tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87486640336626141562024-03-05T07:43:17.365-05:00the sweet life of a southern wifeIm a twenty something first time mom to an adorable lil boy and married to my high school sweetheart. We are by no means experts when it comes to parenting, but my blog is about us trying to juggle family, friends, work, and life.Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-4365227133323231052013-10-27T12:59:00.001-04:002013-10-27T12:59:33.183-04:00a not-so-spooky halloween pj partyTo say that I have a slight obsession with pjs would be an understatement. Both for myself and for my lil one. I may or may not go crazy every <strike>month</strike> holiday and buy all sorts of pjs for both of us. Halloween is no exception. And when I saw that <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/2013/10/little-ghosts-goblins-halloween-pajama.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FOhnCW+%28[the+good+life]%29" target="_blank">Darci</a> and <a href="http://www.thetichenorfamily.com/2013/10/little-ghosts-goblins-halloween-pajama.html" target="_blank">Meredith</a> were going to host a virtual Halloween Pajama Party linkup, i couldnt resist <strike>buying more pajamas</strike> joining (albeit a lil late). Ill spare you all the pictures this mamarazzi took and just share a few from this past week that I caught with my lil boy happy as can be in his jammies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk77thG3t2T1vOXbhvNY4VBtWe9uC6wYsnwRbK5rgRcxS2HMofyXxQ0GN-EQTxTAhNGRTKkKNa4VKlSXTBfWnspGtVEUK7-xkFLsOZew6VEsvWIMIngnTMb94Y51wNtwuCsJhEXHJoWNI/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk77thG3t2T1vOXbhvNY4VBtWe9uC6wYsnwRbK5rgRcxS2HMofyXxQ0GN-EQTxTAhNGRTKkKNa4VKlSXTBfWnspGtVEUK7-xkFLsOZew6VEsvWIMIngnTMb94Y51wNtwuCsJhEXHJoWNI/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWacc-OHPFb4PPO6TCE3kLoZb77WyLdqLGSVqxyCoh_qw3bKTtw4g4_B8rjZoRuBZNQf-KPFAcQxXAcQcg6TsveZQh-q5tE3pfGWD4k1cffQnCSduRU8b-NOde4dwYe5Ls6nIaIC7osU/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWacc-OHPFb4PPO6TCE3kLoZb77WyLdqLGSVqxyCoh_qw3bKTtw4g4_B8rjZoRuBZNQf-KPFAcQxXAcQcg6TsveZQh-q5tE3pfGWD4k1cffQnCSduRU8b-NOde4dwYe5Ls6nIaIC7osU/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZAmtbioPdht6S1RBz_9GqeVr2IMPJFdEiG9er-irgtKrL6i7r9izCzm3wXFjHGwfFMTDb9OTdVOhyklYc8c03-bs8nE9CT2BptjdbKxTDq3IevLVtRHvn0V8gAYxndfkNnJnb57F8Ik/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZAmtbioPdht6S1RBz_9GqeVr2IMPJFdEiG9er-irgtKrL6i7r9izCzm3wXFjHGwfFMTDb9OTdVOhyklYc8c03-bs8nE9CT2BptjdbKxTDq3IevLVtRHvn0V8gAYxndfkNnJnb57F8Ik/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszeGQv_f9f19MnzKhWI0JQ_4iSg2XEcFYtJTdarCw2asM19uvXCk7Cf71jRbu0-vcRhwZ1JSvltBGvqhFSlJrRu6e0liZ9saka9Zg8rxw6zgQEx5H71DyfjTnLkLvXw83v4T_qKcowg0/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszeGQv_f9f19MnzKhWI0JQ_4iSg2XEcFYtJTdarCw2asM19uvXCk7Cf71jRbu0-vcRhwZ1JSvltBGvqhFSlJrRu6e0liZ9saka9Zg8rxw6zgQEx5H71DyfjTnLkLvXw83v4T_qKcowg0/s1600/Matthew-halloween2013-pjs2.jpg" /></a></div>
And because, lets get real here, any holiday gives me a good excuse to go on a little shopping spree, here are some other goodies that we may have collected throughout this month<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd6YDJuERuDqj3clBBfe8kQ6b5LAYtEOLocT46dMPOqxNSET0KcIDaBWoCA1dxyJn8PBwa9yFT-HUAtaE8xbQaQO_3UJ-o60etLrxyBWjM3WdFAYGEMLnl0asNrpS-2nP7VwDd4mho2g/s1600/halloween-goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd6YDJuERuDqj3clBBfe8kQ6b5LAYtEOLocT46dMPOqxNSET0KcIDaBWoCA1dxyJn8PBwa9yFT-HUAtaE8xbQaQO_3UJ-o60etLrxyBWjM3WdFAYGEMLnl0asNrpS-2nP7VwDd4mho2g/s1600/halloween-goodies.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.target.com/p/just-one-you-made-by-carters-infant-toddler-boys-halloween-4-piece-cotton-pajama-set/-/A-14568251#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=toddler+halloween+sleepwear" target="_blank">Pajama 2 pack</a> // <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=99182&vid=1&pid=938504002" target="_blank">Trick or Treat Longsleeve</a> // <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=99182&vid=1&pid=636782012" target="_blank">Racoon Hoodie</a> // <a href="http://www.target.com/p/pillsbury-halloween-funfetti-cake-mix-18-9-oz/-/A-14612034#prodSlot=medium_2_18" target="_blank">Funfetti cupcakes</a> & <a href="http://www.target.com/p/pillsbury-halloween-funfetti-vanilla-frosting-15-6-oz/-/A-14693503#prodSlot=medium_4_35" target="_blank">icing</a> // <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1000684&vid=1&pid=579197002" target="_blank">Ghost pjs </a><br />
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If you havent already done so, you should defintely join the linkup so we can see your kiddos in their cute pj's, here's are all the info<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-aLLlrSPxoqV-zkYwlX7r0HLEKXIIbiOGhn9h54snhwzfR6Ex1et_yJ3s0cPoeWH2kHKfIepseZ8Hbr8LyhZtUtLMbZLzDFyhQr7h8f-BY0e3X5sHT8es4PoCe8LBL5i6jTzMFp_M-U/s1600/halloween+pj+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-aLLlrSPxoqV-zkYwlX7r0HLEKXIIbiOGhn9h54snhwzfR6Ex1et_yJ3s0cPoeWH2kHKfIepseZ8Hbr8LyhZtUtLMbZLzDFyhQr7h8f-BY0e3X5sHT8es4PoCe8LBL5i6jTzMFp_M-U/s1600/halloween+pj+large.jpg" /></a></div>
Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!<br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-69800063218418315092013-10-16T17:19:00.000-04:002013-10-16T17:19:37.167-04:00so what wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/2013/09/so-what-wednesday_25.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeAfterIdew+%28Life+After+I+%22Dew%22%29" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbOz0K52gFVMV2LHiNsqKPSg-rNxC4gtJaj9zBCVZT8VsEbi3BFCEeQfxeQP0J7nIRBL_mFQtTa9fcT0pZ88nW_tLdwZ8MzIuqNjxu7ai3rcXPW6ipTTpFe03PQwwFMgSb9s73k0um4A/s1600/swslil_zps54f2e5ae.png" /></a></div>
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this week im saying so what if....</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-ive fallen off plan the past two weeks and am guaranteed to gain at least 3lbs at weighing tonight, at least i can admit it and jump back on plan this week</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- i took my newest nephews newborn pics almost 3 weeks ago and still havent finished editing them yet, it was a free session for them, technically cost me $75 to rent the lens, plus my sisinlaw isnt planning on sending out baby announcements and told me to take my time</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- aunt flo decided to visit me 2 weeks early, wtf?!?! And im on birth control so this shouldnt happen, and what im most upset about is the fact that it will probably come again next week when im supposed to have it :/</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- its completely irritating me that i cant figure out this whole dropping to only 1 nap a day thing for matthew, its driving me insane, so much that i ordered "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932740112/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1932740112&linkCode=as2&tag=thesweetlifeo-20" target="_blank">on becoming pretoddler-wise</a>" since <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932740139/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1932740139&linkCode=as2&tag=thesweetlifeo-20" target="_blank">babywise</a> helped with his sleeping habits in the beginning</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- i also order "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419704591/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1419704591&linkCode=as2&tag=thesweetlifeo-20" target="_blank">shitty mom</a>" while i order the previously mentioned book to hopefully lift my spirits a little considering its the parenting guide for "the rest of us"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- ive decided that in order for me to catch up on matthews monthly posts im ditching the previously used template for the post ive already done and going straight to a bulleted list to get them done ......finally</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- i found a new blog to read, <a href="http://www.babyrabies.com/" target="_blank">baby rabies</a>, and ive started in her archives of her first post ever and am reading all the way thru, it may take me forever but i love how the author writes</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- im so jealous of all you northerners who get to go to real pumpkin patches and apple orchards to do your picking, so jealous that ive convinced the hubs and a close friend to drive 45mins north to try to go to a patch that ive heard is awesome</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- im already thinking about my birthday (dec 17th) and that i want to go to orlando and do mickeys very merry christmas, ive never done it before and usually dont get to do fancy things for my bday since its so close to christmas</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- i also am contemplating buying tickets for disney junior live thats coming to our area in february and want good seats</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- we dont really have the money to do any of the things noted above</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- i didnt do spell check, nor correct punctuation in this entire post </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">dont forget to link up with <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/2013/10/so-what-wednesday_16.html" target="_blank">Shannon</a> and let us know what your saying So What to this week</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-42748311722983001482013-10-02T16:59:00.000-04:002013-10-02T16:59:11.962-04:00wednesday weigh-in: weeks 17-38<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IyGoXk_qMrW6VKP6aOBPwoxdteWJx1Bu7AqB0uKg69PYTpJdT-p876S6H-Jd8vvWk4EBHwiX5vakPZAw_xFg_j0B2Q0l-012KtMqVuTNVXK3n9g9Yy03q0508vKsQVV64ckGqNjfDdJ2/s1600/wednesday-weigh-in-ww.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IyGoXk_qMrW6VKP6aOBPwoxdteWJx1Bu7AqB0uKg69PYTpJdT-p876S6H-Jd8vvWk4EBHwiX5vakPZAw_xFg_j0B2Q0l-012KtMqVuTNVXK3n9g9Yy03q0508vKsQVV64ckGqNjfDdJ2/s1600/wednesday-weigh-in-ww.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you couldnt tell by the huge gap between the weeks in the title of this post, I have been a major slacker in updating you all on my progress with Weight Watchers. The last time I checked in on the blog was back in <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/05/wednesday-weigh-in-week-16.html">May</a>. In short, I want to start off by saying that I have had positive results, however, it hasnt always been the easiest over the past few months, evidenced by my below progress report.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6u30Ca__gy4P3Bly5d0MVD_nk96nos_Es7IDUX0rKo3Qcs3_b17YQ3nBhDWHFxzum21KSk59M0docwaE5hIqB0bfrz46I3QkbwwU3irZXNhlWjvwDK_r5FFVWjI2Ir5RG5sA7RMq-WuM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-26+at+2.24.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6u30Ca__gy4P3Bly5d0MVD_nk96nos_Es7IDUX0rKo3Qcs3_b17YQ3nBhDWHFxzum21KSk59M0docwaE5hIqB0bfrz46I3QkbwwU3irZXNhlWjvwDK_r5FFVWjI2Ir5RG5sA7RMq-WuM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-26+at+2.24.39+PM.png" /></a></div>
You can see there were a couple of weeks I skipped, and <i>*gasp*</i> a few weeks where i actually gained back more than I would have liked. That last spike, the week of Sept 19th, when i hadnt tracked a single thing for 2 whole weeks, and I undoubtedly gained a whopping 4.8lbs, that was my last straw. You see, basically since June Ive plateaued. Ive been in that grey area where i either need to step it up or give up. And i sure as hell was NOT giving up. As i stated in my very <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/01/wednesday-weigh-in-week-1.html">first check in</a>, back in January, this time is different. Im not doing this for some grand event (<i>graduation, wedding, etc</i>), although those are good mini goals this time around, its not my main goal.<br />
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My #1 goal this time around is to do it for good. To make this a lifestyle change. To be healthier for me. For my son. For my husband. Yes, its nice to look thinner, but thats really not all that its about this time. A major perk, most definitely, but its more about being able to teach my son healthy habits. To be able to play with him outside without feeling winded. To be happier with myself, thus happier with my relationship with my husband. <br />
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Im officially back to pre-pregnancy weight, actually even less than that. And when i gained majorly 2 weeks ago, I told myself I needed to go back to basics. TRACK.TRACK.TRACK! And that is what I did, both this week and last week. Heres a little look at my tracking skills from last week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPyxJGh9ew-P6T_p26uxUXz7wNBctT51cISQc9qqF5leEwY3w2H7ylYy59A9_xuqayie7Qb_Tr85S0xN8KvfgLFNgECjCxzMcvi-NvdxMjEyEgBFtMVmkzzPjSdUtfSpT8h17TkV4D4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-26+at+2.21.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPyxJGh9ew-P6T_p26uxUXz7wNBctT51cISQc9qqF5leEwY3w2H7ylYy59A9_xuqayie7Qb_Tr85S0xN8KvfgLFNgECjCxzMcvi-NvdxMjEyEgBFtMVmkzzPjSdUtfSpT8h17TkV4D4/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-09-26+at+2.21.51+PM.png" width="609" /></a></div>
I definitely made up for the minor setback the previous weeks by getting rid of 5.6lbs. I exercised 3 out of the 7 days this week, so that probably was a majorly influence as well. I love that weight watchers online lets you look at progress reports like this. I can totally tell where my weaknesses are. For starters, I need to drink waaaaaaaaaaaay more water. But thats always been an issue for me :/ and i think i may need to just start taking a multivitamin before i got to bed when i take my birth control, because I seem to forget taking it the majority of the time. However, you'll noticed i tracked everylittle nibble, taste, bite, and snack. Even if I went over my points values a couple days. And yes, there were a few days i didnt reach my points plus target, but i honestly wasnt hungry and i need want to eat empty calories for the sake of reach my target.<br />
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Now, for what you really want to see, progress pictures. I always hate taking these kind of pictures, but in truth, its what i look for when i read someones diet progress, and considering i havent updated for so long, i figured i kinda owe it to you. So, without further ado, first are the before pictures i took when i joined in January.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6g2azMRa7-KjVKCxijy1jzhpo2FCGFAGXzQiOZnARRiIVHBOy7mebNwaHwrKspw_6J6CHBW_7T4DzFPSjU4C5qAsXQ3A3oICcy0RruPGMqwt5noMlh4anXyIWhTlMZQRHD6F5D-hTYgL/s1600/before-1913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6g2azMRa7-KjVKCxijy1jzhpo2FCGFAGXzQiOZnARRiIVHBOy7mebNwaHwrKspw_6J6CHBW_7T4DzFPSjU4C5qAsXQ3A3oICcy0RruPGMqwt5noMlh4anXyIWhTlMZQRHD6F5D-hTYgL/s1600/before-1913.jpg" /></a></div>
And heres my "half-way" pictures. Same outfit. Same pale skin ;)<br />
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Its not a huge drastic change, but its my half-way point, and I am DAMN proud of myself! I have my next weigh-in this evening, so hopefully me jumping back on the bandwagon as helped me shed even more, but only the scale will tell....<br />
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So to do a quick recap<br />
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<b>lbs shed this week:</b> -5.6 (<i>technically this was last week, i wont know till tonight what i did this week</i>)<br />
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<b>lbs shed in total:</b> -33 </div>
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<b>lbs still need to shed:</b> 17</div>
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<b>first goal:</b> 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13</div>
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<li> reward: mani/pedi and possibly massage (<i>still havent done this yet</i>)</li>
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<b>second goal:</b> 25lbs - reached on 6/6/13<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<li> reward: new rollerblades (<i>I also got the BOB stroller and with the two its awesome!</i>)</li>
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<b>final goal:</b> 50lbs</div>
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<li> reward: <a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/Grey_Stella_p/stl001gry.htm" target="_blank">epiphanie camera bag</a> or maybe the 50mm lens ive been dreaming about :)</li>
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<b>success:</b> im a tracking maniac! lol, no but seriously, every tiny thing that went into my mouth i made sure to put in my tracker, even if i went over my points. </div>
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<b>set-backs:</b> i need to make sure I drink <strike>more</strike> the minimum amount of water each day. im horrible at this. plus need to start taking a multivitamin too</div>
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<b>exercise:</b> rollerblading with matthew in the mornings before breakfast seems to be the best for me. I feel so much better if i get it done early and dont have to worry about it for the rest of my day. Also, walked to/from my parents to swim in the pool with matthew, my neice and nephew. Every little bit of exercise helps!<br />
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One last picture, which Im kinda horrified and proud to show. I hate when any picture shows my stomach, but I couldnt not post it because it shows such progress for me! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGybkfAzU-HLp4nAm7ec59tVM1GdkwGe7SK2oaRJNdfZXNKvHWELZiFfRK5mnGXkBma32_FaE3bD0xD7tA05MxrHaBAYjIBfpqsPs-DlJA1LWSwYUjq06wwZNQ0gvxzNJlwlUE1pg7Ct8/s1600/halfway-92613-inches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGybkfAzU-HLp4nAm7ec59tVM1GdkwGe7SK2oaRJNdfZXNKvHWELZiFfRK5mnGXkBma32_FaE3bD0xD7tA05MxrHaBAYjIBfpqsPs-DlJA1LWSwYUjq06wwZNQ0gvxzNJlwlUE1pg7Ct8/s640/halfway-92613-inches.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sorry for the bit of underwear display, the pants literally are falling off me lol</td></tr>
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So how are all of you doing with your weight-loss journey? Would love to her what has helped keep your momentum going when you hit a plateau or have a bad week!</div>
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-1670168232628625382013-09-27T15:53:00.001-04:002013-09-27T15:53:36.899-04:005 on Friday + a winner<br />
<div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O*N*E</b></span></span><br />
Well I promised that on Friday I would announce the winner of the The Little Mermaid <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-quick-update-and-giveaway.html">Giveaway</a>, so without further ado.....<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d6c2c5/" id="rc-2d6c2c5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congrats Maria!!!</span></div>
Please make sure to email me your address by Monday September 30th, so i can give it to the sponsor. <br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*W*O</b></span> </span><br />
So after seeking out some advice from a few of my favorite photography bloggers, I decided to go ahead and rent the 50mm 1.4 from <a href="http://www.borrowlenses.com/?blpid=523c6a5298015" target="_blank">borrowlenses.com</a>. Let me just say, OMG!!! I love this thing!! I havent even really had the chance to fully use it yet on a client/subject, but i played with it in my backyard on the dogs and i think im in LOVE! I cant wait to use it tomorrow on my new nephew. Thank you <a href="http://www.asortafairytaleblog.com/" target="_blank">Mandy</a> for your suggestion!!! Now if only i can convince someone to buy it for me for Christmas. Only 88 days to persuade someone, who will be the lucky winner? :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJZ2uV6aaKLz_6gIlqR_Rl1NRvfUrMk9v6csgLpPZ3yHEGCdUH8RhB7LiedWsI8nZR9oaXkkgLjhhWDYx9A81AFZAy58CeHTzqm0hKQ6C8J_hsLxlC3vA-xrRTWANpGhScMYFbrE7xwo/s1600/Sophie-92613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJZ2uV6aaKLz_6gIlqR_Rl1NRvfUrMk9v6csgLpPZ3yHEGCdUH8RhB7LiedWsI8nZR9oaXkkgLjhhWDYx9A81AFZAy58CeHTzqm0hKQ6C8J_hsLxlC3vA-xrRTWANpGhScMYFbrE7xwo/s1600/Sophie-92613.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mother-in-laws black lab, Sophie</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*H*R*E*E</b></span></span><br />
Im so proud of myself for jumping back on Weight Watchers full force! And not only because i can see a difference on the scale, but also because I feel like i am making better choices. Like right now, i just went on to plan what im having for dinner because I know we are going to a mexican restaurant since its my mother in laws last night in town. I tracked all the points, yes everything down to how many tortilla chips im going to eat, so that i know i will make a better choice while im at the dinner table. go me! (<i>oh and look for an upcoming post where i will do a complete update on my progress thus far</i>)<br /> <br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*O*U*R</b></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEt9Z3fa9NrAqZqW0-4h_knzdfK8Ebr2BhYifRyRdclLLcMEDmXgbfewvIGLx1lLNiL3HOWcTGEzlN1aboz1IUsGG3R1ULFhT8LswWy-zch9x78Gzgor3PR6PLch9l4pBdiTohalLg4c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-27+at+2.51.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEt9Z3fa9NrAqZqW0-4h_knzdfK8Ebr2BhYifRyRdclLLcMEDmXgbfewvIGLx1lLNiL3HOWcTGEzlN1aboz1IUsGG3R1ULFhT8LswWy-zch9x78Gzgor3PR6PLch9l4pBdiTohalLg4c/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-09-27+at+2.51.28+PM.png" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.partycity.com/product/toddler+boys+bamm+bamm+rubble+costume.do?sortby=ourPicks&size=all&carousel=true" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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Ive been thinking about what I want Matthew to be for halloween this year. Surprisingly hubs agrees with my idea, normally he has some kind of remark on it being cheesey. But you see my mom has been calling matthew "bam bam" for quite some time now. So i think it would be really cute if he was Bam Bam from Flinstones. I could even be Betty Rubble, or Wilma Flinstone. Highly doubt hubs would be willing to dress up as Barney or Fred, but I could give it a shot. lol. My issue is, we live in south florida, and EVERY.SINGLE. costume i find for kids is like a full body suit. Dont the makers realize that my kid might die of sweat? And come on, its Bam Bam for god sake! all he needs is a little skirt-like thing and a stick! but no, all the ones i can find look like this. Not only is it a full body suit, but the whole hair thing makes it look really weird to me. So i think i might just bite the bullet and shop for the costume on Etsy. It may be a little, read ALOT, more expensive to have someone make it, but i think it will look way better. Anyone know anyone that could make me a bam bam costume? Im sure it wouldnt be too difficult, and i could probably make it, but i just dont have the time or will power to try and figure it out.<br />
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*I*V*E</b></span> </span><br />
Not only have I had major baby fever lately, but i think Ive also got a case of the "i wanna bigger house" fever too. The two kinda go together. You see i want another kid soon. Like would love to be pregnant before the new year (<i>no we are not currently trying</i>), but we honestly dont really have a big enough house to add another kid into the mix. Technically we could enclose the carport, which is what we have wanted to do all along. But 1) we dont really have the money for that right now and 2) that still wouldnt give us the space we need. Ideally, i would love a 5bd/3bath. I know, i like to dream BIG. But think about it 1-our room 2-matthews room 3-baby #2's room eventually 4-my home office and 5-a spare bedroom, or possibly baby#3. Technically kids can share rooms, so thats always negotiable, but i need a separate room for my office. Currently its in whats supposed to be a dining room. But technically we cant afford a house like that out east where we <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-house-debate.html">live now</a>, and i really dont want to live out west if i can avoid it. So basically i just have to live with my baby fever and big house syndrome until someone decides they just want to give me lot and lots of money! any volunteers? Id be happy with something like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDMevLB58Tm76IptIjiE4WASglnH2cdZYYBOb-0PSCFxN5DKgGc9gKgMpdRgQjA6oUWjNZ68UL7SlGuvGPb6EgHIGZTC-oOHRK2Tr1fhK6ijP-98AH2S6i20T3_DeHC-MV1PMv1N_Fxs/s1600/d4228ed0d7ef914fabee4f0981c09f16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDMevLB58Tm76IptIjiE4WASglnH2cdZYYBOb-0PSCFxN5DKgGc9gKgMpdRgQjA6oUWjNZ68UL7SlGuvGPb6EgHIGZTC-oOHRK2Tr1fhK6ijP-98AH2S6i20T3_DeHC-MV1PMv1N_Fxs/s1600/d4228ed0d7ef914fabee4f0981c09f16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://houseplans.bhg.com/plan_details.asp?PlanNum=8688" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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Hope everyone has a great weekend!<br />
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If youre new here, leave a comment and ill make sure to hop on over to your blog too!</div>
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-10779961548356614232013-09-25T20:58:00.001-04:002013-09-26T14:10:29.693-04:00So what wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/2013/09/so-what-wednesday_25.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeAfterIdew+%28Life+After+I+%22Dew%22%29" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbOz0K52gFVMV2LHiNsqKPSg-rNxC4gtJaj9zBCVZT8VsEbi3BFCEeQfxeQP0J7nIRBL_mFQtTa9fcT0pZ88nW_tLdwZ8MzIuqNjxu7ai3rcXPW6ipTTpFe03PQwwFMgSb9s73k0um4A/s1600/swslil_zps54f2e5ae.png" /></a></div>
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This week im saying So what if....</div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I let Matthew cry for a good 15mins before i decided he just wasnt going to take his afternoon nap today</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It only took $14,000 in credit card debt for me to realize i need to tame my shopping habits</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I brought up the whole debt situation to my father in hopes he might help me out somehow, even if its only to borrow the $ from him to avoid interest...... </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Im getting less work done for work this week because i kept Matthew home with me an extra day to save a bit of money</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I gained 4.8lbs last week, but i made up for it this week by getting rid of 5.6lbs! Woohoo!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If i look forward to wednesday weight watchers meetings to just get out of the house and have hubby feel the full responsibility of matthew for a night</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I only mowed the front lawn today, when the back is really what needed it, but it started pouring and at least it gives me some exercise for tomorrow</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I left 2 loads of clean laundry in the living room, in hopes my mom would fold and put away while she came over to watch matthew before hubs got home</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a dream my birth control failed due to the use of antibiotics this month and ended up pregnant....dam baby fever....and aunt flo arrived today so no it wasnt a premonition </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wrote this post from my phone so the likelihood of the layout being all messed up is pretty darn good ;) (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>update: i went back and reformatted thursday to make it look right lol</i></span>)</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dont forget to link up with <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/2013/09/so-what-wednesday_25.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeAfterIdew+%28Life+After+I+%22Dew%22%29" target="_blank">Shannon</a> and let us know what your saying So What to this week</span></span></div>
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-20443737408766053292013-09-20T12:05:00.000-04:002013-09-20T12:05:20.023-04:005 on fridayI really love these 5 on Friday posts. Especually since Ive been slacking majorly in the whole blog department, this gives me a chance to catch up on the small things<br />
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<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SX1RHFKivTeWie7Mcdbph3dnNEYkNMjBAOLtmuRYIvXzJtH0Clh_HAEAoZfygYRuLL4p4g8rtokokUOnmjHvm4oTIaBS664kFr0bzlF46bgOEqbxidkYFhuikn4cuqqq4qwMvtyLcV8/s1600/1185998_10200870208782418_244988520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SX1RHFKivTeWie7Mcdbph3dnNEYkNMjBAOLtmuRYIvXzJtH0Clh_HAEAoZfygYRuLL4p4g8rtokokUOnmjHvm4oTIaBS664kFr0bzlF46bgOEqbxidkYFhuikn4cuqqq4qwMvtyLcV8/s320/1185998_10200870208782418_244988520_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O*N*E</b></span></span><br />
Im officially an aunt again! my sister-in-law gave birth to a cute baby boy, Francis "Frankie" James, on Tuesday Sept 17th, 7lbs 3oz, 20inches long. This means that Matthew is also officially a big cousin! Im so happy he is going to have a cousin around the same age as him, seeing that my sisters kids are 13 and 6, these two lil boys will only be a year apart. I cant wait to see them be best buds and having lots of family get-togethers where they are running around with each other. And oh-my-aching-ovaries!!! lets just say holding him when he was less than a day old did not do any good for the looming baby fever ive been having.......<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*W*O</b></span> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UOWlHjmB1_fKKr0Bo8-ibAgMqXgbf9XnQ878fMpeKOQYXMgr80yu8Jwkc62ojA_-wfQVcZrT3whfUyZn88kZvKFEhnzZH9Pmu4PI4b8vP-GT8WTfQOeR4ng2b8Y1D38FD1hFhGlkujE/s1600/IMG_7033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UOWlHjmB1_fKKr0Bo8-ibAgMqXgbf9XnQ878fMpeKOQYXMgr80yu8Jwkc62ojA_-wfQVcZrT3whfUyZn88kZvKFEhnzZH9Pmu4PI4b8vP-GT8WTfQOeR4ng2b8Y1D38FD1hFhGlkujE/s320/IMG_7033.JPG" width="320" /></a>So with my nephew being born, and the maternity/1yr photoshoot i booked for my friend a couple of weeks ago, its really got me starting to think about turning this little photography hobby of mine into a business. My friend said that she got so many compliments on the photos i took of her lil expanding family and her lil girls 1st bday, and mentioned that she wished i had a facebook page for my photography so she could tag them/recommend me. Which then got me into thinking of a logo for my possible business. what do you think of my first idea? After playing around with my initials for a little while, i feel like it almost looks like a butterfly, and i LOVE butterflies. So im sure there could be a few tweaks, but im really liking it so far<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*H*R*E*E</b></span></span><br />
More photography stuff (<i>sorry its been on my mind alot lately</i>), i cant really afford another lens right now and while scouring pinterest for newborn session ideas for my nephew, i came cross this site called <a href="http://www.borrowlenses.com/?blpid=523c6a5298015" target="_blank">borrowlenses.com</a>, have any of you used it? I asked a couple of my photog friends and they all seem to recommend the 50mm as a wonderful lens to use. So im definitely contemplating whether to rent it for a week or two to try it out on my nephew. And then if i fall in love with it, maybe i can ask for it for christmas? <br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*O*U*R</b></span></span><br />
Ive had enough with this whole laxidasical (<i>did i spell that right?</i>) approach ive been having with weight watchers over the past 3-4weeks. I know the program works, i know i can do it, i know im successful with it, but im just too dam lazy. urrgghh. so this week i told myself there were no excuses. Granted ive only just said that yesterday (<i>since wednesday was my weigh in day and i gained basically 5lbs in the past 2 weeks</i>), but im going to track, eat healthier, exercise, and NOT step on the scale until next wednesday. so far so good. ive tracked every single little bite ive put in my mouth, i went rollerblading yesterday morning before matthew and i even ate breakfast, and im going to publix on my lunch break to stock up on healthy food. wish me luck.<br />
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*I*V*E</b></span> </span><br />
Its actually starting to feel like fall around here as of this morning. As I walked matthew out to my sisters car this morning for pickup, i could feel a cool breeze and the i wasnt covered in sweat when i made it back in the house. and that says alot when you live in south florida. I love fall. Not winter, but fall. Normally right around Halloween is when i feel like our seasons somewhat change around here. But i have to to admit, i am completely jealous of you ladies who are already rocking the boots, scarves, and jeans. Oh and also those who get to go apple picking. I LOOOOOVE me some apple! I wish we had an orchard somewhere around here, but i think thats only for you northerner :( but that wont stop me from making this <a href="http://www.emilybites.com/2013/09/apple-cinnamon-baked-oatmeal-singles.html" target="_blank">apple cinnamon baked oatmeal</a> recipe. Not only is it apple, but its also weight watcher friendly. If any of you are following the plan, you must go check out <a href="http://www.emilybites.com/" target="_blank">Emily Bites</a>. She has some great ww recipes that do not disappoint!!! (<i>and you dont even have to tell your hubby its diet-friendly, he wont be able to tell!!</i>)<br />
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Hope everyone has a great weekend!<br />
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And if you havent already, go enter my latest <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-quick-update-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a> to win a The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy!<br />
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If youre new here, leave a comment and ill make sure to hop on over to your blog too!</div>
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-42857181034518205002013-09-17T12:59:00.000-04:002013-09-17T13:25:16.175-04:00a quick update and a giveawayWow, you know how everyone tells you once you have kids time seems to literally fly by? Well they werent kidding. I cant believe it is already half way through September. Alots been going on around our neck of the world. Lots of projects at work, lots of random house projects (<i>including building a swingset!</i>), baby shower for my sis-in-law, and now she is actually at the hospital as of last night getting induced due to a liver condition they found in her. All is well so far, and I cant wait to meet my new lil nephew hopefully later today! <i><insert baby fever here></i><br />
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But along with all that good news for me and my family, I have some good news for you, my bloggy friends, too! I have the opportunity to give one of my lucky readers <a href="http://movies.disney.com/the-little-mermaid" target="_blank">The Little Mermaid</a> Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy!<br />
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I was so beyond excited to be able to host this giveaway! We all know <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2012/11/first-family-vaca-disney-part-one.html">we love Disney</a> around here, and The Little Mermaid just so happens to be one of my all time favorite Disney classics. Funny, I was just talking to hubby about how when I was growing up, i would have definitely considered myself a Disney kid (<i>opposed to Nickelodeon</i>). I think i had every classic Disney movie on VHS (<i>omg, showing my age now with the VHS reference</i>), but the few that stayed in my normal rotation were The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Sleeping Beauty.<br />
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And honestly, it kind of makes me sad that all my old VHS's will go to waste, and my kid(s) wont have those for their viewing pleasure since we dont own a VHS player anymore. But luckily, The Little Mermaid is coming out of the Disney Vault for the
first time on Blu-ray Combo Pack and HD Digital on October 1st!<br />
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If you want you chance at winning a free copy for your kiddos (<i>or yourself, if youre a fanatic like me lol</i>) then just simply enter below through the rafflecopter.<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d6c2c5/" id="rc-2d6c2c5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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Oh and you can also check out is the movie's website, which includes clips, games and activities by going <a href="http://movies.disney.com/the-little-mermaid" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Good luck!<br />
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<i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">I received a copy of the movie in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.</span></i>Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-40186814446211762732013-08-30T17:46:00.000-04:002013-08-30T17:46:29.201-04:00Five on Friday vol 2Linking up again this week for Five on Friday<br />
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<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O*N*E</b></span></span><br />
I booked my first <strike>un</strike>official photography gig a couple weeks ago for a close friend who is pregnant with #2 thats happening tomorrow afternoon. Im a little nervous to say the least. Im no professional, and am honestly scared that we will end up with no good pics. My friend has complete confidence in me and says shes knows that im just beginning, but that she thinks i take really good pics. (<i>if youve see pics on here of matthew and his girlfriend sam, thats her firstborn</i>). I told her she didnt have to pay me unless she liked how the pics came out. That way its a win-win for both of us, cuz honestly Id do it for free just to get the experience, and this way if the pics dont turn out good then she can hire someone else to take pics. :/ Wednesday during my lunch break I even went downtown to the location to scope out some areas where we can hopefully have some nice background scenery. Now only if I could figure out how to make my camera do the focused foreground blurry background trick when i want it to (<i>i only sometimes get it, and it frustrates the crap outta me!</i>)<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*W*O</b></span> </span><br />
We finally put up the swingset that Matthew got for his birthday back in June, this past weekend. It took hubby and 3 of matthews uncles to build it in 2 days. It sits so nicely in our big backyard and I can already picture many future playdates with lots of kids. Matthew already is attached to it. He'll grab his shoes, bring them to me to put on, and then head straight to the back door. And also, his changing table is right next to the window that overlooks our backyard, lets just say diaper changing has become a complete challenge since he can see the swingset thru the window. Look forward to a whole post of the swingset, but for now, ill leave you with this pic.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*H*R*E*E</b></span></span><br />
Kinda fitting I pick to write about this third. I have this weird theory that everything comes in threes, but more particularly life and death. So if someone tells me they are pregnant or that someone has passed away, im always looking for the second and third person to be pregnant or pass away. (<i>sorry if the death one is kinda morbid, but its true</i>) So basically, where this comes into play is i think i have major baby fever right now. Matthew is starting to act more and more like a toddler and less and less like a baby. He has his own characteristics, and is becoming so smart that its hard for me to enjoy it because i already miss his small baby squishiness (<i>yes, i made that word up</i>). So when a friend of mine announced her pregnancy, I immediately started looking for the next couple of preggos, and OMG they just keep coming. Literally<br />
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<li>Friend - Sarah L</li>
<li>Acquaintance - Krista G</li>
<li>Friend - Julie F</li>
<li>Friend's wife - Jamie L</li>
<li>Friend's sister - Daniella S</li>
<li>Friend - Ciji J</li>
<li>Friend - Kristina </li>
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And these are all IRL friends. I dont really count blog friends since I dont know them personally. So basically Im am literally chomping at the bit wondering who is #7 & #8. And unfortunately even though baby fever has come in at full force, i know for a fact its not me :( we're not trying yet, but hopefully soon. <br /><br /><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*O*U*R</b></span></span><br />
Ive been a total slacker on weight watchers lately. I feel like a drop-out. But i refuse to give up. So what if ive have a few bad weeks, as long as i go back on it i am good. Im still down 30lbs so Im happy about that, but i finally got my bob jogging stroller and ive had my new rollerblades in my closet for a good 1-2months. So i have absolutely no excuse not to be exercising now. Plusalso the temps should be dropping at least a degree or two soon (thats alot cooler for us floridians lol) so i should be able to rollerblade after work before dinnertime. We shall see. I just need a good kick in the butt! Any volunteers? jk<br />
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*I*V*E</b></span> </span><br />
We finally booked our Thanksgiving cruise. Its kind of a tradition on my side of the family to go on a cruise for Thanksgiving, but we missed last years due to matthew being too young.We were debating going on this years because it goes to a port we've already been to and because its only a 4day cruise. But at last minute we decided a short cruise is better than no cruise. So basically the countdown begins for when i need to be in a bathing suit in front of people. Which brings be back to point four above. My small goal is to be down at least another 10lbs before the cruise. My final goal weight is about 20lbs more, but Ill be happy with 10lbs by Turkey Day. Wish me luck!<br />
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Thats about it for me. Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!</div>
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If youre new here, leave a comment and ill make sure to hop on over to your blog too!</div>
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-9577789872702980572013-08-27T17:01:00.000-04:002013-08-27T17:01:56.824-04:00the marry-wed gameRecently Ive become more aware of the dynamics of <strike>my</strike> marriage. Most likely due to lots of friends getting married within the next year. Now, i am no expect by any means, when it comes to the success of marriage, but i do feel like I have a little bit of an upper hand considering hubs and I have been together for going on 11 years (<i>2.5 of those being married</i>). I know we're young and still have alot to learn, but it feels nice to have my newly-engaged or newly-wed friends come to us for some advice. Granted the questions are more like "It gets better right?" and "All of this is worth it right?"<br />
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Now, lets start the off by saying I do love being married, but the hard honest truth is marriage isnt necessarily about how much you love someone. Instead, to me at least, its about how much you are willing to constantly work on having a relationship with another person for the rest of your life. Yes there are many good times, fun memories, romantic nights, and life events that just make you smile and your heart beat a lil faster. But there are a hell of a lot arguments, disagreements, and just plain old trying days too. Some like to phrase it as "picking your battles." Which indeed is true. Just like you as a person change as you grow older, so does your marriage. And quite honestly sometimes the physical day-to-day becomes so routine that you kind of feel like youre in a slump. You see this person everyday, talk to them numerous times a day, and usually if anything new happens the other person is standing right there with you as it happens. Conversation are based on house projects, kids, finances, etc. And so it becomes hard sometimes to just enjoy a conversation with each other because you feel like there is nothing new to talk about.<br />
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This brings me to the real point of this post, sorry i got so deep up there ;)<br />
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I have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/southernwifey/married-life/" target="_blank">board</a> on pinterest that is completely dedicated to married life. I like to go back to it every now and then when i feel like we are in a "slump." And for those of you who have your head in the gutter, im not talking about physically :P but more about the relationship itself. I pin things like date nights, quotes, gift ideas, etc. Well i came across <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/256283035018147914/" target="_blank">this pin</a> last night that was a little game, kinda like the newlywed game. Only it was catered more towards people already married, and basically was comprised of 20 questions on how well you know your significant other. Normally hubs isnt real into doing these things because they end up taking a long time, but seeing as Matthew was already asleep and we were just hanging out back on our patio, we decided to give it a try. (<i>Note: i clicked on the pin and it keeps taking me to an error page, so i took it upon myself to make a lil printable/graphic</i>)<br />
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I thought it would be fun to share our answers. Hubs answers for me are in blue, mine for him are in pink. Anything in italics is the other persons comments to the answers.<br />
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<b>1. fav comfort food</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">mac & cheese and pork loin</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><yep></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">mexican food or chicken parm</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><so which one?></i></span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;">probably chicken parm</span> <i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><yep> </span></i><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span> </div>
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<b>2. dream job</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">stay at home mom </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><i was so wondering if you would think that as a job, good answer></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">probably a wildlife enforcement officer, although its hard because you just recently changed careers</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><yeah, i would probably go with having my own recruiting agency></i></span></div>
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<b>3. bed cover hogger</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">YOU!</span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">hehe (lmao)</span></div>
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<b>4. fav color</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">purple....blue</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><well i kinda have alot, purple, blue, teal, pink></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">green? </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><actually blue, but i like green too></i></span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;">thats probably because i always take the blue stuff and give you green </span></div>
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<b>5. toothbrush color</b></div>
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<b> </b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">light blue?</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><yep></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">green! please refer back to question 4 ;)</span></div>
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<b>6. last book read</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">well you havent read 50 shades of grey, was it one of those eclipse, vampire books?<i> </i></span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><eclipse? you mean the twilight series? ></i></span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">yeah the vampire book </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><lol, no it was the hunger games series ></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">i cant remember the last time you even read a book, but i know what book you would read again </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><what?></i></span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;">the old man and the sea</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><yeah, and that was probably the last book i read too lol></i></span><br /><b> </b></div>
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<b>7. fav hobby</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">photography</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><yea></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">fishing, or golfing now </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><yeah, but id still rather go fishing></i></span> </div>
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<b>8. fav date night</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">dinner and movie</span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">same</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>9. strangest gift</b></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">ive never really gotten a strange gift</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">yeah, we dont really get strange gifts for each other</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>10. best vacation</b></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">either our honeymoon cruise or cruise we got engaged on </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">defintely the cruise we got engaged on, it was really the only vacation we have gone on alone and had a really good time without anyone else <i> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><note: on our honeymoon we met with my best friend when she lived in st thomas, so it tech wasnt completely alone></i></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>11. first date</b></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">skipping school and going to the court house</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><that wasnt really a date></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">i dont think we actually ever went on a "first date" </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><we went on alot of date></i></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>12. first kiss</b></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">same as question 11</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><we didnt kiss that day></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">honestly cannot remember </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><so it was the time at the court house></i></span> no, i promise you we did not kiss that time, but i just cant remember when the first time was :/</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>13. fav dessert</b></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">strawberry shortcake</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and cannolis....i have a sweet tooth></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">tiramisu </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><yep></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;"><b>14. fav sport</b></span><i><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">softball </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><probably></i></span></i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">baseball or golfing </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><yeah probably></i></span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b>15. fav restaurant</b><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">melting pot</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><fo sho!></i></span><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Roasted Pepper, Franco & Vinnies, Giannis, anything italian, oh and mexican too! </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><Roasted Pepper is too far, but yeah prob all of those></i></span> </div>
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<b>16. excites you</b><br /><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><somehow we completely missed this question. oops></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>17. name of first pet</b></span><i><br /></i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">butterscotch?</span> <i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><close, cinnamon, but they were both golden retreivers></i></span></i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">umm, chuck? </span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><no cracker, a black lab></i></span> </i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">cracker? why did you name your black lab cracker? </span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><because his tail was constantly hitting the wall, and it made a crack sound></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>18. fav household chore</b></span></span></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><br /></i></span></i></span></i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">making the beds</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></span></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><i guess, i dont really like any chores lol></i></span></i></span></i></span></i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">cooking dinner </span></span></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><i dont think thats a chore but ok></i></span> </i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></span> </i></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>19. home from work, first activity</b></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">to say hi to matthew</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></span></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><well i was going to say, go pick up matthew, but same thing></i></span></i></span></i></span></i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">go take a poop (sorry tmi) </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></span></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><i always say hi to my son first...then go poop></i></span> </i></span></i></span></i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">lmao</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;"><b>20. eggs cooked</b></span><i><br /></i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">scrambled, with cheese, the way i make them</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><i><YEP!></i></span></i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">over easy, a little runny </span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><thats not how you order them, you just say over easy, then i make them runny></i></span></i> whatevs</span></span></span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></span> </i></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: black;">So basically, hubs knows me extremely well, and i could probably pay a little bit more attention lol, but at least we had a good 20mins of casual fun conversation. I definitely suggest trying this with you significant other and see how well you now each other! If you do, blog about it and leave the link so I can read all about it!</span></span></div>
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-51868076358248948732013-08-23T11:22:00.000-04:002013-08-23T11:22:00.744-04:00Matthews Birth story part 2<br />
You can find part 1 <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/08/matthews-birth-story-part-1.html">here</a>.<br />
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We waited for what seemed like hours, but in all honesty was probably only 10-20mins. The triage nurse came in and explained that they were going to monitor me to see how far apart the contractions were. She asked me all the normal questions, including if my water had broken. At this moment in time it hadnt. But I swear those contractions ever couple of minutes were pretty intense. I remember squeezing Matts hand through each one. I would cringe my body up real tight and basically stop breathing. Again something they tell you not to do. But I just couldnt control it.<br />
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It had been about 30 more mins of monitoring when all of a sudden I felt a leaking sensation. (<i>sorry for the tmi</i>) Not a pop. Not a gush. Almost like I had just peed in my panties. I even told hubs this. "Either I just peed all over the bed, or my water broke." And truthfully, I really didnt know which it was. lol. And at that moment, the nurse had come back in. She was coming to tell me that my contractions were not coming as often as I had reported when coming in. They were now 6 mins apart. Basically meaning that I would be sent home.<br />
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To which I replied, "umm I either peed or my water broke." She looked at me kinda funny and asked if she could check. She lifted the sheet and confirmed, "Well, you just bought yourself a ticket to being admitted!" You mean this is real. This is really going to happen today? I couldnt believe it. And then another contraction hit me. Quite hard. The nurse said she would be back with clean sheets.<br />
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I turned to Matt. I think im going to vomit. Get a garbage can. Get a bag. Get something. Somehow I held it in the time it took him to find the ever so clever "barf-bags." I couldnt understand how i even had anything to throw up. I hadnt had anything to eat since the night before. And it was going on 2pm. Then I remembered those delicious fruit pops. They didnt tast so delicious coming back up thats for sure.<br />
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When the nurse returned, she noticed how pale i looked. Hubs informed her of what just happened. Then she said something that kinda amused me;<br />
"I bet youre 4cms now."<br />
"Why do you say that?"<br />
"Well, I dont know why, but the minute someone says theyve thrown-up, they are normally at least 4cms dilated"<br />
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Sure enough, she was right. I was now 4cms. She told me they would be moving me to a room and out of triage. As we were waiting for the room my sister was actually able to come back. When she did, she also let me know that the other doctor at the practice, Dr. Coe, was the doctor on-call that weekend. Quite a coincidence if you ask me, being he is my sisters dr and had delivered my niece and a few of my friends children. (<i>lil back story, i actually first went to this practice to have him as my dr, but then found out he didnt take my insurance. however, one of the other partners, Dr. Fahey, did. At that time I was a little relieved because she is a woman, and Coe is a man, and i had never had a male Gyno.</i>) I wasnt the least bit upset either. Dr Coe knew me very well, as i had been extremely involved with my sisters 2nd pregnancy, and i was at least happy i knew who would be delivering our lil boy.<br />
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The next few minutes are a little blurry to me. I remember them asking if I thought i could walk to the new room. I had said that would be fine, and then all i remember is halfway there (which wasnt very far) the contractions started to hit hard. I grabbed onto the nurses station and had to have Matt holding me up because I couldnt move. Then the next thing i remember is getting onto the bed.<br />
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Throughout my pregnancy I had always been undecided about the epidural. First, Im allergic to epinephrine, the main ingredient in most epidurals. My dr assured me that it isnt always in epidurals and just to let the anesthesiologist know, and they should be able to make a different cocktail of drugs that would work the same. And secondly, i really wanted to be able to move around and not be limited to the bed during labor. Hopefully allowing me to use the tub if possible. So i had told my hubs and sister, the two who would be in the room with me, that i would like to hold off on the epi for as long as possible and see if i could make it natural. But never being 100% against it, knowing I may demand it at some point ;)<br />
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Sure enough, as im getting on the bed, the nurse asked me if I would like an epidural. As in, if-down-the-line i would like an epidural, but first you need to sign paperwork. But before she could even explain to me the part about the paperwork I was already forcefully saying "YES! PLEASE!!" At which point my sis and hubs began hysterically laughing, as well as the nurse, who then explained she would call for the anesthesiologist and be back with the paperwork. Looking back, I am sure glad I said yes at that point, because turned out i wasnt able to get it for another 1.5hr due to the hospital being busy that day.<br />
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During those 90mins i was so uncomfortable and in pain. I would get really cold and shake. I would have a contraction and shake. I couldnt talk to anyone. I could barely rest between the contractions. I believe my sis-in-law and mother-in-law came in sometime during this time. And they say I wasnt very pleasant.... I would squeeze matts hand, hold my breath, and cringe everytime. And then the anesthesiologist finally showed up. I was really nervous at how i was going to be able to sit still during a contraction, as i was involuntarily shaking uncontrollably during each one. The nurse assured me I would be fine and asked everyone, including matt to the leave the room. Which he had absolutely no objection to. Then she had me lean over a pillow as she stood in front of me and told me i could hold on to her or the pillow. She said we would do it right after a contraction ended so I had a better chance of staying still.<br />
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Surprisingly it honestly did not hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would. Yes, its a needle, its gonna hurt. But trust me, compared to the contractions your feeling every couple of minutes, that needle is like a small pinch, followed by a small burning sensation. And then she said it was done. They put me back on the bed lying down and explained how my legs would start to go numb. Which they did.<br />
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They continued to monitor my contractions and even had to inform me when i was having one. I was so surprised at how it literally took the pain away. I mean i knew it would, but the relief to be able to relax in between was so calming. Then everyone came back in, to which they all informed me I seemed to be in a much better mood. And I was actually able to talk to them.<br />
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The next couple of hours are blurry to me. Dr Coe came in to check on me and say hi. Letting me know he would be the one to deliver. I know i was able to rest a little. I know they turned the lights down low so I could try to nap. I was exhausted, but too anxious to sleep. I remember the nurse checking me a couple times, and me progressively dilating further. I think somewhere around 11pm the nurse said i was at 9 cm and that she was going to call the dr to come in and check on me.<br />
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Around 11:30pm Dr Coe came in and said I was now 10cm, he had me do a couple of pushes. I guess to see how well I would do? i dunno. And then informed me that I would need to push for a little while. He let me know that he would be at the nurses station doing some paperwork and would come back to check on me soon. And then, get this, youll see how informal we really are and how close of a relationship we have with this doctor....With my legs spread open from him doing the internal check, he turned around and started watching and commenting on the Miami Heat game that was on the TV. Him and my husband were literally watching the basketball game as I was "laboring" on the bed. Till this day we all laugh about this. (<i>Sidenote: the Heat did win that game! lol</i>)<br />
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He left after a few more mins and my nurse came over to have me do a couple more pushes. I guess I wasnt doing it right. And if im being completely honest, i think it was the thought in the back of my mind that I might poop on the table. It wasnt that I was scared to or anything, i just didnt want to, and i think that thought was hindering me from pushing as hard as I could. The nurse finally came out and said it, and informed me that she could tell I was tensing up as I pushed each time. She said she could see his head coming down but then I would kinda suck him back in (Sorry if thats too visual). She said I needed to push like I was going to poop. So I tried, and she immediately exclaimed "Yes! Just like that!" After only a few more "test pushes" as I like to call them ;) she said she was going to go get Dr Coe because our lil boy would be here very soon. And explained that since I had had a fever all day that they would need the nicu nurses to be in the room during birth.<br />
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By this time it was around 12:10am. Dr Coe came back and said "I didnt even get to do any of my paper work!" Which lightened the mood a tad. He scrubbed up, the nurse got the baby table all ready, and we started doing the "real pushes." My sister was on one side holding up my leg, and hubs was on the other. I swear it felt like hours later, but with literally only about 20mins of pushing our lil boy was born at 12:38am at 8lbs 12oz. They put him on my chest, and I just held him for a couple of seconds, not realizing the weight of what just happened. I was still in shock and quite out of breath. But he was there. Our lil boy was here.<br />
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They then took him over to the table to clean him up and weigh him and such. I remember hearing him cry, but it was what they called an "extended cry." Im not sure how long it was, but i remember hubs going out to the waiting room to tell family he was finally here. While he was gone, it was only me and my sis in the room. I dont remember exactly how long it was, but I heard one of the nurses say he had a fever. And then I heard my nurse say that "he probably had a fever because the mom has had a fever all day too." Probably due to me being in the pool & sun earlier that day.<br />
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My nurse came back over to me and explained that he had a little bit of an extended cry. Probably due to a tiny bit of fluid being on his lungs from not being squeeze out at birth. And that since this was happening and he had a fever, that they would need to take him to nicu for further monitoring. They wrapped him up and asked if i wanted to hold him before they took him down. I of course said yes. At this point hubs had come back in the room. I just looked at my sis and told her to explain what was happening. As I was still a little out of it and just wanted to hold my baby.<br />
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I asked Matt if he wanted to hold him before they took him, since he hadnt held him yet. I think he was too nervous to, and said no they should just take him to make sure hes ok. They then put him in one of the transporting beds and wheeled him out. By now i tears welling up in my eyes and trickling down my face. I knew he would be ok. I knew it was just precaution, but I wanted so badly to do the skin-on-skin contact. And to try breastfeeding. And to just hold my baby boy.<br />
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Matt and his mom followed the baby down to the NICU while my sis stayed with me. My nurse came back in and let me know she would help me go to the bathroom, as I had to pee badly. The epidural had worn off by now, and I could feel my legs. She led me in the bathroom and helped explain "the cleanup." We were transferred to our room somewhere around 3am. Still no baby with us. Then around 5am they came in to check on me. They insisted I could go to see him whenever I wanted, but I could barely move, let alone get into a wheelchair to be able to go in. I was so tired and told them I would go as soon as I could get up and shower off. Around 8am hubs was awake, I showered, and we went down to see our precious boy.<br />
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He was getting oxygen through a helmet, and was on a little bed warmer. I wasnt able to hold him, but he was so precious. All i kept thinking was we dont belong here. I mean, as i walked in all i saw was tiny babies, babies that were fighting for their lives. My son was gigantic compared to them. Remember he was almost 9lbs.<br />
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Ill skip over the next few trying days. He spent a total of a week in NICU. I had to be discharge from the hospital without my baby. I never got the experience of having him in my hospital room with me. It was odd that people came to see him/me, and it was literally just me laying in my bed. Only close family and few close friends were able to actually see him in NICU. But it was literally the best day of my life when they told us he could come home with us!<br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-47998998094379589062013-08-22T11:22:00.001-04:002013-08-22T11:22:39.067-04:00matthews birth story part 1Ive been meaning to write this for a while now. I dont want to forget any details of the day my precious lil boy was born. And since there are so many bloggers who have had babies recently, its made me really want to share my story. Its actually a pretty simple story, but nonetheless still very meaningful to me. <br />
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It started out on Sunday June 3, 2012. I woke up around 7:00am, which was actually quite early for me (<i>ha, wish I could say that now</i>). I had felt a couple of cramps, which I first alluded to a stomach ache, but later realized it was the beginning signs of labor. They werent really consistent and I didnt want to wake Matt up for a lil stomache. So I tried to go back to sleep.<br />
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After about 1-2 hours of tossing and turning, with so-called cramps about every 15mins that were starting to get a little bit more painful, I decided to wake Matt up. I wasnt sure how to explain it to him, and he really was kind of clueless when it came to this kind of thing. He kept asking, "well what do you want me to do?" In which case I would reply, "I dont know."<br />
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Well, if you dont know my husband, hes all about the "quick fix" with everything. If there is a problem, tell him how to fix it, and he will. But if not he gets kind of frustrated. So, since he didnt know exactly what to do, he called who he thought would be the best person in this situation, my sister. Who at that moment in time was at BJ's shopping. She told hubs to calm down and as soon as she was done she would head over to our house.<br />
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I continued to have these slightly uncomfortable cramps about ever 10-15mins. I would stop at the end of our bed and grasped tightly to the footboard. And then just like that, it would be gone. My sister showed up fairly quickly and basically took one look at me and quickly stated "Its starting!" I'll admit. I wasnt quite sure what to think. Id been wanted this baby out of me for a few days now. But the thought that today would be the day? I dont know. It kind of freaked me out a bit. Plus, I still wasnt sure if this was actually it. You hear people all the time having false alarms. And I hadnt really experienced any braxton hicks, so thats what this might be.<br />
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My sister reassured me it was ok, and that why dont we just relax a little. She actually suggested that we go down to my parents (<i>only 2 blocks away</i>) and just go hang out in the pool and bounce. Funny she says bounce, because that is exactly what we did back when I was in 8th grade the entire day before my nephew was born. I figured, heck, it worked for her, maybe it would work for me to. So I slipped on some clothes, still not completely sure I was indeed going in the pool, and we all headed down to my parents. <br />
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My mom wasnt home from work yet, but called and asked if we needed her to pick anything up for us on her way home. Im not sure whos idea it was, but when she showed up with fresh fruit popsicles, i swear it was like I had died and gone to heaven. Little did I know it would be the last thing I had to eat for the next 12+ hours.<br />
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I was getting extremely uncomfortable at this point. And couldnt talk through the "cramps." Instead I would just stop and basically hold my breath. You know, the one thing your NOT supposed to do. Thats why they always tell you to breathe. To help ease the pain through the contractions. My sis and hubs at this point had agreed it would be best for me to get in the pool and just "relax." I managed to get in my bathing suit and into the pool. Just hanging on to a raft that was floating in the water.<br />
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Now, I could be wrong, but if the rest of you are like me, the very last thing you want is to have visiters when you feel like a giant whale. Literally, I mean come on, I was in my maternity bathing suit, no makeup, not able to control the pain, and just floating around in the water. And what happens? Hubs thinks its ok to have his sister and cousin stop by. And not like just stop by to drop something off and leave. But like stop by, chill with their feet in the pool, all while drinking some cool beverages, and basically staring at me going through contractions in the pool. Im sorry but to me, this is kind of a private time. I didnt mind my mom and sis, because Im extremely close to them. But with his sister and cousin there, I was extremely self conscious and waaay uncomfortable. I even made my sis bring out one of my dads shirts for me to wear to cover up while in the pool. And for gods sakes, STOP STARING AT ME! lol<br />
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Now, all the while, I was screaming that to myself (<i>in my head</i>), i actualy appeared quite calm to every else. The pool itself was a great idea. It made me feel buoyant. And the water was keeping me cool. Hubs was keeping count of the contractions. Telling me when he thought the next would come. They were now about 4 mins apart. Technically that was close enough to go to the hospital. But i chose to stay in the water a little longer. Knowing if I went now, they might send me home. Or I might be limited to those four walls they call a birthing suite.<br />
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It only took a few more contractions to convince me it was time to go. They helped me out of the pool, reality hit right then and there that I was indeed NOT buoyant. lol. I waddled my way to the restroom to change back into clothes and try to put some makeup on. Between hubs, my mom and sis, they were all laughing at me about wanting to put makeup on. Like they literally wouldnt let me. And kept telling me I didnt need it. Somehow they pushed me out of the house without even so much of mascara (<i>my staple</i>) and out the door I went. (<i>man do i wish I had been able to put that makeup lol</i>)<br />
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We got into hubs truck, just the two of us. My sis following behind in her own car. This was it. This was the last time it would be just the two of us. Last time we were just husband and wife. Next time we would be in this truck we would be mommy and daddy too.<br />
<br />
The car ride there was actually not too bad. It almost felt like the
contractions had slowed down. I was doubting our decision to to go to
the hospital. But I figured we might as well see what the progress is. I
had been dilated 1cm for almost 3 weeks, but I knew that didn't
necessarily mean anything.<br />
<br />
We pulled into the parking
lot and found a somewhat decent spot. I remember walking in and thinking
this is it. We weren't sure if we needed to check in at the front
reception desk or just go straight to the third floor, the maternity
unit. As soon as the lady at the front saw me stop in mid stride, she
simply said "go on up." so that is what we did.<br />
<br />
Thankfully,
I had already preregistered with the hospital, so it didnt take long to
get me into the triage area. Unfortunately, they wouldnt let my sister
come in with us during this time, and also refused to let her stand in
the hallway, so she was banished to the waiting area. I remember sitting
on the bed, not knowing exactly what was going to happen. Even though
they had went over all of this in our hospital tour. <br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-61656712770362572042013-08-07T11:59:00.000-04:002013-08-07T12:00:03.961-04:00baby stepsYes, i mean that literally, our <span style="font-size: large;"><b>BABY</b></span> took his first <span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEPS</b></span> yesterday!!!!<br />
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This mommy could not be more proud! All the while a couple thoughts are running through my head:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bout dang time!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slow Poke!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank god, my back was starting to really take a beating carrying around a 27lb baby. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>We're in trouble now.......</b></div>
<br />
Remember in <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/07/working-from-home-with-toddler-in-tow.html">this post</a> where i told you one of my main reasons for wanting Matthew to stay home with me while I work was so that I dont miss out on any of his "firsts"? Well I guess god works in mysterious ways, because I just so happen to have him home with me yesterday and figured we would burn off some energy by playing in the grass out front. I put on a little pair of his shoes, grabbed some juice, and out we went.<br />
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We had been practicing walking for a few minutes, with him holding my <strike>hands</strike> finger. He was doing pretty good. And he was literally leading me back and forth across our large front yard. I decided <strike>like most mommy bloggers</strike> that it was only necessary for we to snap a pic of our lil man standing in the front yard. Now, lets get this straight, hes 14months and 2 days old, barely stands by himself, and usually refuses to let go of one of our hands while standing. He can crawl at lightening speed, walk around the couch, use the table and his toys to get around, and even climb onto the couch. But he still doesnt want to stand without holding on to something, and always drops before he can even take one step.<br />
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So back to the story<br />
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I want to snap a pic. I get him balanced enough to stand. I let go. Scoot back a touch. Squat down to take a pic, and what does he do? He takes about 4 steps! not just one, but FOUR! And then plop. I must have scared him, as well as looked like an absolute fool to any bystanders watching, when i screamed OH MY GOSH!!! BUDDDY!!! (<i>i was able to control myself though, and held back any tears</i>) I clapped, he smiled, and then i thought "SH*T!! my phone was on camera and not video!!!"<br />
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So of course, we had to try again. I was actually able to catch his "second" steps on video. Its a really short clip, but I just have to share<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aVvmRkIwtaQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
Honestly, i was in shock for at least 20mins after this. I tried to catch a couple more video clips, but wasnt as successful in my attempts. Plus, it was like 95* outside and lil man was drenched in sweat. So after downing some juice we headed back inside where we sent the video to Daddy (<i>and a whole bunch of other family members</i>).<br />
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Needless to say, the minute daddy got home from work we continued to practice our walking skills out front. But of course, as I like to correct everyone when they say they are so happy hes walking, "he walked, hes not walking.... he doesnt seem to want to do it again lol."<br />
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So for now, we are just going to continue practicing, and prepare ourselves for the trouble that we are going to enter in the very foreseeable future........<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
also linking up with
<span class="Apple-style-span">linking up with <a href="http://moderncamelot.com/2013/08/06/trendy-tot-tuesday-25/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=trendy-tot-tuesday-25" target="_blank">Kelly</a>, <a href="http://tblfor3.blogspot.com/2013/08/trendy-tot-tuesday-baby-boy.html" target="_blank">Lindsay</a>, <a href="http://www.dramababyblog.com/2013/08/trendy-tot-tuesday-25.html" target="_blank">Megan</a>, and <a href="http://msmessetc.blogspot.com/2013/08/emmys-room-update.html" target="_blank">Carly</a> for Trendy Tot Tuesday (<i>technically it was Tuesday when I wrote this lol</i>) because I just think the first lil outfit he was wearing (<i>that had to be changed due to sweat, grass, and juice</i>) was just so adorable. My sister-in-law bought it for him this past weekend at BabiesRUs when they had a huge sale. The pants are actually a little big since they are a 3T but they are SOOOOO soft!!! And plusalso, his shoes, too cute! The ones in the first pics & video are from carters, and the ones in the last couple of pics are Toms that I got on a huge sale when they were on <a href="http://www.zulily.com/invite/southernwifey" target="_blank">Zulily.</a></span><br />
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-5719299765589227542013-08-02T14:28:00.001-04:002013-08-02T14:28:16.007-04:00Five on Friday <div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </div>
Yep, switching it up this week and totally jumping on the 5 on friday bandwagon! Linking up with <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">Darci</a>, <a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">April</a>, <a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/" target="_blank">Christina</a> and <a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/" target="_blank">Natasha</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O*N*E</b></span></span><br />
After mentioning last week that i was debating on dishing out the hefty price for my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DC9TA8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004DC9TA8&linkCode=as2&tag=thesweetlifeo-20">BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesweetlifeo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004DC9TA8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, I sat down with my sweet husband to discuss. You see we made a promise a few months back when we new we needed to slow down on spending money, that from now on if either of us wanted to make a big purchase we would discuss it with one another before actually buying it. Yes, i know this is something we should have been doing all along, but it just never happened, and we would always be upset the other didnt ask to spend the money. Needless to say, my sweet, kind, understanding, loving husband (<i><---thats me sucking up hehe</i>) agreed that not only does he know that i wouldnt buy something without it being a good deal, but that I also work hard, and if I really want the stroller, then i deserve it. You heard that right, I am a proud new owner of a lovely navy blue Bob stroller!!!! only sucky part, it doesnt ship for another 2 weeks!!! uuggghhh!!!<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*W*O</b></span> </span><br />
Today is Friday, and weather permitting, that means Starlight Musicals tonight. Its kinda a family tradition during the summers. We, meaning my immediate family, my sis family, my parents, and lots of friends, pack up the cooler filled with nice cold brewskies, throw the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BGYQ4LS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BGYQ4LS&linkCode=as2&tag=thesweetlifeo-20">Radio Flyer Wagon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesweetlifeo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BGYQ4LS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> in the back of the truck, and head down to a local city park where they put on free live music concerts every friday from 7-10pm. Its a cheap easy way to just chill and hang out with everyone. Granted, its the summer, in south florida, there are about a bajillion mosquitoes and there is a good chance you are either going to sweat like a pig or get rained out. But, that being said, we have a great time and it really does help wind down the busy work week. I love that Matthew is starting to enjoy it too. His cousins pull him and his friends (<i>our friends kids Easton and/or Sam</i>) around the park in his wagon. I remember going to the musicals when i was a little girl and I hope that Matthew will continue enjoying it as much, if not more, than I did.<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T*H*R*E*E</b></span></span><br />
I know Ive mentioned some friends here on the blog, but when i read <a href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/2013/08/about-losing-best-friend.html" target="_blank">this post</a> last night, it was as if I was writing it myself (<i>although i probably wouldnt have been able to write it as good</i>). I have alot of <strike>friends</strike> acquaintances. But honestly there are only a handful of people i can count on. Some friends, mostly family, and honestly those friends are the ones I consider family. Im recently, well actually currently, going through a time in my life where a friend, a truely close friend of mine, just isnt who i thought she was. She used to fall into the category of family, but somewhere she lost that title. It kind of hit me out of nowhere, as I had thought everything was ok. But like it says in her post, im probably not the best a friend could be lately. Just like Becky, it kind of all started when I got engaged, got married, bought a house, got pregnant, had a child. To me that was just life, and I thought this friend understood that, as she was/is going through the same life stages. But obviously I just wasnt there enough for her, and disagreed with too many of her decisions (<i>mainly fiance</i>). Ive reached out multiple times and have tried to make things better. But maybe this is just one of those times that you just have to "<i>choose to walk away from a friendship that doesnt work</i>" anymore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/256283035017030464/">via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*O*U*R</b></span></span><br />
Im seriously considering giving this whole couch to 5k thing a shot. Im defintely not a runner. I prefer to walk/powerwalk or rollerblade. And honestly any type or race or marathon completely freaks me out. But i was thinking that if I did decide to go for it, it could be something that truely challenges me and takes me out of my comfort zone. Something that I can commit to doing for myself. It will help in my weight loss efforts, help in getting me out of the house, and help me feel just a little bit more accomplished. However, it scares me to death. Me run? a 5k? whos chasing me? thats more normally my attitude, but now that i <strike>got</strike> am getting my jogging stroller, this is kinda like a sign right? <i><b>right.</b></i> just keep telling myself that.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/256283035014532701/">via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>F*I*V*E</b></span> </span><br />
I finally started putting some things on our walls. Mostly pictures. Weird considering we've lived in our house for close to 3 years. I dunno, it was just always kind of like we were waiting for things (<i>renovations</i>) to be finished before putting anything on the walls. Ive seriously had 3 big canvas photos sitting on our bedroom floor since matthew was about 4 months old. Theyre supposed to be hung up in the living room, but Im just too indecisive on where to actually hang them. And quite honestly, the photos are now kinda out dated since there are the first professional photos we had done as a family of three. We've now had like 3 more photoshoots, and im thinking maybe of getting new ones. Plusalso, our house is <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-house-debate.html">kinda small</a>, and im nervous that by putting things on the wall it will kind of make it look cluttered. May have to scour pinterst this weekend to come up with some ideas.<br />
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Well, thats about it, and I hear matthew waking up over the monitor now. So hope you all have a great weekend. And if your new here from the linkup, thanks for stopping by! Would love to get to know you all so leave a comment!<br />
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-36325312180245248952013-07-31T15:33:00.001-04:002013-07-31T15:33:19.464-04:00Working from home, with toddler in tow part 3You can catch up on <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/07/working-from-home-with-toddler-in-tow.html" target="_blank">my decision</a> to try and keep my 1yr old home with me while I work and read how our <a href="http://southernwifey.blogspot.com/2013/07/working-from-home-with-toddler-in-tow_27.html" target="_blank">first day</a> went.<br />
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Im going to try to wrap the next two days up into a <strike>quick</strike> summary, as they were honestly quite the same as the first day, with only a couple differences.<br />
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Lets start by saying that the number one thing I noticed was that the days where Matthew woke up between 7-7:45am (Wednesday and Thursday), the rest of the day panned out alot better. The one day (Friday) where he slept in till about 8:45 kinda threw me for a loop.<br />
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You see, normally, during the school year, I need to have him up, bottle fed, and in the car by 8:20am to head to my sisters. This way it gives me enough time to get across town and drop him off, pick up my nephew and drop him off at middle school, and be back to my house and begin my work day by 9-9:15am. My sister then feeds him breakfast (so I dont have to wake up even earlier). However, during the summer, when my niece and nephew dont have school, my sister instead drops them off at a summer camp around 8:45am and its on my side of town. Thus, she comes and picks him up for me, and thats normally around 9-9:15am. Meaning both of us can sleep in till 8:45am if we wanted, but normally we will wake around 8:20am, and i still have enough time to feed him breakfast before she gets to my house.<br />
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Now if were being 100% honest, my sister has mentioned to me multiple times that if I would just get up earlier in the morning, that he would nap alot better during the day. To which I have replied multiple times, that Im not getting up earlier if I dont have to and she will just have to figure it out herself. (<i>i know im a mean "boss" and sister</i> :P) Well, i guess this is where it comes to bite me in the ass. And against better judgement I even admitted it to her that she MAY (<i>and i mean that with only a <strike>slight</strike> possibility</i>) be right on this one.<br />
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We did our normal thing in the morning, whether it was earlier or later. Bottle, cartoons, getting ready, breakfast, etc. Then i logged into work. Matthew entertained himself for a lil bit while in his walker. I brought a couple of toys, including a book, into my office to pass to him if he were to get a lil antsy. Once he was bored with the book, he tried playing with the bubble wrap again. Unfortunately (<i>or i guess fortunately in my case</i>) his lil fingers cant pinch the bubbles hard enough to make them actually pop, so every now and then I would pop a few for him and man would his face light up!<br />
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On the good day (<i>ie earlier wake up</i>) he went down for his nap around 10:30am and I was able to get alot of stuff done before he woke up. On the off day (<i>later wakeup</i>) he didnt go down for a nap till 11:30am and then ended up sleeping till 1pm, right thru what would have been my lunch break. Technically it wasnt a big deal, as I didnt have any client calls, and I just took my lunch later. But it threw my schedule off because I knew he then wouldnt go down for another nap around 2:30 like usual. He would instead go down around 4:30, only leaving me about a half hour left of my work day. And as a consequence mess with bedtime. But, as I knew before going into this, there are going to be great days, off days, and bad days. Thank god I havent had to experience a bad day yet.<br />
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Both days, lunch went smoothly. I tell ya, this kid will eat anything and everything, which makes mealtimes so easy for us. And as a plus, when hes home with me, i feel like i eat better/healthier opposed to snacking all day on junk. I figure since i have to make him lunch (<i>pb&j, i know extravagant right? lol</i>) i might as well make myself a healthy lunch too. I do admit tho, its a little more difficult trying to figure out multiple healthy options for lil man. Would love to hear any ideas on this, as im kinda stuck in the pbj, grilled cheese, ham & cheese sandwich routine.<br />
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After lunch, we took a ride over to the post office since i had to send off my Ergobaby carrier for exchange (<i>absolutely cant wait to get the correct one!!!</i>). By pure coincidence as we were walking up to the post office there was a train passing by. Matthew has started to love trains, i think mostly because of "Choo Choo Soul" where we get up and dance when its on TV. So, even though it was like 90* + degrees outside, i couldnt help but stand in the hot sun and watch as my son pointed and smiled at the train going by.<br />
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When we got home I set up a the living room as a play area for him and grabbed my laptop to sit on the couch and work while he played with his toys and occasionally watched the TV. I want to point out right here, that Im a little nervous that if I do keep him home with me during work hours, that i will rely on the TV almost as a babysitter. And I really dont want to. What I want to do is have more interaction with him and teach him things during that time. I know that the TV does occupy him if im in a crunch, but its just something that worries me.<br />
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The day we didnt visit the post office he ended up playing in the Tupperware drawer during this time. It absolutely amazes that he has no shortage of toys whatsoever, yet can be completely entranced with Tupperware for a good hour. <br />
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Then as it neared naptime again, i gave him another sippy cup of milk, and off to catch some zzzz's he went. I headed back to my office, set up the monitor, and went back to work. Of course on the day that he didnt go down till 4:30 for his second nap, i ended up working all the way till about 5:45pm when he woke up, catching up on stuff i didnt get done earlier. Usually i dont like him sleeping past 5-5:15pm because it messes with bedtime, but i needed to get some projects finalized.<br />
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So that was my not-so-quick summary of our 2 final days of trial period. Some things i need to look into more about this whole work-from-home-with-toddler-in-tow include sleep schedules (not only his, but also my own), engaging activities we can do together, and healthy mealtime options. I think that my #1 problem/concern, is that if he does sleep in, i need not sleep in with him. I need to still get up at the 7-7:30am time, if not sooner, to get work done while hes still sleeping to make up for the time i wont get later in the day. As for the activities and meals, i will be scouring Pinterest to try and find some ideas, or any suggestions are welcome!<br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-60438241870856553882013-07-27T11:00:00.000-04:002013-07-27T11:00:01.304-04:00Working from home, with toddler in tow part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>written Wednesday July 24, 2013</i></span><br />
<br />
So today is the day. Our first official day in our Work from Home with Toddler in Tow Trial Period. To sum it up real quick: So far, so good!<br />
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<br />
Heres the detailed breakdown of how things went on Day 1:<br />
<br />
<b>7:30am</b> (early for us)<br />
Matthew wakes up<br />
<br />
<b>7:45</b><br />
Bottle for Matthew in his little rocker in the living room as Mommy feeds the cat and dogs, makes the bed, puts in contacts, gets dressed.<br />
<br />
<b>8:00 - 8:45</b><br />
Playing on the floor with some toys while watching Disney Jr. Says hi to Poppy who came over to take trailer to the local dump. Who also mows 1/4 of the lawn were the trailer was, and leaves the rest unmowed. So annoying......<br />
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<b>8:50</b><br />
Mommy makes juice, cheerios, strawberries, and bananas for Matthews breakfast. A smart ones breakfast quesadilla and the trusty ol' Red Bull Total Zero (<i>zero points on Weight Watchers by the way</i>) for mommy <br />
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<br />
<b>9:05</b><br />
Clean up baby and turn on work computer.<br />
<br />
<b>9:15 - 10:25</b><br />
Matthew plays in his walker, getting into everything and anything (bubble wrap, cat litter box, pool toys) while mommy does some work, checks emails, reads some favorite blogs.<br />
<br />
<b>10:30</b><br />
Breathing treatment for little man, as he has a lingering cough and refuses to let me do the treatment any other time besides right before napping or going to sleep <br />
<br />
<b>10:35 - 12:00pm</b><br />
Matthew naps. Mommys works some more. One conference call. Aunt DeAnna stops by to drop off some mango. Mommy finishes mowing the front lawn before Matthew wakes up.<br />
<br />
<b>12:05</b><br />
Matthew is heard loud and clear screaming through the monitor while mommy is out front finishing the lawn.<br />
<br />
<b>12:10</b><br />
Mommy makes some lunch, turkey and cheese sandwiches for both of us. Applesauce for Matthew and some mango for mom. Matthew got to taste his first little bit of mango. Seemed to like it, but didnt want to give him too much as
Poppy, cousin Andrew, and Uncle E all have mango allergies.<br />
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<b>12:45 -1:00</b><br />
Clean up lunch mess. Play with matthew and dogs on living room floor. <br />
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<b>1:00-2:00</b><br />
Somewhere during this time Matthew must have pushed to hard on Ruger (our bigger dog) which startled him, and in return snapped on Matthew. I think it was more of a shock and scare for all of us, opposed to an actual harmful or worrisome situation. I grabbed matthew who hysterically started crying, disciplined and threw the mutt outside, and continued to console my lil one. There was no blood, nor broken skin, but you could see something, either a nail or tooth must have scrapped the side of matthews face. I was able to calm him down, and he went right back to playing as normal. Unfortunately, it scared the shit out of me, and the for the rest of the day I was extremely cautious and a tad nervious anytime Ruger was around.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>note: Our dog has never shown any aggression towards any of us, and is actually extremely protective over Matthew, so Im not too worried, and honestly think it was one time thing (i hope)</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can barely see it, but by the corner of his eye and the two lil marks on his che</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>2:15</b><br />
Set up a play area for Matthew using my sisters gate she lent me for the couple of days shes gone. I knew I had my biweekly 1x1 with my manager from 2:30-3 and didnt want to take the chance of matthew getting into something if I wasnt watching over him for a couple of mins<br />
<br />
<b>2:30-3:00</b><br />
Matthew plays in his area, mommy has conference call. We did extremely well. Only thing I would change is next time I will set up the monitor to point into that area because I completely forgot about this part, and literally was peaking around the corner as I was trying to pay attention to the conversation but all keep an eye on him.<br />
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<br />
<b>3:30</b><br />
Matthew gets a sippy with milk, while watching a cartoon in his rocker in the living room.<br />
<br />
<b>4:00 - 5:15</b><br />
Matthew naps while mommy gets some more work done.<br />
<br />
<b>5:30-6:00</b><br />
We play and have a few snacks as we wait for daddy to get home from work.<br />
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<br />
All in all, it was a good day. Im sure there will be days that are
completely out of control, and possibly some days that go even smoother,
but I defintely think this is something that we will be able to do
moving forward. Which makes me one happy mama! <br />
<br />
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-72939583613093260372013-07-26T09:59:00.001-04:002013-07-26T09:59:34.870-04:00fridays lettersHappy friday y'all!<br />
<br />
You all know what that means; time for Friday's Letters<br />
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<b>dear hubby,</b> i know you and my father like to think a project is done when it is 90% done (like our kitchen, our screened in patio, our floors, etc) but this time it aint going to fly with me, I need a door for our bathroom! not only would I greatly appreciate being able to close the door when I pee, but I also think our friends would appreciate it when they come over as well. ummmkay? thanks<br />
<br />
<b>dear matthew,</b> thank you for being such a good boy the past two days while you stay home with mommy during the work day. Its making me think we will be able to do this, and that makes me one happy mama!<br />
<br />
<b>dear humidity,</b> can you please just go away? i always look forward to the warm weather, especially being from the south, but the amount of sweat that pours off me and matthew just when we step out side makes it absolutely unbearable, and most definitely causes us to skip our nightly wagon rides.<br />
<br />
<b>dear bathroom,</b> oh how i love you so much more now that you are 9<strike>0%</strike> complete. You are no longer a ugly yellow and green color, and reflect our familys' style so much better. (be on the lookout for a post on our bath reno soon!)<br />
<br />
<b>dear weight watchers,</b> I did alot better than I thought this past week, and actually lost the 2.2lbs I had gained the previous two weeks. But I am still disappointed in myself for not tracking and following the plan (<i>dont ask how i lost the 2.2 cuz i have no effin clue</i>) but i promise that I am going to be on plan this week. Im hoping that you will show me the light again and make me realize why i love this plan (<i>you know because the 30lbs ive already shed thus far isnt enough</i>)<br />
<br />
<b>dear rollerblades,</b> yes i know I bought you well over a month ago, and yes youre still in the box, but hello did you see above about humidity? plus i cant very well go rollerblading with matthew in his regular stroller, its just not cut out for that kind of impact/intensity. which leads me to the next thing. <br />
<br />
<b>dear bob revolution se jogging stroller,</b> yes i do need to type out the entire name, because well, the dam thing deserves it. Oh how i have been lusting over you for months now. But your $450 price tag makes me want to vomit. I know your worth the cost, but we just dont have the money right now. However, i see that on Wayfair.com you are on sale, plus free shipping, plus 10% off for 1st time customers, plus i have a $50 visa gift card that hasnt been used, plus my sis has generously said I dont have to pay her for the 2 days this week ($50) and to put it towards you, but thats still about $200 i would need, decisions, decisions.......anyone have this stroller? if so 2 questions for you 1) do you want to give it to me? jk....maybe...not really and 2) is it worth it? do you love it? should i just do it?<br />
<br />
<b>dear hubby,</b> because you and matthew always get two, how do you feel about me spending approximately $200 on aforementioned stroller? pretty plz? with a cherry on top?....think about it ;)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>dear matthew,</b> i cant believe you are 13 almost 14 months now. I have a 1yr old. a toddler. and yet youre still not walking?!?!?! what the heck? we know you can. you walk holding onto us, the couches, your toys, but you just dont have the courage to let go. come on big boy, you can do it! <br />
<br />
And because i will never leave you without a cute picture, heres one of our 1 year session (<i>post coming soon</i>) we did before matthews birthday<br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-91769265798108664582013-07-25T10:51:00.002-04:002013-07-25T10:51:20.703-04:00Working from home, with toddler in tow part 1For anyone who knows me well, knows that my dream has always been to be able to work form home while having my kids home with me. Its basically my #1 reason for wanting to be a graphic designer in the first place. When I first starting working from home it was actually kinda by accident. The company I worked for got bought out by an out-of-state company, and i was actually kind of forced to quit my job. Then they came to their senses and realized they needed me, and that I could technically do my job just fine remotely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8ZFja60HRkORKiogzqj-KfSetA3oyTE753n0pOoRpVA1Q2u1xRl5KNQ1GJnfNRzrIXc6fui6CjI3qYTh8EE0rCAqNLXs5wEmQ1moIMIrqsP_Cohk4nFuBUPMylYdx2pp6MYGXSUgdhok/s1600/me-work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8ZFja60HRkORKiogzqj-KfSetA3oyTE753n0pOoRpVA1Q2u1xRl5KNQ1GJnfNRzrIXc6fui6CjI3qYTh8EE0rCAqNLXs5wEmQ1moIMIrqsP_Cohk4nFuBUPMylYdx2pp6MYGXSUgdhok/s1600/me-work.jpg" /></a></div>
I was thrilled, I would finally have the opportunity to possible fulfill my dream, seeing at the time i didnt have any kids. I also didnt know how difficult it in fact would be to work from home. Not the job part. That was easy. I love my job, so it doesnt really feel like work. But being a remote employee definitely comes with its challenges. For one, you have to make sure you are in fact an asset to the company, being that they dont get to see you walk into the office everyday like all their other employees. And two its easy to be and feel left out of your team and the day-to-day tasks, so you must remember to constantly keep in touch, be it video conferences, instant messages, email, or hell just pick up the telephone (in my case a VoIP phone).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Hgp-ZK01-4wzv7K-eoByurySWzHcN_N-qUOwf8hUW9Qq7pywkiJfa_nfhG0t4iLzBKU4fNVPSaGUQRWNO3QQbM6DuaGfBqHciq0lPU0uQhulIkJ_0cS7XDdx7RXY-nRcb_vUZ1x7-8xB/s1600/2012-maternity1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Hgp-ZK01-4wzv7K-eoByurySWzHcN_N-qUOwf8hUW9Qq7pywkiJfa_nfhG0t4iLzBKU4fNVPSaGUQRWNO3QQbM6DuaGfBqHciq0lPU0uQhulIkJ_0cS7XDdx7RXY-nRcb_vUZ1x7-8xB/s1600/2012-maternity1.jpg" /></a></div>
So Ill be 100% honest with all of you, I was scared shitless when I did become pregnant, on whether I would be able to handle caring for a newborn while working. My number one fear being, "what would I do if I was on a call with a client and the baby starts hysterically crying?" I was so in fear of how I would be able to balance both being a stay at home mom and a work from home mom, that I decided to give up on my dream entirely and asked my sister if she could watch Matthew, mon-fri 9-5, while I worked from home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJyLKn3sB2TuLYksv8kRZJaLyqZl4PVeBjJMsL33r7pTckdNqByL55p8OqcOgOcu7d61-LGRB-liH5zDMxdolV6dYBESpkCX1bZbdKaDEXbEctdmNbiGI7YducpMUOnOH0m141TqyPELv/s1600/matthew2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJyLKn3sB2TuLYksv8kRZJaLyqZl4PVeBjJMsL33r7pTckdNqByL55p8OqcOgOcu7d61-LGRB-liH5zDMxdolV6dYBESpkCX1bZbdKaDEXbEctdmNbiGI7YducpMUOnOH0m141TqyPELv/s1600/matthew2.jpg" /></a></div>
I always told myself that when he was on more of a schedule and I could plan around his naps, that maybe i would then keep him home with me. But as every mother knows, you cant always depend on a childs naptime. One day it could be 45mins and the next 2hrs15mins. It could be 1 long nap, 2 short naps, or no nap at all. But I always had this deep feeling of missing out on all of my sons firsts.<br />
I knew my sister would take lots of pics and videos. We also often facetime at lunch so I can see him and talk to him. And I love that its family that is watching my son grow up. But Id be lying if I didnt say I was a little jealous. I see how he reaches for my sister. Almost like shes his mother too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWTYqRZC_WTpWBN0UcYO_M3uqoizW_urtBhZalcWlh5_RtdX-8zOZ4Mv_XSo6R6OrwN3mW6-IKrRfY_EntYVyOlyYUqtFZ4lV_ACZNlZcjz-a4pSxBv8U3CuwEYscjICbOY6i6JgTyfx4/s1600/matthew-2months-cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWTYqRZC_WTpWBN0UcYO_M3uqoizW_urtBhZalcWlh5_RtdX-8zOZ4Mv_XSo6R6OrwN3mW6-IKrRfY_EntYVyOlyYUqtFZ4lV_ACZNlZcjz-a4pSxBv8U3CuwEYscjICbOY6i6JgTyfx4/s1600/matthew-2months-cousins.jpg" /></a></div>
Now dont get me wrong, I love their bond, and am happy that he loves her and is comfortable with her. I hope they have the same type of relationship I have with her kids (my neice and nephew). But it does sting a little when we are both around and he reaches for her. And i cant blame him. His time is basically split between the two of us. I know I get him on weekends and such, but during the week, by time we get homes, its dinner, bath and bed. Not much quality time if you ask me.<br />
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I was originally a little nervous to talk to my sister about it. I didnt want her to think I was taking him away due to something she did. And I know she counts on the money each week, and I didnt want to take that away too. But I had to at least try to live out my dream right? So I basically put it out there to my sis that maybe 2 days a week he could stay home with me. And on those two days she could go clean our friends house (for which she gets made alot more hourly than I pay her daily). Turns out, she was kind of thinking the same thing and didnt want to hurt my feelings by having my think she was trying to "get rid of my son" lol.<br />
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Unfortunately, at the time we had this discussion we were currently living with my parents during out bath renovation. I told her I thought we should kind of do a trial period once I moved back into our house, to see how it would work. As i didnt want to try it at my moms, where I had my moms help, lots of room, and get comfortable with that setting only to fail at it once we got back to our normal routine.<br />
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We agreed, and figured the week of July 23rd would be perfect, as my sis and her family were going to be out of town for Lobster mini season that Wed-Fri. Well thats this week, and I feel like I want to make sure to document it and see how it either works out or doesnt. Im hoping it does, because being with my lil man will always trump my work day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" /></a></div>
Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-62224532204443523572013-07-24T16:51:00.000-04:002013-07-24T16:51:13.284-04:00SO WHAT! Wednesday This week I'm saying<br />
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<i> </i><br />
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<i>SO WHAT if...</i></div>
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I promised to blog more and i totally havent. fail.</div>
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<i>SO WHAT if...</i></div>
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I still havent caught up on Matthews monthly posts since he was 3 months</div>
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<i> </i><br /><i>SO WHAT if...</i></div>
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I only mowed the front lawn and now the back lawn is staring at me as I watch the latest episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians</div>
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<i>SO WHAT if...</i></div>
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I havent tracked my points (with weight watchers) in the past two weeks, plus skipped last weeks meeting. Im totally going to pay for it at tonight's weigh-in<i> </i></div>
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<br /><i>SO WHAT if...</i></div>
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I was able to convince the customer service person at Buy Buy Baby to do an even exchange on my Motorola Video Monitor that I bought over a year ago. (seriously people, never throw away your boxes for expensive products. trust me on this one, im defintely geting my $250 moneys worth) <br />Buy Buy Baby - 0 Me - 1</div>
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<br /><i>SO WHAT if...</i></div>
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I have a tanning membership, and I live in south florida, that I never use. <br />Hollywood tans -1 Me -0</div>
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<i> </i></div>
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<i><i>SO WHAT if...</i></i></div>
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I havent done any laundry since we moved back into our house, and its been a week today.</div>
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What are you saying SO WHAT to this week? Link up with Shannon over at <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/2013/07/so-what-wednesday_24.html" target="_blank">Life After I De<i>w</i></a><i></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" /></a></div>
Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-49966404392669776582013-06-25T15:47:00.001-04:002013-06-25T16:09:53.960-04:00a quick updateremember that time i took an unexplained bloggin hiatus for 2 months? yeah, im not going to try and explain, lets just say, life gets in the way sometimes, and unfortunately this little blog here of mine ends up going on the back burner. No need for me to try and make excuses, ill just skip over all that and jump right back into blogging.<br />
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<i>note: i wish I had some elaborate reason like we won a million dollars and have been vacationing for the past 2 months, or hey baby #2 is on the way and i just havent had the energy to blog, but instead you get the lame "life happens" reason, sorry</i>.....<br />
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moving on......lets do this is bullet fashion for the time being<br />
<ul>
<li>Matthew turned 1 three weeks ago today! I cant believe how time has flown by so quickly. We had an awesome mickey mouse inspired birthday celebration the Saturday after his birthday. Man does this kid have alot of people who love him and want to spoil him! You should see all the new toys, to the point where im thinking of hiding a few and rewrapping for christmas? what?! dont be jealous you didnt think of it. is not like he will even know, especially if he never gets to play with them in the first place </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Speaking of Matthew turning one, i still havent published his birth story. i know total mom & blogger fail. Part 1 is complete and i should just hit publish, but if I do that it means i have to finish part 2...... </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>We got family photos taken a couple weeks before matthews birthday by the same photographer who did my maternity pictures. I think they turned out great and I promise to share them all with you soon! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>We also took Matthew to the beach for the first time. I know, kinda odd considering we live so close. It was a quick trip with just me and hubs, but i wanted to do the monumental "First trip" before summer came around so that my sister could take him and her kids to the beach if she wanted. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Operation Bathroom Renovation is in full swing. We're currently living at my parents house and have been since Memorial Day weekend. The first week we were here my parents were actually still in New Jersey, but all the following weeks we've been all living under the same roof again. it was nice in the beginning, having that extra hand to help with Matthew, my laundry getting done every day (<i>my mom has a laundry addiction</i>), and home cooked meals on table before 6:30, but now, lets just say its time to have our own space again. Hubs is working on the bathroom as much as he can, but with him working a regular M-F 9-5 job, he only has the weekends to work on the bathroom, and the past couple of weekends have been extremely busy. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The big project i was working on for my day job has come to somewhat of a completion. Allowing me a few extra spare moments during the day to catch up on blogging. There are a few lingering projects, but for the most part it was a great success rebranding the entire company. Looking back, i understand why i was so stressed, i mean hell i lost about 10lbs just from skipping lunch everyday for about 3 weeks, but it was all so worth it (<i>not the skipping lunch part, i actually missed that</i>). And because of my hard work and all the effort i put into the project, the head of the company actualy gave me the "Pony of the week" award that our company gives out each week. It was nice to be acknowledged in front of the entire company and rewarded (<i>even if it was only a $25 giftcard</i>) for all the hard work i had done. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>On a completely separate topic, im really starting to get the baby fever over here again. I dont know if its all the mommy bloggers who are pregnant again, the fact that I am planning my sister-in-laws baby shower for this august, or one of my best friends is pregnant again with another baby girl. But im not going to lie, my ovaries are definitely feeling the need for more babies! probably not a good time to bring it up to hubs tho, you know considering the fact that we are currently leaving with my parents again! oh yeah that thing :/ </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And also, the next lingering thought in my head, that relates to the last bullet, if we do decide on baby #2 relatively soon, we will most definitely be in need of a bigger home. What am i talking about? whether we have another kid or not we need a bigger home! a 2/1 is just not big enough for us anymore, and I am way over having my office in the dining room, and in return having no dinning room! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Weight watchers has been going really good for me lately (probably due to the whole stress thing....) and Ive lost a total of 28.2lbs. I felt extremely proud of myself at the birthday party when everyone kept complementing me on how much weight ive lost. Its always nice when someonve else sees the difference and dedication. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>That being I bought my new rollerblades but with the welcoming of summer it has been just WAAAAAAYYY to hot outside down he in SoFl. Plus my stroller isnt really made for that kid of exercise. Ive been on the hunt for a Bob Revolution SE stroller. I tried it out when I went with my SIL to register at BabiesRUs and fell in love. Im not even embarrassed to admit Ive been scouring craiglist like a mad woman. Thinking of maybe stopping by the local consignment shop too to see if they have one.</li>
</ul>
Ok so now that Ive bored you all with a not-so-quick update like I promised in the title, and no pictures, i let you know that I do have a list of posts i want to get out that include Matthews updates, Bday party, Weigh-ins, photo dumps, etc.<br />
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hopefully theyll be posted sooner than later. we shall see.<br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-10666835890031711942013-05-01T17:24:00.000-04:002013-05-02T09:31:31.476-04:00wednesday weigh-in: week 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IyGoXk_qMrW6VKP6aOBPwoxdteWJx1Bu7AqB0uKg69PYTpJdT-p876S6H-Jd8vvWk4EBHwiX5vakPZAw_xFg_j0B2Q0l-012KtMqVuTNVXK3n9g9Yy03q0508vKsQVV64ckGqNjfDdJ2/s1600/wednesday-weigh-in-ww.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IyGoXk_qMrW6VKP6aOBPwoxdteWJx1Bu7AqB0uKg69PYTpJdT-p876S6H-Jd8vvWk4EBHwiX5vakPZAw_xFg_j0B2Q0l-012KtMqVuTNVXK3n9g9Yy03q0508vKsQVV64ckGqNjfDdJ2/s1600/wednesday-weigh-in-ww.jpg" /></a></div>
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So Ive been really proud of myself all week long. Ive made it a point to go out and walk everyday this week. Even saturday & sunday! Go me! I kind of made it a mommy & baby thing too. You see theres a local park in our neighborhood. Not real big or anything, but definitely holds some sentimental value. Seeing I used to play on that playground when I was little. And softball on the fields till I was in high school! So after I pick up matthew from my sisters I would rush home, throw him in the stroller (<i>not literally</i>) and then walk the long way around the neighborhood, with our final destination being the park. We'd swing a little, climb on the slide, and <strike>eat wood chips</strike> meet neighbors. Then walk the long way home. Yesterday I even made it a Mommy, Baby, & grandma thing! I convinced my mom to walk with us and then to come over for dinner while hubs was at his award ceremony for work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmazY3cFt3vjHugqDmuEbCSBZDfZNtIcQCU2dsQGjBhBRwizOPsT6FevRb6HxFY9AFB07qkTm7xLH-EV06J8CEILhRZSYw0I0m9eh1WKdqZccukkaKFwOFw9cRZbjG3u_ioyCPsPg_TPE/s1600/IMG_4617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmazY3cFt3vjHugqDmuEbCSBZDfZNtIcQCU2dsQGjBhBRwizOPsT6FevRb6HxFY9AFB07qkTm7xLH-EV06J8CEILhRZSYw0I0m9eh1WKdqZccukkaKFwOFw9cRZbjG3u_ioyCPsPg_TPE/s640/IMG_4617.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Basically, I was feeling good about myself. Considering last week i gained .2lbs (<i>oops did I forget to update last weeks post, my b</i>). And Ive been eating healthier all week. You should see the amount of veggies I have accumulate this week! But back to my point, feeling good, and then all of a sudden I step on the scale this morning. The morning of my weigh-in. The scale Im not supposed to step on, because I weigh in at the meeting not at home. And it looks like Ive gained this week too. How is that possible? I was so good? And its so disappointing. :(<br />
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Im not going to get too emotional about it until I weigh-in tonight at the meeting. Hopefully my scale is off/broken? :/ I would hate to feel defeated after all the effort I put in this week. Wish me luck.</div>
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<b>lbs shed this week:</b> -.8 (not too bad, better than gaining like I thought I would)<br />
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<b>lbs shed in total:</b> -17.2 </div>
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<b>lbs still need to shed:</b> 32.8 </div>
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<b>first goal:</b> 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: mani/pedi and possibly massage (<i>still havent done this yet</i>)</li>
</ul>
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<b>second goal:</b> 25lbs<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: new rollerblades (I need these ASAP!!! i want to rollerblade so bad! im hoping my want for these will turn into more motivation!)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>final goal:</b> 50lbs</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: <a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/Grey_Stella_p/stl001gry.htm" target="_blank">epiphanie camera bag</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>success:</b> exercising everyday this week! eating lots of veggies. </div>
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<b>set-backs:</b> not tracking every day. I do good Thursday & Friday, then the weekend comes and i try to remember in my head but forget to put it in my app, and then by Monday Ive just stopped tracking altogether.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>exercise:</b> lots of walking, even if it was only for 20 mins I made sure to do it everyday this week.</div>
</div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-78058820882831064032013-04-26T16:15:00.000-04:002013-05-03T10:56:17.104-04:00fridays letters<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thesweetseasonblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/ashleyjps2326/FridaysLettersButton_zps485705e4.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<b>dear hubby</b>, im so proud of you for receiving the blue diamond award from your company! I know you were a little let down and aggravated about your performance review a couple weeks ago. But look at it this way, you performance review is done by your manager, the blue diamond award is given by the executives. obviously, the people with authority (<i>and not jealousy</i>) are impressed by your work. and I know that youve been doing awesome! so keep it up! matthew and I are so proud of you!<br />
<br />
<b>dear matthew</b>, i cant believe you are going to 1 in a little over a month, i know I keep saying this, but you are growing just too fast! slow down for mommy ok? until then I must start planning your 1st birthday party. why must your favorite show be little einsteins? there is literally nothing in stores to buy that are little einsteins!<br />
<br />
<b>dear disney junior</b>, if you are going to continue playing little einsteins on air, whos decision was it to not produce any more merchandise or party decorations? wost idea ever. you are making this 1st birthday party planning alot more stressful than it should be. now I must hand make everything, and although pinterest is a great source, it is also time consuming. i could always go the etsy route, but thats just more expensive, urrggghh, whats a mother to do?<br />
<br />
<b>dear sister</b>, i know you are just trying to help, but calling me this
morning while I was working to let me know that not only do I need to
indeed start planing matthews birthday, but also figure out whether I am
going to get him the swingset, has now made me overwhelmed. thanks for
that. not.<br />
<br />
<b>dear self</b>, i know you want this whole 1st
birthday thing to be oh-so-special for your lil man, but honestly, he
isnt even going to remember, its more for your own pleasure. So stop
being so stressed and make this as simple as possible, but with personal
touches. <br />
<br />
<b>dear <a href="http://www.groupon.com//raf/UserReferral_rp/121015/10r1act/lk/uu4990132" target="_blank">groupon</a></b>, why must you always have such good deals? like the emeals groupon i bought yesterday? i honestly dont have the extra money to be spending right now, but I just couldnt pass up this offer!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh_oJ1rlzi4FfMriRCibUhYrfUauSimF_nFmyH88SJIz0iY_mJEd2kXA1PvqJlqSen6egDw4CISBvNWP2643tCdWtuKp5SNCTFtNCb3wyYhDnSiXtxesWkeF_K3YhsCiewhyv6fH9HkQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-25+at+2.24.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh_oJ1rlzi4FfMriRCibUhYrfUauSimF_nFmyH88SJIz0iY_mJEd2kXA1PvqJlqSen6egDw4CISBvNWP2643tCdWtuKp5SNCTFtNCb3wyYhDnSiXtxesWkeF_K3YhsCiewhyv6fH9HkQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-04-25+at+2.24.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">screenshot was taken yesterday, so it ends sooner than whats in the pic, better hurry!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>dear <a href="http://emeals.com/account/go.php?r=454229&i=l1" target="_blank">emeals</a></b>, im so excited to start using you! Im hopping not only will you help me be more involved in cooking dinner (<i>im not the cooker in the family lol</i>) but also just help plan dinner in general, as well as save with grocery shopping. my only problem now is deciding on which plan to choose! low fat? low carb? slow cooker?<br />
<br />
<b>dear work-at-home-moms</b>, does your little one stay with you when youre working? ive mentioned it a couple times on here that i drop my son off with my sister mon-fri while I work (<i>at home</i>). But lately ive been debating whether i should just keep him home with me? i would love to spend more time with him, and it would save me about $125 a week, but im also a little nervous about actually being able to get work done. any tips or suggestions welcome. tia <br />
<br />
<b>dear sister-in-law</b>, i understand youre ecstatic about the little bambino growing in your tummy, as I am just as happy to meet my new nephew. however, your baby shower isnt going to be until august, so please excuse me if all of my attention isnt on this event, as my sons 1st birthday is fastly approaching and at this moment that is more important to me. thanks. love you.<br />
<br />
<b>dear mother-in-law</b>, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please find a house before august and be all moved in. as it would be so much easier and less of a headache to have your daughters baby shower there, opposed to at the relatively expensive restaurant she has proposed to have it at. thanks. love you too.<br />
<br />
<b>dear hubby</b>, because you and matthew always get two, im secretly hoping that your work kicks you out early again today (<i>to avoid overtime</i>) so that you can come home and vacuum and clean the house while I finish work.<br />
<br />
<b>dear matthew</b>, tomorrow daddy and I are going to take you to the beach for the first time. i know, why we waiting this long is beyond me. but I do hope you enjoy it just as much as your mommy does. there is always the slim chance youll absolutely despise it like your father, but mommy is hoping not. im expecting lots of sand eating. And possibly some squeals of excitement. but no need to worry, mommy would never leave the house without her camera, so were sure to get a few good memories from the outing.<br />
<br />
and because Ill never leave you without a cute pic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-61424598429063764252013-04-25T15:05:00.000-04:002013-04-25T15:05:47.198-04:00the house debateThe house we currently live in is our first home. Ive only ever lived 2 other places in my life. The first being my parents, and the second being our first apartment. All three places are within 10 mins of each other. Heck, the first and last are 2 blocks away from one another. Basically, i love the area we live in. Well.....technically I dont, not the exact area, but the overall area. <br />
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If you were born and raised here, like I was, there is a huge difference from living out east and living out west. Im an east girl. Hubs? Hes a west boy. Now, lets get a few things straight here, the distance between those places is no more than 30 mins from each other. Which isnt a huge difference. But the main difference, at least to me, is the closeness to the beach. I love the beach. I love being 5 mins from the beach. Ironically, i dont go to the beach often, but i feel more comfortable and at ease knowing its that close. Hubby, on the other hand, hates sand. Like despises it. Which is a huge reason I dont frequent the beach as often. Its basically a special occasion if he goes with (<i>like Tortuga or this Sat when we take matthew for his first beach trip</i>).<br />
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However, a major down side of being closer to the beach is that the price of homes is way higher. And the homes are older or brand new mansions. Basically, we either live in a fixer-upper or win the lotto. Ill let you guess which is our current situation.... But it was only natural for me to look in the area Im from when we were in the market for our current house. And when we found an awesome deal in the neighborhood I grew up in, i couldnt pass it up.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 2.5 years. We are still in the same house. A house that has become our home. A fixer-upper indeed. Endless renovations for sure. Huge potential definitely. But, and Im being honest here, we didnt really put lots of thought into the whole family atmosphere. When I was growing up, sure there were kids everywhere you looked in this neighborhood. But its been 27years, and things have changed. The population of the city we live in is highly gay. Not that this is bad, it actually is extremely nice. I love my neighbors. Andplusalso, they maintain their houses way better than alot of the outer areas around here. Which helps in raising the value of the homes as well.<br />
<br />
But with that being said, there arent nearly as many, if not any, children in the neighborhood. We live 3 blocks away from an elementary school and the majority of the kids attending are bussed in from outer areas. And I want my kids to grow up with kids. I want them to be able to go out front and play baseball in the street with the neighbors. Things that I used to do, and memories I cherish, when I was growing up.<br />
<br />
Now the neighborhoods hubby grew up in are still currently family neighborhoods. Lots of kids. Lots of parks. Better schools. Cheaper, bigger, and newer houses. Its only natural for hubs to want to move back out west. And honestly, the idea is very attractive. Our friends actually bought a house in the area hubs would like to move to, about a year ago. And again being completely honest here? I am so jealous of their house. <br />
<br />
So, what makes me bring this up, is we are currently trying to help my mother-in-law try to find a house. She just closed on the sale of her house in texas and is finally ready to start looking for one here in Florida. Of course, the houses in Texas are WAAAAAAYY cheaper and on ALOT more land. So shes having difficulty finding something in her price range that is as nice as her house was in Texas.<br />
<br />
I offered to try and help find a few places for her to look at and hubs has taken her around our neighborhood as well. Well on Saturday while we were out looking at houses, hubs called one of the for sale sign numbers and was talking to a local realtor. Somehow he got into a conversation about our house and what she thought our house might sell for. And basically, if we finish doing what were planning on doing (<i>enclosing the carport, remodeling the bathroom, & painting the house</i>) plus with the stuff we've already done (<i>new roof, renovated the kitchen, new tile throughout, new windows, carpet in the bedrooms</i>) that our house could basically sell for double what we paid, thanks to the location were in.<br />
<br />
So of course, the next conversation that was brought up was about us selling our house. Now dont get me wrong, ive known all along that this would most likely not be our forever house. And that we would probably only be here for a max of 5 years. But im just not ready to move. Yes I want a bigger house. Yes I want more room for more kids. But, i know that just because our house has gone up in property value, doesnt mean we will be able to find another house that fits our needs in the same area. I know most likely if we move its going to be out west. And as selfish and stubborn as it may sound, i really dont want to move out west :(<br />
<br />
I dont see why we cant finish the house projects we have in store, and then continue living her for another couple of years. I mean technically, our lot is one of the bigger lots in the neighborhood. We have a huge yard. And its hard to find a big lot in this area. We could literally enclose our back patio. Add another patio. Add a pool. And still be perfectly fine with space. We could even add on additional rooms, whether it be a second story or on the sides, and make it our forever house. But hubs disagrees, and doesnt think its worth it to put in that much money when we could make double by selling.<br />
<br />
Its a huge debate going on in our house. And in reality it shouldnt even be a debate until we get the aforementioned projects completed. However, its so hard not to browse Trulia for houses we could afford while helping my mother-in-law out. Maybe we will find another awesome deal and be able to stay out east. We shall see....<br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-49166730533555795492013-04-24T10:00:00.000-04:002013-04-24T10:00:12.991-04:00wednesday weigh-in: weeks 13/14/15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So lets forget about the whole blogging hiatus i took over the best 2 weeks. Not even really sure what happened. I guess life just gets in the way. Oh well.</div>
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The past couple of weeks have been all over the place, including my diet. (<i>i just shivered as i wrote that last word, we all know i hate calling it a diet</i>). Week 13 I did get up and move, aka exercise. I think I did this more so because I knew I would probably gain some weight during week 14 because of Tortuga. And it worked. Week 13 I lost some weight. Unfortunately, as I had expected, even with the amount of walking we did, and let me tell you my legs were hurting for the next 3 days, I still gained for week 14. It wasnt even a whole pound, so i cant get too upset, but still, i would have like to be surprised and lost weight that week. </div>
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That basically catches us up to this week. Im not going to be all depressed right now and make excuses for why Im not following the plan religiously. Im just going to say that I need to work harder on myself. I need to make myself, and my body, a priority. I also need to not be so lazy. Go figure. Ive been debating trying to get up earlier in the mornings and walk or exercise before Matthew gets up. But you see i love sleep. :/ and that idea would cut into my precious sleep. You see my problem here? Guess its time to put my big girl panties on and just do it!</div>
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Also something i just want to note to myself right here. I know I personally
can feel that Ive lost weight, but it sure feels dam good when someone
else brings it up. This past friday we had friends over for our normal wine night, and a friend of ours who hasnt seen us in a couple weeks complimented me and said I looked good, and asked if I had lost weight. I always feel awkward when someone compliments me. I dont know what it is, but i never really know what to say back. Of course I said thank you, but you see Im in that transition time, where Ive lost a few pounds, but not nearly close to what I want to loose. And my pants are starting to feel loose, but not necessarily noticeable by an outsider. I guess its just something I need to learn how to do, accept compliments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dISgyGuNHXwMPBLZxiOVEYVSQg5sLHAaqMgvmSv12upfpObVWlW_xtL4Au7KJ75wz6fh_9CHpDigEpS2iMlVA82LMtK8r1ZEx-fJGgnaa3T9QrFvCNpxr67ZwMXMMiQ4Kc6O51ZhYbRN/s1600/ww-summary-week13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dISgyGuNHXwMPBLZxiOVEYVSQg5sLHAaqMgvmSv12upfpObVWlW_xtL4Au7KJ75wz6fh_9CHpDigEpS2iMlVA82LMtK8r1ZEx-fJGgnaa3T9QrFvCNpxr67ZwMXMMiQ4Kc6O51ZhYbRN/s320/ww-summary-week13.jpg" width="320" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<b>lbs shed this week:</b> -2.6<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
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<b>lbs shed in total:</b> -17.4 </div>
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<b>lbs still need to shed:</b> 32.6 </div>
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<b>first goal:</b> 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: mani/pedi and possibly massage (<i>still havent done this yet</i>)</li>
</ul>
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<b>second goal:</b> 25lbs<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: new rollerblades</li>
</ul>
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<b>final goal:</b> 50lbs</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: <a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/Grey_Stella_p/stl001gry.htm" target="_blank">epiphanie camera bag</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>success:</b> did you see the above? down 2.6 more lbs!! </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>set-backs:</b> none really</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>exercise:</b> Walked with mom around the neighborhood 3 nights this week<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlEYCnThHg26yAQ-OPYPL3HVyfBpSDbAKf6xBtZC1rejcrYWYucX01Q91-9kb_voz7Tz-s7hxb1N5pCnPYoGhyphenhyphenSvoOAn-Dm4tr6Twi486U_VEZbEg1MUKGdhwprLPkQ8TLkRCJ-hhNFhu/s1600/ww-summary-week14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlEYCnThHg26yAQ-OPYPL3HVyfBpSDbAKf6xBtZC1rejcrYWYucX01Q91-9kb_voz7Tz-s7hxb1N5pCnPYoGhyphenhyphenSvoOAn-Dm4tr6Twi486U_VEZbEg1MUKGdhwprLPkQ8TLkRCJ-hhNFhu/s320/ww-summary-week14.jpg" width="320" /></a><b> </b></div>
<b>lbs shed this week:</b> +.8<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>lbs shed in total:</b> -16.6 </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>lbs still need to shed:</b> 33.4 </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>first goal:</b> 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: mani/pedi and possibly massage (<i>still havent done this yet</i>)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>second goal:</b> 25lbs<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: new rollerblades</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>final goal:</b> 50lbs</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: <a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/Grey_Stella_p/stl001gry.htm" target="_blank">epiphanie camera bag</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>success:</b> i would take .8 as a success considering I basically took off for the weekend not caring what I ate or drank</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>set-backs:</b> gaining a little bit of weight</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>exercise:</b> Walked ALOT to and from the music festival<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tuYtnpND2WgNmDPrJryS_e-mWV4IGqnWuR9RiF1-KkEAi6Ohyphenhyphen3O8EYR2m_JeDWRPgjmlnnEXSgsYv0vA2kn5QdF0v-UGX-a867DoKTY0MZucpPwJnE9UzY5HCXKJesm-3pwyhPOAnSm-/s1600/ww-summary-week15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tuYtnpND2WgNmDPrJryS_e-mWV4IGqnWuR9RiF1-KkEAi6Ohyphenhyphen3O8EYR2m_JeDWRPgjmlnnEXSgsYv0vA2kn5QdF0v-UGX-a867DoKTY0MZucpPwJnE9UzY5HCXKJesm-3pwyhPOAnSm-/s320/ww-summary-week15.jpg" width="320" /></a><b> </b></div>
<b>lbs shed this week:</b> (<span style="color: red;"><i>will update after meeting tonight</i></span>)<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>lbs shed in total:</b> -16.6 (<span style="color: red;"><i>will update after meeting tonight</i></span>) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>lbs still need to shed:</b> 33.4 (<span style="color: red;"><i>will update after meeting tonight</i></span>) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>first goal:</b> 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: mani/pedi and possibly massage (<i>still havent done this yet</i>)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>second goal:</b> 25lbs<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: new rollerblades</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>final goal:</b> 50lbs</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> reward: <a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/Grey_Stella_p/stl001gry.htm" target="_blank">epiphanie camera bag</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>success:</b> we shall see :/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>set-backs:</b> not following the plan like i should be</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>exercise:</b> whats that? lol</div>
</div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWm4teXWeINoBVYcZGL9T6YyggldKzrCe6YDT5H5aVTtZaTgbLw2BUgmOIH4dJyVd8KIpz2kYpJd2-puiiAmsnKzg3E6dtwTlquUXaQMrUhPhHEA3oJJyBL5pSCNw2MxBDTxpwnjJOl63/s1600/blog-signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-85712056809275715432013-04-23T13:00:00.000-04:002013-04-23T13:00:16.045-04:00our babyfree weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjTubD2MtITGU7PAUXcCoj_-1YwZPX_3pmfreUF3hg2nRDnBMMHx62hWN2a_6AeUF2jjrlhLJcrR4rNcBggExP5Ab-YwjkkT2GdP49hYN7pi3uNWyaLhwPNUnB67Ca1aDiL_kQbo4lUWg/s1600/2013-Tortuga-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjTubD2MtITGU7PAUXcCoj_-1YwZPX_3pmfreUF3hg2nRDnBMMHx62hWN2a_6AeUF2jjrlhLJcrR4rNcBggExP5Ab-YwjkkT2GdP49hYN7pi3uNWyaLhwPNUnB67Ca1aDiL_kQbo4lUWg/s1600/2013-Tortuga-6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Two weekends ago, hubs and I got to go on our first overnight without baby mini-vacay. It was more like a staycation, considering we were only 10 minutes from our home and 15mins from Matthew, but none the less, i was still a tad emotional when we dropped him off at my sisters.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKO0ZLUhub-WnesOwwJ637ceCHchOzmJTCgiFRAGPFFkNc8lb06kpdEgOvV-TDO8XzzONGAurRf81UhxMMjEZ-5oSprOS9LKgm2BgUHMLUTJMqxpcOXDiLqHYckfNHhTX8-AqwqznuYRrw/s1600/562441_597145873638614_2008815012_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKO0ZLUhub-WnesOwwJ637ceCHchOzmJTCgiFRAGPFFkNc8lb06kpdEgOvV-TDO8XzzONGAurRf81UhxMMjEZ-5oSprOS9LKgm2BgUHMLUTJMqxpcOXDiLqHYckfNHhTX8-AqwqznuYRrw/s640/562441_597145873638614_2008815012_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TortugaMusicFestival" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You probably heard me mention a few times on here about <a href="http://www.tortugamusicfestival.com/" target="_blank">Tortuga Music Festival</a>. Well it was taking place on our home beach from April 13-14. Seeing that it was the inaugural event, we were unsure of just how much of a <strike>clusterf*ck</strike> hassel it would be down by the beach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxInVWFqoIWZcqzY_7QEfd7l9QxTuMWgxCkceQg60aqyvvY2pPjPNK3VoAqXqT4heZarriEt-x9pYRHUl2ZVq42QHLWpzNkdENgiHhjSxkpvA226hcQhNZvnx3b3g5qseb70HS76vsnFBq/s1600/2013-Tortuga-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxInVWFqoIWZcqzY_7QEfd7l9QxTuMWgxCkceQg60aqyvvY2pPjPNK3VoAqXqT4heZarriEt-x9pYRHUl2ZVq42QHLWpzNkdENgiHhjSxkpvA226hcQhNZvnx3b3g5qseb70HS76vsnFBq/s1600/2013-Tortuga-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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So, we opted to get a hotel room at a old florida type motel, called <a href="http://www.tropiccayhotel.com/" target="_blank">Tropic Cay</a>, for Friday and Saturday night. This way we wouldnt have to worry about beating the traffic Sat morning since the first act went on at 11am. One of my childhood best friends, Erin and her mom also got a room at the same hotel, so we did have some fun Friday night as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGRtBnuG8M2M67Nki7PD-xeFnyU9ZCDloQTenI8cCIiDrj3ATqTEsw5YsSri90NYxPzDj8KUuVmtk62BIYu-lEGxrtm-B079YoApkdhZiIREzEU1_g-LWGAxnb-RTGgrNwXpabocJuOiY/s1600/2013-Tortuga-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGRtBnuG8M2M67Nki7PD-xeFnyU9ZCDloQTenI8cCIiDrj3ATqTEsw5YsSri90NYxPzDj8KUuVmtk62BIYu-lEGxrtm-B079YoApkdhZiIREzEU1_g-LWGAxnb-RTGgrNwXpabocJuOiY/s1600/2013-Tortuga-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX5DokQTPQt8j3Y0npX0chN8O21QeSKauLDFzGtzG56HxdVESeIaTqK_VdxtNqM_OrAeFAUn2hg-t0ieL6RR0Xctnm5SKA5KTIeDREGnMqOefFDjYvAq501C88pnAb1aaUnJzchlhAPIO/s1600/2013-Tortuga-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX5DokQTPQt8j3Y0npX0chN8O21QeSKauLDFzGtzG56HxdVESeIaTqK_VdxtNqM_OrAeFAUn2hg-t0ieL6RR0Xctnm5SKA5KTIeDREGnMqOefFDjYvAq501C88pnAb1aaUnJzchlhAPIO/s1600/2013-Tortuga-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was actually a little funny because Erin kept saying it was so weird to be out at midnight with me and hubs. (<i>she knows we norm kick people out of our house by this time so we can go to sleep! lol</i>). But this weekend would be different. Time for mommy and daddy to enjoy some adult fun time. So what are baby-free parents to do? We hit up the notorious Blondies. I swear this place has been around FOOOOORRREEEEEVVVVEEERRRR (<i>said like from the movie The Sandlot</i>). Its basically a chuck-e-cheese for adults. Bar. Beach. Pool Tables. Basketball Hoop game. Arcade Games. You name it. But its also basically a dive bar. Its actual name is Dirty Blondies, and it lives up to that name 100%.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XSNBgnfND9GAWT1UGKALW-1GHiRf6o5cD1Efm3PEKJHaACjbt4Q0eqv30-UH_Vimpc2hHigUxD258REQjDVLP01ydMaFNV__KczR6RPwQgJRkvZPgPn-FBePczxwYjjfHLlDhsJAlZkQ/s1600/2013-Tortuga-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XSNBgnfND9GAWT1UGKALW-1GHiRf6o5cD1Efm3PEKJHaACjbt4Q0eqv30-UH_Vimpc2hHigUxD258REQjDVLP01ydMaFNV__KczR6RPwQgJRkvZPgPn-FBePczxwYjjfHLlDhsJAlZkQ/s1600/2013-Tortuga-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9I17V3h_LCe6sy4sT_eMes8nmhQORF0hram4BxkxLYb4XDhalHxHJQ1ZJLWhrSPy5tIYl8DiRgpKTlxvSOACqAIuArKsY0ZsfZhmbBPmfvE7PPHJI1X4bbB570N12nkHW7JcNrCsyKX1/s1600/2013-Tortuga-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9I17V3h_LCe6sy4sT_eMes8nmhQORF0hram4BxkxLYb4XDhalHxHJQ1ZJLWhrSPy5tIYl8DiRgpKTlxvSOACqAIuArKsY0ZsfZhmbBPmfvE7PPHJI1X4bbB570N12nkHW7JcNrCsyKX1/s1600/2013-Tortuga-5.jpg" /></a></div>
We decided to walk to the bar, i mean come on we were on the beach, why the hell not? But, it sure did give us a little bit of a heads up of how far the walk would be to the concert the following two days. Realistically, it wasnt that far, but try walking that route twice a day, in the blazing hot sun, after drinking beer all day, in the heat, and hardly eating anything. It was for sure my workout for the weekend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW5jujrgM9IsejSIDzYUPDLZfWDCwlsATyeMLw-nJA_5qYc7ITdZXkOf2-vxLwVZIt8AQnn_JbEPHeWz_pGn2euxK4g1PgguZ0ULQSjXsVTRGRh82WBVgYZnwKVkWY1YQg2XQs_etBd8-/s1600/2013-Tortuga-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW5jujrgM9IsejSIDzYUPDLZfWDCwlsATyeMLw-nJA_5qYc7ITdZXkOf2-vxLwVZIt8AQnn_JbEPHeWz_pGn2euxK4g1PgguZ0ULQSjXsVTRGRh82WBVgYZnwKVkWY1YQg2XQs_etBd8-/s1600/2013-Tortuga-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkcjxV9MS1YLSMwZcw_tWyn-lqxc9sysvq-268zUx2t6NFLmULfYE9pcLrcbm39okJ-ujyDajZHjxNL9q4w_A1VO21vpnLwl0jhj_JJ6Ea0MzaiRbTdxuf1D1dCoacZIC2sS2sJB6dkG3/s1600/2013-Tortuga-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkcjxV9MS1YLSMwZcw_tWyn-lqxc9sysvq-268zUx2t6NFLmULfYE9pcLrcbm39okJ-ujyDajZHjxNL9q4w_A1VO21vpnLwl0jhj_JJ6Ea0MzaiRbTdxuf1D1dCoacZIC2sS2sJB6dkG3/s1600/2013-Tortuga-9.jpg" /></a></div>
Saturday morning, I wish I could say I took advantage of sleeping in. Like really took advantage of it. But considering we didnt go to bed till about 3am, waking up at 10am just didnt feel like a full nights sleep to me. But who am I to complain right? We waited at the hotel for our other friends to show up and then headed down to Sonic for some <strike>breakfast?</strike> <strike>lunch?</strike> breakfast. Hubs absolutely loves Sonic, and its literally the only one that is close to us. But we hadnt been there because we never actually get the time to go to <a href="http://www.galleryatbeachplace.com/" target="_blank">BeachPlace</a> (<i>a mall thats right across the street from the beach</i>). Now let me tell you something, you thought Sonic was good in the middle of nowhere? Well its like waaaaay better on the beach. With a bar and all! Best.Sonic.Ever. And yes we did have it again on Sunday too. lol. (<i>good thing we walked so much!</i>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M4uxaTtIjeauSw4h6Y5C7JrC-Fu6o0FdRJfEhNqYzuwzxqhBIfSp9o3zOfa-W4iSc7Hh46XLWbge-mPHB8MF4g6UwPqAmSRufP0EMoRu5LBgObsw_Bdex6gj9whdJrk6-ciDb3gBN0TO/s1600/2013-Tortuga-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M4uxaTtIjeauSw4h6Y5C7JrC-Fu6o0FdRJfEhNqYzuwzxqhBIfSp9o3zOfa-W4iSc7Hh46XLWbge-mPHB8MF4g6UwPqAmSRufP0EMoRu5LBgObsw_Bdex6gj9whdJrk6-ciDb3gBN0TO/s1600/2013-Tortuga-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGpitWlWIoiuWb8dYkG70x57LXKiYe2YXwwJiSSHCvPXf_0E_QLYgghCGkxaGLu7axPoF79Uvgrq0V-trZ9zVqYYxgH4EdM3fSi1kwSFN04UhjOwAZ1uVq0TvKqQdkbSffYZ-PpJhMZwu/s1600/2013-Tortuga-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGpitWlWIoiuWb8dYkG70x57LXKiYe2YXwwJiSSHCvPXf_0E_QLYgghCGkxaGLu7axPoF79Uvgrq0V-trZ9zVqYYxgH4EdM3fSi1kwSFN04UhjOwAZ1uVq0TvKqQdkbSffYZ-PpJhMZwu/s1600/2013-Tortuga-8.jpg" /></a></div>
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As for the actual festival? It was awesome! Im not going to give you a detailed recount of the whole thing, because honestly <strike>i cant remember</strike> that would take forever. But lets just say, all the musicians put on dam good show. My favs included Michael Franti, Jake Owen, Lynrd Skynrd, Kenny Chesney, and my favorite was Eric Church. Ive seen Kenny Chesney in concert about a million times, and he always puts on a good show. Lynrd Skynrd rocked the house! It was my first time seeing them and as Ronnie Van Zant put it "Theres nothing better than a Skynrd crowd!" He was waving his rebel and american flag the entire time. Now, Michael Franti, i truely didnt really know all of his music (<i>although surprisingly alot more than I thought</i>) and he was the one who really got everyone moving dancing and jumping around through his entire performance. I was surprised they didnt have him on the bigger stage. Erins mom actually had him as the one artist she WOULD NOT miss. We ended up losing her and then found out later she was backstage with Michael Frantis girlfriend. Go figure?!?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45HPBy5Ezzutz5QINRgCyejim4RuFrHzjgKjc3O2_-2NSzm39kbkuh5DNO1LGtz8Qp4B7lQUvqo0jB3InTBdLCwVUkwvofE2btOjDmMkRbtrHjCvSsnYQ66dFfqumNTRcbu1VtXuDMiLS/s1600/2013-Tortuga-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45HPBy5Ezzutz5QINRgCyejim4RuFrHzjgKjc3O2_-2NSzm39kbkuh5DNO1LGtz8Qp4B7lQUvqo0jB3InTBdLCwVUkwvofE2btOjDmMkRbtrHjCvSsnYQ66dFfqumNTRcbu1VtXuDMiLS/s1600/2013-Tortuga-13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Franti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTcaUuDuGS25ONE1mBdsazhc3MT1V1AMkUnn1ts6gyH7ShRiXs0RBK9_MFMePSWQkHCvYLDaLcOK9FH6t90ryHvU1g2AvClRbbIu2iwisSA8rBr4dI_AAq98nMVqm5S8i8IdfJNmpfcAT/s1600/2013-Tortuga-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTcaUuDuGS25ONE1mBdsazhc3MT1V1AMkUnn1ts6gyH7ShRiXs0RBK9_MFMePSWQkHCvYLDaLcOK9FH6t90ryHvU1g2AvClRbbIu2iwisSA8rBr4dI_AAq98nMVqm5S8i8IdfJNmpfcAT/s1600/2013-Tortuga-14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli Young Band</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenny Chesney</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Church</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Church</td></tr>
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And of course, Eric Church just blew us all away. If you remember, I saw him back in December for my birthday. I dont know if it was the beach, booze, or day, but he was even better than I remember! We actually almost didnt get to see him perform, as he was the closer on Sunday night, which meant he played from like 7:30-9pm. We were supposed to leave and go pick up Matthew, but my sister generously offered to just keep him another night. I was a little uneasy with the thought of this. Not that I didnt trust her or anything, i just missed my baby. And I knew we would probably be home by 11pm, and just didnt like the thought/feeling of being home without him (<i>its different if im at a hotel ;)</i>). But thank god/sis, she did keep him, because it really truely was an incredible show.<br />
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We cant wait to go back next year. It was well worth the $150 per ticket. And made an awesome birthday gift for the hubs! Some things I will remember for next time though include getting a closer hotel, reapplying suncreen religiously, bring a hat, and have just as much fun if not more than this years! (<i>that last one is going to be pretty hard to top!</i>)<br />
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<br />Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748664033662614156.post-59115838734519554162013-04-10T11:36:00.001-04:002013-04-10T11:36:50.870-04:00Rock the Ocean and Tortuga Music Festival<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://rocktheocean.fundraise.com/lisa-bartek" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmMNvXWjHlzzSaDVaZzHDyUXeCycW-Ktj_YQ37ZtuBsBL9JqBfBoLtG4BgIFcsB3CvSYeO5vPSYbG7IRGsfcOVdMV4cU0Wi8uWF7RnnVwhlkphmYeGMY-ZTli8YP88bgIhz4gxExq2yzd/s1600/RTO-banner.jpg" /></a></div>
You've all probably heard me mention here and there that hubs and I will be going to the <a href="http://www.tortugamusicfestival.com/">Tortuga Music Festival</a> this weekend. Not only is it our first weekend away from Matthew, but its also a great opportunity to help raise awareness about our oceans while listening to great music on the beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="subsection">
On April 13th & 14th, Fort Lauderdale Beach
will host Rock the Ocean’s inaugural Tortuga Music Festival. The beach
will be transformed into an oceanfront music experience, featuring top
country and rock artists and local culinary delights on the shores of
the Florida coast. Together with Rock The Ocean, Tortuga will pair music with meaning
by raising awareness about marine conservation and issues affecting the
world’s oceans.
</div>
<br />
While the concert is going to be absolutely unbelievable, i mean come on look at the lineup...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXf-Qz_EN5zZTCFvsCQpcdC09e_q7QYgL9nWyOmDR_BG8kfg7HeFa97x4KdNUtjrFWmdGFLe63yAxq0vpDsm9JT9nbIMQySsloEOC-z2JnwGZ5_EOGuqhsg4pY31SeHeCFvW6AwFn9t4I/s1600/535049_10151476059909300_2038623706_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXf-Qz_EN5zZTCFvsCQpcdC09e_q7QYgL9nWyOmDR_BG8kfg7HeFa97x4KdNUtjrFWmdGFLe63yAxq0vpDsm9JT9nbIMQySsloEOC-z2JnwGZ5_EOGuqhsg4pY31SeHeCFvW6AwFn9t4I/s640/535049_10151476059909300_2038623706_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I think its also important to remember the reason we're even having this festival in the first place. <a href="http://www.rocktheocean.com/" rel="external">The Rock The Ocean Foundation</a> is
dedicated to supporting scientific research, education and increasing
public awareness about the issues impacting our oceans.<br />
<br />
Think about it, did you know?<br />
<ul>
<li>Plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 1 hundred thousand sea mammals and countless fish each year.</li>
<li>70% of the world's fisheries are fully exploited, over exploited or depleted!</li>
<li>Humans have caused the depletion of 90% of the oceans large predators due to unsustainable fisheries.</li>
<li>Up to 39 million tons of unwanted fish are killed and dumped back into the sea each year.</li>
</ul>
They are also working with <a href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org/" rel="external">The Guy Harvey Foundation</a>, an organization dedicated to ensuring that future generations will enjoy
and benefit from a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem. <br />
<br />
I know it may be a little too late to buy tickets, airfare, & hotel to come join us this weekend (<i>although if youre able to, send me an email and we should meet up!</i>), but its definitely not too late to help support the cause!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://rocktheocean.fundraise.com/lisa-bartek" id="fundraise_com_raised">Donate Now - Secure Online Fundraising</a><script src="https://rocktheocean.fundraise.com/embed/rock-the-ocean/lisa-bartek/raised.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
Ive only set a small goal of $200 for my page, but anything would help, especially when its our beautiful oceans were talking about!<br />
<br />
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<script src="https://rocktheocean.fundraise.com/embed/rock-the-ocean/lisa-bartek/raised.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Southern Wifeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03089181439730920093noreply@blogger.com0