Trying to eat better...

So, have any of you found a better way of eating? As in, non-processed foods/organic foods/ etc. I'm looking for new, easy recipes for a better way to eat. Particularly, I struggle with eating veggies and fruits (I rarely eat both of these everyday, I know that is terrible, that's why I am trying to change it!) My diet is terrible (especially since Trenten has been gone and I don't cook.. I eat a lot of processed, ready to eat foods). I got to thinking about the kind of diet I want Breyten to have, and it is not anything that I am doing! So, with that in mind, I am aiming to do better. I am starting by going to the Farmer's Market later today and buying local produce and meats. That's a good start, right? Anyway, if you have any tips, let me know!

What's been going on...

Well, on Monday I was able to wear my pre-pregnancy jeans for the first time!!! Yay for me! Most people can fit into those jeans before their babies turn 6 months, but then again, most people do not gain 56 pounds either... I am officially within 5 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight. 


Breyten has a new tooth. It is right on the bottom next to his first tooth. He is chomping at the bit all the time!! He wants to chew on me most of all, whatever he can reach, my hand, finger, chin, cheek, arm... it does not feel good! But, it probably doesn't feel good to him teething either. 


My in-laws leave tomorrow for a cruise to Hawaii!! I'm a little bit jealous, well, ok a lot jealous. But, I do hope that they have a great time. They have been going on a cruise every year (sometimes more than once a year) for the past several years. Usually, they go with family members, but this year they are going with long-time friends. Party Animals!

On the mend... I hope

So, after a week of being dreadfully sick, I think that I am almost all better :) Breyten still has a cough and runny nose and runny diapers, but for the most part is fever free. We were able to go to the park today and enjoy the wonderful weather and company of my SIL Kendal and nieces Karalyn and Karsen (plus a friend of Kendal's and her 3 kids). It was a lot fun, even though Breyten slept through most of it. 


My brother Austin heads to Camp Pendleton tomorrow!! We hope to join him there in August. 

Sad Day

My husband is deployed on the USS KEARSARGE. One of the jobs of the KEARSARGE is to transport marines to different operations. Parents of Lance CPL Andrew Carpenter flew overseas this week to say goodbye to their 27 year old son who was put on life support after being shot in the neck in Afghanistan. He leaves behind a wife, who is due with the couple's first child, a son to be named Landon, in two weeks.
This is the KEARSARGE's  first casualty, and it does not go unnoticed. My heart hurts for the wife who didn't get a chance to say goodbye to her husband and who has to raise this son who will never meet his father this side of heaven. It was said that this young man was a Christian, so he is in heaven now. To know more here is an article:
http://www.c-dh.net/articles/2011/02/16/top_stories/01marine.txt

My prayers are with this poor family and the other men and women who continue to lay their life on the line for us.

Sick Day/Week

So, yesterday morning I woke up at 4 am with a 101.0 fever. So frustrating being sick when other people depend on you. But, what can you do? Breyten had a low grade fever all day yesterday, but today he is fever free. I think it's a virus... yay for me... Anyway, Breyten makes my days better with his smiling, laughing, talking, and playing. I love my Breytenator!

My Valentine

My little Valentine and I had a great day! We were able to go outside for a long walk because it was 70 degrees today! My neighborhood has lots of walking trails and several playgrounds. Breyten was able to swing and slide for the first time! 

My Favorite Valentine's Day

My favorite Valentine's Day does include Trenten, but not in person!?! In 2003, I was a junior in high school and I finally had a boyfriend on V-day, but he lived in Ohio and was in college in Pensacola. However, he had arranged a very special Valentine's gift for me through my friend (and now cousin) Stephanye. She convinced our teacher Mrs. O'steen to let me check my locker by cutting a little bit of class... She was so convincing and the teacher allowed us to go, even though I had just been in my locker... Anyway, I opened my locker to find a pink, thornless rose (my favorite!) and a white teddy bear holding a heart filled with dove milk chocolates (also a favorite). I was so surprised and will never forget my first Valentine's gift from my love. Special thanks to Steph for making it happen :) The rose I froze (along with all other roses I had received from him) and the pedals were eventually used to throw at us during our wedding reception. The bear sits on our bed (when it is made, which doesn't happen very often...) 
Happy Valentine's Day!
P.S. this year I love having two Valentine's, Trenten and Breyten :)

February 11, 2011

Today is my baby boy's 6 month celebration!!! I can't believe how big he is now, and how active he is!! He has so much energy already. I put him down on the floor mat the other day and went to my bathroom to get ready. I came back into the living room and was my baby boy on his floor mat where I left him? Um, no. In fact, he had rolled himself under the coffee table which is a good 7 feet from where I put him. So, it begins...


On another note, this day in 2006, Trenten proposed to me and I accepted. So began the engagement that led to the marriage that led to my Breyten :)


Today, Kendal and Karalyn and Karsen are going to come over. Kendal is going to try to take some pictures of Breyten, but we will see if he will cooperate! 

Ready For Spring...

I'm so ready for spring to come! I know that all my friends and family in Memphis got snow today. We are expecting to get some snow tomorrow, hopefully it will not be like the 13 inches we got after Christmas. Va Beach is very similar to Memphis when it comes to snow weather: we do not have the equipment to adequately make the roads safe and no one knows how to drive in it... 
Also, spring means that Trenten will be coming home very soon :) I really cannot wait. I'm so looking forward to him getting to know and to play with his son. 

Random Updates

Breyten can now sit pretty well by himself!! Here are pictures of him from yesterday:

Also, an update of my weight loss: I had a hip/leg injury that cost me about 2 weeks of non-exercising for recovery. I was still able to lose weight during those 2 weeks, but at a very slow pace... I am currently 8 pounds from my pre-Breyten weight :) Which means, I have lost  48 pounds in almost 6 months! I know that I will meet my pre-pregnancy weight and possible meet my goal weight before Trenten comes home, but let's see if I can fit into my bridesmaid's dress in March...

My New Niece

Welcome to the world, little Adrienne Louise!! I cannot wait to meet you. Adrienne was born February 3, 2011 at 5:09 pm Central time in Pensacola, FL weighing in at 7 pounds and 7 ounces and 21 1/4 inches long!

Adrienne and her Mommy, Kierra

Adrienne and Daddy, Jamie

Asthma, Allergies, and Eczema

I have heard that most children have one of the three diseases listed above. And, so does my son, already at 5 months! Out of the three, he does have the one that will most likely not cause death. He has eczema. It's on his face, elbows, and legs. Eucerin cream makes it worse. He can only use Johnson's baby lotion and soaps, only Dreft detergent, no fabric softner, and the list goes on. Really, most of the things I was doing already, but now I will be extra careful to make sure his little skin doesn't get even more irritated. Also, we got some hydrocortisone cream from the doctor. Hopefully, he will be one who grows out of it, we shall see!