October 18, 2012
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A Love Story

Christmas 2003.

That is when I met this guy:

I can’t find any 2003-04 Pictures – But this was 07 — I knew right then he was a keeper! This is him with my niece ❤

I knew he was way out of my league.  I was a tomboy basketball player and he was a pretty boy, done with High School dude.  His brothers went to school with me and my very good friend Jasmine was dating his brother, Josh.  Who knew an awkward hello would turn into 8 years of a wonderful relationship.

After a big interview… He got the job!

We have so many memories together.  We met when I was a junior in high school and I moved in with him pretty young.  No one else believed me, but I knew I had found the one.

Hector is amazing.  He is truly my best friend, soul mate and the love of my life.  We were prom dates:

Prom!

Roommates:

 

We became Auntie (Tia) Jenny and Uncle (Tio) Hector (x5!  Aaliyah, Izabel, Jayden, Jackson and Natalie):

We have celebrated many holidays together:

 

Birthdays:
Countless events, like graduations and ceremonies:

A puppy:

 

More birthdays, more holidays, more memories… Finally, an engagement:

 

Many goals have been discussed and accomplished, and long talks about the future.  We also tied the knot:

Like I said, we have been through a lot.  Ups and downs, new life and the end of life.  We have made amazing friends, lost loved ones… He is my rock, always there.

We also have had an abundance of blessings and some unexpected twists:

 

We have survived it all.  We have grown.  I can’t imagine my life without him.  He truly is family.  My family loves him more then they love me 😉 and that is ok because he really is that special.

This is just a post about love.  I’m feeling nostalgic because our one year wedding anniversary is coming up.  It has been an amazing life with him so far, and I look forward to growing old with him.  He isn’t only my husband anymore, he is the father of my son.  We have a dog together and a home together.  It has been a long road that feels so short, yet I can’t remember life without him.  We started dating when I was 17 – how the heck did 8 1/2 years fly by?

They have been amazing… Now to go snuggle with my hubs! [and the baby and Oso of course!]

 

October 17, 2012
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Memory

So we are into week two of being back at work.  What have I noticed?  Time goes by too quickly.  My sweet baby is just growing before my eyes and all I can focus on are his cute moments and how I want to remember them all.

— Like this, my first? second? day with my sweet baby sleeping on my chest at the hospital – hospital=blur I just remember there was lots of joy and love.

Isn’t memory a crazy thing?  How certain smells can remind you of a time, how a song can evoke memories from the past?

I have always been someone who is in tune with their senses.  Maybe because my eyes are so bad, everything else works so well.  I can dig through a pile of laundry and know exactly what shirt I am looking for by touch.  The song “Baby Boy” will always remind me of Miggie’s old house in EP and hanging out at her house after school.  So many old songs remind me of very exact moments or periods of my life.  This might be everybody, who knows, I just know that my senses are like a storybook.

My house ALWAYS smells like the seasons.  I’m addicted to candles and they must match the season.  Pumpkin spice and falling leaves in the fall, balsam pine (omg, I die) in the winter, springy flowers in the spring and melons in the summer.

When I got pregnant my senses went into super crazy hyper drive, I was so sick that I can remember not liking loun for a while, the touch on my skin reminded me how sick I was.  The SMELL of a certain laundry detergent (TIDE sport) STILL bothers me because I wore it when my pregnant senses were screaming “this smells bad, you want to puke!!” and I almost would cry when Hector would say “You smell good!” because that smell never seemed to want to wash out of my clothes (we have since switched to free and clear and will never go back).  I still have a great distaste for that smell, but THANKFULLY love my loun once again.

Day before I had my little baby! ❤

Where am I going with this?  Today I asked a friend if she could remember everything about her son, as he is growing.  I knew she couldn’t, but I almost wish she said yes.  When I went for lunch to nurse Evan today, I remember holding him and looking at him (like I have done many times so far in his life) and hoping that I would remember just how small he was, how his hand would pound my chest.  I hoped I would remember that he had the same outfit in newborn and three months and how he once fit in the newborn size and now fits so snugly into the 3 month size.  I hope that I remember how nice he fit in my arms.  I know I’ll remember that today was the say I noticed he is getting far too long, and his legs dangle far away from my body.  His new thing is to push away from me with his strong legs (he’s a ninja), he gets upset because he pushes his body away from me and doesn’t realize he is the one causing this.

I do what?! 😉 My little ninja

I need to be better at writing things down.  I know I’ll be grateful that I have my blog diary but even little moments with Evan I want to remember.  All of my pregnancy moments feel so faded already.  I KNOW that I would stare at my belly and tell myself, this isn’t going to last forever, take it in…  As I rubbed lotion on my belly tonight I realized it really isn’t noticeable I had a baby in there.  Sure there is a little excess fat and my skin isn’t as tight but I notice it a bit tighter by the day (thank you firming lotion!).  I’m of course grateful for this, that my body took pregnancy so well but at the same time I’m sad that I didn’t relish a little more in the wonderful moments of carrying my beautiful baby in there. I’m not beating myself up, I just remember that if there is a next time I know what to do to keep my body and baby healthy – I’m going to enjoy every single second of my baby bump next time.

Some awesome resent memories?

– Buddy walk [fail] and 30 seconds with my best and her family.

– A Saturday spent at home, with my baby cuddled in my arms. ALL.DAY. It was perfection. Absolute perfection.

– 30 seconds of private time with the hubby.  I nice long hug – we need to remember to get some us time.  He is a favorite though, Iove him tons.

– Evan’s new “I want to laugh, but I scream” moments. Melt. My. Heart.

– This morning’s coffee, in my favorite coffee cup [love my sister]

Caffeinated beverages from heaven.

– an hour of “me” time this am, to finish a post and do some stretching   Now off to cuddle with my baby and finish getting ready for work.  I have to pop into TJs today for some pumpkins and squash.  Because it is about that time.

I’m a simple girl, who loves the simple things. Sure I freak out about many things, but I’m learning to release control and go with the flow a little more each day.  Who gives me that bliss?  My sweet baby who just wants to snuggle and my wonderful husband who still holds my hand.

My loves.

A huge part of living a healthy lifestyle is mental.  It is something that never should be neglected.  For me fitness helps me mentally – the pavement and yoga mat are my favorite forms of therapy   But you also have to love you life, and take time to cuddle.  Lately I don’t hate myself (like I use to) if I skip a workout to rock my baby to sleep, or if some of the dishes aren’t washed at night before I go to be Oh. Well. (hubby can do them in the morning) – Give yourself a break. Breathe. Enjoy every moment, and make lots of memories – Life flashes before our eyes. ❤

October 13, 2012
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Taking in the “Signs”

Only a few more likes needed to get to 30, I’m pretty excited about that:  facebook page

So, I’m back at work.  In fact, I survived a whole week.  Not sure how, but it has happened.  Today my sweet Evan is 12 whole weeks old.

E and I before work, earlier this week

The couple weeks before my return to the workplace, I prepared myself for returning to work by doing lots of cuddling (and crying) with my sweet little man.  I also decided to throw myself into home buying… I’m a nut-bag, I know.  But I figured this would remind me why we are a dual income family, and I wanted to be closer to work and my mom.  Who knew we would actually FIND something.  Nothing is set in stone but we might just be homeowners in the not to far future.  My lulu spending is temporarily suspended 😉 (although my favorite cool racerback made an appearance on the “we made too much page” bonus?  It is a fun pattern AND extra long, oh well, maybe next time).  In the meantime, the weather has forced me to pull out a favorite, my vinyasa scarf:

Oh, and comfy will pants and boots – ahhh fall ❤

My life has been a series of unexplained events that have those glittering lights that say “this is what you should be doing.” – It is very crazy and that is the only way I can describe this home buying experience so far, it is all just falling into place with lots of those glowing (like the sky opens and the sun shines down) moments that I just cannot ignore.  Sure some of it is stressful, but I just hit the mat and breathe, or cuddling with my baby always seems to be a perfect form of relaxation. I’m noticing how he molds so perfectly in my arms.  It is a natural awesomeness, I just can’t get enough of.  What else helps?  Emails and long phone calls with my bests, I’m a lucky girl.

This week was nuts.  Crazy phone calls, emails, dealing with attorneys (even though I have a soft spot for all of them, I actually missed a lot of the people at work), adult conversations, and lots of nervous butterflies whenever my baby wasn’t in my arms.  There was also lots of fleeting moments of gratefulness for the beauty of the season.  Although I haven’t taken any pictures,  I do try really hard to take time to look at the leaves this time of year.  Breathe in the beauty of another year that is too quickly coming to an end.

This time last year, I had just finished the marathon and immediately threw myself into wedding planning and getting a new job.  Today I’m writing this blog post, still in my pjs with my sleeping baby in my arms.  I thought I was happy a year ago, but my heart has grown so much, sure I miss him when I’m at work but I know he is being loved and well taken care of and while I’m at work providing for him (and counting the seconds until he is back in my arms) I kept looking forward to this moment:

Taken today – We will spend a great deal of the day – just. like. this.

Life is good, maybe not completely “Ideal” (as I wish I could stay home) but I have a healthy happy family… God has truly blessed us.

My hubby, on our mini moon – enjoying coffee, something we do together every morning. happy moments 🙂

October 5, 2012
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Fitting In

First, my shameless plug to “like” me on facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fit-Wife/500067030004065

Second, the good stuff: So it is not secret I’m a big fan of lululemon.  I mean I briefly worked for them, and it was one of the greatest experiences in my life.  In fact, if I could justify working seven days a week, I’d do it again.  Right now it isn’t a possibility because of Evan, any time I’m not at work or working out I’m going to be spending with him for a while.  We are still getting to know each other 😉

However, if Hector and I were pressed for cash I’d be signing up to be an Educator again in a heartbeat (although it might be difficult to MAKE money haha)  .  There is so much I love about the brand and their culture.  Alas, as always, I have moved off the beaten path.

So back to topic.  I used to be the person who really didn’t care what I wore to the gym, or out for a run.  Throw on the cotton t-shirt and go, right?  Although I still do this time to time when laundry needs to be done, once I discovered technical clothing for working out… I am pretty positive I’ll never be going back.  Beyond wicking sweat away from my body and drying quickly, how I feel when I’m in the clothing helps me in a great workout.  Great workout clothing gives me a little more confidence.  If I LOOK good in what I’m wearing AND the fabric offers zero chafing, quick wicking of the sweat (so I can sweat more!!), and fast drying (so when I cool down and it dries, I can decide if I have more in me to go a little further), I’m as happy as a clam.

I blame my long runs for realizing the importance of good fabric.  Short runs you don’t notice, but when you are doing 9, 10, 12 miles a heavy t-shirt makes a HUGE difference.  Crappy socks?  They gave me blisters.  Seams? Have you hear of chaffing? Yeah it happens when fabric rubs against your skin… I’ve seen some horribly scary blood stained shirts on men in the nipple area AHH! and if your arm lightly glides against fabric for a long enough time… you can totally get little rashes/cuts.  So I have a thing for flat seams on running gear for long runs and a good glide stick 😉

Yoga is a practice I love.  Ask my mom, when I practice regularly, I’m a different person. Calm, centered, even happier. Even though my running gear is important – my yoga gear is MORE important, essential even.  Why?  With those poses the way they are, my pants better not be see through when I stretch and my shirt better not get heavy and flow over my head in class, feel me?  I don’t feel like being in a flow class and adjusting my shirt or pants, it takes away from your practice.  Even in Bikram, as I sweat my a$$ off I don’t want shorts riding up, I need them to stay put so I can keep telling myself “two more seconds in this pose, I CAN do this” Bikram is crazy mental (well for me it is).

So what I’m leading to are my must haves and loves!  **These are MY must haves, and things I love.  It isn’t for everyone of course work with your budget 😉  I was just in Old Navy the other day and LOVED what I was seeing.  People are jumping on the fun workout gear bandwagon!

I mean look at how cute:

Some favorites for running:
– lululemon run inspire II crops paired with a cool racerback (great for yoga too!) – for outside running I also LOVE my run:swiftly tech – I have the longsleeve.
– under armor – I have cold gear from them and love it – fitted longsleeve mock and frostgear compression tights. (pictured below)
– Nike dry fit socks 😉 – yep!  love.

under armor warm gear

Run-inspire crops love these. Power luxtreme? Yes. Please. ❤

Yoga:
–lululemon ❤ where dreams come true for a yogi
–lucy – I love how they have SALES!
–old navy!  New to liking though, I bought a top last season I was not a fan of.

I could put a hundred pictures up here.  I’m a huge fan of the wunder unders and would love to pick up a pair of fun groove pants (Christmas, maybe?) – I know they fit like a dream and are the pants that made lulu.  I don’t own a pair yet, but that is because I’ve been liking crops lately.  I’m also a fan of this top, in this EXACT color scheme… Oh man I’m going to the poor house:

 

Their No Limits tank in black swan/creamsicle pop.  The color combo is fun, the fit is fantastic and I day dream about downward dog. lol

I’m not saying go out and spend a fortune on good clothes, but I do suggest if you have never worn workout gear, to start.  A couple pieces here and there.  I usually give myself “gifts” – when I master something I “treat” myself.  In fact, if I can master crown pose in the next few weeks – I’m buying the top above.  😉 It gives me a little extra motivation.

But it really is all about feeling good.  If you can totally workout and kick ass in cotton, by all means, do it!  I need that little extra, so this is where some of it comes from.  My new motivation is sleeping in my arms right now.  I need to stay healthy and happy for him.

As a new mom, I can see how you can easily let yourself go, and throw all you have into baby.  I NEVER want this to be me.  If I have to streamline things to get them done, so be it.  I might not be able to wander around the gym and try out a ton of fitness equipment all day anymore, but I can still go and get stuff done.  Go in with a plan, and make sure I knock it out with time to spare for 5 minutes in the steam room for my sanity.  To me looking good when I leave the house for anything – a workout, work, a night out with friends – isn’t about fitting in with anyone else… It is for me.

What is your favorite workout gear?  Some other things I own are pieces by Gap’s athletic line.  I really like their foldover yoga pants for running errands and daily practice at home but NOT for hot yoga.  They have a decent running line and have jumped on the thumbhole bandwagon.  I’m big on thumbholes 😉

October 4, 2012
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Happy [Belated] Birthday, Mom

I know most of my posts are very parent centered right now, but that is because that is where I am at in my life right now.  My life is feeding baby whenever he wants, changing dirty diapers, getting spit up on, drooled on and wearing my awesome studio pants everyday.  I’m also loving every single second and really have never been happier.  I was totally that person who dreaded changing dirty diapers before I had Evan, and now it doesn’t bother me in the SLIGHTEST bit, it really doesn’t, sure the smell isn’t awesome but my baby needs it and I’m more than happy and willing to do that for him.

my mom and my sister

Becoming a mom, and I know I have said this before, makes me appreciate my mom even more.  Before Evan, I didn’t think this was possible either.  I love my mother.  She is the strongest, most selfless person I have ever met in my life.  She is beyond loving, caring and thoughtful.  She gave us such an amazing childhood, I sorta brag to my husband about how awesome my childhood was, because it was.  Yes my parents divorced, and that wasn’t fun for about 3 seconds but everything else is CRAZY fond memories.  Some childhood (and even adulthood) facts:

– You could always tell what holiday was coming next.  My mom would have decorations for Halloween up early, Thanksgiving decor went up Nov. 1, (we totally had paper turkeys around the house and a cornucopia every year).  The Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas decor was out lights were on the bushes or garland around the walkways… Valentines day decorations were up for the longest, there was always shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day and we always ALWAYS colored Easter eggs and hand fun new Easter outfits.

– She never missed an event.  Basketball games, softball games, graduations, special dinners, and even my Marathon.  Even though she cried when I told her I was for sure doing the Marathon because she was scared for me.  I may not have seen her on the course but she hugged me at the finish line. I even told her I think I might do the Marathon next year, and she definitely doesn’t want me to, but if I did… I know she’d be there.

– She taught me the importance of faith.  I don’t push the bible, but I’m a very spiritual person.  I thank God for everything in my life.  My mom has always taught me the importance, and how even in the toughest of times, you can make it though.  God never gives you what you can’t handle and things just work out, even when you don’t think they will.

– She always made me feel important, and reminds me how beautiful and capable I am.  She still does this, and has no idea who truly helpful it is.  I’ve always been hard on myself (it is something that is a constant struggle) but she always makes it a point to point out that she thinks I’m doing a great job.

– She is supermom.  We never knew if she was in pain, and she always gave us just enough room to make our own mistakes without smothering us.

– She taught us the importance of finances.  She didn’t break it down like an accountant but I’ll never forget the first summer I worked.  I saved enough money to buy her and myself matching Tiffany’s bracelets.  I still remember going with Toni to buy them.  It felt AMAZING to give her that gift, I saved every penny and who did I want to share it with?  My best friend, and I did and it was the best material gift I have ever given anyone.  The next summer, I saved and bought my first car, cash.  And now, I was able to save enough for my 12 week maternity leave — She won’t take credit for this… but it is because she instilled in me that saving for things you care about are worth it.

– She looked awesome doing it.  Yeah I’m a little vain.  My mom had an awesome figure, awesome hair and always a mani and pedi 😉 – I remember hanging out in the kids section at Bally’s.

This list can go on forever.

Exactly a week from my birthday is my Mom’s birthday.  I am reminded about the importance of birthdays because of my new son.  I know have a new appreciation of why they are so important.  Every year my mom asks for less and less.  She doesn’t want gifts, she doesn’t want to be remembered.  This breaks my heart, because she is such an important person to me.  I want to celebrate her EVERY day.  I know that I can be a good mom, because of her.  She has given me countless ideas on what to do without saying a word.  She has and continues to raise us with such grace and I’m so lucky to have her in my life.

This year buying a gift for my mom has been so difficult, I’m even late (her birthday was Tuesday).  How do you get anything that is worth ANYTHING when you have such love and appreciation for someone?  I can’t even put down it words how grateful I am for all she has done for me both past and present.  She STILL does things for me and I’m married and with child.

If I can be half the mother my mom was/is to me, Evan will be a very lucky baby.  He really will.  I wish my mom could understand and appreciate how awesome she is, because I really will never be able to find the words.

Anyway, another rambling blog… But I’m just so grateful.

Happy Birthday, Mom.  I love you so much it hurts (literally, I have that throat burning sensation that comes with tears right now).

October 3, 2012
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Ready or Not…

Well, as I sit here typing this blog my beautiful baby is fast asleep, dinner is in the slow cooker (I’m perfecting my coconut red curry), my computer is furiously downloading another 1000 pictures (90% are Evan), I just finished catching up on Homeland, and I’m enjoying the scent of a freshly lit falling leaves candle…

Festive, huh? 🙂

As happy as all the things above are, I can’t help but feel sad.  Fall is usually my favorite season but I will now forever think of it as the season that reminded me how fast time flies, how quickly babies grow and how happy I was this summer.

My big strong little guy

I’m generally a happy person.  I live well, appreciate those in my life, treat my body with respect, and thank God for all the wonderful things he has put into my life.  It isn’t a secret I wasn’t the happiest when I found out I was pregnant, but it truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  Today I snuggled all day with my child, and it was honestly the best feeling in the world.  I didn’t strike a single yoga pose, or pick up any weights yet today and I have never been happier.  Holding Evan just makes me sickly happy and I’m really going to miss being with him all day.  These past 11 weeks have been the best weeks of my life.  I’d like to think I have accomplished things so far and I’m proud of a lot of them, but these past 11 weeks really have given me a completely different outlook on life.  I honestly cannot remember a time at which my heart was so happy and yet felt so heavy looking into the future.

Still working on loosing the baby weight, but I have a different set of priorities these days.

My days with my son 24/7 are rapidly coming to an end, and next week I return to work.  It is absolutely terrifying to think about.  I taken about seven hundred cleansing breaths and to keep my tears at bay (they flow anyway).

I have done my absolute hardest to hold it together, I have even thought of ways to remind myself why I need to return to work.  Our healthy eating habits, come at a price.  Fresh produce, and things needed to prepare a well balanced meal aren’t cheap.  My fitness activities all cost money (even running, I need new shoes!).  Keeping a baby clothed, diapered and bathed isn’t cheap.  Keeping a roof over our head, costs money.  I want Evan to grow up in a very happy home, where he gets things he needs without us having to worry about where the money is coming from for them.  My husband and I are even starting to search for a home, because we want Evan to grow up in a house, close to family.  An easy place to gather with friends and family… where we no longer have to worry about parking.

I went to school, and worked my behind off.  I studied, worked and dreamed about a career.  I knew I wanted kids, but I always thought I’d be a 30 something year old, with a career well under way… Now I’m a twenty something year old who doesn’t want to leave my baby.  I have been searching for a job that will lead to a long career and lots of development, and that hasn’t went well but I’m lucky enough to be employed, and I genuinely like the people I work with dealing with my feelings of failure to not find a job that offers me any real career path pales in comparison to the feelings I have about handing Evan off for the better part of the day, 5 days a week.  Leaving my child is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and I haven’t even done it yet.

This blog isn’t really to say anything but that I’m terrified.  Even after writing this I don’t feel better.  I thought I might, but I don’t. Any advice?  I don’t want to miss anything.  He is growing so quickly, and I don’t want to miss anything.  Now I’m getting choked up. haha, excellent.  Evan is stirring and I’m going to sit next to his swing and try not to wake him and likely fail because I always pick him up to give him hugs when I feel this rush of emotion. *sigh*

September 29, 2012
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Cleaning up the Eats

Hello friends.

I hope you are having a fantastic start to your weekend.  I simply cannot believe how fast time in flying.  I really can’t believe Evan is 10 weeks – he is totally growing like a weed.  As a breastfeeding mom, who wants to loose a couple post-pregnancy pounds eating has been a challenge.  While pregnant, I had no cravings (well, maybe watermelon, but I have always been a huge summer watermelon person, so I really can’t tell) but while breastfeeding I can tell my body isn’t getting something because I CRAVE things.  I crave dark chocolate (this could be because of a slight case of sleep deprivation, my body wants a quick fix) and I crave eggs and protein filled foods – quinoa is like the best thing on the planet to me these days (did you know that it is a good source of protein?).

But I also go for simple eats, and I was once a portion control freak… now not so much.

I consider my little family to be clean eaters.  We do not buy much processed, anything.  We have bread (we are not a gluten free family), we have some easy cereals (Barbara’s Puffins, Quaker oatmeal squares), and my hubby likes his processed goodies (scones, baked goods… the devil in disguise, whatever 😉 ) – But we really do make an effort to buy healthy items for the house some must haves are:

1. Organic baby greens:  Usually spinach but now my new kick is TJ’s (Trader Joe’s) power green mix with chard, baby kale and baby spinach. Oh m gee. Awesome.  I’m big on it being cooked and like to pair it with the quinoa and an egg for an extra protein boost:

Quinoa, Tj’s power greens (steamed) and one egg – yum.

2.  Fresh Fruits:  You will always, always find bananas in my house.  I have one every morning.  We also buy in-season fruits so right now you’ll find apples – lots of apples.  We also will pick up pears around this time of year. I’m a huge berry person so if I can’t find them fresh, you bet I’m picking up some frozen.  Berries are so easy, throw them in a smoothie, some yogurt or eaten alone – they are my FAVS.

3. Veggies!  We are big on veggies but we are also big on letting them go bad 😦 – I HATE throwing out food so I’m trying to be better about this and not buy so much at one time (this is wear that meal planning comes in handy!).  Again, we buy frozen here too and then it doesn’t go bad 😉 – The great thing about buying frozen is you can get anything even when it is not in season.

Salad bar at Whole Foods – I’m sharing because I love all the veggies 😉 the more colorful the better in my book!

4. Whole grains:  Brown rice, wild rice, quinoa (huge right now) and oats.  We LOVE these things.  As I am breast feeding I do get a LOT of oats I try to throw them in wherever I can (smoothies, fun fitnessista recipes).  — Suggestion buy out of bulk bins and save a ton!

5.  Eggs: Hector and I go through eggs like CRAZY.  We are huge egg people.  We have them in the morning, and I could eat them for lunch and dinner.  I don’t care about the cholesterol debate and don’t mind just egg whites but love the whole egg ;).

6.  Chicken – Organic.  Can you tell we have a large budget for food?  We do what we can with what we have but what goes in our bodies are important to us.  We usually focus on chicken but Hector loves his red meats.  We do not have all our meals with meat, so that helps.  There are tons of other wonderful options for protein but we do sneak chicken the most often.

7. Nut butters:  We love nut butters in this house.  You will always find peanut butter and almond butter (sometimes raw, sometimes salted, sometimes with roasted flax seeds) we are bold – we switch it up 😉 – PS goes great with apples and bananas!  You don’t always have to put it on bread.

—

Those are always in the cart when we go shopping.  We never run out of those staples above.  It helps keep our diets as clean as we can without thinking to hard.  Although, in the next few weeks Hector and I are going to challenge ourselves to a 14 days of real foods diet.  Where everything we eat will be clean and no processed anything – wish us luck.

How do you clean up your eats?  Do you wish you didn’t go for the processed stuff?  Or do you feel like you can’t live without it?

Fact: My skin has NEVER been better since eating clean.  I can tell my insides are happy.

Oh, and always make sure to get an insane amount of water in!

I hope to get in a post about tackling the bulk bins at whole foods.  They can be intimating (or at least to me they are) but they really do offer some great ways to save a bit o cash on some everyday staples.

I could babble on about this forever but have a date with the family to celebrate birthdays – my bro is coming to town.  Today is the perfect time to bust out the grill:

 

September 29, 2012
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Learning to Deal

So, there are many many moms on this planet.  There are many many many different ways to parent.  Why do people get on such a high horse on how to raise OTHER people’s children?  I think it is wonderful that some parents offer advice, but the manner in which they do it totally can be refined sometimes.  Especially with new moms, who think about everything before they do it.

I can’t get over how little he was 10 weeks ago!

So this may be one of those blogs that turns people off/or away but I’m super curious about this.  As I have been home with the baby the past 10 weeks.  I have been reading a lot of mommy blogs, and mommy boards.  I love that people are passionate about parenting and I respect a lot of people’s ideas but I have noticed that some people are downright mean!

I’m part of a mommy group, and I think the more personal comments there are more warranted as we have grown to know each other, and some posts warrant a little more passion that others.  However, in reading some blogs I find some people’s comments to be hurtful and I’m pretty positive there is not relationship there.  Also, I have found quiet a passion for people to bash others for things they may have, or give their child.  Who CARES how much I spend on my bath products, yes maybe you don’t spend that much but we do.  They may not be essential to you… but they are essential to me 🙂 – If I choose to breastfeed and want to share my passion about it, don’t get upset – it is what is working for my family and same the other way around.

Two of my three main men 😉

I guess I just wish that some people wouldn’t come off so catty.  It isn’t easy being a mother, I think it is totally worth if of course. But lucky for me I have a strong backbone and can deal with hurtful comments and in my mind do the middle finger and eye roll.  Some moms, at their wits end (colicy babies, sleep deprivation) don’t need to be told what they are doing wrong, without telling them that they are doing something right.  So I guess I wish people would come off supportive instead of negative right away.  You are absolutely entitled to your opinion but if you cannot articulate that without coming off mean, maybe you should keep it to yourself.  — OBVIOUSLY there are extremes to this – child abuse or neglect but that is a WHOLE different story.  But if you are coming down on me because I choose to buy bath toys and call them essential (maybe the word-choice isn’t awesome but do you think about a word choice for more the a second?)… :-/ I’m just trying to share what we love.  I’ve always been crazy sensitive about peoples feelings so when I read comments that I know will hurt someone, I sorta want to karate chop the person who typed them’s fingers (and I’m really not a violent person, not at all).

Learning to deal with anxiety is what I’m really focusing on these days…I’m having some anxiety about returning to work (some anxiety is an understatement) and trying to cope.  I’m very lucky to have such support but am wondering if there are any back to work mommas that can tell me, the first week will be rough but I’ll get through it.  Last night I finally slept OK, which is progress but I know we can do better.  I’m definitely trying to redefine my time a little, so I get SOME time away from baby, even if it is just 15 minutes to type the end of this blog.

Last night I went out with people from work and took Mr. E to a bar (I wonder how many evil comments are brewing in peoples heads, YES I took him to a BAR).  He was hanging out with his week younger buddy, (there were TWO babies at a bar last night)!  It was nice to get out and be around grown ups for a while, but OH MAN did I pay for him not getting in his evening nap.  I felt awful, but at the same time it felt nice to comfort my very angry elf baby (does that make me sound weird? That I like to comfort an angry child?).

It is so strange how when you become a mom – things that mattered to you before, don’t and things you ever thought would bother you, do.  It changes your life… in the best way possible.  I really do enjoy hearing people’s opinions but I always ALWAYS gauge my audience first and offer comfort, before advice to someone who is struggling.  How do you deal with mean people?  Strong minded individuals (I have TONS of strong minded friends, maybe that is why I can brush off unwanted advice?).

September 26, 2012
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Birthdays

Well, since having Evan, I realize just how important birthdays are.  They should absolutely be celebrated.  They should be cherished.  As you get older people seem to get less and less excited about them, and although I understand that argument, I think mine is stronger.  Each year you are one more year wiser, you have new memories, another year with friends and family… So much can happen in a year.  Even years that are plagued with loss and some sadness, it is a year of growth and you can celebrate a new year with a positive attitude.  We are blessed each day we wake up, we have to celebrate that.  Life should be celebrated EVERYDAY but especially on your day of birth.  If not for you, do it for your parents.

When I had Evan, I realized just how much my mother must love me, it is an intense feeling and completely overwhelming.  I spent a few nights thinking about the fights my parents and I had through the years, those moments when you think they don’t love you… They NEVER stop loving you.  It is impossible.  I know not all parents are the same, but my mother’s love for me suddenly makes sense.  Those days when I was a complete witch (with a capital B), she didn’t deserve that.  I think mothers should be celebrated on their child’s birth, because they day you are born is a magical moment for the baby and the mother.

25 years young – that is how old I was for a whole year.  That year brought me:  a marathon, a marriage, a new job, a baby and a completely new outlook on life.  It was the best year yet.  I have the most amazing friends a girl could ask for, no joke, I’m sickly blessed.  My husband amazes me every day.  He is an amazing husband and father.  Then there is this little boy, he has only been in my arms for two months… but he has completely changed my life.  I really can’t imagine life without him.  He even makes bouts with mastitis (might blog about later, its pretty sucky, but yeah) worth it.

I’m excited for this new year and since 25 set the bar so high, I’m going to have to push this one a little harder.  I have a great feeling about the future, it has honestly never looked so bright, I guess that is what you get when you start to see the worth through a child’s eyes again.  Sure there will be sucky days (it is life, this happens) but I definitely plan to outnumber those days with happy fantastic ones.

So today starts with a cup of coffee and some pictures from yesterday:

I have accepted I’m no longer the star of any day 😉

I’m still not feeling the best, so don’t mind my disheveled look lo;

New lulu from the hubby! ❤

Cake ❤

followed by a meltdown

Balloons! Including one from Evan (via my wonderful thoughtful mommy!)

My day was perfect.  In every way.  Spent with some of the people I love most.

Oh hey!  I’m now on facebook!  I’d love it if you’d “like” me 🙂 – http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fit-Wife/500067030004065


September 22, 2012
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Two Months Old

Dear Evan:

Today you are two months old.  I still cannot believe how you have changed our lives.  My life is so much better with you in it.  How did I live before?  The days before you that I’d wish away… I wish I could add those minutes to our time together now.  I honestly cry tears of joy because of you.  Each breath I take, I thank God for you.  My beautiful healthy little boy.

Today you went to the doctor.  I feel evil for making your appointments on your birthday, so I promise not to do that anymore (your next appointment is December 1st, I’m sure it will be here before we know it).  I of course am a lucky mom with a healthy baby that is in the 90th percentile for height!  No wonder everyone remarks on how big you are!  But your weight is right on track.  You are my long lean cutie machine (and swaddle escape artist!).  After the doctor looked you over and told me you were perfect, you had to get shots.  Mommy cried, and you handled it awesome.  You were such a strong little boy, who cried for a very short while, I nursed you and you went right to bed.  You woke up in some pain, I could tell, your cry told me. So I gave you some medicine, held back tears and placed you in the Moby.  I love to hold you close (you are sleeping in the swing now and it is taking everything for me not to come take you out and snuggle, but I know you want and need your rest) and you slept some more.  You woke up and weren’t in a bad mood, so I tried to take some pictures:

before I changed him into a his two month onesie – see his little band-aids? 😦

He wasn’t his usual smiley self, and the lighting wasn’t ideal so we will likely do a round two tomorrow.  But, I of course think he is perfectly handsome.  My sweet baby.  I love him.

New things: He is smiling, a ton! Especially at daddy.  He also will talk off your ear, and I love every second of these sweet sounds.  He definitely loves to follow people and he makes my heart flutter when he is in someone else’s arms staring at me. He is just amazing.

Things he loves:  His mobile!  He will lay in his crib and just stare and talk to it, it is the cutest thing.  He also loves snuggling with his bamboo Aden & Anais blankets, be brings them up to his face because he likes the feel. He loves his swing and when daddy talks to him! Eating! He loves stories.

His crib and mobile

Things he doesn’t like:  Shots.  Definitely doesn’t like those. Not a huge fan of cold wipes (plugged in the warmer!) and he loves bath time but doesn’t love the cold transition from bath to lotion to clothes. ❤

He is so much fun. I love him a ton and I take way too many pictures (well, I don’t think I do… everyone else does is five thousand excessive?):

I love this face ❤

Happy birthday my sweet baby.  I think you are finally stirring, and even if you are not I’m ready for my cuddling fix.  I dread the day you don’t want to anymore so I need to make sure to soak up these moments now.

I love you,

Mommy.