When I Grow Up

As I was saying on Twitter - growing up is a lot of work. Life has gotten so crazy with a baby thrown into the mix. Most days are jammed packed with things to do, places to go, schedules to establish/follow.

Let's take today for example.

Just before midnight we are awaken by the rain which was quickly followed by crazy lightening bolts that we were landing very close to our apt. It was scary loud with bright green flashes that made shy away from the light. Then the hail started to fall very hard against the windows. This kept me awake for a good half hour.

Then I wake up at 4am to feed Andy because he hardly ate the day before because his impending won't allow him. Thankfully by 440am with are both back to sleep.

At 6:09am my alarm goes off. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Finally at 6:50 I get up and quickly get dressed before Andy wakes up. At 7 he is awake and in need of a bottle. I feed him before we leave the house or he is a grouchy guy thru traffic on the way to my moms.

7:30am I put him in his car seat,I gather my bag and his bag and head downstairs to the car. On the way Andy decides to poop and then gets mad because he's sitting in it. 20min later we are at my moms changing a dirty diaper and trying to finish his bottle. I'm simultaneously drinking coffee and having breakfast.

850am - I've hung out for too long at my moms. Take off for work.

9-12:30pm - Work

During lunch I head to Rite Aid for some teething tablets for Andy hoping to give him so relief. I then head to my moms, say hi to Andy, have lunch, say hi to G as he arrives to pick up Andy, and then head back to work.

At 4:45pm I am bored outta my mind so I pack up and leave work.

I head to Target in search of some Pilates bands I need for my class tomorrow and other misc. items.

Then I hop on the freeway, get a bit of traffic, and make a stop at Toys R Us to get Andy the next level bottle nipples and other replacement parts for his Dr. Brown bottles. He needs the nipples to help him eat more. Sucking hard is hurting his impending tooth so he just gives up on the eating.

I then head to Trader Joes (thank god it's in the same parking lot) to pick up some veggies, fruit, and eggs.

Finally I'm home! Say hi to G and hold Andy for a moment. Then I put away the groceries and get started on dinner. While G finishes up dinner I put away some dishes, wash some dishes, and practice rolling over with Andy. We play until dinner is ready.

7:15pm - Andy sits in his highchair while we eat, but he is super tired and gets very fussy so I scarf down my dinner so I can get him to bed.

I change Andy's diaper, put on his PJs, read him his favorite book (Where The Wild Things Are - and if you saw how his face lights up you too would see it's his fav book), say goodnight to dad, give him his bottle, and he is passed out just before 8pm.

(G is getting a night off because he's getting sick - he usually helps more)

I then clean up the kitchen. Put away the clean dishes to make room for the dinner dishes I wash, make G some tea, boil some bottles and new parts, start typing this post on my phone, finish in the kitchen, get in bed to finish my post.

*now breath*sigh*

Yup. I don't even know what time it is now. I just want to go brush my teeth, wash my face, and come back to bed to read some of my Sookie book before I doze off. Most days are like this. Today isn't any kind of special. Other days I'm just trying to sneak in a workout or visiting a set of grandparents.

So you see. It's a lot of work. I ain't complaining - I'm just sayin'. I had no idea. But I wouldn't change a thing. I love my life.
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Weigh In

Sundays, January 25, 2009 results:

Week 2 Loss: 2lbs
Total Loss: 4lbs
Pounds to go: 25lbs
This weeks challenges: Couldn't get any cardio in. Missed Saturday's training. Will make it up this week.
This weeks goals: Drink more water! I am so bad at this!

Yay! I'm not asking for anymore than this [2lbs/week]. I am eating better but totally not dieting. I still eat most everything. It really is about portion control. I am also looking forward to cardio being added to the next 3 weeks of Pilates. That should help.

I should also give a shout out to the hubs who has begun his own weight loss challenge. He lost EIGHT pounds his first week! He has really scaled back his calorie intake. Plus, he's a guy....I've said this before - all he has to do is think about losing weight and it happens. Hoping he has a great week 2 since it is tougher. :)

Photoshop

I've been learning new Photoshop skillz by surfing the web lately. I have so many pictures of Andy and I want to make them look semi-pro. I was very excited when a blog I frequent - Becoming Mom - decided to make a tutorial for her readers on tips for bringing the best out of your photos. After watching the first video I was able to do the following -

Before:

After:
Pretty good for my first try, right? I was even using crappy Photoshop Elements. I know this picture could be better, but I'm happy for now. Can't wait to learn more! Check out Becoming Mom.


Oh Oh Oh wait! One more just for fun.

Before:

After:


Yay!


***Disclaimer: All photography credits belong to my assome brother.

Scale-it-down

Here are the Facts for my first weigh-in post. I will officially post this on Fridays since that's when I have been weighing in. Although I think I'm gonna change my weigh-in to Sunday. Hmmm....so maybe I won't post again till Sunday. Here we go!

Total gained? 15lbs pregnancy + 15lbs miscarriage = 30lbs

Total lost so far? 13lbs [lost 20lbs 2mth postpartum & then gained some back :-\]

How much more to go? 17lbs for pre-p weight + 10 more = 27lbs

This week's successes? [weighing in on Sunday]

Ba humbug

Why can't I make time to blog? I really don't have an answer for that. I seem to have time...I just don't seem to want to blog. Not sure why if it was my favorite thing to do. And I have tons I could be talking/typing about. Sad. It's been 37 days since my last post. THIRTY SEVEN!!!! I guess having a baby really does change your priorities....I just didn't think not blogging would be up there.

So to kick start things I'll do one of my random thoughts posts:

- 1st time I have every felt so proud/emotional/hopeful about a new President. I think seeing so many Americans feel this way too and come together makes my feeling even stronger. How can you not be hopeful?

- I feel super excited to think of how much hope Obama brings for us [Latino's] and all American citizens from immigrant parents. How much more real is the idea of a Latino President or an Asian President. I get emotional thinking about Andy having just as much a chance of becoming President some day....because he will.

- Politics aside....I am trying to get healthy this year. Pregnancy throws a serious curve ball at your body and I am slowly learning that it'll never be the same again. It will take some serious hard work on my end to get back to a comfortable size. I am prepared for the challenge.

- I have begun training for the Mt. Wilson Trail Run. You guys thought I wouldn't didn't you? Sure I barely survived week 1 of training, but that alone makes me want to push harder. I must say it is insanely hard to train when all I want to do is spend every free moment with Andy. Week 1 was truly hard on that front. I saw Andy for a total of 4 hours that entire week and felt like the worst mom/wife in the world. This week has been way better. I am making it work!

- I will be posting here any weight changes and/or inches lost. I want to go public so that I can stick to it. Next post will be for that.

- Andy is growing big and strong. He'll be 6 months this coming Tuesday and it boggles my mind to think he is halfway done with his 1st year.


Enough! I'll save some for tomorrow! [promise/pinky swear]

Gee Family

Garcia Family
Originally uploaded by 2xistrob

Here's a preview of our 2009 Holiday card [Just the picture...I designed a layout for it]! Could you be one of the few lucky recipients? Maybe!

Thank you Rob for the last minute photo session. I can't believe Andy smiled in 95% of the pictures. He loves you!

YouTube Non Tuesday [cause I'll forget by then]

I missed SNL last week and in case you did too -

Almost 1 month ago...

I wrote my last post! :-O I know...sorry.

I don't want to leave you all high and dry. I know there are still a *few* faithful readers that check in every day in hopes of a new post. Although I don't have the will-power to write a full post today, I will do one of those random listings of my life. I know those can be entertaining to.

So until I get motivated to write for reals....


- I love the cold weather! I wish it were colder ALL the time. I also want it to rain a lot more. Although I must admit that I cannot enjoy these things as much now that I have a baby to worry about. I now worry about him being cold or having to take him out in the rain.

- I really really want to go to Disneyland before January 4th. I Love this time of year there. Starting with Halloween. The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion. LOVE IT. But I know...we won't make it there this year. I'm gonna save my nickles and dimes to buy a yearly pass when Andy is old enough to enjoy it.

- Speaking of Christmas, *hopefully* we'll go buy our tree tomorrow and do some decorating. Looking forward to it. Although I do get a little sad when I think about the empty space that will be underneath the tree. Not many gifts being bought this year.

- I wish I had the time, energy, and money to throw another holiday party this year. I love having people over.

- Heroes tonight. Which reminds me, there was a Storm Chasers marathon last night and they are ALL on my dvr! G wasn't too happy about that. Must make time to watch some.

- Just took a 15min break from writing this to sort thru my junk mail and shred it.

- I keep thinking that I want to play Blockles.

- Looking forward to breakfast next week with Diana.

- Also looking forward to Leslie's 4th Annual Christmas Tea gift exchange on the 20th. Haven't seen this girl in many many months. Have absolutely no clue what cool non-generic gift I will buy her. Been sucking real bad at gift giving lately.

- For some crazy reason I am beginning to look forward to training for Mt. Wilson Trail Run. We start in January. I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that Andy is 4 months and I haven't lost much weight. My clothes still don't fit right and it's pretty damn depressing. I'm also looking forward to signing up for pilates [next week] at the Arcadia Rec Center with an awesome instructor I had at 24hr Fitness a few years back. Classes Start in January! This should all get my weight loss efforts going again.

- Also depressing is not having very many shoes to wear. Especially now that it's getting cold and I really only have sandals that fit. Don't exactly have tons of money laying around to spend. Like my brother said, maybe I should make a trip to Payless and Ross. Sometimes you can find some cute cheap stuff. Maybe....I don't know.

- I have a problem. since I started this post I have refreshed Twitter 5 times! Why don't people update???



Ok enough. This is like my brain just threw up into this post. Let's save some for a rainy day.

Candid Barack Obama photos from Election night

20081104_Chicago_IL_ElectionNight1247
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

Check out this cool stream on flickr for some candid pictures of the First Family on Election night. Click on the photo to go to the set. Obama's campaign photographer, David Katz, uploaded tons of photos.

"It's the end of the world as we know it..."

see Sarah Palin pictures

Election Day Recap

On Tuesday we had our mini-election day party. There were 4 of us [me, G, Rob, and Chris] +Andy. It was crazy and hectic. Being on the West Coast meant many states were already being called by the time I got off work.

But first things first, after dropping Andy off at my mom's I headed up the street to vote. I waited almost an hour, but it went by fast. Took me all 2 minutes to vote since I had my sample ballot filled out. I then decided I was already pretty late to work so I stopped at Starbucks for my free tall coffee and some tea since I was getting sick.

At lunch I went to my mom's so that she, my brother, and sister could go vote and I would watch the kids. They only waited 5 minutes! Before heading back to work I went down to the democratic headquarters [which was crazy busy] to buy more t-shirts. They were all sold out. But I was able to get Andy I tee to match my own. Later G told me that since the official one's were sold out he would get a bootleg one from some guy at the gas station. Here's our official Election Day family portrait!


Isn't Andy cute! This kid is all smiles these days.

I was so tired by this point. After work I rushed to the grocery store to buy supplies for our party...last minute, I know. I then rushed home to get dinner started. The menu wasn't patriotic, but the main dish is worth mentioning. I made sausage meatloaf cupcakes with creamy potato frosting. They were so good! My brother really wanted me to try this recipe after seeing it in my Rachel Ray Everyday Magazine [October 2008]. They were super easy to make and were enjoyed by all.

So the plan was to take weak jello shots every time a state was called - a red shot for the red states and blue for the blue states, but that didn't happen. First, we were all too tired and it was a work night. Second, G made the strongest jello shots ever! Great for a real party, but not for our purpose of taking many in a few hours. I also never got around to making my drink of the night - I Can See White Russians From My House. I bought all the supplies but was too tired and my throat was really hurting by the end of the night. I felt too sick to drink.

All in all we had a good time flipping between CNN, NBC and ABC news. I got chills and a little teary when CNN called it for Obama. I just knew he had to win. I had an overwhelming feeling of confidence in Obama a week ago. That's when I knew he was meant to be President. Call me crazy...but I told G and my sister. They are my witnesses.

So here we are. A new time, a new beginning for our great country. Soon, Barack Obama will take office. The man that was able to inspire hope in billions of people throughout the world.

Yes We Can

I Voted!

RIP Maternity Leave

Today is my first official day back at work. I planned to take it easy, and boy have I. I have done nothing but surf the web all morning. I missed the internets. I guess that's a plus to being back.

Leaving Andy with my mom this morning wasn't hard. I guess because it's my mom and not some strange daycare. I went at lunch and he was sleeping soundly on my brother's bed. He didn't wake up till I was about to leave. I do miss him though.
I miss hanging out with him all day.
I miss my couch.
I miss my DVR.
I miss watching True Blood.
I miss reading.
I miss reading to Andy after his morning nap.
I miss my PJs.
I miss napping.
I missed Monday Mommy Movie today.
I miss walking to SB with Andy....wait....that only happened once. Still...I miss being able to if I wanted to.

Yeah...there's a lot to miss. But I like the internet to keep me busy.
I like talking to adults.
I like not talking about baby stuff.
I like not talking at all.
I like peeing when I want to.
I like getting dressed.
I like putting on makeup and combing my hair.
I like eating healthy.
I like eating...period.
I like being able to roll the windows down.
I like fresh air and not A/C.
I like being able to hear the radio.
I like being able to "run errands" without the extra load.

So its got its pro's and con's.

Since my CW Chris isn't here today [out with the flu] I plan to do no work. I haven't been caught up and don't want to mess with the money that someone else has been counting. This is good for you since it has given me time to blog. Praying that this becomes a daily thing.

Tonight we're hosting a pre-election night/SNL Bash party. Any excuse for a party really. I have a feeling that the only guests at this party will be me, Andy, and G. We'll see. I really wanted to have an Election party tomorrow. I love watching CNN and seeing all the states turn blue or red....but mostly blue. Totally lame...I know...but another excuse for a party. Plus, we suddenly have like 5 bottles of wine in our stash! A miracle! We never have more than half an opened bottle [Thanks Rob for the 2 bottles on my birthday. Another 2 came from our wine tasting night at the San Dimas Wine Shop with my friend A on Friday night. Totally cool place btw. The 5th bottle was purchased at Costco before any of the other 4 showed up.].

Don't forget to VOTE tomorrow people! No matter who you vote for, let your voice be heard!

I'll be going at lunch time. It's never busy at our polling place during that time. Might go in the morning. I'm also thinking of swinging by the democratic headquarters on Lake Ave to purchase us some OBAMA/BIDEN t-shirts for our parties that no one else is attending but us. Good times.

Feliz Dia De Los Muertos

I LOVE Dia de los Muertos. And have always wanted to go to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for their awesome celebration. Again, this year I did not attend. It was last night and G was working till late. Maybe this will go on my 101 in 1001 list [That list will be explained in a later post].

Today is a day to remember our loved one's that have passed on. So take a moment to reflect, remember, and honor those close to you that our no longer with us in body.





[the beautiful image was borrowed from here]

Hello Lover

Baby did good! Details to come...

Happy Birthday

To me!

It's been 19 days since my last post...but who cares! It's a celebration bitches! I am 27 years young today. I'll start a new blogging streak with a recap of my birthday. :)

Drunk blogging at 5:38pm

5:39pm

Feels like i'm on a boat. hmmm...

Why did I just take that tequila shot? I swore it off years ago. *chugging New Castle*

Grandparents aren't doing well. I'm tired. Alcohol feels good. No I Don't have PPD.

I didn't take the shot alone. Mike and Ryan joined me.

Abuelitas heart is growing weak.

Papa Lupe broke his leg while en route to see Abuelita...or maybe it was his hip. Still waiting for an update.

My mom was bawling this morning (grandparents on mom's side). I could barely keep it together. But honestly, once we hung up I lost it. I've always been close to my grandparents. Even though they live in Mexico. Especially my grandma who took care of me throughout my childhood. They have always been so strong. It's hard to believe age has finally caught up. Old people getting old. Sucks. You know it's only a matter of time, but it's hard to accept.

I was telling G that I'm the type of person that feels the pain of others. That's why i'm so emotional and cry with movies and TV and when things happen to my "online friends". I put myself in "their" place. I feel my mom's pain. To be so worried about one parent and then BOOM the other parent suffers an injury. How do you deal?

I won't be selfish and ask for a lifetime. But the holidays are around the corner...maybe just one more.

VP Debate Recap

Palin: Maverick Maverick Wasilla Taxes McCain Victory (wink) Alaska Mom Maverick (wink) Taxes McCain Wasilla MainStreet "Joe 6-pack" (wink) Nukular Maverick "Say it ain't so Joe" Nukular Taxes Mom Nukular McCain Maverick Taxes Mom

Biden: WTF is she talking about?

October

I love October. It's my birthday month, it marks the start of fall, it's breast cancer awareness month, the menu changes and I want to bake more, and we have Halloween. Oh - and pumpkin pie....mmmmm...pie. I have a special place in my heart for pumpkin pie. This is my favorite time of year. It's this time of year that I wish I lived somewhere where I could actually experience the seasons. The changing color of leaves, the crisp air. No. I live in sunny ass California...where we have had record heat since October began. Apparently we got a "break" from the heat today, it only got up to 90 degrees. Whoop-de-doo Bazel. And it "might" rain Saturday...sprinkle is what it should say. Only enough to get the car even more dirty. But enough about that. Let's talk about the good stuff.

I love a good fall harvest. The new pie flavors, the warm stews. Flavors are so much more intense during this time, and I love it...being a Scorpio and all. I'm going to make sure to really enjoy this fall using all of my senses. Seeing, feeling, smelling, tasting. Love it.

27.5 days until my birthday! I'll be 27, young enough to still look forward to a birthday. Although I can't imagine dreading a birthday ever. I love celebrating another year. I love looking back and seeing how much I have grown since my last birthday. Age is just a number. I look forward to all I still have to learn and experience.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. This August marked my mother's 6 year anniversary as a breast cancer survivor. After year 5 the chances of cancer returning drop. In honor of this, all my posts will be in pink. Next year, my mom, sister and I have vowed to do the Race for the Cure. We will get a team together and raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The race will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Keep it in mind because I'll be coming after you to join our team and donate! Click here for more info.

ACTUALLY - after typing that last sentence I decided to actually sign up for the race and start a team page! So it's official! I've been saying I'm gonna do this race for many years and never get around to signing up, so this time it's official. I will be sending out emails to ask to join the team and/or to donate. So keep an eye on your inbox! You can also click on the thermometer on the right to donate.

I'm so excited for this! I <3 October. :)

Don't Vote

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.