tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78539875230900913822024-03-13T22:13:08.777-04:00Mrs. Miller's MilesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.comBlogger581125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-14097468445233337552015-08-07T13:36:00.001-04:002015-08-07T13:36:56.179-04:00What I've Learned in my First Year As a Mom<b>So my last post was from a month and a half ago. </b>Things have gotten CRAZY. Henry is crawling up the walls (literally!), so my days are filled with parks, walks, parks, books, food, food, food, and SWINGS! I have planned posts in my head, thought about writing them, and then things would inevitably get busier. Lately I've been thinking about how things have changed so drastically (Thank you Time Hop for always reminding me that my baby was the smallest cutest guy ever!). Here are some of the things I've learned, sometimes the hard way, in my first year as a mom.<br />
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<i>I can't stand the chubby arms!!!</i></div>
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<b>I have learned to be uncomfortable.</b> This is not a normal thing for me - I hate change, hate when things don't go as planned, and have a hard time coping and changing course. I have had to learn to "go with the flow", as hard as it may be. Babies are the most unpredictable creatures! When things go awry you want to pinpoint the trigger, and honestly it's simply a guessing game. Missed nap? Is he teething? Gas? Overtired? Have a fever? Dirty diaper? Hungry? And the list goes on and on. Thankfully this guy always makes up for it with love, and in recent months, kisses.<br />
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<i>No naps? Everything makes me fussy? Sesame Street while holding onto mommy it is.</i></div>
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<b>I have learned that everything will work out. </b>In those moments that I can't handle when things have not gone as planned, I have learned <i>(And eh hmmm am still learning)</i> that the world will not end. It may sound strange, but one horrible nap can spiral the day, affect the night sleep and give me all sorts of anxiety. Yesterday, for example: Henry woke up from his nap over an hour early and was hysterical...while I was on a business call. Thank goodness it was with another mom who completely understood. I finished the call and Henry fussed and played. It was a rare time that I simply accepted that this crazy out of the ordinary thing wasn't going to make or break our day. More and more I'm calming down and letting things play out.<br />
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<i>Super cranky boy hated the beach this day, and he finally fell asleep in the carrier. I was so stressed I didn't enjoy the beach until he was snuggled in, and we had a great rest of the day.</i></div>
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<b>I have learned that I still need a ton of sleep...or rather coffee </b>Sleep is like gold. Even if I get 8 hours, I will still be a bit tired. I'm a sleeper. Having a baby who isn't a sleeper has been very difficult for me. I have learned to take naps, go to bed early (ie: I fall asleep on the couch between 7:45-8:30 usually!), and stay up late when it's worth it. It sometimes feels like a confining tunnel where you can never get out because you'll never catch up on your sleep. Then you'll get a great night's sleep and will feel like a new person. And I have become super tight with coffee. We were best friends before, but now I'd call this a truly committed relationship. No prenup required.<br />
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<i>I keep reminding myself of this. Surfboard.</i></div>
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<b>I have learned that it's hard to feel like "your old self", because you become a new version of you.</b> Being a mom changes you; everyone says it and everyone is right. It's almost like you're reborn: you can easily forget about your life that happened before this all encompassing being took over! I feel like Mrs. Miller's Miles circa marathon training never existed, like it was someone else. I look back on posts and I think "That didn't happen, that wasn't me....how did I run a 20 mile run!?" My friends have helped me feel like my old self as my new self. Being with them has truly made me feel like I can be myself and a mom. The new me values time spent away from Henry because it refreshes me to keep running through life with him!<br />
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<i>We finally had our first overnight without Henry in Boston and it was amazing. Our friends are the best. Just saying.</i></div>
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<b>Most of all, I've learned to have fun. </b>It was all schedules, spit up, and sleep deprivation for a while there. Once we got on a schedule we started venturing out, seeing friends and enjoying the city. Every stage has its own joys and challenges, but it keeps getting better and better. Yesterday he kept reaching for me as I was pushing him on the swing so I slowed him down and he leaned forward and gave me a kiss. I get it Henry, you own me.<br />
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<b>How about you? </b>What is something you have learned lately? HOW ARE YOU? I've been MIA, who is running NYC, Philly, CHI?! <i>Tell me about it!</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-76882930197749778952015-06-25T10:09:00.002-04:002015-06-25T10:09:52.496-04:00Henry: 12 MonthsDid I really write that?! Yes, and I'm writing it a bit late. Henry turned 1. I was sick with a cold, threw a party, and then we moved on. I think being sick helped me not lose it emotionally, but I still look at him and think "Where did my little baby go?" Here are some highlights from his twelfth month!<br />
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Henry turned one in the concrete jungle!</div>
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<li>Henry weighs 22lbs! He still has delicious chunks on his arms and legs.</li>
<li>Henry is crawling on all fours, no more slithering, and is walking with assistance from our couch, his activity table, a wall, ANYTHING he can use!</li>
<li>He eats everything. A week after he turned 11 months it was as though he decided to stop being picky and eat anything in sight! He has eaten every meat, some seafood, most vegetables (Doesn't house those like other things but doesn't ignore them entirely either), and cake. He ate half of his smash cake before we took it away!!! That's my boy.</li>
<li>There is zero stranger danger. He'll check someone out when we're out, but he doesn't cry or ignore people. He's always watching and will give anyone a high five!</li>
<li>He says Dada. I brainwashed him to make it happen before Fathers Day! I walked around life saying Dada with a picture of Mr. Miller. It worked. Now as for Mama, well, not yet. WAH.</li>
<li>He now has six teeth. Thank GOD that sixth tooth came in, we hit a very rough sleep patch!</li>
<li>Henry plays by himself multiple times a day. He will sit in his play area, play with his activity table, look through books, whatever he wants! We play with puzzles together, read books, and do hand games/songs.</li>
<li>He was the most well behaved baby for his birthday! He had lots of friends to play with, adults to love him, and he didn't cry when we sang happy birthday (Though I could tell he was definitely overwhelmed!)</li>
<li>We had a jungle themed birthday party and were so happy to host the friends and parents who helped us during this first year.</li>
<li>We visited the New York Aquarium, Coney Island, Connecticut, and every playground within two miles of our apartment! </li>
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<b>Baby boy, you are truly a joy. </b>This child wakes up whining, and the second you look at him he giggles. He is the most easy going, go with the flow, happy go lucky guy in the world. We are so blessed to be his parents. All the pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, stress, frustration and chaos that a child can bring pales in comparison to the love, joy, laughter, tears of love, comfort and sweetness that he brings. </div>
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<i>Happy 12 Months Little Lion Man!</i></div>
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<i>Let them eat cake!</i></div>
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<i>Check out my article on SmartMom <a href="http://smartmom.co/how-to-raise-a-son/">How to Raise a Son to be a Really Great Man</a></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-31702629322366494702015-06-22T16:38:00.002-04:002015-06-22T16:46:05.593-04:00Cook Unity Meal Delivery Service Review and Giveaway!<b>Hello friends!</b> It has been WAY too long, life got busy, a certain fella turned one (EEK!), and I have some great posts coming your way soon! I wanted to highlight a great meal delivery service that I recently got to try out called <a href="http://www.cookunity.us/">Cook Unity</a>*. It was the week of Henry's first birthday party, and I came down with a nasty cold! I barely had an energy to open a can soup, let alone cook a healthy dinner! Here is a little bit of info about Cook Unity:<br />
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Cookunity delivers small-batch, fresh home-food from local chefs right to your door. We handpick the freshest ingredients to bring you tasty, wholesome meals for your family to enjoy.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Best Ingredients. Quality Meals</span></h2>
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Instead of buying long life food that expires years from now, or spending your whole weekend cooking, we shop for the freshest, seasonal ingredients out there to bring you tasty food you feel good feeding your family with.</div>
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Whenever possible, we use organic, local, farm-fresh produce, and all our proteins are hormone-free and come from farms our suppliers visit regularly and that we have researched thoroughly. Our fish is sourced from sustainable fisheries.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Handpicked Chefs. Timeless Recipes</span></h2>
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Our menus constantly change, because we select produce based on its seasonality and quality. We selected authentic recipes that families have enjoyed for ages and we asked some of the best chefs in town to cook for you with extra care and love.</div>
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Enjoy your spare time with your kids and let us do the homemade cooking for you!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Each week their menu is posted for entrees available from Tuesday-Thursday.</b> I went online and ordered our entrees. Best part about it? They had kid's entrees too! Each entree comes with sides and dessert, so there was no adding to these meals. I loved the packaging upon delivery, the cards with the ingredients <i>and </i>nutritional information, and blurbs about the chefs who created these yummy dishes. Here are the yummy dishes we got to enjoy:</span></div>
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<i> Everything was securely packaged and survived a subway ride in rush hour!</i></div>
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<i> I loved the personal touch with the chef's bios.</i></div>
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<i> This was Mr. Miller's meal, it was DELICIOUS! He was a little hungry afterwards, but he had eaten a very small lunch.</i></div>
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<i>This was my meal! It was really good. The filling had a lemony flavor which I had never tried!</i></div>
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<i> I would have eaten this as a meal! IT WAS SO GOOD! I tried each part and it was delicious.</i></div>
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<i>Henry approved! He eventually ate his broccoli.</i></div>
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<b>So, here are my final thoughts on Cook Unity:</b></div>
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<b>Pro's:</b></div>
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- I LOVED reading the information on each meal. Other meal delivery services don't list nutritional information, or maybe only list calories and fat. </div>
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- You know exactly what is in your food - natural healthy ingredients!</div>
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- The child's meal lasted Henry THREE meals! It was plenty of food.</div>
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- Ease of ordering online and QUICK delivery turnaround!</div>
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- Everything was delicious!</div>
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- It solves the "I don't know what to cook for dinner" dilemma.</div>
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- NO DIRTY DISHES. I don't have a dishwasher - cry with me.</div>
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<b>Cons:</b></div>
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- Meals did not leave enough for leftovers. Each meal is definitely one serving. We're leftovers for lunch eaters!</div>
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- They only deliver in Manhattan. Thankfully Mr. Miller works there so they delivered it to his building without issue!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Would you like the chance to win TWO free meals from Cook Unity? </b>Enter below! The winner will be announced June 29. <i>(Winner must be located or available for delivery in Manhattan) Good Luck!</i></span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="08dbdf3b1" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/08dbdf3b1/" id="rcwidget_0qufndez" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i>*Disclosure: I was given three free meals from Cook Unity in exchange for my review. The opinions and details written are my own.</i></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-2887992462901856812015-05-20T10:33:00.002-04:002015-05-20T15:31:04.679-04:00Life Lately: A Fitness/Injury Update<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What a month we've had in NYC! </b>One day it's 85, next day it's 65! Just when you think you hate the climate here, an amazing day reals you back in with its awesomeness. I feel like that's a great analogy for my current fitness status. Some days are hot and awesome, and some days are cold and lack luster! So, what's been going on lately?</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday at Coney Island the NY Aquarium. GORGEOUS day!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Injury update!</b> I briefly wrote about having a serious case of tendonitis. (Did you know that both tendinitis and tendonitis are acceptable spellings?! I thought I was crazy!) I had my first (horrific) flare up in October (Of course when Mr. Miller was gone overnight at a wedding out of town). I couldn't do anything without pain. I rested it, then eased back into activity. Flare up again. This song and dance continued for several months. I got a brace which helped, but any additional activity coupled with picking up/holding a constantly growing boy meant the flare ups never stopped. I finally went to a specialist and got a a cortisone shot. For anyone who gets a cortisone shot, be warned: You will be in pain, maybe even worse pain, for two days after the shot. I got so upset thinking "Now it's even worse!" but my awesome landlord, friend, dentist and fellow runner assured me that the third day would be great. And it has been! It's still a TEENSY bit sensitive since it bruised a little from the shot, but I'm excited to ease (SOOOOOO slowly) back into workouts using my arms! If I experience another </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Fitness update: </b>I have been running semi consistently! We even ran into our favorite fellow Astoria Steph! With "better" weather we have been getting out more. Henry is awake for longer stretches now, so I have no issue lacing up and heading out! And when we're not running, we're walking. EVERYWHERE. I have been obsessed with walking places. If I'm meeting a friend, I choose a place far away to up my mileage! We go to the playground that is further away to get more activity in. I'm feeling more energized and willing to put in some sweat time. Although it has been a difficult couple of weeks with teething, I find being outside is helpful. On days when I am DRAGGING, I choose to walk instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Race update: </b>I have decided not to sign up for a race until the fall. I'm still finding my stride and a training plan simply seems like "work" to me still. I am eyeing some half marathons in the fall. There are too many good ones to choose from! Currently at the top of the list:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Grete's Gallop Half: The charity I partner with (Team World Vision) is running this race</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Brooklyn Half: First ever Rock and Roll BK Half! Exciting! All the cool kids are doing it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Hamptons Half: I ran this a long time ago, very sick, and barely enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>What's your latest greatest? Are you signed up for a fall half? Have you ever gotten a cortisone shot? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-33699226503858385152015-05-13T09:39:00.000-04:002015-05-13T09:39:01.326-04:00Henry: 11 Months<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Our baby is almost one.</b> It's almost been one year since I stopped working, one year since I had a beautifully relaxing week at home, one year since Henry made his (slightly dramatic) entrance into the world. I look at him and think "HOW?!" How has it been this long? How did we make it?! How fast will the next year go? If the past 11 months are any indication, it will go by in the blink of an eye. Here are some great things that happened this month:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry weighs a lot. We'll find out in June since he doesn't have an appointment until then!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is cutting his fifth tooth. Eek. He skipped his two front teeth (Which are making their appearance), but the ones next to them poked through. He looks like a vampire. Mr. Miller calls him Wolfie. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went to the zoo for the first time and it was AWESOME! He loved the penguins and puffins.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is crawling. Sometimes it's a slither, sometimes it's on all fours. During our trip to Florida he nailed it because our friend had carpeted floors. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of Florida, he went to Disney for the first time! He was a trooper and got to go on rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World After All.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Food is still a daily guessing game. I have started lessening his pureed intake (unless we're out, then he eats that because I can't sit for 30 minutes with him playing/eating the food!). He's consistently eating a cinnamon raisin English muffin for breakfast, lunch meat for lunch and dinner with varied grains. Vegetables and fruits are still a struggle, but we're working on it!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry still doesn't have "stranger danger". He doesn't get scared when people approach him, hold him, or if I leave him with someone (example: church nursery). He's such an easy going kid, he rolls with situations. I should be more like him!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is talking up a storm...but his words still haven't been firmly established. We've caught some dadas (Including last night at dinner with friends! More witnesses!), but he isn't assigning it with his actual dad. He communicates back with us, so it's only a matter of time before he starts connecting sounds/words/subjects! (Hello teacher)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry finds things funny. It's the best. He'll laugh at things that amuse him, like when I simply open my mouth. Apparently looking inside is hilarious! </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We are currently planning his first birthday party.</b> It isn't going to be a Pinterest extravaganza, but it will be really fun. The next phase of talking, walking and growing is truly exciting. We are enjoying these moments where he still snuggles, gives kisses and loves to interact.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 11 Months Little Lion Man!</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This month's picture taking was a hot mess #teething. Top left was our first attempt, which prompted us to wait until after nap time! ;-)</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-90045099379017790332015-05-01T09:53:00.000-04:002015-05-01T09:53:26.381-04:00Friday Frames<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This post is sponsored by Minted*.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am not a home decor guru.</b> Seriously. Give me a paper to write, a topic to research, or a skincare concern, and I'm your girl! We finally changed our apartment around two years ago with fresh paint, a new couch, new chairs etc. We had some really great prints that were hanging out...in a closet. I'm not a feng shui expert, but I would like balance in our wall art. We finally put them up, but they were uneven:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0OvdFl1MAQ/VUN6JQfRFrI/AAAAAAAAE7o/se-wJOfYTbE/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0OvdFl1MAQ/VUN6JQfRFrI/AAAAAAAAE7o/se-wJOfYTbE/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" height="201" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My pano skills are a bit sub par, but look! There needs to be a black and white end frame!!! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Insert: Minted. I want a unique print on the end, and I'm currently deciding between an art print or a photo print....and Minted is making the choice difficult! I found so many great options in both departments, and all can be customized by size and frame color. Here are a few of my choices:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Option 1: I love <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wall-art-prints/MIN-ZTO-GCP/new-york-love-location?ccId=228117&org=title">this print</a>! They have other states too! We would take black and whites around the city.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXdxQsLBlYo/VUN9KuuxkuI/AAAAAAAAE78/78rTu8QLjtU/s1600/frame2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXdxQsLBlYo/VUN9KuuxkuI/AAAAAAAAE78/78rTu8QLjtU/s1600/frame2.JPG" height="397" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Option 2: I really LOVE<a href="http://www.minted.com/product/custom-art-prints/MIN-0JM-NCA/family-tree-rings?ccId=77226&org=title"> this one</a>, but if we have another baby I would have to chance adding the name myself. I'm also not a calligraphy expert. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Option 3: <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wall-art-prints/MIN-G89-GNA/tango?org=title">This print </a>caught my eye, it is absolutely beautiful!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But wait, there's more!!!</b> OF COURSE I got lost in<a href="http://www.minted.com/kids-birthday-invitations?of=no&age=1&sort=popular_asc&start=18"> their stationary section</a>, because HELLO Henry is turning one soon! (Sobbing in the corner now...) They have so many gorgeous options for kids ANYTHING: birthdays, baby showers, birth announcement, religious celebrations, everything. They recently updated their <a href="http://www.minted.com/save-the-date">save the date section,</a> and they are GORGEOUS. I'm obsessed with the foil pressed save the dates, they're unique, elegant and provide great options whether you want to use a picture of yourself or not. You can customize any design you see, which is a card buyer's dream come true!!! Be sure to check it out, especially if you're getting ready for the big walk with someone special. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>Which picture do you think I should get, option 1, 2, or 3? Are you in the market for new wall art? Where do you usually get your stationary? TELL ME ABOUT IT! </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Disclaimer: I was compensated for my opinion with a credit to Minted. However, all opinions are my own, and I really do need a black and white framed something in my living area!</span></i></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-24491535790519066702015-04-28T16:04:00.001-04:002015-04-28T16:04:23.938-04:00It's Almost May<b>It's almost the last month that my baby will be "months".</b> I know a lot of people (mainly those without children) hate when parents say "They're 15 months" etc. I'm most likely going to stick with 1, almost 1 1/2 etc because, quit frankly, I can't keep track of the weeks/months! FYI for those who do wonder why parents do that, it's because each month, heck even week, brings new development for kids, so saying 15 months means specific things!<br />
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<i>Maybe this gorgeous weather will stick around? MAYBE?</i></div>
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<b>I'm considering ways to change things up.</b> I'm still stuck weight wise (Are you sick of hearing me talk about that yet?!), but I am. I looked into Whole 30 and decided that it was extremely close to my previous elimination diet, and I'm simply not putting those restrictions on myself again. What I am considering is committing to a style of eating, strategies to help me move more, and really buckling down the last month before my guy turns one. So, here are my thoughts so far:<br />
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<b>- Limit my wine. </b>Oh dear God I can't believe I wrote that WAHHH. But honestly, there seems to be a lot of opportunities lately to indulge, and when I think about it, it's often not worth it. I'm deciding between doing a month long fast or a weekday fast. I'm leaning toward the weekday ;-)<br />
<b>- High protein/vegetable low carb.</b> I love carbs, and carbs love me. However, I know that loading on protein and veggies are a better option. We've been using the grill but doing things like burgers which pack on the bread. I'm hoping to focus on more lean proteins.<br />
<b>- Work in little exercises throughout my day. </b>I find myself sitting at a computer most nap times, which is business focused. I can't avoid that. I need to get things done while my guy rests. However, I can maximize my time with ten minutes here, ten minutes there of movement.<br />
<b>- Create a running plan. </b>I WANT to run. Instead of doing it when it seems optimal, I'm going to nail down a plan and try to stick with it. Not a pressured plan, but something that I can check off to keep me motivated.<br />
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<b>How about you? </b>Do you go through phases where you need to do things completely differently? Have you been basking in the outdoors lately? What is your favorite thing to grill? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-69344882391445837402015-04-13T11:27:00.000-04:002015-04-13T11:27:06.974-04:00Henry: 10 Months<b>Well, we're a week late!</b> Unfortunately it has been a crazy couple of weeks, and we couldn't nail down taking his picture!!! Part of the reason is that Henry has been extremely cranky due to some serious teething action! And mommy hasn't been sleeping much ;-) Despite all the middle of the night nonsense, here are some highlights from Henry's 10th month:<br />
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<i>The first picture I took, and the only one of him actually smiling. He couldn't stop messing with the h and the sticker. Here we come toddlerville!</i></div>
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<li>Henry weighs 19lbs 13oz! </li>
<li>He now has four teeth, and according to the doctor, three more are desperately trying to make their appearances. Hence my increased coffee intake.</li>
<li>He is showing dissatisfaction. I don't know if it is a combination of teething and growing up, or just growing up, but whenever I'm strapping him in to something he now puts up a big fuss (And then is happily on his merry way like nothing happened. Oy.)</li>
<li>It is fascinating to watch him figure out how things work. He's playing with his toys with a lot more attention, grabbing things that I don't think he can see or reach, and is constantly in exploratory mode. I need to up my child proofing game STAT.</li>
<li>He now thinks any phone call is FaceTime and is constantly straining to see the screen. Sorry bud, not everything is about video calls.</li>
<li>He is making a ton of progress with crawling! Eek that will be happening soon....</li>
<li>He has regressed a bit with food because of the teething, barely eating and making me so concerned. Turns out, it happens!</li>
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Less than two months until he is one. I can't believe that this guy has been outside my belly longer than he was in it. I can't believe that he listens to me with rapt attention, looks at me when I say his name, and finds Lambeau at every moment possible. He is growing to be so inquisitive and funny, and we're excited for even more development to come!</div>
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<b>Happy 10 Months Little Lion Man!</b></div>
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<i>This sweater was custom made by a family member, it is the most gorgeous sweater!!! I had to distract him with Daddy's All Star baseball to try to get another good picture. Alas, the h won out. Disclaimer: I'm a Yankees fan. Brian gets the sports teams.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-20134852287782535902015-03-29T09:16:00.003-04:002015-04-15T20:45:14.757-04:00Life Lately: Spring things<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Recently, I've ignored this here blog.</b> I've been so busy between Henry, social commitments, and my business that this was placed on the back burner. And there have been runs! So many fun things going on, let's catch up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We have been running. </b>Slowly but surely, I'm rebuilding my stroller running stamina. It's not a matter of if I can handle it physically endurance wise, it's my stinking tendonitis. I have to be careful to not over do it, or else it flares up and a few weeks of resting ensues. It's so frustrating, so I am being as smart as possible. I have had to cut out yoga (downward dogs, planks and push ups are basically the worst thing ever for wrist tendonitis), so I will resumes my pilates this week. I've been bad about going to the gym, but I'm getting back to it this week. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfw90lzjbPs/VRfy-rmucsI/AAAAAAAAETE/k7N8L_YBClY/s1600/march3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfw90lzjbPs/VRfy-rmucsI/AAAAAAAAETE/k7N8L_YBClY/s1600/march3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Bright? Sunny? COVER?! It was really windy. Thank you NYC "spring". I thought my running jacket was retired...alas, this was from this past week!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QDmjfIz5C4/VRfy_P5h5jI/AAAAAAAAETI/m-eqtmYtf54/s1600/march5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QDmjfIz5C4/VRfy_P5h5jI/AAAAAAAAETI/m-eqtmYtf54/s1600/march5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The one day it was crazy warm and we all ran together. It was awesome. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We have been enjoying going out more.</b> Henry is finally able to be in things that contain him besides a stroller (High chairs and shopping carts). This is making life SO much easier! Mr. Miller and I love going out for happy hour on Thursdays or Fridays, and now that we can put him in a high chair it's so much more fun! Henry L-O-V-E-S being in the shopping cart. He thinks he's such big boy! And I don't have to put him in his car seat in the cart, leaving me more room to put my purchases....a dangerous thing at Target ;-)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwyPX0evHkU/VRfzBPwnp5I/AAAAAAAAETU/TQ-TlWFflhQ/s1600/march1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwyPX0evHkU/VRfzBPwnp5I/AAAAAAAAETU/TQ-TlWFflhQ/s1600/march1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Hour Hero. Puffs are his vice.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp8gP6ZjQuM/VRfzB7T69FI/AAAAAAAAETc/oaus6eAJdh0/s1600/march2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp8gP6ZjQuM/VRfzB7T69FI/AAAAAAAAETc/oaus6eAJdh0/s1600/march2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Yes, we have used the snow suit far too often the past few weeks. We thought it was retired. It has been temporarily reinstated.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We had Henry's church dedication!</b> So many friends and family came out to support us and it was wonderful. We had a great time at the service and went for pizza afterwards.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry was in great company with lots of beautiful babies!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdYmfhwslhE/VRf1Qi8XIxI/AAAAAAAAET4/K9L_uZNQ74M/s1600/BV9A7321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdYmfhwslhE/VRf1Qi8XIxI/AAAAAAAAET4/K9L_uZNQ74M/s1600/BV9A7321.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Baby model Henry. He's a tough cookie to smile for the big camera. Thanks Heshan! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>There are two best friends living in our house.</b> Yes, you might think it's Mr. Miller and I (Okay two sets of best friends....) but a baby and a canine are currently all about one another. Every morning it's the same routine: I put Henry down to play, Lambeau wants to play with him, but is scared of getting his hair pulled, so he barks at him to play, I have to come and moderate....it's the same every.single.morning. I've been experimenting with making Lambeau sit and stay by me (Usually I'm doing dishes at this time to get the day started clean and clear) and when I'm done tidying up we sit together. As long as I have treats, Lambeau plays along. He may be small but his bark is loud. Woosah.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KvpmMB8YaI0/VRfzCjV8YOI/AAAAAAAAETg/ZOcR3qREB9U/s1600/march4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KvpmMB8YaI0/VRfzCjV8YOI/AAAAAAAAETg/ZOcR3qREB9U/s1600/march4.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bottom picture is mid bark. "Kid play with me! Your toys are awesome!"</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have been getting organized.</b> In my former line of work as a teacher, I had a "pen and paper planner". Everything was written in that planner, accounting for each day, each lesson, each issue or meeting. And then the endless to-do lists in the side columns! Well, since my<a href="https://kmiller131.myrandf.com/"> Rodan and Fields </a>business is growing rapidly (Read: I have<i> tripled </i>my business from January to March), I decided I needed to get organized. I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tools4Wisdom-Planner-February-Calendar-Organizer/dp/B00OMBPI0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426201044&sr=8-1&keywords=erin+condren+notebook">this planner </a>and it has been AMAZING. If you need to get organized, want to set weekly goals etc, get this planner. Which leads me to my next life happening....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have extended my maternity leave another year. </b>I will be staying home with Henry another year! We are very excited not only for this chance, but for my ability to run my own business during this "one income" time. It has been a roller coaster ride becoming a new mom, but we have found our sea legs and have loved it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>Any great spring happenings? Is your spring warmer than the frozen northeast? Do you spend every moment outside the second it gets slightly warm? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-2586720155665754972015-03-11T11:09:00.001-04:002015-03-11T11:09:07.483-04:00Dairy Free Soy Free Elimination Diet: Part IV BIG NEWS<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>No need to keep you in suspense:<i> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>HENRY IS NO LONGER ALLERGIC TO DAIRY!!!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UsxeVqbHq3U/VQBXw5TfdbI/AAAAAAAAEEc/JEjoAcR4bpA/s1600/Henry's%2Bdairy%2Bday1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UsxeVqbHq3U/VQBXw5TfdbI/AAAAAAAAEEc/JEjoAcR4bpA/s1600/Henry's%2Bdairy%2Bday1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His legs are so yummy in these jammies. Henry was excited to try yogurt!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here's how this world changing discovery happened. </b>I was feeding Henry some Beech Nut food that he LOVED. It was spinach, green beans and quinoa. Now, I thought it was really creamy, and had tasted it. I would eat this, for reals. Anyway, something in me said, "I wonder if they put water in this to make it creamy???" Well, when I looked at the ingredients I nearly lost my marbles: HEAVY.STINKING.CREAM. Whaaaaat?! Beech Nut is known for being "only _________", AKA no additives. What I didn't realize is when the food goes to "stage 3", things that should be added to their diet (ie dairy) gets added to the baby food. Well, my little lion man hadn't been spitting up. I called the doctor immediately and we formulated a plan. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQmywQLLs0/VQBYUNL52sI/AAAAAAAAEEs/Hy-YjmU6IBY/s1600/Henry's%2Bdairy%2Bday3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQmywQLLs0/VQBYUNL52sI/AAAAAAAAEEs/Hy-YjmU6IBY/s1600/Henry's%2Bdairy%2Bday3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He wasn't sure about the cold stuff but started gobbling it up after a couple of bites!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Babies often grow out of food allergies around certain ages.</b> Six, nine, and twelve months are the most popular times for them to do this. We knew at six months he was not ready (We had an accidental exposure and it did NOT go well). The doctor was hesitant to test at nine months since his six months reaction had been severe. Well, I accidentally tested him on it and he was FINE! So this past Sunday we celebrated Henry's Dairy Day. We gave him 1/4 of YoYo Baby yogurt and waited for any reaction (Which is usually throwing up and blood in his stool). Well, NOTHING happened. I was elated. I couldn't resist reuniting with an old love after seven long months:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkCwQf4IsFU/VQBYQbaePwI/AAAAAAAAEEk/N3rZWQZ3nBE/s1600/Henry's%2Bdairy%2Bday2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkCwQf4IsFU/VQBYQbaePwI/AAAAAAAAEEk/N3rZWQZ3nBE/s1600/Henry's%2Bdairy%2Bday2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I only had one slice. Didn't want to make myself sick over the best.food.ever.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So, after seven months, Henry is able to consume dairy and so am I.</b> It was very stressful at times, easier at others, and terrible over the holidays ;-) However, we are thrilled to be over this hurdle, and are ready to test the next one: soy. I will be giving Henry a little soy formula in the next few days to see his reaction. Here's to hoping for another breakthrough for our cute dude!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was my reward on Sunday. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/queens.comfort?fref=ts">Queens Comfort's</a> chocolate cake donut covered in caramel glaze and topped with pretzels. Ooooooo Heaven is a place on earth....</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-10611120205656062642015-03-06T14:55:00.001-05:002015-03-06T14:55:50.897-05:00Henry: 9 Months<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Let this ninth month begin!</b> With it brings warmer temps, hopefully more outdoors time, and SPRING! We've been bundled up and hanging out indoors, but things are getting really fun. Here are some cool things that have been happening this month:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnWLL0SvZM4/VPoBRWKQh7I/AAAAAAAAEDY/7zcjVuFV7iA/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnWLL0SvZM4/VPoBRWKQh7I/AAAAAAAAEDY/7zcjVuFV7iA/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We will know Henry's weight next Wednesday! I'm guessing over 19lbs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He has TWO teeth! And I strongly suspect numbers three and four aren't be far behind...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry sits on his own and plays. He's surrounded by my maternity pillow because he sometimes lunges for Lambeau as he passes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He has done some scooting backwards, but not much in the crawling department.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He dances! I think I forgot to mention this last month, but when he's happy he moves back and forth and smiles! He does it for us and complete strangers. Flirt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry is obsessed with Facetime. Mr. Miller tends to miss him during the day, so we Facetime about once a day. Henry loses.his.mind. He flips out, laughing, dancing and lunging for daddy's face. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He strongly disdains any texture in his food but he is slowly learning to take in food with very small forms of "chunks" (ie tiny pieces of apples in apple sauce. Kid is sensitive!).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are dedicating him at our church this month and we are very excited.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sleep: dare I say we've evened out? He tries to wake up around 5-5:45, and usually if we give him the pacifier he goes back to sleep until 6-6:45. It's been nice not waking up multiple times a night! And in comes the time change...God help us all.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry sits in the grocery cart now. He LOVES this. He wants to see everything, and so many people talk to him, he becomes the mayor of the grocery store!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have a big moment coming up on Sunday. Will tell more about it next week!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I can't express how much fun this stage is.</b> Despite being cooped up for days at a time, we just hang out and play. He truly has the sweetest nature. I'm excited to begin to show him more of the world as it warms up. He is a joy and we are so grateful for him. Even when he is cranky he'll still crack a smile for a second. His joy shines through constantly.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 9 Months Little Lion Man!</span></b></div>
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<i>His latest trick is double fisting in his mouth. Rock star.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-78447467380693509532015-03-05T10:32:00.000-05:002015-03-05T10:32:11.766-05:00Looking back: Making Progress<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I've taken a bit of a step back the past two weeks.</b> Instead of my consistent three nights a week of working out, I've been going once, maybe twice. Read: More like once. My tendinitis has been acting up again, I've had events to go to one or two nights and I have been TIRED. I think it's the last of winter's hibernation temptation grasping at one last lazy streak.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I mean I NEED <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/60446819974418633/">this</a>.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>All this decline was due to my view in the mirror for Yoga a couple of weeks ago.</b> I was feeling bloated, lethargic, but got myself to class....in the front row. I wore an outfit that wasn't especially complimentary, and my ego took a hit. I came home so upset about my "lack of progress". I think this sent me into my decline. Seriously. Losing weight is hard. People who think it's easy are kidding themselves. I let one moment of not feeling "great", even "good", set me back. It distracted me during the class and I walked home with lots of negative thoughts. My poor husband. He's always so encouraging as I wallow.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osDCEIpf-zo/VPhv4DVhfII/AAAAAAAAECI/nKcgepNs8Kg/s1600/progress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osDCEIpf-zo/VPhv4DVhfII/AAAAAAAAECI/nKcgepNs8Kg/s1600/progress.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That is the "I give up smile". Spare tire. Check.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Yesterday, I had a breakthrough. </b>We went for a stroller run. A REAL stroller run! We hadn't been on one since December, and that one was a fluke warm day! We got muddy, wet, had to walk to avoid a catastrophe and may have used the BOB as a boat <i>and </i>stroller. But we ran. And you know what? It gave me just a bit of motivation. Spring is coming. Daytime runs are coming .Vitamin D is COMING! I looked back at some old pictures for #TBT and saw that I have, indeed, made progress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We had a great run yesterday!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY8OHVPYBfE/VPhwzoJxE7I/AAAAAAAAECQ/PI6iQ_QX10w/s1600/post%2Brun%2Bsmiles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY8OHVPYBfE/VPhwzoJxE7I/AAAAAAAAECQ/PI6iQ_QX10w/s1600/post%2Brun%2Bsmiles.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My first CT postpartum run was hot, sunny, and awesome. </span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTMcI2ChRU/VPhxQisfr0I/AAAAAAAAECY/psDeaOwOjAc/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTMcI2ChRU/VPhxQisfr0I/AAAAAAAAECY/psDeaOwOjAc/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B861.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> My first postpartum run!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_GUlOxtDKQ/VPhxYhTln7I/AAAAAAAAECg/cwYJtA4_PpQ/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_GUlOxtDKQ/VPhxYhTln7I/AAAAAAAAECg/cwYJtA4_PpQ/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B1238.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Rogas were a great postpartum wardrobe choice.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3l796Nj1zE/VPhxvd5_r0I/AAAAAAAAECo/0CndYV05KKs/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3l796Nj1zE/VPhxvd5_r0I/AAAAAAAAECo/0CndYV05KKs/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B1107.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought this shirt would be complimentary post baby. I was wrong. Very wrong.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I need to cut Lamby's hair, he looks so cute here!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>All this to say, I know I'm more fit than I was a few months ago.</b> I have to remind myself that, although I'm not seeing the progress I <i>think</i> I should be seeing, I <i>am</i> seeing <i>progress</i>. I loved <a href="http://runstrongereveryday.com/2015/03/03/no-going-back/">Abby's post</a>. This line really struck me:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">"But I’ll be damned if I’m going to let the fact that I’m not </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">back</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> to where I used to be hold me</span><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> back</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> from taking on this race." - Abby Bales</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So, stay tuned: I want to sign up for something.</b> Next week's forecast calls for a strong chance of stroller runs (mid 40's insert Sister Act choir singing Heat Wave). I'm thinking I want to tackle the half marathon distance in the fall, so possibly a 10k this spring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you?</b> Does signing up for a race motivate you? Any races I *HAVE* to run? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-63036347211503766872015-02-27T10:56:00.000-05:002015-02-27T10:56:05.512-05:00Going Beyond the Naysayers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>If you follow me on social media, you know I am a skincare consultant.</b> I signed on with Rodan and Fields last March, pretty pregnant, and looking for a side business while staying at home with my son. It was the right choice for me for many reasons, including the ability to "conduct business anywhere", the support and training tools, but most importantly: the product stinking works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I had a few naysayers. </b>People who rolled their eyes (And maybe still do!) at my posts. People who unfollowed me. People who said "well you get a discount that's the only reason you use it". Well, after I posted my before and after picture, showing my melasma (mask of pregnancy) completely diminished, people started getting interested. I have been working hard, and it is paying off. My business is growing, and people are realizing that this isn't just a hobby.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqW-EvYt1D4/VPCPAH-cdDI/AAAAAAAAEBA/aOjg3B84TW8/s1600/reverse9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqW-EvYt1D4/VPCPAH-cdDI/AAAAAAAAEBA/aOjg3B84TW8/s1600/reverse9.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please don't mind my horrible faces. I don't think before and afters should be happy faces ;-D If the coloring is off, I'm not sure why. It doesn't look this way in my picture folder!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So, I'm being bold and posting this on my blog.</b> I know this is a running blog turned training/Henry blog, so I won't inundate it with my promoting my business. As I've said to people who become interested: I'm not pushy, I am persistent. I wanted to let you, my readers, know that I represent an incredible line of products that I know you will love. Whatever your skin issue, there are Rodan and Fields products that can help you. You can check out my website <a href="https://kmiller131.myrandf.com/">https://kmiller131.myrandf.com/ </a>to get more information, or contact me directly at KristinMillerRF@gmail.com. Here are a few before and afters, because everyone secretly loves perusing them!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is my personal friend and hair stylist Wendy. Her results are what ultimately convince me that this was an incredible product and I had to get on board! She used to call herself "dirt face", and the mask of pregnancy made it even worse. She was thrilled with her results as she prepared for her wedding last September!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I leave you with this message: be bold in whatever you do. </b>Forget public opinion. If you're passionate about something, DO IT. Run that ultra marathon, try a triathlon, attempt to go to a November Project workout, or join my Rodan and Fields team (cough cough). Whatever you're scared to do, try it out. Don't live life wondering "Could I have done it???"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt=""I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that's how you grow. When there's that moment of "Wow, I'm notreally sure I can do this," and you push through those moments, that's when you have a breakthrough." — Marissa Mayer" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a6/35/c3/a635c3b9bb8e14850ff3aa7660958bf7.jpg" width="272" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294704369340723691/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Via</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-52040938671508056412015-02-23T16:23:00.005-05:002015-02-23T16:23:35.298-05:00Don't Judge a Workout by Its Instructor<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have been encountering a lot of different fitness instructors lately.</b> I guess because of the weather, many instructors are getting subs to teach their classes. I have been to six Pilates classes and I have had five different instructors. Each one of them is completely different, yet by the end I found they certainly had their own benefits. I had mixed feelings about most of them, but they all taught me a lesson. Here are a few of the types of instructors I've had recently and what they taught me that went beyond exercise:</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="I find enjoyment from this photo as I like to workout and this gives me a drop of happy inspiration." height="300" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/30/f5/9b/30f59baaa6b9ba38750f48531a56f193.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532058143451029309/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Via</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Laid Back instructor. </b>This was my first class and she was chit chatting with a friend. She wasn't walking around the room I really didn't feel like she was engaged in the class. The flip side was that I got to chit chat a bit with my friend who was with me, so I guess it wasn't so bad. However, the following week she taught a very intense class. So, I learned that even fitness instructors have their off days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Chatty Kathy Instructor. </b>This was a VERRRRRRRY interesting experience. She started a conversation with another attendee as though they were picking up right where they left off about traveling to a certain country (I later learned that this <i>had </i>been an ongoing conversation in the class for a few weeks). She wouldn't.stop.talking. She would give instructions then pick right back up in the conversation. Then she started to ask people their names, what they do...all while instructing. It was very distracting for me, and I was getting annoyed. However, the time FLEW by in the class, and she was really great at helping me. So, I learned that some distractions, though they seem annoying, can actually help pass the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The REALLY Strict Instructor. </b>This was a girl after my own heart. She made my teacher's heart soar! Very present, using precise language, and constantly circulating to check us out. Every time she gave an instruction, she would end it with "I'm watching"...gah something I totally would say! However, this was during my first few classes where I was struggling. So, I learned through her repeatedly demonstrating modifications to embrace what I could do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Sweet Instructor.</b> This girl was so nice. She was very professional yet sweet, and very calming despite a challenging workout. However, I was feeling uncomfortable while doing some of the moves she was dictating. So, I learned to ask for help. She didn't see me struggling, so I had to stop and ask. It made a world of difference with my overall workout.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>After all these experiences, I have been going into class determined to get the best workout possible. </b>Instructors definitely help, but the overall effort is up to me! It's my time to feel the burn, and I'm not going to let a difference in styles ruin that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>Do you have a favorite kind of instructor? Do you stop going to a class if they're not your style? What was the CRAZIEST instructor you have ever had like? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-19676726683557066802015-02-19T09:52:00.000-05:002015-02-19T09:52:02.203-05:00Workout Modifications: Your Best Work, Not Less Work<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>One of my goals this year was to work on my core.</b> Between being a nominal core work person combined with having a baby, things have gotten pretty weak in my mid section. As I mentioned, I <a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2015/02/times-are-changing-why-im-exercising-at.html">joined a gym</a>. One of the factors that helped make that decision was that the gym offered Pilates a few times a week when I could actually make the class. Although this helped convince me to join, Pilates is a double edged sword.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You see, Pilates scares me.</b> I've taken several classes in the past, and I know what it entails: CORE CORE CORE. C CURVE C CURVE C CURVE. SCOOP SCOOP SCOOP. All these words send a shiver down my spine (and abs...). Ab work often makes me feel nauseous, and post baby ab work is no different!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Are You a #Coffee Lover? Take a break with our La Bella Baskets #Starbucks coffee gift baskets | Price Range: $36 - $155 |Shop our complete collection of Starbucks #gifts at: http://KimsLabellabaskets.com" height="280" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/9a/41/c9/9a41c999ad88191bac165d4f81757aaa.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/256564509998051093/"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Via</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I took my first class and tried to do EVERYTHING.</b> I would find myself super frustrated because I could only lower my legs two times before I had to take a break. I could only do 30 of the Pilates 100. I kept trying and trying and trying but felt weak, deflated, and unworthy. Seriously? It was my first class! I was sore for days. When I went back to my second class a few days later, the instructor put a strong focus on something that changed my experience: <i>modifications.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No pictures from class. that's not a pretty sight. This is from the yoga challenge that I'm currently really behind on...my lower back has been killing me so I've taken two rest days from all workouts.</span></i></div>
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<b>Modifications can be beneficial on both ends of the fitness spectrum.</b> Modifications does not mean to make things easier, it simply means to change things. This instructor listed modifications to increase <i>or</i> decrease the level of difficulty. I started thinking about the word modifications, and realized that it didn't mean putting out <i>less </i>work. Modifications mean putting in your <i>best </i>work. I realized as I used the modifications, such as not lifting my head, staying in tabletop instead of extending my legs, that I was able to complete more reps of exercises that were previously discouraging to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Doesn't matter your workout. Always Dig Deep within you to get the results you want. @homeweightloss" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/54/03/e5/5403e50c068d3c8b8e5932d0830c4dd6.jpg" width="287" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/256564509998051069/"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Via</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I walked away from the class feeling pleased with my performance. </b>I had dragged my feet to attend another one after a discouraging first class, and I am so glad I did. I am excited to see my progress from modifications that lessen the difficulty to modifications that increase the difficulty. Either way, I'm still getting a burn! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>Do you feel weird about doing modifications? How do you motivate yourself to try new workouts? Pilates: are you a fan? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-82638631023078548862015-02-17T10:06:00.002-05:002015-02-17T10:06:45.765-05:00Own Your Workout<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>On Saturday, I went on a fabulously cold run.</b> I seriously love running in the winter, and with the continually snow/ice/cold/wind situation we in the northeast this was my chance for fresh air! Between my yoga challenge, pilates and yoga classes, my hips were feeling a bit tight and sore, so I said to myself "I guess I'll <i>just</i> do three miles." When I got home Mr. Miller asked me how it went and I said "I <i>only </i>went three miles but it was great." I realized I used two of my most disliked words: <i>just</i> and <i>only</i>. </span><div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loved the views. My park wasn't fully plowed, so I was limited in where I could run. Related: I had three failed self timer running photos. I gave up due to embarrassment. <a href="http://khnutrition.com/2015/02/16/weekend-update/">KIM </a>TEACH ME YOUR WAYS.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I loathe those two words.</b> I feel like they take away from workout accomplishments. I see them used by people all the time (Including myself!), and the thought I always have is one person's just/only is another person's just/only...but in the opposite way. Here's what I mean:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I only ran three miles today." / "If only I could run three miles today."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I feel like we need to own our effort. </b>Whether you deem it as a peak performance or a sub par result, you did SOMETHING. We are truly our hardest critics. When I recently stepped on the treadmill for the first time in a long time, I started out at a 6.0. Um. No. That was my old warm up pace, and now it's close to my sprint pace. I'm slowly learning to own my workouts, relishing in the accomplishment instead of focusing on how it's not even close to what I used to be able to do. I'm going to the gym, going to classes, and I'm putting in my best effort. Will there be days where I want to use the words<i> just</i> or<i> only</i>? Absolutely. As humans, especially those into fitness, we are always trying to better ourselves. Well, I think that starts inside our own heads. Instead of discounting workouts, <b><i>own them</i></b>. Didn't hit your pace? Didn't complete all your reps? So what. Use it is fuel to push you forward, not to discount your hard work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Walldesign - Rockstar" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/24/ce/c6/24cec62803b44d86354acdbfb9fce445.jpg" /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love this song by Pink. I heard it at the end of my <a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2013/03/allstate-131-nyc-race-recap-so-what-im.html">last half marathon</a> which I was gunning for (and really expected) a huge PR. This song got me through the last mile smiling! <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/204773114279743201/">Pin it</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How am I going to own my workouts?</b> I'm going to think long and hard about my words. I'm only going to say positive things about my workouts. When my students would say something like "I'm not good at math." I would correct them and say "You are challenged by math, and you will overcome that challenge with hard work." If my workout leaves me wanting more, I'm going to make it a challenge to overcome the next time. And the time after that. Until I feel like I nailed it. Onward and upward, always.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you?</b> Do you watch what you say about yourself? How do you feel when someone is negative about their workout? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-27848313865009713012015-02-12T12:52:00.000-05:002015-02-12T13:42:33.672-05:00The Balance Project<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Balance Bar recently hosted a fabulous event for local bloggers.</b> This event included working out with Gabby Reece, one of my favorite female athletes, and sampling some yummy Balance Bar treats. Balance Bar was also premiering their new campaign called #TheBalanceProject. This campaign's goal is for people to find balance all aspects of their lives, including physically and nutritionally. They definitely delivered on both of those aspects!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7dCyyPeQog/VNznkNaw7gI/AAAAAAAADys/sZUiZ-H5jYw/s1600/balance3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7dCyyPeQog/VNznkNaw7gI/AAAAAAAADys/sZUiZ-H5jYw/s1600/balance3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The view from the event was spectacular.</span></i></div>
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<b>We started out the event with a HighX workout.</b> HighX is Gabby Reece's new workout program. She came up with it because her local gym closed down, and let me tell you, it's intense. It's a stations workout featuring a high intensity exercise, a recovery exercise, repeated over 30 second intervals for three minutes. It was a good mix of using weights and plyo, constant change and fast paced. In the moment I felt really good, and thought "This is actually not <i>that </i>challenging." Famous last words. I was sore for FOUR days. I guess the motivation of a professional athlete saying "Pick it up! Come on! Push it!" Made me do just that...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iwsSGkfQNU/VNy_yian8BI/AAAAAAAADyM/VIdIkAnpBSk/s1600/balance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iwsSGkfQNU/VNy_yian8BI/AAAAAAAADyM/VIdIkAnpBSk/s1600/balance2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top Photo: The twenty minute workout flew by. Bottom Left: The all new Balance Bites Bottom right: Ad featuring the new products plus a spectacular view in the background.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>After getting nice and sweaty, we learned about some new Balance Bar products. </b>Going anywhere during meal time makes me nervous because of my allergies. I always bring a snack, and actually forgot mine because a certain baby had me flustered right before I left home! Thankfully, Balance Bar to the rescue! They featured some new products, called Balance Bites. Unfortunately, these are soybean based so a no-no for me, but everyone raved that they were delicious! Fortunately there were some new products that were dairy and soy free (And the label listed those features, no repeatedly scrutinizing ingredients lists!). The new bars, called Balance Bares, are DE-LI-CIOUS. Two out of the four kinds (Mixed Berry Nut and Sweet and Spicy) are diary and soy free, but all of them are gluten free and Non-GMO.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZvUEqhUr2g/VNznS6XGhDI/AAAAAAAADyk/10ON27I01Ko/s1600/balance4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZvUEqhUr2g/VNznS6XGhDI/AAAAAAAADyk/10ON27I01Ko/s1600/balance4.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These new bars are the perfect balance of nutrients for a pre or post workout snack.</span></i></div>
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<b>I thanked the Balance Bar people for featuring dairy and soy free products.</b> When they asked about my allergies, I briefly explained the whole situation (Which I've gotten down to four sentences!). They said, "Get her a box!" They gave me a whole box of the <a href="http://www.balance.com/products/mixed-berry/">mixed berry nut Balance Bares</a>! So generous and lovely. And FYI, I'm hooked.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_f2Dbsl6v_0/VNznz_Vr17I/AAAAAAAADy0/IdlK-3sq9uc/s1600/balance1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_f2Dbsl6v_0/VNznz_Vr17I/AAAAAAAADy0/IdlK-3sq9uc/s1600/balance1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you to Gabby and the Balance Bar team for introducing me to The Balance Project!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We got a great goody bag to go filled with yummy treats.</b> I love that they included a yoga mat. I'm currently participating in a yoga challenge on Instagram, and I've been finding myself feeling calmer and more at ease. Henry and Lambeau thought it was pretty great too.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zpb8QUu1N_s/VNzmICAsrXI/AAAAAAAADyc/B9wGF8I1j-w/s1600/balance5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zpb8QUu1N_s/VNzmICAsrXI/AAAAAAAADyc/B9wGF8I1j-w/s1600/balance5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yoga with an audience. Always.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So, how am I finding balance? </b>I thought about this on the train ride home. Alone. No baby. No husband. No dog. Just me doing something I would normally do pre-baby. Walking through the city, rushing to the train, it all felt normal. I'm trying to find the balance back to being me. The "new me", where I've taken on the new role as a mom, is part of my balance. But it doesn't have to put me completely out of balance. As I've slowly been doing things that benefit me, I've been feeling more like myself. I think balance is found in finding joy in your work and doing things that make you happy. Despite a teething baby and a barking dog, I'm trying to consciously find joy in my days. By working out at night, I meet my need for physical activity and health. By eating nutritionally, my body is continually thanking me with the energy to do all those things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you?</b> How do you find balance in the hustle and bustle of life? Do you get interrupted during home workouts? What's your favorite "healthy" snack? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span><br />
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<i>*Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to the event, given free product, but wrote this post on my own volition. All thoughts and opinions are my own, naturally!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-60343658438221348692015-02-10T06:54:00.003-05:002015-02-10T06:54:47.785-05:00Henry: 8 Months<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Reality is setting in: he is almost one. </b>I went to go take his 8 month picture (a few days late...) and there is only one sheet of stickers for 9, 10, 11 and 12 months. This.is.<i>bananas!</i> So much has happened in the past month, here are some of the highlights:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4KpIga4sn8/VNnuEnnHskI/AAAAAAAADxY/tduPhRAxHD8/s1600/henry%2B8%2Bmonths1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4KpIga4sn8/VNnuEnnHskI/AAAAAAAADxY/tduPhRAxHD8/s1600/henry%2B8%2Bmonths1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>He kept grabbing that h. It's a miracle that I got him distracted!</i></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry weighs 18.3lbs! He lost a bit of weight while he was sick, so he's finally back to gaining.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry was SICK for the first time. Up all night, sad and lots of prescriptions and doctors visit. He had RSV, so we had to use a nebulizer which was, well, interesting. If I never sing The Wheels on the Bus again it will be just fine.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry is a rolling nut, going all over the place and trying to chase Lambeau via rolls on rolls on roll.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went on another plane ride! Henry loved Puerto Rico.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">HE GOT A TOOTH. There were some early mornings, shortened naps and middle of the night wake ups, but overall he was very amiable despite the pain he was in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry is sitting up! He was a bit of a late bloomer in this department, but now he loves it because he can use both hands to put all the things in his mouth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sleep: lots of early mornings. We were in a pretty good groove before he got sick, and then was teething. Now he's up between 5-7AM, there's no rhyme or reason for why it's earlier or later! He's also mostly down to two naps a day depending on how early he wakes up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lambeau thinks Henry can play with him. Now that Henry sits up, Lamby will bring him his toy to play, then growl and bark to get him to throw it...and then Lamby has to go to timeout. He still has yet to learn that Henry is not quite ready to throw his toys for him!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry laughs at Lambeau. We have to work for it, making noises, tickling, kissing, peek-a-boo etc. Lambeau just walks by and Henry laughs! Not fair.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He understands FaceTime now. We FaceTime with Mr. Miller often, and he laughs and "talks" to him. It's super cute.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This has been an incredible month of growth. Seeing so many milestones, and knowing more are just around the corner, make me cherish every moment. Reading books has become one of our favorite times together, we can breeze through eight books at a time without a peep from Henjo. Next step: crawling. That I can wait for. Eek.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 8 Months Little Lion Man!</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2CIxfMrIbI/VNnwsRSQVnI/AAAAAAAADxk/Hv3Gx0Zg940/s1600/Henry%2B8%2Bmonths2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2CIxfMrIbI/VNnwsRSQVnI/AAAAAAAADxk/Hv3Gx0Zg940/s1600/Henry%2B8%2Bmonths2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hands always in the mouth. And then they touch Lambeau's toy. Sigh. Good germs?</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-18713898330851694152015-02-05T09:01:00.001-05:002015-02-05T09:01:18.878-05:00Times are Changing: Why I'm Exercising at Night<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I decided that I needed to change some things up. </b>I wasn't running, I wasn't exercising, I was stuck. Although I love early morning workouts, it was time to be honest and face the music: I wasn't doing anything during the day. I really wanted to work out, but the desire to do anything my house completely escaped me. I knew I needed to join a gym after a 3+ year hiatus. Henry is inconsistent in the mornings; he could wake up at 5 AM or 7 AM. Therefore morning workouts before he wakes up are still not feasible for me as his food source. So, I went and joined a gym after thinking about it for a long time. The plan is to go to the gym after Henry goes to sleep, which is around 7:30/8:00 PM. And so far, it's been working! Although the end of a long day may seem like a bad time to workout, I have been finding it to be a welcomed challenge. Here are a few reasons working out at night makes sense for me right now:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="And this goes for more than just exercise - it goes for family/kids, friends, fun, and most importantly, YOU! www.facebook.com/loveswish" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/83/97/08/8397088cc1b7ca4e5a25ff9f35036078.jpg" width="282" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/237353842836218307/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Via </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. There are some great classes at night. </b>I have already survived some challenging Pilates and yoga classes! It really exposed my lack of core strength, and I'm excited to be instructed toward fixing that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. I have friends willing to meet up with me. </b>A lot of my friends belong to the same gym! My work wife joined with me, and we're committed to being consistent together. Knowing that I am meeting people is a huge motivator for me. Plus, it's like social hour! All good things.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="400" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/483480_793859512049_1061282536_n.jpg?oh=10fc69fb7f82c1ca031db67ee4dbb298&oe=555A2E95" width="298" /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My work wife and I in Puerto Rico circa 2013. Rolling deep since 2009.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. It's a bit of me time. </b>Although I don't like leaving Mr. Miller (Or Lambeau Puppy...) at night, it is really nice to be "responsibility free" for an hour or so at the end of the day. Blasting some Calvin Harris on the treadmill is a bit of the pre-baby me, and it feels liberating to zone out for a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>As a reformed 5 AM workout nut, I am actually enjoying my nighttime sweat. </b>This bitter cold and rough weather make it the hardest time to workout, so I'm glad that my gym is one avenue from my house. I'm committing to going to the gym Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights and at least once on the weekends. Now, if only I could get myself to sleep before 10:15 PM after my 8:30 PM classes....I'm going to try <a href="http://www.lovelifesurf.com/yoga-poses-for-sleep/">Christine's Best Yoga Poses</a> for Sleep!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Suffering from insomnia or restless sleep? Try this bedtime yoga sequence to relax your mind and body for an amazing night's sleep. These are the best yoga poses for better sleep." height="400" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.lovelifesurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/best-yoga-poses-for-sleep.jpg?resize=550%2C964" width="228" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/256564509998063451/"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Via Love, Life, Surf on Pinterest </span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>Are you an AM or PM exerciser? What tips do you have to get out the door either way? Any tips to fall asleep quickly? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-16796763036831646612015-02-02T10:26:00.000-05:002015-02-02T10:52:58.522-05:00Dear Pre-Baby Self<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have read a few blog posts that made me cry. </b>Mostly they have come from <a href="http://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/">Coffee + Crumbs</a>. I have sent "<a href="http://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/blog/2014/8/10/a-letter-to-my-pre-mom-self">A Letter to My Pre-Mom Self</a>" to every single friend who either recently had a baby or was about to have a baby to prepare them. When I read the post "<a href="http://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/blog/2014/10/20/tethered">Tethered</a>", I sobbed. I actually had a wet shirt. I happened upon each of these at a time in new motherhood when I was struggling. Reading these posts helped me realize that I wasn't alone, and they also helped me communicate with my husband (Who probably thought I was a little off the deep end...). Recently, I have been thinking about how things played out a bit differently than I expected them to. Here are a few things that, if I had known, would have helped me make the transition to being a new mom easier.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dr6gdUF-KfA/VM-QKCRl7qI/AAAAAAAADwE/W2yZ29VSL6U/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dr6gdUF-KfA/VM-QKCRl7qI/AAAAAAAADwE/W2yZ29VSL6U/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B010.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>- You will forget the newborn stage. </b>You may feel ready to pass out, you may try to clean up a few things, but your days fly by in a blur. Especially the early days. When your baby is eating ten times a day (bottle or mommy fed), you feel continually spent. <i>I would have told myself that those beginning days are fleeting. They are grains of sand in the hourglass. Memorize that baby. Gaze an extra thirty seconds when you lay them down for a nap. Suddenly your newborn is laughing, not as snugly, and rapidly gaining independence. Enjoy the dependence, as exhausting as it may be.</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F49Nd6R_f3Y/VM-SMWOe5aI/AAAAAAAADwY/-K4Sv_096_Q/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F49Nd6R_f3Y/VM-SMWOe5aI/AAAAAAAADwY/-K4Sv_096_Q/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B245.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the beginning they barely open their eyes! It's amazing how small he was. Truly amazing.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>- Social outings can feel stressful.</b> It was so hard for me to calm down when we would go places. Where will I feed him? How can I avoid getting spit up all over both of us? Not to mention the "what to wear" stress. I found it hard to relax despite my friends doing their best to assist me. There are only some things mom can do, and in the early days of breastfeeding it takes FOR.EV.ER. Now I understand why moms say "It's so different with number two." <i>I would have told myself RELAX. He will eat, he will poop, and he will most likely spit up on both of you. Bring extra clothes and have fun!</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He pooped every time we were on a plane. God love ya Henry!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>- There will be tears. </b>There will be tears over running out of coffee. There will be tears over pain. There will be tears when the nap only lasts 20 minutes. There will be tears when you are overcome with the most intense feeling of love over.and over.and over. <i>I would have told myself that between the hormones, sleep deprivation and learning curve, tears will probably come unexpectedly and frequently. Embrace the feelings, work through it, and talk about it. Other moms will share what they cried over, and then you will probably cry from laughing about it. </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0YmLeQI8Fc/VM-UUsLYJfI/AAAAAAAADww/Xbo8sk43dgQ/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0YmLeQI8Fc/VM-UUsLYJfI/AAAAAAAADww/Xbo8sk43dgQ/s1600/Kristin_iPhone_September%2B146.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Face palm. Mom is whimpering because I'm so cute.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>- Take more pictures of you with the baby.</b> I didn't want pictures taken. I felt huge, bloated, awkward and exhausted. Seriously, I can't think of worse feelings to have right before taking a picture!<i> I would have told myself that you will cherish these pictures when you are not huge, bloated, awkward and exhausted. You'll be able to look back at them and think "My how far we have come."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We sat outside because I needed fresh air. We live in a third floor walk up, so my post C-section self was restricted to our apartment for over two weeks.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>- If you plan on absolutes, plan for frustration.</b> Doctor's appointments, play dates, mom dates, are all subject to an adjusted sleep schedule. If Henry's doctor appointment is at 11 AM because he is always awake and fed at 11 AM, he will inevitably sleep extra long! I struggled with this as a teacher who worked on an extremely scheduled day for six years. <i>I would have told myself that babies are their own planners. Find the humor in adjusted schedules, relax when naps are shortened, and find comfort in the fact that your baby is A-O-KAY.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh look! He's up! AGAIN! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We always gain wisdom after the fact. </b>Although I struggled in the beginning, I would have told myself <i>"It will always be worth it. Always."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>What would you have told yourself before having a baby? Were there any preconceived notions that differed after birth? What surprised you the most? TELL ME ABOUT IT!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-65336684962736859662015-01-29T09:15:00.001-05:002015-01-29T09:30:58.908-05:00Dairy and Soy Elimination Diet: Part III On Vacation!<b>I have no been dairy and soy free for about five months.</b> In case you missed it, check out <a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2014/09/dairy-and-soy-elimination-diet-part-1.html">Part I</a> where we figured out Henry had an allergy, <a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2014/11/dairy-and-soy-elimination-diet-part-ii.html">Part II </a>where I started to learn more about what I could and could not eat, and my <a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2014/11/dairy-and-soy-free-thanksgiving.html">dairy and soy free Thanksgiving</a>! I was so excited to go on our vacation to <a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2015/01/vacation-recap-rincon-puerto-rico.html">Rincon</a>. However, the excitement was muddled by the fear of cross contamination. I used to work at a Disney owned restaurant, and Disney does NOT play around with food allergies. They are vigilant, regimented and extremely cautious. If you told a server that you had a food allergy, the head chef would come to the table, discuss the allergy and options, and make the meal themselves. A few restaurants I have been to have been very understanding and accommodating, such as <a href="http://queenscomfort.com/">Queens Comfort</a>, <a href="http://www.buffalowildwings.com/">Buffalo Wild Wings</a> (Surprising!) and <a href="http://www.bareburger.com/">Bareburger</a>, but other places seem to not realize the seriousness. I had a cross contamination, with what I gather to be dairy because of Henry's reaction, and will not be eating at that establishment again. So, as you can imagine vacationing in the Puerto Rico, where vegetable oil (contain soy) is the most commonly used oil, was making me nervous.<br />
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<i>I broke open my Kind bars in JFK! I brought two boxes of five bars. A lot of kind bars have dairy or soybean oil in them, so I was thankful that <a href="http://www.kindsnacks.com/store/types/healthy-grains-bars/vanilla-blueberry.html">these</a> <a href="http://www.kindsnacks.com/store/types/healthy-grains-bars/maple-pumpkin-seeds.html">two</a> kinds were available</i>. </div>
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<b>Here is how eating out went. </b>Whenever I would go to check out a place BEFORE we decided to eat there (Because getting us to a restaurant, sitting down to eat then realizing I couldn't eat something there would have been so sad), I would go through the same investigation:<br />
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<i> Delicious veggie stir fry!</i> </div>
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<i>Awesome pulled pork!</i></div>
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<b>- Declare the allergy:</b> I have a dairy and soy allergy. People usually say they understand and know most of the contaminants in their food. Thankfully I speak a decent amount of Spanish so if there was a language barrier I could definitely communicate effectively.<br />
<b><i>- Then I would mention the uncommon contaminants:</i></b> What oil do you cook with? Is there butter with your bread? Do you have the label for your ___________? (Tortillas, salad dressing and ketchup commonly have contaminants that restaurants don't think of.)<br />
<b><i>- Then we would walk through the menu, and they would tell me what and how to order.</i></b><br />
<b><i>- When I returned to the restaurant, I would reiterate that I had a dairy and soy allergy, what I wanted to order, and what my food could NOT touch.</i></b><br />
<b><i>- Surprising development: I brought my own oil!</i> </b>I've brought my own salad dressing to places, but a lot of the restaurants were like "Just bring your own stuff!" They were VERY accomodating. It helped that 90% of the establishments were owned by New Yorkers who often had an organic/vegan emphasis. I did not visit most local spots because the loss in translation was a big risk.<br />
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<i>English style brunch! Rosemary turkey sweet potato hash, eggs and mixed greens. I took a bite of the mixed greens just as the chef ran out to say "There's vegetable oil in the mixed greens!" They hadn't communicated to the salad guy that I couldn't have the regular mixed greens. I spit it out (keeping it classy) and received a new order. Thankful for a chef that cared!</i></div>
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<i>The BEST chicken and sweet potato. All smoked. That sweet potato was bigger than my hand. </i></div>
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<b>Did we avoid exposure?</b> I don't think so. He started spitting up again while we were there. I got so upset. I think the difference between actually having an allergy and having the allergy for your child is feeling guilt. Mom guilt is SO strong. If Henry starts frequently spitting up, I know I ate something wrong and instantly start going through the food I have eaten. Thankfully, it appears that soy is not as big of an irritant to him as dairy. I'm assuming the food was exposed to vegetable oil in a minuscule amount, most likely from shared cooking utensils or pots that have it seeped in. He did not have blood in his stool and only spit up 2-3 times after eating instead of the 4-6 times that dairy usually causes. I did end up finding an organic grocery store that had soy free bread (Any packaged bread has soy, and since it's an island it had to be in the freezer section!) I ate a lot of turkey sandwiches. I'm sandwiched out.<br />
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<i>Mimosas: allergy friendly FTW</i></div>
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<i>Henry was never upset despite his allergies. This is one of the reasons why it took over three months for the doctors to believe me that his reactions were more than reflux. This guy is the best. The end.</i></div>
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<b>How about you?</b> Have you had diet restrictions on vacation? How do you feel emotionally if you've "messed up"? Have you tried to eat organic or vegan on trips? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-76812612783842313242015-01-27T14:14:00.001-05:002015-01-29T13:17:16.633-05:00Vacation Recap: Rincon, Puerto Rico<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Last week we took the most amazing vacation! </b>If you <a href="http://instagram.com/mrsmillersmiles/">follow me on Instagram</a>, then you know we were spending time beach side in Rincon, Puerto Rico. Traveling with an infant was INTERESTING (More on that later), but we had a really great time. If you're looking for a great vacation spot, with a direct flight from JFK, great food, very economically priced with outstanding beaches, then check out Rincon! Here are a few highlights from our getaway:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We worked on sitting up on the sand!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Keeping him away from the sand was next to impossible! And all the moms out there said "AMEN."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A lot of the beaches had naturally formed pools so it was a fun way to let Henry experience the ocean. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The view from our condo!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> One of the most gorgeous sunsets we got to take in.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The glasses lasted thirty seconds, but those thirty seconds were priceless! Also: CHUNKY LEGS.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Delicious brunch with an incredible view.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Henry's old man shirt. You can't tell but it's very Tommy Bahama.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Sunset Happy Hour at Villa Cofresi! I couldn't have their famous pirate's punch (It contained milk) so we just threw rum punch into the coconut and called it a (happy) day!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EyVKjLMZ1c/VMfeaHbg35I/AAAAAAAADuQ/y2fBQuCGjRQ/s1600/PR9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EyVKjLMZ1c/VMfeaHbg35I/AAAAAAAADuQ/y2fBQuCGjRQ/s1600/PR9.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Mr. Miller with the original pirate's punch. Note the cup next to his drink...because there is never enough room in the coconut for the whole thing!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGq8cCPnWS0/VMfebYTFy_I/AAAAAAAADuY/xBeoEtHEeyY/s1600/PR12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGq8cCPnWS0/VMfebYTFy_I/AAAAAAAADuY/xBeoEtHEeyY/s1600/PR12.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></i></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Henry is OBSESSED with the pool! He was so into it, despite the water being on the cool side. He wouldn't stop laughing, kicking and waving his arms! He'll be an Olympic swimmer, naturally.</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzvkAjS25AM/VMfedPLWtcI/AAAAAAAADug/2Oa1lu-KmWI/s1600/PR11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzvkAjS25AM/VMfedPLWtcI/AAAAAAAADug/2Oa1lu-KmWI/s1600/PR11.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He finally learned to take in the air and snooze. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Overall it was great to get away.</b> After Henry was sick for over a week, having him feel better and getting some time at the beach was just what the doctor ordered. Rincon, you were fabulous as always!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>Any vacations planned this winter? Where is your favorite spot to visit? Have you ever traveled with children? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-65311109873054890892015-01-15T10:23:00.001-05:002015-01-15T10:23:36.690-05:00Fitness Selfish<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have been having a lot of conflicting thoughts lately.</b> Since<a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2014/11/lots-of-thoughts-about-weight-loss.html"> my lack of progress</a> stalled me a bit (According to me), I have found myself in a bit of an extended fitness a slump. I've tried to motivate myself, I have set up a plan, and I feel like everything and anything can thwart it. I feel a duality of selfishness here: I'm selfish to not provide my body with exercise, or I'm selfish to want to step away from spending valuable time with my boys. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back in the days of summer. Love all these guys.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have been given the "strong" encouragement from Mr. Miller to exercise at night. </b>He knows I want to, that I'm happy when I do it, but getting out there is HARD. I want to watch TV, talk with my husband and RELAX. I've been selfish; I have been giving in to leisure time instead of working out. To me, there are two kinds of selfish: beneficial and not beneficial. Some days, relaxing at the end of a long day is beneficial for me. Other days, a workout would do me good. Knowing the difference is where I'm currently stuck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Take time to be selfish--workout! Get started on a plan and take some time for YOU :) #workout #skinnyms #transformation" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ec/3f/0b/ec3f0b0e8beabfcc578e955f6104c08a.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/53480314299692268/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Via</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>On top of that, we've had a sick baby. </b>Henry has been battling a virus. I've been on autopilot for over a week. Plus we have been packing for vacation. My days looked something like this:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Wake up 4-7 times a night to console coughing baby.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Feed him milk.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Administer his Nebulizer.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Go to the doctor. (Four appointments within seven days)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Feed him food. (Which he often rejected because he lost his appetite)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Get him down for a nap. Pack. Sit down for a second. Hear him crying way sooner than normal.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Repeat four more times.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z34Sz5UkQno/VLfWR_wv-5I/AAAAAAAADrA/qaFlt-Xs0So/s1600/sick%2Bhenry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z34Sz5UkQno/VLfWR_wv-5I/AAAAAAAADrA/qaFlt-Xs0So/s1600/sick%2Bhenry.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We let him watch TV while he got his nebulizer and sang the Wheels on the Bus. ESPN was his favorite, followed by the Today Show once they started showing <a href="http://www.today.com/pets/todays-puppy-purpose-has-name-wrangler-1D80427810">Wrangler</a>. Did you know dogs and cats are allowed on the bus?! Well, in our house they are...I was going crazy with the people going up and down, the windshield wipers swishing, the babies crying and mommies shushing. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thankfully, Henry is on the mend.</b> He's still struggling with night sleep, but we've cut down his nebulizer use and his cough is rapidly disappearing. We leave on a red eye tonight for Puerto Rico, and I'm looking forward to filling my empty tank. On the agenda will be plenty of lounging, sunsets, fruity drinks and beach walks. I hope to get in some beach yoga or small workouts, but I'm leaving my running shoes at home. I'm going to be selfish and relax. After a month of nonstop holiday travel and a sick baby, I'm looking forward to a quiet family vacation...and watching the NFC Championship on the beach!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>When I get back, I want to find a healthy balance of selfishness. </b>Stay tuned for a refreshed outlook and a greater balance of fitness and relaxation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you? </b>Do you consider yourself fitness selfish? Do you give in to being tired and skipping a workout often? How do you balance responsibilities and workouts? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-41236680699753495082015-01-09T09:00:00.002-05:002015-01-09T09:00:21.297-05:00Cold Weather Must Haves: On and Off the Snowy Roads<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It's safe to say most of the country is a bit nippy these days.</b> I don't want to say that thing that begins with P and ends with -olar Vortex, but sheesh, last winter was ROUGH. Although I love winter running, last year was all about taking precautions because I was pregnant. This year, it's all about keeping my baby safe and warm! I'm strongly considering joining a gym because if this winter is this chilly, we will be finding ourselves indoors a lot! If you are one of those that is braving the elements, here are a few of my favorite cold weather things!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXu_fSOykJY/VK_axW_SPSI/AAAAAAAADqk/txE5-PTSXAc/s1600/coldweather1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXu_fSOykJY/VK_axW_SPSI/AAAAAAAADqk/txE5-PTSXAc/s1600/coldweather1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry is under the weather, but it's nothing the snow can't entertain away!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>LAYERS. </b>Layers are your friend!!! <a href="http://kristinmcauliffe.blogspot.com/2013/01/nogymjanuary-what-to-wear.html">I wrote about my favorite cold weather apparel here.</a> I prefer to go tank, short sleeve, long sleeve, jacket. For head wear, if it's super cold, I like to don a head band AND a hat; hats often don't fully cover my ears! I also recommend opting for a wool hat which blocks the wind nicely. Compression socks are a great to add another layer under those running tights. I also have found neck warmers to be crucial. I got a couple of them from the NYC Marathon, and I really like how they're not too heavy. I heard a rumor that<a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-headbands-and-hats/Run-With-Me-Neck-Warmer"> Lulu Lemon had a great one</a>, but alas, it is sold out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Run With Me Neck Warmer" height="400" src="https://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW9E51S_0001_1?$pdp_main$" width="322" /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And they had super cute colors. Looks like I'll be calling some stores...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>MOISTURIZERS.</b> There is nothing worse than being DRY in the winter, whether you are out on a run or drinking some coffee! Vaseline sent me a cold weather survival kit*, and I loved the products! I am a no-scent girl, anything scented gives me headaches. I loved their moisturizer and lip balm since I'm FLYING through mine! My only issue is that the lip balm doesn't have SPF, so I'll be sticking with my favorite <a href="https://kmiller131.myrandf.com/Shop/Product/ESLS002">Rodan and Fields lip shield</a> and my<a href="https://kmiller131.myrandf.com/Shop/Product/RVSS050"> Reverse sunscreen</a> for outdoor running. Got to protect that skin!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RmuHgQuDVVw/VK_aT8Rjr-I/AAAAAAAADqU/4q3kUVE3bOM/s1600/coldweather3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RmuHgQuDVVw/VK_aT8Rjr-I/AAAAAAAADqU/4q3kUVE3bOM/s1600/coldweather3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Staying roasty toasty with this cool stuff!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2i4BAl1vIF4/VK_aUha7XAI/AAAAAAAADqc/dk2FNLrN5zI/s1600/ColdWeather2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2i4BAl1vIF4/VK_aUha7XAI/AAAAAAAADqc/dk2FNLrN5zI/s1600/ColdWeather2.PNG" height="400" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They wrote me a hand written note. I'm a sucker for hand written notes! It's nice to see a big company taking a personal touch.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>WARM DRINKS</b>. I love coffee, but I can't drink it ALL day (WHY NOOOOOOOT?!). So I have been enjoying some Trader Joe's favorites! Since I haven't perfected a homemade hot chocolate recipe, I have been buying chocolate almond milk and heating it up. It's so yummy and satisfying and I'm not boiling a million ingredients!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>COZY THINGS.</b> I have been guilty of wearing jammies all day this week...hey, Henry is doing it too! I love my Oiselle sweatpants in to keep me warm while it's FRIGID. I also got some cozy slippers for Christmas which I love! The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Minnetonka-Womens-Cally-Slipper-Cinnamon/dp/B001FRIC6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420811546&sr=8-1&keywords=minnetonka+slippers">Minnetonka slippers </a>are super comfortable and not overly hot. I'm a warm person by nature, and I can't get enough of them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Minnetonka-Womens-Cally-Slipper-Cinnamon/dp/B001FRIC6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420811546&sr=8-1&keywords=minnetonka+slippers"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got the gray ones. </span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How about you?</b> Do you have a favorite moisturizer? Are a you warm drink fan? Slippers or socks, what's your preference? <i>TELL ME ABOUT IT!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>*Disclaimer: I was given the Vaseline products as a gift under no obligations to write about or promote them. I was not compensated, and all opinions are my own.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02831114585406870114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853987523090091382.post-52584040583124248032015-01-07T10:28:00.002-05:002015-01-07T11:04:51.166-05:00Henry: 7 Months<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Hello, 2015!</b> It was Henry's first holiday season and he was a champ. He's just on the cusp of being able to open gifts, so he resigned to eating the paper on his gifts! He is officially halfway to one year, which completely baffles me. Here are some highlights from this guy's latest month of life:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWctEehAoIA/VK1M_vPKtZI/AAAAAAAADp4/9XNudDntoIc/s1600/Henry7months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWctEehAoIA/VK1M_vPKtZI/AAAAAAAADp4/9XNudDntoIc/s1600/Henry7months.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Not sure how his socks were on because he's a master at sock removal...</i></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry weighs ____ we will find out at his appointment next Monday! I'm guessing 19lbs. His rolls are multiplying!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">HE ROLLED OVER. Life will never be the same.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is slowly enjoying a variety of food. Any new texture takes some getting used to, but so far he's a fan of butternut squash, bananas, pears, oatmeal quinoa, and avocados. Green beans are still iffy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He traveled a ton over Christmas: Connecticut and Pennsylvania! He was great for the first half, but lost it in the last leg of the trip. I think 2-3 hours is his car limit. Noted, Henjo.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sleep. OH the sleep. Henry is finally back to sleeping through the night, going to sleep around 7:30-8pm and waking around 6-7am. While traveling he would wake up and need his pacifier or come into bed with us. The unfamiliar environments didn't suit him at 4am. We've gone down to two naps which has been interesting. His last nap was rapidly dwindling; it would take me twenty to thirty minutes to get him down and time would only allow for a twenty to thirty minute nap before he would need his last feed before his bedtime feed. Going down to two naps has been interesting, but he seems to be getting the hang of it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He has started lifting his arms to be picked up. If I offer to pick him up, I wait for him to lift his arms. It's the sweetest.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His favorite activity is eating his feet. If he has socks on, he pulls and eats those until they're off. I've started taking them off because I run out of dry socks for him!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He finally loves his exersaucer. He's an animal in it, bouncing and laughing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry is sick for the first time. Oh what a difference a day makes. These pictures were taken yesterday, and today he woke up miserable with a low fever and congestion. Poor baby.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This month will be exciting.</b> First of all, the PACKERS are in the playoffs, so Henry will be cheering loud and proud. We're also going to Puerto Rico next week, so his first "international" trip is coming up! We pray that he is fully well by then. We can't wait to introduce him to the ocean, get sand in every chunky monkey crevice of his body, and watch the sunset with him. He is truly a joy to us and everyone he encounters, and we are so thankful to be his parents.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 7 Months Little Lion Man!</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Those baby blues are intense. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Feel free to check out my posts on the Smart Mom Blog!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://smartmom.co/facts-about-sids/">The Facts About SIDS You Need to Know</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://smartmom.co/the-mommy-wars/">The Mommy Wars: Lay Down the Bottles, Breasts, and Bias</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://smartmom.co/colostrum-production/">What You Need to Known About Colostrum</a></span></div>
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