Fitness Friday Among Other Things

Fitness Friday is here, and I dreaded getting on the scale this morning. I was pretty certain that I would gain weight this week. I was wrong!
Start Weight: 203.6
Today's Weight: 200.2
Weight lost: 2.6lbs.
Doesn't seem like a lot, but it's a small step in a long journey. I know after having a baby that weight loss isn't going to come as easy as it did before I was pregnant. 60 pounds in 5 months is fast! My goal is to be 20 lbs lighter than my original weight by vacation time (May). So I've got about 3 and a half months! I think I can definitely do that!

Mason had his first taste of veggies yesterday! I gave him some sweet potatoes for dinner, and he scarfed them down! With his chunky little butt, I think he isn't going to find a food he doesn't like.

Also, we got Sophie in the mail today! Wahoo! I showed her to Mason and squeeked her a few times. He looked at me, smiled, and started chewing away. I think the two of them will get along very nicely!

As far as the Etsy store update. All of my fabrics have come in, and I started making some magnets last yesterday. They are turning out super cute, and I may keep a few for myself :) I mean everyone needs their fridges to be stylish too right?

For your viewing pleasure, little Mason and his yummy first taste of real food.

Who can resist those baby Yoda ears?



His new buddy, Sophie.

Rambling

Just wanted to say, I failed miserable at taking a picture a day. However, I am playing around with my camera a lot more, trying to figure things out. I'm getting some very helpful tips from free classes online (not really classes, more like reading a PDF). I'm hoping Mason's 5 month pictures next week *YES, 5 months NEXT WEEK!* will be awesome.

Looking forward to getting my supplies in the mail! Once that happens and I spend a few hours making some things, my etsy store will be up and running. I hope to have the Grand Opening on Monday! Hopefully on Monday I will have a link for everyone to check it out!

Mason sttn (slept through the night) again last night! Hoorah! I was thrilled to hear his little happy squeals this morning at 7:30. I did wake up at 4:30 and have a bit of a freak out, but once I checked on him saw that he was still sawing logs, all was right with the world.

Tomorrow is Fitness Friday, and I'm just hoping that after the bad week I've had that I haven't actually gained weight. If I maintained, cheers to me. I know I probably won't lose, but that's what I get for having a few too many gin and tonics last Saturday eh?

Eventually I'll have a blog that has a freaking picture in it. I feel like such a blog slacker for not having some form of visual entertainment.

Also, I am planning on having a giveaway to promote my Etsy items. I'm wanting to give away something neutral, so I am thinking of doing some burp cloths that aren't too "girly" or too "boyish". Thoughts? And if anyone (c'mon blog stalkers) would like to host the giveaway, I'd be more than happy to let you! Once I get the creativity juices flowing, I could definitely send pictures, details, etc.

Happy Thursday!

And So He Sleeps

Through the night, that is.

It's not like he hasn't before. This time was different. He slept the entire night in his CRIB. I knew the day would come, and it was only a matter of time. Yet after many nights of waking up, not being able to get him back to sleep, and throwing him in the bed with me, I thought the day would never come.

He took all of his naps in his crib yesterday, and put himself to sleep each time. So last night I read him a few books, put him in the crib, turned on his Soothe and Glow Seahorse, and left.

After an hour of going back and forth giving him his pacifier back, or rolling him back onto his back (because he was getting frustrated, not because I mind him sleeping on his stomach), he finally tuckered himself out and gave up.

The kid is a stomach sleeper now. Which of course, is not recommended by most. However, he can roll over now. He has good neck and head control, so he's not going to smother himself. And I am not going to set my alarm every 3 hours just to creep in his nursery and roll him back over, jeopardizing all of my hard work to get him to fall asleep in the first place. Ultimately, he'd roll back over anyways.

So at 6:30 this morning, I heard Mason making his usual happy noises, and dragged myself into the nursery to see him. He was on his tummy, looking up at me with his sleepy baby eyes, and smiled the biggest toothless smile I've seen.

You know how you always say "I will....when I am a Mom." or "I will never...when I am a Mom." I always said to myself, "This baby will sleep in his crib from day 1. He's gotta learn that its his, and Mom and Dad's room is strictly Mom and Dad's." Why did I have this mentality? Because I don't want a 2 year old who refuses to sleep in his own bed, since he still finds comfort in being with Mom and Dad.

Then you have a baby. Then you play into your child's needs, and not your wants. The kid refused to sleep in his bassinet, his pack and play, or his crib from the beginning. The only place he would sleep was the couch. Which is why the Mr. and I were restricted to couch sleeping for the first 3 weeks.

After that, he was alright in the bassinet, but attempts at the crib were unsuccessful. So finally, here we are. Mason is almost 5 months now, and he finally sleeps in his crib. All night.

All in all, Mason and I both had wonderful sleep. In our respective rooms, in our own beds.

My little baby is growing up.

Woe Is Me

I'm tired.

It hasn't been a good week as far as the Weight Watchers goes, so I'm not looking forward to weighing in this Friday.

Mason is showing signs of teething, and it can be very frustrating at times. Enter, Sophie the Giraffe. I've heard all of the rave reviews on her, and thought I would have it ordered before Mason was even born. But, life gets in the way, and Sophie should arrive sometime between Friday and next Monday. I'm hoping Mason and Sophie will have a wonderful friendship full of quiet, juicy, conversations.

I need to go to Hancock fabrics to pick up some backing for burp cloths, bibs, blankets and so forth. I don't feel like spending the money.

I need to finish setting up my shop policies, payment info, shipping info, etc, etc.

I need to get Mason on a bedtime routine. So far the kid has taken every nap today in his crib. Thank you Soothe and Glow Seahorse.

I need caffeine before I pass out.

I need to pay bills.

That's it for today. I'll see ya Friday for Fitness Friday post, and let's hope I didn't actually gain weight this week. So much for sticking to the weight loss plan. Arg.

Fitness Friday

Weight: 201.6
Weight lost: 1.6 lbs!
Small number, but I feel like I did really good this week! I ate healthy and drank a lot of water. So I'm happy! Goals for next week: drink more water, don't use more than 7 flex points, and eat more fruit. Here's to a good 2nd week!

Fabtastic

Well today I perused a bit around online and finally ordered some super cute fabric I've been wanting for my Etsy products. Now I just have to wait a long week and a half before I get it and start playing around. The fabrics I purchased are more modern designs that I like, of course. I think my store will offer some new and different items since I'm going on patterns I choose, instead of what everyone is selling.
That's the fun in it right?
Just a quick update, since the little guy is a roller now, I've got to see what he's up to. Be back tomorrow for Fitness Friday!

Broke and Crafty

We are anxiously awaiting to receive the Mr's W2 so that we can file for our return. Why? Because everyone needs and wants money. And we are so ridiculously behind on bills it isn't even funny.

Just to give you a general idea...
The majority of what we owe it at least one month behind. So we can't ever really catch up.

I think I owe an estimated $14,000 on student loans. Most of these I've put into unemployment deferment, but it's still not really helping me when I've got a pile of bills to pay regardless.

On top of my student loans, in regards to medical bills, utilities, and other minor debts, I think we are somewhere close to around $6,000.

So my question is...what's the best method of attack here? I don't think we could consolidate, just because neither one of us has hardly any credit. Well, add being in debt to the mix and most banks are hesitant about lending out money with the way things are in the economy.

All of our income tax refund is going to go towards bills. No shopping extravaganzas for us, no putting back money for a vacation, none of that. Which pretty much sucks considering the amount of things I could buy for Mason with that money. The problem is, I know that the amount we get back from our refund won't really put a dent into the amount of debt that we owe.

Enter, Etsy. Back in early December I mentioned that I wanted to start an Etsy store after Christmas. Well, the store is on the way. I'm going to be making a random assortment of things sch as: burp cloths, dish towels, nursery decor, diaper cakes and so forth. It's not up and running as of yet. I'm still working on policies, shop design and what have you. But I plan on making a few items just to see if I have any interested shoppers. And all of the profits will go straight towards debt.

The biggest thing holding me back so far...well you sort of have to spend money to make money. And as of now, I have none to spend to buy the supplies I need. I also plan to promote my shop, so be on the lookout for an upcoming giveaway!

Healthy Eating

I know it's not Friday, but I did want to post how the weight loss journey was going so far. I haven't weighed myself. I don't want the scale to haunt me every morning in the hopes that the number will change day to day. That's being a little too obsessive, and I'm still limiting myself to Friday mornings.

So far I think I've had a fairly good week. I've been keeping within my points range every day, (with the exception of Saturday, in which I used my Flex Points). This morning I am going to fix myself some delicious Turkey Bacon (which I actually perfer over regular anyway), scrambled egg whites with salsa, and toast with Nutella. It's a big breakfast, but it's only a meer 4 points. (Egg whites are 0 points, as well as salsa).

I've been drinking water like a maniac, and can already tell a difference in my energy level. I forgot that drinking a ton of water is like drinking two cups of coffee. It's a natural energizer.

Let's hope I stay on plan the remainder of the week. Mr. H gets Irish Stew for dinner tonight. (Yep, still going to cook him dinner even though I can't eat it). I'll probably cook myself up a chicken breast, some rice, and steamed veggies. Yum.

American Idol Hype

I absolutely hate American Idol. I can't stand to watch it, I loath hearing anything about it, and want to slap the person who says "Hey, did you see the guy on American Idol last night?" No. I didn't. Don't want to. Wouldn't get paid to.

I simply have no desire to watch people who know they can make a fool of themselves and get their 15 minutes of fame by doing so. Nor do I have the desire to watch the singers who are actually good go through grueling month(s) long process of singing Broadway musicals, horrible renditions of good and original music, which ultimately comes down to two or three people who all end up getting a contract in the end.

I just don't like it. As with the New Moon (Twilight saga), it annoys me that the majority of the population only has this one commonality to discuss. TV. Seriously. There was an earthquake in Haiti, and all people can talk about is "Pants on the Ground".

Oy Vey.

Dear Mason,

Time is flying by way to quickly. You are quickly approaching your 5 month birthday, and that scares the hell out of me. Every day with you is a blessing, and each smile, laugh, and each funny new noise you discover make my life full. You sure have been a grumpy Guss lately, but I think it's a phase of life for you. Trying to figure out how your hands work, that toys don't disappear forever when you drop them, and that when Mommy puts you down it doesn't mean I'm going to leave you lying there for hours.

The days of quieter (although still blood boiling in their own right) newborn cries, milk drunk naps lasting hours at a time, and tiny baby arms and legs that didn't kick and slap Mommy constantly, are over. Times of high pitched baby squeals, gurgles, and raspberries, messy feedings, and bath time that results in Mommy drenched in your sweet smelling bath water due to your overenthusiastic splashing, have arrived.

I feed you in the morning, and in most cases, this is when you are the happiest. You lay in your pack and play and check out your mobile while I take a break for some coffee and breakfast (and the occasional blogging). But my favorite time with you is nap time. Here lately you absolutely refuse to go to sleep on your own (even though Mommy knows you are quite capable of doing so). So I get to bring back those sweet newborn days of holding you in my arms until you fall asleep. Sometimes its a struggle, and you kick and punch me, but you eventually fall asleep and catch flies as well as some ZzzZzz's.

I will hold you and rock you, cause babies don't keep.

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

I hope you'll always feel comfortable with me. Not just to fall asleep in my arms, but to share with me your goals and ambitions, your mistakes and fears, your loves and your life.
Love,
Mommy

First Fitness Friday!

Alright, I said I was gonna do this, so here it is. Today is my first Fitness Friday post! I will start by saying that I'm not really ashamed to display my weight. It is what it is and it's solely a number. But on my journey towards feeling healthy and confident, I will post my actual weight each week.
First, I must add that during my final month of pregnancy I weighed the most I've ever weighed in my life. 252 lbs. 4 months later and as of my weigh in yesterday, I am down 49 pounds. Meaning that my current weight is 203.2 lbs. My goal this week is to make sure I am drinking plenty of water each day, and if the weather permits, take Mason on a daily walk around the neighborhood.
My long term goal is mainly to feel good about myself and have energy. If that means I'll lose 20 lbs or 60 lbs, then so be it.
And there ya have it, my first Fitness Friday post!

New Year, New Things Part 2

Mason just woke up from a nap, so I have to make this quick. One of my goals this year is to be happy with myself, and in order to do that, I need to lose a pretty significant amount of weight.
Plan: Weight Watchers. I've done it in the past and was very successful with it, so I plan on using it again to assist me in my weight loss goals. I'm going to have a "Fitness Friday" post, where I will post my weight, how much I either lost or gained, and some tips for those who may be wanting to lose weight.
Today is my first day on the plan, and I will be weighing in each Thursday for my Fitness Friday posts. I'm also going to attempt to post a weekly (or maybe bi-weekly) picture of myself, for a reference on what losing 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 pounds looks like.
Yes, I said 50. I need to lose at least that. More than anything I want to feel good about myself. After having a baby, I think all mothers do. Some are freakish and can manage without a weight loss plan. I, however, am not one of those freakish people. So here is to the first day on the path to skinny town!

2009 In Pictures

I guess I'll join the rest of the blogosphere. Better late than never!
Let's just glance over to the picture on the right. That's how my first day of 2009 started. It saves me from uploading it again. :)
The first visible sign of Mason.

Did lots of pregnant fishing

Celebrated Adam's 24th Birthday, dressed as TLC.

Had a wonderful time at the beach with family and friends!

Luau Party!

Followed by a wonderfully fun Luau themed Baby Shower :)

Only a month left to go!

Getting to see what Mason was going to look like!

The most exhausting, but happiest day of my life. September 3rd. Meeting Mason Jack.

Mason's first Halloween!

Celebrating Mason's 3 Month mark!

My best friends are getting married!

And of course, Mason's first Christmas!

Snow Day

Yesterday we were lucky enough to get about a half inch of snow (maybe a little more. Of course I bundled Mason up, and we ventured outside for a brief ten minutes to snap a few pictures of him in the snow.
His little cheeks turned rosy only have after a minute or two. This is my favorite, and my picture for the day!

4 Month Well Baby Check

This morning was a hassle, as usual. Woke up at 6 to get myself ready for the day, and also get Mason up, fed, and ready for his 4 month Well Baby check. We had an appointment with the nurse practioner, Shannon, and I really liked her! She was very thorough, answered all of my questions, and took her time with my little (big) guy.
He is weighing in at a whopping 18.8 lbs now, which is more like the weight of an 8 month old. He is also 26 1/4 inches long, and looking very healthy!
Of course the little guy cried the biggest crocodile tears I've ever seen him cry as soon as the nurse gave him his shots. Bless his wittle bitty teeny tiny heart. I rocked him and held him, and then the Mr. gave me quite the pouty face, so I handed Tubs over to him and he calmed him down before we left.
We discussed starting him on rice cereal. So this is my picture for the day.

First attempt! We shall see how it goes, and I will definitely take pictures!
And to catch up, my picture from yesterday was of my favorite thing in the world. Other than Mason, and the Mr., the one thing I need to get through my day.

I'll admit it. I'm not a black coffee drinker. In fact, I don't see how anyone could drink it that way. I love my Coffee Mate and my Splenda. Gotta problem with it? Go enjoy your bitter black coffee, black coffee lovers. While I sit here at noon, enjoying another cup of my sugary (but not too sugary), creamy, tan coffee.

Mason's Slideshow

Copy and paste the link, it'll take you to youtube to view it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAYEz14LY08

New Year, New Things Part 1

In most cases, even last year, I have always been against New Years Resolutions. For the most part, they are all about breaking a bad habit, losing weight, and so forth. However this year is different for me. I'm a Mom now. So what if I decide to have a few New Years Resolutions this year? Big whoop. The fun part is seeing if I can stick with them, meet goals, and all that happy crappy.
First of all, I did say that I wanted to take a picture a day. So far so good. Now if I don't have the chance to blog regularly, I may not actually post all of them. I'll attempt to, and if I do get a few days behind, I'll see if I can get them all caught up.
Mason turned 4 months old yesterday, so I took a few pictures of him in his 4 month onesie. See how big my little man is getting? Old folks don't joke when they say "Time flies". That's the damn truth.

He will have his 4 month "well-baby check" on Wednesday. Then I will be able to see how fat and long the little chubs is doing. He also gets his dreaded second round of vaccinations, which I am not looking forward to whatsoever. I've got the Mr. to accompany me to the appointment and after a good dose of baby Tylenol, well who am I kidding, it's sure to be another tear fest between Mason and I to see who can cry more like a baby. I'm sure I'll win.
In case you're wondering about the Part 1 in the title, deal with it. Actually, it's simply because I don't have time to completely finish this post about my resolutions due to the fact that my sweet little guy has just awoken from a good 12 hour slumber. Mason says "Eeeeeeeeeeeeehhhh Ahhhhhhhhh", which in baby language is "I'm awake, good morning, I'm happy, come get me!" So, as I gulp down the last remaining bit of my lukewarm coffee, finish the last few sentences of my post, and shake a bottle all at the same time, I think "Damn, I'm a good multi-tasker."

Time Flies When You're Baking Babies

A year ago today, I woke up, raced to CVS, purchased a pregnancy test, came home, peed on a stick, and three minutes later began to hyperventilate and shake hysterically when I discovered I was pregnant with my little Mason man.
And here I am, a year later. The happiest I've ever been in my life, with my love, the Mr., and my little love, the little Mr. I'm not going to relive all the moments of that day (because I've already done so via blog posts, so start searching if you missed that). I will always remember the day I found out I was going to be a Mom, and of course, the day I became a Mom.
So here's a little something to jog my memory, as well as make me get all Mommy-sappy and want to go and hold all of Mason's newborn clothes and smell his recently bathed baby head.
Mason's first picture

And to follow my New Years resolution, here is my first photo of the New Year!