As of late....

As of late I've been taking care of my fiancé who had surgery on his hand (it's been like taking care of two babies...literally)

As of late I just finished reading an amazing book called "Unorthodox." I saw it on "The View" and it sounded interesting so I purchased it from the Barnes & Noble website and got it delivered on my iPad through an app called "Nook." It makes life so much easier as opposed to going to the bookstore in person. The book is about a Jewish girl's struggle within the Jewish community. She talks about their customs, rituals, and what happens behind closed doors sort of speak. It's sparked some controversies within the Jewish community because they are saying her story is fabricated...either way I felt it was a fascinating story and I might be going to the book signing in March !

As of late I lost a total of 15 pounds I'm at my half way mark ! 15 more pounds to go.

As of late my lap top broke and needs to get fixed : / so now I'll have to take it to the Apple store to get fixed. But I would really just like a new lap top because this is the second time I had to get it fixed within a year.

As of late I've been kind of down because the place I originally wanted to do my son's birthday is booked!!!! Yes booked even though it's 4 months in advance. So now I'm having a hard time finding somewhere to do it. The last place I checked out looked haunted. It's unfortunate when you have your heart set on something and things go the complete opposite way...

As of late I've been thing about doing a new look. Maybe some highlights? Another hair cut?

As of late I've been addicted to instagram...follow me @mon3t

As of late I've been thinking about going on a vacation. Maybe for my birthday to the Dominican Republic. I love it there and wouldn't mind getting married there...I've been addicted to the show "Four Weddings" it makes me want to have a wedding :)

I have a 8 month old!

Yes a 8 month old! I can't believe it. I still see him as my little baby except when I see his newborn photos. I realize my "little baby" isn't so little anymore. He's more independant, wants to explore more, and notices e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

What Frankie is up to:

- He wears 6-9 month clothing.
- Is a size 4 in pampers.
- Eats finger food which is the cutest thing ever!
- Drinks from his sippy cup and when he's done or gets bored dumps the juice all over himself...lol
- Gives adorable wet kisses when you shout KISSES ! lol
- loves to clap.
- doesn't crawl yet *sigh* I think its because he hates tummy time and when we do it he has a tantrum but I try to get him into the crawling thing by holding things he wants in front of him (usually these things are anything BUT his toys)
- he's 18 pounds and still the same height.
- he stands when supported on something.
- has a top tooth now coming in.

Traveling....

I should be sleeping right about now.  And I'm sure I'm going to regret not getting in these precious hours of sleep, but I'm dreading tomorrow.  My fiance's parent's live two hours and a half away from us and we usually go to there house so they can see the baby.  That's not really the issue.  Its the traveling part.  I really hate traveling since I became a mom (maybe that sounds harsh).  It's not that I feel its a burden I just feel overwhelmed.  All the stuff I have to pack, all the stuff I can't forget, all the things I should have brought, and it just becomes....well...not fun.  The thought of the next few days makes me cringe because I know my son will give me trouble to sleep and everyone will be giving me their "theories" as to why he's so fussing when in the back of my mind I want to shout "HE FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE JUST LIKE I DO." I don't know maybe when he gets older traveling will be easier....I honestly just want these few days to fly by.....

To all the Mothers out there how do you handle traveling with a little one? Do you enjoy it? How do you make it easier for your child being in a different environment so that they feel comfortable?

The Picture People

Today we took Frankie to get his photos taken by "The Picture People".  I was really impressed by the pictures and felt they looked so adorable.  Words cannot express how full my son has made my heart feel since he's been in this world these soon to be 8 months.  When I look at him growing up so fast its a bitter sweet sort of feeling. Bitter because he is becoming more independant and will need me less, but sweet because I get to see him grow into such a beautiful little boy.  Not a day goes by that he doesn't amaze me or bring a smile to my face.  God truly answered my prayers when he blessed me with my son.

 

Wordless Wednesday

New Job and Photography

I live above a boutique that offers a variety of things for women: bras, underwear, night gowns, lingerie, lotions, make up etc. I walked into the boutique to pay my land lady the rent because she owns the boutique and she offered me a part- time position in her store.  The position is to  to update her store's facebook page with new pictures, make a web page promoting her store, and selling her things online (I make 50 percent of whatever I sell and she also pays me for the designs).  Im extremely excited about this because I get to work from home! I still get the luxury of staying with my son, while also putting my creativity to use.  Below are a few shots that I took.  I'm not a professional by any means but I did enjoy taking these shots :)

Weight Loss, New Hairdo, & My Baby Favs !

I wanted to update everyone on my weight loss. I have lost 10 pounds this month. I started my diet on January 10th.  Im extremely proud of myself and have come to the realization that the only way to lose weight is with diet and exercise.  There is no miracle drug or secret concoction.  Its good old fashion eating right and exercising.  Becoming a mom for the first time made losing weight extremely hard.  I could no longer focus on myself but my son, and I went for the easiest thing available to me: fast food (the devil) lol.  Now that my son is older its easier to work around his schedule, and do what I have to do for me to feel better.  These are tips that have worked for me:

1. Lose weight for yourself and no one else.  Often times we feel that we have to lose weight to please others and we do it for the wrong reasons.  How do I know this? because I was one of those people that felt I needed to lose weight because other people would comment on my weight, and in the end I would never stick to it.  That's why I say lose weight for yourself when you are ready.

2. Drink LOTS of water. Not only is it good for you but it also fills you up.

3. Allow yourself one day to eat whatever you want.

4. Do moderate exercise. A nice walk or even light cleaning counts.

5. Meal plan.  This is extremely helpful because it makes it less likely for you to get off track.


NEW HAIRDO

I wanted to do something different as well as something that would make me feel good about myself.  I get bored of the same look after a while.  So I decided to do layers as well as a side bang today. :)

MY FAVORITE BABY PRODUCTS :

As a mother its pretty hard trying new things with your new baby especially new foods.  You always have that fear in the back of your mind that your baby might choke.  I saw someone recommend these two snacks on  on a YouTube vlog and decided to give them a try.  I like them because they dissolve when you baby eats them, and they are very tasty.  Its a good distraction when going out with your baby and you need them to stay busy.

The baby Aveeno works extremely well for my son's eczema (sadly he inherited from me).  His skin is very sensitive and I find that this lotion works great for him unlike the Johnson and Johnson products which make him red and irritated.  So if any of you guys have babies with extremely sensitive skin I would reccomend this ! :)

Valentine's Day Ideas

I'm a sucker for romance & I'm trying to think of a few things to do to make the day extra special for the fiancé. Then a thought came to my mind why not breakfast in bed? Maybe make some chocolate chip pancakes (his favorite) from scratch, bacon, eggs, & have some early morning mimosas just to give it that extra romantic kick ! We always do the dinner thing so I wanted to change it up a bit start the day off special..

what are some of the things you ladies are planning for the one's you love? Any traditions?

Walk it off...literally...

I found a new favorite thing that I like to do ! And its walking.  2 weeks ago I brought a pair of Nike sneakers just for that purpose.  I said to myself "Im actually going to use them and not leave them in my closet to collect dust." Then one day I put them on and began walking.  I find something so calming and relaxing about walking.  Sometimes I just look at the scenery or listen to music.  It honestly makes me feel great. More energized and I feel like I can take on the world.  Not only is it good to shed a few pounds, but its awesome because im out the house doing something for myself.  Today I walked 3 miles and I feel amazing.  Im trying to walk at least every other day.  I never thought something so simple as walking can have such a positive impact on how I feel. If I'm having a bad day I just go for a walk and I feel a little better.  Each day I plan to walk a little further than before.

Weekend Recap

Yes I know its Wednesday and I'm quite behind on my blogging, but everday I would tell myself tomorrow Im going to write about my weekend recap.  So I finally have the time to write it ! My weekend was spent with family & friends.  Although I missed my fiance' terribly I had a fantastic weekend and really enjoyed myself.

Friday started out great.  My mom and sister came to visit and we decided to name our Friday "Find a recipe Friday." Being that I'm on my diet I wanted to find a recipe that was healthy yet delicious.  We decided to make ground turkey meatloaf with sundried tomatoes in it and feta cheese.  It was fun having us all cook together and spend the night watching movies.  The meal came out wonderful and it was healthy so double whammy ! 

Saturday was spent with my sister and friend Sarah.  My mom babysat Frankie, and I went to the mall and brought a few things.  I picked up my fiance's Valentine's gift and brought myself some make-up (my weakness).  I brought this new make-up palette from Sephora its called Bare Naked 2 eyeshadow palette.  It comes with a variety of different shades for everyday use, a duel eye shadow brush, and a lip gloss.  We then went to TGIF's and caught up on some GIRL TALK !  TGIF's has the BEST green bean fries they are seriously to die for.  Going out with my sister and friend made me realize that I need to start making more time for myself and going out once in a while.  As much as I enjoy being a mother I also need to not forget that I can still enjoy myself once in a while.  The next girl outing is going to be on February 10th to see "The Vow" Im very much excited about that considering the fiance' does not want to see this chick flick with me. LOL

Sunday was spent with my little one. Cleaning and watching my new favorite Showtime series "Shameless" (it is hilarious).