Wednesday WeighIn

It's a snowy Wednesday in our neck of the woods.  It's going to be short and sweet this week!  I'm enjoying this unexpected day off with my boys.  I've been to the gym once in the last 5 days. I feel like such a slacker.  We had a birthday dinner Saturday night that I totally splurged.  I ordered a salad but indulged on chips and dip and cake (maybe some ice cream).  Then after my not as bad as most but still bad enough for me commute yesterday I indulged in a glass of wine or two.  

On to today's weigh-in

(I now realize the date is wrong on my picture.) Current weight 178.2lbs -1.8lbs from last week Starting weight 181.2lbs -3lbs total 43.2lbs to go That's still a big number.  But every little bit counts.  It's taken me nearly two years to get here, it's going to take some time lose.  I can do it, I can do it.  

Snow Day

We got an unexpected snow day today! Yay!  Well "Yay" now that we're home!  The winter weather was supposed to be further south.  We got up and went to work like usual.  Around 10:00 it started snowing heavily.  It was sticking to everything and pretty soon the roads were white.  I was trying to finish a little project but the boss insisted that all two wheel drive vehicles needed to head home.  My 10-15 minute commute took me 1 and a half hours.  Thankfully Barrett slept nearly the entire time. I thought that was bad until I got home and realized that people are stranded all over Birmingham.  I was so nervous driving on the slick roads but so thankful to be home with my boys.  When we got home we bundled up and went out to play for a bit.

The driveway at work before we left.
The highway on the way home. The road to our house.
My baby and me.
We put him in his cozy coupe car and he loved it.  Patrick pushed him up and down the road and he laughed and squealed.  So sweet!

Daddy missed the snow day last year so we were so happy work was canceled for tonight.

Watching Daddy and Ally in the front yard!

Love these boys!

Another one of me and Barrett.

For fun...here we are last year.

My boy has grown!

We are so thankful that it wasn't any worse for us.  My heart goes out to everyone stranded out there.  There are mamas and daddies that can't get to their babies at school or daycare and I can't imagine that feeling.  This is definitely one snow day we won't soon forget.

And finally sweet Ally loves the snow.  

13 Months

I wasn't going to continue the monthly posts after Barrett turned a year old but I changed my mind.  He hasn't really changed that much but I wanted to have an update for my memory.

• You weigh a little over 21lbs, not sure of your height.
• Your eyes are still blue but I still think they might change.
• Your hair is definitely getting lighter and longer.  It's starting to fall over your ears but I'm not getting it cut until it's in your eyes.
• You are completely off the bottle and drink milk like its going out of style.  You usually have between 20-24 ounces of milk a day.  

• You love food.  You will try anything we put in front of you and you like most things.  
• Some of your favorites are cheerios, bananas, mandarin oranges, green beans, carrots, chicken of any kind, yogurt, deli meat, corn, chili, pasta and french fries.  You eat whatever we're eating for dinner and are usually happy with it.  
• You aren't a big snacker so when it's meal time you usually eat a lot.   I try to feed you pretty healthy but you get the occasional treat like a cookie or doughnut. 

• You're still wearing mostly 9-12 month clothes.  Some 18 month.  I'm buying 12-18 month but some of it is still big for you.
• Size 4 diaper, you still go through 5-6 a day.
• Size 4 shoes.  Yes, I finally put some shoes on you this month.  You got two really cute pairs for Christmas so I figured you better wear them.
• You still have 8 teeth.

+

• You started to take a pacifier randomly this month.  You love it.  We try to only let you have it at bedtime.  But I do let you take it to work for naptime.  I'm going to hate breaking the habit but it's so cute.
• You love your toys.  Your favorite are the balls.  You will find a ball and roll it and chase it all over the house.  We've been to two play dates this week and you did the same thing there.  You also like the walk behind toy that makes a lot of noise and your Elephan-fun thing that shoots balls. 
• You spent the night away for the first time.  You stayed with Nana and Granddaddy.  They said you did great.  You started whining the minute I got there to pick you up.  I don't know if you were mad at me for leaving you or you didn't want to leave.
• You've also stayed with Brittany and then Aunt Allison for an afternoon so I could go to the gym and they both said you did great.  I think it's been good for you to be away from Mommy some.

• You still sleep great.  You'll wake up sometimes crying but I think you're just dreaming because you usually lay right back down and go to sleep.
• You sleep from around 8:00-7:00 and usually take one long nap from 3:00-5:00 and sometimes you'll sneak a little morning nap in.
• You're pulling up and cruising all around the living room but no walking yet.  You will stand unassisted for a few seconds (letting go of whatever you were holding on to)
• You'll walk behind your toy. 

• You still love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and the weather.
• You've started throwing little fits if we don't do what you want.  You'll throw your head back and lay on the ground and whine.  I guess you realized it hurts so now you dramatically throw yourself back but you use your elbow to soften the blow to your head.
• You had your first ear infection.
• Still not talking.  We're working with you to try to get you to say some words.
• You love bath time.

We've had so much fun this month.  It's hard to believe that this time last year you were just a tiny newborn baby.  It's so much fun seeing how much you've grown and changed.  Looking forward to watching you continue to grow and learn and the months pass by.  You are so much fun and we are loving every minute of watching you grow.

Wednesday Weigh-In

It's that time again.  Time for our weekly weigh-in.  I felt like I did really good this week, but I could have done better.  We had a party Saturday night where I knew the alcohol would get me, and it did.  I told myself I was only going to have one drink.  Well, I didn't over do it but I definitely had more than one drink.  Plus I didn't get to go to the gym Saturday so I felt extra lazy.  Sunday was another bad day.  I had McDonalds.  Those fries have never tasted so good.  French fries are my weakness.  I didn't go to the gym Sunday either.  I was lazy after church.  Patrick was starting second shift this week and I knew that it was my last day to be lazy.  I got back on track Monday and I went to the gym. I've been so lucky to have so many supporting me and offering to watch Barrett while I go to the gym.  I couldn't do it without them.

One major accomplishment this week...I've been able to wear my engagement ring!  I've worn it a few times since I had Barrett but I've always had to take it off because it was too tight and would start to hurt.  I've worn it all day every day since Saturday.  It makes me so happy (and Patrick too).

I've learned that I am way more successful when I have a plan each day.  I've been using my crockpot during the week.  I've been using recipes that are mostly meat and veggies.  They are light but filling.  Some are better than others.  I started a pinterest board of just crock pot recipes and that has helped.  Another good thing is most of those make so much that I've had enough for leftovers and to freeze for another meal.  I try to pack snacks for during the day that I can eat and not feel guilty about.

Now for the scale..
180.0lbs Down 1.2lbs 45.6lbs to go
I'm not going to lie, I'm disappointed.  I weighed Friday and was down almost 3lbs.  After eating like crap and not exercising all weekend this is what I ended up with.  I've got to be more strict and really pay attention to what I'm putting in my body.  Every little bit counts.  How did y'all do? I didn't get around to figuring out how to do a link up this week, so leave your progress/link to your blog post in the comments so we can encourage each other. Good Luck!

His and Hers Shower

Saturday night my cousin Adam and his wife and Patrick and I hosted a shower for John and Hope.   It was the first wedding shower and we wanted to get the wedding season started right.  We invited the youngest of the cousins and their spouses and several of John and Hope's friends for a low key get together.  We had mexcian food and margaritas.  It was so much fun.  Our siblings have all been so close that we've really gotten to know each other's friends so it's always nice to get to catch up with them.

Here are a few pictures.  

Some of Hope's people

The Bride and Groom

Some of the cousins.

Siblings

Cousins and spouses

Sweet cousin-in-law, Natalie in our furs!

We had such a fun night.  I'm so looking forward to the wedding in 6 short weeks!

Play Date

Saturday, Barrett and I went to a fun little play date with Cruz and Jackson and their mommies.  Jackson was born 3 days before Barrett and Cruz is about a month older.  (We had a play date with Cruz when they were just 9 weeks and 5 weeks old)

The boys had a great time playing together and the moms enjoyed getting to catch up.  It's so nice to talk to other moms in this same season of life.   Aren't they so handsome.  
After the play date we came home so Barrett could take a nap before heading to his first night away from us.  We went to a party for John and Hope and Barrett stayed with my parents.  They said he did great and we did good too.  We missed him but it was nice to sleep till 8! I've got another post coming with pictures from the wedding shower.  It was so much fun.

Catch up!

First of all, thank you so much for all you encouraging words on my Wednesday WeighIn post.  I'm so excited that so many of you want to join in of the "fun"!  If I can figure out how I'm going to add a link up on this weeks post so everyone can encourage each other!

We've had a fun week. 

We had a little lunch playdate with Keegan and Cooper.  (I don't even remember what day this was)  This was Barrett's first time to eat in Chick-fil-A and he loved watching the people. Sweet baby snuggles.  I love this sweet boy. This was beef stew night.  Patrick asked if I could maybe feed him something that wasn't quite so messy!
He got another blow out this week.  This time it turned out to be a mohawk.  
I feel like I've been on the go all week.  I've been going to the gym every afternoon and then getting home and cooking.  By the time I get Barrett in the bed it's time to start getting ready for the next day and go to sleep.  I've barely watched any tv this week.  My DVR probably thinks something has happened to me.   We're trying to enjoy the weekend before Patrick rotates shifts this week.  We have a fun playdate planned for this afternoon and then a fun party tonight for John and Hope!   Hope you all have a great weekend!

Back on the Wagon...Wednesday Weigh In

So about 4 years ago I stared a little blog series called Wednesday Weigh-In (how that has already been 4 years, I'm not real sure).  This was my first weigh-in (nearly 4 years ago to the day).  This is the post where I explained why I was doing it 4 years ago. Notice a pattern?  Apparently, I gain weight at major life changes.  I had gained about 30lbs while settling into married life and I was sick of it.  I started Weight Watchers and Wednesday Weigh-In at the same time and eventually dropped Weigh Watchers because this blog was all the motivation I needed.  I lost 30lbs in 6 months and then started boot camp two days a week.  I was in the best shape of my life.  Fast forward 4 years, here I am 1 year after giving birth to my first child and I weigh more now than I did at my 6 week post partum check-up.  I've been in denial.  I am so honored to be in my baby brother's wedding in 6 weeks and I don't want to be a fat bridesmaid.  But more than not wanting to be a fat bridesmaid, I don't want to be a fat girl in life period. 

I've enlisted a few helpers.

First, I'm counting calories.  Trying to make healthy choices.  I love this app.  It makes it so easy!  This is the way I kept the weight off for most of 2010.  I also love the social media part where my friends and I can encourage each other. 

Second, I joined the gym.  Patrick finally got tired of me complaining and said he'd pay for it, so last Thursday I joined.  (I know this is sad but since Patrick is paying for it, I'm way more likely to go because I don't want to waste his money. ) I've been 4 days and I'm really enjoying it.  I've done both the classes and the cardio equipment.  I like them both for different reasons.  I missed the social part of group fitness so joining a gym just works for me.

Thirdly, I am apparently motivated by public humiliation.  So, here it is, my heaviest non-pregnant weight.  I'm not proud but I'm working to change.

181.2lbs (ouch) My goal weight is 135lbs.  46.8lbs to go.
My plan is staying under 1,500 calories each day. Eating healthy, non processed food.  I'm trying to cook this way so that Barrett learns to love food that is good for him.  Right now I'm trying to hit the gym 5-6 days a week mixing some group classes and cardio.  After the wedding I'm probably going to drop back to 4-5 days a week until I hit my goal weight.  I'm going to need y'all to hold me accountable.  I'm a needy person when it comes to this kind of stuff.  My poor friend Brittany is probably sick of my texts needing encouragement, but I know how beneficial it was for me in the past to have a buddy. 
So there you have it.  My heaviest weight and how I plan to change it.  Anyone want to join me?

Weekend Review

We had a great (week and) weekend!  Trying to get back to a somewhat normal schedule after the holidays always takes me awhile but we are slowly but surely getting there! Barrett is such a good eater.  This night he was eating beef stew.  I love this face.


We finally put some shoes on the kid.


Pasta and meatballs. Side note, my little brother is absolutely disgusted when watching a child eat.  I think this is hilarious, so when Barrett is really messy I will record him and send it to John.  This was one of those nights.


I put Barrett in "Big Boy" clothes and he threw a fit.  I'm pretty sure that he was just tired but it still made me laugh.


My niece Harper is so stylish.  I loved this outfit she put together complete with the vintage hat and "coffee".


I gave Barrett a bath and dried his hair with the hair drier.  This was the result and I love it! Our weekend consisted of some gym time, dinner at the Horton's, church and a baby shower.  Barrett got to spend time with his cousins and I think he enjoyed it! 
I'm going to reintroduce Wednesday Weigh-In this week and I'm excited/nervous about it.  I've got a way to go but I had such good results last time I did this (4 years ago, how?).  I wanted to bring it back!

First Ear Infection

We had Barrett's one year check up on January 2nd.  He'd had a snotty nose for a few days over the Christmas holidays but once we got him back on his schedule it seemed to get better.  He still had a bit of a cough but never ran a fever.  While we were at the dr. for his check up they found his ear infection.  I felt so bad that he'd been sick for a week and I didn't take him in.  Earlier this fall we'd taken him in because we thought he had one and he was fine so I didn't want to jump the gun again.  He was given an antibiotic and he seems to be feeling good.

I think it's so funny that he hasn't taken a paci since he was about 3 weeks old, until last week.  Now he wants it all the time.  I know I shouldn't let him have it but it's so cute and I know it's comforting to him.  Plus he grinds his teeth when he doesn't have it.  
It was a rainy, dreary day. The Dr. mentioned that he should really be at least saying "mama" and "dada" by now, which he isn't.  I wasn't really concerned because I feel like he hears just fine but you can't help but worry when you feel like they are "behind".  So we are working everyday on getting him to say words.  
He was stuck in his walk behind toy.  It was funny.
We have dropped the bottle and are completely on whole milk.  I'm certain it was more traumatic for me.
After Christmas and Barrett's birthday it was painfully obvious that the "man cave" was going to need to be duel purpose as a play area too.  So we're doing a little rearranging and Patrick is building a shelving unit to go across the back wall for toys.  I'm really excited about it! I took my Christmas down so the pack and play went back to its "spot" in the living room.  That means we no longer had something to block the kitchen doorway.  Patrick put these two chairs down and Barrett just pushed them out of the way.  That boy is smart!
I know I've said it a million times but I am so thankful for my job.  My boss is awesome and lets me bring Barrett everyday. (He actually prefers Barrett to me, when Barrett can run the sign equipment I'm toast!)  Well until now he's just been in a pack and play in the corner and it's worked perfectly. Now he just needed a little more room so Steven fixed this side of my office for him.  He put down some carpet and put up the fence.  So far Barrett loves it!  He has so much room! And just because he's cute! Man, I love him so much!