Florabella & THEIT Camera Bag Giveaway!

http://florabellacollection.com/blog/2011/03/25/florabella-theit-camera-bag-giveaway/

Dear God

Dear God,

I just wanted to let you know that I have NOT forgotton about my promise to learn more about you this year.  I truly DO want to know you better and strengthen my relationship.  I know my efforts on Sunday mornings are just a start and I can do better.  I don't want to go to church to be fed.  It's time for me to give back and I know this.  I can sit here and come up with a dozen excuses, but the bottom line is I need to be engaged.  I want to know your story, your words and I want to know YOU.

I'm still here Lord & I am always thinking of you!

Reflecting on our first 6 Months

Vivien is officially sitting up and today she spent most of her morning sitting like a big girl.  It finally hit me today that I have a six month old!  I still can't believe I've spent six months raising my daughter. 

It feels like yesterday we brought her home and I felt overwhelmed and a little afraid of what was to come.  I'm a pretty confident person but holding your child and realizing she's your responsibility was pretty scary those first few days. 

In six months, Vivien has evolved into this tiny little human growing before my eyes.  Each day she suprises me with something new.  Her personality is completely unique and nothing I really expected.

I love how serious she can be and then suddenly give you a pretty smile.  I love how focused she is when there is something in her path she wants.  I love how happy she is in the morning and how she kicks her feet with excitement when she sees me.  I think its funny how she isn't the biggest cuddler.  She won't rest her head on my shoulder unless she's completely exhausted.  She prefers to sit as upright as possible so she can see all of her surroundings.  It doesn't matter what we're doing together, she's happy as long as I'm keeping her involved.  Whether that's playing peek-a-boo when I'm in the shower and she's watching me in her car seat, or how she likes to sit in the kitchen and watch me cook and dance at the same time.  She even likes to watch me blow dry my hair and put my makeup on.  She's constantly studying my expressions and every move like she's taking it all in. 

Together her and I are taking it all in.  In six months, I feel so much more confident as a mother and even though I haven't "figured it out", I know that we'll figure it out together.  I know she's going to continue to grow in her own special personality and I'll be right by her side to embrace all of her.

I Cheated.

Yes, I am guilty of cheating.  I not only cheated on my workouts, my diet,  but I cheated myself.  I can't even count how many times we ate out this past week and I gave up on keeping track.  Mostly because I was disgusted with it and tried to ignore it.

There is no doubt that losing weight is definetly a challenge. Actually it's more like excruciating!  This past week I found myself at my all time low.  I actually felt very hopeless and told Lance "I'd be fat forever"!  I keep telling myself to push through it but the little voices in my head are telling me to give up.  I noticed less participation from the other challengers, so I think we are all going through the same thing. 

How can we help motivate eachother? What will help us get through our weakest moments? 

Even though I cheated myself and I gave into temptation, I'm not giving up.  Last week is the past and I just have to stay on track.  I'm taking this day by day. 

With all that being said, of course I dreaded the scale and figured I might find myself back to 153.  Thank God I was only punished with a one pound gain.  That pound is NOT going to stick around for long.  My goal for Week 6 148.2!

WEEK 5 WEIGH IN:  150.2

Week 4: Good Bye 150's!!!

I've broke the 150 barrier! Not by much, but I'll take it and I have no plans on looking back!

Week 4 Weigh In:

149.2

The weight isn't coming off as fast as I'd like, but it's coming off and that's all that matters. This morning I was happy with my results. I lost 2 more lbs since last week so that's 4lbs in 2 weeks. I am VERY proud of myself for that. I think that's a healthy consistent loss and I haven't been killing myself in the gym. I've just been consistent with my eating habits and portion sizes. I can totally keep this up too!

Mama's Spoil Their Babies!

I can't thank my parents enough for being such a huge part of Vivien's life.  We're all very lucky to have both our parents so involved and wanting to care for her.  These past few days I have been so spoiled by my mother.  I guess Mama's never stop spoiling there babies!

Since my dad has been sick, she's refused to let me take Vivien to her house and has been staying with Lance and I.  If anyone knows my parents personally, then they know how awesome they are.  My mom and I actually have a great relationship and always have.  So having her stay with me is a breeze, but I feel bad because she goes above and beyond! 

Here's a snapshot of what its like having Mom around:

• Hourly emails/text messages on what Vivien has been up to:  eating, sleeping, pooping, playing, etc.
• She finds time to sweep and vacuum, clean my bathrooms, & makes the bed!
• Makes dinner and snacks for Lance and I (last night she whipped up some deviled eggs)
• Last night she helped me make Vivien's baby food for the week.

By the end of my spoiled week, her and I kicked back with a glass of wine and some dark chocolate and watched Sex & The City.  How freakin lucky am I?  It doesn't get any better than this unless you have a live in nanny.  My bestfriend (who is preggers) is considering a live in nanny and at first I thought the idea was a little strange, but now I am totally in agreeance!

• She won't have to fight traffic in the morning to drop of her baby [insert screaming, tired child in carseat]
• She doesn't have to worry about the sick kids and strangers in a daycare. 
• She can drive straight home from work and her baby will be waiting for her with open arms
• A live in Nanny can help clean and prep dinner
• Baby gets personal attention instead of several babies being cared for

If you can afford it, then a nanny is the way to go!  Of course, I recommend references only, a thorough background check and a nanny cam installed.

Wednesday Weigh In: Week 3

I'm a little dissapointed my weight isn't dropping faster but I'm pushing through it!  I know results just don't happen overnight. 

This week's weigh in:

151.2 lbs



I don't want to sound like I'm complaining because any weight loss is good weight loss, but the competitiveness in me wants to step this up some more.  This week I've been sooo tired!  So this morning was my first workout and I ran for 30 minutes.  I don't know why I've been so tired.  My entire body has ached and I wake up feeling like I could sleep another ten hours!  I thought maybe I was getting sick but I don't feel sick.  This morning I was putting my gym clothes on and the hubs says "Where are you going?" and I tell him "I'm struggling, but I'm going to the gym.  I'm just so tired." and my wonderful, encouragin husband says "Well, don't go and come back to bed."  Really Lance?!!  I am already having a battle with the little devil on my shoulder telling me to sleep, I don't need you to join in!  I ignored him and left the house.  I'm glad I did because I felt great after my run.  I know it always makes my entire day feel better too.  I'm planning a healthy meal for me and Jessica tonight (other competitor).  She's in town for training and she'll be staying at my house.  I'm excited for our little sleep over!