Sunny day

Loving this day out in the sun getting work done! Let's be clear. The men are doing most of the work...

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Good morning from Miss Jo

Somebody won't dance on command when the camera is out. She's already an entertainer...


Good morning world!



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Keeping You Happy

I figure I should post something at some point... just to keep you (10) readers happy. :)


I love that she loves books. Maybe someday she'll even like to read them! (I'd make the pictures bigger, but the quality is lacking a bit so we'll leave them little)

And on a side note, my aunt came to town and had a good trip down memory lane. This is hubby's '69 Studebaker; he was glad to give her the opportunity to remember her youth.

We had a good but uneventful weekend. The chilly weather threw a kink in my lack of plans, but it turned out okay for us! I just started the laundry about an hour ago so it might not get done til next weekend. Why do I do this to myself??






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Midweek Confessions

Confessions...

After reading E's confessions, one in particular was like "ding ding!" to me. Our yard is out of control. Neighborhood embarrassment? Yes, us. That is correct. We have a new patio that Mike did last fall, but we don't have nice matching furniture so instead we just have random chairs out there with big dirt holes and bobcat tracks. The flowers from last year are all scraggly and in place and since there isn't snow to cover them up, they are showing their true ugly self loud and proud.

When Mike is gone, I feel guilty doing anything but hanging out with Josie one on one with no TV or computer. She has other plans, however, and usually ignores me or crawls away from me when I try to join in the play. So then I just sit there watching and feeling ridiculous.

I got a mani/pedi this weekend and couldn't even enjoy it because there were older women there complaining about anything and everything. I tried to block it out but instead just got angry with them for wasting my wonderful afternoon opportunity. At least my nails look nice and shiny...

Another one when Mike is gone: I don't eat real meals. He made pancakes on Saturday for us and made extra for "his girls when he's gone" (sweet, right?). So that's what we ate. Pancakes and yogurt. I was perfectly happy and Josie doesn't know the difference. Hopefully I remember how to cook once he's back for a dinner time meal.

I may or may not be an Amazon.com addict.

I like Coldplay. I've tried to fight it, just like I did with Train, but I can't... their Britishness just wins me over every.single.time.

We're having a potluck at work today so I have already declared this day an official "cheat" day. Who wants to lose weight anyways??





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Weekend Update

This weekend was so good! 

1. We spent a ton of time outside.

2. Hubby got the garage all cleaned up and ready for some serious use now that we can do outdoor things again.

3. I ran those 3.5 miles... yikes!

4. Josie battled her runny nose but still kept her smiles and giggles.

5. I went to a concert that my sister was in. She's in a barbershop quartet. I know what you are thinking, is your sister 50 years old? Nope, just 20, but she loves it! I can see why too, she's the cutest one and she got a solo (kind of two since they repeated the song later) after only being in the group for a couple of weeks. She's like a celebrity. It's true.

6. Before the concert, we braved the crazy crowds and went to Rhombus Guys, a local pizza place that my cousin's fiance` owns. We always like to go there to support them, but it helps a bunch that the food and atmosphere are both amazing! Let's just keep in mind that it was St Patty's day and the restaurant was part of the pub crawl or whatever it is. We could hardly hear each other and the place was packed, but we had an "in" since future-mother-in-law was with and had reservations. It's nice to have connections. :)

7. We went to church and met a few more people (we hardly know anybody yet unfortunately).

8. My sister and us girls went shopping at Old Navy and scored some great deals. Think yellow flip flops, polka dot bikini baby style, and a summer dress for mama. I also ordered another one online after trying on a size too big in the store. I can't wait to wear all of these dresses! It's one of my favorite parts of summer. By far. And with this year already looking to be super hot, it will help to not be wearing heavy jeans. I'm not really the biggest fan of shorts...

9. We sat out on our new patio that hubby put in last fall and just...enjoyed... it. It's going to be awesome to not have the sun in our eyes and feel the breeze on our faces. Love it!

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3.5

Today I ran 3.5 miles. This is big. I haven't been doing a great job training during the week because you can't pay me enough to spend quality time on that dreadmill and I don't always have time to go outside. Then you throw in the Josie factor and you end up with irregular workouts consisting of turning around because of too much sun and a crying baby way before the halfway mark. The life of a mother.


I did 6 min run 2 min walk for 6 sets. It was interesting this time because I was able to repeatedly get to that "could just go forever" feeling without burning out early on.

I probably should run again tomorrow but I'm scheduled to get a pedicure and have both clothes and grocery shopping to do. Priorities.

My legs hurt, but it was worth it.




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Cloth Diapers Revisited

I just made a purchase for something that kind of seems like a waste of money. We bought a bunch of cloth diapers through Ebay before we had Josie and I never tried any other kind. Because of this, I always wondered if I had really gotten the best deal and, much to my dismay, realized that although they were cheap, they were not the best quality (will I ever learn?). So reluctantly, because I know that each time I buy more I am lowering the grand total amount of savings compared to using disposables, I decided to start slowly replenishing our stock with better quality (and way more expensive) diapers. We're definitely going to have more kids someday so eventually it will still pay of way more than not.

Today I purchased two Flip diapers with two liners. They, as of today, don't sell the diapers with an insert included, but so nicely took off $3(the insert costs $5) so now each diaper costs $2 more. Oh if only I had purchased them before when I had decided to do this... I could have saved a lot of mullah.

This is what they look like:



Cute, and easier for me. Why? Because instead of having to wash a million diapers, I can just wash a million inserts. Less laundry to wash and dry (since you really don't need to dry them anyways since it is kind of hard on them and they usually just sit in the dryer all night long while we sleeping/wrestling a sleepy baby) and less to PACK which is the main thing. Going places, even out and about in town, has been frustrating because I know I should pack at least two diapers, but the bulk that they take up is just annoying. Now I can just pack one and pack 2 inserts (or even 3! daring, I know) and then still have room for her many other necessary items like toys and pacifiers. Yes, more than one is often needed.

I also went online and purchased 9 more inserts from cottonbabies.com that only cost about $3.80 an insert instead of $4.95.

I have a friend that has purchased Flip diapers, which is where I heard of them, but have any of you ran across them and liked/disliked them? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Overall I am still so happy that we went with cloth. My husband even agrees which says a lot since he was not on board when I first brought it up. The truth of the matter is the cost savings is big, and I love that we are not throwing out a million diapers a week. No judging if you do, but this works for us.

I don't mind washing them and they are just so cute on her little bum. I can't wait until she's wearing dresses again (soon, so very soon!) because then I can even match them to the outfit. Oh the little things I live for...



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the Itch

I have the itch. All day long I sit in my office with my window behind me tempting me to just run out there and breathe in the fresh air with my arms up high turning in a circle. Too much? Okay but seriously, it's been slow at work which just makes me even more itchy. I just want to jump up and down all crazy like.

I did something drastic. I mixed up my "diet" by removing desserts from my day with the exception of 90 calorie Fiber One Fudge Bars and am trying to limit my calorie intake while eating a lot more fruits and veggies. I also am only drinking my cup and a half of coffee in the morning and then water for the rest of the day. THIS IS BIG. This means I am not drinking Diet Coke, don't you see?? I'm talking life changing. It also means I'm not drinking alcohol, but who really cares about that anyways? It wasn't like I was a huger partyer by any means. That wine cooler or glass of wine will not be greatly missed.

I started on Monday and have done a phenomenal job thus far if I do say so myself. I'm using MyFitnessPal (msdeyle - look for me and friend me) and it's easy without being time consuming. Why did I wait to tell you? Because I wanted to make sure that I can do it. It turns out I can, and it hasn't been hard at all. The hardest part is getting enough calories when I burn a bunch working out. It's crazy to me that now that I cut out dessert, I have a hard time getting enough calories without feeling like I'm being excessive. Stupid small habit (which is really all it is) from before that is such an easy fix as long as I can find the will power to keep it up.

So maybe my lifestyle will fall into a rhythm of healthy eating and exercise without it being a battle every single day. Maybe I will be able to enjoy meals again without feeling guilty. Mostly, I will be able to enjoy being healthy with my family - something that has been holding me back a lot lately. Nobody likes a bum, and that has been me up until lately.

Tomorrow is Friday and then it's the weekend. It's supposed to be beautiful (right? someone confirm this please) and I plan on enjoying it. What are your plans this weekend?



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Best prebed activity=walk to the park

This freakish weather is giving us all reason to smile.

Is there anything cuter than this happy baby ready for a walk to her (now) favorite park?

She is still happy, I swear...it's just that nothing is as fun as that park. She is already missing it...

Family photo fake smile style.  

Look for more of these minus the awkward. Someday we'll perfect the family photo. Practice makes perfect?

New Pianist in the house

Introducing the next (female) Mozart.

She's hard core.

Color me Eggplant

Josie got to partake in her first Easter Egg dying day with the Deyle's! (Say that 5 times fast) We did it earlier this year so we would have more time to enjoy the colored eggs (and eat them with plenty of time to spare before the real deal Easter meal). Plus, with the weather being so perfectly lovely I think we are all just feeling the spring feeling that much more.

That was Saturday.

Then on Sunday, my parents came up (they are on spring break... seriously how jealous am I?) and we got to enjoy that beautiful weather even more. Josie stayed awake the whole time and was SO CHILL. She loves being outside. I can't really blame her though. Most of her life has been stuck inside staring at me.

I love weekends like this!

And guess what. The time change trick? It worked. Suckers!! You all thought it wouldn't..but she was in bed at 8 tonight and she slept in until almost 8 this morning. It's fabulous. We're all happy.

Confessions

Confessions, so many confessions...

I had a melt down earlier this week when putting Josie to bed. She's teething again and wouldn't sleep for more than 20 minutes. Usually, whoever puts her to bed doesn't have to get up, but since I was a wreck, my sweet hubby put her back to bed and then proceeded to get up at least four times in the night. I did get up once... for my credit... Thank you Lord that we had a wonderful follow up night last night.

My toenails need to be painted desperately. I actually have two gift cards (people are SOOO generous!) to get my nails done (both mani and pedi) but can't seem to figure out when to schedule an appointment. I just need to do it, but that would require remembering to get the number and call somewhere. Plus it's not fun going alone...

I can't figure out what kind of person I am. Sometimes I am a leader (most times considered bossy I'm sure) but other times I'm a huge pushover. I expect everyone to agree with me (so, that would be stubborn) about this but can't figure it out myself?? I can also be incredibly indecisive. Lucky hubby, right?

I was thoroughly disgusted walking by the mirrors all weekend seeing my undone hair and chubby cheeks/tummy/everything. With all the resolve in the world, I made it one day out of three with sticking within my calorie goals. But hey - I lost half a pound since this weekend so I'll take it.

I finally found a running program that motivates me to run for more than 12 minutes and I even got new headphones that will drastically improve the quality of my motivational music. With that in mind, I have also skipped two days now of working out because I'm too lazy to get out of bed. I can always go tomorrow right?

I need to clean my house desperately. Hey, it's been a couple of weeks since I've used this confession!

Linking up with E...

Just me?

Am I the only one looking forward to daylight savings time this year? Couple of reasons:

1. More light at night. I'm envisioning runs/walks outside with dog, hubby, and child all smiling (dog included) and happy to be together.

2. My daughter will automatically sleep in an hour "later" and we may just be able to get her on a sleeping schedule that works better for everyone! Bedtime used to be 7? Well now it will be 8. She used to wake up at 6? Well now it will be 7. COULD BE AMAZING. Am I silly for dreaming that this is even a possibility?

Eight months

As usual,, it's a rough start

But things quickly turn around

"Mom, look how flexible I am!"

"We're done, right?"

Couldn't have gotten this done without Grammy's help!

After a quick break to recoup, the hair has seen better days

Eight months old!

Whew. Aren't we all glad that's done and over with?

Josie is a crawling machine this month. She's crawling, standing, and pulling on everything. Her personality is coming out more and more and lately we've gotten to see a bit of her goofy side with silly faces and flirting eyes.

Eating: She's eating the same foods as last month but has made it clear that peas and corn are not on the top of her list. To recap: avocados, bananas, bread, pears, applesauce. FAVES.

Sleeping: She's learned how to go to sleep on her own, and when she's healthy, bedtime and nap time seem like no big deal. When she's sick with a cold or ear ache (none this month), bedtime takes us all out.

Learning: This month has been all about finger coordination. She has learned how to delicately pick things up with her pointer finger and thumb, and loves to stare at her fingers as they "magically" maneuver her toys and food. She's also learned what she shouldn't be getting into and always manages to find it!

Clothes: She's wearing 6-9 mo clothing for the most part but some of her pants/leggings are 12 month because they are long enough.

Cloth diapers: Actually seem to be going better now that she's eating more solids. For a while it felt like they were always leaking and I was ready to trade them in. The solids come out that way too, so the clean up is a lot easier than you'd expect.

Hair: It's long enough now that it is always in her face, and she's been trying to eat the hair clips so she's sporting the ponytail/pig tail look on a daily basis. Pig tails seem to make everyone swoon, mama included.

Overall it was a great month! She's been wanting us around more to entertain her and really wants to be picked up and carried around. She follows us around like a puppy, pulling up on our pants to get our attention. It sure makes us feel important... a big improvement from last month when she didn't even seem to notice us with all the shiny objects distracting her.

We love her; we'll keep her. :)

Crazy

I'm not kidding when I tell you this girl is crazy busy. She just goes around in circles all over the room leaving a path of destruction behind her that keeps growing and growing. I try to jump in to distract her or lessen the damage, but it's to no avail. She is determined and persistent. It's hilarious.

What's that? Do something with that in-her-eyes hairstyle? I'm trying, I'm trying...!

I loooove the squishy face smile.

She often turns off the TV which I should probably take to mean we don't really need it on. She's so smart.

Can we just talk about how this is my favorite outfit that she owns right now? I'm a fan of the long shirts with leggings, and it works for her too. There's no belly showing (for her either heh heh) and it's easy to crawl around since there is no knee exposed or uncomfortable waisband.

With all body parts covered but still the high end fashion look, who isn't impressed?

BTW - J is officially eight months old! I'll have her photo and update post ready sometime this weekend.

One last confession

I haven't been honest with you lately.

I quit Weight Watchers. I was fed up with the limited recipes and since I don't have the iPhone like everyone else on the planet, I don't have the accessibility to look each thing up. That's an excuse though. I work at a computer all day and can access one at home all the time. Really, I was too lazy to put the time in. I'm so sick of confessing how lazy I am - but it's the truth. Maybe I'll start saying busy instead. Better, right?

I'm using My Fitness Pal instead since it is free. Plus calorie information is on everything. Points are not. It is easier to follow, and it tells you how much you'll lose in 5 weeks if you keep it up. That is motivating, let me tell you.

But the bottom line with all of this is that it doesn't matter what App I'm using. It doesn't matter if I'm using it online or writing it down on paper (like I'd ever take the time to do that!). If I'm not truly committed, it won't do it for me.

I'm not truly committed.
It pains me to admit it.

I am committed only most of the time, and it's that small portion of time that blows it. That time when my will power disintegrates and all I can think about is immediate satisfaction.

The dumbest foods completely set me off. Tortilla chips. Fudgesicles. Chocolate Chips (true story - I would eat them by the handful if it's all that is around). It's bad.

I'm sure it's like an addiction, but I don't even want to go there because there are real addictions out there that are ruining people and who am I to say that this is even in the same ballpark? The truth is I am being busy lazy. I've developed habits that I'm not willing to break.

And that 10K that I'm supposed to be training for? I can come up with ever excuse in the book. My next attempt to be successful on the dreadmill (see what I did there?) is to listen to a book while running. I think I also just need to tell myself that the option is not available to stop. I know I can do it but mind over body is a lot easier to talk about than to actually apply and overcome.

Sick of hearing this stuff over and over again? I'm sorry; I forget to post the good things too. It's hard to remember to do that because those days with real successes seem to be few and far between. But I've done it before and I can do it again.