The first day of the rest of my life

T-minus 51 days 'til Hawaii...and officially the last day of my pregnancy body...and the first day of getting back on track physically (a.k.a. "Operation Beach Bod").

Plan of attack:

--Get rid of the 10+ boxes of cereal left over from the weekend (post coming soon)

--Manage to sneak in just a couple of the frozen Snickers bars my mom mischievously left in my freezer

--Run, run, run.  I haven't gone running since about September.  The few run/walks I have attempted in the last few days have resulted in my legs feeling like lead weights that have been doused in gasoline and lit on fire.  Yes...I have my work cut out for me.    

--And finally, reminiscent of the 6th grade paper chain to the end of the school year, let the countdown begin.  

Happy 2-month Birthday!

Winston turns two months old today!

So big!

He's looking more and more like a Rees.

Hmm...he's not too sure of all these pictures.  

Mother's Day

"Motherhood is near to divinity.  It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.  It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels."  

Yesterday was such a great day; I love Mother's Day.  I set out with one goal of capturing Winston smiling.  The boy can smile all day, but once the camera comes out, all bets are off.  He is becoming so much more alert, attentive and responsive.  I love it.  His smiling back makes all that baby talk worthwhile.   And lots of smiles on Mother's Day was the perfect gift.  
Hats off to Dave for being such a great dad.   A big breakfast (French toast...my favorite), Haribo gummi bears, a funny card and new jogger were so kind of you.  These boys made this day perfect.  
I've learned a greater understanding and respect for the profession of Mother.  I am so, so thankful for my mom.  It makes me smile and gives me confidence the times I catch myself doing something she would do.  She is the example of choosing family life first and not looking back -- a decision I know is hard to make.  Thank you, Mom.  Thank you for choosing us.  

Never ceases to amaze

So Monday was like any other day where Winston and I began by donning our workout gear -- he in his green sweatpants and I in my shorts and fleece -- for our morning walk.  It was a lovely walk and I thought Winston looked especially cute in his typically unattractive sweats.

Well Monday night, after taking care of some little projects around the house, we headed down to the Lion's Choice to eat.  I got my usual Cub Meal complete with kiddie toy/prize.  Now Lion's Choice doesn't have your typical prizes.  None of the cartoons, High School Musical or Sponge Bob stuff.  It's more like no-name rubber duckies, tops or neon sunglasses.  So with each Cub Meal, you never quite know what prize you're going to get.  Monday night was no exception.

As usual, I pulled out my meal and looked at the bottom of the bag to claim my prize.  It was something purple, something I'd never seen before.  I pulled it out, removed it from its plastic covering, and lo and behold, it was a purple wrist sweatband complete with an embroidered smiley face on it:  the perfect accessory for Winston's walks!  Who would think to have a sweatband as a Cub Meal prize?  Lion's Choice, of course.  They never cease to amaze me.  

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Since Winston was born, I've tried to keep a running list of the things he does or bits of his personality I have noticed along the way.  I don't want to forget the little details of this dynamic, ever-changing part of his life.  

Here is some of the Winston I love:

**temperament; so calm and sweet

**hands are like a security blanket always up by his face and ears

**snuggler; loves to be wrapped tight and snuggle in

**falls asleep on my shoulder

**loves to takes naps while lying on my chest

**loves to be held; I know he won't always want me to hold him, so I love that he wants me to now

**recognizes my voice

**relaxes to classical music 

**loves the "magic chair"

**smiles when he sleeps

**allows me to be the comforter

**beautiful, soft skin

**funny faces make me laugh

**loves to go on walks

**snorts like a pig when he's hungry

**I'm convinced he shuts his eyes and pretends to be asleep when we're in public/large groups

Sweatin' it out

Sweatpants are one of the lesser attractive articles of clothing one can own.  However, I think he sports 'em pretty well for our morning walks.  All he needs now are sweatbands for his wrists and head.  

Lunchtime happiness

When lunchtime rolls around, it makes me so happy when I can have a salad this delicious:

Romaine (or spinach) lettuce

Goat cheese (smelly, but good)

Dried cranberries

Candied walnuts

Strawberries (not pictured; I prepared 2 lbs of strawberries last night, which Dave managed to devour in nothing flat)

Grapes

Lite honey dijon dressing