1/27/12

Oh crap. I've done it again - forgotten to write up Amelia's monthly update. Oops.

Amelia turned 18 months old yesterday. Can you believe it?!? Today, she's officially closer to 2 than 1, how can that be? 18 months ago, we already had an 18 month old, and had just added a newborn into our already chaotic life. It's amazing how much has changed in these last 18 months.

Amelia is doing great. She still sleeps great - would probably sleep a lot more if it wasn't for her sister. She's talking more and more - repeating what we way, mimicking our voices. She becomes more understandable every day. She takes directly well, is developing a pretty amazing memory, and is actually super helpful around the house. It's so crazy when they really start becoming "real people" in that way. She's been eating great lately too, which is a nice change from the last few months. She's been using utensils for a while now, but is starting to get REALLY good at it. She also attempts to use a real cup from time to time, but that is not quite as successful. She seems to have grown a lot this month as well. We don't have her 18 month check up until next week, but I'd be surprised if we have to worry about her growth any more. She is still wearing her 12-18 month clothes, but is starting to grow out of some of her stuff.

Amelia is really starting to develop her personality as well. She is still a little cuddly, sweetheart, but she is becoming quite feisty. She doesn't take much from anybody, and she can sure get a temper sometimes. However, that is typically provoked by Olivia, so I'm curious how she would be without that influence. She's been growing more and more attached to Christian lately...hopefully that's just a phase though, 2 Daddy's girls in the house would just not be fair.

All in all, she's doing great! Growing fast, and learning by leaps and bounds. I'm excited for her appointment next week to see how she's doing. I love getting growth updates.

As far as our day...today was my Friday off work. I started off the morning weighing in. I lost .8 pounds this week. A loss is a loss, and I'm definitely happy about that, but I was quite disappointed with my results. I worked SO hard this week. My whole body aches, I'm exhausted, and I'm fairly hungry, and I feel like I should have made more progress this week. I'm trying to remind myself that there are going to be ups and downs, and it's a roller-coaster, and, of course, you can't always control what your body does. I couldn't get it off my mind all day though. I did force myself to workout during nap time, even though I was in full-on pout mode, and I felt better for doing it. I also stayed well within my calories for the day, so I'm just going to keep pushing forward!

Christian brought us home some Thai food for dinner (YUM, and, not really THAT bad for you, so bonus), and we hung out with the girls for a while. After baths and bedtime, we started in on the play room again. We got the letter stickers up on the wall, and started un-packaging some of the storage/decorative stuff. It's coming along - hopefully will be just about done after this weekend. We still need to vacuum, hang a few more things and start going through the toys/loading them into the room. I cannot wait to see how the girls react to their new haven!

Here is Amelia's 18 month picture!

1/26/12

Today was my Friday at work. YAY, I seriously love my flex weeks! And, I actually ended up takin a couple of hours off this afternoon. Our house is LITERALLY a disaster. While I have taken most of the Christmas decorations down, they are not put away...hello, it's almost February. I'm pretty sure every dish we own was dirty, and there was so much to be done - so we could focus on finishing up the play room. So, I headed home early to get some stuff done.

It took me quite a while to get the dishes washed - WOW, what a task. Next up, I cleaned the kitchen and the living room. YAY, we can walk around the house again, AND we have counter space again. Finally, I cleaned up the entry way, including the coat/shoe closet - what a chore. We've finally decided that we can trust Chuy to roam the house when we aren't home, so I took down the kennel and we packed that away. It's nice to have more space in the entry again, and he seems much happier about it too :)

It wasn't the greatest day on the diet and exercise front. Since I was leaving early, I didn't get my walks in at work, because I wanted to get as much done as possible. Time got away from me amidst all of my cleaning and organizing around the house and before I knew it, the family was home and it was time for dinner, then right on to baths and bed time. By the time we got the girls down, I was beyond exhausted, and my body was aching so bad. So, no workout tonight. Hopefully I can get right back on tack tomorrow!

The girls rummaged through the Christmas stuff in the dining room, and drug the singing snowmen out again. Amelia had them lined up and just kept starting one up after another. You can imagine what that sounded like...

1/25/12

Today was kind of a long day. I'm not sure why. I've just been off all week - thinking it's a different day every day. That's probably a big reason.

Work sort of dragged all day. I ended up going on 3 walks today, and I was SERIOUSLY exhausted when it came time to trek it to my car after work. I had to leave work an hour early today...my mother in law asked if I would pick the girls up a little early today because she had been invited to dinner with some old work friends she hadn't seen in a while. Rarely do I turn down an excuse to leave work a tad early!

The girls were so excited to see me when I arrived to pick them up. They both ran to me, screaming, looking for hugs and kisses. It was the best! As I tried wrangling them up to get their winter gear on, they started acting up. Olivia kept trying to LITERALLY drag Amelia over to me, so Amelia was getting really frustrated with her. By the time I got a hold of Amelia, she was really upset, and ended up slapping me across the face out of anger. I couldn't believe it. As aggressive and out of control as Olivia can get, she has NEVER done something like that, so coming from Amelia I was really shocked.

Once home, things were pretty good. The girls played and were getting along fine. As soon as Christian arrived home, I made my way downstairs to do my workout before dinner. Tonight's workout was strictly cardio, and I had a tough time with it for some reason. Just exhausted I think.

Then, it was chaotic - cook, eat, play and bed before we knew it. The evenings just fly by, more than usual, now that 25-45 minutes of it is taken up by my workouts. I did really good today though. 3 walks, workout, and ate really good. Hoping to see some good results again this week, that's for sure!

Here are a couple pictures of my little fighter tonight. It's a good thing she's so darn cute, that's all I know!

1/24/12

Today was a pretty low key day. Work has been going good. I've been keeping on top of my work for a while now, and it feels SO good. I have enough to keep me busy throughout the day, but I don't feel like I'm constantly falling behind. A very nice change in pace!

I don't think I've mentioned it before, but Christian is going to be traveling to Mexico sometime in the coming months. His grandma, who basically raised him for years after his mom moved to the states, has become very ill. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Cancer (I'm not sure exactly where the cancer is), and is going downhill fairly quick. So, understandably, Christian wants to go visit her. Today he went to renew his Passport ($100.00, seriously?!), and we've been checking out airfare. It's over $600.00 for a roundtrip flight right now?!? I don't understand why it has to be so freaking expensive! So, we've been trying to figure all of that out, and I've been dealing with it all OK. Tonight, he informs me that his mom would like to go with him (not on our dime or anything) - which kind of bothers me. It frustrates me, knowing the bind that puts me in. Not only is Christian going to be gone for X amount of time, but now I'm supposed to take off work and/or arrange childcare for the kids while he's gone because his mom is going to? (which, I know I'll get over with a little time to process). It would just be nice if she could go on her own, another time...when Christian AND I can split the child responsibilities. I'm wondering if it was really her idea...or his anyway...

Ugh.

Other than that little news, it was a good day. I got my walks and workout in. Ate good. I feel like I'm really hitting my stride. Tonight's workout was full on kick-boxing, and it pretty much kicked my ass. Ouch.

We reverted back to putting Amelia to bed first at night, then Olivia once Amelia is asleep - after Sunday's fiasco. It's been working the last couple nights, so looks like we'll be sticking with that. Those girls can't be trusted!

Here is a picture of the girls, playing in the laundry baskets. A favorite past time around here. Which, is why my laundry basket is completely destroyed.

1/23/12

Well, it's Monday. Pretty standard as far as Monday's go, that's for sure! Tired, worn out, and not really wanting to be at work one bit. It snowed overnight, so my commute was not pretty. It took me an extra hour to get to work this morning. And, I figured since I already have to take an hour off, might as well leave a little early too! I was able to do some cleaning up and start dinner before the rest of the crew arrived home.

I was excited to start another week of my diet and exercise though. I got my walks and workout in tonight, and ate really well all day. Good start to another week!

Olivia was SUPER cute tonight. She came downstairs when they got home, while I was doing my video. We haven't allowed the girls downstairs for a while - first because of the car, now because we're working on the play areas and we want to surprise them when they are all done and ready. Well, she came bursting through the door tonight, and she saw the "princess are" (which, is not done yet), and she was in shock. She went from her vanity, to the tent, to the castle, to the table and chairs and just kept saying "OH, thank you Mommy, thank you". She was very dramatic about the whole thing, like she'd never seen anything so amazing in her life. It was so cute. First of all, I'm excited that apparently I get to take credit for everything, just for being present when she found it all. Secondly, I'm so happy that my little girl is so genuinely grateful and excited about the things she gets. It warms my heart, my little sweetheart!

After my workout, it was time to eat and hang out for the night. I'm wondering if I'll ever not ache again at this point! One of my online friends posted the poem below on facebook today, and I just love it. It sums up exactly how I've been feeling lately. I don't feel like I really have anybody in real life that I can turn too. Everyone is too busy, or doing their own thing, or in a different place in their lives right now - or, we just plain don't really talk to them anymore. It's been really frustrating. I've noticed that when I post a status or picture or something, it's always my online friends that comment/like things - never my REAL family and friends. I guess at some point, you really learn who actually cares for and about you. Now, if only these people I've grown to depend on, and built such amazing relationships with actually lived anywhere near me...

My husband has finally gone to work My children have finished their play they've gone to bed their stories read Now it's my time of day. I've had one of those days you know what I mean so I sit back and relax and turn on my screen.

I'll talk to all my friends
who know just what to say
to make my stresses go
and my troubles fade away.

My friends you're always there for me
whenever I feel blue
and though we've never met before
I know our friendships true.

And although we haven't been friends for long
in this short time it seems
we shared so many things already
our hopes, our fears, our dreams.

We come from different walks of life
but we share a common bond
and it's time to say that of all of you
I've grown so very fond.

So thank you friends for being there
whenever I've needed you
I know you're always there for me
and you know I'm there for you.

Here are some pictures of the girls, checking out the princess toys tonight.

1/22/12

Today started a little rough, but ended up being a pretty great day.

The girls were up WAY, WAY, WAY too early. It was still dark out, and I was not happy about it. I have to get up early enough on the weekdays, I like to at least make it until daylight on the weekends. To add insult to injury, the girls were still exhausted, yawning and crabby - clearly still tired. WHY ARE YOU UP THEN MY CHILDREN?!?

Once we were finally functioning, I went to take a peek at my dish washing war wound, and as soon as I un-bandaged it, it started bleeding again, badly. I washed it out and applied pressure, but it wouldn't stop. I finally called the Clinic CareLine. The nurse said it was most likely too late for stitches, but if it wouldn't stop bleeding, I should go into Urgent Care and get it checked out. Our Urgent Care didn't open for another few hours, so I waited it out. Luckily, it stopped a while later, so I decided to save the trip, and the co-pay. By the end of the night, it was already looking pretty good, so that was a wise decision.

I spent the morning looking through ads and coupons and planning our weekly menu. I'm adjusting my breakfast and lunch menu to add in some protein and a little more variety, but still stay low calorie. Then, I was off to Target to do our shopping...Cub was on my shopping plan too, but the weather was already starting to get bad, so Cub will have to wait.

While at Target, I ended up picking up some outfits for the girls, for their pictures this weekend. I decided to get them matching outfits...we've never done the matching thing before, so I'm excited. It's going to be SO CUTE!!!

By the time I got home from Target, the rain/sleet was getting pretty bad, and the girls were down for their naps. Christian and I were back at it down in the play room. He painted the magnet and chalk board boarders, and we put together the last of the furniture, the cube storage. SO CLOSE to actually putting stuff in the room, I'm so excited!

Christian ran to his parents house to get some tools while I did my daily workout. The girls and I hung out after naps. They were both in much better moods tonight, which was much less stressful. Once Christian arrived home, he cooked dinner while I washed, cut and packed up some fruits and veggies for work this week. I am ready to head into another week, very excited and hoping to see some good results again!

Today was pretty good on the diet/exercise front. I ended up skipping lunch again today with all of the running around, but I got a pretty well balanced diet in today anyway, and was well under my calories, so that's good. I did my 60-Day Shred at naptime today, and it was pretty painful. But, getting more manageable every day!

Tonight, bedtime was out of control. We put the girls down together so Christian could hammer in the boarders in the play room before they fell asleep. They were playing all night, and Olivia kept insisting on sleeping with Amelia, and kept climbing into her crib. This is what I walked into (before eventually taking Olivia out of the room until Amelia fell asleep)...

1/21/12

Well, we had a pretty busy day today! The girls were up at their normal today - no use in wishing for that blissful day when they sleep all day!

After a nice big breakfast and some getting ready, we were off for the day (which, in reality, takes us forever). Today we were off to IKEA to do some play room shopping, and I was very excited about it. The girls did really well - probably because there is so much to see and check out. We found a lot of really cute decorative stuff for the play room and some storage stuff, along with a really cute little Table and Chairs set. We got a TON of stuff, and for a really decent price.

I wanted to hit the mall after, but of course it took us forever to get through IKEA, and the girls were getting pretty antsy. So, home we went. After a quick lunch, the girls went down for their naps, and Christian and I got to work. We unloaded the truck, and started putting everything together. We got the bench/storage together, along with the table and chairs. We also put together Olivia's Princess Table and Chairs from her birthday party (the princess stuff is not going into the play room - yes, there will be a different "Princess Play Area" in the basement. The kids are literally taking over the house!). Christian also got the wood cut out for the magnet and chalk board boarders. I cannot wait to see the finished room!

The girls were finally up from their naps, and we all took it pretty easy the rest of the night. Watched some movies, and hung out. After dinner, I started washing the dishes. I didn't get too far into it before I cut my hand, pretty badly, with a kitchen knife. That was that for dish washing, and my hand was killing me the rest of the night. The whole thing felt bruised and ached. Who knew washing dishes could be so dangerous!

Before we knew it, it was time for baths and bed. We put Amelia down first tonight, and she passed right now. Bedtime went much better - we need to just make this a regular thing again. Christian and I had grand intentions of working on the play room some more after the girls went to bed...but, instead, we both passed out. Just another Saturday night in our house!

On the diet and exercise front, today was an OK day. I didn't have a scheduled workout today, and while I planned on doing my pilates or something a little less strenuous on my "break" days, I didn't feel up to it today. So, I just took the day off. Other than skipping lunch, I had a pretty well balanced diet though, so that's a plus. Way under on my calories in the end, so I'll take that.

Here are some pictures from IKEA. The girls loved it!

1/20/12

Not a ton to report tonight. Work went well today. I cranked out a ton of Contracts and Amendments this week, and today I finally got to routing everything. Feeling relatively caught up, which is always great.

Today started off on an AMAZING note. Today was weigh in day. I was very nervous, hoping that my hard work had paid off - and, IT DID! Today I was down 3.6lbs and I'm really excited about it. I know it's not a ton, but I will definitely take that. It's a good start, that's for sure. I got my walks in today at work, and it was a break day from exercise. I did do a little routing of crunches, jumping jacks, etc to get a little activity in this evening though. Was well under my calories for the day, like I was all week. Not necessarily a GREAT thing, but what I ate was relatively healthy, and I get in my 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, so I'm not going to stress too much about being under.

Other than that, it was a pretty low key night. It snowed a bit today, so after I picked up the girls, I got them in their snow gear and we played outside for a while. Olivia got bored pretty fast, so I finally brought them inside. Amelia was having the time of her life though.

After Christian got home, we just ate some dinner and hung out for the night. We were pretty much off to bed as soon as the girls went down. Life is still a little too exhausting for us these days. LOL

Here are some pics of the girls' snow day.

1/19/12

Today started off on a VERY, VERY chilly note. Winter is really, finally here, that is for sure. When I left the house this morning, it was -10, -29 with windchill. Ouch. I mean, really, at some point cold is just cold, no matter what the number is, but I seriously could not feel my face by the time I trekked it across the parking lot this morning.

I also felt a little lost without my girls this morning. It definitely doesn't feel right when they are gone, so I was pretty anxious for work to be over. Of course, it felt like old times as soon as they walked in the door. They were SERIOUS handfuls tonight...didn't listen to anything, they were fighting with each other all night. Yeah, why did I miss that chaos??

Other than that, it was a pretty low key day. I got in my walks and my 60-Day Shred workout tonight. I did well on my calories and ate well today. Feeling pretty good. I'm really anxious about my weight in tomorrow. I know our bodies can do really strange things when you start working out and changing your diet, but I have a tendency to give up if I feel like I'm wasting my time. So, I'm hoping for a decent weight loss tomorrow. Fingers Crossed!!!

Here is a picture of the girls tonight - just the typical scene around our house

1/18/12

Today started off pretty rough. I woke up late, dropped the girls off late, and was late to work. Also had to stop to get gas in the freezing cold, dead of the morning - I hate that! Then, as I settled into my desk at work, I realized my wallet was nowhere to be found. That meant I had to trek it back across our parking lot to see if it was in my car, all in a huge panic. At least there was nowhere but up to go from there, right?

Work went well. It was kind of dragging all day, but I did end up getting a lot done. I ate a quick dinner when I got home, then Christian and I were off to see the a screening of "Man on a Ledge" as soon as he got home. I was able to get some free passes through the mall of america a few weeks ago. We got there pretty early to make sure we got some [decent] seats, so we had a lot of time to chat and just hang out together, which was really nice. And, the movie ended up being really good. Quite a roller coaster, and a pretty good plot. We both really liked it.

After the movie, we were on our way home. The girls are spending the night at my in-laws since it was going to be so late by the time we got out. It was really hard not seeing them all day. It just never feels right - even though I know it's healthy to get a break once in a while, it was still hard.

Our wonderful evening came to an abrupt end once we got home. Christian started hassling me about leaving the monitor plugged in this morning (which, by the way, is something HE usually takes care of anyway). Of course, that ends up in a huge fight...and then I get even more upset because we're fighting over stupid stuff and it just spirals from there. Guessing we were both just tired, crabby and ready for bed!

Today was a break day from my exercise routine, I did get in my walks at work though. I did well on my eating - under calories, but a good balance. Feeling better and better every day, that's for sure!

Here is a picture that is actually from Monday. I just thought it was cute :) The girls were putting up their window clings from my mom. They're both getting so big!