Results: An Update

Remember this post ?!

It was the start of my commitment to shed those extra baby pounds and get in shape.  Well, that was almost a year ago.

Someone may be wondering what's happened since then.  Mostly, because I rarely post pictures of anyone other than my adorable children on this blog.  So unless you've see me in person, its probably been a big mystery.

I'm happy to report that thanks to being smarter about what I ate, and a regular amount of pushing a double stroller around our neighbourhood this summer, I was able to reach my goal weight (and then thanks to the flu this Christmas ... a couple of extra pounds).  Not only was I able to wear something other than my maternity sweaters this summer, but I was also able to fit into a dress for my cousin's wedding in August.

And the icing on the cake ...

After being reunited with my wedding dress (my mom had been storing it all these years across the country), being married just shy of 10 years, and 2 kids later ... I was curious to know...  I decided to be brave during the kids' quiet time and just go for it.  Imagine my delight ... IT FITS!

(Now if you're a guy ... you may want to skip this part.  You've been warned.)

Now without a tummy tuck (won't happen), I will probably never wear a 2 piece bathing suit, or anything clingy again.  Nor will my belly button probably ever return to its original shape, size or position.  But, I'm extremely proud of reaching my goal.  My next one ...?  Now that I'm sure there are some abs down there, to firm them up a bit.  I'll check in again in a year and let you know if I've had another success.  Oh goodness ... I think I'll have to patch up my relationship with Jillian :-P

I'm Back

I've been back for over a week.  Back to reality ...

I think I may have this printed onto a number of T-shirts.

That being said, I had a great time.  It was really cold in Northern Alberta.  It reached almost -50  degrees Celsius one day with the windchill.  However, I wasn't going for the weather.  Fortunately, the friends I left a year and a half ago are still warm and friendly.  It was great to catch up, hang out, and to meet the new additions that were born in our absence.  Now to figure out how to instantaneously transport myself across the country for little or no cost.  That, or get all my friends to move east! 

Thanks again to my wonderful husband and family for the wonderful Christmas/birthday present.  Normally I'm not a fan of joint gifts ... but I think this was a definite exception.

Mom On Vacation: The Sequel

Last year my husband sent me on vacation.  A week to myself without any kids.  Well this year he's done it again.  This year for my birthday my husband got me the wonderful gift of a week back in Alberta with my friends.  My journey begins tomorrow. 

I'm very excited, but have to admit, I really wish Dave could come with me.  It's sad that he's going to miss seeing the friends we made over our 8 years up north.  On top of that, I really like travelling with him, and its been 5 years since we've last done that without the kids.  Of course I will also miss the kiddos, and wish all our friends could see how much they've grown and changed.  Especially Kendall who was only 4 months when we moved!  However, I will not miss all the chaos that is travelling with 2 kids under the age of 4 (one with special needs).  I will thoroughly enjoy having my single seat all to myself, getting to eat my snack, actually being able to watch TV or read a book, and only having to be responsible for luggage that does not include car seats or strollers.  There will be no frantic diaper changes in the airport, and trying to keep kids who have been up early and have missed naps happy. 

I will be a bit lonely though.  Just a little bit.  Sorta like missing your left arm.  But don't tell anyone my secret because I'm really excited at the same time ... okay? ;)

Made With Love

My Granny knit hats and mittens for her great grand kids this year.  Here are my kiddos modeling their new headgear.  My kids are pretty cute ... especially in hats made with love.

Out With the Old, In With the New

It's the New year and as they say; "Out with the old, in with the new".

In the last month Kendall has begun putting her feet up on the mechanism under her highchair tray and pushing it so it releases.  We've had to watch her like a hawk to make sure that she's holding out on eating, doesn't end up on the floor.  So, it was time to retire the highchair and move to a booster seat. 

It's no big surprise since by this age, we had already moved Cole out of the highchair so that he would no longer feel any attachment to it when his sister came along.  I was just stalling since the little monkey is SO messy.  Her food is usually scattered about her plate and regularly ends up on her head.  I was really not used to this since Cole learned quickly not to do this and was rather neat.  Kendall however, is a little whirlwind and leaves destruction in her wake wherever she travels.  Fortunately, for the time being, she has not yet learned to rebel against the concept of cleaning up when mommy asks her to.  This includes both toys and sandwich crusts (the least desired part of lunch).

Cole is still a little short to be sitting on a regular chair, so he and Daddy went to Walmart to let him pick out a new seat for himself.  That way his sister could have his old one. 

Today Kendall ate a meal for the first time facing her brother.  It was funny to watch her mirroring each one of Cole's sips, and trying to mimic the way he shoves an entire sandwich crust into his mouth (something we're trying to break him of).  Cole ate Corn Pops for the first time today (he previously has only eaten dry Cheerios), so maybe some of Kendall's "better" eating habits will rub off on him as well (please, please, please).  That would definitely be something great for the new year!