12 Month Update!

Yup!  We made it a WHOLE YEAR.  I can hardly believe it.  Happy Birthday Claire Bear!

At 12 months Claire:

...has 7 teeth, three of which are still working their way into that cute little mouth of hers.

...stands independently and walks with assistance

... babbles incessantly and says a few words.

...laughs hysterically when you tickle her on her chest.

(I think there might be some face that ISN'T covered with cake...no, wait...there isn't)

...loves sweets.

...had her first ear infection at her one year checkup.

...loves to be the center of attention

...weighs in at 18lbs 8oz.  (One pound lighter than lily was at the same age)  And she sits right at about 5% for weight.

(Sisters, Lily of course opened all Claire's presents and has even claimed a few of them)

...loves her big sister more than anyone else in the world.

...actually will try to take a few steps on her own.

...has been both challenging and rewarding over the last year.  Pushed us to our limits and then brought us back in with that gorgeous smile of hers.

...has a very sensitive soul.  Fun, playful, thoughtful and thinks things through before she does anything.

...even though she wakes up early she is NOT a morning baby.  She rarely will just wake up and babble or play alone.  She wants out of her prison (also known as the crib) as soon as she's awake.

...still wakes up in the middle of the night occasionally.

...has completely given up the bottle in lieu of a soft top sippy cup.

(She went straight for the frosting)

...thinks it's the funniest thing ever when you tickle her inner thighs.

...loves anything with buttons and knobs.

...can dance like it's nobody's business and I can honestly say, my girl has moves.

(what?  Wait until it's OUT of the box?  No way)

...says "hi" "momma" "dadda" "up" and "pup"  My favorite is when she puts anything resembling a phone to her ear and says "HI"

...is beautiful and amazing and I really couldn't imagine life without her.  My girls love each other and they play together and I can see them growing and changing together and it really is amazing that Adam and I created these two beautiful little people.  I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

...

Mommy and Me Time.

Happy Monday!

It was a good weekend.  Miss Lily and I went out and did some shopping together.  We got her a new coat (much needed,  she's been wearing the same one for 3 years) And she picked out her Christmas dress.  Yes, I know it seems early but we are going to be getting family pictures done this week and I wanted to have one for her then.  After we shopped for our coat and our dress then we stopped and looked at all the Barbies...So that we could tell Santa what we wanted for Christmas.  Lily and I went and ate at Space Aliens together and then played a few games.  Then we stopped at Goodwill to check out their Halloween stuff so we got a few things for next year as far as pumpkin carving goes, we are set.

After we got home lily laid down for a while and watched a movie and rested.  Then it was such a beautiful day out that we all went outside to hang out and play.  The sand was damp in the sandbox so we made a bunch of molds and tried making a few sand castles.  We played outside for a couple hours (at least it FELT like a couple hours) and then we went in and hung out inside.


Now to just get them adjusted to the time change.  Yesterday was a pretty productive day.  I got a bookshelf moved up to the girls' room and all the books up there since the baby feels it is her sole duty to rid the earth of everything made of paper.  We read most of the books up there anyway so it only makes sense. I will say the bookshelf looks really nice up there too!  Lily digs it.

Coupons...Yes, I'm still ON that.

So I had all these great intentions of sharing my deals with you guys and helping out when I can.  But really I can barely find the time to put together my own list of coupons let alone a list for everyone else.  SO I thought I would share some of my favorite websites.

Coupon Divas

This site is awesome for all the printable coupons.  It takes you through all 4 of the major places to get online coupons and you can stay on the same site to do it, which is a huge bonus for me.  Sadly most of there match-ups are for stores we don't have.  But if you shop at Target or CVS or Walgreens. It's perfect.  I also really like their coupon database, which lists coupons that will be coming out in the upcoming paper, if you search by date.  Let's me know if it's even worth buying a paper that week.

Disclaimer: We don't always get the same coupons they list, but it's usually pretty close.

Creative Couponing 

This site is awesome because the offer Coborns and Cashwise match ups each week, so it's a great place to check for coupon matchups.

Pocket Your Dollars

This site also is a local one.  So they offer Coborns, Cashwise, Cub and Rainbow foods match ups.  Also they feature a lot of money saving tips and other local deals.

Krazy Coupon Lady

I do Like this site a lot but I don't use it as much as some of the ones listed above, but it's also a good resource for any coupony stuff.

You can also get some good printable coupons from Coborns and Cashwise under their coupon tabs.

Enjoy and happy shopping.  There is a lot of baking stuff and soups on sale this time of year so make sure you stock up when you find a good deal!

Let's Be Serious.

Claire had a second flu shot appointment on Monday at 4:00.  Not the most convenient thing in the world but I know how important it is for her to have the flu shot so I sucked it up.  I left work at 3:30 and somehow picked up the girls and got to the clinic with like 2 minutes to spare.  I still had to sit for a good 5-10 minutes and wait. Wait for them to tell me that she couldn't have it.  They miss-scheduled the appointment and she couldn't have it until Thursday since that would be 1 month.  Seriously?  3 days early and they won't just do it?  Is it really going to make that much of a difference?  Ok so we get to reschedule.  We get up to the front and Lily decides not to listen to me when I asked her to do something.  So I simply told her that we would not be getting any of our Halloween treats when we get home if she continues to act that way.  To which she responded by throwing herself on the floor screaming.  AWESOME.  I finally get her to get up and again reinforced the, we will not be getting any treats tonight.  And what does the appointment scheduler do?  Offers her a sucker if she will stop crying and listen to mommy.  Thanks bitch.  OF COURSE she stopped crying, OF COURSE she says she will be a good girl and listen to mommy now.  You gave her what she was crying for.  Little do you know lady that the second we got out of your office I made her put that sucker right in my purse and told her she could have it when she could learn to act like the good girl I know she is.  I wish I had been able to keep my temper so I could have politely told you where you could stick that sucker while making a point to my 3 year old and to you that it's not ok to undermine a parent when they are trying to teach a valuable lesson to a kid whose freaking out over candy.

So what did Lily learn?  If mommy says no treats all I have to do is freak out and scream and annoy the receptionist enough and she'll give me candy.  I win, I act the way I want and get what I want.

Nice message to send my kid lady.  Nice message.

On a related note, I'm kinda getting tired of the fact that everywhere I take Lily people try to give her stickers or suckers or whatever.  I mean I really do get it and if she's being a good girl then I'm totally fine with her having a little treat.  But it's gotten to the point where now when we go to the store, she asks where her sticker or her treat is if she isn't handed one at the checkout.  So what do I do?  I've told her that it's not something we can expect and have every time...but she's three and I don't think the message is getting across.  Do I politely decline their offer of a treat for her, even if she IS being good?  I'm just not sure.  Also, I'm curious.  Am I the only one who is having a hard time with this?

11 Months!

Happy 11 Months Claire!

At 11 months, Claire can...

...stand independently and bend over to pick things up.

...say "up" "mama" "papa" "dada" "this" "pup"

...points at everything and is very curious about it all.

...laughs hysterically if you nibble right below her arm pits.

...loves to blow kisses and play pat-a-cake.

...waves bye bye.

...is still a dancing fool.

...loves people and attention.

...pretty much eats what we eat now, minus a few minor things.

...wears size 3 diapers still.

...wears 9-12 month clothes.  Still some 6-9 month.

...follows big sister wherever she goes.

...is working her sippy cup skills.

...made a MAD kitty cat for Halloween!

...gets into a lot of trouble...climbing, crawling, opening and closing.

...loves to give hugs.

...sleeps pretty good for the most part.

...has beautiful blond hair and blue eyes.

My sweet Baby Claire.  I can't believe you are 11 months old.  I wish I could keep you just the way you are forever!

November already?

Well Halloween went off without a hitch in our house!  Lily was Rapunzel and Claire was Pasquel the kitty cat. Yes, I'm aware that that is not how it works but I couldn't find a lizard costume and Lily seemed happy with it.  We took them to grandma's house and then out to trick or treat.  Lily got pretty tired pretty early on.  Not sure what was up with that, but she's three and I've come to realize that the moment you actually DO understand them then you are just as crazy as they are.  So I don't really try anymore.  Basically daddy got to carry her between houses.  But both girls did great.  Lily got a lot of extra candy for Claire since we didn't bring a bucket for Claire.  I did not expect people to give candy to the baby, I mean it's not like she'll really eat it anyway.  Oh well, Lily was excited so that's all that matters.

We carved pumpkins over the weekend and while Lily threw a temper tantrum of epic proportions on Saturday so we did not get to go and pick pumpkins together, I went and picked some up.  And since we did it early on Sunday morning we avoided any major meltdowns before the fun could be spoiled.  I think that's really a key with her, getting things done in the morning since she REFUSES to nap for me.  Sure, she'll lay quiet for about an hour, but it doesn't seem to matter much in the end.  Lily of course had a blast picking all the pumpkin guts out of the pumpkins and she helped carve the faces on them.  And of course seeing them all lit up was pretty cool for her too!

I promise, I do have pictures, of all the above stuff, I just have to bring my camera in one of these days, It's been while since I posted some new pictures on here.

I can't believe that it's November and it's time to start planning Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping and all that fun stuff.  This year has really been flying by.

Up next tomorrow.... Claire's ELEVEN month update...How did THAT happen?

Also, poor girl gets to go and get a flu shot tonight.  :-(

Claire's 10 Month Update

Hmmm, I realized this morning when I was reading other blogs that I have completely skipped Claire's 10 month update.  Probably cause it was on a Sunday.  Anyway, Only over a week overdue but here it is anyway.

At 10 months Claire can:

...Pull herself to standing and stand independently

...Wave bye bye

...play pat-a-cake

...say "up", "momma" and "dadda"

...Crawl all the way to the top of the stairs

...had a little setback with sleeping but is still a pretty good sleeper

...Still follows her big sister around like a puppy.

...can walk along furniture or behind a push toy.

...Can eat just about anything now.

...Isn't real thrilled with taking a bottle anymore

...Crawls now with her belly off the ground and does this crazy side walk with her tongue out and panting like a dog.

...Dances whenever she hears music.  And that girl has moves...Unless you have the video camera.  Then she stares at you like you have 2 heads.

This was the day before she turned 10 months. With her big sister Lily.

On a side note, I feel so incredibly bad that I have not taken good monthly photos of the baby like I did with Lily.  It pains me so much because I swore I wouldn't do that.  I haven't had pictures printed in a long time so now I'm not sure when the photos were taken.  I only hope that one day soon I will have the time to sit down and upload photos and get them printed soon.

Holy Guacamole

I have no clue what's been going on in the Philippi house lately.  My children are like pod people.  I'm not sure I like it much.

Claire is becoming so independent and Mobile and curious.  She is awesome by day and a holy terror come night.  She used to sleep so well and go to bed and sleep all night, sure she got up early but at least it was all night.  NOW she wakes up every couple hours and cries almost in her sleep.  I'm not sure what's going on with it.  I mean is she teething?  Is she too hot?  Too cold?  I have no clue but I do know one thing for sure.  I AM TIRED.

Then on the other hand, there is Lily.  Once a sweet and charming 3 year old has completely turned into Satan's spawn.  SHE sleeps great all night, but come daytime she is whiny and throwing tantrums and bossy and sassy.  Oh sure I know what you are thinking....NORMAL right?  Ugh. we are just so not used to her acting that way.  Lily can you put on your shoes <Insert whiny screaming tantrum here>

Long story short....they are tag teaming us.  Claire takes the night shift and Lily takes the day shift.  They are winning too.  I need a vacation.

Nine Months already....

At Nine Months Claire can...

.....crawl like a madbaby.

....sit herself up.

....pull herself up to standing.

....walk along things (if she's holding on).

....eat a ton of different foods, bananas, oranges, crackers, green beans....

....is still moody.

...has 4 teeth, all the front ones. 

...loves to dance.  turn some music on and watch the girl dance.

...follows her big sister around like a puppy.

...sleeps all night.

....takes two naps a day.

...crawls up the stairs.

...no longer wears a helmet. (not that that is news really but it is from last month).

Miss Bear one week shy of her 9 month mark!  Such a beautiful smile but man that girl is lucky she can grow her hair out!  She has her daddy's big ears!

Sisters.  And even though they LOOK like they are looking away from each other, this was there plan.  To make my life hard when trying to take pictures of them!

Happy Nine Months Baby Claire!

PS. I wonder how long we'll be calling her baby Claire?

I'm letting the cat out of the bag...

Ok so we don't have a cat, but if we did it would no longer be in the bag.

I JOINED A GYM. 

Really I am just not cut out for keeping secrets or keeping things to myself AT. ALL.  So really if you have a secret I wouldn't tell me cause I'll go blabbing my mouth off to anyone who will listen.

I like the gym though actually.  I've been there like 4 times now and I signed up last week. (I know, I'm surprised I've kept it a secret this long too).  Actually I didn't want to tell you blogging world because I am notorious for starting things, being really excited about them and then quitting when the newness wears off.  But honestly I like the gym. I'm going in the mornings and Adam has stepped up to the plate and he gets the kids ready by himself so that I can go.  Plus my mornings are a LOT easier now.  I know that sounds crazy.  But I get up at like 5 and I have the whole quiet house to myself while everyone else sleeps.  I get my lunch ready in peace and quiet, wander to the gym and do my workout.  Take my shower in PEACE and quiet (minus the blaringly loud music thumping from the speakers at the gym that is.) and then casually drive into work.

It's nice.  And for now, I'm digging it.

I seriously forgot to put a title on this the first time. Oops

Ok, So earlier this spring my my gave us this wagon.  It was in pretty bad shape from normal wear and tear and being out in the elements for too long etc.  Last weekend I had this Brilliant Idea inspired by some pictures I'd seen to use it for photos with my girls.  So I went and got some red paint and I was going to repaint it so I could use it in my pictures, but after looking at it, it was obvious more work would have to be done than just a simple coat of paint.  Here's the before:

I also want to note the fact that the small print next to the USA, says "Rust Resistant Body".

See what I mean?  Pretty rough, I thought most of the rust was on the inside of the wagon and I could just add a coat to cover it.  But the outside was in pretty bad shape as well as the handle.  I was talking with my boss about it last week and he said that I should bring it in and they would sandblast it for me so that I can repaint the whole thing and eliminate the rust on it.  So I did, and my co-worker blasted it for me yesterday.  Shown Below, Disassembled, blasted wagon:

Apparently that's what the metal looks like underneath.  But they gave me some new bolts as well and later that day I stopped at the store and got some primer and some black paint (for the handle of course).  And I got to work.  Naturally Lily was pretty bummed because spray painting is hard work for mommies let alone 3 year old Lilys.  So I did the brunt of the work myself.  Adam put it all back together for me when I was done and it looks good as new!  Minus the Logo, but that's fine.

I'm super happy about the way it turned out!  All for about $13 or so in paint and a couple of doughnuts for my coworker we have what looks like a brand new wagon!  I can't wait to do the pictures of my girls with it this weekend!  They are going to be so awesome!

PS  When I bought that paint I thought the color was going to be SO off, but once it was on the wagon I think it's just perfect and I'm happy it's a little brighter than your normal red wagon!

Top 10 Things I'd like do do but have never done before....Or in Short. The longest blog title ever!

1. Go on a fun vacation to a spa and not worry about money.

2. Be a famous rock star.

3. Come out of my shell and make new friends.

4. Be a world famous writer.

5. Have a humongous overly-large house with a housekeeper.

6. Own a business.

7. Sky dive.  Though I'm sure I'd totally chicken out...In fact I'm chickening out while I type this.

8. Have my own office.

9. Drive a really really fast car.

10. Be high maintenance.

What do YOU want to do that you've never done before?

8 Months Old!

Happy 8 months Claire!

At 8 months old you can:

...Eat finger foods!

...Crawl...army crawl anyway.  And you manage to get into EVERYTHING you aren't supposed to.

...From a sitting position, pull yourself to standing.

...Laugh uncontrollably when we eat your belly.  (Why is that so funny?  I'd be terrified if someone tried to eat my belly.)

...You are pretty much done with your helmet.

...You love your big sister though you sure wish she would learn to respect your own personal bubble.

...You still only have 2 teeth though I'd be willing to bet you have a few more working their way though.

...You SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT.  It's nice to finally be able to just write it out there for the world to know.  This has been a long journey and for this step I am oh so grateful!

...You will eat anything.  Literally.  (of course I mean any type of food but you have been known to eat things like paper and tissues and electrical cords...)

...You have grown quite attached to the dog.  Following him around like a puppy (pun intended)

...Your favorite word is "Mamamamama" 

....You really would be fine if you never saw your pacifier again.  But you do like to chew on it.

Happy 8 Months baby girl!  We love ya!

What IS it about a snugly baby anyway?

Last night I was sitting in the rocking chair with Claire.  Lily had already gone to bed and Adam was down in the basement trying to recover all the data from the laptop that just completely crashed.  Claire was oh so very tired and you could see it in her eyes.  And I could hold her many ways and she just kept trying to wiggle away until I held her tummy to my chest and she just collapsed in exhaustion.  No, she did not fall asleep but her little body went limp and her head snuggled in.  She was content.  Content to sit with me and snuggle. I put my cheek on the top of her head so I could feel her soft hair and feel the heat off of her.  And we both breathed into each other.  It was a long day and at that point in time, for that single half hour of the day, I was oh so thankful for the family I have.  Thankful that even though we've had some rough times, for the most part it's been awesome.  I held her and thought about how much I loved her and how much joy she brings me when she smiles and plays.  About how much her sister adores her and wants to do everything with her.  Then I found myself thinking about what life would be like if I had never got to experience the joy and comfort of holding my almost 8 month old baby close and comfy to me.  About how some people don't get to have children, no matter how wonderful they would be as parents, or how hard they try.  I found myself feeling sad for those people.

I'm so thankful that I've gotten to take this path with my life.  To have a husband who loves and supports me and two beautiful, healthy girls.  I wouldn't change it for anything.  Sometimes you just need a snugly baby to put life into perspective for you.

How DO you rotate pictures here anyway?

 Miss Claire enjoying some dinner.  ALMOST 8 months old here.



 With her almost 8 month old Mohawk Courtesy of Auntie Sarah.

Such a Happy Girl.  With such a BIG smile!

Miss Lily could be a model.  Ok, So I might be a little biased on this one but seriously, isn't she gorgeous?

Darn you Blogger and my lack of technical skills.  You'll just have to imagine this one flipped around.

She's giving attitude in this one...with her hand on her hip.

Admiring the water in the pool.

Happy 7 Months Claire Bear....

Wow 7 months already! 

At 7 months old Miss Claire....

....rolls around like a mad baby.

....is only wearing her helmet part time.

....does most of her talking when big sister isn't around, but can be quite the chatter box.

....loves to jump jump jump JUMP.

...loves to laugh.

....is pretty much ALWAYS sleeping through the night now. (knock on wood)  Meaning Down at 8:30pm and up around 5-5:30 or so. 

...Still thinks big sister is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

...is trying desperately to crawl...pulling her back legs up...it won't be long now.

....can stand on her own holding onto something.

....thinks daddy is pretty neat.  And funny.  As with Lily, Daddy is one of her favorite play time toys. As she loves to be tossed in the air and dropped on the couch.

...has TWO teeth.  On the bottom and they came in about halfway through her 6th month.  She has been very agreeable since they broke the surface.

....Usually takes a couple of catnaps during the day with one longer one right in the middle.

Last night I was holding her and she was laughing and giggling and would NOT fall asleep.  I even thought to myself how I missed holding her and cuddling her while she sleeps.  I really really thought it would be a LONG time before that day came. But there I was, last night missing cuddling her.  Not that I never get to anymore but she surely falls asleep better if you just lay her down in her crib.

My baby is over a half a year old.  I just don't know how that has happened. 

10 things I hate about being the F word....

Also my 10 reasons for needing a change:

1. I hate the way I feel when I look down at my tummy or look in the mirror.

2. I hate the way my thighs rub together when I wear a skirt or shorts.

3. I hate the negative thoughts that run through my head because I can't get my eating under control.

4. I hate being tired all the time.

5. I hate how easily I get winded.

6. I hate how unsexy I feel

7. I hate that the majority of the time I STILL wear maternity pants...HELLO my baby is 7 MONTHS old.

8. I hate that I whine about how fat I feel/am all the time, I'm sure people get sick of it.

9. I hate this love/hate relationship I have with food.

10. I hate the unhealthy example I'm setting for my girls.

I need more...JOIN me!

So I've been thinking to myself.  Self...what can I do that would help me to lose weight and stick to a plan?  The idea I had.  Join a weight loss group.  A group of like minded people who are practically trying to lose weight in their every day busy life.  No matter if you have kids or not, no matter if you have 100 pounds to lose or 5.  A place where people won't judge you...and won't cost you an arm and a leg.  THAT is what I need.  A group that meets weekly, close to my home (or in my home) where we can talk about our weeks, our struggles and maybe talk about some new ideas and things we can do to help each other.  Talk about some new foods we've tried and like.

So now I have the idea.  Now I just need the people.  So who's with me?  I'll "Lead" the group!  We can meet where ever but my house will always be open (provided you don't judge me by the fact that it looks like a bomb has gone off  in there 3 minutes before you arrive)  We can find a time that works for most people and we can have healthy snacks, hang out and talk about our struggles, our accomplishments and just in general have a safe place that we don't have to feel judged for our choices.  (anyone who knows me I've been on and off the wagon 9 trillion times)

So WHO'S with me?!  I don't care how many people. 1,2 or 20.

Either comment here, On Facebook or you can email me and we'll start getting things set up!  I sure hope you join me.  Lord knows I could use the help and I think that this could be just what I need!

You can EMAIL ME here by the way.

Weekly Wrap Up. An No I'm Not Talking About Lunch.

So I've been super busy at work lately.  It's kinda nice.  I mean it feels good to truly be needed here and know they they would struggle without me.  I like feeling needed and like it matters if I am here or not.  On the downside though, my COUPON book looks like someone attached it with a scissors and not in a good way.  I also don't have much time for emails or keeping up with my blog. Though these days I don't feel like I have a whole lot to say anyway.

On the coupon front, I'm still managing to chug along.  Last week I actually saved 47% of my bill using coupons!  I got some great stuff including $.63 Hamburger Helper, a few deodorants and body washes and stuff that were on sale AND a buy one get one free coupon with them.  So I stocked up on those.  Let's just say Adam won't have any excuse to be smelly for a while as he now has SIX deodorants waiting for him in the cupboard.  And No I don't think I'm turning into one of those people.  I don't really buy much in qty's like that actually.  Only stuff I know won't expire, soaps, diapers etc.  Yes, I'm totally justifying it.  It does make me sad though that I won't need to buy some stuff for a while  but it's also a good thing, I can start moving into the "actually spending less money cause we are stocked up on stuff already" phase.  Which is nice and will certainly make Adam happy.  But it works out great that I can kinda pick and choose and my nerdy self started a spreadsheet for prices so that I know if I'm really getting a good deal or not, as I've been burned a few times on stuff and I want to avoid that if I can.  Cause really, Just cause you HAVE a coupon for it doesn't make it a good deal.  Do your research.  Someday I hope to post some good deals on here when I can find the energy to get around to it.  There are a few good deals this week at Coborns for General Mills cereals, Pillsbury croissants, and go-gurt and stuff.

Anyway.  The girls are good.  We took a few nights to really be strict with the Baby's sleeping schedule and that seems to be working so far, she has been sleeping a little better.  Getting up earlier but at least she is sleeping all night so it's nice to get a few more hours in a row of sleep.  But man we had a few rough nights in there.  I can't believe how much she's changing every day.  Adam and I have been taking videos of her like crazy lately but they are stuck on our phones.  So one of these days I'll have to get those off and post them.  That baby has an amazing laugh.  Lily is still VERY much into the princesses.  "*poof* I change you into a beautiful princess".  Honestly I don't think I can count how many times I hear that in a day.  I'm ok with this, I get to bat my eyelashes and be beautiful for a few minutes a day anyway.

We took Lily fishing a few weekends ago, of course we didn't catch any fish but she had fun trying I think.

Adams workplace just got sold to another large bank.  So we aren't sure what that is going to mean for us...as of right now nothing I suppose.  But gradually things will probably change. I just hope that our benefits stay awesome, but I guess we just won't know until the takeover is complete and all that. 

Hmmm What else?  We had a couple of really hot days but other than that it's been so nice.  Lower 70's  I'd be totally fine with that all summer.  But eventually it's going to hit us hard I imagine.  Hoping to get to the beach and go swimming with the girls this summer too but we'll see what it brings I guess.

My take on Marriage

So take this with a grain of salt as I have only been married for 4 years, which isn't super long but it's pretty good so far.

Marriage is hard.  People tell you that but sometimes you don't really realize just how hard it is until 3:00 in the morning when your second baby is screaming for the second time that night and you are both sleep deprived and want nothing more than to just run off to Mexico....wait....I digress.  Couples fight, people fight.  When you spend as much time with the same person as you do with a husband or a wife there are bound to be some times of tension.  Times when maybe you could really just use a little vacation apart.  There are times when you both take each other for granted and times when you both need to communicate a little better.  No matter how much time passes sometimes things you say while arguing still sting and will remain a touchy subject forever.

Whoever thinks kids will fix problems in a marriage obviously don't have kids.  While I would never trade my girls and my husband for anything.  It is trying sometimes.  It's hard to remain unselfish and to think of others more than you think of yourself. (for me anyway, if you're a saint this blog ain't for you)  It's hard to remember to think positively and be kind.  It's hard to tell someone how much you appreciate them. 

But then again, nothing worth having comes easy.  And marriage can be wonderful and fun.  It's nice to have someone to complain to and to laugh with and cry with (ok so Adam isn't a cryer and he seems rather irritated when I do cry.  but the point remains)

At the end of the day I need to learn to be more kind and patient and learn to communicate my feelings with everyone a little better and that will make for a happier me, and a happier marriage.  Cause damn, I sure do love that man.

Happy Half Birthday!

I can not believe how fast time is going these days.  I can't believe that my baby is 6 months old.  Honestly I knew it was going to go fast and yet it felt like this day would never get here.  It's been a little bumpy at times but I think over all it's been worth it.

I don't have weight and length stats as her 6th month appointment is scheduled for next month.  Blech.

At 6 months old Claire can...

...roll over both ways (a task that lily couldn't accomplish until she was 7 months old)

...is thisclose to sitting up by herself. (Lily sat up on her own on her 6 month date exactly)

...loves to eat.  she'll eat anything you give her as well.  (((My good eaters)))

...is so easy to get her to laugh.

...is incredibly ticklish.

...prefers mommy over anyone else.

...most of the time only wakes up once a night...but will sleep through the night occasionally.

...is a great sleeper but not so great of a napper (for me anyway)  usually putting herself to sleep at night.  (Something Lily really struggled with, she had to be OUT before you could put her in the crib)

...still thinks her big sister is the coolest little girl around.

...will hopefully not have to wear her helmet for much longer as she made a VAST improvement in the first month, going from 16mm to 8mm (anything under 6mm is normal)  So she will hopefully go to part time wear sooner rather than later.

....thinks stuff feels weird without her helmet and rubs her head on the floor or you or whatever when she has it off. (I am hoping she'll adjust ok to not wearing it)

...is getting into a pretty good daily routine with her napping and eating which I think is helping a lot with her sleep at night as well.

...always wants to be a part of the action.

...puts everything in her mouth and is a faucet of drool

...isn't a big fan of "strangers"

...is a great baby that we are blessed to have in our lives!

Pictures to come.

Happy Birthday Big Girl Lily!

Well it's been a while since I did a major update for Lily.  Anyone who has kids will tell you that even though they do still change quickly and stuff but not quickly enough to really warrant a monthly update I guess.  So here goes.

At 3 years old Lily....

...is completely, 100% potty trained.  We don't even wear pull ups at night anymore.

...probably knows more words than I do.

...is so independent.  Rarely wanting help of any kind.

...loves to read story books, and can remember stories almost word for word.

...recognizes probably half of the letters of the alphabet by sight.

...would wear pretty princess dresses every second, of every day if she could.

...is SUPER stubborn.

...cannot be told of things ahead of time because that girl is an elephant and remembers things, even the smallest most mundane details of things for MONTHS on end.

...absolutely loves her baby sister and very rarely has anything bad to say about her. (the feeling is mutual)

...is starting to give up her nap.  It's about a 50/50 chance we can get her to take her naps now. Instead opting for "quiet time".

...loves all things edible.  It's hard to find something she doesn't like, but like all kids, she goes through phases where she prefers things more than others.

...hates having water poured on her head in the bathtub.

...had her first dentist appointment, which went swimmingly.  No cavities and her teeth look great, though the dentist said to prepare for braces.  The poor girl has my overbite.  Lucky her.

...thinks Max and Ruby is really just the bees knees.

...loves to help clean and do chores (if only it would last).

...says that when she grows taller she is going to have coffee with me and have a scissor and knives.

...gets pushed around a bit by other kids since she is so kind hearted and mostly soft spoken.

...is kinda klutzy.

...is not even remotely a baby anymore (unless you call the screaming tantrums baby-like) but a beautiful little girl instead.

And as much as some days I'd love nothing more than to run off to the Caribbean with the pool boy, I can think of no other little girl I'd rather spend my time with.  She is amazing.  Sweet, funny, bright, beautiful and such a wonderful ball of energy (if only she'd share that energy)  We really are blessed to have such an amazing 3 year old in our lives.

Snow Lily

Sleeping Lily

Happy Birthday Princess Lillian!  We love you!

Good Morning Blog Followers

Wow, it's been a while.  To put it the easy way.  I'VE BEEN SO BUSY.  90% of the time at work I feel like I am a chicken running around with my head cut off.  Which is ok really.  It's nice to be busy and it's nice to be needed cause everyone who knows me, knows that I need to be needed.  The only downside (besides not getting my daily nap...j/k) is that I don't have the time to keep up with my blog and all my other internets.  So I've pretty much ONLY been keeping up with Facebook and my email.  On the plus side, my days FLY by these days, I mean look at the date?  It's already May 23rd.  Where the heck did the rest of May go?  I surely don't know.

So what's been going on you ask?  Well not a whole lot.  I don't want to update too much on Lily since her birthday is this week (Thursday) and I have a big post in the works for that.  And Claire turns 6 months next week so I want to save stuff to add for that.  So that leaves the children out.   So what else is there to say.

We  Adam has waged a war on the Squirrels around our house.  With some clever pellet gun usage and a few live traps we are hoping to get this problem taken care of swiftly and get the holes in our house patched up.  I'm so happy that after several years of this we are finally taking some action and getting some results!  It's a good feeling even if it's not as instant as I'd like. 

We're also having problems with our drain in the basement, heaven forbid you run two things at once (dishwasher and shower, or whatever) because the basement drain backs up all over the floor.  It's really just not fun.  Most likely tree roots in the line, which is not fun and we aren't looking forward to dishing out the money to have it fixed.  Blech.  But it has to be done I guess.

We've done some work out in our 3 season room too (or really Adam has)  We got the TV working out there and he took the pellet stove out so that we can have more room for all of the girls' junk.  It's really nice, and it's actually crazy to me how much space there is out there now without that in there.  Adam plans to use it out in the garage, which will be a great use of it since our girls are so little and that thing is not exactly kid proof.

I'm still working diligently on the coupon front.  I haven't posted many of my good deals, which I really should.  LOL.  Maybe I'll make Wednesday my Deal day here.  I will post some of my local match ups and good deals.  Usually by Wednesday I have my list together and have gone through most of my ads.  It'll be nice to have the structure.

I think that is about all the updating I have for today.  I have a ton of work as I just am here 3 days this week.  Thursday is Lily's birthday and so we are going to do something special with her and then Friday I took off to get ready for lily's party on Saturday!  I'll update on Thursday with lily's 3 year update!

This Just In...

Miss Lily is officially potty trained!  She stays dry ALL day and even at night sometimes.  She Poops in the potty and is Super excited about it!  I couldn't be prouder of her.  Only a few weeks til she turns 3 as well!

Miss Claire got her helmet!  She doesn't mind the helmet itself but she isn't a big fan of getting it off and on.  Which I can't say I blame her, it's a snug fit and seems to kind squish her head as it goes on.

I'm SUPER busy at work.  It's crazy actually.  In the entire almost 6 years I've worked here I've never been so busy.  It's nice and a pain at the same time.  The days go by pretty fast but sometimes it can be stressful.  Or stressful for me anyway, any normal person who's used to having so much to do and managing projects would probably call it a cake walk.  But I hate dealing with problems and trying to fix them.  That isn't really my strong suit.  But I'm doing good.  At least I think so. It's also why I don't update as much as I should.

Adam is busy at work too,  but he always is, so that's nothing new.

We got new phones.  The upfront cost was rough because we didn't get a deal on the phones.  BUT it will save us a ton of money in the long run as we went with a prepaid plan with no contracts and it's just $25 a person for unlimited data and messaging with 300 minutes.  Perfect plans for us and it moved us into the current century with our phones so we're happy about that.

Easter was good.  We had two Easters and both were great.  Lily loved the Easter bunny and hunting for eggs and such.  One of these days I'll post some pictures.  As usual I'm really behind with that.

Hmmm.  That's all I can think of for now, I just thought I would do a quick update so ya'll don't think I've forgotten about you.

Could it be?

4 years already!?  Our 4 year wedding anniversary is tomorrow.  I can't believe it.  In some ways it seems like just yesterday and in other ways I feel like it's been WAY longer than that.  I'm sure everyone can relate to that.   We've done some big things the last 4 years. We've bought a house. Had 2 kids. Haven't killed each other. Paid off most of our debt. (everything but out mortgage) and figured each other out pretty well (the goods and the bads).

It's been a fun ride too.  And I'm so thankful to have a husband like Adam.  Who is kind and sweet (always saving me the folded over sour cream and onion chips, or the last crunchy bit on the stick of the corn dog).  Makes me laugh even when I am so mad I don't know how I find anything funny.  Who balances me very well with his obsessive need to shop around for things, as everyone who knows me, knows that I'm an impulse buyer.  A man who would do anything for his friends and family, and has friends and family who would do the same for him. 

I have wondered what life would be like without him.  Sure it would be a lot quieter (and probably cleaner) But without him I wouldn't have my beautiful girls and a best friend that I can tell everything to.  And so in short.  I'm glad I married him.  That he married me.  And that we chose each other and love each other through the good, the bad and the screaming (the children that is).

I love you Adam.  Happy 4 years!  Here's to many MANY more.

(as a sidenote:  OMG look how skinny I was.  Makes me sick. HA)

Claire's almost 5 month update

(((Sisters)))

 Colored eggs.  It is easter after all!

Miss Claire Helping mommy make dinner.

12 pounds even (7th percentile)
25.5 inches (90th percentile)
Head is about 10th percentile.

Miss Claire is practically perfect in every way.  She is right on track with where she should be.  Heck she barely even cried when they gave her shots.  Which was nice.

Here is a long overdue update on Claire at 4.5 months old.

She....

....Smiles and giggles at us all the time.  For the most part seems like a pretty happy baby.

....Can still be pretty fussy from time to time.

....Still loves to be cuddled...mostly by mommy.

....Is so infatuated with her big sister.

....Usually drinks about 6 ounces at a time now. 

....Has been measured and casted for her helmet.  She gets that put on on May 3rd.

.....Loves to be played with and tossed in the air.

....Still wakes up at least once a night to eat a bottle.

....Loves food.  Pears. Apples. Carrots. Green beans. Peaches. Sweet potatoes. And of course Oatmeal.  She eats a whole container of fruit or veg along with her oatmeal.  Once a day.

....She's getting easier to take places now that she doesn't scream like you are murdering her in her car seat.

That's about all I can think of right now.  I'm sure there's more that I'm just not thinking about right now so I'll update the list if I think of anything.

36% You say?

Yup!  That's what I said!  I saved 36% on my grocery bill this week.  I scored some AWESOME deals and saved a lot of money on stuff I would have bought anyway.  I can't tell you how much yogurt I've bought without a coupon.  Or how many ketchups I bought without thinking twice.  But THAT is a thing of the past.  Here are some highlights of this weeks shopping trip!

I went to Coborns as they do Double coupons on Tuesdays through April. (it's something they do pretty frequently actually)  ***Beware though, they only double up to 10 coupons.***

Heinz Ketchup.  Priced at $1.99.  I had a $2.00 off 1 coupon.  So in theory I made a 1 cent profit.  However the girl told me they could only scan the coupon for $1.99.  Oh darn right?  FREE

Lawrys Marinades. 96 cents each with Penny Pincher Coborns Coupon.  PLUS I had a 50 cent coupon that doubled to $1.00  I got two of these so I made 8 cents on this deal.  FREE + 8cents.

Food Club 1 Dozen eggs.  98Cents with penny pincher coborns coupon.  PLUS I had a 55cents of 2 coupon that doubled to 1.10 off 2.  for a total of 43 cents for each dozen of eggs.  (perfect for coloring eggs for Easter!)

I spent a total of 98.24.  And I saved 53.92.  I can handle that.  ALL on things I would buy anyway.  I just got the name brand instead of generic this time!

I was also complaining yesterday on Facebook about Coborns double coupon policy.  The woman told me that I can only double up to 10 coupons.  Which was true.  I was irritated because I would have done two transactions or I would have chosen different coupons to double.  But when I really sit down and look at my receipt I noticed two things.  1.  That I THOUGHT when it says they double up to $1.  I thought that meant if I had a coupon for 75cents, they would throw in 25cents to make it equal $1.00.  But that is not the case.  I had some $1.00 coupons and they gave me the full amount so I got $2.00 off on those coupons which is a pretty good deal.   2. I was irritated cause I would have picked out the highest coupons to double since I could only do 10.  Again after looking at my receipt, I noticed that their system actually does that for you!  So it went though and only doubled the 10 highest coupons!  So I actually ended up saving more money than I thought I would.

So the lesson here:  LEARN YOUR COUPON POLICIES PEOPLE!

Coupon Frustrations and a Question.

Hi all.  Lately I've been doing a lot of coupon research and inspired by the TV show "Extreme Couponing" on TLC, I've been trying to find some good deals.  The hard part is this:  Here in St. Cloud we don't get as good of coupons as some other areas of the country.  Not to mention we have a pretty limited selection for stores.  There is Coborns and CashWise (which are owned by the same people and pretty much the SAME store)  and Walmart.  Sure we have a Target and they offer some groceries but not as much as a big grocery store.  We have an Aldi, but they don't accept coupons and even if they did they don't carry name brand products there (ok rarely).  Awe sweet Walgreens.  Really where you can get the best deals and where you can actually find information online regarding sales and such.  And none of the stores around here offer double coupons...except Coborns and that's just one day a week monthly promotion right now.  And they only double up to a dollar.  So if you have a 75cent coupon they will only bring it to a dollar, which, hey.  IS better than nothing but still.

So I'm feeling motivated.  Motivated enough to maybe try out some of these deal match ups.  I think I could do this and do it pretty well.  (I'm not talking extreme or anything) Just well.  Get some discounts on name brand stuff cheaper than store brand, which has always been my number one complaint.

So I want to know...Is ANYONE interested in me posting these deals?  Will ANYONE actually read and use the match ups I post?  I mean I don't really wanna be wasting my time with this (as it IS super time consuming) if no one will read it.  So either post here if you are interested OR comment on my facebook link if you are interested...And of course you can pass this on to other people too!

Money....

I know that talking about money is a taboo subject for some.  For me, I just really don't care if people know how much money we make, or how much our house cost.  Maybe because it's really not much.  Maybe if we made more money I'd be more reluctant to share our money business.

In reality we pay out more each month than we take in.  The main reason? Daycare.  We pay over $800 a month in daycare costs.   We knew this before deciding to have another baby and yet we went for it anyway.  Does that make us crazy?  Probably.  But to us having a family was so important and we were selfish and wanted our kids to be close together.

We don't have a lot of debt.  In fact the ONLY debt we do have is our mortgage.  No car payments, no credit card debt, no student loans.  We don't go on lavish trips, or buy expensive things.  We have the most basic of all basic phone plans and cable plans.  We do splurge on netflix, but we VERY much use that and since going out to a movie is so expensive we find this a justifiable expense and we definitely get our money's worth out of it per month.  Our mortgage is a very manageable amount and well within our means.  I use coupons whenever possible and almost always buy the girls' clothes at pre-owned sales.  We don't go out to eat an unusual amount (though probably a little more than we should.  But hey, we do have to LIVE too)

And yet knowing all of that, we still have to pull just a very little bit of money out of savings every month to cover expenses.  We  have analyzed and re-analyzed our money to see where it all goes and yet we just can't seem to find places where we can cut back any significant amount.  I'm frustrated to say the least.  And now we get to pay for a portion of this fancy helmet Claire gets to wear.  Thank goodness for insurance though even just paying 10% is sometimes more than manageable.

So there it is.  All laid out on the line for everyone to read.  I know in the long haul we are doing ok.  That things will get better, and for goodness sakes that we are way luckier than a lot of people.  But for now, I hate money.  I hate how much stuff costs and I hate how no MATTER what you never seem to have enough.

Blech.

The girls are sick.  Need I say more?  Yes?  OK then I will.

I actually feel pretty lucky.  Lily will be 3 just NEXT month and she has never really been sick, she's had 1 or 2 very minor colds but no puking, no diarrhea, barely ever a fever.  She is built like us.  Everyone around her can be sick and it just seems to avoid her for some reason.  So when she puked on Wednesday night after eating dinner, it was odd. But we figured she just really didn't like the asparagus that I made.  OK, don't eat it.  So she has her bath and then she pukes like 3 more times.  Insert another shower.  Then she wakes up around 2:30 in the morning and pukes a few times and I finally take her downstairs cause she is keeping the baby up so she gets to sleep on the floor with her bucket and I slept on the couch.  She puked off and on a bit throughout the day but between that she seemed fine.  All day Friday she was fine.  No puking until right before bed.  *sigh*  Then again this morning.  Then during nap time she had a major blowout and had to take a shower to get cleaned up.  She has been better since then so I'm hoping she is just about to the end of it.

Claire seems to have just a bit of a cold, raspy drippy nose and wants to sleep a lot, which is fine with me.  Seriously the girl slept til 9:30 this morning, which is SO unlike her. (No she did not sleep through the night, she got up twice) (she never sleeps through the night. LOL)

Otherwise Claire had her Physical Therapy follow up appointment yesterday and it turns out she gets to have a helmet.  I need to call and schedule the appointments to get that put on for her.  I also know it's not that big of a deal, in fact I know it's becoming more and more common.  But I can't help but feel sad about it.  Like it's my fault (please don't tell me it's not my fault, I rationally KNOW that).  I just can't get my heart to believe it.  I keep thinking...."if only I had held her differently" "If only I had been more diligent about keeping her on her left side"  Whatever.  Insurance covers most of it so I'm hoping it won't cost too much out of pocket as money has been super tight for us lately.

Anyway.  Not the most fun weekend around our house I guess.  But it's been long overdue that Lily is sick and I sorta saw the helmet thing coming.

Let's hope tomorrow is a better day.

Fear of Success or Just Fear?

I've been wondering lately what makes me tick.  Why I start so many things and quit them.  Is it that I don't have the time or the energy it takes to do it?  I don't think so.  Is it that I am afraid of being successful?  Possibly?  Am I afraid of being a failure like I have done so many times in the past?  Most likely.

Last night Adam and I were talking about working out and stuff and the idea of a gym came up.  I went to the gym ages ago and I actually really enjoyed it (when I went that is)  I like strength training and I don't mind the elliptical.  So why when Adam gave me the go ahead to sign up am I hesitant?  I think I'm nervous that I'll start and never go, or start and go for a while and then quit.  Either way I can't seem to get myself to just relax about this and go check the place out.  I'm worried about finding the time to go and actually being consistent and going as often as I should.  I mean the VERY last thing we need to be doing is spending money on something I am afraid I won't get a use out of.

So I think I'll take a baby step and go visit the gym after work and check it out.  No harm in that, right?

Claire's 4 month update....

Happy 4 months Miss Claire! 

At four months Miss Claire....

...is constantly smiling.  Such a happy girl and it's so easy to make her giggle.

...Loves to be cuddled and loved on.

...but is starting to get fearful of strangers.

...thinks her big sister is the best thing ever EVER.

...always wants to be sitting up right so she can see what's going on at all times.

...can roll over if she really puts her mind to it. (back to tummy)

...does not like to stay in the same place for long...she wiggles away and spins herself around.

...still has a pretty flat head on one side.  She has  PT appt this week so I'm hoping there will be some marked improvement.

...Loves apples, peaches, sweet potatoes.  Not so much green beans but we'll keep trying.

...Still wakes up at least once a night to eat.  I'm so used to it I think I'd freak out now if she slept past 3:30. 

...definitely prefers mommy, though she's warming up to daddy quite nicely.

...still sleeps in a swaddle (which makes me wonder why they don't make swaddles that fit bigger babies anyway?)

...is becoming pretty fun as she learns new things each day.

...reaches for and grabs at toys

...really isn't a big nuk baby.  When she is super fussy during the day she likes it, otherwise not so much and she never takes it at night (and never has)




Regardless, we love you Claire and we can't imagine life without you now.  Though a little more sleep would be wonderful!

Drumroll Please.........

Well, here they are!  The famous first curtains.  From this angle they look pretty good.  I made one and hung it up and then I measured and made the other one but I couldn't quit remember how long I made the first one.  So I sorta made one longer than the other:

This is what it looked like when I panned out.  I know, go ahead and laugh.  I'm OK with this mistake, it was a simple measuring mistake and I would have measured again before I made the second but I already hung it up and it was after lily was sleeping.  So of course I wasn't going to wake her up just to measure:

Here is the fabric close up!  It's super cute! I found it on clearance at just $3/yard and it goes SO well in their room which we used frogs in their room so this went perfect!



I'll post some more pictures this weekend!  I took tomorrow off work and I am hoping that I can try out my pattern for sheets!  And I'll post some pics!

Spring WAS in the air!

So the last week or two have been beautiful.  Warmer temps, melting snow, it's been great.  But in usual MN form that is about to change.  Almost all the snow was gone and now they are saying we are supposed to get 6-11 inches?  *sigh*  When will Spring get her and STAY here.  In preparation for all the messy weather to come I went for my third run last night.  I'd say I run maybe 1/2 the mile and walk the other half.  Which is a vast improvement compared to where I started with maybe running a 1/4 of it.  But now I try to run two blocks, walk two blocks etc.  After I can get myself to run the whole mile then I hope to start going a little farther each time.  This is seeming so much more doable than I imagined it would.  I'm proud of myself for going and proud of myself for pushing hard and doing it, even when I really really would rather sew or lounge on the couch.

I feel like I'm finally doing some stuff that makes me happy.  Not that being a mom and a wife doesn't make me happy cause it certainly does.  But I mean a hobby that is just for me.  Something I enjoy doing.  The same with the running.  I don't even feel bad leaving the girls and Adam at home to go and do it.  Which I know sounds really dumb and you're probably thinking, "Why would you feel bad about that?"  It's one of my quirks.  I just feel guilty about stuff even when it makes no sense.  But Adam has been really supportive of both my running and the time I spend sewing and for that I am super thankful.

It's funny, I started with the sewing kick because I couldn't find a decently priced toddler sheet set.  And I figured I can make them!  Which I totally can.  I'm hoping when I get better I can put some sets up on EBay or whatever to maybe make some money as well.  I've already made some curtains for the girls' room and I made Lily a new pillowcase that I promised her.  So for now I'm excited about all of the possibilities ahead!

A journey begins with a single step.

I went for my first Run  walk last night.  I think that sentence pretty much sums up how it went.  But I'll spell it out for you in case you didn't get it.

I left the house, it was beautiful out albeit a little wet and sloppy.  But now is not the time for excuses so I went.  I timed myself with my stopwatch on my phone.  I walked a minute or so to warm up and then I took off...with the wind in my hair I ran for a whole mile 1.5 minutes.  I felt that old familiar stabbing pain in my lungs and my side around the 45 second mark (which I am NOT proud to admit by the way)  But I pushed through it to make it to a minute and a half.  Then I walked for a few minutes then ran a bit and so on.  I tried to push myself.  I really did.  I want to be a good runner and do well.  And sure I know it was just my first run and the first step is always the hardest, But I was a little disappointed with myself and how terrible it was.  I mean proud of myself for going, but bummed out about just how out of shape I truly am.  But I made it home in 16.5 minutes.  exactly 1.09 miles. (I googled it).  So from there I can only improve right?

I plan to go again tonight!  To push myself just a little harder than last night.  I can do this.  My goal is to be able to RUN the whole mile.  Once I accomplish that then I'll start going just a little farther each time.  A manageable goal.  That's what I need!  Sorta like my food goal.  I'm happy to say that I certainly am not tracking food.  Or even limiting my quantities I guess.  But just trying to cut out as much processed junk food as I can.  Which I'm actually doing a pretty darn good job of.  So far I'm down 4.5 pounds!  And that's a great feeling!

Small Changes = Big changes

Why do I question my abilities so much?  Why can't I just trust myself and set my mind to something and accomplish it?  I guess my whole life I've started things or said I was going to start things and I never finish them.  Why is that I wonder?  Am I scared of succeeding?  I'm not sure, but I think it's time I find out!  Time I stick to my guns and get the job done and done right!

I have lost 3.5 pounds since my last week weigh in.  Which I totally minimized and acted like it was nothing, simply saying "well it's not a big deal cause I fluctuate in that same 4 or 5 pounds anyway"  Until a friend of mine told me that it was still an accomplishment.  Something I should be proud of.  And you know what?  She IS right.  Who cares if I fluctuate in that range?  It's still down from where I was and that IS something to be proud of. 

I have been making better choices for the most part.  Still VERY far from perfect, but I've got a good start and if I've learned anything it's that jumping into something 100% right off the bat is just not an effective way for me to make permanent changes.  But I'm actually feeling like I could do this.  Like I could accomplish my goals.  One Small Change at a Time!

Who Knew

Who knew that it would be so hard to not compare my girls?  I know I sure didn't.  But from before Claire was even born I found myself doing it.  It all started with..."Wow, it's crazy how similar my pregnancies went" and went to "Holy moly I can't believe how different this labor was than my last one".  And now everyday I find myself thinking about how different they are.  I guess I don't understand how two people that came from the same parents can be SO different.  I mean, I always knew that we had it easy with Lily but I guess I didn't realize exactly HOW easy we had it.

Lily was sleeping through the night by 6 weeks.  Often going 10 hour stretches by 3 months which is where Claire is.  Claire.  HA.  I consider it a good night when I only have to get up once a night with her.  I know normal is such a big range of ability and as far as normal goes I think Claire hits it a lot more than Lily.  I actually struggle a lot with Claire, because I often feel like we are doing something wrong with her that she doesn't sleep as well.  In reality I know it's just how she is, and she just needs to eat at night.  But when you know that a 3 month old is capable of sleeping 10 hour stretches.

I just have to learn to quit the comparing game and love them each for their unique selves.

On a happier note, Miss Lily got Claire to practically giggle last night.  She was squealing and stuff.  Claire sure loves her bit sister! 

As promised....

As promised!  Here are some 3 month photos of Miss Claire!

Here it is....For Everyone to see.

My Starting Picture.  *sigh*  Sadly I had a not so flattering picture taken of me this weekend and had a little breakdown.  The picture was similar to this one:

This is probably the single least flattering picture of myself I have ever seen.

So that brings me to my point.  After having a mini breakdown about it all and surprisingly not drowning myself in chocolate, I seriously contemplated starving myself...Obviously I know better than that.  But I do need to take control.  So here it is.  Laid out for you.

Starting weight is 184.5.  Goal is 140.  So -44.5 pounds is my ultimate goal.  I'll give myself until December 2nd to lose it all.  That's just under 40 weeks, and happens to fall on Claire's birthday.  Totally manageable at just a smidgen over a pound a week.

Time to get serious.  My Reward at the end will be some really really nice family pictures!  Where I don't have to chose a photographer just based on price alone.

So here we go.  Which me luck cause lord knows I'll need it.