tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55484719652823755612024-03-05T02:39:20.764-08:00Little Rhody GirlMy Travels in the Kitchen (and occasionally in life)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.comBlogger495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-4495379795511638112014-09-07T19:07:00.001-07:002014-09-07T19:11:50.762-07:00Insanity: Results and Impressions<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I DID IT!!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I FINISHED INSANITY!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3R98rEzhd7kvsEaFBwC8cFQ2gzRtUSPdblLTtG2fEx8KBNkX2GfGX3yeY1wxONR6y2V4mA1Tz0tiyQ7pUyDhP91QBqoYpTbJ_umqJTSEVKwfrEmLXwuj5S0UH_dhr5VgbBtO0tcDf3Cf/s1600/Insanity-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3R98rEzhd7kvsEaFBwC8cFQ2gzRtUSPdblLTtG2fEx8KBNkX2GfGX3yeY1wxONR6y2V4mA1Tz0tiyQ7pUyDhP91QBqoYpTbJ_umqJTSEVKwfrEmLXwuj5S0UH_dhr5VgbBtO0tcDf3Cf/s1600/Insanity-Logo.jpg" height="286" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I almost can't believe it. There were many times that I wanted to give up, plenty of times that I just didn't feel like doing it & about 10 million times during the workouts that I thought "go ahead and stop, no one is looking, no one would notice if you take a break..."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I didn't. Oh don't get me wrong I did take MANY breaks but I did it because I was literally about to pass out. I never gave up, I pushed right on through; and now looking back on the other side I can safely say that it was all worth it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok ok on to the pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14986658097" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Day1Front by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Day1Front" height="475" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3859/14986658097_b519592e27_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15170213371" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Day1Back by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Day1Back" height="475" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/15170213371_f3c65f3406_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
DAY ONE!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I didn't think of myself as out of shape by any means when this picture was taken. I had just finished running my 4th 1/2 marathon and I was back down to my pre pregnancy weight. I started the insanity journey with the goal of gaining muscle mass; a way of transitioning myself from fit to SUPER FIT. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first week was the hardest. Transitioning my body into taking the beating these workouts dole out was no easy task. For the first 8-10 workouts my favorite part of the experience was when I would literally collapse into the shower at the end of it. I was sore and beat up; but I was also extremely motivated. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In short: harder workouts = faster results (DUH)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15170212691" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Day15Front2 by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Day15Front2" height="475" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/15170212691_c331ebf189_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 30 Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14986640758" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Day15Back by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Day15Back" height="475" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14986640758_4c6a1f3213_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 30 Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DAY 30 (halfway)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the time I reached my halfway point I was really starting to feel results. I had actual deltoids!? (see em? I KNOW I KNOW RIGHT?) I hit a few hard spots but to be honest as I said goodbye to the first set of DVDs and made my way to the second set I felt pretty excited about it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until I actually started the workouts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I couldn't believe that the max workouts could be so much HARDER than month 1!? Month one was almost impossible!!!!!!! It was so hard to keep going but Shaun T (the creator and leader of each workout) is so motivating and positive I stayed in the game and was able to DIG DEEP!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><center>
<div align="center">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15173220145" title="day60front by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="day60front" height="475" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/15173220145_4cd64b61e4_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 60 Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</center>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15172846032" title="Day60back by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Day60back" height="475" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3890/15172846032_4f42a65713_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 60 Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DAY 60</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Words can not express how proud I was on this day when I finally finished the workouts!!!! I am so happy with my results! I have ABS!?!?!?!?!?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!??! I can also bang out 20 push-ups (*ahem* real push-ups) without breaking a sweat. When I first started insanity I could barely do 4. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would HIGHLY recommend INSANITY for anyone who is up for a challenge and wants to do from fit to SUPER FIT. I wouldn't say it's for everyone; because I don't think you should start with this if you haven't exercised in a while.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14986658097" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Day1Front by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Day1Front" height="475" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3859/14986658097_b519592e27_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15173220145" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="day60front by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="day60front" height="475" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/15173220145_4cd64b61e4_b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 60</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be honest part of me was a little sad that I won't be seeing Shaun T in my living room every day. He had become such a integral part of my daily routine that I'm not quite sure what I am going to do now....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFdE7st-2y_lkQD98Vdok7nYt_NR0huI3_FrZ-msLKRJobkArCYqUaEwleEEy56YJBnCpVs1T-7x3CoX2NDd4P8L0m61IGx80_d26RGNnqg78bImZ2uZs-S5M9BQe1ZqiLZrsSGZxWROd/s1600/How-to-Bring-It.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFdE7st-2y_lkQD98Vdok7nYt_NR0huI3_FrZ-msLKRJobkArCYqUaEwleEEy56YJBnCpVs1T-7x3CoX2NDd4P8L0m61IGx80_d26RGNnqg78bImZ2uZs-S5M9BQe1ZqiLZrsSGZxWROd/s1600/How-to-Bring-It.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Challenge Accepted........</div>
<br /></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-18565652838796044062014-09-02T17:50:00.002-07:002014-09-07T13:00:28.145-07:00Nathan's Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
On August 24th we had a BBQ to celebrate Nathan's first year in our family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZJFBin47yaiI0aUnpOhyphenhyphen_4ZsTYZcl3koe2Eohtgu-tgc1hkMe9JCVfIxmmGJrhxDELasEBGxHk4LLLg42df9w6XLaog2oR7netKAgUuvs4vlu77_gJH9L6ywre8dz1hmF4iR6P4Z-OMp/s1600/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZJFBin47yaiI0aUnpOhyphenhyphen_4ZsTYZcl3koe2Eohtgu-tgc1hkMe9JCVfIxmmGJrhxDELasEBGxHk4LLLg42df9w6XLaog2oR7netKAgUuvs4vlu77_gJH9L6ywre8dz1hmF4iR6P4Z-OMp/s1600/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-(1).jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
It's hard to believe that a year has already passed us by. We had a wonderful day with friends and family and I think everyone had a great time!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15120347411" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-1.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-1.jpg" height="325" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/15120347411_7f392d8b4f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had planned on food and favors for around 30 people and I'm pretty sure that's how many people came so that worked out pretty well. To be honest the week before I was working like crazy making all the decorations and planning the meals etc so when the party day arrived I was pretty relieved to no have to party plan anymore :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made most of the decorations myself and we rented some tables and chairs from the navy base. Our friends were generous enough to loan us some easy-up canopies and lawn games (corn hole and bocci ball). I made the caterpillar photo banner pictured above with my Cricut machine; I think it turned out really well! It was hung on the fence in our backyard behind the food table.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15123359745" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-13.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-13.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/15123359745_0eb10c84dc_b.jpg" width="529" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I had this sign made on Etsy and had it printed at Walgreens. I had a 10% off coupon and was able to get it printed on hard foam board for the same price as a regular 11x14 print. I love how it came out!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the right of the sign is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-Birthday-Book-Keepsake-Journal/dp/0307342301">The Birthday Book</a>; I found this on amazon and fell in love with the concept. It has one or two pages to fill out for each birthday from year 1 to 18. As you child grows there are pages specifically for the child to fill out. I still need to find the perfect picture from the party to include in the book.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15100355386" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-7.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-7.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/15100355386_fc98aa4663_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the desserts I asked one of my very talented friends to make cupcakes for the guests and my very talented mother in law made the smash cake for Nathan.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14936781818" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-10.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-10.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/14936781818_5c1ab3d45a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1) Birthday Invitations - Etsy - Ashlee @ </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScriptivaPaper" style="font-size: small;">Scriptiva Paper</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 2) Birthday Stats Sign - Etsy - Tiffany @ <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnchantedWishes13?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Enchanted Wishes</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 3) Cupcake Toppers - Etsy - Chelsi @ <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChelsiLeeDesigns">ChelsiLeeDesigns</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
We BBQ'd burgers and dogs for everyone and had a nice picnic lunch. We had samplings of all the different foods that the caterpillar had in the story. (Not familiar with the children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Then you obviously had a very deprived childhood!... Just kidding!)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14936657239" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-14.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-14.jpg" height="425" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14936657239_c17435b8a0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kyle's mother who is the Children's Lead at the Local Barnes and Noble got me a really nice hardcover copy of the book to use as a guest book. Everyone that came to the party signed it. It will be a great keepsake to flip through and cry over after Nathan leaves for college!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15122991362" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-19.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-19.jpg" height="408" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/15122991362_b15e34b292_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made him a special birthday sign for his highchair and the smash cake pictures! It was so amazing watching him while we all gathered around to sing happy birthday to him. I kept it together but it was really hard not to get choked thinking in those moments that my baby really isn't a baby anymore..<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15120367001" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-21.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-21.jpg" height="381" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/15120367001_d91693f6b5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Investigating the smash cake (first time every having cake!)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15122994762" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-41.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-41.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/15122994762_30cb3ab6a3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think he likes it!!!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15100371586" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathans_Birthday_Party-53.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathans_Birthday_Party-53.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/15100371586_f527434a67_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday sweetheart. Mommy loves you very much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All in all it was a wonderful day full of good food and good friends! I can't believe that a year has gone by so fast!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-84930455298370988242014-08-23T18:14:00.003-07:002014-08-23T18:14:58.029-07:00Nathan Batch Update: 10 & 11 month Photos!!!Here are the first batch of photos taken in our new home in Little Rhody. I can't believe that my baby is almost a year old!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>10 Months</u></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15003682762" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-4-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-4-2.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/15003682762_6d40679112_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14817409160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-5.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-5.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14817409160_6fda2abae0_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15000957611" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-6.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-6.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/15000957611_3ffe6bc6a9_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15000958651" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-7.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-7.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/15000958651_8ec0337a5c_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>11 Months</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15004063145" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-1-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-1-2.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/15004063145_17b518fd70_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14981073476" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-3-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-3-2.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14981073476_aa09d174d7_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15004070835" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-7-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-7-2.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/15004070835_cb5c296fde_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14817460048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-6-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-6-2.jpg" height="464" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/14817460048_bd1383363a_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mommy and Daddy are so proud to be your parents little man! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-77141621472901495322014-08-22T19:01:00.000-07:002014-08-22T19:01:32.923-07:00Nathan; Batch Update!! 8 & 9 month photos!!!!!!Hey guys!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm still here!!! I have missed you guys! Sorry I have been MIA over the last two months but we have since PCS'd (permanent change of station; military speak for moved) from the west coast to the east coast back to my old home town. Little Rhody Girl is actually back in Little Rhody!!!!</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW9X9itoQBbUumzBCLSMB7QK24ailSvlRFjOTTGPlQXPbD3UjMn_MrInm3M3Ob0FrVJPaSRM3xN1Ry4-pXDYu7LJ9ktg3OAnxOIwQAXQic-EMW8W6XIVSDqGFXtYiOWt8110U4rIZIE_0/s1600/tumblr_mmw5jk5kmd1qzdglao1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW9X9itoQBbUumzBCLSMB7QK24ailSvlRFjOTTGPlQXPbD3UjMn_MrInm3M3Ob0FrVJPaSRM3xN1Ry4-pXDYu7LJ9ktg3OAnxOIwQAXQic-EMW8W6XIVSDqGFXtYiOWt8110U4rIZIE_0/s1600/tumblr_mmw5jk5kmd1qzdglao1_500.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It feel so nice to be back home and among lots of old friends and family. We are finally settled into our new home and regaining some semblance of normalcy at the LRG household. Although things have been pretty busy, I still have kept up with my monthly pictures of the big guy (which is why you are reading this post I'm sure) All righty; on to the main event!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">8 Months</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14817400970" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="8_months.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="8_months.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3877/14817400970_52e74f37c3_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14817345419" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-2.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/14817345419_7edf277d54_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15004052445" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-1.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-1.jpg" height="462" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5565/15004052445_80cb6a3e33_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">9 Months
</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15003680552" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-4.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-4.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/15003680552_19c6ce3a2d_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/15004055275" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-3.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-3.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/15004055275_414d3f0b5d_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/14817448098" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nathan-4_copy.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="Nathan-4_copy.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14817448098_54412757b5_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A beautiful baby boy, Don't you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't believe that he is growing up so quickly! It's been such an amazing experience to watch him grow and change each month. I love being a mother!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Feels good to be back in the blogosphere with you guys</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-70908643405014775062014-04-23T15:20:00.003-07:002014-04-23T15:20:55.620-07:00Insanity Day 4: Cardio Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still pressing on!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Day 3 was a delightful change of pace. I was worried when I saw on the calendar that today was "cardio recovery" because I figured that the term "recovery" was very relative when you are talking insanity.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://joeelvin.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/3qw66f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://joeelvin.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/3qw66f.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So Cardio Recovery is a 33 min workout which basically incorporates stretching with some isometric exercises done s-l-o-w-l-y instead of as fast fast fast as you can like in the other DVDs. It still is work but I finished the workout without being drenched in sweat like the last two days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NUMBERS YO!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
April 23rd 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cardio Recovery</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time: 32:17</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Calories Burned: 188</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Average HR: 119</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Max HR: 157</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So not as much heart pounding intensity today, it felt good to stretch it out and do some leg work. I got though it ok but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that my legs are really conditioned from the 1/2 marathon I just spent 3 months training for. I did try the wrist rotation that I mentioned in the post from <a href="http://littlerhodygirl.blogspot.com/2014/04/insanity-day-3-cardio-power-resistance.html">yesterday</a> and my wrists did feel a lot less stressed afterwards. Hmmmm let's see what's on for tomorrow?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pure Cardio</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shit.......</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-76881866486211646662014-04-22T22:49:00.000-07:002014-04-22T22:49:31.006-07:00Insanity Day 3: Cardio Power & Resistance and a Solution for Weak Wrists.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 3! Cardio Power & Resistance...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am really loving these workouts so far. I know it's crazy hard and while I'm doing it I keep asking myself "WHY!?" but afterwards I really feel like I accomplished something amazing!!! I know that after each circuit I am stronger, my body is changing and it hurts so good! (and so much!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish someone would have been there to take a photo of me passed out on the floor after the second circuit gasping for air. Would have made quite the motivating image!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Numbers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
April 22nd 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cardio Power & Resistance</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time: 40:21</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Calories: 458</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Average HR: 163</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Max HR: 189</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(I'm seeing really high heart rates these last two days. I'm going to clean my sensor and make sure check my HR the old fashioned way to see if it's really accurate)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were a lot of pushups during this workout, all of which were done on my knees today and even so by the end of it my wrists were killing me. I have always had funky problems with my wrists; I have little dainty girly ones that are always sore after bearing weight like pushups or some yoga poses. I figure if I want to really get the best results possible from this program I should see if I can find a solution for this problem.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A quick google search and I found <a href="http://reembody.me/2013/10/05/sore-wrists-during-push-ups-lets-fix-that/">this</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found the article really interesting and I plan on trying his suggestions during tomorrow's workout if there are any pushups. Tomorrow is "Cardio Recovery." I'm not holding my breath that it will be easy just because the word "recovery" is in the title. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/1342567550265_7230184.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/1342567550265_7230184.png" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Just don't think about it. Yes it's hard, it's almost impossible! Get out of your head and just freaking go to work and amazing things will start to happen."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
-That's what I keep telling myself while I'm getting my ass kicked</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bring it on tomorrow...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-72452979804489049622014-04-21T20:16:00.000-07:002014-04-21T20:16:32.956-07:00Insanity Day 2: Plyometric Cardio Circuit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" height="176" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well It's day 2, the first REAL workout.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eep....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So today was <i>Plyometric Cardio Circuit</i> day. I waited until Nathan went town for his morning nap and put on my shorts, laced up my sneaks and said a little prayer. Then I pushed play...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm pretty sure this workout was the single hardest workout that I have ever done</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm also pretty sure that I'm hooked! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The workout lasted about 45 min and was full of high intensity cardio drills; I was pretty much drenched in sweat by the end of the 15 min warm up. Over the weekend I had watched a youtube vlog by a fellow nursing mother who had completed a round of insanity back in 2009 and she said that a big part of her ability to complete the workouts was that she got out of her head and went to her "happy place." I took her advice and "went to my happy place" when it got really hard. I think because of that I was really able to push myself harder than I normally push when I'm working out at home and it's just me and the DVD player. I liked Shaun T's motivational style, he got in your face but not in a overly aggressive drill sergeant kind of way which I appreciated. One of the reasons why I'm not quite sold on the CROSSFIT phenomenon like everyone else is because the CROSSFIT gym I went to on a groupon back in San Diego just had people screaming in your face all the time. I like intense workouts (obviously) but I just don't respond well to that kind of motivation. I guess I'm thankful I never joined the military!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway I was able to finish the workout (barely) and only had to stop a little (a lot). There was a drill called "level 1" where you do 4 push-ups then plank runs then back to standing (burpee style) then repeat. I did all the push ups on my knees but I did do (most of) them before I completely collapsed. I had my trusty heart rate monitor on (birthday gift last year) and these are my stats:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
April 21st 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plyometric Cardio Circuit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Duration: 46:38</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Calories Burned: 543</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Average HR: 165</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Max HR 193 (wow)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was so thankful to Nathan that he slept the whole time and I was able to take a LONG hot shower afterwards. I'm not super sore yet but I am definitely more "aware" of certain muscle groups than I usually am if that makes any sense. I'm sure when I wake up tomorrow Kyle will have to carry me out of bed because I won't be able to move under my own power.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well I'll have to rally because tomorrow is another workout.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I insane for doing this? Probably, but that's what makes it fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-24116629998910412112014-04-20T16:55:00.000-07:002014-04-21T18:58:35.214-07:00Insanity Day 1: Fit Test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.instigatorcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Insanity-Logo.jpg" height="176" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I started the beach body program INSANITY by Shaun T. I have been meaning to start this ever since I bought the DVDs back in November 2012. I did p90x a while before that and really enjoyed it so when I saw the commercial for insanity I was like "am I insane? sure! let's do this!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I got pregnant</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I was a postpartum nursing mother</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I'm still nursing but after some research and because I have completed the half marathon I was training for (the San Francisco 1/2 on April 6th) I figure now is a good time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I don't start now I probably never will :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Never herd of it? (do you not watch T.V?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
go ahead & watch the video...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nmKQEVJdh5s" width="420"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway so I started the program today. Day 1 is the fit test which is made up of 8 different exercises. You do one exercise at a time and try to do as many reps as possible in 1 minute. This fit test is repeated every 14 days throughout the 60 day program.<br />
<br />
I barely finished the fit test. I did have to stop a few times. Holy crap this is going to be (um) INSANE! Even the fit test is crazy!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are my results so far:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWynVRDDn7WV5_VwfCadH0k4urBUTGGRdv0RtFGINV8tJX3pj81jvMHHI3X4LKZw6GY-mOdHrd7sKHSFRpCsGuaA-a5BC4ji7Swq2PG_k1RlAUJ2PF9ZkTRIgYrz0rLdrlXOkBvDzgnPt/s1600/Photo+Apr+21,+11+06+29+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWynVRDDn7WV5_VwfCadH0k4urBUTGGRdv0RtFGINV8tJX3pj81jvMHHI3X4LKZw6GY-mOdHrd7sKHSFRpCsGuaA-a5BC4ji7Swq2PG_k1RlAUJ2PF9ZkTRIgYrz0rLdrlXOkBvDzgnPt/s1600/Photo+Apr+21,+11+06+29+AM.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used post-it notes because I plan on using the workout calendar again</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
aaaaaannnnnnndddddd</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are my pictures which I took today!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Aojgx08Ff_Ki5GBthGuKPNFOk9gRzkaPxUMKia0iyKlJMbDlmedpwaoKrozF9zdt_NJtLPeoyH17ljL27oJe_4KReG4e1TnE3H3YXopKAGEtyu8QBE5yJBzTXAzKYIoA5HR4wTKzxV3R/s1600/Photo+Apr+20,+8+27+23+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Aojgx08Ff_Ki5GBthGuKPNFOk9gRzkaPxUMKia0iyKlJMbDlmedpwaoKrozF9zdt_NJtLPeoyH17ljL27oJe_4KReG4e1TnE3H3YXopKAGEtyu8QBE5yJBzTXAzKYIoA5HR4wTKzxV3R/s1600/Photo+Apr+20,+8+27+23+AM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
</td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sxgbv9jVPoQLhTYM9xrg8DnO7oBWnEjhDf_Viqq9MtZB26vWMkHNVPbOglfd0E_pEaFRSLVIFcj9Un9XE_74NSHr8H_NkCWaMkuPhJTEa_dIRXnTeBeo0MNmAv0Y9W_IU4DeYQs3mJ3I/s1600/Photo+Apr+20,+8+27+32+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sxgbv9jVPoQLhTYM9xrg8DnO7oBWnEjhDf_Viqq9MtZB26vWMkHNVPbOglfd0E_pEaFRSLVIFcj9Un9XE_74NSHr8H_NkCWaMkuPhJTEa_dIRXnTeBeo0MNmAv0Y9W_IU4DeYQs3mJ3I/s1600/Photo+Apr+20,+8+27+32+AM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Insanity Day 1: April 20th 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now let me make something perfectly clear. I am INCREDIBLY happy with the weight I am now. I am NOT doing this in an effort to loose weight. I am anticipating that I will in fact, gain weight when I build muscle and that's totally fine with me. I want to get ripped & have some muscles!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But mostly I want to be able to do more than 5 push ups before I have to do girly ones. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know how strict I am going to be with the diet because I need to keep my calorie count high to support my breastfeeding. However I'm not too concerned since Kyle and I eat pretty healthy to begin with. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I keep with the program as is I'll be well into month two while we prepare to move. It will be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
INSANITY!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned and I'll post on my progress!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-12457132415262945062014-03-27T08:43:00.000-07:002014-04-21T08:43:24.981-07:00Nathan: 7 MonthsTo my little man,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13962412343" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-29.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-29.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5132/13962412343_744fe953e5.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You are 7 months old today!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/13939249801_da949696eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="untitled-23.jpg" border="0" height="426" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/13939249801_da949696eb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe how big your getting! You have two teeth now! It seems like you are constantly learning and discovering your world; and you are becoming more mobile! You have now mastered the army crawl and despite our efforts to contain you always seem to find yourself where you don't belong.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know it's only the beginning of your shenanigans!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13939256452" title="untitled-45.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-45.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/13939256452_389ed6cc59.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are doing so well with your solid food and never refuse any food we give you. We are still nursing throughout the day and you are definitely a growing boy! We no longer worry about whether you are going to gain the weight you need to, you have definitely bulked up and now have the oh so adorable chubby baby wrists which I love to cover with kisses!<br />
<br />
<br />
Your personality constantly makes me smile; at times you seem so perturbed with us when we are trying to make you laugh. Your face seems to say "Mommy & Daddy are so weird. Why are they making faces at me? I'll just smile because that seems to make them happy...."<br />
<br />
<br />
Boy does it. When you smile at me it makes me feel like the most important person in the universe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13939263101" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-36.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-36.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/13939263101_3874ecebbe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love you my sweet baby; we can't wait to see what next month will bring!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With love to the moon & back,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mommy & Daddy</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-50667552194327056982014-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:002014-04-20T21:45:09.842-07:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nathan has a bit O' Irish on his daddy's side; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so we kiss him because he's Irish </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and cute!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13939235891" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-12.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-12.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/13939235891_ffeb5e9481.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-20895483274908038582014-02-27T14:09:00.000-08:002014-04-21T08:44:07.825-07:00Nathan: 6 Months<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
To my little man,<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136892914" title="untitled-29.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-29.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/13136892914_faa1c62699.jpg" width="426" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are 6 months old today!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are half a year old! So much has changed since you first came into our lives back in August and we CAN'T IMAGINE life without you anymore!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136729103" title="untitled-34.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-34.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2255/13136729103_2775f05e1c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Your bedtime routine is now wonderfully predictable and putting you to bed at night in your own room is now pretty much effortless. After a bath and a story you nurse for a few minutes and are basically asleep by the time we put you in your crib. You are averaging three naps during the day and are always ready to play when you wake up!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136590725" title="untitled-10.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-10.jpg" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2592/13136590725_a3cf57e1b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mommy packed up your newborn and 3-6 month clothes already because you are already way to big for all of them! You have graduated from physical therapy and your neck issues have been completely resolved! You are rolling and rolling all over the place and are so CLOSE to sitting up all by yourself. You have also starting babbling a lot and like to say "MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA." (I don't think it counts as mama but its still really cute when you do it.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136735943" title="untitled-37.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-37.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/13136735943_73417c1c61.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Your eyes are still blue and the doctor is confident that they will stay that way which I am thrilled about! I remember dreaming about a baby with brown hair and blue eyes like your daddy and now here you are!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136709793" title="untitled-14-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-14-2.jpg" height="425" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/13136709793_633e50dc4f.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You continue to astound us with your loving personality and easy going nature; how lucky we are to be your parents!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With love to the moon and back my sweet baby,</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mommy & Dadddy</div>
<br /></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-73182850378340874012014-02-14T11:05:00.000-08:002014-04-20T21:07:48.992-07:00Happy Valentine's!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Will you be my Valentine?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136691303" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-2.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/13136691303_d609503f14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-61756211708314617772014-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:002014-04-20T21:12:15.786-07:00Nathan: 5 MonthsTo my little man,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136824214" title="untitled-13.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-13.jpg" height="453" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2211/13136824214_0e718179cf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are 5 months old today!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136545785" title="untitled-14.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-14.jpg" height="425" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/13136545785_d63c55138f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
It seems like each month is racing past even faster than the month before! Every day is an exciting adventure for you and we are really enjoying watching you discovering the world around you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136661793" title="untitled-15.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-15.jpg" height="426" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/13136661793_306946f4a2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
You are definitely much more interested in your toys and other objects (Mommy's wallet, Mommy's Keys, basically Mommy's anything) and can bring anything to you mouth with perfect precision. Your favorite thing to chew on (as Mommy predicted) is you feet. I have been told that baby feet are particularly delicious and you certainly seem to think so! You are staring to get much more interested in meal times with Mommy and Daddy and you have almost spilled Mommy's dinner on the floor a few times. I'm sure you are looking forward to starting solid food next month!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136856804" title="untitled-23.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-23.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/13136856804_b92818d339.jpg" width="425" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the month we moved you into your own room. We did it slowly in stages: for a week or so we kept you in our room but moved you to your baby swing to sleep at night, then we moved the swing to the nursery and kept you in there for another week. (The first few days were really hard for Mommy but she made it through; you didn't seem to notice any difference!) Then we spent a few days doing all of your naps in the crib and the swing at night. Now you are sleeping in your crib full time in your own room and it's going pretty well so far. I was actually quite surprised at how smoothly you took to the change; and to be completely honest Mommy and Daddy are happy to have their own room back! You are still waking up once or twice during the night but Mommy is happy to take 10-15min to nurse you at night (at least for now!).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136844724" title="untitled-18.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-18.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/13136844724_8848d4d34f.jpg" width="425" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Don't grow up too fast my sweet boy; your Mommy can't handle it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With Love to the Moon and back,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mommy & Daddy</div>
</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-39866287670052808392013-12-27T15:58:00.000-08:002014-04-20T21:17:09.023-07:00Nathan - 4 months oldTo my little man,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136326704" title="untitled-18-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-18-2.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/13136326704_5bea184bb3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't believe it! You are 4 months old today!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136112583" title="untitled-3-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-3-2.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/13136112583_b6c7f346b9.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This months has brought on more joys and challenges, the biggest of which has been your sleep. You are still sleeping in Mommy and Daddy's bedroom and are still waking us up throughout the night to nurse (although sometimes I think you just want to play!). We have been very busy with guests and all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season so I think after the new year we will start transitioning you into your nursery full time for naps and for sleeping at night. I know that I will probably have a pretty difficult time with it but I know that's what is best for you. Hopefully that will help you sleep longer at night because Mommy needs her sleep too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136148763" title="untitled-17.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-17.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/13136148763_b1bbc520cb.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You have finally discovered that your hands are quite useful for holding onto things and grabbing toys! By the end of the month anything that we held in front of you went from your hands to your mouth in about 5 seconds flat. You haven't started chewing on your feet yet but I know thats coming up next.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136135133" title="untitled-13-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-13-2.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/13136135133_bdd1a4b1bc.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a 4 month check up with the doctor and here are your numbers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Length: 25 inches</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Weight: 13lbs 12oz</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Head Circumference 42.5cm</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The doctor is happy with how your growing and tells us to keep up the good work! You got some vaccines but you only cried for a minute and was all smiles by the time you left the office</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13136016265" title="untitled-12-2.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-12-2.jpg" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/13136016265_2526d07297.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are so proud to be your parents. We can't wait to see what next month will bring</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With love to the moon and back,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mommy & Daddy</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-45812835999758200172013-12-25T16:54:00.000-08:002014-04-20T09:38:32.031-07:00Nathan's First Christmas!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13135977625" title="untitled-9.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-9.jpg" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/13135977625_ca28aa9596.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ever since I started dreaming about having kids of my own I would think of how much more fun Christmas would be with small children in the house. Kyle and I are such huge fans of Christmas anyway and we know that every year with Nathan is going to become more magical and more enjoyable. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/13135972385" title="untitled-3.jpg by Sara F, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-3.jpg" height="564" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/13135972385_35d31bd4df.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since he was still so little this Christmas he didn't really realize quite what was going on but I still think he enjoyed the bright lights and the constant Christmas music in the house and the candlelight service in church on Christmas Eve. At least I know that <i>I enjoyed seeing him</i> look around with a sense of wonder (I know I know he's 4 months old he looks at EVERYTHING with a sense of wonder!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/12197604894/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Photo_Dec_06__5_57_57_PM.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo_Dec_06__5_57_57_PM.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/12197604894_b81efdc76b_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kyle's brother was able to travel again up from Los Angeles to spend Christmas with us which was really nice. Dealing with the normal stress of Christmas is hard enough but adding a newborn into the mix made it even more chaotic!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the beginning of the month our good friend Jared came up from San Diego with his girlfriend Megan to spend the weekend with us; what a wonderful way to kick off the christmas season! They brought a lot of great gifts for Nathan (the favorite being his Finding Nemo fleece jammies!) Jared has a really nice eye for photos and was able to get a pic of us in front of the tree for our christmas card!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11812832153/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-8.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-8.jpg" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/11812832153_4a0fd6e78a_c.jpg" height="640" width="453" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
nice right!?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made the traditional Christmas spread: Ham, mashed potatoes and carrots. I love Christmas dinner because it is one of the few times during the year that we get to use our wedding china! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/12197661094/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Photo_Dec_25__4_10_41_PM.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo_Dec_25__4_10_41_PM.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/12197661094_b2bd51b48b_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few more pics from the Christmas season. I hope everyone had a happy and healthy Christmas and Holiday Season!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/12197210735/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo_Dec_25__8_15_55_AM.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo_Dec_25__8_15_55_AM.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/12197210735_7ed7442e0b_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/12197197805/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo_Dec_08__1_14_08_PM.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo_Dec_08__1_14_08_PM.jpg" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/12197197805_c91f183406_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Hymn Sing at Church<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/12197831016/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo_Dec_25__8_19_07_AM.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo_Dec_25__8_19_07_AM.jpg" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/12197831016_1922bdd5e9_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Jammies!!<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/12197850336/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo_Dec_25__10_08_19_AM.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo_Dec_25__10_08_19_AM.jpg" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/12197850336_ab1c055193_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All worn out after opening gifts<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas Everyone!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-24140591196247590892013-12-21T15:58:00.000-08:002014-01-30T16:43:50.726-08:00Nathan's First Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11830619865/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-12.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-12.jpg" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/11830619865_9b6908fe9e_c.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though we are in California and we don't really get a "winter" we still had to do a first winter picture for little Nathan. Hope everyone is getting ready for Christmas! It's just around the corner!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11831051924/" title="untitled-21.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-21.jpg" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/11831051924_8461a35f55_c.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nathan's eyes are still the same color....I love starting into those baby blues!</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11830623485/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="untitled-18.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-18.jpg" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/11830623485_bae6afcca7_c.jpg" height="385" width="640" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-36587610095589623332013-11-28T15:37:00.000-08:002014-01-30T16:43:50.729-08:00Nathan's First Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our first Thanksgiving with Nathan was really fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11812958414/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-25.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-25.jpg" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/11812958414_bf35f84146_c.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We ended up spending the holiday with Kyle's brother and his girlfriend who were up visiting from Los Angeles. Nathan enjoyed having lots of people in the house and relished the extra attention. It was really nice to have family around during the holidays as well; Kyle and I haven't had an opportunity to spend a holiday back in Rhode Island since we graduated from college back in 2008. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgOtce3h7BFpo4bwoaFWRuIzCo0n1oDd5VroeA1OXauIwiYnMdauLw3-zJ8ihKhrfRd5OGbUVUgWI8BlO35-TX6QguF5SX_sQ_KFbVIgdERvmryTV4XDHtXE5wIRsbYqJCe8Z57carDep/s1600/Photo+Dec+02,+19+28+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgOtce3h7BFpo4bwoaFWRuIzCo0n1oDd5VroeA1OXauIwiYnMdauLw3-zJ8ihKhrfRd5OGbUVUgWI8BlO35-TX6QguF5SX_sQ_KFbVIgdERvmryTV4XDHtXE5wIRsbYqJCe8Z57carDep/s640/Photo+Dec+02,+19+28+47.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nathan and Cassandra having fun!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr1t1co8DAxpEYJuWz6qLSdWWw5pswIl09CJ46pu6FJna7TgnQZoCRW3D5TuflqbvHOHUHQCWe9pLibrptSTGceNtN1FisE5sFSpmUMt4YMAf8EzPUm6UG_UGb7dadNzOnoc_465Q-vhV/s1600/Photo+Nov+28,+17+06+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr1t1co8DAxpEYJuWz6qLSdWWw5pswIl09CJ46pu6FJna7TgnQZoCRW3D5TuflqbvHOHUHQCWe9pLibrptSTGceNtN1FisE5sFSpmUMt4YMAf8EzPUm6UG_UGb7dadNzOnoc_465Q-vhV/s640/Photo+Nov+28,+17+06+38.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nathan's first Turkey Day!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We ended up spending the day with one of Kyle's old co-workers from San Diego Liz, who was a fellow officer on one of Kyle's previous ships. When Kyle re-signed for an additional time commitment last year Liz decided to transition out of the Navy and pursue other job opportunities. Ironically enough she ended up in the same place as us because her boyfriend (and now fiancee) was attending the same graduate school as Kyle! It was really nice to see her again! It certainly seems that the longer we are in the Navy the more likely you'll see a familiar face no matter where you go! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was really nice of her to invite us to spend Thanksgiving with them. The food was good and I only had to cook side dishes!!! Wooo Hooo!!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-7148890806038830682013-11-27T21:54:00.000-08:002014-01-28T15:38:55.337-08:00Nathan - Three Months OldTo my little man,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11813305206/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-45.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-45.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/11813305206_f03af48327_c.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You are three months old today!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11812809643/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-26.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-26.jpg" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/11812809643_37a83d8411_c.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can't believe how fast time has gone by! We have already had you home and in our lives for three months and what a three months they have been! You seem to be growing and changing every day and we love how much you seem to love life. Many people have told us that you are a very thoughtful little guy and I have noticed how seriously you look at the toys hanging down from your activity gym when we lay you on it. You haven't started reaching for things yet but I know that's coming!</div>
<br />
We are well into the night-time routine of bath, jammies, book and bed and you seem to be enjoying it. Right now your favorite book is Goodnight Moon and Mommy and Daddy both like how you seem to be looking at the pictures as we read to you cuddled on the rocker.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11812556155/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-22.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-22.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/11812556155_7cf4b82e0b_c.jpg" height="445" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You are such a little giggle monster and love to laugh and smile at mommy and daddy. You are still a little shy when we go out though, so not many other people has seen your smile yet. We still take you to physical therapy for your neck and the doctor says you are doing well. We have been trying to put you on your tummy as much as possible and you are actually starting to tolerate it more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It makes mommy sad how fast you are growing, you are nearly out of your newborn clothes and into 0-3 and even a few 3-6 month items! You are still nursing like a champ and even though mommy is quite bleary eyed when you wake for night feedings, I have been trying to savor the moments at night when the world is quiet and you fall asleep snuggled in my arms. I know I will blink and that time will be over...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11812824943/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-50.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-50.jpg" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/11812824943_8d9dac68cf_c.jpg" height="640" width="481" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mommy loves you little man. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We can't wait to see what next month will bring!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With love to the moon and back,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mommy & Daddy</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-65649264798917690062013-11-26T11:37:00.000-08:002014-01-30T16:40:28.325-08:00Kids in the House: The Ultimate Parenting Resource<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was reading over some blog posts in my feedly reader this morning and <a href="http://fitbottomedmamas.com/">fit bottomed mamas</a> posted a video link from this resource website <a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/#">Kids in the House</a>. It was a short clip from Elizabeth Pantley, one of the parenting experts who has several short videos up on the Kids in the House website. I really enjoyed the clip and decided to visit the website's homepage and I have to say I was very impressed. This site is full of little one to three minute videos from dozens of doctors, social workers, parenting experts and OTHER REAL PARENTS!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least for me who is a first time parent and haven't navigated the murky waters known as raising children it was nice for me to watch a few videos (which are SHORT! score!) to get a few ideas on certain things and to get some additional reinforcement that I am not alone on this road of parenting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a screenshot of the homepage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/#" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIuTBrix8jW32JAUCsApOPi6_aHdIl1JWxbEqicHspZo7i6i_vgrYcAzk0VG7nHtUJBzO4iaIwHOlCcfBzYUCPRd1aYKRFtXCPW5A4C2UGWf7t9JrjTJ5Z-TsYntd1kDrBBv-CAkuKq9A/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-12-05+at+11.18.21+AM.png" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I spent most of my time looking over the first year videos on sleep and sleep training (we still aren't doing very well on the sleep front in our house) and did get some good tips. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As for any advise I have been given, read about, looked up, googled or otherwise received I take it with the proverbial grain of salt. I listen to it, then do what is best for me (and I suggest you do the same)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out the website if you're a parent, I think you'll be pleased! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh it's also completely free, didn't I mention that?</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-81885444822967938802013-11-16T23:24:00.003-08:002013-11-16T23:24:34.254-08:00Reedy-ness<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was full of productivity and getting things done!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have my clarinet lesson every other week now and today was the day; so naturally I felt completely unprepared and was panicking last night. I asked Kyle to watch the little guy this morning so I could get some last minute playing time in so I wouldn't have to sight read the etude I was "supposed" to be working on. Getting time to practice when it's just me and Nathan at home is next to impossible! Much to my surprise it was so easy to play for a solid hour when someone else is watching the baby! I think I'm going to try and get up earlier most weekend mornings so I can get some extended practice time while Kyle is home. During the week it's usually only in 5 minute intervals that I can actually get my butt in the chair. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At my lesson we went over some reed strengths and my teacher showed me how to clip a clarinet reed to make it stronger. She has this crazy reed clipper that looks like a cross between a nail clipper and a medieval torture device</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiUObBjWJ93tAloIyxsIzZKPnJX5pjzlu608jlusHxeZebnmwYqibJBlmhrs4lWiQGmVZeywxo1Y_GghO0cGoul-RDL7Rrm6dMooz9b-8n8nwdi3ByMc37h9rn0a3_ZGW095rWUoUvenr/s1600/633715257365215252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiUObBjWJ93tAloIyxsIzZKPnJX5pjzlu608jlusHxeZebnmwYqibJBlmhrs4lWiQGmVZeywxo1Y_GghO0cGoul-RDL7Rrm6dMooz9b-8n8nwdi3ByMc37h9rn0a3_ZGW095rWUoUvenr/s400/633715257365215252.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">better not get your finger caught in there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
We are spending a few minutes at the beginning of each lesson to focus on sight reading. I have always found sight reading to be very intimidating so the more exposure I get the better in my opinion! Then on to scales and etudes/band music. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like the thing I am finding most difficult at the moment is tension in my hands. My finger speed is just O.K and I realize that the one thing that really is holding me back in that regard is I can't relax my hands. My teacher said that working on my scales, really focusing on absolute perfection (solid embouchure, lots of air, and RELAXED hands); played S-L-O-W-L-Y will help with that. Ok, got it; let's get to work!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I moved onto the next etude and I'm starting a new solo piece this cycle. This time I get three weeks to practice since we're skipping the week of Thanksgiving. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In my mind I tell myself, "am I better now than I was at my last lesson, last rehearsal, yesterday, last practice session, 5 min ago?" Hopefully most days the answer to that question is </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hell yeah!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so thankful for my music; it keeps me grounded and (I think) make me a better mother. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nathan does enjoy listening to me every so often!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-32360849854407673252013-11-13T22:36:00.002-08:002013-11-13T22:36:42.743-08:00How's Things?<div style="text-align: center;">
Things seem to be pretty, well, awake!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nathan has kept me guessing CONSTANTLY with his sleeping habits. Just when I think I have him figured out he completely changes his routine. Does that mean he doesn't have a routine? Well I guess complete and total randomness, if consistent, is a pattern itself right? Sure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's 11 weeks old now (by the way I'm not too proud to admit that I actually had to count on the calendar to get the actual weeks, after we hit the second month I just tell people "he's two months old." Does that make me wrong? Frankly I'm too tired to care...) anyway he started sleeping for longer stretches at around 6 weeks. By that I mean I put him down when we go to sleep around 10 and he sleeps until around 3, is up to nurse then back down until around 6am. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been in L-O-V-E with this night pattern which has been ::knock on wood:: consistent for the last few weeks, but during the day? Oh Lordy during the day this kid just doesn't want to sleep. We're lucky to get a mini nap during the day and an afternoon nap is pretty much non existent. This seems to be the norm then every so often he seems to have a day where all he does is sleep (then mama gets a lot done!) I hear other mothers talk about the "routine" and the "schedule" and I think "man I have NO IDEA when my kid naps or eats during the day"...when he's hungry I feed him and when he's tired I rock him to sleep. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is that wrong? Did I mention that I'm too tired to give a hoot? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other aspects of my life are pretty much business as usual. I have been working on the Rose Etude # 13 and my band music has been keeping me pretty busy. My playing routine has basically been turned on it's head since Nathan was born. After some trial and error I have started to bookend my day with my clarinet; meaning I put it together first thing in the morning and take it apart before I go to bed. When it's set up and easily accessible I can almost get in 10 whole minutes of playing a day! After a while I just stopped watching the clock. If I sat in the chair and played AT ALL I considered it a win.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm about 5 pounds away from my pre pregnancy weight and I'm feeling really good. I started going back to spin class at about 8 weeks postpartum; I go to class about once a week and on the in between days I run or work out with my Jillian Michaels DVDs at home. Lately I've been considering starting a cycle of p90x in December. Am I insane? Probably....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is pretty much a repeating cycle of Nathan, Laundry, Nathan, Cooking, Nathan, Working out, Nathan, Playing Clarinet, Nathan & Kyle too!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's ok, frankly I wouldn't want it any other way....</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-79260212648307186982013-11-13T21:49:00.000-08:002014-01-28T16:55:42.718-08:00Nathan's First Autumn<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am attempting to play catch up with all of my back posts from November and December, starting with Nathan's first seasonal picture. Enjoy!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/11813285026/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-13.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-13.jpg" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/11813285026_60d72ff36d_c.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-81302803527636847062013-10-31T20:08:00.000-07:002013-11-10T20:09:10.407-08:00Happy Halloween!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We had a very enjoyable first Halloween with the little man. We dressed him up as BATMAN!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792110555/" title="1422557_10100790037295864_628938190_n.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="1422557_10100790037295864_628938190_n.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/10792110555_805a90f9c4.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I still had to go to band rehearsal that night so I wasn't able to stay and hand out candy but Kyle and Nathan did a fine job with all of the (cough cough only 4) trick or treaters we had. I suppose most of the kiddos in our neighborhood stuck to the "nicer" houses up the hill. Hey kids! Just because we live in the older town homes doesn't mean I don't buy brand name candy! Hey more kit-kats for me I guess.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We did some lovely first Halloween pictures too. Please enjoy them....<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792045214/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-3.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-3.jpg" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/10792045214_3ae4b904a3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10791957116/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-5.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-5.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/10791957116_da47164c9d.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792062564/" title="untitled-12.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-12.jpg" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10792062564_6b8cfa5e56.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792180623/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-9.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-9.jpg" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/10792180623_bb9769238c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you enjoy them.....I know you did!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-30263597823168491922013-10-27T21:25:00.000-07:002013-11-10T21:36:27.334-08:00Nathan - Two Months OldTo my little man,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10791966215/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="untitled-29.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-29.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/10791966215_dab443ab28.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
You are two months old today!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You are more and more alert every day and are constantly melting mommy and daddy's heart with your giggles and smiles. October was a busy month for us. You got to meet your Grandma and Grandpa Fullerton at the beginning of the month and boy did they enjoy getting to know you! It seems that anyone that spends any time with you instantly falls in love! We had a couple of hard nights at the beginning of the month and just as it seemed that sleep would become a distant memory in our household, you started sleeping 4-5 hours at a time; only waking once to nurse, and you started to smile!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10791980786/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-19.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-19.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/10791980786_f940734551.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I have lived for over a quarter of a century. I've seen the canals of Venice and the Eiffel tower; I've danced with my father on my wedding day; I've literally saved lives though my work as a nurse and I can tell you right now that I didn't know what happiness was until you looked right into my eyes and; recognizing who I was; smiled right at me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792014116/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-46.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-46.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/10792014116_ac5341ab4f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That little smile of recognition and love is worth all the lost sleep, all the diaper changes, all the poop and pee and crying and stress. I can spend hours and hours just looking into your eyes and seeing that little smirk; and when you started giggling at around 8 weeks? I melted just like a puddle when I herd that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792007066/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-42.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-42.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/10792007066_f350dcbc34.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mommy and Daddy have been trying to work together to make sure you are fed and changed, well rested and loved, and I think you know that whenever you are in our arms, you're well cared for!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10791972755/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-36.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-36.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/10791972755_d8017de139.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At your one month checkup the doctor was concerned about your neck development and suggested we get you to physical therapy to strengthen the left side of your neck. We have been going twice a week for about three weeks and you are really getting strong! Now during tummy time you can really lift your head up and turn your head to your shoulder both ways! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you! You will be sitting up before we know it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792204883/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-23.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-23.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/10792204883_c7e2d26ef8.jpg" width="433" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10792239713/" title="untitled-49.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-49.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/10792239713_8e90b1df1d.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We love you more than words can say my sweet baby. Don't grow up too fast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We can't wait to see what next month will bring...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With love to the moon and back,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mommy and Daddy</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548471965282375561.post-22611136847230030392013-10-16T21:38:00.003-07:002013-10-16T21:38:50.422-07:00More Pics of the Little Guy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10256806785/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-10.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-10.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/10256806785_693440cfa8.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finally got my tie stickers in the mail (I ordered them late) and I got my one month (6 weeks actually) shots of Nathan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10256819766/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-24.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-24.jpg" height="426" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/10256819766_55d7df90d4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I have always loved the idea of posing your baby next to a large stuffed animal each month so you can clearly see how much they grow over time.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10256713944/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-23.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-23.jpg" height="517" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8557/10256713944_d259d21af0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little guy's personality is starting to come out!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10256730354/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-25.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-25.jpg" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/10256730354_088fcf9b9e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are no words to describe the cuteness!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlerhodygirl/10256859485/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled-34.jpg by LittleRhodyGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled-34.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/10256859485_ba9ed243ef.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Mama loves you little guy!<br />
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05544214399381953869noreply@blogger.com0