2 Weeks Already!

Just 2 weeks and 12 hours ago, this was what I saw when I looked down:

Then, 12 hours later, this is what I got to see:

Our sweet and handsome little boy was born on April 1st!

He weighed in at 9 pounds 1 ounce and was 22 inches long.  Quite the big little guy!

It was a good thing that he was born 9 days early.  A few weeks before he was born, my OB started to be concerned by his size.  She was thinking he would be big (as did I).  So, I had an ultrasound done to see how big he was, so that we could decide if I should be induced.  The ultrasound doctor told us that the baby was only in the 56th percentile....So very wrong!!  In fact, the little guy's height is in the 99th percentile! 

While modern technology didn't help the ultrasound doctor any, I have to say "Thank goodness for modern medicine!"  As you have probably already figured out by now, if something "rare" is going to happen, it typically happens to me/us.  In this circumstance, my delivery was complicated when my little one had Shoulder Dystocia.  This is basically where after the baby's head is delivered, the shoulders aren't able to pass through.  Yep.  Life threatening emergency that happens in about 1% of deliveries.  Thank the Lord, the doctor took quick action and was able to maneuver the baby in such a way that he was able to be delivered.  I won't go into any gruesome details, but I will say that it was very scary and very painful.  We are just SO very grateful that our little guy made it through okay and didn't have any injuries or nerve damage!  We were so blessed.

I think this picture may be just a little bit skewed by the angle it was taken, but you can see what a good size he was:

We are so excited to have him here.  He has the sweetest little personality.  The past 2 weeks have been a little bit foggy.  But, it has been so nice to just love on him.

Proud Sister:

I really can't believe that it has already been 2 weeks.  I keep telling myself to "just enjoy this time....savor it....cherish it."  I know that this newborn stage will be gone in a flash.  Good heck, I can't believe that M turned 4 years old this week!  While I was nursing my little guy in the middle of the night, the thought of how quickly I know their childhood will go for me, brought tears to my eyes.  My prayer is that I will be the best mother possible for both of my little ones and that they will simply be happy.  When I look at the two of them together, my heart is filled with joy and pride.  I am so blessed.  So fortunate.

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The Fast Food Fast

Me and my hubby have been discussing doing a month without eating out for a while now.  It was actually my husband that decided it would be April.  If he is game I am ALL over this challenge! 

I keep calling 2012 the year of "Fiscal Responsibility" in my house.  With two surgeries for the hubby last year and six months out of work, not to mention the crazy renter who left us holding the bill AND a job change.  We are now finally starting to climb out.

On the health side.  I started 2012 twenty-five pounds lighter.  I CAN NOT gain the weight back.  The hubby on the flip side is trying to get rid of what he brought in to 2012 :).  The weight battle....is relentless!  

What better reason to go on the Fast Food Fast....right? 

I am hoping we will come out of this with our wallets heavier and our bodies lighter! 

So far we are 14 days in and the hubby has already lost five pounds and  we have saved at the very least 60 bucks.  I would say a win win!  

I am hoping to re-train my brain to crave this fast food:

Instead of this: 

I think it's working!

On the cravings side:

The hubby has a lot more energy and is craving salt less (a huge feat on his end).

I have not even had one craving for my favorite lunch: Wingers sticky fingers and fries (once again a huge feat for myself).

Next on the "Food fast" list: SUGAR!  A feat that gives me anxiety just thinking about!  

What could/should you go a month without?

(I know my list could be long.  Baby steps....Right?)

Spring Photo Shoot!

It has been a while....sorry for that!  It has been a CRAZY week.  You know those weeks that are such a whirlwind that you wake up on Monday morning and think......What did I do last week?  Recounting your days is like trying to remember your dreams.  Well that is the kind of week I had :).  I finally got my kids off to St. George for Spring Break.  Now I can now blog AND breathe!  

Yesterday we headed up to the barn for our Spring photo shoot.  It was a DAY.  A day like this reminds me why I haven't pursued photography as a career.  Yesterday,  I probably would have quit :).

We had: three moms, two toddlers, two preschool kids, two boys (who hate getting their photos taken), one infant, four balloons (which went to zero within an hour), one blowout, one outfit change and three spring outfits all but casualties of the farm.  Can't keep em' too clean with all that dirt and chicken poop.  It was quite the adventure!  

I was surprised that quite a few of them ACTUALLY turned out.  

I love this pic because "B" is known for her expressions.  This one showed one of her MANY

 Balloons sure helped get their focus on SOMETHING!

The Coyster's hair was done....at one point in the day.  Not for pictures of course :)

 I only wish Indiana and the Coyster got along this well....

 Getting them to all smile at the same time....now that is the hard part.

I LOVE LOVE This one!  If only "B's" were looking at the camera, this would be my photo above the fireplace ;).

 Why oh why are kids so stinkin' photogenic?

 There's some smiles.....Sort of.

Spring Photo Shoot-CHECK

How was your Easter?  

It's time for EASTER!!

I am generally late.  Late for appointments, late for dinner, late for classes, late on my bills (just being honest ;).  It is something I am working on and have actually improved a bit, it is a work in progress.  

In typical Jody fashion, I am a little late with my Easter craft ideas post. 

This post is for those looking for an Easter week craft for the kids!  

Thanks again Pinterest and all you creative people out there.

Fun Spring/Summer Wreath Idea:

 Click HERE for instructions/tutorial and to introduce you to a sweet new blog!

Who wouldn't love this fun Spring/Summer wreath.  This one could take you through two seasons.  Easy project and great to do with the kids.  What kid doesn't love drink umbrellas?  Indiana saw this project and screamed "YAAAA" 

Super Fun "Peeps"/Flower Centerpiece: 

 Click HERE for instructions/tutorial and to introduce you to yet ANOTHER sweet blog!

Yet another one I REALLY want to make this week.  How fun and cheerful is that!  I showed this one to Indiana and she said "OOOOOHHHHHH it's beautiful!"  I think I found a couple winners.

Cute Kids Craft: 

Find the tutorial on how to make these cute little guys HERE another fab blog!

This was Indiana's #1 Pick!  

For great party/gift decorating Ideas I would suggest checking THIS blog out.  Just be prepared to stay a while!  She gets together a collection of fun/easy/DIY/kid friendly ideas for each holiday.  

What are your favorite Easter memories?  Do you have any fun traditions?  

Since we are doing double Easter duty at the Grandma's house I think I may start a new tradition.  A Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt!  

Late Jody better get crackin' ;).