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)