A day in the life

Victoria will be 11 months old in 4 days. That means in one month she will be one YEAR old! AHHHHH. Be still my momma heart which is breaking a little bit at the very thought.
Since Tori's first year is wrapping up I thought I'd share a day in the life of Lulu.

6:30-7ish am: Tori wakes us up with some singing into her monitor. We keep some toys in her crib so that if she gets up and mommy needs another 20 minutes she can keep herself busy for a little. I then go to her room & every morning I peek my head into the door and say "Goooooood moooorrnniiinggggg". She thinks its hilarious. Actually, she thinks everything that mommy does is hilarious. Diaper changed. Baby is fed. Mommy chases baby as baby tries to crawl as fast as she can either into the guest room (there is a door from Toris room that goes into the guest room) or go into the hallway where she screams with delight as I stomp my feet and chase her.
7:15-8:15am: Mommy enjoys a cup of much needed coffee and some tv while trying to wake up. Victoria takes this time to eat a couple morning puffs and play.
8:30-9:30am: Off to the gym
9:30-11am: although this can vary, this is usually when Victoria takes her morning nap. She always naps for at least an hour but she doesn't always go right down at 9:30.
11am-2pm : Playtime. Mall. Errands. Lunch. Afternoon nap. We pretty much try to just get out of the house at some point during that time period. This time of day works out nice because she has had her nap so shes usually in a fab mood and we like to do everything (including her nap)before 3pm so we can get home in time to see Daddy as soon as he gets off from work around 3:30pm.
3:30pm-5pm: Schmooze with daddy. Hug him, kiss him, make him pick her up, make him put her down. Pretty much boss daddy around.
5-6:30pm: Sit in her high chair, eat puffs (those things are lifesavers)and play with some sort of wooden kitchen tool while Mommy and Daddy make and eat dinner
6:30-8: Lots more playing, reading, chasing, dancing, singing, stacking, climbing... anything to keep her awake until 8pm. She fades really fast lol so we have to keep her stimulated and busy.
8pm: Mommy puts baby to sleep.

Sometimes these days seem SO SLOW. Sometimes these days seem SO FAST. My favorite parts of the day: her face when I go into the kids club at the gym to pick her up, the excitement she shows when she hears the front door unlock and realizes daddy is home from work, the hugging, the kissing, her laughing when we play peek a boo for 30 minutes straight...
our time together at night when I rock her on the rocking chair and stare at her perfect face...watching her eat her bottle, watching her eyes close, seeing how safe and comfortable she is in her Mommy's arms and breathing her in so that I can dream of her.. because being with her all day long just isn't enough <3

 

A few little known facts

-I hate having my face/head touched. Seriously.
-I hate feeling wet hair on my face. (See above LOL)
-I am an extremely textural person. I will not eat certain foods because of the texture.
-I wash my hands all the time. Seriously, all the time.
-I cannot stand the smell of food in my car. It really freaks me out and then I am paranoid that both my car and myself smell like food.
-I don't like when things touch my hands. Rubber gloves are used to do the dishes.
-I hate being wet and having clothes on (unless its a bikini).
-I will not put a hot pizza box on my lap. I can imagine the grease like soaking through the box onto my lap and I just cant deal.
-DO NOT TOUCH MY GLASSES, EVER.
-I have four tattoos and 4 piercings.
-If I could only eat one thing everyday for the rest of my life it would be: Pepperoni pizza (with Ranch dressing on the side) or if I could get fancy with it.. It would be pasta Bolognese and duck tacos from Checkers in Lancaster.
-My dream car is a BMW.
-I sing.. and Im actually ok at it but don't like to sing in front of people.
-I have auditioned for the Real world twice, and one of those actually being an in person interview in Philly.
-I love reality tv.
-I don't leave the house without mascara on.
-I met Leann Rhymes. She performed at the American music theatre in Lancaster and came to LA Fitness to workout. I introduced myself, told her I was the manager & gave her a LAF towel and water bottle.
-I met Tyga. He opened for The Gym class heroes at Millersville and him and his cousin (who also performed and is named Gata but is not as popular as Tyga), he came to my apartment and had drinks with me and a few friends.
-I used to be obsessed with Kendra Wilkinson (she just seemed so funny and sweet).. so obsessed in fact that I named my dog Kendra.
-In high school, I wrote to the FRIENDS fan club & invited them to my 16th bday party.
-My finger nails are always painted.
-I am half Italian (dads side) and part German/PA dutch/American Indian (moms side)
-I have nicknames for everyone in my life.
-I have been out of the country three times: to Jamaica, Mexico and Italy.
-I hate flying(but yes I fly).
-My favorite color is gray.

Baby's first sickness

This week we experienced Victoria's first time being sick. AWFUL. HORRIBLE. HEARTBREAKING.
Sunday she had a fever which carried on to Monday. She was so, so worn out. It was so sad, she looked so pathetic. Laying on the couch, eyes barely open. Her temperature got as high as 101.5 and the dr said to give her some Tylenol and as long as she was eating, there wasn't much else we could do. So Monday comes, her fever breaks but she still seemed a little off. Tuesday, same thing. Then comes Wednesday. Victoria would not let me put her down, she had a blood curdling scream on and off most of the day. Scream for 5 minutes straight, be fine for 20 minutes.. that went on for about 2-3 hours and then followed two very dirty diapers (sorry for the visual). When I changed her I noticed she had hives all over her leg and both arms. I was struck with panic and we took her to the doctor. The doctor said it seemed as though she had an allergic reaction to something she ate. He said it could have been something like garlic or something that was in a hummus that we let her try.  Being someone who isn't allergic to anything, I was really surprised and so freaked out. "Is this going to affect her breathing?" "Is it itchy?" etc. The Dr said it would be itchy so that's probably a reason she was screaming and crying so much. Ugh poor baby. I hate her not being able to just tell us whats wrong lol. Luckily today she seems much, much better. We might actually venture out of the house depending on how she seems this afternoon.

Tank top arms

I struggle with weight. I have forever. I know, I know, I am THAT ANNOYING SKINNY PERSON WHO IS NOT SATISFIED AND YOU WANT TO SLAP. Please, don't hate me. I cant help it. Maybe its the perfectionist in me? I am a big believer that how you look coincides with how successful you are. I mean that in the nicest way. I don't mean you need to be a Victorias secret model. You do not have to have Jennifer Aniston's body or Sofia Vegaras curves, Jennifer Lopez's face. I just think you need to look together and yes I do think that means healthy and fit. And right now, I don't feel it. I am 5lbs heavier than I was 2 months after giving birth to Tori. How does that work? Oh yeah, did I mention I am one who stresses over a number more than anything else? If you ask me, I will tell you the number doesn't matter and its about how you feel and how you fit into your clothes etc..and I totally believe that FOR EVERYONE ELSE. But not for me. I know the number I want. And I will get to that number, and thennnnnn if my clothes look better or my biceps are a little more defined, well then that is just the icing on the cake.
I have regularly gone to the gym since I was 18 years old. I started with the phase of doing cardio until I burned a certain amount of calories and then transitioned into a workout including free weights, and then a phase of taking classes only... to now which as of today is an at home free weight workout with cardio including chasing my child around and walking as much as possible. I GET BORED. Does anyone else have that problem? I work at LA Fitness which I LOVE (plug:Great gym for a great price), I get a free membership so I refuse to go anywhere else but being there for 6.5 years... I have officially hit a wall. Enter: at home workouts. Today I was able to do a 10 minute tank top arms workout and a 10 minute abs workout while Tori was napping. My arms are already sore and I didn't have to leave the house which is awesome. For some reason though, it doesn't feel like it counts LOL. How weird it is that just because I didn't GO to the gym, I feel like it doesn't count?
Anywho, I wanted to share the two workouts I did today for anyone looking for something new to do in the convenience of their home. You need some space and two free weights between the weight of 2.5-8 lbs. depending on your level.
Also, I included a link for the Bethenny show. She had an awesome segment today featuring how to dress to make yourself look thinner. It was awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=10-minute+workout+for+tank+top+arms&sm=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYS5qHrca48

http://www.bethenny.com/2014/01/15/secrets-of-the-clothing-diet-look-thin-now-tips/

I love Lancaster

I have lived in Lancaster for almost 8 years. Moving here has been on the best decisions of my life. I have lived in Millersville, Manheim Township and Lancaster City.

Lancaster city is amazing.

First off, coming from York, Lancaster seems big. It seems intimidating.... at first. Now living here for as long as I have... I love the sense of community that Lancaster has which I never felt living in York.

My house is walking distance from some awesome bars. We have awesome restaurants. We have the market. Downtown events like First Friday. I wanted to take this blog post to point out a few of my favorite places here in the town I love. The town I plan to raise my children in.. the town I plan to live in forever.

Molly's Pub- Just a few blocks away from my house. Mom and Pop sort of bar. Good food, interesting drinks... fun for St. Patricks day. I cant remember the bartendars name who works the lunch hours but she is so sweet and really goes out of her way for her customers.
Marion Court- In the winter you can get $1 well drinks and beer. Over the summer, you get a TON of people in an outdoor setting, live bands, karaoke and late night grilled burgers.
The Prince St. Café- good food, good drinks.. very "trendy". I love pretty much all of their coffee drinks and its a good lunch spot. Also, they have wifi which is clutch.
The Bakers Table- I have only been there in the morning for coffee and breakfast. It is awesome. First off, there is one huge table in the place... which I love. I love the intimacy. The baked goods are awesome and my two favorite things there are their mocha eclairs (actually, those are Dans fav) and their bagel bombs (bagels stuff with sweet bologna and cream cheese).
Checkers- This is me and Dan's favorite restaurant EVER. Literally have NEVER had anything there that wasn't amazing. I recommend the Bolognese... oh, and the duck tacos... DEFINITELY GET THE DUCK TACOS.
Rachels Crepery- Crapes...in every way possible.. need I say more?!
Station house tavern- If you are looking for a sports bar with good food/good pricing.. go here. There isn't anything crazy special about it, but its chill and cheap!
Downtown Lancaster Christmas tree lighting ceremony- They light a Christmas tree. There is Christmas music. Santa on a fire truck. Kids LOVING life. I cant get enough. I will go every year.
First Friday- Drink specials. Food specials. TONS of people walking around downtown. Art. Jewelry.
Buchanan Park- a dog park with a machine that throws tennis balls, turf, fountains of water, lots of dogs, dog lovers, big wooden chairs... its free.
Lancaster Brewing Co- Strawberry wheat beer, pretzel chicken, pizza. Done.

IF YOU DONT LIVE HERE, VISIT!

Life so far

Shit. I came across this topic for a blog post right after I started thinking I didn't want to write a "deep blog" tonight. Then it hit me, in BIG, BOLD letters..

"What have you learned about life, SO FAR?"

Good question blog lady who I have never met before.

 

Here is my attempt at an answer:

I can be whoever I want to be. There is always tomorrow. You will see better days. You are not given anything you cannot handle. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. It is that simple.

I know, I know, its corny.. but it is so true. I look back over the past 26 years of my life and all of the people I have pretended to be and I cant believe I wasted so much time of my life doing that. Pretending I was popular. Pretending I fit in. Pretending I wasn't insecure.

The times I thought my life was over. The time a boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend. The time a friend slapped a guy I liked on the butt. A time I was mean to someone so I could show off.

The times I thought there was no way I was going to make it. The times I thought there was no way I was going to survive. The times I thought no one really loved me. The times I thought I had no real friends. The times I felt expendable.

The times I laughed at someone being picked on. The times I bullied. The times I gossiped.

 

If only I could go back and tell my 16 year old self the things I feel about life now.

 

Show her what her future held.

That she would be married to a man who brings out the best in her, who EXPECTS the best from her and treats her like a Queen (usually lol love you Dan).

That she would be surrounded with UNCONDITIONAL  love and support from her family and friends.

That she would have a career where she got to do all of her favorite things: help people, take charge, be organized, make lifelong dreams come true.

That she would have a daughter who lights up her life like she has never known. A daughter who challenges her everyday to be the best person she can be.

 

Life is so, so beautiful. Everyday is another chance to change something about the world around you. Every time you smile at someone on the street, share a hug with a friend, take an extra minute to make sure someone you love knows youre thinking of them.. that is what life is all about.

 

So while Im seriously complaining that I am tired, or we haven't sold our house yet, or someone really bothered me with an annoying facebook post.. I just need to remember this. Although the journey in my past 26 years has been rocky, challenging.. just plain tough... It has also made me who I am today:

I am clumsy. I am really loud. I forget things. I laugh uncontrollably. I have big hair. I hate my chin. I am not even sort of good at math. I stand up for what I believe in. I always give my opinion. I talk to strangers. I smile at everyone. I see the good in everyone. I am hopeful for the world around me.

...and I am ok with all of it.

10 months

My 10 month old is upstairs sleeping right now. Mommy is downstairs thinking about her, like always... reflecting over these past 10 months. When I was rocking her in her room tonight, I looked at her.. and then at her crib.. and remembered the early months when I would swaddle her, put her in her vibrating chair and then put the seat in her crib... and then follow that with staring at her(because I was scared and nervous) to make sure she was breathing and specifically watching her chest go up and down at least 5 times before I left the room(weird, right?!). I still have to see her take 5 deep breathes while she is sleeping before I leave her room. I miss her when she sleeps. I want to wake her up when shes sleeping. Yep, the mom who 6 months ago would have given her left arm for a full nights sleep now kinda, sorta misses her baby waking up in the middle of the night and getting that extra cuddle time. Ok, who am I kidding?! I don't miss the getting up in the middle of the night part. But I do miss getting those extra kisses and cuddles in the middle of the night. I miss getting to put my nose on her head and smelling her in the middle of the night. When she is awake now I only get those chances if she falls asleep on me for her nap. The girl is a maniac, she is very go-go-go. She doesn't want mommy to hold her in one spot. Her new favorite thing to do with mommy is use me as a way to stand. Ill sit with her on the floor to play and she will pull herself up on me, hug me and then try to find something to get into. She gives the best hugs. She waves bye bye. Pulls herself up on everything. Fake coughs... yeah, you read that right... fake coughs. I don't know where the kid comes up with these things. Dan says I am teaching her how to be a dramaqueen already but I swear it wasn't me! She just started doing it one day. She is a total show off about it too haha. She will cough and then look to see if you notice... she stands and looks to see if you notice, she claps and looks to see if you notice lol. She is her mothers daughter.

Happy 10 months Victoria Luna. You make my world go round. I love you.