Perfect for Toddlers

 I have been blessed with two picky eaters!  It has been a struggle to get our boys to ever try anything new.   They would seriously live on fruit if we would let them.  Noah loves pasta, but won't touch bread or anything that resembles it.  Carson loves bread but won't eat any pasta besides mac and cheese.  Carson also won't eat any veggies at the moment and it really bothers me.  Noah likes green beans and carrots so at least we can get him to eat some.  

I don't know exactly why I decided to buy these Peter Rabbit Organic food puree pouches one day for the boys to try but I did and it turns out Carson loves them.  He has been eating 1-2 a day.   I'm in love with them because

 1) they are soooo easy

2) they are just  100% whole fruit and veggie puree with nothing added.  They are USDA certified organic

3) Awesome for travel and eating out,  I can just keep one in my purse or diaper bag all the time since they do not need refrigeration until opened

4)  I can get some veggies in Carson.  Some of them are just fruit blends but others have veggies as well.  Now I'm sure the fruit to veggie ratio is more on the fruit side but I will still take it.  We have tried all of these  blends and so far Carson has liked them all.

I'm not sure who all has them but our Wal- Mart currently does and they are $1.68 each. They are on the pricier side to serve at every meal but for right now we are going to use them until we implement the whole, You eat what we eat business.  I'm completely dreading it but know we need to start doing it once we are home together for awhile.  

Do you have any tips or tricks on getting toddlers to eat?  If so I would love to hear them!  

Preparing for a Little One

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love.

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series for a few weeks to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.

We have finished the second series, but if you have missed them here are the topics below that you can go back and check out.

Friday, April 5: Registering (Everything you need to know, Must Haves, Don't Bothers, etc...)

Friday, April 12: Nursery Organization & Ideas

Friday, April 19: Packing For The Hospital: For you & the baby

Friday, April 26: Birth Stories (The good, bad, and ugly) / Birth Plans (yes? no?)

This week starts our second mini-series.

Friday, May 3: Bringing Baby Home / Surviving The First Few Weeks

Friday, May 10: Breast Feeding vs. Formula

Friday, May 17: Calming Your Baby & Sleep Methods

Friday, May 24: Losing The Baby Weight

The second series will focus on bringing the baby home, new mom obstacles and losing the dreaded baby weight.  Even if you are a first time mom, you may have posts or input on this first series especially!! I know some of you are due any day now, so I'd love to get your input as well.

If you decide to participate on any of the weeks, all you have to do is write a post answering and discussing the topic/question that week and link up to the main post on my blog. I think it will be a great resource for tons of moms to be!

Below you can grab a button to use on your posts and it will be helpful if you link back to Wifessionals or Five 27 Jones so that others can get the details to link up as well. I really hope some of you will share your secrets with us!!!

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This week Losing the Baby Weight

Losing Baby Weight  isn't easy.  Period!

Let me just start with the fact that I wasn't at my ideal weight when I got pregnant with my first.
This was just a few weeks before we found out I was pregnant.

 Then throughout my pregnancy I gained 47 pounds.  Yeah I know that's a lot, way more than I had planned.  When  I pregnant they said a good amount was between 25-35 and my goal was 30 I thought right in the middle was good.  I passed that one pretty quick.  Needless to say for me I was huge.  I will never forget the day I gave birth when they asked me how much I weighed, I never wanted to say that number again.
Here is me 2 weeks before Noah was born.   Yuck!  I always show weight gain in my face so much.  I always have cheeks but they just get bigger and bigger.

After Noah was born I had a lot to get rid of and honestly I didn't really do a whole lot about it.   I was going through a lot of family issues, I was adjusting to my new life as a mommy.  When I got home from the hospital I had lost 13 pounds so far, and then after about two weeks I think I was at 20, then shortly 30 down.  Then the rest took awhile.  I plateaued for a good 6 months.    I did some walking here and there, tried to watch what I ate but didn't necessarily try very hard. I was uncomfortable with myself every single day but just couldn't get motivated to make any lasting changes.   Then the week of Noah's first birthday  I found out I was pregnant with Carson.

I was scared.   I still had  about 7 pounds on that I never lost from Noah and I had a hard time dealing with the fact that it was now too late to try and loose weight and I would see the numbers start to go up again.  With Carson I did better but still not too great.   I gained 33 pounds with him.
After Carson  I knew I wanted to be done and again that day when I was getting ready to have him, they asked the same questions, what is your current weight... Grrrr... I vowed again to never say that number again.  It was 7 pounds less than last time but still painful.

After Carson I was ready to loose the weight.  Right after he was born as soon as I could I tried to go on little walks when possible.  We have an elliptical and had a treadmill and as soon as  I was able I tried to start doing those a few days a week.  Carson was born August 29th and by December 6th I had lost all 33 pounds, which was just over 3 months.  I remember getting on the scale and seeing that number, it was a huge victory.  I was excited to see it but still had more I wanted to loose.

 Over the last year and a half I have done multiple things, I have continued to work out, walk, more recently running, have done some Turbo Fire, Brazilian Butt Lift, and the elliptical.  Last July I also started taking Genesis Pure which I know has contributed a ton to my weight loss and the ability to stay at my ideal weight.   I have always been a yo-yo'er but since last summer have actually kept  the weight off.  I still fluctuate about 3-5 pounds every so many weeks but I blame that one on hormones and sometimes we all have those bad eating weeks because of stress, vacations or just busy schedules.

I'm not perfect and still have some weight/body goals I would like to achieve but also proud of where I have came from.  I am in better shape now than before I got pregnant so that is a good feeling.

I hardly ever takes pictures of myself and I think I already posted this one a few weeks ago but for comparison here is a recent picture.

To all of you future mommies, here are some things to remember because I know you already know them!  

1)  It took your whole pregnancy to gain the weight, it's not going to come off as soon as your baby is born or shortly after.  It will take time, but you will get there!  

2)  Drink plenty of water ( especially if nursing).

3)  Get plenty of rest.  Your body functions better with sleep.  Sleep provides us with energy.  Getting enough sleep helps us make better food choices.  It is important and will help in the long run.  I know sleep is always the first thing I can think of to give up when I'm short on time, but it's not always the best option.  

4)  Don't diet.  Diet's don't work.  Just eat healthy foods and try more frequent smaller meals each day rather than 3 larger ones .  

5)  Make some time for yourself and get your sweat on.  Go for a walk, take your pick of workouts and do them!  I can't tell you how good it felt to really work out after Carson.  I had to get up really early and it stunk at first but once I got used to it, I really started to enjoy it.  I love the quiet time I get to myself.  I love the feeling of a good sweaty workout, makes you feel like you accomplished something.  I hear it said a lot but  love it "sweat is your fat crying".

6)  Expect for weight to look different on your post  baby body.   You may reach your  pre-baby weight but still look so different and that's normal.  Things shift, around your belly will take longer to change, my hips stayed bigger for quite some time.  That all took some extra time but again it can/ will get better. 

7)  Enjoy your baby and remember he/ she was all worth it!  

High Five for Friday

It's Friday and I'm about to be a single mom until next Thursday when I leave for San Diego.  My hubby is heading out on a mission trip this evening and won't be back until after I'm gone, our trips overlap each other.  

We will miss him and I'm sure we will have some rough moments but we sure have had a great week!  

I could go on and on about how cute my kids have been this week.  They seriously have been doing so much growing up lately.  So many  times this week I have just sat, watched them talk and play and just been overwhelmed with thankfulness for them.  They have been killing me with the cutness for sure!

Here goes ...

1)  Tuesday I got my nails filled and picked out a bright pink for my nails.  Seriously in love with it.  I'm pretty sure looking at them brightens my mood!  

2)  Wednesday, my sisters and I took my kiddos shopping.  ( we can't really "shop" in our town so we had drove to a town 70 miles away and also stopped at some outlets along the way)   It was great having the my sisters along to talk with and help out with the boys, couldn't have done the whole day alone.  I found some great deals, Gap Outlet was 50% off, AE was 40% most everything at the outlet,  kid stores always have good deals there.  Found some cute stuff for Matthew, the boys and myself including a new swimsuit that I'm a little obsessed with.  Chevron and jewel tone colors, we were meant to be!  You can see a picture of the suit on the side of my blog on my instragram feed if we aren't already friends.  

The boys were really good considering the car ride, and the fact that they were constrained to the stroller most of  the day.  By the time they we headed home, they were wiped out.  Here was my the view of the backseat.

Even Aunt Hannah fell asleep!

 3)  Then Wednesday night we went out for dinner and my hubby surprised with an early Anniversary present, a new band to add to my rings!  I had been asking for this since like our first anniversary and he told me I had to wait until 10.  He gave in early, it will be 7 years for us next week.  Can't believe it has been that long, time flies and more on our anniversary later!  The new one is a little bigger than the first one but that's fine with me, I love it!  

4)  My boys are best friends and it melts my heart!  God knew what he was doing when he made them so close together.  It can be very stressful and hard at times but also the best thing in the world to see them having fun together.  

5)  Loving that I have gotten in lots of cuddles this week.  This week has been one of those rare occasions that actually seem to be happening more often lately where I can just relax and not care about all the little things.  My to-do list is really stacking up.  My house chores aren't done for the week.  I have things that I honestly need to get done as well but instead have been soaking up the sweet time with my boys.  

My house is always going to need cleaned but they are only going to be this age now.  Most days I can't seem to grasp that but glad this week I have!  

6)  Went and saw The Great Gatsby last night with my wonderful book study friends.  I always have a great time with them.  The movie wasn't what I expected but it was still okay and I was out with  great company so that always helps and the chairs, they were nice!   I got to sit and do nothing for 2 whole hours, can't complain about that!  

7)  I have nothing I had to plan for this weekend!  It seems like for so many weeks in a row I have had something that I was getting ready for and this week has been fairly calm.  Thank you!  

Have a great weekend,  I will be hanging out solo with my boys!  Hoping for some nice weather because my boys are always happiest outside!  

Tuesday Topics

There is another round of Tuesday topics starting this week and I love the new topics.  If you haven't ever joined in you should now since they are starting a whole new round.

Onto this week.

ten.  things that make me happy.............

1)  My boys....Love, love, love them.
2)  Waking up without an alarm..... Very rare occasion but when it happens it's awesome!
3) Sunlight, there is something about great weather after winter, just makes you want to get up and do something.
4)  Candy, sweets, ice cream, chocolate.... I totally hate emotional eating but it happens and I love sugar way to much
5)  New clothes, shoes, and jewelry, there isn't anything like wearing a new outfit.
6) Clean house, doesn't happen very often with two little ones but sometimes I sure do try.  For that short amount of time it stays clean, I'm so laid back
7) Successful new recipes- I love trying new recipes and even more so when they turn out good!
My last one was this M&M cookie, soo good even though I over cooked them a bit.  Will for sure be using this one again.
8) Nights with nothing to do but hang out with my family!
9) Time alone-  It's how I feel refreshed.  I can be quite the loaner some days
10)  A good sweaty run

5 Love Languages

Sometimes relationships are easy, sometimes they aren't.
Knowing how you can appropriately show your significant other/ spouse love is very beneficial.

Years ago before I was married I read the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  It's been a long time but over the years I have thought a lot about the love languages it talks about and Matthew and I have  talked about them multiple times as well.

Here are some excerpts from The 5 Love Languages website that briefly explains each love language to help you understand the idea a little more if you haven't ever heard of them.

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important – hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. Kind, encouraging, and positive words are truly life-giving.

---

Acts of Service

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. Finding ways to serve speaks volumes to the recipient of these acts.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous – so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are visual representations of love and are treasured greatly.

Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there – with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby – makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Quality time also means sharing quality conversation and quality activities.

Physical Touch

This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face – they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Physical touch fosters a sense of security and belonging in any relationship.

If you haven't ever heard of this book I highly recommend any engaged/married couple read it.

Want to know what your primary love language is?  If so head on over to their website and you can take a free quiz that helps you pinpoint what your top love language is.  If will give you a score for each language and  your boyfriend/spouse can do it as well.  

I retook the test as well, and wasn't surprised that my love language has changed.  One of my top ones used to be physical touch and since adding kids to my life and my marriage, I knew that had changed.   I am touched all day.  I  am constantly being jumped on, and hung on to.  I'm touched a lot, haha so that isn't always something I want.  Being  mom is hard, and can be draining and I pretty much already knew before I took the quiz but it  confirmed that now I'm a Words of affirmation person.  Being a mom has turned me into someone that needs to know I'm doing good.  After hard days I just need to be built back up.  

So now I want to encourage you to head over, and take the quiz!  Then share if you want, what is your love language?

Have you taken the quiz or read the book before and had a change of your top language as well?  

Menu Planning Monday

Sunday-  Graduation Party-  Don't have to cook!!

Monday- Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas

Tuesday-  Homemade Pizza, I have been wanting pizza for a few weeks so it's about time!

Wednesday-  Steak, grilled potatoes, green beans

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday, Saturday Hubs is out of town, no cooking for this girl!

Having an easy meal week this week!

Have something we should try let us know!

Linking up with Org Junkie