Halloween 2012

This picture collage customized with Smilebox Our Halloween celebrations started out on my birthday October 27th.  I had been planning on doing the Monster Dash 5k race for several months and was very disappointed when I woke up with the terrible cold that the kids had. Regardless, Milton spoiled me with a very nice Nikon Coolpix camera, which I had been hinting about for quite some time. We put it to use that very day while we cheered for Eric and Vanina who were able to do the 5k without me :(  Unfortunately, Ahrian was just as sick so he was in no mood for the celebrations.  I believe he actually had croup and made for several sleepless nights. Every time he would cough (or should I say bark) I would be all ears and terrified that if I didn't go check on him I would regret it. Despite feeling absolutely terrible it was a great birthday, even if I still can't believe that I'm 28!   That following Tuesday Ayla had her preschool Halloween party.  She was very excited to dress up again in her Baterina custome.   I took the Ayla and her friend Jayden (Elton's fiance's nephew) trick or treating around our neighborhood Halloween night.  I attempted to bring Ahrian in the wagon but he just wasn't having it and ended up crying the entire time we were away. Ayla got the hang of running from house to house without a problem.  Our neighbors were overly generous and we called it quits early because we had no more room in their buckets.   

October Fun

Personalize your own collage October was a rather relax month compared to what it had been for us over the past year. Ahrian and I was able to go on our last ride together before it got way too cold (barely 40 degrees was my threshold).  I was very sad to say goodbye to the rides until it gets warm again.   Ayla loves it when Grandma Anderson sends her gifts, as you can see from her estatic face.   It was also one of the last months that we were able to go on our daily walks/bike ride.  On this particular bike ride Ayla wasn't paying attention to where she was going and got completely clothes lined by the mailbox.  It took her off the bike and I'm so glad that she was wearing a helmet or I think the outcome would have been much more painful.   I am so grateful that Ayla and Ahrian get along so well.  You can just tell that they really do love eachother.  It's moments such as these that I realize everything Milton and I work so hard for is paying off.    

This free picture collage made with Smilebox  I really am amazed at the patience that Ahrian has with Ayla.  She is always doing things to him that most may not tolerate.  She took Kusko's leash and clipped it o his pjs and made him crawl around pretending to be a dog.  He went along with it until she started pulling too much on the leash.   Once again the weather is always unpredictable and we had an unusually warm day.  Outside we went to enjoy the weather and for me to practice using my new camera. 

My Journey to a New Me!

Picture collage created with Smilebox I debated for quite some time as to whether I even post about my weight loss...but after realizing how far I've come I thought why not? Besides, I don't want to forget where I was and what it took to get me to where I am now.   I was never the one who lost weight after having babies...infact I gained very easy, even despite nursing, watching what I ate and working out. In April when Ahrian weaned himself I immediately ordered the HCG drops and was on my way to a new me. I did the 6 week program and I can tell you it was not easy!   However, I lost an amazing 33 pounds and lost more within the months following from Kettleworx, Insanity, P90x, running and road biking. I didn't quite make it to my goal of 123 pounds but I was happy regardless.   The top left picture is from last December when I wasn't able to lose anymore baby weight.  The top right is about 5 weeks into the HCG diet. The middle right and bottom left were from this month with just 4 more pounds to go (those stubborn 4-5 pounds have been the hardest, but someday I will get there)! I wouldn't normally post belly pics, but at least I saved you from seeing the ones pre HCG diet. The bottom left was one that I came across from our honeymoon.  Even though my skin may have been tighter back then I am indeed in better shape.  It sure feels good and I look forward to seeing what 2013 has in goal for me as I continue with my fitness goals.   

Hot vs Cold - October 2012

This photo collage made with Smilebox You never know what the weather is going to be like in Colorado.  We took a trip to zoo in shorts one day and the next it was freezing. Ayla had put on her snowsuit in response to her Tio Elton telling her it was too cold for her to help him outside.  Her solution was valid and he couldn't come up with another reason as to why she couldn't help him (I'm sure it was mainly so he could get things done faster). Even poor Kusko had a hard time adjusting to the temperature drop and required a blanket to stop the shivers.