Some Answers Pt. 2

Loving Mommy asked:

1. Do you have a daily routine with your girls? If so what is it?

I like to call my daily routine "organized chaos". We do have certain activities we do on a daily basis. Every morning when I open Brooke's door she puts her paci on the dresser and says "Thank you! Diapee change?" I get her dressed and bring her out to the main room for breakfast, which is normally a waffle, a banana, and milk. Sometimes Molly joins us for this, sometimes she is still sleeping. We alternate TV and playtime in the morning [Brooke has a few favorite shows we watch on PBS]. Sometimes we go out and run errands to Target or Meijer, which doesn't happen often now that I have two! Lunch is around 12:30 and I try to start Brooke's nap around 1pm. She doesn't really nap much anymore so I make her have at least 1-2 hours of quiet time. Mommy needs a break too! When Dustin comes home Brooke revolves around him for the night. They play outside together, take walks together, and he does her whole bedtime routine. Her bedtime routine includes a bath, milk and bed time stories, brushing her teeth, and then her falling asleep on the floor. Molly doesn't really have a schedule just yet so I can't really include her in much of this.

2. What do you think is the hardest thing about 2 under 2?

Not having enough time. I used to get things done during Brooke's naps/quiet time but now there is a 50/50 chance that Molly will be awake during that time. She also prefers to be held when awake so chores are often left undone.

3. Is it harder or easier than you thought?

Right now it is easier. I still mange to run errands even if sometimes I want to leave the store in chores. I still manage to do dishes and clean bathrooms. And somehow I still mange to keep my sanity despite waking up 3-4 times each night.

4. What's the hardest thing about being a SAHM to 2 under 2?

Well, this just seems like a repeat of #2. :) With the SAHM aspect I would say just not having much adult time. I spent part of my day trying to have a normal conversation with Brooke and interpret her answers. The rest of my day is spent gooing and gahing at Molly.

5. How are your girls alike/different?

Well, so far they baby stage has been pretty similar. Molly has acid reflux [that requires medication] just like Brooke did. Molly is a bit high maintenance just like Brooke was. Molly is a boob girl, just like Brooke was. Molly has the cutest smile, just like Brooke did and still does. Differences? They look nothing alike.

Laura asked:

Does Brooke get jealous of Molly sometimes? If yes, what does she do and how do you handle it?

Not really. She has yet to act out because of Molly, or attempt to hit/push her. For the most part if Dustin is holding Molly and Brooke wants him to do something she will pat the baby bouncer and say, "Baby down". Brooke could care less about what I am doing with Molly. I am interested to see how this changes as Molly gets older and more interactive.

How did you lose the baby weight (for future reference for me personally.)?

Oh stop, you will be the cutest pregnant lady ever! But really, with Brooke it just took time. I lost weight in increments and it didn't seem to matter how much I exercised or tried to eat well. I lost all 40lbs just before Brooke turned 1. With Molly I still have about 15-20lbs to lose but I am being patient this time around. I know it will happen eventually. Of course I still eat well and exercise when I can, a little effort goes a long way!

All out of sorts...

I logged on to my blog this weekend to find the design all messed up. There was a photobucket error message even though I don't have any background images. I removed some codes I didn't recognize and in the process ruined my table settings and background color, so it is a little bland right now. I'll fix it sometime this week if I can figure it out. Hopefully the white isn't blinding anyone!

Our weekend was pretty good. Friday we went out with friends for pizza and ice cream. Saturday I went shopping at Old Navy. [Sidenote: They are having their baby sale this week so get over there if you can!] The majority of our weekend was filled with football. Unfortunately all of the teams we were rooting for lost. And when you have a family that favors three different pro teams and one college team, that is pretty disappointing. Thankfully is was a good week for my fantasy football team though.

Also, if you notice to the left I am having a major sale on bows and headbands. Everything is majorly cheap, and not because they are bad quality... but because I want my craft cabinet emptied!

Your Three Words

Ft. Wayne Zoo

Dustin, his mom, and I took the girls to the zoo on Sunday. We could not have picked a better weekend to go. It was sunny and 75 with a light breeze. There were a lot of people there but we were able to make our way through and see all of the exhibits. And thanks to the wonderful weather almost all of the animals were out and active.

"Look Mommy, a ge-waff!"

"Zee-bahs"

Sitting on the monkey

Notice the resemblance?

She loved the goats

Not so much the draft horse

Best family picture we could manage

Molly woke up for the end of the trip

Happy Girl

McFatty Monday - Progress

"I am one stomach flu away from my goal weight." If you have seen The Devil Wears Prada you know what I am talking about. Now, I am about 5 stomach flus away from my goal weight but that isn't the point. After last week's motivation post I caught the stomach flu from who knows where. It was a bad, bad day in our home but thankfully Dustin has a flexible job and was able to come home for part of the morning, while his mom helped with Brooke in the afternoon.

BUT it did help jump start my weight loss. I lost 5 pounds that day, which I partially gained back because of the dehydration, but I am now down 5 pounds total! 15 more pounds to go until I am at my comfortable weight, 20 pounds to my goal weight. I find that getting started with weight loss is the hardest part. Who wants to eat right and exercise?! Okay, maybe some of you... but not me. Once I saw that movement in numbers on the scale, I suddenly felt motivated. I can lose weight. I can do this. I have had a good week of walking and eating well, now I just need to make it through week two.

Your Three Words

Labor Day Weekend

I know those aren't the most exciting words but they are all I could think of in relation to this weekend. Dustin has off on Monday but he is going into work tomorrow, so does it really count? I would rather just come out and be honest, this weekend is going to be a disappointing one. Just like most of our weekends. The amount of stress I feel right now has caused an uncomfortable lump to form in my throat. You know that feeling where you just need a break but you know you probably won't get one for a really long time? I have it.

To add some positive to this post, here are some newer pictures of the girls!

Big smiles from Brookie!

Molly's "What the heck Mom!" face