Clutter Challenge Day #4

So today marks day 4 in the Clutter Challenge.  I slowed down a bit yesterday, and didn't end of up really clearing my desk until this morning.  Meanwhile I've worked on two additional projects today - so I feel caught up.

So if you remember from my last post, my desk, where I sit at daily looked like this:

before

Its an awful workspace, but I cleared a lot of garbage out, took things like jewelry to right place, and just organized a bit better.  In my defense this desk, has suddenly become the accumulation of the things that were at my work desk, plus the things previously there.  But here are the results!

After

I'm pretty happy with the results, the black file on the end, and white storage under the desk are their own special clutter mess that a plan on tackling during this challenge.  The black file really needs help as it has labels for projects/groups I'm no longer involved with.

before

My project today was to tackle the kids feeding stuff drawer, which is at C's level, so he likes to help organize.  I took everything out of the drawer and tossed a lot of stuff we never use (we had probably 15 pacifier covers and I can't remember the last time we used one.)  I also sorted the things that we are not quite ready to use with H yet into an empty basket that we keep in the kitchen, as we might as make it hold things.  I also put burp cloths in there since H now self burps and we don't need them often.   If we can keep this up, this should make it much easier to find things!

Basket with burp cloths and future items.

After

My last project of the day was to determine if all those extra items we've been keeping in the basement are worth it (kitchen stuff like coffee mugs, old napkin holders, etc.)  I found about 9 things that I'm going to try and sell on craigslist first.

For tomorrow I'm thinking I'll tackle our front hall - too many shoes, coats, mittens, and scarves.  Plus mail, and I need a way to store H's shoes as they are too small for our shoe bench and they get loss easily!

Clutter Challenge Day 2

How did your first project go?

Mine took a bit more time than I expected.  First of all, our Christmas decorations were still up.   Secondly, H was/is incredibly fussy.

Before

But happy with the results, threw out most of the paper/plastic bags that hold stuff, but don't really hold a shape, so they constantly fall over.



Our biggest collection of holiday stuff is Christmas.  I organized the boxes into sub categories (linens, outdoor decor, etc.)  I also made sure every box has what's in it written on the top and two sides, so I don't spend as long trying to figure it out.

Here's the results.  Our mini Christmas tree is the only thing in a bag still, I couldn't find a box that would fit it.  I'm really happy to have all the Halloween costumes in a box, rather than half stuffed in a basket or laying across random boxes.  Lastly each holiday has at least one box, making it much easier to grab the right stuff.  I got a rid of a box called "Other Holidays" by doing this, which means I won't have to go through the most recent holidays stuff to get to the bottom of the box.

After

My project for the next 24 hours in my desk.  As you can see there is quite a bit of stuff on it.  A lot of it not really desk related.  And I have a hard time finding the things I need, but for whatever reason, my desk has become one of those catchall in the house.  Like we need a proper junk drawer or something.

somehow I still use my computer here.

10 day clutter challenge

Does anyone else feel like all the new stuff from the holidays makes your home feel smaller and you have too much?

If so, join me in my 10 day clutter challenge.  We'll organize, toss, and donate all that stuff in your house.

It's a simple challenge.  Pick something to tackle that's driving you crazy.  Take a picture of your before.  Organize.  Take a picture of your after.  Repeat each day.

My first thing is going to be our holiday decorations.  Halloween costumes, easter eggs, and ornaments just everywhere.

Crafts - Yarn Letters

Letter H hanging on the wall (zoomed in)

 To decorate above H's crib I spelled out his name with these homemade letters.

Each letter doesn't take very long, but I kept putting off finishing these with two wiggly boys.  And one of the letters I did backwards at first, so that didn't really encourage me to finish, because it looked so perfect minus being backwards.

I liked how these turned out a lot, so I am considering making something similar above our front door (either a large K or the house numbers...)

I bought everything I needed at Pat Catan's, but I believe you could find all of these items at any craft store.

Supplies:

• Paper-Mache letters, similar here.
• Glue Gun and Gluesticks
• Yarn, I used a flat yarn.  Pat Catan's sells bags of balls of yarn on clearance.  That's where I found mine.  Something similar would Lion Brand's Fettuccini line. I find the flat yarn hid ends and trouble spot better.



Starting the H.  I forgot to the end at the top,
had to go back try to tuck it in and wrap around
the front part of the letter again.

• Something to attach it to the wall.  I bought picture hangers, but my husband wished I had used 3M Strips instead (maybe next time!)

How to:

1. Examine the letter, try to pin point trouble spots.  For instance, the ends of each H.  
2. For the ends cut smaller strips that are 2-3 inches.  Glue the strips on.  I made a line of glue on the front of the letter, then attached each strip.  Then flip the letter over, make a line of glue and attach the other end of the yarn strip.  Trim the strips, but don't worry too much as they will be covered by more yarn.  Repeat for each letter end.  
3. From the back of the letter attach the end of your ball of yarn.  Start wrapping it around and dotting glue as needed.  I always glued the yarn when it reached the back, and would add dots on the sides and front as needed.  When finished wrapping a section, glue and tuck in the end to the back.  It's okay to break wrapping into multiple sections.  With H I started on the bottom left, got to the center, wrapped the whole letter for the middle, and then continued wrapping the the top right.  After that I wrapped middle to make feel more stable and cover the sides.  The I wrapped the bottom right and upper left individually.  
4. Certain letters are easier to do than others.  I think J, I, S, T, D, and Y would be the easiest.  I think N, R, Q, and Z would be the hardest.  Lastly, try to make sure you have the front and back correct.  You don't want to beautifully wrap a letter only to find out its backwards.  
5. Attach your wall hanger, hang it up, and show off your newly completed project!

Next time I make this I'll try and take better pictures, I got into a zone and forget to take more helpful photos.

Completed letters on the wall, trying to still keep some privacy,
but wanted to show the yarn go multiple directions.

Holiday update!

H dressed as Baby New Year at our
annual New Year's Eve Party

First of all Happy New Year!  2013 was an adventurous for us, so I'm looking forward to all the fun things happening in 2014 (turning 30, M finishing grad school, H's first birthday, taking a real vacation!)

There are two things I would like to accomplish in this post. First the final Holiday Weight Loss Challenge update, and then a Holiday gift review.

Here's my updated stats:

• 12/22: 1X6.4lbs 01/02: 1X6.2lbs .2 lb loss!
• Hips 12/22:  44.5"  01/02:  44.5" Same
• Waist 12/22: 40" 01/02: 39.5"  .5" loss!
• Left Thigh 12/22: 24" 01/02: 24" Same
• Left Arm- 12/22: 13" 01/02: 13.5" .5" gain

So I did a great job on the healthy snack/lean protein goals, terrible on the exercising.  So I actually was expecting to go up.  I'm really excited that I lost a total of 3.6lbs during a season full of delicious foods, alcohol, and too many cookies.  I wish I had been able to get more in the habit of exercising, but the week of being sick really put a dent into things.  Here's hoping a pick up a few more good habits in 2014.

I'm thinking of doing another challenge soon, I'd really like to lose 10lbs by the end of February.  I'm attending a clothing swap and I'd really like to like to swapping for the next smaller size.

We had a wonderful Christmas - we got to see both our families and friends.  This was the first Christmas where C was excited - he lets us sleep in until 9:30am, but once he was up he shoved M's glasses on his face and yelled "presents! presents! eggies!"  So our stocking from Santa trumped eating scrambled eggs.

I wanted highlight a few gifts the boys received and a few gifts that we gave.  

dollhouse

My parents gave the boys the Melissa & Doug High Rise Dollhouse.  C loves it, although his new robot and airplane spend a lot of time in there too.  H likes to look at it, I think he'll really enjoy it as he gets bigger.  My in-laws gave H the Kidsline nap mat in Yellow Giraffe.  It's adorable and it doesn't take up too much space.  Previously we were using a Moses Basket, but H has recently gotten too big and finds ways to wiggle out of it, this napmat has become the perfect next thing, its not as clunky as a pack n play and its super soft.  On a humorous note, C got the book version of "What does the fox say?" from his Uncles.  When its read out loud, it reminds me of William Shatner covering a song.  Lastly, I love the Gund Baby Simply Modern Bear set that H received, we got him the blanket bear, my grandma gave him the stuffed animal which comes with an adorable baby bear, and my parents got him the matching teether.  We also received many other wonderful toys, clothes, and books, but I can't list them all.  Plus most of H's presents are still in their packaging, since he's just starting to play with toys.  The gifts from my parents and grandmother came from Fun Buy The Pound, but they don't have an online store for me to link too.  I suggest if you are in the Pittsburgh area to stop in and check it out.

H in his nap mat

Some of my favorite gifts to give this year...

• Zimmerman Kitchen Lotions & Soaps: Andrea was really great at working with us to put together a selection of products to send to my Sister and Brother-In-Law.  Andrea makes everything herself, and the lotions are great for people with dry skin!
• The Jesus Storybook Bible on DVD.  Our church gives this bible at Baptism, but its hard for C to sit through the story.  For whatever reason, he'll watch the same story, same wording though.  Atleast its a start...
• Flowers!  1800Flowers did a great job with the flowers, gift baskets, trees we sent to friends and family.  With a shorting Christmas season, and losing a week to being sick, this was a nice way to get gifts out.  They also started a passport program where you get free shipping for a year when you pay $30.  Which has already paid for itself.  We did use Teleflora for one gift, and they were terrible.  They didn't have any tracking available, didn't let me know that the flowers that were supposed to arrive on the 24th were not going to be delivered then.  Then they promised me they would deliver on the 26th.  Once again did not deliver or notify me of changes.  Promised me that they would deliver on the 27th.  Morning of the 27th I get an email saying they can't make the arrangement I picked...the flowers did arrive on the 27th, and the recipient was pleased.
• C got a robot bib from this etsy shop.  He loves it.  Its his first pick of bibs.
• Another Etsy gift, for my BIL's girlfriend was a great clutch from the Sweet Sugar Beet.  Haley makes fantastic bags, she's done both my diaper bags, as well as my wedding clutch, and gifts for my bridesmaids.



T-Rex Shirt

• T-Rex Shirt for my brother.  Saw this and knew it was for him.  First time using Fab.com, they shipped quickly and both items I bought were well received by the giftee.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's!

Weight Loss Challenge! 9 Days left!

So how are you all doing?

Well, I don't even think I need to analyze my goals this week.  C came down with a fever Monday night and got the entire family sick. So I have not concentrated on this at all.  Our sleep schedules are off, runny noses, bad coughs, not a great time to diet or work out.  I lost weight, but I think thats because I had a loss of appetite for a few days and most of my meals involve soup.

Here's my updated stats:

• 12/15: 1X7.4lbs 12/15: 1X6.4lbs 1 lb loss!
• Hips 12/15: 45"  12/22:  44.5" .5" loss!
• Waist 12/15: 40" 12/22: 40"  Same
• Left Thigh 12/15: 24" 12/22: 24" Same
• Left Arm- 12/15: 13.5" 12/22: 13" .5" loss!

How to participate this week: 

1. Review your goals and figure out why they didn't work if you failed.
2. Come up with 6 goals if you failed some, 7 new ones if you passed completely (as clearly you need more of a challenge!)
3. If you failed, like me, your six goals should include the ones you didn't pass.
4. Give yourself one free day of not worrying about this.  I'm choosing Christmas.

New goals:

Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week. 

Walk 3 times this week. 

Complete an arm exercise three times this week. 

Try a healthy snack first before opting for a sweet snack. 

Start adding more lean protein to my diet.

Stretch for 10 mins everyday.

Weight Loss Challenge and Update!

So for those of you following along, how did your week go?

Here's my updated stats:

• 12/8: 1X7.8lbs 12/15: 1X7.4lbs .4 lb loss!
• Hips 12/8: 45"  12/15:  45" Same
• Waist 12/8: 39.5" 12/15: 40"  .5" gain
• Left Thigh 12/8: 24" 12/15: 24" Same
• Left Arm- 12/8: 14" 12/15: 13.5" .5" loss!

Here's how my goals went:

Drink 5 glasses of water a day.  Passed!  I noticed that I am drinking more water and I don't have to think about it as much

Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week. Failed. I started off this week doing awesomely, but I had 2 days where we ended up being out later than expected, plus 3 parties.  Hence the gain in the waist, I noticed a big difference on how I felt at the end of this week after not doing anything for awhile.

Walk 3 times this week. Failed, I got 2 out of 3.  The snow didn't help.

Complete an arm exercise twice this week. Passed.  Slowly getting toned.

Try a healthy snack first before opting for a sweet snack. Failed.  So when you make a goal, make sure you have some healthy options before deciding this should be a goal...

Eat a piece of fruit 5 out of 7 days. Passed.  We bought oranges, so lots of citrus.  C has been stealing all the bananas, so I haven't had that as an option.

How to participate this week: (Same as last week)

1. Review your goals and figure out why they didn't work if you failed.
2. Come up with 6 goals if you failed some, 7 new ones if you passed completely (as clearly you need more of a challenge!)
3. If you failed, like me, your six goals should include the ones you didn't pass.

New goals:

Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week. 

Walk 3 times this week. 

Complete an arm exercise three times this week. 

Try a healthy snack first before opting for a sweet snack. 

Start adding more lean protein to my diet.

Stretch for 10 mins everyday.

I found out that my local Market District Giant Eagle has health & wellness programs, including a personal consultation with a dietician!  This program is sponsored by Highmark, so if they are your insurance carrier you get a free consultation each year.  I had mine on Friday and thought she did a wonderful job of finding me foods I would like to eat, highlighting what I did well, and areas to improve on.  She also did a great job helping me figure out where I should be weight loss wise (since the BMI shouldn't be your end all be all, since it doesn't calculate muscle and frame).  Right now I need to lose about 37-47lbs to be in my ideal range, where the BMI has me at over 50.  

This means if I can lose 5lbs a month for the next 10 months I should be in good shape!  That feels like a much more reasonable goal.

In other news, here's H and Santa at one of our parties this week.  H is asleep, and C was not having it...

Weight Loss Challenge Update

join the fun!

So for those of you following along, how did your week go?

Here's my updated stats:

• 12/1: 1X9.8lbs 12/8: 1X7.8lbs 2lb loss!
• Hips 12/1: 46"  12/8:  45" 1" loss!
• Waist 12/1: 39.5" 12/8: 39.5"  Same
• Left Thigh 12/1: 24" 12/8: 24" Same
• Left Arm- 12/1: 15" 12/8: 14" 1" loss!

Here's how my goals went:

Drink 5 glasses of water a day - I know you are supposed to drink 8, but honestly I can go all day with 3-4 drinks (this includes coffee, milk, soda, juice).  Failed.  Got up to 3-4 glasses, but most days didn't make it to 5 each day.

Make 5 out of 7 dinners include salad as half of the plate. Passed.  This one was almost too easy.

Go on two walks this week. Passed.  Walked around the mall a couple times.

Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week. Failed. I only got to 3, my stomach was having a few pinches of pain since its still healing from my c-section in August.

Order all coffee drinks with no whipped cream. Passed.  Switched from holiday/special drinks to either a vanilla soy latte or just plain soy latte, there's less temptation to want whipped cream with a latte.

How to participate this week:

1. Review your goals and figure out why they didn't work if you failed.
2. Come up with 6 goals if you failed some, 7 new ones if you passed completely (as clearly you need more of a challenge!)
3. If you failed, like me, your six goals should include the ones you didn't pass.

My new goals:

• Drink 5 glasses of water a day.
• Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week.
• Walk 3 times this week.
• Complete an arm exercise twice this week.
• Try a healthy snack first before opting for a sweet snack.
• Eat a piece of fruit 5 out of 7 days.

Lastly, have you notice any funny behaviors you've picked up about dieting?  For instance, I always feel a need to eat all the unhealthy food before dieting so its not there as a temptation.  Then I get mad at myself for gaining weight.  

Hello!

Just incase you needed a smile this morning!

Weight Loss Challenge Day 1 & 2

So as I mentioned in my last post my goal is to lose some weight in December.  This is particularly challenging for me, because I pretty much love sweets and Christmas foods.  Mint is one of my favorite flavors - do you know how many things are not very good for you but deliciously flavored with mint?

So here's the deal - we all know what's involved in weight loss, but generally don't want to do it, because it takes effort.

I'm setting 5 goals for this week that I think will help me lose some weight - I've heard that a goal should be between 1/2lb to 2lbs a week.  Which means by the end of the month I'd like to lose somewhere between 2 and 8lbs.

Goals:

1. Drink 5 glasses of water a day - I know you are supposed to drink 8, but honestly I can go all day with 3-4 drinks (this includes coffee, milk, soda, juice)
2. Make 5 out of 7 dinners include salad as half of the plate.
3. Go on two walks this week.
4. Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week.
5. Order all coffee drinks with no whipped cream.

Current Stats:

• Okay, I'm not totally comfortable with my current weight (obviously, since I want to lose weight) but as December 1st I weighed 1X9.8lbs.  I'm uncomfortable with enough not to share the full number to the general public.
• Hips - 46"
• Waist - 39.5"
• Left Thigh-24"
• Left Arm-15"

How to Join:

• This week set 5 reasonable goals for yourself - little things that you know that if you get off the couch you can easily attain.
• Take your measurements to help figure out which areas you want to target first.
• Find a way to record your results - your own blog, facebook, google+, twitter, instagram, leaving a comment here.
• Officially record your results next Sunday

Quick update

November has been a busy month for us...

I have several things I want to blog about, unfortunately H has been a bit clingy lately and not letting me use the computer often.

I officially quit my job on 11/20 to become a Stay Home Mom.  Weird, right?  I feel more relaxed, but its very strange thinking I'm not going back, I worked my department for over ten years.

Also H had ear tubes put in, although the procedure was quick, I was terrified.  You might ask why someone so young had tubes put in?  Here's the story:

At birth the state requires babies to have a newborn hearing screening.  H failed in his left ear.  The said not to worry most babies pass the next time.  H passed in his left ear on the second test, but failed in his right ear.  These tests were done by speech pathologists, who then had to refer him to an audiologist.  The audiologist did another pass/fail test.  This time he failed in both ears.  This was a low point for us, we started researching hearing loss in infants, wondering if we should learn sign language, and it took a lot not to cry, realizing that there was a chance that H wouldn't have a "normal" childhood like C.  After that appointment, H was scheduled for an ABR test at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.  That was our first bit of hope, the audiologist there determined that H's ear drums weren't moving correctly due to fluid trapped behind the drum.  She referred us to an Ears, Nose, & Throat doctor.  That doctor determined the best course of action for H was to put in tubes so that his ears would drain.  H had this procedure done on the morning of 15th.  By that afternoon, we could see that he was already hearing better.  We have a follow up soon, where they will determine if there is any hearing loss at all, but I am so hopeful.  Until the ABR test I didn't even know his hearing could improve or that in theory his hearing could be so easily fixed.  We are so grateful that things how things have turned out so far.  

Since the procedure, H really doesn't want us out of his sight though, I don't know if its a normal baby phase, something to do with having surgery, or if suddenly being able to hear better is scary.

Lastly, starting December 1st, I'm going to start a holiday weight loss challenge - anyone is welcome to join me.  My main goal is to lose some weight (no specific number) rather than add on some (which is typical with peppermint mochas and cookies being readily available.)  I promise I won't bore you with a list of things I ate today.  If you blog feel free to join me in the challenge, if you don't blog feel free to join me as well via the comments section, twitter, or facebook.  Looking forward to starting 2014 slightly thinner than I was in 2013!

A Celebratory Weekend!

I can't believe its already been another year, but C's Second Birthday has already passed.  This year we tried to keep things simple.  We also were celebrating H's Baptism, so we had a joint party for that with our families.

C is really into robots, so everything this weekend has a robot theme.  For his actual party we had fancy grilled cheese sandwiches (his favourite) and soup for M & I.  I made a pan of brownies and then cut the squares so I could make it a robot.  I then decorated it with mini M&Ms and blue icing.  With only three people eating the "cake" I didn't want to make anything too big.

His big presents this year were a balancing bike and Hanna Andersson Star Wars Pajamas (sounds silly that these were a big present, but HA clothes can cost the same at the bike!  They're worth every penny though and he loves them.)

The next morning we had a breakfast party at Fun Buy The Pound.  Last year's party was easy, this year's was even easier.  We had Muchkins from Dunkin Donuts (the pumpkin ones were amazing!), bagels, and coffee.  The kids got to munch on food and run around while we had coffee.  This year I made robots out of scrapbook paper for their goody bags.  My sister was able to make shirts again to give out as favors (C is modeling it on the left), and the other big item was an articulated wooden robots from the House of Marble.  C has two of these and can't put them down!

The following morning was H's Baptism.  He wore the same outfit I made for C and it was a nice service that he slept through. After the service we had a lunch for our families at The Sewickley Cafe.  Which was wonderful - the staff was very accommodating and the food was delicious!  It was nice to have so many people together to celebrate and we finished off with a Robot Birthday Cake from Paddy Cake Bakery in Bloomfield.  C had been waiting for this cake for weeks, whenever we mention his birthday he would say I-E I-E? (which apparently is the sound robots make...)

Overall, it was a fun, exhausting weekend to celebrate two important events in our kids' lives.  Although I'm hoping we won't have so much overlap again!

Welcome Baby Bean!

So a lot has happened since my last post...including the arrival of Baby Bean!  I haven't yet decided if I should refer to him as H in this blog, or continue with bean (thoughts?)

So I woke up on August 28th very hungry and with bad back pain at 4:30am.  I didn't think much of this, well I was very pregnant, and H had put a lot of pressure on my spine all week (at my last check up he hadn't fully turned to my back), so I just figured that was all.  Around 6, I realized that I was having contractions, but they weren't regular or bad, so I told my husband to go to work.

So still in denial I did my best to get through my day - I had big plans of baking cookies and a playdate with C's friends.  After lunch I realized my contractions were getting regular and that I should probably time them, but I was still in denial, as I was scheduled for a c-section the next day.  Around 2, I realized this wasn't happening.  And the contractions were getting closer.  C was great and would hold my hand during a contraction or give me a hug.  I also realized I wasn't really packed for the hospital and C wasn't packed for a night at my parents.  So I got C to take his nap and then I started ironing my clothes to pack...crazy right?  Around 4, I told M we were at 5-6 mins(but only 45 seconds long) and I should probably call the doctor.  The doctor said I should get to the hospital, so I called my mom, who was much closer than M to me and asked for a ride.  We got to the hospital and it became clear that H was arriving earlier than scheduled.  M and I decided that the C-Section was still the best idea, and by 8pm H was here.

C has done really well being a big brother once we got home from the hospital.  He holds H's hand when H is upset, gives him hugs, and insists that H wants a pacifier all the time (C would like his all the time).  My favorite is that he can't say H's yet, so its really cute to hear him say H's name.

H has been a relatively easy baby.  He's already sleeping 3-4 hours at a time and sometimes more.  He's a hungry dude and gained almost 3lbs in his first month!  I can't wait to see his little personality grow and see how he develops.

My next post will probably be a review of C's birthday - I can't believe he'll be two in just a few days.  We also have H's baptism coming up, so its a big week for us.

Parenting...

I feel like nowadays moms feel the need to be labeled and categorized into little groups, at least that what blogs, news articles, and Facebook will tell you.  One of my favorite blogs, Fearless Formula Feeder, help start an "I Support You" campaign at the beginning of the month for World Breastfeeding Week.  For those of you who don't know, there can be a lot of animosity between breastfeeding and formula feeding, and this campaign showed photos of moms from both sides feeding their babies and declaring that whatever parenting choice you make, they would support you.  What I found interesting was how many people also mentioned other parenting choices - since it seems like there is controversy over almost every parenting choice.

It got me thinking...what other labels have I chosen or fallen into as a parent? There are some that we chose on purpose, like cloth diapering (at home only - we're trying to be frugal, but I'm not ready for a full time commitment!), but there are other parenting styles we fell into - like co-sleeping.  We don't co-sleep every night, but C is a snuggler and there's something very rewarding for me about holding my baby and watching him fall asleep.  That being said at 3am when he's decided to lay horizontal and kick me in the back, I am not such a fan of co-sleeping,  and sometimes starts a kicking war with bean (nice to know sibling rivalry starts in the womb?)  But will we co-sleep with Bean?  I don't know.  First of all, I'm worried about C jumping into bed with us and if Bean is in there what would happen.  Secondly, co-sleeping with C was organic, we didn't mean to sleep with him, it just sorta happened amongst all the exhaustion late at night.  Bean might not need to be snuggled regularly, he's certainly more active in the womb that C was, so maybe he'll want his own space?  We'll see.  So that's one type of parent I am.

But there are all sorts of other types of decisions you make, that could unknowingly put you in a category.  From what type of food to feed your baby to circumcision to car seats to what toys you let them play with.  For instance, I didn't want an exersaucer, I didn't see the point, so we got a walker - if you're bored look up what a terrible parent I am for that decision (apparently walkers delay walking, C started walking at 10 months, so I'm glad he was "delayed".)

I wonder if the internet didn't exist would we have as many strong opinions about parenting choices?  Or would we just do what seemed right for our child?  Would we still label ourselves?  Was it easier for past generations, because you just did what your mom, doctor, and close friends told you?  Rather than posting a question online and getting "informed" answers from strangers?

I recently started watching the show "Pretty Wicked Moms" on Lifetime, its a terrible bit of reality tv.  But from the beginning these ladies are labeled, "Doggy Mom","Alpha Mom", "Queen Bee", etc.  And they're all fighting to get their way of mothering recognized as being the best..  When did it become every mother's right to determine how else another mother should parent?  I know we all judge, but there's a big difference between thinking "I wouldn't give my toddler soda" and bringing homemade organic snacks to share with everyone to make sure the other kids get something healthy...

So yes, I realize I am judging mothers who judge, but here's the thing, I still support you, even if I think your way of parenting is crazy.  I am not perfect, but I am the best mom for C and Bean, and I know you will make the right choice for your kids (and when we don't make the right choice, its a lesson learned, for instance maybe co-sleeping with C is a terrible idea, and when he's 7 and I'm still getting kicked in the back because he refuses to sleep in his own bed, I realize this wasn't best idea (unless he turns out happy, healthy, and well adjusted and sleeps in own bed by then...))

 

Silver Linning

This has been a rough week at our house.

On the Fourth of July, the motor in our furnace broke, which means that no air conditioning can be pumped through our house.  Luckily, M believes as soon as he can get the part, he can fix it.

Then last Saturday I sprained my ankle and the top of my foot.  Sunday & Monday I was on bed rest.  Tuesday I was fitted for a giant boot thing after waiting over an hour and half at the Orthopedic doctor (super thrilled about the whole thing...)  And have spent any time in public explaining what happened and when my due date is, and yes, its good the baby didn't get hurt.  And the boot thing is heavy, and causes my left foot to be about an inch higher than my right (and puts lots of stress of my right side).  I also can't do very much now, so its very frustrating and I feel bad for M, since he has to do everything.

But we've been trying to keep things fun.  Yesterday I took C to dig for treasure at the library, which he really enjoyed.  Then we went to Soergal's to pick blueberries with my youngest brother.  Last night I helped out at my mom's store during the Sewickley Night Market - filming all the kids for our dancing duck contest - you should go vote :)

Its really been getting hard to chase C around, and now its near impossible.  We can't go on walks, and its hard to pick him up from a tantrum.  Anyone have some good tips?

For those of you who are interested...Pregnancy update - 32 Weeks:

-Normal sized baby is 18 inches 4.25 lbs.  I believe this dude is bigger
-M really felt a kick today for the first time (with C he couldn't feel much because the placenta was over my stomach, so this the first real baby kick he's felt in general)
-I can actually see the baby moving, its weird
-We have a scheduled repeat C-Section for September 2nd - Labor Day!  So hopefully bean doesn't try to leave any sooner, as I'm not really mentally prepared to try a VBAC and the doctors estimate my success rate around 50%.  I would much rather have a planned c-section than emergency (planned is safer for me and bean.)  So let's hope he listens!
-Only 7 more to go!

I'll try get a photo later on of how pathetic I look...:)

52 Weeks of Blogging with a purpose: Week 3 - My Life 5 Years From Now

 Thanks to From Mrs to Mama for this idea....and to In This Crazy Life and God Will Fill This Nest for keeping me inspired to keep up with this!

My Life 5 Years From Now...

This is the kind of thing they ask you on a job interview that I've always struggled with, not because I don't have a plan, its just very flexible, and sometimes its nice not knowing where your life is going.

In 5 years, M and I will have just celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. Which is crazy to think about, as I can't believe its already been 4 years, then again I can't really remember what life is like without him either.

C will be turning 7, which means he will either be entering first or second grade (we haven't decided if he should oldest or youngest in his class.)  Bean will be turning 5!  Which is hard to think about when little dude still has two months until birth.  He'll be in preschool, and we'll be facing the same decision about when to start Kindergarten.

I'll be in my mid-thirties, very weird, and maybe by then I will be able to balance it all to do what I really want to do.  I hope to have a fair share of volunteer activities and be a stay-at-home mom.  I think we will be in the same house, since we bought this one with the intention that we could spend the rest of our life in it.  There are two reasons I would consider moving, 1.)Obviously if M was to get a job in another city, 2.) to move to up in the world, assuming M starts making a lot more money (I'm talking about a community where our house would cost easily 3 times as much as our current) and we could find a house with a bit more space (which more money doesn't necessarily mean)).  This is also around the time that we would like to think about baby #3, M and I both agree that we would love to have more kids, but we need a bit of a break, and I am not a mom who would choose to do 3 under 5, I just feel completely overwhelmed by the idea (those of you who are, I give a ton of credit, since I know its not something I could handle.)  Also since I am likely to have a repeat c-section with Bean, I really want to give my body a long period of time to heal.  

In an ideal world, I would love to think we will have all of our student loans paid off in 5 years, but I just don't know how realistic that is.  We're working on getting about 8 small one paid off this year, but the rest are very large and I'm just not sure how feasible that it.

I'll also be driving a car with a third row by this point (but not a mini-van, I refuse to drive one!)  Right now we have a wagon/crossover and it works now, but I know we'll want a third row if another baby k joins us, and I don't know how well these things grow with the family.  M keeps pushing the mini-van idea, but I told him if he wants one, he can drive it.

Also in 5 years I could be teaching my little brother how to drive, who was born the same week I failed my first driving test.  My youngest sister will be graduating from college, and hopefully one of my siblings or M's will make me an Aunt (I can't wait to be an Aunt, you get to do all the cool stuff of being a mom, with being able to hand the baby back when they get cranky!)

And the count down begins...

I'm 7.5  months pregnant, and I have to say, I am at the part where I am remembering how awesome not being pregnant is and how uncomfortable being pregnant is.  So my new plan is each week to post a picture, give some insight on what's going on with me and the little dude.

So at 30 weeks...

• Due to bean's movements I cannot sleep for more than 3 hours without having to get up
• Some of my maternity clothes are feeling snug
• A 2-3 block walk can be a challenge
• Bean must be growing because I am hungry and exhausted all the time
• On Sunday, for the first time ever, I ate pickles and ice cream (although not together).  I had chicken nuggets and pickles, and then ice cream.
• Baby is apparently the size of a cucumber.
• This week's doctor's appointment is my last monthly appointment, I'll be seeing them every two weeks now.
• Bean is kicking up a storm, so I'm not sure how he's going to gain any fat since he's very wiggly.
• Its been really hot lately.  I could go for a mojito or a gin and tonic (don't worry, my go to bar drink is a Shirley Temple).  I'm glad we have AC.  I'd be a lot happier if it was like 70 degrees out instead of high 80s.
• This is the first week where I feel so big that I can't do much.  Before it was a shouldn't. 

Didn't get a chance to get a picture this week sorry! I've been waiting since Wednesday to post this for one, and I just haven't had the chance!

52 Weeks of Blogging: Week 2 - Ten Things I Live For

Things that I live for or can't live without...

1. My family - I love my kids, M, my parents, grandma, siblings, etc.  Need I say more?
   
   
   
2. Mystery Books - I love the puzzle of figuring out who, what, why?  And it gives me some me time.
3. Bubble baths.  I can read books and relax,
4. Snuggles. 
   
5. Traditions.  From silly things like giving my kids their first friend at the hospital to having a traditional dinner (fine china, silver, etc.) for holidays.  I think these things make life more stable and create memories.
   
6. Sweets.  I love dessert, candies, etc. 
7. Crochet. I love how I can relax, but still feel like I am achieving something. 
   
8. Cooking. It amazes me how satisfying it is to make a delicious meal, sometimes out of things you don't expect to taste good. Like have you ever tried vanilla extract on its own? Yuck.
9. Art. I love creating and viewing art. But not in a pretentious way, I just love seeing how God has people express their world, and that he gives so many people the opportunity to do so. 
10. That moment when you have the full bed to yourself. No toddler pushing you off, no one to steal the sheets.
11. 
    
    
    

52 Weeks of Blogging With A Purpose: Week 1 - Who I am

I saw that Bethany over at In This Crazy Life is doing this "challenge" and I thought it would be a great idea to do too.  Since sometimes its hard to come up with worthwhile things to say, plus I'll be more likely to devote regular time to this blog.  Like her I'm a week behind, so I'll do two posts this week.

Who I am?  

Isn't this something everyone tries to define.  Personally I hate those exercises where your write down things that describe you and then you're supposed to eliminate each word until you get to one word that describes you.  Its just too hard, too many facets, and I just don't believe that any person is primarily one thing, we have too many relationships that define us for us to be one thing.  That being said, here are a few things I feel that I am...

A Volunteer

I love volunteering, perhaps that's why I wanted to work at a non-profit, but seriously I would love to quit my job and just help where needed.  From planning a special event, to sorting clothes to the needy, to helping in a community garden, or to menial tasks like data entry.  These are things that serve a real purpose and I just want to help people, animals, communities, etc.  If I had more hours and energy in a day I would devote more time to it.  And I want to make sure my kids have a passion for volunteering as well, and don't just do it for a school project and to get into a good college.  I hope they can have the same desire to want to give back physically and financially.

An Idealist

I always try to be as hopeful and optimistic about things, which can be hard, since the best scenario doesn't always pan out.  This year has been really tough for me, between working full-time, being a mom, and being pregnant, and its very easy to get bitter, which is exhausting.

A Christian Growing in Faith

I'm working on it.  Its hard.  It can be scary.  And sometimes I don't like what God or the Bible wants me to hear.  But I find as I grow, some sort of new inner peace developing too.  But sometimes I just want to live in the moment.  Plus I am terrible at going to church.  I always like going when I do, but I just can't remember the last time I felt well rested and ready to go, which makes its incredibly hard to feel motivated on Sunday mornings.  I just have to keep reminding myself that he has a plan and to put my trust into him.

Someone who is sleep deprived

As I read through these things I realize how tired I am.  And how much its effecting who I am, or would like to be.  Between pregnancy, a toddler, and waking up at 5:30am for work I can't remember the last time I got a solid 4 hours of sleep.  I need to figure out a way for me to have the my energy back.  I might just have to wait 20 years...

A Creative Type

I like to craft, crochet, sew, draw, paint, make wreathes, design emails, create graphics, cards, etc.  I like picking out colors and making things pretty and hopefully interesting.  I try to follow my own tastes rather than what's cool (I seriously don't get why mustaches are cool.)  But I just want the world around me to be visually pleasing.