Time for a change

I need/want to lose weight.  I was overweight before I became pregnant, and I added more pounds while being pregnant so now it's time to get into shape.  Allison suggested losing weight together and keep each other motivated when we talked last week.  We decided to eat healthier and exercise at least once a day.  She even gave me a Fitbit! A Fitbit is a wireless-enabled device that measures data such as the number of steps walked, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal metrics.

Each light is equal to 20% of your step goal.  It lights up and vibrates once you hit a certain percentage  of your goal.  My goal is 10,000 steps each day.  There is also an app that shows the number of steps you have, exercise plans, dieting help.

My entire family has Fitbits and we can keep track of each other's steps.  We have a challenge set this week to see who can get the most steps by Friday.

By using this, my hope is to stay motivated enough to beat my family members.  I also hope it keeps me from eating sweets and choosing healthier foods.  Let the games begin!

Swimming fun with Aunt Allison and Uncle Ben

We had a great day of swimming with Aunt Allison and Uncle Ben!

Allison had the great idea to take Jake swimming since he loves the water.  We went to the local park which has a perfect beach.  Jake was very hesitant and scared for the first 45 minutes.  He whined and cried and made us hold him. 

Once he warmed up to the water, he started having fun.  Of course it helped when Uncle Ben showed up!

We had a great time and it was amazing to play in the water.  Thanks for such a great idea Aunt Allison!  We can't wait to go again!!

Growing

I was looking at all the pictures of Jake from infancy to his current age-19 months today. It's astounding to see how much he as grown and changed.  He is growing so fast and I am excited for what's to come, but it also makes me nostalgic and sad that he's not my little baby anymore.

5 days old

1 month

2 months

4 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

10 months

1 year

A year and a half-current age

I love this little boy with all my heart.  He makes me so happy and I am beyond blessed with such a goofy, sweet, curious and smart son!  

Under the shade tree

Summer has finally arrived!  So far the weather has been in the 70s and rainy, not what you would expect for July.  These last couple of days the temperature has been in the high 80s and very humid.  I hate staying indoors all day, and the boys need a scenery change so I try to get out as much as possible.  Thank goodness for our shade tree.

We have a gorgeous Catalpa tree in the backyard with huge leaves which provides us with wonderful shade.  We like to sit under it and play.  I usually bring out toys and water pails and let Jake explore. Of course our cat joins us and keeps Cal company!

 Dan got the idea to put the tent out so the boys have somewhere to play and not have bugs all over them.

Yes, he's almost naked because the silly boy dumped all the containers of water on himself.

I am so thankful for this tree and the shade it provides.  I don't think we would be outside as much as we are without it.

Last box :(

Jake received his last box this weekend.  He loved opening each box and pulling out the items.  He immediately played with the toys and ate the snacks right away.  I might have to get this subscription for him in the future.  

This box contained 2 hand puppets, a wooden mouse which has 2 parts that screw together, a book, nail polish for me, and a coupon for a children's website.

Thanks to my sister for thinking and buying such a cool thing that we can all enjoy!

Weekend getaway cont.

Saturday morning we relaxed and played with the boys until everyone was fully awake.  Ben brought out his matchbox cars and Jake loved playing with them! 

After eating lunch we went to a local park that had a beautiful river.  I didn't plan on Jake soaking himself, but as soon as I let go of his hand, he took off running and dunked himself in the water.  After that, there was no point in trying to keep him dry, so he went swimming.

When we had enough water fun I was trying to get Jake changed out of his wet clothes and he took off running NAKED! It was pretty funny to see a naked little boy running through the park.

I finally caught him and got him dressed and then we went to the playground.

After the park we came home to rest after an eventful morning.  We had dinner, played more cars and finally sent the boys off to bed.  The adults watched movies and made some treats.

Brownies with marshmallow fluff and peanut butter

Sunday we left pretty early so Ben and Allison could have their house back and to rest after playing with kids all weekend.  I know how exhausting taking care of kids can be and I am sure they were pooped.  

Thank you guys for letting us stay with you all weekend.  We had so much fun!