Couch to 5k!

So I'm doing this. I started on October 14th and things are going...well. Basically the program starts you out really really slow and you work your way up. If you want to check it out just google it! Here's what's happening:

• A rough beginning... I have never been a runner. I've tried many times and failed. Give me an elliptical and I'll go all day but running? No way... I did my first workout with Liz while pushing Clay in the stroller...I didn't think I was going to make it but I did! It definitely helped to have Liz there encouraging me!

• I'm ahead...with a little help! Somehow I've gotten ahead! I'm actually at the end of week 2 but I started my week 3 workouts today! The kids I nanny for want to run so I've been doing my workouts with them! We did two this week! Also, Liz has ran with me a couple times and Clay is always up for being pushed in the jogging stroller.


• I picked my first race! The Reindeer Romp on December 15th. My goal was to pick a 5k to do in January/February but I should be done with the training program the week before so I thought it would be perfect! Plus...I can decorate the stroller. And dress in crazy Christmas running gear. Check!

Well, that's all I have time for now but hopefully I'll update you all weekly on my progress!

Love,

Jess

Weekly Chase

Recap from last week:
Get Clay to daycare on time Fail, fail, fail. Little man has been battling an upset tummy and not sleeping well. I'm at the point where if morning is the best time he sleeps and I have the luxury with my job to let that happen, I'm going to let him. Hopefully he feels better soon and I can revisit this goal.

Complete 3 running workouts Done! This was actually easier than I thought! I'll be blogging more about this in a separate post.

Increase my milk supply Done! Last Monday I started the day with less than 3 ounces pumped. This Monday I had 3 3-ounce bottles pumped!


This week I want to...
Complete my running workouts for the week, go to one yoga class, and stretch everyday. I've already done two of the workouts so I'm well on my way!! Secretly I would like to do an extra one so I have two left!

Increase extra milk supply Now that I'm regularly producing enough milk for Clay to have at daycare my goal is to have 9 ounces extra for the freezer by next Monday.

Take a 2 hour nap. It's been awhile since I've really got to rest so I'm going to take a nap while Clay is at daycare sometime this week.

Blog about doing Couch to 5k I've been meaning to do this and haven't gotten to it. I would love to do a weekly recap of my workouts!

Read to Clay each night. I've seriously been slacking at this. Reading to little ones is so important so I'm making this my number 1 goal for the week.

Well, I could keep going but I'll stop for now.

Love,
Jess

Weekly Chase

So I've slacked on this lately, but I think I've had a good reason:



Anyway, he's in daycare and I'm back at work so it's time for some goal setting. Ready, set, go!
#1 Get Clay to daycare on time! Well, at least the time I want him to be there. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday I have to be at work by 8 so this is easier but on Wednesday and Friday I work whenever I want so I took him around eleven last week. I'd like to have him there by 9 to get us on a schedule of sorts and so I have plenty of time for goal #2.
#2 Do my three running workouts for the week! That's right. I've started running... I'm doing the Couch to 5k program and hope to run a 5k in January/February. I'll be blogging about my journey and I'm sure it will be amusing to say the least!
#3 Increase my breastmilk supply. I'm seriously struggling with keeping breastmilk pumped for him to have at daycare. Today I had to take him milk three times right after I pumped it. I've started taking More Milk Plus and drinking Mother's Milk Tea and I've added several pumping.
Wish me luck!
Love,
Jess

Paint Chip Calendar

Pinterest. We've all been there (well, if you haven't, you should). Anyway, after hours of pinning I decided to take on this project:
Paint Chip Calendar

So I set out today and gathered my supplies






-frames- I'm doing one for this month, one for the next. I found these 11 3/4x15 3/4 frames for $9.99 each at Ikea but you could save money and use one you have around the house!
-fabric- I found these fat quarter squares at Walmart for .99 each! Again, you could use something you had around the house already.
-paint chips- Originally I was going to use individual chips and cut them to size but then I noticed these had seven colors on each- perfect!
-adhesive- I picked up this Peel n Stick tape at Walmart for $3.92. Honestly, regular double sided tape probably would work just as well.
-pen, paper, tape measure- you'll only need these items if you're anal like me and everything has to be spaced exactly.

Directions:
-cover the back of the picture frame with fabric
-determine where you want to place the chips

-have a handsome co-crafter

-attach chips with your choice of adhesive
-put back on frame


Honestly, I kind of liked the way it looked like that but alas, I need a calendar so here's what it looks like now:



I'm very pleased with the way this turned out and can't wait to make more for gifts! Oh, the possibilities...different frame and fabric choices and so many paint chip choices!

I'll call my first Pinterest project a win!

Love,
Jess

Here we go...

Six weeks ago today I gave birth to this wonderful creature:








This morning after dropping Clay Lucas off for his first day of daycare I went for my six week checkup. Oh, how I have NOT missed going to the doctor! However, I was given the all clear to workout! Woohoo! Hopefully within the next week or so I can get into a routine and start working out again. Until then I have decided to start eating healthy again. Here's my yummy berry/banana/spinach/greek yogurt smoothie.








My first goal as of now is to get to my prepregnancy weight by January 1st. That's 20 pounds my friends. At the same time I need to make sure I eat enough (& healthy) food since I'm breastfeeding.
My second goal is to attempt running. I HATE RUNNING. However, I want to try for a few of reasons: I would have something set in stone to work towards (races, miles); there are so many gorgeous places to run in Charlotte; it's something I can take Clay to do (hello, jogging stroller!); I've heard (and have yet to believe) that it's a good stress reliever.
So there you have it. I'm committing to live a healthier life not just for myself but also for my little one!






Ahh!!! So adorable! Time to go snuggle!

Love,
Jess

I fail.

So, like many other things in life, I have failed at blogging since Clay Lucas was born. I have a huge stack of papers/mail to organize, thank you cards to write, a blanket to finish, and on and on. The one thing I've rocked at is being a mom. I love it! I love getting to cuddle with him everyday and to see him do new things...it's just amazing.

Okay, now back to the earth. I go back to work next Tuesday. I'm excited/nervous/sad. Luckily, unlike many other working mothers, I have an unusual job. I'm a nanny/household manager and while the kids are in school, my boss is letting me bring Clay Lucas to work some. The majority of the time he'll stay at daycare but it's nice to know that when I want a little extra time to spend with him, I can have it! Another advantage I have is his daycare's open door policy! I can run over to breastfeed before the kiddos get off the bus everyday!

I'm hoping that once I go back to work my life will somewhat start to resemble my organized life I had pre-baby...hahahahahaha. So I know that will never happen but a girl can dream, right?

Here are a few of my goals for the next week/month/rest of the year:

• increase my breastmilk supply


• blog more...start food friday again! blog about parenting!


• work out at least twice a week


• eat healthy!


• drop to prepregnancy weight by new year's!


• make a to do list everyday!


• spend one hour a week on Clay stuff...scrapbooks, photo albums, etc.


• spend two hours twice a month on the diy projects I keep pinning


• find a new apartment!!


• finish Rhonda's blanket


• make a granny square a day for a blanket for...??? I have no clue yet!


• organize this list! haha

I know I'm being very ambitious but hopefully by Monday I'll have this list organized...more definite, specific dates for completion...etc.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Love,

Jess