Getting Healthy

After having a baby, there is always extra weight to lose. After having Landon I felt pretty depressed about my weight but have lost 20 lbs. so far. It feels amazing. I wanted to share what I've been doing. I did a lot of research online about the best way to lose weight and read a lot about smoothies. They're filling and depending on what you put in them, extremely healthy. I looked over a bunch of recipes but usually just throw whatever fruit and vegetables I have in the house in a blender together and it always turns out delicious! 

1 small bag baby carrots

1 handful of spinach

1 apple

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup frozen cherries

1 banana

I drink two large glasses of it and feel really full. My biggest rift with diets is that I always feel hungry. This smoothie keeps me full for a long time. I usually have a smoothie for breakfast, a regular lunch (like a chicken sandwich), a snack like crackers sometime in the afternoon, and a smoothie for dinner. I also exercise for one hour 5 days a week. It's not easy, but it's worth it. I want to be in the best shape I can be in to run around with my kids. (Which is no easy task, they're crazy!)

Landon's Baby Pictures

Welcome Landon!

One of the sweetest things about welcoming a new baby boy

 is learning how you fit together...

The way his sleepy weight 

fills your arms so perfectly,

and how that place where neck and shoulder meet

 suddenly seems made for him to snuggle his head into.

But even more than that,

it's discovering just how beautifully he fits into your life,

how there was always a place right in the heart of your family

just waiting for this precious boy 

to come and fill it with so much love.

Welcome Landon James Brooke!

September 30th 2011

9 lbs. 10 oz.

22 inches long

Tricky Tricky

Tommy calls trick or treat "tricky tricky". He is the cutest. Enjoy our Halloween decorations. :o)

My favorite Halloween candle.

This oven mit glows in the dark.

Tommy's First Game!

Tommy had his first game today! His team is seriously so cute, it was so much fun to watch. They did so well! There were a few times they kicked the ball into the wrong goal, or started kicking the ball towards the baseball field next to the soccer field. Tommy had a blast! They didn't keep goal, the games and practices at this age are just for fun. 

Tristan enjoying the snacks, as always. lol!

Do you have to keep taking pictures Mom?! Yes, yes I do. :)

Tommy couldn't find his soccer shorts, so he stuck out in blue. At least it's easier to spot him in the pictures, right?

Tommy so close to making a goal!!

...until he face plants. LOL

He was okay and we still got the goal!

The kids lined up and gave high fives. Good sports, especially for 4-5 year olds.

No words for this one! lol

More baby updates.

A lot of people have been asking me if I've had Landon yet. No, I haven't! I'll have pictures up asap when the little guy finally decides to arrive. I'm just a few days from my due date and even my doctor is shocked Landon isn't here yet. He thought for sure I would go at 37 weeks, but no such luck. Here I am 3 weeks later still as big as a house. :)

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. I'm dilated to a 3 (like I have been for weeks now) I'm having regular contractions (that apparently aren't doing anything...) and the baby's head is engaged and he is in the right position for birth. We're just waiting now. He says if I haven't had him by next week, he will strip my membranes and we'll see if that gets labor going. He's guessing the baby weighs about 8 Lbs. now. Same as Tristan and Tommy when they were born.

So, that's all for now! Can't wait to write a post about our new baby boy! :)

Never Grow Up

I love this song so much, even though it's so sad. It really reminds me of Tommy, because it really seems he has grown up so fast. It makes me proud, he is so independent. He does so much on his own and is so smart. It's allowed me to relax a little bit and just trust him to do what he needs to do. He loves being a big boy and helping me around the house. Lets hope that lasts!

We took the boys to the park today and Tommy made a bunch of friends. I remember being his age how shy I was. My parents could never get me to play with other kids until I knew them better. Tommy is a little shy too, but he's confident. He makes friends wherever he goes. (A true Army Brat!) He's good at everything he does. I couldn't be more proud of him. He is an excellent big brother and Tristan and Landon are so lucky to have him. 

Speaking of Landon... he isn't here yet! Lets hope that changes soon because look at me now! No more room to grow Landon, best come out! I'm one of the unfortunates that gain weight in the face while pregnant. I think it's genetic. So, thanks Mom. lol!

Justin is loving being a coach. The kids adore him. When we go out shopping and he sees one of his kid's they get so excited and yell, "THERE'S MY COACH!" It's so cute, I love it. His older team had their first game last week and they won 1-0! Tommy's first game is the 26th, he is so excited. I can't wait to get some pictures. His little uniform is adorable.

Tristan is growing like a weed. I think he gets cuter and cuter as he gets older. His personality is so wildly different than when Tommy when he was Tristan's age. Tommy was smiley and wanted more attention. Tristan is already bored of being a baby and wants to grow up. He's usually "busy" and takes his exploring quite serious. He doesn't like being held, but will occasionally give kisses. His little mouth when he puckers up is irresistible. He's learned so much just the past week. He says buh-bye and also hi. He loves to randomly wave at people and yell "HI!" 

I really had to work for this smile. lol! Isn't he cute!!