Work Outs Galore!

So, since Austin's been gone, I've started my routine of going to the gym every day. I don't set a time of when I'll go, because I've come to realize that I don't do well with setting a time frame on things. If I make a plan to go at 9am, I won't end up going until 10:30... why? Just because I can. It's like I'm rebeling against myself... weird, I know. But at least I know that, so now I just say, "Tomorrow, I'm going to the gym." And I do. And it feels great. It doesn't feel like a chore I have to do, just something I'm doing for myself. And let me tell you, it's about time.
They have a new Parent Room at the gym... Austin will love it.

Speaking of Austin, I get to go pick him up tomorrow! I meet my mom in La Grande at noon, and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited, I can hardley stand it! A week away from him has been really hard... really really hard. But in another way, really nice as well. I've gotten to relax, get a routine set with the gym, get things picked up, planned, appointments taken care of, ect. All without having to chase a 3 year old around. BLISS! But anyhow, I am so stoked to get to see him again! My mom told him this morning that he was going to get to see Mommy and Daddy tomorrow. What did he say?? "DON'T TELL ME THAT!!!" Talk about breaking his mommies heart!! HA!!!

Anyhow, I'm proud of myself. Since I've been to the gym every day this week except for Wednesday. Sydney got her shots Wednesday and did NOT do well. I had a very very rough day after that was over, not to mention spending 3 hours at the hospital (military for ya....) so it was a loooong looooong day! She's doing better now though!

Wow, I get off track easily. I have tried twice now to talk about what I wanted this post to be about.... which is me working out. And each time, I start a tangent on other things. Figures.

I AM GOING TO THE GYM EVERY DAY! YAY FOR ME! I even went today. A Saturday! How awesome is that? I don't plan to go on Sunday's, I plan to use Sunday as a rest day. If God did it, so can I! ;) I know, I'm funny, right? (here I go again, talking about things other than the gym......)
I've been doing the treadmill, elliptical and the weights they have in the Parent room. They are like the Nautalis (sp?) ones that they have at the YMCA. What I'm trying to say, is that they aren't free weights. I love them. They are very controlled, and safe for a weakling such as myself. I use to be strong. Back in HS, I worked out every day, I lifted every day. (Granted, I HAD to lift, because it was one of my classes... but I loved it.) I played sports, I was fit. And what's sad is that I still thought I was fat. But don't we all? I look back on pictures now, and think, "Man, I wish I still looked like that!" (.... another tangent.....)

My first goal is 20 pounds. By November 11th. Which is my... *gulp*... 25th birthday. I have a pair of jeans upstairs that I want to fit in.... and I hope that losing 20 pounds will put me in those jeans. I guess we'll see. If it doesn't.... at least I'll be able to be in jeans that are NOT maternity, and smaller than what's in my closet right now. That will feel amazing.

Ok, I've gotta go shower now, Bryant's done, so my turn!

Have a GREAT weekend!!!

xoxoxo
k.

Twin Lakes Take Two

I forgot about Thankful Thursday! Oops.... oh well!
Just wanted to let everyone know that my MRI came back fine. No tumor, Praise God! Hopefully someday I can figure out what is triggering these awful migranes and get them under control! Haven't had any face numbness since my last episode while I was still pregnant, so that's encouraging! Here's more pictures from Twin Lakes! I still have one folder left to upload, but will do it another day! Enjoy!

Austin and his new friend Patrick playing

Daisy and Austin crashed Uncle and Auntie's sleep over!

Nana and Sydney having their daily talk

Austin in his cape

He had a blueberry ring pop... turned his mouth, teeth and tongue BLUE!

Walking down to the lakeHaving fun in the water

Nana and Sydney

Austin hitched a ride on Daddy's shoulders

Papa and Sydney

Austin and Daisy cuddling with Nic

She's PASSED OUT! Nevermind the retro couch =)

Austin licking up every last drop of his ice cream

Daisy and Sydney... she loved Daisy! She asked if her and Sydney could be sisters, but just live in different houses... too cute!!!

Austin, Sydney and Daisy

Austin running to the lake

Jumping off the dock in the deep part!

Go Austin! He's our little fishy!!!

xoxoxo
k.

Time Flies

Sydney Linn is already 2 months old!!

Sydney,

You are such an amazing baby. You are so happy, and so smiley. You have brought so much joy into my life, I can't even begin to describe. I am amazed daily with you. It's the little things you do that tug at my heart strings. The little sideways smirk you get, the silly, noiseless giggle you have, the way you grab my fingers with your toes. You are just so sweet.

You have melted my heart, and daddy's heart as well. Your big brother is pretty fond of you as well. He often gives you kisses for no reason, and he always makes sure he kisses you good night. He's so good to you, you are very lucky to have him for a big brother.

At two months old, you already have incredible strength in your neck. You sit on mommy or daddy and hold your head up for a bit by yourself. Not too long though- or you turn into a bobble head. =) You are tracking people with your eyes. You know my smell. When you are fussy and I pick you up, you calm almost immediately. You also know my voice. When you hang out with Daddy when I go to the gym, as soon as I come home and start talking; even if you can't see me, you start wailing. Your hair is still dark brown, although lighter than when you were born, and growing! Your eyes are still blue, a very deep, beautiful blue. Your ears will be pierced within a few weeks of your 2 month shots, and momma can't wait. You soared through the preemie clothes, as well as your newborn clothes. You now wear 0-3 month clothing, and look soooooo darling in them. You have found your fists, and sometimes suck on them in between feedings. You take a pacifier, although gag yourself sometimes.... we think you choke on your tongue. Your legs are almost always moving. When laying on us, you "climb" up us. You also always grunt. It's amazing how loud you can get! Your lanky, skinny newborn body has been replaced with a full, adorably cute chubby body. Your cheeks go on for miles, and you have roll on top of roll. I'm happy to see that you still have your armpit wrinkles, I love those. As of right now, you don't think mommy nurses you enough. I think if I nursed you all day long, you still wouldn't be happy. You eat non-stop. Maybe that's why you have filled out so well. =)

And on that note, you are hungry.

Until next time, baby girl, I'll be loving you.

Love,

Mommy

Fourth time's a charm??

It better be! This is the 4th time today that I've tried loading these today. The last time I tried, I had ALLLLL the pictures loaded, captioned and ready... I hit POST, and it had signed me out. So I signed back in, and they were GONE! Hours of work (A LOT of pictures...) down the drain. So I have decided to load a few pictures a day until I get them all on here. I'm not taking that chance again. I was so mad!!!


Austin said he had water in his boobies, so he needed to feed Sissy!!! HAH!

Papa and Sydney

My Beautiful Baby

She fell asleep on my mom like this! Too funny!

Daisy and Austin relaxing watching cartoons

Wow, he's definitely a ham!!!

Playin' in the water

Jumping off the dock!!

Swimming in from jumping off the dock

A storm rolling in

Beautiful even when stormy!

View from the Ferry

Little grin... I just LOVE it!

She's got one of her cloth diapers on. Still big for her. When it's on, she can't bend her body... haha!!! These diapers say they fit 8lb babies... THEY LIE! Sydney is almost 12 pounds!

TEN FOR TUESDAY!!!! YAY, I remembered!!

1. I had my MRI yesterday for my brain scan. I haven't had one in a long time... since I had them for my back. I use to be somewhat freaked in the MRI machine, but I guess it's getting worse as time goes on. I did NOT like it... at all. And I was only half way in. UGgh, I was so glad when it was over. I practically jumped out myself! The results are already in, so I go to Boise tomorrow to find out what the scan says. I'll post tomorrow I'm sure on the results.

2. Sydney's 2 month well baby appointment is Thursday. I am so anxoius to see how much she weighs, how long she is and how she's doing. Lord knows she's getting huge! I keep thinking back to how skinny and lanky she was when she was born. And to look at her now, you'd NEVER know she was so thin! After this appointment, we will be getting her ears pierced. Not sure when exactly, but we have to wait until her 2 month check up so she can get her shots.

3. Austin is still with his Nana and Papa. He stayed with them after our Lake vacation. It was so hard leaving him. It's his first time away from home. Sounds like he's having a blast though! My mom said he keeps asking for us, but over all is doing well. They went to see the trains at Waterfront park today, and went to the little Water park on Western as well. She said he had a BLAST. I so wish I could have seen it!!

4. I didn't know that the Today show was hours long. Sydney and I came downstairs at 7 this morning, and I turned on the TV and decided I'd watch the Today show. I'm never up this early, so I thought "What the heck, I'll watch it!" Next thing I knew, we were both passed back out. I woke up a couple times, and the today show was still on, so I kept thinking that I wasn't sleeping for too long since the show was still going. Well, I finally got up because I had a splitting headache, and checked the time..... quarter till 11:00!!! Come to find out, the Today show is a few hours long! HAHA!!! Oops!

5. I pulled out my girly John Deere fabric yesterday. I'm going to be making Sydney a dress, so I'm excited to get that project started. Will probably do that while Austin is away.... makes it a little easier.

6. We got Austin a bike for his birthday. Just got an e mail from Wal Mart saying it was in. (We did the site to store shipping... it's FREE!) I am so excited to go pick it up and get it ready for him. I can't wait until he sees it!!

7. We were going to have Austin's birthday party on the 8th, since his REAL birthday is on the 9th. But all his little friends will be gone on the 8th, so I think we're going to have it on the 15th instead. That way he will get to play with his friends. That's what birthday's are all about...having fun with tons of friends!

8. Speaking of his birthday... he's going to be THREE!!! I cannot believe it. I am in SHOCK. He's already three years old. Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital. He has brought so much joy and love into my life. I won't ever be able to thank him enough. I love that little boy so much!

9. I've decided to end my Mary Kay business. It just isn't going well at all. I have lost a ton of money in it, and it's time to get out. I wish it would have turned out different, but it didn't, so I've just got to accept that. I'll be sending all my inventory back to headquarters within the next month, so anyone that wants anything that I've got in inventory until I send it back, it's all 40% off, so just let me know.

10. I started back at the gym today. Friday is payday, so that marks Day 1 of Weight Watchers again. I did so well on it last time, and don't really know why I quit. Just got lazy I guess. But the gym felt so great today, so I can't wait to get back in there tomorrow. My first goal is that I want to be down 20 pounds by November 11th, which is my 25th birthday. Wish me luck & Cheer me on! =)

More pictures to come tomorrow!!

xoxoxo

k.

It's time.....

.....for Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for....

• The Pediatric nurse who called me back so I could get Sydney seen about her spreading "rash." Turns out, it's eczema. We got some steroid cream to put on her 2x a day for 10 days for when she has bad flare ups (like now) and a HUUUUGE tub of Eucerin cream to use on her multiple times daily. Now that I think about it, and remember, what she's got going on now, looks exactly like what Austin had at 3 weeks of age. So I'm praying she quickly grows out of this!!
• Oodles and gobs of money in the bank, so when my HUGE bottle of wine explodes in the car due to the 100+ degree weather, I can just drive to Boise and buy another one. NOT.
• A [almost] 3 year old who still takes naps.
• A mom who happened to buy two HUGE bottles of the exact same wine, so I can mooch off hers. =)
• Having a liquor store on base, so I can just go pick up some Malibu and bring with me to make up for it. (on Vacation to the lake that is....)
• Mini cupcakes on sale at Wal-Mart for 1.50=happy Austin
• Being able to qualify for WIC so I can share the wealth and bring some of the food up to the lake. Less to buy!
• Furniture Row people not arguing with us when we went to exchange our furniture. (Pictures below)
• Wal-Mart brand diapers working on Sydney... don't have to buy expensive Pampers or Huggies. Her cloth diapers are still enormous on her.
• Having two vehicles so we had the ability to loan ours to a troop in Bryant's shop when he was in need. An extra couch too.

That's all for now! Here's some pictures of our new furniture set. We talked with the manager while exchanging our stuff, and he highly recommended this set. Told us that leather over fabric, with children, is definitely the way to go. Plus, we always buy warranty, and the warranty on leather ROCKS. So, pray that THIS set works for us and isn't so cheaply made!

The love seat
The Ottoman/Storage

The couch

Now all I'd love to get is an area rug for our living room. Gotta save up for that one though- those things are SPENDY!!!!

xoxoxo

k.

10 for Tuesday and update!

Okay, so I started this yesterday, so I'm still counting this as my Tuesday post. I have soooo much to do this week, I can't even believe it. We got home from Dad and Nancy's Saturday night, and leave again Friday morning. We have had an appointment in some form every day so far. Monday was my 6 week check, Tuesday I took Austin in to get his allergies checked out, and a spot in his groin that he had been complaining about (everything checked out okay) and today I had a follow up with the Neurologist in Boise. They will be scheduling an MRI for me to scan my brain to make sure there's nothing abnormal (hold the smart ass comments please....) showing up. So I will keep you updated on that.

Vacation was a blast. We got to Dad's Thursday evening. We got a lot of relaxing done, and a lot of fun was had. We went to Saturday market... where it was so unbelievably hot that while baby wearing Sydney in her sling, I seriously just about melted. Needless to say, it was a short trip! We came back home and cooled down in the AC while Austin took his nap, made dinner, and then we were off to the park in Springfield for the 4th of July fireworks. Austin got his first cotton candy there, and thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks this year.
The next day, Sunday, we drove to Nanie and Pa's house in Sheridan. We really loved our visit with them. We don't get to see them often, so we highly cherish the time we do get to be with them. I am so thankful that both of my kids have been able to be with them as well. They don't know how lucky they are!
The rest of the week was just a bunch of relaxing, a visit from Connie, Paul, Aaron and Michelle, cooking a pig butt, a little shopping, and drinking wine. We loved our visit, and as always, it ended too soon. Can't wait to see you, Dad and Nancy, when you drive through here in August!!!

Okay, so here's my 10 for Tuesday...FINALLY!

1. This has been the most tiring 5 days, I swear! (I didn't think I'd say that so soon after having a baby... this feels weird...) We arrived home from Oregon Saturday. Sunday was our 6 year anniversary. 6 years already!! We have been together for almost 10... wow!! There's been Dr. Appointments every day since Monday... two being in Boise. Errands galore in Boise as well. And only MORE doctor appointments to come!

2. We went to Furniture Row AGAIN today. The furniture that we got in exchange for the crappy stuff we bought way back when is already breaking down. Where we sit the most, it's already sinking down to the bottom of the couch. The cushions on the back of the couch are shorter than the back its self. The seams of the couches are already coming out. Ridiculous!!! So we went over to exchange our set, ONCE AGAIN. We expected to have to argue quite a bit to get this to happen, but they said not a word to us, just offered, once again, to exchange. Good customer service yes, but not sure it's worth it. So for that, I don't recommend them. I'll post another blog of our furniture so you can see it. We love it.

3. Small things in life give me GREAT joy. I'm talking small. Like in a bottle of wine. I LOVE Sutter Home Moscato. They have the BIG bottles at Fred Meyer. So, since we were in Boise today, I got a BIG bottle of it to take to the lake with us. Now I am wishing I would have gotten two BIG bottles while there so I could have cracked one tonight. I'm needing it.

4. Austin's birthday is soon. Really soon. August 9th to be exact. And if you ask him, he will tell you. Along with how old he is now, and how old he will be, and his full name. TOO cute! We've decided to go with a Spider Man theme. That's his big addiction right now, so we know he'll love it.

5. Tuesday, when I took Austin to the doctor... we were waiting at the base pharmacy Austin was being a little crazy. At one point I got onto him because he was rolling around all over the floor. He got up and "webbed" me (like spider man does) and told me "You can't talk no more momma, I web your mouth shut." WOW!

6. I think Sydney's got an upset stomach tonight. She has been extra fussy, and had a few questionable diapers this evening. Awesome.

7. Bryant has been working nights since we got back from Oregon. This hasn't been the most ideal thing for us this week! Trying to get unpacked and re-packed again while he's sleeping during the day, and doesn't wake until 11pm for work... a little hard to do. I'll be packing the kids tonight (Austin will be packed right after I FINALLY finish this blog... then Sydney later) and then I will have Bryant sleep in the spare room when he gets home from work in the morning so I can pack our stuff. After more doctor appointments that is.

8. My house is a pig stye. I'm not joking. You should see it right now. Not being home much this week, or if I am, being crazy busy doesn't bode well for my house cleaning. I pray that I will have time tomorrow to get it picked up and my floors washed before we leave Friday morning.

9. I am sooooooooooooooo thankful that Sydney takes a pacifier. 95% of the time it soothes her. Like now. She just woke up crying and I gave her the pacifier and she's content and sucking away. Austin didn't get how to suck on them when he was her age. He'd spit them out continuously. But thankfully she can!

10. I think that less attention is really catching up with Austin this evening. He's been getting gobs and gobs of attention lately, and now has basically only me this week since Daddy is working nights. Tonight he is UNRULY. Thus, the need for my wine. I'm about to go crazy tonight. Thankfully his bed time is 9:30, and it's 9:26 right now =)



These are some of her pictures. I will be taking more of her and Austin together when we get back from the lake.
Love this picture!

I'm so thrilled that I caught her little smirk on camera!!

Austin loved Gramps' hats. They must have been having a pretty serious conversation here... probably about spiderman. =)

One of my favorite pictures!

Love this boy!

Sorry, I couldn't get over how incredibly cute he looked!!

Cousin Aaron holding Sydney

Bryant, Michelle (Aaron's wife), Uncle Paul, and Aaron

Bryant, Michelle, Aaron

Austin in Gramps' jacket. He loved it

Austin dressing like Gramps, and Aaron reading him a book

Aaron and Michelle reading Austin a book.

Yumm!!! Austin drinking milk through his Oreo straw!

Austin Olive Fingers =)

Delish-i-oso!

Drive over Santiam Pass...beautiful

Santiam Pass

Swimming in the hot tub with Gramps

By the end of our trip, he was dunking his head all the way under the water! Go Austin!

Mini Trampoline... Austin loved it!!!

Bry and his daddio

Gramps holding his "Sweetness" (That's his name for her!)

Grammie with Sydney

Sydney in her 4th of July dress

Austin at the park waiting for the fireworks...eating his first cotton candy!!!

He looooved it as you can tell! Gramps enjoyed some too!

HAA!! Stuff that face kid!

Austin and his 4th of July shirt!

I love this picture =)

He kept saying "ROCK OOOOON!!!!"

This is Austin's firework picture!

Beautiful moon that night!

He was in awe!

Grammie was holding Sydney and holding her ear so it wouldn't be too loud for her... Sydney grabbed onto her hand and didn't let go! Too cute!!

Pa with his Great Grand-daughter.... the first girl in the family since Aunt Connie!

Austin, Daddy, Pa and Sydney

Austin playing with the home-made trains that Bryant played with when he was young!

Bryant, Austin, Nanie and Sydney

Nanie with her Great Grand-daughter

Sydney was just loooookin' at her!!

I had fallen asleep while Austin was napping on me. Bryant got up (he was in the chair next to me) to get the camera to take our picture, and I woke up, but didn't tell him. So right as soon as he went to take this picture I made this face =) haha GOTCHA!!

Austin was having potty issues this day.... so he got some Milk of Magnesia. He thought this thick white mustache was preeetty cool!!

Nanie & Pa with their grandchild (plus me=) and their great grand children.

Thought they looked cute!

Generation picture... awesome!!

Austin at the Saturday Market... looking at the cool fountain!

Aunt Connie and Sydney =)

Austin waiting for the Ice Cream Truck

The Ice Cream Truck.... or rather... Van! Austin was soooo excited! I was too, because I have memories of getting to get treats from the Ice Cream Truck too!

He'd asked for his treat, and was waiting patiently!

Spongebob Squarepants popcicle!! He LOVED IT!

Lava Beds going over the pass.... very awesome

These are so amazing to see

Sydney passed out on Connie's couch.... so sweet!!

Mount Washington

Not sure what lake this is, but I was shooting these pictures out the car window when we were driving down off the pass

Austin's bowling...yeah!

Had to take a picture of the cool shoes and socks =)

He loooves bowling! He had a blast!

Go Austin go!!!

Aaron, Bryant and Michelle on the bumper cars

Austin and Uncle Paul