Biggest Loser Challenge- day1

So I got weighed in last night- not my proudest moment really (something so humbling about having a thin person weighing you and then marking that number down next to your name) but I'm officially in the game. I found out that so many moms (from the mom's meet up group I'm in) are doing the challenge that 3rd place prize was raised to $50, 2nd place $150 and 1st place $400.

The newly found inspiration was strong enough to help me thoroughly enjoy my lite banana yogurt and piece of wheat toast (w/ one tbsp of natural peanut butter- the one thing I'll always remember from WW's is measure, measure, measure). We'll see if it is strong enough to help me get thru the potato salad, birthday cake and burgers tonight at Bella's birthday party. Ugh!

Here are some more misc pics from the past month...

Here is Daddy, Timmy, Tommy & Lucky Dog wrestling- a daily thing around here :)

A picture of Timmy & I riding one of the trains at the museum- the windows were open so it was windy!

Here is Daddy & Timmy exercising in the "Man-Room"- something else that occurs almost every day- usually w/ Tim's weapon collection- Timmy usually gets the padded sticks. I got a pair of boxing gloves for my bday and will get in there and try to show the heavy bag who is boss- I'm usually alone- in case the bag wins :)

One of those moments when the time I saved in not having to feed him was then applied to cleaning up. He prefers feeding himself and it's one of his jobs as a baby to make a mess- right?! (PS- although he usually does feed himself some/most of his meals- it's usually not this bad in the end!)

Long over due updates

Okay.... let's just go ahead and skip the long list of excuses as to why I haven't been on updating the blog and get right down to it...

Summer is officially over for the Reising traveling team. I started classes this past week (3 this semester- 10 credits.... it's probably going to be harder than I think it will but we won't go there). Tim has gone to work a couple of days to work on curriculum. The first official day of school for him is next Monday. The 60 degree weather the past couple of days (on top of the large amount of rain) makes it easy to say good bye. Besides- I love autum. It's the shortest season out of the year so I'm ready to embrace and enjoy.

Some more specific updates:

TIMMY

After being completely forgotten about by the school district (I seriously think that Timmy's folder sat on some one's desk and he wasn't put into their system prior to summer starting)- Timmy had his first day of preschool at Fierke Elementary yesterday. When it was time to pick him up, I stood outside the door w/ all the other mom's (and a couple of dad's) waiting to see how the day went. One by one all these 3 year old faces came running out to give out hugs and the words "I missed you mommy" was heard at least a dozen times. Finally- the last kid in line appeared and it wasn't Timmy. Where the heck was he? Still playing. So much for missing me! I had to kind of drag the kid OUT of preschool vs the typical fear of getting him IN the classroom. But he eventually walked out w/ a big smile and told me he "really liked big boy school and my new friends." Works for me!!

Timmy right before he left on his first day of school

Today I picked him up. He was second in line this time and looked eager to get out. I felt a little honored this time- he seemed eager to see me! But his first words to me was "where's Daddy?" Then I realized he thought since Daddy dropped him off today he would pick him up. Thus the reason he was second in line to get out. :)

As I was buckling him in I noticed the traces of chocolate on his face. I asked what he had for snack and he told me chocolate & milk. I asked if he had "white milk" and he said "nope, I just raise my hand and say 'chocolate please" It was so stink'n cute!! It also was a relief to hear him say he raised his hand- a clue that he is listening in class.

So our boy in in "big boy school" Still working on potty training but I created a big poster named "Timmy's Potty Train" and drew railroad tracks on it. He gets a sticker to put in the tracks when he goes pee or tells us he went poop in his diaper. We are actually getting some where now!

Timmy's Potty Train Chart

I took Timmy on our 1st Annual "Mommy & Timmy Adventure Day" last Monday. We went to the IL Railroad Museum. It was the day after the big Thomas event there and Timmy found Thomas hiding in the rail yard. Thomas had a black blanket over his face so I told him that Thomas must be sleeping cuz he really worked hard the day before. Timmy was in awe that he found him. We had a good time seeing all the other cars, engines & cabooses too. And we went on about 4 trains rides. A great way to end the summer (and there was only like 30 cars in the parking lot- it was like having the place to ourselves!)

Timmy on a steam engine & by Thomas the Tank Engine!!

TOMMY

Oh boy, where do I begin. He's talking more- his favorite right now is "ma ma" I had to wait 2 years to hear Timmy say it and now I'm getting an earful on a daily basis :) Tommy just figured out how to clap his hands when he hears music, he'll start bobbing his head and clapping. And this morning I came out in the living room (where he ends up if he cries over night so he doesn't wake Timmy) and he figured out how to stand up in his pack n play for the first time! He's done it several times today. His biggest achievement by far is that he is crawling now- at top speed! He is such a happy, HAPPY baby now that he is getting around. Timmy really isn't that happy about it (dare Tommy come w/in a 3 foot radius of a train car laying on the floor!). I'm just enjoying this stage knowing that once walking comes it's a whole new level of wanting to pull your hair out craziness :)

I'm also working w/ Stacy again on getting the 5th annual Chicago Hydrocephalus Walk underway. Between house, kids, school & the walk- my plate is full but I'm happy and so far balancing it all.

To end it on a happy note- Tim's official weight loss to date is 40lbs. Mine is 26 (but the mom's group I'm in is starting a "Biggest Loser" competition w/in our group. $20 to participate. 3rd place wins $20, 2nd wins $40 and 1st wins $200+!! So I"m getting weighed in tonight. Talk about inspiration!

Alsip Street Fair

Yesterday we went to the Alsip Street Fair- here are some pic's....

Rainy Days

Rainy days are in one way kind of nice because I'm forced to stay inside (for the most part) and pay attention to our house. Despite the lack of rainy days around here- our house is really, really coming together! Not sure- but it may be due to the fact that we've been home for more than just a day or two inbetween camping trips :)

Tim along with his dad, Tom, has done a huge transformation in our yard (w/ some sweat and labor from Nancy & I as well!). Our backyard as well as our front yard. ONe of these days I need to take pictures and do a before and after so you can all see it.

Today was a rainy day and since the boys have been so good about Tim & I constantly working on and in the house- I decided we needed to have a fun day inside. So I got out the new water paints and I traced a couple of Thomas the Train pictures (from a coloring book). Timmy had a BLAST- which was so much fun to see. Tommy had a good time to- but he has really learned to go w/ the flo so if everyone is good- he typically is (unless it's feeding time :)

On a sad (oh so sad) note- I got my first eye roll from Timmy. It bummed me out! Often times we break out into dance if a good song comes on the radio. As I start "cutting the rug" he just stared at me. I figured in a few seconds he would jump in at any moment as he normally does. The only movement I got out of him was the rolling of his eyes when I told him to come dance. I didn't know a 3 year old knew how to do that yet! I know this is just the first of many eye rolls- but I must admit- I'll probably dance anyway (and hope Tommy joins me one of these days) :)