Running Weight Loss Monthly Update

November 1st Weigh In-  157lbs
December 1st Weigh In - 154lbs

I have to admit that I think the Dec 1st weigh in was a little bit of luck.  I have been fluctuating between 153 and 157 all month and on Dec 1, I just happen to weigh 154.  

I am still going strong with reducing the amount of soda I drink.  In the last month I've had, maybe, a dozen sodas.  Which before giving soda up, I was drinking a dozen a week.  I am very proud to admit that I not only made the seven day goal but went 10 days with no soda.  Now, I have one occasionally and that typically is following after a long night with the boys and I need something to get me through to nap time :)

Cardio Stats for Nov:
Walk - 8.2 miles
Elliptical - 13.6 miles
Run - 19.1 miles
Total - 40.9 miles

December 04, I officially started my third marathon training schedule.  Wish me luck.  I will be back next month to report my Dec numbers.

Thanksgiving 2010

For those that knew me 10 years ago they know this better than anyone; I was in a bad place, making really bad decisions.  At the time, I kept most of this to myself but one friend, A, knew what was going on and she helped me realize my life was spinning out of control.  She didn't lecture me, or tell me how to fix my problems or life.  She just provided unconditional love, support and brutal honesty and with time and her friendship I was able to get my life in order.  I am forever grateful for this friend!  Thank you A.  I love and cherish you!!

I bring this friend up because she is the one who helped me onto the path I am leading now.  A path that I cherish more than words can ever express.  I have a husband who us patient, kind, thoughtful, funny, sexy, loyal, and above all an amazing father.  I have two healthy boys who bring more laughs and smiles to my face, daily, than I thought ever imaginable.  I am surrounded by family and friends who would walk to the end of the earth and back for me or my children (they proved that this spring and fall when I was on bed rest).  I thank My Heavenly Father for all the blessing in my life.

I thankful for my past because it has taught me to appreciate what I have today.  I am thankful for all my family and friends who have been part of my life.  Thanksgiving is the holiday to give thanks!  So thank you.  I hope I prove how thankful I am for each of you daily in my actions and words.
xoxoxo

Visit from Texas

Cole and Greyson are very lucky to have grandparents who love and adore them.  Several weeks ago Greyson met his grandfather, J and J's wife, A for the first time.  It was a wonderful visit filled with lots of hugs, kisses, spoiling of the boys and relaxing. 

We spent one afternoon at Balboa Island watching the seals play in the water, going on the ferris wheel and for carousel rides.  I can't believe I am 32 years old, have lived in Southern California my entire life and this was the first time I'd been to Balboa Island.  It was a ton of fun and Cole could not get enough of the ferris wheel. He kept asking for more.

We also spent one afternoon looking for the perfect toddler golf set, just like daddy's.  After some searching we found the perfect set.  Cole is getting better and better at hitting the ball.  I think my hardwood floors are the most thankful for the sudden coordination.  

http://www.youtube.com/user/BBCZS?feature=mhum

Their visit was over way to fast and we miss them already.  Hopefully, we'll be back to Texas early next year.  Cole can't wait to spend some time with PawPaw and his ice cream obsession :)

2 Months Old

My Greyson is 2 months old already.  Why is it that pregnancy drags on so slowly but once they are here time seems to fly by?!?!?!  I can hardly remember the first month with Greyson home and now he's 2 months, WOW!  He is getting so big. 

At his 2 month check-up he weighed 12lbs 3oz (75th percentile) and he was 24.5" long (off the charts).  He endured and survived two shots and I have to admit I think Cole was a little relieved it was Greyson getting poked and prodded and not him for once. 

Greyson is full of smiles, and laughs.  He loves to make eye contact and he held.  I feel so blessed to have Greyson in my life.  I am truly blessed.

My cup runneth over!

Check out Greysons sweet voice :)  (I apologize for my annoying voice now!  Why do people talk like this to baby's?!?!)
http://www.youtube.com/user/BBCZS?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/QmD8gZAGQNk

32nd Birthday!

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday and it was a perfect day! 

My day started off like any normal day, me hanging out with my boys.  I have so much fun with Cole and Greyson. They are my world bring so much joy to my life.  Anyways, my mother came over around 1ish to see the boys, allow me to go on a birthday with (w/ no kids) and to have a girls night in eating Mexican food and watching chick flicks with her since Brian had to work late.  Around 3 there was a knock at the door with a man holding the most beautiful bouquet of flowers (see picture...the flowers are taller than Cole).  I sent Brian a text thanking him and asking if he'd be home before midnight (no execration on the time).  He replied, "no, I'm coming home early. I'm taking you to dinner."  This was really unexpected!!  I was thrilled.  I asked my mom if she knew about this and was that why she really showed up on my doorstep. She just smiled and nodded.  My mother is WONDERFUL!!  I hurried up and feed Greyson, got dressed for a run and went 3.2 miles in 37 minutes.  I get home, jump in the shower and as I was getting ready there was a knock at the door.  I answer it and two really good friends of mine are there with birthday cake in hand.  A and O are so great and they made a perfect day even better!!  Brian got home around 7ish and we enjoyed two hours out at a nice restaurant talking, laughing, eating and I even indulged in a nice glass of wine (my first in over a year).   We started out in bed with only the two of us but by midnight all four of us were crammed into a queen size bed. As I was listening to Brian, Zabdack (sleeping under the bed), Cole and Greyson snoring I couldn't help but smile and thank God for blessing me with such an amazing bunch of boys!  I couldn't imagine my night ending in any other way!

Giving up soda

After I was cleared to start working out again I thought great the extra 10lbs are just going to melt away.  I would start running, doing the elliptical, lunges, squats and crunches. Well, the extra 10lbs didn't melt away and getting time to workout isn't as easy as it was pre kids.  I started to think of other areas I could control to help my weight and waist line drop and I decided soda was what needed to go.  I was told that I should see a difference after 7 days.  I am currently going into day 5.    

Day 1 - HUGE headache but didn't miss soda at all
Day 2 - Minor headache and missed soda when we went out to dinner
Day 3 - No headache but man I wanted a soda so bad!
Day 4 - Headaches are completely gone.  I was tempted to have a soda with lunch but I drank water instead. 

I've made it half way so no turning back now (I hope).  I haven't seen a difference in my weight but I have noticed my tummy is a little flatter.  I need to see a significant difference for me to give up soda for more than a week.

So far, this sucks!  I'd be lying if I said I don't miss soda, specifically Mountain Dew.

Happy Halloween

Anyone that knows Cole knows it takes some time for him to warm up to strangers.  He must asses his surroundings before he takes part in a situation and he always needs to be aware of where Brian and I are at (in a new setting).

Well, none of that is true on Halloween.  Cole amazed me with how outgoing, ambitious and overall fearless of strangers he was.  He had no qualms with going house to house, waving and smiling then putting out his pumpkin for candy.  By the second house he had this process down and was running house to house giggling with delight between each house.  When someone allowed him to choose a candy he would look into the bowl with complete concentration and delicately select one candy.  If the person did not move the bowl fast enough he figured it was because he was allowed to select another candy.  We'd laugh as his hand went in the bowl again, he'd clap and then grab a handful of candy and clap some more.  It was so dang cute! 

Greyson slept through his first Halloween but he is enjoying the aftermath with all the candy I am consuming.  Not so good for the weight loose goal but hell, Halloween comes once a year! 

After the excitement of trick or treating we got home, relaxed and put Cole to bed by 9:30.  He woke up at 3:30am ready to play.  He was full of energy from the night before (mind you he has had no candy yet).  I got up with him and we played.  Okay, he played and I tried desperately to stay awake.  At 7:30am I notice it is very quiet in the play room.  I go to investigate and guess who is passed out amongst his Lego's and trains...my precious, amazing boy, Cole.

As a side note, but something worth noting...GREYSON SLEPT 9:30PM TO 6:30AM.  This is a first :)

Greyson getting some sleep before the festivities start
Cole coloring his pumpkin and Greyson tagging along

"Mom, lets go...I'm ready!"

First house was a huge success

Taxi Cab Daddy to the rescue

Let the running/weight loss begin

It's official, I have been released to workout again.  I couldn't be more excited.  After I had Cole my body bounced back on its own within 4 weeks post delivery.  With Greyson this isn't the case. I'm not sure if it is having 2 under 2 years or 6 months of no physical activity or a little bit of both.  All I can say is I have a muffin top for the first time in my life and I HATE IT! 

I have gone for 3 runs since I've been released and I started doing push ups, sit ups and lunges.  I have made a deal with myself that if I want to log into Facebook, I either need to do 30 situps or 30 lunges.  Lets see if this works.  I like to log into Facebook ;)

My goal is to run the 2011 San Diego marathon with my cousin S.  I want to get a time of 4hrs and 45mins.

I know most don't reveal their weight but I'm going to.  Really, isn't it *just* a number. 
Pre pregnancy - 144lbs
09/13 - 184lbs
10/30 - 157lbs
Goal -  140lbs

I have a ways to go to get to my goal.  I plan on holding myself accountable here for the world to read, see, mock or support me.  It will be challenging since I am nursing and crave anything that has 100% sugar but I will try and with working out, I'm hoping to see results within the next few weeks.

Wish me luck!

Our First Family Photo

taken on 10/23/10 at the Laguna Hills Mall Pumpkin Patch

Aquarium of the Pacific

As Cole gets older I am trying to find different places to take him that will both entertain, educate, and exhaust him.  Okay, speaking frankly, my main requirement is what will exhaust him.  So when a fellow babyfit mom, who lives within driving distance, suggested we meet at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach I thought that was a brilliant idea. 


I really enjoy V's company.  She is funny, smart and witty.  This is something I have been lacking in my life since doing double diaper duty, talking baby talk to Greyson and getting an average of 4 to 5hrs a of sleep in a day (the sleep is not concurrent!).  V has two boys who have the same age gap as Cole and Greyson (21 months); however, her boys are now 4 and 2 (almost).  I enjoyed watching her boys interact because it is giving me insight to my life in 2 years.  I thought I was tired now...nope, nothing compares to the energy level of a 4 and 2 year old combined (and they are very well behaved kids!)   

The park...It was amazing!  Cole, P, and J ran from fish tank to fish tank completely into the fish.  Based on his reaction, I believe Cole's favorite exhibit was the sea lions.  He would've sat there all day watching them if we would have let him.  He also enjoyed chasing the birds and playing on the anchored boat that shoots water.  Based on how much fun Cole had we will be going back with daddy.       

 Greyson and Cole in their new stroller

 V, P, J & Cole watcing the fish

 Cole attempting to pet a sting ray

Exhausted!

Having a 1yr old (almost two) and a one month old is exhausting. I knew it would be so I'm not complaining but some times it just needs to be said. I am learning how to divide my time between Cole and Greyson all the while trying to maintain a house, my marriage and my friendships. Some days I close shop, it's too much and hunker down with the boys. Other days I feel like Superwoman and go to five different stores, visit a friend, cook dinner and stay awake to greet Brian when he gets home (the latter is a rare occurrence).

Cole has been a dream child in respects to having a new person take up so much of my time. He hardly complains so when he does I know it is time to adjust my priorities for the day. Greyson has also been a dream baby. He loves to watch Cole play. He let's me sleep most of the night and overall he is a content baby. If I had one complaint it would be bed time. This is when I am stretched to my limits. Cole wants to read, play and cuddle. Greyson on the other hand is in mid witching hour. I try my best but some nights I just cry with them. However, each night we get through it and both babies are fed, clean, cuddled and tucked in.

I think I have pretty much adjusted to being a mother of two. My world is chaotic, I'm exhausted but I have two amazing children who I adore and couldn't imagine life without.

Pumpkin Patch

Today Cole, Greyson, my mom and I headed to the Laguna Hills pumpkin patch. Last year Cole was only nine months old and not very mobile. We got a few pictures of him amongst pumpkins but nothing over the top. This year he was all over the place. He was ohhhh'ing and awwwww'ing at every turn. Cole used pumpkins to jump off of, he was fascinated with the llamas in the petting zoo, wanted to drive the tractors (he was an inch to short) and asked to ride the pony. I purchased a ticket for the pony ride thinking he'd last, maybe one second, WOW how my son proved me wrong. He couldn't get enough! If his horse stopped to let another child on a horse Cole would kick his horse in an attempt to get him moving. I was thrilled he was excited and enjoyed the pony ride.

Greyson did well for a one month old. He wanted to eat, sleep and briefly look around. It was nice having two sets of hands today.

On a side note, I cut 6" off my hair today. I am very happy with my hair cut and the length. Any takers willing to bet whether Brian notices or not :)  I'll let you know tomorrow...

 Getting Cole to sit still for a picture is nearly impossible these days!

Here piggy, piggy...

Poor Greyson.  I torture my children :)

 Cole on his first pony ride.  He loved his horse and wanted to keep going and going

This boy needs a tractor

Cole enjoying the petting zoo

Grandma Ann and Cole playing on the hay horses

Greyson is a month old

I can't believe Greyson is a month old already.  How did a month go by so fast?!?!  He is such a great baby.   He gives me at least 5 to 6 hours a night to sleep and he is mostly happy during the day.  He also seems to enjoy getting out of the house to go to all of Cole's favorite places.  Thank goodness because Cole and I need to be on the move.  We don't do well trapped in the house.

I look at this little soul hat has picked me as a mother and I can't help but wonder how did I get so lucky!  I am truly blessed to have two amazing boys and a husband that loves us all unconditionally.

5 days old

1 week old

2 weeks old - I just love his grumpy old man look :)

3 weeks old

1 month old

1 month old

Cole and & Greyson (2 weeks old)

Cole and Greyson (1 month old)

Greyson O'Connor Stevens

What a journey the last 9 months has been!

* 17 weeks we found out we were having another boy

* 18 weeks was placed on limited activity due to a incomplete cervix (thank you Cole!)

* 21 weeks my cervix is now .9cm and it should be 3 to 5cm. Refereed to a specialist

* 21 weeks hospitalized for contraction monitoring and placed on 100% bed rest

* 22 weeks emergency surgery to receive a cerclage

* 22 to 28 weeks complete bed rest. I can take a shower, go to the bathroom, go downstairs for meals that's it!

* 30 weeks hospitalized due to preterm labor. Received turbine (spelling) to stop contractions. I was sent home after three days with more bed rest and medicine to relax my uterus
* 29 to 36 weeks limited activity. I can go places as long as I stay seated and I don't have to walk far. Absolutely no picking up Cole or doing anything strenuous

* 36 weeks I had the cerclage removed. Not a fun moment in my life is all I will say about the procedure

* 36 weeks + I can go back to my normal life until our son is born

The average pregnancy length for a woman with a cerclage is 33 weeks.

I made it to 40 weeks 5 days!

I was beginning to get frustrated towards the end of my pregnancy. I had prepared myself for a preemie baby, then a preterm baby, then a full term baby...I was not ready to prepare myself for a past due baby! However, my son had other plans and being past due was his plan!!

On Sunday September 12th, I meet a good friend Jenn at the park with her two boys for a play date. I was having contractions the entire time but nothing big and they were not getting stronger so I didn't say anything. When I got home I laid down to time them. The contractions were 4 minutes apart but not painful. After two more hours they had stopped. I woke up Monday September 13th, at 6:00am with more mild contractions. Once again they weren't strong but they were 4 minutes apart. I took a shower, ate breakfast and played with Cole. They maintained 4 minutes apart and by 10am they were a little stronger but nothing I'd consider painful. I called my OB (after my sister and friend, M hounded me all morning) and they said to go in to get checked at the hospital. My mom and I dropped Cole off at my aunts and off to the hospital we went. On the ride there I kept telling my mom they were going to turn me away because I wasn't in true labor yet. I always thought it would be painful. I get to the hospital, they check me (around noon) and I am 4cm dilated and 90% effaced...I was being admitted and we were going to have a baby today. I called Brian to leave work. I was still in shock because I wasn't in any pain and I thought I'd be in pain! My doctor wanted to speed things up so he ordered me an epidural (received at 3:30) and promptly there after they broke my water. At 4pm they gave me 1 dose of pitocin and at 5pm I was ready to push. With Cole I had pushed for two hours so I was ready for another marathon pushing session...nope after 6 sets of pushes (some small pushes to give the doctor time to get in position) Greyson O'Connor Stevens came into the world crying! He weighed 8lbs 2oz and was 20.5" long. He was perfect in every way!

I couldn't help but cry when meeting Greyson. I had worked so hard to keep him in my tummy the last 20 weeks that it seemed surreal he was finally in my arms fat, healthy and past due!!!

Happy Birthday, Greyson O'Connor Stevens

This picture means a lot to me since this is the moment my grandma June found out Greyson was named after her.

It's been to long...

First, I want to apologize for not posting anything for months. I thought being on bed rest I would document my thoughts, feelings, experiences but the opposite happened. I didn't want to talk about it, write about it or think about it. I thought bed rest was going to be easy but the truth is it SUCKED! It sucked so bad I have second guessed having a third child (and I've always wanted a big family). It's not that I can't handle bed rest. The part that ate at my heart was not being able to do all I wanted, intended too with Cole. I felt like I short changed him 5 months of his life. I know in the grand scheme of things this is not true but at the moment I hated it and cried many times over it.

I am forever grateful for my family and friends who kept me entertained, laughing when I was in the hospital, bringing me food when I was hungry, my neighbors and fellow LDS friends who walked Zabdack all 5 months for me and all for the survival of my son. Not once did any of these amazing people ask for anything in return. I felt a love like I never have during this process.

Our son is finally here but I'll get to that post shortly!

Thank you will never be enough to express how thankful I am for the family and friends I have in my life!

New Car = New Tricks

have the best husband. I have been dropping hints that with a growing family, maybe, just maybe we could use a bigger car. Brian surprised me a 2 weeks ago wanting to go car shopping. I took him up on his offer and car shopping we went. We shopped and found the perfect car for us. We ended up buying a Toyota Highlander. I love it!! Well, in doing this Brian sacrificed his car, Infiniti G35 coupe, to drive my old car, an Escape. This wouldn't be so bad but this car is orange, yes orange! So, I upgraded cars and my poor husband down graded. Like I said earlier, I have the best husband.


Anyways, while Brian was cleaning out my old car to transition it into his Cole wanted to join his daddy so to keep Cole entertained Brian taught him a new trick. It is too cute to describe so I captured it on video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgN6zSM5SB0I

Play Date w/ B

I was the baby in the family. Not only amongst my mom and dad but out of all my cousins as well. I always felt there were YEARS between me and my cousin next closest to me in age. As I got older I realized B and I were only 2 years apart. As children we saw each other often but didn't have much in common. As adults we have become good friends and his wife, A, is a very dear friend of mine. So when I learned she was pregnant and our due dates were only 6 weeks apart, I was beyond thrilled! Cole was going to have a cousin to grow up with. A and I try to get together often so we can have some girl time but also to let the boys play. Since my bed rest has been lifted some B and A invited me over to their house for a play date. All I had to do was show up and they would help with Cole. How could I pass that up! Cole and I spent 4+ hours playing indoors, outdoors and sharing toys.

Cole is taking the food off his plate and putting it on B's Cole thought is was funny he was caught in the act
Sharing a little jiuce
Aunt A pushing the boys on B's bike

Cole taking a dip in their pool Tent with bounce balls inside. The boys were in HEAVEN!! I guess he was thirsty

Aunt A, hurry up and peel that orange. We're straving boys!!

Cole keeps growing :)

Life has been so hectic these past few months that I haven't really been posting much on Cole. For this I am sorry because he is a cute kid and deserves his own posts :)

I can't believe how much he is turning into a toddler. The only words he speaks that we can understand are; more, mama, dada and all done (in sign language). However, if you ask him a question he can answer yes or no by shaking his head and he knows exactly what we are asking!

His favorite things to do lately are playing in his pool w/ Zabdack, picking fresh peas from his garden, going to the park, terrorizing the dog, help grandma clean the floors and playing golf with daddy.

I hope you enjoy the pictures or our every growing boy!

Cole loves to help swifter the floors

Cole and Zabdack play in the pool together. Cole loves to splash Zabdack and Zabdack just takes it all in. This is going to be a fun summer of splashing and playing!

Cole is taking a break from playing for a snack of goldfish. Zabdack always sits and waits for his bite :) Good thing Cole likes to share!

Cole's first bubble bath. He loved having bubbles to pop and put on his head

It is ere how similar Cole and Brian are. Not only do they look alike but they sit the same way as well. I came downstairs to them watching tv and sitting the same way. Nothing in this picture is posed. Just father and son watching golf

It's hard to see but Cole has de shelled a pea pod and he is enjoying all is hard work. This kid LOVES fresh peas from the vine. Next year I will pant 10 pea plants to keep up with his need!