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.  

10 on Tuesday

1. What’s your favorite television show  for each day of the week?
Sunday – America's Funniest Home Videos (with Aidan)
Monday – Castle
Tuesday – Glee
Wednesday –
Thursday – Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice
Friday – Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Saturday – 

2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you wash them?
Usually twice, sometimes three times. Lately it's been once since Abby is the spit up queen. 

3. What is your favorite pasta shape?
I like all pasta shapes, but my favorite is probably penne. 

4. Do you read newspapers?
Yes, but it's usually day(s) old news since I don't make time to read it.

5. Do you sleep in socks?
Sometimes, but then I usually wake up and take them off because I get hot. 

6. Favorite genre of movies?
Romantic comedies.

7. How do you feel about wrestling?
I think mat wrestling is okay, but the germs and outfits and possible skin diseases gross me out. "Pro" wrestling is just plain stupid. 

8. Should men pluck their eyebrows?
For maintenance YES. If there is a unibrow, it's got to go. 

9. Do you have dimples?
Nope.

10. Do you like to camp?
I'm a scaredy cat. If I can lock a door to a cabin then I might be okay. 

Abby giggles

Ahhh, let the fun begin. Lately Abby has really been reacting to our faces, voices, and actions. She loves to smile at us, and sometimes is frightened by quick movements. Last night while I was pouring water on her in the bath she started giggling. It was ADORABLE. I laughed out loud, then called for Sean to come hear her. It was so funny. She only did it for a couple of times before resorting to smiles, but it was great. She has giggled in her sleep for at least a month now, but it's so nice to finally hear her do it as a reaction to something we are doing.

Since I didn't have the phone or camera for the bathtime giggles, here's two pics to hold you over until I upload some new ones from my camera. {which does not get used enough...that second child syndrome is so true}

{iPhone pic taken today...need to use my camera more often!}

My thoughts on life right now:

Wow. It's November.

Christmas with two little ones will be twice as magical.

There should be a fund to pay bills so moms can stay at home with their kids until they are in elementary school. These early years go too fast! 

10 on Tuesday

1. What is your favorite month?
Well it used to be April because Sean, Aidan, and I all share a birthday month, but now Abby is an August girl so picking April isn't so fair. Maybe June because it's the beginning of summer and end of a school year!

2. What is the best candy to get while trick or treating?
Snickers...I never buy them for myself but they are oh so good. 

3. What kind of pen do you use?
I prefer the Pilot G5 in a few different colors. If that's not around than something that writes smoothly. 

4. You go to a new Italian restaurant, what is your go-to order?
Maybe a tomato and basil pasta or fettucine alfredo.

5. If you could choose to have any celebrity’s hair, who’s would you choose?
I'd want something long and with volume, maybe a little curl to it. I can't think of anyone specifically right now though.

6. What’s your favorite board game?
I'd have to say Sorry. It's fun and doesn't take too long. 

7. Do you know how to play poker?
Umm no.

8. What do you think about Old Navy commercials?
They're a little annoying, but always make me want to go buy what the models are wearing, so I guess they're effective. 

9. What hurts worse- a stubbed toe or a paper cut?
A stubbed toe hurts right away and makes me angry for a split second. A paper cut burns and lingers for days. 

10. What’s your favorite kind of pie?
Either pumpkin or apple. Yum.