Nick and I have been talking, and we have decided that 2012 is going to be the year that the Carlsons start taking a healthier approach to life. From food to activity to everything. We are both overweight, and we are tired of being this way. It is such a hard thing to take control of, but I know we can do it.
I have been in serious need of weight loss for a long time now. It's pathetic to blame it on anything other than myself and my love of eating. I often find myself eating when I am bored, sad, etc. NO MORE. I can't be truly happy with myself this way, and I haven't been for awhile now...even before I got pregnant. Pregnancy just helped me hide it. It is such a shame that I can't be one of those people who can "eat whatever they want" and still be skinny. 32 years later...I am finally coming to grips with it and truly acknowledging it. Sad, but true.
Losing weight is a difficult thing to do, as many of you know, but it's necessary for me RIGHT NOW. I come from a family with heart disease and diabetes to start with, and if that's not enough, we also have cancer and hypertension among many other things. I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome...look it up) before my pregnancy, and I had gestational diabetes. Can you say scary?!? That should be the only wake up call I need to hear. Don't you think? But...there's more.
I also know that Ryker deserves to have parents who can keep up with him and not feel tired all the time. I can't wait to run and play with him. Take him swimming. Play soccer. Ride bikes. Be more active in general. I am also ready to want to clothes shop again some day and feel good about it when I leave the store and when I wear the clothes I bought. It's been quite awhile seen that's happened for me. Not to mention the overall feeling better about myself part. Weight loss is such a great ego booster!
I started back on Weight Watchers about 1 1/2 weeks ago, and I have already lost 7 pounds on it. The Points Plus program is a bit different from what I was used to from 2008 when I did it, but I am adjusting and enjoying feeling healthier already. It's nice to be hungry before a meal. :) I am also trying to add in activity most days of the week...mostly walking with Ryker. Today we went on a family bike ride, and I have also been doing some Country Dance on the Wii. I have a long way to go, but it's a start.
I would appreciate any support, helpful tips, words of weight wisdom, and healthy recipes anyone has to pass along. Hopefully next time you see me I'll be looking healthier, happier, and hotter. :)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
RYKER turns half a year old!!!
Ryker's 6 month (half) birthday was a special day. We celebrated the birth of a little boy who has drastically changed our lives for the better. He is such a blessing every day. Nick and I took our standard pics of him with his 6 month card, and as you can see, he is into everything! I couldn't get one shot of him not trying to eat his card. :) It's amazing the things he is learning with any new opportunity. He is so amazing.
As part of a tradition with my family, I made Ry a half birthday cake to destroy. Also...great practice for his first birthday! He wasn't really sure what to do at first, but he seemed to figure it out fairly quickly. He dug right in, and the pics are adorable. He didn't make as big a mess as I would have liked (can't believe I am saying that), but he still gave it a good shot. He even tasted a little bit of the icing. It seemed he wasn't too big of a fan which I loved. Maybe I can keep the sweet stuff at bay longer than I thought.
Here's some pics from his half birthday...
Ryker's 6 month check-up was a couple days later. He is flourishing. They asked a bunch of behavorial milestone questions, and he has either started attempting it or has completed it. I was so proud! Even though he got 3 shots, he had a good visit. He now weighs 16 pounds and 2 ounces...27th percentile. His length measured 26.5 inches....52% percentile. His head measured appropriately. Growing and learning every day. Ry also started baby food around that time. His first taste of food was bananas. He is now also eating carrots and many other things...along with the rice cereal and breastmilk. He has been sitting up for long periods of time without falling over, and he is doing a lot of rolling around. Real scooting is sure to begin shortly. Uh oh...
As part of a tradition with my family, I made Ry a half birthday cake to destroy. Also...great practice for his first birthday! He wasn't really sure what to do at first, but he seemed to figure it out fairly quickly. He dug right in, and the pics are adorable. He didn't make as big a mess as I would have liked (can't believe I am saying that), but he still gave it a good shot. He even tasted a little bit of the icing. It seemed he wasn't too big of a fan which I loved. Maybe I can keep the sweet stuff at bay longer than I thought.
Here's some pics from his half birthday...
Ryker's 6 month check-up was a couple days later. He is flourishing. They asked a bunch of behavorial milestone questions, and he has either started attempting it or has completed it. I was so proud! Even though he got 3 shots, he had a good visit. He now weighs 16 pounds and 2 ounces...27th percentile. His length measured 26.5 inches....52% percentile. His head measured appropriately. Growing and learning every day. Ry also started baby food around that time. His first taste of food was bananas. He is now also eating carrots and many other things...along with the rice cereal and breastmilk. He has been sitting up for long periods of time without falling over, and he is doing a lot of rolling around. Real scooting is sure to begin shortly. Uh oh...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
November 2011
Wow...it's December! I can't believe how fast time is passing. We had a great November in the Carlson household. It brought some changes along with some family and friend time. It was very enjoyable. :)
First and foremost, I am now officially a full-time stay at home mom! I can't believe that we were able to make this happen already, but we were. Well...mostly Nick was. It's such a blessing. It's been so nice already not having to worry about my schedule the last couple of weeks. PLUS...NO HOLIDAYS this year! That's amazing! I love it! It's still going to require a little adjustment because I was getting used to fitting in my 2 days every 2 weeks. And, I had actually been working my shifts since the end of October. Needless to say I am THRILLED with this opportunity, and I am so happy that I am the one who will be witnessing our beautiful baby boy growing up every day. :)
Ryker turned 5 months old. It's amazing the things he is picking up on every day now. He is sitting up on his own (for a few minutes at a time), rolling over EVERYWHERE, grabbing things (especially hair and earrings), and continuing to grow those 2 bottom front teeth. He also started rice cereal this month, and he is now getting it every morning and evening. He is still growing like a weed. He is a funny little guy, and he's so happy. Everyone can see it. He can make me smile when I am in the worse mood just by looking my way. He is my everything! I don't think I will ever be able to let him go...crazy mom alert!
We also said "See ya later" to one of my oldest and dearest friends this month...Maya. We have been friends since the ripe ol' age of 14. Her husband was relocated to Spokane, Washington. Tim is in the Air Force, and this is a big move for them. They were most recently stationed in San Angelo so we were able to visit them there once, a couple times here, and we met up in San Antonio quite a few times over the last 4 years. Maya and Bella were also able to be in our wedding, and I am so glad for that! They had one last night out in San Antonio with friends. It was a sad night for everyone, and they will be missed a lot. :( Love you Maya!
I was able to attend the Nutcracker Market here at Reliant Center. It was so much fun! I went with my buddy Brenda (who also relocated from SA to Houston). We went last year too so it's become an annual event now. :) NM is a HUGE shopping event. It's kinda Country Peddler Show-ish, but on a much, much larger scale. Ryker stayed back at the house with my parents while Nick was on his way back from South Texas. It was a nice opportunity to get away for the day. Thanks Mom and Dad for staying back with the Ry man.
We had Thanksgiving at Beth's house this year. Amy and Derek came down from Dallas so both of Beth's boys were able to be there. We went to Livingston on Wednesday afternoon, and they came in later Wednesday night. Nick and Derek got up early Thursday to burn leaves for Beth, but I think they really do that for themselves. They seem to be pyromaniacs in training. T-day proved to be fun with some hanging out & talking, Wii Family Feud, a new tradition of lottery scratch-offs, Cranium, and Beth's awesome cooking. I think I gained 10 pounds in 2 days. We had a wonderful time, and Ryker really did well staying the night there too.
The weekend after Thanksgiving we headed to SA so I could attend the Country Peddler Show with my mom and Val. It's an annual thing we do, and it's always a good time. :) It takes the whole day, but it's worth it. We also celebrated Mom's birthday that weekend, and we had some family time on Sunday.
Here's some pics from the month of November...
Brenda and I at Nutcracker Market
I am 5 months old!
Out at Bill Miller's with the Bradens
Out for the Bradens' going away night
Ryker's first time having anything but breastmilk...cereal time!
Hanging with Mamaw - Ry's great-grandma
THANKSGIVING 2011
Weekend in San Antonio
First and foremost, I am now officially a full-time stay at home mom! I can't believe that we were able to make this happen already, but we were. Well...mostly Nick was. It's such a blessing. It's been so nice already not having to worry about my schedule the last couple of weeks. PLUS...NO HOLIDAYS this year! That's amazing! I love it! It's still going to require a little adjustment because I was getting used to fitting in my 2 days every 2 weeks. And, I had actually been working my shifts since the end of October. Needless to say I am THRILLED with this opportunity, and I am so happy that I am the one who will be witnessing our beautiful baby boy growing up every day. :)
Ryker turned 5 months old. It's amazing the things he is picking up on every day now. He is sitting up on his own (for a few minutes at a time), rolling over EVERYWHERE, grabbing things (especially hair and earrings), and continuing to grow those 2 bottom front teeth. He also started rice cereal this month, and he is now getting it every morning and evening. He is still growing like a weed. He is a funny little guy, and he's so happy. Everyone can see it. He can make me smile when I am in the worse mood just by looking my way. He is my everything! I don't think I will ever be able to let him go...crazy mom alert!
We also said "See ya later" to one of my oldest and dearest friends this month...Maya. We have been friends since the ripe ol' age of 14. Her husband was relocated to Spokane, Washington. Tim is in the Air Force, and this is a big move for them. They were most recently stationed in San Angelo so we were able to visit them there once, a couple times here, and we met up in San Antonio quite a few times over the last 4 years. Maya and Bella were also able to be in our wedding, and I am so glad for that! They had one last night out in San Antonio with friends. It was a sad night for everyone, and they will be missed a lot. :( Love you Maya!
I was able to attend the Nutcracker Market here at Reliant Center. It was so much fun! I went with my buddy Brenda (who also relocated from SA to Houston). We went last year too so it's become an annual event now. :) NM is a HUGE shopping event. It's kinda Country Peddler Show-ish, but on a much, much larger scale. Ryker stayed back at the house with my parents while Nick was on his way back from South Texas. It was a nice opportunity to get away for the day. Thanks Mom and Dad for staying back with the Ry man.
We had Thanksgiving at Beth's house this year. Amy and Derek came down from Dallas so both of Beth's boys were able to be there. We went to Livingston on Wednesday afternoon, and they came in later Wednesday night. Nick and Derek got up early Thursday to burn leaves for Beth, but I think they really do that for themselves. They seem to be pyromaniacs in training. T-day proved to be fun with some hanging out & talking, Wii Family Feud, a new tradition of lottery scratch-offs, Cranium, and Beth's awesome cooking. I think I gained 10 pounds in 2 days. We had a wonderful time, and Ryker really did well staying the night there too.
The weekend after Thanksgiving we headed to SA so I could attend the Country Peddler Show with my mom and Val. It's an annual thing we do, and it's always a good time. :) It takes the whole day, but it's worth it. We also celebrated Mom's birthday that weekend, and we had some family time on Sunday.
Here's some pics from the month of November...
Brenda and I at Nutcracker Market
Out at Bill Miller's with the Bradens
Out for the Bradens' going away night
Ryker's first time having anything but breastmilk...cereal time!
Hanging with Mamaw - Ry's great-grandma
THANKSGIVING 2011
Weekend in San Antonio
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Ryker's 6 month pictures
We met up with our photographer Chelsea at a local park on December 3rd for this set of pictures. It wasn't too cold outside, but it was very windy. Ryker was ready to go...it's like he knew what we were there for. :) He did a wonderful job at the park. We came back to our house for some shots we wanted to do in the backyard. He was able to nurse, and then he took a little nap. All while we were waiting to finish the photo shoot. Babies... He also did well here at home, and I think the pics turned out really well. We got in some good family shots too, and Ry really had personality in many of his shots. Enjoy!
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