Weekend Planning Recap

All I have to say is this: Plans change - ALOT - when you have a baby, depending on weather, how the baby feels, how YOU feel....it just changes. And you have to deal with it. Here's how my weekend turned out.

Completed
Incomplete

Friday:

MHR post
Work at 5:15

Saturday:

Pinterest Project - framed bow holder (but I'm going to be working on this today and HOPEFULLY finishing it)
Cleaning - finish up the kitchen tasks from last week HA! I think my cleaning day will have to change to Tuesday. The kitchen is ALREADY a mess again...
Natalie's godmother, (and my high school BFF), Jess is coming over to hang out and watch her for me  Hubby ended up coming home early because of the SNOW??? What the what??
Work at 4:00 I did manage to go to work that day LOL

Sunday:

Work at 4:00
Window shopping
Possibly a little bit of football while at work - didn't get to watch much at home

Monday (HALLOWEEN!):

Cleaning (Happy House Challenge Week 2 - the dining area) and remains of Week 1 this will be Tuesday, I'm focusing on my Pinterest Project today
Trick or Treating with Natalie, Hubby and Jess it's too cold so we're just going to dress her up and take her out to dinner =)

Somewhere in there I'd love to:

Eat some good food well we're going to Chili's tonight so YAY!
Find some time to start re-reading Breaking Dawn in prep for the movie!!! Do believe I will break out that book tonight =)

Meal Plan for the week: (Last night was switched for tonight, so I cooked Chicken Fried Rice)

And while I'm add it I would just like to add that I am so happy with my new colorful awesome whiteboard menu and calendar =)

Happy Halloween from us to you!

That's my creepy yet ADORABLE Sammy girl! =) Hope everyone has a safe night and stays warm!

My Husband Rocks Friday #1

So, I got this idea from a blog I read almost two years ago when I first started my blog called The Great Adventure. Basically how it works is this:

Every Friday, I will be posting a story, or photo, or quote about how and why my husband rocks! And

I invite you to do the same!

No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy."

(from the From*me Tees Mission Reflection)

::Taken from Katy Lin's blog::

If you would like to join in on My Husband Rocks Friday, just write a post about how your husband/significant other ROCKS and why! Then mosey on back here and link your post with mine with the tool at the bottom! It's that easy and fun!

My husband rocks this week because I was still sick with a swollen throat and severe exhaustion on Tuesday and he let me take off work. Now, granted I probably wouldn't have made that much money anyway and I would rather be home, but it was really nice of him to say "If you don't feel good honey, you can stay home tonight." This gave me from Sunday to Thursday off of work, and it was really nice - except for the whole "being sick" part. He even still cooked dinner that night =)

My husband rocks =)

If you'd like to share the blog hop on your post simply go here and copy the code into your HTML section on your post! If you don't have a blog, feel free to tell me why YHR in my comments section!

Weekend Planning

It's time once again for the Weekend Planning Post from My Happy House! I have some major cleaning to do this weekend! And I'm excited for Natalie's first Halloween! Yes, I know she's not even 4 months old, she won't remember it blah,blah,blah but I will! I didn't get her a costume for nothing!!

Friday:

MHR post
Work at 5:15

Saturday:

Pinterest Project - framed bow holder
Cleaning - finish up the kitchen tasks from last week
Natalie's godmother, (and my high school BFF), Jess is coming over to hang out and watch her for me
Work at 4:00

Sunday:

Possibly working if we need the extra money
Window shopping
Possibly a little bit of football

Monday (HALLOWEEN!):

Cleaning (Happy House Challenge Week 2 - the dining area) and remains of Week 1
Trick or Treating with Natalie, Hubby and Jess

Somewhere in there I'd love to:

Eat some good food
Find some time to start re-reading Breaking Dawn in prep for the movie!!!

What are you up to this weekend? Tell me all about it!

Express Happy House Challenge Plus - Week 1!

Ok, so I have to admit, this challenge is going to be hard for me. Here is the post on what we were SUPPOSED to accomplish this week.
1. Make the bed: 3/7

2. Empty the sink: 1/7 - but at least it's empty now!

Completed
Not Completed

Clean out the cupboards- interiors and exteriors

Wipe down all appliances (the coffee pot is new due to my swollen throat this week)

Clean windows

Clean blinds/drapery

Clean out fridge

Clean out pantry this is half done and half not because I did reorganize my food pantry but I still have alot more rearranging that I need to do before I am done.

Deep clean counters and small appliances

Deep clean floors and garbage/recycling containers

Now, before I post these pictures, I ask you PLEASE do not judge me. I have a newborn, (technically a 3 month old but she's still very needy at times) I've been sick this week, and we had just gone grocery shopping.

Before:

After:

Now I still have alot to do, and I didn't post an after pic of the wall with the trash can, because frankly...it didn't change. I am planning on taking down the "bill holder" that we don't use, getting (when we have the money) a hanger for my ironing board and iron, and a hanger for the broom and mops. The trash can has to be wiped down on the outside. (I just cleaned the inside earlier this month)

Now I AM going to keep myself accountable and finish the tasks that are in red later this week in ADDITION to the new room on the docket.

Things Pre-Baby that I took for granted

I want to start this post by saying that I love my little girl with all my heart and I would never trade her for anything no matter how badly I need it (sleep) or how badly I want it. (a clean house) She is a GREAT baby, and we have been really blessed with a very laid back, quiet (for the most part), chill, low-maintence little girl. That being said, there are some things that I miss greatly:

Being able to clean the house - I can't seem to find the time - or the energy - anymore.

Only needing 10 minutes to get ready for leaving the house - It takes me a half hour to get myself ready, and another half hour just to get her stuff together. Then I'm not even counting the dozen or so times I run BACK into the house to grab something I forgot. Damn that baby brain!

Running a quick errand - gone are the days when I can just "run" in to a store to pick up a pack of gum or a soda or god forbid....lunch. Lugging a big ass carrier into a convience store is....well....heavy.

SLEEP. - I actually still get alot of this, but it just never seems like enough, and I think it's because even though I am in bed from 12 2 am to 10 12 pm I am up about every three - five hours and never get the REM that I used to. I'm still not "used" to it, and it's been three months.

Being able to go somewhere without planning hours in advance - I need to know how long it's been since she's eaten, if there's going to be a place to change her diapers, if I need the stroller, blah, blah, blah.....

Being able to leave the house with just a small purse - I now carry two, sometimes THREE bags with me at all times.

Being able to easily cook (and eat) a whole meal without any interruptions - it's like my daughter KNOWS when I'm about to eat, because she is quiet the whole time the meal is being prepared, and JUST when I sit down to eat.....SCREAMING ensues, and thus, my food inevitably gets cold. Good thing I am a server and used to eating cold food.

Pampering myself. - I JUST now (about a week ago) got around to plucking my eyebrows, which I hadn't done in.....oh....about six months. And I can't tell you the last time I had time to paint my nails or my toenails....or even time for a longer than normal, hot shower and time to curl my hair and do my makeup.

Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter. But I cannot wait until she is a little older and can entertain herself without me worrying about her falling off something or suffocating, and I can't wait until she's big enough to not be in a carrier anymore. I CAN wait....but I can't.

Weekend Planning Recap

Wow, I went on a posting frenzy this weekend didn't I? I think I have settled on this color scheme for my blog, I'm going to add a family photo (when we get professionals done for the holidays) to my blog header, and I think it will be done! I am forgoing a signature from now on (because you all know who I am by now!) and I am working on an updated button, and that will be the last addition! And I am making a pact to stick with it for at least six months - no more changing!

Let's see how my weekend turned out:

Completed
Not Completed

Friday:

Daily cleaning - make bed, do dishes.
Couch to 5k Week 2 Day 3
Work at 5:15.

Saturday:

Post my 52 in 52 update.
Daily cleaning - make bed, do dishes.
Do Natalie's laundry
Find a babysitter - work at 4:00 Mike ended up coming home early and taking me to work.

Sunday:

Relax and watch football. NOTHING ELSE.

Monday:

Begin my Express Happy House detail challenge - the kitchen. Before and after photos for my post on Wednesday.
Weekend Planning Recap Post

Somewhere in there I'd like to:
Go for a walk with Hubby, Natalie and the pups =)

Man, there's alot of red on there. I am doing all the dishes tonight as I am going to be cooking dinner! I'm going to be making tuna cakes modified from this recipe from Melissa D'Arabian.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Restless...

For some reason I just can't settle on a "theme" for my blog. At first it was a collage of my cats, dogs, husband and cooking at the top of my blog.

Then I had a baby and I added her photos.

Then when I picked the theme for Natalie's nursery I added that theme to it - liked it for a week.

Decided that I wanted everything to look more....sleek and sophisticated so I added a fancy border, a signature image, etc. - I liked it for another week.

Decided that I wanted a more funky theme, so I spent FOUR HOURS on Picnik designing my current logo, a rowboat with a Daddy, Mommy and little girl in it. It was supposed to go along with the whole nursery rhyme thing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." - and guess what?

I'm not sold on it. I just can't seem to settle. I want to include photos of the loves in my life in my blog header, but at the same time I want it to look simple and not over-cluttered. I want a fun, funky blog...but I can't seem to find the right fonts, images, etc. I can't even decide on COLORS. I mean, c'mon how hard is that? Am I just over-thinking things?

What should I do?

A comparison of love, and growth

My daughter is growing up WAY too fast!! All the binkies in these pictures are exactly the same size! From left to right: 1 week old, 3 weeks old, 1 month old, 2 months old, 3 months old

When she first came home her entire head AND chest fit inside the circle of the boppy, now there's barely enough room for her head! From left to right: 4 weeks old, 1 month old, 2 1/2 months old

All I have to say is....WOW.

Pinterst Project Saturday #1: Curling your hair without heat

So, I tried this method two different ways. The first way was to use a headband and put it around your head and then wrap your hair section by section around the headband. You can find the tutorial here. The process looks like this:

Before:

During (side):

During (back):

During (front):

Unfortunately I don't have after pictures, but I will tell you that the curls were not bad when I left the headband in for a couple hours with completely dry hair - but they did not last all day. Nor did they last all day when I put hairspray in them and left them overnight. The curls themselves are not very natural looking and it was very hard for me to get the back to look good, because my hair is so thick. It may work on thinner hair, but this was not the way for me.

So, I went in search of another method. The sock bun curling method - you can find the video here.

Here is what the process looks like:

Before:

During:

The next morning:

After:

Better close up of the curls: (ignore my cheesy smile lol)

And pulled back in a ponytail for work:

This curling method I really think would work better if i had a smaller sock (aka tighter curls) because it made my hair flip out at the bottom and not much else. However, I also think this has alot to do with the fact that my hair is not that long. I really didn't have much to roll in there and I think if my hair was longer this would have turned out better. I will also say that it fell throughout the day so I recommend using some kind of holding agent. (hairspray or gel) I recommend this method between the two.

There you have it! The first Pinterest Project Saturday of many (I hope!)

52 in 52 Update

So it's been a while since I've updated on where I am at with my yearly goals, aka my 52 in 52. For my previous post click here.

#1 - Ikinda started flaking on our photos. I got a few folders done in our pets folder, but haven't done much since then. I am determined to get it done before the 52 days is up.

#11 - Ida and I started the program up back on October 11 and we are still going strong! I've made some short posts about our progress here. We will be starting week 3 on Tuesday!

#13 - I tried yoga, and I am going to hold off on this goal until I am in WAYYYYYY better shape. I couldn't even get through the "sun salutation". I have no strength, so I'm going to wait until I do, but from what I WAS able to do, I think I am going to like it =)

#20 - We went to the Baltimore Aquarium this past Wednesday with Hubby's cousin. We had a blast and Natalie did really well being in a strap-on-carrier for the first time! Here are some pics of the trip:

#24 - My recipe book is coming along, although I haven't done much new to it. I lost the pen I was using to write the recipes and the cards are shiny so if the ink isn't right it smears. I have a new pen now.

#29 - This ended up not working out. I didn't have the money that weekend to buy the supplies needed, and the house was a disaster and I was embarrassed. So, no dinner party. Yet.

#36 and #37 - Natalie's three month post was last Saturday - we had such a blast and everyone keeps telling me how professional the photos look! =)

#47 - Still in progress. I haven't done any puzzles in a while. I just haven't had the time or desire.

#52 - Still in progress with the family binder as well. I fully intend on finishing it this month so that I can feel more organized.

There you have it! I wonder where I'll be with this in two weeks....

Weekend Planning

So, this weekend is going to be a slow one for me. I have been really tired lately, and I just don't feel like I am going to be very motivated to get anything except day to day things done.

I will be linking up with My Happy House for this post, feel free to join in the fun here!

On a side note, I am super excited about the Express Happy House Cleaning Challenge! I hope that I can keep up and everything starts to become a habit around this house, so that it stays a little cleaner and I can get this house ready for the holidays!

Friday:

Daily cleaning - make bed, do dishes.
Couch to 5k Week 2 Day 3 - This is going so well! I am really enjoying getting out there and running again!
Work at 5:15.

Saturday:

Post my 52 in 52 update.
Daily cleaning - make bed, do dishes.
Do Natalie's laundry
Find a babysitter - work at 4:00

Sunday:

Relax and watch football.  NOTHING ELSE.

Monday:

Begin my Express Happy House detail challenge - the kitchen. Before and after photos for my post on Wednesday.
Weekend Planning Recap Post

Somewhere in there I'd like to:

Go for a walk with Hubby, Natalie and the pups =)

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

My top 10 most used baby items

So when I was planning my baby shower I loaded my registry up with tons of things from swings to clothes to rediculous things like a bottle warmer (SUCH a waste of money - I haven't used it ONCE!)

These are the baby items that Natalie (and her mommy) can't live without and use most often:

1. Bright Starts bouncer -

This was a hand-me-down given to us by a very good friend named Emily, and it is honestly the BEST gift we've gotten. Natalie sits in it almost EVERY day. It's great because it vibrates and plays music.

2. Formula dispenser -

This thing is a LIFESAVER when we are out and about! You can put three bottles worth of premade formula (or even breastmilk I would think...although I haven't tried to keep liquid in it) in it, and take it with you with bottles with water in them. Open the top, pour powder in the bottle and voila!

3. Diaper Genie Elite II -

I. LOVE. THIS. DEVICE. It keeps odors vitually non-existant, is super easy to reload, and the refills are SUPER cheap! A definate must-have.

4. Summer Infant baby monitor -

Another hand me down, but honestly it does it's job. It gets a little fuzzy when the antenna isn't pointed the right direction, but it has really good sound, and is reliable. This is just the monitor I have, but any video monitor would work. I really recommend video - its great for peace of mind.

5. HoMedics Sound Spa Lullaby with projection -

Yet another hand-me-down, and this is one of THE best things to have. This one in particular is a little cheap and the projection eventually stopped working, but the audio is great. It has five settings: heartbeat, ocean, rain, and two lullabies, and for $20 at Target, we're going to just go buy another one so we can have the pictures back on the wall, because Natalie LOVED it.

6. Boppy -

Love, love, LOVE it. 'Nuf said.

7. Baby Trend Jogger System: carseat and compatible stroller -

This stroller/carset set is GREAT. It is very smooth, which is great for running (which Natalie and I tested out for the first time this week and she slept through no problem) and the carset goes straight from the car attachment and clicks into the stroller. It also has a regular front facing stroller underneath for when she gets older. I definately recommend it - even my Hubby loves to push it and I find myself "fighting" with him over who gets to push the really cool stroller!

8. Pampers Swaddlers -

I told myself when I was pregnant that we weren't going to be picky about what kind of diapers we use. Whatever was on sale or we had a coupon for is what we were getting. That was before....NOW, I am a true Pampers mom through and through. Huggies just does NOT fit well on her, and we had two blowouts in the space of a WEEK of using them. With Pampers we have not had a single blowout and I LOVE that they have a liner which pulls the wetness AWAY from her cute little bottom. Huggies does have a better belly-button cutout (which is great for my umbilical hernia baby) but I felt not ruining her little outfits with blowout poo was more important. I have not tried Luvs yet, but why mess with a good thing?

9. Glider -

I love our glider - it is so comfortable that I have fallen asleep with Munchkin in my arms numerous times! A definate must!

10. The First Years Infant to Toddler Tub -

This tub is great! It fits right on your sink, has a plug for draining, a shelf for shampoo and baby wash bottles, and a sling for when you first bring baby home. I only used the sling itself once, and am now sitting her in the "infant" side. There is also a "toddler" side, so she will be using this bathtub for a good while!

There you have it! My top 10 most used baby items!

Weekend Planning Recap

I had some work drama this weekend, and I am so glad that it's over! I also had a BLAST dressing Natalie up and taking pictures of her on Saturday!

Without further ado, here's how I did:

Incomplete
Complete

Friday:

C25K Week 1 Day 3 - 10:00 am
Post my weekend planning post -This got done on Thursday
Do Natalie's laundry
Clean up the bedroom - put away clutter
Wash the rest of the dishes This is getting done today...I'm a procrastinator what can I say?
Work at 5:00

Saturday:

Baby dress up and 3 month photos!
Try the yoga dvd that I have
Work at 4:00

Sunday:

Football on tv
Relax
Cook dinner
Meal planning - One more week of freedom! This weekend we are cracking down on the eating out!

Monday:

Yoga Wow. I am going to need to be in SHAPE before I even ATTEMPT this again. Wowzers.
Weekend Planning Recap postCook dinner
Window shopping in Winchester and Chili's for dinner

Somewhere in there I'd love to:

Spend some time on Pinterest
Cuddle with my hubby and the munchkin - Sunday mornings are the best!

Three months old!!

Where is the time GOING???

Dear Natalie,

Today you are three months old! (Yesterday you were officially 13 weeks) You will not have a checkup with the doctor this month, in fact you will not have another one until the middle of December! Apparently the doctor thinks you are doing really well!

Stats:

Weight -

Birth: 4 lbs 0 oz
1 mo: 5 lbs 13 oz
2 mo: 8 lbs 3.5 oz
3 mo: approx 10 lbs

Length -

Birth: 18 1/4 in
2 mo: 20 1/2 in
3 mo: approx 21 in

Last month we switched you to Enfamil Newborn, but at your doctors appointment, he said we could switch you to Enfamil Infant if we wanted to, so we did! This will be your last switch before we start feeding you solid foods! (Oh my goodness, did I just say solid foods??? STOP GROWING!!) Last month you were drinking 4oz every 3-5 hours, this month it seems to be 4-6 oz every 4-5 hours. You are STILL really good about sleeping and have continued sleeping longer at night, from around 11 pm until around 6 am, and then eat and go back to sleep until around 11 am. It seems like you need to burp even less with this new formula, but you are also spitting up ALOT less as well!

You are still wearing newborn sleepers, 0-3 mo onesies, and newbown sized diapers. We MIGHT be switching you to size 1 diapers here soon, because you are almost big enough for them! I have also had to start thinking about pulling out some of your 0-3 month sleepers and 3 month onsies, because you are SLOWLY outgrowing those as well! I think by next month or the month after you will be on to bigger and better clothes!!

Your baby acne is MUCH better this month, and your spitting up and nasal congestion/excited thing you do has calmed down alot. I am starting to think that you are becoming a PRO at eating!

Your hernia is still there, but it's not getting any worse anymore, so that is a VERY good thing.

Your head control is really amazing! You impress me every day! You do NOT like tummy time! You still love standing on your legs, and I am thinking about going ahead and getting you an exersaucer for you to practice in!

You still really don't like to play with toys, but you are starting to stare at your hanging toys on your carseat and your bouncer, and you occasionally bat at them.

You are smiling a little bit more, but you are completely random with your smiles. I am waiting for the day when I smile and you and you smile back! I also am really excited for you to giggle at me, it seems like you are starting but I'm not sure if you are ACTUALLY giggling or if you're just...well...grunting.

I am just having SO much fun with you! You are just so laid back and low-maintence that sometimes I just want to hold you just to have something to do with you! You are still growing so fast, I really wish time would slow down! Momma and Daddy love you more and more every day! We bought you a Halloween costume and I can't wait to dress you up! You are going to be a monkey.

Momma loves you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow!