5 on Friday

So this is my first official "5 on Friday" post.  I must say it was actually a little tricky to come up with 5 different exciting events over the past week (yes, my life is that dull).

So here they are (in no particular order):

1.  This by far has to be the most exciting piece of news this week...we just booked a trip to the Azores for June. If you're unfamiliar with this group of Islands (I was too) let me sum it up...they are a small group of 9 volcanic Portuguese Islands somewhere in the atlantic ocean between Portugal and New Jersey.  My girlfriend and her family booked the trip a while back and had an extra room available in their condo for the week...so we jumped on the chance!!!  This will be our first overseas trip with the boys (wish us luck:)

2. Bennett had his 2 month check-up yesterday.  Obviously he hated the needles, but was super easy to comfort afterwards (hello boobs!)  He weighed 14 lbs 7 ounces (hello chunker) which is in the 95th percentile.  His head circumference was in the 50th percentile and his height was in the 66th.

3. I've somehow managed to keep up with working out for the 4th straight week in a row (yipee) and I'm finally seeing some results.  Oh, and it helps that I got these super cute sneakers this week as some motivation.

4. The big brother got a super cute "big boy" haircut this week.  He's just loving telling everyone all about it.  He looks like such a little kid in this pic (where is my baby??)

5. Last but not least I finally finished Divergent this week.  And when I say finally, I really mean that I couldn't put it down so I actually started it and finished it this week.  Oh, and please ignore the wine bottle on top of my book please.  

That's it for now!!!!  

2 month update - Bennett

Another month has gone by and I swear, Benny you have almost doubled in size.  This month has been just as enjoyable as the last and it's so much fun getting to know you.  It's amazing how fast your little personality is changing.

So here are some updates:

Sleeping:
This month has been amazing, and Bennett, mommy thanks you for it!!!  Most nights you only wake up once, usually between 3 and 4:00, for a quick feed and you sleep again until sometime between 7:00-8:00.  I'm hoping not to jinx myself here but it's been amazing.  You are still sleeping in the pack and play next to mommy and daddy which I have no intention of changing anytime soon.

You still nap quite a bit during the day.  Usually staying awake for only an hour at a time before you start getting a little fussy.  We have quickly realized that you love being swaddled.  For the most part you won't really fall asleep on your own; you like to be "put to sleep" in either your swing or pack and play.

Eating:

Still eating like a champ.  Usually every 2-3 hours, but your feeding times have shortened over the past month.

You're still a puker.  Your mommy constantly smells like sour milk and she's become very efficient at doing laundry:)  This month you've been a little wishy-washy with taking bottles (since 95% of the time you are breastfed).  We had the opposite problem with your brother (hello nursing strike) so this is new territory for your mommy.

Firsts:

This month has been all about the smiles:)  Around 6 weeks you started showing us the biggest and gummiest smile.  And your daddy and I have been enjoying every single one of them.

Other firsts:

Your mommy started work again this month (boooooooo).  But only for a day and a half per week, so it's not so bad.  Luckily we have terrific grandparents who have agreed to babysit for a few months while we all make the transition.  

Likes and Dislikes:

You love your swing, staring at lights, smiling, eating, and diaper changes.

You still hate the evening.  Your fussy time starts around 7:00 every night.  I use the word "fussy" lightly because mosts evenings it's not even really fussing.  You just hate napping at that time.

You also hate being hungry and over tired.

I said to your daddy the other day that you "almost" make me want to have another baby.  But then I think about the part where I have to carry another 10lb baby in my tiny 5"2 frame and I quickly snap out of it!!!

We love you Benny! XO

Favorites right now

I'm a major product junkie.  My husband keeps telling everyone that our top drawer in our bathroom looks like sephora.  And the sad part is, he's not completely exaggerating.  I'm by no means an expert in the area but I am a sucker for anything that promises to make me look better.

So, since I'm back on the blog-writing-train, I thought it would be fun to start posting about some products that I'm trying.

Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay:  Yes, you read that number right (#2 not #3).  I was a little hesitant to even buy this product.  It has a hefty price tag and I'm not a major eyeshadow gal.  Usually with any kind of palette I stick to 1 or 2 neutral colors and the rest barely will get touched.  But everyone kept raving about these particular sets so I thought I would give them a try.  I chose the 2 based on my skin tone and color preferences.  The #3 just looked a little too "rosy" for what I'm used to.  And this product does not disappoint.  I'm making an effort to try different combinations and get the most use out if as I can.  And I'm really in love.

EOS Lip balm:  This was actually a stocking stuffer that my husband gave me for xmas.  I can tell I'm wearing off on him because he actually picked it himself based on seeing this stuff around and other ladies using it (Yup, he's a keeper:!!!!)  I love the flavors and you can't beat the price tag!!!!

Ole Henriksen Oil:  I was kinda talked into this product by some lady at Sephora.  The truth was that I was a little hesitant to even try this product since I'm prone to hormonal breakouts each month.  However, she assured me that oils actually do the opposite and among other things will help with this issue.  I've been using this now for about a month and I've had multiple comments lately on how good my skin looks!!!!  I'm telling you, this stuff is amazing!!!!  Some of the reviews complain about the smell but I actually don't mind it all; in fact, I kinda like it!!!!  This one is going down as a new "cult favorite" for me.

Julep nailpolish:  I've only tried one color but so far I'm really liking this stuff.  It's fairly thick and the color lasts.  It's supposed to strengthen nails which is another major plus.  

Caudalie Beauty Elixir:  I bought this product because I've been reading a lot about it on some of my favorite beauty blogs.  Then when I saw it on Jillian Harris' blog I practically ran out to buy it (She was my favorite bachelorette and she's a total Canadian beauty).  I've been using it as a toner and as a finish once my make-up routine is done.  I also really like a mid-day spritz to freshen up my look.  I'm not sure if it's doing anything to my skin but I really like how refreshing it feels.

What's your fav???

Recipe: Thai Quinoa Salad

What better way to start a Monday than with a healthy new recipe to keep you motivated through the week.

Recently the hubs and I have been on a little health-kick.  We've jumped on the clean eating band wagon and we're really trying to stick with it.  However, we also stick to the 80/20 rule (you know, 80% of the time we eat healthy and the other 20% we indulge a little).  That way, we still allow some room for wine (always room for wine), chips, ice cream etc.  It's also great timing since I'm trying to lose some of that extra baby weight in time for our beach vacay in April.

So while stalking pinterest for some clean eating recipes I found this little gem.....Thai Quinoa salad (from Tastes better from Scratch).

And let me tell you this one is amazing.  The hubs couldn't keep his hands off it.

Ingredients: 

1  cup  red cabbage ( shredded ) 
1  bell peppers ( red, diced ) 
3/4  cup quinoa, uncooked
1/2  red onion ( diced ) 
1  cup carrots ( shredded ) 
1  cup edamame   <--------I used chick peas
1/2  cup cashews ( halved (or roasted peanuts) ) 
1/2  cup cilantro ( chopped ) <-------- I didn't have this
1/4  cup green onion ( diced ) <------I didn't have this













Dressing:

1/4 cup peanut butter ( creamy or crunchy ) <------I used all natural smooth PB
2  teaspoons ginger ( freshly grated )
3  tablespoons soy sauce <------I used the low sodium kind
1  tablespoon honey
1  tablespoon red wine vinegar
1  teaspoon sesame oil
1  teaspoon olive oil
1  teaspoon sriracha
water ( to thin if necessary )

Directions:

Cook the quinoa according to the package directions.  Let cool for 10+ minutes.  Warm the peanut butter and honey for 20 seconds and stir.  Add the remaining ingredients for the dressing.  I had to use a little water to make it thinner.

Add about half the dressing to the quinoa.  Add remaining ingredients and fold in.  Then add the desired amount of dressing (I used about 3/4 of it).

Unfortunately my photography skills are crap and this picture doesn't do it justice.  But take my word that this is a must try.

The terrible twos.

The terrible two's are kicking my butt.  Like daily.  

When Nathan turned two in June I kept waiting for "it" to start...you know, the tantrums, defiance, etc.  I kept thinking to myself, "this age is actually pretty easy...what's all this fuss about".  Well, then November came and it happened.  My little angel became a terrible.  And let me tell you, it's an ass kicker.  Like a swift kick in the head.  The constant fighting, the "NO's", the never listening, defiance, testing limits, tantrums, all seem to surface in the evening (and anytime we're trying to leave the house).

And everyday it's the same fight....
"No mommy, not that. Nathan wear Thomas t-shirt to school" (he still refers to himself in the 3rd person).
"Stop Mommy, Nathan brush teeth"
"No mommy, shoes are too tight"
"Mommy put on _______" (enter anything that we're asking him to try and help put on).

And from me...
"Nathan, we need to change your diaper"...followed by..."NOOOOOO"
"Nathan, stop pushing the dog"....then, "NOOOOOOO"
"Nathan, it's time to get ready for school"....and...."NOOOOO"
"Nathan, it's bath time.....again...."NOOOOOO"

And, you get the picture.

I feel like we're constantly battling with him.  We've run out of effective ways to punish him.  I mean, the kid sometimes will ask to go time out.  Seriously.  Seriously.  Whoever came up with that "punishment" didn't have a 2 1/2 year old.

But, it's not all bad.  I'm not here to scare anyone.  The terrible twos are also amazing in a lot of ways.

It's amazing to watch your child learn and soak up every little thing.  The kid has an amazing memory and is constantly surprising us.  He can tell me everyone's eye color in his classroom.  It's pretty incredible.

It's amazing to actually hear him have a conversation with you now.  He can tell me about his day at school, his likes and dislikes.  And his negotiating skills are superb.  He must get that from his daddy.

Another great thing about two year olds...they sleep.  And you can sleep too.  We're rediscovering this perk now that we have a 6 week old.

They're independent.  And they can help (granted, it's usually on their terms).

And the best part of all is when they wrap their little arms around you and tell you that they love you.  Seems to wipe away all of those "terribles", and make your heart just melt.  I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.

One Month Post

Time is flying by.  Like seriously flying.  Even more so now that I have 2 kids.  Bennett is ONE month old already.  You almost forget how much things can change from month to month with a newborn baby.

Unfortunately I really don't have any one month stats.  We brought Bennett to the doctor when he was 4 days old and he was already almost at his birth weight (9"13).  Apparently I make big babies and I can grow big babies (no shortage of food around here)!!!  So, his doctor was completely comfortable with his next appt being at 2 months unless there are any issues or concerns.

I can tell you that he is growing like a weed and chunking up nicely though.  He has completely outgrown all his newborn clothes and many of his 0-3 month stuff already.

Sleep
Sleep so far has been good (touch wood).  He's consistently giving us 3-5 hour chunks at night and napping well during the day.  The kid sleeps A LOT.  Much more than his brother ever did (thank goodness).  He has been a little difficult to put to sleep at night time but once he's asleep, he's good.

Eating
Eating has also been good this month.  Breastfeeding this time around is 1000 percent better.  I'm not sure what it is, maybe it's me, maybe it's him, (likely it's a combination) but things are easier.  I'm not sore anymore, feeding has never been really painful, and I'm never super engorged and uncomfortable. I'll spare you the details of my experience last time, but let's just say Nathan left me with some permanent scars memories.  Looking back, I'm not sure how I lasted for 6 months.


 Likes and Dislikes
His main interest right now... Food.  The kid likes to eat.  He also likes his swing, being swaddled, and being held.  He also LOVES to grunt.  I seriously had forgotten how many weird noises newborns make.  He grunts when he sleeps, when he farts, when he poops, before he's ready to eat (and you get the picture).

Diaper changes were a no-go up until recently.  Now he reluctantly tolerates them without screaming his face off.

Baths are also becoming a little more tolerable lately...as long as he's warm, he's okay.

Falling asleep at 10:30pm is painful for some reason.  Again, more grunting at this point.

Firsts
Because this kid has been relatively easy going (I'm going to jinx myself, aren't I??) we've been able to take him everywhere...

First trip to the aquarium.  Bennett, while your brother enjoyed the shark tank, you enjoyed sleeping.
First trip to the mall.  While your mama enjoyed shopping, you enjoyed sleeping.
First hockey game.  While your family enjoyed popcorn and beverages, you enjoyed sleeping.
First fancy dinner out.  While we enjoyed nice wine and food, you enjoyed sleeping.

Well, You get the picture!

Overall
Things this time around are so much more enjoyable.  Being a first time mom is stressful and hard.  This time around I feel more comfortable / confident or something.  The hard part this time is juggling 2 kids while trying not losing my shit on anyone (hubby included).  It helps that we've decided to keep Nathan in preschool (which he loves) so that I can have some alone time with Bennett.  Everyone seems a little happier this way.

Birth story

Once again I'm back from a very looooong hiatus...oops:)  So much has happened in the past few months that when I started this blog post I literally had no idea where to even begin....

So, I decided to start with the biggest change that's occurred recently....we are officially a family of 4.  Bennett George was born via repeat scheduled c-section on December 17, 2013.  In the unlikely event that someone's just popping by for the first time, here is a link to my previous birth story (warning... it's a doozy).  

Luckily, this time everything went fairly smoothly.  We had to be at the hospital 2 hours before the surgery so we arrived at 6am with the anticipation of having a baby by 8am.  Here I am the morning of my due date waiting anxiously to leave.  And the 2nd pic is of my ginormous belly while we were at the hospital (can you seriously believe the size of that thing???)

Everything really went off without a hitch.  Unlike last time, the spinal went in without any complications (and it was virtually pain free).  I felt a little nauseous at first but that passed fairly quickly.  And the best part about this birth was that I was actually AWAKE for this one (last time I had to be put under general anesthesia due to a complication with my spinal).

This time was a completely different experience...for starters I actually got to hear my baby cry for the first time, I saw my hubby hold him for the first time, I was able to hold him shortly after, I was there when the doctors shouted "it's a boy", and awake when they all said "holy crap, he's HUGE".

And he was HUGE....9lbs 13 ounces.  I'm not sure how a 5"2, 115lb lady can carry such a big kid, but clearly my belly has some stretching power.

Nathan has seriously been amazing with Bennett.  If I'm being completely honest, I thought he would be horrible.  Not because he isn't a great kid, just because he's so demanding with my time sometimes.  He's a complete mama's boy, and newborns take up A LOT of mamas time.  There's been virtually zero jealousy and he actually really likes "Baby Bennett" (as he calls him).

Love this little snarly face:)

First pic as a family of 4

Recovery has been pretty easy.  I'm now 4 weeks postpartum and feeling 100 percent back to normal.  Life as a family of 4 so far has been a breeze.  We've had my parents staying with us up until this week so they have been taking over chores and giving Nathan LOTS of attention (I'm pretty sure they never want to see another "Thomas train track" as long as they live...lol!!!).  And Bennett has been a fairly easy newborn.

Tomorrow Bennett is going to be 1 month old (you guys...seriously) and I'm hoping to do a first month update on the little guy:)