Waking up

So, every morning is no longer filled with cries of Lola wanting to be changed, fed and loved. They are now filled with raspberries, squeals of laughter and her standing in her crib, feeling very accomplished. For the past week she has stood herself up and inched her way to the edge of the crib. When I walk in she has a huge smile, as if to say, "Look, Mommy! I did it...again!" It's so cute. Although, it's getting quite ridiculous at the same time. It's all she wants to do! While we're changing her...while she's sleeping! She started crying the other night at about 5:30, when Max walked in, he her found her kneeling with her head on the crib rail, but she was asleep. This girl is trying to stand and pull herself up in the middle of the night. Last night she began crying and I walked in to find her standing at the backside of the crib. I think she was confused because she couldn't see outside like she usually can. She's scooting and has yet to crawl, but a part of me thinks she may try to walk before she crawls. The people at the daycare said she gets in the middle of this little circle they have and she holds on and walks around the circle. And it's all she wants to do. Nevermind the exersaucers, and the jumperoo's, she'll take walking!

She's growing up too fast. I don't want her to walk yet!!

Seven

My baby is 7 months old! She still has no teeth, but hopefully soon. She is completely on the move now. She is scooting around, and pretty much about to crawl. She gets up on her knees and just has to move her arms in unison and she will be off. She can scoot all the way across the room in a matter of minutes; it's exciting, yet scary at the same time. We actually have to keep a close(r) eye on her now. She puts absolutely everything in her mouth and is drooling like a monkey. We also had to move her crib mattress down a level because she can pull herself up and almost launch herself out of the crib. She pulls herself to her knees, and then to her feet and into a standing position! It's mighty cute, but again...scary. She is so proud of herself, too! She just laughs and smiles once she is standing up!

I guess it's finally time that our lil angel is beginning to be a "real" baby! Things to look forward to in the coming months include her babbling, using consonants along with her vowels, crawling, and TEETH!

My babycakes: Pulled herself to standing!

She's so happy!

Sitting up by herself.

First swing ride!
High Chair!

History in the making

Yesterday we took a break from work and all sat together and watched the Inauguration of Obama. It was moving, to say the least. I don't really agree with all of the hype surrounding a President, and I don't really think that the media and everyone else should have him up so high on a pedestal, given that he hasn't really done anything yet. But, there is hope that he will be the one that can turn our country around. Save the economy, save and make new jobs and overall, prevent the United States from losing the powerful stance it has held throughout history. I do have to say that the most moving part of the speech was seeing John Lewis stand up and clap and to see the emotion in his eyes...wow. It was at that point that I wanted to run out of the room and cry...but, I didn't. I kept it in!

I am excited to see what the future holds for us and our country. All we have left is hope and determination to make a change. GOBAMA!

Monday

It's that time again...weigh-in Monday! Well, I did pretty good all week, except for the day I ate steak! Ha, oh well. I am at 151 today. I am pretty confident I will be out of the 150's by next week. I thought I would be for this week, but I guess losing 5 pounds in a week isn't the healthiest thing to do. I guess slow loss is better than no loss. I got to exercise last week, which was refreshing. I hope to get to the gym or the park at least 3 days this week, but we will see what the week brings.

I had a good weekend. Didn't pig out at all, like I usually do. Tried to keep busy with cleaning the house, taking Lola outside for a few walks and of course, shopping. I don't know why I don't go out to Katy Mills more often, but I completely scored at The Gap outlet and Off 5th. I didn't go into Banana Republic because I knew I would spend another load if I did. I found Lola the cutest little blue and white dress and blue & white shoes to match. Very nautical! So friggin' cute!

This week's goal is to leave the 150's. I know I've had this goal for at least 7 weeks, but it's going to happen this week...I know it!!

Weigh In #...?

Okay, I have forgotten how many official weigh-ins I have had since I began my diet. Pretty bad, right? That must mean that I'm not making much progress. Well, I am back on track and ready to see my progress begin. Weigh-in yesterday was -3. Now, still in the 150's, at 152. I am going to be strict this week and weekend and hopefully see another -2 or -3 loss. I wasn't able to get to the gym or the park 5 days last week, but I am going to work on that this week. Hopefully I will get a change.

Gosh, I don't know why this is proving to be so hard for me. I have barely lost anything and I've been *somewhat* on a diet since November. Ugh. I guess I just need to keep focused and stay motivated and it will get easier. I am just ready to lose the extra weight! Maybe I need to invest in some trucker speed to help me get a jump-start....

Mid-week Check In

Well, it's Wednesday and I am very glad to report that I have been on track all week! Went to the gym Monday & Tuesday and will be going to Memorial on Thursday & Friday. I also plan on getting to the gym on Saturday, making it a 5-day workout streak! It seems to be going pretty well on the scale, but my official weigh in will have to wait until Monday morning. I am feeling pretty good about it and I am enjoying finally feeling healthier. Yes, even after a mere 3 days of dieting, I feel good. Or better, at the least. I think I've finally reached a point to where I don't want to put crap into my body anymore. I really don't see the point. I do have my nephew's birthday party to attend on Sunday, but I don't think there will be much temptation there. And, even if there is, I feel pretty good saying that I will stay away from the food table.

I know Weight Watchers works wonders in and of itself - IF you follow your plan and make sure you are on track every single day, but if you don't really exercise all that much, you still lose weight. I think that's why I have always been a fan of WW. But, I am eagerly anticipating the results of staying on track every day and exercising. Hopefully I will see a positive result, which will motivate me even more to continue to get to the gym and stay on the plan.

I guess results can equate to motivation. Whodathunkit?

Six Months and counting...

My oh my, how time flies. Lola had her six month check up today, which includes three shots! She did very well. A lot better than last time, at least. Still about 5 minutes of screaming, but nowhere near as heart-wrenching as when she received her first or second set of shots. How is she growing? Her stats: Height - 27 3/8" (95th percentile) I guess that means she's pretty tall/long for her age! Weight: 16 lbs, 11 oz (75th percentile), and her big ole head is 17" (again, 75th percentile).

I'm very proud to say that Lola is doing everything that a 6 month old should be doing and accomplishing just the right amount of tasks to stay on top of her milestones. She's trying very hard to crawl, but has yet to figure out how to move her arms at the same time as her legs. She's working on getting more vowel sounds out and she is blowing raspberries ALL the time. Still no teeth, but we're waiting patiently.

Toodlebutt!

Back on track...finally.

Okay, so I was totally negligent of my "diet" this whole month! Last month, rather. December was the devil. All in all, I have a loss of 2 pounds since I began the diet in November. With all of the crap that I have consumed these past few weeks, I am just happy that I didn't have more of a gain. Although these last two weeks, with being off of work and being around tempting dishes everywhere I ventured, I gained back the 4 pounds that I lost prior to the holidays. I am not discouraged, though! I am determined to lose at least 5 pounds this month. And that's on the light side. I am aiming for a higher loss, but we will set the expectations low...to begin. I am heading back to the gym today and I am going to sweat, sweat, sweat! I bought some dumbbells and I will be able to work out the ole' lunch lady arms in my spare time at home.

So, here's to the New Year, and hopefully soon, a New Me!!

Picture Time

Here are some pictures of Lola's first Christmas! We got pictures with all of her cousins. The two other babies were getting beat up by Lola so we had to separate her from them for the pictures!