Couch to 5K

I was cleared from the doctor to start exercising last week. I gave myself until this Monday to just relax. This past Monday Patrick and I brisk walked for 25 minutes. No that is not day one of couch to 5 K, but work with me here- I haven't worked out since I was six weeks pregnant except to stroll and at the end wobble. Wednesday I truly started day 1 of couch to 5 K. My body wanted to revolt against the jogging times but I pushed through. I never would have thought that such little jogging would be so hard. Because before pregnancy I was running and some brisk walking for anywhere from 30-45 minutes. I was never awesome or anything approximately 3-5 miles at a time back then roughly 3 times a week. Well back to couch to 5 K. I felt the burn yesterday and today I do day 2 of week 1. Patrick is being a great coach brisk walking, pushing Charles in the stroller, and timing me for my intervals. The Box house is getting into shape and trying to eat healthier. We want to start setting an example for Charles at an early age to take care of his body, therefore we must practice what we will be preaching.

Update on happenings in Charles development and learning:
We are continuing tummy time- during this time we work on holding his head up, turning his head by balancing up on his arms, practicing rolling over both ways with help, and introducing toys.
I try to read 2 books to him everyday. We rotate the books we have. I need to go to the library and get a few more.
We listen to music everyday too. The music ranges from fun children songs, children praise songs (things I found on the Internet that we sang in Children's church), and all the way up to Chamber Music, and Orchestra Music. I enjoy finding and listening to the songs we sang in Children's Church. I have great memories of wonderful church plays and Church Children Teachers. Plus the songs pack a punch to my heart. I find the songs stuck in my head and if you listen to the words the message is very powerful!
Other things we do: Sing our address and phone numbers to the tune of One little, Two little, Three little Indian Boys. Say our ABC's, and count to ten in English and Spanish.

It's in his kiss... That is where it is at...

Our sweet boy is 7 weeks old today. He is holding his head up better everyday, he will stand up for about 15-30 second (supported of course), smiles randomly and when talked to (of course when I pull out the camera he refuses to smile), and he is beginning to grasp onto things---my hair is his favorite thing to grab. He also is starting to follow objects better. When crying for his food if you hold the bottle in front of him he will stop (one smart baby) unless you don't get it to his mouth in a timely fashion. He is just too precious and when he is held up to my cheek he kisses me. Which of course makes my day.

The cute outfit is from the Fish's. He is so adorable in it thanks so much!!! The outfit says in case you can't read it: "Awesome like dad."

Take'em to the Pound

We went to the Carroll Homecoming Parade today. It was a warm day. I just put a hat on Charles to keep the sun from burning his little head. A very kind lady put the blanket up to keep the sun off of him but he wanted to be held not lay in the stroller.

Thanks for those that helped out with homecoming. A special shout out to Mrs. Cordes, Mrs. McKenzie, Mrs. Mortenson, and Student Senate you did an awesome job!!! It has been really nice getting to take care of the baby without worrying about homecoming plans. I appreciate all you have done. Words cannot express how much it means to me that I could cuddle with Charles these first weeks.

Charles and I at the parade.

Charles in his stroller right before the parade and before he cried to get out of the non-moving stroller.The rest of the pictures are of the Band. They did an excellent job. Good luck tonight on the half-time show. Pump up the crowd. Play and cheer our team to a victory. Take Winterset to the Pound!!! GO CARROLL TIGERS!!!

The Diet of a New Mommy

Rules set by Charles:
1. Easy and Quick meals
2. Able to eat fast

So my breakfast is usually:
Water, Granola: Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Fruit and Nut, and Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch:
Sandwich, a few chips, either diet coke or water

Supper:
Whatever we can find that we think will be good. Sometimes it is healthy and at other times not so much. I have to get better here though. I have a goal to have all of my baby weight off by my birthday/Christmas. This is not a huge goal since I was lucky enough to only have 6 pounds to lose on my own since the other weight was baby and fluid. Believe me I was very surprised by this I was expecting to have a lot of weight to work off, and more than likely I will not be this blessed next time.

Starting Monday I will begin couch to 5K. Look for posts on how I am doing. Patrick said he would do this with me. Looking forward to getting healthy and my body back.

Way Back Wednesday: Compare

All pictures from when we were 6 weeks:

Brooke

Charles

Patrick

So what do you think????

A Special Visitor

Charles and Heather. He loved being cuddled and was fascinated by her red hair. Maybe red heads are in his future?

My oldest best friend and college roommate. We have known each other since elementary school and became close friends in middle school. It was very special to me that she flew out this past weekend to visit and see our newest addition. The next visit must be during the summer so she can stay longer.

I promise I didn't spike his hair for this picture. Although it fits with his outfit Born to Rock and Roll. His hair after being washed is out of control.

Sporting his Frog Onesie.

Belly time so that he develops strong neck muscles. This also helps in head control, turning over, pushing up their upper body, and eventually helps with turning over and crawling. He is not always a fan of this time.

Charles with his Giraffe Geoffey and Baloo Bear. He will follow them if you move them around.

Wordless Wednesday

1 month

Our little cutie all dressed up for church this past Sunday. He was so adorable.

Our little monkey at one month. Today is his first month birthday. It has been an interesting month getting to know our little one. Each day we think we figure out something about our little boy, and then sometimes boom everything changes. So goes life I guess. We are so happy to have him in our lives.

This month he has found the mobile on his swing, enjoys listening to Frank Sinatra, holds his head up by himself more and more, and seems to be smiling and cooing some. He loves to swing and to be held.

All By Ourselves

So it has been a crazy week. We have been on our own as parents for the first week since our son has come into the world. We have had some major ups and downs. Being a parent is not an easy task, and I believe stay at home mothers should have the highest salary know to man. It is a very rewarding job with smiles and coos but the most exhausting thing ever. I started using Baby Wise Monday during naps and have continued to use it through night time and the week. Let me just tell you I cried right along with Charles all day Monday and some on Tuesday. Although he is picking up on this pattern and getting better at going to sleep on his own without aid. (Now that I said this I know things are going to be tough). Also, Charles has acid reflux and is on medicine that means lots of spit up! I'm talking it seems like epic proportions- he tends to love to share this mostly with his mommy! Along with other special blessings like explosive bad diapers and a sprinkler system that rears its head when least expected. I jokingly tell him he is so lucky he is so darn cute, but he could do any of the above continually and I would love him to pieces. I am so thankful for God's little blessing of Charles in our lives.