Write for Charity

Attention Moms! (Sorry to leave some readers out. I hate to do that :( )

I was contacted this morning about a special project being put on by Write for Charity. This is a non-profit group of fundraisers putting together an anthology of 101 short stories and poems centered around the topic of parenting. Funds from the sale of this book will be going to children’s charities. Sounds like something I'm willing to get behind, what about you?

About the book:

It is said that the hardest thing about being a parent is having our hearts walking around outside of our bodies. With this book, we want to help ensure that every child gets the opportunity for the care they need, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. We want to invest in future cures for some of life’s most devastating diseases. We want to see children grow and prosper, no matter their circumstances. The need is especially acute right now, with many parents losing their jobs and access to health care. Submit your story today and make a difference in the life of a child.

Submissions are due by April 15. Check out their website for submission details.

McFatty Monday {a little late}

So, you know how I've been so proud of losing the weight and fitting in the goal jeans and all that fun stuff? Well, as great as it is, it isn't the whole picture.

This afternoon, Jordan and I did P90X together. For about 20 minutes. That's when I had to stop because I thought I might die. I sat there and watched him finish, and I felt like I was so out of shape! I used to be able to do that kind of stuff, and I want to be able to do it again. Right now, I'm doing level 2 of the 30-day Shred, so I feel I'm headed in the right direction.

My new goal is to get out and run a couple days a week. I haven't gone running in so long, and I miss it! And to help me with this goal, I think I'm going to need a nice new jogging stroller. Yes?

New Things!

Hampton loves to laugh, and this new noise is hilarious. I couldn't really describe it, so I decided to show it!





And here he is rolling over! My big boy!! (Again, excuse the tap tap of Logan's nails on the floor...)

Weaning Update

Hampton has officially been on all bottles for a week now. Technically, Tuesday should have been the one week mark, but last Wednesday night I was so engorged and in pain (and the dang pump was doing nothing to help) so I let him have one last go at it! After that, I'm pretty sure my supply dropped to nothing because I had no pain, no engorgement, no leaking, and the "girls" deflated rapidly! I actually do kind of miss it at times, but I don't regret the decision I made to wean. I feel so...free!

Hampton has transitioned to bottles like a champ. We had the rough few days where he refused to take a bottle from me, but after that, there was no stopping him. We actually just moved him up to level 3 nipples because he was getting frustrated that the milk wasn't coming out fast enough. He knows as soon as the bib goes on what time it is, and you can see the excitement in his whole body! He's currently eating four 6oz. bottles, 1tbsp. of rice cereal, and one 8oz. bottle before bed. He is hilarious to watch while eating his bottle--he holds the side of his head or covers his eyes with his hands. So dramatic!

All in all, the move to bottles went well. Now it's time for fruits and veggies!! F-U-N!

6 Months!

6 months. Half a year. OH MY GOODNESS!!

The little monkey has just taken off this month. He is getting so big, and I can't get enough of his little thigh rolls, his pinchable cheeks or that adorable belly! I've got it bad for this boy! He's getting pretty steady sitting, but he still topples over after just a little bit. He thinks this is so funny though, and he'll face plant into the floor or bed and then turn his head and look up and smile. Ha! His legs are so incredibly strong. He wants to stand any chance he gets. He loves to talk and blow raspberries. He also gives the sweetest, slobberiest open-mouth kisses followed by huge bear hugs! And anything and everything he gets his hands on goes straight to his mouth.

A few new accomplishments for the month:
-Sitting pretty well
-Eating rice cereal (and loving it!)
-Rolling from back to belly
-Blowing raspberries (which is especially funny when eating his cereal, apparently!)
-Starting to reach out for people, and if you put a toy or bottle in front of him, he reaches out immediately!
-Usually looks when you call his name
-Learning to hold his own bottle

Hampton is really such a good baby. He seems just so content with life. Sure, he lets you know when he's hungry or tired, but other than that, we hardly ever hear him getting very fussy.

He has his 6 month check-up tomorrow, so I'll update with stats when we get home. For now, I'm going to go with the less technical measurement of "chunky monkey"!! :)

**Update**

Hampton did really well at the doctor this morning. He loves Dr. H! We could hear her talking to someone when she left the room, and she said, "That Hampton is such a little flirt! What a cutie!" How sweet. :) He had to get 3 shots today, and the nurse was so quick that he didn't even realize she was doing it until it was almost over. But then he cried some crocodile tears for a few seconds, got some lovin' from his daddy and his WubANub, and he was good to go. And then he slept...

6 Month Stats:

Weight: 18lbs., 6oz. (50-75%)
Height: 27 3/4 in. (90-95%)

Head Circumference: 17 1/2 in. (75%)

How'd you do it?? (McFatty Monday)

First off, I want to say thank you to each of you that took the time to compliment me on reaching my goal! You made this momma feel good!! :)

I've been pretty honest throughout my McFatty Monday posts. I haven't been the best eater, but I have been working on that. The holidays were really the worst part, and I did get better! I've been more active as the weeks go on. I've done the 30-day Shred off and on, but I also think the little things have helped--like parking further out and carrying the baby seat into a store and squeezing in some squats while brushing my teeth or abs while laying on the floor with the baby. Of course, I owe a lot to breastfeeding. I am one of the lucky ones that it really did help the weight fall off. And, well, I have good genes. I can't leave that tidbit out because I'm pretty sure that's the main reason that I got here.

I've decided to kick it up a notch. I don't have a "goal" yet, but I know that I want to keep it up, and without one, it's harder to do. Maybe I'll pull out the scale and pick a number. Who knows? I'm thinking about it.

I want to challenge any of my readers wanting to lose a few pounds, inches, pants sizes, etc. to join in on McFatty Monday. Set a goal. Make it a small one. Once you reach that, you can set another! Good luck! :)

He Rolls!!

Big news this morning-Hampton rolled from his back to his stomach! Yippie for my little man! He has rolled over a couple of times before this, but he always had something helping him-the crib rail, the toy bar on the playmat, or he was on our bed and rolled "downhill" toward me or Jordan. But not today. He rolled right over, propped himself up on his arms, looked up at me and smiled, a "look at what I just did, mom!" kind of smile. Exciting!

Then, he wouldn't roll back over onto his back and started to get really ticked. He finally realized that he knew how to roll from belly to back and was happy again! Haha! This kid is hilarious!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

From me and my lucky charm :)

No, we're not Irish, but I've bought outfits for all the other holidays so far, so why not this one?! Like I need a reason to shop! ;)

She Shoots, She Scores! (McFatty Monday)

Ladies and gentlemen (ok, probably just "ladies" but that is not quite as dramatic!), may I present...ME:

Yep. Those are what you think they are. My True Religion jeans. My jeans I haven't fit in for a few years. My GOAL jeans!! And I feel good :)

CafePress Shirt & Onesie {GIVEAWAY!}

Ok, I admit, I haven't quite gotten my act together for my own giveaway. Yet. But here's the next best thing: I'm linking you right over to my fellow blogger, t.bird, at Look at the Birds, where you can win in HER awesome giveaway. She's giving a lucky reader the opportunity to win one adult tee of your choice & one kids tee/onesie of your choice from the great CafePress! I love CafePress, and you will too! Seriously, the choices are endless! Don't miss out--your chance to enter ends Monday, March 15th at 11:59pm. You're welcome. :)

Here's my little monkey in one of his CafePress onesies:

t.bird is the one who introduced me to Top Mommy Blogs. So, please vote for me, and then vote for her when you go to enter in the giveaway! (You can vote everyday, so come back and do it again tomorrow :) )

Cereal!

We decided to start giving Hampton a serving of rice cereal with his "dinner" bottle, and I really wasn't sure what to expect. He loved it! Well, I don't know that he loved the cereal, but he sure did enjoy the idea of it all! See for yourself:

Waiting patiently while his food was being prepared

Open Wide!

Mommy took the first turn

But I want to put my hands in my mouth! Hmmm...
Okay!
Gimme, gimme!!
Daddy's turn. So serious. Stop teasing me! Yeah, I'm a fan!

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Back on the Saddle (McFatty Monday)

With the warmer weather finally (FINALLY) making an appearance, it has gotten me back on track. Nothing like the threat of bathing suit weather to knock my butt in gear! I'm a bikini wearer, and being a mom isn't going to change that ;). So, I've pushed myself to get back into working out. I'm surprised Jillian didn't greet me with a, "Where have you been you big slacker??" I've realized that working out everyday for 30 days is not going to happen. It's not realistic for me right now, and I just can't commit to that. Why set myself up for failure? I do know that just getting a real workout in a few times a week really makes me feel better. I feel more energized, and it really helps get any frustrations out (especially when you get to the punches). I've told Jordan that he has to help keep me motivated. He said he would (but oddly he didn't ask for me to keep HIM motivated. Ha!). I'm also pumped about getting out and about for some walks with the monkey!

If I have to be perfectly honest, though, I can exercise all day long and it is only going to get me so far. I like food. More specifically, I like pastas and sweets. I will not be giving these up. What I will be doing is having a little more self control!! I can eat a lot, and I have to know when to stop. So, that's my new goal--portion control.

Get excited people. Those jeans are looking better and better! (Yay!)

Poor coughing, stuffed up baby

The little man has another cold. He sounds so pitiful. Thankfully, he's still been pretty happy-- until it's time to go to sleep. He usually either falls asleep eating or has a paci to go to sleep, but being so stuffed up, he can't breathe when he has something in his mouth. And it frustrates him. :( He was awake until 2am Friday morning and then woke before 7. It was rough. I finally let him stay in our room to sleep on me so he could be a little inclined. Last night he went down in the crib (and slept pretty well), but when I went in to get him this morning, he had snot smeared across his face and in his hair. Poor thing. I admit it though, I laughed. It was so pitifully cute! Gross, right? After fighting it tonight, he's finally down and out. I can hear his breathing over the monitor, though, and he sounds rough. I am relieved that a few colds are really the worst we've had to deal with, but I'm so ready for all of this cold weather to go away and the congestion to leave our house! It looks like spring is just around the corner-for real this time-and that makes me SO happy!!

Being a Mom

You know, this whole being a mom thing--It's not easy. I love every.single.second of it, but it's not easy! I think back to when people told me, "It will change your world." And I replied so matter of factly, "I know it will." But I didn't. Well, not in the sense that it has truly changed my world!

I honestly thought, "how hard could it be?" For the first few months all they do is eat, sleep, poop, and lay in one spot, right? I'll be able to clean the house, do the laundry, and, of course, play with him too. RIGHT?! Wow, could I have been any more clueless? Thankfully, Hampton is on a pretty good routine, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. Today he loves his playmat. Tomorrow, who knows? The jumperoo? He's having a blast in it as I type. Last night, he would have nothing to do with it! It's a constant"guess and check" system to see what toy he has any desire to play with at that point in time. Funny boy!

My OCD-planning-self has had to take a time out for right now. I can plan all day long, but there is no guarantee that I will be where I say I'm going to be at the time I say I'm going to be there! And I don't really care. I go with the flow, and boy does it make life so much less stressful.

As far as the cleaning of the house, I do what I can when I can. Jordan laughs as I go into over-drive once I put the baby down for the night. Last night, I managed to fold and put away a load of laundry, wash a load of laundry and put it in the dryer, load the dishwasher, wash bottles, wipe down the kitchen, clean Hampton's bath tub, take out the trash, put away toys, and pack the diaper bag for today before collapsing in the bed at 11. It doesn't seem like much, until you know that the little monkey didn't go to sleep until after 10! (Only to wake up at 4. No fun! Poor little guy has a cold. Again.)

All this to say, it really has changed my life. I still don't know when we'll have any real schedule. Or if my house will ever be clean again. But I don't care. I LOVE it. I love, love, LOVE my baby boy, but I also just love being a mom. I was meant to be one, and I'm so happy we didn't give up.

Pardon the Mess...

A new template is in the works...so hold tight :)

I'm working on some giveaways, too! Exciting stuff! Stay tuned!

In the mean time...how about voting for me? Thanks!

Some Pictures!

That's all :)