The Life so Sweet

Rant - #DoctorVisitFail

2012-01-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

I will preface by saying this will have some TMI and a few curse words…..

Still reading grandma?

Okay well I warned you....

I have had three different insurance plans in the last year. Our company was switching plans in October (right before baby K was born) so to keep my doctor I had to pay more than twice the premiums I was before. Ouch. They took mercy on me and after Kenzie was born they allowed a one time switch back to our cheaper plan. Downside was only the girls got to keep their doctor; I had to find all new ones. The only exception was I could see my original doctor for a 6 week post partum check up. Well, the girls were sick and I missed my appointment. They couldn’t fit me in until after my 8 week mark so the insurance would not cover the appt as post partum, it would be a well woman visit. I couldn’t use my old doctor for a well woman visit since my insurance wouldn’t cover her so I had to find a new doctor. The new doctor couldn’t fit me in until today, over 3 months after having baby K. Oh well. I would have just skipped it all together but seeing as how I am now done having children I was in need of some ehem contraceptives. I was hoping to get the IUD since I am not 100% sure that we are done having children. I don’t think I should make a decision like that while I’m still hormonal from the last pregnancy.

Anywho. I called and made the appointment back in November for both a well woman visit and consult for the IUD.

Fast forward to today and my appointment with the new doctor. I was the first appt at 9am. Got there at 8:45am, they didn’t even open the office door until 9:05 so I’m already a little annoyed just walking in the door. The front desk assistant checking me in informs me that because I do not have a referral from my primary care doctor that they can’t see me for the IUD today. What??? Not happy. They should have told me that when I made the appointment. I really didn’t care about the well woman visit and considered canceling the appointment there on the spot, but seeing my frustration the assistant assured me that the doctor could at least go over a few things about IUD and give me some more information while I was there. Plus, I would need the well woman anyway before they could do the IUD. Fine, I stay. I fill out about a billion papers since it’s my first visit and wait.

And wait.

And watch a few women go in ahead of me.

And wait some more.

Finally they call me back. Take my weight (their scale is a flipping liar), and I have to undress and wait for the doctor.

So I wait.

freezing cold.

butt ass naked.

I wait.

And wait.

The doctor finally comes in and it is now well over an hour after my original appointment time. She starts going over my chart and asks when my last well woman visit was. I tell her it was last February when I went in for my first OB appointment for my pregnancy. She stops (I can tell this isn’t’ good) and tells me that a well woman visit will not be covered since it has not been a full year since my last one. O.M.G. I started crying. Being rejected (even by a doctor) while you’re cold and naked makes it sting more than usual. The doctor felt so bad. She gave me a mini consult for the IUD anyway I think out of pity (which after our brief discussion turns out I can’t even get it until October when I stop breastfeeding). Props to her for at least warning me the well woman visit wasn’t covered so I wasn’t charged for my visit, but I was ready to find the girl who made my appointment and knock her teeth in. I wasted a morning and half a work day just to get turned away.

And what the hell insurance companies! Can you possibly make it any more difficult for me to get some flipping health care! I still haven’t been seen for a check up since having a baby but you won’t cover it because I fall in some loop hole between insurance companies and visit timing? What a stupid rule anyway to make me wait a year for a well woman exam. Is that really necessary? Are there really so many woman trying to come in once a month or something that you had to put a limit on visits? Geez, what am I going to do this week? Hmmmm I know! I’ll have a doctor take a look at my whoohaa! That sounds like fun!

Morons.

Rant over. Think I’ll go stand in line at the DMV for a while. That should turn this productive morning around….

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 3

2012-01-25T09:27:00.001-08:00

Week 3: 144.0lb

this week -0lbs, total -5.2lbs

19lbs to goal.

Well it could have been worse. On my Sunday weigh in I was up, so at least I didn't gain for the week. Life went crazy for a few days and I got seriously off track. It happens. I only worked out three times in the last week :( I think this was a wake up call that I really do need a lifestyle change and not just a diet. It didn't take much to throw me off. I need to make eating healthy a habit and not a special event or I will never keep off the weight I lose. No use boo hooing about it. Check in with Melissa for motivation this week. Im sure she did better than me :)

Christmas 2011

2012-01-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yes this is a month late but I couldn't go without documenting anything for Kenzie's first Christmas. So I'll keep it short and sweet.
We had a busy but wonderful Christmas season this year. Since I was home with the girls we were able to really relax and enjoy the holidays. Christmas was as busy as ever this year. We spent Christmas Eve with J's family at our home and had a true Noche Buena dinner. Yummy! We all were spoiled beyond belief with gifts including a new lens for mama (70-300mm It's seriously fantastic) and tons of adorable clothes for the girls including hand made matching pjs from their Mimi.
Christmas morning was a quiet fun time with just the girls and J and I. Day had fun opening gifts once she finally made it past the candy cane in stocking. That girl is obsessed with candy canes I tell you. Obsessed!
After our presents were opened my parents and brother with his girl friend came over. I am so grateful that they could come visit us from Japan this Christmas and meet their new niece. We ate all brunch together and opened yet more gifts. I still can't get over just how generous everyone was this year. Our family is spoiled! :)
We ended the day at my Aunt and Uncle's new house for Christmas dinner and of course more present opening. Day had a blast playing in their HUGE backyard and Kenize was happy to be passed around the family for kisses and snuggles. Dinner was delicious and the homemade canoli dessert was the perfect ending for a perfect holiday.

I didn't take nearly enough pictures but I can say that I was really enjoyed myself so I think that makes up for it.

Dear Kenize ~ 3 Months Old

2012-01-24T16:40:00.000-08:00

Kenzie,

You are such a sweet sweet baby. Everyone who meets you comments on how content and “easy” you are. You love to snuggle and be held which is good because I could spend most my day holding and smothering you with kisses. We are so lucky to have you. This month you really started smiling so much more and even give a little giggle here and there. You love to sit on mommy’s lap and sing songs and dance with me. You give the biggest purest smiles that just melt my heart. You love when daddy talks to you in his silly deep voice. We could just sit for hours marveling over your smiles and coos. Your favorite activities right now are laying on you play mat at batting at the hanging toys, sitting up supported and watching your sister play, and sitting in your bouncy chair and grabbing the little swinging monkey and bird to pull yourself forward. You are still our silly and I have a feeling you are going to have quiet the sense of humor. I know that sounds strange given you are only 3 months old but I have a pretty strong feeling that you take after your dad more than myself and will have his dry sense of humor. You are still sleeping and eating very well. You have already out grown some of your 3-6month clothes! Since mommy has gone back to work your sister is looking out for you even more. You two just adore each other. She loves to give you kisses and you love to get them. I’m excited as you grow to see you play more together.

Love you ZeZe!

Mommy

Tag! Im it

2012-01-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged twice this week by these fabulous blogs so I'm playing along. Who doesn't love a reason to talk about themselves for a bit eh?
Both tags have you list at least 7 things about yourself so I'm just posting the rules for the longer one. Yeah twofers!
How You Play1.You must post the rules.
2.Post 11 fun facts about yourself.
3.Answer the questions that the tagger gave to you in their post, and then create 11 NEW questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4.Tag 11 people and link them on your post.
I'm only tagging two but feel free to tag yourself and play or leave a comment with your answers. I am really curious to see some responses to my questions
5.Let them know that you've tagged them.

Fun Facts about me:
1. I recently took up knitting and crocheting and I think I'm a wee bit obsessed.
2. I think of myself as a self confident person but lately I've been really insecure. Couldn't really say why.
3. I stay up late a few nights a week to get a little quiet alone time. Not much of either happens during the days around here.
4. I sometimes turn off the music in the car and sing old show tunes my whole drive.
5. I pretty much refuse to watch movies that involve war, prisons, and hospitals. I'm a complete pansy when it comes to that stuff. Too much reality for me to find it entertaining. I wont even watch Grey's Anatomy. I don't care how much everyone loves it. It breaks my hospital rule.
6. Speaking of reality, I don't like reality tv. Unless its ANTM or Project Runway and even then I only care about the fashion, I can skip the personal dramas
7. I love to dance! I shake that booty every chance I get which isn't enough in my opinion
8. I'm totally star struck and get really nervous/excited in the presence of even minor celebrities
9. I'm a horrible cook. Baking I've got down but cooking requires a flare for improv that I lack
10. I'm super competitive, in everything! I have to remind myself that its okay to let the Wooki win ;)
11. I HATE milk. I will order my lattes with non-fat milk and an extra shot of coffee because if I can taste the milk I wont drink it. I will drain the milk off my spoon before each bite of cereal. And before you go suggesting soy or coconut milk or any of that funky crap don't bother, I don't like it any better.

My Questions from Bry1. if you could have any super power what would it be?
teleporter. So I wouldn't have to commute to work everyday and could take spontaneous lunch breaks in Paris.
2. are you a summer or winter person? Summer. I need my vitamin D and beach
3. what is your favorite song? Impossible to answer! I just love too many. I can tell you right now this moment I would most enjoy listening to Love Will Take You by Angus & Julia Stone. Amazing stuff
4. what website do you spend most of your computer time on? toss up between facebook and pinterest
5. your favorite food to eat & make? Cupcakes!!! Baking is like therapy for me
6. if you could change something in the past would you? yes. Ill leave it at that.
7. what is your favorite piece of your wardrobe and why? my Carpe Diem TOMS. So comfy and a dare I say trendy? Not much I own falls into that second catagory
8. what/who inspires you most? my parents. They are amazing. I want to be just like them when I grow up
9. what is your dream job? stay at home mom. If it has to be a job that collects a check then RF Design Engineer, so yes I have my dream job :) and yes I'm a dork
10. would you rather spend a weekend in the mountains or at the beach? Beach!!
11. what is the most important quality you look for in a friend? I had to think about this one a while. When I think of my friends they are all very different (shy, outgoing, funny, homebody, party girl..) but they have one thing in common. Kindness. So I guess the friends I keep are kind :)

My 11 questions for you!
1. Whats your favorite movie quote?
2. Last book you read and would you recommend it?
3. What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
4. What's the last thing you do before you go to bed?
5. If you could spend one day with anyone in the world who would it be and why (person must be living)?
6. Do you prefer to talk on the phone or text?
7. What's the last nice thing you did for yourself?
8. What's your go to comfort food?
9. What can you not leave the house without?
10. What's your favorite holiday?
11.and because I thought it was such a good question... What is the most important quality you look for in a friend?

And I'm tagging.....
Jolie and Lisa!

alright now TAG you're it!

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 2

2012-01-18T18:23:00.001-08:00

Week 2: 144.0lb

this week -2.2lbs, total -5.2lbs

19lbs to goal.

Another great week though Im having a rough day today. More on that when I have time to catch my breath. Let's just say unplanned events have turned into diet sabotage. Hopefully I'll be back on track in another day or two.

Maternity Leave

2012-01-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a minute and reflect on my maternity leave. I treasured my time home with my girls so much. I truly enjoyed the moments while I was in them, but looking back I’m realizing even more how just very special that time was. It was most likely the only time in my life that will be able to spend 10 weeks straight with them at home. I love that we had time for everything. We were social and went out and spent time with friends and did tons of Christmas shopping, but we also had purely lazy days when we just sat around and played games or watched tv. Everything was just sort of on hold while we just spent time together. I would like to say that during my short stint as a stay at home mom my house was immaculate and dinner was always delicious and served promptly at 6pm, but of course that didn’t happen. I can say though that I did cook more, clean more, slept more, played more, and just relaxed more. A lot of peanut butter and jelly was consumed and a lot of Little Einsteins were watched. A lot of baby kisses and snuggling went down and I changed more diapers than I thought humanly possible. We had such a wonderful time together and I wouldn’t trade away a second of it. Yes, even the moments when all three of us were crying begging for Daddy to come home. Poor guy, he came home to a couple of hot messes some days. I love my girls more than I thought my simple heart capable of. They are my joy.

Weigh-In Wednesday - Week 1

2012-01-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Week 1: 146.2lb

-3.2lbs

21.1lbs to goal.

Wow what a first week, I am so happy with my results thus far. I was good and didn’t weigh myself daily like I typically do and when I saw this number on the scale my eyes popped open. What a pleasant surprise! I’m wearing jeans I haven’t fit since my first trimester with Kenize and I feel great! The funny thing is except for those first two days when I really restricted my diet I really didn’t change all that much from what I was doing before. I’m eating about 1800 calories a day and I worked out 5 times in the last week. Combining healthier choices in food with a little exercise (plus I’m still nursing Kenzie) is showing up in a big way on the scale. I’m right on track to meeting my goal of losing at least 5 lbs by the end of the month. Can I get a Whaa Whaa! In addition to joining Melissa’s Weigh In Wednesday I have also joined Danielle in her 12 Week Weight Loss Challenge. Go Team Badonkadonk Babes! The more accountability the better right? I have also set up my own personal prizes for my weight loss milestones. My gym buddy and I have also decided that for every 1000 calories we burn by exercising we will treat ourselves to a frozen yogurt trip. Yummy! I generally try and keep my prizes non-food related but in this case I’m making an exception. My weight-loss rewards will need to follow the no food rule. I think the picture below sums up why ;)

So here we go….
Weight Loss Milestones Rewards
5lbs: new accessory (ever heard of Charming Charlies? Yeah… Totally addicted to that place!)
10lbs: pedicure
15lbs: new outfit
20lbs: spa day!
25lbs: new designer jeans
How sad is it that after all that work I did to lose 20 lbs in 2010 I never bought my coveted 7 jeans. The reality is I knew I would be getting pregnant again and I didn’t want to invest in jeans that would fit for only a few weeks and then possibly never again. This time around those jeans are MINE! See you next Wednesday!

Playroom part 2

2012-01-08T14:35:00.001-08:00

Walking by this room this morning I had to laugh. This is the aftermath of a tired working mom too lazy to clean the playroom on weeknights. In one short week we went from exhibit A to exhibit B. Think I'll call it "The reality of parenting", or "Why I hate those stupid letters". Think we need to start working on teaching Day to put back toys when you take them out.

Chachachacha-Changes!

2012-01-06T08:16:00.001-08:00

Moderation is the key to success

I am still learning this lesson in life. This last Monday I started back at work, exercising daily, and eating nearly no sugar and reduced my overall calorie intake dramatically. I had promised myself I would take this weight loss-diet thing slow but I didn’t’. I was just so excited to finally start trying to lose weight that I over did it and ended up with a killer headache that lasted from Monday night to Thursday night when I finally caved in and ate candy and drank a soda. I’m not kicking myself over the candy and soda though, I’m kicking myself for living with a headache for days and being too stubborn to change it. I really believe that tiny changes are what work best, if you change too much your body will rebel. There are some changes in life though that there is no moderation for. When I started my maternity leave and staying home with Day we only had a week before Kenzie was born. Going from working full time to staying home AND bringing home a new baby really took a toll on Day. Toddlers are more resistant to change than even my stubborn head. The first few nights when Kenzie came home it was not our newborn keeping us up at night crying, it was our toddler. Day would scream and cry until after 2am. Poor thing would hold it together all day but when it was time to sleep she would break down and lose it. Don’t misunderstand, Day has shown nothing but love for her sister since she was born, she just doesn’t like to share mommy and daddy and she does NOT like change. There were major meltdowns daily as Day and I adjusted to not only having Kenzie around but me staying home full time. After two weeks I started sending Day to daycare every Wednesday. We both needed it and it seemed to really help with the tantrums. It took about 6 weeks of this before we settled into a new routine with me home. Everything was great. We had such a blast together everyday… Just in time for me to go back to work 3 weeks later. Now I’m back and we have to adjust all over again. Day’s tantrums are in full force and there is really nothing I can do to make it better for her. Well all just need some time. I wish we could have more moderation to ease into some of these major life changes, but we can’t. At least I know it gets better and we will all find our groove again eventually. Until then I’m keeping my candy. A screaming toddler when you have a pounding headache is not fun, trust me.

Weigh-In Wednesday- Week 0

2012-01-04T13:39:00.001-08:00

It’s that time again. Everyone and their mother (really, I know a lot of moms doing this too) has made a New Years resolution to lose weight, and I’m one of them! I did pretty well not gaining too much weight while pregnant with Kenzie and 11 weeks later I have lost all but 9.5lbs of the weight I put on. To be honest I had racked up quite a few pounds over the 2010 holidays so my start weight with Kenize was not where I would like my new goal weight to be. So Monday marked my starting of my weight loss journey (the sequel), with new goals, new motivation, and new support team. I turn the big Three-O end of May and am planning a rocking Vegas pool party so I reeeeeally want to be at my goal weight by then. To help keep me motivated I am joining Melissa of my pb+j in her weigh-in Wednesday link-up. The really awesome thing about getting to share this journey with a good friend like Melissa is we actually had our second babies within days of each other so we are really in the same place in our weight loss journey. Melissa is an awesome cook+baker and I think she will be sharing some scrumptious healthy food inspirations so I really recommend checking out her blog. If you are a blogger on a weight loss journey too join up! There is nothing like a little accountability to get you motivated.

Last time around I don’t think I ever posted my actual weight, just weight loss. It’s not that I don’t mind sharing, I just wanted to avoid the eye bugging of you the reader either thinking “damn Amanda got fat” or “you bitch your start weight is my goal weight”. This time around I’m laying it all out there and will be sharing my actual numbers as well as my loss. I took “before” pictures last Sunday and will share those too when I have a spare minute at home on the computer (haha). So here it is…

Start weight: 149.4lbs

Goal weight: 125lbs

20.5 weeks to my 30th B-Day and just under 25lbs to lose. Totally doable!

Since I just started back at work yesterday (boohoo) I don’t want to overwhelm myself by trying to stick to a stringent diet. Instead I’m just going to focus on eating healthy as I can and exercising 4+ times a week. If I don’t see 5lbs gone by the end of January I will probably be starting the 17 day diet like Melissa and other friends. We’ll see.

Oh and I almost forgot! I’m giving myself prizes again for meeting weight loss milestones. I’ll post those next week

Bass Ackwards

2012-01-03T22:26:00.001-08:00

Kenzie is 2.5 months old. Every night I put in her jammies, lay her in her cosleeper or new born napper, turn on her white noise, give her a kiss and she sleeps for 8+ hrs.
Day is 2.5 years old. Every night I put her in her jammies, lay her in our bed, turn on her favorite cartoon, give her a kiss.... then listen to her yell at her Dad for snoring, ask for a drink of water, ask to be held, sing her favorite song, tell me she needs to go potty, yell at her Dad some more, ask for more cartoons, roll over and whine for you to tickle her back, kick off the covers, drum on the head board, wake up her Dad again for snoring... seeing a pattern here?
The kid who should be sleeping doesn't and the one does sleep shouldn't yet.
Yes it's partially our fault (okay mostly our fault) for letting Day sleep in our room, but some of this is nature not nurture. From the day she was born Day would not sleep without one if us holding her whereas Kenzie has slept on her own from day one with no problems. I count my blessings for a baby who sleeps but is it so much to ask for a toddler who sleeps too? I'm waiting until Kenzie is 4 mos old then Im moving them both to their room. Not something I'm looking forward to. Day won't go down without a fight, but it has to be done. Any tips much appreciated. Cry it out is not our style.

Toddlers Tales

2011-12-31T14:57:00.000-08:00

A few awesome short Day stories to share:

While I was in the hospital with Kenzie, Day's Mimi and Papa stayed at our home with Day and J. One morning when Papa went to make coffee he found the coffee pot not working. When he opened to back to see why the water was not moving he found quite a colorful surprise. He turned to Day and asked "Day, did you put crayons in mommy's coffee pot?" To which she responded with a proud grin "That's right papa". The coffee pot soon retired after that.

Oue last trip to the zoo Day saw a tiger for the first time. He was sitting up on some rocks near the top of the enclosure licking his paws. I was so excited to show Day since she had never seen the tiger awake before. She stood in her stroller and I could see the expression on her face change as soon as she recognized the tiger. She shouted "oh no mommy! The tiger is stuck up on the rocks! We have to save him, he needs to get to the glass slipper ball!" I tried to explain that tigers dont attend glass slipper balls but she didn't believe me. Thank God she's not a zoo keeper.

I told Day that we were going to SeaWorld to see the animals. She asked if we would see sharks and I said yes. She responded with "you have to be careful with the shark mommy, he's jwuuust a baaabeeey"

Day loves to tell us not to worry. Like when she is standing on the fireplace about to leap off and I yell at her to get down she responds with "Don't worry mommy" and then leaps off anyway. Or when you tell her not to follow you into the garage because she doesn't have shoes on you hear "Don't worry mommy" as she follows you out. But my favorite time she said it was when I told her that I was sad to have to leave her and her sister to go back to work. She said "don't worry mommy, I'll make you happy!" She then jumped up and did a silly dance that made me laugh. Bless her heart.

Playroom

2011-12-31T09:26:00.001-08:00

One thing I love about our house is the extra space. One of the things that drives me crazy? All the extra space ;)
Seriously. I love a beautifully decorated home and would love our home to be pretty too but I basically suck at home decorating. I get overwhelmed with all the wall space room organization etc. But the real reasons are as follows:1) I have no time2) I'm cheap. :) I have a very hard time spending money on something that isn't a necessity, especially on big ticket items like furniture. This is why our family room furniture is a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs. The couch from the condo, a chair from J's sister, a chair from my parents, a coffee table rescued from a friends dumpster... its sad really. But hey, our butts have somewhere to sit and they are all quite comfy.So onto the playroom. With the aftermath of Christmas it became very apparent that we did NEED something to store all the toys that were taking over the floor. So I finally sucked it up and bought a toy organizer and I love it! I have some very spoiled girls. Evidence in the picture. That toy organizer is already full. FULL! In fact I've adopted a new policy for the playroom. If it doesnt fit, it ships! There is enough room for plenty of toys. A kid doesn't need anymore. So if I a new toy is bought, something in here will go to make room for it. Hopefully that will help reduce some of the insanity that this room has become. Im excited for Kenzie to get a little older and really play with Day in here. I have many more pinterest inspired ideas for the walls but that requires time (see excuse 1) and money (see excuse 2). Once the kids get older enough to bug me about it I'm sure it will get done ;) s

Farewell 2011

2011-12-31T00:11:00.001-08:00

What's that you say? 2011 is over? Man that went by fast! Let's see, what did I do this year?...
Got pregnant. Celebrated J's dirty 30. Took our first family camping trip. Worked my arse off at work. J started playing tournaments again. Had a baby. Stayed home and had a blast with my girls for the holidays.
It doesn't sound nearly as crazy as it all felt. 2011 was an odd year for us. Our family made a lot changes that seemed small but when we look back over time I think we will see them as major milestones. 2011 was a turning point for us, but I think 2012 will be the year of dramatic change. I can just feel it sneaking up. Life's about to get shaken, not stirred.
So here's to a New Year! 2012, I hope you treat us well.

Kenzie ~ 2 Months Old

2011-12-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

My Little Silly,
You are growing so fast! At your two month appointment you weighed in at 13lbs (95th percentile) and 23.5 inches long (90th percentile). You eat and sleep so well, already sleep 6-9 hrs a night. THANK YOU! Life is much easier with a happy baby who sleeps. You caught your first cold this month and mommy is so sorry for that. You have a stuff nose but thankfully no fever and it doesn't seem to bother you too much. Again, so easy going. You have started smiling which just makes mommy's world! You have the most gorgeous dimples and when you smile your eyes just light up. Your eyes are staying a deep purple blue but are starting to lighten just a bit. You still look just like your daddy and I think it will stay that way. You are such a pretty baby and fun to snuggle and laugh with. You still rarely cry and will make the funniest noises to get our attention when you need something. You love your big sister so much. Whenever she is near you you stare and smile at her. She loves you too and asks to hold you a few times a day now and makes sure you are included in many of her activities. A few other things you smile for stare at:
Mommy and Daddy's faces
The Christmas tree
The yarn JOY on the wall
The monkey and tree in your room
Ceiling fans

You Love Silly!

Kenize~ 1 Month Old

2011-12-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Kenzie,
It has only been a month but it feels as if our family was never complete without you. You are such a beautiful peaceful little girl. You rarely fuss, though you love to grunt. Your daddy has nicked named you "silly" and it fits you so well. Your big sister calls you "sissy" and "baby Kenzie". You already sleep so well waking only once a night to eat. You love to be held but don't mind hanging out on your own in your newborn napper or bouncy chair (still not a fan of your swing yet). It's amazing how laid back and easy going you are. I think you not only look like your daddy but have inherited some of his personality too. Nothing seems to bother you. You can be in a loud room and completely at ease, and let's face it, with your big sister you don't have much opportunity for quiet rooms. You are a big girl and very healthy. You have already grown out of your newborn sized clothes! We love you so much Kenzie and are so happy you are in our lives.

Kenzie's Birth Story

2011-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

*WARNING*
This post is super long, very detailed, and most definitely contains some TMI so reader be warned.

The weeks before Kenzie's birth had been very long for me. I had been having contractions every day often coming just a few minutes apart for hours at a time. Since the contractions were rarely painful I knew I wasn't in real labor but I also knew it meant baby would be making an appearance sooner rather than later.
At about 7am in the morning on Oct 20th I woke up with my pants wet. Not soaking wet, just damp. My fingers were crossed that my water had broke but since it didn't seem like much was still happening I really wasn't sure. J and I proceeded to scour the internet for answers which of provided us a plethora of information but nothing really useful. I called my friend Natalie who had just had a baby herself (water broke) and she recommended I go get checked out. At this point I was continuing to dampen my third pair of pajamas for the morning so I figured she was right and I should probably head in. A quick call to the on call doctor confirmed this decision and we were on our way. We dropped Day off at her grandma Cheri's, gave big kisses and hugs, and headed to the hospital. I so smartly had grabbed a banana for myself for breakfast (which I ended up sharing with Day) so we decided not to stop for breakfast. I would later regret this decision many MANY times but given our track record of being sent home by L&D I figured we'd be having breakfast by 10am. I was having contractions every 5 minutes or so but like I said this happened everyday so I didn't put too much stock in it. We were checked in at hospital and sent to triage. I met my first nurse Shannon, who I quickly fell in love with. Great sense of very dry humor and a Charger fan. Instant buddies. Shannon was just finishing up sending another women home who was convinced her water broke. Breakfast was looking even more promising. We were chatting about getting cinnamon french toast from Richie's as she prepared to run the ever so fun "did your water break test" (I'll spare you the details on that one). As soon as Shannon lifted the sheet to run the test her tune changed and she declared that I looked "pretty convincing down there" and we would likely be staying. Bye-bye french toast, Hello labor and delivery! She ran the lab test and confirmed that we would be staying and having a baby that day. J made the calls to his family who would be driving out from Vegas and I called my parents to have them prepare.
We were sent to our delivery room and I said goodbye to Shannon, who I adored even more now that I got to stay. Our room was huge! I was so impressed with the new hospital. If you've been a long time reader you will recall that I was supposed to deliver Day at the "new" hospital. Well it finally opened THIS YEAR. At least I was able to deliver baby 2 there. Our new nurse came in shortly after we were shown to the room and introduced herself as Rose. She asked what the name of the baby was and we told her if it was a boy he would be Ryder and if it was a girl Kenzie. Rose wrote on our whiteboard Boy: Ryder Girl: Kenzie Rose. She then explained that ALL her girl babies were named after her, at least on her clock, once they were born we were free to change it. I was liking Rose already.
Rose informed us that since my water broke my doctor had ordered that I start pitocin. Pitocin? Already? I was already dilated 3cm and contracting regularly. I didn't see the need for it. Plus, I HATE pitocin. I asked Rose if I could walk instead. She did her best and asked for me but the order came back to start the pitocin immediately. Rose suggested that maybe I could walk to the bathroom down the hall, and if it took me oh say an hour to do that it would be just fine. I was liking Rose even more.
I started walking laps around the halls and sent J to collect all of our stuff from the car and grab himself from breakfast (lucky punk). I had packed some snacks in the bags so when he returned I snuck a few bites of granola bar. The banana was long gone in my stomach and I had a long day ahead of me to start out so hungry. I knew Rose wouldn't mind. My hour of walking went by super quick and sadly did nothing for my contractions. If anything they had slow down. I ended up starting pitocin by 1pm. I was super nervous since i knew the anesthesiologist wouldn't be available for an epidural until after 2:30, but Rose assured me that she would keep the level low enough that I would be fine for the hour. Again she was right. By 3:30 they had already tripled my piton dosage and I was still not in enough pain to warrant an epidural (my decision not theirs). The next few hours were spent waiting with family as they visited and playing a whole lot of angry birds. By 4:00 I still hadn't progressed much even with all the pitocin and Rose suggested that we break the rest of my bags of water. I agreed. If there was one part of my birth experience I could change it would have been to refuse the pitocin from the start and ask that they break the rest of my water right then. It certainly put things in motion much quicker than the pitocin. Rose being the expert she was ordered me my epidural so it would arrive shortly after she broke my water. Thank God for Rose. Although I didn't feel like I needed it when he started, by the time the anesthesiologist finished with my epidural my pain level was well beyond acceptable pain management level. Rose kept me distracted with more football talk during the procedure (another HUGE Charger fan) and it was over quickly. I was actually really frustrated because I remembered the epidural being such a source of relief with my first delivery and this time I was more uncomfortable with the epidural than without it. It basically numbed my right leg but it felt like I could still feel everything else the same. I either have a super low pain tolerance or a very high tolerance for pain meds. I'm thinking it's the former. After receiving the epi I was dilated to about 5cm. Rose left but told me to call if I needed anything. Minutes later I was calling. I was in quite a bit of pain and asked that the epidural be turned up, Rose asked if I was feel a lot of pressure and I answered yes. She quickly checked me thinking that I must have progressed to the point of needing to push. Nope. Still at 5. She said something along the lines of "sorry babe, but until we can see something you will need to tough it out". I was terrified. I was already in tremendous pain WITH the epidural and only half way there! I wanted to cry. About 5 contractions later the pressure was getting pretty intense, but I didn't want to call Rose back until I was sure I had progressed. I was starting to regret the epidural since it was keeping me stuck to bed just waiting. I was desperate to start pushing. I did the only thing that seemed like a better solution at the time. I called J over to make him check for "something" as Rose had described. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Babe, I need to you to check me
J: Excuse me?!?
Me: Just look down there and see if anything is happening
J: Hell no
Me: Yes! Please. I need you.
J: What am I supposed to look for?
me: I don't know! Like a head or something?
J: Your crazy
Me: Please!!! I'm in pain and I don't want Rose back in here for nothing, she JUST left.
J: Fine *takes a quick peak* Nothing
Me: Look again! Nothing like.... gross or something going on?
J: No. Wait, yeah actually that is gross.
Me: Call Rose!
J : You just told me not to!
Me: Yeah but now I want you to.
J called for Rose. Did I mention I have the best husband ever?
Rose came and checked me, she declared me 9cm and nearly ready to push and left to call the doctor. J sweetly held my hand and gave me a tender look. I responded with a "Wahoo" and a fist pump. I had made it, and even better, we were about to meet our baby.
I still had a little while to wait for the doctors to arrive so the iPod came on to get me through till I could push. Music is like magic for me when it comes to pain management. The hospitals neonatologist and his assistant came in and introduced himself. Since when they broke my water there was a lot of meconium he wanted to be there in case baby inhaled too much as he/she took a first breath. He said if everything was fine he would give baby directly to me, if not he would take baby first to ensure a healthy child. The doctor arrived shortly after and before I knew it the lights were on everyone was set for baby to arrive. Rose and I had been joking about how long I would be pushing. Since it took hours to get Day out I was expecting it to take about an hour this time. Rose told me "I'm too old for that much pushing. I have to hold legs, count, etc and I'm just not up for it. You're going to do this in two pushes." I had seriously doubted her assessment but again wise Rose was right. After just two pushes I was told to stop because baby's head was out and the cord was around the neck. The docotor quickly corrected this and with one last push and baby was out!
A girl!!
She was big and blue and the neonatologist grabbed her as soon as J cut the cord. A few seconds later, what felt like an eternity, I heard our little girl cry. She was just fine, thank God. They brought us our little Kenzie and J and I awed over our new perfect little addition to our family. She weighed 8lbs 6oz and was born at 5:20pm. She looked just liked her big sister did but with short fine blond hair. Her hands are just like her daddy's but she has mommy's feet. I didn't realize until they told me it was a girl how much I really thought I was having a boy. I was shocked but thrilled. I really wanted two girls so my children would get to experience having a sister. J and I hadn't settled on a middle name for our baby girl and after having such a wonderful experience with Rose we decided it would be a perfect name for Kenzie. It turned out to be even more perfect that my grandmother's middle name is Rose too so not only does Kenzie have a family name she has a fun story as to how she got it. Labor lasted just long enough that all of our family were able to make it to the hospital so meet Kenzie that very same day. Big sister was ecstatic to see her mommy and new baby sister and even helped give Kenzie her first bath. It was a beautiful day that I will always remember and I was so luck to have such a happy birth experience. Kenzie were able to go home just 24 hours after she was born. She eats and sleeps like a champ and has already stolen our hearts. And that my friends, is how Kenzie Rose was born.

In Daddy's arms

Giving little sissy a bath

In the hospital bed with mommy. She loved it!

Holding her sister for the first time

Proud Big Brother

Same Make and Model

2011-11-22T14:35:00.001-08:00

A friend commented this weekend that J and I only produce one make and model when it comes to our kids. I'm thinking so....

2009

2011

2009

2011

What do you think?

Halloween 2011

2011-11-14T14:07:00.001-08:00

Halloween this year was a big success! Daddy helped Day carve her first pumpkin. We were both thankful she had picked a little one. I forgot what a pain it is to clean those suckers out! Day wasn't too sure about the goo inside but she seemed to have fun and she loved when Daddy lit it up.

I wasn't sure how much trick or treating we would get in this year given Kenzie was just 11 days old. It turns out I have quite an easy baby (it's okay, be jealous) so as long as kenize was bundled in her moby wrap Day and I could do whatever we want. Day dressed up as a giraffe and I have to say this is my favorite costume ever. Thank you to her buddy Izzy for letting us borrow it! This year we went trick or treating in our own neighborhood, which we hadn't done before. Day had a blast. She would knock profusely on every door saying "trick-o-teet!". I tried to convince her to save it for when they actually opened the door but she preferred her way. She was very polite and would always thank everyone for her goodies.

So cute!

Ready to go!

Kenize chillin' in her moby

Continuing with tradition we went over to Izzy's house after hitting up our neighborhood so Day and Izzy could go out together. Izzy is a year older and seasoned pro. She understood more houses means more candy. Day on the other hand was content to stroll at a snails pace (I think no nap that day helped contribute to the lack of energy) so we would skip a house here and there to keep up with her friend. She still ended up with a whole bucket of candy, of which I think she's eaten a whooping two suckers from. Mommy on the other hand appreciates the chocolate. Looking forward to next year when Kenzie and Izzy's new little sister can join in on the fun!

It's a .....

2011-10-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

On October 20th at 5:20pm...

With ten little fingers

and ten little toes

we welcomed to world

Miss Kenzie Rose

It's a girl!

We are so happy and blessed. Birth story to come

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

This years trip to the pumpkin patch was short but sweet (as will be this post). I'm not big into the pumpkin patches with a million games and rides, unless they are hay rides or pony rides of course. I was really hoping to make it to Bates Nut Farm again this year but seeing how I hadn't been feeling my best an hour drive to walk for another few hours just didn't sound like a barrel of fun. We did make it to my favorite local pumpkin patch out in wine country Peltzer Farm. Day immediately found a favorite baby pumpkin and toted it around with her the rest of the trip. She loved running around all the pumpkins and playing in the hay circle. We only spent an hour of so there but I'm glad we at least made it to one patch this year before baby was born (hint hint, next post!)


In love with her baby pumpkin

A pumpkin about my baby's size ;)

Can I keep em'?

Getting so big!

Daddy and daughter

Hey Dad, where'd you go?

Cheese!

What to do...

2011-10-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

What do you do when mommy is home on maternity leave but the new baby hasn't been born yet?
Hmmmmmm

I know!
You jump off the couch!

and make a slide!

and even indulge mommy in a few pics of just being adorable....

love,
Day

Anyone have some cheese for my whine?

2011-10-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

I haven’t had much opportunity to blog about this pregnancy but to be honest that isn’t the reason that I haven’t done it. Basically, I’m a big fat whiner. I can’t stand when people just whine and whine with nothing positive to say so I suppose my lack of writing has more to do with “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” rather than absence of opportunity. I know others are willing to share their struggles via their blog and I admire and appreciate their honesty but I don’t feel like sharing my laundry list of aliments would be sharing a struggle so much as having a bitch fest on paper.
But, I also don’t want to forget this very special time in my life, so pleasant or not, here is my life as of recent.
I hurt. I hurt all the time. I hurt so much that I actually notice when I’m feeling good because uncomfortable has just become my norm. Trying to sleep at night has become painful. Between having Day in our bed (yes, my own fault but whatever) kicking/rolling/jabbing my tender tummy, and my own aches and pains sleep has become nearly non-existent and literally a pain in my butt. If I lay on my side my hips and stomach hurt. If I lay on my back (a huge no-no this late in pregnancy) it feels like a weight has been dropped on my back and chest and I can’t breath. Just to turn over or get out of bed it takes an enormous amount of effort and strain and I have to do it 3-4 times a night to get up and use the restroom. I can’t remember the last time I sleep more than a few hours straight. I’ve also had the lovely experience of sciatica where my leg/knee will hurt for hours and give out when I try and stand. My jaw has also become unaligned (I’m thinking from a bad sleeping position) so that it is painful to try and chew and my ears pop and burn. My feet and hands swell randomly to the point that my skin hurts. I’m so exhausted by the time I get home most nights that and can do nothing but lay down and wait for J to get home and take care of us. My poor daughter and husband have basically been eating cold cereal or pb+j for dinner a few times a week because with no microwave and no personal energy I just can’t find it in me to make anything else. I have heartburn all the time. The back of my throat is this constant inferno that nothing can quench.
I have Braxton Hicks contractions constantly. Last Monday they were 6 mins apart lasting over a minute each for ~6 hours straight. Some were even so painful I thought for sure I must be in labor. By 1am they calmed down enough that I was able to sleep through them but I still get them every few hours or so during the day every day since and they hit full force every night on my way home from work. The contractions are such a tease! I’ll be up at 1am all alone with a few painful back to back ones thinking “is this it? Is baby really coming?” only to be disappointed once again when it turns out to be nothing.
I was doing really well for quite a while walking regularly. I hear that is supposed to help things. I used to walk 2+miles a day ever lunch and now I’m lucky if I can do 0.5 mile. Even walking hurts. The baby has dropped and I can’t believe the pressure down there now! I swear it feels like my hips are about to pop out of their sockets every time I stand.
I am also crazy emotional. This time of year is always hard on me anyway but mixed with pregnancy hormones I’m a down right mess. I’m usually a pretty tolerant person but my fuse now is nearly non-existent. Poor J usually takes the brunt of it (he is a good man), but this time even my coworkers are dealing my wrath. (Just one more day of work and they will all be spared…) I’m hoping things get easier once I stop working.
With my first pregnancy I was in no rush to not be pregnant anymore. This time I’m counting down the minutes, which is even more frustrating because I don’t even know what I’m counting down too!

All that said; I am truly trying my best to savor every moment of these last few weeks. J and I don’t plan on anymore kids and knowing that this will be my last pregnancy I don’t want to resent a second of it. We are so blessed that we can even get pregnant and have children I feel true guilt when I whine about what some would kill to experience. I do still love feeling little kicks and rolls. I love walking down the street and hearing little kids tell their mothers “Mommy that lady is going to have a baby!” like they are so amazed by me just for being pregnant. I am going to have a baby and I CAN’T WAIT! I am so excited to meet this little one. I wonder if baby will look like Day did when she was born or look completely different. I look forward to sitting on the couch snuggled up once the weather gets colder with a kid on each leg reading a story. I look forward to watching Day love another person in a new way. I look forward to learning our new baby’s personality and how they will fit into our little family. Watching J with our baby girl made me fall more deeply in love with him than ever; I can’t wait to experience that again. I just.can’t.wait.
But I guess I have to, at least for a little while longer…

?'s

2011-09-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Its 630 in the morning on a Monday and I'm laying in bed with a thousand and one questions running through my head.
Some are easily answered:
Did J take out the trash this morning? What on earth am I going to wear today? If I get up now do I have time for coffee?
Some are harder:
When will this baby be here? Am I rushing my life too often. Will J ever make it on tour? What happens if he doesn't? What happens if he does? (Yes we are back into full force wife of a golf pro mode). How am I going to manage 2 kids home alone while recovering from giving birth? Did we really save enough for me to stay home the full 10 weeks that I want to? What if Day doesn't get along with the new baby? Will this baby sleep better than Day? Will I be able to breastfeed again? How soon will be able to start running again? Will I be able to go back to work and really pick up where I left off?
And somewhere in the haze of these questions I have one more. Is this baby a boy or girl? It's amazing how little I even think of this one. With Day I would lose sleep wondering. With this baby I know its such an insignificant factor in how my life is about to change that I really don't give it much though. Do I want to know? Of course! But as anxious as I am to have all my unanswered questions answered, for this, there is no rush.
Part of life's adventure is slowly answering the big questions. But sadly I can't answer many from bed so, up I go. Shame. Bed was comfy.

Pop Warner

2011-09-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

This is a big year for Little J. Over the summer he joined a travel baseball team and made the pop warner team for football! He started 5th grade this year and is already juggling two sports teams while maintaining at least a 4.0 grade average, or he will get cut from the teams, best idea ever if you ask me, I've never seen him so focused on school ;)

Day and I were final able to make it to a football game today. I was quite impressed with our little kicker/nose tackle.
It did make me realize how badly I need a new lens for my camera to capture sporting events. I think I will need to hint this to husband...
I'm sure there are many MANY more games to come.
Here are a few very cropped shots that I was able to capture with my 55mm.

Talking with coach

making a tackle

kicking off

couldn't help myself

2011-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Melissa over at Evi Luna Boutique just updated her site with her holiday hair clip collection. I seriously squealed when I saw these adorable little fall clips. I couldn't help it, my fingers clicked away until I was the proud owner of these adorable little guys Head on over to her Etsy store to see/purchase more adorableness :)

Belly Pics

2011-09-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

I took these pictures one a rare weekend day when Day is napping and I have enough energy to skip joining her. Most of my time as of late has been spent either sitting at my desk, sitting in my car, or sitting in bed with my feet up. Forget those two mile walks I was taking every day. I'm spent. I've lost the energy to even bother with make-up most days. I never thought I'd be one of those moms. The kind that seem to stop taking care of themselves because they are just too busy. I now know their secret, they choose real rest over primping themselves to appear well rested. Forget that! From now on I choose rest.
But...
I almost didn't post these pictures though for that very reason. I'm not wearing make-up and I look tired. Deep down I still care what I look like to other people. No matter how tired I am I want the world to look at me and I think I'm handling it like a rock star. I want to look pulled together even though I'm anything but. I couldn't tell you why. I guess just vanity, which is just pure silliness. I think it must mean I'm not as busy as I feel if I have time to obsess over stupid things like what people think of me, the wrinkles on my face, extra pounds I'm racking up this pregnancy, all of it. When I first opened these pictures on the computer I went to straight to criticizing myself. My face, my arms, my smile, even the fact that I don't really like own photography. All these insecurities at first made me forget what this whole picture should be about. The beautiful life that I'm holding between my hands. God gave me this amazing gift of parenthood and all I can see are my own imperfections? Unacceptable. I'm so blessed in so many ways I can't even begin to count them. I'm not so quietly telling myself to get over it and I'm embracing every second of this amazing journey.
So here I am at 32 weeks, and a few of the beautiful daughter who let me nap so I could blog :)

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

2011-08-13T20:28:00.001-07:00

I recently discovered the amazingness that is pinterest. I know, I'm slow. I think food is one of those things that is totally acceptable to judge by its looks, which is why pinterest is so perfect for browsing new recipes. A picture and title is pretty much all you need to decide if you to try something new. Any who, I saw a few friends pin this recipe for slow cooker chicken enchilada soup and looked amazing so I gave it a try. I am all for any recipe that requires minimal prep and cooks itself while I'm away. This soup was awesome! Hubs and even Day both mowed it down with seconds. I served it with blue corn tortilla strips and topped with a little avocado. You can kick up the spice by using a hot enchilada sauce. I should also note that I thought it looked a little thin at first but once I added the shredded chicken back in it was perfect. I will most definently be making this again.
You can find the orignsl recipe here along with a ton more slow cooker recipes that I intend to try.

Chicken Enchilada Soup
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 10-ounce package frozen whole kernel corn
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped yellow, green, or red bell pepper (I used green pepper)
1 10-ounce can enchilada sauce (I used mild)
1 10.75-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups milk (I ran out of milk and used 1cup 2%+1/2cup water)
1 cup shredded Pepper jack cheese (4 ounces)
2 chicken breasts

In a 3 1/2 to 5 quart slow cooker, combine drained beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, and bell pepper. Place 2 chicken breasts on top of mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together enchilada sauce and soup. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Pour sauce mixture over ingredients in cooker.Cover; cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Remove chicken and cut or shred into bite sized pieces. Add chicken back into soup. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve. Can also be topped with avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. Note: if the soup is too thick for you, just add a little more milk after it’s all cooked.

Ready for Fall

2011-08-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

School is back in session, the nights are finally starting to dip below 70, and football is back on TV. There's no denying it. Fall is on its way. I am typically very sad to see summer go but this year I'm actually finding this change in season comforting. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that we had a very satisfying and busy summer. Although there are tons of things that I wanted to do that we didn't quite make happen (like host a pool party, go to SeaWorld and take about a dozen more beach trips); we did get our fill of summer fun. I'm actually kind of exhausted from it all and ready for a change. Plus, I absolutely love fall. The crisp weather, pumpkin patches, new fashions... it all thrills me.
Of course there is another very big reason to be excited for fall this year, or rather a tiny little squishy faced reason. Baby H is due right around Halloween and I am oh so excited to meet our new little one. Every time I see a baby I get all giddy and think "pretty soon, that will be me!" I crave that new baby smell. I want to snuggle that soft skin and never let go. However, to be honest I am feeling a little bittersweet about growing our family tree, but only for this reason: my days of only Day are fast approaching an end. I feel a little sorry that I will no longer be able to devote my 100% attention to my beautiful little daughter. She and I share a special bond and have such a wonderful time together, I don't want that to ever end. But, just like summer, while I'll never have enough time to do EVERYTHING, I am happy with all the time I've been able to devote to my baby girl solo. We have had a TON of fun. It's not like we will never have time alone together again, it just wont be nearly as often, and I'm okay with that knowing what we gain in return, a beautiful little life that we can all love and treasure. Plus, welcoming our newest family member will also mean a maternity leave that gives me three whole months to spend at home with both my babies. I can't tell you how excited I am for this leave. I haven't had more than four consecutive days away from work since my last maternity leave with Day. Mama needs a break! I know that recovering from giving birth while trying to raise a two year old and newborn won't exactly be a vacation, but it will still be a welcome change. Just like fall...

Tea For Two With My Two Year Old

2011-08-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Day's Mimi bought her this adorable tea set nearly a year ago. We've pulled it out a few times but Day has always been more interested in chewing the cups than playing tea party, until recently. Now this girl wakes me up every morning asking for mama to play tea party in jammies with her. She is obsessed! I absolutely love that she has such an imagination already. She will pour tea into each cup, and remembers which cups we drank from when doling out refills ;) She also gets creative when I ask what flavor we are drinking. We have had green tea, orange tea, pink tea and even purple tea! So yummy. She makes little drinking noises and even gives a satisfied "Ahhhh" when finished. I'm so thrilled to have a cup of tea with my daughter before heading out to the office for the day. Just look at this happy little bedhead!

I think I finally found it

2011-08-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have been researching double jogging stroller since before I was pregnant with baby 2. I currently own an older model In-Step which has been great but won't really fit in the trunk of my car. Well, technically it fits but I have to remove the front wheel and flip it upside down and even then it's a squeeze. When I bought it I wasn't even sure that I would use it regularly but since now I know how much I love to run I figured I'd spoil myself and upgrade :)
By the way, I can't WAIT to start running again. The evenings have just been perfect around here but this 3rd-tri belly tells me moving more than a brisk walk is not the best idea right now.

Anywho. After nearly a year of searching I think I finally found the perfect stroller for me. It's very reasonably priced, on low end when it comes to jogging strollers, plus it has fantastic reviews and the best part is all 3 wheels have a quick release so it will most certainly fit in the truck of my little sedan. Oh, and it's cute. Sorry but that matters.

Isn't she pretty! You can read all the fabulous reviews on amazon here.
Other pluses include moving canopies, full recline positions, dual cup holders, a closing tray for my phone and such, snack holders for the kids and mp3 player with speakers!
Can't wait to buy it :)

Beach Bum

2011-06-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Serioulsy does it get any cuter than this little toosh?

Day's 2nd Birthday in Pictures

2011-06-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yes she picked the apple over the cupcake... Mom's trying not to take it personally

Happy Birthday Baby Day!

Dear Day ~ Two Years Old

2011-06-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Dear 2 year old Day,
I can hardly believe that you are two years old already. You are such an absolute joy and Daddy and I are so blessed to have you in our lives. You light up my everyday beautiful girl.
You have quite the sense of humor. If everyone is laughing you always make sure you laugh along, even if you don’t get the joke. I think you love to laugh but also love to feel a part of the conversation. You tell quite a few funnies yourself these days too. The other day you and I were taking a nap and you woke me up by taking off your diaper and sticking your butt right against my face, giggling the whole time. When I woke with a “what the!” you laughed hysterically and then backed your little butt up to me even closer and laughed again. Silly girl. If something you do gets a laugh you will repeat it over and over. You love making others laugh.

You love to sing and dance. If a song is on that you like you will stop whatever you are doing and shake your little booty and bounce your head from side to side to the beat. It doesn’t matter where you are. I hope you always stay a little on the goofy side, willing to act foolishly for the simply joy of making others laugh and smile. You sing constantly. Your favorites are Elmo’s Song, Up and Down, and the Wonder Pets theme song but you have also been known to sing and clap along to your “jam” which is the Black Keys Howling For You. You have loved music since you born and that doesn’t look like it will change. You love when people dance with you too. You and mommy will often put on Lady Gaga and just dance and dance until mommy has to sit down because she is so tired. You love to jump when you dance too. I will hold you and you will wrap your little arms super tight around my neck and giggle while we jump up and down to the beat. I hope you always find such joy in music.

You have quite the vocabulary for a two year old, or so we’re told, and are often described as a verbal child. I love that you can communicate exactly what you want so clearly. You know pretty much any animal I can think to ask you and the sound it makes. You can nearly count to 20 (you get to 13 and then repeat it about ten times before proclaiming “20!!”). You know many of your body parts and shapes too. You love to point to every stop sign you see and shout “There’s another octagon!” and then continue on to “Octagon sigh say say says Stop!” which translates to “The octagon sign says stop”.
Here are some pronunciations that I think are adorable:
Trap-in-the-y: Trapezoid
O-ball: Oval
Wonda Piss: Wonder Pets
Alla-ghey-door: Alligator
A-blablablabla: Yo Gabba Gabba
Aba-cah-do: Avocado
Elly-copter: Helicopter
Boo-sees: Boogies
You also do very well with manners and typically say please, thank you, welcome, bless you, and ‘scuse me.

You are still obsessed with anything that is up in the sky. When you were an infant it was ceiling fans, now it’s airplanes, birds, and helicopters. You like to take your chair when we get home at night and sit in the front yard and watch for airplanes. Given that we live near an airport you typically see quite a few.

You now go to bed every night in your big girl bed, but typically walk your way into Mommy and Daddy’s room about 4am toting blanky and Elmo and greeting us with a “Sup!” as you lift your arms to be picked up and join us in “Dadda’s Bed”. To be honest, we don’t mind a bit. In the morning you like to put your arm around my head and the other around Daddy’s and give a big family hug usually with kisses and a “sooooo much” which translates to : I love you soooo much. It’s the perfect way to start the day.

Little girl you are amazing. You already have such self confidence and a presence that I can only describe as contagious and beautiful. I often look at you and think of your future. What will you be when you grow up? Who will you marry? Who will break your heart? I know someday there will be a bully or a boy that makes you cry and question yourself. I know a class will one day so hard that you feel incompetent. I know one day you will lose someone you love and feel helpless against the world. These things are a part of life and there is nothing that I can do to protect you from them. I just pray that you always love yourself as much as I love you and that when you face these challenges and survive each one that you never let them change the joyous person that you are. Because you are beautiful and lovely and perfect. I love you my baby Day. You may be growing up, but please never change.

Love,
Mommy

Happy Birthday Day!

2011-06-10T22:04:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe our baby Day is two years old! I have plans for taking some cute pictures and writing a much lengthier blog post about Days great accomplishments but for now I just simply couldn't let the day pass without a birthday wish and a picture or two.
Love you baby Day!
Pics of Day waiting for her checkup appt. How my little monkey sits watching Yo Gabba Gabba and trying on mom's shoes. I swear she was smiling all day but I can't catch her smile on this camera to save my life!

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20 week belly shots

2011-06-10T21:26:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the HORRIBLE self portraits but I had to take them before I forgot. Half way! Woohoo! Baby is about 10 inches tall now and I'm attributing all 10 inches in MY growth to that and definitely not the chocolate chip cookie dough icecream cravings. Yeah, those have nothing to do with it...

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17 week belly pic

2011-05-19T20:12:00.001-07:00

They say the second kid always gets jipped on pictures. Considering I currently am awful at taking pictures of Day I am in serious danger of baby 2 going through life with only a senior portriat. This post is an attempt to correct that.
I haven't really blogged about this pregnancy at all but I can quickly tell you that it is soooooo different than my first. For one, I'm HUGE! It seemed the moment by body knew there was a baby in there it went into turbo grow mode. I'm not exactly loving the change to be honest, so I haven't really been looking forward to taking belly pics. But how could I be fair to baby 2 if I don't start taking pictures as early as I did with Day? So here it is. My 17 week belly shot looking more like I did at 20 weeks with Day. *sigh*
Just to clarify I do still like being pregnant, I'm just adjusting a little slower this time around....

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-17T22:08:00.001-07:00

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Chicken Parmesan Bites

2011-05-17T22:06:00.001-07:00

When this popped up in my google reader this morning I knew exactly what I would be making for dinner tonight. This recipe was super easy, healthy, a hit with the kid and (it may seem silly but) fun to make! Im a sucker for shaking chicken in a bag. Remember Shake n Bakes? Ah the memories...
Head on over to Danielle's blog for the recipe. Dinner with Danielle: Chicken Parmesan Bites {7 WW+ Dinner}
I was actually out of parmesan so I omitted and topped with a little mozeralla cheese instead. I also baked my bites at 375 for 30 mins instead of frying but only because I was lazy and baking seemed easier. Day clearly enjoyed hers. I think this will be a new staple in this house. Thank you to Danielle for sharing.

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T15:40:00.001-07:00

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the broccoli bribe

2011-04-26T20:37:00.001-07:00

I am a very VERY lucky mamma. Well you knew that already ;) but the blessing I am mentioning in this post is that I have a toddler who not only eats her vegtables but REQUESTS them for dinner. Yup. Day actually asks for broccoli for dinner. Quite often really. Here is my little proof because Lord knows when she's five and fighting me for every bite I make her take I will need his video as ammo :)
So here is baby Day chowing down on a bowl of steamed broccoli. And yes the picture at the end is her licking the bowl. She loves it that much. Hope this lasts forever!

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Easter Egg Hunt 2011 [in pictures]

2011-04-16T16:06:00.001-07:00

Beautiful hair clip from Evi Luna Boutique

Not in the mood for pictures. Bring on the eggs!

I was the lame mom who forgot the Easter Basket. Doh! Oh well, a bag did the trick this year.

best friends

The First Haircut

2011-04-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

My little Day-Day's hair has been getting quite scraggly for a while now. We had to keep it up in a clip constantly to keep it out of her eyes and while she loves her "pretties" she rarely keeps them in her hair for long. So momma had to suck it up and say goodbye to those baby curls. Let's face it. This girl has no attachment to her hair at this age. She could go bald and still be perfectly happy. It's the parents who get attached, who can't let go, and since we're the ones who take them to get their hair cut I'm sure mine was not the only toddler out there still rockin the baby doo. But the time had come, so last weekend I dragged my poor husband down to Pigtails and Crewcuts to hold my hand for our babies first hair cut. This place was recommended by many friends and they did not disappoint! We splurged the extra $5 for the First Hair Cut package which included a picture and some of Day's baby locks in a bag. Our hairdresser was very friendly, quick, but best of all patient! At first Day was very excited to sit in a cool airplane but once we tried to strap her in she started panicking. She stood up and looked at J and I with pleading eyes "No? No?". I thought J was going to grab her and bolt. He's such a softy for her. He looked at me and said "I can't do this, I'm outta here". We all did stay and managed through thanks to TWO suckers and momma forgoing playing photographer to hold Day's hand. I thought she did very well and her cut came out super cute. I will admit though, on the ride home I was fighting tears. She just didn't look like my little girl anymore and I questioned my choice to cut her hair. It's been a week and I have my head on straight now. I really do love the cut. She can see, it's not nearly as knotted every morning as it used to be, and since it's 95 outside right now (HOT!!!) I'm glad she has a nice summer hair cut. So here's my little munchin's new doo! Enjoy :)

Saturday fun

2011-03-26T21:28:00.001-07:00

Today Day and I met a friend and had a super fun day in San Diego. We started with a 5k in the morning followed by walking around Hillcrest in search of breakfast. We ended up at the Hash House A Go Go, which by the way if you've never been to one go now! And go hungry....
Day fell asleep and was kind enough to stay asleep through breakfast which was great because mommy needed two hands to eat the MONSTER pancake I ordered. Hey we walked over 6 miles. I was hungry! Dont judge my pancake....
Don't worry, I had enough left for Day to also get a heaping serving when she woke up from her nap. She loves Brown Sugar Banana pancakes as much as I do aparently. We stopped by to see the fishies in the park on the way back and Day had a little audience as she danced to the music of a latin guitar a man was playing. This girl loooooves to dance. And she loves attention so it was a double win. We always miss Daddy while he works but I do love having Mommy and Day adventures together on Saturdays.

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

Farm Puzzle

2011-03-15T20:21:00.001-07:00

Day Looooooves puzzles :) Here she is with one of her favs. I think her rooster sound mamas fav.

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T20:54:00.001-08:00

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my favorite breakfast

2011-02-16T12:07:00.001-08:00

•1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch
•6oz Greek Vanilla Yogurt
•Handful Fresh blueberries
240 cal. 37g carbs (4g dietary fiber) 21g protien. ~1g fat
= highly satisfying, and super yummy breakfast

I love the extra protien I get with this combo for breakfast since I like to work out before I eat lunch. It really gives me that boost of energy I need. I also love that it requires zero work on my part to prepare. I just keep my half cup measure in with the cereal and buy yogurt in 6oz containers. Dump in bowl and eat :) so easy, so yummy, and very healthy.

Just thought I'd share :)

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Powder Puff

2011-02-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

First she did this:

Can you say diva??

Then she insisted on playing in the street with the boys, and stealing their ball.... but looking cute doing it :)

Until her sunglasses fell off and she put them back on herself. Am I a mean mom for taking this picture?

Hut Hut HIKE!

Love my little powder puff girl. What do you think, could my powder puff be a power puff? Not a bad likeness for Bubbles if you ask me :)

Alphabet Soup

2011-02-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Playing in jammies with bedhead.... such joy in my life :)

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Grandma's Tree

2011-02-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

+plus a little green tint. Can you tell I'm a bit edit obssessed right now? ;)

My new wallpaper

2011-02-04T12:08:00.001-08:00

Desktop wallpaper that is.

My good friend Tessa of Grin and Share It Photpgrahpy was offering some mini photo sessions for Valentine's Day. Since it has been over 6 mos since I had pictures taken of Little J and Day together I jumped at the opprotunity. I absoltely LOVE how they turned out. You can see more of these gorgeous shots of my gorgeous kiddos on her blog here

Thank you Tessa for capturing their adorable faces and personalities for this photo crazy mama :)

Fun with Black and White

2011-01-31T20:59:00.000-08:00

I've never been very good at translating photos to black and white, so as part of my mission to put my new camera to good use I thought my editing skills could use a little work out as well. I did these in Picasa with the Filtered B&W effect. I'm still lacking that really crisp look that I love in black and whites but it does look less gray to me than my first few attempts. Practice makes perfect right? Plus you don't mind look at yet more pictures of my adorable kids right? Didn't think so...

The little man giving me the "are you really taking my picture AGAIN?" look"Who needs a wheelbarrow mom, I'll just hand carry each rock across the yard!"

First Zoo Trip of 2011

2011-01-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

It had been a few months since Day and I had a trip to the zoo and even longer since big brother got to join us. So yesterday since I had both kids down in SD for pictures (those to come soon, so excited!), and the weather was perfect, we headed over to the San Diego Zoo to kill a few hours before meeting up with J. Day has been going to the zoo since she was about 2weeks old but now she is really starting to notic and enjoy the animals. We hit the petting zoo first. Day was a little hestiant about the baby goats (or they were miniature, not really sure), but oddly enough she took to one of the bigger goats immiedtaly! She must be partial to blondes :)

Brother wasn't too into petting them either but he made the effort for his little sis. What a good sport.

She even gave this little fella a big ole hug.

Heres a head shot of the goat who won her heart

Day very much enjoyed all the birds. But she also liked to watch brother watching birds lol. Alway looking up to him :)

My parents took us to the zoo EVERY year growing up. I hope to do the same for mine. We have a picture of us on a huge turtle for every year we went. I didn't come across the same one we used (maybe next time) but here is one of the kiddos on a turtle we did find. My drama queen had to give a big hug and kiss to this fella too. She's all about the love ;)

helping

2011-01-23T17:09:00.001-08:00

Day has become quite the little helper these days. She loves to put away dishes and stir food when I cook and she has to watch EVERYTHING I do as I do it. But it seems her favorite chore is ironically my least favorite. Laundry. Everytime I grab a basket she goes running for her room, pulls out a few handfuls of CLEAN clothes, and brings them to me with a proud smile. I always thank her graciously for the help and ask that she help put the clothes back since they aren't ready to be washed yet. I guess last week that answer was just not good enough. Her pants MUST be washed. So she took matters into her own little chubby hands. After I poured in the soap and closed the lid to start the next load I went to retrive my little helper from her room where I assumed she would be returning her pants. Instead I found her outisde the bathroom door. Uh oh. She has a huge proud smile on her face as she calls out "mama see!". She then leads me in to show me her work. She has stuffed three pairs of pants and two pairs of shorts into the toliet to wash them. Oh boy. Good thing she hasn't mastered flushing yet or a plumber would have been needed for sure. I did think it was pretty clever of her to use the toliet like a washing machine though. Ah my little helper. What will you think of next....

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Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T01:10:00.000-08:00

little miss smarty pants

2011-01-14T09:31:00.001-08:00

I think its adorable that she knows there's a number between 6 and 8 but she can't say it yet so she calls on mama to say it for her. And yes she is trying to count past ten but most the numbers seem to be "ooove" "errteen" over and over but that's still pretty darn good for a 19mo old. So proud of my DayDay!

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table manners

2011-01-09T10:56:00.001-08:00

Or lack there of......
Step 1: put a fist full of eggs in mouth (including the fist(
Step 2: take price of stray egg off tray and throw it on the floor
Step 3: do a little dance and proclaim "all done!"
at least she hands me her plate to put in the sink. Its a start ;)

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Resolutions for 2011

2011-01-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

I hummed and haaahed about what my resolutions should be for this year but considering I haven’t accomplished half of the items off last years list I have decided to not add anything new and just work on last years list once again. So here are my New Years Resolutions – The Rinse and Repeat

Health
1. I will drink more water and less soda – I’m better, but I should renew this one anyway
2. ~~I will lose 15 pounds~~ - Done! I’ve lost and kept off 20lbs! I may be getting greedy but I may go ahead and add a goal to lose and keep off another 5-10 by summer…
3. ~~I will eat more fruits and veggies and less sugar~~ - Still not perfect but waaaaay better than last year

Finances
1. ~~I will start a REAL savings account and contribute every pay period~~ - I need to update this one too: AND NOT WITHDRAWL FOR A YEAR!
2. ~~I will pack a lunch at least once a week~~ -I actually only eat out lunch about once a week now 3. ~~I will not flake on carpooling~~ -Um considering every person I’ve carpooled with here has been fired I have decided I am bad news for a carpool partner and I’m removing this one from the list.

Wifely Duties
1. I will do laundry more often – FAIL! I actually looked forward to getting socks and jammies for Christmas so I could postone this one an extra week. So sad
2. I will go on a date with hubs at least once a month-We actually almost did this one but I’m keeping it on here as a standing change
3. I will invite friends over for dinner more often – I still need to do this, but we do have dinner with my parents one night a week which has been GREAT!

Spiritual
1. I will read the Bible cover to cover-I never made it past Deuteronomy, boo
2. I will gossip less – HUGE FAIL! I was horrible at this in 2010 I may make this one number 1 for 2011
3. ~~I will be more humble~~ – Hmmm 2010 was certainly a humbling year I would like to think I’ve learned my lesson here
4. I will go to church at least 3 times a month and tithe – Another HUGE FAIL. Sigh better get back to it!

Oh. I am adding 1 more resolution to the list but it doesn’t really count as mine, it’s Day’s
“I will sleep through the night in my own crib!”
Mommy would like her grown up bed back please. Mm-Kay? Thanks.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Roll Ups

2011-01-03T21:29:00.001-08:00

I was so very lucky two have the last 4 days off. I had big plans to accomplish my very long to do list but instead I found myself day after day snuggled up with the hubby and kids watching movies or napping to the sound of rain. To do list shmoolist ;) Can't say I regret a second of it. One thing I did have the luxury of doing during this nice slow weekend is try a new recipe or two. This one was a hit and sooooo easy I just had to share. I just made it up as I went but its so similar to many other chicken roll up recipes I've had I'm not giving my self too much credit.

CHEESY CHICKEN BROCCOLI ROLL UPS
1 chicken breast cooked and chopped
1 broccoli crown chopped and steamed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 can Cream of Chicken soup
2 crescent roll packages ( I only had 1 and had a lot of left over chicken mix)

Preheat oven to 350F
Mix chicken, cheese, broccoli and soup together until well combined
Seperate each crescent and place on a non-stick baking sheet
Add a tablespoon or so of chicken mix to the larger part of each triangle
Pinch each side of the crescent and roll it up ending with tip so that the chicken mix is sealed inside.
Bake at 350 for 11-13 mind (or whatever the roll up package says)

Makes about 16 rolls

Let cool and enjoy!

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this about sums it for the year

2010-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

okay not entirely. There were some very good happenings this year, just don't have the time to go through it all. Happy New Year!

what time is it?

2010-12-21T06:15:00.001-08:00

You can't see much due to the time it was shot but I think you get the picture. That would be our headboard shes jumping on:)

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Halloween 2010

2010-11-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

Day had a blast trick-or-treating this year. She went with a friend a year older than her and insisted on being a big girl like her friend Izzy and walking the whole way. No holding her hand, no picking her up..... not even down the scary hills as she ran full speed..... Everytime I picked her up she would get MAD! Ah Day-Day, you are so indpendent already. She was surprisingly quite comfortable with going door to door and seeing strangers. She even tried to get inside houses a few times. I think she was hoping for better candy in the back ;)

Since we didn't get much use out of the piggy costume last year and it still fit this year we gave it another go. Day was so good about keeping it on the whole time we were out. She never tried to pull off the hat like she did in our practice rounds (yes I practiced with the costume, I did NOT want a repeat of last years scream fest). Here's our little piggie with her booty from the night. I love that she and Izzy will have these pictures when they are older since I'm sure they will still be great friends :)

Lament of the UnderEmployed

2010-11-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that today’s economy is awful. The unemployment rate is at nearly 10%, which is a scary statistic, but I think the real situation is even worse. Maybe it’s because it hits closer to home but it seems to me that our problem isn’t just unemployment, its underemployment. Jobs, especially good jobs, are scarce these days. The underemployed are large group of people in our work force that have settled for jobs in which they are over-qualified and therefore under-paid, under-used, and just plain un-happy. Their jobs offer no challenge and no chance to use their education/experience or to learn something new. The moral of this country is down, and I can see why. How can you not feel a little depressed when you are forced to work a job that bores you tears (with sometimes un-friendly work hours) only to make money that doesn’t even really cover your bills. No fun at work, no money to do funs things when not at work, and no hope is sight that something better will come anytime soon. Too many friends of mine with 4 year degrees are pouring coffee full time because it’s the only job they could get. I used to think people in that type of scenario just weren’t trying hard enough, but after watching 100s (yes 100s) of resumes sent out and interviews attended only to hear “we found someone better suited” I have changed my tune. It must be great to be a company right now. You have nothing but over qualified applicants and can sit back and have the best come to you and even accept a lower pay than you would have had to fork out 5 years ago.
The worst part is that it’s not just about money. Life is not all about material possessions, it may be difficult but you can always change your lifestyle to compensate for a smaller pay check. What makes life hard for the underemployed is having zero job satisfaction at the end of each day. The American dream of doing what you love for a living has been lost to the reality of inflated mortgages and credit debt. Years of school and paying your dues in a company lost, by no fault of your own. I know someday it will get better, I just don’t think the problem is an easy one to fix so things may not be good again for a long time. In the meantime, to my underemployed friends: May you focus on your blessings and persevere…. And if you need a beer buddy to help get you through it....give me a shout

Uhvv Ooo Too!

2010-11-01T11:13:00.001-07:00

I just heard the three best words in the world spoken in the sweetest little voice this morning. "Uhvv ooo Mom"
Yup, my baby Day told me she loved me for the first time today. It was melt your heart sweet and I will never ever forget that little smile as she said it. I'm so blessed to have such a loving baby girl. Mommy loves you too baby Day, more than you can ever know.
Cheers ~ Amanda

Monkey See Monkey Do

2010-10-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Day has been growing up so fast it makes my head spin. Her mind is this incredible little sponge that just soaks up everything around her. She seems to pick up a new word every other day or so and even has a few three word sentences.
"Where is it?"
"There you are!"
And last week I left the room to do something and Day came running after me down the hall screaming "Don't Leave Me!!!!!"
She hears something enough times and she's bound to repeat it. Our little princess has also picked up a few traits I'd rather she not have too. She has started giving me a dose of attitude complete with scowls, sighs, and stopping feet. Guess I'll need to be extra careful as to how I act around her because sadly I think that's all from me. J likes to joke that he now has a drama queen AND princess.
Last night at her grandma's house Day was pushing Elmo in a little cart and would suddenly be furious with the poor furry guy. Should scream "Elmo! Stop it!" Or "Elmo! blabalabakab" (I can only imagine what she was really trying to say to him). She even shook her little finger at him and stomped away sighing. It was so funny that was in tears laughing on the floor. Later I got to thinking though.... Where did she learn that? I really really try hard to never yell at her. J even gives me a hard time for trying to "reason with a 16 mo old", but she must have learned it somewhere and really her Dad and I are the only ones who discipline her so I'm guessing its us. The thought that Day is reflecting what she sees from us by yelling at her little Elmo makes my heart sad. I stressed over it a little all last night.
Then this morning I brought this little monkey to Day and was amazed with how she treated him. She first exclaimed "Onkey!" (which was awesome because that's a another new word for her) she held him, patted him, and gave him a kiss. As J and I were saying goodbye to her this morning she held out monkey to J and said "kiss?". He gave monkey a kiss. She then hugged and kissed monkey goodbye and handed him to me and insist I take him to work. I thought it was so sweet. I took him and told her I would think of her all day while I was gone. My sweet little baby. Maybe she and Elmo are just on the outs because she's a great little mama to her monkey :)
Cheers ~ Amanda

Denial

2010-10-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

I refuse to believe that it is really October. This year has gone by entirely too fast. Even though September this year was down right awful I'm still finding it hard to accept that we are nearly mid-way though October now. Maybe its that I have so much left undone from my summer to-do list. Maybe its the darn weather out here that has my convinced it can't possible be fall. But let's be real here, if your September looked like this you'd have trouble moving forward too right? ;)
Cheers ~ Amanda

wordless wednesday

2010-10-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

Breakfast Date

2010-10-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

J works on Saturdays so sometimes if mama gets out of bed early enough we like to have a little breakfast date out together before he heads out to work. Nothing quite like pumpkin pancakes to start the day right, and Day agrees :)
Cheers ~ Amanda

What I Am

2010-09-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Call me goofy (or just a mom) but I seriously have watched this video at least once a day since I first saw it. Luckily Day loves it too, must be Elmo and her great taste in music ;) There is just something very uplifting about listening to music that tells you you're capable of more than you realize. I've been tested and pushed to my limit the last few months, and I can tell you, I am stronger. Enjoy!

Dinseyland Half Marathon

2010-09-18T11:45:00.003-07:00

Back in April during my weight loss journey I had decieded to run a marathon. I had orginally chosen to run the Rock-n-Roll full marathon in Vegas in Decemeber but soon found out this event was the same day as my company Christmas party. I chose the party :) But I wasn't ready to abondon the idea of running an event so I looked for a replacement run. I came across the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon and knew this would be the event for me. I LOVE Disney, I even worked there for a time and helloooo you get to run through Sleeping Beauty's castle! I was in. Luckliy I had an awesome running partner who also signed up for The Happiest Race on Earth so she totally kept me in line for training. We ran at least once a week together since April and were working our way up in mileage to prepare for the 13.1 miles we would need to run come race day.

Well, life happens, and I fell off the wagon. I was working non-stop, it was getting harder to run long distances with the baby and come race day I never made past 6.4 miles in my life. I had sort of come to terms with the fact that I wasn't prepared and that I would likely end up walking most of the race. My goal was to run the whole way but at this point wasn't even sure that I would be able to finish.

Race day came and with less than 3 hours of sleep the night before it was time to run. The first part of the race wasn't bad at all. There were sooooo many people (many walking) that it forced me to keep a nice slow pace as Sara and I zigged zagged around other "racers". Mile 2-4 was through California Adventure and Disneyland which was awesome! There were tons of characters cheering us on and snapping photos with runners. I was feeling pretty good execpt for one small problem. Nature was calling, HARD. I was so afraid of not staying hydrated I had finished 2 very large Powerades within 12 hours before the race so by the time I hit mile 2 I knew there was no going on without a pitstop. I said "good luck" to Sara and ran straight into a door marked Ladies :) Luckily the lines weren't bad and I was in and out in no time. I felt gulity for stopping but I figured I wouldn't count it against my "no walking" goal. Once out of the park things got a bit tougher.

Mile 6 came up slow. I was aready tired, my knee was hurting, my blisters were burning and my left heel was in pain. I had hit my wall and I wasn't even half way. I knew I needed to stop and reapply my mole skin if I was going to have any chance at finishing. So I plopped my self down on the side of the course, ripped off my shoe and went to work. Thankfully it didn't take too long and a very nice guy even stopped to make sure I was alright. He helped me to my feet and any thoughts I had of walking were gone again. I needed to finish.

This race felt very significant to me, like if I quit I would fail at more than just running. I needed to prove to myself that I could do ANYTHING if I put my mind to it. Running, mothering, working, wifing.... all of it. I have always believed I could acheive anything if I really wanted it and tried my best. Life has been pretty hard lately and I've been pushed to be better at nealry everything I do. I wasn't going to let this race beat me too. I knew that I didn't just want to finish, I needed to finish to keep faith in myself. So I just kept running....

There were tons of local bands and cheer squads though along the course which was perfect because everytime I would feel the tempation to walk someone else would give me a hi-five or cheer "Go Amanda!" (so smart of Disney for putting our names on our bibs) and I would be inpsired to keep running. The next two miles were tough, but I pushed though and when I saw the 8 mile marker I knew I was going to make it. Once I had it in my head that I was going to finish I relaxed a little and started really enjoying the run. Just after mile 9 the course took us through Angel's Stadium and I got to run around the feild and even see myself up on the big jumbo tron. Way cool. Then it was pretty much a straight shot back to Disneyland. When I saw the finish line I became emotional. I felt that I made my own personal miracle that day and its a rush I'll never forget. I threw my arms over my head as I past the finish line in victory. I had won.

The pictures below were taken by photographers hired for the event. I was really excited to see them but I now realize how unattractive I am when I run. yikes. Oh well, I'm not out there to look pretty :)

I see the finish line! Just after passing the finish line. Can you tell how excited I am? :)

I'm in the bottom of this picture just right of the middle

A hot sweety mess but thrilled non the lessOfficial race time

One bathroom stop and one medic stop and I still managed to hold about 12/min mile pace. Go me :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Cheers ~ Amanda

2010-09-13T13:17:00.001-07:00

I would love to tell you why I haven't written. But I can't. I'm sorry. Don't hate me.
No really, the fact of the matter is as much I love to share personality on this blog I am very limited to what personal information I can share. Its a combination of internet safety practice + respecting the privacy of my loved ones. I have no issues with putting my own thoughts, trials, and truths out there for all to read but when I can't separate my story from my family's it has to stay off the blog.
So without sharing too many details I can just say that August was a very EVENTFUL month. Its been the good, the bad, and the down right ugly around here. I've been so busy I actually stopped wearing make-up to work. I actually love to put make-up on and until last month I don't think I've been seen outside my own home without at least mascara on so that should tell you just how desperate things are. I even BOUGHT a cake instead of making cupcakes for a friend's birthday last weekend :( so shameful. (Natty I owe you some delicious cuppycakes soon you pick the flavor!)
I was able to get some much needed rest this weekend and now I'm ready to start playing catch up with all I've neglected while trying to survive the last few weeks. Including my blog, and make-up :)
Cheers ~ Amanda

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-08T22:03:00.001-07:00

Cheers ~ Amanda

My New Assistant

2010-08-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Cheers ~ Amanda

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Cheers ~ Amanda

New Name!

2010-08-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Reader! (aka Mom)
Although you wouldn't guess it from the serious lack of posting lately, I do very much love this little blog of mine. I am constantly thinking of cute stories to post and pictures to add to entertain both myself and you dear reader. However I feel since the last year or so my blog topics have become very narrow and I'm just not expressing as much as I used to. I know it's only me who limits what I post and I long for the days when I could force any random thought on an audience and see what bounces back. So, it's time for a change. While I enjoy posting endless pictures of my lovely baby Day (because you know you can't get enough of those baby blues right??) I am going to try and expand the topics of this blog beyond just pictures and family updates. Don't expect too much too change too quickly but in honor of pepping things up around here I splurged on a whole $7.45 to obtain my own domain name. Yes that's right, if everything worked the way I meant it to you should notice your little address bar above no longer points to bbsfantablulouslife.blogspot but to the more aptly named www.TheLifeSoSweet.com
Oh yes, it's official, I'm a dot commer now! The whole "fantabulous" thing was getting a little embarrassing so this blog has grown up my friends. I have always wanted my own domain name and with a little coupon from godaddy.com it was just too easy and cheap to pass up.
I look forward to posting and connecting with you all more. Thanks for reading, and stay sweet :)

Cheers!
~Amanda

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

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Sonday Guest Post~ Day and J at Chucky Cheese!

2010-08-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

This is Day at her first visit to Chucky Cheese.... We are still waiting for her to wake up so we can go in and play! I wish she would hurry and wake up so we could go get some pizza. But step-mom says she will be much happier if we let her sleep for 10 more minutes so we are waiting....
At the mall today Day Day saw a lady with red curly hair wearing a red velour suit. She smiled at her pointed and shouted "Momo!". She thought it was Elmo! It was soooooo funny!
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Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Comic Con 2010 Part 2

2010-07-31T23:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday:

My mom and I were soooooo excited for the big Harry Potter panel this year. We both dressed up for the first time ever! My mom was Harry Potter and I was Hermonie. Our costumes were in impulse decision the night before but I think they turned out pretty good myself. I think I will try and dress up for at least one day of the Con each year. It was fun! It's the first time HP has done a panel and although the guide down played it we had high hopes. Well, sadly the panel was pretty short for all the hype we gave it. Tom Felton (Draco) made an appearance which was awesome, and he introduced some awesome footage of the new movies. There wasn't a Q&A session though which sucked because my mom was first in line! She would have been able to ask a question for sure. Oh well, maybe next year.

Green Lantern panel~ Ryan Reynolds (HOT!!! :), Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Martin Campbell and more

The highlight of this panel was... well let's be honest... getting to drool over Ryan Reynolds :) Okay so the second best part of the panel was watching this little boy from the audience, wearing a Green Lantern shirt and ring, ask Ryan so say the Green Lantern oath. Ryan gave a great theatrical reading of it then gave the little boy a little knuckle punch from the stage. He signed a comic for him too. The look on the little boys face was priceless. He was in awe. It was so awesome to get to witness a little kid meeting his hero.

I got to see a most of the Sucker Punch panel after the Harry Potter panel but had to head out early after that to go get the babies. I don't really have much to say about Sucker Punch except that it looks weird-freaky-nuts. Not sure if I'll be seeing that one, not really my cup of tea.

Sunday:
Mom and I took a gamble and decided to wait in line for the main exhibit hall in the morning to try and get Glee signing tickets. If you have never been to Comic Con you may not realize this but a LOT of your time is spent waiting in various lines. Even though the Glee panel didn't start until 1pm we knew if we weren't in line for it by 8am we may not have a shot of getting in. We thought the signing tickets would be worth the risk. We were pretty close to the front of the line to enter the hall when it opened but magically a few hundred people appeared in front of us at the FOX booth for the Glee tickets. Still haven't figure out how. Grrrr. So yeah, we didn't get to meet and great with the cast for signings. We left immediately to jump in line for Ballroom 20 hoping to make the panel. To my utter dismay I found the end of the line half way to Seaport Village! I couldn't believe it! Luckily though enough people cleared out after the Smallville panel that we made it in time to see Glee! The cast was great. Very funny and personable and producer/writer Ryan Murphy was there and gave us a ton of spoiler for next season. I won't be sharing any spoilers here because I don't believe in them :) but I'm sure a quick google search will tell you everything fans were told at Comic Con. There wasn't any sneak peak footage of Season 2 since they haven't started shooting yet but they did show a great montage of highlights from Season 1. Here are a few pics of the panel from my seat. Attending was: Santana, Brittany, Tina, Arty, Mercedes, Kurt and two producers/writers.

Kurt was an obvious fan favorite in the audience. A lot of the questions from the Q&A were about/for him. One of the things that really sets this show apart is that it stars a gay teen and the subject is very non-taboo. I love that they show Kurt's father's struggle with the situation but concept of family love always comes first. So great. This show brings me joy. I can't wait to see it come back next year!

The last part of the day was spent roaming the floor snapping pictures and collecting swag. bonus post to come with tons of photos!

Comic Con 2010 Part 1

2010-07-31T22:48:00.000-07:00

This year was my second Comic Con. I had an absolute blast! This will most definitely be a yearly tradition for me. Next year I will plan for more time off work though so I can really stay downtown and enjoy things like the Zombie Walk and people watching over the four days. I went for three this year and still missed so much! But without further ado I bring you my 2010 comic con recap.

Wednesday: I brought baby Day to pick up my badge again this year. She sported the LOST onesies that she was too little for last year. So crazy how much can change in just one little year!

Thursday:

MegaMind Panel~ Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill were all hysterical. Ferrell came out dressed as his all blue character as part of the bit. Jonah Hill gave his full support to Mel Gibson, then retracted it, then gave it half back. Tina Fey accidentally on purpose groped the Brad Pitt cutout on stage. The movie looks awesome. Love the whole concept of "what if the bad guy won?". I'm picturing this as a full length Mugatu feature. Should be awesome. If you have never been to a Hall H panel at Comic Con then you most likely don't know who Bob Stencil is. You're missing out. This guy goes every year and dresses up to simply ask a question of various panels in Hall H. This year he came to the Mike wearing his usual extra large aviator shades and started with: "wait I forgot to take off my glasses" which he then took off revealing a second pair underneath. lol. Then he asked the follow: "So with all the shows like Avatar, Megamind and Smurfs coming out in 3-D, I guess I'm wondering.... are blue character's here to stay"

So it probably doesn't sound as funny typed out but I'm giggling just remembering it :)

Tron panel~ Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde, Micheal Sheen, and more. Some of this was a repeat for me since I saw the Tron panel last year too but it was still enjoyable. I like Jeff Bridges take on Tron being the 80's modern myth on how dangerous new technology can be when we are making changes with it so fast that no one is stopping to consider the moral implications. He went off a little bit on how awful bottled water is for the environment and overall I'm really impressed with how smart he is. The cool thing about mentioning about the Tron panel is that we the audience were asked to provide sound clips for the movie! We all got to chant different phrases that they played on the screen and clap and stomp etc. It will be neat to watch the movie and here Hall H fans and know I was a part of that.

Salt panel ~ Angelina Jolie surprised everyone and showed up for this panel. I know she may have made some bad choices in her past but I have nothing but love for this woman now. She was nothing but classy and tolerated the same question over and over with a smile on her face and a sincere answer. As she walked off stage she took the time to turn back the audience and thank everyone for coming. She also did a great job of promoting her movie because I left very excited to go see Salt. The movie rocks fyi :)

Jolie talked about doing all of her own stunts in the film. She was even injured doing an "easy one" where she split her forehead and had to get glued back up. I have mad respect for this girl and am so glad I got the chance to see her in person.

Saturday(Green Lantern, Harry Potter, and Sucker Punch) and Sunday(Glee and floor walk) recaps next!

First Beach Trip

2010-07-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

I took Day to the beach for the first time a few weeks ago. I am so happy to report that Day loves the beach every bit as much as I do. We've already been back twice since.
For me the best part about the beach is the water! I love relaxing on the sand and all but I would much rather be in the waves swimming or surfing. The sand is just sort of there as a place to catch my breath and take a break before heading back out. Little Miss Day feels the same way. The sand didn't excite her all that much, although she would play with it here and there, but I just can't keep her out of the water! She loves to feel the wave drag the sand over her feet. She kept trying to walk further and further out into the water. Whenever a big wave would head our way all the kids on the beach would of course squeal and run away. My little dare devil would let out a delighted scream and run straight towards the break! She even got knocked over by a wave her first time out (bad Momma, I know). It took her by surprise but she didn't shed a single tear, she just wanted back in! Ha! I look forward to the day when I can teach her to surf. I'm glad that she and I have found something that with both love so much, besides her of course ;)

Zoo Trip Pics

2010-07-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

Still busy busy busy. I have a draft for Day's 1 year post. somewhere..... In the mean time if I don't start catching up at least a little of my post backlog I'll never get around to it so here is a little of what we've been up to:

First trip to the petting zoo with friend E!

Loved watching the otters

We also attended our first animal show together. We saw the Sea Lion Show Day loved the birds but I don't have any pics of them this time....

Next up. First trip to the beach!

Cherrios with a fork

2010-07-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Cause that's how we roll :)
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Family Update

2010-07-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

So my home PC is once again infected. Douh! How is it such a healthy family can't seem to keep a computer virus free? Oh well. I'm still working on DayDay's big 12 month post but I can't make any promises as to when it will be ready. Maybe by the time she turns two.....
But there have just been so many amazing little things she's been doing I have to at least mention them so I don't forget to write about them later. Here's a quick list of what our busy little family has been up to.

Baby Day is walking like crazy! Crawling is just too slow for her now and she walks(nearly runs at times) everywhere!
Her vocab is increasing weekly. She now says: Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Elmo, shoes, boom, Hi, doa (dog). She is also continuing to sign but mostly just to tell us when she wants milk
Day likes to sign the Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Boom" song. She basically says "la da ba la Boom Boom Boom ldagalabrrla Boom Boom Boom" (or something like that) while she dances to her own voice. It cracks me up.
J started a new job last week. It's going great so far. Even with the added commute we see him way more than we did when he was working at his last job. We are all thankfully for the increased family time
Little J is out of school for the summer and happily spending his free time reading/swimming/playing Wii and just plain being a happy kid
I'm working like crazy right now but I've finally booked my massage appointment for that 15lb reward I gave myself. Soooo looking forward to it.

Here are a few family photos we took the day of Day's birthday party. Our little family is growing so fast!

(Almost)Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

So I finally had the chance to blog this weekend. I have a growing back log of thought/events to share. But my home PC had other ideas... So until I figure out why analytics keeps freezing my blogger dashboard those posts will have to wait. Again. Ugh
So in the meantime here's another one of my favorite pics from Daylin's B-Day party. Happy Wednesday :)
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Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

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Happy Birthday Baby Day!

2010-06-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Poor thing celebrated with shots at the docs. Much more to come but here are some quick stats. 19.4 lbs, 25th percentile
29" tall, 50th percentile
18" head cir 60th percentile
100% healthy and lovely :)
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Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Almost Thair

2010-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Took about 150 tries to get them in
They lasted about 150 seconds
But golly-g they were cute while they were in....
I give it a few more months before we can start really doing some doos :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Post-it Note Tuesday

2010-06-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

First Steps!

2010-05-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

My little baby Day took a step towards toddler hood today. Actually she took about 4 of them! This morning she was playing with Daddy while I worked on our yard for a bit. She was standing by him but then I scraped the house and the noise scared her and she walked to Daddy's arms! Of course J was ecstatic. He called me in right away but she wasn't in the mood to try again. An hour or so later Day and I were playing by the TV and Elmo was on. Day stood by our ottoman and slowly made her way closer to the screen holding the furniture for support and then let go and took about 4 steps towards Elmo! I was so excited! Day walked twice more this afternoon to show off for her brother too. Look out world, Day's on the loose!
Picture is from shopping at Barnes and Noble yesterday. Day sure does love that Elmo :)
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Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

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We're Ready

2010-05-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

I'm excited yet sad that tonight marks the end of what I consider to be possibly the best show ever on television. I'll be watching the final hours of LOST tonight with my mom and a box of tissues. Thanks for the good times LOST. I'll miss you.
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Our Morning Routine

2010-05-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Day is always the first up in the morning, with myself of course following shortly after. Who needs an alarm when you can wake each day to the sound of Elmo being raked across crib slates? She has only been sleeping in her crib for a few weeks now but we already have a nice morning routine.
I go to her room and she always has a big smile for me as she stands in crib, blankie or Elmo in hand, and waits for me to pick her up and start our day. First we start with a diaper change, then a shower for mommy while Day plays in her pack-n-play by the shower. We throw a few games of peek-a-boo too. Next we brush our teeth. Day LOVES the tooth brush and whenever she sees mommy brush her teeth she has to have hers too. Even funnier, she HAS to hold the toothpaste. She a little young still to be using toothpaste so it stays unopened, but I think she sees mommy use it and understands its part of the process so she wants in on it too. Next, I get dressed while Day plays with my shoes or laundry on the closet floor, this girl is destined to be a shoe shopper. Finally we wake up Daddy(not that he gets much sleep through the morning giggles and squeals) and give hugs and kisses bye-bye so I can go to work. Hardest part of my day is saying good-bye to my Day, but at least we have our morning routine so we start each day the best way possible, together. :)
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Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

How Day says "more"
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