Friday, July 26, 2013

These Last Moments...

(This Post was written on Wednesday....)

My last post I sounded very impatient with wanting this baby out. And while I am excited to have my new baby boy I am a little sad about losing my one on one time with Hunter. So today Hunter and I had fun. I wanted to relish in our last moments of just him and I together during the day. I didn't want to say no so I said yes. And it was perfect. Now I wouldn't do this every day but once in awhile he deserves it. Honestly, he is really well behaved for a 2 year old. The hubs would disagree, but during the day when it's just me and him it is pretty awesome. He is pretty much well behaved on play dates and shares so well with other kids. Of course I'm biased. When the hubs gets home from work Hunter gets a little wild. I think it's just because he hasn't seen his Dad all day.

Anyway, back to today. We woke up and lounged around and watched cartoons. Then he asked for macaroni (ok I did say No to that haha). BUT we had macaroni for lunch! After breakfast he wanted to go outside. First we went on a mile walk.. He loves his stroller lately. We had a good time and went a different way and found some random baby cows calves. Hunter loved it. Except he was super worried because they had flies all over their faces haha.

Then we played outside for like an hour and a half. I just relaxed and played and not worried about what I had to get done around the house. It was great.

We were hot so we came in had some popsicles and decided to bake. He loves to help me in the kitchen so I found a super easy lemon bar recipe on pinterest: Here.

 

We added sprinkles because...why not?!

After our baking sesh we enjoyed some healthy macaroni and bananas for lunch (not mixed together), and washed it down with some chocolate milk. It was amazing. ;) We cuddled and watched cartoons and then took a 2 and a half hour nap! WOW! it was pretty much the best!

We finished out the day by giving my car a bath (in Hunter's words) and let me tell you my car needed it bad! He was soaking wet by the time we were finished so we just dried off in the sun...

I'm not sad about my newest addition, but I'm going to miss these days with just Hunter and I. I know when we have baby # 2 and get in our routine I won't want to go back to just the two of us. I hope Hunter understands how much I love him even though I will spending alot of time with the baby in the begining. Eventually, he won't remember I just dont want him to feel like he's losing his Mom. Everybody feels this way right???

Soon we will be a fully functional family of 4. I can't wait to meet my new little man but I'm going to enjoy these last few days of a family of 3. <3

 

 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Waiting Game...

Nope no baby yet. Baby watch is still going on at my house.

I have been blogging less because I have bloggers block. I have no idea what to write about. So I will bore you with the last part of my pregnancy. I know after baby I will have a TON to write about...I just hope I get the time!

I'm 38 weeks 1 day today. We have an ultrasound today to see how big this little squish is. I'm excited to see him again but I know we won't see much because at this point he is pretty much squished in there. It will be a 4d ultrasound so we will basically get to see what he looks like. I think I'm going to ask her to avoid his face...I don't want to see it until he is born! I need some element of surprise. :)

I am super uncomfortable. Constant pressure, contractions and waddling like a duck. I DREAD bending down for anything.

He is still moving around a lot which is comforting. I love feeling him move. He's only had the hiccups a few times. Hunter had the hiccups almost every day the last trimester. He also had them a lot after birth.

 

Hunter is really excited! I know he is going to have some big changes, but he is going to be a great big brother. He says "I love you baby broder" to my belly every day and loves blowing bubbles at it. :)

 

 

I got a teal/blue pedi in honor of my new baby boy on his way!! :)

Anyway, I know this is short and random but I promise I will be back in blogging shape in no time.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

 

 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Dear Post Baby Self...

When I first started my blog I shared my story of being a new Mom. A new stressed out Mom. I had Post Partum Depression but didn't know how to handle it (more on that in a future post). I know here in blog land we write a lot of letters to "past selves" but I am writing this today to my future self, my 2 -3 weeks from now self.

Dear New Mom of TWO,

First of all wow, I can't believe you're a mom of two precious boys! Your world is changing by the second but it'll slow down. For now enjoy the chaos and the few moments of peace. Remember that you only get this time with them once and soon they will be wanting to leave and do things on their own. Although it is hard work being a mom it is just a tiny, amazing and gratifying time in life. When you want to pull your hair out (and you will) think about how much these boys need you and count on you and most importantly look up to you. Count to ten before losing patience with your two year old...just breath. Read stories to him while your nursing the new baby, have Hunter bring you diapers and wipes, plan out time for just you and him daily.

Make sure you are eating properly (last time it would be 2 in the afternoon sometimes before you would remember to eat.) Take time to nourish yourself with healthy meals so you can turn around a give your baby the nutrition he needs. It's okay if he cries for a minute when you're getting your meal ready he will be fine.

Don't overdo it. If the house is messier than normal oh well. Try to do one thing each day not ten things half assed. it will make you feel better.

Get "semi" ready. In the first weeks enjoy lounging around. Wear what you want those around you are ones who have seen you at your worst so who cares?! After that slowly start getting back into getting ready, now you don't need all your make up. But sometimes doing your hair, some mascara and pants that don't have an elastic waist band are all you need.

Think about yourself positively. Don't hate your body it has put in a lot of work the past 9 months. Unfortunately we are not all Giselle or Heidi Klum and do not bounce back in 4.5 days. Everything shrinks back when you treat your body right.

Ask for help. If you are desperately tired one day let Hunter go to "school" and play with his friends while you and baby nap. It'll do you good. Don't take on too many activities that you can't handle.

Make time for the hubs (this should be a lot further up on the list). He is a great Dad and helps so much. You both need your alone time and time to just be together. Put away your phone and talk. Set aside being a Mom for that time.

Don't stress about working out. Whether you deliver "normally" or c section your body will recover and you will workout again. Start with nourishing your body healthfully and then start your workout routine when you are completely healed.

Sit. Just sit. And if all else fails lock yourself in the bathroom!

Enjoy some wine. One glass of wine won't ruin your milk and remember you can always pump and dump. :) Just don't get too crazy with the margaritas!

I know you are stressing but don't! Find sanity in the chaos and enjoy the noise. Soon things will be too quiet and you will want all of the commotion back (just not the spit up and poopy diapers!)

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Hunter's Birth Story

Well I figure since baby # 2 is coming VERY soon I better put up Hunter's birth story before I block out forget much more of it. Let me tell ya it was not a walk in the park. I am not like Darci and sneeze and my baby pops out. :) Just so you know there may be some graphic details in here!

The last 6 weeks or so of my pregnancy I had pretty high blood pressure it was around 170/100. Which is super high for me. My normal is 110/60. So I had to go in all the time for non stress tests and a bunch of other fun stuff. Finally they set a date for my to get induced, Dec 28, 2010 at just a few days before 39 weeks. I was so excited to meet him and was eagerly getting everything ready. My house was perfect, we had just built it and moved in a few months earlier so it was not cluttered and full of toys and junk like it is now. Then I had planned to just relax until I got induced.

Well, of course like most things with babies plans change. On December 27 at about 3:00 am my water broke in bed. I woke up and at first thought I pissed myself. I got up to go change and go to the bathroom but it just kept leaking out (gross I know). I'm calling for the hubs from our master bath he must have been sleeping super deep because I had to yell for him like a million eight times. I told him I was leaking and he was so confused, then realized what I meant and was like we have to go now. I still wasn't completely convinced it was my water breaking, so I called the hospital. They wanted me to come in and I was not excited about it. But we got everything ready I ate some cinnamon swirl toast and headed to the hospital.

Then contractions started on the way there. I honestly don't remember them being too bad. We got to the hospital and my doctor checked me and said yep we're having a baby today! It was his day off and I was scared he wasn't going to deliver him, but he ended up staying...my doctor rocks! About an hour later I got some IV drugs they didn't even help with the pain just made me super loopy and drunk feeling. I'm not getting those this time. Then 45 minutes after that I got an epidural...best. thing. ever. I went from 4 cm dialated to 10 cm in about 45 minutes after that. They gave me an hour to rest and then it was baby time. I thought I would just push him out in a couple minutes. Of course it didn't work like that. I pushed and pushed and pushed for 3 and a half hours. I thought for sure I was going to have to get a C- Section. Then my doc came in and was like OK we're getting this baby out! I was thanking The Lord I was exhausted and had about 12 cups of ice chips and just wanted to be able to have the baby and drink some actual water.

I was so freakin exhausted from pushing so long, but I knew this was it, it had to be done. He ended up having to use a vacuum and my baby was born! Honestly, it sucked, it was hard and it was disgusting but it was the best day ever. I got to meet my beautiful baby boy for the first time and he was perfect.

To me, the scariest part of being pregnant is the unknown of labor and delivery. I'm freaking out a little but I know the end result will be perfect just like last time!

 

 

Friday, July 12, 2013

Five on Friday & Bare Belly

Linking up with the fabulous Darci today!!

1. Lactation Cookies

um what the....yes I made lactation cookies and they are amazing. Anyone can eat them. The hubs was scared he was going to start producing milk...I was like good maybe you can help out after the baby gets here! hahaha. Here's the recipe. They are basically chocolate chip cookies but you add whole oats, flax seed and brewers yeast (which is what really helps with milk supply). I wrapped packs of two cookies in plastic wrap then threw them in a freezer bag so I can just take a couple out at a time. They are so GOOD though!

2. New Hairs!

I got my hair did yesterday and it feels so good! My roots were outta control man. I went alot blonder...yee haw now I can have even more fun!

3. Bare belly and MAJOR farmers tan!

EEk Can't believe I'm posting this but I've been wearing a tankini when we go swimming and this is the result...super casper white belly! hahah! Butttt who doesn't love baby bellies right?? RIGHT?

4. Enjoying Food


In my last few weeks of pregnancy I have been enjoying my cravings. My biggest ones lately:
5. Morning Walks
Hunter has fallen back in love with the jogging stroller. We took it out last week and a freakin tire popped for the millionth time. I took the stroller into Les Schwab and had no flat tires put on so suck it stroller!! No more flats for us! We've been walking about a mile and a half every morning.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend! Enjoy it, party it up or sleep...because I know I won't be doing the latter two. ;)

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The 'F' Word

Why are we so hard on ourselves? I don't understand it. I read this article the other day: When Your Mother Says She Fat It was a HUGE wake up call. I am the worst at tearing myself down. For seeing myself as double my size in the mirror. It's stopping now. No more picking at flaws while I'm getting ready in the morning. It's time to look at the positives.

I never want my boys to look at their Mom and see a negative person, to see someone that doesn't have self respect or self confidence. I want them to be proud of me, to look at me and think wow she takes care of herself and my mom can do anything! It's true our children think we are amazing that we can walk on water, until they start noticing what we REALLY think about ourselves. How do they know what fat is until we introduce them to it? I mean obviously they will learn on their own eventually but I don't want their first introduction to the dreaded 'f' word from me...

I was sitting here tonight staring at my 36 week pregnant belly and thinking damn I am not looking forward to what this looks like after. But you know what? I'm totally looking forward to it. I will know that my body went through alot to bring the most beautiful miracle in the world; a new life a precious baby. Yes my skin will be loose and I won't feel the best, but I'm going to stay positive. Remember that it's temporary and enjoy the newborn stage instead of worrying about my body.

I think we all can be our own worst critic, lets try to change that.

But you better believe that sooner rather than later this mama is getting her ass back to the gym and on my fitness pal and getting her body back and better than it has been in years! ;) I know it won't be easy but it will be worth it.

 

 

Monday, July 8, 2013

Independance Day and Prego updates!

How was everyone's 4th of July? Ours was pretty relaxed but way fun! It was hotter than a monkey's butt crack but I didn't complain complained the whole time I was outside. :) We went to my parents for most of last week. The hubs had work off so it was great.

Hunter had ear muffs for his first fireworks show and yes Ian is flipping me off in the bottom one!

 

chocolate wasted...My mom playing in the slip n side with him!

I got made fun of by some friends for Hunter wearing ear muffs at the fire works show...but honestly I didn't think it was that weird?! Am I wrong? We were like right by where they were shooting them off and it was LOUD. I just want to protect his ears. I'm sure he would have been fine without them, but it made me feel better...oh well..I love my friends and its all in fun but ain't nobody got time for "other mothering." (Does anyone know what show I'm referencing?? It's kind of embarrassing...) Hunter LOVED the fireworks though! He called them "popping things" and named all the colors while they were going off...so cute. Best show ever.

And onto some fun pregnancy stuff. Exactly one more week until I'm considered "full term" or 37 weeks. So excited for that. Friday night while we were out of town (of course) I was having super painful contractions finally I called my doctor and he said to go into the nearest hospital. We got the contractions stopped and everything is all good now. :) Been having irregular braxton hicks contractions and lost my mucus plug (sick!) so we will see what happens!

I am seriously nesting like a fool, I cannot help myself. Need something organized or cleaned? I'm your girl. I wish I was like this all the time...or maybe not...who knows?

I'll leave you with some incredibly hot pics..

 

 

Anyways love y'all! Heres to a great week!

 

 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

"Domestic Goddess" Part 2: Attempt at Freezer Meals!

 

I am pretty proud of myself. I set a goal of 25 freezer meals to make before baby gets here and I officially have 10 of them done. Lets face it once my mom and mom in law leave I am not going to want to be cooking every night. I need easy peasy things that are kinda/sorta healthy (ok some are not at all but they will nourish a new mama and family). I will post the links for the first 5 that I've made and let you know what I did. I am not good at taking step by step pictures so there won't be many... :)

The first EIGHT meals I put together I just did in one big swoop a loop (some of these meals were posted in Part 1 of the "Domestic Goddess" series)

Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Fried Rice (I used ex lean ground beef)

Chicken Pot Pie

Honey Lime Chicken (this one is healthy yay I subbed agave for the honey)

I made two of each of the above meals. Then I decided to use one of the fried rices for dinner that night, and it was really good. We will see how it tastes when it's been frozen though (fingers crossed) so I had seven freezer meals. After reading all the recipes I checked what I already had to use. I had most of the meat I needed already so I just needed to get the other ingredients. I went to the dollar store to get the foil pans for the casserole and also bought freezer bags there which I will NEVER do again (the freezer bags) they were so flimsy I had to double up.

 

and I forgot to put a bunch of the other stuff I used out...FAILb nb

STEPS:

  1. Check your cabinets and see what you have and what you need.
  2. Make a grocery list and go shopping (duh)
  3. When you're ready to assemble them get everything out (I put frozen stuff and meat back in the freezer/fridge until I needed it.) For the meals in bags label and write instructions if needed first before filling (also include date).
  4. Go over your recipes and start. I started with browning the ex lean ground beef which I needed for two of the recipes. The night before I roasted the chicken breasts in the oven for the pot pies (then I shredded the next day). I also made the rice for the fried rice the night before.
  5. Once all the meat/rice was prepared I started to put everything together. I started with the honey lime chicken since it was the easiest to put together. Then I did the tater tot casserole, then the fried rice and lastly the pot pies.
  6. Make sure you get the air out of the bags so they don't freezer burn. Also the pans for the casseroles I wrapped with foil all around three times. Then labeled them.
  7. These are good for about 3 months in the freezer. I have a chest/deep freezer in the garage that I put them in.

The next three meals I did today. I made a total of four but used one for dinner. These are called "dump meals." You basically just put all the ingredients in a freezer bag and voila! These took me about 15 minutes score!

French Onion Chicken

Cranberry Chicken

We had the french onion chicken for dinner and it was good! I really don't know how helpful this post was but I am feeling more confident with getting more meals put together before the big day! Do you all have any freezer friendly meals you'd like to share? Please let me know!!

Also, I won't be posting much the rest of the week. I may do a link up on Friday but we are going out of town for the 4th! Leaving tomorrow! So I hope everyone has a fantastic/fabulous/crazy Fourth of July! <3

 

 

 

Monday, July 1, 2013

and another one bites the dust...

26...it was a great year! I started my weight loss and running journey and did things I never thought that I could. Then end of November I found out I was expecting again and here in a few short weeks I will have another beautiful baby boy in my arms. If you can't tell I'm really excited! I know it will be hard and I've talked about how stressed I am about having two kiddos but seriously it is such an amazing blessing and the lack of sleep won't last too long. Only like 15 more years until I get a full nights sleep right? ;)

 

Anyway, another year has "bit the dust" and although it was a good year I am so ready for the big 2-7. I have a lot of goals and I thought I would share them here.

  • STOP STRESSING - This is a biggie. I am such an OCD/Control Freak if one little thing doesn't go according to plan I am a full on nut case. I really feel bad for the hubs some days. Especially when I have baby # 2 I need to just relax and realize the house IS NOT going to be clean and we will eat off paper plates and maybe not get dressed some days...k? K!
  • Love myself more - This is a hard one. I am so hard on myself its ridiculous. I need to be more positive about my appearance instead of bashing the skin I'm in. I'm creating a life of course I'm going to gain weight. My body is going to be flabby after but look at what we've made? This baby is more than worth it. And I will put in the work to get my body back. (Another post on self image on a later date).
  • Breastfeed for 6 months (or more) - Whether its nursing or pumping this little one is getting natures finest. I gave up too easily last time and I regret it.
  • Hunter/Mommy time- Make sure Hunter gets alone time with his Mommy every single day, (I think I need this more than him haha).
  • Run not one but TWO half marathons- pretty self explanatory
  • Lift HEAVY - Put my muscles to the test and lift those bitches weights.
  • Treat my body with respect and stop eating all this bad stuff I've been enjoying my last month of pregnancy - lay off the ice cream/blizzards/chocolate covered cinnamon bears!
  • Be amazingly in shape for my ten year renunion next summer (2014) - I can't wait.
  • Go SKY DIVING for my 28th birthday. - one of my friends did it this year and I was so jealous I couldn't partake *cough*Julia*cough*
  • Show before after pictures on this blog (2 days after birth then 6 weeks then go increments of 10-15 lbs lost)- Yes I know your excited!

These are all going to take a lot of will power. But I proved to myself this past year that I have the dedication to do it. I am so thankful I have all of you to share this new and upcoming journey with me and make my 27th a crazy/fabulous year!

 

 

yeah i'm never going to stop planning...