Mixin' Things Up

A while back there was one of those Groupon or Living Social deals for a "Mixbook." At first glance, it looked a lot like the Shutterfly photobooks I've made in the past, so I jumped on the deal planning to make something up for Seth's first birthday. For those who like those Shutterfly books, you might consider using a Mixbook to see what you think. Here are some "pros" about it:

• Its layouts are more scrapbook-like, so there seems to be more variety there.
• The online editor is super easy to use! Sometimes Shutterfly's site is a little clunky.
• From what I could tell, prices were comparable and delivery was speedy.
• Photo quality turned out great. I'm very happy with the end product!

The only thing I have yet to see are some nifty email coupons for Mixbook that I often get from Shutterfly. That would probably seal the deal for me. You can click on the album cover below to get to the Mixbook site.

Zoom Zoom

Get ready for this one... I am about to write a post about JOHN! Well, he IS one of my boys, you know? My main man doesn't get much blog coverage, but let me just say that John is a loving husband and a great father. He is also working hard and enjoying his job, and he is reaping a little reward from that hard work... and rightfully so. John has a new hobby, of sorts, and that is what this post is about.

A quick disclaimer... I don't claim to actually know what I'm talking about here. In fact, Ian could probably tell you more about these car parts than I can. The kid is completely enamored with the newest resident in our garage. But this post is NOT about Ian.

The weekend before Valentines, John and I took advantage of a "Parents' Night Out" to scope out a new vehicle. The Sentra was on its last leg, and John had been doing his research, so later that night we brought home a Mazda Speed3. Here is the picture I took at the dealership.

Well, it turns out there are groupies for this sort of thing, and with the help of online resources, John has been "tricking out" his new car. Is that even the right phrase? I don't know, but it sounds cool. And it IS cool... all the stuff he's been doing. Let's see if I can remember... he bought an access port (which I think allows you to control the car's computer settings), installed an intake, and put in a rear engine mount. (Um, yeah, no clue on that one.) Most recently, he had the windows tinted (which looks super cool) and added in a new gear shifter plate and knob. Phew... there you have it, I think I got all the technical terms right.

So, when I see John headed out to the garage in his grubby clothes and either the paperwork that came with his new car part or his computer with an online tutorial pulled up, I know what's up. I think it's pretty cool that he's basically teaching himself how to tinker with his car and also that this is a "hands-on" hobby for him. Let's face it, he spends a LOT of time on the computer otherwise. (Well, don't we all?)

John assures me that his car his fun to drive, but I'm not too keen on driving a stick shift myself. I rarely get to ride in it unless we install the carseats in it... and it IS nice that it has four doors and is somewhat "family friendly" in that respect. John has also taken his car out to a local racetrack and plans to visit a "meet-up" of other Mazda speedsters. I mean, folks, this is the real deal!

John, I really like your new car... but I like even more how much YOU like it!

A Tale of Two Pools

About a month ago, I put my two boys in our little blow-up pool, and Ian pretty much terrorized Seth with his constant jumping and splashing. So, I figured Seth needed his own little pool and for only $5 at Wal-mart, we were set. Well, this time around, both boys enjoyed BOTH pools, and I probably didn't need to worry about it, but oh well! Oh, and you can see Seth working on standing up!

Jab Cross Jab, Roundhouse!

In the fitness realm, Zumba will always be my first love, I think. Two years ago when I was seriously down about my appearance with a 15-month-old in tow and still carrying my "baby weight," Zumba really helped me get out of that slump. In fact, I blogged about it then. And also recently... seeing as how I'm still working off baby weight (ugh), and STILL lovin' my Zumba!

But there's a new fitness routine in my life these days. Zumba is wildly popular at our local Y, and there's one instructor whose classes are always packed (and rightfully so, she's awesome). One day, rather than fight the crowd and risk whacking someone nearby while doing the merengue, I ventured over to the smaller studio and tried BodyCombat... it's basically "martial arts" fitness, but I typically describe it as "kickboxing," to use more layman's terms.

This wasn't my first encounter with such a class, actually. When I first joined the Y two years ago, I attempted a TurboKick class there. I nearly DIED. This was before Zumba, before I'd gotten into any kind of shape, and man, it was hard. A few months later, I attended another class and did much better. Then we moved to a different city altogether, and the quest for a new gym and good classes/instructors began. When we lived on the other side of town, I had a hard time finding a Zumba class I liked. I actually enjoyed BodyJam (also a dance fitness class and another Les Mills class like Combat), and was even shakin' it while I was pregnant with baby numero dos.

Shortly BEFORE I found out I was pregnant with Seth, I tried my very first Combat class. I actually liked it a lot, but then found out I was expecting and wasn't sure if I could pursue a new form of exercise, one that seemed more intense than the Zumba I was used to. Plus, there's a fair bit of ab work involved, and it's debatable as to whether that's OK during pregnancy.

But back to Combat, here I am! I sweat so much during this class that it looks like I took a shower by the end of it. (But it doesn't smell like it, ugh!) On average, I attend a Combat class twice a week and then my beloved Zumba twice a week. It's a lot of cardio, so I've been wondering about doing more muscle toning. However, it seems the classes that appeal to me the most are the ones that are upbeat, choreographed, and FUN! Here is a little Combat preview... it's kinda hard to find a good YouTube clip.

Let's Talk About Seth

For the first time in a long time, Seth had a really good day today. I guess because he's been sick a lot in recent months, he's just been cranky and clingy, and honestly, the kid wears me out! But today he was pure joy, and it made me really appreciate some of the fun things about this little guy that may not get mentioned that often.

Seth loves his mama. A lot of times he's fussing at me to meet his most pressing need, but other times he really just wants to BE with me. If I'm standing up, he crawls up to me and pulls up on my legs. If I'm sitting down, he crawls over to me and sits in my lap. If I'm laying down, he outright tackles me. If he sees me from across the room, he heads right for me with as much speed and giddiness as he can muster... it's pretty great to have someone this excited about lil' ole me.

Usually I try to coordinate the boys' naps, but today they were staggered. This is usually bittersweet... meaning I myself don't really get any down time, but I also enjoy getting alone time with each boy. Seth sat in my lap for nearly an hour... just sat there content as could be! First he drank his milk, then he cuddled and cooed for a little bit, then we "read" books for like 30 minutes, and then after I answered a phone call, he "talked" on my phone and played with it. It was such a sweet time.

Seth has these little games, too... where he kinda "runs" away from big brother into mom's arms and cackles, like he thinks he's being chased. He'll also grab a nearby toy and come climb in my lap, happy to just sit there and play. Lately he's been standing on his own a lot, so he comes up to me, stands up, anticipates the cheering, and then basically throws himself at me laughing. Such a funny baby.

Seth loves to play, and he's pretty good at figuring out how toys work. He loves to open and close things... like doors and cabinets. He likes to play with random things, too, like a deck of cards (packaged), a small plastic bottle, diapers (clean ones), and shoes. His absolute favorite thing these days is to go outside! In fact, some of our temper tantrum foreshadowing has to do with coming back inside... he stiffens his whole body, throws his head back, and screams.

Oh wait, this was supposed to be a positive post? Um... well, despite his frequent illnesses, he's an OK sleeper. His naps are usually great, although we're in that weird transition period between needing two naps or just one. He'll sleep through the night for about 3 nights in a row and then have an off night where he gets up once or twice. I haven't quite pegged what factors are involved there, yet.

Seth is still pretty different from his brother, and it is fun to see how his little personality is developing. I am often saying how he has been a more difficult baby than Ian was, and in a lot of ways, that's been true. But I wouldn't change a thing about my little man Seth, and I'm so glad he's a part of our family!

Go and Do vs. Stay and Be

About mid-morning every day, when he senses that I'm starting to get ready for the day, Ian asks, "Where are we going, Mommy?" Hmm, just because mommy is actually getting dressed doesn't necessarily mean we are going somewhere... although we are usually headed somewhere about this time of day! I am the person who loves to go and do, go and do. And naturally, I've become that kind of mom. What kinds of activities can we go and do today? Park play? YMCA? A restaurant with a playscape? Go visit Daddy at work? Open Play at the gym or a play place? A friend's house? A shopping trip? The doctor's office? (Not that going to the doctor is something we "plan," but it has been a regular outing lately.)

And you would think that adding Seth to the picture would keep us at home more, but it really doesn't. Ever since he was about two months old, I just lugged him around to places, too. I'm not entirely sure why I feel this need to get out so often. I'm just not a home-body. I feel restless, cooped up, bored. I like a change of scenery, and I like to offer experiences for my kids rather than just playing at home all the time.

I am trying, however, to embrace more at-home time. For one thing, it's cheaper! Too many lunches out or $5 open plays can definitely add up! Plus, if we stayed away from such germ-infested places, maybe we'd save money in doctor copays, too! Lately, because the weather has been so nice, we've spent a lot of time outside, and that makes me feel better. A chance to get "out" without having to go anywhere. And because Ian asks me where we are going so often, I don't want him to get the idea that we have to go somewhere to have fun.

So, when we have days like today, I think this is fine... we watched one cartoon this morning during breakfast, ran a quick errand to drop my car off at the repair shop (so, see... we were going to be stranded!), talked on ichat with Grandma, played outside for an hour and a half. Came in and watched another cartoon to rest and cool off, ate lunch, took naps, played some more, went back outside, and then daddy was home. Both boys were in pretty good spirits, and even I got a nap in today!

That all sounds well and good, huh? I can DO this. I can stay home and have fun.

Well, rewind to last Friday. Ugh. The day from you-know-where. Both boys were sick and cranky. I was starting to feel a little sick myself. Both boys coughed through their naps, so no one rested well which made everyone even more sick and cranky. Then John came home sick and cranky. Man, it was one rough day to start off a long weekend of more crankiness.

I realize that we're going to have days like this regardless of how everyone feels or what plans are on the agenda. But when we stay at home a lot, I feel like everyone gets kinda mopey, and then I'm scrambling to just keep the boys happy and biding for naptime and just trying to get through the day... if only we had a little outing, an activity to break up the monotony...

Truly, I think there is probably a balance. I am trying to find it. Sometimes it's great to go and do. But other times, it's good to just stay and be. What matters is that I can communicate love to my children no matter where we are or what we're doing.

I give up, I cheated, I'm done!

So, the 10 in 10 for 10 thing is over. Nope, it hasn't been ten weeks, yet, but I'm tired of it. The whole point was to find a way to get myself motivated to exercise regularly and eat better, and I'm well into that routine. The pounds are not coming off, but my old clothes are fitting more loosely, so I'm sure that I'm losing something and perhaps gaining muscle?

It truly is sad how much a woman's body image can mess with her mind and emotions. I would work out 4-5 times a week, eat salads every day, and that sort of thing, and come Monday, no weight loss to show for it. Like I said, the healthier habits have been established... I just needed a little kickstart. And I don't need this weekly emotional roller coaster. I want to be comfortable with my body, and I don't want to obsess over my weight or have a regular date with my scales. Nope, nope, not for me.

That being said, one of my favorite pairs of shorts that is getting too big is from Ann Taylor Loft. I checked their website to see what they had, and shorts were on sale for 50% off this week. So, I visited the store, picked out a few more items I liked, and lo and behold... once I got to the dressing room, I realized I had to take everything back to get a smaller size!

So, I went ahead and bought some clothes for summer. I needed them. I wanted them. And my little shopping spree made me happy.

There, I've confessed.

Summer is Upon Us

So, it was pretty darn hot this weekend. Saturday we trekked to the neighborhood pool. Sunday we got out the kiddie pool in the backyard. I think I'm in denial that the summer heat is already here, but I'll need to soon accept the fact that the only viable outdoor activity in the next few months will have to involve water.

And swimsuits. Shudder.

Why must we women have such issues with swimsuits? The thought of going to try them on taunts me... so what did I do? Well, I've had good luck with Lands End swimsuits, so I just ordered online.

The new swimsuit purchase was supposed to be part of my 10 in 10 for 10 thing. Well, I've lost 2.5 lbs. so far, so I bought 2.5 coordinating swimsuit pieces... a skirt-ish bottom, tankini top, and bikini top (I guess that'll count as the half). I don't think I'm going to lose the full amount by the end of this month, but a new swimsuit purchase was simply a must, and I really need it now... since today's high is 97! Ugh!

It's Toddler Time!

John tells me that I can't call Ian a toddler anymore. What do you call a three-year-old, anyhow? A preschooler? Mr. Talkative? An ornery lil' toot?

Well, that's OK because there is someone else around here who is bidding for the title of "toddler." No, Seth isn't walking, yet, although he's getting close. Last week, he actually took a few wobbly steps between two pieces of furniture. Yesterday and today, I've been able to get him to stand on his own. Any day now, we'll have him toddling around for sure!

As Seth's first birthday approached, I found myself in disbelief that this kid is actually one. He seemed so much smaller and more babyish to me than I remembered from Ian at that age. However, since he's turned one, I feel like things are moving at lightening speed... he is getting to be such a BIG BOY!

He weighs 21 lbs. 4 oz which is really not that much for his age, but he is starting to feel so much heavier to me. It may also be because he resists me holding him sometimes... and resists pretty much anything he doesn't want. Opinionated! Stinker! He's started throwing little fits... like literally throwing himself down, burying his head, and crying. He has this little defiant face he makes, too... squanches up his eyes and fusses. It's a little cute, actually, but nonetheless an indicator of what is to come... which will NOT be cute!

Lord help us.

On the flip side, Seth is talking a lot. He's not really saying many words, but babble babble babble all day long. His favorite sounds are "da da" and "ra ra." Sounds like a cheer for daddy, huh? Well, even though he loves playing his own version of peek-a-boo with daddy and being thrown up in the air, I think he's still my mama's boy.

He does smart-ish things, too... like hold a phone up to his ear, use a brush on his hair, stick a fork in his mouth, etc. Today he was cruising around with his little walker toy, and he actually figured out how to steer it and get out of tight corners when he got stuck. He tried so hard to get the plastic baseball on top of the tee... I was just impressed that he knew to do that. I guess he learns more from big brother than I realize.

He is into everything, too. He's learned to open up the kitchen cabinets, and well, I haven't really baby-proofed most of them. He unrolled the toilet paper roll today (which Ian then promptly put in the toilet and flushed... what a mess these two are!) Seth may very well learn to say the word "no" soon since I have to say it a lot. And boy, he does not like that word of any of my efforts to deter him away from his goals.

Things are going to get REALLY interesting around here!

Forward and Back

Hmm, not doing so hot on my 10 in 10 for 10. For those who don't recall, I am trying to lose 10 lbs. in 10 weeks with the reward of 10 articles of new clothing at the end. I'm halfway through the 10-week time frame and only have one pound of total loss to show for it. (I lost minimally over the past few weeks, and then gained this last week.) But I'm still working on it... who knows? I may just pull it off, although it's not likely. So, if I don't meet my goal, then I guess I don't get my reward... but if I keep working past ten weeks and eventually meet my goal, then maybe I can get something for it?

I also realize that it's not all about the number on the scales and that muscle weighs more than fat, yada yada. I can definitely tell I'm building/toning muscle from my combat (kickboxing) classes. The YMCA does BMI assessments, so I may check into that and try to track some progress that way.

So, that's my step "back"... now for the "forward" part. I have been doing zumba for two years. I have been thinking about getting certified to teach it for some time now, and I finally took the plunge! I am set for a certification course in July. John is concerned about the time commitment, and his concerns are legitimate. However, I just can't help this feeling I have that now is the time. I plan to ease into teaching, maybe just get on a sub list at the Y to help me get started, and we'll see what happens.

It seems like I can't really get zumba out of my mind... whenever I hear music, I start forming choreography in my head. I find that I am holding instructors to a higher standard when I attend their classes, and quite frankly, I've been a little disappointed. I suppose it's a whole new ball game to be the person who is front and center leading the routines rather than just a committed participant. So, this should all be very interesting!

Mr. One

We recently had Seth's "one year" photos taken by a friend. Thanks, Dawn... the pics turned out great! Here is her photo site, and I'd love to recommend her to SA friends, but she is moving in a couple of months! She will be missed... but not just because of her mad photography skills, but because of our new-found friendship. Dawn, best wishes to you and your family!

Here is a sampling of the shots we got... she did some "antiquing" to these particular photos.