Quick Shoutouts

I just wanted to take a second before I begin my hectic New Years Eve plans (watching movies and playing Donkey Kong Returns and watching Liam sleep :-P) and recognize some pretty amazing people and blogs.

*Thank you to all of my new followers, I look forward to getting to know you all and sharing our experiences!'

*Thank you to all of my older followers, you rock!

*Thank you specifically to two bloggers who always comment and leave me nice messages and they both happen to be LOVELY:

Ashley@Lovely Little Adventure

Shirley@A Lovely Mother

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

For me, 2010 was one of those years that will always stand out among all of the other ones. All of the others that I am lucky to live through. Somewhere in this year I feel like I grew up...more than any other year. 2010 was a roller coaster with a loose screw; most times I felt as if I was holding on for dear life and about to fly off of the track. It had ups (the highest I have ever been) and downs, mostly downs. At times I didn't know how much further down I could get, but I always had that little face to light up my life in the dark times. Oh, and Fawna too (in case she reads this). Needless to say I am beyond ready to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011. Fresh starts, new beginnings, new hopes. I get a chance to start over and make all of the things right that I have been getting all wrong. So here is my best of's 2010 (the short list) and my New Years resolutions (the excessively long list of goals).

Best of 2010:

1. Liam being born
2. Finishing my AA
3. Vegas trip
4. Trips to Show Low
5. Christmas morning with Joel and Liam
6. Health, happiness, and company of my great friends & family
7. Moving into a bigger place
8. Chris moving back to Phoenix

2011 New Years Resolutions:

1. Take better care of my body (Eat better, Exercise more) I would say exact goals, but the exact is I just want to be healthy
2. Stop biting my stupid nails
3. Be a better friend to those who matter, and get rid of those who don't or bring me down
4. Let go of the past, especially the control and effect Liam's selfish, pos, idiot father has on my life (yeah, its a big work in progress)
5. Plan a great 1st birthday party for Liam
6. Go to Disneyland
7. Become a student at ASU (again) and dedicate myself to succeeding
8. Pay off all debt except student loans (since it will continue to increase anyway, screw it ;-))
9. Visit Aaliyah
10. Laugh more, cry less
11. Get a promotion at work
12. Be positive and thankful...even when it may seem impossible

I hope that everyone had a great 2010 or can at least take something positive out of it, such as a learning experience. I wish you all the best year in 2011 and that all of your wishes come true and you achieve all of your resolutions.

Thank you for my son 2010, but PEACE OUT!!!!

Whining about Weaning

Me, not Liam. After continually saying I am going to stop breastfeeding, I have finally started the transition. Liam is a trooper, he is taking to the bottle with no problem and I am a bit hurt by it. I know it is completely ridiculous feeling. I was so ready to give it up, or so I thought. Needless to say, I didn't realize how much of an emotional decision it is. Once you stop, you can't go back. Liam will never again need me like he did during breastfeeding and we will no longer have that special bonding time. And a materialistic reason it also makes the decision difficult is the cost of formula! But there are definite pluses to stopping. I don't have to plan my life around not exposing myself in public, I can follow how much Liam is eating, and he passes out while eating his bottle, which makes nap/bed time so much easier than the "after breastfeeding play time" we are used to. The most important thing is that he didn't act like he was getting enough on breast feeding alone anymore, and now he seems satisfied. So, even though some might think its a little early, I am going to stick with the weaning because I think it is time. We are down to 2 breastfeedings a day, his first in the morning and right before I go to bed. I'll probably stick with that for a couple of days, then cut back to one and then none. I want to avoid clogged ducts and infection and all of that mess, so I'll take it slow. I am lucky I stay home most of the week, so I can be flexible with the schedule. I am just going to stay positive and we will make it through! If anyone has any advice, please feel free to share!

Mommy is in T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

It is amazing to me how you can put a baby to sleep and the next morning he wakes up and is a completely new baby. Liam can now go from a "crawl" position back to sitting, sit on his knees, and from sitting he can pull himself up to standing. This all has happened in a matter of two days. I kept waiting for him to officially crawl, but he never has. He scoots and sometimes he will get up on all fours if he wants to crawl over things (the bars underneath my coffee table), but now he is already moving onto standing. Soon it will be walking. I cannot believe how fast this all happens! Now I need to lower the crib and figure out how to block my cable box, dvd player and game systems on my entertainment center. Aye ye ye ye. Yes, my living room looks as though a toy store exploded inside of it, oh the Christmas aftermath.

In other news, I talked to my admissions representative for ASU and I almost crapped my pants at the cost of tuition. $325/credit hour and that's for online! If you attend ground classes it is $625/credit hour! It's insane. And what's dumb about the whole thing is the job market is so bad right now people who have a BA, BS, etc. don't get jobs making enough to even afford to pay back their student loans. I know the government is looking into this issue, but not fast enough. It is ridiculous. But I want a valulable education from a University (not of Phoenix), so I guess I'll have to eat the cost. Another thing I am worried about is what classes will actually transfer. If it is not all 60 credits, ok, fine, but if they want me to practically start all the way over I don't know what I am going to do. I want to get this done as quickly as possible, so I will probably be taking 18 credits a semester, which breaks down to 3 classes for the first 7 weeks of the semester and 3 classes the second 7 weeks of the semester. Plus summer school and not taking a winter break, since I am used to school all year round, anyway. It is going to be a lot, but I am not getting any younger and I still have a lot of school to go to end up where I want to be, so its a necessity.

Anyway, I'll get off my soap box for the day. Also, FYI, I am enjoying reading about everyone's Christmas holiday and seeing pictures, I just haven't had time to comment on each post. I'm sorry!

Liam's First Christmas (es)

Hi ya'll! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Our Christmas seemed to last for a full week! First, we went to my parents house in Show Low and did our Christmas there, where he tried mashed potatoes for the first time and mommy stuffed her face the entire week! Liam also got to see snow for the first time, which he seemed to really enjoy since he was laughing and smiling the whole time. Then, Christmas Eve Liam was with his father's family (and trashy ex-girlfriend, but we won't get into that, to spare a long, inappropriate ramble) and watched the Jim Carey's Christmas Carol with mommy and Joel. Christmas morning had breakfast opened our stockings and presents, then spent the day at Joel's brother's house for Christmas with his family. This was very special because Joel's mother has cancer and is not doing well right now, so even though we are no longer together, it is where I felt I wanted to be. At first I was a bit upset because money is tight for me (like it is for 99.9% of the population) and I didn't think I got him enough, but he actually ended up making out quite a bit. Besides, its not supposed to be about the amount of presents or what you get and I don't want him to grow up thinking it is. Then Saturday night I hung out with my friend Chris and watched movies. It was a great way to spend the holiday (holiday week). I took about 5.5 billion pictures and I am so bad at selecting just a few, but I will try. I warn you, there will still be quite a few. Oh and in other news, I am not sure if I told ya'll already, but I am officially finished with my AA, the degree is in the mail, and I have reapplied for ASU and hope to start there ASAP. Go Sun Devils. Anyway, onto the pictures:

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

Since everyone is extremely busy during this time, including Liam and I, I just wanted to take a second and wish everyone a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays! We have been so blessed and we are just loving every second of our holiday season! Best wishes to all of you and I will blog with the mess of pictures and info of our Christmas next week.

Happy holidays all of you wonderful bloggers!

Liam Meets Santa Claus

This week I took Liam to meet Santa Claus for the first time. His "Auntie" Elena got to come with us and it was a good thing too because he was C-R-A-N-K-Y. Poor little baby's cold is still bothering him, plus I think he is teething again one or two teeth on the top front. But I am pleasantly surprised because even though he didn't smile he wasn't crying or screaming either, which is an accomplishment for a baby! Has anyone ever taken a poll on how many babies cry/scream their first time sitting on Santa's lap? Let's do one!

Did your baby cry when they met Santa?
	Yes
	No
pollcode.com free polls

Onto the pictures of Liam:

Liam and Santa

"I would like a Spongebob and lots of toys"

Mommy and Liam Michael

Liam and "Auntie" Elena

Zoolights 2010

Happy Monday! How is everyone's holiday season going so far?! We are hanging in over here! Finally getting better. Liam is still battling some cold symptoms and he absolutely hates getting his nose suctioned, but we are on the road to recovery! Next week we are going to visit my parents in Show Low and celebrate our Christmas together. I am hoping we get a little snow, so Liam can have his first experience! I am really excited. I need to invest in a pack and play that Liam can sleep in up there, but I can also fold up to fit in my car. Do any of you wonderful mommies have any suggestions or ones that have worked for you? Anyway, I picked up some new books at the library today, so hopefully I'll have a review up for you soon! Don't get me wrong, I love me some TV and of course movies (hence my job), but there is nothing like a good book, so I hope everyone squeezes some time in for reading. There is a genre out there for everyone! I think we lose our imaginations as we get older if we don't read and do things to keep it active. Woah, that was a random thought.
ANYWAY!Liam and I went to Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo with my friend Alyssa and her son Kaden. He is adorable and it was so fun. I really feel that it hasn't been as good the past couple of years, but its tradition, so, therefore, a must. Here are some pics! (Sorry the color is bad on the scanned ones) There is also a video at the end of Liam watching the dancing trees!

Lost: Avid Blogger, Found: 12/10/10

Ok I have been gone for quite some time. I had strep throat, a UTI and other issues I can't talk about on here. Plus I started working, so some of my free time is gone. My mother came down from Show Low to help me out, so I could rest. But I am finally getting back into the groove! Life is still throwing me lots of obstacles, but every day I wake up and I get to see Liam, so I keep on keepin' on. One more week of school with University of Phoenix and I get my AA in Criminal Justice. One goal almost down! Then I am looking to reenroll at ASU, GO SUNDEVILS, for my ba in psychology. Like I previously mentioned, I am working part-time on the weekends at my old employer Blockbuster. So far I am really enjoying it. No more being tied to the phone at call centers! I am quite happy about that! The court papers are officially filed, so I am done with that...for a year anyway. Even though I feel like I get crapped on a lot by life, so to speak, I do have many blessings. Now, I just need to get past all the stress caused by the last year or so and I will be sitting pretty. Sounds like a New Years resolution to me. Is anyone starting to think about theirs yet? 2011 has got to be my year, I know it. Liam is doing great. He's got a bit of a cold right now (his first) and it kinda sucks! I took him to the doctor to make sure he didn't contract strep from me, and it was negative, thankfully! He still only weighs 19 pounds, I am glad he seems to be right on track with that and his 95 percentile days have passed! Anyway, I have a sick baby calling for mommy (no he isn't literally calling, yet, I wish). So I will leave you with a few pictures. And hopefully I will be back for good this time! I miss my bloggy world.

Book Review: My Name is Memory

Synopsis: Lucy Broward is an ordinary girl growing up in the Virginia suburbs, soon to head off to college. As she prepares for her last high school dance, she allows herself to hopre that this might be the night her elusive crush, Daniel Grey, finally notices her. As the events of the night unfold, though, Lucy discovers that Daniel is much more complicated than she imagined, and perceives that there's something going on her that she really doesn't understand. Why does he call her Sophia? And why does it make her feel so strange? Daniel Grey is no ordinary young man. Daniel has "the memory," the ability to recall past lives and recognize the souls of those he's previously known. And he has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Lucy (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. It is both a gift and a curse. For all the many times they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short. As we watch Daniel and Lucy's relationship unfold during the present day, interwoven are glimpses of their history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes tortuous path of seeking each other time and again. But just when Lucy begins to awaken to the secret of her past, to understand her relationship to Sophia, and to understand the true reason for the strength of her attraction to Daniel, the mysterious force that has torn them apart in the past reappears. Ultimately, they must confront not just their complicated history, but a persistent adversary as well. If they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

My Rating: ★★★★☆

This book is about love and a little time travel. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The two characters have such a strong connection and the author does a good job of establishing why they have the connection as she takes you through their history. It does seem a little slow in parts, but I couldn't wait to find out if they end up together. The ending sort of sneaks up on you and at first I was extremely disappointed until I found out there seems to be a sequel coming soon. A lot of people seemed concerned about the age appropriateness of the book as she is normally a teen author. I can say it is more on the light side, but I still enjoyed it. I have never read her popular The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series to compare, but I think I will definitely be reading the sequel.

Thanksgiving/Black Friday

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with lots of good food and more importantly family time. What are everyone's traditions? I grew up with a huge family and holidays were extremely special. We always went to my mom's side of the family and had a huge shindig. Mostly at my grandparents or my Aunt's house. We ate a lot of food and spent time together. They are some of the best memories of my life. Unfortunately, time always changes things...people move, people pass away. We don't do that anymore. Now my dad's side of the family is very different and we have been going there for most of the holidays. I am not really talking about my sister or brother, but extended family. It's just not the same. The value of the holiday somehow disappears on who cooks what and how and your joyous banter is replaced with complaining and vulgarities. I make them sound terrible. Really, they aren't. I love all of my uncles and one Aunt, but they are better individually, in smaller doses. Something happens when they all get together. Don't get me wrong, I am happy I saw them all because I rarely do, but I am not sure that's the tradition I want to make with Liam. I want him to have those memories I do with my mom's side. The importance of togetherness and what holidays are really about. We were able to go to one of my best friends since elementary school house today where they celebrated their Thanksgiving. It was intimate and special and a great representation of family. They are some of the best people I have ever met. I had a fantastic time. Anyway, like I said, things change. I guess it is time to make our own traditions.
Mommy on Thanksgiving
Liam's 1st Thanksgiving
Grandpa and Liam
Tired little boy

I also was able to go Black Friday shopping with my mommy and Joel. We got a whole bunch of stuff for Liam (mostly because he is the most fun to shop for)and my nieces and nephews and a few things for me. My mom kept saying "these dolls are ugly", ha, it was funny. My little boy is such a trooper, he got up and braved the crowds! Like he had a choice...


Now let's start working out to work off all of our food!

I am THANKFUL for....

My wonderful son, Liam

My puppy Fawna

My crazy family

My wonderful mother (yes she's family) but especially her b/c she helps us in so many ways

My great friends

Joel (yes he's a friend) but again, he does so much for us

Good health for Liam and I and most of my family and friends

The roof over our heads

My new job

Having food in our fridge

The ability to attend school

My son not being raised in the midst of fighting and poverty

TV, internet, phone

Mexican food, sushi, and Pita Jungle (HA)

Almost getting through this year in one piece regardless of the stress and emotional rollercoasters I have been on

My guardian angels: my grandparents, my brother, my cousin, my uncles

Man there is so much that I have to be thankful for, it is hard to write a list. I am sure there is so much I am leaving out. But trust me, I count my blessings everyday and know I have a lot more than most.

What are you THANKFUL for?....
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Mandatory Measurement Monday

Hey guys! Happy Monday! I know I have been seriously slacking on this. To be completely honest I really fell off of the horse with my progress. But what happens when you fall off? You brush yourself off and get back on....after crying and throwing a little fit if you're me. I am really lucky I haven't gained anything back and I am still at 178. To give myself credit the past week I have done really well with my eating, but I didn't track it. I did donate to the Hungry Howie's 5 year anniversary fund, but besides that I have done really well. I have started eating a lot of fresh vegetables, chicken and fish. One of my favorite things lately is this:


***OMG!! GASP*** Yes, its bread (insert dramatic music). Tsk Tsk. Ok people, get over it. I can't live without some carbs and its not as bad as it seems. The slices are a little smaller than normal bread, but they are only 40 calories a slice. Pop some tuna on those babies and you have a quite healthy and fulfilling meal. Another classic favorite, popcorn. My new favorite:


Holy moly thats a big picture, oh well. I don't want to reupload. Talk about lazy (thats some foreshadowing for my next topic). Now its got a few more calories than SmartPop or plain popcorn, but its worth it. The flavor rocks. Its almost like eating chips, but way less guilty. Plus, popcorn fills me up.

What I need to stop is being a lazy bum. Before Liam was born I loved exercising, mostly cycling, but I ate whatever I wanted. Didn't help. Now I can't get my butt up to exercise. GRRR... I know the hardest is just the first couple of weeks and once you get into the routine of the new lifestyle its easy, but man that hump is killing me. Now, I could sit here and rattle off a whole bunch of excuses, but that's exactly what they are, excuses. I could walk, I could run, I could do Wii Active, but instead, here I sit typing a blog. I guess I could blame you guys?! Ha. Starting tomorrow, dagnamit, I am going to work out, even if its just walking around the park.

So there is my update. I think I can, I think I can.......

And just because he is too cute to not mention:

He sure loves shoving that thing in his mouth. There is no proof that Liam is still in his pajamas at noon, thank you very much.

Book Review: A Summer Affair

Before I get into the review, I just want to say where this is coming from. I love reading. Before Liam came along I read continuously. It is definitely more staggered now, but I miss it. I mostly read romance, especially the smutty ones and thrillers or suspense. But now that I plan to do book reviews, I think I should branch out. Not just that, I feel like I should read something with a little more meaning, something that will inspire or touch me. So I promise I will try to get all the recommended reads and get reviews up. And just a disclaimer I am not an author and do not have any professional experience, these reviews are just based on my personal opinions. So please feel free to disagree, just do so politely. Also, sorry if the first couple of reviews aer mucky, I am sure they will get better the more I do them. Thanks! Onto my first review....


Synopsis (Always from book unless otherwise stated): Claire wants it all and in the eyes of her friends, she has it: a devoted husband, four beautiful children, even a successful career as an artist. But when serving as co chair of Nantucket's social event of the year propels Claire into the orbit of billionaire Lock Dixon, unexpected sparks begin to fly. Lock insists on working closely with her - often over a bottle of wine - and before long Claire can't ignore the subtle touches and lingering looks. To her surprise, she can't ignore how they make her feel, either. A Summer Affair captures the love, loss, and limbo of illicit romance and unchecked passion as it takes us on a brave and breathless journey into the heart of one modern woman.

My Rating: ★★★☆☆
Being my first book review, I don't want to get all crazy, but I think three stars is generous. The book was really slow going and extremely anti-climatic. Hilderbrand does a nice job with descriptions, but nothing really excited me. I didn't connect to any of the characters. The story does a nice job of showing some of the pressures of a wife and mother and how it can push you to do things out of character, but it just skims the surface of the consequences. I felt it was lacking a lot of depth and detail. There was a lot going on, but not in the good way. In my opinion, this book fell flat, and I would not recommend it.

6 (ish) Month Doctor's Appointment and Stats

So we were a tad bit late taking Liam for his 6 month doctor appointment and I definitely heard about it from Dr. Reznick. I like the old man, but he is stuck in his methods and sometimes I am not sure I agree with everything he says or recommends. But he works for now. Anyone in the Phoenix Metro area have any suggestions on great pediatricians? Anyway, on to my cutie patootie.

6 (ish) Months:
Length/Height- 26 1/2, 30th percentile (please don't be short like mama)
Head: 17 3/4, 75th percentile (lots of brains)
Weight: 18 lbs 12.8 oz., 50th percentile (definitely NOT what I expected)
Size 3 diapers
3-6 & 6-9 months clothing
Size 2-3 shoes, depending

Liam had four vaccinations done today. He finished the series of Rotavirus, and had IPV, TB, and Hep B. He actually wasn't too upset today, but he had a looonnnnggg nap in the afternoon. That was nice for mommy because I had a terrible headache, so I got some rest too.

**What Liam is doing**

Sitting unassisted for long periods of time

Rolling over from stomach to back and vice versa like a pro

Scooting like his diaper is on fire

Growing two teeth

Eating pretty much all 1st stage solids and some snacks

Supporting more weight on legs while being held

Trying to pull himself up on things

"Talking" a lot, no words yet

"Blowing raspberries" like crazy

Smiling and laughing all the time (especially when tickled or played with)

Extends arms to be picked up

Loves playing with his toys in the bathtub

Probably a bunch more, but I can't think of any more right now hehe

I shot a couple of pictures at the doctor's office today. He is so gorgeous!



Happy Blogging!