What Not to Wear

I feel like I am waiting for Stacey and Clinton to come walking through the door to tell me that I've been nominated for TLC's "What Not to Wear". I swear I look for hidden video cameras taping my every fashion no-no...and they would have plenty of footage. I swore up and down that I would not turn into a frumpy un-hip mom and that's exactly what I am! I was the type of woman that would wear a fancy outfit to just run to the grocery store or never be caught dead without jewelry on. What the heck happened?!?! Just because I have a 7-month old son does not mean that I should stop caring about my appearance...especially since I am a lia sophia jewelry consultant!!! It's so bad for my business. I will never be able to strike up a conversation about my jewelry if I'm not wearing any! I want to be a hip mom and look like I can handle everything. I want to make it a point to get better at this. I would be nice to wear something other than sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, sneakers or t-shirts.

These are the kind of outfits I wear every.single.day!

I have a closet full of great clothes....

but this is the only place I end up after my shower in the morning.

Early Birthday Gift

With only a few short weeks until our birthdays, my mother-in-law bought us a brand new True Elliptical!!! Erik has been complaining about his weight and wanting an elliptical real bad. We were searching on craig's list for used ellipticals since new ones cost like 5 months worth of mortgage payments. Once my mother-in-law found out we were looking for one, she did not want us buying some used no-name elliptical. She surprised us and bought us a BRAND NEW True Elliptical!!! These things retail for over $5,000!!! After owning her own gym when she lived here, she is very knowledgeable on gym equipment, dieting, weight training, etc. so she wanted us to have the best of the best...of course! Thank you Ginny for this wonderful gift! Now, it's time to get in shape!!!

Our "gym" is just about complete!

7 Months

Another month has gone by...wow! Keaton Thomas is 7 months old....AHHHH!!! Time really needs to slow down. My little boy is growing so fast. Every day brings new adventures and more and more happiness in my life. Life is amazing as a parent and I wouldn't change a minute of it.

Likes:

• Playing with everything BUT his toys. Loves the TV remote, my Blackberry, laptops, placemats, paper, strings on sweatshirts, my necklaces/earrings
• LOVES to jump and tries to do it anywhere and everywhere (getting great use out of his jumper)
• Eating Cherrios
• Watching Del
• Watching hockey on TV (woohoo!)
• Playing/talking in his crib before he falls asleep or after he wakes up
• Rides around the house in his umbrella stroller
• Sippy cup

Dislikes:

• Loud sudden noises
• Clapping
• His winter gloves/hat
• Sitting still for too long
• Bumbo seat

A few pics from his 7-month photo shoot

First time sitting in the grocery cart like a big boy

Waking up from a nap

Doing his best Hulk Hogan impression!

Schedule Police

I am extremely proud of my ability to establish a schedule for Keaton and being very consistent with it, however I will admit that I can get a little out of control with it. I am so strict at keeping things the same every day for him so he doesn't get confused. I find myself texting or calling Erik when he is watching Keaton to make sure he is feeding him on time, putting him down for a nap on time, etc. I know it drives him nuts but I can't help but check in all the time. This is the reason why I do not have other people babysit. I think since Keaton has been born, I had someone else besides me or Erik babysit 2 times (my parents)...and it was only for like 1 hour max when Erik could not get home in time from work before I had to leave. I have a hard time letting others watch him for fear of getting him off his schedule. So, that means that Erik and I have not been out by ourselves in 7 months!!!! We have season tickets to the Hershey Bears but have not been to a game together....we take turns going with my dad or taking a friend. I really need to get better at this. Anyone else have this problem????

Here is Keaton's current schedule...

7:00am-7:30am - Keaton wakes up

7:30am - Breakfast (cereal and/or fruit)

8:00am - 8oz bottle of formula and play time

9:00am/9:30am - Nap time (I do chores around the house or do some work)

10:30am - Wakes up from nap

10:30am - 11:30am - Play time in jumper and floor or runs errands if needed

11:30am - Lunch (veggie or fruit)

12:00pm - 8oz bottle of formula

12:30pm - Nap time (I do chores around the house or do some work)

2:00pm - Wakes up from nap

2:00pm - 3:00pm - Play time or runs errands if needed

3:00pm - 8oz bottle of formula

4:00pm - Nap time (I am making dinner for Erik and I)

5:15pm - Wakes up from nap

5:15/5:30pm - Dinner (veggie)

5:45pm - Small 4oz bottle of formula

6:00pm - Read a book on our special reading chair in his play room

6:15pm - Play time in his jumper and floor time

7:00/7:15pm - Small amount of cereal

7:30pm - 8oz bottle of formula up in his room with the lullabye music playing and lights dimmed

7:45pm - Bath time followed by lotion massage and PJs

8:00pm - Rock for a few minutes and put in crib for bedtime (he is usually asleep within 5 minutes after putting him in crib)

As mentioned above...I am super strict with this schedule but because of my efforts, Keaton is very happy and knows exactly what is going to happen and when. He does not fuss for naps or bedtime and is VERY good at putting himself to sleep in his crib (for naps and bed). I do wish that I can calm down a bit and not get so upset when Keaton gets off his schedule by 30 minutes. I do freak out when he naps too short or too long because it messes up the day but really it doesn't and he still ends up going to bed at the same time....it always works out in the end! I do need to relax and maybe go on a date with my husband sometime soon.

My Growing Boy...