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.

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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!!!!

December Bucket List UPDATE

With just a week into it, I've managed to check a few things off the list! Although, being checked doesn't mean it ends there. There's going to be plenty more Elf watching, peppermint indulging, and Christmas caroling throughout the end of the year. 

At my recent doctor's appointment, I was told I'm right on track with my pregnancy weight = up 17 lbs. At [almost] 36 weeks, that's not bad! However, that's pre-cookie-baking and pre-Christmas dinner feast(s). 

We shall see how this weight holds off in the next 4 weeks.

Oh my, 4 weeks........

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,