The Fit Wife – A Lovable Lifestyle

September 15, 2013

Run Intentions and Fails

Happy Sunday! Yesterday flew by! I was up and at it pretty early [I always am] but missed my morning run and said to myself “no worries I have a day full of running around, Sunday will be better”. So yesterday we had walk time, pool time, shop time and cuddle time:

Well that wasn’t in order but I love cuddle time with Evan. It is not the rarest thing, I have such a lovey baby but it really never gets old and I love that he still finds such comfort in my arms.

But it was swim day two with my nugget. He skipped his morning nap, fell asleep on the way to the gym and I was quiet frightened that he might be a bit unhappy about pool time; but, alas he was happy as a clam… How did I get so lucky?

I took his swim shirt this week because I remember him with purple lips last week, but his lips were just as purple this week if not faster than last week. He still is so fun; but I’m not sure I love the instructor I really liked the “sub” last week.

Hector, Evan and I also went on a short walk to our favorite nearby mom and pop owned health food store, Larabee Herbs:

We browsed the aisles like we always do. I love the herby (word?) smell of the place I almost feel healthier just stepping through the threshold. The owners are almost always there, they are so friendly and so knowledgeable. I just popped in for a Kombucha this time around but I always feel like I want to roll out my yoga mat and do some flows or meditate when I walk in there. Funny thing? I bet it would be welcomed! haha. My family has been a frequenter of the store for many many years and I love chatting with the people there they have one mission: to make people healthier and happier. ❤

We also made a trip to Costco and picked up a few things including adorable alien organic cotton pjs for Evan. Evan isn’t a fan of carts but still loves his Ergo and Moby; so yesterday I stuck him in the Ergo as we happily browsed Costco:

By the time I got home after Costco, it was time for dinner and sleepy time! The weather was amazing and I wanted to take Evan for a walk but he was done with the Ergo and I discovered a flat on the BOB *Sigh* so we snuggled and watched terrible television.

Fast forward to today! I was up early prepping for my run. It was quarter to 6 and I heard the little man stirring. Hector went out last night to watch the fight so he got home late and I knew he would sleep through Evan’s cries so I grabbed my little morning ninja, brewed some coffee and tried to get my hubs to cuddle with Evan or get up and play so I could go on my run. 45 minutes later Evan was finally happy and content with sleepy daddy and BOOM I let out the dog and downpour… So here I sit waiting for the rain to end so I can go on my run and all my boys are sleeping in a triangle pattern around me as I sit and type this blog. We have ventured into the living room and I have Oso on his pillow to my left, Hector in the love-seat to my right and Evan smack in my arms all sleeping peacefully… The sounds around me are the rain hitting the grass/pavement outside, Evan and Hector’s breathing and Oso’s puppy dreams.

One thing you learn to do as a parent is live on other people’s time tables. So yes, I am behind and didn’t get my run in BUT I did get a blog in and some more camera research. I also have been able to enjoy my loaded coffee (it is leaded, so strong!).

Meanwhile, I’m off to make some lists to email to myself because this day has not started off as productive as I would have liked, but that is ok the day is still fairly young. ❤

One more post swim picture from yesterday with Mr. Purple Lips himself.

What are your Sunday plans?!

September 14, 2013

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Saturday Loves

Hello, friends. Happy Saturday!

The weather in Chicago went from summertime to full fall in 3 seconds:

So we grabbed some hearty mums to mark the occasion that look beautiful now but my mom reports the flowers will die and they will be big green blobs haha. Ah well I’ll remember them like the above.

Last Saturday we enjoyed coffee on the deck with amazing warm air and someone only needed to be half dressed:

Today we are inside frantically closing windows with long sleeves, pants and socks on! My how things can change in a week.

Evan has officially started swim lessons. He is an Aqua Baby! We have lessons every Saturday and he LOVES it so far. He is a little charmer who likes to kick and splash and wants to stay in the water even when his teeth are chattering and his lips are a funny shade of purple.

I’ve gotten way better about taking my own time; going to the gym, going for a short run or walk and visiting one of my favorite places on earth the yoga studio:

Needless to say I’m more grounded and centered and happy. Yoga is blissful.

Also… It’s back! Pumpkin spice lattes! I have an SBux in my building at work… Talk about danger zone. The way to have it is a grande nonfat 1 pump no whip extra foam… one of my favorite things about fall. It is clearly only a treat but reminds me fall is in the air ❤ (My go-to at Starbucks is a Venti Zen, just ask Susie). My sister posted those amazingly appropriate photo to my page:

(if you know the source let me know for credits!!)

A few more random things about the end of summer… HOT BEVERAGES – My hubs and I are still obsessed with Blue Max:

Mocha for him, green tea for me (how awesome is that lil teapot!?)… A scone to share. I get the lean scramble (um yum) and share my sweet potatoes and fruit with Evan while Hector enjoys his chorizo eggs Benedict (Huevous Benedictos). They just posted to their facebook page that they have a pumpkin spiced latte… guess who will be trying that tomorrow morning?!<<<<<<<<<this girl! (I’ll have to sneak in an AM run and treat myself)

My plants have survived the summer including these crazy herbs. Next year I’ll have to learn how to “harvest” them – the lemon balm took over and I need to look up ways to use it:

Can you believe the last time I updated you I thought they were outta control and they looked like this:

Next year I’ll know to skip the lemon balm or put it in a smaller pot. They look well manicured above. ❤

I’m also still deciding on switching out my camera or updating the lens, any ideas? I have the Nikon D3000 – and am really unsure if I want to just switch it out for a Canon.

Well today is packed! Off to Costco, some cleaning/organizing, Target, swim, gym, yoga (free C1!) and a wine night with a very special lady.

What things are you loving about the change of season? I’m feeling extra energized! It is that or the opc3 and my b vitamins! haha

September 1, 2013

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Making House, Home.

Happy long weekend, everyone!

While I sit on my bed listening to my sweet baby hum himself to sleep in his room (right next door)… I’m pouring over all the different projects I want to do to my home. RIGHT. NOW. haha

I’m ready to run to World Market and re-do everything in my home… I’m in love with their inspiration photos:

that rug on top of the larger jute rug… Brilliant. All things in good time I suppose.

Today the seasonal organization bug hit me and I woke up early to get a few things done since we have a pretty packed day. I have a feeling I will be heading to the store to pick up some items I really shouldn’t due to the pictures above. I need to win the HGTV lotto or something… Ever since we bought this house I’ve been obsessed with home improvement projects that are outside our spending zone but when you own a home you want things perfect and I feel there is so much to do around here to make it perfect. Yesterday we picked up this little guy:

He was $5.00 at Lowes, we are naming him Ralph and hope to nurse him back to health. First step, new pot and fresh fertilized soil. Luckily the weather is still pretty nice so he might make a patio appearance until the weather gets too cold. Ralph likes lots of sun and warm weather. He does not like to sit in water, he likes his soil moist and never dry.

It is amazing what a few fresh plants can do to a space.

Another random note; yesterday my boys and I ventured out for some outstanding coffee at our favorite weekend stop, the Blue Max:

Evan sat in his own patio chair and was so well behaved. I hit the toddler jackpot. He sat down, read his book and played with his caterpillar while eating roasted sweet potatoes and some of my spinach omelet. There was a sweet little girl who just turned 2 at the table next to ours and he just sat there and flirted with her… My little charmer.

We went shopping to our usual spots Whole Foods, Target and Costco. While at Costco we came across:

*GASP* CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! Now, I’m such a HUGE FAN of Christmas time. I feel like there is a natural magic in the air, pop in The Santa Clause and I’m a kid again thinking about the North Pole… But GEEZ! Isn’t it early?! It isn’t even Labor Day! Hector and I are looking so forward to this Christmas with the new house; last year we had a fake tree and were not sure if we were closing on a house or not. We were in a weird place as a new family unsure of what the future held. Spending was tight because we had all those house expenses that creep up when you buy: prepaid insurance, inspection, appraisal, etc. Plus we were recovering from me taking unpaid time off work for maternity leave.

Needless to say, we are looking forward to all the holidays this year but feel like Costco is reminding us too quickly that they are approaching! It is hard to believe that at this exact time last year Hector and I were just chatting on how maybe we should start house hunting thinking that a year from then we would start making serious offers and here we are now… in our home. It is so amazing. Where we are today is so amazing, my whole family is within walking distance. I feel like we have rekindled our family relationships and feel like we are all in such a good place:

Sure there are stresses to owning a house, but right now I feel so blessed. This place is now home where we enjoy dinner in our backyard:

and put together fab little meals in our kitchen:

It is where we chat about our futures, relive our many amazing memories, and daydream about adding to our little family:

I’ve never been in a better place mentally. I think it is a product of those around me, (My amazing friends -you all are so inspiring, my phenomenal family) and taking better care of myself. Pretty sure these B vitamins (the Bliss Kit!) are also doing some amazing things! But we will chat about that later.

So after this random blog; what makes your house home? We are always burning fun scents in the house typically in line with the seasons (except my lavender scents that burn year round, it is my absolute FAVORITE) – we are starting to fill the house with more pictures too which makes it feel homey. I feel like the minute things go on the wall it feels like we are here to stay.

Off to do many projects with the mom. Be back later!

August 25, 2013

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Loving Weekends

When Monday rolls around I always am asked, “How was your weekend” – from the people who become a random 2nd family.

“Spectacular, always.” (Duh!) – We live for weekends over here…

When I get to take my boys for super long walks with no care that I have dinner, a workout, cleaning, planning… sleeping to do – like during the week. Our days are CRAZY during the week.

Yesterday Oso, Evan and I took a super long walk; we even dropped off Oso at Mom’s quarter way through because his coat makes him uncomfortable in the sun.

Evan, naturally has it made, he loves the BOB:

He happily snoozed while I did a run/walk combo trying to get some of my endurance back. We did about 5 miles and went past my old beautiful college campus:

It was an awesome way to unwind; and I came home and felt an abnormal calm that I haven’t felt in a while. Getting back in the fitness saddle puts me in such a better place. I didn’t completely fall off of my fitness train but it has been a bit of a struggle to fit everything in. With Evan growing so fast; I feel like I miss so much during the day with him it is hard to leave him at night… Slowly I’m finding a balance and his super independence makes me feel slightly better (well, not really but I’m trying to reach myself it is ok to have “me” time)…

Hitting my matt at home has been a God send… Even if they are quick bursts… It is such a peaceful place… ❤

I’m also getting better about meal prep and incorporating super fresh HOME GROWN ingredients 🙂

Today I planted some rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme into a new planter. I’ll post before and after pictures of what I used to have in my window… my new collection not only will flavor chicken tonight but it is pretty to look at while hanging by the sink.

What do you love about weekends? We love the simple stuff.. hanging out, cleaning up… Thinking of new projects around the house and hanging in our awesome backyard.

Well this random post is coming to an end because Evan, Uncle Joey and I need to run to a baby shower… Back with some more updates, we love playing catch up… haha

Oh one final thought… Weekends put me in a natural good mood… any other day running to Starbucks to get coffee because Hector forgot to pick it up the night before would probably make me angry… But today I took the time to enjoy a short car ride to treat him instead:

Happy Sunday.

August 24, 2013

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11, 12 and 13 Months. Longest picture post ever…

BAM 3 months?! No updates… I swear it is because of the walking.

My little man started walking at about 11.25 months old. It started slow and he would take baby steps here and there but still was my little scooter:

11 months was an amazing month… Many “ma, pa, o (oso), Hi!, Uh Oh, agua” Lots of words.

We laughed so hard, and enjoyed our not-so-little baby each and every day. Then the big day creeped closer and closer and this momma, was in denial.

After a wonderful sprint to prep for my little man’s bash – BAM…

He was 12 months old:

Words cannot express the emotions I felt when Evan turned one. I was sad, happy, nervous, crazy… I mean a basket of nerves. We MADE it. One year down, an amazing year filled with the most sincere feelings in the world; pure joy, pure nervousness, sadness at times… Babies fill your life; they make you feel feelings you never thought possible. Evan is such a joy to Hector and I and to my family and friends… He is sweet and funny and I CANNOT imagine my life without him. Each day he is the BEST part of my day. My little family… I couldn’t imagine life any other way.

Dear Evan,

My little one year old. My sweet child. Who loves, cuddling, hugging, giving kisses, talking, running, laughing, playing, and being the best thing on the planet…

Your wild hair, funny faces…

Your little jumps and your no-joke messes. My puzzle man, my animal sounds dude… “what do cats do “MEOW” what do dogs do? “RUF”

My little man who is craving my attention RIGHT NOW. So I’m cutting this short:

And with that, happy 13 months my little toddler… Mommy loves you.

August 18, 2013

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Born to be…

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately. For the past few months I really have just been over the moon about so many things in my life. I feel so blessed and happy… Like everything is right where it should be.

And I owe so much of it to my little man above. Evan so quickly puts things into perspective for me. I’m over the moon about my little family and know now this is what I was born to be. Exactly where I am is where I should be. I work hard, I play hard, I love hard and my surroundings reflect that. Sure, it is hard to fit everything in… My weekend schedule is dictated by the little man pictured above; but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I look forward to growing our family someday. I look back on how I felt about my pregnancy and wish I would have lived it up a bit more; took more pictures… wrote more notes, gave myself a pat on the back for taking such great care of my body for him.

I feel so in tune with things around me lately. I feel like life throws you curve balls; and that is ok – you learn from these things. You learn from the times where you are screaming and crying over spilt milk (well when you are a nursing mom you do cry over this, it is that serious…) – when you read stories about REAL life issues; sick parents; sick children.. Sure people’s pain is relative but I can’t help but look at my life and think, “man, I am blessed… I have a healthy happy family. I have food on the table, a roof over my head and clothes on my back” – Evan has a loving family and friends. He is surrounded everyday by and a mother, father and a fur-sibling who love him to pieces:

Last night hector and I enjoyed a quiet night on our porch while Evan ran back and forth saying “Meow, MAMAMAMAMAMA, shhhhhh, Meow… ” I couldn’t help but look at Hector and smile; we did this.

Yeah I don’t have the freedom to just up and leave, I cannot just stay out all night at a bar – or go on a run whenever I feel like it. Sure I’m guilty of snuggling instead of heading to a yoga class…
But it is ALL. WORTH. IT.

Because I was born to be a mother… I was born to be a career woman… I was born to be a runner on hiatus from time to time and a yogi obsessed with lululemon.

August 17, 2013

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Hiatus

Well, I didn’t warn anyone but it is pretty obvious I was on a blogging hiatus. Not really because I have nothing to write – because I do. Not because I’m burnt out – because I definitely am not. I guess it is just one of those just because things that sorta happened.

But life has been good! Just so busy with my little ONE year old:

and work and Evan some more:

Facetime halfway through a run haha – What can I say I miss him! Speaking of running, boy am I out of shape! It was another thing I took a hiatus from and boy do I feel it. I’ve just started lacing up the shoes again and I feel sad that I’m so out of shape but happy that I’m slowly finding the time to hit the pavement again. Typically I’d be in great running shape right now preparing for races; but time just flies…

fitting in everything has been the challenge of my life. Work, fitness, life, baby, house… It has been NUTS but in the best way possible. I feel more and more centered each day (thank you yoga & heavy objects)…

I really really can’t wait to share pictures from Evan’s special day (almost a MONTH ago! See what I mean! Where does time go!?

completely unrelated how beautiful was yesterday’s sunset? Such a perfect day.

This weekend will be just as nuts, per the usual. But hopefully will update on things we are loving!

July 28, 2013

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One.

One year & one week ago. My little mister went from here:

To here:

He went from 7lbs 7oz and 20 inches of tiny perfection:

He was once this tiny?! It is insane how fast they grow… And how I have been able to plump him up! lol

To 23lbs 30 3/4 inches of handsome, funny, kind, loving awesomeness… much larger perfection:

He has flipped our lives upside down and already endured some crazy life changes with us. A big move, two new jobs (one for Mommy, one for Daddy) and then all his big accomplishments: from first rolls, to crawling, to walking… babbling and puzzle solving and reading Dan Brown books with momma (ok, we read baby/children’s books too ha).

We have been so busy lately that I haven’t even updated with his 11 month update so it may come in the form of a 11 & 12 month update but regardless it will come.

This year has been filled with so much emotion – tears of sadness (he is growing too fast), tears of pure joy (omg, he is so awesome and healthy), laughing at all of his antics (funny faces, funny words… calling daddy “hec-tor!” haha.)

He has successfully celebrated all of his “first” holidays usually in a “My first ____” shirt and/or cute special occasion outfit.

Then this event happened last Saturday

He has been such an amazing little joy in our life. He will brighten up any room and is a true little heart throb. He has 8 teeth, a killer personality and give the best hugs. My experience this past year has been one that has grounded me as an individual and has given me the deepest feelings of joy and accomplishment. There really is nothing like raising a new baby. As he grows to be more independent and I give him space to wander… I am amazed by how much he teaches me. How to smile at little things, how to be wow’d by peak-a-boo and Uncle Joey and Grandpa’s magic tricks… How to enjoy a blueberry and how to sing and dance, like there is no one in the world but us.

Thank you for such an amazing year, my little love.

I’ll be back with party updates, 11 & 12 month updates and what this momma has been up to as far as fitness.

Love,

Jen.

June 29, 2013

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June Wrap Up

Well, father time has kicked my behind – yet again.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading and reflecting this month. I’m trying to fit everything in… Enjoy everything… soak in everything and prepare for someone’s first birthday.

I’m so unprepared and in complete denial about the fact that his birthday is next month. In fact I still haven’t taken his 11 month photos because I just can’t believe that a month from now I’ll be out of ties:

I recently started preparing myself for the weaning process and the thought really sort of depresses me. On so many levels I’m ready to be done with a lot of it… The pumping is exhausting but the actual nursing sessions are still a super crazy bonding time. I’m the only one who can share those moments with him and the thought of that ending is really weighing heavily on me. You see, when you are not a nursing mom, you don’t understand it. I remember not being a mom and being sort of uncomfortable with the idea because of how the media and our culture really doesn’t embrace it these days. So many people are like “yuck” put that away… Now being that I have nurtured my child this far anyone I see nursing their baby in public, I want to give them a high five – because it isn’t easy. I know everyone bonds with their children in their own way and I know many people go the formula route (high fives to you too!) but for the past year my life has revolved around feeding my little guy.

Being a mom isn’t easy and I just want to hug everyone out there who works hard to give their children the best lives they can. I must say though, nursing is something so many people are uncomfortable talking about. It shouldn’t be that way. It really is the most natural thing in the world and I feel very lucky to have had such a wonderful experience and am really really proud of Evan and myself for making it this far. I mean this guy lights up every room:

So be prepared for sobfest blogs in the very near future…

On a lighter note – I’m still so impressed by the beauty in my yard:

My lilies on steroids have bloomed and they are GORGEOUS. Seriously! So pretty I have at least 5 different colors of lilies in my yard including some yellow day lilies that are not pictured. I’m in awe of the constant bloom in my garden. Sure, these only bloom once but there is constantly something new and pretty blooming… I hope I don’t kill any of this stuff because it is fun to watch it grow.

I have about 300 projects going on. My auto focus stopped working on my Nikon which is forcing me to either buy a new lens, or new camera… Both hefty purchases. I really want a Canon but $$$$$ is holding me back. So I’m going to do some research. I’m also going to start to edit my photographs and trying to decide between Aperture for my mac or Lightroom 5 (on either my desktop or my mac… still unsure probably going to do a trial run) – Photography has really been fun lately for me… Taking pictures of Evan, Oso… my plants our adventures… My camera is always with me 😉

Also, if you didn’t know my family and I are pretty huge Chicago Blackhawks fans (sports fans as a whole really) but my sister and mother are HUGE Blackhawks fans and follow them when the are not so good.. and when they are amazing… Like recently because uh. We won the Stanley Cup! Yay for Chicago. I’m lucky enough to work in the City and have gotten to enjoy the Sea of Red and an amazing view of the parade that took place yesterday:

I have more that I’ll share later as weird things are going on with this computer of mine…

June 16, 2013

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To the man who holds are hearts

For almost a decade you have been a part of my life. You were/are my first and only love, that sweet boy who took my heart and held on tight.

We have countless memories from prom to graduation to our engagement and wedding and then this happened:

You became the father of our son. Of all of the things I love about you – words, smoke signals, dances and crazy songs would never do justice to just how amazing you are with Evan. You are truly amazing with him.

From the start you were so supportive to him and I (the emotional crazy train) – You would wake up and bring him to me those early days… You would change diapers without question and you would allow me to cuddle for hours without picking up anything… You would clean around the house (knowing I’d be a basket case if things were messy) and not say a word – you would just do it like you understood it would make me happy even if I didn’t tell you it did. All of those things you may think went un-noticed but I still remember you being an amazing supportive loving husband and father through those early transition days.

I remember you telling me how much you loved him, and our little family – no words have ever felt so wonderful…

But beyond the words are your actions. You are so present with Evan. You hug, kiss, feed, play and snuggle with Evan. He loves you so so much. So much that he calls you to three words: “pa pa” “da da” and my personal favorite, “Hec torrrrrrr” lol

So today we just want to tell you how much we love you. That you mean the absolute world to us. My heart fills with joy, to the point of happy tears when I see you with Evan because you are so amazing. Happy Father’s Day – no one deserves this special day more then you.