Catch Up

Probably should be sleeping right now, if not sleeping probably should be studying or working out, or cleaning... but here I am catching up on my blogging. Life has been so busy that when I do have a free minute I try to utilize it wisely. But right now, at 3 in the morning I am sacrificing sleep to catch up on things. Really, who needs sleep? It is so over rated. At least that is what I trying to convince myself of.

Upcoming stuff...

• Today I start training for the Indy Mini next May. It is going to be a long road ahead of me... over 400 miles of training.I am really anxious to complete it! What a rewarding feeling.
• I plan to take CCI Science y Thanksgiving. And CCI Echo by the end of the year.
• I am doing P90X to gain lean muscle
• I am trying to pay off things and become financially budgeted

I think that is enough for for now. Lots on my plate. Including trying to spend as much time as possible with our boys as I can. That is first and foremost,. I will sacrifice sleep any day if that means I can get my s#@t done while they are sleeping and spend their waking hours together. My work week really should be shorter than my weekend.

tears

One step forward.... three big steps back...

Caught

One of the women at work talks out of both sides of her mouth. Today she got caught. We work in a small group, and she is constantly trying to turn us all against each other. She will tell you one thing and in 5 minutes tell you the exact opposite. Today she got caught because people started talking. It will be interesting to see how things are handled. It may have taken 2 years for me to have worked with her and seen this, but she is finally being seen for what she is. Ughh,,, I really can't stand what she is doing!

John

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

John.... you mean the world to me :)

Necrosis

Mom had to have her 3rd surgery in one month today. Her incision was not healing and it had dead skin (necrosis) around it. So, the surgeon had to go back in and debris the area. The surgery was faster today. She went in at 9 and was leaving the hospital by 2.

She is not pleased with the new recovery time. They did not stitch up the incision this time. Dr. Waggoner wants to leave it open and let it heal from the inside out. This entails a visiting nurse to come to her house twice daily to pack the wound. Ouch! Mom is a bit down, because she was hoping that she would have her stitches out by now and be fully recovered and moving on with life. Due to her excess body weight and diabetes, the recovery is not as quick. We just have to keep in mind the main thing, the reamaining lymph nodes are not cancerous.

It is hard to not be in Terre Haute with her, where I could help take care of her. It is hard being the only child and not living in the same city. I hold a lot of guilt for not "being" physically there everyday to help with her. So, I call daily 2-3 times and try to be as much emotional, comforting help that I can. Good luck mom. Next year we will look at this and be thankful, for things could be much worse.

#14, 15 and 16

#14
I love Fall days. Long sleeve t-shirst, jeand and a hoodie.... can;t wait! It is just around the corner.

#15 Google Calender

Ethan's mother started using google calendar to keep track of his schedule and be able to share it with us, family and friends. You can also get automatic notifications to your cell to remind you of dates. I made a calendar for Liam and Jacob as well. It is an awesome way to share appointments and dates with everyone.

#16

Make your own Personalized Cookbook

Such a neat idea. You can choose you own recipes, personalize the cover, add personal photos throughout the book. It is a great gift idea, plus I want one for myself. I think I am going to use these for Christmas gifts this year. It is also a great gift for weddings too.

Cancer Update

Mom is recovering well. She still has some rough days. She goes to see her surgeon this coming up Monday. Hopefully he will take her stitches out and give her a date to have her drains removed. Having her stitches and the drains out will make her feel much better. With the path report coming back clear, we feel really confident that she will recover from the surgery and we will be past this nasty disease.

Updates

WOW... what a couple of crazy weeks! I have been back to work now for 2 weeks and I think we are now getting into a routine. It has been really hard leaving Liam, but there is no way financially I can stay at home right now. On the bright side we have a really great nanny who takes good care of him. She text me throughout the day and she sends pictures. She is also picking up Jacob after school so he does not have to go to after school daycare.

Things are going well in 1st grade as well. He seems to have slid right back into the swing of things. It helps that he is in the multi-age class, he knew his teacher already and he has the same classmates. Doing Great! Here is to a great year!

There have been a lot of changes at work. Mostly for the worse. So, I am concentrating on studying for my registry and trying to keep low on the radar. There have been administration changes that are really pretty scary. I try to keep busy, so the day passes and I can get home to my family.

Fall soccer season has also begun. Tomorrow will be the first big game of the season. Really looking forward to that.

E started Happy Hollow this year. He seems to have adjusted well this week. He is looking forward to starting orchestra! Good luck in 4th grade E :)

So, life is busy but good. I love our family and the dynamic we have.

FIF

I remained at the same weight this week. Uggg.

I did not make it to the gym like I wanted to, but I was very faithful about my diet and water intake.

This week I went to the gym Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and today.

So, this week I need to reevaluate my diet and get to the gym more.

Baby Steps

Today Liam is reaching for his toys and grabbing them! He is growing up sooo fast. Too fast. Before I know it he will be a 1st grader. Where does the time go?

#13

I found a great healthy snack. I love these Mini Babybel Cheeses that I can take to work and have for a snack in the morning and the afternoon and only add an extra 100 calories total. Plus it is very satisfying to unwrap the cute little wax coating the cheese is packaged in. Call me crazy... but I am in love.. yum.

Face it Friday

I started my diet and exercise routine again this week. This is the first week I have been serious about getting in my workouts and tracking my calorie intake since I have had Liam. I want to track my weekly progress on Fridays along with comments, goals and my plan for the following week.

• -4 pounds :)
• good week, I was able to get in a workout everyday but one
• I am using my iphone app to track my cals and I have stayed under my intake everyday
• great first week!

Goals for Next Week

• Lose 3 pounds
• workout 6 days at the gym
• drink more water
• take lunch everyday to work
• start multivitamin

Dr. Taylor

Jacob was such a huge help to mom after her surgery. He was very concerned about her, and was making sure that no one hurt her. He was also her little goher, getting her whatever she needed. While in the recovery room he enjoyed playing surgeon. He had the hat and gloves and with his toys he proceeded to operate on mom, dad, myself and Liam. He really cheered mom up and lightened the mood of all.

Cancer Update

Mom had her second cancer surgery yesterday to remove the other lymph nodes. She had to stay overnight this time and the recovery time is going to be a bit longer and probably more painful this time around. She seems to be in good spirits, but is obviously in a great amount of pain. It is really hard to see a loved one hurt and know you cannot help. The boys and I spent the day with her today and we will be going back on Sunday to spend some more time with her. I did not feel like I did much for her today, However, she said that just being there with the kids kept her mind off the pain. We will have the path report back Wednesday of next week. That will tell all...

I Need to Buy a Lottery Ticket

This was my first week back to work after maternity leave. Mom stayed with the boys this week, and our nanny starts next Tuesday. It was definitely so hard to leave after having the bulk of summer vacation off work to be with the kids. Not to mention, I was totally exhausted every night, trying to get back into the swing of things. Oh how I wish I could be a stay at home mommy :( It is touchier having to leave them all day. Next week should be interesting... our first week with a nanny.

Good Morning

Start Everyday Like it is on Purpose

... Hitch

Babybel Cheese

Note to Self: Do not leave the wax coating to Mini Babybel Cheese in the car seat in the summer heat...

My Goal

Love is giving someone your undivided attention.

-- Author Unknown

Bull S%#t

So after a few months of living on only organic foods and an occasional splurge, we may be going back. Well, not all the way back to whatever we want to eat, but back with more awareness of ingredients.

We watched Penn and Teller's Bullshit... on Organics. We decided after weighing our options that wont buy processed foods, especially non with MSG. Our fruits, veggies, and natural foods we can go back to non-organic.

It is hard to know how to make the right call. There are 2 doors... hell if you do and hell if you don't. Organic foods are so over priced. Non- organic foods are filled with chemicals that our bodies do not need. So, we are doing to try and make the most informed decision that we can and go from there.

#11 and #12

#11 The CSIM... The Chicago Science and Industry Museum

and #12 I love taking walks with the family along the old bridge in West Lafayette by the train station with Liam in his sling.

First "Mini" Vaca

John and I decided we wanted to take the whole family on a small weekend trip while Rose was in town visiting. And now since we have the minivan we can all ride together. So our weekend trip turned into a day trip to Chicago. We spent the day at the Museum of Science and Industry, and the evening at the Navy Pier.

The museum is outstanding! There is so much to look a that you could literally spend a whole weekend there. A few of the boy's highlights were the submarine, the Harry Potter Experience, the toy factory where they could make their own toy, the huge train set, and they each got a set of dog tags with

their name, dob and chicago '09 engraved on them. Liam even got his own :)

In the evening we had a great dinner at the Pier, a beautiful ride on the huge ferris wheel, (where they charged full price for Liam to have a ticket), and ice cream cones to top the evening off.

What a lovely day! John did a great job planning everything and taking care of his family. He is such a great hubby and daddy! Kisses :)

Love

I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.

the BIG c

Mom had her appointment with Dr. Reddy, her cancer specialist. This was her appointment to determine the plan for post surgery. The options had been running through our heads... radiation, chemo, interferon.... we did not know what Dr. would tell us.

First let me say that Dr. Reddy is wonderful. I had worked with him some when I was at Regional, and never heard anything but good. And today's appointment supported his reputation. He was very thorough, caring and had a great sense of humor.

He told mom that after her surgery next week he would like to see her in 2 weeks. He told her that he is 99% positive that the lymph nodes they will remove that day will not be cancerous. And if that 1% hits mom, and the lymph nodes are cancerous, she would not have to have chemo. So that was 2 pieces of news that totally put

our worries to rest. If they find cancer, she would have to have interferon shots, rather than chemo. Great, great news :)

We just need to get past her surgery and recovery n

ext week. And we can close this chapter and move on to much happier chapter in our life together.

One Day

To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.

ChI Town

I am up way too early getting packed to spend the day in Chicago with the whole family. Today is Rose's last day in town, so we are doing something special. Should be an interesting drive. We have a 2 month old, 6 year old and 9 year old, John, Rose and myself. We will hope for the best, and see how it turns out :)

It is amazing how much you have to pack for the little people. Lotza bottles, changes of clothes, plenty of diapers and wipes, entertainment for the older ones... and the list goes on. All for one day, not even an over night trip.

I am looking forward to some good quality time with everyone together. It is very rare that we have all 3 boys, John and myself together. And Rose is just an added bonus that is even more rare.

So here we go... watch out Chi Town the Wang's are on their way!

Supplementing

Today was Liam's two month check up with Dr. Bell. Everything is right on track except for his weight gain. He has been slow at gaining weight. For whatever reason, I do not know. He seems to eat and be satisfied. So, maybe my milk supply is insufficient or maybe he is just a skinny little baby. Whatever the reason, our Dr. would like to supplement breast milk with formula. So, when I return to work, Liam will have formula during the day, and when I get home, he can breast feed all night.

I really was wanting to exclusively breast feed. However, I am going with the flow. I am trying to not let this disappoint me. Liam needs some more nutrition, and formula is how he will get that right now.

John gave him his first bottle tonight and Liam sucked it right down. Liam was a bit confused with the bottle, but learned real quick. I am proud of him, but feel a bit empty without him attached to my breast all the time.

Can't believe he is 2 months! Time flies.

Where there is a will there is a Way

• You must persevere to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks

Life

Sometimes God has to turn your life upside down, so you can live right side up

My Happy Pill

I know that there is a point when people get so depressed that they need a depression medicatio, such as xanax. Those pills scare the crap out of me. What if they make you a different person, and you do not even know it because you are drugged up.

So, I have substitutes for xanax... my xanax.. things that take me to my happy place

• thinking about our 3 healthy boys
• appreciating my sweet husband that takes care of me & our family
• thankful for a job that I enjoy
• shopping for others
• my health
• good friends
• music

One Long Day

Yesterday was Mom's surgery to remove her cancer. Liam and I went to be with her, and set with Dad while waiting. It made for a long day. She had testing first, prep, her surgery, and recovery time. We were there from 930a until 7p. I really just sat and held Liam and visited with Dad all day, but I was exhausted from the worrying about Mom. 

The surgery went well. She recovered fairly quickly and the pain meds seemed to be taking care of any aches or soreness. We anxiously await the pathology report of the removed lymph node. Hopefully we will know something on Friday. We are just thinking positive, saying prayers and keeping our fingers crossed.

On a good note, Liam was the center of attention and 

brightened up the day for several at the surgery center. Everyone that walked by wanted to see him. Nurses that were not caring for Mom would come to her room because they heard there was a cute baby around. One older lady sat down next to me while I was feeding him. I wear a breast feeding cover that covers most of his body, so all she could only see was his legs and feet. She carried on about how cute a baby he was. 

Dad really enjoyed spending the day with him. He thinks he has the greatest personality and is so laid back. Liam was definitely full of smiles and giggles and made a lot of people smile in amidst the worry of the big C.  Liam doesn't kn

ow it, but that precious little smile of his is priceless. 

Wait a Minute

Yesterday I was not at home when our maid came. I think she may have taken advantage of the fact it was John here and he did not know exactly how long she was to be here. When she came the first time it took her 3 hours, and she said from then on it would only take her a couple of hours because she had done all the deep cleaning. I got home and the house looked good, but John said she was here 4 hours? What the heck? And she did less this time. This time she just vacuumed over our hard wood rather than mopping it. I had also wanted her to clean the stove last time and she did not, and once again she did not do it this time. She told John she would get it next time. I am going to wait and see how she does next time, but I am not having her scam us. There are other maids to be had out there. 

On Determination

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." 

~ Japanese proverb

"Pooling" out the Stops

Yesterday I went water walking with Christy and Rachel and Liam. This was my first time to go and was worried if the life guard would allow me to walk with Liam. He was in a sling and the water only comes to my upper thigh. I brought water shoes to ensure good gip and no slipping.  The lifeguard confronted me and said that no child of any age was allowed during water walking. So, I pulled out Indiana Law

Ind. Code § 16-35-6-1 (2003) allows a woman to breastfeed her child anywhere the law allows her to be. 

I did not have to argue anymore. She just said okay, and walked away.

We enjoyed an hour of walking, conversation and baby gawking. It was quite the workout, especially if you walk against the current. My thighs were definitely feeling it last night. And, it gave me a jump start to get back on track with my workout schedule.

I have really coma a far way. A few years ago, if the lifeguard would have told me that I could not be there, I would have said okay shyly and left. I have really started to stand up for my rights. I want to be a good example to our boys. I do not want them to just back down due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge. I want them to be strong and stand up for what they believe in. 

I cannot wait to go back again, what a great workout!

#10

 I heart my new bangs 

Good Advice

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

On Reaching Goals

It is not about getting to the other side of the pond...it is about the lily pads you use to get there

New Kind of Walking

I am going to go to water walking tomorrow. Or I should say I am going to give it a shot, I will have Liam. I think we will be fine as long as the water is just to my waist, he can be in his sling. I really need to do something outside. Maybe this will get me motivated to get moving. Penny and Rachel are the ones that told me about it and they are going, and I invited Christy. So, we shall see. I also want to go to the Farmer's Market afterward. It is going to be a fun Saturday!

#9

I just bought the swaddler blanket today and love it! It is a blanket that allows you to swaddle your baby with ease. It has velcro to keep it in place and snug. It is awesome, Liam is allowing me to lye him down for naps now. Love it!

Hip mom

My new sling for Liam... with instructions

Brittish Soccer League

Jacob's soccer camp was this week, British Soccer Challenge. He had a blast. He learned lots of new techniques for the upcoming soccer season.  He had a great progress report from Coach Luke. He was one of the youngest on his team, but he didn't let that stop him. He was right in the middle of all the kids, always giving his all. The camp was wonderful and well worth the money! Pictures to follow. ..soon!

Ex's

Too Blessed to be Stressed

ughh

This whole experience of breast feeding has been wonderful and at the same time super stressful. I do not know exactly how much he is eating, is he getting enough to eat, am I eating healthy enough for him? All these things crossing my mind constantly worrying about Liam's nutrition. And on the other hand I know breast milk is best for the babies and I have really enjoyed the time spent with him during feedings. 

Now,  I am trying to pump since I have to return to work in a little over three weeks.  Enters a new stress stage left. I gave it my first attempt and failed miserably. I could only get a few drops out.  Enter melt down, stage right. I started worrying more that this was a gauge to how much milk supply I have, and wondering what if I can;t pump what I will do when I have to work. 

So many worries, but it is so good for the little guy. So, tonight I will give it another shot. I will make this work.

Hopeful

Monday Mom goes in for her surgery to remove the cancer area from her lower back. At the same time she will have her lymph nodes tested to see if the cancer has spread. If the cancer is not in her lymph nodes, she will recover from her surgery and that will be the close to this chapter. If it has spread, then another surgery, chemo, and radiation...

*praying* *crossing my fingers*

The Come Back Kid

Tuesday, I am beginning to train for the 2010 Indy 500 Mini Marathon.  I know it seems a bit far away, but I am so out of shape after this pregnancy than ever. It is definitely going to take some time to get back on board with long distance running. This time around I want to participate in the training series that Ortho Indy supports to help prepare you for the big race. 

February 5K

March 10K

April  15K

May 8, 2010 Mini

I think John wants to run it with me this time, very excited! 

I can register as soon as possible, last year the event sold out in November. 

The game of Life

Never take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Tackle it Tuesday

So I have a few more things to add to my List of To Do's

• start pumping and using bottles
• crack down on studying for registry
• buy kitchen storage and organize cabinets
• move eliptical out

On Conviction

Follow your honest convictions, and stay strong.

William Thackeray

Bittersweet

Every year when my birthday rolls around I am excited, but also get a bit sad.

I get to wondering if my birth mother is thinking about me on my birthday. I do not get sad because I wish I was with her or that I want to know her. I consider my parents, my "real parents." I couldn't and wouldn't change anything, I love them to death. Being a mother, on Jacob's bday, I always think back to the day I had him, all these special memories I have. I get sad thinking about my birth mother's feelings on my birthday. Every year does she regret her decision, does she mourn, does she feel guilty about her choice, does she wonder where I am, what I am doing, does she not care at all, has she moved on and forgotten July 5 1980? All these thoughts. I have no control over how she feels, I cannot make her feel less guilt, if that is what she has. I can't thank her for making the choice to put me up for adoption rather than aborting me. 

So, each year on my birthday I say a little prayer for her. I want her to be content and know I am in an awesome family and I love her for making a hard and noble decision 29 years ago. thank you baby mama...

29 and Holding

I am 29 now, my last year in my 20's and it is going to be a good one! And I will welcome my 30's with open arms. 

I had a great birthday. We went back to Terre Haute to visit family and friends. Some of which this was their first time to meet Liam. Liam did fantastic commuting. the Forester was a bit crowded.... okay, a lot crowded. So, Monday morning we decided to get a mini van, and Monday afternoon, we were proud owners of the new Volkswagen Routan. 

When I met John I swore I would never own a mini van. I guess you never say never. With 3 boys, John and I, and a dog we need the space. Not to mention friends and mother in laws that need to ride along sometimes, in which case we would gave to drive 2 vehicles, 

We love the van, So much space, drives great, looks "cool" for a van. I am so happy with it! 

I also got a rock star haircut, a new flat iron, and a juicer for my birthday! I am so spoiled. Hello 29.

Is it Worth the Price?

Organic foods are expensive, but aren't the benefits worth the few extra dollars? Here is one way you can save money if you do not have the time, space, or energy for your own full blown organic garden. 

ouch

do not wear flip flops in the rain

Leakage

I have given cloth diapers a chance in the name of reducing our carbon footprint. I have given it a good effort, but it is not working out so well. I signed up for a month's service with My Green Diapers. The service is wonderful. They bring you a week worth of diapers and a start up kit (trashcan with liners air fresheners). Each week on your given day you set out your dirty diapers and they take the dirty and replenish your supply with  clean. You don't have to rinse the dirty diaper, nothing, just toss it in their trash bin. The price figures out to where you even save some money. What a great deal, and I really was proud to say we were doing this to help our planet. 

There are two problems with them. One, leakage. Every one that I have used has leaked. I had Penny, who uses this service as well, show me if I was doing something wrong. I am doing it right, it is just a fact that cloths leak sometimes. What a pain.  Two, the bulkage! They are so bulky and it makes his pants fit weird. 

So, I guess that I am throwing in the towel, calling it a good game, and cancelling the service. I gave saving the landfill 2 years worth of diapers a good shot. But I cannot deal with these two issues. What a great concept though. 

10 Commandments of Midwifery

A good midwife is worth her weight in gold if you want a good birth experience. Shop carefully and pay her well.
Thou shalt eat a healthy diet: 80-100 grams of protein, salt food to taste and lots of fruits and veggies and eat seafood; and be happy.
Trust Birth, trust yourself. You can do it.
Prenatal care is what you do between your visits to your care provider. Eat well. Love lots. Reduce stress. Your baby will appreciate it!
Homebirth: the gold standard. If possible, stay home for your birth. Birth centers are a good option, too. When necessary, hospitals save lives.
Avoid unnecessary technology like the plague. It may be the plague - including ultrasound (Dopplers and scans) during pregnancy!
Just say no to drugs and intervention.
Your body is perfectly designed to carry, grow and birth your baby. If that isn’t enough, your body can feed your baby too!!
Birth Works; let it. Know that you can do it. It is an awesome and important step to motherhood - a miracle you can achieve.
Thou shalt breastfeed your baby for as long as possible. The health benefit for motherbaby is unsurpassed by any other act. Breast is best.

Pineapples

We have been getting a fruit bin weekly from Farm Fresh and loving it! Each week a whole pineapple has been included. When buying from the store, the pineapples I choose are cored and peeled, these aren't. They are absolutely delicious, however a pain to prepare. So I want this pineapple peeler and corer.Anything that makes life easier... amazing

photog

I am planning on hiring an old classmate, turned photographer of mine to do a photo shoot of  our family.  He does awesome work and he will come to your home. I thought we could schedule this once our addition is done.  He could also do some shots at our neighborhood park. Once complete, I would love to have one printed on a huge canvas to display in our sitting room.

A "date" with my Boyz

Adding Liam to our family has definitely made me aware of the amount of time I spend with E and Jacob. I do not want any of my boyz to feel left out or that they are not having adequate time with John and I . 

I came up with an idea that I would like to try.  On the date of their birthday each month I would like to do something special with each of them or for them. Liam would be the 19th, E the 26th and Jacob the 27th of each month. 

On their special date, either John or I or both will do something to make that child feel special and have some alone time without the other kids.

Right now, during the summer, I have been able to spend lots of time with the boys. I think once I go back to work, it will be a bigger challenge. That is when I think letting them have their special date will be very vital.

So Sweet

Today I was holding Liam who was wide awake and smiling. Jacob wanted me to put in a movie for him. I told him I would, but first he should come over and talk to his little brother for a minute. He stood over him talking baby talk and giving him kisses for a good 20 minutes. I said

okay buddy I can put your movie in now, and Jacob said the sweetest thing ever. It's okay mom, Liam is my movie.

 

It made my heart melt. We have such good, sweet boys.

errr...

So, the repairman came yesterday to diagnose my elliptical and potentially fix it. I was so excited to get back into my exercise routine. And that excitement was sucked out of me in about 5 minutes after the nice man was here. 

First, he had not heard of the model or brand before, so he automatically told me if he did find the problem he would not be able to get me the parts. Me, still feeling hopeful, suggested that I could get in touch with the dealer in Terre Haute where I had purchased this expensive piece of equipment. He agreed that would most likely work. So, he continued the diagnosis and wrote the parts down that I needed. He left without charging me the service call (very nice), and I immediately called Terre Haute Cycling and Fitness which, to my dismay, has been closed. You have got to be kidding me.  I called around to several other exercise equipment dealers looking for a dealer of my evidently unknown elliptical. Finally, I spoke with a gentleman who laughed under his breath and informed me that that company has went bankrupt. Fantastic, both the store that I had bought this $1000 elliptical from and the company that makes it have closed. The gentleman chuckled and told me good luck finding parts.

It is just my luck to have chosen this lovely elliptical. 

I pouted around last night a bit, then snapped out of it. There is nothing I can do about it. I just need to look at other options and move on. I learned an expensive lesson: do more research on a company's financial status before purchasing expensive items. 

So, the research is on to see what kind of equipment I would like to purchase now. This looks interesting. 

Tackle it Tuesday

Progress 

@ upload wedding photos to flickr  

complete!

@ get John's Father's day gift complete! We got him a gentleman's facial and a pedicure. Then we took him to Scotty's for lunch and the movies to see "Up"

@ start an exercise routine complete! Today the exercise equipment repairman fixed my elliptical, and I am on my way to hottness.

@ clean and organize Jacob's room complete!

@ clean Ethan's room complete!

New Tackles

@ get elliptical fixed resovled!

@ get tooth fixed complete!

@ get some nice photos printed of Liam for mom and grandma

#8 on my loves list

I am a list maker. I love making lists and checking things off once completed. The satisfaction it brings me is unbelievable. 

Domestic Duties I Loathe

I don't mind doing housework. It has become a little more challenging since Liam has been born, but I still don't mind doing the laundry, dishes, dusting. But there are certain things around the house I hate to do... cleaning the bathrooms, mopping and cleaning the stove. 

So I decided to hire help. Yes, I admit I need help. Her name is Lisa and is an angel. She will be here every other Tuesday and will do whatever I need help with at that time. She works for a price that is a steel. 

Hopefully this takes some of my stress away. If it does, it is a small price to pay.

the BIG c

Mom told me Friday that she has cancer...

wow... my brain has been spinning since she told me...

what do I say, what can I do for her, I cant imagine what she is feeling, I don't know what I am feeling,  this can't be happening, why does life suck so bad sometimes, why her, why again, what does dad and grandma think and feel, nothing can happen to her, I should have made more effort over the years, have I been a good enough daughter, what will happen, I hate the unknown, tears, maybe surgery can take care of it, maybe it can't, cancer... seriously... somebody has to be kidding

Peace and Quiet

I love my family very much and love to spend as much time with them as possible.

That being said...

Right now I am setting in the living room feeding a half asleep Liam, and listening to the quiet. I feel so peaceful and content right here, right now. When you have three boys, a hubby and a crazy dog, on a rare occasion is it ever quiet at home.

Jacob is at mom and dad's spending some time there. John and Ethan are in Chicago for the day getting work done on John's car and visiting China Town. So it leaves me and the babe at home for the day. It feels good to just chill out and enjoy the peaceful home we have.

I think life gets so busy that we are constantly having to run here and there, or be entertained by something. It is nice to sit and reflect. It is nice to enjoy the peace and quiet. for a day. Then it makes you appreciate the racket that is typically filling the house. 

Repair

So, our elliptical has not worked since I moved it here from my house. I have not really looked into getting it fixed since I pay for a gym membership. We have a nice set of weights and a weight bench as well. None of our home gym gets used, it is just taking up space in our bedroom. 

However, now that I have Liam it is hard to get to the gym. They have child care there, but I am not comfortable leaving him quite yet with strangers, for that matter with anyone. So, I am still forking out the money for the gym membership, one day I will get back there. John can still use it and we can utilize their pool as well.

But for now, I would like to start using our home gym. It is ridiculously hot and humid outside, so running with the jogging stroller is out of the question for now. So, I called an exercise equipment repairman who makes house calls (for the right price). He will be here tomorrow morning to diagnose the issue with our elliptical. Hopefully it is a quick and cheap fix. 

I am looking forward to getting back on it. I was shamefully bad during my pregnancy with every intention of working out on a regular basis, and only made it to the gym a handful of times.  I am ready to get some of this baby weight off, and get back into running shape. 

Soccer

Jacob played his first soccer season this spring, and did great. He is truly is a natural. He loves to run, has a strong kick, great footwork and really has the heart for sports. I signed him up for a summer camp in July that really looks like it is going to be awesome. It is the British Soccer League Challenge. A professional British soccer team trvels throughout the U.S. and works with kids in summer camps to improve their soccer skills. I think this looks to be a great opportunity for improvement and am a bit jealous that I am too old to attend =) Enjoy Jacob!

Big Brother

Today E wanted to go swimming. I told him we had to wait until his dad can come too because Jacob cannot swim alone yet (just now enrolled in lessons), and I have the baby so I cannot get in the pool to help. If only I had 4 extra arms I could be dangerous. 

So being the nice big brother that he is becoming, he offered to hold Jacob and help him swim.I had visions of this and they weren't pretty. I politely thanked him for the offer and promised we could go this weekend when John is available to help Jacob and E can swim freely.

The funny thing is that neither boy seen a problem with their solution. 

Onseies

Liam's onesie is the cutest ever!  It reads 

"Stop Global Warming...

Drive a stroller"

Vain? ..umm.maybe

It is so funny how little things can make such a huge difference in the way that you feel about yourself.  Right now I have not had my hair colored or highlights for 9 months. The whole chemicals on your head thing while you are prego doesnt really fly. I would love to have a new style and color. 

I love simple little things like pedicures, just having my toes painted a pretty, sexy red makes me feel netter about myself.

Or having a new outfit, rather than wearing the same old outfits day in and day out. ... makes me feel put together. 

And getting my teeth cleaned and repaired, makes me so much more confident, 

I am happy with the person that I am, but not happy with my outer person right now. I feel like polishing up a bit. I want to do a few of these vain things.... for me. Vain, yes, but a healthy vain. Not a " I am going to stare at myself in the mirror for an hour gawking at myself" I just want to put a little swagger back into my walk. 

Teeth cleaned, check... next up buying a new outfit for our trip to Indy this weekend. Still hunting for a new hairstyle that suits me, and I am working on loosing this baby fat. I am ready to beauti-fy myself... for me

Painting Pottery

I took the boyz to paint pottery today. They did really well and had a blast! 

          E painted a snake box and Jacob painted a 3 eyed monster

...very "boyish" selections Liam and I spectated

co sleeping

There are so many advantages to co sleeping with newborns that it is hard not to. Not to mention Liam sleeps so much longer if I am holding him by my side. However I do miss holding and cuddling John. We need to find a happy medium.

A girl can dream...

I have a few things that I can do... knit/crochet, scrapbook, sew, quilt, ...these things I consider crafts. I want to be able to "do" art. I want to be artistic at something. I really want to learn something new. Not that I even have time right now for it. I am just feeling like my creative side is lacking. Maybe once I have passed my registry (ie. am not using all my freetime to study) I will explore my artistic side and see what happens. 

Tackle it Tuesday

Progress

@ order registry review book  complete!

I just received the study book in the mail today. I have three pages memorized already. There are 90 pages total, so hopefully I can continue to do 3 pages per day (or more if I am feeing ambitious) At that pace I will be done with the book in a month.

New Tackles

@ work on budgeting complete

@ clean den

@ upload wedding photos to flickr complete!

@ find Jacob a swimming class

#6 and 7

#6. Shutterfly Photo Books

I designed a photobook filled with our wedding photos. I absolutely love it! It is a leather bound book with the choice of photos and layout that I wanted. I see a photobook in the near future filled with photos of our boyz. These also make great gifts for friends and family. Our photobook is 12x12, but they come in all sizes. Loving it!

#7 i love this bike... actually any of them on this site are lovely

Menu Plan Monday

Breakfasts

cereal

pancakes

toast and jam

Lunches

chicken salad sandwiches

pizza

Supper

meatloaf

salmon

roast

taco salad

Desserts 

Lemon Blueberry Loaf  this was super yummy! Definitely a keeper.

Mother Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith
in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that
has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
freedom to sing, dance, and love. It is there for each and every one of
us

#4 and 5...my loves

4. Evan Todd 

the best hair salon and spa ever with the best hairdresser ever. I need to go so badly. I would love to get a new color and a new style. Just waiting for Liam to get a few weeks older.  I also have accumulated 2 gift cards for full body massages that I am dying to use. So, here in a few weeks I am going to be a new woman... you just wait :)

5. Chi Camo Flat Iron

Honey if you are reading this... it would be a great birthday gift :)

1,2, and 3

I decided to make a database of my loves... in no particular order. Some people, things, places, materialist wants, needs, you get the idea.

the first few are obvious

1. My Boys

... the only picture thus far with all 3 together. None of them looking particurily happy. I promise they are though. And mommy could not be any happier. Three great kids Love you all so much! 

2. The love of my Life

I am so fortunate to have found the sweetest, most sincere man ever. He makes me so happy. I could not ask for a better husband or daddy. Loves you John 

3. Apple

What can I say? We have the sweetest, most loving dog ever! He is so sensitive and loyal. He does the funniest things. He is always there to give a hug, and can cheer up any day. We love you so much Apple. You are the best dog that I could ever ask for. Thanks for your love. 

Midwife's Psalm

I have a midwife, I shall not want. She makes me lie back on soft cushions, she leads me to walk during labor, she empowers me to birth. She will not rupture my membranes just for times' sake. Yea, though I labor in my own home for hours or even days I will fear no intervention, for she is with me: Her heart and her hands, they support me. She prepares a table beside me in the presence of my family. She anoints my perineum with oil; my water flows. Surely a precious babe will follow me all the days of my life, and I will remember this birth with joy Forever.

Baby Fat

So, you go from having a cute baby bump that everyone wants to rub to having a flabby belly that you cannot stand to look at in the mirror let alone touch.

That being said today starts my fat to fir exercise routine. I am really motivated to get back to my pre-Jacob weight. Since Liam was the last pregnancy for me, I can really work hard at losing the weight and keeping it off for life.

I have a few goals that are exercise and health related

*run the Indy Mini in 2010

*run the Disney Marathon in 2011

*eat 100 % organic am @ 90% now

* drink water...no pop

* eat vegetables and keep eating fruit

* run in a race each month in 2010

Tackle it Tuesday

Here is a list of things I would like to tackle. Updates with photos next Tuesday.

@ order registry review book  complete!

@ get John's Father's day gift complete!

@ clean and organize Jacob's bedroom; move totes to garage of Rose's "things" complete!

@ clean Ethan's room complete!

@ find a dresser drawers for Liam

@ start exercise routine complete!

@ get photo with Penny and of the footprint wall and add to blog

Breast Feeding

I just got home from the dentist. My appointment was at 2:10, I saw the Dr. at 3:30, and left the office at 4:15. What a long 2 hours. 

Liam is 3 weeks old tomorrow and still only breast feeding. I am not planning on introducing the bottle for another month, and not planning on introducing the pacifier at all. So, needless to say he is constantly on "boobie." If he is not hungry, he is wanting to use me as comfort during naps. While this is a bit exhausting at times, and a bit hard or impossible to do anything else at times, it is the most amazing time ever. The bonding and comfort that I can provide for him is amazing, and something I unfortunately was not able to do for Jacob. 

So while at the dentist Liam was on my chest, under a discreet breast feeding cover, eating and using mommy as a paci the entire time we were there. It was definitely a new experience to be examined by the doctor while doing this.

 But it worked. I stressed a lot about it and worried how the staff would handle it, when in the end there was nothing to worry about. Liam did great. I was exhausted from worrying that he may cry or that the Dr. would think I was crazy to want to be seen with a baby on my chest. It really opened my eyes that I need to stop worrying so much about what other people think. The majority of the time all the worrying I do in the end is pointless. Worrying is not going to change the circumstance.I need to stand strong for who I am and what I believe. So I vow to limit my worrying and stand up for me. 

As for the actual dentist appointment, I need a filling, but cannot get that until I get my teeth cleaned. So I have at least 2 more dentist visits in the next few weeks. So bring them on and here I come with baby on "boobie"

Menu Plan Monday

Breakfasts

• Lemon Blueberry Loaf
• Bumpers
• Toast and jam

Lunches

• Laughing cow cheese spead sandwich with strawberries
• Chicken Salad Wraps
• Ham, Cheese and carrot sandwiches

Dinners

• Pasta Dish
• Hash brown Bake with a fruit 
• Meatloaf with greens beans and potatoes
• Burgers on the grill with grilled veges

Desserts

• Black Cherry Banana Split : 1 banana, split lengthwise; 1 Jello-O black cherry flavor gelaton snack; 2 Tbsp cool whip.
  
• Amish Cinnamon Bread