The Great List {11.30.12}

1.  This picture alone made my week.  Leila was so excited to see Santa then when she got on his lap she froze.  I'm not sure she uttered one word to him.  That's crazy since she never stops talking. Ever.

2.  This hasn't happened yet, but I am so grateful my sister is taking Leila for an hour or so on Saturday so I can get a pedicure.  I am too pregnant to do it myself and I've already painted over this polish one too many times.

3.  I started a new toy and book organization/ rotation system this week.  I am so excited to share what I have learned and how it's changed my life.  Check out Meagan's post in the meantime for a sneak peak of the system I have adopted.

Happy Friday everyone! 

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. 

-William Arthur Ward 

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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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Beware. Daddy is in charge.

Look closely at this picture.  

Do you see what I saw IMMEDIATELY upon their return from a treasure hunt walk?

A wonderful and unique treasure...a piece of poop.

Way to go Daddy!  How'd you miss that one?

Mommy is in charge again. It's time for a bath.

25 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 25 weeks!

Weight gain/loss:  Are you kidding me?!?  I am not crazy enough to jump on the scale the week after my anniversary and Thanksgiving.

Feeling: Big.  I am really in for it...I know what's coming!

Maternity clothes: Yep!  I am well stocked.  I finally discovered a practical use for a belly band too.  I use it to help hold up my over-the-belly maternity jeans (shown in the picture).  Since they have no real waist, I always feel like they are slipping down even when they aren't.  They are now more comfortable this way.   

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: I am tired again.  Already.

Best moment(s) this week:  So many!  Our anniversary dinner was delicious, as was the Thanksgiving feast.  It was great to finally meet baby Max and hang with old friends (his parents).  Finally, Jeff and I took Leila to the zoo on Sunday.  Like I said before, it is so nice and stress-free when there are two parents around! 

Food cravings: Anything will do the trick, but everything will give me heartburn.  

Gender: It's a boy!

Movement: He moves around the most right after I eat.  Still little pain-free movements. :)

What I miss:  Feeling comfortable sitting on the floor.  Wine.   

What I'm looking forward to:  I have a routine doctor appointment on Friday.  I love the check-ups!

Weekly wisdom: I am pregnant.  It's okay to feel fat, be emotional, and take it easy once in a while.

Milestones: He's the size of a cauliflower and now has a sense of equilibrium.  He knows which way is up and down...pretty cool! 


Due date: 3-13-13

The Great List...is back {11.23.12}

Last week just got away from me, and before I knew it my mom was asking me what happened to The Great List on Friday.  I explained, in too many words, what was consuming all my time...all negative stuff, go figure.

This week I'm sharing my gratitude again!  With Thanksgiving yesterday, I am sure many of you reflected on what you are grateful for.  This week's list format is a little different, more of a general list of all the things, big and small, that I am thankful for. 

I am thankful...

• I have an understanding and loving husband.  Happy three years to us!
• Leila has a daddy that plays "shopping" with her, tackles her onto the couch, and thinks she is the most amazing girl in the world.
• to have a wonderful family, both here in San Diego and back in Chicago.
• for fall sunsets over the water.
• that Leila is such a happy and fun person to be around.
• to be pregnant with a healthy baby boy.
• for the stores that open before 10 am (like Michael's, Target, and Vons).
• I have the ability and desire to stay active and healthy during this pregnancy.
• that we are able to make our budget work while I stay at home.
• my mom and dad come to visit us multiple times a year. 
• for the friendships I have made in San Diego and for the ones I still have  after many years of living apart.
• that my grandmother is home from the hospital after a recent fall.
• to live to live near the beach, a dream I've had since childhood.
• I am able to laugh at myself, my mistakes, and learn from them.
• my 12 year old Toyota Corolla still runs like a champ.
• to be staying home for the holidays, where I can still wear flip flops and won't see any snow.
• for coffee...Keurig specifically.
• that we can buy the things we need and many of the things we want.
• to live just a block away from my sister.
• I am learning to let go of the little things, but not take the little things for granted.

 I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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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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24 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 24 weeks.  Man, do I still have a long way to go (112 days to be exact).

Weight gain/loss:  Up a pound this week for a total of 11 pounds.  

Feeling: My sciatica hurts less, the more I exercise.  Strange, huh?  I did hurt my knee somehow, so am taking it easy and icing it until it feels better. 

Maternity clothes: Yes! My friend Lauren has a box waiting for me and I finally used the Gap gift card I got for my birthday on a few great tops.  I love clothes, maternity or not!

Stretch marks:  None.  Jeff keeps reminding me to use the cocoa butter stick...like I ever plan to wear a bikini again or something.

Sleep: Ugggg.  I hate to say that it's not so great, knowing what's to come.  Luckily my early bedtime allows for plenty of rest.

Best moment(s) this week:  I had a super busy weekend!  Hung out with friends both Friday and Saturday evenings.  It was just what I needed.

Food cravings: I don't care, just give me food.  I am looking forward to salty Thanksgiving food this year like never before!

Gender: BOY and we have a name.  I do plan on sharing, but for some reason I am not ready to just yet.

Movement: He's busy flipping around and doing karate moves in there.

What I miss:  Feeling comfortable sitting on the floor.  At Teacher Lee this week it was a little rough sitting on the floor during circle time.  Yikes.

What I'm looking forward to:  Today is our three year wedding anniversary.  We are heading out ALONE for the first time in months.  I don't even care that I can't celebrate with a glass of wine.  I plan on stretching out my stomach for the feast Thursday.  AND...Jeff has three days off this weekend for the holiday.  What a way to celebrate!

Weekly wisdom: I discovered I can still hold my own during a workout session.  I know my limits, but also know I need to workout for my physical and mental health while I can.  I'm only 24 weeks and who knows how I'll be feeling just a week from now! 

Milestones: Last week I took Leila to the ultrasound.  She called it "Skyping" with the baby.  It was too cute.  We got some great pictures to take home and learned that as of a week ago he was about 1lb 2oz- a little bigger than average.

Due date: 3-13-13

Staying active and healthy during pregnancy

Pregnant or not, staying active and eating healthy foods are an important part of my daily life.  

Everyone knows the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating.  But how much is too much for someone who is pregnant?  Of course, it all depends on your fitness level before you were pregnant and, most importantly, your doctor's recommendations.

For me, my previous pregnancy experience shaped my views on how hard I push my currently 23-week-pregnant self.  

When I was pregnant with Leila, my 5'1" frame gained 50 pounds.  Not only was that way over the recommended weight gain, it was a pain, literally, to carry around all that extra weight.  I hated how I looked in my third trimester and even worse, hated how I looked and felt after having Leila.  I promised myself (and my sisters) I would NEVER repeat my biggest rookie mistake again.

Currently, staying active and healthy during pregnancy is on the top of my to-do list.  I've been approved by my doctor to run (alright, it's more of a jog these days) and lift light, five pound weights.

My weekly exercise goals have been:

• Run 2-3 miles, three days a week.  Most days I push a beast of a stroller, but one day a week I request a time to run all by myself.  It's amazing the difference it makes being able to use both hands for momentum while running.
• Walk, one day a week.  We walk to the local Farmers' Market one afternoon a week.  
• Lift weights, using my favorite DVD (Bob Harper's Biggest Loser Boot Camp), two days a week.  Of course I have to make modification due to my belly getting in the way!  My sister Valerie is the best motivator and we found time to workout together each week.  My other weight workout is completed during Leila's nap time. 

That's a total of six workouts a week!  It's been easy to fit exercise into my pregnant life, because I was already committed to my fitness before I got pregnant.

This week was special!  I was able to fit in a bonus workout with Jeremy Jackson and DJ Pickel, represented by Look Better Naked Health Management.  Also, thanks to San Diego Mom's Night Out and FITzee Foods for spreading the word on this event.

This fun and active event was right up my alley!  We met at FITzee Foods for an introduction...

Fitzee Foods creates freshly made, pre-portioned meals designed to keep their customers healthy, balanced, and totally in control of their nutrition. Their meals are prepared daily with fresh, organic, and all-natural ingredients.  FITzee also offers a variety quick snacks and meal replacement bars to keep you fueled and focused on the go. All products are available in three specifically portioned sizes to fit each client’s unique lifestyle. All you need to do is heat, eat, and taste the FITzee difference!

Then we headed to a local park, complete with a DJ, for our workout with Jeremy Jackson.  Let me just say, this workout was no joke!  I figured since this event was open to the public, the workout had to be mainstream-appropriate.  I definitely had to modify his exercises and learned a few killer new ones in the process.  (On a side note, Jeremy was full of energy, very personable, and nice to look at.)

Sweaty and giddy after our hour long workout. (Please excuse the poor phone camera quality.)

Once we completed our sweat-session, we headed back to FITzee Foods for food samples, fresh juice, and our swag bag.  

I totally fell in love with their Chewy Chocolate Chip FITzee bar.  You can see a random customer felt exactly the same way I did about the FITzee bar.

  

I loved this event!  My competitive side really came out and I rocked the workout, belly and all.  I have the sore arms, upper back, butt, core, AND hamstrings to prove it.  That didn't stop me from running three miles the next day though.  I do have Thanksgiving Day 5K coming up...

How much do (or did) you push yourself to stay active and healthy during your pregnancy?

Falling asleep too fast? {Sleep Tip of the Month}

Is your little one taking long enough to fall asleep at night?

Kind of an odd question, I know.  

I think most parents believe that the quicker their child falls asleep at bedtime, the better, but this isn't always the case.  

A well-rested child that knows how to fall asleep, and stay asleep on their own, should take about 15-20 minutes to fall asleep at bedtime!  Of course, they shouldn't be crying during this time, but will be laying in bed, getting comfy, cuddling their lovey, or even quietly singing or talking to themselves.

  
Experts say that if you're "asleep before your head hits the pillow" you're probably sleep deprived.  This applies to adults and children alike.  

If anyone in your family is falling asleep 'too fast' you might consider making bedtime earlier.

Speaking of bedtimes...What time does your child go to bed each night? Do they take a bit of time before falling asleep?

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Lauren is a certified sleep coach and DONA trained postpartum doula.  Her passion for helping tired parents began when her own newborn daughter's constant crying and terrible sleep habits finally got the best of her. Visit her blog and Facebook page for more information.

Check out Lauren's other featured posts here on Leilaland:

Sleep coach * Postpartum doula {Guest post}

Babies and Children Sleep Better with a Friend

Sleep: Quality vs. Quantity 

We don't share toys.

I know what you are thinking...What?! How can you possibly be raising a decent human being without teaching the basic rule of sharing...and why on Earth are you telling people?!

Think about the last time you toddler had something another child wanted, or wanted something that another child was playing with.  What did you say to your child?  Did you tell them to share?

Before we stopped sharing toys, the conversations I had with Leila, when a child wanted the toy she was currently playing with, went something like this:

Leila, you need to share your shovel.  

No.  Mine.

When you're done give it to the boy.  We share.

When I finally realized what I was saying, I realized I was actually asking her to take turns, not share her shovel.  I didn't expect her to give up the shovel immediately just because another kid wanted to use it.  I wouldn't give up my parking spot just because someone else wanted it.  They'd have to wait until I was finished with my turn.

Sounds like simple semantics, right?  Sharing vs. turn taking.  But there is a difference.  Heather Shumaker, author of It’s OK Not to Share…And Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids (Tarcher/ Penguin, 2012) wrote a must-read guest post on the Positive Parenting Solutions blog that confirmed what I was witnessing.

I noticed when I used this different terminology with Leila she got it.  She started taking turns, even without me making a big deal out of it.

Taking her turn with the bucket.

So, do we share anything?  Yes.  We share our snack because we both can have some.  We share our crayons because there is enough for everyone to have one to use.  We can even share play-dough by breaking off a piece of our and giving it to a friend.

But most of the time we take turns.  We use something as long as we want it, and when we are finished, someone else can have their turn.  If she wants something, she waits her turn.  Turn-taking teaches positive assertiveness and patience, two life skills not all adults have.

So go ahead, stop making your kid share their toys, take turns instead!  You'll be doing everyone a favor.  

23 week {Bumpdate}

How far along: 23 weeks.  I swear I couldn't keep track without these weekly updates!

Weight gain/loss:  Up a half pound again this week.  I haven't been counting .5 pounds since the start, but after two weeks of a half-pound weight gain, I think it's time to start counting it.  This is terrible, but I can hardly remember what weight I started at!  I wrote down my weight this week so I can remember easily from now on.  If memory serves correctly, I am up 10 pounds.  

Feeling:  Great this week!  The more I exercise, the better I feel.

Maternity clothes: Yes! I am also happy to report that my bizarre pregnancy symptom was actually a result of my dark maternity jeggings dying my body blue.  Thank goodness, right?!  My thighs don't look blue, but after using a baby wipe to test this theory, I discovered a blue baby wipe. Phew. 

Stretch marks:  None.

Sleep: Already sick of sleeping on my side.  Too bad for me.

Best moment(s) this week:  We had a fun family day out on Monday!  It was so easy and stress-free.  I totally needed it!

Food cravings: Nothing special but I am always thirsty!

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Tons but nothing painful since it's still early.

What I miss:  Still missing my nightly glass of wine. (I have a feeling this will be a trend.)  I also miss my memory.  I can't seem to remember anything these days.

What I'm looking forward to:  So many fun things happening in the next two months!  I can't wait to enjoy them all in my comfortable second trimester.

Weekly wisdom: My sister reminded me this weekend that it's a pregnancy hormones are the REAL DEAL.  There's no denying I've been an emotional wreck lately.  I don't remember being like this last time, but was quickly reminded that I was, and it's okay.

Milestones: He has stretched to the size of a spaghetti squash (about 11 inches) and weighs about one pound.  (I'll find out more at my appointment today!)

Due date: 3-13-13

{Mommy} Holiday Wish List 2012

According to Merriam Webster's online dictionary... 

Wish list (n.)  a list of desired but often realistically unobtainable items 

Just making that clear before I list a bunch of items I'd love to have on my 2012 holiday wish list.  This is for fun!  Maybe you'll even get a gift idea or two for a friend or family member.

Want to play along?  Leave me a list in the comment section or link up your blog post here.  I'd love to see what's on your list (as I'm sure we all have some difficult-to-shop-for people this holiday). 

Wish list {for moms} 

I think this parenting book is right up my alley.
I already agree with the title.

Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Video Monitor
This will allow Leila the freedom to play in her room by herself and
it will come in handy when the new baby arrives.

I left my gorgeous fish quilt at the park one day (hello mom-brain!). This blanket by JJ Cole is not nearly as beautiful as my quilt, but it is waterproof and it folds up easily to fit in the stroller.

Wish list {for beauty queens}

This is the best smelling lotion EVER!  It is lightweight and perfect for everyday use.
I thought I got it as a gift in an extra large size one year and it seemed to last forever.  

My sister gave me this Mega Bright serum by Origins for my birthday and I loved it! Maybe it's the pregnancy glow, but I'd like to say it improved my skin tone.

Jeff got me this blush called Orgasm by Nars two years ago for Christmas. It's a perfectly universal color and I want more.

I own many perfumes and want to add the newest one by Marc Jacobs to my collection.

Wish list {for the fashionistas}

So...this Black Calypso Canvas Wedge by TOMS may not be the most fashionable wedge out there,
but remember I do stay at home and this is about as dress as I get these days.  I saw them on a mom in our play group and they was totally appropriate for daily wear.

Maybe I should have titled this section differently.
Maternity yoga pants from Gap and fashion just don't belong in the same sentence, huh?

Add captionAll of the Original Seatbeltbag cross-body styles by Harveys are on my wish list. This one in particular is eco-friendly and could even double as a diaper bag.

That rounds out my extremely ridiculous wish list for Christmas 2012.  I could go one for days telling you about things I love... jewelry, scarves, socks, bags, music, etc.  I personally think I am the easiest person to shop for.  I love everything!

What's on your wish list this year?  

Ever own any of the things on my current list?

Anything you would recommend based on my list?

I can't wait to start holiday shopping...even if it isn't for me, shopping for gifts is just as fun!

Strange pregnancy symptom

I don't really know how to say this, or why I am even telling you this in the first place.  Hopefully it will help some freaked out pregnant lady in the future.  More likely you'll get a giant laugh out of my confession, then Google my symptom like I did.

My pregnant butt is turning the toilet seat BLUE!*  

For reals.  There is a nicely blue-dyed ring on my otherwise white toilet seat.  It won't come off; not with bathroom cleaner, not with Magic Eraser (if that stuff doesn't work then nothing will!).  These are some seriously crazy hormones people.  Or maybe I'm secretly a smurf. 

Nothing else is blue.  Trust me.  I checked my butt and the undergarments it has touched.  My sheets aren't blue like some women have reported.  I did notice that one side of my cross-body diaper bag is dyed blue, and I still blame the new shirt I was wearing.  I did not however, sit on the toilet seat with this new blue shirt covering my butt and thighs.

Is this what having a boy is all about?!

Ever heard of this strange pregnancy symptom? 

Should I be worried?

*After further investigation, I have discovered that it was in fact my dark blue maternity jeans that caused the blue tint on the toilet seat.  I first noticed the blue toilet seat on Saturday, the day after I wore these jeans.  Today I wore the jeans again.  There was not visible blue dye on my butt or thighs, but after wiping my body down with a baby wipe to test this theory, I discovered I did indeed have a blue baby wipe.  Go figure, my toilet seat is a brighter shade of blue as well.  I am not a smurf after all.  Phew.  

The Great List {11.09.12}

There's no denying this week was a tough one.  Between a sick kid and daylight savings time I found myself wishing I was teaching again, instead living the glamorous life as a stay-at-home mom.

Every tough situation has a silver lining, and The Great List is my place to reflect and find happiness in the little things.

1.  Upon seeing this Christmas tree, Leila squealed with delight.  She wanted to climb over that little fence so badly and touch all the sparkly ornaments.  Luckily she settled on walking around and around the tree for twenty minutes.  Forget respecting the turkey (we eat it anyways)!  Bring on more Christmas decorations so I can see Leila's face light up over and over again.

2.  While at the mall, a lady stopped me and told me how it warmed her heart to see such an independent little girl.  I thanked her and told her she just made my week, since this independent little girl was giving me a run for my money today.

3.  Need I say more? 

The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for.

-Zig Ziglar 

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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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Truth time {SAHM life}

Truth is, everyday is not easy.  It's not all glitter and rainbows being a stay-at-home mom.  Some days are more like needles and blizzards.  Others fall into the moldy bread and hail storm category.

The purpose of this blog is to document our days, good, bad and everything in between.  Naturally I leave out the bad because a.) I don't want to remember those days. b.) No one likes a "negative Nancy".

Today though, I need to document our tough, "I wish I could just go to work" kind of day.  I'll read this post again one day as a reminder that I made it out alive.  A reminder that bad days exist.  A reminder that it's okay to have these kind of days.

Today...

• Leila cried, whined, or fussed from the second she got up (early, nonetheless) to the second we managed to leave the house.
• I fed her goldfish crackers to keep her busy.
• The mirror in the bathroom sink has toothpaste splatters all over it...still.
• Is the fifth day in a row I have worn a pony-tail.
• Leila screamed in her crib at nap time when I closed the door.
• I don't plan on making dinner.
• Leila will watch more television than she should.

Today will end, eventually.

Tomorrow...I'll be back to glitter, rainbows, and toddler smiles.

22 weeks {Bumpdate}

Seriously, what am I looking at?!

How far along: 22 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up a half pound this week.  I haven't been counting .5 pounds since the start, so I'm going with no gain this week. I am up a total of nine pounds with the mindset that next week will be a big gaining week again. 

Feeling:  Dealing with some round ligament pain after sitting for too long.  Must.keep.moving. 

Maternity clothes: Yes! I am sad to say I am down to three pairs of running shorts that fit and they end up hurting after wearing them too long.  (Do they even make maternity running shorts?) On the upside, my friend Lauren gave me some of her maternity clothes.  It felt like Christmas going through the bag.  And...she says there are more coming!! 

Stretch marks:  No.  I'd like to keep it this way.

Sleep: Fine but as soon as I put my feet on the floor I feel the effects of gravity, already.

Best moment(s) this week:  I had a fun day out with my longtime BFF Amy (also pregnant with a baby boy!) this weekend.  I though we looked pretty silly walking through Ikea with twin pregnancy bellies and then even funnier with a crap load of food in front of us at dinner.

Food cravings: Anything but water.  I made some herbal iced tea and it's helping my water boredom.

Gender: BOY!  I've been practicing his name a lot this past week.  Can't wait to reveal it soon-ish!  

Movement: Tons but nothing painful since it's still early.

What I miss:  Still missing my nightly glass of wine. (I have a feeling this will be a trend.)

What I'm looking forward to:  I have a follow-up ultrasound later this morning.  Can't wait to see my baby again! 

Weekly wisdom: I am so proud of myself for keeping up with my workouts.  If my sister can still run at 32 weeks pregnant I can too! (Competitive much?)

Milestones: He has stretched to the size of a spaghetti squash (about 11 inches) and weighs about one pound.  (I'll find out more at my appointment today!)

Due date: 3-13-13

My sicky face baby girl still gives it her best even when feeling like crap.