Yesterday was my 26th birthday, it is hard to believe that one year ago I was receiving stretch-mark oil as a birthday gift! I have been so busy being a mommy, wife, sales rep, and housekeeper that I have had very little time to take care of myself. I know this is the story with most mothers out there (working or not). So, I took a day for myself (you could almost call it a mental health day).
After our babysitter arrived, I headed straight back to bed for a luxurious 3 hour nap. After feeling quite rested, I splurged on a facial and mani/pedi! I would normally not feel O.K. with shelling out the cash for these activities, but I couldn't even remember the last time I had spent money on anything other then things for my sweet Baby James. Something truly amazing happened at the nail salon, I had a man do my mani/pedi and he didn't talk to me ONCE (except to tell me how much I owed him at the end). This may sound rude, but I HATE carrying on a conversation when I am just trying to relax. Not that I don't love discussing the weather, etc. with complete strangers but I do it on a daily basis for my job. I spent the remainder of the afternoon at Barnes and Noble, sipping a pumpkin spice latte and diving into a new novel! Jake and I ordered P.F. Chang's takeout for dinner, and he surprised me with picking up Cheesecake for dessert! The night ended with laughing our heads off to another great episode of Modern Family, and climbing into bed at 9:30!
I am back at it today, and feel as though I am going to be able to do all of my jobs that much better because of taking a little bit of time for myself. I am looking forward to embracing another year of life! Much love too all my wonderful friends and family that sent birthday wishes my way!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
One Sore Mama....
In an effort to get back into pre-pregnancy form, I joined the Wisconsin Athletic Club. I felt it would be the perfect option, as it is only two blocks from our house (no excuses not to go)! With my membership, I get two free personal training sessions. I decided to take advantage, there is no time like the present to start whipping myself back into pre-pregnancy form. Breastfeeding for the first 8 weeks of James' life definitely served a great purpose, I lost all 32 lbs. gained during my pregnancy (not hard to do when you have a 10 lb. baby that wants to eat ALL THE TIME)! Not to mention, James was able to get all the health benefits of the breast milk! So.....while I was able to fit back into all of my pre-pregnancy clothes, I was feeling a little "loose" in the mid-section and let's just say I have definitely been packing some extra junk in my trunk!
I spent only a half an hour with Jill (my trainer) on Sunday. She whooped my booTAY! I went to do my grocery shopping right after my session, and I could barely walk. To make matters worse, the grocery store thought it would throw a little cruel and unusual punishment my way- the WHOLE store was rearranged (minus the meat/seafood/produce departments). It normally takes me abt 30 min. to whip through the store (the advantages of being so anal retentive with my grocery list- and writing it out in the layout of the store).....sadly I was here almost an hour.........and could barely walk.
As I had anticipated, yesterday the pain was even worse. I could barely bend down to pick up James without crying out in agony (doesn't help matters that he is a whopping 21 lbs.)! Hopefully, I can stick to doing this routine 3x a week and will see some results quickly (bye bye muffin top). I have already seen an upswing in my energy levels, so I have that as an added bonus!
Luckily, James went to sleep early last night and I enjoyed an evening of relaxation (they are very rare). I watched Dancing With The Stars (the DVR'd version- which means only about 30 min. since I just watch the dancing)- I must say that I LOVE the cast this season! I also was able to give myself a quick mani/pedi. with my new polish! This polish is a life changer (I had to try it because I read about it in my latest In Style Magazine)- Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure. It is EVERYTHING in one step: nail strengthener, base coat, color, and top coat. It makes your life that much easier- and I am happy to report that I have no chips yet (which says something seeing as my hands are so abused everyday)!
I spent only a half an hour with Jill (my trainer) on Sunday. She whooped my booTAY! I went to do my grocery shopping right after my session, and I could barely walk. To make matters worse, the grocery store thought it would throw a little cruel and unusual punishment my way- the WHOLE store was rearranged (minus the meat/seafood/produce departments). It normally takes me abt 30 min. to whip through the store (the advantages of being so anal retentive with my grocery list- and writing it out in the layout of the store).....sadly I was here almost an hour.........and could barely walk.
As I had anticipated, yesterday the pain was even worse. I could barely bend down to pick up James without crying out in agony (doesn't help matters that he is a whopping 21 lbs.)! Hopefully, I can stick to doing this routine 3x a week and will see some results quickly (bye bye muffin top). I have already seen an upswing in my energy levels, so I have that as an added bonus!
Luckily, James went to sleep early last night and I enjoyed an evening of relaxation (they are very rare). I watched Dancing With The Stars (the DVR'd version- which means only about 30 min. since I just watch the dancing)- I must say that I LOVE the cast this season! I also was able to give myself a quick mani/pedi. with my new polish! This polish is a life changer (I had to try it because I read about it in my latest In Style Magazine)- Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure. It is EVERYTHING in one step: nail strengthener, base coat, color, and top coat. It makes your life that much easier- and I am happy to report that I have no chips yet (which says something seeing as my hands are so abused everyday)!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
I Heart Fall
I am so happy that fall is (unofficially) here. I love nothing more then waking up and feeling the crisp autumn air, the pleasure of sipping a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, big comfy sweaters, and of course the beautiful changing leaves!
Although we had a somewhat hellish week, today was absolutely fabulous. Jake, James, and I spent the afternoon at the Cedarburg Pumpkin patch! James was able to pick out his very first pumpkin!
Although we had a somewhat hellish week, today was absolutely fabulous. Jake, James, and I spent the afternoon at the Cedarburg Pumpkin patch! James was able to pick out his very first pumpkin!
When we got home, the hubby took over and I was able to take a nap. I don't know if nap is really what you would call it, I was essentially in a semi-coma. I snuggled into bed and woke up 2 1/2 hours later with a steady stream of drool running down my face and arm! After my nap I felt completely refreshed, and I did something COMPLETELY out of character. I have a tendency to get ambitious "spurts" and I would consider this afternoon one of them. I actually mapped out a menu for the entire week and proceeded to make my grocery list for tomorrow's shopping excursion.
Hopefully this great energy will carry over into tomorrow's personal training session!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hump Day!
I must take a moment and breathe a sigh of relief, I made it to hump day! Get your mind out of the gutters people.....I am much too tired for that. It has been a long week so far, and I cannot describe my feelings of elation for the weekend that is in sight.
I was in with James for his 6 month physical exam yesterday; where they of course gave him all of his vaccinations. He was a happy little guy yesterday afternoon and evening, but as bedtime approached it was as though some whiny child entered the body of my sweet little boy. I cannot begin to describe what a nightmare the rest of the night was. I was up with him at 10:30 p.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 a.m., 3:30 a.m., and 4:45 a.m. Needless to say, a whole pot of coffee didn't slice it this morning. I was about ready to eat the coffee grounds straight out of the canister when my mother called at 9:00 a.m. We had a lovely conversation about how hard it is to be a working Mom, etc. She talked me out of my little pity party, and pointed out that there are many people that share my struggles. To all the Moms out there that work a 9-5 job, and have to go into an office, hospital, etc. My hat goes off to you, I truly don't know how any of you do it. I have the luxury of working a very flexible schedule (i.e. working from my home office some days). It goes without saying that I chose to work in PJs today.
It wouldn't be so bad if I had a husband that actually WOKE UP when he heard the baby crying. He is either a blessedly sound sleeper, or a very good actor. I can't say that I haven't had the urge to smother him with a pillow some nights; simply out of jealousy. I sometimes long for the days of restful nights, but some of my favorite times are when I get up with James in the middle of the night. I will just enjoy it while he still needs me; as he started using a sippy cup and I know our days of bottle feeding are numbered.
I am really looking forward to the weekend, I plan to put up my Halloween decorations. I think Halloween is more fun to decorate for then Christmas. Jake and I are taking James to pick out his first pumpkin, and shop for Halloween costumes! I also intend to catch up on some much needed sleep, and have my first personal training session scheduled at the gym (that should be very interesting).
I was in with James for his 6 month physical exam yesterday; where they of course gave him all of his vaccinations. He was a happy little guy yesterday afternoon and evening, but as bedtime approached it was as though some whiny child entered the body of my sweet little boy. I cannot begin to describe what a nightmare the rest of the night was. I was up with him at 10:30 p.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 a.m., 3:30 a.m., and 4:45 a.m. Needless to say, a whole pot of coffee didn't slice it this morning. I was about ready to eat the coffee grounds straight out of the canister when my mother called at 9:00 a.m. We had a lovely conversation about how hard it is to be a working Mom, etc. She talked me out of my little pity party, and pointed out that there are many people that share my struggles. To all the Moms out there that work a 9-5 job, and have to go into an office, hospital, etc. My hat goes off to you, I truly don't know how any of you do it. I have the luxury of working a very flexible schedule (i.e. working from my home office some days). It goes without saying that I chose to work in PJs today.
It wouldn't be so bad if I had a husband that actually WOKE UP when he heard the baby crying. He is either a blessedly sound sleeper, or a very good actor. I can't say that I haven't had the urge to smother him with a pillow some nights; simply out of jealousy. I sometimes long for the days of restful nights, but some of my favorite times are when I get up with James in the middle of the night. I will just enjoy it while he still needs me; as he started using a sippy cup and I know our days of bottle feeding are numbered.
I am really looking forward to the weekend, I plan to put up my Halloween decorations. I think Halloween is more fun to decorate for then Christmas. Jake and I are taking James to pick out his first pumpkin, and shop for Halloween costumes! I also intend to catch up on some much needed sleep, and have my first personal training session scheduled at the gym (that should be very interesting).
Monday, September 13, 2010
Welcome to my world!
So this is my first official "go" at becoming a blogger. I wasn't sure what it was all about, but I have really appreciated some of the mommy blogs I began following after having my son. I feel it is extremely important for women to be open and honest about the day-to-day challenges of being a mother, wife, employee, etc.
I am a 25 year old working mother; my son James just turned 6 months old last Wednesday. I have a husband that is completing Dental School at Marquette University, and I am the Midwest Territory Sales Manager for a company that manufactures building materials. My job requires travel on a monthly basis; as I manage four states. So needless to say, there is never a dull moment in our day-to-day lives.
I must wrap this up for now, as I have a very big "To Do" list for the day which includes office work, house cleaning, laundry, bills, and making baby food! Just another day.......
I am a 25 year old working mother; my son James just turned 6 months old last Wednesday. I have a husband that is completing Dental School at Marquette University, and I am the Midwest Territory Sales Manager for a company that manufactures building materials. My job requires travel on a monthly basis; as I manage four states. So needless to say, there is never a dull moment in our day-to-day lives.
I must wrap this up for now, as I have a very big "To Do" list for the day which includes office work, house cleaning, laundry, bills, and making baby food! Just another day.......
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