Back to school, back to school...

So, during my nap time grocery run on Saturday, I made a spur of the moment decision and ran into the AT&T store. It was empty (the angels sang in the background) and I walked out with my new iPhone in less than 10 minutes. I'm pretty sure that is a record.

The reason I'm bragging to you all is, obviously it's clear that I'm lazy and take iPhone pictures all the time rather than spend the extra 2 minutes working our nice camera. But now, with my new lover, my cheesy pictures look SO much better.

Behold:

Quinoa Chicken Fried Rice

I am aware that the picture is sideways, dark, has a shadow, and is still sort of out of focus...but how much better is that than the usual blur I make you look at?!

I know, right.

Anyways. That little mess of a meal above was my first attempt at cooking with quinoa and while not the most visually appealing of meals, it was super tasty.

For a better tutorial and recipe than I could ever provide you with, check out this post from Jenn at Peas and Crayons. Her pictures make my iPhone pic look like it was taken with something found in Grace's toy box. Also? This makes a lot. Which works well this week since D is officially "back to school" now that the Captain's Career Course has started and our schedule has gone right out the window for the time being. Not to complain about his hours...they have been ridiculously easy, it has just taken some adjusting to our routine.

I know I owe you all a crossfit update...it's coming, I swear! For now, I'll say that I'm still going strong, just started Week 3 yesterday. This week's weigh in was not great...I was actually a couple pounds heavier than Week 1...but I think that can be attributed to the time of the month and the wayyy chill weekend we had. Oopsie. :) It was a good kick in the booty to reign it in this week. Also, we only do measurements and BMI once a month, so it will be interesting to see if I am gaining muscle...or if I'm just bloated this week.

I'll be back with more on specific workouts later this week. :)

xo,
H

Weekend Wrap-Up

By the end of last week I was headed for meltdown town. I could feel it coming on as each day passed and I felt more physically and mentally exhausted than the day before. Intense workouts coupled with long workdays, add a side of it being that time of the month and I was ready to curl up in a ball and have a good cry. Ever have days like that?

Instead I took a half day Friday, got my Crossfit sesh out of the way around lunch time and spent a couple of hours to myself, running errands without the distraction of D and Grace in tow. It also happened to be "variety day" (ha) and sometimes you just need a beer and a large cheese steak sub to make everything better. ;)

Initially I felt some guilt for not using my time off to pick up Grace from daycare early, but turns out she had her best day yet and came home bubbly and happy and SO proud of artwork that she made during the day. A couple of hours was all I needed to get my mojo back and I'd like to think that everyone had a better weekend because of it.

There were multiple visits to the park:

A night out for dessert and bluegrass music with friends.

Several new recipes...to include my first attempt cooking with quinoa, an avocado and kale salad, and cranberry walnut almond flour cookies. Recipes to come. :)

What didn't occur?

Any exercising whatsoever. So now it's Monday, which is weigh-in day, and I can't help but feel a smidge guilty. (But just a smidge...ha.) I don't really feel much pressure to have a loss each week. Do I want to drop a couple pounds? Sure. But I'm really just looking to tone up and feel fit and confident come Summer and feel my best every day. For once there is no upcoming event to stress about and no rush to fit into something.

To keep myself on track during the weekends I signed up for a race next Sunday. It's just a little 5K (I opted out of the 10K...it's been awhile), but it guarantees I'll get some sort of workout in. I think I need to cut myself a little slack during the week so I don't get irritable and tired by the weekend.

Also, it will be Superbowl Sunday and I clearly plan on snacking.

Here's to a new week! Hope yours is off to a great start.

xo,
H

Moves like Jagger

On Saturday night we met up with some friends at Country's BBQ, a local spot, for some dessert and live bluegrass music. It was a great way to spend the evening...and turns out we have a tiny dancer on our hands. All she needs is some down home jams and a pig statue for support. Oh my.

Watch out, Beyonce. ;)

xo,
H

Welcome to Hot Mess City

or as others may call it, Flashback Friday!

I thought I'd mix it up today. Here is a flashback to my Friday's of (several) years past. Obviously if I'm going to embarrass myself, I'm bringing my friends down with me. We had some pretty rockin' Friday nights, if I do say so myself... ;)

My bff's/roommates/partners in crime.

Far left. Good thing I thought it was appropriate to wear shorty shorts publicly.

Self portraits were key.

Pouty duck lips and gang signs. So hot right now (vom).

Had to include a pic from Auld Sheebean. Obvi. :)

Waiting for the metro at the end of a long night was the WORST.

Homecoming Weekend. Bring on the mimosas and day drinking.
Ok, this one isn't Friday night...it's just plain fun. :) '08

Friday night before our wedding, post rehearsal dinner. '09

Sometimes it is fun to look back and remember the crazy times I used to have pre-marriage and baby. Other times it horrifies me and I think about home schooling Grace through college.  Because that's a viable option, right?!

Tonight I'll be staying home with the hubs and my little ladybug, having a family dinner, and spending quality time playing with the pups. But who knows, maybe D and I will break out some solo cups and pump up the jams for old times sake, haha!

Enjoy your Friday nights!

xo,
H

P.S. These sort of make me want a date with my hairdresser for more blonde asap. Hmm...

It doesn't take much

Yesterday worked out well. I got moving and I don't feel like I'm drowning in mess anymore, so that is a mood lifter. But the icing on the cake? We have a potential visit scheduled with friends! I am so excited to get something down in my planner and have renewed energy to do some things to the house.

It doesn't take much to make my day. :)

By the way, I forgot to thank everyone for their comments and emails, but I loved your feedback on the office post. I'm trying to get some pictures and prints together to create a little gallery wall. Now, I just need to figure out what kind of frame color to go with. Black or maybe a muted gold to play off the mirror...maybe even a mix of several things?

It also means I need to get rolling on our guest room, which is a very blank slate. I'm pretty much starting from scratch and am looking forward to creating an inviting room for future guests. It is also nice to know that this is one room I can guarantee we will still have in our next house, wherever that may be, so it's not like I'm buying things that won't be used after July.

So far?

There is a queen sized bed. Meaning we need bed linens, wall decor, some bedside tables, lamps...really the whole nine.

My problem?

This opens a huge window of possibilities! Color schemes, style...and I, as usual, am lost in it all. Lucky for us, we still have a few months to pull everything together and make smart decisions instead of rushing to get it done. I'll start to share as we get things rolling. For now, you aren't even getting a teaser picture, because the guest room has become the dumping ground for extra toys and boxes that we didn't want out when we had company over a couple weekends ago. I'll get there though.



I think I need some of these....

To wrap things up:

Kara- Bet you feel some pressure to nail down those plane tickets now! D noted that the weekend you and G chose happens to fall on April Fool's Day. He is taking it as a sign that you aren't really coming...(and continues to joke that we will never have visitors). ;)

Everyone else- Let's go people! You better get your weekend in my planner before the Army decides to send us to some desolate, remote location next. You never know!

xo,
H

Busy Bee

Hey, Wednesday!

I have three long work days that started yesterday where I get to sit on an all day conference call. Literally ALL. DAY. Sitting. On the phone. So that will be/has been fun. ;) I'll be raring to get out the door by 3:30 pm this afternoon, just like I was yesterday.

I actually started to post yesterday, but the combination of work and sitting in a messy house took it out of me. I am by no means a clean freak (haha, former roommates are all nodding right now), but I can't STAND the feeling of a messy house, unorganized planner, laundry piling up. Ick. I'm going to be using my time wisely today and trying to get a few things taken care of while I'm in listen mode. Also the hubs is going to get a chore list of his own.

#1. Clean the freaking dog hair out of the car.

I almost included a picture but it's just plain embarassing. It was embarassing enough to have to joke with the grocery store bagger that we have a pet lion when they were loading things into my car. It just got awkward. ;)

Classic joke...

 

Here's to a busy, productive week and getting organized so you don't lose your "ish" and take it out on the people you love most!

xo,
H

Fueling Crossfit

....and just like that, it's Monday again. After a stormy weekend, I found myself looking forward to getting this new week started. We were cooped up for a good portion of the past couple days and I'm pretty sure we are all excited for a break from one another.

Except these two.

D is headed on post to check in and finally wrap up in-processing,

Grace is at daycare, probably thrilled to be around other people her own age,

and I am still cooped up at the house, but it's nice and quiet and there's a break in the rain, so I think I'll make it. :)

So Crossfit, huh?

The week before last I alluded to the fact that I accidentally signed up for a group. I really did fall into it all when I contacted a trainer, with the idea that I could use a push once or twice a week. She really sold me on the Crossfit thing and said that she thought I would benefit more from a group environment where I might be even more motivated to get in a good session. I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try (the encouragement from some of you helped, too!) and verdict?

I'm a little obsessed.

Ok, a lot obsessed. It is the perfect way for me to challenge myself, get out of my comfort zone, meet new people at varying fitness levels, and get that amazing sore feeling I live for after a tough workout. One thing I wasn't expecting was the level of commitment that the trainer, Shannon, expects. She spent a lot of the first session discussing diet and nutrition and how much it obviously impacts your performance and results. I can appreciate that. She is really big on the Paleo diet, which seems to be a trend in many Crossfit groups. D had actually been interested in trying it for awhile, so he was completely supportive when I came home talking about how we needed to buy more protein and produce and cut out sugars, dairy, legumes, and even fruit. (Umm, crazy much? I know.)


It's Kind of Hard, People.

He promptly hard boiled 36 eggs- not joking- and made our house/fridge smell like a giant fart. At least he was on board, right?!

After giving Paleo a go for a few days, I decided that if I am going to really make a lifestyle change, eating like that all the time is not going to cut it. Instead we have modified our food choices and decided to eat clean. We're nixing processed foods for the most part and still basing a lot of out meals on the Paleo staples of protein, veggies, and healthy fat. Limiting fruit- 'cause there is no way I am cutting it out completely and dairy...aka trying to not "cheese up" all of our meals...you know how I like my Mexican. We are also cutting way back on carbs. I realized we were eating pasta or bread with almost every meal, and while it is delish, I can totally change up our meal plan. Lastly, we have a variety day each week, (apparently calling it a cheat day is bad? Who knew.) where we can go all cray cray if we want.

I've been wanting to use "cray-cray" in a post for awhile. ;)

But guess what? We have been feeling SO awesome after making small changes this week, that we really didn't go all out. The thing I have noticed most this week is that my stomach still feels semi-flat by the end of the day, which is usually when I feel the most bloated. I'll take it.

I totally didn't mean for this post to get off track and be about what foods I eat, but since I'm still easing into the Crossfit thing, maybe I'll have a better review of the actual workouts later this week or next. The best thing I can say about it so far? I genuinely look forward to getting to the gym for every session. Again, if it can get me that amped to workout, I'll take it.

xo,
H

P.S. Our first weigh-in (since the initial class) is tonight. Not sweating it!

P.P.S. Look at my cutie pie looking like Cindy Lou Hoo with her hair all up! Mommy needs some serious toddler hair styling work.

 

The Mother Load

Happy Friday, friends. :)

Today is off to a nice little start...coffee has been chugged, oatmeal has been eaten, and work is looking like an easy, breezy day.

Pumpkin in Oatmeal? Yes, please.

So yesterday we got a package and it wasn't something I bought online. Surprise! It was a box from my Mom (aka Nana) of some things that we hadn't been able to fit in the car on our trek back from Christmas. Included was Grace's baby stroller that she prefers to sit in herself rather than push her "babies", a random puzzle, some bath things, and wait for it...a bag of make-up.

Nana went through her make-up drawer and I scored big time. I'll take hand-me-down beauty products from my mom any day and love to check out her collection anytime we are visiting. I would imagine it rivals most beauty salons. Woman has good taste in cosmetics. I expected Grace to get working on some of her things when I opened the box, but I was wrong.

The lonely puzzle

Her things went untouched while she perused my new goodies. I should have seen it coming. She already plays with my brushes and closed powder and blush compacts while I get ready in the morning...but this, this was the mother load for her. I think she was more excited than I was...

I am SO in for it, huh? :)

xo,

H

Where the magic happens

Umm, no, not the Master Bedroom. I didn't mean that kind of magic. More like where meal plans are made (sort of), blogs are typed, and coffee is chugged...

So today, we focus on the office. Obviously by focus on, I mean you give me ideas on how to finish this very blah space. Thank you in advance. :)

As soon as you step into our house, the "office" is located on the right.

Here I am looking at it straight on from the hall.

Below you will see that the pantry is literally 5 feet away from me ALL day. It's an issue. It also makes my trips to the Keurig super convenient.

From the far end of the room you can see through to the kitchen.

<>

Here's the other wall.
 It has windows that create a glare on my screen every day.

This is my newest "pretty". It makes me smile.

TJ Maxx score.
Kinda low for the scale of the room, but she works for now.

World Market Dining Chairs which read as Sage.

I thought I needed to feminize D's black desk (maybe I'll paint it on day), by softening up the rest of the furniture. Yes, those are the infamous dog, baby, dog pictures in the hall...they need reframing, but I love seeing them from my desk everyday.

Potential color scheme?

I'd love to keep things soft and calm and infuse some coral maybe? Also, if anyone would like to get me this bouquet, that would be fine too. ;)
So now what?

I'm thinking some pictures on the wall to the left of the pass through to the kitchen. Maybe a buffet or some sort of low dresser under them for storage and fun accent pieces? I want curtains, but convincing D to put more unnecessarily holes in this temporary home will be a toughie. I'd love some muted pattern up there though. I hate the lighting, but that's not going to change, at least until we have a house of our own that I can do something fun in.

Until then, any ideas would be totally appreciated. I'm one of those people who sees ideas everywhere and loves looking at pretty things and then have no clue on how to piece it together. I have this terrible bi-polar style that falls somewhere between classic and contemporary and want a home that looks warm and comfortable with cool colors and fun prints.

xo,
H

The 'ol j.o.b.

Daddy Daycare is officially closed and Grace has started her new daycare this week. We opted to go with in-home childcare this time, as we are hoping to cut down on the number of sick germs she picks up at "school".  Also the provider has a two year old girl and three year old boy who Grace is going to LOVE. She adores big kids and I'm hoping she picks up on some of the things they do early...like, umm, potty training. That would be sahhweet. :)

Day 1...things are looking good!

I don't talk about the specifics of my job very often. It's not that it is super secretive or that I don't enjoy it. I just really hate boring people with the details. :) But since I talk about working from home and needing Grace in daycare and the ins and outs of my daily routine, I thought I'd take some time to elaborate.

Grab your coffee, peeps...and I'll try to keep you awake.

I work for a three letter Government agency. Probably the one that gets the most bad rap, but my work really has nothing to do with the specific purpose of the organization. I work on a management team for the travel program that the agency uses. Basically an Expedia-like database that is used by the Government. Every time someone has business travel, they get to log on, make reservations, and estimate their expenses for the trip. Then it goes through a chain of approval before they are authorized to travel. When they return, they use the system to receive a reimbursement for anything they are owed.

No, I am not a travel agent.
...
No, I can not find you cheap tickets.
...
and No. I do not get a discount when I travel. (Haha...wouldn't that be nice though?)


I get to play around with several different areas of travel. I work with Training. Developing it, whether it be virtual or face-to-face or maybe even just written instruction. Sometimes I teach. My group creates communications that go out to the traveler when system changes or updates occur. We work with the vendor on enhancements that may be needed for our agency and we report on how travel is being used and look for cost savings opportunities. Some of our group handles calls from travelers needing assistance, others focus on more specific functions of the system. I get to do a little bit of everything at times.

One of the perks of my position is the ability to work from home. My counterparts are all over the country, in fact, I've never met any of my teammates face-to-face since starting this job in June 2010. Prior to being married I worked for the company that owns the travel system and I did meet some of the people I work with now, just in the role of a contractor.

I am lucky to have a very supportive boss, who is prior military herself and understands the lifestyle associated with being a military spouse. She has made my transition from Louisiana to Georgia do-able and seamless. When I was hired, I was 6 months pregnant and so afraid of it being an issue. It never was. In fact, I was thrown a virtual baby shower in mid-September, right before Miss G came into our lives 3 weeks early!

First Day of Work - June 2010
Hi Belly! :)

I love working and I love that I am able to provide for my daughter. I can have bad days, busy days, or slow days, but I always feel so lucky to have this opportunity. Do I think twice about being able to stay home and focus solely on raising my family? Absolutely. Often. But for now, this is what is working for us and I'd be silly to give up the ideal environment. Also, I'd have to drastically cut back on my online shopping. ;)

Hope you enjoyed a little look behind the scenes into what goes on during my 9-5 7-3:30. I think this is a perfect segway to introduce everyone to our little office, next. :)

xo,
H

Thanks MLK...

The extra day off yesterday was fab and I'm all out of sorts today trying to get back into the swing of things.

Let me begin by bragging:  My baby is still asleep. In her crib. It is 7:40 am. I can't even describe to you what a feat this is. Also? She went down last night without crying. I'm not sure if someone is playing a trick on us, but for now I'll take it. (Although I probably just screwed myself by talking about how great everything is...whoopsie.)

We had a weekend full of food, and friends, and dog parks. Long walks, errand running, and Mickey watching...

There was also some coffee drinking...

 

I'm not sure who taught Grace how to handle a coffee mug, but that probably is a pretty accurate view of how I look most every morning, right down to the skeleton PJs. ;) Chug away, sister.

I ended up making Lasagna Rolls for Saturday night's little gathering and got the recipe care of Madeline at Food, Fitness, and Family.  I'm sort of obsessed with her blog because she takes drool-worthy pictures of her food, shares her workouts, and has a sweet baby girl who makes my uterus ache. (Don't tell D...haha) Anyways, the rolls turned out SO good and will be another staple in the M Casa. Thanks, girl!

I have lots to talk about this week, including the Cross Fit group I joined (I know, right?), a sneak peek into what I do all day, and a look at our make shift office. Fun times. Check ya later!

xo,
H

Thoughtful Thursday...sort of

First off, you guys seriously are the best. The comments and emails I got on both posts yesterday were extremely helpful- I almost cried reading some of the ones about sleep training (omg, I was SO in need of sleep) and I think I'm pretty close to a menu decision! Stay tuned and I'll let you know what I end up making on Monday.

Last night went much better than Tuesday. Grace started getting fussy as we neared the end of our bedtime routine and she knew what was coming. That being said, the crying after putting her in her crib lasted 5-10 minutes less than the previous night. Hopefully a sign of things to come. Also, there was no 3am wake-up...but when there is, I am definitely going to take some of the advice you all left and keep her in her room to go back to sleep. Thank you again, so, so much.

I thought we'd go bullet style today. It's one of my favorite things to do when I have a lot random thoughts that aren't insightful enought to dedicate an entire post to (haha, like any of my posts are insightful). Enjoy...

• Guys who wear boardshorts to the gym annoy me to no end. I just don't get it. Most of them look like they are in pretty good shape too...so, it's like, invest in some Nike, dude. Or basically anything other than shorts with giant hibiscus flowers on them. Is there something I am missing here?

Why?

• I super love days where the UPS truck swings by with a package and D isn't home. I get anxiety when he is outside playing with the dogs and I see the truck coming. Yesterday it came by while we were at the gym and I noticed a couple three packages on our porch and tried to get him to go in through the garage so he'd miss them. No dice. But I do have a new PB quilt for our bed and Loft was having too good of a sale to pass up last week. Oops.

 

• I have been looking forward to the new Chelsea Handler show, "Are you there, Chelsea", for quite awhile. I was pretty disappointed last night. Luckily Modern Family swooped in and saved the night with a new episode.

Just stick to Chelsea Lately and books.

• I always have and always will be a diehard Redskins fan...but is it wrong to enjoy watching the Broncos if for nothing other than swooning over Tim Tebow in all his athletic, muscular, God-loving glory? I mean, come on. I would totally have joined Bible Study if he were in attendance and is there anything sexier than a man who is confidant and loves him some Jesus? I think not...as long as he's not too preachy about it.

Hello.

• I enjoy the occasional glass of vino, but ladies, my standards have dropped since Grace made her way into toddlerhood. Most recently I had D run into the store and grab me anything with Pino Grigio on the label. He came out with what the cash register proclaimed was her, "Birthday Bottle"...which is sort of hilarious, because it was not a brand you'd usually consider for a celebration. Turns out it tastes good, is cheap, and now I get it just so D and I can call it a Birthday Bottle whenever we break it out. Who knew?

Grab yourself a birthday bottle, girl.

• I accidently signed up for a CrossFit group and now I'm regretting it because there is no way on this Earth that I can do a handstand push-up. Ever. In this life. I'm plotting ways to get out of it already.

Obviously not me.

...and that's pretty much what I have running through my head right now. Maybe this should be "Thought-less Thursday"? ;) Whatcha got on your mind today?

xo,
H

Foodies, UNITE!

I really need twitter for all the random questions I have...but for now, the blog will have to suffice.

So, I mentioned earlier this week that we are hosting a get-together on Saturday for some friends. I am getting our menu all pulled together and could use a little help! I have each of my girlfriends bringing something...one a dessert and the other a side. I think I know what I am going to make for the most part, but for the main course...does anyone have a tried, tested, and true Lasagna recipe?! Am I crazy for going out on a limb and making something I've never done before? I think Lasagna should be pretty fool proof, but I'll take suggestions!

The Menu

Appetizers:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip/Crackers

Veggies? Something kid friendly 

Dinner:

Lasagna

Question- How do we feel about Lasagna Soup?

Parmesan Knots

Another Side Being Brought

Dessert:

Smores on a Stick

(Is it bad that this goes with nothing, but I just really want an excuse?)

Another Dessert Being Brought

Help a sista out!

xo,
H

I need mom advice (again).

We're halfway there, y'all (I feel like such a faker trying to say "y'all"...it doesn't even sound right when I type it)!

The sun is finally out again this morning and I'm feeling optimistic about today. It was a pretty gloomy day yesterday and I think it affected all of our moods. By the end of the day I was in b*tch mode and needed to get out, so Grace and I made our way to the gym for a quickie run. I'm happy to report that there were no tears at hourly care drop-off and I cranked out a fast 5K and got out of there. Sometimes you just need to sweat out a bad mood, ya know?

Things didn't get too much better once we got home, unfortunately. We have finally started to put Grace in her crib for bedtime and she's not a huge fan.

Since she was born we have always given her a bedtime bottle and let her fall asleep in our arms. Now it's more like our laps/laying on us. Then we take her up to her bed while she is asleep and she magically wakes up in her crib in the morning. We should have sleep trained months ago. Noted for future Baby #2.

Last night we did our normal bedtime routine:
Got in PJs
Brushed teeth
Read several books
Had a bedtime bottle

BFFs

and then it was go time. I took her into her room, put her into the crib, put on some soft music and said "Nighty night, time to go to sleep, I love you." The usual stuff.

Then there was crying. Which kills me, just a little bit.

I sat outside of the door and waited it out. It only took about 15 minutes and she was asleep. Not too bad for a first try. We really have to do this now, before she realizes that she is big enough to climb out of the crib. That is one reason I posted up outside of her door- I have these awful images of her trying to get out and hurting herself.

The story doesn't stop there. She wakes up in the middle of the night about 2-3 times a week. I usually wait 5 or so minutes to see if she will go back to sleep. If not, I go in, diaper change, bring her into our bed with a small bottle and we all go back to sleep. I usually move her back to bed after she wakes me back up with a swift kick to the ribs. (Those little feet are strong!!)

This happened last night (of course). She did have a very wet diaper and needed a change. I brought her into our room for a bottle and then thought she had fallen asleep. When I was carrying her back to bed she woke up, but I still put her back down in the crib...and she proceeded to cry for an hour. I got a nice little break in sleep from about 3-5am.

This morning when I went in to check on her, I saw that her beloved blanket had fallen out of the crib. Probably while she was holding it, standing up and screaming. I felt so nauseous...poor little thing! All she wanted other than to get back into our bed was her blankie that had fallen. Ugh.

Worst Mom of the Year Award.

But we will do it again tonight. And tomorrow. And every night until it becomes routine. I keep telling myself that it is for her own good and that it is not normal to have to carry a fifth grader to bed. ;)

Not sure what to do about those middle of the night wake-ups, but I'd like to do something differently so that the same thing doesn't occur again. Any suggestions? I got such good feedback with the timeout/discipline post, so I thought I'd ask you all again.

It's a new year people, and we are going to master the bed time routine and then move onto the bottle issue. Times are changin'! Of course Grace woke up this morning, happy as can be. That helps. It's a new, sunny day and I'm ready to rock it. This wasn't what I had planned on posting today, so I may be back.

Have a good one. :)

xo,
H

Ripping the Bandaid

To start where I left off yesterday, Day 1 of the new work schedule was pretty successful!

Fun Fact: I collect Starb's mugs from different places we vist. Love them.

We were able to head to the gym as a family right at around 3:30 and Grace went to hourly care while D and I got to go on a run together.

I haven't been having to drop off Grace at childcare with Daddy Daycare going on the past few weeks. Yesterday I learned that D and I have very different styles of daycare drop off. I generally sit with her and play until the providers take her or basically say, "Go ahead, Mom..." (aka, please leave). Apparently D operates by a "rip off the band-aid" approach where he brings her and leaves and she gets upset, but he figures as soon as we are out of sight she will move on. We "ripped of the bandaid" yesterday and I felt complete mom guilt the first 2 miles of our run. The second 2 miles I spent wondering if my spandex was see through in the back since they were feeling tighter than usual. Not to be upstaged by the last mile, where I was focusing on keeping down my lunch. My nice, long run ended up being more like speedwork, but I love working out with D- he pushes me and we get to spend some quality time together as well.

Then we came home for the usual playtime/dinner time. On the menu? Sausage and Rice Stuffed Portabellas.

This is the first meal that D has ever almost turned his nose up at. I'll admit, they looked a little sketchy, but we tried them and they weren't terrible. Definitely not something we will be making frequently, but nice for some variety. The filling was a little too cheesy for me, but yummy nonetheless. Recipe is linked above if you'd like to check it out.

Now onto some house stuff! I mentioned that I really need to focus my efforts room by room, rather than trying to get everything done all at once. I decided to start with Grace's room. It is by far the most "done" and really just needs some finishing touchs to be complete for the time being.

Here's a peek into her little space:

View from the door

Right side of the room

Left side

Looking back out to the hallway

Now for the fun stuff. We decided not to put up her shelves from the old house since we won't be here very long and don't want to patch giant holes. Obviously we still need some wall hangings and I'm thinking about tackling a couple DIY projects. This being the first:

Either over her crib or changing table

I'm also planning to get some cheapo white frames and paint the matting a pale pink to get some color up on the walls. I'm thinking I'll do three and print off black and white baby pictures of D and I and put one of Grace in the middle. Another idea is to get pages from a childrens book, like the Shel Silverstein art below.



I have a couple other ideas like a cute decal, maybe a fun mirror for over the dresser, and an alphabet name print that I'd like to use to finish off the space. Stay tuned for some updated pictures in the next couple of weeks!

Hope everyone's week is off to a great start. :)

xo,

H