2012: Goals & Updates

Holidays are over. Decorations are away. Routine is back in place. I am back to the gym. Ready for another year. Here is to wishful thinking that 2012 is going to be my best year thus far!

Approach = I’m gonna make this year all about me (where possible). I’m sure you are thinking this is sounding a bit selfish but is it really possible for a mom to be selfish? Not in my world. What I mean by this is I am going to start squeezing in more time for myself wherever I can find it. Time to read, time to study, time to exercise, time to socialize, time to relax. Can’t wait.

I am sure if you scroll down through previous blog posts you will see that I have said this before but I am about to repeat anyhow: Being a working mom has got to be one of the most exhausting jobs out there or maybe it is just exhausting for me at this moment because my little one is hitting the terrible 2 stage and there is a lot going on with Jack these days??? Please tell me it gets less tiresome…please?! Shouldn’t complain too much as I know I am not cut out to be a ‘stay at hom'er’ either. I need to have that reason to get up and get going, do my makeup, and put on something other than a hoodie in the morning. For me that reason is my career and as tiring as it is doing both it feels great to have that purpose that is solely designed for me each day. Goal number one for 2012 = turn the exhaustion around through daily exercise on my lunch hour which will help me focus and really push myself in my career this year.

Goal number two = bottle banishing. Staying at home over the holidays did help with the latest major accomplishment in our home. Jack has given up his bottle (he was so attached it was becoming a prop in every single photo we took of him). It happened by force not by choice. I always thought I would let him decide when he no longer needed it but I was beginning to think if I went with that game plan he would never let it go and would be dragging it to school in a few more years. As tough as it was we have done it! He has finally let it go and I withstood the cranky days and sobbing bedtimes. It took 3 straight days of total upset and then an additional 4 days of adjustment but I really do think we might finally have it conquered at this point. Cheers to that!!! Feels great to accomplish a goal so early in the year.

Fits. Another thing that is becoming more and more common with my precious little boy. How on earth do I stop them? They seem endless right now. Fits over everything. Ugh! Anyone have any good reads on this topic? If so – I am INTERESTED. Goal number three = determine and stick to a discipline tactic that works for us. This is going to be the hardest of them all!

So there it is. My plan for 2012. My personal & my motherly goals. It's almost exciting to jot it down and make it official.

All dolled up!

It is very rare that Pat and I are both this dressed up at the same time so thought I would share a few pics from our friends wedding a few weeks ago. 

...And yes...I know his pants are too short.  I tried to get him to try them on after we picked them up but of course he did not get them on his a** until an hour before the wedding.  Sorry T!  Why is it that dressing a man becomes the woman's responsibility after you move in together?  Because I always feel like it is my responsibility when his shirt is not ironed.  Oh well, he still looks very handsome...short pants and all ;)

Awwwee!

Trying to do a cool photo booth pose and failing miserably!

These photos were taken by Fredericton, N.B. photographer Andrew Kelly.

Mommy for a day (or 3)..

Last week I headed out on my first business trip since Jack was born.  It was difficult to leave my boys at home alone but I was excited for some alone time, shopping and to allow the two of them to bond even more.  Being a mommy in my household means working from sun up till sun down, something you may hear me complain about from time to time.  I have to laugh at how much I missed doing all of that work while I was gone.  It just proved to me that this is what I live for right now, working and caring for my family.  A little reminder is always nice though ;) 

Turns out daddy and Jack made out just fine without me around but I know they were both happy to see me walk through the door Friday night.  They may have made due without me to cook, clean and do bedtime routine but one thing is clear....they both need my fashion sense.  Below is a photo a friend took while I was away.  Notice Jack dressed from head to toe in Camouflage.  Daddy's Touch! haha This is a keepsake photo for the album :)

Fall - A longtime Favourite!

Fall is absoluetly my favourite time of year.  The air, the smells, the feeling...I love it all.

A few things that I adore about fall:

• Thanksgiving, such a family time of year
• The pace of life really seems to slow a bit in the fall
• The colours (I am such an earth/nature tone person)
• Apple crumble baking in the oven made with freshly picked local apples
• The maples leaves turning colour at home
• Fall mum flowers are simply one of my favourites
• Large sunflowers blooming
• Pumpkins and Gords
• The smell and feel of the crisp air
• Farmers Markets (with knitting and jarred goods)
• Fall candle scents are the best (I burn them all year round)
• It's time to dig out the scarves, leggings and tall black boots
• Pumpkin spice flavoured coffee, muffins, pie, etc.
• Mattie's little hunter orange dog sweater (just in case she is mistaken for a moose) 
• Plus Jack just looks so darn cute in his little camo fleece and winter hat

Wow this list really proves that I must be a country girl at heart!

Happy 29th Birthday Mommy!

Being the luckiest mommy in the world I got to celebrate my last bday party in my 20s doing exactly what I wished for....camping and relaxing with my family.  Hard to believe that next year will be the big 30 but I am ready.  Bring it!

Sin City

Sin city, a perfect escape for a couple leaving their 20's and heading into their 30's who have been tied down for far too many months thinking only of family matters.  A selfish week escape from life (work, babies, parenting, bills, chores, etc.).  After having Jack I was not really able to imagine a break from parenting but with the help of our family this is exactly what we got and after getting over the intial seperation anxiety we had an amazing time - this was a fun way to re-kindle.  We take far too much for granted in life.  Everyone needs a getaway!

Thank you Grammies!!

First night walking the strip. Pat loved that he could walk around with a beer in his hands.

Some lights on the strip at night.

Las Vegas Blvd

At the Reid-Dyment Wedding.  Already in my flip flops :)

8am...105 degrees...off to find some water!

Tourists!

No surprise...Pat loved the water show at the Belagio.

We're in Vegas baby!

Fremont Street - My Fav part!!

Bus touring like the 80 year olds.  Best way to see it all at once though.

Shark Reef - Loved the jellies behind us!!

Surprise! You are 30! This is cute...

http://ca.jezebel.com/5806042/surprise-youre-30

Bruins Baby!

It has been a day or two...Life took over this week and before I knew it here I am already half way through my Friday.
A few random updates from our family….

Jack has his first molar. It just poked through this week. Thank heavens! Now that I can see the tips of it shining through his gums I am back to getting a full night’s sleep. It has been rough in the sleep department for both of us for over a month now.  Makes getting up for work in the morning very difficult.

GG has made it home from her successful surgery in Halifax. We are all so happy to have her back and on the mend. My Aunt Karen came from Ontario to be with Gram for a couple of weeks so it has been really nice to visit with her. We are all enjoying having her around.

Not only is it Father’s Day this weekend but it is Tractor Pull weekend!! We always look forward to the party and the crowd the tractor pull brings to our little town each year. Mommy and daddy are getting a night out alone.  Should be a good time. We are really in need of getting our social life back. It has been a struggle to say the least but it is coming day by day.

Pat has started working his summer hours as his company can have very seasonal type hours/work. Summer keeps him busy, thin and very tanned. Hahahaha. I swear he loses at least 20 lbs every summer from working long hours in the heat every day. I have no clue how he does it????

As for mama – I have lost 20 pounds since Christmas! I am so happy that I am finally feeling back to normal and comfortable in my own skin (and clothing) again. For those of you out there struggling to lose the ‘baby weight’ my only advice is be patient, keep active…it will come. On the work side of life: Although being a working mom is tough I am loving being back at it. It is strange how much appreciation this past year off has given me for my job. It really made me realize how much I love what I do and who I do it with.

And finally...the Bruins won the Stanley Cup!!! Our father has dressed us in Bruins wear since we were born and of course he has done the same for Jack. We were all Bruins babies.  After waiting all of my life thus far, I finally get to hear Dad brag about his team (our family’s team now) and not curse them! It is great.

Spring Gardens.

Favourite little tree in our front yard

Flower boxes and two vegetable gardens planted!  Not only a beautiful weekend but a productive one.  I love this time of year! Saturday we made a family trip to our favourite little greenhouse (Van Dyke's In Woodstock, N.B.) and stocked up on petunias, marigolds, dahlias, geraniums, ivy, tomato and green pepper plants.  All other vegetables we plant by seed.  Carrots, beans, beets, zucchini, peas, onions, cucumbers, dill , radish and turnip...I think that is all.

Perennial Rock Garden 2011 - Late Spring

Veggie Garden 2011

At an early age my grandmother taught me to love gardening and I haven't lost it.  I may not have the greenest thumb but I try.  Pat loves to garden as well.  Together we have a lot of fun with it.  There is nothing prettier than seeing flowers grow that I have cared for and nothing yummier than eating fresh organic veggies grown in our own back yard.  Hopefully we can instill this passion into Jack...until then he is happy watching us and playing in the grass.

Sort of on the same note...

I am attempting to become much more 'Green' then I have been in the past and have been looking for easy ways to start making a better contribution to our environment.  I appreciate any tips you want to send my way.  To start I found this link for 20 Green Mom-Approved Summer Tips. I think I need to ease my way into it as being 'Green' seems to be harder than it appears to be....but I will try my best as I want to raise an environmentally conscious child.  I appreciate what we have around us more and more every day and I finally get the need in sustaining it.  Why has it taken me so long to realise this????  I have no idea but the important part is that I have!

No longer scared of the grass!



Finally got to use our patio this weekend - It is about time!

Graduation, Dreams, Priorities, Life

A HUGE congrats to my sister Dani who just graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. We are happy to have her home this summer but will be very excited for her when she takes off in the fall for Vancouver to follow a dream. Set your sights high because you deserve the world! You make us so proud! Hugs and Love: PB&J <3

Of course all of this graduation talk had me feeling very nostalgic which got me thinking 'back'. It feels as though it has been an eternity since I was graduating from University with so many hopes and dreams. A 7 year eternity to be exact. 7 years ago did I ever dream I would be where I am now? NO! Crazy how fast time flies and the many changes that happen along the way.

THEN: If you asked me then if I would be living in Centreville I probably would have laughed. I doubt I would have guessed that I would be working as an HR Specialist and I certainly would not have told you that I would be a mommy. Funny how dreams change. How time and experience allows you to appreciate some things/places/people . How you see life in a different light. How priorities shift.

NOW: Today I am a mom living with my junior high sweetheart in a small country town and life really couldn’t be better. I love the advantages the country life has to offer (peace, nature, the relaxed pace, friendly neighbours, etc.). I love being close to my family and I love my job! I have discovered that I just love the simple life and all HOME has to offer.  Home is where my heart is.

The simple life = the quality life.

Go dream your dreams, live your life but don't be ashamed to admit that dreams change and always remember it is ok to go home.  Sometimes that is the best place for a person to 'be'.

Rain Rain Go Away...Mommy wants to Run Today!

I thought getting back to work would mean getting back to my running routine.  While working I have that one hour everyday at noon that is devoted to whatever I want to do.  No scheduling around babies or men.  This is my one hour to be selfish and do something I really enjoy.  I really thought this would be the best time to fit in my run but for weeks it seems as though I have been doing the rain dance and crossing my fingers while hoping for good weather.  Where is the sun I want to RUN?!?!?!?!

Then I just decided to suck it up.  I headed out for my noon run yesterday and today despite the pouring rain.  It has kept me in for far too long besides, there is something really exhilarating about running in the rain.  The air is so fresh.  I feel like it pushes me harder than a normal run as I am so focused on getting back inside and warm.  AND it is a lot of fun not to mention all of the benefits that running provides on a normal day. So I challenge you to try it.  You will like it more than you think.  And if you don't want to run in the rain why not strap on the rubber boots and just play in it?  Your kids will LOVE it.

Let me be your inspiration...Don't let the rain keep you inside!

A new pic of me and my son - just for fun.

The Modern Mother.

Wanted to share an interesting article I came across in the Globe and Mail regarding the Modern Mother.  Here it is...take a glance in your 'spare time' ;)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/mothers-day/why-do-we-insist-on-judging-mothers/article2013241/

Looking back...

A year ago this Friday I was heading into the hospital not to return home for 7 days!  The whole 'Jack process' began Friday morning and ended Sunday morning....and that is all I will say about that other than I feel so blessed to have delivered a beautiful baby boy on mothers day 2010.  How cool it that? 

Now almost 1 year later he has turned from a baby into a little boy with smiles, laughs, chatters, kisses and truck sounds galore.  As I prepare for his first birthday party, which will be occurring on Sunday, I reflect on the year that has passed before my eyes so quickly and think about how lucky I am.  What a precious boy he is turning out to be already.  I look forward to a lifetime of fun, laughter, smiles, tears and joy with this little guy and in no way can I ever imagine my life without him now that I have him!   He is truly my pride and joy.  The love of my life!

I have included one of Jack's 1 year portraits below to show you just how adorable this little tot is! 

Jack's 1 Year Portrait - Such a big boy now!

To Stay or Not to Stay at Home?

...Not to stay.  My 'stay at home mom' life is soon about to end.  I will be heading back to work in exactly one week.  I feel ready.  It will be very bitter sweet.  Of course it will be difficult to leave Jack everyday but I am ready to re-join the corporate world.  I miss my job, my coworkers, my independence, my pay cheque...remind me of this in a weeks time when I am whining...Please! 

I plan to go out with a bang.  Have one FUN last full week at home with Jack.  Today was supposed to be 'play outside day' however the wind and cold weather had a different plan for us.  We stayed in.  It was fun all the same.  Maybe tomorrow we can get out for a hike and a little time in the swing.  Fingers crossed.  We also have one last playgroup date tomorrow morning.  I am really excited.  I love getting together with my mommy friends and their adorable little ones.  We have really had a lot of fun this past year.  It is so nice to have so much support and advice from friends.  I am sitting here wishing I had of thought sooner but really want to bring all of the kiddies an Easter treat....must think of something creative at the last minute that does not involve baking.

Thursday I must get Jack to one last mom and tot swim at the Civic Centre in Woodstock and we also have to get to at least one or two Mom's club sessions at the gym.  To update you on my weight loss progress well, lets just say I fit into most of my pre-baby work clothes. I have given myself a pat on the back a few times already : )  Anyway it is going to be a busy week but I really do hope to fit everything in.  It is going to be a while before I go on Mat leave again so must make the most of it!  Next priority you wonder???  Marriage!  As much as I would love to have my babes close in age I must be married before the next one.  Our very faithful mothers understood the first time around however, I am not so sure they will the second. Hahaha

To finsih off this evening I have a bit of news!  Today was a landmark day in Jack's life.  He took his first steps all on his own.  Luckily Pat and I were both in the room to witness it.  What a moment!  I didn't realise how such simple things can evoke such amazing emotions until I had him.  He is so proud of himself, so proud!

Brandie. Mommy. Me.

Amongst all of this mothering I have been busy trying to find the balance between being 'me' and mommy hood.  I have found that I really had to revisit all of the things I love to find myself again.  I spent so many months focusing every second, every breath on my new baby boy that I had lost myself a little.  Once I realised the rut I was in I asked "Where to start?????"  I made a list titled "what makes me happy".  I just started writing down everything that came to mind no matter how insignificant it may have seemed.  Things I love.  Things that make me feel good.  I am now working on taking time to get back to the activities I enjoy.  Seems so simple...I know but I really think this has helped me get back to me.  Such a worthwhile process.  If you are stuck in a rut or just have spring fever I suggest trying this out.

I am publishing the list for me...so I can revisit it when need be.  I add to it every time I think of something new.  Feel free to read.  Don't Judge...this is very honest and a tad embarrassing. :)
In no particular order:

What Makes me Happy

People:
My hardworking & loving man
Jack's chatter, kisses, laughs, smiles (this list goes on)
My dog running to my feet every time I walk through the door
My MOM



Jack and I heading out for a spring hike

Activities:

Running

House design

Camping

Bubble baths

Napping in the sun

Canoeing
Gardening

Shopping

Being with my family

Cross country skiing

Driving, windows down, tunes up

Relaxing with friends (the ones you can just be yourself with)



Peonies from my garden

Things:

Fresh bed sheets

Spring & Fall

Coffee

Yellow Tail Shiraz

Home

Pink

Work out clothing

Diet Pepsi

Mascara

Carbs!

Fruit

Great restaurants

Hugs

Reality TV

Fresh air

Romantic comedies

Action/Thriller movies

Regis & Kelly

People.com

Peonies

Photos

Yorkies

Fashion & Home Decor Mags
The smell of mud
A clean car (in and out)
Silk pj pants

Love is in the air!

Happy Valentines day!  Or Love day as I like to call it.  Today I am spending my love day with my cute lil buddy.  He now gives me kisses and calls me mum mum...what more could I ask for?

Mama's Got Her Groove Back!

My Update:

2.5 weeks and I haven't missed a run yet! 6 lbs off and 20 to go....ugh...I figure telling the world how much I have to lose will only push me that much more. I am motivated. Ready to get back to me but need a little patience. It is so hard to reduce that baby area and so hard to wait. Ah well, I am well on my way now. Progress is beginning to show itself.

Jack's Update:

Jack's little mouth is populating itself with many teeth. He just had another pop through and you can see where 3 more and just waiting to bust out of the gums. Poor lil guy. He is being a good sport about it though. Doesn't really seem to bother him too much. What a strong man he is going to be (just like daddy).

He is also becoming very vocal. Well when he is at home anyhow. He is constantly practicing his vowel sounds...aaaaaaaaaaaa, ooooooooooo, ouuuuuu. It is so cute! He has been rehersing all day. I just love hearing his little sounds. Whispering has also become very popular. Thank heavens as I much prefer it to the alternative. He is being very adventurous with his sounds which leads me to believe he may be a chatter box like his dad (kidding he prob gets this from him mom).

Well it is just about bath time which happens to be both of our favourite time of the day. Must get the water running and toys out. Will update again soon. Thanks for listening!

Mama's Boy.

Me Without Him?

3.5 months and I am heading back to work?!?!?! What?!?!?!? Where did my year go? Oh yeah see below for how much Jack has grown. Seriously how is it possible that time went this fast? I am dreading leaving him. We meet our babysitter next Monday morning and hope that she will agree to start taking him one day a week come February. I think this will really help me get my groove back, help Jack settle better and of course ease my mind about leaving him all day with someone else.

Speaking of getting my groove back. We have started a new routine. It involves adding my daily run back into my life. Oh how I have missed it. The past 8 months I have really struggled with keeping my own routine and combining it with Jack's. I have to admit I have been all about him (which I am sure is what most new moms do) but it is now time to get 'ME' back. I have said a few times I really just don't know how to be the person I used to be since he has come along. I am so focused on being a good mom that I have forgotten it is important to do a few things for myself. I just find it so hard to be 'me' without him. How am I going to function without him attached to my hip? Anyway...here goes nothing! Time to be a good mom while being healthy and taking care of me too. Only on day 2 but man it feels good! Just 25 pounds to go...Oh dear this is going to be hard.