Are you a Bad Fish too?

Yay for Tuesday!

It's sunny.

My husband gets out of work "early" [5pm.]

My little girl is sweetly sleeping in her swing.

Life is good!

I just wanted to share a quick song that 

has been playing in our home as of late.

I had not heard it until I started listening to my 

"Jack Johnson" station on Pandora during my nursing sessions.
#latetothepartyagain
I listened to this station during labor
before the pushing
and I think Brooke likes the laid back tunes as I rock her to sleep. 

My husband randomly started playing it too

{he listens to Red Hot Chili Pepper station I think?}
It's funny how, when you've been with a person for five years,
you continue to find yourselves more connected each and every day.
This baby has most definitely brought us closer together,
and I'm beyond happy with the family we've become.
Anyway, this song is so catchy and has such a fun beat.
If you walk by our house,
and are creepin looking through our windows...
you'll see us bopping around with baby Brooke to this jam.
We just love dancing with our little girl,
and this song is one of our favorites.
It's quirky and odd.
The lyrics are a little wacky.
Well, so are we.
I guess.

So here's the original version:

And of course,

Jack Johnson did a re-make...

love love love

That is all.
Have a lovely day, all of you bad fish!

Weekend Family Fun

Hello, last week of February!?!

How was your weekend?
Our was awesome.

Friday started with my 6 week postpartum check up.

Old Navy has some amazing clothes lately!

Leggings, long tank, and an over sized long sleeved shirt are my bffs.

I did get the "Go ahead" from my doctor.

However, as for my pelvic pain,

he said it may take 3 months to completely heal.

He suggests walking for my 'workouts'.

 Take advil and baths for pain.

And listen to my body.

Well, after walking in Target and the grocery store

I could feel it getting aggravated, so basically that just sucks.

I'll try a chiropractor this week (even though the dr said it probably won't help)

Moving along...

Daddy babysat while I was out and about, so that was great!

When I got home it was time for cuddles

We had a fun little evening in.

Eating sushi and leftovers.

And loving this one.

Saturday I cleaned the house.

We also had our first play date!

My friend Jamie brought her son Blake {3 weeks older} over

In typical baby fashion, they played a little,

ate some more,

and slept a lot!

It was great to catch up with another new mommy!!

Saturday night my husband was going to grill...

but then at the store stumbled upon another idea.

We are not huge lamb lovers,

but they had these organic ones and Joe saw the recipe:

Pesto & Panko.

Yup, that's it!
I whipped up my own pesto and he slathered it on,

sprinkled panko and baked it in the oven.

It was pretty good!
A totally different taste than other meats,

but a nice little treat nonetheless.

We watched the movie Argo and thought it was great!
Sunday brought family fun day!

We packed up and headed out to my dad's for the day.

It was the first time my niece met my daughter.

We didn't get to give our niece her Christmas presents

or her birthday gifts {hers is the day after Brooke's!}

So she had fun opening lots of gifts!

 

BTW when did Barbie get to be such a hoochie? 

Has she always been?! haha

 Nana & Papa with Brooke

 Uncle Joey having a picnic with Adri

We went outside to see my husband fly his helicopter...

It was cold!

We devoured "Family Steak" and mashed potatoes.

It was delicious.

And before we knew it,

it was time to go.

I only wished we lived closer than 45 minutes away!

I love family weekends.

It's so hard to get a lot of great pictures...

I'm having so much fun just enjoying the time!
I need to get better at that.

Here's to a great week ahead.

Post Pregnancy Workouts

Happy Thursday!

This post may come off as vain,

but I really value health.
More than ever, I want to be in the best shape of my life.

Why?
Well I do want to look good,

feel good,

but I want to keep up with this little one,

once she starts running around!!

I've got a whole lot to live for, especially now.

Tomorrow marks the 6 week mark post-partum.
I have my check up at 11:30 and I really hope I get the "all is clear" signal!

I'm soooo ready to workout {mentally}

but I'm a tad nervous physically.

I am certainly going to talk about this potential Pelvic Girdle Pain

I have experienced since about 7 months on...

but I think it's getting better?

I don't know why, but I've always been one that "cracks"

Literally, my feet, toes, ankles, shoulders, hips, knees, neck...

I just make a whole lotta noise!
It drives Joe crazy.

During pregnancy, I'm pretty certain due to the lovely hormones,

relaxin

I really haven't 'cracked' much these last months...

until the last few days.
I feel like that's a great sign!

Anyway, assuming I get the "green light" tomorrow,

I really don't know where to start working out.

I walk the dogs here and there,

I do my pelvic floor exercises,

{constantly workin on those kegels}

keeping this house clean,

going up and down our stairs a million times to change B's diaper

-seriously, my legs feel great-

But my biggest problem is when I used to workout,

I was never very good at "taking it easy"

which is why I stopped doing Zumba and Jillian Michaels videos.

Do I start with Yoga again?

I did that up until 7 1/2 months pregnant.

Do I do half of a video?

Do I just workout 10 minutes a day at first?

 I know above all,
I just need to start moving.

Any suggestions from you post-baby mamas?

I cannot wait to attend a Zumba class,

I just hope I don't overdo it!

I am confident as long as I continue to eat healthy,

my milk supply will not drop

and I will get back into my normal jeans!

I have lost 38 pounds without even trying.

I have 20 left to get to a 'normal'

but of course I'd like to lose an extra 10 on top of that.

Yes, I gained that much.

My baby is healthy and that is all I care about!

My goal:

Do something every day 

and keep it logged here under my "healthy tab"

A few sites I found that may be helpful:

Moms into Fitness

Get Fit and Yummy

Post Partum Workout Plan

 I am still working on the hubs to get a treadmill for our house.

It hasn't helped that it hurts to walk, so I hope once I feel better we will get one!

 If I write out my goals, it will happen.

I'll focus on healthy eating another post,

for now, let's get moving!

Until then my plan for this upcoming week:

The links are on you tube and only 10-15 minutes long.

I think that will be best rather than trying to a long workout all at once.

{I'll stretch after each 'workout'}

As I get stronger, I'll do more each week.
I just don't want to injure myself.

Friday: Tracy Anderson's Post Pregnancy Workout Part I

Saturday:Tracy Anderson's Post Pregnancy Workout Part II

Sunday: Rest

Monday: Yoga DVD

Tuesday: Hip Hop class (30 mins)

Wednesday: Tracy Anderson's Post Pregnancy Workout Part III

Thursday: Pilates

Friday: Tracy Anderson's Post Pregnancy Workout Part IV

Walk dogs as much as I can.

It may seem lame,

but I just want to start small and work my way up.

This way there are NO excuses!

I will be doing burpees soon enough...
I want to look like this again--

 My 30th Birthday

2011

Or even this...

Our Cruise May 2011.

I was eating a lot of salads and working out a lot!

 And of course back in July of 2010 I was in awesome shape

for our wedding.

 Look at my hubs...so handsome!

 I figure my own photos are more inspirational than random strangers.

I've looked like this before,

I can look even hotter, right?!

Baha.

#stayingpositive

I know it will take time

and I cannot get frustrated.

If I do?
I'll just go pick up my little girl and steal some hugs and kisses.

She was worth every extra pound.

How did you lose the baby weight???

Weekends in February

I feel like each day gets better and better being a mommy.

Fridays are always my favorite because Joe has them off.

It's so nice because most people work still,

so I feel like it's extra special we can spend the day together 

as a family of three and do whatever we want without a ton

of places being super busy.

Daddy making faces and Brooke imitating them!

Not that we really went anywhere,

but Friday we did go for a nice long drive.

We are always looking for land to build our future home on.

We stopped and picked up some sushi

and came home.

I took the dogs on a nice walk for the first time in months

{the pain is still there in my pelvis, but I needed to move}

We built a fire,

I made Paula Dean's Company Shrimp Pasta

(So easy and sooooo good!)

and called it a night.

Saturday  

Daddy brought Brooke down,

put her in the swing,

and she just kills me with her looks.

I cleaned a bit and my girl Alison came over for a visit,

while her husband took their kids out to lunch with some coworkers.

The twins wanted to meet baby Brooke though!

They're getting so big!

Joe got caught up at work an extra hour and a half...

we patiently waited.

 When he got home I could tell he wasn't feeling great.

It was a quiet night and by the morning,

he was definitely feeling the effects of his Crohn's.

As always, we never know what "triggered" it to flare up,

but he spent Sunday and Monday on the couch.

I just hate when he's sick;

the energy in the house is sad and there's no laughing.

We caught up on Revenge and I looked through cookbooks

so I could try to get ahead on meal planning,

once Joe can eat again...

I also had the Baby Book out...

and Brooke was reading to me about what she should be able to do by two months.

 Monday 

I had scheduled my mama in law Maria to babysit a few hours..

I felt so guilty leaving Joe and the baby,

but she assured she would take good care of them.

It was nice to get out for a few hours.

I stocked up on some healthy eats at Trader Joes

and some fun new scented soaps at Bath and Body Works.

My toes got a new look

and of course a Vanilla Spice Latte.

We watched Sky Fall and it was pretty good.

Again, days when my husband is sick,

makes all the small crap seem irrelevant.

Feeling healthy is so important;

take good care of yourselves and your loved ones!

We pray Brooke won't get Crohn's,

as watching my husband in pain is awful enough.

I cannot imagine seeing my little girl in that sort of pain too.

Just be thankful for this day and live it to its fullest!!

It was a Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day...

no matter what your philosophy is,

I think celebrating love is a beautiful thing.

Whether a fancy expensive gift or dinner,

or simple and thoughtful gestures,

at the end of the day,

it's just another day...

and I hope yours was filled with love.

I had a beautiful day and evening.

My sister came over to see her niece and to make a Valentine's dessert.

We had fun sipping coffee, playing with the baby, and baking...

My husband loves these darn cupcakes, and I admit they are pretty good!

They're not light, fluffy, and airy...

they're thick, heavy, a bit dense and he loves them.

I wrote about them HERE last year.
The recipe is there, make them.

STAT!

I also dressed my baby doll girl in a few outfits...

She got her first Valentine from Grandma!

Cuddled with Auntie Bri

and stared at her crazy mama...photo, after photo...

 I bought this dress from Carter's hoping for it to be her 'coming home' outfit,

but she was a little too small then.
It fit perfectly last night, and daddy loved seeing her in his favorite color!

Can you stand the faces she makes?

As for our dinner,

we did do up some sexy steaks & scallops...

Wagyu Steaks--amazing

There's nothing hotter than your man slaving over the stove, is there?
Well, maybe if he did the dishes...but let's be real.

:)

I threw a salad together and some steak frites in the oven,

and of course enjoyed a glass of Pinot.

It was simply perfect.

I look forward to many more Valentine's Days with our sweet girl.

I hope you enjoyed your first big holiday lil B!!

You'll always be our sweetest Valentine.

xoxo

Baby Brooke is One Month

Baby Brooke--

You are now officially 

1 month old!

How time really does fly, with a child...

I can honestly say this has been the best month of my life.

With all of the twists and turns of being a new mommy,

I look back

with my sleep deprived eyes

and am so proud of the three of us.

In one short month,

we've become a beautiful family of three.

Loving you is easy little girl!

You really are the sunshine of our lives.

Your 

coos, 

smiles 

and endless looks

 keep us wanting more from you each day!

You love to be bounced on that ball!

You make the best faces.

As girlie as I try to make you,

I have that feeling you'll be running around in camo,

hunting with daddy and playing sports soon enough,

as you seem to love your 49ers binky

over any other girlie one we have!

 For now I'll put you in legwarmers, tutus, and headbands

 for as long as you'll allow.

 Are we done yet? I have better things to do.

One Month Stats:

11 lbs 2 oz

22 1/4" long 

3 months fits you perfectly

0-3 is too snug.

You can really hold your head up for a long while.

You enjoy play time on your activity mats.

You seemed to have noticed our doggie Holly finally!

You sleep swaddled for up to 4 hours at a time

{in your own crib!!}

You are SO strong baby girl!
You pull mommy's hair so much, it really hurts!

You turn your head side to side, recognizing mommy and daddy's voices.

You've been such a good girl for your grandparents who've babysat a few hours at a time!
You love love love bath time!
Daddy trims your nails {baby raptor claws, he calls them} while you're asleep.

You're so alert.

You only cry for three reasons:

1. You're hungry

2. You need a diaper change

3. You're overtired

You are a very well behaved baby, and for that we are very thankful.

Happy One Month Baby girl!!
You are so very loved.
I love you with my heart and soul!!!!

And in case you wanted a video update...

I ended up taking a 2 hour nap after I recorded it,

so pardon the tired voice/eyes.

Enjoy :)

Girls' Night with my Girl

Our monthly girls' night has been something we all look forward to.

It was a little wacky, in December Matty was out of town

and in January, I was super prego and my friends just stopped up

at the hospital to visit Brooke and I when the time came.

So, for February, they all came here again.
Last Wednesday it was Alison's turn to 'host'.

She cooked in my kitchen,

so that this new mommy

 and newborn didn't have to travel out and about just yet.

Thank you!

Kristin brought a fun little dip:

Cream cheese

Wasabi sauce

Soy Sauce

Sesame Seeds

Rice Crackers

Yummy!

Matty brought a healthy salad.

Alison prepared Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

{this recipe looks somewhat similar}

 Alison also roasted butternut squash, cranberries, & onion in the oven.

I think there was EVOO & salt/pepper...totally making that again!

{Yes, that's my baby laundry on the end of our huge table--ahhh!}

And I spent all day cleaning, then tried to get ready, and 

realized that I never estimate enough time with a baby!!

She was wide awake and demanding my attention.

 

 Thank goodness she loves the sound of my hairdryer?!

A little pre-girls' night fun.

CK onesie

Baby Legs Legwarmers

She was ready for her first girls' night!

But then she decided to do this the entire time...

There's always next month!! 
So...my plan was to whip up an elaborate dessert.
I didn't factor in feedings and cuddles, so it turned into

 Tastefully Simple's

Sugar & Spice Chai Bread

paired it with a Chai latte and it was still scrumptious!
{even though I don't consider it ' real baking' this new mommy was pleased!}

{yes, I stole your pics on Instagram Kris!!}

So it was a fabulous night.

Great food.

Wonderful drinks.

Better friends.

The first picture where I told them I was pregnant {May 2012}

 And here is one now that lil miss Brooke is with us!

Next month we're in the city at Matty's!

First Date Night Since Baby and a Recipe

Our first official "Date Night" since baby!

Saturday night Joe's parents came over to babysit.

Wow.

So many memories flooded through my mind

of when I used to babysit for other couples,

and also when my own parents would go out Friday nights.

Now, it was my turn.

And in typical fashion,

I wasn't ready to leave when they got here! 

I got caught up in feeding/changing 

and my hair wasn't quite finished.

That's ok, because grandma was more than eager to get a hold of Brooke!
We kissed our little love goodbye,

and scurried off.

Our first of two stops was Trata.

The trendy, newer restaurant/bar here in the Roc.

I've heard the food is not great,

[and you know we are huge foodies!]

So we just stopped in to check it out and have a drink.

It was a cool building and my pinot noir was divine. 

google images

More importantly, we were out of the house,

 I was as dolled up as one can be one month post-partum

{I totally wanted to rock heels, but the foot of snow prevented me!}

I'm still wearing maternity jeans, but some flowy non-maternity tops fit nicely.

It was so fun to people watch,

and just be the two of us.

As we finished our wine and headed back to the truck,

I turned to him and was just so giddy,

"I'm having such a great time already!"

Our next stop was the newer sushi joint that opened while I was prego.

I had been dying to go, but obviously had to wait until after baby.

NIKKO

 google images

It was a decent place;

a tad over-priced,

however the sushi was really good.

We most likely won't go back,

as there are plenty of other great sushi places ,

but were so happy to have tried it!

It was the perfect 'first date' out since having Brooke.

Just long enough to fall in love all over again with each other,

and yet by 9:30 we were home racing to get our pj's on.

 His parents were shocked we were home already,

but it was just long enough for both of us.

Sunday all three of us lounged around,

being absolutely lazy.

It was perfect.

We watched the movie
Flight

With Denzel Washington

It was a bit intense, but a pretty good movie.

Dinner time rolled around and I decided upon this...

Easy Mac & Cheese Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1 bag of frozen veggies thawed

2 cups of diced cooked chicken

4 tablespoons butter melted

1 cup of milk

1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1. Boil pasta according to box

2. In a casserole, stir in chicken, broccoli, pasta, 3 tablespoons of the butter,

milk, cheddar cheese.

3. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, Parm cheese & Panko and sprinkle on top.

4. Bake at 400 for a half an hour uncovered

Hubs loved it and it was super easy for this lazy mama!!