It's been a while...

Well, hello there.

I think it's safe to say that I took a much-needed break from this here blog. I guess that I will go ahead and update with her 7 month post. I will try to come back later  and write her 8 month post, and then MAYBE (just maybe) I will come back and write about something other than poop, first words, and drool. I know, get excited, people!

So... here are the pictures I took of her at about 7 months (no, I couldn't pick just one. Sorry) and the monthly letter:

Dear Elsie, 

Holy cow. You're seven months old. I know I say this all the time, but it really is crazy how time flies. Each day I look at you and I see that you're not my tiny little newborn anymore - you're getting so big. So big, in fact, that you said your first word! You'd said "dada" multiple times before, but never really made it obvious whether or not you knew what it meant. This time was different, though. You were crying because I'd changed your diaper and you wanted nothing to do with me. I picked you up to try and comfort you, but then Daddy walked into the room. You turned toward him, sort of reached for him, and, whimpering, said, "Da-da!" It seriously melted my heart. After that, we knew that you'd figured out who Daddy was. It's your only word, but it melts our hearts every single time you say it.

You're chowing down on solids, so you must be going through a growth spurt. The other day, you ate 2&3/4 cups of solids. That is a TON! I think it's safe to say that you are a big fan of the veggie blend. Thankfully, you've slowed down a little bit, so I don't think you'll quite outgrow ALL your clothes. You're still breastfeeding like a champ, but you just don't seem to be as interested as you used to be.

You've still got only two teeth, thank goodness! I say thank goodness for a few reasons: 1. You're kind of grumpy when your teeth decide to pop through. I'm not a fan. 2. You've decided that you like biting me. OUCH. 3. Have I mentioned how grumpy you get when you're busy getting teeth?

I lost count of how many diapers you've used. I know, I know. Terrible mom alert right here! I bet you're happy, though, because this just means that info won't be shared with your first boyfriend. Anyway. You're still in size 2 diapers and 6 month clothing. Carter's is still the brand of choice. I think you're about 27&3/4 inches long, but I have no idea how much you weigh. You're probably somewhere around 14 lbs and a few oz. So... long and skinny.

Other fun things:
You love bath time.
When we put you in your high chair, you bring your legs up, prop them on your tray, and lean back with your mouth open like you're waiting for us to feed you grapes or something. I'll have to get a picture of that one.
Screaming is your favorite.
You love the baby in the mirror.
You've learned the art of crocodile tears and the fake temper tantrum.

You start laughing and hitting things every time you see another baby. It's like you turn into a monkey for a minute because you're just SO EXCITED that there are other little people like you.


Basically, we love you.

Love, 

Mom

Something to be Thankful for

Happy Thanksgiving... (a day late)!! 

Hope you all ate tons of turkey and all that good  stuff. As for us? We just hung out with Mike's family. It was so good to spend time with everyone and I am so grateful that we have family just a few hours away. Anyway, here are some pictures of our day... and then a little six month letter to Elsie bear.

Dear Elsie, 

You're six months old now and I seriously can't believe it! I know I say this all the time, but it really does just feel like I just found out that I was pregnant. Anyway, you are as cute as ever - super long and lean at 27 inches and 13 lbs, 11 oz. I'm so glad that you've started "chunking out" a little bit - I seriously thought you were almost 29 inches by now... suffice it to say that I was wrong. :)

Anyway, you are so talkative, so aware, and so smart! You say "da da" when we tell you to, but I'm pretty sure you're not really aware what it means. You can sit up without support and go from sitting to your tummy (or your back, but that's usually because you've lost your balance and have fallen over). You really have no desire to crawl, and we're okay with that for now (less work for us). You don't really enjoy being on your tummy for more than about ten minutes at a time, so you tend to just get mad and roll right back onto your back.

You started solids about two weeks ago and so far your absolute favorite is Thanksgiving mush (turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, peas, corn, and stuffing put into a blender). You love bathtime, reading stories, and music. You've got quite the temper and can be a little brat when you don't get what you want - it's not the most endearing quality, but I'm sure you'll outgrow it by the time you're 30.

Love you more than anything, stinker!

Love, 

Mom

Sometimes I Wish I was a Polar Bear

Happy Tuesday! Long time, no see. Sorry I've been completely absent from everything. I haven't read blogs in who knows how long, and I really miss you guys! Maybe I'll get the chance to do some catching up over Thanksgiving break - we'll see!

I will have a 6 month update on little Elsie-bear, but her well child check-up isn't until this afternoon, so I don't have her stats yet. I also don't have her pictures done because, well.... I've been lazy pants.

Anyway.... back to the title of this post. My office mates were sitting here watching a polar bear video a few minutes ago, and I thought to myself, "How flipping awesome would it be to be a freakin' polar bear?!" 

Answer: really flipping awesome. 

1. I could drink all the coke I wanted, and I'd get it for free in exchange for the occasional commercial appearance. 

2. I would not be freezing my butt off when it's 0 degrees out. In fact, I might even like the cold weather.

3. I could have a pet penguin. Sure, the penguin would be terrified of me and try to run away every chance he got, but that's not important.

4. I would be cute and cuddly, but absolutely terrifying at the same time. Not even Bigfoot can accomplish this, you guys.

5. I could stay underwater for up to 9 minutes at a time. Think of how awesome that would be!! I mean, really.  

And.... that's all I've got for you on this chilly Tuesday morning. Drink some hot cocoa for me!

Elsie 5 Months

Hi Guys! 

So... this blog has been pretty neglected, but I guess that's what happens when you're a full-time mommy and grad student with a photography business on the side. Anyway... it's time for my monthly update on little miss Elsie. Yeah... sorry that almost all of my posts lately have been more for me than anyone else. I promise that if I can get a routine down, I will try to get into blogging a little more next semester.

Dear Elsie, 

At five months, you are still just a long, skinny thing. I'm not exactly sure how long you are or how much you weigh, but my guess would be that you're around 28 inches long and almost 14 lbs. You're wearing 3-6 month onesies and 0-3 month pants. You're getting close to moving into the 6 month onesies, but I get the feeling that it'll be a while till you fit 6 month pants.

I'm a little disappointed - I lost count of how many diapers you've gone through. I know, I know - I'm a failure of a mother.

You've now got TWO teeth! You're a bit of a grumpy pants when your teeth cut through, but can I blame you? No, not really - it seems like it totally sucks. You laugh at everything and are so, so alert. You talk constantly (just like mom), and it's so fun to have conversations with you.

You're a daddy's girl through and through, but you still have days where you just need your mom, and I'm totally okay with that. Your cuddles are rare, but when you give them, they instantly brighten my day and I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

We've tried solids a few times, but you don't really seem to be a fan. I think you just like secondhand ice cream and tacos WAY better than nasty mushed carrots or rice cereal. I can't blame you - I'm almost 25 and I still don't like carrots. They're icky.

Anyway, you're awesome and I love you lots. Keep on growing and learning, little monster!

Love, 

Mom

Thoughts and Progress

Hello and Happy October, everyone! 

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to all of you who expressed interest in my ideas about women's empowerment. I want to give an update here now, and will try to go through my emails from that post and write back to all of you!

How I Want to Start this Project: 
1. A blog (probably tumblr?) where women and girls can submit their stories - struggles, accomplishments, joys and pain - I want it all. I want to post motivational words, art, and videos. I want this thing to go viral. Many of you suggested that this be an internet-based project, simply because of ease of access. I figure a tumblr account will work for this purpose, but if anyone has any other ideas, please feel free to let me know.

2. A YouTube channel where inspirational stories and videos are posted regularly - I'd love to be able to do something weekly, and that's where I need help from other bloggers (and women in general) who care about the issues facing the rising generation of women. Ideally, I would like to find one blogger in each state who would be willing to work with me directly. Those bloggers, in turn, would seek out women in different areas of their state to work with. Basically, I want to be able to reach out to women and girls in all areas of the country. I'd like personal stories, thoughts on today's society and the struggles that women and girls face, inspirational music, acts of service, whatever you can catch on video. Send me clips of the video throughout the month, and I will try to compile a 10 minute inspirational video for the channel. I will need one-two bloggers who are good with video who would be willing to hep me manage the channel.

3. A presence in schools, churches, and communities across the country. I am going to sound a little full of myself for a minute, so bear with me - I am a good public speaker. It is one of the talents that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with, and for a long time, I didn't see it as a talent that could be shared. I'm also an incredibly passionate person (which can lead to some pretty intense moments). Now I think to myself, why not combine my passion and my talents to reach out to others? This presence will probably be the most difficult part of this whole project. I have no idea whatsoever how to build this, how to get people to let us in. If any of you have experience with this, please PLEASE help me!! Let's get women and bloggers across the country spreading the word and encouraging girls!

So. If you are serious and you want to be a part of this, please comment or email me directly. If you aren't interested, but you know someone who might be, share this post with them, please! We can make a difference - even if we only affect one person, we have accomplished something to be proud of!! 

"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."
--Margaret Nadauld

QUIT GROWING, DANGIT!

4 Month Stats: 

Length: 26 inches

Weight: 12 lbs 6.8 oz

Dear Elsie, 

You are such a smiley, happy little baby! I honestly don't know how I got so lucky. You've been rolling over from front to back for about three and a half weeks now, and you've started to try to army crawl. You know how to roll from your back to your tummy, but you have no desire whatsoever to do so. You love to blow spit bubbles, laugh your little belly laugh, and squeal at the top of your lungs. About a week ago, you discovered your little feet and grab onto them whenever you can. You've also discovered that you can manipulate mom and dad - way to go, smarty pants! 

You absolutely love music, and you sing. I know people think I'm crazy for saying that my 4-month-old baby can sing, but you can! You hum along when I play your favorite songs - I can't wait until you have words to put with your little hums. Dad is so excited for that, too, because he's convinced that you two are going to sing lots and lots of duets together. 

Other things you love: bath time, story time, and being outside. Oh, and bananas. But you don't get any more of those till you learn to like your veggies. 

We are working on teaching you German - so far I think you're doing great. I mean, you've already got all the growling and gagging sounds down... now you just need to combine those sounds with words and you're set! 

Anyway, you're pretty much the most amazing, most advanced baby ever. Obviously. 

As far as the ongoing diaper count is concerned, you have gone through 714, with another pack of 180 open and about halfway gone. You're in size 2's - your time in size 1's was short lived. I think you'll be in this size for a while, though. Oh, and you had your first massive blowout a few weeks ago. I mean, it was on the walls and everything. Pretty gross. 

So to sum it all up: you are smart, curious, lovely, funny, goofy, and perfect in every way. I don't think I could love you any more than I do if I tried. My heart is so full of love for you... it's the most amazing, phenomenal feeling knowing that you are mine. I am blessed to be your mama. I love you, Elsie Lyn. 

Love, 

Mom

Women (and Men?) of the Blogosphere, Let's Make a Difference

Hey there, everyone - long time no see! 

To say I've been busy with school and life would be the understatement of the century. That being said, I just want to tell you all a little something (please humor me and read my mini-rant). 

The young girls of today need to be empowered. They need to be taught that there is more to life than being sexy. They are not objects, dammit! They are smart, beautiful, curious, and strong. They have worth and EVERY SINGLE ONE of them is important and valuable. Where the hell do the media and corporations get off marketing sex to kids as young as 3 and 4 years old? HOW IS THAT OKAY?! 

Answer: it's NOT. It's not okay, and something needs to change. I don't know how to go about doing it, but I want to stand up and voice my opinions. I want to band together with other women across the country who feel the same way. I want to take those girls who don't have a positive role model in their lives and show them amazing they are. I want them to realize that they are more than a sexy outfit, more than an object, more than the size of their jeans or the color of their hair, and that any man worth their time would recognize that. Let's breed confidence and poise in the next generation of women!

So. I've thought about this list of things that I wanted to do before my 25th birthday. This is where #18 comes in. This cause is near and dear to my heart now that I have a daughter. I know that I can teach my daughter these things, by I want other girls to know how valuable they are, as well. There are plenty of young girls out there that don't have positive role models in their lives. They are shoved aside, left to wonder why. They turn to sex to feel wanted, desired, and important, and that's not okay. This is not some agenda to try and force young girls to dress modestly or remain sexually pure until marriage. That needs to be a personal choice. No, instead, this is my mission - to make young girls realize their worth. 

This is where I need your help. I don't know how or where to start. I don't know if this idea should grow into a non-profit organization, or become a sort of internet movement, with a youtube channel, short videos, an online store to raise money to eventually make professional videos, etc. etc. I need other women who care. Other women who want to make a difference. We need to band together and stand up for our beliefs. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome. 

Note: Although I am LDS, this will NOT be a faith-based organization. This is simply me, a mother of a daughter, trying to raise awareness of an issue about which I care very, very deeply. 

Growing up is Hard to do

Yo, yo, yo!! 

Just to let you all know - this blog post is kind of a way for me to put off reading German lit. So... you should probably all just yell at me right now.

In other news... Elsie turned three months on Saturday! I seriously can't believe it's been that long already (I know, I know... I say that all. the. freaking. time.) So... here's a little letter to my little girl!

Dear Elsie bear, 

I still can't believe you're mine to keep forever (well, until some handsome dude decides to sweep you off your feet, but let's not talk about that). I look at you and I see a beautiful, smart, curious, and strong little girl. You're always so happy - I'm not really sure how I ended up so lucky. When I wake up in the morning, there you are, ready to greet me with a big, toothless grin. When I tell you I love you, you smile up and me and growl (I'm convinced it's Elsie-language for, "I love you, too, Mom"). When your dad and I sing to you, you look up at us with those big blue eyes of yours and start to coo along. I can't wait until that cooing becomes actual singing - if you're anything like your dad, you will have an amazing voice.

Every day I fall more and more in love with you. Sure, there are days where I wonder what the heck I'm doing, but for the most part, you and I make a pretty good team. I love absolutely everything about you, and I am so excited to watch you grow and progress. Part of me wishes you'd stay little forever, but then I wouldn't get the opportunity to teach you, and that would be pretty lame.

Elsie, you are the best thing that has ever happened to your daddy and I, and we thank God every day that He brought you into our lives. I love you, you little turkey!!

Love, 

Mom

Sunday Confessions Link Up

Happy Sunday! 

You all know how this goes - grab a button, write up some confessions, and link them up at the bottom of the post.
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. I lost my lens cap while at a shoot yesterday. Holy oops!!! I proceeded to crawl around on my hands and knees trying to find it. No luck. I promptly drove to Best Buy and bought another. Good thing the next shoot was for a friend who was very understanding and didn't mind moving her shoot back a half hour.

2. I lost my cell phone at the mall on Thursday. I don't know if I set it down somewhere or if it fell out of my pocket, or what. All I know is that if you don't have the "Find My iPhone" app, then you should download it now. Otherwise I would probably not have my trusty little phone right now.

3. I forgot to put the diaper wipes in Elsie's diaper bag the other day. Are we sensing a pattern here? Mommy brain is real, people!! Anyway, I definitely cleaned her butt with a wet paper towel. Ha!

4. I ate seven apples yesterday. They were small, okay?! So freakin' delicious. Om nom nom (and you KNOW I had my JIF).

5. I really need to shower. Like, seriously. I'm disgusting. Five photo shoots in super hot, super humid weather. I am gross, gross, GROSS!!!

What do you have to confess? 

Junk in the Trunk

... of my car. And my house. I swear, the longer I live in a place, the more things pile up and the more junk I accumulate (is anyone else like this? Bueller.... Bueller...)

(Oooh.... This is a sponsored post, by the way. Everything in here is my opinion, blah, blah... you know, the good stuff)

Anyway. You wanna know the number one item of "junk" that I have somehow managed to acquire plenty of? CDs. I have hundreds of CDs just laying around the house. Sometimes I swear I hear them when everything else is quiet. They're whispering, "Play me, Alyx. Listen to my horrible mid-90's songs. You know you want to shake it to 'The Thong Song.' Or 'Wannabe' - that's a good one, too!"

Do I ever listen to them? No. Instead, I just try to find some little nook or cranny to shove them into. Basically... my house is full of nooks and crannies, and those nooks and crannies are filled with old CDs that will probably never again see the light of day.

You know what I should be doing with these poor, abandoned discs, though? Giving them a new home. And because I like money (who doesn't?!), I feel like I should get some kind of reward for taking these CDs out of their misery. 

Enter Music Magpie. You guys, this site is brilliant!! Not only can I sell those poor, poor CDs... but I can sell my husband's old games (you know, the ones he just HAD to have, but then played once or twice?) and DVDs. The best part? It's free. Free money, people!! It's like money is growing on a CD/DVD/game tree of junk that's made your home its growing space.

I kid you not - they will even offer you money for this gem:

It's okay, I danced, too. 

That Time We Took a Roadtrip

Okay, okay, Courtney.... this one's for you. :)

Once upon a time, we took a road trip to the grand ole state of Utah (that's right, not only the Mormon motherland, but also the blogging motherland. Coincidence? I think not, but we'll get into the whole Mormon blogger thing another time).

Anyway. Where was I? Oh, right... we took a road trip to Utah. This was like, ages ago. And you know what?! I had my camera, but I did not take one. single. picture. How's that for rockstar blogger status? I know, I know... I'm the next "Daybook."

Okay, I keep getting off track here. So I was in the Mormon/Blogging motherland, and you know what?! I only met ONE blogger. I'm a disgrace, I know. In my defense, we were only in Utah for four days and (because we are Mormon) approximately 92.6% of our relatives live there. You all know what that means, right? Nonstop family visits. Like, we pop in, say, "HI! How are you? Great? Great. I'm good, too. Welp, gotta get to my great aunt's sister's cousin's house to see how she and her family are doing, so see ya!"

Maybe not quite that extreme, but you get the idea. So yeah. Anyway, I got to meet this super awesome blogger and her super adorable baby (seriously - cutest kid in the world besides Elsie). My darling daughter was covered in puke from altitude sickness (the grandpa took over and shooed me out the door because I was in tears that she was losing weight and spitting up everything she ate), so she didn't get to come with me, but Courtney, Mia, and I had a blast. We ate frozen yogurt, asked a random dude to take our picture, then asked a bored cashier to take our picture again because said random dude was a really crappy picture-taker, and had an all-around good time.

Picture or it didn't happen.

BOOM. It happened. 

Sunday Confessions Link Up

Happy Sunday!! 

You all know how this works, so get going!!
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. Right when I thought I was getting back into the blogging groove, I lost it. Yeah... that'd explain why I haven't blogged in forever, right?!

2. I've decided I have the cutest baby in the world. I mean, really. I just can't get enough of her (and I believe that every mommy thinks her baby is the cutest - it's just natural).

3. I'm NOT ready for school to start. I have orientation all this week, and I'm sort of freaking out a little bit. What was I thinking?! Going back to school to get a master's with a 3-month-old? I must be on crack.

4. I finally figured out what my favorite animal is! I've never really known what to say when people ask what my favorite animal is, but after going to the zoo yesterday, I finally decided that I love giraffes. They are the best!

5. My brain is totally not functioning right now. Like, it's a huge pile of mush. Mushy gushy mushy gush mush.

What do you have to confess? 

PS: I haven't read more than 5 blog posts in the past two weeks, and I don't think I've commented on any, so if I haven't visited you lately, please don't be offended! My life is a big ole pile of crazy trash right now!! 

Why I've Sucked at Blogging Lately

Hey guys!! 

So.... I don't know if you've noticed, but I've gone back to that whole sucking at blogging thing. That would be because I started this whole photography business thing and it has kept me SUPER busy. I decided to run a mini session special for the month of August and I guess I underestimated the amount of people who would be interested. As in.... I've booked almost 20 shoots and we're not even halfway through the month. Holy guacamole. Anyway.... here are a few of my favorite pictures from recent sessions!

Yo. Yo. Yo.

HIIII!!!! 

It's Tuesday. I'm SUPER excited because my photo backdrop came, but I'll blog about that once I've taken some adorable test pics of Elsie in her tutu. Anyway, it's Tuesday. The day where I keep myself accountable, blah blah blah.

Tuesday: 
- 30 Day Shred
- walked 3.6 miles

Wednesday: 
- Dude. I broke my toe.

Thursday: 
- My toe REALLY hurt.

Friday: 
- I decided to suck it up and do 30 Day Shred.
- Walked 2 miles

Saturday: 
- 30 Day Shred
- Painted house

Sunday: 
- Lazy bones

Monday: 
- 30 Day Shred

Measurements: 
Waist: 29" (down .5" from last week)
Hips: 40.75" (no change from last week)
Weight: 158 lbs (down 1 lb from last week, ONLY 10 LBS TO GO!!!!)

I hear the last ten lbs are the hardest. If I only lose five but can manage to squeeze into my jeans, I'll be happy. I'm SOOO excited to start T25, I can hardly stand it! This time next week, I will be DONE with the shred and I will update with my 30 day pics (because, yes, I forgot to take the 20 day ones. Oops!).

Sunday Confessions Link Up

Happy Sunday! 

You all know how this works, so get to it! :)
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. I'm in a funk. A blogging funk. Seriously - I mean, what in the world should I write about? How many times I get poop on my hands on any given day? Or maybe spit up is a more favorable topic? Or how about how I wandered around Sam's Club and Gordman's with a friend today, cherishing the hour without a baby in tow?

2. I still can't handle baby poop. Like, I'm way better than I was a month ago, but I am still NOT able to just brush it off and act like it wasn't a big deal that THERE WAS POOP ON ME!!

3. I am sick of the shred. I get bored doing the same workout day after day. Yes, I changed levels and progressed to level three, but I'm still missing variety.

4. Because of #3, once I'm done with the shred, I'm done with Jillian Michaels for a while. I've loved my results, but I'm gonna go back to good ole Shaun T and try HIS 25 minute a day workout (T25).

5. I obviously have a workout problem. I'm one of those people who will buy/try all the workouts out there. This is a very expensive problem to have.

I support YOU.

Guys.

I've totally sucked at blogging this week, but I'm just stopping in to say one thing - I know a lot of you aren't mommies, but a lot of you are (and a lot of you will be one day). For some reason (one that I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around), people like to judge each other. I've noticed a lot of judging going on in the mommy crowd. In fact, I saw a facebook status the other day that said something along the lines of, "I have no respect for women who choose not to breastfeed their children." 

This seriously pissed me off. I'm sorry, but who are WE to judge other mommies? Why does it matter how a woman chooses to feed her kid? Answer: It doesn't. 

So today, I just wanted to tell you all that I support you. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or do a little of both, I support you. 

No judgment here, yo.

That time of the Week.

Time for the weekly update. I'm holding myself accountable through this here blog, and so far that's been pretty good motivation. I can't have people watching me fail. :)

Tuesday: 
-30 Day Shred

Wednesday: 
-30 Day Shred

Thursday: 
-30 Day Shred

Friday: 
-Walk 3.5 miles

Saturday: 
- Oops

Sunday: 
- Oops

Monday: 
-30 Day Shred

Hips: 40.75" (down .25" from last week, 1.75" overall)
Waist: 29.5" (down .5" from last week, 1.5" overall)
Weight: 159 lbs (down 2.5 lbs from last week, 34 lbs overall)

Today will be Day 20 of the 30 Day Shred, so that means progress pics. I'll post them next week. Hopefully the results are noticeable! :)

Sunday Confessions Link Up

You know the drill - grab a button, write a post, link it up, and make some new friends who have done the same thing!!
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> My only confession: 

I totally forgot about Sunday Confessions. OOPS!!! 

Your turn. 

Two Months.

Happy Friday!!! 

Two months ago (Thursday), I went through this to bring a perfect little baby into this world. Crazy how time flies, because I still feel like it was only a few weeks ago that I found out I was pregnant. Anyway, here's the monthly update on little Elsie. I figured that, this time, I'd write her a little letter.

Dear Elsie, 

I still look at you every day and find it hard to believe that you're actually mine. I mean, yes, I carried around an extra 45 lbs when you were in my belly, but even that doesn't really seem real. I'm not sure when it will all sink in, but until then I will be in awe.

You are such a chill, easygoing baby. Quite frankly, I'm spoiled by you. You never cry (unless you're in pain or really mad at me for taking longer than five seconds to whip out my boob) and you've always got a big smile on your face. You don't mind chilling on your blanket or in your swing so that I can get a workout in or do some dishes. You have your days where all you want is to be cuddled and I have learned to treasure those times. I may not get anything done, but I've spent hours holding you close to me. Those are hours that I'll never get back, and I'm glad they were spent with you.

You are just fine with letting people other than mom and dad hold you, but you know who we are - especially dad. You get a huge smile on your face when he gets home from work and says hello.

You're quite the chatterbox - even now, as I write this, you're sitting behind me in your pack and play, talking my ear off. I love the sounds you make, I love your giggles (which, by the way, your first one was July 19), and I love that you sing along to our music.

You've gone through a whopping 366 diapers, with a case of 108 opened and about a quarter of the way gone. Thank goodness you're not going through 12 a day anymore, because that was exhausting. You love it when it's time to get a diaper change - you smile and squeal and kick your legs as fast as they'll move. Speaking of diapers, you're FINALLY in a size one!

We haven't had your 2 month appointment yet, but you weigh about 9 lbs 5 oz and are approximately 24 inches long. You're still squeezing into newborn onesies, but I don't think it will be too long before you move on up to 0-3 month. As far as sleepers go, you're almost too long for the 0-3 month ones, so we'll move you up to 3 month sleepers soon, I'm sure. Your little legs and waist are so skinny that I don't think you'll ever be out of newborn pants and skirts. I'm just fine with that, though. I love how tiny you are.

Elsie, I love you more than anything in the world! I love everything about you. Heck, I'm even almost to the point where I don't have a mental breakdown anytime I get your poop on me. And that, my little friend, is progress.

Love, 

Mom. 

Because My Life Is Boring...

It's that time again! The day of the week where I update on my weight loss goals.

Tuesday: 
- 30 Day Shred

Wednesday: 
- 30 Day Shred
- 3 Mile Walk

Thursday: 
- 30 Day Shred

Friday: 
- 30 Day Shred

Saturday: 
- 3 Mile Walk/Jog (week 3 day 3 C25K)

Sunday: 
- Oops! :)

Monday: 
- 30 Day Shred

Measurements: 
Waist: 30" (no change from last week, down 1" overall)
Hips: 41" (down .5" from last week, 1.5" overall)
Weight: 161.5 lbs (down 2.5 lbs from last week, 31.5 lbs overall)

I do think that part of the loss in my hips is my body naturally re-shaping itself. I also think, however, that this process is going a little bit faster than it would if I were not exercising on a regular basis.

I need to get better about walking and jogging, but lately it has just been so dang hot that I have no desire whatsoever to go outside. YUCK!

Anyway.... that's that. Still making progress, which is awesome. I'm really, really proud of myself!

Sunday Confessions Link Up

It's that time again... 

Grab a button, write a post sharing your deepest, darkest secrets, and link on up! Be sure to visit some of the other blogs here and make new friends! Please and thank you!
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. Instead of doing 30 Day Shred last night, I spent a couple hours editing photos. Oops. Here's one of the pictures from yesterday's shoot. If you want to see more, you can visit my Everyday Adventures Photography Facebook page by clicking "Photography" up there... or just by clicking here. And don't worry... I did get a workout in yesterday - I did C25K.

2. I am sick of all of my clothes. I need someone to help me mix up my wardrobe a little and teach me how to dress myself with what I have. I think it's partially because I still don't quite feel comfortable in a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothes, but I am in a rut!

3. I suck at texting. There, I said it. I am an awful texter.

4. I LOVE diet A&W Cream Soda. It's not the healthiest thing to love, but hey - at least it's diet, right?

5. I read 5 books in 3 days this week. This means that my dishes and living room floor got ignored. Sorry I'm not sorry.

What do you have to confess? Link up your posts below!

I Stole This Idea

Hiii guys!! 

So first things first... I have to tell you that I stole this post idea from Jennie. I just saw her post and was like, "HEY! I want to write up a list of a bunch of stupid little things that irritate me, too!!"

1. People chewing with their mouth open. 

1a. People chewing so loudly that I can hear them. Some people do this even if their mouth is closed. It bugs the crap out of me.

2. Finding clothes/socks on the floor RIGHT NEXT TO THE HAMPER. Okay, I have started to come to terms with the fact that my husband will leave his socks in the office, the kitchen, the living room, pretty much wherever he takes them off. But Michael (since I know you're reading), FOR PETE'S SAKE, when you take your socks off in the bedroom or bathroom, instead of putting them down a foot away from the laundry hamper, PUT THEM IN IT!!!

3. Men that leave the toilet seat up. My husband never leaves the seat up. Ever. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I did. I believe that all men should follow my husband's lead.

4. The fact that yellow starburst and skittles even exist. 

5. When I pick the shorter line at Wal-Mart and it ends up taking longer because of the idiocy of either cashier or customer. 

6. Wal-Mart in general.

7. Humidity. A couple days ago we had 54% humidity, and IT DIDN'T EVEN RAIN!!!

8. Carrots. I've tried to like them, really... but these stupid little veggies will be the bane of my existence. I like them in pot roast and that's about it.

9. People who do not clean up after their pets. 

10. People who litter. On a bad day, I once honked at someone to get their attention, then proceeded to yell at them and flip them off because they threw a bag of trash out their window. Am I embarrassed by my behavior? Yes, but holy cow, people who litter make me SO MAD.

Phew, now that that's over.... what are some things that irritate you? Spill it. 

Tweeeeners!

Happy Thursday! 

Almost through the week, HALLELUJAH! Actually, since I'm not working anymore, I guess it doesn't really matter to me. All I know is that, as the weeks pass, my little girl is slowly getting bigger and bigger, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I mean, I love that she is growing up, but I hate it at the same time. AND I'm like, "Where the h-e-double hockey sticks have the last eight weeks gone?!" Life goes by a whole lot quicker these days.

Anyway, speaking of the little one, I found some pictures that do, in fact, prove that she looks like me! We are little twins. :)

Obviously she's cuter. :)

You Know What Time It Is

Tuesday!! 

That day of the week that I update with my workout progress. I will lose this weight, and I will hold myself accountable!!

Tuesday: 
- 30 Day Shred

Wednesday: 
- 30 Day Shred
- 2.2 mile walk

Thursday: 
- 30 Day Shred
- C25K wk 3 day 2 (2.1 miles)

Friday: 
- 30 Day Shred
- 2.85 mile walk

Saturday: 
- mowed lawn/pulled weeds
- painted outside of the house
** You may not count this as a workout, but I was outside at 6:45 a.m. working my butt off and didn't really stop working until about 4:45 p.m., so I am counting it, dangit!!

Sunday: 
- 30 Day Shred

Monday: 
- 30 Day Shred (day 10!!)

Measurements: 
Waist: 30" (down .25" from last week, 1" overall)
Hips: 41.5" (down .75" from last week, 1" overall - I will give part of these hip results to time working its charms and my body reshaping itself)
Weight: 164.0 lbs (down .8 lbs from last week, 4 lbs since this post, 29 lbs overall)

I'm really happy with these results so far. I'd like to get down to pre-pregnancy weight, but I'm more concerned about getting into my pre-pregnancy jeans, so inches are more important right now.

The day I gave birth, I weighed 193 lbs. I lost 12 of that when I gave birth. Over the next couple of weeks, I lost about 10 lbs of water weight, give or take. Knowing all of that, I am pretty dang proud of myself.

Five Reasons Women are Friggin' Hardcore

Happy Monday!!! 

So I was laying in bed last night trying to sleep when all of a sudden, it hit me - Women are freaking amazing. Seriously. I mean, we all have our moments when we just want to crawl under a rock and never see the light of day again, but in the end, when you really think about it, we are pretty dang awesome. There are plenty of different reasons why each individual woman is awesome, but here are five reasons why all women are awesome.

1. We can bleed for days on end without dying. Can a man do this? No sirree. But women? While women are bleeding constantly, they are doing things like swirling in pretty white dresses, running through fields of flowers, swimming, and going horseback riding (just watch a tampon commercial if you don't believe me).

2. We can grow humans. What's that, hubby? You just grew a handlebar mustache and a mountain man beard for "No Shave November?" Well, that's cool, but I just grew a human... IN MAH BELLAY. No big deal.

3. We have an incredible sense of awareness. Whether it's reading people's emotions, looking at our kids and being able to tell if they've done something naughty, or sensing when other people need us, we are extremely aware of others. I swear this is a woman thing, because as much as I love the man, Mike is freaking oblivious to a lot of things.  

4. We can pour milk out of our boobs. Okay, apparently I'm fascinated with our bodily fluids as women, but seriously?? WE CAN FEED OUR BABIES WITH OUR BOOBS. That is freaking insane/weird/awesome/amazing.

5. We can walk around in uncomfortable shoes for hours on end. I will be the first to admit that an overwhelming amount of women's shoes are super uncomfortable. You know what, though?! We still wear them. If I see a cute pair of stilettos that are moderately uncomfortable in the store, I will buy them and I will wear them, dangit! Please note that "moderately uncomfortable in the store" means super uncomfortable when worn for more than 5 minutes. Anyway, men complain if their shoes pinch their toes even a little bit. Wimps.

You know, men are awesome, too - I just felt like pointing out all the cool things about being a woman. I mean, there are days of the month (mostly the ones that coincide with number one) where the phrase "I hate being a woman" comes out of my mouth multiple times. I figure that, this one day, I can sit here and appreciate all the cool things about not being a man.

Sunday Confessions... THEY'RE BACK!!!!

Hiiii!!! 

I don't know if you've forgotten how this thing works (heck, it's been forever - I may have forgotten!), but here's the deal: take a button, write a post about how you still sleep with a nightlight, and link it up for the world to read.
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. I took the leap. I started a little photography business and I have my first paid shoot tonight. I'm SUPER nervous. Fingers crossed that it goes well!

2. I am sort of freaking out about school starting. How am I supposed to do this with a baby?! I'm not only going to be a full-time grad student - I'll be teaching, too. I don't even know my teaching schedule yet and that's sort of really stressing me out.

3. I sometimes wish I could have a do-over of my wedding reception. I was married before pinterest. Because of this, I didn't really have any inspiration. If I could redo it, it would be freaking awesome. Oh, and it would be nice to actually BE at my reception.

4. I am sick of my hair. I don't remember the last time I actually did something with it - it always just gets thrown into a messy bun.

5. I'm cheating. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, that is. I've been drinking V8 Fusion to get my servings of fruits and veggies. Sorry I'm not sorry.

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