Halloween fun...with a little one?

The husband and I desperately wanted to do something fun for Lils this Halloween since it was her first. Only problem was finding something that we could all enjoy. Let me just say, finding something for a five and a half month old and two adults to do to celebrate Halloween is similar to trying to find a needle in a hay stack...nearly impossible.

 

Ideas?

Boo at the Zoo

Pumpkin Patch(es)

Trick or Treating

Did we do any?

Nope.

 

We were going to go to the zoo but the weather didn't quite cooperate. We searched for a decent, fun pumpkin patch but most were a little too far and didn't seem all that great for the distance we'd have to travel and the trick or treating...well lets be honest...Lils can't even eat candy so why would we even do that.

 

What did we do instead?

 

We had a blast at a nearby Fall Fest! They had farm animals, a snake demonstration, pumpkins, tasty fair treats like fried oreos and funnel cakes, yummy fall favorites like apple cider and pie, and what I enjoy doing most...lots of fun places to take pictures!

 

Mommy turned 28!

This past weekend was my birthday, the big 28. Usually I don't reflect upon the previous year, nor do I even look ahead and wonder what the next year may be like or what I'd like to do and accomplish. I suppose being a mom changes things up a bit.

Saturday morning I sat looking at Lils and remembering being pregnant with her during my 27th birthday. I was about 6 weeks pregnant and no one besides my husband knew that we were expecting. I realized that day when I blew out the candles that every birthday was officially going to be different. I sat looking at Lils and being grateful that every birthday was going to be different.

See, having her makes me a better person. Makes me strive to be the best me I can be. She makes me look forward to things, and although it was MY birthday, I didn't make it about me, but rather about her. What did I do on my birthday? Well my husband wanted and insisted we go to a restaurant. I refused. I'm on a fast food/restaurant ban. The restaurant idea was a no go.

Where did we go? Toys R Us.

I'm all about Lils. I'm all about making her happy. I'm all about seeing her smile.

So what about me? Well it ties in completely with my desire to see my daughter happy. In order for her to be a happy little girl, I have to be happy. That's exactly what I intend to do. Be happy.

This next year I plan to lose 28 pounds. Have I mentioned I'm only 6 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight? I swear when that scale reads 135 I'm dashing out my front door as fast as I can and going to the muffin shop downtown and ordering a cherry cheesecake muffin. Seriously, no joke! I also plan to run a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon and *cross my fingers* a marathon. I told my husband no more babies until I run a marathon. It might be a far fetched idea, but I'm up for the challenge, I think.

What else do I plan to do this upcoming year? Well I have this new crazy obsession with nutrition, so I'm looking into school programs that could allow me to become a certified nutritionist. Also, I'm considering opening up an Etsy shop or two geared towards baby items. You'll see my idea(s) IF I make them happen.

This might sound a little cheesy and cliché, but I'm really excited for this upcoming year, but mostly just excited to continue to watch my little girl grow and be all that she can be. I have a feeling year 28 is going to be one of the greatest years yet!

Five and a half months and finally a blog post!

Let me start off by saying that for the past five and a half months I have wanted to start this blog. I wanted something to journal my thoughts of being a first time mom, but also something to give daily/weekly/monthly updates of Lils to my family and friends that live far away. She keeps me on my toes 24/7, okay maybe now it's more like 14/7 because she actually sleeps at night, but truly she's a piece of work and I find it hard to make time for myself during the day.

Each day is a new day, but with some of the same characteristics of the days pass. It's become routine with her. I could practically do all that I do with my eyes closed, no really! I've also mastered the task of doing almost everything with one hand. I never imagined being left handed as I've been right handed all my life, but with Lils...I'm really becoming a pro as a lefty.

I think I'm finally mastering motherhood, too. It's certainly a tough, life changing experience to say the least. What they often portray on tv isn't at all what it's like in real life. It's hard, hard work. It's never ending. But the rewards of being a mom is completely worth it.

The pregnancy I had before Lils that ended in miscarriage took a toll on me. I felt broken, upset, and at a lost for understanding. I always believed that everything happens for a reason, but at that time, that statement meant absolutely nothing to me. Looking back now though, I've found my understanding. Had that pregnancy of stayed, I wouldn't have the little girl I have now. God gives you what you need, when you need it. He gives you what you can handle. Seeing how challenging raising a child can get, I am now thankful I had a bit more "me" time. A bit more time to grow. There are days I simply feel exhausted and truly do wonder "what have I gotten myself into?" but at the end of each day I wouldn't change being a mom to Lils for anything in the world. The past five and a half months have truly been the best days of my life.