The Great List {09.28.12}

This week flew by!  I can hardly believe it is already Friday.  It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating Leila's second birthday.  

With this week flying by I really had to think about what we did this week. Reflecting on the week and writing these posts is one of my favorite weekly activities.  No matter how simple or boring my week may have been, taking time to list the highlights is a great mood-booster.

1.  Leila has been a typical two-year old toddler these days.  One minute she's sweet as ever and the next she's whining or making demands. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.  The photo above was taken just minutes after she was whining about wanting our picture taken together, sitting down, right there.  We were running late but I took the time to set up the camera timer and snap a few pictures of me and my girl.  So happy I did...she looks sweet as ever.

2.  It's been fun watching Leila play with all the new things she received for her birthday.  The best part for me...organizing all the new toys with the old.  It's the little things like organizing and cleaning that make me feel like my life is less chaotic. 

3.  We officially became members of our local indoor play place.  This place is amazing!  They have everything from slides, a rock wall, and a pirate ship to a disco dress-up room, a nursery, and an art room.  I love that Leila can play here safely and independently while I relax.  This place will be great the more pregnant I become, and even more beneficial once the baby arrives.

4.  It's apple season!  Apples are my favorite fruit and I picked up a pound of delicious organic Granny Smith's (fave!) from the local farmers' market Tuesday afternoon. They are perfectly tangy and crisp.  I also splurged on some white cheddar at the same market that I've been eyeing for months. Apples and cheese is the perfect afternoon snack.

What was great about your week?       

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Come back here each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  

Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

Share some joy...

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16 week {Bumpdate}

Maternity pants in full effect.
 Looking at this picture it won't be long until I have to pack away my regular tops too.

How far along: 16 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Still up just one pound.     

Feeling:  I strained my back while running with the jogging stroller and am not happy about it.  It's not pregnancy related, but at the same time everything is pregnancy related these days.

Maternity clothes:  I am embarrassed to say I am in elastic only pants now.  I am scared by what this means...how huge will I be?  I think I was wearing a few pairs while 16 weeks pregnant with Leila but still that seemed early too.

Stretch marks:  None.  Hoping the myth that they are hereditary is true. 

Sleep: I am getting plenty. 

Best moment this week:  I got a much needed manicure/pedicure and celebrated Leila's second birthday!

Food cravings: Nothing really.  I am finding that I am already getting full after just a small snack.  I wish I did these bumpdates with Leila to compare because again, this seems really early to be feeling full so easily.

Gender:  Two weeks until we find out!  My brother-in-law thinks it is a boy, if that matters.

Movement: Hard to tell with all the gas I've been having.  :)

What I miss: Currently I miss nothing.  I had such a beer craving with Leila. (I just wanted to drink in general.)  This time I do not miss alcohol at all.  The true test will be when my mom is in town at the beginning of October.  She's my mid-day drinking partner (whenever we are in the same city!)

What I'm looking forward to: My mom and dad coming to visit.  They'll be babysitting Leila as often as possible so I can catch up on some me time around here.

Weekly wisdom: I asked Twitter if it was acceptable to be wearing maternity pants at 16 weeks.  Thank you to everyone that made me feel better about myself and my elastic pants.  

Milestones: I have officially KNOWN about this pregnancy longer than I didn't.  Make sense?  I found out I was pregnant at almost eight weeks.  You can read my story here. 

Due date: 3-13-13 

So that's where she gets it from

Depending on the context, those words can be heavily loaded.

So that's where she gets her beautiful blue eyes.  Not so bad (even though her baby blues come from Jeff.)

So that's where she gets her bossiness.  Not exactly music to my ears (even though it's true).

Last week I shared a list of phrases Miss Bossy-pants has been heard saying lately. I clearly admitted in the post that she may have heard me say some of those phrases to her, right?

I have said plenty of stuff to Leila that I cannot believe came out of my mouth.  Some stuff I can't even say with a straight face.

Yep, I'm where she gets it from...

You can't tell Mommy where to go.

That's enough Leila! (She repeated this back to me just two minutes later.)

No whining.  Wine is for Mommy.

Go...out of here.

As I mentioned earlier, PLEASE is being used more often around here.

Are there things you've said that you can't believe actually came out of your mouth (then later your child's)?  Want to read what other moms have said?

Check out the other Toddle Along Tuesday posts...

My two-year old can party

Leila turned two...so we partied for two days!

Leila enjoyed turning two, twice.

On Friday morning we casually celebrated with friends at a local park.  I just love watching her interact with kids her age!  When everyone sang "Happy birthday" to her, her face lit up, just as I had hoped. 

On Saturday evening we took our San Diego family (plus Uncle Jay and Grandee from out of town) out for a pizza celebration.  For Leila's enjoyment everyone wore party hats.  Betsy made her a delicious strawberry cake decorated with a favorite Yo Gabba Gabba character.  (Check out her foolproof cake decorating tips here.)  Leila was spoiled with gifts. love, and attention.  She was in heaven! 

Two days of celebrating for my two year old!  Thank you everyone for making this day extra special.  XOXO

Dear two-year old Leila,

Today you are two!  You have been a constant source of love and laughter in my life.  Because of you, I am a mom.

I love you more than applesauce,

Than peaches and a plum, 

Than chocolate hearts,

And cherry tarts,

And berry bubble-gum.

I love you more than pizza.

Than marmalade on toast.

For I love pies of any size,

But Mommy loves you the most.

- adapted from a Jack Prelutsky poem

Happy birthday to you!  We've been practicing the birthday song for months and today is finally your big day.  I cannot wait to see your face when your friends and family sing to you tonight.

My birthday wishes for you...

To find happiness in all that you do.  May you love and be loved by those you meet.  To find the strength to follow your dreams, both big and small. May you learn to laugh at yourself and with those around you.  

You are my favorite girl, my first baby, and my only Leila.

I love you!

Love, Mommy

The Great List {9.21.12}

Happy Friday!  Time for another edition of The Great List.  Time to push any stress or negativity side.  Time to focus on all that is great in life!

Leila and Grandee at the zoo.

1.  Leila's Grandee (Jeff's mom) is in town for a week to help us celebrate Leila's birthday.  We only get to see her once a year, since she lives in the opposite corner of the United States, so it is great to see Leila connect with her so quickly.

2.  Since Grandee is in town, I have had some much needed Jen-time.  I got a haircut, manicure, pedicure, went shopping by myself, and prepped for Leila's party.  I rarely get anytime alone to do stuff outside of the house.  This was a real treat!

3.  I splurged this week on a double BOB jogging stroller.  I know, I know...this baby isn't due until March.  I just couldn't pass up this amazing Craigslist deal. The stroller looks brand new, came with two much needed accessories, and was a STEAL.

4.  After a brutal weekend of 100 degree temperatures (and no air conditioning) the weather has cooler off a bit here at the beach.  Still not the fall-like low 70s that I am wishing for, but 80s is better than 100s any day.

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Come back here each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  

Heather from Everything Eatherton joined in last week.  So happy to see The Great List catching on! 

Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

Share some joy...

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15 weeks {Bumpdate}

I definitely look bigger this week.
I did take this photo after lunch instead of after breakfast which does make a difference. 

How far along: 15 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Still up one pound. 

Feeling:  I am going to savor these weeks of not really feeling pregnant.

Maternity clothes:  I did have to retire one three of my favorite pairs of shorts.  I can stand in them just fine, but sitting is too uncomfortable.  Anyways...why would I not be as comfortable as possible?!

Stretch marks:  None.  I started using my favorite cocoa butter moisturizing stick by The Body Shop this week just in case. 

Sleep: All good in this department.

Best moment this week:  I caught Leila looking at my belly.  She stared a minute then asked, "What's that?"

Food cravings: Nothing in particular this week.

Gender:  I had a very clear dream about having a baby.  The baby I (easily and painlessly) gave birth to was a boy.  In my dream it took us days to name our little guy.  We'll see!

Belly button in or out: In.

Movement: No movement just growing pains.  (As I was writing this post I swear I felt a weak little jab.

What I miss: Not looking like I just stuffed my belly full of French toast.  I'm only getting bigger, but am having trouble accepting this pooch.

What I'm looking forward to: Having a two year old!  We have a fun weekend planned with family and friends.

Weekly wisdom: It's okay to eat ice cream for dinner when it's 100 degrees in our apartment.

Milestones: Baby is about the size of a navel orange and I'm officially into the second trimester.

Leila loves...

• Acting "big" and reminding me sweetly, "Leila big."  

• Coloring.  Even though she normally just uses one color...brown.

• Pretzels, granola bars, our daily green smoothie, milk, pork tenderloin, any and every fruit, black beans, cookies, and cheese.

• Yo Gabba Gabba, Micky Mouse Club House, and Baby Signing Time.

• Shopping at Target and running errands with me in general.

• Her best friend Charlie, her stuffed animals, her pacifiers, and her blanket.

• Playing pretend, young kids, swimming, climbing, walking (instead of being in her stroller), bike rides, and doing whatever I do.

• Books.  She likes us to read to her and also likes reading by herself. Her current favorites are Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?, Goodnight Moon, LMNO Peas, No, David!, and  On the Night You Were Born. 

• Family hugs, her bedtime routine with Daddy, and snuggling with Mommy.

Bossy-pants

Actually, it's Miss Bossy-pants to you.

Here's a rundown of what my almost-two year old has been heard saying lately:

Don't like that.

Go away Mommy.

It's mine, not yours.  It's mine.

Stop!

No Mommy, keep it right there.

Sit down Mommy.

Me do it.  You do it.  No, me do it.

My friend, Amy, and her daughter Kennady hung out with us last week.  I can't remember what I said to Leila, but Amy's response to me was..."Hmmm, I wonder where she gets it from?!"  She was only half-joking.

Looks like PLEASE is going to become the most overused word in my vocabulary.

The Great List {9.14.2012}

Happy Friday!  Let's kick off the weekend with some positive thinking...

1.  Football season has arrived!  I love Sundays...watching football, feeling lazy, cheering for the Chicago Bears, and rooting on the San Diego Chargers.  Football means fall is here (well, almost) and I couldn't be happier.

2.  Leila is such a book worm these days.  Lately she's been insisting on "reading" the books herself instead of listening to me read them to her.  We picked up a couple of board books from the local library that we already have at home so we each can have our own book.  It is too cute.  I hope her love of books continues!

3.  Cloudy mornings rock!  These cool breezes are making me smile.  I am tired of sweating in my own house.  This week was perfect in the weather department.

Have a great weekend!

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Come back here each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

Share some joy...

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It's never too late {Changing behaviors}

I use to be so proud that when I asked Leila to sit and eat her snack, she would, just like that.  She would sit down anywhere even for just for a taste of something.

Somewhere, somehow, things changed.  

Now when we go to the park she runs around, snack in hand, like she didn't hear my request, like she doesn't know the rule.  When I do enforce the rule (I do try!) she melts down, runs in circles, and practically chokes on the food in her mouth.

It's frustrating.  It's unsafe.  It's a constant battle.  

The topic of snacks came up with my friend Lauren last week.  She was wondering if Leila could eat trail mix for snack.  I explained that even though Leila has all of her teeth, I do not give her nuts because I am afraid she'll choke on them while she runs around with her food.

Lauren was surprised that Leila hadn't been sitting to eat her snack anymore.  I admitted to becoming soft and down right scared of her meltdowns when I tried to enforce the rule.

As soon as I said those words aloud, I felt embarrassed.  Embarrassed that I let my almost two year old scare me and ashamed that I was willing to risk her safety because of it.

I've had enough!  

Immediately I began implementing "snack-training" with Leila.  (You know, kinda like sleep training, but with snacks.)  I knew the first few attempts would be down right brutal.  And they were.

Leila went into a full fledged tantrum on the floor, kicking, crying, turning red in the face, the whole deal, just because I asked her to sit and drink her smoothie. The second attempt had a similar outcome (in public this time) BUT by the third day of "snack-training" she complied.  Just like that.

I learned two valuable lessons.

1.  It's never to late to make changes in undesirable, or in this case, unsafe habits.

2.  It's okay to to make mistakes or slip up (this one's for me!) as a parent.  I am constantly learning about myself as a parent.  I am a work in progress.

Ever been in a similar situation?  Tell me I'm not alone here.

     

14 weeks {Bumpdate}

What am I looking at?  What is Leila looking at?

How far along: 14 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Up one pound.

Feeling:  I feel just like my "normal" self again!  I have an appetite, a desire to workout, and I have enough energy to make it most days without a nap.

Maternity clothes:  No way!  I did use some Kohl's cash and got two items that I know I'll eventually need.  I also ordered two tops from Gilt (thanks, Dad!)

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: "Momma nap time" is happening less frequently.  I still go to bed early, but that's just what I do.

Best moment this week:  Going for a run THREE times!  I know not to push myself too hard, but it's difficult not to when I feel like my "normal" self.

Food cravings: Wedge salad.  I didn't end up getting one, but a regular house salad with ranch did the trick.

Gender:  Two of us in my mom's group are pregnant and the other girl already knows for sure that she is having a boy.  For fun we both  did the needle and string test this weekend. The needle went in a back and forth motion when hanging over her belly.  Then when it came to me it was clearly going in a circle.  We went right back to her, just to make this scientific and all, and the needle swung back and forth again.  So my current prediction is GIRL.

Belly button in or out: In.

Movement: I may have felt something twice this week.  I know it's early, but I also know what it feels like this time.

What I miss: My scheduled and productive life.  Feeling on the up and up so I expect to get back to my routines soon.

What I'm looking forward to: Celebrating Leila's second birthday with family and friends.

Weekly wisdom: I need to remind myself that I am not fat, just pregnant.  I feel self conscience about this little pooch and I need to get over it.  It's only getting bigger! 
Milestones: Baby is about the size of a lemon and can such his/her thumb and pee.

The Great List {09.07.2012}

This week flew by thanks to a lovely three day weekend.  It's Friday again and time for another reflective look back on the week.  So much to be happy about...

Swimming at Poppy's pool on Monday.

1.  Leila is really gaining confidence in the pool.  Such a change from July when she clung to me like a scared kitten every time we entered the pool.  We've had the opportunity to visit Betsy's pool almost weekly since we've been back from vacation and the change in Leila is amazing!  She will "swim" on her own, tongue out, and is happy as can be.  Swim lessons are still on my mind, but I'm thinking we'll wait until the late spring.

2.  I want food.  This is the most amazing thing that happened this week.  Not only does food sound appetizing, I can actually eat it without feeling like crap for the rest of the day.  I made dinner for the first time in over a month last night!  Hooray for me!

3.  I discovered that Project Runway IS in fact being recorded to my DVR each week.  I have been enjoying a television break during Leila's nap time and it's been helping me reset myself so I can tackle the afternoon.  I love reading blogs during nap time, but I am finding that TV relaxes me much more than reading.

4.  Finally I busted out my sneakers and hit the pavement for a run Thursday.  Granted I only made it eleven minutes before I almost died from exhaustion, but that's better than I've been doing these past two months.  While I was pregnant with Leila I was able to run until I was eighteen weeks along and this time I am hoping to jog all the way through my second trimester.  If you have any tips or tricks for staying comfortable, please share!

Happy Friday!

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Come back here each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

Share some joy...

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13 weeks {Bumpdate}

Now that I've officially announced this pregnancy, I have started taking weekly bump pictures.  AND...this could very well be my last pregnancy, so I plan on documenting each and every little thing EVERY week.

I promise I will get better at taking these self-portraits. 

If you blog and have been pregnant in the last two years, you've seen this pregnancy survey floating around the internet.  I decided to join in this time around!

How far along: 13 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Holding steady right now after losing a few pounds from first trimester nausea.

Feeling:  Much better than I did just one week ago.  I am excited to finally be able to talk about this pregnancy after I made the big announcement earlier this week.

Maternity clothes:  No way!  I will be holding out as long as possible.  I was so tired of them by the end of my last pregnancy!

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep:  Yes, please!  I LOVE sleep (and am super tired).  I've brought back "Momma nap time" and then still head to bed before 9pm most nights.  

Best moment this week:  Officially announcing my pregnancy.

Food cravings: Fruit.  Other than that, I'd rather not eat because nothing really sounds good.

Gender: On one hand I think it's a girl, but because this pregnancy is SO different than my first I am going with BOY.

Belly button in or out: In.

Movement: Not yet.

What I miss: Feeling productive, having energy, and exercise.

What I'm looking forward to: Second trimester!  According to some it's here, but until I feel better and get my energy back I am still calling this first trimester.

Weekly wisdom: I know I can't "bank" sleep, but if I could I would be rich.

Milestones: Baby's fingertips have formed and I am no longer throwing up daily.

Check me out at 13 weeks with Leila.  What I thought was a cute mini-bump was how my stomach looked before I was even pregnant this time around.  Yikes!

Ready or not, here we go...again {It's a BABY!}

Surprise!

The words I said to Jeff at 7 am the morning I took a pregnancy test were more like, "Don't kill me for waking you...but I'm pregnant."

After whipping the pregnancy test at his pillow, I am pretty sure I started crying.

He responded with "Seriously?!  This is good, right?!"

My blank stare and tear streaked cheeks made him question everything, rightfully so.  I cannot hide my emotions no matter how hard I try and this was NOT at all what I expected...

Sure, I had been napping during the day, puking, only eating carbs, and not able to cook anything for dinner the past few days.  But being pregnant did not cross my mind.  I couldn't be pregnant!  I just had my "period" and had been drinking all vacation long. 

I expected to start trying to conceive baby #2 as soon as I came home from our summer trip to Chicago.  I expected it to take a while, since I am officially of advanced maternal age now.  I expected to have a baby next summer.  I expected things to go according to my plan.

“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" -John Lennon

So here we are 12 weeks into pregnancy #2, happy (nauseous, tired, and still a little bit in denial) as can be.

My plans were just that...plans.  My real life is way better than anything I could have planned!

It will be March 13th before we know it, right?!  

Leila is convinced she has a baby in her belly too.