Healing magic

Good Thursday morning.  We took Ava to her first Nashville Predators hockey game Tuesday night!  Last year, we had partial season tickets, but this season that took a backseat for our new addition!  Clint's work has a box and he got tickets for us to take Ava.  Like Father like Daughter.

Poor thing FELL ASLEEP in the 3rd period.  Who does that? hahaha  We did leave early, don't worry.  I am so glad she got to and will continue to experience this with Clint.  He loves hockey.  When we got together I had NO IDEA about hockey, but now I enjoy the game.  Plus, it gives me something to share with him.

I officially have off of work until next Tuesday!  My time off actually started yesterday.  Ava had been kind of stuffy on Tuesday at my parent's house and she took 2 really long naps.  (Clint's family was sick on Christmas Eve and as much as you try to clean hands and not pass germs, you can't keep them all away.)  Her body seemed to be wore out.  Yesterday morning, when she got up, bless her heart, had snot and crust all on her face where she sleeps on her belly.  I immediately squeegied her nose with the "boogie getter." (I think we used this about 76 times yesterday.) 


Source

Since I only had two patients yesterday and my mom would be taking Ava to my sister's wisdom teeth surgery, we decided that I would stay home and not get her out.   It was a great decision.  We stayed in our Jammies all day and I loved on her like a mama does.  I did give her some

Source

(WARNING.....going into mama talk mode.)

She sucked it right up. Although, the meds will help some, I think I am her best medicine.  I don't say thay because I am Super mama.  I say that because breastmilk has a healing effect.

According to pregnancy-info.net,

 

Does Breast Milk Really Heal?

"Many doctors, researchers, and scientist agree that breast milk does appear to have healing properties that can prove beneficial when it comes to treating minor illnesses and injuries. This is because of the antibodies that breast milk contains. Just as breast milk provides your baby with necessary antibodies to fight off infection, it can also work to kill off bacteria and viruses when applied topically to problem areas.

Nevertheless, breast milk is probably not potent enough to completely kill off infections and other illnesses. Most health care providers do recommend that you seek traditional medical care for these problems, in order to ensure that they completely heal. However, two common illnesses that appear to be helped by the use of breast milk include pink eye and sore nipples."

So basically, the more I nurse her, the better off and faster she should get better.  It seems to be working.  I don't think it is a miracle drug, but I am an avid proponent that breastfeeding does help a sick baby as well as a healthy baby. 

Ava truly is an amazing baby!  Even though she is snotty and crusty, she is still all smiles and happy as a clam.  At least, we have the next 5 days together to get her better.  Although, my throat started hurting last night, ugh!!!  That is typically a prerequisite to getting a cold for me.  Hopefully, I can ward it off.  She is sleeping in her swing right now.  We are going to stay in again today to try to get her over this completely.  No Spin class last night!  I didn't want to leave her and didn't want to take her to kidcare.  We will see about tonight though. 

Are you off of work yet for the week??

Have a great Thursday!

Xmas in review and making plans

Hi there!  I took a much needed break from Blog world.  When I came back, I was overwhelmed by all of the posts in my Google Reader.  So instead of stressing out to get them all read, I "Mark all as read."  (GASP!!) I know.  I am awful, but it is something I felt like I had to do for my sanity.  Do you know how stressful it is to try to get through about 200!!!  posts?!?!  Valium worthy, I tell ya!

How was everyone's Xmas??
Ours was great.  We are too blessed, let me tell ya.  We are going to need an extra room for all of the things we accummulated over the 3 days.  I did get some zebra print stuff( I am a Jersey girl to the bone), workout gear(i needed this), and we got some new kitchen appliances (George Forman, Grinder/brewer coffee maker, Deep Fryer(Clint has wanted one for a while) and we got the KINECT.  It is the XBOX 360 version of the Wii. There are no controllers, but it picks up your body.  It is pretty neat, if I do say so myself.  Let's just say we got more than we needed.
It was good to spend time with family.  It did go super fast though.  Those 3 days flee by.  Ava did so good!!  We were so proud of her.  She was up and awake at every event and woo'ed the crowd.  (the ham that she is!)  She caught up on her sleep Sunday night and yesterday. 
Clint's family had colds, and she is starting to get a little stuffy/snotty. Clint stopped and bought a humidifier yesterday, so hopeful we can cut the cold off at the pass. 

I was sooooo ready to get back to eating "my comfort food" and working out yesterday! It was like a breathe of fresh air.  I had a really good workout!

Cardio:
20 min on ellip.

Weights:
Circuit 1:
Chest press on ball-2x10, 2-20DBs
DB Pullover into crunch on ball-2x10, 1-20DB
Squats w/ alt. knee lifts-2x10/leg, 2-20DBs
Squats into alt. front lunge-2x10/leg, 2-20DBs

Circuit 2:
Plank-2x1 min (15 sec regular, 15 sec forward back motion, 15 sec right leg lift, 15 sec left leg lift)
Up and over pushups-2x15
Side Planks-2x1min
Mt. Climbers-2x50

My arms were WORE out!  I am in a workout rut though.  Because I personal train during the day, I need a little extra push.  I am where I want be in the looks dept., but I feel like I am just wading in water.  I can't decide on my next goal.  I have been wanting to take the classes at our gym, but either the times don't work out for me or they get started late and with Clint at the gym doing his thing and Ava in kidcare, I don't like to spend more than an hour working out. I really need a workout partner, but that isn't going to happen, I'm afraid.  I am VERY picky about workout partners and I don't know anyone that I am willing to share my time with OR that would push me harder than I push myself. (If only we lived closer, right Melissa?!?!)
I need to figure something out though.  I am going to decide on a new goal by January 1st.(that's a goal, right?!?!)

Do you do New Year's Resolutions?
I used to, but I stressed myself out "having to get them done."  Now, I make mini goals throughout the year.  That works better for me. 

Well, one of my patient's is set to arrive shortly!  Have a great Tuesday!!

Vacation from Xmas vacation??

Merry Christmas Eve Eve. 
Are you finished with work for the week?
Yesterday, was my last day for the rest of the week.   My boss gave us an unexpected little extra bonus for Christmas.  SCORE! 

Last night, I went to the gym for Spin.  Clint and Ava stayed home to get a little snoozer. At first, I felt guilty for going.  We all usually go together so I can at least know those two are in the same building.  But after talking it through, Mama needs to get out on her own every now and again. 

I usually get to spin class early.  First of all, I hate being late and will not go into a class if I am.  I don't like to feel like I am interrupting.  Second, I like to get the same bike each time. Remember, I am creature of habit.  Lo and behold, myu fave teach is out again.  Insert, yet another sub.  At least, they keep me guessing huh?! 

There were only 4 of us in class.  I was kind of off myself and the other 3 were grouped together.  The first thing the sub teach said to me was, "are you sure your seat it at the right height?"  I responded, "yes, I am pretty sure." That was IT! No "hi, my name is"......or "I don't know you, welcome to class."  So of course, she rubbed me the wrong way from the start.

Her class was pretty good. We did some big hills, jumps, and sprints, BUT she would fail to tell us what level we needed to be on, i.e. "give me a 5" or "turn the knob to a solid 7."  Knowing this helps me figure how to gauge how hard I need or should be working so I can go above it.  I felt a little out of sorts. Plus, I felt a little sluggish.  I don't know what my deal was.  I pushed myself hard, but it wasn't my best performance.  Some days are like that unfortunately.

Moral of the story, I like being challenged with different teachers, BUT my fave teach A is my cup of tea!

What are your Christmas plans?
Here is our schedule for the rest of the week.
Today:
 Me, Ava, my mom, and sister are going to the mall(I know we are nuts).  Last minute pickups and me some jeans.  I am excited to see what size I am.  Then we going to my great aunt's house. My mom and her have been exchanging cakes for years and we are exchanging them today. 
Then we are coming home and getting busy(well, that's later, wink wink) baking, laundry, last minute present wrapping, and cleaning house.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Diabetic Chocolate chips cookies(our nephew has Type 2 diabetes)
Chess squares
Veggie Corn salsa

Friday:(about an hour drive)
Clint's Bro's house around 1ish to gift open and eat.  Driving home before the "snow" hits.

Saturday:(this is the busy one)(about a 5 min drive)
Santa at our house.
Breakfast at my parent's house and gift opening.
Come home. Put the weenies in the crockpot. Take a nap?  At least Ava will.
4pm (thanksgiving type) meal and gift opening at my parent's house with aunts, uncles, cousins.
HOME finally.

Sunday:(about a 45 min drive to FIL's)
Church
Lunch with Clint's dad's side of the family
Home to recoop!

I feel like we need Monday off just to take the weekend all in.  I thought holidays were supposed to be relaxing.  Guess not, huh?!?
What are holiday chain of events???

Have a great Christmas eve eve!!

Friends forever..cheesy but true

Tuesday or Thursday?  In this short work week, today really is my Thursday!  Oh yeaaaaaa (in my best Pauly D voice). 

Last night at the gym was ok. I have had better gym-time and I have had worse.

Cardio:
Dreadmill-1.5miles
Ellip.-15min

Weights: (all with 2-12lb DBs)
SS-Front lunges 2x10/leg
      Reverse lunges 2x10/leg
SS-Hammer curls 2x10/arm
      Bicep Curls 2x10/arm
SS-Deadlifts 2x20
      Fire hydrants into donkey kicks 2x15/leg
Mountain climbers 2x50

Cardio:
Ellip. 10 min, then 10 min in regular and reverse mode.
(That reverse mode is so awkward for me.  I feel like a complete idiot doing it.  Plus I feel  like I am going to fall.  But hey, I need to use the hammies every now and then right!?!)
*I typically do not do this extra cardio after weights, but Clint wasn't finished with his workout/wallyball so I jumped on the ellip and took advantage of some extra burnage. 

Tonight, we are having supper with 3 of my best friends and their husbands, well 2 of them have husbands.  We usually get each other gifts, but this year we decided to all get together and go to a nice restaurant and just spend time together.  We always have a great time when we get together!!


                                            Here is a picture of us 4 at Clint and my wedding.

Here is the 4 of us at M's wedding.

And us 4 at L's wedding shower.

Me, M, and L, and literally grown up together.  My parents and M's parents went to high school together.  Me, M, and L all met when we were about 7.  We all met R in high school.  So needless to say, we have been friends for a long time.  I consider myself lucky.  Most people don't have friends for as long as we have been friends.  M is now pregnant and just found out she and her hubs are having a little girl!!  I am so excited!

Do you have friends from childhood that you keep in touch with?

Have a great Tuesday!!

  

Can't think of an exciting title.

Monday, Monday....do do, do do do....
How was everyone's weekend??  Ours was good, but always so short!!!  It would be nice to have 3 day weekends, but then those would be too short too right?!

Saturday is Clint's WallyBall day, so I thought that I would take Pump it up, which is our gym's version of Body Pump I suppose.  Well, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I have never taken a weight  lifting class.  There is something about having someone tell me what to do that I feel kind of iffy about.  Maybe it is the Personal Trainer in me or my Type A personality or even a combo of both. 

The instructor, which is my favorite spin instructor was out sick, so who is the sub, the hummingbird on crack.  So, right off, I was thinking there is no way I am taking spin with her after this class and WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?!?! 

The class was very structured and the music was good.  I didn't know we would do a whole song for one body part and I think I overestimated the amount of weight for some of those parts because ladies, I AM STILL SORE!!!  My legs felt good and a smidge tender, but oh boyo my biceps and chest.  I feel like every muscle fiber was shredded into bits and pieces.  I am super stoked about this though because I got a great workout.

Will I take the class again???  Probably on Saturdays to switch things up, but I like to make my own workout and I like to take spin class.

On a different note, I was looking in the mirror at the class because let's face it (ha, pun) you can't help but look at yourself when a mirror is put a few feet away.  I never thought I would say type this but I might be getting too lean.  Yes, I said it.  My arms are, might I say starting to look like this:

Source

I like the way they are looking these days, but I do not want to be anymore lean.  My nutrition since I had Ava has been based on the 40-40-20 rule.  That is 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% fat of my daily intake of foods.  This has worked so well for me.  In fact, I am proud to say I got back and in better shape at 4 months postpartum eating this way and exercising an hour 3-4days per week.  That is not the norm.  So, I am Uber proud of myself and my achievements.  I am glad that Christmas is almost here, because I got in shape for Christmas haha!  Bring on the food.  Well, to be honest, I will eat what I want, but won't overdo it that much.  I am probably going to start alternating days with 40-40-20 and 40-30-30 at the first of the year to maintain the hot bod I have now. 
Are you content with how you look?


Ava news: Last week, she had three days of CRYING from around 6pm -8pm.  I am glad to say that that stage is OVER!  My heart goes out to families who have babies with colic or acid reflux.  You truly are amazing people.  I couldn't stand the 2 hours a day that she cried, let alone all of the time. 
She is back to happy and content Ava and I couldn't be happier.  I am excited to have almost 4 days of family time starting Thursday.  I am not excited about how her schedule is not going to happen for those 3 days.  It is going to be a whirlwind of family, activity, and loudness.  I want her to experience what she can, but as her parents we are going to have to put our foot down and do what is best for her.  If that means she naps during one of my family's meals, then so be it.  If that means we leave a little earlier than expected then so be it. 
If you have kids, how do you adjust to holiday craziness and kid's schedules?

Have a great Monday.  How many days are you working this week?

Garth and crying

Happy Friday everyone!!  I hope everyone's week has been great and you are looking forward to your weekend.

Clint and I had a date night last night.  It was our first official date night since Ava Quinn arrived.  What did we do might you ask?!?!?!
Source

This was Clint's first concert.  I know, that is crazy.  It was an early Xmas present for us him.  Garth put on an amazing concert.  He played all of his best hits.  His wife Trisha Yearwood came out to sing with him and OMG her voice is AMAZING!  She sings live just like she would on the radio.  That is the sign of a beautiful voice!

My sister and her fiance Ava-sat last night and I checked in to see how things were going.  Ava has been having a rough time the past few nights.  She is the happiest baby I have ever seen.  She gets a little fussy when she is hungry, needs changing, or is tired, but the past few nights around 6:30ish until 8:30ish she just cries.  Well, last night was no different.  That is why I checked in and my sister said she was a little fussy.  Ok!  Good deal.  I can relax a little and continue to enjoy the concert.  Well, when we got home we found out the truth.  She was crying so bad my sister thought something was wrong with her and my parents came over to help.  The tried everything from changing her to playing to trying to feed her a little.  Finally, she got to sleep.  I felt so AWFUL.  I hated they had to see the "Jekyll" side of Ava that she has been portraying the past few days.  I felt guilty for going off and having fun while she was home crying.  Clint helped me relax and remind me that my parents didn't mind coming over to help.  This is some phase she is going through.  We waited 4.5 months to have a date night.  Plus, it was great birth control for my sister and her fiance!

We researched and there are a number of things that could be going on with her. 
-Teething
-Overtired
-Gassy
-4 month transition is big for babies
So, no definite answer.  We are going to take each day and thank God she is only like this for a couple hours a day.  I can't/don't want to imagine what parents go through with babies with Colic who cry ALL OF THE TIME.  No wonder mamas go through post partum depression and need drugs to get through.  It is awful listening/watching your child cry and you can't for the life of you figure out how to "fix it."  Being the fixer I am, it is horrible.  The whole notion of "crying it out" that all of the books teach in my opinion are crazy.  We will  let her fus, BUT when she starts really crying, uh-uh no way.  We will go get her.  It is torture to "let" her cry to me.  I know this is a big debateable issue, but that is my opinion on the situation.  My heart can't cope with the "cry it out" method.
Thoughts?
Advice?

No workouts the last couple of days.  Wednesday, was a chance of freezing rain, so we stayed home to play it safe.  Last night was the concert and tonight is my great uncle's surprise birthday party.  But come hell or hight water, we will be at the gym tomorrow morning!  I think I might try the Body Pump class. 
Any advice on the body pump class?
Is it worth it to try?

Snow and Pringles

Happy middle of the work week.  That "supposed" snow we were to get on Sunday turned into a family SNOW day on Monday.  We had about 2-4in of snow with ice underneath which makes driving on our hilly road very dangerous.  Although we were cooped up in the house and 15 degree weather, we had a great day.  Clint and I did mayja cleaning.  He went through papers that "we need to keep in case we MIGHT need them" so I can take them to work to shred.  We cleaned our closets.  We dusted of ceiling fans, vacuumed, went through Ava's clothes that she can't wear anymore.  Then we got out to the grocery way later in the day.
Funny story for you!  Clint typically pushes the buggy (or shopping cart, if that is what you call it) with Ava in it when we go somewhere.  I decided I want to push.  I was toodling along, chatting with Ava and (in slow motion) rammed the buggy into the Pringles display.  Pringles containers scattered all over the floor.  I couldn't stop laughing.  I am doubled over about to pee my pants while Clint is stacking them back up.  I finally contained myself to help him.  This woman and her kids start to go by and she picks up a container and I thought, that is nice of her to help.  Um, no she put it in her buggy.  Well, that is one less we have to stack.  Needless, to say it was one of my best moments and I am no longer allowed to push the buggy!!

Last night, we went to the gym.  The dreadmills I like and all of the ellips were taken so grudgingly I went to lift weights first.  This is not my favorite way to do things, but hey my body was confused in a good way.
Weights:
Combo-Palms facing in chest press into Butterflys (on the ball)-1x10, 10lb DBs, 1x10, 12lb DBs
Squats-2x20, 2-20lb DBs (weights on shoulders)
Chest Press(on ball) 2x10, 2-20lb DBs
Front Squats-2x20, 2-20lb DBs

Prone lying(on the ball) bent arm rows-2x10, 2-10lb DBs
Surrenders-2x10/leg, 2-8lb DBs (Holding your arms up that long is exhausting)
Ball exchanges-2x10 (love these)

Cardio:
The machines were STILL taken, so I got on the "other" dreadmills and made it work.
2.25miles
Ellip-15 min.

Tonight is my favorite spin class/instructor, BUT we are forecasted to get freezing sleet/rain this afternoon.  We will see what the weather does.

I will leave you with a youtube video of our athlete.  Too funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPUp0cDZYWA

Had any great workouts?
What is the weather like where you are?

Maintenance already?

Happy Sunday.  We are "supposed" to get some snow today.  We shall see.  I am not going to hold my breath!

Yesterday, although I had to work a couple of hours, I was able to get to the gym before I went.  I had a time limit so I got in got with it.

Cardio:
Dreadmill: Easy paced-1 mile
Ellip:15 min

Weights:
(sidenote: I DO NOT like machines. I know they can get the job done, but i rearely do them.  I hadn't planned out a workout, so decided I would change it up (and suck it up) and do some machines. I didn't write down the actual weight that I did, but it was enough to tire me.)
SL-leg extension 3x15
Bicep curls 3x15
Prone Lying hamstring curls 3x15
Rows 3x15
Shoulder press 3x15

I did have a revelation at the gym.  I was looking at the mirror(who doesn't) and thought, "I am done."  I am exactly where I want to be.  I don't want to lose anymore weight, I love all of my muscle definition, all of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit( and fit well.  No saggy booty britches from too much weight lost.) and I am happy.  I am at maintenance.  Of course, I wouldn't be human if I didn't want to tweak some things, but overall I can eat and workout to maintain where I am.  Unfortunatley, I am without a goal.  I do not have any right now.
* I am not(nor will I)competing. (I thoroughly respect anyone who does, but it just isn't for me.)
* It is too dang cold to run any races. 
*My abs are back, but I can't wear a bathing suit(hence the too cold) to "show off" my progress.
*Clint is happy with how I look. (this is quite important to me.)
*I AM HAPPY WITH HOW I LOOK.
So, where does that leave me.  I have NO IDEA.  So, give me your ideas.
What should my next goal(s) be?
What are your goals right now or at the 1st of the year?
Maybe I can borrow some of yours. 

We have church and then I have a wedding shower that I am helping with today.
What are your Sunday plans?

Spin, cereal, Eclipse(in that order)

Oh Friday, you couldn't come soon enough.  This week was soooo busy.  Tomorrow is my Saturday to work.  I only have a couple of patient's so it won't be too bad. 

Last night we went to the gym and I decided to try the Thursday night spin class.  I was kind of leery/nervous about taking a new teacher/class.  I have been comfortable with the Wednesday night class/teacher. 

It is amazing how different teachers can be.  This lady is all of 87lbs(ok exaggeration).  I have seen her around the gym, but had no idea she was the teacher.  Her class was hard but in  a different way.  We took a lot more breaks than in any other class I have taken and I didn't sweat buckets.  We "hovered" until her heart was content and my legs were spent.  My legs sure were tired by the end of the class, but weirdly enough I was sad I didn't sweat that much.  We finished the class with some abs and that was a love/hate situation, let me tell ya.  My abs aren't sore(yet), but we they were worked for sure.  This is where I got uncomfortable.  We started stretching to finish off the class.  Now, I am all for stretching, but the area where spin class is is surrounded by mirrors and the mirrors can be seen from many angles.  These angles are where "testosterone island" is.  So, they can clearly see the class.  We started stretching and the stretches I thought were a little um, how do I put it.....seductive?!  I do not like to draw that type of attention, well from Clint, but not other men.  I kind of "attempted" the stretches and counted down the seconds until I could get the heck out of dodge.  That part just wasn't my thing. 

I was telling Clint about it after and he said, "yeah the guys were all watching y'all!"  (Great!)  I liked the teacher and if need be will take her class again, BUT I prefer the Wednesday night class/teacher.  She is more my style and she makes me work hard.  You live and learn huh.

We decided to try and give Ava cereal for the 1st time last night.  We gave her

with breastmilk.  Our doctor said to feed her breastmilk(one boob), then halfway through her feeding to give her the cereal.  Then finish up(the other boob) with breastmilk.
She really enjoyed it.  I mean as far as we could tell.  She even grabbed the spoon from Clint at one point and stuck it in her mouth, haha.  She is growing up so fast.  All in all it was a great 1st time experience for her and Clint and I.

So, how do I feel about it?  Honestly, I was happy and sad at the same time.  We will continue to add to her diet from now on(steadily and one new food/texture at a time), but I am not her sole food provider any more.  I have taken such a serious stance to keeping my self nourished and healthy so I could provide the best for Ava through breastmilk.  Yes, the majority of her nutrition will be breastmilk, but this is the start of something new.  A new stage.  She is growing up and changing.  (for the better)  I am happy for her and how healthy and happy she is, but a small piece of my heart is sad.  This is how life goes and Lord knows there will be hard things we have to deal with, but for yesterday these were my feelings about feeding her cereal.
*Today, I am ok with everything. Not so sad.

Moving on.  Clint picked up

from the Redbox.  My review.  It was better than the 1st movie by far.  As mush as other people enjoy the movies, I am not a fan.  I prefer the books and my imagination in this case.  I honestly do not think Robert Patterson or Kristen Stewart are good actors.  If it was up to me, I would have pick better.  All in all, it was a pretty good movie and kept my attention. 
Have you seen it or any of the Twilight saga?  What did you think?

Have a great FRIDAY!!!

Fam time and Santa

Good Thursday morning.  It was a frigid 12 degrees this morning and I DID NOT want to leave the house, but I had to if I intend to get a pay check huh?!?

We have been so busy with parties, shopping, and funeral homes. that we haven't been home before 8pm the last 4 nights.  If you are an avid reader of mine, you should know that I spin on Wednesday nights.  It is my FAVORITE (well, the only) class I take at our gym.  Yesterday morning before I left for work, Clint and I decided that we were coming home after work and STAYING HOME.  We have missed just relaxing and being home together.  So, spin class occurred without me last night and I have no regrets about that.  I will either take a spin class tonight or workout on my own. 

Family time is very important to us.  Although, I do love me some spin-ness, it was NOT a hard decision to forgo the gym.  My, how priorities are different.
We all got home about 4pm and all got in our comfy clothes, Clint and I played with Ava, I made Clint pancakes, (I had a turkey burger and green beans), we put Ava down for bed, and then we wrapped Xmas presents.  It was a MUCH needed time together.  I wouldn't have traded it!
(if you celebrate Xmas)
Do you like wrapping Xmas presents?
I do.  It is so calming to me. 
Did y'all have presents under the tree BEFORE Xmas Day?
We didn't.  SANTA brought all of our presents, so there weren't any under the tree.  Clint's family had presents under the tree before Xmas day from his mom and then SANTA would come to bring more.
Was SANTA the only one who brought you presents or did SANTA and parents?
We only had Santa.

Have a great Thursday!

workout to drive thru

Unfortunately, Ava didn't have enough votes to make the 4th round!  Thank you for those that voted.  We appreciate it!!   She is the cutest thing in a tutu I have ever seen!!  Although, I will think that for the rest of my life!

The gym, well cardio area, last night was pretty busy.  Especially, for 4:30 in the afternoon. 
Here is what I did. 
Cardio:
Ellip-30 min manual (dreadmills that I prefer were taken....rats!)

Weights:
Bulgarian Split squats-3x10/leg, 2-20lb DBs
21's-1 set with 8lb DBs, 2 sets with 12lb DBs
Step ups-3x12/leg, 2-12lb DBs
Pullovers on ball-3x15, 12lb DB
Hamstring curls on ball-3x20
Bent over rows 3x10, 2-12lb DBs
SL deadlifts-2x15/leg, 20lb DB (I completely forgot to do a 3rd set)
Russian twists-3x50, 20lb DB

I thought that I hadn't worked very hard because I wasn't very sweaty.  I have told y'all before I sweat like a man beast.  Last night, was only minimal sweat for me, which in reality is probably normal to everyone else.  We get in the car and Clint said, "was it me or was it cooler in there than usual?"  Yes!!!!  It wasn't just me.  Ok, so I did work hard, then.  I base my workouts on how much I sweat apparently.

We went to the funeral home after and spent some time with our friend and his wife at the visitation for his grandmother.  We left there about 8pm and we were ravenous.  Emergency run thru the drive thru!  We went to Burger King and I got a plain veggie burger.  Needless, to say I had a snack of protein powder and yogurt when I got home.  I have learned that I can always get a either a plain grilled chicken sandwich or at burger king a veggie burger when we HAVE to stop at fast food places. 

What are your go to foods at fast food restaurants? 
(Of course, that is if there is not a Subway around 15 miles! =)

How was your workout yesterday?

Weekend in a blur.

1st things 1st.  Ava made it to Round 3!  The next 4 rounds are 1 day each from 9am-11pm central.
 VOTE DAILY!

Ok Monday, ugh.  I looked at Clint last night and said, "did we have a weekend?"  Saturday Clint had to work.  Ava and I had a mama/daughter day.  It was fabulous.  This was the most I have spent with her by myself since I went back to work at 4 weeks.  I enjoyed every moment.  I didn't go workout because that would be a a couple of hours Ava would be in kid-care and I wouldn't get to spend time with her.  My priorities sure did change when I became a mama!
Clint got off of work at 2:30pm, but I had to go help/run a Christmas party from 3-11pm.  So, we tagged and Clint had daddy/daughter night. 

The Christmas party I was a part of, I have been doing it 4 years straight.  Actually, my mom and sister do it with me.  We get to the host's house a couple of hours before showtime and cook last minute dishes, heat and plate the table.  When it is party time, my mom replenishes the dishes and washes cups, etc., I bartend, and my sister is outside taking pictures of everyone who shows up.  It is a whirlwind event.  It is a "come and go" party, but the majority stay and drink.  I think I opened up 20 bottles of wine and went through 5 cases of different kinds of beer.  These people DO NOT mess around.  We definitely make our money that night.  The host does a Cinco de Mayo party every year too.  Clint helps me do that and we have so much fun.  Clint and I work so well together and we have a lot of fun.  The host was asked if she could give my number to people that had asked about us.  Um, yes please.  We will see if I get any calls though.  I wouldn't mind when my personal training career started slowing down picking up catering and party planning.  I do enjoy that atmosphere and planning.

Sunday, we skipped church and decided to have a family day.  I slept in until 7:30pm.  I don't really know the last time that happened.  Granted, I went to bed about midnight and got up to feed Ava, but still 7:30am!!
We decided to head out and do a little shopping.  We got our yearly ornament's from the mall and got Ava her "1st Christmas" ornament.  The only people left on our list is Clint and I to buy for each other and Clint's grandma.  Pretty successful so far!

We came home and watched the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos game.  Clint has and always be a Chiefs fan.  Through good times and bad!  This year is a good year.

Then, we made a trip to the funeral home.  I don't know if this is a southern thing or not, but I was brought up going to funeral homes.  My mom is a professional griever.  My grandparent's were too.  If you know "of" someone in someone's family that passed away, you go to the funeral home visitation.  My brother's girlfriend's granddad passed away so we went to support her.  My brother had to go show off Ava to her side of the family while we were there. 
Do you go to visitations at funeral homes?
Is that a Southern thing or just normal?

To the grocery store we went after visitation.  We went for the week's food and dinners for this week.  We get to the check out and we had no idea what we were having for supper last night!  haha Well, O'Charley's it is!  I get the same grilled chicken salad there every time we go and I couldn't be happier.

When we got home we made iced and decorated sugar cookies.  This was so fun. I love cooking/baking with Clint.  Ava sat in her bouncy seat and watched us.  She kept coughing and we thought, "maybe she is getting sick."  She kept coughing until Clint picked her up.  Miraculously, she stopped.  That little tyke was just trying to get us to pay attention to her.  haha. 

I work with a massage therapist and today we are changing out services.  I get a 30 min massage and she gets a 30 min training session.  Win win I think.  The last time I had a massage was I think 2 years ago when Clint got me(us) a couple's massage for my birthday. I would (and just might) have to have a trading of services once a week!!

We are going to the gym tonight!  Yay.  There weren't a lot of options I was comfortable with at the party Saturday night, so I ate my weight in sausage balls and pita chips.  I feel kind of sluggish and a good sweat session is calling my name.
After that we are heading to, yet again, a funeral home visitation. One of the guys in our wedding texted Clint yesterday to tell him that his grandmother passed away.  Not fun, but one of those things that is the right thing to do, well in my book at least.

How was y'alls weekend?  Did it go by in a blur like mine?

Vices and triggers plus a workout

It is FRIDAY. Oh yeah.  I do love me some Fridays. 
Ava made it to the 2nd round of the "Babies gone wild" contest.  The 2nd round is until 11pm on 12/4. You can vote once a day everyday.  VOTE HERE.

Ok enough pimpin' out our daughter.  Onto my workout yesterday.  I was completely flustered at the gym.  At home, I was chatting with Clint and ooohing over Ava and totally forgot to change my tee.  I had a black sports bra on and white tee.  GREAT!  FABULOUS!  I sweat like a man working construction in 120 degree weather at the gym.  Then, I forgot my workout that I had planned out.  Then, we get in the gym and I left my water in the Murano.  Luckily, I could go get that, but sheesh!  I was all out of sorts!

Cardio:
15 min dreadmill pyramid 6mph-9mph.  My legs were gettin it. whew.
15 min ellip. 

Weights: (really by what I remembered of my planned workout that I forgot)
Close leg squats- 2, 20lb DB, 2x20
Combo-Bicep curl into Shoulder press-2, 10lb DB 2xfatigue
Wide leg squats-2, 20lb DB, 2x20
Combo-Front raise to Lateral raise 2, 10lb DB, 2xfatigue
Stationary lunges-2, 20lb DB, 2x20/leg
Combo-Palm facing in chest press into flys-2, 10lb DB, 2xfatigue
Good mornings-2, 20lb DB, 2x20
Weighted crunches-20lb DB 2x30
Leg lifts on bench-2x10

Random questions of the day:
-Do you have any vices?
Splenda.  Caffeine.
-Do you avoid some foods because they can be problematic?
I know "they" say this can be unhealthy and that you should NEVER avoid foods, but in MY world, I know there are some foods that can trigger me to overeat or mindless eat.  I think there are 2 kinds of people.
1.Those who can have a little and be satisfied.
2. Those with addictive personalities and if you have 1 bite of one of those things you want more and more. 
I am #2.  I relate it to an addict.  I get a "taste" and don't want to stop.  Therefore, I stay the heck away.
Those things are:
-Peanut butter.  I can NOT be trusted. 
-Pretzels.  Not a problem to eat a whole bag.
-Trail mix.  Nope.  Can't limit the handfuls.
-Wheat thins. 
Am I the only one?  What do you avoid? (If you do.) 

Have a great Friday.

4 month check up and spin me

Well good morning lovies!  It is a cold one here in Nashville this morning.  27degrees of brisk December weather.  Definitely makes Xmas feel like its on its way. 

Ava had her 4 month check up yesterday. 
Weight: 13lbs 3 oz
Height: 1st measurement was 22.25in.

Dr. Jay came in and asked if we had questions for him.  Um of course I do. 
Questions and answers:
Do we need to clean her ears? No!  The only thing we should do is if we see wax on the edge of her ear to get it with a cloth.  Otherwise, no cleaning inside.
Her pooping is every day OR every other day.  Is that normal? Yes,  she is at the stage that they become less and less.  If they start to become hard and pebbly then that might be cause for concern.
Her poop is less seedy that it was. Is that normal?(breastfed babies tend to have liquidy poop with grainy poopyseed thingies in it.) Yes, that is normal as well.
Her poop is changing smells(like whew Ava, something crawled up your rear and died).  Is this my fault?  Is this normal? It is not my fault since I RARELY change my eating habits.  Her bowels are getting stronger and her poops are less so it will not smell like perfume. (We thought so, but my mom swears every time she poops it is MY FAULT. )
Should we start feeding her cereal?  How much?  When? We can start any where from 4-6 months.  It is up to us.  He recommended rice cereal that is iron fortified.  1 tablespoon once a day for a couple of weeks to see how she takes it.  It will take an adjustment for her since it is a different texture.  We are to add breastmilk to it.  We can steadily add veggies(yes!) but no more that 1 new food every 5 days.  Just in case she has a reaction to a certain food. 
Clint asked if my flu shot gives Ava the antibodies to fight of the flu? (great question!)  Dr. Jay really didn't know, BUT breastfeeding is amazing.  For instance, if Ava is sick and she breastfeeds, my body AUTOMATICALLY starts making antibodies to fight off her germs so that the NEXT feeding the milk is full of antibodies to fight whatever she has.  I think that is AMAZING!

Dr. Jay recommended we give her a vitamin D supplement.  Polyvisol is what he recommended we give her. I am going to research this today and learn more about it.  He did say that breastmilk doesn't transfer a lot of Vitamin D to Ava.  I am going to google that for sure today.

After our questions were answered he evaluated Ava.  She is such a ham.  Reaching for his moving fingers, sitting up when he tested her strength, smiling when prompted.  She is healthy as a horse.  He then told us that her weight was normal but her she had shrank some!  Huh WHAT??  He said, we are going to take her measurements again, and if it is the same we might want to watch that.  um Ok.  After he was finished with us, we went and got her length again.  The nurse was off by an INCH!!!  She was 23.25 in.  Perfectly normal growth. SHEESH LADY!  Way to give mama heart palpitations. 

Now it was shot time.  I got the flu shot while I was there.  (boy, is my arm SORE this morning.)  She had to have an oral cocktail, 2 shots in her right leg and 1 in her left.  Poor baby.  She CRIED this time.  I felt so bad.  But after we picked her up she calmed down. 

Our next appt is in 2 months at her 6 month birthday.  She wasn't nor hasn't been fussy since her shots.  She slept like a rock. Oh and now that she is rolling over from her back, it takes all of 5.2 minutes for her to roll to her belly to sleep in her crib.  She is her mama's daughter.  I am a belly sleeper.  It was torture while I was pregnant, let me tell ya.

Last night was spin class.  Woop woop.  I was a gloriously sweaty mess.  I have made friends with the instructor and another girl in class.  We "bonded" last week since we were the only 3 in class.  I like them because they push me in class.  I can't let either of them out do me.  Heck no. 

Tonight will be cardio and weights at the gym.  Not sure what I am going to do, but stop by tomorrow and see how I made my hour of working out worthwhile.

Randomness... Do you love to read?  What book are you reading these days.  What genres do you love??
I love love love to read.  I am a bookworm all the way.