interest and watched my every movement.  It made me so happy to watch her "play" the best she could.

In this picture right here I see an addiction to caffeine just like her mom. :)  Can you see it?  I wonder who will break first and give her a sip of their coffee.  Me?  One of the Grams?  I remember my great grandmother sneaking me some sips of her coffee.  My aunt did as well!  I thank them for my addiction. :)

Here's the last picture for tonight.  The cute little teapot!  Did I mention that I love her toys?  We need to buy her a toy box now.  She has plenty of toys now so it's time.  ::squeal::  Who knew that buying a toy box would be so exciting?!

So there you go!  Zoe's first Christmas was a lot of fun -- for all of us!  I know that Christmases are going to be amazing here on out thanks to having children.  It's so much fun to watch their excitement.

Well, Christmas is over and the new year is just around the corner.  It's time to take down the decorations and start making a list of new resolutions.

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

I have decided to make changes in my life, but I am not waiting till the new year to start!  I decided to register at MyFitnessPal and start keeping track of my calorie intake, my workouts, etc.  Of course as soon as I decide to change my eating habits I am constantly hungry -- but don't worry!  I have written down everything I've eaten/drank today and I'm doing well.  I even burned some calories by cleaning vigorously.  Bonus!

As soon as the dreaded snow is melted away it's back to walking.  Oh, now that I have an iPod (thank you honey!) I would like to try and run.  Paul was telling me that in order to start I need to jog until I feel tired and then walk for awhile.. till I have energy again and then pick up jogging.  I think I can do it!  I want to..

There is so much more I could write about, but I'm worried I'm boring my fans.  So I'll leave off here. :)  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Shall we dance?

I don't know about you, but I love to dance.  I'm not amazing.  I'm not sexy.  But I'm not horrible.  I can move.. I'm just not Madonna.

I didn't know about my passion until my sister-in-law introduced me to Just Dance on the Wii.  At first I was nervous to try.  What if I looked like a dork?  But they made me do it.  And you know what?  I don't care if I'm a dork!  I love to move!

We started playing more and more..  I would play until I nearly passed out on the couch from exhaustion.  That's the most sweat I've produced in a lifetime.  I lost 5 lbs. thanks to dancing!  Woo!

Then Just Dance 2 came out.  That rocked my world!  I loved having more songs to dance to!

Then the holidays hit.  I was shopping recently and noticed it.  {gulp}  I am apple shaped.  Oh.  My.  Word.  Apple shaped?  I used to look like a pear, but thanks to wearing Shape Ups while being pregnant I toned up really, really good.  This is the best my bottom has looked ever.  No joke!  But I still have baby weight -- hence the apple shape.

So it's back to dancing I guess!  I need some kind of activity during the winter.  I got to keep this luscious body somehow! ;)

So ladies and gentlemen, what is your favorite way to be active?  Please leave your comments below!  Or you can e-mail us at our *new* e-mail address!  Check it out in the top left corner.

You didn't just give birth to a baby; you've given birth to a new you

Though I weigh less than what I weighed before I got pregnant with Zoe, I do not have the body I used to..

I am so proud of myself for doing everything that I did through the pregnancy to make it to where I only gained baby weight.. not mommy weight.  Since being pregnant I have lost 5+ lbs. which is great.

I just can't get over the raisin look..

No matter how much weight I lose I can't help but see my stretched out stomach and stretch marks that look, well, painful.  Paul will be the first to tell you that I allow myself to get so stressed out about it, and actually feel fat because of it.

I read this sentence today and I appreciated it so much.  You didn't just give birth to a baby; you've given birth to a new you.  My life changed dramatically after having Zoe.  Though I don't have a hot bod anymore (did I really ever?) I do have a new baby who loves me completely, and a husband who loves me all the more for bringing this child into the world- for him!  That's a pretty good feeling I must say.

Though I will continue to do the best to stay fit and look my best, I am going to do my best to not stress about it.  Because what I went through was worth it, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  I guess I will be trying again in a few years!

My poor husband.  He'll probably read this and shake his head thinking, That's what I've been saying this whole time!!  But sometimes women need to hear it from someone else outside of the box.

When I have a confident outlook I will be even more attractive to myself, my husband, and those around me I'm sure!

Anonymous

On my previous post I received two anonymous comments letting me know to be careful about my weight loss and making sure I don't harm myself or my little Zoe.  Some may be cocky in their responses by saying I can do what I please or I don't need any interference from you.. blah.blah.blah  This is what I have to say..

Thank you!

I will make sure to do my best to eat but maintain a healthy weight loss.  Losing all of my baby fat already is a huge relief!  I still have 30 more lbs. to go before I am perfectly happy.  I am planning on losing it all within the year- but healthily!  Like I said, I plan on doing pilates as well as a push ups program I found online thanks to a friend.

So, anonymous, thank you for the comments!  I appreciate them.  Make sure to keep them coming!

Vote for Zoe!♥

Daycare Orientation

This was the busiest day I have had since Zoe has been born.  Wowzers.

I had to make myself wake up early since I had a WIC appointment at 8:30 in the morning.  Getting up was super hard since little miss Zoe didn't fall asleep till close to 1:00 a.m.  I got up and took a hot.hot.hot shower to feel awake enough to do anything.  I got Zoe and myself ready and we dropped Paul off before heading to our appointment.

I had an hour to spend at the WIC office before I had to run to the daycare orientation.  We were there for an hour and 15 minutes.  Yikes.  But this is what I found out!

1) Zoe has gained a lb. and an inch since birth!  My girl is now 8 lbs. 4 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long.  The lady was very impressed since they hope to see babies Zoe's age gain their regular weight back by this time.  What a girl!

2) The lady was "concerned" with my rapid weight loss.  I have lost all of my birth weight + 5 extra lbs.  I did my best not to laugh at her.  I wanted to say, "You should be doing a victory dance for me! How many women do you know lose all of their baby weight and then some in just 3 weeks after birth?!"  So she gave me a brief lecture of making sure I eat enough calories for the baby and myself.  Whatever lady. ;)  I'm doing awesome, thank you.

3) My iron is great but I still need to watch my blood sugar.  It drops sometimes leaving me feeling weak and dizzy.  No bueno!  So, obviously, I need to make sure I eat something.

That's about it for the WIC appointment.  When I was FINALLY finished I raced to HRDC for daycare orientation.  I was only a few minutes late.  Nice!  Orientation was from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and it was kind of on the long side.  Not gonna lie!  But Zoe and I got through it and I came back with a lot of paperwork to read.

There were 3 firemen that came to show us how to use a fire extinguisher.  Let's just say that they loved Zoe and the captain even asked to hold her while I practiced how to use the extinguisher.  I wanted to take a picture so bad but soon after they had to race out on an emergency.  Exciting!

After orientation was finally over I realized that I hadn't eaten.  I wonder what the WIC lady would say to that?  Zoe was starting to get hungry so I stopped by the family's house that way I could visit while nursing, eat some watermelon, pick up Noelle and then head to Earl's house to clean.

On my way I called Earl but he didn't answer for some reason..  I turned on his street and noticed it was blocked.  Ok.. ??  So I decided to go around the other way!  Blocked again.  So I called again and got ahold of Earl.  Thankfully he answered and I told him my situation.  I love that man.  He was very laid back about it and said he understood (he had no idea he was even blocked!) and that I could try again next week.

When I finally got all of my "responsibilities" out of the way my cousin friend and I headed to the mall for some girl time- and coffee!

By the way, the coffee didn't do what it was supposed to.  I'm still on the verge of falling over from exhaustion.

That didn't stop me from heading to Youth Night or what I'm currently doing- playing games with the fam.  What a sacrifice. ;)

Vote for Zoe!♥

Gotta love family

When family visits you never see your baby unless she's *fruipy or hungry. Everyone loves a baby- until she cries. :)  Having a lot of family around is a lot of fun, though.  She's always held, her diaper changed, I just feed her every 3 hours and then she's passed on to someone else.  It makes me extra appreciative of dark time though- when I can take my baby to bed with me.  Sigh.. love it!

Also, when family comes to visit, you get a lot of presents! Zoe has received a lot of cute outfits and I love putting her in something new everyday!  I need to enjoy it while I can because I can already tell it won't be long before she's too big.  My little girl is growing right before my eyes!  I think she's double in size from when she was first born.

I tried on my skinny jeans today, and what do you know, they fit!  I'm telling you, my Dr. Scholl's version of Shape Ups are working!  I keep losing more and more weight and getting smaller and smaller.  I feel GREAT!

Aunt Teresa has me addicted hooked enjoying sugar-free sweet tea from Walmart.  I'm sure it's sweetened with Splenda.  I love Splenda!  I wonder if it's cheaper to buy enough Splenda to make my own sugar-free sweet tea or if it's cheaper to buy it already made?  I need to check into that for my new addiction pleasure.

Tomorrow is going to be an overwhelming day for me, though.  I have a WIC appointment at 8:30, daycare orientation from 9:30-2:00, and then I need to clean Earl's house after that.  I'm going to need a double shot and hope it will help me mentally and physically!

Vote for Zoe!♥

3 weeks?!

I can't believe it has been one week and a day since I brought little Zoe into the world..  She is growing up right before my eyes!  Every morning I wake up to a different little girl.  She is more alert now.  She looks right up at you and just watches everything you do.  I think we have a very observant girl on our hands.

I'm sure it won't be long before Paul and I will see recognition in her face whenever she sees us.  And then maybe we'll get some coos and smiles!  How exciting yet heartbreaking to see- since my baby will, still, be growing up before my eyes..

Aunt Teresa and the kids got in Saturday night and then Grandma Lucie and Rich got in last night.  More family to see our little girl!  Of course, they all love her and think she's the most beautiful thing. :)  I love having an adorable baby that everyone loves!

This morning I went on a walk with Nancy and Aunt Teresa.  I felt great!  We would have gone longer, but poor Aunt Teresa was being bombarded by mosquitoes so we came back.  We'll try again tomorrow!  I'm determined to lose as much weight as I can!

Also..

Welcome friends from Canada, Philippines, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Bahamas, Pakistan, France, and Singapore!  Vote for Zoe!♥

I'm READY!

I weighed myself last week and I've already lost all of my baby weight plus 3 lbs. and I'm ready to lose more and get my body toned and in shape!  I don't know where this motivation came from, but I want to use it while I got it and look hot. :)

I figured yoga and pilates is my best bet.  Especially the pilates.  I've heard a lot of good about it, but who all has actually done it- did it work for you?  Leave me comments peoples!  I want feedback!

In other news..

I say that a lot, huh?

I called to sign up for orientation for Day Care.  It's next week from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  They said it's fine to bring along Zoe (it better be!) since I'm a breast feeding mom.  I'm excited to get things finished!  I have one week to fully complete the application, read the packet, and buy fire alarms.  Random, I know.

Paul has the day off tomorrow (3 days in a row! Nice!) so we plan on going to Glacier National Park.  I have never been so I really look forward to seeing God's beauty.  I'll make sure to take lots of pictures of Zoe.. er, the scenery. :)

Paul and I took Zoe to the "mall" today and showed her off to some friends, and plenty of strangers!  She is such a good baby.  A perfect doll. :)  Though some were not thrilled with us "taking her out too soon" she did a wonderful job and we took her home just in time for her to get a tummy full.

Don't forget!  Feedback ladies- and gentlemen!  And vote for Zoe!♥