Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season!

Okay so I am so late with this post! AHHH! but this Thanksgiving,

 

It was a good one. I got to see a lot of family and meet new family members! I have not seen a cousin of mine since I was about 8 years old and it was a pleasure to catch up with him and meet his lovely wife. We made plans to keep in touch as well as to visit one another sometime next year. I am always for a trip as well as bonding with family. It’s priceless!

 

My Cousin whom I have not seen since I was a small girl! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My new Cousin! SHE IS BEAUTIFUL My cousin did GOOD!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mother cooked a good feast this year and did not disappoint. She had her spread for Thanksgiving a day early for us to all spend time together effectively, since my brothers have other family to visit with their kids and such. My little one was away with her dad and of course I missed her. She was back in my arms after the Thanksgiving weekend and it was everything. She truly has my heart and I am so blessed to be her Mommy.

Hi Mommy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While she was away, I partook in black Friday shopping with my sister. She wanted a TV and I wanted a vacuum cleaner as well as a standard coffee maker and a griddle. I love to cook and the flat top is an amazing, easy to clean tool. It will be used and abused! I also found time that same night to buy a tree and begin to decorate it into the wee hours of the morning. I ended up having to go back to the store on crazy black Friday to buy more lights and ornaments! London def enjoyed the tree and loves to look at it when home. Teaching a toddler how to not touch your tree? Not as simple!

 

 

 

I also bought a fitbit and I am OBSESSED with it. I challenge people on there and it makes me want to take extra steps to the printer my car taking out the trash and working out. The fitbit is genius!

 

 

 

 

Overall I am thankful for the friends and family I have in my life. I am truly blessed and could not think of a more perfect way to celebrate the holiday!

 

I sent out my holiday cards to the family and friends and I have gotten rave reviews on my cards! I also took it upon myself to create my own cards. I purchased cardstock, went to pic monkey and created my own background and made a few post cards for the Holidays. I think that they turned out well! Who knew that I could channel my inner Shutterfly and make things happen!

 

Happy Holidays to all!

Well, That Was Quick…

My child is 10 months old. 10 entire months ago I was on the verge of having her.(See pic below)

 

Amazing how time flies!  Well My little babe can do so much! She is curious, full of personality, and loves to smile. She is eager to learn about new surroundings and things, she crawls on all 4’s (the cutest thing you will see), and now she is standing. You better believe I am one proud mama!  She also finally has a tooth! It came in about a week and some change ago. Check her out in action on my Instagram page here.

 

I am currently planning her  1st birthday and everything seems to be coming together pretty well. I hope it all goes off without a hitch on her big day. Planning things typically can bring out your creativity and really make you do some research. I plan on having a unique theme since it is her 1st birthday. I plan to blog about what my ideas are. I have an online vision board of sorts, and  I am trying my best not to spend too much money! It is hard to edit yourself when you have a little girl. I thought people were lying when they said they will make you spend all of your money. I’m here to tell you they were not lying nor exaggerating. There is an abundance of cute clothes and trinkets out there for baby girls. I’m going to go ahead and join buyers anonymous.

So let’s talk  postpartum working out. I haven’t really done it. I committed myself to it one week and then my work/life/obligations I let them take priority over it. I promise I will get back on it. TBD though. My sHERO for fitness after pregnancy is fitfoodiele. The girl is amazing. 2 kids, and a hubby and an entourage of small businesses, she finds the time! You can check out her blog for fitspiration at fitfoodiele.com or on Instagram @fitfoodiele I do plan on getting back to blogging about my fitness chronicles but if you need a resource she def takes the cake!   Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend mine starts today! WOOT!

Praise Report!

Praise report!

I joined the choir! It was all by accident, but then again there are no such things as accidents, I was called to serve and I answered. I am going to be honest, I can hold a tune, but I will never claim to be in the rankings of Whitney Houston, or Mariah Carey. I am simply able to effectively hit notes. I had my first lead in singing a few weeks ago and it was great! I loved singing in front of the church and making people really express their joy for the Lord. It made me feel like I was impactful.

I also wanted to find a way to really relate with my church community. They have really been impactful and important in my life. They are there to help guide me in my spiritual quest in finding my way with God. He is awesome to have given me a place to really be able to learn how to serve, fellowship and be close with him. God is always on time. Thank YAAAA! LOL.

In baby news, my little London is now a 6 month old scooting/squealing/active grabbing machine. She has really blossomed into an active little baby! She is so fun to be around and she is always happy. We were in the store shopping for Groceries yesterday, and I had her in the carrier, because it’s far easier to just maneuver with her on me then in a bulky infant car seat. She kept bouncing indicating that she wanted me to sing and dance while she was in the carrier. Of course people who know me, know that I was up for it. I had a ton of people smiling at her and I as we walked around the store bouncing, laughing (Baby giggles), smiling, and dancing away. Boo Boo has quite a personality!

Here are some pics of me and my Lon Lon(She is starting to get quite a few nicknames)

Being an Anchor

 

I am an anchor.

It is a natural thing for me to fall into. I am a confidant, I am a psychologist, I am an open non judgmental listening ear for everyone I feel in my life needs it. It is my nature. Pouring my positive energy into people is one of my favorite most intrinsic things to do. It is a selfless job, it is great that people feel that my advice is worthy of taking into consideration, it is what makes relationships with others valuable.

What happens if I need to be anchored? My ship ties decide to become loose, and I sway in an uncharted direction? Who helps pull me back to the dock? Lately, I have felt like I was finding myself  swaying in uncharted waters. I am human, it is only natural that I have some feelings of “What direction do I go to next?” Well, I guess I have to take some of that good ole advice that I dish out (Which is really hard to do btw).

This portion of my life has put me in touch with a lot of my emotions. I placed a wall up at some point in my life where my emotions, my human feelings were there, but I had a mask on to the entire world. I have a tendency to place my emotions and feelings on things on the back burner to not cause conflict. Also so I don’t look like some “emotional” or “sensitive” person. “It IS okay to be human.”  is something I have had to tell myself, it is okay to have some conflicts. You have to learn that you matter as well, even if people expect you to go along with something unrealistic.

I really learned that my emotions matter when I had my baby. She was my wake up call to show, you still feel, you are not emotionless inside, and it is perfectly fine to feel that way outwardly. Your emotions do matter. So in essence, my baby girl has helped me stand up a lot more for what I feel is right. Now, by no means will I go overboard with it, but I need to make sure that others do not try to mess up my peace. Being vulnerable is the beauty of being human. It can hurt sometimes, but it comes along with the process. It is the key to finding your joy.

I am learning that I can pour into those, as well I can anchor them. I just need to make sure when I pour I consider myself too. Isn’t the maturation process amazing? Going through it, you certainly do not think so, but reflecting, there is indeed beauty in it.

 

 

Photocred:http://cruelkev2.blogspot.com/2009/12/ships-anchor-cuts-cable-between-la.html via google

1st Mommy/ Daughter trip

We had our first trip this weekend to Dallas. I wanted to visit friends and attend the football game against one of our biggest rivals, The Texans. Living in Houston as a Dallas Cowboys fan is rough. You can never catch a break. The fans heckle and poke fun at every second. So I just had to go and see this defeating moment live. Boy was it eventful!

 

Being a Breastfeeding Mom and with a new baby I started out at 8am on a Friday just so I could not be engorged and would have daylight to deal with the baby if she fussed. I live 4 hours away from Dallas. I was also traveling with my dog Gizmo and I was all by myself. A big feat, but nothing I could not handle. I got there in great time and got to hang with my good friend Nakia. London and her got to have a reunion and Gizmo and Peanut (our dogs) got reacquainted as well. We all went to have some Brunch on Sunday at a place called Johnathan’s, it was delish.

London was a baby celebrity. Everyone loved her outfit and the fact that she was a baby, had everyone coming by the table. I have to get used to that. I didn’t expect so many other people to actually engage me and my little one.

 

We then went to Uptown Park? Near Max’s wine dive and did some shopping. I tried on jeans, but of course they do not sell things in a tall. 😦 Oh well. We met up with my blog buddy Chelsea, and had Mimosas and some good girl talk! I will be back, and we will of course have to hang out again. I had a blast with her.

 

I went with two good friends, Brandi and Sid and we were ready for war! LOL. Kidding.

The Texans fans really showed up to this game. I think we were about even when it came to fans. I cheered, I almost cried (After a missed Field Goal that sent the game into overtime), and I screamed and acted like a….crazy fan! I love me some football, it was my Dads favorite sport to watch and since I am a Daddy’s girl, well, I followed in his footsteps.

 

 

After the game, I pretty much lost my voice and was tired. I went out the night before and then with a few hours of sleep woke up to do my motherly duties (Pumping and bonding), and forgot to really eat. So that evening I made sure that I ate some food, and sadly I became sick. Food poisoning. For a breast feeding mom that is a nightmare. I needed that food that wouldn’t stay down, and I needed to stay hydrated. I might have curled into fetal position a few times. I woke up early the next day and took off  back to Houston. It rained the entire time but overall the baby stayed asleep and we made it home safely. Traveling with a baby was not the easiest, but it was not half bad. We will be doing it again!

Now it is time for me to get back on my GMAT studies I start tonight/ tomorrow. I need at least 4 hours of study every other day until Dec. Wish me luck

Getting back in the groove of it all

Hey guys!

I am finally officially off of maternity leave. I took 8 weeks off to spend time with my precious little girl and I enjoyed every minute. Now that I am back at work as of Monday, I am officially a working mother. It is bittersweet. I love to work, productive days are what I live for, but I love being a mother, being there for every waking moment for my child. I can see why tons of women do not come back to work. I probably would not be one of those women. I have a few things career wise that I HAVE to accomplish. If I set out a goal, I hold myself accountable to finish it. I am not faulting stay at home moms or those who decide they need more time with a new baby, but I know that I would always have that “what if?” in my head. So back to the grind it is.

Challenges I am having at the moment is finding time to work out, and just get some things done. Having a little one and being a single mother has proven to be a challenge, but I am learning that I am no wonder woman and as long as I have a plan and try to accomplish two things in a day vs 10-15, that I will be okay. Eventually I will be able to accomplish more, but baby steps are required at the moment.

In baby news my little one will be 2 months officially on Friday. Time is flying. She can hold her neck up pretty well, and has some good  movement, is following objects very well, and she is very alert. She startles easily. She has just begun to coo and smile when you smile at her and it is so joyous to experience. I love it. Motherhood is bliss.

 

That’s all for my update! I look forward to blogging about my Mommy/Challenges/Workouts/Life adventures on a more consistent basis.

Post Baby Body

I know that most women do not post their post baby bodies, but I will. Yes, I have stretchmarks and yes, my linea nigra still present (dark line down your belly you can get while pregnant), but I want to tell you, working out pre baby, and eating well, and breast feeding post baby really works. I could have really had an awesome post baby body, had I worked out during my pregnancy, but I did not. I am happy to say I lost all but 4lbs of my baby weight and my post baby body is leaner, my waist has shrunk tremendously.

Having a baby can be complicated,  especially when you are induced, and your epidural gives out during labor. Fun times. I commend any woman who had a natural delivery. It is NOT for the weary.  But the joy you recieve from bringing life in this world is something I just cannot put into words. My transition from a singular person to a woman with a child was seamless. I was “built for this” in the words of my child’s father. Here is my little bundle of joy, London Paige. WARNING! She is absolutely adorable! She is one month old as of recent and we are both learning the ins and outs of eachother and breast feeding.  It’s awesome to give your child nourishment and watch them grow. It’s something a bond that only me and my little one share. All smiles.

Post Baby Body

I know  that most women do not post
their post baby bodies,  but I will. Yes, I have stretchmarks and yes, my   linea nigra still present (dark line down your belly you can get while pregnant), but I want to tell you,  working out pre baby, and eating well, and breast feeding post baby really works. I could have really had an awesome post baby body, had I worked out during my pregnancy, but I did not. I am happy to say I lost all but 4lbs of my baby weight and my post baby body is leaner, my waist has shrunk tremendously. 

Eating when you are a Mom happens anywhere lol

I didn5 get stretchmarks until 36 weeks

Having a baby can be complicated,  especially when you are induced, and your epidural gives out during labor. Fun times. I commend any woman who had a natural delivery. It is NOT for the weary.  But the joy you recieve from bringing life in this world is something I just cannot put into words. My transition from a singular person to a woman with a child was seamless. I was “built for this” in the words of my child’s father. Here is my little bundle of joy, London Paige. WARNING! She is absolutely adorable!

She is one month old as of recent and we are both learning the ins and outs of eachother and breast feeding.  It’s awesome to give your child nourishment and watch them grow. It’s something a bond that only me and my little one share. All smiles.

I’m an Aunt…again!

The 3rd times a charm!

That is for sure! This weekend, I got the prestigious honor of being there when my oldest brothers 1st child was born. I was so excited. I mean, life is truly amazing. Kayla Michelle Davis was born around 5pm on 08/11/13, weighing 8lbs 13oz and being 22 inches long! She is a pretty little girl, and the new parents couldn’t be any happier. I have a niece (4) and a nephew(1) by my younger brother.

I pretty much spent the weekend doing that and being a complete bum inside the house. I occasionally made up my mind to go somewhere, but ended up finishing my Amazon Prime Borrowed book on my kindle and relaxing. Sometimes after waking up at 5am non-stop and going to be late, can take a toll.

Some other things I want to address are on the emotional side. I am typically the type to be shy to reveal my real feelings about things, due to them largely being misinterpreted. I am a very passionate being, and I tend to not speak up at opportune times and sometimes that has a negative effect in my personal life. It’s a defense mechanism I will be working on for my entire life. It took me a while to not be a quiet being (I’m loud and funny now) Being an adult and mature. If I am interested in you, then I somewhere somehow deeply believe in you. It will show and I will even tell you so in so many ways. However, that is not to be regarded as being weak. If I feel, or see that something is wrong, or I do not feel is right, then, I will ask questions. Now it will not be an FBI interrogation, however, I will be direct. Direct is what I do very well. It cut’s out the possibility of deflection.

I just want people to understand that if I am passionate about you, I will have many questions for you regarding your life, because I am interested. My dating life is a bit of a comedy at the moment, and I am not getting what I require from people. In order for me to truly get what I want, I have to REQUIRE it from someone. I use to think that my requirements did not have to be stated. Unfortunately the way these guys are set up, you do. So at the moment.

I like someone, I am unsure of his intentions and I am afraid to ask. (Cue that shy introverted girl) Chances are I know it is going to be one of those, “I’m not where I want to be” speeches, because I have the most impeccable way of meeting and liking the right guy at the WRONG time in his life. When are you dimwits going to realize that you will forever be working on yourselves, that that is a life-long process! I am a person wants you for your intellectual worth not what state you are in materialistically, I evidently made that assessment when I first got to know you. I see things like this: even when my physical, and your physical attributes wear away we still have a mental connection and have that person you can talk to about anything, about everything. I’m looking at you for your worth, not what you are currently worth!  You say you want success, well, so do I. You aren’t where you want to be career – wise, financially. Hello! Me too! We are all getting there or working on making our lives more enriched. Why can’t we cake this vertical climb together? I truly don’t get it. That will forever baffle me. I Hope that works out for you and if it does, great. But I’m over here believing in you being your biggest cheerleader and you don’t seem to see me. I am invisible. Thanks for all of your consideration of my awesomeness. I just hope one day it seriously is worth something to someone other than myself, and I truly have the treatment (basics) that I desire. Nothing irrational, just simple and for me kind of thing. Can you tell I am frustrated? I am. I am sure dating will get better, but for now it is not.