Monday, January 13, 2014

Happy Half Birthday!

Our little nugget is officially 6 months old.  I could talk about how depressing it is that she's getting so big, or how I can't believe how fast time flies, but that would be cliche' and hardly interesting at all.  While those things may be true, I want to talk about how I am excited for the future.  It seems like every week now, she surprises us by learning how to do something new.  I am excited for those things.  I am excited to take her to the zoo or to the park to swing.  I am excited for finger painting and swimming lessons and letting her try new foods.  Eva is becoming more independent, less dependent, more interactive, and more curious.  She brings Andy and I so much joy in our already blessed lives.  Marrying Andy was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  He is my rock, my best friend, my supporter, my counselor, and he makes me laugh ... when he's not trying to make a silly joke.  Before Eva, being with him felt like our life was complete.  I couldn't imagine loving more or having room for more love in our life.  However, Eva has expanded our "love bubbles."  I never realized how much you could love someone so small and dependent on you.  And I thought I loved my dog .... Man, was I dumb!




At 6 months, Eva Charlotte weighs in at 14 lbs 9 oz.  She is 25 1/2 inches long and is still rockin a big head at 17".  She can now sit up unassisted without needing her hands propped in front of her.  She is getting better each day at jumping in her Jumparoo, and can pull herself up while holding onto my thumbs now.  The pediatrician gave her the okay to start more solids, including finger foods.  I went out this past weekend and bought her some puffs.  She loves them!  It's endearing watching her concentrate so hard and get frustrated as she tries to pick them up with her little uncoordinated pinching fingers.  Luckily, Apollo is always nearby to catch any stray puffs that she drops.  

Our days are so full and hectic and busy, from the time she wakes up at 6:30 am until the time she goes to bed at 9:30 pm.  But they are so so so much richer.  There is a complete shift in the focus of your life when you have kids.  Everything centers around their needs and their schedule.  I always knew that having kids would change your lives and how much time they were going to require.  I never realized how little I would care about my own petty desires.  I can definitely see how people can neglect their own needs or wants in order to give their kids everything that they need.  Lately, I haven't been able to get my workouts in until around 9:30 or 10pm after Eva is in bed.  While it's extra hard to drag myself to the gym at that hour, I am always glad I go.  It's my alone time, my healthy time, and my time to regroup my thoughts.  I need to make a list of priorities for myself and for our family, so I don't neglect my own mental and physical health.  I want Eva to have everything she wants, but I don't want her to be spoiled either.  Saying "no" to her sweet face is going to be hard!  I think I need to start practicing now.

Lastly, I will share some pictures from the past couple weeks.  We've been busy, but there's always time to capture a smile on that cute chubberz of a face!!



Napping on Grandma's couch.  Bumbo time while gnawing on a cucumber :)



Eva sleeping all wonky in her carseat. Eva indoor sledding on our day off!



My little otter during bathtime! Eva at her 6 month check up!



Giggling away on the mommy and daddy's bed. Eva watching the Bronco's game!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Bring on 2014

I am so ready for 2014!  I cannot wait to share new experiences and holidays with Eva as she grows.  However, I can't forget how amazing 2013 has been.  Here are some of my top favorite moments of the year:

1.  Being pregnant
2.  Giving birth to the most amazing daughter I could ever imagine
3.  Andy coming home from medic training
4.  Starting a new job
5.  Reconnecting with old friends
6.  Running a half marathon
7.  Celebrating 2 years of marriage with my hubby
8.  Quality time with family
9.  Annual Grand Cayman Vacation
10.  First holidays with Eva


Now that 2014 is here, I wanted to implement a few New Years Resolutions.  I've actually been thinking about these for a while because I wanted to have some good ones that would make myself a better person.

1.  Do more yoga to increase my flexibility.  Running and lifting without stretching afterwards has seriously crippled my flexibility! Plus, I think being pregnant and having Eva messed with my hip joints and flexibility.

2.  Makeupless Mondays.  So I don't wear a ton of makeup, but I do feel self conscious without it.  But, I'm young and still have good skin.  I don't want to teach my daughter that I have to wear makeup to feel pretty.  I am going to try to not wear makeup every Monday of the year (unless it's a photo shoot, holiday, important meeting, etc).  I may even instagram a few photos :) follow me @chelsjill #makeuplessmonday

3.  Be healthier.  All encompassing.  Continue exercising, maybe add in a few new forms of exercise as well just to experiment.  Eat healthier and continue to cook at least 2-3 times per week.  Run longer, lift heavier, sleep more, and RELAX!

4.  Read more.  You know how people say, "I hate exercising, so I don't do it."  It doesn't change the fact that it's good for you, and you SHOULD be doing it.  Well, I say, "I hate (not hate, but don't enjoy) reading, so I don't do it."  Doesn't change the fact that it's good for my brain, and I SHOULD be doing it.  Normally, I like to read fictional book series like Hunger Games, Twilight, Game of Thrones, etc just to name a few.  However, I am going to force myself to read books that have educational material, that I wouldn't normally pick up.  Topics will include:

    -  Other Cultures
    -  Medical Science
    -  Other religions
    -  Politics
    -  Finances
    -  Geography
    -  Relationships
    -  Parenting
    -  ETC

If anyone has any suggestions on good books that fall into any of these categories, or know of any books that I might find interesting and educational, let me know!  


Lastly, I leave you with a picture of my darling Eva.  This is how we rang in the new year - in our jammies!  Would have loved to go out and celebrate with friends, but we gotta keep the little one on her schedule.  Sleeping through the night is good for baby and mommy!  Plus, I'm still on the no-alcohol diet due to BFing.