Teeth

Mister G officially has 2 teeth! I would include a picture, but try to get him to show you and he will stick his tongue out, so.. no picture.

He's crawling all over the house, which means the day I have dreaded for months has arrived... He has discovered the dog food in the dining room. I had a bunch of pins on pinterest on ways to lift Deezuls bowls up off the floor. But here's the problem. I moved Deezul's dog bed out of the living room a while ago because of all the baby crap taking up the whole space. That is what started Deezul's anorexic spiral. And seeing as how I am just barely getting my old dog back after battling months of puppy depression I don't want to ruffle any feathers by messing with his food. Any advice?

We were able to get Riley home for 9 days (ridiculously short I know!)

 He made sure to do some super manly things with Miles.

 We celebrated Easter a week early. Miles LOVED his loot from the bunny. Rye had a blast helping the bunny figure out what he would enjoy.

 Tigger towel was all dad :)

 We went out to dinner with good friends (This is Miles with the Godfathers)

 We drove up to north shore and watched the sun set over the waters of Waimea as a family.

 Seriously look at that grin! This kid is so in love with his dad it's not even funny!

 Miles soaks up screen time with dad

 I really love these boys.

He loves to lay his head on Riley's shoulder (He pretty much NEVER does this with me)

9 days seemed to go by so fast, but we also fit SO much into 9 days it seemed to last far longer than that.

Miles was teething the whole time Riley was home so he got to be up multiple times a night with us. He is so incredibly patient at 3am... I'm not as much. I just want to give him the boob and shut him up so I can zombie walk back to my room and concentrate on not falling down the staircase on my way past it (seriously think about that every night). Riley would so calmly take the not hungry but screaming Miles in his arms, head down the stairs and out the front door. He would either walk down the block with him. or once we put him in the stroller, put the leash on Deezul and we went on a 2 mile walk around base at 3am.

Miles is so incredibly lucky to have a dad who openly admits that his entire world revolves around his family. He has never been ashamed to be a family man. I love that Miles will grow up with his dad as his role model. There is the quote "The greatest thing a father can do for his children, is to love their Mother" Riley is a fantastic dad and the most loving husband a girl could ask for.

We miss him every minute that he is not home (especially the days when Mister G refuses to nap)

Soon he will be back with us. I feel as though lately I have been in a constant state of counting down. I want to enjoy my husband without an expiration date right in front of us. I'm ready to go out with our little family and explore more of this amazing Island. I've got my list of hikes ready to go!

Happy December!

I get my husband home this month!!!!!!!! That is the ONLY info I can give right now.

This weekend I decided to clean out my closets and get rid of quite a few items that I don't understand why I still have them! So far just from posting some stuff on facebook I have made $170.... Which pretty much covers the Christmas shopping damage I did this weekend for the small child (sorry Riley) hopefully I can get some more of this stuff out of here! Cause I need to make room, Miles is slowly taking over all the free space in the house :)

I went to the craft store this weekend to get some supplies for a few projects, a welcome home sign, Miles' 3 month onesie and some other super fun craft stuff.

I really wish I was blogging more, BUT I use all my free time to work on projects. Why do I ALWAYS overwhelm myself with projects while Rye is gone. I have to get our new bed built in the next like weekish (that is my timeline I gave myself) When Rye gets home he is going to help me sand down and stain this table as red as I can get it!


I WAS going to put some pictures there but apparently I ran out of storage space on my blog for pictures... Anyone know if I will attain more storage at the beginning of the year. or am I going to have to purchase storage? I mean $2.50 isn't a terrible price a month, But how many people actually read my blog anyway... Is it worth PAYING for pictures? I know Riley reads it, and when he is away it is nice for him to keep up to date... We will revisit this issue.

Miles is going to be 3 months old the day after tomorrow. Time sure does fly! He rolled onto his belly for the first time today. Riley was able to see him do it over Skype! Well we both actually missed the first time... little Roman saw it instead. He pulls up to stand, and holds his head up like a champ! He's VERY physical and has been trying desperately to become mobile for WEEKS. I fear we may have an early crawler on our hands. I am NOT ready for him to be mobile. Deezul is just getting used to him, and I know he is not ready for Miles to be able to go after him. Lord help us all when the day finally arrives.

Cloth diapering is still going awesome. I only use disposables with the babysitter now. She MAY be cool with cloth, but I haven't ever asked her. I don't want to burden her at all. Also she is very well priced, and Miles only goes 2 days a week for like 4 hours, I think I can afford diapers for that time!

Speaking of cloth diapering, have I mentioned that it is addictive yet? Yikes. Wait until you guys see my next post about my stash. I would include pictures... But blogger hates me, and your curiosity.

The house is being decorated for Christmas and I am beyond excited. I cannot wait to see Riley and Miles on Christmas morning :)

Also I think I am A-OK if Riley decides to get out of the Marine Corps. I know that it is really hard on him to be away from us (especially Miles(And Deezul)) I really really like Rye, so I wouldn't mind having him around 24/7 again. He's my best friend :)

I really do love blogging, I have just been so busy. I will try to stay on top of it though!

Competition

Why do people feel the need to compete with others? I understand the primal need to "be the best" but why does EVERYTHING in life have to turn into a competition? I don't see the point.

In middle and high school we (girls) felt the need to compete with each other for the attention of boys. We were all absolutely too hard on ourselves constantly comparing our thighs or length/thickness of hair. Things that we honestly had little control over. I know that on multiple occasions I compared myself to my best friend (Lauren) and never once did I put myself in the "winning" category. She was skinny, and gorgeous and incredibly talented. She was also (and still is) my best friend. Sure the boys I liked often had little to no interest in me except to see if I could put in a good word with Lauren. But I was selling myself short on a tremendous level. Sure I was average height, didn't have long legs and was (and still am) incredibly awkward. But in high school I was talented, I had lots of friends, and I was beyond passionate in my hobby's (Debate team, and Acting up). Now if you ask Riley he will tell you what a nerd (aka loser) I was. And that if we had gone to the same high school we definitely would NOT have dated. Yet, he dated me KNOWING what a nerd I am. I used to be embarrassed to admit I was a debate nerd. But when I get worked up over a political issue I see him smile at the way I get myself totally overworked. Ya he is probably making fun of me in his head... but I'd like to think that my passion for nerdy things is one of the many reasons he adores me.

So competing during our teenage years DOES make sense to me. I see why people do it. But after you are married.... what is the point? I know people that like to try and compare their marriage to others. What gain do you get from that. Riley and I have an amazing relationship, we are best friends and enjoy each other more than other people... but how would it benefit me to compare or belittle another couple that has a COMPLETELY different relationship. With 2 people that are completely different from us? NOTHING. My marriage will be what it will be. Whether I compete with others or not. When my friends have great marriages, I don't feel the need to compare. I am genuinely happy for them, and possibly take note as to how I could improve my own marriage. The way I see it, I want all my friends to be in healthy and happy relationships.

Children. I know I am new to the whole parenting thing... but it's coming pretty naturally to me. I think 24 is the PERFECT age to have a kiddo (at least for me). I know that I would not have had the patience that I currently have. I would not have been so laid back either. It's crazy how much growing up I did in the 6 years we were married BEFORE Miles showed up. But it seems to me that every mom  makes motherhood into a competition.People question/judge your every decision and expect you to do the same. Just because I chose to cloth diaper does NOT mean I look down on you for using disposables. If I make a face when you talk about how expensive diapers are, it's only because I honestly have NO idea how much diapers end up costing, and you are probably blowing my mind! I don't let my son listen to music blaring. Not because I want him to be in quiet all the time. It's because I did research and made a decision. And I don't care HOW you feed your child... Just feed them!

Body type. Let's be honest here, I am not a size 1. Are ya shocked?! Weight is something I have always struggled with, Even now, I run and run and run and the scale won't move, even when I am eating very well. I can't compare myself to Lauren anymore. My body will NEVER look like hers. It won't look like anyones. I am me. I need to learn to be happy in my own skin... deflated balloon of a belly and all. While I wanted to avoid stretch marks the ones I have (while ugly) are a reminder that after years of trying and treatments. And all the heartbreak. I was able to carry my little man for a full 9 months. So many would KILL for that chance. So I try to remind myself as I am judging myself in the mirror, That I wanted this. My chest (partly since I'm nursing and partly from genetics) is GINORMOUS at this time. I mean out of control. While I have always hated being busty, It reminds me that I am able to nurse my son and provide life to him.

Anyway that Is my rant for the night. I just want to be happy with myself, and with the life I am trying to raise my son into. I will post again tomorrow, But I need to hurry and pump and go to bed. I'm exhausted!

Milf Monday- Slow Moving

Well I made it through week 1 of my workouts! I can't believe I did it! There was more than a few times that I really just wanted to be lazy and use the excuse that I just had a baby, and if I wanted to I could sit on the couch and eat granola bars all day! Not saying I didn't do that.. I'm just saying I fit in my workouts!

I know I've said it before but just to clarify, at this point I am not restricting calories. I want to make sure that Miles has enough nutrition. I'm making healthier choices, and not indulging as I did while pregnant (which wasn't ever too extreme). In December I will likely start counting calories if I am not seeing any change in myself.

Alright so here is the breakdown of my weeks workouts

• Monday- 2 mile run. I did this VERY slow, 29:45 to be exact. Yup go ahead and mock. I ran through 1 song and then walked the next. It felt really slow, and I was sure that everyone that drove by was making fun of me... but I'm ok with that. I had an almost 4 week old kiddo with me. They can laugh all they want, You gotta start somewhere!
• Tuesday- Lifted weights to workout arms and abs. Putting Miles to bed at 7 has been amazing. I'm able to squeeze in a workout, or get some housework done! 
• Wednesday- 2 mile run. I cut 1:50 off mondays time. Woot Woot!
• Thursday- Lifted weights to workout chest and back. I also did an ab workout.
• Friday- Should have been a run day, but since I was planning on a longer run for Saturday, I decided to use this as a rest day. Riley however guilted me into getting my butt upstairs and lifting. So I worked out my shoulders
• Saturday- I did my nearly 4 mile run. It was TOUGH. I'm not going to lie. There were A LOT of times that I had to convince myself that I needed to finish the run, and NOT take the shortcut back home. It's true, running is a total mind game!

I don't really want to put these pictures up.. But I'm going to. I only lost .8 lbs this week... but hey, thats nearly a pound less than I weighed last monday! I'm moving in the right direction! I am now 4.6 lbs above my pre pregnancy weight. Here's to hoping I continue to do well and am able to stick with this fairly easily!

This is last week... so my starting picture. 

Week 2. This is POST run, So yes I am gross and sweaty. And don't you be judging my socks!

The Pumpkin Patch

I have finally established some sort of a reliable schedule, Thank goodness! I decided that for my own sanity I wanted Miles in bed at 7. I thought it would be a good idea to set that up early so it's not a hassle later on. So we have bath time at 6:30 and he either eats right before or right after that. and He is in bed by 7, asleep before 7:30. For the next few hours I am able to have "me time". On my lifting days I'm able to go into our home gym room and workout, and only be a room away from Miles. Then I relax in bed while I fold laundry, or hang out on the always enjoyable pinterest. I pump during the 9-10 time frame so that when he wakes up between 12-1 I can pop a bottle in his mouth and we can both drift back off until usually around 6-ish. I am extremely blessed to have such a great sleeper. I APPRECIATE that God has given me that! I'm hoping by praising the gift he gave me, that he won't feel the need to "teach me a lesson" or humble me...

So quick fitness update. I had decided that Monday would be my first day back working out. Holy Crap! Monday and Wednesday I ran 2 miles (run/walk) Tuesday and today I walked lots, and lifted weights. My arms and abs are killing me from Tuesday! I just finished working out like an hour ago, and I can already tell that my chest/back is going to be feeling it! And I worked my abs again... So I can plan on a continuation of the soreness in that area. Here is to hoping that I start to see a change soon-ish. I don't hate my body, I see it as a price to pay for my little miracle. However, I would like to be able to wow myself when I look into the mirror. Next baby I will absolutely be lifting weights throughout the whole pregnancy, I learned my lesson the hard way. Starting over is no fun!

Ok so on to todays main blogging subject... THE PUMPKIN PATCH!!! I'm sure you saw my pictures on facebook... but in case you didn't I will include some. I set my alarm for 6AM to make sure that Miles didn't let me sleep in. I knew we would have to leave the house around 8-ish. I got up and tried to get ready before waking up Miles to eat. He woke up at 6:40 when I was 80% ready and was hungry. Amazingly we made it over to the pumpkin patch like 10 minutes early. The patch is designed for young kids, but obviously not for 1 month old babies. I figured we would show up, mingle with the girls from work, pick out his pumpkin and head home. I didn't want to wait in line for the hay ride... just to hold either a sleeping or hungry/crying baby.

I made sure to bring cash. Last year they sold the fresh squeezed lemonade in the mason jars, as well as the fresh picked corn. They had no such booth this year and I was severely disappointed by this!

Yes that is a sliver of the ocean you see in the picture... Ahhhh-mazing

Picking out his pumpkin!

Miles and Mom

I did NOT match us on purpose. 

 And since you have been patient in reading my long blog posts lately... here are some of the pictures I got back from one of the photographers! She did an awesome job, and I am very grateful to have gotten more shots of my little guy! He's already growing up so fast!

Those blue eyes KILL me! 

Lil' blue eyes throwing up stones!

Looks like a fighter with his eye

Time of birth

He is wrapped up in a scarf that Rye brought me back from Afghanistan.

Oh I love his smile. Can't wait till I get to see it more often!

Milf Monday- 1st Run Ever As A Mom

So this morning I embarked on the new adventure of post baby body rejuvenation.

It was tough! I left the house, started my pandora Nsync station and was all ready to walk the first leg for a good long warm up... except my neighbor who is not very neighborly was leaving her house and giving me her judgmental eyes she likes to use when she stares me down... So I took off running. Ya I never fully grew up, It's like when I was 12 with a cast on my arm, walking on the beach in Oregon and I saw the cute boy so I tried to walk all "hippy" except I didn't have hips, or coordination. I still have the scar on my knee from that little mishap! Anyway, the plan was run 30 seconds- 1 min and then walk for 2-3. I just don't do well with starting uber slow. I just couldn't do it. So I ran 1 song and walked 1 song. Nsync radio let me down today, it wanted to play all the amazing SLOW boy band songs. I had to switch over to Today's Adult Hits.

My run went really well, My right shin hurt, but that is normal for my runs. I need a new pair of running shoes but am waiting until the next shoe sale on base. Miles slept for the entire run (THANK GOODNESS) and the Bob stroller is ahhhh-mazing. Seriously I even thought about having to correct it, and it was already done! Totally worth the money if anyone out there is looking for a recommendation.

I will not be running everyday, tomorrow I will either lift, or maaaaaybe get out one of Riley's yoga dvd's. Ok let's not lie, Yoga probably isn't going to happen. On my non running days I plan on taking Deezul and Miles out for a good walk, just to make sure we get out and around the neighborhood.

I just downloaded the app runstar, I got the free version till I realized I wanted the full version, so I paid the 5 bucks for it. It is the first app I have ever paid for though, so I don't feel guilty! I will check in with you and let you know how I like it!

Stats
Weight - +5.4lbs from pre baby weight.
I don't know what other stats I should put up... I'll get back to you on that!

I took day 1 pictures, but the memory card is downstairs. I will update with those pictures probably tomorrow. But for now here is a few pictures from my run this morning! Way to start out a month, with a good run!

Miles' outfit for the day, courtesy of  Nana Gardiner

Asleep in the stroller, PERFECT!

Starting one of my walking breaks... more than 1/2 way!

This is my Napoleon Dynamite yessssssssssss face, I finished my first workout as a mom!!!

I'm a Cow

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4AM Sprite Craving

For the first time in weeks yesterday I got a soda, and since it had been so long the burning was almost a new sensation. So after having the one, I decided that a 2 liter wasn't a terrible idea(keep in mind this is NOT a normal occurrence). SO GLAD I did this, because it is 4 in the morning and I woke up NEEDING a soda. I love when I crave something that is so simple to give in to! Not like my other cravings that just go unsatisfied. I have been craving ice cream for about 2 weeks now. But I don't want to be THAT pregnant girl that walks into a cold stone by myself... Even I would judge me. And last night I did finally get wings after craving them for a good 3 weeks.

Yesterday was one of those days when you have a bunch of errands to run and have to purchase a lot... and you feel like you were just out throwing money around. Not easy for me to do! however I now feel confident that I have almost everything I need for when Miles makes his debut. Rye's parents just ordered us the carseat we wanted last night so I just have to wait for that to show up, I ordered the crib yesterday. Since we are on an Island it will be here in 2-3 weeks. Which is totally fine since for the first few weeks he'll be in our room (ONLY until he is sleeping 4 hours at a time... that's the plan). My mom is making all the nursery bedding and the curtains (SO excited for that. My mom can sew!) We picked out the material when I was in Utah, and I kind of explained what I was thinking, showed her a few pictures and she ran with it. I can't wait to get that here so I can put up a gabillion pictures!

Have I said yet that I am grateful that it is August! So much happens this month. Including our 6th anniversary. Of course we will end this month with Rye getting to come home for a very short trip to see his favorite girl, and so we can welcome our little guy here together. He'll only be here for 2 weeks, then he will return to finish his deployment. But I am beyond grateful that they are allowing him to be here.

Well now that my sierra mist is nearly gone, I'm going to try and get another hour of sleep before getting up for the first day of preschool.

Bark Box Day!

One of the girls at work was gifted this thing called a bark box... or I guess I should say Izzy(her adorable Pit Bull) was gifted it. As soon as I saw the post on her Facebook about getting it I had to look into it. About 10 minutes into checking out their website I had done the math and decided it was WELL worth the money to order this for Deezul. I have been TERRIFIED that Dee will be traumatized when he is not an only child, and is not as spoiled. I want to make the transition as easy as possible for him. I decided this was a good way to ensure that he still received lots of attention and love! Yes I understand that he is a dog... But if you know me, you know the attachment I have to Dee runs deep... He got me through multiple trainings with Rye gone, a deployment(working on #2) and infertility (including miscarrying). I honestly have such a deep love for him that I don't think many people could have with their dog. Just thinking about everything the 2 of us have gone through, makes me all teary eyed... I really just love him

His first one arrived super late in the month and I ended up having to contact them to make sure it was on it's way. They explained they were changing shipping carriers and assured me I would not have this issue again. They were right, on the 20th of each month (give or take a few days) a package arrives with Deezul's name on the box. I started by showing him the box, getting excited and telling him it was for him. Now I put the box on the ground, get all excited and say "Look what came for YOOUUUU!!!" and he flips the freak out! Today he started attacking the box trying to open it to see what was inside, I had to fight him to get it so I could open it for him.

 This is Dee trying to figure out how best to get this open

 One paw and teeth is the method he chose... I intervened after a few minutes!

 Once I open it I let him sniff the whole box so he can get even more excited. He then sits (all on his own, without being told) and waits for me to choose a goodie from the box for him.

 We went with the T-Bone steak toy. Now the ONLY problem I have with this toy (other than the fact that it's a squeaky toy and will cause me to possibly lose my mind... Is that stamped on it, is a Grade A meat seal(which I would be ok with) EXCEPT it says DogMeat.... awkward much?!

 Dee Fell in love! He kept hitting it with his paw to make it squeak,

 He'd then back up... "Talk" to it and POUNCE on it.

 Here are the rest of his "goodies" He got a edible chew toy... It claimed to be hours of entertainment and chewing... Dee took it, ran upstairs and in 10 minutes there was NO trace of it... Guess he loved it :). There was a pack of poop bags(I was really hoping this box would include some!) A bag of treats (He REALLY loves the treats!) and some edible, Peach flavored non-popable bubbles. Now I was curious how Deezul would react to bubbles after pinterest told me that dogs love nothing more than bubbles. So earlier this week I actually purchased some JUST to place with Dee. He was NOT a fan. So I wasn't quite as excited about the bubbles. But he kinda came around when he realized they were flavored. He doesn't go crazy, he just waits for them to land and then slowly approaches one, and licks it up.

I promise he eats! I know that this picture shows his ribs... but this dog just eats when he's hungry. Oh and we are still trying to re-fatten him up a few more pounds since his hunger strike when I boarded him to leave the Island.

The Steak was hands down his favorite toy he has received from a bark box this far! The toy made from recycled firehose he got 2 boxes ago is probably a close second. He took the steak upstairs and played by himself for a good 45 minutes with it! since then It has gone to every room he moves to. In case you are wondering, I am lying in bed, with a Dee burrowed under the covers... with a plastic steak resting under his paw and chin.

Is he the most spoiled/loved dog in the whole entire world?! In case you are thinking about signing up for a barkbox here is a code to get $5 OFF your subscription! sagar043 


And HERE is the link to their website! When I have had to contact them for different things, they have been SO quick to respond to my e-mails. It has been such an amazing experience and I am sure that when our subscription runs out that we are going to re-up

Oh and by the way, totally not getting anything for this blog post. I have just had a BILLION people ask what the bark box is, and so I figured Why not do a Barkbox review!

So far the ONLY thing we have not been head over heels for was a shampoo that came last month.. Deezul (being a Shar Pei) has super sensitive skin, and the shampoo was not great for his skin. I thought I'd try it. But afterwards I decided that sticking with our Oatmeal shampoo from the vet is probably best for us :)