For Your Viewing Pleasure!

Just a few pictures of our Monday. Enjoy!

Daddy would be proud

Baby smiles :)

How gorgeous is this face??

Liam is on the go!!

A few days ago for a microsecond, I wanted Liam to start crawling (mostly just so I didn't have to hear him "complain" about not being able to crawl). Well, Liam must have listen because he is now trying his hardest to start crawling. So, now the baby-proofing begins!

Co-Sleeping is a Go!

A couple months ago, I blogged about Operation Get Liam Out The Bed (OGLOTB). Well, let's just say OGLOTB is officially on hold. Will and I talked things over and we've decided that we will co-sleep until it proves to be an issue for us.

I must admit, I love co-sleeping (well, most of the time) just as much as I love breastfeeding (also, most of the time). It seems that a lot of advice that I receive from (well meaning) mothers, friends and relatives suggest that I should make Liam conform to my schedule and life but I've come to the realization that Will and I wanted Liam here and not vice versa. Don't get me wrong, I don't plan to change everything in our lives to fit Liam's schedule (that would be madness!) but I also don't expect him to be a strict schedule when I don't even have our dogs on one. I just plan to do what feels right for us and breastfeeding and co-sleeping are comfortable for us right now.

My only question is whether or not I should buy a new crib or not (the one we had was recalled) or just wait to see how long we continue to co-sleep once Will is home. Decisions, decisions.

Back After A Short Break

Things have been a little crazy for Liam and I. We're back at home after a couple days out of town working. Liam stayed with my cousin instead who lives in town instead of going to a daycare.

As much as I love Liam, I was definitely excited to head to work for a few days. It gives me a break from being
home and allows me to talk to other adults. Overall, the trip was a success. Liam got to play with other kids while I was at work and we spent the night in a nice hotel. It was a little taste of what our lives will be like in a couple weeks since I will be working for a majority of August.

Besides our trip, things have been pretty laid back around the house. With my mom and siblings gone, it is definitely a lot quieter (which I LOVE). Now, if only I had the motivation to start some decorating projects. Speaking of motivation, that seems to be something I am definitely lacking. I think this may have something to do with it though:

It's Hot!!

It's a little hard to stay motivated when you break a sweat by just walking outside. Liam and I have been spending most of our day inside only daring to venture out early in the morning.
One things for sure: I'm definitely ready for fall! Stay cool everyone!

Liam got a Sippy Cup!!

Since Liam is breastfed, I never really thought about when we would try introducing cups. Then I took a trip to Walmart, wandered down a baby aisle and found myself face to face with a wall of sippy cups. I decided to take a chance and try one out. Well, if you know me personally, you probably already know that it took me, hmmm, a good 20 minutes to finally decide on a cup. After looking and touching tons of sippy cups, I finally decided on the Nuby No-Spill GripN'Sip.

 "Yay! No juice on the rug!"

And since this was our first time trying out a sippy cup, I decided to give Liam a little diluted apple juice as well (way too many treats for one day, lol). He figured out how to drink right away but then I noticed a slight problem. Since he's breastfed and rarely drinks out of bottles, he doesn't feel the need to hold his sippy cup (unless he's using it to bang on something). This is one of the reasons why we've only tried out the cup a few times (the next time I gave it to him, he didn't even want to drink out of it). We'll definitely be trying to use the sippy cup a little more often, just so that Liam gets the hang out it. Right now though, I'm perfectly fine with him wanting solely Mommy/Liam time.

Let Him Eat Cake!!

Okay, so I've been waiting to do this post for forever (I wanted to wait until after he received his package to post about it)! Will's birthday was on July 6th so I mailed him his birthday package a week prior.

I wanted to make Will's birthday a special event since he is deployed and away from home. I thought long and hard and finally decided to make him Cake in a Jar!

If you haven't heard of Cake in a Jar, it's super easy. I've laid out the instructions (complete with pictures) below. Enjoy!!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sterilize mason jars and lids by boiling in water. Remove jars but leave lids in the hot water.
3. Prepare cake batter either according to box instructions or from cake recipe.
4. Spray the inside of pint size mason jars with Pam before filling with 1 cup of cake batter (keep rims of jars clean).
5. Place jars on a cookie sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. When the cake is done, take one jar out at a time. Place the hot lids onto the jar and let cool.
7. As the jars cool, you should hear a 'ping'. To make sure the jars have sealed, press down on the lids. If they don't move, the jars have sealed.
8. Enjoy when ready!

Six Month Pictures!

Liam's six month pictures are in and he's absolutely, stinkin' adorable (and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom)! The pictures went amazingly. Liam smiled and seemed to love being in front of the camera. Melissa, the photographer, is amazing (she did our newborn/family pictures as well) so I knew the pictures would be great and they are! Here are a few for your enjoyment!

Melissa Bradfield Photography

Melissa Bradfield Photography

Melissa Bradfield Photography

Let Me Update You!

The past week or so has been pretty laid back for Liam and I. We've been trying to stay cool, getting the house in tip-top shape, attempting to crawl (well, mostly Liam, I mastered crawling years ago), mailing birthday packages (post to come once Will receives his package in the mail) and enjoying the festivities of the 4th of July holiday.

Our town has an annual fair-style event for the 4th of July holiday so Liam and I attended the first day of the event along with his godmother, Krystal, and her daughter. It was unbelievably hot and things too a turn for the worse when Krystal passed out while getting food. She was fine after drinking water and sitting for awhile but needless to say, that was the only day we ended up at the fair.
I can't seem to find my camera so I snapped a few pictures of Liam pre-fair on my iPad.

Baby Wayfarers and he loved them!

"Please Mom, no more pictures!"

We did partake in a few 4th of July festivities including a barbeque on the 4th. We stayed away from the fireworks for two reasons: 1) Liam is far to small to do anything of the sort and 2) I am a little scared of fireworks. It I had my way, Liam would only want to play with sparklers but since that's very unlikely, fireworks will be a Daddy job.

So, all in all, our holiday was pretty mellow. We're relaxing this weekend in preparation for a week of daycare and hotel room living since I have to work at my base. Hope you all have a relaxing weekend as well.

Losing the Baby Weight

I'll admit it, I have never like exercising. I actually rarely exercise. This may seem confusing since I'm in the National Guard but in all actuality, our yearly Physical Training test was also my yearly exercise session.

While in high school, I weighed 128-130 lbs. I started to lose some weight during my senior year and when I joined the Guard in 2004, I lost quite a bit of weight in basic training (I left weighing 114 lbs). Over the next few years, my weight stayed pretty steady.

That is until I got pregnant. At my first appointment, I weighed 124 lbs. At the end of my pregnancy, I weighed 169 lbs. I gained waaayyy too much, especially for my small frame. I'm not sure what I expected to happen after having Liam. I knew that I would lose a little weight afterwards but I don't think I fully understood that I would have to actually exercise to lose the rest. Well, I understand that now.

It's not that I'm lazy, I just hate exercising and I have gotten used to eating whatever I want (which is a horrible combination if you don't like being fat). I definitely have lots of motivation to lose the weight: an upcoming PT test, looking amazing for Will's homecoming but most importantly, being fit for Liam.

I really hope I can do it. I want to get back down to at least 115 lbs. I haven't weighed myself recently once I do, I will definitely start to update on my weight loss progress.

Wish me luck!

Project 31: Day 31

Day 31. Your favorite quote

(At little late)
“Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would I'd never leave.”
Winnie the Pooh

Day 1. I have a three month old and already I'm thinking, I'm going to miss him at this age. Have you felt that way, and what age do you miss the most?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. A photo that makes you happy
Day 4. Do you believe in the "cry until he sleeps" method?
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Your most embarrassing moment
Day 7. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What are some of your favorite MAC products, and what foundation/powder do you wear?
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. A YouTube video
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. What do you wish for?
Day 16. How old was Liam when he started sleeping through the night and how did you do this?
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. If you could, what would you tell yourself before you had your baby?
Day 19. Write about your significant other
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write about your most vivid childhood memory. Post a picture of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 22. What did you do today?
Day 23. Who's your celebrity look alike?
Day 24. What is God teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Who are your favorite bloggers?
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Your day, in great detail
Day 30. What do you think is going to happen to you after you die?
Day 31. Your favorite quote

Project 31: Day 30

Day 30. What do you think is going to happen to you after you die?

I'm not sure. I've had this conversation with my mother many times and we have many different theories. We've wondered if we continuously relive our lives or if we go to a different dimension. Of course, the concept of heaven and hell.

I have no clue but I hope that, no matter the outcome, we are reunited with the ones we love (Mitzi, my Yorkie, passed away this morning and I hope that Will and I will be able to see her again). I also hope that unsolved murders/disappearances are solved (I'm obsessed with missing person shows).

Day 1. I have a three month old and already I'm thinking, I'm going to miss him at this age. Have you felt that way, and what age do you miss the most?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. A photo that makes you happy
Day 4. Do you believe in the "cry until he sleeps" method?
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Your most embarrassing moment
Day 7. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What are some of your favorite MAC products, and what foundation/powder do you wear?
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. A YouTube video
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. What do you wish for?
Day 16. How old was Liam when he started sleeping through the night and how did you do this?
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. If you could, what would you tell yourself before you had your baby?
Day 19. Write about your significant other
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write about your most vivid childhood memory. Post a picture of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 22. What did you do today?
Day 23. Who's your celebrity look alike?
Day 24. What is God teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Who are your favorite bloggers?
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Your day, in great detail
Day 30. What do you think is going to happen to you after you die?
Day 31. Your favorite quote

Today's a sad day...

This morning, Mitzi, our little bitty Yorkie passed away. I've been crying since around 3am and still haven't fully accepted that she's gone. I'm not going to go into details of her death because we aren't really sure what was wrong with her. Thinking back on her short life, I realize that she's been sick for awhile. Her behavior had grown increasingly bizarre until things became blatantly obvious this morning.
She was in so much pain after talking things over with the doctors and Will, we decided that the best decision for her would be to put her down. I was with her at the end and although I am truly heartbroken, I also realize that she is no longer in pain and knowing Mitzi's personality, she definitely would not want me to be sad right now.

I just wish that we had been able to help her and that all those times I thought that she was just a troublemaker, I had realized that there was something wrong although I know the outcome wouldn't have changed. So, I will continue to mourn the loss of my little girl, my birthday present from my loving husband, and then I will pick myself up and continue to live, just like Mitzi would want.

Mitzi Bell 11/23/09 - 06/27/2011

Daddy Wishes He Could See You One Last Time

Always My Little Baby

Project 31: Day 29

Day 29. Your day, in great detail

0700: Woke up, washed face/brushed teeth and got dressed while Liam was still sleeping. My phone was dead so I was convinced that I had slept in a little only to realize that it was 0730 when the dogs and I made it downstairs.

0730: Planned a trip to the grocery store for something for breakfast; sat on the floor for about 30 minutes.

0800: Liam woke up and my younger sister brought him downstairs.

0830: My mom watched Liam while I headed to the grocery store but actually ended up at McDonald's. Picked up a Fruit and Nut Oatmeal and small cup of coffee.

0900: Made it home; Fed Liam while my mom got ready to head to work. Played and watched tv.

1000-1200: Talked to Will on Skype. Liam took a nap.

1230: My mom came home from work. Since Liam was napping, I made a quick trip to Walmart (for Will's birthday care package, post to come soon) and Sally's.

1300: Returned home. Liam was still napping until he heard my voice. Fed Liam.

1400-1515: Played, fed Liam, more playing.

1515-1605: Talked to Daddy on Skype.

1605-1800: Played with Liam and the puppies; Liam took a 15 min nap.

1800-1900: Liam hung out with Grandma while I surfed the net and spent time with the dogs (they're starting to get jealous of all the Mommy/Liam time). Grandma put Liam down for a nap.

1900-2000: While Liam napped, I ate dinner then continued to surf the net and research Will's birthday present.

2000-Bedtime: Liam woke up from his nap. More Mommy/Liam/Grandma time. Followed by bathtime then bedtime (and of course, taking the trash to the curb since it's trash day). Another lazy Sunday comes to a close.

Day 1. I have a three month old and already I'm thinking, I'm going to miss him at this age. Have you felt that way, and what age do you miss the most?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. A photo that makes you happy
Day 4. Do you believe in the "cry until he sleeps" method?
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Your most embarrassing moment
Day 7. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What are some of your favorite MAC products, and what foundation/powder do you wear?
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. A YouTube video
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. What do you wish for?
Day 16. How old was Liam when he started sleeping through the night and how did you do this?
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. If you could, what would you tell yourself before you had your baby?
Day 19. Write about your significant other
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write about your most vivid childhood memory. Post a picture of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 22. What did you do today?
Day 23. Who's your celebrity look alike?
Day 24. What is God teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Who are your favorite bloggers?
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Your day, in great detail
Day 30. What do you think is going to happen to you after you die?
Day 31. Your favorite quote

It's Almost Time For A Big Boy Car Seat

Every time I turn around, Liam is getting bigger. He is constantly growing out of clothing, shoes and pretty soon, his car seat. Technically, he could stay in his Chicco Key Fit 30 until he reaches either 30 inches long and/or 30 pounds (he currently 26.5 inches long and a little over 19 pounds), however, I'm not sure my arms can take carrying him around much longer. He's sooo heavy!!
So, I've decided to start researching convertible car seats. Here are my favorites so far:

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Convertible Car Seat in Nitron

"The Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite provides 3 different car seats in one single product. The Alpha Omega Elite can be used rear-facing for infants from 5 to 35 pounds, then forward-facing with the harness for toddlers from 22 to 40 pounds. It then converts to a belt-positioning booster from 40 to 100 pounds. The QuickFit harness system allows the harness to be adjusted from the front, without rethreading the harness or uninstalling the car seat from the vehicle."

Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat in Cowmooflage

"The Britax Marathon 70 convertible car seat is designed for children rear facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing from 1 year and 20 lbs up to 70 pounds. The Marathon 70 achieves revolutionary head safety through the use of Britax SafeCell Technology, Integrated Steel Bars, and Versa-Tether that work together to minimize head excursion and reduce the risk of head injury during a frontal impact. The Marathon 70 also incorporates Britax Side Impact Protection, offers a no re-thread and quick-adjust, five-point harness, multiple buckle and recline adjustments, and an easy access cover and access to belt paths from the front of the seat."

 I am definitely going to keep looking around although the Britax Marathon 70 seems to be one of the top rated convertible car seats on all the review websites I've viewed. So, what car seat are you using and how long did your little one stay in their infant car seat (if you used one)?