2

2 years ago today I was (impatiently) waiting the eviction notice I had given my unborn daughter to take effect.

She was 2 days past her due date, it's the middle of summer and I'm sweating places I didn't know where possible.

You wouldn't think 2 days is a big deal. But when you've gained 50+ pounds and your stomach is touching the tops of your thighs almost (to what felt like) your knees when you sat down, its a long wait.

2 days later, she was born (rather dramatically), via induction and emergency C-section. She had to be resuscitated, but she finally took in her first breath and she was here. 8 pounds, 9 ounces at 7:47 pm. The first thing I remember was hearing her sneeze. I didn't get to see her right away because of the resuscitation and my passing in and out, but when I did I feel in love instantly. Josh got to hold her first (you can't hold them while you are being sewn up) but I got to give her a kiss first, so it evened out.



Every day in the hospital I was elated and sad. Elated to have her here, my baby. For some reason this idea kept popping in my head "She will never be this small again, tomorrow she will be a little bigger." That was what made me sad. (blame the hormones)

I eventually forgot about that part because everyday was a new adventure and she slowly started getting her own little personality. I was also very sleep deprived some sleeping sitting straight up on our sofa for about 3 weeks.

Every minute with her, every day, has been a wonderful experience. Its hard, but worth it. I like to think that I'm a better person because of her. She made me hate less and love more. She is teaching me patience (that is an ongoing process).

These past 2 years have been amazing, and I'm so thankful to have our Willow in our lives. She is a sweet, wonderful girl. I also now realize that even though she is getting bigger every day, she will always be my baby, even at 6 feet tall.

Afternoon walks, Oatmeal Recipe and My Favorite Cleaner?

I went for a walk on my lunch break yesterday afternoon:


I am going to go on another one today, a longer one. The shoes I had on yesterday rubbed the bottoms of my feet a little raw, so I only walked for about 20 minutes.

I have a recipe that I came up with this week for oatmeal, I was at a loss for what to add to it to change it up, and I came up with this:

R.M.'s Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal

1/2 cup old fashioned oats
3-4 strawberries, cut up
2 teaspoons chia seeds
1 capful of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of 1% milk
1/2 cup of water

Mix all the ingredients together and microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Its really good if you add some honey. Its okay if you add splenda, either way its best if you add some sort of sweetener.

Last night's work out consisted of scrubbing the bathtub crayon off my shower, scrubbing the walls in my bathroom and cleaning toilets. Hot, I know. Also did some core work and push ups. I could only do about 20 when I started, and its getting easier to get to 30!
 
More cleaning tonight, I think I'll tackle dusting and dishes. Woo. I ran out of my favorite cleaner last night. Pledge Mutli-Surfaces is my best friend right now. You can use it on glass, wood, electronics, anything. Plus it smells awesome. I need a lifetime supply of that stuff!

I better go!

 Happy Hersday!!

"Daddy Picked Me a Flower!"

3 More Days

What day is it?
Come on, you know.


HUMP DAY!!

The commercial with the camel reminds me every time.

So including today, there are 3 days until Willow's birthday party.

Shit.

I kind of feel prepared, and then I kind of don't. Like, I have all the paper plates, napkins, utencils, cups. All the stuff you use to eat food, but not the food. Thank goodness for my mom who ordered the cake. Now I just have to get all the side dishes and Josh is handling the grill. Also, I need to get one of those big tubs of ice cream but I'm not sure where I'm going to put it since I can't even fit a hot pocket in our freezer at the moment. Hmmm

So with everything going on, on top of daily life, its been busy. Mostly busy by me stressing out and not getting much done. The thing about that is: 1. I can't really get down and clean the house until the night before/ morning of because little people (and big people) that don't put things back and track things in. So other than catching up on laundry/dishes and other things, I'm not doing the major yet. 2. Living from paycheck to paycheck (like most Americans) I am waiting until payday to get the rest of what I need.

Josh is cleaning up the outside, but I will probably end up helping- a little- with that.

Anyway, I've been squeezing in sit ups, planks, push ups and the like. At least 20 minutes a day. squats and lunges too.

I cannot wait to run again. How do you run in this heat? I know they say dress like its 20 degrees warmer, but when its in the mid 90's outside, what am I supposed to do? I'm pretty sure no one wants to see me run naked. There's a lot of jiggling action there. Do you run in the morning? at night? On a treadmill in the glorious AC? I cannot wait to join the gym Friday. You better believe I'm going there Sunday!

Heat Wave, Banana Icecream, and a New Room

That's not even the high...that's just right now! its supposed to feel like 102 today!

Monday, again, already?

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Mine was busy! We went to the Hanover Tomato Festival on Saturday and I counted carrying Willow (26 lbs) around for a few hours while walking as my exercise for the day. After that we met Josh and went to a surprise party for Josh's friend (tons of cute little kids, Willow made some new friends!) and then headed home.

she was so excited!

love that smile!



Sweet Frog....

Yesterday Mom came over and we put up the chalk board and a mirror we painted in Willow's room. While willow napped we ate some caramel popcorn and watched some trash tv :)

Later my brother and his fiancé came by and we set up her toddler bed that they gave us. Willow wanted to do her version of helping....it took a little longer than expected. I also managed to force my brother into helping me take down the crib with a knife screwdriver. Thanks Joefish and Kat :)

her play area, still needs a few finishing touches

I got the rug off zulily.com for about $32! I want to paint the bed white eventually

I'm pretty sure she was satisfied with the change:

*tear* big girl

I tried that "frozen banana into ice cream" trick last night. I blended the frozen banana and then added peanut butter and chocolate syrup. It turned out pretty good.

kind of a soft serve texture

Anyway, I've been slacking on running because of my schedule and the heat. I know, no excuses. So I'm joining the YMCA on Friday. I'm also getting Willow a membership so we can play in the pool after I work out!

Breath Your ABC's

This would have been helpful to know yesterday on my run. My exact thoughts while running where "I could go a lot faster if I could breath!"

It might help if I ran a few more days per week too....just sayin'.

After my 5k run I picked up Willow and we got our  free 7/11 slurpees. It was our lucky day because they ran out of the sample size cups so we got free 16 oz ones. I asked the lady who was filling them to only fill it about a third of the way, and mine a little over half. By the time we got to the car Willow's was already gone. Her eye filled up with tears and looked into her empty cup and I couldn't say no to that face. So she had both slurpees.

I had bought a brownie while we were in there so no huge loss for me.

She was sticky and stinky from her activities of the day, she went to a agricultural fair with her sitter and her family and made a mess with her treats in the back of my car, so she got a bath as soon as we made it home. She must have been waiting for Josh to come home before she went to bed because she instantly got sleepy as soon as she was in his arms. I guess she wanted to make sure she saw him.



I'm glad I went running yesterday because it was POURING out this morning and it doesn't look like the clouds will clear up anytime soon. Maybe some yoga tonight? I should have done that this morning but when it rains I can't find any energy except for the energy to stuff my face with food.

Also, why does Zulily.com have to show such cool things on sale when I'm broke? I just paid my personal property taxes and I was browsing on their site and saw these two things:


1. Growth Chart - To show off how tall my baby toddler is




2. Preschool Prep Set - Lets jump start that learning power!



So, if you were wondering what to get her....hint hint ;)

Willow is turning 2!

I forgot to mention this.

Its big.

I mean, why did I not tell you earlier?


Willow will be 2 next Sunday!!!! I can't believe it! Its coming up so quick! Don't be surprised if you catch me drinking wine and a little teary eyed once she's in bed that night. I tried to convince Mom to bring me a "coping present" aka bottle of sangria. She didn't seem amused.

Anyway, with just over a week before her party, I am basically writing lists of lists I need to make. Because that's what I do. I'll forget the lists at home and probably end up going to the store about 5 times.

We are going to do simple....(simpler than other parties I've seen/pinterested/heard of)...kiddie pool, slip'n'slide, sprinkler. Plus tie dying which should be interesting. I figured if they make a mess then they can just jump in the pool. Plus, Willow's favorite things right now involve water. It doesn't matter how cold that well water is, if its in the kiddie pool, she's not getting out.

So far I've gotten some stuff for her room, I want to get her a few other little things as well. I'm waiting to coordinate with Josh on that. I also need to figure out the cake, food, and drinks.

And, clean the entire house, duh. (anyone want to come help me?)

I can't believe she's 2 already. She is so big, so smart, and funny. Its a bittersweet moment, a child's birthday. On one hand you get to seem them grow up and thrive (and thank god that you all made it another year) and on the other hand you long for the days of that cuddly 10 month old with those chubby little cheeks. But like I've heard many times, growing up is better than the alternative.



























That is all. Just wanted to share some thoughts on my big girl's day coming up :)

I need this.

It's Hersday Thursday/Little Friday

YAYYYYY

What are you going to do this evening? run? have a glass of wine? watch a movie? read a book?

I need this.

I'm going to take my lunch break late and go for a run, then go pick up Willow. Then possibly Wine. and definitely finishing reading the book I've had my face stuck in lately. Its called Stay and It is my new favorite. You need to go read it!

I hope to get 4 miles in this afternoon since I think I will have the time. It looks nasty outside but at least its not nasty-cold so I won't let it deter me! What is your least favorite weather to run in?


New running clothes need to come into my life. One day, I'll be able to afford some new ones. I have been putting all my money into bills/willowsbirthday/drs/groceries lately and my well runs dry after all of that.

Anyway, I'm sitting here eating left over dollar tree pretzels. They are pretty gross but I'm hungry. Maybe I should go to the vending machine in the basement....