2013 was good to us

🔹We are all healthy

🔸October 27, I got Baptized

🔹Members of Palm Valley Church

🔹We bought our first home

🔹We updated from a 2011 Camry to a       2012 Rav4

🔹I had my first REAL teaching interview & got hired on as a long term sub w/ intentions of being a full time teacher in August

🔹We won the annual cornhole tournament $420

🔹Tony won fantasy football $450

🔴2014 resolutions🔴

▪️girls & I are eating clean 

▪️work out daily & get in BEST shape

▪️read the Bilble & SOAP journal daily

▪️serve in the church & attend a small group

▪️run 1/2 marathon 

▪️organize my computer pictures 

Thankful

1.) I am thankful for my husband and his work ethic. He goes to work and comes home and rarely complains about his job. He is driven and hard working and I never have to worry if we have enough money for food or bills; he ALWAYS makes sure we are taken care of and I am so grateful for that. I am blessed to have a husband that provides for his family!

2.) Most of you know moving to Arizona was not an easy transition for me. I was very hesitant on meeting people and making new friends because I just wanted to go back home, to Texas. I missed my job, my friends, my family; it was tough. Luckily for me, Brooke is a social butterfly and has never met a stranger! I know a lot of our neighbors through her and boy do we have some awesome neighbors, who will now always be a part of our lives. So, I slowly started meeting people and decided to join a moms group, where I have met some really wonderful ladies! I am thankful for all of my new friends! I am so very thankful for all of my old friends! The ones who have been there for me & given me medical advice, to remind me "this is just a stage" & the kids "should grow out of it,"  listened to my random ramblings just because I needed adult conversations, venting about this change & how it's affected me and my family & just for a good laugh!  I love you all dearly! 

3.) I am thankful for my girls. My 2 beautiful girls who were chosen just for me, who give me purpose in life. I never pictured myself having children, odd I know, but I could not imagine my life without them! They are so much fun! I laugh and pull my hair out daily. Being a stay at home mom had been super challenging and a huge adjustment, but I am reminded daily that I can't get these years back and staying home is where God wants me and it truley is a blessing. I wouldn't want it any other way! 

4.) I am thankful for my family for always being there! Each one holds a special place in my heart and in my girls heart as well! I love to see the impact each of you have on their lives, especially my dad and Kathie. They are always there when I need to talk, they treat my girls like angels, they send them packages every chance they get, and we Skype constantly (thank you technology)! I don't know where I'd be without them! Love y'all! 

5.) I am thankful to the man above for guiding me to PVC - I received a postcard in the mail about Palm Valley Church opening a campus in Buckeye. Their first series was called "building better families" & honestly, who couldn't learn a thing or two about that! I've always wanted to try this church out, so know that it was closer & also closer to where our new house will be, I had no excuse. I went, I listened, I loved! I love how welcoming they are, I love how I feel like I'm at a concert every Sunday, I love how much Brooke loves her class! After the series, I went to Next Steps to see where God wanted me to go from here. Some wonderful ladies (who I am now fortunate enough to call my friends) shared the Gospel and prayed for me as I accepted Jesus Christ in my heart and the rest is history. I was baptized, have attended their core classes, am now a member of the church, am searching for the area God wants me to serve, (because we know, "if you're not serving, your swerving"), and I am in the process of finding a small group to dig deeper into His word. God is good and I am so thankful for his everlasting Grace and for leading me to Palm Valley Church! 

Baptism

I decided to take my faith public and was baptized! It was a wonderful experience. I have found some wonderful people at this church and B absolutely loves going to her class. I can't wait to further my relationship with The Lord and build a church family! Palm Valley Church is awesome! 

P.s. The water was freezing! 

9 months & growing

This has to be the start of my favorite stage! Starting to walk, repeating, babbling, personality shinning through-it's so fun! Is it too late to say I want another baby? ;). I love watching her & Brooke play! Peyton just stares at Brooke and laughs at everything she does, even when she is crying Peyton is laughing! Hehe 

20.6 pounds. 25 1/2 inches long

8 months old

2 bottom teeth, but can't seem to get a picture of them because she covers them with her tongue!! 

MOMMA'S baby!! 

Pulls up on everything.

Wants me to hold her ALL the time.

Eating solid foods ( butternut squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, avocado, bananas) not a fan of carrots, pears or apples.

Anytime someone is eating, she HAS to eat, preferably off your plate :)

I just might be crazy

As you all know, I've always wanted to get my masters degree. I started January 2009 going for adapted physical education. Things changed when we got pregnant with Brooke and I was so sick I couldn't attend class, so I decided to withdrawal. Fast forward 5 years later to 2013 and I've been accepted to the Public Health graduate program at Grand Canyon University! My start date is August, but I just decided to take on a fitness adventure if you will and became an independent coach with Beachbody! I am learning the ropes with that and I am realizing how much time I DON'T have! I think I would have more time on my breaks at work than I do at home. So, I'm going to see how my fitness business takes off and if we can get on a better schedule and then see about graduate school. I can push back the start date, which is nice, so we will see what happens! I'm very excited to see where this leads! 

Summer lovin'

Triple digit heat in Arizona calls for a lot of time in the water and hanging out in the shade :) And could these girls be any more BEAUTIFUL? I know they are mine, but GOSH, they are CUTE!

I should have been a doctor

First thing this morning, I called to find out my blood work results. Platelet count is normal and I'm not anemic! That's good news.

Took Peyton to see GI specialist this morning. Her inflammation count was higher than the last one. What does that mean? I don't know! She doesn't exhibit any of the normal signs such as losing weight, blood in stool, irritability. Dr said he doesn't want to treat the lab, he wants to treat the patient; they're not matching up. He sent me home with a hemmacult so he can test for blood in her stool. He said the only way for him to know how inflamed she is is to do a flex scope, which means she has to be put under. NO! NOT AN OPTION! So, we will continue with my diet, see if there is blood in her stool & go from there. It's interesting that I've cut more out of my diet, yet her numbers have gone up :/

I went to the dr to see what is up with my toes. The toenails on my left foot are all white and my right big toe hurts and is discolored. Also, that toenail is not growing. The PA says, "I don't know what that is. Let me do some research and get back to you." Really? I just paid   $30 for you to tell me that? I should have been a doctor! I know how to research-google!!   So, they decided to take blood and see if its a deficiency from my diet. They don't think it's a fungus because normally fungus' don't hurt. We shall see! (My weight is 119, lost 3 pounds in 6 weeks.)

*update: low on potassium. Still have no idea what's wrong with my toe. My SUPER GENIUS dad told me to out Vaseline in my left foot because they looked dry and brittle & sure enough, they book better! 

7 months

19 lbs 

First tooth has broke through! 

Momma's baby

So happy

Inconsistent sleep schedule (mainly due to her LOUD sister)

On the verge of crawling

She had a restless night and wanted to be held most of the day. The pics we did get are below! 

Play time

Sweet summer time

The sun is shining and the temperature is reaching triple digits, not for the first time, but getting ready to stay that way. My fair skinned, blue-eyed babes are ready for summer! They love being outdoors!

Take 3- Lucy, you have a lot of explaining to do!

Take 1: Jack- our first dog and boy was he a good one! Unfortunately we couldn't bring him with us to Arizona, so...

Take 2: Duke- the wild German Shepard we got while I was pregnant and was just TOO much to handle.

Take 3: 

Went to Fred's & Taby had a new puppy & Tony said he didn't mind having a small one, so Abuela took Brooke to pick out her own little puppy and we came home with this one, Coco, Penny, Pip, Bailey LUCY BELLE.

Homemade Gala Apples

Will not be given to Peyton for awhile. I fed her a little a few days ago and she did not like it. I wasn't sure if it was because it was a little lumpy, it was cold, or she just didn't like it. So, today I mixed some in with her oatmeal and she went to town. Ate it all up! A few hours later we were in Walmart and the projectile vomit started. 5 solid spit ups, one after the other. I was hoping she wasn't going to break out or have any other kind of reaction. Then I was hoping it wasn't a stomach bug because if course thy would happen- its a 3 day weekend. I quickly called the dr and they let me know what to do for both. We got home and Peyton nursed a bit and fell to sleep. She slept about 4 hours and woke her same happy self. So, no more apples! 

Talking marriage...

Brooke woke up telling me she wanted to get married and have kids She wants to be a princess and find a prince that will hung and kiss her! WHAT? Isn't it too soon to be talking about marriage and children? Holy moly, I'm in trouble 😳

Happy 1/2 Birthday my sweetP!

•18.8 lbs

•27.6 in

•all around 90th percentile 

•Sits unassisted

•Throws fits when she doesn't get what she wants

•so happy

•still wakes up throughout the night

•mama's baby

Texas, we have missed you

Easter

I was just discussing with a few people Easter and the purpose of the Easter bunny. I fought with myself trying to decide if i wanted to start this with Brooke. I don't get it. I don't understand why we give Easter baskets. It just seems like another holiday that people want to buy and show off what and how much they bought their kids. It takes away from the true meaning of the day. Brooke woke up Easter morning and said the Easter bunny didn't visit her, as she stare at the basket on the table. I said, yes he did. I proceeded to follow her back to her room where she lifted the pillow and said see, he didn't come. She got the tooth dairy and Easter bunny mixed up, and who can blame her. There are so many fictitious characters, I can barely keep up myself. It just got me thinking, why do all of these holidays have to be about bun things and why does society feel they have to compete with each other To have the "bigger and better" gift? It's really saddening. Here is an article I came across.

5 month chunk

My chunky monkey is 5 months old today! She still is not sleeping through the night :(

New trick

Big sister is teaching little sister a new trick!! I love watching them together! Peyton loves everything Brooke says and does. Peyton will just smile & laugh! So sweet :)

Duck pond

We found a duck pond!

Not a fan

Poor Peyton is not liking her new meds. I had to go to a compounding pharmacy to get it and it was not covered under insurance, so $60 later, this is the face we get. I had to call and get them to prescribe something else. It's still not ready because it needs prior authorization and the dr office was closed Friday. So until I get the soluble tablet, she is back to taking the generic over the counter Prevacid.

GI specialist

The GI specialist called Friday at 10am and said they could see us at 1pm. We were on our way to Walmart, so we quickly got a few things, headed home to eat and get dressed and headed to Phoenix Children's Hospital. The Dr recommended we change Peyton's medicine to twice a day and use a liquid instead of the capsules since there is no way of knowing how much she is actually getting. He thinks the reason for her evening fussiness could be due to the tapering off of her meds. He also recommend I go on a strict milk-free, soy- free and egg-free diet. Joni had to do this diet with Hunter for a few months and told me how awful it was. Everything has one of these 3 ingredients in them. However, Im determined to continue breast feeding so yesterday Peyton and I went to Trader Joes to see what the fuss was about and if they had anything there that would work for me. $20 was all I spent and that included a $5 bottle of shampoo! If I ever have to be on a gluten-free diet, I know where to shop. So basically my meals are limited to a bean wrapped in lettuce with a carrot on the side!! I'm to follow this strict diet for a few weeks and see if the mucus clears up in Peyton's poop. If the mucus is still there, then he wants a sample to see if the WBC is high because that means there is inflammation which would cause a problem. Otherwise, since there is no blood in her stool and she is gaining weight and active like an 8 month old, mucus in her stool would not be of concern to him. He also wants me to see how often she chokes while feeding and if I am concern with that then we can do a modified barium swallow (mbs) to determine if she is swallowing correctly.
Follow up is in 6 weeks. Overall I liked this doctor, however he did tend to get in my personal space while talking to me. I picked up Peyton to put her between us because it was a little uncomfortable and my back was against the wall, literally!

Miss Peyton

I kept a food journal over the weekend and took in one of Peyton's poopy diapers this morning so Dr. Harstook can check to see if there is microscopic blood in it. I'll let you know what I find out. I just want to figure out what's wrong with my baby and get it fixed ASAP!


*UPDATE*
No blood in stool, however they want her to see a GI specialist. More info to come.

Never in my life...

...have I been classified as "unhealthy", obese really, when measuring my body fat percentage until now. I thought breastfeeding would help me kick start loosing the baby weight, but it has yet to help with that. I've never been one to worry about my weight. As long as I felt good about myself and in my clothes, the number on the scale did not matter to me. I'm still not worrying about the actual number, but if we look at that, I weighed 125 before Peyton and 131 at my 6 week postpartum check up. 6 pounds is it. 6 pounds is the difference between me being in the healthy percentage vs the unhealthy percentage. I started running 2 miles and lifting weights when Peyton was 2 months old. It didn't seem to help, not to mention my eating habits are awful. I have cut out dairy, eggs, caffeine and chocolate, so finding something that works with Peyton has been a challenge. I find myself eating a lot of crackers, oatmeal and whatever other carb is in my reach. I feel like I could eat all day and never get full! So, last week I decided to start Insanity. It's a 60 day beach body workout that I feel would get me where I needed to feel better about myself and encourage better eating and future workouts. The first week was tough considering I'm extremely out of shape and I strained an abdominal muscle. I did what I could and took it easier then I normally would because of my stomach. I started week 2 today and my stomach wasn't hurting, knock on wood. I'm attempting to eat better and give all I can give in these workouts. I want my body back and I want to feel good about myself. Right now I'm not a fan of my body AT ALL.
BEGINNING MEASUREMENTS
•body fat percentage 34%
•right arm 10 1/2
•left arm 10 3/4
•chest 35
•waist 34
•hips 37
•right thigh 19 1/2
•left thigh 19
•right calf 13 3/4
•left calf 14 1/4

4 months old

16 pounds 3 ounces
25 1/4 inches long
Has eczema
Teething
I'm still eating something that's not agreeing with her. I now have to cut out peanuts, peanut butter and tomatoes. I've already cut out caffeine, eggs and dairy.
Happy baby!
Very curious
Easily distracted
Loves watching BIG sister
Very sensitive to sound
Startles easily
She's just a sensitive baby, overall
Love this little one to pieces! Her smile brightens my day when Brooke is challenging it :)

Gymnastics

So, I had my camera ready to take all kinds of pictures on Brooke's first day of gymnastics and low and behold we are not allowed to go in with her. They leave the door open, but don't like people in the gym. A little weird because all the parents were crowded around the door trying to get a peek! From what I saw, Brooke learned how to do a front roll. She would not listen to her coach and stay in line and she kept fighting with a little boy. They were chasing each other and sticking out their tongues. This should be interesting!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Saturday March 2nd, we went to the Buckeye Public Library for some fun activities and a story honoring Dr. Seuss! Brooke had a great time and everyone had a fit over how cute Peyton was :)

Funny story

The girls and I were at the park with Charlotte. Brooke had a baggie with some marshmallows, raisins and different nuts. She asked Charlotte I she wanted some. Charlotte said, "no thank you. I don't have anything to wash it down with." So, Brooke said I DO! She got her water, "washed down" the marshmallows and handed them to Charlotte! Of course Charlotte ate them now that they were washed down!!!

Church at Tartesso

Gary & Charlotte invited us to church with them on Sunday. It is held in our community at the Elementary school in the gymnasium. It was very casual and small. They prayed, discussed the bulletin of upcoming events, sang some songs and dismissed the young ones to their classes. There is a nursery, but Peyton stayed with me. I'm not ready to leave her with anyone just yet. Heck, I haven't even left her alone with Tony! Brooke had Charlotte take her back to her room. She was extremely excited because there were so many children her age. They were studying Acts & Pastor Mike was great and delivered an awesome message. It was not like church I had been to before. People asked questions and stated their opinions on topics. More of a Sunday school and church in one. One thing that stood out about the service was what Pastor Mike said about heaven and hell. He said " you don't go to heaven by being good and you don't go to hell by being bad. You go to heaven by having faith in Jesus and His word; believing what He says He is going to do and trusting in Him. You go to hell by rejecting faith and His word." I really liked this and will have to dive further into it. I want to be sure I don't use "if you're bad- hell, if you're good-heaven" bit with the girls. There is much more to it than that! GREAT MESSAGE. Brooke had a wonderful time and wanted to go back on Monday! I had to explain to her she only goes one day a week!! Gary and Charlotte also attend another church about 15 minutes away and invited us to that one as well. It is a lot bigger and has more adult and children services. I think we might try it out, however I'm not sure I'm ready to leave Peyton in the nursery!