Our little girl is growing so fast! She's crawling, eating solids (as to date- carrots, green beans, sweet potatoe, apple sauce, rice cereal, oatmeal, puffs), and sitting up unassisted. She's screeching up a storm (ear-splitting, ear-bleeding type of way). She's a total sweetheart and her and her big brother have a lot of fun together!
Yes, our little girl is 1/2 year old! The second time around is sure flying by!
She is absolute sweetness personified. She smiles whenever you lay eyes on her and her whole face just lights up. Almost as if she's saying "Oh wow, they're looking at me!" Simply adorable. As you can see in the below video, she is army-crawling and fast at that. She adores her brother and he loves to play with her. If she takes a toy from him, he will take it away and make sure to replace it with one of hers. I have been warned that though this may seem cute and adorable now, as soon as she is older, she won't be as forgiving! I am enjoying it for the moment. Here are her amateur 6 month pictures!
Here's a slow-mo version of the ABC's by Alex. He was about to sing the last part but my camera ran out of memory!
Eva started crawling about 2 weeks ago. It started as a slow creeping but she is getting faster everyday! We actually have to childproof again because she is very interested in all of Mike's electronics. It's funny that just as Alex was learning not to touch Daddy's toys, the baby start to go at it! Anyway, here's a quick vid of her mad crawling skillz!
I have recently entered Alex into the GAP Nationwide Casting Call! I am asking all my friends and family to vote for him as a Fan Favorite! The one lucky entrant who receives the most fan votes will be crowned the Fan Favorite winner. The winner will receive a seven-day/six-night family vacation to either Turks & Caicos or Jamaica from Beaches Resorts - The Luxury Included® Family Vacation. Voting runs from September 22, 2009 through November 17, 2009, and your family and friends can vote daily. The Fan Favorite winner be announced on December 7, 2009. So please, help Alex become America's Fan Favorite.
Click on this link to cast your vote: http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/genmclean/ Remember to vote every day!
Here's Alex asking for your votes!
We have finally bitten the bullet and torn up our dirty carpet and vinyl! We have been wanting to install wood floors in our home for quite some time and also found excuses to delay it---time, money, laziness! Well, there is no turning back now because we are walking on bare concrete. We started the process on Friday and hopefully will have it complete by the end of this week. Alex keeps telling us "I like to sit on the wood floors!" We'll post pics when the project is done!
My 30 DS is still going strong. I am currently on Day 19 (11 more days!) I finish Day 10 of Level 2 tomorrow and will start Level 3 on Tuesday. Again, like I've stated before, I am seeing results by the way my clothes fit. I do have days where I say to myself "I'll take a day off today, or I'll double my workout tomorrow." But, I get an encouraging push from Mike and know that I will hate the nagging guilt of not doing it, so I do. I am also playing around with the idea of starting to train for a 5K. I am not a runner. Never have been. I always thought that my lungs were just not built for running but I want to really test my endurance (and lose weight!). I will start a program called c25K (Couch to 5K) which will gradually train your body to run. I am excited to learn that there was a program like this and that there was hope for people like me!
Well, off to bed! More updates later this week!
It has been almost 2 weeks since I've started. I believe I've lost more inches than I have pounds. Honestly, I didn't weigh myself nor measure myself but I am guesstimating I've lost 2-3 lbs since I started. I am really basing my progress by how my clothes fit and considering I am back into size 8's (gasp!) I think I'm doing pretty well!
Level 2 is still kicking my butt. I am doing modified positions especially during plank jacks and squat thrusts. Holy heck those are hard! Hopefully my body will adapt and these excercises will get easier!
I am also looking at Jillian Michael's Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism program after I finish the Shred. I really like her attitude and motivation. She is a hard-ass but I like her style. My cable provider has her program on On-Demand so I don't even have to purchase the DVD! So, no excuses for me!
Okay, this is going to compress two days of the workout. Day 10 of Level 1 complete. My stamina has improved and I have increased my "real" push-ups up to 10! Woo-hoo!
Here's the scoop on Day 1 of Level 2. It kicked my butt. Mike literally laughed at me when he saw me struggling with the plank jacks. I mean why name an excercise that makes me immediately think of flap jacks? Not a good combination. Anyway, it was hard but fun at the same time. I need to perfect my form because all I did was glance up at the t.v to make sure I was doing everything right.
I am still seeing a lot of improvement with my body. The pregnancy belly is still there but I can see my waist shrinking down and my abs peeking out (and it's only Day 11)! Will update more tomorrow!
Complete. It's getting harder to motivate myself. It's hard when I want to crash on the couch and catch a few zzz's while the kids are napping. It's hard when I need to fold laundry, unload the dishes, or catch up with my business. Time is so valuable when the kiddos are sleeping. But, I must persist. I drag myself upstairs, change into my workout clothes, blast the fan on high, and play the DVD. Twenty minutes later (or so), after a quick shower, and fresh clothes, I am renewed. It's like getting my second wind of the day. So, I'm not even a half way through the program and I already have to mentally coach myself. I will do this, I will complete this, I am woman hear me ROAR!!
So, as I was shredding it up about 30 minutes ago, I was thinking about what I could write for today's post. I didn't want to bore you with more updates about the actual excercises so I was trying to come up with something. Motivational anecdotes perhaps? Complaints? Well, as I was still pondering what to write, I decided to try on my "fat" shorts from last summer. These were the shorts that made me realize I needed to lose some major weight. Pictures of me wearing these were unflattering at the least. In my desperate attempt to stay cool during this summer, I tried them on a few weeks ago and to my disappointment they were too small :( I tossed them into a plastic bin in a fit of fury and decided to wear my go-to yoga pants. Well, I am happy to say that I tried them on today and they are actually loose! I was in shock and tried on another pair of shorts (even smaller) and they fit! Yes! Progress! Now I don't believe this 30 Day Shred is a miracle worker but combined with healthy eating, it really works! I am still watching my diet by eating whole grains, low-fat, and fat-free foods. I also watch my portions (no more 2nd or 3rd helping for me!) I do not starve myself especially since I am a nursing mother (which requires you to add an extra 300-500 calories) per day. I just choose to eat foods that are good for you (no chips, chocolate, soda). Yes, I may stray a time or two but I am proud to say that I don't do it everyday!
So, that's it. I am a long ways from my smallest sized short but at least I don't have to live in yoga pants anymore!
The happy couple :)Evelyn rolled over! Yes, our little 3 month old decided that she was bored being on her back so she has accomplished the feat of rolling over! Of course, she's pretty mad when she finds herself on her stomach. I mean really Eva, what's the point of rolling over if you don't like being on your tummy? Really! Just kidding...she's a sweetheart and will probably start crawling soon!
Also, we got a visit from Mike's ol' college pal, roommate, and Godfather to Alex---Ryan. Ryan was here for a wedding and decided to make a weekend out of it by hanging out with the fam. Alex had a blast playing with his Godfather! Here are some pics!
Evelyn and Uncle Ryan
Da Boyz
Alex posing with Uncle Ryan
These kids are going to have so much fun together!
My little sweetheart!Complete. The excercises are getting a tad easier or maybe it's the fact that I'm not quite as sore anymore. I am challenging myself by sinking into the squats a little deeper and increasing my weights. The jumping jacks still KILL me especially when I have to do two sets in a row! This body is not made for jumping! I still feel great after each workout though. I am re-energized and I haven't even felt like taking a mid-afternoon siesta anymore! 3 more days till Level 2. I'm kinda scared but up to the challenge!
Okay, it's been 3 months since Baby Eva made her appearance and I am still 10 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight and about 20 lbs from my "goal weight". I've been following Weight Watchers for almost 2 months now and have been able to shed 15 lbs of the 43 lbs I gained. I initially lost 20 lbs without any diet or excercise at all. Have I lost you yet? Well, I know it's only been a few months and I've heard the addage "It took you 9 months to gain the weight, expect to take 9 months to lose it!" Well, I think that's all well and good but it was my unhealthy eating habits and lack of excercise that was really stalling the scale. Who would have thunk that staying within a healthy calorie range and actually excercising would actually help me lose weight? Ding ding ding! So, I have decided to incorporate an excercise routine into my life. I chose Jillian Michael's "30 Day Shred" for the simple fact that it only took 20 minutes to complete! Taking care of 2 kids, a business, and household chores didn't allow for much excercise time so this was perfect for me. 20 minutes you say? How can I achieve any results from just 20 minutes? Well, this DVD simply kicks your butt. It is a 3-2-1 system which is basically 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, and 1 minute abs in 3 cycles. There are 3 difficulty levels to be completed in 30 days. My muscles were so sore the first day that I couldn't even bend to lift Baby Eva from the floor! I am now on Day 6 of Level 1 and I can say that I am definitely seeing change. I fit into my jeans which recently wouldn't even pass my thighs! Yes, they're still a bit tight but it's progress! So, I will check-in daily and let you know how I am doing. I thought this would help me feel accountable! Wish me luck!
Uncle Mike, Eva, and Auntie Wendy
Ready to watch the fireworks!
Alex loves when people visit him!
It was a little wet that night but it didn't stop the fun!
Mike and Eva checking out the animals at the petting zoo
Watch out, the kid has sticks!
Having fun!
Alex making friends with the sheep
He wasn't scared at all!
Alex with his Uncle Trent and Aunt Meghan
Such a ladies man! With Aunt Monica and Aunt Melinda
Alex and Eva with Auntie Abet and Great-Grandma
Eva with NanaI know this is a bit late but we would still like to formally announce the arrival of our daughter, Evelyn Clare McLean. She was born on April 7th at 11:06 am weighing 8 lbs 1 0z, 20 1/2 inches long! She is absolutely beautiful and her big brother Alex adores her. As expected, it has been a whirlwind month full of sleepless nights, numerous diaper changes, and even added to mix was a sick toddler, sick Mommy, sick newborn, and even a sick Grandma and Grandpa! What a month! We survived and we are slowly and gradually settling into a routine. Hopefully, we will be able to update the blog more often. Evelyn loves being carried so having two free hands is very hard to come by! She is sleeping on my chest (in a sling) as I type this!
On Mama's chest
Wondering where the heck she is!
Big brother saying "Hi!"
Well, this last month has been an exciting ride! First of all, yes, this is Mike posting. I am laid up in bed recovering from having my tonsils removed, so I figured this would be a good opportunity to provide a status update on everything McLean.
We worked really hard the last part of January and the first half of Februrary getting Alex's "big boy room" all put together. With our baby girl set to arrive in April, it's time for Alex to move into his own bed which will free up the nursery again. This project required a complete overhaul of the guest room in our house. Don't worry guests, there is still plenty of space for you. Although you will notice we have combined our home office/guest room into one living space. :)
Since Alex has been absolutely obsessed with pirates since last August, we decided to go with a pirate theme. He's had a blast shopping, picking things out, and helping us hang, assemble, and install things for his new pirate room. We searched and searched eBay as well as various other online and in store retailers and his room is now pretty much complete. Enjoy the pictures below!
Genevieve's mom has been visiting since last Sunday. I went in for surgery on Tuesday morning, so she has been a major help watching Alex while Genevieve takes care of me. This also included a short relapse that occured Thursday night where I had to go back into surgery at the ER and spend the night in the hospital. It's nice to know we have family taking care of Alex while Genevieve and I are out getting things taken careof. Plus, Genevieve always enjoys spending time with her mom. Unfortunately, her mom leaves tomorrow, but my mom is scheduled to fly in on Wednesday for a full week. It is great to have the extra help!
After this recovery time in February, it's on to March where we are looking forward to having Meghan come visit for a weekend, and are trying to coordinate all the family visits for the new baby girl.
Alex's big boy bed configuration: captain's bed with 4 drawers and a nice storage compartment in the middle. Matching nightstand and dresser
This room is in the corner of our house. It has 3 small windows on one wall and 1 large window on another wall. These are Roman shades made of sailcloth which help regulate temperature/light while adding to the "boat" feel with their texture
Side view of adjacent wall. We painted the room light blue with a dark blue accent wall
Genevieve found a matching step stool since the bed is so high. It actually has a secret compartment in the top stair for Alex's pirate booty
This wall contains some of the items Alex likes. We'll probably eventually end up putting a bookshelf in that open space
Matching dresser
Black cargo net used to hold his stuffed toys
I found this treasure map on eBay. It measures about 22" x 28". I had to cut it down to size and mount it in the frame.
This is an old oil painting we've had for years and finally have a good use for it!
I also found this wooden pirate wheel on eBay. I was going to build a deck for it until Genevieve found a great deal on a better set up. The clock was a wedding gift and matches the rest of his furniture
This is his pirate trunk. It's the closest thing I could find to a treasure chest without spending over $200
Here's the pirate with his sword, pretending to be asleep
3' x 5' Jolly Roger flag above the bed
Treasure Island "book" that is actually a secret box
Shot of the other corner...his pirate ship
The curtains here match the Roman shades courtesy of Genevieve
This ship has some sweet features and better than anything I could build. Built in periscope, dual canons (that actually fire and make noise), a wheel that turns and makes ocean sounds, a pirate flag, and secret compartment in the back
Also includes a compass and two small storage areas for more of Alex's pirate booty
View from behind the pirate ship
Puppet theatre fun with Mommy!
Dressing up as a king!
Completing a puzzle with Daddy!
Of course, playing with choo choos!
