Being a Mom

Before having Peyton I thought I had an idea of what it was going to be like being a mom. I knew I would be waking up during the night, changing diapers and loving her more than I thought possible, but there are some things that I just didn't even think of.

I had no idea of the feeling that you get when they cry. I pretty good at telling the difference between the hungry, tired and diaper change cries, but when she cries and she has a clean diaper, just woke up and was just fed my heart sinks into my stomach. I just want to make her happy and not knowing why she's crying is the worst.

I also had no idea how quickly she would be going through clothes. She's only 7 weeks old but she's wearing 3 month clothes, and in the sleep and play outfits she's wearing 6 month because her legs are so long. I've had people ask if she was older than 3 months. Part of me can't wait for her to get older and watch her learn but the other part of me wants her to be my little baby forever.

I thought this summer was going to be the best ever, on maternity leave, hanging with the baby by the pool, being outdoors all day, just living the dream. Well, I'm living the dream but it's not what I thought it'd be. I don't like brining her outside in the sun because I can't put sunscreen on her yet and there are bugs everywhere. We go on walks but it's just not how I pictured my summer. Plus she doesn't like to be too warm, she would much prefer to be inside in the air conditioning and I can't blame her for that.

Honestly, I don't mind getting up during the night, changing millions of diapers, staying inside all summer and everything else that happens when you have a baby. I love her so much and I wouldn't change a thing. I love watching her grow and discover new things and learn how to do new things. I love the way that she smiles at me and the way she snuggles her head against my chest when she's sleepy. I wouldn't change this time for the world. I can't wait to see what the next chapter is for us.

What was different then you thought it would be when you had kids?

Friday Fun

I'm getting back to the Friday Fun posts! These posts are to let you know what is coming up for me in the next week. This is the first Friday fun post since having the baby.

We don't really have too much going on next week. I'm planning on getting in 3 runs next week and 3 gym visits. If I can't get to the gym I will be doing some at home workouts.

Next weekend is the 4th of July so I am hoping to go to some local fireworks but we'll see how that goes because I don't want to keep the baby up too long and I'm afraid that she'll be scared of the loud noise. I don't know if the noise would bother her or not because she doesn't mind planes flying over the house and those can get pretty loud.

Early registration for the Princess Half Marathon opens on Tuesday so I am hoping to register. This is a big commitment because I will need to train while also caring for Baby K. I already know that Phil will be a great motivator for me so that will help me big time.

I also have a doctor's appointment next week so that will be fun.

Other than that we have nothing else going on. Hopefully I can get some long walks in with the baby and maybe some pool time. 

What do you have planned in the week coming up?

Books I'm Loving- June

I thought that I would start a new monthly series about the books that I'm loving. Since having the baby I haven't read anything other than baby books and this post will be pretty short but I'm hoping that as the months go on it will get better.

The first book is The Wonder Weeks by Hetty van de Rijt, Ph.D and Frans Plooij, Ph.D.

Why I'm loving this book:

It talks about the developmental weeks in baby's first 20 months so you can understand what's going on with your baby and why they may be acting the way they are. It's interesting to see how much they are learning and how they cope with it. It gives the parents a look into what going on so they can help their babies cope with what is going on. I'm trying to only read based on where Baby K is so I haven't read the whole book but I'm loving it so far.

The second book is Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, M.D..

Why I'm loving this book:

This book discusses the sleep habits that babies and children should have so they are more rested when they wake up and are generally more happier. I talks about their naps, both morning and afternoon, and their nighttime sleep, how they are different and what you as parents should be doing. It also discusses how getting them to bed earlier will promote longer sleeping through the night. I haven't finished this book either, I'm about halfway done, but I am loving it. Baby K is not a colicky baby but the book also talks about babies who are and what the parents need to do differently for their babies who are.

Once I finish this book I would love to write a post about how we are implementing the sleep habits and how it's working.

That's all I have for June but check back next month to see what else I'm reading and loving!

What are some books you've read lately that you've loved?

Life After Baby

I haven't posted in a while so I thought I would do an update post and then get back on the blogging horse.

So, Baby K was born on May 6th and totally changed our lives and we are so in love with her. The labor and delivery were relatively easy, can I say that without sounding like someone you want to punch? LOL After two days in the hospital we were home and trying to figure out life with one more person in the mix. I have to say, we have been doing pretty well.

I had my postpartum appointment today and I can start running and going to the gym again! I am so happy that I decided to go for a run this afternoon in 90 degree weather. That's not something that I normally would do but I couldn't hold back my excitement.

Here's what I learned on my run today:
1. I missed it so much
2. I'm much slower, but I have confidence that I will get my speed back
3. I am definitely signing up for the Princess Half Marathon in Disney World.

Since we are DVC members I will hopefully be able to sign up during early registration next week, but if not I will try during the regular registration in a few weeks. I honestly can't wait to really start training for another race. I know that I am really crazy by deciding to run a half marathon 9 months after having a baby, but I know it will help keep me sane because I'll have me time to think and get all the stress out.

I am also really excited to be going back to Disney World, as log as I register for the race successfully. We went last May and haven't been back since and we had been going twice a year so to only go once last year and no trips this year is tough.

On another note, I have discussed on here before that we were thinking about relocating to Florida and it looks like we might actually be doing it. We don't have all the details firmed up yet but we are getting closer to deciding. This would be such a big change for us so we are really taking this seriously and weighing all our options.

So that's all I have for today, but since I am going to be home for another 5 weeks I hope to start posting more and to get on a regular schedule. See you soon!

What were you excited to start doing again after you had your baby? Any good training programs or apps you recommend?

Friday Fun

I've decided to start a new tradition of blog posts on Friday to detail all the fun things I'll be doing in the upcoming week. I thought this would be something fun to start doing and it will help me keep up with the blog.

This weekend I will be doing some much needed relaxing. It's just something that needs to be done when you're 38 weeks pregnant. Tomorrow the hubby and I will be going out to breakfast with my sister and I have nothing planned after that.

I plan on staying pregnant until at least May 1st, I'm probably the only pregnant woman that wants to stay pregnant this far in the game. I want to stay pregnant because The Avengers: Age of Ultron comes out on May 1st, with advanced showings on April 30th. I have not missed a Marvel advanced showing since the first Iron Man came out, so I need to see this movie. Obviously my daughter is going to come when she wants, but I hope she's a superhero nerd like her mother so she'll want to stay put.

I have decided to start with Iron Man and work my way up to Guardians of the Galaxy before Thursday, as long as I don't go into labor between now and then. I am hoping to get through Iron Man and Iron Man 2 tonight and then I can watch the rest this weekend.

I really am looking forward to the baby coming, don't get me wrong, but I was also really hoping for a May baby.  If all of this could work out that way, it would be wonderful!

So aside from all this fun stuff I have nothing really going on. I hope that these posts get more and more fun every Friday because this one seems kinda of boring. Oh well. Hope you enjoyed this post and will stick around for the others.

What are you doing this weekend?

Thinking Outloud

So with my due date fast approaching I've been preparing for the baby, but also trying to prepare for life once the baby gets here. I think the hubby and I are going to be good once the baby gets here, this waiting game stinks. We've been talking about some big changes for our family once the baby gets here and need to stop thinking about things I can't control.

We've been thinking about possibly moving out of state soon after the baby is born. This is hard decision for both of us, all we've ever know has been here and we would be totally out of our element. Our families are here and we would be moving away from all of them.

I know it's not the best timing, especially with the baby being here and everyone wanting to see her. But like I said, this is a hard decision for both of us so we're weighing all our options.

One of the most exciting things about moving would be that I would get to stay at home with the baby, something that I wouldn't get to do if we stayed where we are. I would also have to possibility to homeschool, which is something that I want to do.

There is still so much to work out so I will keep everyone posted. If anyone has any experience with this any advice would be helpful.

Feeling Crafty

I've been feeling super crafty lately and I don't know if it's because I'm pregnant or because the holidays are approaching. Either way I feel like I need to do something BIG.

Pinterest is a dangerous thing, especially for someone who's already feeling crafty. I already have a list of things that I saw on Pinterest that I want to do. So get ready, Crafty Kara is coming your way! There will be pictures with whatever I do so I hope the world is ready!

What have you done lately to be crafty?

Big News

I have been waiting so long to write this post!

The Hubby and I are expecting! 

I am 14 weeks and feeling great. I didn't really have any problems in the first trimester. I was just really tired and had no energy to do anything. I had a few days where I felt car sick but other than that, I've been good.

I am starting to get my energy back and I'm not so tired anymore, which is a good thing. I can wait to start working out more. The weather is supposed to be nice today so I will be going for a walk later.

I took a few days off from work to get some stuff done around the house and today is my last day off. I am trying to prepare myself for the craziness of tomorrow at work. Only 26 more weeks and then it's baby time!

We are still talking about me becoming a stay at home mom, which I would love to do. I know it will be tough but I also know that I am strong enough to do it. I have also been reading up on homeschool and I think I would like to do that as well, but that's a bit further up the road.

There's also a possibility that we could be moving down to Florida. I'm not sure when, but I hope it's after the baby is born, but if the opportunity comes before, we will just have to work with that.

I'm hoping to start doing weekly pregnancy blogs so stay tuned!

Did you become a stay at home mom? Did you go back to work? Moving while having a baby, have we lost our minds?

Kids Today

"These kids today don't know what it's like to..." 

It's how I've been feeling lately, OLD.  I don't know why, maybe it's the holidays and having to work so much lately.  This time of year is always busy at work and it's hard to keep a positive attitude. So I made an impulse buy last week to cheer me up. I bought the Boy Meets World Complete Series.

I started watching it this weekend and I'm already on season 3! It's such a good show and I can honestly say that I am enjoying reliving a little bit of my youth.

It has gotten me thinking though. They just don't make tv shows like they used to. I don't really watch a lot of shows for younger people but I'm pretty sure there are no shows like this one. Shows "back in the day" always had a lesson in them along with the comedy. They were just something that the whole family could watch together. Don't even get me started on how much I miss TGIF! Great programming at it's best.

For now I will just sit back and enjoy the rest of the series!

What were some of your favorite shows growing up?

Happy New Year

Well, another year has passed and I new one has begun. I love the "clean-slate" feeling a new year brings. It's chance to make changes and try to live life in a better way.
Last year I said I wanted to run a half marathon in 2013. I'm happy to say that I made that happen! This year I have a few goals, one of them is to run more, I have been slacking a little in the department.
After going to dinner with my sister for her birthday, Hubby and I spent the night relaxing at home. Of course we watched the ball drop, it's one of my favorite things. It's also nice to have a day off from work. Back to the grind tomorrow though.

Hope you have a great 2014!!

What did you do for New Year's?

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

It's one of my favorite days of the year! We usually have a restful morning and exchange gifts at home and then we go off to visit family and come home later tonight.

Last night we spent the night exchanging gifts with my husband's family. It's a yearly tradition that it always so much fun.

I will hopefully have more time now to post, so, stay tuned!

Have a nice day with friends and family!!!

What are some of your family traditions?

Still Here

So we are only days away from Christmas and I haven't had a moment to catch up on anything! I wanted to start a new book this month, but that's not going to happen. I have also been slacking on my workouts, and I can totally tell that I need to get back to the grind.
Almost all of the Christmas shopping is done and it has all been wrapped. We just have a few more last minute things to pick up and I need to buy some stocking stuffers. Hoping to get back to a regular schedule soon.

Does anyone else feel like this year the holiday feels rushed??

Busy, Busy, Busy

The holiday season has officially begun! I have been so busy this month and it's only a week in. This weekend I haven't even had time to relax.
Friday night I went to my work Christmas party and didn't get home until very late. Then we had a family get together on Saturday. Today I went to a cookie swap and missed a lot of football.
Although it has been busy I wouldn't trade it. This time of year is always busy but it's so much fun to see family and friends!
I kinda slaked on my workouts this past week but I hope to get back into the swing of things this week. I have lots of cookies at the house from the swap today, so I need to be good this week!

What fun get togethers have you been to so far this season?

Family Tradition

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great day with family and friends!
We started off the day watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This has been a tradition every since I was a kid. My favorite part is the Radio City Rockettes. I also wanted to be one when I was younger. I ended up not being tall enough though, but a girl can still dream! Once the parade was over we got ready to leave the house.
We had dinner at my parent's house and ate way too much! It was so nice to have a day off and just relax.
Every year we go to the movies after dinner. To make if fair, we each write a movie down on a piece of paper and then my mom draws one. Whichever movie gets drawn is the one we see. This is a fun little tradition that we've had for many years. This year we ended up seeing Last Vegas. It was really funny so it wasn't a bad pick.
After the movie my sister came to our house and we all took a nap before heading out to do a little shopping. We got to our local mall at 1:00 am and I was surprised to see that most of the stores were open. Usually it's just the bigger stores. I was hoping to find a Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer but really didn't find the deals I was looking for. I did get some Blu-Rays at really low prices, which is always good.
After the mall we swung by Wal-Mart but didn't really find anything great. We had some food and then headed home. We didn't get to be until after 4:00 am and boy was I tired. We ended up sleeping in quite late, which was to be expected.
In the afternoon a took out the Christmas decorations and put up the tree. Hubby goes bowling on Friday nights so this is my time to get the house ready for the season. I also have a Christmas movie marathon while I put the tree up.

Now it's time to relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Stay safe and enjoy your weekend!

What are some of your family's traditions? Do you go Black Friday shopping? When do you start decorating your house?

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that everyone is having a great day giving thanks and spending the day with their families!
The hubby and I will be spending the day with family and then heading out to the movies.
This is a tradition that we have had for many years, since before we were married.  My sister and mom usually come with us too. We each pick a movie and write it on a piece of paper and one of us draws it out of a hat. So I don't know what we are seeing yet. This is one of my favorite traditions that we have.
My hubby, sister and I will also probably go black Friday shopping tomorrow but we like to spend today with family.
Have a great day! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!