Wordless Wednesday

Its that time of year again for costumes.

Baby Weight is Down

My weight that is! And I feel fantastic. I do not feel I have been able to truly share in the loss of weight and gain of happy endorphins. All I read is about how women (and a few men) are struggling to lose weight gained during the pregnancy. So in the mess of unhappy bodies can I share in the glory of getting my body back after pregnancy?

Does anyone really want to hear how I struggled with excepting the extra pounds as apart of motherhood? I sacrifice plenty for my kids; I didn't want to live in a body that was not mine. First step I published my goals for everyone to see,

Project 622

5. Lose that 30 lbs of “baby” weight

6. Be happy if I don’t

I made exercise a priority everyday even if it meant doing Wii-Fit for an hour after the kids went to bed and the kitchen is a mess. I focused on eating healthier and drinking water, lots of it. I hate to drink water because it leads to going to the bathroom then washing hands and dry hands. Every 15 minutes. Seriously I believe I have the smallest bladder ever.

Months, which felt like eons, pass and I manage to lose a couple pounds. I begged the scale to move a little further in the other direction but inanimate objects listen like toddlers do. Scale doesn't budge but I felt good. Yes! That's #6 crossed off.

Call me what you want but the weight fell off after that to the point I am happy to maintain my weight as this is my pre-baby weight. I slipped on a pair of pre-baby jeans effortlessly that I was hanging on to "just in case" not ever expecting to see them again.

I just wanted to be me. And I really hate to hear "You look great for having two kids". I want to look great because I take care of myself and respect my body.

SuperMom status was never sacrificed during the course of this loss. Maybe its unrealistic to do it all but I can try.

Wordless Wednesday

Pumpkin Painting

Wordless Wednesday

Daddy's Got the Shotgun Out

"Oh he better get the shotgun ready! Anytime your girls bring home a guy start cleaning the shotgun."

Last Friday night, while I am standing in a small circle of adults I mention that I have two little girls and the first reaction is that their father better start contemplating his scare tactics for future boyfriends when they come to the house to meet us. The things that are said would suggest my daughters could bring home young men that would disrespect them, lack the confidence to demand a good man, or even worse case scenario not know how to stand up for themselves.

I understand the light-hearted comments are well-meaning but since we found out we were having a girl the same comments have been repeated over and over. Instead of hearing that each time I say that I have two girls, I'd like to hear "you should start working on their uppercut". I don't want to raise my girls to become women that need a man to protect them. I hope for my girls to be able to recognize a respectful man, a man that values them for who they are, and treasures them as I do. Strong women only in this household and men that can match that.

Can I get a witness?!

#19 Get another tattoo

In Las Vegas and with the support of my close girlfriends, I did it. For me to get another tattoo was really no big accomplishment since I have known for 2 years what I wanted to get and where it was going to be. I just lacked the follow through so we all thought why not now, here in Vegas.

Tattoo Heaven helped me cross off #19 from my list when they put Julianna's birthdate written in Hebrew on my back. Just perfect.

My first tattoo was a butterfly as a symbol of happiness in the Chinese culture, in honor of my brothers' heritage; the butterfly was designed from a toe ring that my mom and I picked out in Santa Cruz in my favorite colors. The next tattoo Julianna's birthdate was drawn just below the butterfly which now appears to be landing on the text. The symbolism is that my happiest moment was the day that I became a mother.

I do plan to have one done to represent Amaya but I have yet to figure it out. Her addition will be just as meaningful as the first two. But no rush for now.

Our trip to Calaveras Big Trees

We packed up the car with my mom, sister, and girls; lunch cooler and extra clothes included. The drive that felt like it lasted forever was only 2 hours but the weather was gorgeous and the air spectacular. Take a peek at some of the photos. This is a must daytrip, heck maybe a camping trip if I can muster the courage to sleep out there with the well known bears.