It's been a little while since I've had time to sit at the computer to write a blog post. To say that we were busy over Christmas would probably be an understatement. I think we attended 8 Christmas celebrations over 5 days. Our celebrations took us from Eagan to South Minneapolis to Maple Grove to Ettrick, WI to Hastings. We spent a lot of time together in the car. And keep in mind, all of this was with a 5 month old. So what was the most challenging part of all of this?
Getting Vera ready every day? Nope.
Keeping Vera happy at every celebration? Nope -- she had plenty of people to love on her everywhere we went.
Packing up the car numerous times during those 5 days? Nope (We did forget Christmas presents at home once though, luckily we weren't far from home when we remembered. We forgot a cheesecake in the fridge for another celebration, again though, it wasn't far to go back home and get it.)
The driving with a 5 month old. That had to be the hardest thing, right? Nope. Vera is great in the car.
The most challenging part of all of this was getting dressed every day.
Seriously.
I know that I recently wrote about being okay with my new body. And don't get me wrong, I am. Vera grew inside of me and every time I look at her I am so amazed at that miracle. But hear me out -- it's hard to lose baby weight. And this isn't so hard on normal days when I can wear yoga pants and sweatpants and big sweatshirts and sweaters. But I couldn't go to Christmas wearing Derek's sweatpants and an old sweatshirt. And it's not like I just had to come up with one outfit. I needed 4. At this point I rotate through two outfits for church. It was near impossible to double my "nice outfits". And it's hard because I am carrying my weight in a new way. It's all in my midsection so it means that a lot of my shirts just don't fit comfortably anymore. I somehow managed to wrangle up 4 passable outfits. But I'm not gonna lie -- the day after Christmas I was so happy to just wear sweatpants, a t-shirt and a sweater again.
I just had to keep reminding myself that this is one Christmas season out of A LOT. And I know this won't be the last one where I struggle to find outfits, but that's okay too. Vera and I are going to start going to the mall more to go on walks during the week. I'm okay if my body stays this way but I also know that I haven't been actively trying to change anything either. We'll see what happens.
Back to those 8 Christmas celebrations in 5 days though. Anyone who finds out we were that busy wonder how we did it. But honestly it was great. We are so blessed and thankful for the family we were able to celebrate with during those days. And someday when we have more than one baby we might have to cut down on things, but for now we are just really glad that we have the opportunity to be with all of our loved ones.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
gift giving anxiety
Some of you read the title of this post and you know just what I am going to say. Maybe it's because you have known me for some time or maybe it's because you have the same issues I do. Either way, hear me out.
I love the holidays. I love getting together with family and all the cheesy made for tv movies that are on during this time of year. (Side note: I watched "Christmas with Holly" last night on ABC -- so great) This year we decorated our house the Saturday after Thanksgiving and I'm already planning to leave everything up well into January -- I just love the way it all looks. I am even loving the snow right now -- everything looks so beautiful outside.
Gifts are another thing. Don't get me wrong - I really do love to give gifts. Finding something that someone will love and wrapping it up to give to them is great. But it all comes at a price.
Maybe to better understand my dilema I should tell you about my morning. Vera and I went Christmas shopping and we were gone for about two hours. We went to two stores. The two stores were located approximately two miles from our house and there was no more than 150 between the two stores. You're probably assuming I got gifts for everyone and that's why we were gone for so long. Nope, we got three gifts. I did make about four trips around one store though. I saw things that I thought people might like but I wasn't sure if they would like it for sure so I decided not to get them. Then at one time I had four items in my cart and put them all back because I decided those really weren't the right gifts. I texted Derek numerous times with questions and even a few times with pictures of potential gifts. Luckily I was able to find a few things I knew would work and so I made the purchase.
But the anxiety doesn't stop there. While driving home from the store I questioned one thing I got and wondered if maybe I should have gotten something else instead. Don't worry, I still haven't made up my mind on that one.
And then there comes the time when the gift is actually opened. Will they like it? What will their expression be? I am the person who will say "I hope you like it" before just about every gift that I have given gets opened. I even get gift giving anxiety for gifts that aren't my own. If someone has a less than excited response to a gift that was opened I end up feeling bad for the person who gave it. Call it what you will, I feel like that's probably a little unnecessary on my part.
So how do I cure this ridiculous problem? Someone might suggest to everyone I give gifts to that they should just be super excited about whatever they get from me. But here's the kicker, I can't remember ever having a bad experience when giving a gift. So now what?
Suggestions welcome ;)
I love the holidays. I love getting together with family and all the cheesy made for tv movies that are on during this time of year. (Side note: I watched "Christmas with Holly" last night on ABC -- so great) This year we decorated our house the Saturday after Thanksgiving and I'm already planning to leave everything up well into January -- I just love the way it all looks. I am even loving the snow right now -- everything looks so beautiful outside.
Gifts are another thing. Don't get me wrong - I really do love to give gifts. Finding something that someone will love and wrapping it up to give to them is great. But it all comes at a price.
Maybe to better understand my dilema I should tell you about my morning. Vera and I went Christmas shopping and we were gone for about two hours. We went to two stores. The two stores were located approximately two miles from our house and there was no more than 150 between the two stores. You're probably assuming I got gifts for everyone and that's why we were gone for so long. Nope, we got three gifts. I did make about four trips around one store though. I saw things that I thought people might like but I wasn't sure if they would like it for sure so I decided not to get them. Then at one time I had four items in my cart and put them all back because I decided those really weren't the right gifts. I texted Derek numerous times with questions and even a few times with pictures of potential gifts. Luckily I was able to find a few things I knew would work and so I made the purchase.
But the anxiety doesn't stop there. While driving home from the store I questioned one thing I got and wondered if maybe I should have gotten something else instead. Don't worry, I still haven't made up my mind on that one.
And then there comes the time when the gift is actually opened. Will they like it? What will their expression be? I am the person who will say "I hope you like it" before just about every gift that I have given gets opened. I even get gift giving anxiety for gifts that aren't my own. If someone has a less than excited response to a gift that was opened I end up feeling bad for the person who gave it. Call it what you will, I feel like that's probably a little unnecessary on my part.
So how do I cure this ridiculous problem? Someone might suggest to everyone I give gifts to that they should just be super excited about whatever they get from me. But here's the kicker, I can't remember ever having a bad experience when giving a gift. So now what?
Suggestions welcome ;)
Friday, December 7, 2012
something exciting
I have some exciting news. NO. I am NOT PREGNANT. Vera will have siblings some day, but not anytime soon ;)
No, this is possibly even more exciting than that.
I can do push ups. Yes, I did mean to make that plural too - because I can do more than one. Even more than just two. (Okay, I can only do three, but still)
You might be thinking to yourself. Wow, this is supposed to be impressive? But if you know me, you know that upper body strength has never been something that I have possessed. Push ups have never been in my workout routine. Yes, I have been able to do the "girl" push ups on my knees for years. But I can now do three, on my toes, push ups. This is huge.
Since being pregnant and giving birth I have noticed that my body is not quite the same as it once was. Don't get me wrong -- I never would have been the person who you looked at and thought, "wow, she must work out for an hour ever day." But I was healthy and in shape -- I mean I have run three half marathons and one full marathon in my day ;)
But pregnancy does something to your body. Things change. I can't quite do jumping jacks like I used to. I wonder if there are enough sit ups to get my abs back to "normal". And I still have to go to the bathroom more than I used to.
Then I stop and look at my sweet daughter. And I'm reminded of this -- she grew inside of me. Sure, my body may be hanging onto some extra pounds from pregnancy and I might be skeptical if my waist will ever return to its original size, but my body was Vera's home for 40 weeks. That's pretty amazing. I'm okay with a new normal because it was so worth it. Derek and I are working to be sure we eat healthy at home -- this has been a little tricky considering cookie day a week ago, but we are making great strides. Working out is tough when three things are present -- winter weather, a baby, and a budget. But together I know we can make it happen.
And let's not forget this -- my new normal includes a body that can do push ups. Real push ups. I guess that's what I get for carrying around a baby all day and taking her places in her car seat. Life is good :)
No, this is possibly even more exciting than that.
I can do push ups. Yes, I did mean to make that plural too - because I can do more than one. Even more than just two. (Okay, I can only do three, but still)
You might be thinking to yourself. Wow, this is supposed to be impressive? But if you know me, you know that upper body strength has never been something that I have possessed. Push ups have never been in my workout routine. Yes, I have been able to do the "girl" push ups on my knees for years. But I can now do three, on my toes, push ups. This is huge.
Since being pregnant and giving birth I have noticed that my body is not quite the same as it once was. Don't get me wrong -- I never would have been the person who you looked at and thought, "wow, she must work out for an hour ever day." But I was healthy and in shape -- I mean I have run three half marathons and one full marathon in my day ;)
But pregnancy does something to your body. Things change. I can't quite do jumping jacks like I used to. I wonder if there are enough sit ups to get my abs back to "normal". And I still have to go to the bathroom more than I used to.
Then I stop and look at my sweet daughter. And I'm reminded of this -- she grew inside of me. Sure, my body may be hanging onto some extra pounds from pregnancy and I might be skeptical if my waist will ever return to its original size, but my body was Vera's home for 40 weeks. That's pretty amazing. I'm okay with a new normal because it was so worth it. Derek and I are working to be sure we eat healthy at home -- this has been a little tricky considering cookie day a week ago, but we are making great strides. Working out is tough when three things are present -- winter weather, a baby, and a budget. But together I know we can make it happen.
And let's not forget this -- my new normal includes a body that can do push ups. Real push ups. I guess that's what I get for carrying around a baby all day and taking her places in her car seat. Life is good :)
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
cookies, coffee and catching up
I feel like there are about a trillion things I could write about right now. So much happens between posts and while I could find something to write about every day, time doesn't always allow for that. And of course then there's my lack of memory too -- I'm sure there are a few great posts that will just never get written because I can't remember what I going to say. Oh well.
I've had some amazing times with friends over the past few days. Cookie day 2012 was this last weekend. It's a day of baking Christmas cookies that began in college and has continued ever since. On Saturday, four of my college girlfriends and I made: sugar cookies, caramels, toffee, caramel corn, peanut butter balls, fudge mint brownies, peppermint oreo cookie balls, chocolate dipped pretzels and fudge. I think that's everything. You know where to come for a little sugar fix ;)
It's crazy to think that when it all began we were still in college. We all had grand plans of what life would look like in ten years (yes, it's been 10 years since the first cookie day) and while some of us may be right where we thought we would be, I feel as though things aren't exactly how we envisioned them. Don't get me wrong, we are all in great places and for the most part loving life. But life is hard. Being a mom can be hard. And so while it was probably a little stressful for all of us to take a break from life on Saturday and make an absurd amount of Christmas goodies, I think it was really important that we made it happen. It's things like cookie day that help to keep us connected and sane.
The last two mornings I've been able to have coffee with some wonderful people. Yesterday my friend Laura came over and we drank coffee (I had a decaf latte, she had tea) and we just sat and talked and played with Vera for a few hours. Here's the thing with Laura -- I was her youth group leader and her teacher while she was in high school. Yet I forget about those facts often because she is so mature beyond her years.
This morning G came over. What a blessing she is. We drank coffee -- I had about a half a cup of real coffee. Yes, real coffee. Not decaf. Vera has had a few nights in a row where she wakes up and needs a pacifier just about every hour so today, for the first time in over a year, I had some caffeinated coffee. But enough about that. G and I sat drinking coffee and orange juice and eating cinnamon rolls and some cookie day goodies (what will I ever do when Vera is old enough to realize that sometimes I eat cookies for breakfast?) and just talked. We talked about her school and work and dreams for the future. We talked about me being home and what life is like as a mom. It was a beautiful time to just relax and reconnect.
I'm at a point in life where I'm open to meeting new friends -- other moms who stay home and are therefore available to do things during the day. I love being home with Vera but she's not much as a conversationalist yet ;) Meeting new friends is hard though. But I am rejuvenated when I get to spend time with friends and know that even when schedules are busy and life doesn't seem to stop, we can still find time to connect.
I've had some amazing times with friends over the past few days. Cookie day 2012 was this last weekend. It's a day of baking Christmas cookies that began in college and has continued ever since. On Saturday, four of my college girlfriends and I made: sugar cookies, caramels, toffee, caramel corn, peanut butter balls, fudge mint brownies, peppermint oreo cookie balls, chocolate dipped pretzels and fudge. I think that's everything. You know where to come for a little sugar fix ;)
It's crazy to think that when it all began we were still in college. We all had grand plans of what life would look like in ten years (yes, it's been 10 years since the first cookie day) and while some of us may be right where we thought we would be, I feel as though things aren't exactly how we envisioned them. Don't get me wrong, we are all in great places and for the most part loving life. But life is hard. Being a mom can be hard. And so while it was probably a little stressful for all of us to take a break from life on Saturday and make an absurd amount of Christmas goodies, I think it was really important that we made it happen. It's things like cookie day that help to keep us connected and sane.
The last two mornings I've been able to have coffee with some wonderful people. Yesterday my friend Laura came over and we drank coffee (I had a decaf latte, she had tea) and we just sat and talked and played with Vera for a few hours. Here's the thing with Laura -- I was her youth group leader and her teacher while she was in high school. Yet I forget about those facts often because she is so mature beyond her years.
This morning G came over. What a blessing she is. We drank coffee -- I had about a half a cup of real coffee. Yes, real coffee. Not decaf. Vera has had a few nights in a row where she wakes up and needs a pacifier just about every hour so today, for the first time in over a year, I had some caffeinated coffee. But enough about that. G and I sat drinking coffee and orange juice and eating cinnamon rolls and some cookie day goodies (what will I ever do when Vera is old enough to realize that sometimes I eat cookies for breakfast?) and just talked. We talked about her school and work and dreams for the future. We talked about me being home and what life is like as a mom. It was a beautiful time to just relax and reconnect.
I'm at a point in life where I'm open to meeting new friends -- other moms who stay home and are therefore available to do things during the day. I love being home with Vera but she's not much as a conversationalist yet ;) Meeting new friends is hard though. But I am rejuvenated when I get to spend time with friends and know that even when schedules are busy and life doesn't seem to stop, we can still find time to connect.
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