Kids are Funny - Part One

If his own shoes are not right in front of him, he puts on whatever shoes he can find and heads out to play.

Baby Smiles and Chubby Cheeks

My Plan to Get Back in Shape

I gained exactly the same amount of weight with Grace that I did with Lauren and Andrew. It has been increasingly difficult with each child, however, to lose all of the weight. I didn't really even have to try with Lauren, but I haven't lost any weight since Grace was about two weeks old, so it is going to take a lot of effort to lose the chub this time around. My plan to do that is as follows:

I got back into exercising with Hasfit's 30-day Beginner's Program. It was a good way to get back into the habit of exercising and develop some strength back. The videos are short and low impact (no jumping around), which makes them doable for newly postpartum women, but still effective. After three weeks of that program, I knew I needed something more challenging, so I started the 30 Day Challenge to Get in Shape. I am one week in, and appropriately sore, so I think it's just about right for me. When I complete this, I'll probably be ready for Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.

Of course, as Coach Kozak frequently reminds me, exercise is only half the battle. I also have to eat right, which is a bigger challenge for me. I have gotten into the habit of eating a salad with chicken or hard boiled egg for lunch, and breakfast and dinner are generally pretty healthy. It's the mid- to late-afternoon snacking that gets me, and exercising moderation around sweets is always challenging. It's helpful that it's summer and I don't want to turn on the oven, but really, it just requires a lot of willpower and some days are better than others.

I don't especially care about the number on the scale; my main goal is to fit comfortably into all my jeans and skirts by the time the weather turns cooler. Wish me luck.

She's worth it.

Family of Five

I found going from two to three kids much easier than going from one to two was. I'm not sure why - the fact that Preston has been around more has definitely been helpful, and I think I've just learned to have low expectations and simplify as much as possible.

It may just be selective remembering, but Grace seems to cry more and sleep less than the others did. Lauren was sleeping 8-9 hours a night by three months, and Andrew was sleeping 10 hours a night, getting up once by the time he was four months. She has been working on sucking her thumb, so I'm hopeful about the future.

The following pictures are in reverse chronological order. As you can see, a month ago, it was difficult to get a picture of her with her eyes open; now the opposite is true.

Being a family of five necessitated that we finally move up to a minivan. Despite our recent issues with Chevy, we ended up with another red Chevy. Lauren loves having the backseat to herself and they both love the DVD player. Also, for the first time in 7.5 years, we are a two car family, at least until the red car finally kicks the bucket. Sunday mornings are much less stressful now. 

Twenty Questions #2

Remember this post? Well, here are twenty questions Andrew has asked over the past few days, or maybe just the past few minutes.

1. Why?
2. Why?
3. Why?
4. Why?
5. Why?
6. What dat for?
7. Why?
8. Why?
9. Why?
10. Why?
11. Why?
12. Gracie done now?
13. Why?
14. Why?
15. Why?
16. Why?
17. Why?
18. You pay wit me now?
19. Why?
20. Why?

At least he's consistent, right?

Month of milestones

It has been a big month for Andrew, with lots of firsts.

First dentist visit. He liked it, and the hygienist even told me I don't have to bother flossing his back teeth.

He finally got into his big bed. So far, so good, except for the very early waking, which I think has more to do with how early it is getting light. 

He also had his first pee and poop on the potty. No pictures, you're welcome. It is definitely going to be a long road to potty trained, but I'm glad we at least have that behind us.

In his spare time, Andrew has been playing choo choo trains many hours a day and demanding that I play with him. The only problem is that I am not allowed to touch the trains and he is always telling me to move out of the way. Little stinker.

Snow! (UPDATE)

Update: The foot of snow Sunday and Monday turned into two feet. Snow days are now up to 8. We are running out of paper. Flakes are flying around outside despite the forecast being clear for today and there are a possible 3-6 inches Thursday into Friday.

We had been having a pretty mild winter...up to last week. Then Blizzard 2015 hit, then a few days later, another 2 or 3 inches, then this past Monday another 10 inches. Lauren has had 5 snow days with a good possibility of a couple more next week. The following week, of course, is Winter Vacation. Heaven help me.

Some pictures.

I looked out the window the morning of the blizzard to see how much snow there was. It was hard to tell. 

After we shoveled out the driveway and the sidewalks, we shoveled out the windows. 

The backyard. There are stairs under that rail and a stone wall. 

Our driveway tunnel. Buried bushes.

Our house is intelligently designed with the front door on the opposite side of the house from the driveway. So we get to walk through this tunnel to get to the driveway. 

The master at work. He's put a lot of miles on his snow blower this month.

"Mom, take a picture of me."  

 Guess what?  There's snow in the forecast next week!  Early reports say another foot Sunday through Tuesday.  We can't wait!