I'd be posting more but....

...Carter has been feeling under the weather with a nasty cough, running nose, low grade fever, and some teething torture thrown in for good measure. We seem to be on the upswing at least.

...Carter decided--in a split second--to grab my camera off the exam table at the doctor (had it there to show her pics of his super red cheeks) and throw it to the floor and smash it to many pieces. So long, expensive camera. :( Point and shoot it is.

...Bentley puked on our carpet. Twice.

...I was nauseous for quite a bit yesterday.

...we were out buying a new TV for the play room/home gym to help keep us motivated to work out more often. Entertainment always helps.

I should be back now. No promises though. Life tends to get in the way sometimes. :)

Weight Watchers Wednesday

Well, week two has wrapped up. I'm getting a better feel of what portions are like and what makes me full and what so absolutely does not. In our meeting this past week, the leader emphasized (and then emphasized some more) that our weekly allowance points are built into the plan for a reason - to keep you from craving things most diets say you "can't have." Weight Watchers is about flexible restriction - meaning moderation and good choices. It is not about dietary restriction, which is what most diets are. How many times do you hear someone say "Oh, I can't have cake. I'm on a diet."? All. the. time. That's the super nice thing about WW - you really can have anything you want.

Let's back up since most people probably don't know what weekly allowance points are. Weight Watchers gives each enrollee 49 weekly points to use however you want. You can use them all, you can use none, and you can use some. Basically, these are points above and beyond your daily totals. These points make it very easy to stay "on plan" since you will almost always have some points available if you want a piece of cake, a donut, etc.

So...I tried something risky this week. Since I hadn't used any of those 49 points last week, I decided to test the limits and try half of them this week to see if I still lose. I obviously didn't use them on pure junk, because that would defeat my purpose. But I did have a piece of cake for a friend's birthday and didn't feel the least bit guilty. I will not always do this, not by any means. But she encouraged us to see if our bodies allow us to have some extra treats each week and still make it work for us.

When all was said and done, I lost another 1.4 pounds for a total of about 6 (not worrying about the decimals)!!! Plus, this week, I lost an additional 1/2 inch in bust, 1/2 inch in my waist, 1 inch in my hips, nothing in my right thigh and 1/4 inch in my left, and 1/4 inch in each biceps.

OH, and in fun news, a few nights ago, we were driving home from the grocery story. As we passed a house down our street, Seth told me to stop!! The guy was putting out a really nice exercise bike to the trash. We pulled over and Seth asked if it still worked, and the guy said yes! They had just gotten a new one, and didn't need this one anymore. It was in PERFECT condition, so Seth drove Carter and I home and went back for it. We are now the proud new owners of an exercise bike, which just happens to be the same brand as our new treadmill!

Working Out Woes

I've said it before: working out is not really fun for me. Well, let me clarify. Playing sports and doing things that don't really feel like exercise are fun. But the basic gym things are just sort of blah. Our gym didn't offer classes, plus we didn't really have time to go since we had Carter, so we dropped our membership a few months ago.

Then we got a treadmill, which is nice and helps save us some money each month that was going into gym memberships. Well, that wasn't really quite enough. So, we've added a few things - the 30 Day Shred (the torture work-out by Jillian Michaels), some free weights, and one of those nice inflatable balls (which Seth so kindly purchased and then surprised me).

Ever since we've gotten the ball, I've never quite been able to use it super well. Something always just seemed off about it. I've tried following the pictures in magazines (you know the ones I'm referring to - a woman who is 5' 10", 110 pounds, in a sports bra and spandex pants, with immaculate make-up and hair) but it definitely wasn't playing out so nicely for me.

A few nights ago, I was doing some ab work on the ball with hand weights. All of a sudden, I lost my balance, and the ball started rolling (with me laying on top). Next thing I know, I crashed into the wall, fell over onto Carter's exersaucer, and dropped both weights as I toppled to the floor.

Because I cracked up laughing, so did Seth. We laughed HARD. It was quite the sight, I'm sure.

And then I looked at the box that the ball came in. For those 5'11" and taller.

Um, yeah. That explains some things.

Our One-Man Pan Band

We got brave and decided to let Carter play with a wooden spoon and a pan. It was pretty cute - he knew just what to do when we handed him the spoon. Can't promise we'll keep this up for more than a few years...and NO DRUMS. :)



What Separation Anxiety Looks Like

Weight Watchers Wednesday

I have officially wrapped up week one of Weight Watchers at Work! The first day, we got weighed in and received our materials. I purchased a few extra things like a calculator for on-the-go point calculations at the grocery store, etc. I also purchased the Complete Food Companion that has thousands of foods in it, broken down by category and brand.

I've begun exercising more regularly and currently plan to work out 4-5 times a week. I'm doing well on this plan so far, but I'm starting off reasonable since 1) I hate exercising unless it is something like playing volleyball, etc. and 2) I haven't exercised regularly for quite some time. For the next few weeks, my plan is walking/jogging intermittently on the treadmill for 25-30 minutes but no less than 20. I then do free weights and use an exercise ball.

AND, drumroll please.....

...I've already lost 5 pounds. Plus, I lost 1/2 inch in my waist, 1/4 in bust, 1/4 inch in my right thigh, about an inch in my left thigh (though we think this might have been a measuring error from last week to this week) :) and 1/2 inch in each of my biceps.

I'm super proud of this since, really, I have only been watching what I eat/exercising (very modestly) for 2 weeks. I hope to keep this up!!!

I will say, in just the short time since the program started, I have learned A LOT (and I do mean a lot) about portion distortion in America. I mean, a serving of pasta is 1 cup. ONE. CUP. That is equivalent to a tennis ball size of pasta. Not a dinner plate. Not even a salad plate. So yeah, we're watching portions more than anything, since that is really what WW is about anyway. You truly can eat anything you want on the plan (and we do)...you just have to count for it accordingly. If you want a piece of cake, go for it. You just can't go nuts the rest of the day.

I'll share more about WW over the next few weeks, but in the meantime, eat those fruits and veggies...they're free on WW. :)

[Recipe] Taco Soup

Since I've started Weight Watchers at Work, I've been on the look-out for some good, WW-approved recipes.

I found one a few days ago, and Seth and I tried it over the weekend. It was DELICIOUS. The website where I got it said it was only 4 points on the new system, but since I'm a skeptic, I counted it as 6...just in case. We added the extra points appropriately for shredded cheese, listed after the recipe.

Taco Soup - adapted from the recipe on Our Best Bites
(Serving size: 1.5 cups, which is actually a really good amount!!)

1 lb. extra lean ground beef (93% lean or or leaner)
1 onion, chopped
4-5 cloves garlic, minced (we used powdered because we didn't have any fresh)
1 1.25-oz. packet taco seasoning (about 1/4 c.)
3 c. water, divided
2 28-oz. cans petite diced tomatoes (we used 1 can because we don't like tomato chunks in our soup....I then used 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth for the other part)
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
2 15-oz. cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained (we used 1 can kidney beans and 1 can of black beans for variety)
1 can corn, drained (we used no salt added corn)

Heat a large soup pot over medium. When ready, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic. When almost brown, add the taco seasoning and 1 c. water. Add the remaining ingredients, including the remaining 2 c. water, bring to a medium boil, then, cover and reduce heat. Simmer for at least 15 minutes. Serve with desired toppings. Makes 10 12-oz. servings.

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 188
Fat: 3.6
Fiber: 8.6
Protein: 15.8
WW Points: 4

Add 1 more point for each of the following: 4 crushed tortilla chips, 1 1/2 Tbsp. light sour cream, 1/3 oz. shredded cheddar cheese.

Enjoy!! It is sooooo good! :)

Trouble is Coming Our Way....

I think we're in for it pretty soon. We're about to have a fully mobile baby. All day today, Carter has been scooting up a storm (which he's been doing for 3-4 weeks now) on his belly. Sort of an Army crawl of sorts. Last night, he got up on all fours for a few seconds. And now today (well since Seth left for work really), he has been pulling himself up like CRAZY on all of his toys, the couch, you name it. Looks like we might need to lower the crib tomorrow!

Here's to enjoying a few more days of putting him where we want him and him still being there when we come back. :)

*Update: (See photo above) After I typed this, I went into the kitchen to get Carter's dinner ready. I came back in the living room, and he had every single book, magazine, remote, etc. out from under the coffee table and strewn all over the living room. Some pages were even ripped out of the magazines. So I guess the "we're in for it pretty soon" might be now. :)

Weight Watchers Wednesday

So...I've still got baby weight. 15 lbs, to be exact. And Carter is 8 months old. Oh, and I have that not-from-Carter extra weight too.

To combat this, I've joined Weight Watchers at Work with my friend and I'm very excited about it!! Losing weight with an accountability partner is always so much more fun. Plus, we can stay on track better at lunch because we eat together most days.

It "started" last Wednesday, January 5, but when we got there, found out it was just to pay and register and that today was the official start day. Since we were already in the mindset of starting last week, I decided to still eat much healthier, eat smaller portions, and exercise. I, of course, couldn't follow the point values because we didn't receive our materials yet, but I don't have time to waste a full week. Heck, I've got to be in a swimming suit this summer, and I'm a bridesmaid in a wedding in June. It's go-time, people.

WELL, without even following the points and just eating healthier and walking/jogging on the treadmill (and some hand weight exercises), I've already lost 3.5 pounds, which I'm thrilled about!!! My goal is to lose 20 pounds by June, preferrably 25. My overall goal looks more like 40, but I know this is going to take some SERIOUS work. I took my measurements (bust, waist, hips, biceps, thighs) and intend to keep track of not only the number on the scale but those numbers as well - this will be kept private, of course. I'm not THAT forthcoming. :)

So, for the next 16 weeks of the program, I will recap my progress in a weekly post (on Wednesdays, because that is weigh-in/meeting day).

Annnnnnnd......we're off.

Carter's First Trip to the Farm Show

It had to be done. I mean, we are from central Pennsylvania, after all.

Yup, we took Carter to his very first PA Farm Show. On opening day. But, we were pleasantly surprised that it was not nearly as crowded as last year.

He got to see many, many animals - cows, horses, ducks, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep...

this bird.

He was just lounging and hanging out, taking it all in (and people watching, I'm sure).

One cute little hatched chick.

Riding on daddy's shoulders.

And hanging with Uncle Brad.

Petting his very first bunny.

Riding the most precious little John Deere tractor ever. When I tried to take him off, he gripped the steering wheel like he meant business. After 3 or 4 tries, I just had to unwrap his fingers from the wheel and take him off. McKenna and Eli needed a turn too (and they were equally as sad to get off as Carter).

Then he went to the big tractors. (side note: he DID have socks on, but the child hates them and pulls them off all the time).

"Look how tiny I am beside this astronomically priced $230,000 tractor, mommy."

All in all, we had a great time. We even managed to find some healthy options in the food court for our new venture (more on this Wednesday). I'm sure we'll take him every year, even though we smell like barn when we leave.

Eight Months.

Carter, at eight months, you:
- Wear size 3 diapers
- Are wearing size 9 month clothing (for a week or two yet) and are about to transition full-time into 12 months. Oddly enough, you still have many 6-9 month shirts that still fit you. I think the pants are the issue.
- Weigh 23 pounds, 13 oz. as of your appointment on Monday
- Have your very first ear infection right now. They have you on amoxicillin and it seems to have worked quickly.
- Celebrated your very first Christmas and were spoiled to death! You were a lot of fun and humored us by opening gifts and laughing a lot!
- Got your second tooth (on 12/6/10) - it is the lower right one. Both of your teeth actually got much bigger now too, and we can see them every time you smile or laugh.
- Take 2 naps a day at home, and a few catnaps at daycare.
- Were doing super well in your sleeping until your surgery, new teeth, travel for the holidays, and an ear infection. You are not doing too badly right now, but there is room for improvement, mister. You sleep through the night some nights, but still not nearly all. You continue to go down easily, but still wake up fussing (though you don’t always know you are because you are still sleeping!) either for your paci or for who knows what?!
- Are becoming much more mobile. You scoot across the floor on your belly like you are sooo close to getting up on all fours and crawling, and you pulled yourself to standing from a sitting position one time that we saw.
- Look whenever we say your name.
- Try so hard to sit up when you are laying on your back (almost like a sit up).
- Still continue to put everything in your mouth – we think you are getting your top center teeth.
- Started eating some finger foods each day rather than just baby food. You are super good about texture. We have cut down (or cut out in some instances) your cereal to make room in your diet for some finger foods. So far, you have had banana pieces, pear pieces, whole peas, green beans, cheerios, puffs, rice (from a spoon), turkey, and I am sure a few other things. You are also starting to show us signs that you are tired of baby food by turning your head or blowing rasberries and then resuming eating when we put something on your tray for you to pick up.
- You are starting to grasp the pincer grasp too, and can pick up cheerios and some other non-slimey things yourself!
- Still drink four 6.5 ounce bottles a day. Sometimes, we make your fourth one an 8 ounce bottle though, since it is right before bed.
- No longer really care for your exersaucer at our house because our's does not allow you to jump like some other ones do. But you still love your jumperoo!
- Say “da-da” and what sounds like “mom” though I’m certain you have no idea what you’re saying.
- Developed separation anxiety, mostly for mommy, and often cry when I leave the room. Not always though – pretty much just when you are tired and when mommy leaving the room leaves you alone. If anyone else is there, you are fine. You must not like to be alone!
- Laugh a lot and make a funny “signature” sound – you open your mouth really wide and make a “ha ha ha” sound that is raspy (like a creepy laugh).
- Traveled to NJ for Christmas and got to see your first REAL snowstorm.
- Are still on Zantac for reflux, but they increase you to 3 mL twice a day now.
- Are very smart – I often watch you when you don’t know I am and you seem to know how to use many of your toys. I often see you putting the balls into the basketball hoop on your new toy.
- Are getting more and more white-blonde hair like your daddy…it has now grown down over your one ear and sticks STRAIGHT up on top!
- Still love to touch people’s faces – especially their mouths or noses. It’s super cute.
Well, squirt, your personality continues to amaze us and you, many days, keep us on our toes from "son up" to "son down." We love how much you have grown and do now - this is a fun stage! We love you so much and can't wait to see what you'll do next.

Ear Infection

Long story short: the little guy has his very first ear infection. He hasn't been sleeping well...ha. ha. ha. I realize that he never really has, but I mean he has been sleeping WORSE, okay?! :) Anyway, he was fussy and something just didn't seem right. Plus, he hasn't been wanting to finish a full bottle the past few days, which, ahem, isn't like him. So we took him to the doctor last night, and yep, our suspicions were right - left ear infection. He started on amoxicillin and slept through the night last night (and only took dose one at 7 p.m.).

Side story which we somehow found funny: While at CVS, the pharmacist flagged Carter's prescription because he told me it was an "awfully high dose" for a child who is 8 months old. He stood there doing some calculations and then Seth walked up with Carter. He asked if that was Carter, and I said yes. He said "oh, how much does he weigh?" So we told him....and all was fine. He just was going by an estimate of 18-19 pounds and not 23. :)

OH...and Carter barfed on the pharmacy counter.

The end.

One Word.

Well, happy 2011! We rung the new year in rather...um, quietly, shall I say? Because I was SLEEPING. Yes, my family mocked me and no, I did not care. Listen, people, eight month olds are TIRING. And, heaven knows, we go to bed every night not knowing what to expect. So, I hit the sack at 11:15 p.m.

My sister started a blog and in her first post she wrote about choosing one word to define your year and your goals. I thought this would be sort of hard, but shockingly, it was a cinch. My word is "less." Odd, I know, but let me explain. There are so many things I want to do more of, but more times than not, require me to do LESS of something else.

Less excuses about why I can't work out = more weight loss (I start Weight Watchers at Work tomorrow with friends...more to come on that eventually). Less stress = more happy time with my husband and son. Less clutter = more room for the things that really matter. Less money spent = more money saved. Less attitude = happier marriage. Less expectations = happier life. You see where I'm going with this...

So, this year will be the year of less. I'm sure it will take MONTHS for this to fully kick in and will take a lot of effort on our parts, but it's worth it. :)

Happy new year, everyone.