18 weeks and a (sort of) hair tutorial

Finally, proof that I am expecting more than just an overdose of Birthday Cake Oreos (have you tried them, so good, don't judge).

Oh but look, someone doesn't know how to take pictures of herself.

Let's try again.

Nope, turning to the other side, leaning back and adding a cheesy smile didn't help.

There we are, baby and I are 18 weeks.  We're feeling good.  Two more weeks until we find out whether our two boys will be disappointed or if the girls will suffer heartbreak.  The girls are certain it's a girl, the boys are counting on a boy...

I also had a freaky good hair day.  I followed this tutorial, mostly.  I don't have any clips so I used bobby pins and my hair isn't quite as long and gorgeous as hers.  But I did take more awkward pictures!

Do you want another one?  Okay.

You're welcome.

Social faux pas...

I know it's been a while.  You might think that I have something earth shattering to share.

You would be right.

I have this problem (you might notice I have many problems but for today let's just focus on one).

My shoes make obscene noises.

No really, they do.  I know what you're thinking, "c'mon Kristen, you can tell the truth here, we're all friends".

But really, it's not me, it's these shoes.

Cute right?  Even better they were on clearance but now I'm starting to wonder if maybe they weren't such a good deal.  Every time I wear them I feel like I have to say "excuse me" or just start talking really loudly to cover the sound of my shoes.

Walking in shame,

Kristen

PS- worth the wait, eh?

Helpful Hints (cuz I'm an expert)

Or not.  I'm just learning a few things along the way and thought I'd share.  So take this advice with a grain of salt or something...

1.  Exercise.  Please.  Just do it, but there's a catch.  Don't do it solely for the sake of smaller pants or less flabby arms.  Do it for your sanity.  There's something about exercise that makes life better.  After the birth of my 4th child I suffered from some pretty serious postpartum depression.  It got ugly but it could have been much worse.  Going to the gym most days kept my marriage intact, kept my children alive and made it so I could survive.

2.  Small portions.  I've been eating healthy foods for the last several years but I noticed that my portions were slowly getting bigger.  It's different for everyone but if I keep the between the size of my fist and the size of my hand I seem to do okay.  It's enough to give my body what it needs without overeating. 

3.  Eat often.  I eat breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner and occasionally an evening snack.  I don't let myself get too hungry.  That's when I binge and start the "eating too much and feeling bad about myself" cycle.

4.  Be accountable.  I track my calories using an app on my phone.  It's a bit frightening to see the calorie count of the peanut butter sandwich you just snarfed off your kid's plate.  It's also a nice way to see what you're really eating and how you could do better.  I also text my daily total to a kind and non-judgmental friend.  She knows what my goals are and she knows what I need to do to reach them.

5.  Be patient.  This is the one I struggle with the very most.  It takes time for your body to change.  It takes time for your mind to change.  I know that it took more than a week to put the weight on (duh) but when I see little tiny losses or even worse, gains, I want to just give up.  I'm learning that it's a process, a long process but I also know that time is going to go by no matter what so I might as well spend my time making my life better instead of just wishing it were better.

So those are my wise and totally (not) new ideas.  Now check out the outfit I put together yesterday.  I was seriously impressed with my skills.  All that blog stalking is finally paying off!

That picture is pretty decent but I think my face looks better in this one.

My husband is a lucky, lucky man. 

Happy Monday!

Kristen

It doesn't get better than this

Friday nights around here are pretty competitive.  Like, cutthroat.  We put all the niceties away and battle till the end.  The game of choice:  swordplay.  Because after all what better way to teach your children to love and respect each other than by engaging in mortal combat?  Of course it is only virtual combat and you don't actually get hurt, you just fall off the platform and go swimming.  By the way, see how the punks I gave birth to are all laughing?  It's because Pinky just took me out for the second time.  Nice.

Check out our proper form, I'm certain jousting instructors all over the world are applauding.  Or not.

By the way, what I'm wearing in this picture is my standard uniform.  Jeans, with or without holes, t-shirt, hoodie/ sweater, depending on the weather and flip flops or boots.  Again depending on the weather.  For mom style ideas that are way cooler than I could ever be  click here and go to Ain't No Mom Jeans.  I like the way they dress over there.

We had hamburgers on Saturday.  It was kind of a family date.  I've also discovered a good way to limit your fry intake.  Only eat the ones your kid feeds you.  It's surprisingly effective. 

Even the husband tried it.

We might be on to something here.  We could market it and make millions.

And finally, I've been trying to be in more pictures rather than in my usual spot behind the camera.  It's my April resolution or something.  Here's the problem, it's a lot more comfortable behind the camera.  The Knot Princess is helping me with camera insecurities by telling me and then showing me what I need to do.  A perfect example follows.

I think her head tilt is better than mine.  Guess I need to practice. 

Happy Monday!

Kristen