YAY!

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!
We hope everyone has a great weekend!

Jenny McCarthy on Weight Watchers

I saw her ad on TV the other night and thought "WOW!!! She looks amazing. I must sign up for Weight Watchers and get back in my skinny jeans like she did. " (not like I really ever had skinny jeans, but you know what I mean. )

Anyway, the ad talks about her before and after picture and how she was able to lose weight as a new mom, etc. After the commercial ended I realized that Jenny McCarthy isn't a NEW mom, her kid is 5 years old!!! Now, did she lose that weight right away or has it taken her five years to get that skinny body back?

I do believe Weight Watchers is a great program that really teaches the basics of weight loss, but I think this ad is a little misleading.

I don't really have the time to go to meetings though and be publicly humiliated when I don't lose weight each week. Maybe I should post my weight on here every week and be subject to public humiliation from the tons of people who read this blog? (Ha! Did you click on an ad yet?!!! C'mon, it only takes a second!)

I'll think about it. Something has to shame me into getting back in shape. In the meantime, I'm going to melt some butter and use it to help me get into a pair of jeans. We're getting pictures done tomorrow and I am NOT wearing maternity jeans!!!

Things to do when you are bored

Recipe for inside fun:

1. take all the pillows from the sofas and chairs in the house
2. add one expensive toddler chair from Pottery barn. (who knew this would double as gym equipment?)
3. pile on any random blankets that happen to be laying around. (Where did we get these from anyway?)
4. mix in the Pooh and Piglet figurines----they apparently like to be launched from #2.
5. Recruit one super energetic toddler who likes to fling himself about.
6. Finally, plop one tired mommy on the couch (sans pillows) where she can watch the fun.

Austin flung himself about on the pillow pile for a good 45 minutes.
Afterwards he was sweaty and exhausted, which is the perfect combination for an afternoon nap and thankfully he still takes those!!!

You should try it out sometime. Build your own pillow pile and let me know how it turns out. If you send me a picture, I'll post it here. LOL!

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HUGE NEWS!! Britney Spears has a new single coming out this week. I'm crossing my fingers for her. Get the scoop here!

Big brother

So the toddler angst has been running high in the house lately and just when Mommy is about to retreat to the pantry with a bottle of Absolut, Austin transforms into the caring big brother.
We went out for a walk tonight and when Leo began to cry, Austin reached over to HOLD his HAND!!
C'mon, how adorable is that? ******

We also stopped in to visit with Grandma and Grandpa where Daddy Mike got to pilfer some real food since this mommy hasn't figured out how to cook yet.
Still waiting on those crockpot recipes people...where are they? Please keep in mind that we need to lose some weight too.
Gotta run, my ice cream is melting. :)

Question of the week?

Question: How do you know when you need to get some sleep?


Answer: When your husband says that you look like someone punched you and gave you two black eyes.


NICE HUH?

dinner at our house

mommy needs to learn how to cook. She is thinking that crock-pot thingy might be useful, if only she knew how to use it. Anyone have some suggestions for her?

It's too hot to fire up the stove and that just seems like a whole lotta effort to her. Maybe one of those meal delivery places? Oh yeah, they cost a fortune that we definitely don't have.

In the meantime, Austin is the only one cooking for us. He makes nutritions things like hot dogs and waffle sandwiches. YUM.
and of course, he needs to take a break for an important phone call too.
"Hello....Papa John's? Please help us, we're hungry! "

sign up to be an Alzheimer's Memory Walk Team Captain

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. A typical Memory Walk is a 2-3 mile walk held on a weekend morning in the fall. By teaming up with the Alzheimer's Association, you can walk with a purpose – and move us closer to a world without Alzheimer's.

They need your help to get the word out about Alzheimer's research and finding a cure! Sign up to be a team captain and put together an amazing team that will walk for an amazing cause. Don't worry, you don't have to walk to be a team captain, although I think you will be missing out if you don't! The primary job of the team captain is to motivate your team and get them enthusiastic about the cause. You will rally up your team members and help them stay excited about the event. Each team member needs to raise a mere $200 in sponsors which can be tracked online with your team website. I can think of several friends and family members that I can recruit for my team and so can you! It will be a fun bonding event that will benefit everyone involved. You can make it a competition with a fellow team.....want to bet whose team raises the most money?

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease and here is our chance to do something to help bring us closer to a cure. Please consider donating a small amount of your time and sign up now to be a team captain. Most of us have been personally affected by Alzheimer's disease, either through a friend or a relative, and it is important to me that we look towards a cure. Donating a little bit of time and money could potentially save many lives, perhaps even our own.

So sign up for the Memory Walk now and go recruit a handful of walkers to be on your team. Raise some money for an important cause and get some exercise at the same time. What have you got to lose? Nothing! Don't delay....sign up now!

frustrated friday and other random stuff

Today was a long one that was filled with toddler angst and a sleep deprived mommy. I'm convinced that I've ruined Austin's life forever by dethroning him and therefore to combat such stress, I eat.
and eat.
and eat some more.

and then I step on this.
and I get stressed all over again.
and therefore I eat.
Ugh.
Is it weird to wish for some kind of stomach virus?

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speaking of food, HUGE THANKS to all the wonderful people who have brought us food/meals. My friend had a baby 3 weeks before me and she showed up tonight with a full meal for us. There are some decent people living in this part of the country and I'm glad that I know them.


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Austin is going through a phase (at least I hope it is a phase!) where he likes to take off his shorts and diaper while in his crib. He then calls my name a zillion times so that I will come rescue him from his naked-ness. I know I shouldn't laugh and encourage the behavior, but there is just something adorable about seeing his naked bee-hind laying in his crib while the diaper has been flung across the room.
What can I say...he likes the "free" feeling!!

Have a great weekend!

we're mobile!!!

I was able to escape the house today thanks to the new double stroller. It took some bribing (of Austin) to get into it, but it was worth the effort. I got to breathe some fresh air and get a little exercise ----which I definitely needed after snarfing down a zillion calories of M&M bars last night. (thanks a lot Kristin!)
The double ride was pretty uneventful ---Austin only poked Leo once. Fortunately he slept through it.



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Uncle Chris came over tonight to help move furniture and was brave enough to hold Leo. He's never held an infant before and I think he did a great job. (although I'm not sure who was more nervous---mommy or Chris?)
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And just to pull at my heart strings, here is a picture of Leo and Austin enjoying the baby playmat. Austin thought it was pretty neat and definitely did not remember that it used to be his. ("MINE MOM-EEE!!!")

It's hard for me to believe that Austin is cruising towards two years old.
Here is a old picture of him enjoying this same playmat. Where has this little baby gone? Look at that baldy bean head!
Now, please excuse me while I go take the box of tissues into the closet and sob hysterically.

Visitors!!!

We all cheered when cousin Kristin arrived today. She endured beltway traffic and rude peeps on the road just to come and play with us for a few days. Austin was ecstatic and ran around like a crazy boy showing her every toy that he has. They watched Pooh together and played with trains. And she brought him PRESENTS!!!!
Leo was his usual "chill" self and took it all in from the comfort of his papasan chair. He did enjoy extra snuggle time with Kristin though.

Mommy was happy because we went on an outing off the compound!!! YAY!!! We went to the baby store and bought a double stroller. I know that many of you are curious, so this is what I ended up with. There were many votes for the Sit N Stand but I really don't see Austin going for that. I also really just need something that will allow me to walk around the compound and get some kind of exercise, so I figured this is the best option for now. Hopefully it won't end up collecting dust in the garage.

what was I thinking???

As a self confessed Diet Pepsi addict, I decided that after Leo was born I would kick the habit. It's an unhealthy (and expensive) habit, so I went cold turkey and vowed to never drink it again.

Yea, I know---what was I thinking??? Sleep deprived and no CAFFEINE???!! I don't drink coffee so diet pepsi was my dream drink each morning.
(yum, brown "juice" that rots mommy's stomach)

Sigh. Doesn't that can look DELICIOUS????

It's been a tough few days and I find myself dreaming about it. I need to be strong though, right? These cravings/headaches will eventually go away? If I can kick this habit, I might be ready to tackle chocolate after that.
Who knows, maybe I'll get back to that pre-pregnancy weight after all.
(Ha! Now that's a good one!)

Anyways, this is how I'm feeling these days.

I wish...

I had an exciting update for you but pretty much we've been trapped inside like squirrels and some of us are going a little stir crazy!!!! I am still trying to figure out the logistics of leaving the house with two kids, so let me know if you have any suggestions!

Leo continues to nap like a champ and got a mini-bath last night. (at 11:30 pm. I really need some time management skills here!)

Austin is as cute as ever and still being a great big brother. He is constantly amazed at how much Leo poops. At least I know that he is finally learning some words. ("poop! poop! POOOOOOOP!")
(picture edited for decency purposes)

He is a little bored though---so feel free to stop by to play with him, I know he'd love it.

As for Cisco? (Sigh) he's around here somewhere.
I think.

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Need to know what is going on with your favorite celebrities? Check it out at here!

mommy woes

My new little guy isn't really into eating and would prefer to sleep. (Hmmm...really not sure who he gets that trait from?) Anyway, he's wasting away and mommy is stressed about it.
He goes back for a weight check next week and will hopefully have gained some ounces. If not, we might need to hit the drive thru for some comfort food!!!
Mommy certainly isn't dropping weight as fast as Leo. (sigh)
Life is good, but definitely not fair!

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Austin is really overjoyed at becoming a big brother.
What other surprises will I have this week?

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He has also become Daddy Mike's shadow and no longer wants (or needs) mommy to do certain things. So now mommy feels very sad. I go away for two days and get replaced?
(sigh) Life is good....but definitely not fair!

Leo Comes Home!

"Hold on a minute. You're bringing this kid home? I thought we were just visiting him at the hospital. I say we vote first. All in favor of leaving the baby here!"



Seriously, Austin is very curious about his little brother Leo. He shared his diaper mat with Leo and watched Mommy closely as she changed his diaper. When Leo started to cry, Austin offered Pooh Bear to comfort him.



Austin watched over Leo very carefully making sure he's breathing. Then I heard him mumble something to Leo about not crying too loud and making sure to put dirty diapers in the trash. Leo just gave a little snort back.



One of the cutest things is the diaper changing. Every time Leo has his diaper change Austin jumps up on the mat to go next. This is great because Austin hasn't been into diaper changes lately. Now he loves to show Leo how it's done.



Proud Papa. This picture says it all.

Austin and Leo

Today Daddy Mike, Grandma and Austin took a trip to see Mommy and Leo. Austin was so excited to see his Mommy. I don't think he even noticed little Leo at first. Austin was really great to little Leo and spent a few minutes explaining to him the basic rules.



Baby Leo passed all his tests today and will be coming home with Mommy tomorrow. It's hard to believe Austin was as small as Leo. We are really looking forward to lots of future blog stories about "the boyz." It's hard to tell from the picture, but Leo has the family nose and hidden in his blankie, the family toes!


Here's our first full family photo. Austin is giving his best "cheese" smile and Daddy still looks worse then Mommy. Mommy looks like a billion dollars if I can say. Leo is the tiny one at the bottom.


Grandma was happy to meet her 13th grandchild. Leo was just as happy to snuggle her. "Thanks Grandma for taking Daddy Mike and Austin to lunch."


King Austin was happy to show Leo who's the oldest by kicking everyone off Mommy's bed. His such a big boy, isn't he. Austin wore his cute polo shirt to visit Mommy and can't wait to for her to come home and play with him.


Bookmark this page and keep checking back for more pictures. We'll also have to upload a bunch soon so hang in there. It's only going to get better and better! There will be Austin and Leo wrestling. Austin teaching Leo to climb on things he shouldn't. Austin translating Leo baby talk to us.

I'd like to introduce you to Leo

This is Daddy Mike filling in for Mommy. Although after witnessing the miracle of childbirth, I realize I can never fill in for Mommy. Leo finally decided to come out and play today. Both Mommy and Leo are doing well and exhausted. I'll let Mommy share the details on a later post. (I'm not as witty as she is with the blog thing.) I'm almost as tired as Mommy and Leo, but I wanted to get Leo's picture out to everyone before I fall into a coma.


Leo is the exact same weight as his big brother Austin. We can only hope he's as cute and wonderful in the future. I'm overcome with emotions today on the birth of our second son. Austin and I are going to visit Leo and Mommy tomorrow. I can already image hearing, "E-O. E-O." from Austin.



There will be plenty more pictures and stories to come as soon as Mommy gets home. Now that www.lagsworld.com is funding two college tuitions, don't forget to click on the pretty ads.

Just hanging around.....

and waiting.....

so many choices....so little time! HELP!

Here is my dilemma. Baby X is due soon and I still haven't figured out how I am going to transport TWO little guys.

I don't really plan on going anywhere but if I need to go to the doctor or the store, how do I do this with TWO? Do I push the regular stroller (which will fit the infant carseat for X) and get one of these for Austin?

I can barely type that without laughing!!! Have you ever seen someone with one of these? I don't need to spend the extra money on this, I could probably use of one Cisco's spares! Then again, it wouldn't be that fancy design that this one offers!!!!

My other option is a double stroller. Some of these are so large I don't know how they can fit through the aisles at some stores. (this is important---we must not impede Target shopping!)
We have the option of the side-by side, like this one. But this would mean I would have to take Baby X out of the infant seat and lay him down next to Austin. Too much effort for now, but could be a good option when Baby X is old enough to sit up.

Then there is the front/back option like this one.....but holy cow---it's HUGE!!!! Does it come equipped with the backup mirror and beeping sound?

There is one stroller called a Sit-N-Stand where the older child can sit (or stand) in the back and the baby sits up front. Sure, this makes sense on paper but c'mon, can you imagine Austin sitting still (and facing me!) for more than two seconds.

If Austin escapes from his platform/seat....do I abandon baby X to chase after him?


and then of course, is my dream jogging stroller. This is the one I want (hint, hint!) but is it really practical? Austin didn't like when I put him in the single jogger, what makes me think he'll suddenly start to love it just because he is now in a BOB jogging stroller? A mama can hope, can't she?
Of course this is impractical because I can't figure out how to fold it up and put in the car.
Then again...the Honda minivan is so big that it might just fit standing up.
Hmmmm......maybe if you click on ad or two zillion I can get this one? :)

(sigh) These are some big questions that need to be answered soon!! HELP!!!

Leave your thoughts. Which one would you get and why?

warm fuzzies

Could you resist this face???

hitting my kid makes for one angry mama!!!!

Right now, I'm one angry mommy!!!!

It is just too hot to be outside so I packed up and headed to the mall today for some different entertainment. (I really had to return some shoes I bought for Austin but that never happened. More on this later) It's kind of a hike from home but I figured Austin would enjoy playing in the Toddler Zone that the mall offers, even if I still think it's a total germ pit.

We went to the mall play area and OMIGOD what a ZOO!!!!! There were a zillion kids there and some of them were definitely 10-12 years old. C'mon moms, why would you drop off your towering kid in the toddler zone?
This especially applies to the skanky woman who sat next to me and proceeded to hack up a lung. As Austin said "wat dat?" (That my young boy is a germy MORON who doesn't realize her pre-teen gargantuan kids are too old for a TODDLER playzone. ) Go spread your germs elsewhere lady and take your annoying kids with you!

So.....back to the story.
Austin was pretty slow to warm up to everything but eventually ventured out to play on a skunk. (how appropriate, yes?!)

He then was playing behind another structure when I heard a familiar cry-howl. I stood up and there was my little pumpkin standing amongst some boys crying his hardest as they were HITTING him on the back!!!!! I refrained from drop kicking the little monsters into next week and scooped up my precious boy and vowed to never let him play there again. I was FUMING mad and of course there were no moms in sight coming over to apologize. (certainly not in this area, no one apologizes for anything out here. ) I really hate living in this part of the country and really wish we could escape this place but (sigh) that is a post for another day.

As I carried Austin back to his stroller he was quick to point out the little brats and again I had to restrain from shoving them with my giant pregnant bee-hind. (oh, that would have felt so good and probably caused considerable damage!)

Upon arriving at the stroller I realized the bag that I had stored underneath (with said shoes that needed to be returned) was no longer there and then I convinced myself that some wretched person had STOLEN them during our playtime.

I proceeded to storm around the mall cursing every person I saw, especially the ones that were not speaking ENGLISH, which was probably 9 out of every 10 people I saw. WHERE AM I!?!! Why is English the second language in this godforsaken town?!!!! I couldn't take it anymore and decided it was time to leave. We bought nothing, we returned nothing, and we were cranky. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?!

Austin cheered when he saw the car and I felt like a fool to see my shoe bag still sitting on the passenger seat. (oh well, someone could have stolen them from there too, right?!)

We returned home to the compound and I realized that once baby X arrives, we will probably never leave the house again.
and for right now, that is OK with me!!!!

just waiting....

No baby news yet. We're just waiting.
and waiting.
and waiting.

The weather is miserable and if my stomach gets any bigger my belly button is going to UNRAVEL!!!!!!! Now wouldn't THAT be scary!?!?!?!?


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Were you able to view the video in the last post? Please let me know.
Leave some comments...it's easy and fun!

video!!!!

ok, so it's not the best video that I have of Austin, but it's the first successful upload of one!!!!!
(Click on the arrow in the box below to see this fantastic footage!)

Here is Austin learning how to blow bubbles, without his mommy around.
Hopefully these were child friendly bubbles that will not poison my darling child.

Wassup?

Austin spent the afternoon at the pool, hanging out, cruising for chicas.

This is his "I'm a cool kid" look.



This is his beverage of choice. (not endorsed by Mommy at all. Juice rots teeth! Juice is BAD!)


And this is his "I'm a typical guy and have no problem picking my belly button in public" look.

Coupon Chief

Most of you know that I'm a huge fan of online shopping and therefore always looking for a bargain. Here is my latest find! CouponChief.com is a website that gives you all sorts of great coupon codes and offers so you can save money when shopping online!

They are always adding new merchants and coupon codes, promotion codes, and offers, so be sure to visit the site again and again for all your online shopping purchases!

Yesterday I was able to score some great clearance deals for Austin with their 15% off coupon for Children's Place ! Now I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the UPS man with Austin's his new sneakers and tshirts!!!

Next up is something for Cisco, my original child. He needs more food and treats and going to the petstore just isn't easy anymore. Fortunately Coupon Chief has some great deals for Cisco supplies right now. Check out their Petsmart coupons . Wahoo!!!! No leaving the house and dealing with traffic!!!!

and no worries, they also have coupons for my absolute FAVORITE Target!! I love being able to go there and browse around but sometimes that just isn't possible and this way I can shop from home and still save money.

So what are you waiting for? Click on over to CouponChief.com and go crazy!! The holiday season is coming up and you have shopping to do!!! Make a wishlist of your household family members (including ME!!!) and think of the most amazing gift you would buy for them, if you could.

Too cute with a side of whale

Please ignore the giant whale in this picture and enjoy the absolutely adorable little boy who had a blast in the Lowe's cart today.

We went to pick up our new rug for our family room which we thought "Of course it will fit in our amazing mini-van!!!"

Yea, it didn't really work out that way. We had to tie the trunk shut with some cheapo string and drive home with the rug shoved up against the window and blocking a good majority of my view. Mike sat in the trunk and was supposedly holding onto the rug, just i case the trunk flew open and the rug-torpedo went flying out.

It was an adventure to say the least but fortunately we all made it home safely and now have a really nice rug for Cisco to shed upon.

Preparing for baby x

It's AUGUST people!!!! Holy COW!!!! Baby X is due to arrive this month and I am not ready!!!!!! You'd think I'd be more ready this time than last, but nope. Not the case. Most of the newborn baby stuff is still packed in boxes and now I'm scrambling to get it out and ready.

First up, the car seat. An easy one, right?
Well....one small problem.
Someone still remembers it!!!!!

Someone used it as a crib for the first 6 months of his life. (no joke)

and now someone wants to be in it all the time.
Uh oh.
Baby X get ready for a wild ride!!!