Oh man, I was really all over the place this week! I stayed at 119 for a while i think but tofurkey day killed it! and it should! I was also at 123 this week too...like I said, all over the place.
So, post mashed potatoes, casseroles, risotto, salads, cheeses, veggies, tender bits, rolls, and you name it....and with clothes on and 2 or 3 meals in me today (including some left overs for breakfast!)....
120.6
WHOOT! I did well.
I am THANKFUL FOR being vegetarian! :-) Happy Thanksgiving Folks
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
a trip to the dentist for a lolipop
In kiran's mind of course, her objective was to get candy. She's 4.5 and hasn't seen a dentist yet. I was started to feel like quite the unfit parent you might say. She finally complained of her first toothache last week so we had to make the call. Turns out she's got 20 gorgeous teeth an only 1 little spot in the back to watch out for. We'll be rosting (aka flossing) and brushing with some mouthwash back there and we should be just fine!
Merina!
For the next 5 years, I'm safe from pregnancy now thanks to the IUD, Merina. Oliver and I paid another visit to the OBGYN yesterday for a very long and safe contraceptive and I couldn't help be feel very sad and scared to think I may not ever have another of him! or another little Kiran. FIVE YEARS FOLKS! I realize people have babies at 32, but I can tell you when I reach 30 I won't have the desire to go through all that again. I want my kids very close in age, and I want the energy I have right now.
But we also have good reasons to stop at two. Financially we can't manage another kid. They say you can't tell the difference between 3 and 4 kids, but 2 and 3 it's still quite noticeable. About 10K-12K a year; 170,000 by the time they leave home....then you pay for college ;) ha.
It also takes time and attention away from the two beautiful children we have. Kiran's getting into sports and other school activities, homework and extra study every night. Oliver is going to be in her footsteps. But is that really an excuse? How does every other well-knit family of 5 handle it? We're built and equipped to juggle these things, but for now I need to continue filling myself with excuses so that I'm okay with this.
Lastly, I would absolutely love to adopt for so many reasons. I don't think Evan is of the same opinion on this but if I can't talk him into one maybe i can talk him into the other!
Anyways, the appointment was pretty interesting. Oliver was once again really protective of me. He cried as soon as my doctor came in, certain he would try to hurt me. So he allowed oliver to sit on my stomach during the procedure. Well Oliver proceeded to bounce so this was far from comfortable. And the doctor actually broke the first device and very impatiently had assistant fetch another. Not awkward at all! Oh and this wasn't Oliver's fault. Lets just blame my cervix for now.
Just like the old days, I was on Dr. Cone's table, with Oliver situated on my tummy, but this time above the skin.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Progress Report #1 from Helms!
I got to sign off on Kiran's first Progress Report this morning and seal it away in a little zip log baggy to keep it pure and undamaged - the way I will keep my precious daughter for ever and ever. It handed Ms.Arocha the signed report with a smile and said "excellente!" - she knew I was excited about what was enclosed!
She got mostly 2's and 3's, with 1,2, and 3 being your only grading options. Lets us not even really call these grades, I mean the girl is 4 1/2. And remember how we got the fantastic compliments on her science skills the other day?! It was no lie! She got nearly all 2's in that section! I wanted to bring the report into work and scan it for this post, but it HAD to be turned in today.
To sum it up, we think she's doing fabulous. You have to consider she's a white student studying a foreign language and unable to understand most of what goes on during the day. She's working hard to pay attention closely, she's following along quite well and we're so proud of her! She got at least nine 3's on her progress report too! Fantastic! We'll have to think of a way to reward this now, to let her know we're paying attention.
Friday, November 21, 2008
WEIGH-IN #19
It turns out, what is recommended is what is best for me. While in Dallas, where I habitually gain 3-6 lbs, I decided to bump up the calories an estimated 300. Well I actually released a few this time! And this was by eating a little more!
Today’s weigh-In 121.2 (28.8 pounds lost!)
I’ll admit I was nervous after the Greek Festival last night. I even attended this little event at the Marriott before hand. The executive chef invited a few good clients to a little wine / finger food gathering in their wine room. So I had a glass with some spinach dip and rushed out the door – and onto more food and wine!
The Kids had a blast last night! They got to see Mandy, Michelle, Levi, and Neils (Mandy’s fiancé from the Netherlands). Kiki wasn’t sure who she loved more between the two men. I think she’s totally crushed out right now between Nate and all the other boys here in town. It’s funny to watch for like two seconds and then it’s like…Um…..”we gotta go”
Today’s weigh-In 121.2 (28.8 pounds lost!)
I’ll admit I was nervous after the Greek Festival last night. I even attended this little event at the Marriott before hand. The executive chef invited a few good clients to a little wine / finger food gathering in their wine room. So I had a glass with some spinach dip and rushed out the door – and onto more food and wine!
The Kids had a blast last night! They got to see Mandy, Michelle, Levi, and Neils (Mandy’s fiancé from the Netherlands). Kiki wasn’t sure who she loved more between the two men. I think she’s totally crushed out right now between Nate and all the other boys here in town. It’s funny to watch for like two seconds and then it’s like…Um…..”we gotta go”
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Fun with Numbers
Last night Kiran and I had what she calls a "Girls night out where we can be sneaky and sassy"...(WHAT?!) I do not understand her at all sometimes....these words that come from her mouth. Anyways, Helms likes to call it Fun with Numbers. In other words, Math Night!
Initially I was concerned it might be geared towards the bigger kids as those are the ones who turned up with their moms. But as we wandered around we learned they would sort of downgrade the material depending on the age. I saw NO pre-k age students in the building, I was proud to represent. Our first stop was Ms. Arocha - for a hug and to "Fish" and play her game. It was fun, and we got a lot of compliments on Kiran's skills of course! <3. We played cards, we built things, we learned about the Venn Diagrahm, we voted on cookies and counted, made our own flashcards for matching games and number recognition....the whole 9 yards!
Initially I was concerned it might be geared towards the bigger kids as those are the ones who turned up with their moms. But as we wandered around we learned they would sort of downgrade the material depending on the age. I saw NO pre-k age students in the building, I was proud to represent. Our first stop was Ms. Arocha - for a hug and to "Fish" and play her game. It was fun, and we got a lot of compliments on Kiran's skills of course! <3. We played cards, we built things, we learned about the Venn Diagrahm, we voted on cookies and counted, made our own flashcards for matching games and number recognition....the whole 9 yards!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Life Lessons by Pops
If you have a bored, or even fussy baby...take him to Pops' house.
"Hey, Olly, here's a stick. Check it out for a while"
"A what? Okay"
"Let me see this thing..."
"YEAH! This thing ROCKS! Or...um...STICKS, or whatever...I like it Pops, thanks!"
"You're welcome sweety, I knew you would, you're a boy"
"Hey dad, come'er..you look bored...I have this cool stick..You'll like it, you're a boy. When I'm done I'll let you borrow it."
Dad: "Oh...did pops give you that?"
"Hey, Olly, here's a stick. Check it out for a while"
"A what? Okay"
"Let me see this thing..."
"YEAH! This thing ROCKS! Or...um...STICKS, or whatever...I like it Pops, thanks!"
"You're welcome sweety, I knew you would, you're a boy"
"Hey dad, come'er..you look bored...I have this cool stick..You'll like it, you're a boy. When I'm done I'll let you borrow it."
Dad: "Oh...did pops give you that?"
Because I owe you so much
I've been absent on here lately except quick posts here and there. It takes time to get pics loaded on here so that's my excuse. But I have a lot now so I'm playing catch up because I do owe you a lot!
And while I'm at it, I'll give you a little update on Oliver and Kiran. We hit a few rough spots with obedience with Kiran, but really if you slow down and just fill her little heart with love and attention she will show you her best side. It's hard to find time to do that 100% though, sadly. I want to, though. I'm going to try harder, and I hope she will too. There are a lot of fits right now, ones that seem unnecessary, but under it all something is probably going on. Isn't there always.
She is doing fabulous in school. REALLY great! Her teachers all adore her! And Ms. Neder was walking in this morning and nudged me "yeah, um 4 going on 100....the girl is just so into Science, you're so lucky" - THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING. It was really a huge compliment to me. I've been thinking about this a lot lately! When you watch the way she place and what her interests are, you would be amazed at how much they fall under that catagory. And she's eager to learn something new when it comes to science. And the fact of it is, science is everywhere. Not every kid cares about that. I didn't when I was young. We are blessed. I love it when someone else recognizes something that I think only I see, especially a teacher. Others believe in her the way I do.
Oliver is growing to be just like is big sister! If he can ever get past his balloon obsession he might get really into books like she is. Funniest thing happened this morning - he was dreaming in the car on the way to daycare, and as soon as he snapped out of when I opened the back car door he said, "Ba-oon" instantly. It gets better, right after that he began nodding off again and said boon in this drifting tone that sort of diminishes at the end as his eyes roll back in his head. I nearly fell on my butt laughing. It was hysterical.He is consumed in the idea of balloons still. they don't fall like the other things, but he's learning they do eventually waft towards the floor. It's a bizarre thing.
He's still in the 95% for height so he's pretty tall like his sister. And we're all in agreement that the two of them are looking more and more alike. He's a talker these days. His latest word is Leche, and even said "Kiki" this morning twice as we pointed to Kirans classroom from outside her school! I've heard over 35 words come out of his mouth which is impressive for a 13 month old! But he doesn't use them regularly. Over the weekend he pointed to matty and said "Dog" then barked right after her. He's got the hang of things, doesn't he.
In some area's he's a little too far ahead. He's been hitting me on the arm to get a reaction when I change him. He'll get mad that I've layed him down, he'll hit me and look right in my eyes for response. He's very calm when he does this because he knows already we're engaged. It's the strangest thing. He looks at me like a 5 year old would and I could nearly cry when I see that stare...that desire for reaction. I can't even describe it. The first time I just put his hand down and said we don't hit and gave him a hug and all that, or kissed his hand, or even said gentle hands because he'll actually do that cute soft hand down your face and smile at you. But he's done it now a few times with that same cold stare. Now I get really upset and I'll tell him we don't hit, remove his hand and remove us from that room where he's getting the reaction from me...like I would kiran who is 4!!!! then hug him or kiss his hand and he forgets all about it. It's unbelievable. It's not just "playing" trust a mother who watches this go on.
Doesn't matter as long as he learns, but it's scarey how they understand so much.
We love him.
Enjoy this pics...the yellow suit was evans when he was little. I need some side-by-side comparison pics...hope to drag those out for you soon!
CLICK ME, I STILL HAVE MY LASHES!
And while I'm at it, I'll give you a little update on Oliver and Kiran. We hit a few rough spots with obedience with Kiran, but really if you slow down and just fill her little heart with love and attention she will show you her best side. It's hard to find time to do that 100% though, sadly. I want to, though. I'm going to try harder, and I hope she will too. There are a lot of fits right now, ones that seem unnecessary, but under it all something is probably going on. Isn't there always.
She is doing fabulous in school. REALLY great! Her teachers all adore her! And Ms. Neder was walking in this morning and nudged me "yeah, um 4 going on 100....the girl is just so into Science, you're so lucky" - THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING. It was really a huge compliment to me. I've been thinking about this a lot lately! When you watch the way she place and what her interests are, you would be amazed at how much they fall under that catagory. And she's eager to learn something new when it comes to science. And the fact of it is, science is everywhere. Not every kid cares about that. I didn't when I was young. We are blessed. I love it when someone else recognizes something that I think only I see, especially a teacher. Others believe in her the way I do.
Oliver is growing to be just like is big sister! If he can ever get past his balloon obsession he might get really into books like she is. Funniest thing happened this morning - he was dreaming in the car on the way to daycare, and as soon as he snapped out of when I opened the back car door he said, "Ba-oon" instantly. It gets better, right after that he began nodding off again and said boon in this drifting tone that sort of diminishes at the end as his eyes roll back in his head. I nearly fell on my butt laughing. It was hysterical.He is consumed in the idea of balloons still. they don't fall like the other things, but he's learning they do eventually waft towards the floor. It's a bizarre thing.
He's still in the 95% for height so he's pretty tall like his sister. And we're all in agreement that the two of them are looking more and more alike. He's a talker these days. His latest word is Leche, and even said "Kiki" this morning twice as we pointed to Kirans classroom from outside her school! I've heard over 35 words come out of his mouth which is impressive for a 13 month old! But he doesn't use them regularly. Over the weekend he pointed to matty and said "Dog" then barked right after her. He's got the hang of things, doesn't he.
In some area's he's a little too far ahead. He's been hitting me on the arm to get a reaction when I change him. He'll get mad that I've layed him down, he'll hit me and look right in my eyes for response. He's very calm when he does this because he knows already we're engaged. It's the strangest thing. He looks at me like a 5 year old would and I could nearly cry when I see that stare...that desire for reaction. I can't even describe it. The first time I just put his hand down and said we don't hit and gave him a hug and all that, or kissed his hand, or even said gentle hands because he'll actually do that cute soft hand down your face and smile at you. But he's done it now a few times with that same cold stare. Now I get really upset and I'll tell him we don't hit, remove his hand and remove us from that room where he's getting the reaction from me...like I would kiran who is 4!!!! then hug him or kiss his hand and he forgets all about it. It's unbelievable. It's not just "playing" trust a mother who watches this go on.
Doesn't matter as long as he learns, but it's scarey how they understand so much.
We love him.
Enjoy this pics...the yellow suit was evans when he was little. I need some side-by-side comparison pics...hope to drag those out for you soon!
CLICK ME, I STILL HAVE MY LASHES!
Once upon a dark night...
there was a fierce lion roaming the streets, who would never harm a soul. he was just there to watch, to look on, as the masked children giggled with glee as they got each tootsee roll and buttercup.
and the 3,000 year old mummy, up from her tomb, to beg for candy to fill her tummy was just as feirce with her bloody blade. She was new at this for the second time. I think it starts out like that the first couple of years. You have to become proficient at trick-or-treating!
We had a total blast, enjoy!
and the 3,000 year old mummy, up from her tomb, to beg for candy to fill her tummy was just as feirce with her bloody blade. She was new at this for the second time. I think it starts out like that the first couple of years. You have to become proficient at trick-or-treating!
We had a total blast, enjoy!
Friday, November 14, 2008
sort of an update
for those that follow the blog and the weigh-in's i thought this was a neat site.
this is all about the last 10lbs. take one look at me you'd think 15 lbs to go, but then i'd be considered under weight. it's unfortunate that i'll have to carry it all in the middle forever or have that label: underweight oh well. so this site has some really encouraging stuff about losing the last 10 pounds. it is true a lot of people start to coast here because you've done so well, you're so close and become so satisfied with yourself that maybe you don't try as hard. is this what i've done last week?!
i specifically like the kickstart ideas they give you at the bottom about cleaning up the diet. how many ingredients are in the foods you're eating? smart. i like the more proteins and veggies for meals 4, 5 and 6. i don't really do the 6 meals a day because that's what got me to 150! i'm at 123 and i'm scared to get into that whole "snacky" attitude. I feel safer at 3 meals since i have no time to exercise. when the kids are older i can reconsider things.
at any rate, read on if you're interested, you might find a lot of this useful:
http://www.formerfatguy.com/articles/weight-loss/10-pounds-to-lose.asp
this is all about the last 10lbs. take one look at me you'd think 15 lbs to go, but then i'd be considered under weight. it's unfortunate that i'll have to carry it all in the middle forever or have that label: underweight oh well. so this site has some really encouraging stuff about losing the last 10 pounds. it is true a lot of people start to coast here because you've done so well, you're so close and become so satisfied with yourself that maybe you don't try as hard. is this what i've done last week?!
i specifically like the kickstart ideas they give you at the bottom about cleaning up the diet. how many ingredients are in the foods you're eating? smart. i like the more proteins and veggies for meals 4, 5 and 6. i don't really do the 6 meals a day because that's what got me to 150! i'm at 123 and i'm scared to get into that whole "snacky" attitude. I feel safer at 3 meals since i have no time to exercise. when the kids are older i can reconsider things.
at any rate, read on if you're interested, you might find a lot of this useful:
http://www.formerfatguy.com/articles/weight-loss/10-pounds-to-lose.asp
WEIGH-IN #18
123 still! this is the part where I HAVE to get back into my pilates, right?!
i still consider this week a loss sort of! I was up to like 126 / 127 and had to get back down! haha.
here is the strange thing, a few days i got like 800-1000 calories in a day. some days under 800. I had no idea. I added it up. and i'm even traking points and using them right up so I don't know what the deal is! that's pretty uncool. but something i also really need to talk to my doctor about...is this a thyroid issue? something to do again with my triglyceride level and my body handing onto the fat? i was eating probably 1400-2000 calories before and I'd maintain or gain, or lose if i found time to do pilaties. But i'm one of those people that will keep that midsection fat no matter what. you know? i remember after kiran, i got to this weight and could never get lower. could it be the case now? i will try harder, but also want to talk to the doc to see if something else is at play! 730 calories the other day! holy cow! i want to eat wayyyyy more than that! hahahha. 1200 is recommended for someone who does not exercise, but i'm pretty sure that would go over on my points. this is getting hard to figure out! do i need to count calories or points now?!
okay, thanks for reading guys, see you friday.
i still consider this week a loss sort of! I was up to like 126 / 127 and had to get back down! haha.
here is the strange thing, a few days i got like 800-1000 calories in a day. some days under 800. I had no idea. I added it up. and i'm even traking points and using them right up so I don't know what the deal is! that's pretty uncool. but something i also really need to talk to my doctor about...is this a thyroid issue? something to do again with my triglyceride level and my body handing onto the fat? i was eating probably 1400-2000 calories before and I'd maintain or gain, or lose if i found time to do pilaties. But i'm one of those people that will keep that midsection fat no matter what. you know? i remember after kiran, i got to this weight and could never get lower. could it be the case now? i will try harder, but also want to talk to the doc to see if something else is at play! 730 calories the other day! holy cow! i want to eat wayyyyy more than that! hahahha. 1200 is recommended for someone who does not exercise, but i'm pretty sure that would go over on my points. this is getting hard to figure out! do i need to count calories or points now?!
okay, thanks for reading guys, see you friday.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
just a kiss
Maddie and Oliver will grow up as BFF's for sure. little bark buddies. cute.
in this picture, to me oliver looks like a doll that pops pulled off the shelf. that smile looks everlasting and his arms seem fixed. like you could carry him off that way and he'd never bend! maybe he comes with a plastic bottle and you have to feed him? oh, and maybe he cries too...yeah...he cries! haha. kiran looks so cute. i can remember the song we were singing that day!
in this picture, to me oliver looks like a doll that pops pulled off the shelf. that smile looks everlasting and his arms seem fixed. like you could carry him off that way and he'd never bend! maybe he comes with a plastic bottle and you have to feed him? oh, and maybe he cries too...yeah...he cries! haha. kiran looks so cute. i can remember the song we were singing that day!
a "Joy" to be with
Hurricaine Ike seems like an entire year ago, but it has only been two months! I missed out on the awesome play date with the adorable twins! I'm glad to have these precious pictures at least!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Whoops?!
well well well....i decided to try on my bridesmaid dress this weekend and it's time to order a new one! one size smaller of course. no way could i go two because i'm different sizes all over. i have a "mommy" body after all!
last time i tried it on i actually had problems withe upper body area, and that's no problem at all anymore, in fact it sorta sags there now! I guess that's good news. i just hope they have the dress for order online still. Got any news on that gammy? I'll be looking for that shortly. I might bring the current dress with me to dallas this weekend to get some ideas. Maybe you'll suggest keeping this one and just getting some alterations.
last time i tried it on i actually had problems withe upper body area, and that's no problem at all anymore, in fact it sorta sags there now! I guess that's good news. i just hope they have the dress for order online still. Got any news on that gammy? I'll be looking for that shortly. I might bring the current dress with me to dallas this weekend to get some ideas. Maybe you'll suggest keeping this one and just getting some alterations.
Friday, November 7, 2008
WEIGH-IN #17
123.4 or 123.0 (i got both readings, that scale is so temper mental)
I'm around 10 pounds from goal weight and that's pretty exciting! They do suggest you stick with weight watchers to continue losing money..haha...i mean to do what they call "Maintenance". I don't know what that means for the points allowance I currently have. I do know that I'm given 20 a day which has helped me lose, so I would hope I'm allowed around 2 more each day so that I can enjoy a little more and just hold a good healthy weight.
Some of you reading this are mothers, and you know that your pre-pregnancy weight was perfect for you. After the baby, once things have shifted in the most unflattering way, what will that number look like on you then? That's what I'm curious about right now. I don't want to be any less than 110, which I was before Kiran came along, so I'll need to figure out an exercise that will help if I'm not pleased by the time I reach goal. And then the big task: finding time for it! I'm thinking pilates could be my best friend and we did okay when I was going once a week back in May and June.
Thanks for staying tuned and keeping me focused everyone! 27 pounds lost. It may have taken 4 months, but it has been worth it.
I'm around 10 pounds from goal weight and that's pretty exciting! They do suggest you stick with weight watchers to continue losing money..haha...i mean to do what they call "Maintenance". I don't know what that means for the points allowance I currently have. I do know that I'm given 20 a day which has helped me lose, so I would hope I'm allowed around 2 more each day so that I can enjoy a little more and just hold a good healthy weight.
Some of you reading this are mothers, and you know that your pre-pregnancy weight was perfect for you. After the baby, once things have shifted in the most unflattering way, what will that number look like on you then? That's what I'm curious about right now. I don't want to be any less than 110, which I was before Kiran came along, so I'll need to figure out an exercise that will help if I'm not pleased by the time I reach goal. And then the big task: finding time for it! I'm thinking pilates could be my best friend and we did okay when I was going once a week back in May and June.
Thanks for staying tuned and keeping me focused everyone! 27 pounds lost. It may have taken 4 months, but it has been worth it.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
they were a part of history!
we took a lot of pleasure in having the kids stand along our sides as we cast our ballots on November 4th. let me retract that - kiran ran around ALL over the place in her avril lavine-esque garb, but she enjoyed herself and that's what matters. Wait, that's sorta false too, I think she said something at the end to the effect of "that was boring". She was just put out that we had to leave the park, though.
All things considered, it was a very exciting and significant night for the clevelands and for amERICA! Here are the smiles on our ugly mugs after ballots were cast:
All things considered, it was a very exciting and significant night for the clevelands and for amERICA! Here are the smiles on our ugly mugs after ballots were cast:
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Soon enough
You'll get to feast on our fotos from halloween! The kids were adorable and I really should have taken way more.
In the meantime, here is a celly pic of the jack-o-lantern that daddy and kiki worked attentively on!
In the meantime, here is a celly pic of the jack-o-lantern that daddy and kiki worked attentively on!
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