Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

My Son The Show Stopper

After about 4 years, I finally decided to set up a bank account for my daughter. However, my quick stop to the bank ended up taking me over an hour and a half [insert ripping-out-hair-from-head]. Going into it I was pretty prepared with everything... everything except knowing to write a novel on the back of evverrryyyyy single savings bond; being that she's a minor. I'm not sure of the exact number of bonds I had, but it was double digits. [insert carpal tunnel]  

Luckily, I had the baby fed and changed before arriving to the bank so I was grateful he was the least of  my worries at that time. At least he was, until he decided to have a massive explosion in his diaper.

Impeccable timing.

To add to the matter, their bathroom was currently occupied, so there I am in their conference room... naked baby, legs in the air, and poo - not the first word to come to mind, but I'll keep this PG. The smell, mind you, is indescribable. For such little creatures, they seem to produce the most pungent of smells.

I suggested for them to find a dumpster OUTSIDE, but the nice teller insisted she would throw it in her trash can. I'm pretty sure after just minutes I saw her and another girl excuse themselves for a moment.

And that was the day my son cleared out the bank.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Oh, hi. Remember me?

Definition
noun 
1. A person living in solitude...

Yes. That is currently the reality of my life. Not that I'm complaining. It's totally excusable. I'm just referencing the fact that I have been cooped up in this house for the last month. I literally find myself gasping for air when I let the dog out to pee. It's that extreme. 

Ok, so I'm a little dramatic. But lets face it... I am a new mother of two, whose 4yr old continually battles the sniffles, our newborn recently battled through RSV, while the husband and I went through our own dose of antibiotics for sinus infections... all in the last 4 weeks. Winter sure has a sense of humor. 

Moving on...

Since being 4 weeks postpartum, I have found myself already back to my pre-pregnancy weight. WOOHOO!!! I know the lack of sleep and illnesses may seem to have been the root of the weight loss, but quite the contrary. With the motivation of my husband's nutritional comeback [we both got a little off track through the pregnancy; again excusable], I have managed to maintain a well balance diet.

I grew up an athlete from grade school through high school. So naturally, I was a decently healthy human being. But it wasn't until the last 5 years that I truly became a health nut; obsessed with knowledge of the good/bad fats or the difference between simple/complex carbs. But of course, while pregnant, food deprivation is not an option so you'll find yourself straying off course a bit. Although, I did manage to stay in the gym as long as possible.

via Instagram plugin 

I made it to about 32 weeks, then I was done. My body wasn't able to do anything without force, and my motivation to do it was lacking. So, I guess you can say I took a 6 week break - baby B was born at 38 weeks. 

NOW! I'm ready to get back at it. Immediately [aka after the post baby junk food indulgence at the hospital] I began eating clean again, with moderate exercises here or there. I haven't pushed myself too much, because I want to make sure I'm back to normal 100%  at my 6 week mark. That way I can jump back into my old routines!!!! Yes, I'm that anxious.

Without dragging this on anymore than I have been, I want to share with you one of my new favorite snacks. It's been a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth. Although my sweet tooth has subsided tremendously, I still get a small craving. With that said, here is my substitute!

Frozen Yogurt Bites
Yogurt
Pastry bag or Ziploc baggie
Nonstick tray

Pour yogurt into the bag. If using a Ziploc, cut a tiny hole in the bottom corner [if the hole is too big, the yogurt will spill out]. Gently squeeze the yogurt onto tray in small bite size amounts. The size preference is up to you. Quickly place them in the freezer for about an hour. That's it!
Dispose of any excess yogurt...
And voila!
There you have it. A nice, healthy snack!

Again, I'm so anxious to get this ball rolling. It'd be totally cliché to say "new year, new me", but what the heck. I was in the best shape of my life back in 2011, and I'm ready to get back there again. It's a challenge I'm more than willing to accept! So in the next months, expect a lot of new recipes and I may even share some progress shots of my body's transformation. Hope you'll be along for the journey!!!!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Well we have managed to survive our first week at home! If you read the end of my last post, you'd understand what I mean by survive. 

This past week has reiterated the importance of managing time, but most importantly dividing that time between two kids and a husband. 

Another thing I learned is that a mother's love has no limits when it comes to her family. Although at times my heart seems like it could burst! I have been overwhelmed with emotions, both good and bittersweet. 

My daughter has been an only child for four years, and now she has to share her time with another; as do we now as parents of two. Our son is an incredible gift to our family, but we have done our best to not overlook Audriana's needs among the changes. I have to credit our extended families as well, spending extra time with Audriana and/or showering her with "big sister" gifts. She certainly hasn't felt like she's lost her spotlight; not that it's even remotely possible with that girl. 

These next years ahead of us are going to be quite the adventure. I'm anxious for the milestones of our new son, and to witness the relationship between him and Audriana. I grew up an only child, so the friendships and bonds between siblings have always fascinated me. I'm blessed to at least enjoy those moments through my own children now.   

Lastly, I have to acknowledge my inability to do any of this without my dear husband. With a few things left to finish in the nursery, the chaos approached us quickly when our son decided he wanted to get here in the middle of the night - TWO WEEKS EARLY. Yet, Chris managed to get everything together while I rested at the hospital and take care of all things I'd be unable to do once we were back home. Even with a hectic [end of the year] work week, Chris stayed around the house to make sure we were all taken care of. Whether it was fixing us breakfast, dinner, or simply waking up with me at night just to let me know he was there if I needed him... [tears commencing] ...I feel so blessed to have him as my husband. Words couldn't express just how incredible he is.

God continues to shower us with so much love, and there is no where else I'd rather be than in this moment.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Best of 2013... into the New Year!

To accumulate all of the memories 2013 brought us, I decided to share them in photos.

Here are a few highlights!

1. The BEST vacation 2. Audriana's first haircut 3. Derby [faaaamous] 4. My Best Friend's Wedding
1. First day of Preschool 2. My first volleyball team 3. Fall festivals 4. First Halloween at the zoo
1. Family tailgates 2. New York babymoon 3. First gymnastics class 4. Disneyworld!
On November 24th, I was baptized...
1. First visit with Santa 2. A priceless expression on Christmas morning... my favorite.
Lastly, we ended the year the best way we could have thought possible. Breezing through all the holidays and holiday birthdays, our baby boy landed his own special day on December 28th. Audriana was so excited to meet her baby brother, and we were on cloud nine with the completion of our family.
This passed year has been filled with so many blessings.

Although I could relive each memory over again in a heartbeat, I'm more than ecstatic to begin our newest journey this coming year.

2013, you were good to us...


Monday, November 25, 2013

Love & New Life

Well, we have just wrapped up quite an eventful weekend! Without going into elaborate details, here are some highlights. 

One of my favorite people in the world [also known as my aunt] threw me a beautiful baby shower on Saturday. I was able to capture a couple of my most favorite details, but they don't do it a bit of justice. Scrambling to enjoy every second, I left the photog to my sister-in-law! Thanks, Em!!! ;) 

With my family and friends gathered around, Audriana and I felt truly blessed.  
 And Sunday, I got baptized.
No words could possibly explain the emotions I endured this entire weekend. I was overwhelmed with love. Thanks to everyone for sharing this weekend with us, and especially for the support and love I received on Sunday.

Simply an amazing weekend.

Friday, November 22, 2013

From Three to Four

When you first glance at that positive pregnancy test, immediately you think... "really? no way." For me, nothing but excitement came into play in those first few moments, because we were actually trying. So by all means, it was more like "EEEEKKKK!!!!! FINALLY!!!!". Even announcing it, our daughter was just as surprised and happy. Although she was just shy of her 4th birthday [secrets not being her strong suit] so we didn't tell her close until the time we were ready to announce it to the rest of the world.

When we DID tell her, as expected she told everyone she ran into; whether or not it was in the right context.

Person: "Does someone have a birthday soon?"

Audriana: "... I'm going to be a big sister!"

Person: "How old are you going to be?"

Audriana: "...big sister."

That's about as accurate as her conversations were with anyone. She's very excited. And I'm thinking the age gap between the two is going to be just right. She's old enough that she gets it, and wants to be my big helper. By all means!! The reality that I'm about to have t-t-t-two kids is beginning to set in. Whoa.

Two kids. 

My first thought of two kids was initially... 
 
But then there are moments like these that leave me comforted...
She's ready to be a big sister, and I'm sure she will be will great with her baby brother. My mind still wonders how in the world some parents attain the ability [and sanity] to raise more than two! On a recent vacation outing, I witnessed multiple families of no less than 4 or 5 children. FIVE! I don't even think my brain can comprehend that reality. Not even  mentioning some of our grandparents who come from families of over 8. I praise those parents. God bless ya!!

The comparison of my first pregnancy to my second hasn't been too different. Although, this one has flown by quite quickly. I remember when I was pregnant with Audriana, each day passed about as quickly as molasses. I don't mean that in a bad way, just that I was able to savor in every month my belly changed. This time, I feel like my belly has grown over night. I'm trying to enjoy this pregnancy as much as I can, but I'm pretty sure Audriana's keeping me so busy that I'm distracted from even the subtle changes. Don't mistake that for not feeling the stretching, and constant ninja kicks going on every hour. I'm very well aware of those. I'm just finding myself at 33 weeks, wondering where the time has gone!!

I feel like I'm rambling. Am I rambling? 

I guess what I was originally trying to say is that I might not feel ready, but I know it'll be just fine when the time comes. Regardless, I'll take comfort in knowing it's normal to freak out if need be.


Mmm... chocolate.

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Speaking of family, it's making me miss my husband. With these coming months being the most demanding, his absent becomes more frequent due to long hours in the office and mostly traveling. BUT he comes home today!!!! So this is to convey my serious excitement to see him!!!!!!!!!!! Xoxoxo

To my lover,

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Sweet Surprises

Well, with the big news continuing to flow... I decided to do something special for as many individuals as I could! My mama, daughter, husband and mother-in-law were able to attend the BIG day on Tuesday, revealing our new baby and... his accessories... however, unfortunately my sister-in-law was not present. Knowing this was just as meaningful to her, I decided to run down to a local craft store and buy some goodies to help share the special news!! :) With a small paper bag, a little confetti and some blue "It's a boy!" Hershey kisses, it was nothing huge, but special indeed...
Moving on to my second surprise... to my dearest volleyball girls! Recently, I've been assisting as a coach for my old highschool's Jr. High volleyball team!!!! It's been an honor to be back on the court, especially with these girls. They're the sweetest, and a really talented group. For weeks, they've been anxious to know what the baby will be, so I figured I would surprise them with a special reveal. And it was too fun!!! I made them wait until the END of practice ;) because I didn't want their bellies full of dessert beforehand... the treat? Cake bites!!! ...a cake pop without the stick; RECIPE to come soon.
And a couple action shots...
 Needless to say, they devoured enjoyed them!! I'm so glad!! It's been awhile since I've put my baking skills to good use. It was nice to get back into the groove. And the best part... there were NONE left over!!!! Hooray! It's usually quite the opposite. I was very pleased on that account. ;) Although a handful of girls were disappointed I wouldn't be able to use their own name for the new baby, they were happy to hear the news... and I mean, when you're served cake bites who can complain, right? I love these girls!!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

WHOO knows????

Well folks, it's that time!!!!

...and even though this is not my first rodeo of anticipating such a moment, it never gets old!!! We have been on pins and needles, and I cannot explain my excitement and anxiety walking into the doctors office. My husband, well... he's so relaxed at times, it's astonishing. Building up to this day I decided to put my anxiety aside energy to good use, researching images for baby boy/girl reveals. They were all too cute! 
One of my favorites was a picture of the shoes! However, I must say I don't agree that only boys can rock a pair of chucks. ;) I've purchased a pair for my daughter every year since she was 4 months old. Nonetheless, it's a cute photo, and doesn't reduce the excitement one teentsy bit!!!!!
When we first began talking about how to reveal our new baby, I immediately thought to have a party! I have seen some pretty adorable photos of such events, and ideally I knew that's what I wanted to do. Although realistically, it was not as doable as I had hoped. The way weekends fell, and who would be in town/out of town, or at work... lets just say it wasn't going to coordinate well. BUT! That did not stop me from googling images for cakes - which would have been our revealing display. This was by far my absolute favorite!!
I am a dedicated, honorary customer to my dear friends at Sweet Stuff Bakery - as I have previously mentioned - so that would have been the place I'd have requested this cake be made... not to mention, the link attached to the photo is the copy right of a bakery in South Carolina. A photo will do plenty, given we were unable to gather everyone together, but it certainly doesn't do justice the thrill when we would be cutting into that cake.... So with that said, I guess I won't keep you waiting any longer.

Ladies and gents, it's time for the BIG REVEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Eeeeeeeeekkkk!!!!! We could not be more excited!! After having my beautiful little girl, I'm beyond thrilled to explore this new world of a precious little BOY!!!!!! My heart is bursting!!!! :)

And just for the good thrill of cutting a cake, I suppose it'd gone a bit like this......

Monday, August 26, 2013

Bibs, Brew, Burgers & Blue

So I found my facebook status cute enough, I decided to use it as today's blog post title! Don't judge me... it's perfectly appropriate given the weekend was filled with such adventures. The hubs and I took a trip up to our old memorable city... Indianapolis. My parents being season ticket holders, they kindly allowed hubby and I to venture up for a date night cheering on the Colts!!!
Given the growing size of my belly, I was unable to rock my normal Colts gear... but I was still representing some blue, no doubt. Once we arrived to the city, we parked in Circle Center Mall and treated ourselves to some retail therapy... for Audriana. Ha! That's how we dos-it these days. Walk into H&M and come out with a bag full of 4yr old merchandise. It certainly decreases buyer's remorse! She's always worth it.

Speaking of shopping for youngsters, I couldn't help myself when I saw this in the Pro Shop!!!!
Although, I did not purchase anything at the time, I was certainly in awe at the sight of all the tiny gear. Audriana had her first set of Colts attire when she was around a year old... thanks to Pop & GiGi. So there is no doubt, this baby will be set and ready to go at some point! I'm anxious to see how big this little guy/girl is gonna be first... 
So moving on into the day! We finished up at the mall, and headed down a block or two (or three, depending on hub's directions - not complaining, though, it was a beautiful day for a nice stroll) .. on to grab some food. The location was ideal for a nice spring/summer/fall day!!! Regrettably, I did not snag a picture of the outdoor patio, but imagine shading with dining tables, along side two giant circular couches next to a stage for some live music... priceless. Well, the wait for outdoor seating was too long for ms. preggers, so we were seated by the window inside - good enough, just get me food... or for the hubs, a cold brew!
After indulging in some spinach & artichoke dip, we were then handed our plates of gloriousness. Not quite pictured, alongside my quesadillas, is my cup of chicken & rice soup (a true pregnant meal if I do say so myself... not sure where my taste buds derived such a combination, but it was tasty indeed).
 Stuffed, and almost miserable... we headed on down to the stadium to join in some of the tailgating fun. Although I wasn't indulging in the refreshments, the entertainment was great! They had a new set up - new to me anyway - that allowed all the fans to gather together in one area and enjoy some food, beverages and live music. We found some shade, and parked it for a little while to enjoy it!
But then it was game time!!! No pictures to share... except for one of my hubby I spontaneously decided to capture. Figured I might as well, since there was no other photo indicating our presence at the game. A GREAT game at that! Our dear Colts played well, and won against the Browns. Woo hoo! Yes, it's only preseason, but it's exciting nonetheless. And yes, our seats look a bit high, but it was only the 400 section. Not bad considering their seats used to be up in the 600s!!! Talk about a hike. 
Regardless, we will take free tickets to a game ANYTIME!!! Thanks, mama & daddy, you're the best. We really enjoyed ourselves. Date nights like these won't come as easily when the new baby arrives! Although, the excitement for that day sure made it's appearance more than once on this rendezvous... as I realized come Super Bowl Sunday our baby will be here!!! I made that known quite often in the night. Hehe. Xoxoxo