A Special Christmas Gift

This past weekend the hubby started working on making Rileys play kitchen. He was in charge of building it and I was in charge of getting accessories together. I took a trip out to World Market and picked up knobs for the oven, a curtain to go underneath the sink and some "cooking" accessories. I am beyond excited for her to receive this gift at Christmas! She is going to love it!! I think I am going to paint it a similar color to the dining room table. I didn't want to make it to girly just in a case Avery wants to play with it later on. I will post a picture when it's all done!

Chalkboard Project

Last week I was browsing the Salvation Army and came across this awesome gold frame. Although it is plastic and didn't have any class or mirror I knew exactly what I was going to use it for. So I paid the $8.00 and took it home. I spray painted it white, took some left over wood from our garage and painted it with chalkboard paint. I then duct taped (the Merrill way) the board to the back of the frame. It hangs in our hallway, where I can see from the kitchen and I just love it! I love writing little notes on it. Right now we have our thankful list. Here is what everyone said they were thankful for: Avery and Riley (DJ), Our Home (Mommy), My Job (Daddy), Toys (Riley), Milk (Avery). And of course God who makes it all possible! It is nice to be reminded daily what we are thankful for!

Toot Toot!

My husband always says, "I don't mean to toot my own horn but..." Everytime it makes me laugh, because he says it a lot!
He told me yesterday that I should toot my own horn for a second. So here I go! I have been hitting the gym 5 days a week for 3 weeks in a row, COMPLETELY changed my eating habits, changed my portion size, blah blah blah. It has been hard but not as hard as I thought. Once I cut out the sweets (besides an occassional treat), I really didn't crave them anymore. I love to watch the Biggest Loser and on every episode before they go to break Bob or Jillian will give a little info-merical about a product. Every once in a while they will give healthy snack options, so I just follow that. Greek Yogurt, Almonds, Protein bar, apple (which a little peanut butter), etc. It has become so routine and my eating schedule is the same everyday. I get hungry at the same times, I don't feel sluggish (even though I am only getting about 5 hours of shut eye a night, Thakns Av!). And here comes the "toot" part...I finally dropped to a lower weight then before I got pregnant with Avery!!! I am not huge on weighing yourself, but when I told Jim my goal to lose 10lbs by Christmas (7 more to go!) he told me that if I did, I could go buy a nice pair of jeans, whatever kind I choose! Ummm...yes please! I am super competative, even with myself, so you better believe I am going to reach my goal!
I have another girlfriend who has a goal as well, her husband set up a little (actually big!) reward for her at the end. So it has been fun to do some work outs together and encourage eachother! I think having others around you to encourage you are key in your health and weight loss goals! Good luck!

Surgery.

All went well yesterday with Jim's knee surgery. He is in minimal pain and even walked on a tad yesterday, well, more like a hobble. He got a good nights rest lastnight so we will see how today goes. Avery literally cried the entire time he was in surgery and only stopped after we were in the recovery room with him. It was really sweet. But what wasn't sweet is Avery pretty much cried all yesterday. I am not really sure what is wrong, but I think he is teething (already!) because his shirt is soaked more of the day from drool and he can't keep his hands out of his mouth!

I am hoping for a restful weekend!

Sleepless Nights

Avery just hit his 4 month mark and he decided to celebrate by consistently getting up about 5 times per night! Needless to say, I am exhausted. Our pediatrician recommended Jim giving him a 4-6oz bottle of pumped milk once per night to see if this would cure the problem. After searching for the right bottle and Avery finally taking a bottle, lastnight we tried it. Can I say BIG FAIL! Jim said he drank about 1/2 an ounce an fell right back asleep! So he was up 1 1/2 hour after that ready to eat again. Riley also woke up crying at 2am so needless to say, I was up all night. We are going to try again tonight, but Jim is having knee surgery tomorrow so after tonight, I am on my own until next week! This has been an especially hard and trying time for me but I know it's temporary. I am eagerly anticipating a full night sleep. Riley slept through the night at a year, so if Avery does the same, what's another 8 months of no sleep?! Yeah, we'll see if I make it that far!

On a lighter note, tonight is date night. This will be a good refreshing time for Jim and I before his surgery tomorrow. I have a cow bell that I am going to let him use if he needs help after the surgery, it should be pretty funny!