Saturday, June 26, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Updates
Down another 3 lbs. Sadly, back down to the weight I normally am. BUT, I know I can lose weight so that is encouraging. Now I just have to figure in more exercise.
This past week my brother and his family have been in town. It's been so nice to see them all-even if I did have to work 3 days this week. I haven't seen my niece in a year and a half but she warmed up so quickly to me. I love her to pieces. She is such a loving, independent, rambunctious child! She is also very delicate and soft which is quite a change from my broad and thick men. It's also been so enjoyable seeing Daniel and Jake interact with her. Normally, Daniel is my quiet observer and more jealous of the 2 boys but he's loving having a playmate and has no qualms about me playing with Sophia. Jake, on the other hand, has been exhibiting a bit of a jealous streak and is constantly wanting to be held. It could possibly be due to teething though. His poor gums are swollen. Oh well, any excuse to cuddle with my guy is a good one. On the same token, I haven't seen my brother in over a year as well and it came to be quite a shock when I did see him for the first time. Sadly, sometimes I forget I have a brother-briefly!-only because he isn't here day to day. I've forgotten how much he looks like my dad. It's comforting to feel like the family is complete.
I've also been thinking about my own parenting style. In no way is any other parenting style wrong from mine or better, I've just had time to evaluate differences. I've been reading other blogs and articles categorizing parenting and not matter how confident you are in your skills sometimes your beliefs can get shaken up a bit and you can either justify what you're doing and know it's what is right for your family, or you can reevaluate what you're doing and possibly even change course.
I know that there isn't one specific article that can explain how I rear my children, but rather it's from a collection. From day 1 (or, the day beginning when I found out I was having boys) I have known I wanted men like Ryan. Strong, bold, moral and tall. (The last is a joke-sortof.) I also knew I wanted my boys to grow up being respectful to woman and compassionate in love and life. I also knew I would need to parent to their personalities as well. So, I parent with a firm hand and big heart. Ryan parents with a firmer hand which probably balances me out when I give in :) I am teaching my boys to clean up after themselves, that grooming makes for a clean body and soul, to respect our bodies and our family and to honor God and mommy and daddy. I am not shy with affection for the boys because I want them to know they are in a safe place. Plus, they're just so darn adorable. Granted, there are plenty of times when I feel like a broken record after having repeated myself a million times, but it's so worth it when Daniel begins cleaning up without being told (Jake's only 13 months so not a whole lot of that going on ;), they lovingly give a baby doll care or interact in our prayers.
As far as parenting their personalities, Daniel is my shy observer and is so intense. He is independent and very sensitive. I have to remember to let him test himself but calmly step in when he's being destructive. He gets very nervous when he is being reprimanded so I find mymself speaking quietly and getting down to his level. He is a moody man too and most often times wakes up from his naps whining and out of sorts. I know that he is a boy who needs alone time to regroup. Ryan and I had a lot of trial and error before figuring that. Now, we rarely get such a huge tantrum as before. Jake is my light. He is rarely in a bad mood, except when he's teething or hungry. He is still learning and doesn't understand much outside of himself, but from day one he has been the easy natured and laid back baby. They are both a nice complement for each other. Jake seems mischevious and I know sooner or later, my hands are going to be full. Something tells me he'll see a lot of the time out corner.
My parenting isn't rocket science and it has no tricks bells or whistles, but it bonds well with our household and my boys and that is all that matters in the long run. I am grooming my men to be leaders and while the task seems taunting at times, I feel in my heart they will be the type of men Ryan and I would be proud of.
This past week my brother and his family have been in town. It's been so nice to see them all-even if I did have to work 3 days this week. I haven't seen my niece in a year and a half but she warmed up so quickly to me. I love her to pieces. She is such a loving, independent, rambunctious child! She is also very delicate and soft which is quite a change from my broad and thick men. It's also been so enjoyable seeing Daniel and Jake interact with her. Normally, Daniel is my quiet observer and more jealous of the 2 boys but he's loving having a playmate and has no qualms about me playing with Sophia. Jake, on the other hand, has been exhibiting a bit of a jealous streak and is constantly wanting to be held. It could possibly be due to teething though. His poor gums are swollen. Oh well, any excuse to cuddle with my guy is a good one. On the same token, I haven't seen my brother in over a year as well and it came to be quite a shock when I did see him for the first time. Sadly, sometimes I forget I have a brother-briefly!-only because he isn't here day to day. I've forgotten how much he looks like my dad. It's comforting to feel like the family is complete.
I've also been thinking about my own parenting style. In no way is any other parenting style wrong from mine or better, I've just had time to evaluate differences. I've been reading other blogs and articles categorizing parenting and not matter how confident you are in your skills sometimes your beliefs can get shaken up a bit and you can either justify what you're doing and know it's what is right for your family, or you can reevaluate what you're doing and possibly even change course.
I know that there isn't one specific article that can explain how I rear my children, but rather it's from a collection. From day 1 (or, the day beginning when I found out I was having boys) I have known I wanted men like Ryan. Strong, bold, moral and tall. (The last is a joke-sortof.) I also knew I wanted my boys to grow up being respectful to woman and compassionate in love and life. I also knew I would need to parent to their personalities as well. So, I parent with a firm hand and big heart. Ryan parents with a firmer hand which probably balances me out when I give in :) I am teaching my boys to clean up after themselves, that grooming makes for a clean body and soul, to respect our bodies and our family and to honor God and mommy and daddy. I am not shy with affection for the boys because I want them to know they are in a safe place. Plus, they're just so darn adorable. Granted, there are plenty of times when I feel like a broken record after having repeated myself a million times, but it's so worth it when Daniel begins cleaning up without being told (Jake's only 13 months so not a whole lot of that going on ;), they lovingly give a baby doll care or interact in our prayers.
As far as parenting their personalities, Daniel is my shy observer and is so intense. He is independent and very sensitive. I have to remember to let him test himself but calmly step in when he's being destructive. He gets very nervous when he is being reprimanded so I find mymself speaking quietly and getting down to his level. He is a moody man too and most often times wakes up from his naps whining and out of sorts. I know that he is a boy who needs alone time to regroup. Ryan and I had a lot of trial and error before figuring that. Now, we rarely get such a huge tantrum as before. Jake is my light. He is rarely in a bad mood, except when he's teething or hungry. He is still learning and doesn't understand much outside of himself, but from day one he has been the easy natured and laid back baby. They are both a nice complement for each other. Jake seems mischevious and I know sooner or later, my hands are going to be full. Something tells me he'll see a lot of the time out corner.
My parenting isn't rocket science and it has no tricks bells or whistles, but it bonds well with our household and my boys and that is all that matters in the long run. I am grooming my men to be leaders and while the task seems taunting at times, I feel in my heart they will be the type of men Ryan and I would be proud of.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Weight update
As of last week (I haven't weighed myself today as of yet) I have lost 3 lbs. I admit I've been a little more lax this week (maybe why I have not weighed myself) but I am joyful that it is possible for me to drop my gut :)
While listening to the radio the other day, a question was posed as to what we mean when we say we "can't" do something. In reality when we say we "can't" do something it really means we "won't". As in, we "won't" atleast attempt to see if we can. Or, we save it for another day or don't have the patience to wait for the result, so why do it? I find myself stuck a lot in the "won't" rut. Given the right resources and time (all of which I know I can find) I can do a lot of what I say I can't. It's all about mentality and support.
Given the fact that I am trying to lose weight, that conversation stuck with me. I have one bad week and then think I "can't" lose weight, but I really "won't" attempt. It's a war between myself and food, and I really want to win! So, this is my new mantra; something that will keep me motivated. I no longer "won't" do something about my weight, because I know I "can".
While listening to the radio the other day, a question was posed as to what we mean when we say we "can't" do something. In reality when we say we "can't" do something it really means we "won't". As in, we "won't" atleast attempt to see if we can. Or, we save it for another day or don't have the patience to wait for the result, so why do it? I find myself stuck a lot in the "won't" rut. Given the right resources and time (all of which I know I can find) I can do a lot of what I say I can't. It's all about mentality and support.
Given the fact that I am trying to lose weight, that conversation stuck with me. I have one bad week and then think I "can't" lose weight, but I really "won't" attempt. It's a war between myself and food, and I really want to win! So, this is my new mantra; something that will keep me motivated. I no longer "won't" do something about my weight, because I know I "can".
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Finally I am doing it
I wouldn't say I am necessarily disgusted by what I see in the mirror, but when my clothes and wedding bands are starting to get a little tight-especially my scrubs for work!-it's time I do something about it. And, to hold myself more accountable, I am putting my weight loss goals on my blog. I rejoined sparkpeople.com to track my calories and work out. My goal as of now is to lose 15 lbs by mid July (which totals to about 2 lbs/week).
To jump start, R and I have decided to make June a no eat out month; not only for our budget, but for our bodies as well. Honestly, I am a little excited to see if we can do it. I also am making my trips to Target a few less but that is another post entirely. I also realized way back when almost 7 years ago!) in addition to playing tennis 5-6 days/week in highschool I walked 2 miles. The joys of living less than a mile from the school. Realistically, I know I will not be playing tennis, but I can initiate my work out by walking 2 miles/day. Once in the am and then in the pm. I realize working nights might make this a little more difficult, but something I can tweak later. Maybe I will just have to work doubly as hard at work ;)
So, there is it in plain type. I've started my goal to lose and I really hope I stick with it!
****Had to add this somwhere cuz it was too darn cute. Daniel wanted to go on the "alligator" yesterday and we couldn't figure out what he wanted. Then we walked past the elevator and he said it again. He calls the elevator the alligator. So cute!****
To jump start, R and I have decided to make June a no eat out month; not only for our budget, but for our bodies as well. Honestly, I am a little excited to see if we can do it. I also am making my trips to Target a few less but that is another post entirely. I also realized way back when almost 7 years ago!) in addition to playing tennis 5-6 days/week in highschool I walked 2 miles. The joys of living less than a mile from the school. Realistically, I know I will not be playing tennis, but I can initiate my work out by walking 2 miles/day. Once in the am and then in the pm. I realize working nights might make this a little more difficult, but something I can tweak later. Maybe I will just have to work doubly as hard at work ;)
So, there is it in plain type. I've started my goal to lose and I really hope I stick with it!
****Had to add this somwhere cuz it was too darn cute. Daniel wanted to go on the "alligator" yesterday and we couldn't figure out what he wanted. Then we walked past the elevator and he said it again. He calls the elevator the alligator. So cute!****
Friday, May 21, 2010
A day in the life...
7:30 I awaken to the sounds of Daniel and Jake in their cribs. Daniel is typically screaming to get out and Jake is talking to himself
8:00-9:00 We are dressed and feed. Handy Manny and Imagination Movers are playing in the background. This gives me a chance to open my eyes, check email and eat as well.
9:00-10:00 Attempting to entertain 2 rambunctious boys. We play, we read, we color, we cry for snacks, we beg to go outside and to the park. Jake goes down for a mini nap around 10:00. Continue to ask for food and park from Daniel. I attempt to straighten up the house and throw in a load of laundry.
11:00-11:45 Jake is up and to the park we go. We swing (a lot) and slide. Daniel attempts to run into the street and usually by that time, park time is over.
12:00-12:30 Lunch. Nap time is almost here!
12:45-1:30 or 2:00 Sanctuary! Attempt to clean myself up, the house or just spend some time in quiet. If it is a work day, I nap as well.
2:00-4:30 See 9:00-10:00 I wonder how much longer I can entertain children. Still attempting to clean up the house
5:00-6:00 The bewitching hour. Kids are hungry and starting to get tired. Trying to make dinner. One of these days I'll figure out how to make a bunch of meals beforehand :)
6:30-7:00 Bath time! Kiddos splash around-incidentally, I get a bath too :). Naked run around time then pjs on for a little chill time.
7:30-8:00 Jake in bed. Book read. Daniel in bed. Book read and books in bed with him. A busy day, but worth every minute.
There are of course variations depending on the day of the week, but overall that is my day. It seems longer putting it in writing. I'll miss it all when they start going back to school.
In other news, I tried Jake in the back carrier design of my Ergo and it was a success! Typically we do side carry. I did feel a little like a momma with a monkey on my back but his weight was evenly spread out and my hands were free! Best purchase I ever made! Oh, and the 3 dollar washer/dryer Fisher Price toy I found at a yard sale Saturday. Daniel loves doing his "chaundry".
We all tried out a "new" restaurant yesterday. It was from Diners, Drive ins and Dives. Apparently, there are other locations but we tried the most authentic...right in the city. Sweetie Pies is some southern home cooking. Good, awkward, but good.
8:00-9:00 We are dressed and feed. Handy Manny and Imagination Movers are playing in the background. This gives me a chance to open my eyes, check email and eat as well.
9:00-10:00 Attempting to entertain 2 rambunctious boys. We play, we read, we color, we cry for snacks, we beg to go outside and to the park. Jake goes down for a mini nap around 10:00. Continue to ask for food and park from Daniel. I attempt to straighten up the house and throw in a load of laundry.
11:00-11:45 Jake is up and to the park we go. We swing (a lot) and slide. Daniel attempts to run into the street and usually by that time, park time is over.
12:00-12:30 Lunch. Nap time is almost here!
12:45-1:30 or 2:00 Sanctuary! Attempt to clean myself up, the house or just spend some time in quiet. If it is a work day, I nap as well.
2:00-4:30 See 9:00-10:00 I wonder how much longer I can entertain children. Still attempting to clean up the house
5:00-6:00 The bewitching hour. Kids are hungry and starting to get tired. Trying to make dinner. One of these days I'll figure out how to make a bunch of meals beforehand :)
6:30-7:00 Bath time! Kiddos splash around-incidentally, I get a bath too :). Naked run around time then pjs on for a little chill time.
7:30-8:00 Jake in bed. Book read. Daniel in bed. Book read and books in bed with him. A busy day, but worth every minute.
There are of course variations depending on the day of the week, but overall that is my day. It seems longer putting it in writing. I'll miss it all when they start going back to school.
In other news, I tried Jake in the back carrier design of my Ergo and it was a success! Typically we do side carry. I did feel a little like a momma with a monkey on my back but his weight was evenly spread out and my hands were free! Best purchase I ever made! Oh, and the 3 dollar washer/dryer Fisher Price toy I found at a yard sale Saturday. Daniel loves doing his "chaundry".
We all tried out a "new" restaurant yesterday. It was from Diners, Drive ins and Dives. Apparently, there are other locations but we tried the most authentic...right in the city. Sweetie Pies is some southern home cooking. Good, awkward, but good.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Jacob Ryan
My second born. My little green eyed, curly haired sloppy slobbery grin-giving, second born.
It makes sense that I found out your daddy and I were pregnant with you at St. John's and that 34 weeks later you would be born there. I always knew you would be my Jacob Ryan even if daddy held out till the last minute on agreeing to your name. You are so loved by us and your not so bigger brother. My pregnancy with you was uncomplicated and very enjoyable. Maybe that's why you decided to come out with a bang...
It makes sense that I found out your daddy and I were pregnant with you at St. John's and that 34 weeks later you would be born there. I always knew you would be my Jacob Ryan even if daddy held out till the last minute on agreeing to your name. You are so loved by us and your not so bigger brother. My pregnancy with you was uncomplicated and very enjoyable. Maybe that's why you decided to come out with a bang...
You were born on May 14th, 2009 at 12:27 pm. I like to joke that I was actually getting paid to labor at home with you because I was paid on stand by from work on the 13th. I started contracting at 12:30 that morning and decided around 2:30 it was time to wake the troops and head to the hospital. I wasn't very uncomfortable at that point, just really anxious to meet you. Grandma watched your brother and daddy and I headed to St. John's. It was raining much like it is now. All the girls were excited to see I was actually in labor and decorated our room in celebration of your birth. We had my water broken at 8:00 and started the process of initiating the pitocin. Daddy and I took a much needed nap and by the time I woke at 11:30 I was dilated to a 7. Things really started to progress from there. Soon I was feeling pressure and you were moving on down whether the doctor was there or not. My nurses ended up holding you in until the doctor arrived-luckily just time because as soon as I rolled over, you were out. They didn't even have time to gown and glove! From the first moment I saw you, I was in love with you. You came out screaming but calmed down as soon as you were placed on my chest. I was in awe of your dark hair. You weighed 7lb 3oz and you were 20.25 inches long. You were-and still are-the most calm and happy baby. Your daddy and I are very blessed to have you as our second son. You and your brother are great friends and laugh at each other all the time. You are a perfect fit to our family. We love you, baby.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
It's been a loong time....
I know, I know, it seems I've taken a hiatus from all things internet related. Shocking, I know. It's not to say that my Facebook, blogger and mommy board consume my every waking hour, but spending a little less time here made for more time out there. And by out there, I mean my front yard. Ryan and I are in the process of planting strawberry plants where the evil thorn bushes once were.
*Side note: Whoever thought that rock was decorative and enjoyable has not spent 3 days digging out said rock. I digress.*
It's been back breaking, tedious work but I would not change it for anything. Working alongside my husband and watching my children explore the front yard (and occasionally attempt to run in to the street-Daniel) has been refreshing. R and I are tackling a project together and working side by side to better our front yard and yield (hopefully!) strawberries. It's filled me with great joy and accomplishment. This is good considering we've been dealing with Grandma Nancy's hosital stay. I won't go into too much detail but we're all praying for a healthy recovery. She has a long ways yet, but we're hopeful.
The boys have been great-for the most part. There are still plenty of moments in my day when Daniel exceeds my patience and I really have to step back and take a breather (and am still working on stretching my patience more) but it is so fun to watch them. Jake especially. I think my favorite age to date is 1 year old. They're mobile, inquisitive and wanting to test boundaries and it so much fun to see them connect. Jake has taken to saying "vroom, vroom" when he plays with his cars and it cracks us up. Daniel has also become more interactive with his little brother and it is so heart warming to watch them play together. Daniel gets a big kick out of making Jake laugh.
On a more serious note, it's not a secret that I have struggled with my faith. Well, not so much struggled in believing in Him, but finding the time and energy to give more of myself to Him. I've been reading 'Real moms, Real Jesus' and it's really helped me take a moment to analyze myself, my faith and my role as a mother. I have been connecting with my Bible more and my spiritual self and relying more on prayer to get me through tougher times and I can feel the change within me. It's nice. Also, there have been changes around me that further deepen my faith. R can call it coincidence or hard work on our part, I call it faith. Believe me, we've had that discussion. Jake no longer needs surgery and we've been able to refinance our house. Little changes to some, but well needed to us.
I leave this now with some newer pictures of my men. Tomorrow I will be sure to post because my little Jake turns 1!!!! Hard to imagine a year ago today I was still pregnant with him..
My Mother's day gifts
Daniel helping cut grass
My men ♥
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