Gwyn's World: The Big One!

Wow! Big ole #bloggerfail in getting this post done in any kind of timely fashion. Oh well, sometimes life just gets in the way, and that isn't a bad thing. But I promised to photo bomb you from G's birthday celebration (to call it a party would be taking it a bit far), so here you go. Don't say you weren't warned of the cuteness to follow!!

Personally, I spent the ENTIRE morning of the party decorating a cake that G wasn't even going to eat. This was after the first cake got stuck in the pan...it still got eaten, don't you worry about that! It just wasn't pretty!

From this position I barked orders to the rest of the crew (my mom, dad, and the hubs). There were seriously only 6 other people, all family, coming over-but I'm just that way. I made a few appetizers (didn't take pictures!), had a picture from each month of G's first year printed and put up on the wall, sent the hubs for a few balloons-he came back with more than would fit through the door-and generally tried to spruce the place up. All with the little one hanging out.

Everything turned out great, and at 1-does she care...or remember? No, but we got some good pics so we can tell the story repeatedly when she's old enough to want to know.

And how do you summarize in words a year of growing, learning, adapting and a complete upside down-ness to your life?

From a tiny little thing that I didn't have a clue what to do with...

To this...

Just one word. Blessed. She's amazing. She amazes me everyday.

With her smile.

Her sense of humor.

Her love of life.

Oh yes, and her love of food :-)

She literally destroyed the cupcake I made just for her.

She dances when she eats, and at first taste, she busted a move...and when we went to help her with the wrapper I thought someone was going to lose a finger! She did not want anyone near her food!

I guess I'll take that as a compliment that the cupcake was tasty ;-) I even made a 'clean' one using honey as the sweetener in an effort to try to avoid a crazy sugar rush. That did not work. But she enjoyed it, we all enjoyed watching and heck-you're allowed a sugar rush on your birthday, right?

We have grown together this past year. We've learned a WHOLE lot. And I know there is never an end to that learning. But I think I'm ready to give up the "new mom" title and just be a mom. Gone are the days of total freak outs, replaced by some sense that I know what to do when she fusses, cries, falls down, coughs, has a blow out, puts something disgusting in her mouth! I'm a mom. And she'll always be my baby.

Here's to many more frustratingly long birthday party days for mom where the end result is SO worth it...

Mom Without Baby-A Day in Pics

I am lucky enough that my MIL and SIL live nearby and are usually fighting each other to take G whenever the need arises. In fact, G gets to play hookie from school most Fridays to stay home with her Aunt and she has even spent a few nights away too.

Grammi and G at her first WV Mountaineer game!

But this weekend she left early Sunday morning and didn't return until Monday evening. So-what's a mom to do without a wanna-be-walking, I prefer attention at all times, almost toddler, scrambling up her leg or climbing anything else in sight? Well, here is what I did-in pictures (and captions!) pretty much in order of my crazy (somehow busier than when G's here!) day.

Baked bread!

Make 3 kinds of protein/snack bars!

Made a mess, and then cleaned it up!

4 mile run...

Went shopping for myself, came home with G's birthday dress instead!

Took these goofballs for extra walks-beautiful day!

Hard wood=Hard work!! This literally takes hours!

Rolled coins for G's bank account...while eating ice cream and watching Project Runway! :)

There were a few other things, like grocery getting (ugh!), laundry and general tidying up, but for this Type A chic a very productive and anxiety reducing day!! It was great to knock out some chores but I miss my baby girl. So do the puppies, they are pacing around wondering why G has been missing for so long, it's very cute. She'll be back soon and then the fun can begin again!

Happy G in the stands at the game!

Gwyn's World: 11 Month Update

Oh my, here we go again. I get to lament for a few paragraphs on how big G is getting and how time is just speeding along. :-( All babies change quickly, it's their job, but G seems to have made some big moves this month. Along with perfecting her crawling technique, pulling up to anything standing still (and some not!), practically running with assistance and eating anything put in front of here, she's now a mimicking master, conversation babbler, and all around goofball/show-off.

They've moved her to sleeping on a cot at school (apparently this is a big deal?!) and she is now one of the oldest/biggest in her room. In fact we showed up one day last week to be told that she got caught on her way to biting a boy who tried to steal her snack. Honestly, I get a little territorial about my food too, so I can't blame her for that one!

If you want to catch up, here are G's other monthly updates:

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

There is not a day that goes by where she doesn't make me laugh. And not just a giggle but a full-on belly laugh. How good is laughing for you, by the way? Something like that can turn an entire day around and seeing this little person who is so happy 99% of the time makes me realize how good life really is. Stopping to smell the roses is always worth the time, ya know?

We have two more teeth on the bottom, only a guess on weight, and no idea on length (is it height now that she stands up a lot?) We don't see the doc for real stats until after her 1st b-day. Don't even get me started on that! Only a few people will be coming over, but I'm guessing about a thousand pictures will be taken, so of course the Type A in me wants everything to be perfect. I may have some interesting  pics to share after this weekend's cake decorating practice disaster is over.

Like most babies (I think!) she loves, loves, loves music. Of any kind. She dances to the elevator music the HD channel we watch baseball on plays when there's no game. That darn Fresh Beat Band could be on halfway across the house and she'll be bopping along! Even the goofy music her car seat toys make never fail to get a smile.

She can now express things that she wants by pointing, reaching or saying her 'words' for them. The best so far is Dak, which is obviously Jack, although to her I think it's puppy because she also uses it for Nallah! Of course she also expresses what she doesn't want by throwing, pushing or otherwise getting it out of her way. Whether it's a toy in her crawling path or mommy's hand or face somewhere she doesn't want it she will make sure it is out of her way quickly and with authority!

I've been trying to get her outside as much as possible now that it is reasonable in the evenings. She really enjoys our bumpy little wagon rides down the driveway. We get out and touch trees and leaves and walk in the grass and even watch bugs crawling. I want her to have an appreciation and respect for nature but also curiosity. So what if she came inside with dirty feet, those can be washed, the look on her face when she felt that cool soft grass under them was priceless!

Our world revolves around Gwyn's World, which is as it should be. I knew that going in. I just didn't know my heart would revolve around hers as well. It certainly know it belongs to her.

11 Month Update:

• Weight: ?? Still 20+ pounds for sure!
• 12 month clothes
• Cruising, walking/running with hands to hold
• Losing interest in binkies and bottles (except when sleepy)
• Points at objects and waits for you to say the word
• LOVES: chasing the dogs, pancakes, wagon rides and Wow Wow Wubzy

Gwyn's World: 10 Month Update

Ok-so I'm a few days late with this post, but hey, that's the life of a new mom right? Here's a random thought-when do you stop calling yourself a 'new mom'? Everything about her will be new to me so will I always be a new mom, or just until another one comes along, or just until I don't freak out at all the little things? Does that actually happen? Just curious.

If you want to catch up, here are G's other monthly updates:

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

We had our 9 Month check up with the pediatrician, Little G-as her cousins call her, weighs in at over 20 lbs now. See why I need Best Body Bootcamp?! Girl can eat too. I often have to be careful how much goes in front of her at once since she'll pack it in like a little chipmunk!

I just love how blue her eyes look here!

Still only 6 teeth, but I'm thinking I see the beginning of two more on the bottom. She's got a horrible little cold going on right now, all stuffy and snotty. It's the first sickness she's had so she's getting babied, of course. In fact, she's asleep in our bed right now, some cuddling is in order.

I've known that she's been close to crawling and/or walking for a few weeks now but because she works so hard at standing I really didn't know what would come first. Of course I told you already that she gave me a birthday present by crawling for the first time at Grammi's. She does it often now, but also works very hard at standing and cruising so I'm sure it'll be short lived. She likes to stop, sit back up and clap for herself, it makes for a long trek across the floor but a great video!

Time to practice my action shots!

Hmm, more firsts...her first real swing. They have some at school, but not like this. G seemed scared at first...until I pushed her higher, then she laughed hysterically. It seems like I may have a little thrill seeker on my hands. Finally, someone to ride roller coasters with me! She had a short-lived phase of sticking out her tongue, and can you believe I didn't get a picture of that?! Now she's into pointing. Maybe I'll catch that one!

One of my favorite things is to watch her 'dance', she just sort of bobs. It's gonna be even cuter when she can stand and do it! Oh-and the all out belly laughs, I just can't get enough of those. I'll make a complete fool of myself in public just to hear it!

She is the driving force behind almost everything I do these days, and I imagine it will be that way for a loooong time. I suppose that's why parents have such a hard time with empty nests? Can't think about that now!

10 Month Update:

• 20+ lbs
• 12 month clothes
• Crawling, almost pulling up
• Eats anything you put in front of her (except pasta-still!)
• Has a 'word' for Jack the puppy
• LOVES: trying to walk, making people laugh, her reflection, music

Weekend in MI

Wow, it's Tuesday evening already!! Where have the past 4 days gone?! I guess 2 of them were spent on the road so that explains a lot...G is a great traveler. Thank goodness!!

I have been on a family/friend visiting overload! I arrived at my parent's house Friday afternoon and in a few hours my best friend/cousin was making us a dinner full of goodies from her garden. She is way too smart for her own good and is a fountain of information on the effect food has on your body. My mom and I are now armed with some new information that is likely to make the men in our lives cry for their soda and candy! ;-) Sorry guys! Hopefully after I get the chance to visit some of the resources she provided and maybe make some changes I can pass the info on. Needless to say, there was no BBB workout completed on Friday. Oops.

Saturday morning I ran a 5k as my "cardio of choice" workout. It was part of a local event called the Pig Gig, betcha can't guess what kind of cook-off they have! We got a medal stamped with a happy pig running through finish line tape just for participating- awesome!

I hope you realize the goofy pose is a nod to the Olympics!

It was a humid morning, thank goodness the race was on the water so we had a breeze. It was a nice route but I have never been part of such a messy start. They didn't separate runners from walkers and had children runners all mixed in so I spent the first half mile trying to get around people and into a groove. I finished in 31:48, not even close to my goal time. No excuses though, I wanted to stop and walk several times but didn't. I'll take that as a victory.

Saturday afternoon my mom, G and I drove to visit with my old colleagues from Indiana. I literally felt like I spent the majority of the weekend in the car. Good thing I like mine. And apparently so does G. She became a big ham over the weekend. I guess there was a swine theme!

My Dad and I golfed on Sunday morning. I was feeling pretty rusty since I didn't play at all last year (a belly full of G probably would have gotten in the way!) and only once so far this year. It was a really nice course though and we just enjoyed being out there. Then we visited with my brother and family. I got real lazy with the pics on Sunday-sorry!

In between those adventures I had my mom do BBB Workout C and core with me. She's a trooper, even though she accused me of trying to kill her more than once! I love being up there, but it's good to be back and get to my usual schedule, I'm a real stickler for a schedule! I'm excited to be starting the next Phase of BBB and I plan to make some more detailed updates during this one.

Until next time Michigan :-)

Road Trip!!

It's time for another trip to MI to visit my lovely family. Only this time it's just me and G. Girl's trip!!

Just in the past few days she's become increasingly stubborn and all about G. As in, this is what I want and I want it now and I'm going to scream at you when you disagree. We were planning to drive overnight tonight so she'd be asleep for the trip but some last minute changes have me getting up SUPER early to leave tomorrow. Can you say caffeine??

That means this evening was filled with unpacking for 3 and repacking for 2 and I didn't get my workout in. Hopefully I won't be too exhausted when I arrive tomorrow to do Workout C, even if I don't get to the cardio part after.

Best Body Bootcamp Week 2:

Monday:  Workout A plus HIIT-awesome once again. I thought I'd get more reps to fatigue during the second week, but it was the opposite. I'd never done HIIT on the elliptical before but it kicked my butt. In a good way.

Tuesday:  Run intervals on treadmill-3.6 miles

Wednesday:  Workout B plus steady elliptical cardio-My goal was 2 minute wall sits. I got one (out of four!) Progress is progress right?! My gluteus are definitely feeling it today! Oh yeah, and core.

Thursday:  OFF

Friday:  Plan is for Workout C plus core. Maybe an evening walk with the folks and G.

Saturday:  Run 5k race. Shooting for under 30:30 finish.

Sunday:  Golf-I always walk when playing with my dad. And I'm horrible so there is a lot of walking from one side to the other...and a lot of searching for golf balls!

It's a big, busy weekend of fun with the fam in MI. I can't help but wish every time I have to make this trip that I could blink my eyes and bob my head like I Dream of Jeanie and just be there. 8 hours is a long time in a car, and it's likely to be longer on my own with a 9 month old! Please send me all of your patience, I may need some extra :-)

Then I'm excited to start with BBB Phase 2. Tina sent us the plans already and I know it's going to be a whole new kind of hurt. Gotta keep those muscles guessing!

Big weekend plans? Do they include some QT with your favorite peeps?

All About Food & Foodie Pen Pal Reveal!

I'm so excited, it's my first Foodie Pen Pal reveal!! But we'll get to that in a minute, I have other food-related things to discuss first.

I wanted to add a bit in here about G and how she's doing with her big girl eats. Let me tell you, she is almost to the point of rejecting spoon feeding! And yes, she really will eat all of that veggie burger (although it's really on half a patty), garden squash and sweet potatoes.

She does pretty well with the plate, but at some point it usually ends up getting tossed around; the puppies sit and wait for that moment!

Turkey sandwich: deli turkey, whole wheat bread and avocado. This pic totally reminds me of Munchkin Meals, I never actually participated but had to give a shout out since I totally stole ideas from those that did! *wink* They were so creative that I couldn't help it.

Before I move on to Foodie Pen Pal I have to mention the host-Lindsay's- awesome adventure last week to Survive on 35. Dollars that is. For one week that's all she could spend on food. It was inspirational to follow on Instagram, I haven't even had the time to read all the goodness on her blog. I think everyone should give this a shot, talk about creative-and healthy!

Now for the most fun I've gotten in the mail in a long time-Foodie Pen Pal!! 

My box came all the way from California from a spunky gal named Maren of Maren's Morsels. Check out her blog where she finds a balance between healthy eats and midnight treats (I just love that tag line!)

Maren showered me with both. 

Well, the peanut butter cups didn't last long and her warning that the pretzel chips were addicting was totally true. I'm loving them with the hummus I managed to make the other night!

She also sent the cutest card and some fruit leather, which if you read her blog you will see lots of :-) It's like grown-up fruit roll ups-deeeelish! The rest is in my 'snack drawer' at work so when I'm feeling a craving I have something good to fall back on. 

I also have to thank Maren since the idea for trying out dairy free came to me after reading her struggle with digestive issues. She has some great thoughts on the topic and always yummy eats for even sensitive tummies! My biggest food addiction has always been ice cream, but that probably needs to change now.

I'd love to hear: What food are you addicted to?

Here is some more info on Foodie Pen Pals, I highly suggest it...getting fun food in the mail and making new friends. Does it get better? I say, NO!

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.

Gwyn's World: 9 Month Update

Holy Moly! My baby girl is 9 months old...3/4 of a year...ALREADY! I know I'll say this continuously as she grows, but my oh my the time is going quickly!

I've been watching her sleep lately and one day it dawned on me that I am suddenly the mother of a little girl, not a baby. I am starting to be able to envision what some of her mannerisms will be as a toddler. And I'm pretty sure she's gonna be a looker :-)

She still isn't crawling, or pulling up. She does however love to use my (or anyone's!) hands and with a little help gets herself to standing. This is her new favorite game, she could play it all day, and sometimes tries. She uses whatever she can get her hands on-this is how she entertained herself during my shower today.  

Operation Childproofing must be completed ASAP!

She's also getting quicker when it comes to the puppies and has started to catch a tuft of hair now and then as they stroll by her. They have no idea what they're in for!

We don't have any new teeth this month either, but we continue to add more solid foods. She gets very distracted during spoon feeding sessions and would much prefer to do it herself. I'm trying more to feed her something similar to what I'm eating-it's just easier for both of us. Plus, she hates it when you eat in front of her and don't share. Stinker.

Scrambled egg yolk & avocado

She is certainly a character-or a monkey as we all affectionately call her! She plays a game with her Daddy when he's in another room and they call back and forth to each other. We also have lot of fun with mimicking different motions and sounds. She made her first clap sound this week so she is totally obsessed with that now too. Well, sound in general.

We have made the (smooth) transition to her real crib upstairs. It was a littlle harder for us than her I think. She still falls asleep most nights in our bed and then I walk her up, but hey, we're getting there! Who doesn't love cuddling with a baby, but I don't want to end up with a toddler between the hubs and I every night. We need mommy & daddy time too!

Mandarin oranges-yum!

We have our 9-month check up next week and I have some lingering new mom questions. Poor girl has some tummy troubles that I hope she'll grow out of and I just don't know at what age you can get them allergy tested; I'm pretty sure she has some.



Classic strawberry shortcake shirt-couldn't resist a childhood favorite!

9 Month Update:

• Added Mandarin oranges, wheat bread and veggie burgers 
• Put away 6-9 month clothes
• Wore shoes in public for 1st time, while attending 1st family reunion-won youngest in attendance prize!
• Sleeping like a champ in her own room
• LOVES: standing, clapping, feeding herself and splashing

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I already know what her birthday cake is going to be (I have to practice the decorating ahead of time!) and now that I've gotten suckered in to Pinterest I'm sure I will have far too many ideas for other cute party ideas.

89 days and counting...