Merry Christmas & a Happy 4 Months!

Wow. Four glorious months have gone by since our Abigail Rose entered this great big world. And we couldn't be happier. We woke up this morning as a happy family of four and it's great. Here's a little about Abby now:

• rolls from back to belly!!!
• giggles when we kiss her cheeks or neck, and is starting to get a little ticklish on her sides and underarms
• loves to smile
• loves watching Aidan and almost seems to want his attention already
• can pick up a toy
• can transfer a toy from one hand to the other
• can bring toys (and anything else) to her mouth
• sits in the bumbo
• still doesn't love belly time, but tolerates it longer than Aidan ever did
• still loves to cuddle on the boppy with mommy after nursing
• yup, still nursing! {made it past my 3 month goal...now let's see how returning to work goes}
• sleeps great through the night and on most car rides
• is generally pleasant 95% of the day
• loves to be held {it's not spoiling...they're only little for so long and if she's my last baby then I'll hold her all day}
• continues to make us the happiest family

Now, a little about Christmas morning. Abby was up first, so I fed her upstairs and brought her into our bed to share some "happy Abby morning smiles" with Sean figuring Aidan would be up at any moment. When Aidan finally woke up, around 9am, he was happy to see all of us. He was cuddling next to Abby so I took an adorable pic of the two of them in their Christmas jammies. Sean asked him why I was taking a picture of them, with their matching jammies, and what was special about them. Right away he realized it was Christmas morning and told us he was ready to go downstairs. It was so cute. So we went downstairs and he insisted he open all of Abby's gifts for her first before even getting into his...what a good big brother. Then he opened his and loved them all, even the clothes. This year we bought him a kitchen. Now I now I'll hear and have heard he should have gotten a workbench, but honestly there wasn't any I loved and I figure he loves the kitchen at preschool and Abby can have it in a year when Aidan's bored of it. Plus, I'm training him to be a great husband one day. Anyway, the kitchen was covered by a blanket. I asked him to get it so I could lay Abby on it and when he pulled it off he was so surprised. So far it's turned out to be a good gift.

A little bit later Steph, Brian, and Darren came over, and then my mom and Mike. Shortly after that Sean's family came around. Meagan and Colby, Cait, and his parents brought half of the North Pole with them, but maybe it's because we all still exchange that it looks ridiculous. One of these years we'll cut back! It was a fabulous morning followed by a delicious dinner and good company at Sean's Aunt Sue's house with tons of family.

The Tuesday after Christmas we headed down to northern Virginia to visit Sean's aunts and grandparents. Grandmom is in a rehab facility recovering from surgery and a fall, but it was so great to be able to see her and for her to meet Abby. It was also great to see Grandmom's eyes have a little sparkle back to them when she held Abby. We have to treasure moments like those even if it's just for a short time.

Although this was another blessed and wonderful holiday, I can't help feel a little sad that it's passed. I always feel like there's something else we should have done, a photo opportunity missed, a craft I forgot, or just sad that time spent with family is coming to an end. But I have to remember to look at all the fun times we had and memories we made.

{happy}

{Abby's 1st Christmas}

{wow}

{the stockings were hung}

{a happy kiddo}

{worn out abby being protected by toby}

Happy Christmas Eve!

This time last year I was giddy with excitement about getting a "positive" on a pregnancy test taken Christmas Eve morning. I was also a little anxious since I had a miscarriage and could only hope and pray this pregnancy would go full term. Thankfully a year later we have a beautiful four month old baby girl that we love, love, love to pieces. We also have an absolutely adorable and smart little guy who is a fabulous big brother already.

This Christmas Eve after going to mass with Sean's family, we spent some time over at my sister's house for her annual open house. It was filled with yummy food and great guests. It's always a good time had by all.

Can't wait for Christmas morning with our family of four!

Roll over, roll over...

Yay! Our little Abby girl rolled over today! She was laying on her back rolling from side to side. I had to readjust her arm and laid her back down and she rolled right over from back to left side to belly. Sean thought maybe I gave her a little advantage due to the way I laid her down but she later rolled again on her own. Maybe it was the glow of the Christmas tree or wanting to get to her brother, either way, she went! So exciting.

*as of 1/10/12 she has rolled a few times the same direction, but still hasn't rolled from belly to back.

{I did it!}

10 on Tuesday

1. What is your favorite online-only store?
Amazon. And I always find a way to get above the $25 mark to get the Free Super Saver Shipping. 

2. Do you enjoy wrapping gifts?
I do, but I've gotten smart and started leaving off the ribbons and bows since no one seems to care about them anyway. 

3. What is the temperature in your city today?
As I type this, it is 46 degrees and rainy. Yuck.

4. What time do you eat dinner?
It depends on what we’re having or eating out/in, but it’s usually around 6:30, give or take an hour.

5. Will you be making New Years Resolutions?
I don’t think so. Well, other than to lose 10 more pounds before April, but that's been part of my weight loss goal since after I had Abby. 35 pounds down already! woohoo! 

6. How old is your oldest pair of shoes that you still wear?
I would say a 6 years for a couple of pairs of work shoes I've got that I bought before I started teaching in my current district. 

7. Do you have any restaurant phone numbers saved in your phone?
No, but that doesn't mean I haven't googled them from the iPhone.

8. What is your favorite and least favorite letter to write in cursive?
Cursive? What's that? LOL. I've got my very own writing style which is a mix of cursive and print. I dislike teaching cursive to my students too because it takes too much thought but my handwriting always looks great on the whiteboard, so I guess I should do it more. 

9. Do you know any good riddles?
Not that I can think of.

10. How do you feel about snow?
I love snow when it is freshly fallen and clean, but once it's all slushy and gray and stepped in it's no longer pretty. I'd much rather have snow right now than the rain that's falling. 

little about me...

I needed a time out, and if this blog will one day be in book form {keep forgetting to order that} so my kids can look back at what was going through my mind, well, here's a little about mommy. 

1. Who was the last person you couldn't take your eyes off of? 
Abby. I can't believe how fast she's growing. Faster than Aidan I think...or at least how it feels. 

2. Have you ever cried during a movie? 
Absolutely. Heck, I cry during commercials.

3. Have you ever danced in the rain? 
I think I have. Ocean City, with Sean. So maybe it wasn't dancing, but definitely played in the puddles. 

4. What is your favorite sport? 
To play: field hockey. To watch: baseball.

5. Is there anything that you've done, that you regret? 
Oh, Yes! I try not to think of those moments as regrets but more like learning experiences.

6. Who do you have a crush on? 
My husband (and Bradley Cooper!)

7. What are you afraid of? 
Running out of time. And bugs, lots of different bugs, but especially the camel crickets (jumping spiders) that show up in our garage. 

8. Do you have any children? 
Aidan, who is 3 1/2 and the best little guy in the world. He made me a mommy. And Abby, who will be 4 months on Christmas. She's my little princess. 

9. What is your first thought when you wake up in the morning? 
What time is it?  

10. What is something that would surprise people about you? 
I wish I were more of an extrovert. 

11. Do you play any instruments? 
I do not, but at one point in my childhood I played the piano and the clarinet. 

12. Who makes you laugh? 
My kids and husband. 

13. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours? 
Sean

14. What's your favorite coffee?
I just started drinking coffee this year, and french vanilla is pretty good. 

15. Are you a morning person or a night person? 
I think I've turned into a morning person! By the time night comes around I'm exhausted.  

16. What is your favorite book? 
I really enjoyed The Glass Castle a few years back. The latest book I read and loved was The Help.  

17. Do you have a collection of anything? 
I don't think so.

18. What is one word that can transform our lives? 
Hope.

19. Have you ever done something adventurous? 
I jumped off a cliff into the water at Xel Ha on our honeymoon in Riviera Maya. That was pretty adventurous.

20. What is your favorite song? 
hmmm...Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol might be up at the top. It's the song that I immediately remember every detail of dancing to at our wedding during the dinner hour even though our wedding song was Still of the Night. 

21. Do you have any pets? 
I have a lazy lhasa apso named Toby who is 11 years old. He's the best cuddler though.

22. What is your favorite part about life? 
The little things. Time with Aidan and Abby and Sean, baby smiles, Aidan's belly laughs, and so many other things, but mostly that we're all healthy and can enjoy each other.

23. What is something you are excited about in the new year? 
While not excited to give up my stay at home mom status, I'm excited to be in a new teaching position at a younger grade level working with a teacher who I will learn a ton from. Oh, and I'm also excited for June since I'll be a stay at home mom again for the summer. Not so excited about turning 30.  

24. Who is your role model? 
I'd say I have a couple of different ones depending on where I am in life, what I'm doing, and what the situation is. 

25. Are you the same person now that you were when you were five? 
Well, some might say so. I'm more of an observer than an extrovert, I can be bossy, I like to be right and have the last word, I love babies, I love taking care of people, don't like wearing dresses, like to be outdoors exploring, um, yup, same girl. 

My thoughts on life right now:

I've got to get this blog into paper form so my kids can read it years from now and know what was going through my head and what kind of person I am besides just a mommy. 

Santa!

Aidan & Abby love Santa

In two weeks...

my life as a stay at home mom is over
i go back to work
new position, new grade level, new experiences
i believe it will be more fun and a place i'm better fit for
but i will miss my kids every minute of the day that i'm working
i will miss running errands with two kids in tow even if it means taking 5 minutes to load into the car and another 5 to unload just the kids
i will miss preschool drop offs and pick ups of aidan and seeing all the moms that i wish i could be or even be friends with outside of drop offs
i will miss my lunch dates with aidan (and usually sleeping abby) where we can chat about what's going on since he's old enough to notice things like the 3 year old from the library who had a binky in McDonald's
i will miss nursing sessions during the day where abby falls asleep on the boppy and we cuddle or she stays awake and i can look into her beautiful eyes and we can share smiles and talks
i will miss not having to wake to any alarm but abby stirring
i will worry that i won't see abby's firsts like rolling over, words, crawling, pulling up, and walking
i will worry if she is napping well since i know her tricks {ok, maybe nursing to sleep for nap sometimes isn't a good idea} and i know what works and it's hard for even sean to replicate
i will worry if i'm being bossy or too particular about their care while i'm working
i will count down the days until summer break when i can be a stay at home mom again
i will enjoy the time after work even though the house will be a mess, dinner will not get cooked, and i'll be worrying about getting lunches and bags ready for the next day
i will make sure we do fun things on the weekends to make up for the times missed during the week
i will miss my kids

My thoughts on life right now:
All of those stay at home moms should be incredibly grateful for the time they have with their children and the ability to stay at home and not miss any moments. I'm jealous.
I will enjoy getting a paycheck again since June was a long time ago, but I'd rather be paid in spit up and giggles.  

Weigh In Wednesday

Weight loss to date: 34.8 pounds {wow!}

BMI: 24.92 ~ YAY!!! Finally in the "normal" range. 

Weight left to lose: 10.2 pounds 

First Goal: 25 pounds {Reached: 9.14.11} 

• Reward: Coach Baby Bag {got it and love it!} 

Second Goal: 35 pounds ( 2/10 of a pound to go!) 

• Reward: a much needed pedicure 

Final Goal: 45 pounds 

• Reward: originally thought some new clothes, but I'll be happy that my old ones fit!

Success: I'm actually at my second goal weight, but with a .2 behind it. And I refuse to reward myself until that less than half a pound is gone. I was so happy for myself when I stepped on the scale and saw that.  

Set-Backs: Eating crappy. Not working out enough. Getting down on myself and then stress eating.   

Exercise: Made it to Zumba which was great, and carrying Abby in her carseat can be a workout too. I still need to try a little harder and get to the gym twice a week though, or maybe do Wii or an OnDemand workout. 

I noticed some of the weight loss in my face today, and that felt good. I also fit into a pair of corduroys that I haven't worn in over a year. I've got to keep up the loss though. Originally I said I wanted to lose the weight by April, and I still do, but maybe if I get into a better routine and eat better I can lose 15 instead of 10 more pounds and really feel good about myself, and fit into a lot of my clothes in my closet! 

My thoughts on life right now:

Just not enough time in the day. 

10 on Tuesday

1. How do you eat your eggs?
Usually on a sandwich, and if not, fried or scrambled.

2. Do you volunteer?
Eh, no, but I'd like to. I have in the past though. 

3. What’s your favorite brand of jeans?
Currently nothing. I've got some Express jeans that currently fit well in the legs and butt but not belly (thanks kids!) and I've got some that fit well in the belly but are huge in the legs and butt. I'm in search of well, haven't even tried any on since after having Abby a great pair or the loss of a few pounds around the midsection.

4. What was your child’s first word? Or what was your first word?
Aidan's was "ma" :) 

5. Can you french braid?
Not really, but I better learn for Abby.

6. Do you prefer wide rule, college rule, or blank paper?
College rule. Wide rule reminds me of teaching and blank isn't organized enough for me.

7. Is there a specific treat you always make during the holidays?
Not really. Man, I'm boring

8. Do you have a KitchenAid mixer? Do you want one?
Yes I have one and I think it’s amazing. In my dream home it will have a special place on the counter. 

9. What kind of computer do you use?
I use a MacBook Pro {thanks Sean!}. 

10. Favorite Christmas movie?
Probably Elf or the Grinch with Jim Carrey.

My thoughts on life right now:

I should not be blogging since my house is not decorated and I have lots of cleaning and shopping to do before our party this weekend. Ugh. Time flies. 

10 on Tuesday

1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist?
Sneakers, soap/mask from Lush, lightscoop for my camera.

2. What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Oh Holy Night probably.

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?
Not that I can think of.

4. Have you heard about the website goodreads?
I have and think I'm a member, but not totally sure.

5. What are 3 books you want to read?
I HAVE NO IDEA. I was thinking about how I want a good book to read, but nothing really sounds good to me right now.

6. Do you hunt deer?
Nope.

7. Have you started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?
I started and am more than 50% done, but Sean's the most difficult person to shop for so I still have to work on him and a few others.

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?
I did. Best deal was 3 dress shirts and a tie for under $50 for my pollyanna.

9. What’s one holiday tradition your family has?
We open on gift on Christmas Eve.

10. How many blogs do you read? Do you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?
Probably about 10. I stick with the same basic ones, and will occasionally add/delete one from the reader. 

10 on Tuesday

1. Do you wear glasses, contacts, or are you one of those perfect eyed people?
I wear contacts and have since college. I got glasses in high school mainly for driving and to see far if need be. My eyes aren't that bad, but contacts/glasses make things much clearer. 

2. What is the next item you are going to purchase?
I have a decent amount of Christmas gifts to buy still, but may order Aidan a Fisher Price Nativity set tonight if I remember.

3. Have you ever watched Judge Judy or any other real court show?
Nope. 

4. How do you feel about fake nails?
I think they look nice when they have a natural look. Too long is just a mess. I wore them for school dances, weddings, etc. I really like the gel nails now but they're just not in the budget. 

5. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Baseball. Nothing else even comes close.

6. If you could create your own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, what would it be and what would it be named?
I'm pretty sure all the combos I love already exist, so I'm no fun here.

7. Do you have any scars?
I scar fairly easily which sucks. My favorite scar yup, you can have a fave is where both my babies came out by c-section. That's my daily reminder of how they got here.

8. Does your pet’s name fit them? Is there a more appropriate name?
Toby definitely fits the dog. Toby Tyler fits too. :)

9. What is your favorite television show theme song?
I can't say I have a favorite. Nor can I really remember any off the top of my head.

10. What was your favorite activity on the playground?
The jungle gym. Swings made me feel dizzy, as did the merry-go-round, but the jungle gym could be our imagination's castle, house, jail, etc.

Abby~3 months old

Oh sweet Abby girl. You're 3 months old. Time is flying by and that makes me sad! It feels like just yesterday I was in the hospital, but at the same time hard to remember life without you.

Here's a little peek into your great big world:

• happy 99% of the time
• love to smile, even at strangers who think you are beautiful, adorable, precious, etc.
• great napper, especially if we are on the go
• love to kick and wiggle during floor time
• love to lounge on the boppy in mommy's arms
• soothed by the pacifier, but not addicted to it
• will take a bottle which allows mommy some freedom {still nursing! yay!}
• little laughs when we kiss you on your neck
• some of your 3 months clothes are getting small, wearing 3-6 months and 6 months but those are still roomy
• wearing size 2 diapers now partly because mommy ran out of size 1 and had size 2 in the closet!
• not really enjoying belly time, but doing a great job at lifting your head
• still love to be swaddled, and will sometimes smile really big when being put into the SwaddleMe 
• love to be on the go...which is great since mommy has lots to do and Aunt Cait's basketball games will start soon

I can't believe you're three months old! I feel very lucky that I did not have to return to work at 12 weeks like most, but still very sad that I will have to leave you come January. You are growing so fast and I don't want to miss a moment with you. 

{1st time in the Bumbo & not a fan} 

{big brother always calms you down}

{discovering your feet}

My thoughts on life right now:

I can't believe it's been 3 months.

Perfect little family.

Can't wait to see the milestones to come.

Weigh-in Wednesday

Weight loss to date: 34 pounds {wow!}

BMI: 25.06 ~ overweight range but only by 0.06, so I'm getting close to being normal

Weight left to lose: 11 pounds 

First Goal: 25 pounds {Reached: 9.14.11} 

• Reward: Coach Baby Bag {got it and love it!} 

Second Goal: 35 pounds (one {1!} pound to go) 

• Reward: a pedicure (even better that I just received a gift certificate for one)  

Final Goal: 45 pounds 

• Reward: some new clothes 

Success: Lost a little more! I am ONE, 1!, pound away from my second goal and couldn't be happier. I made it to the gym at least once per week in the last couple of weeks. I started Zumba and enjoy it even though I can't keep up with some of the dances sometimes, but I'm learning and it's fun. Definitely a work out. Oh, and that dress I bought for Abby's baptism? Loved it. I actually felt confident in my outfit that day. Yay! Oh, and I got into my skinny jeans. Another yay since it's Ugg time. 

Set-Backs: Still not getting to the gym enough. I'd like to make it there twice a week. All the leftovers from her baptism party are hanging around taunting me (cake balls anyone?) and we will feast away on Thanksgiving.  

Exercise: Made it to Zumba which was great, and cleaning the house can be a workout too. I need to try and get to the gym twice a week though, even if it means taking Aidan to swim on Sundays for family swim.   

I'm getting so close to that 35 pound weight loss!I can't wait!!!  

My thoughts on life right now:

Having more days where I feel better about the way I look, and feeling healthier too.  

10 on Tuesday

1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?

I'll be cooking here for about 10 people. This is the third Thanksgiving we've hosted and since everyone brings at least one dish, it makes it much easier.

2. What are you most thankful for this year? 
Definitely my family and friends and our very happy and healthy baby Abby. 

3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps?
Wake up, watch a little of the parade with Aidan (and now Abby too) in our bed, then get to work cooking. The TV is always on...first the parade then football. After we feast, we usually scope out the Black Friday ads for any great deals. 

4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish?
It’s called stuffing. It does not belong in your turkey. That's just gross because then either the turkey or the stuffing won't cook hot enough in the middle and then you risk getting sick from the bacteria. 

5. Do you cook?
I do cook. This will be the second time I made the turkey, the first year I had Sean's mom bring it because I was afraid to ruin it. Love the Reynold's oven bags for the turkey...it keeps it moist and there's no basting required. I also make a good amount of the sides. 

6. What is your favorite dish?
The mashed potatoes with my mom's sweet potato casserole in a close second.

7. What is your dessert preference?
I love pumpkin pie, although I can’t usually enjoy it as much as I’d like since I’m so full!

8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
I don't really have a favorite, but just enjoy that family comes together to eat at the same table.

9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?
No! I hate the crowds and the lines and especially the stupid people. If someone really wanted me to go with them I would, but I feel like I can find good deals on other days besides BF. 

10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year?
The possibility of gaining weight from all the overeating I'm likely to do. I've been doing great with losing weight and I'm afraid my self-control is going to get lost at the holidays. But, I need to remind myself that I'm the one in control of my body. Oh, and that it means I've only got a month left as a stay at home mom. That sucks the most. I love being home with my kids.

My thoughts on life right now:

Hoping the turkey tastes great.

Hoping for leftovers, but not too many.

Thankful for so many things.

10 on Tuesday

1. What are your pantry staples?
Pasta, pasta sauce, mac n cheese, cereal, oatmeal, ketchup, soup, Tostitos, snacks. 

2. What are your refrigerator staples?
Milk, yogurt, OJ, eggs, and cheese.

3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
I’d be accomplish more of my goals/ideas. I’d be more relaxed. And I’d be better at making "mom" friends.

4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
Bills, bills, bills. Hah, seriously. I think if I didn't have student loans, and we chose to live a simpler life with less luxuries (yes, I'd consider most of what we have a luxury and not a necessity like the cable sports package), I would seriously be a stay at home mom. That's truly my dream job. If I could do that until my kids were in elementary school I'd be thrilled. And, if not, then something with kids. I love babies too, so maybe something with them. I've always considered being a neonatal nurse, but that means more school, more loans, and the cycle would never end. A few days ago I decided since I have to work now I'll do it so that I can watch my grandchildren when the time comes.

5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
Laser hair removal. It would cut my shower time in half. :) 

6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
hmm...I can't think of anything. Well, besides our slight addiction with having tortilla chips in the house. There always has to be a back-up bag on hand. 

7. What’s in/on your bed every night?
Two pillows, one sheet, one knit blanket, one down comforter, myself, my husband, and my dog.

8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?
hmmm...another one that I'm not sure of. Probably cable tv though. 

9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?
I don't make weird sandwiches.

10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
None of the above. I'm just getting started on Pinterest. And if I had more time or actually accomplished tasks I dream about, then I might be sad about being banned. I could care less about Twitter followers, it's my sane way of talking to myself basically. I'm a Facebook addict, so I couldn't live without that. I don't know if I'd want that many blog readers in my business. 

Weigh In Wednesday

Weight loss to date: 32.8 pounds

BMI: 25.26 ~ overweight range :(

Weight left to lose: 12.2 pounds 

First Goal: 25 pounds {Reached: 9.14.11} 

• Reward: Coach Baby Bag {got it and love it!} 

Second Goal: 35 pounds (getting so close!!!) 

• Reward: I'm thinking highlights for my hair, or maybe a pedicure  

Final Goal: 45 pounds 

• Reward: some new clothes 

Success: Lost a couple of pounds. Made it to the gym. Did a lot of walking even if it was while browsing and shopping. Pants are fitting a little more comfortably around the middle, and definitely looser in the legs and bum area. I found a dress today for Abby's baptism. It's awesome and I feel great in it! Can't remember the last time I said that. 

Set-Backs: Still not getting to the gym enough. Not making the best food choices either. 

Exercise: I made it to the gym, once. I went to Zumba and that class was crazy. I loved it though. I want to make it a point to go every Monday night. I could also try to make it to that class Thursday night and Saturday morning. I'm a little sore, but it was lots of fun. I'm hoping that by finding a class I like I'll feel obligated to go therefore losing some weight and getting into shape.  

I'm getting so close to that 35 pound weight loss! It'll feel so good, and I'll be really happy to see that number on the scale. I hope with an increase in exercise I'll have a decrease in pounds.  

My thoughts on life right now:

I've got to make time for myself.