Blog Challenge Day 30

Ok, let's see how this works. I am currently typing this out on my phone in Notes, which I will then copy and paste into my blog.

Blogging is something I've been doing for about 15 years, back when it wasn't even called blogging. It was always just a personal thing, a way for me to write out my thoughts and share them with who ever came across it. That's me, more comfortable sharing my life and thoughts out on the internet than in real life. I never sought out to be anything more because I'm so old school.

Now with Sam, this blog is about my life with him. It's a way for friends and family to see him grow and get to know him from across the screen. This is actually new for me because I never shared my blog with people I know. So it's sometimes awkward for me to be open like this since I'm not always like this in the outside world.

My journey that lead me to this moment, to Sam, wasn't an easy one. And I know there are so many woman out there who are going through a lot of heartache of trying to get pregnant. There is so much negativity out there when it comes to infertility because it is hard and frustrating. My blog is here to show them hope. To show them that as hard as it may be, it can also be an amazing journey if you stay positive and grateful. If my story can help someone, even just one person, then that is amazing.

And I'd just like to keep connecting with other like minded moms. I live in an area where our way of thinking and lifestyle is a bit out of the norm. So it feels refreshing to connect with moms who are like me. And where I can be inspired by them and hopefully inspire them too. I need to push myself to keep being social because seriously, I start to retreat back into my shell if I start getting too much attention. (Suzy if you want more readers, you can't do that!)

And that's it! The blog challenge is done! It was a lot of fun and I met some nice people. It was challenging too, to keep up everyday! Ha ha, it's going to feel so quiet here now!

Blog Challenge Day 29 -

Part of me wants to be a stay at home mom so bad so I can spend more time with Sam and taking care of the house...

But, part of me is too afraid to do anything like that because just me and Sam all day, alone? Could I entertain and keep him busy every day, all day? That scares me!

Fortunately, or unfortunately, we are just unable to live off of one income. And you know, I enjoy working and being with our coworkers. The time I get to spend with Sam means so much to me. I try to make sure that our time together is special. And even though he spends his days at daycare, he always lights up when he sees us. He knows I'm his mama and he's the most important person in my life.

Blog Challenge Day 28 - Most Embarrassing Moment

Another tough one. Seriously, I feel like I embarrass myself all the time. And since it happens a lot, I just laugh it off.

I guess the whole Flogging Molly concert incident is pretty embarrassing. Last year, while I was pregnant, we got tickets to Flogging Molly. I was so stoked. I had know about this concert for a couple months and we were totally ready to have a fun night! We got the tickets on Thursday and Fridat we were all set. Rob worked from home so the dogs weren't coupes up all day. Later that afternoon I was looking on Facebook and the place we were going to eat for dinner mentioned Flogging Molly preconcert drink specials, which was posted over 24 hours ago. Why would they post something like that he day before the concert? Then it dawned on me...the concert was the day before!!! I felt sooooo bad! I laughed out it, but still...pretty embarrassing!

(Typing this on the iPad, so things may be wonky)

Blog Challenge Day 27 -

No pictures, sorry. It is just too chaotic. Right now, it's just a messy transition in the closet. We're moving into winter and I'm still not able to fit into a lot my old clothes. But let me paint you a picture for your mind!

We have a small walk in closet with wire shelves on the right and back and along the top left. On the left hand side is our 3 bin laundry basket, which I don't separate by colors. Only the white towels get separated, which all get thrown on the floor next to the laundry basket. The back side hold my shirts and dresses (during summer) or sweaters (during winter). Half of the right side is my stuff, my hoodies, my running gear and jeans. I have a crappy drawer thing which holds more exercise clothes and holiday clothes (christmas and valentine's day socks and such). Then there's Rob's stuff....which is mostly piled on top of each other, with a few button downs on hangers. On the very top shelves there's our little suitcases and bags. I have seasonal clothes and nice dresses in bin in there too.

Once my body is at a normal steady state again, I'd like to do this: The 40 Hanger Closet . I want to streamline my clothes and then just buy good quality clothes. No more $5 shirts from Old Navy that stretch out or shrink after one wash.

Blog Challenge Day 26 - Your Hidden Talent

Hmm...this one is tough. Hidden. Something I don't reveal often.

I make really good scrambled eggs! The key is to settle a little, stir and take off heat while there are still a bit runny.

Also, frozen grated butter makes them amazing too! I learned that from Cook's Country.

Sam on the move!

This weekend Sam really started moving around. I actually had to walk way while watching him on Sunday because I was going to start crying*

Since learning how to army crawl (i call it a zombie crawl, hee hee) Sam's world as gotten so much bigger and he knows it too. He's no longer satisfied with just being on his blanket with his toys. Or even just laying on the bed, he needs to see what's on the nightstand. You can see the pride and confidence in him as well, which I just love. I am a proud mama!

It's amazing to watch a baby grow. First they learn to hold up their heads because laying on their back is boring. Then they start to roll over because they want to choose what they want to do. Next they want to sit up or stand in an exersauser/walker because there's just so much to see! And now, well, now they are ready to explore this world that was always out of reach. Soon crawling is too slow and walking is so much faster!

I remember those first few weeks when time moved slow. We lived moment to moment. I actually really liked it. Now all of a sudden time is moving so fast! Sam is growing and every week he's doing something new. It's so exciting and a bit sad too. Thinking about it reminds me that we need to strive living in the moment more. No need to think about tomorrow, or wonder when will Sam do this or that.

*seriously?! this hormones need to chill! hee hee

Blog Challenge Day 25 - Your Biggest Regret

(a day late! sorry)


I guess my biggest regret would have to be not pursuing a career. I went to college and I do have two degrees, but I never really pushed myself to land a job in my field of study, which would've been digital imaging. I did have a few jobs, but with all the moving we've done, I never got to keep it. I'm happy that my job that I have now allows me to use my awesome photoshop and illustrator skills. School wasn't wasted!

Sometimes I wish I stuck with web design. I was really good at it, but I stopped right before CSS came out. I tried getting back into it a few years ago, but CSS is so huge! A goal of mine is to design my own blog template. I'm happy that I can trouble shoot basic HTML and CSS.

Illustrating, which I've mentioned a few times on here, is something I wish I pushed myself more to do. That might be my biggest regret because I'm wasting my talent. I guess I was always afraid of rejection from publishers and such. I'm actually getting back into again! Yay!


I guess my point is that's it's not too late!

Blog Challenge Day 24 - What Attracts You (In Love)

What attracts me....(which is mostly what I love about Rob, but I love when I see other guys with these qualities, cuz I know they are good men^_^)

-Humor, I love to laugh. I love to be silly.

-Being able to communicate and listen as well.

-Supporting their passions.

-Always being able to say something positive about the other person.

-Love and constant interaction with their child.

-Still thinking you're beautiful even without makeup or a shower and all groggy.

-Respect and kindness to others.

-Must be nerdy.

Blog Challenge Day 23 - If You Won the Lottery...

"If I had a million dollars..."

If I won...

-I would buy my dream house, an old single story house with a lot of character, lovely natural light and a good backyard. We'd fix it up to be very eco-consious with materials for flooring and counter tops, appliances and of course solar panels. We'd also get chickens and have a great garden and compost set up.

- I would pay off all our debt

- I would keep working, but only part time and be able to spend a lot of time with Sam

- We would travel all around the world

- I would help out our families

- I would get some kick ass tattoos

- I would eat at some awesome restaurants

- I would buy all organic foods

- I would buy a brand new wardrobe

- And then whatever is left, because there will be, it would all go towards saving for us and for Sam

Sam & Suzy This Week

hanging out at the car dealership

Oh our monthly cold! Thankfully it's not that bad as they have been in the past. I'm going to say we are getting stronger. RAWR! But we had a bad night on Tuesday and I just put Sam straight into bed with me because sleep was more important for everyone.

Other than that things are awesome. I swear I love this boy more and more with each day. I was having a rough moment at lunch time today and I almost started crying because I just wanted to be with Sam.

Sam:
Rob taught Sam how to clap over the weekend! Awww. But he only really claps for Rob. Rob's also been helping Sam with crawling. And since the weekend, he really moves around now! He's not crawling, but more of a zombie/army crawl. We now have to watch him all the time!

Oh and mommy and Sam have a thing, if I hold out my pointer finger and make this silly noise, he takes his pointer finger and touches it to mine. So cute!


Suzy:
We are at 5 days of no breastfeeding! It's going well I think. Sometimes I think Sam is crabby in the morning because I'm not breastfeeding him, but other than that...I don't think he really notices. My mood at been all right. I have been a bit crabby and tired, but I also have been sick. Today I was particularly moody and frazzled.

Running is going good though. Last Sunday I ran my furthest of 5 miles! I need to stop complaining so much before I run though, that's not good, too much negativity. You should've heard me on Sunday, it was pathetic....all these excuses. And you know what? I get to 5 miles and I'm in a great mood and I felt like I could keep going. Silly Suzy!

Blog Challenge Day 22 - Your Worst Habits

Ha ha, I can't wait to read other's worst habits. Here are mine:

- While I don't pop my knuckles anymore, I do pop my hip and my chest (didn't know you could do that huh?)

- I bite my cuticles

- I'm very bad at returning phones...or just making phone calls in general

- I avoid any sort of social interaction if I can

- I spend WAY too much time mindlessly on the internet, 'specially Facebook

- I don't make eye contact when I talk with people

- I bitch and moan before EVERY run

Blog Challenge Day 21 - What Makes Your Sad

What makes me sad:

- Being so far from my family

- My parents going through hard times

- People who can see nothing but the negative

- Shelter animals

- Not spending enough time with the dogs

- When my coffee is finished

- Waking up from good dreams

- Being cold

- When my anxiety gets the best of me

Awww.....ok, lets end on a happy note! It's Thursday! Almost Friday! And I've got a hot cup of coffee waiting to be drunk!

Blog Challenge Day 20: What Makes You Happy

Keeping it simple with this one:

- Rob

- Sam

- Being a family and a mom

- Our pets

- Nature

- Bike rides

- Food

- Sending silly gifs to Rob and other coworkers

- Coffee

- Beer

- Yoga

- Reading

- Playing video games

- Being geeky

- Other people's happy news

- Fun things in the mail

- Our new car

- Baking for others

- Cool designs and packaging

- Hanging out with friends

- iTunes radio

- Crafts and drawing

Blog Challenge Day 19 - Your Favorite Movie

image from here

My favorite movie is The Fifth Element. You'd think after almost 20 years, I'd have a new favorite, but nope, I still love this movie to pieces! And surprisingly, it still holds up to all the other flashy movies that have come after it.

I love everything about this movies. I love the story. I love the quirky humor and the timing on many of it's funniest moments. Each actor fits their role perfectly. I mean, Chris Tucker, perfect! And the costumes! I love that Jean Paul Gaultier did the costumes, it's so him! I could listen the the soundtrack over and over.

It's one of the few movies Rob and I enjoy watching often together. We'll quote it constantly. "Multi pass! Multi pass!!"

omg, you can beat this!!

Blog Challenge Day 18 - A Photograph of Yourself

This is me back in the summer of 2010.

I wore a bikini to the beach that year. It was the first time I wore a bikini since I was like 12.

I mentioned I gained a lot of weight in high school and then I lost it all in my early 20s. And while I changed my life and I looked great, I still didn't have the confidence in myself. I always noticed my flaws. My poochy tummy or my flabby arms or my gummy grin with gapped teeth. I never felt truly skinny despite being around 115 lbs. I had low self-esteem. Rob helped my gain my confidence. He loved me for who I was and said I was beautiful. And slowly I began to love my body as well.

Moving forward a few years, we were heading to the beach for the weekend and I knew we were going to be staying at a relatively quiet beach, so I thought that it was about time to celebrate my body and wear a bikini! And yes, you could still see my poochy tummy, but I didn't really care because truthfully, no one else probably cared either.  I felt like not only was I exposing more skin, but more of myself as well. I was so proud of myself though!

I may not get my bikini body again, but you can be sure that I love my body more than ever. And I'll have my bad days, but I have to remind myself that for 9 months I grew a baby and then my body fed and cared for a baby and if that took a long time, getting back to my normal weight and body will take a long time as well.

Our New Family Car!

Meet the newest member of our family! We got a 2011 Subaru Outback!

Rob and I had been talking about getting a new car for a few months now. While the Cube was great, it wasn't ideal for humans, dogs and any extras like luggage. We also felt that we should sell the MINI since it was just sitting in the garage and we didn't need three cars. We're going up to New York soon and with the long drive and the possibility of driving in crappy weather, I thought it'd be a good time to see if we can get a new car.

I wanted a Subaru, because I am a sucker for good marketing! (being in the design industry and all) But how can you not love a Subaru commercial? How can you not love a company that promotes love, family and most importantly dogs? And their latest commercial saying how Subaru owners keep their cars for over 10 years, that so nice! (i've been watching the commercials thing morning and i'm either cracking up or crying...sheesh, hee hee)
Of course I wanted a Subaru because it's a very safe car, the all wheel drive and the room.

We started the search for either a Outback or Forrester. You know what? It's pretty hard to find! Sure there are used cars, but they are either old and high mileage or new and really expensive. The one we ended up getting is fairly new, but it does have a lot of miles. The price was really good though! Also, this car is LOADED! We have heated seats, defogging and deicing, touch screen radio/cd play/gps/ blue tooth/ ipod..., sun roof, tinted windows, all weather matts and who know what else? It looks like the previous owner did a lot of driving, like a sales rep. Score for us! With our trades in and a slightly longer loan, we are actually saving quite of bit of money too!

I'm so happy! It's our family car! Now I just gotta put our robot family stickers, an apple sticker and find a good rescue dog magnet. Oh and pick a name too! I also just ordered our Subaru badge! Subaru gives you a customizable badge that you put on your car. We've getting one with the family, running and half marathon (which i will put on when i finish my half in jan.)

Blog Challenge Day 17 - My favorite blogs

Personal blogs are my favorites and right now baby blogs. I love reading about other peoples lives and not in a nosy way, but a way to feel connected.

But I can't really pick favorites because each offer something unique and special. Instead I'll share my top 3 non personal blogs.

io9.com - This is my go to blog about everything nerdy. They talk about tv shows, movies, science and other geeky things.

Brit Co - I actually use their app, but it's still a blog. This blog posts crafts, fashion, food and real great tech stuff.

Maddie on Things - Maddie is an amazing dog (rescue of course) who has the sweetest face and a wicked balance, which her owner loves to take photos of her doing some pretty fun things. This is my go to feel good blog.

Blog Challenge Day 16 - Thoughts on Education

You know, I haven't given education much thought. It just seems so far way from me right now and well, a lot can happen in 6 years. One thing that I know that's important to me while Sam is young, is not to pressure him into learning. Sure, let's say ABCs and count. But I know there's parents out there who start their kids so early with education so they can get into a good college. Let kids be kids. Another thing that's important to me, is the arts. I want Sam to love art like me and Rob did as kids. A way to express themselves. Whether it's writing, drawing or even music. I hope that Sam's schools also have art classes. I know most schools do, but it's not as important as the test scores.

Sam & Suzy This Week

Rob and Sam went to an air show together

Nights and evenings have been a little rough around here this week. Sam's been getting up in the middle of the night and sometimes it's hard to get him back to sleep. Since Rob isn't training for any marathons, he's been helping out. I put him on late night diaper duty and then I put Sam back to sleep. If it's 4 am or later, Sam comes into bed with me since I can't try putting him back to sleep only to have to wake up like an hour later.

He's also been going to bed earlier too. He used to go to bed at 8, now it's more like 7:30. It's kind of throwing me off! Yesterday I felt like I barely got to spend any time with him because of me running and when we got to sit down and play, he cried because he was so tired. We spent the rest of the evening reading books.

Sam:

I love seeing his personality come through. He loves to eat, but always holds his hand up like he doesn't want to get messy and leans his head in with his mouth open. I love finding his tickle spots and I love how I can make him laugh by kissing his tummy. He laughs when we sing silly songs. Itsy Bitsy Spider is his favorite song. He cries and refuses his paci, but if you just hold it in there, he'll quickly stop and fall asleep. 

Suzy:

So, I got really bummed last Sunday. It looked like breastfeeding was over and done with. Sam had no patience with me anymore. I cried and needed a hug from Rob. Monday came along and I'm like, "No! I will not give up! I will pump again at work, take my herbs and feed Sam more!!" And I did, I even pumped at night because Sam got too frustrated. But alas...there was no increase. I have to put on my big girl undies and face the fact that we are done with breastfeeding. This weekend will be the last weekend of morning feedings. Again, I am extremely proud of myself for sticking out for so long despite the trouble and the stress of it all.

Blog Challenge Day 15: Where Will You Be In 5 Years

In 5 years Sam will be starting school (or just about to). By then, I keep telling Rob, we need to decide what we're doing in terms of where we live. I love our house, I love our neighborhood and neighbors and we've very lucky to be close to good grocery stores and such. But, we often talk about one day wanting a home that's a bit smaller, a bit older and where we can have chickens. (oh and a big garden and solar panels!) I always say we have until Sam starts school, but that'll happen before we know it!

I'm pretty sure North Carolina is our home now. We both have great jobs and we're starting to build friendships here. We finally found our groove with this place. We have the mountain and beaches close by to visit. Weather is great, with a bit of everything. Charlotte is building up their cool arty culture, good food and of course good beer. Every so often I yearn to live somewhere like Portland or California, but I'm tired of moving and to start all over again it just so so hard. So Charlotte it is.

If we stay in our house, I want to really clean it up and make each room clean, simplified (but cozy) and finished looking. Actually, I'd like to do that regardless. I'd like to screen in our porch too. Maybe we'll put new tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms. Oh and we totally need to paint inside and might as well the outside too.

If we do move in 5 years, we want a single story home that's 20+ years, aka with a lot of character. We'd like to be able to have chickens. I would LOVE to have a metal roof. We'd have to find a good school, another reason why I don't want to leave our home here.

In 5 years, I like to have traveled more too. Become more out doorsie, like hiking and camping. Have great adventures as a family.

Blog Challenge Day 14: 3 Healthy Habits

I was a very unhealthy teenager. I stayed inside, watched tv and played video games all day. I did not eat healthy at all! Breakfast was Oreos. No wonder why I got to 200 lbs! My parents thought diet pills were the answer, but that's so so bad and barely worked! I finally started eating healthy and started moving. It took me a few years and LOTS of learning and growing up, but I managed to lose about 90 lbs.

Because of achieving that, I am very much a healthy cheerleader. I love encouraging people and showing them that while it may be hard sometimes, for the most part being healthy is very easy!

Here are some of my healthy habits:

1. Be positive about being healthy! This is a hard one, but if you stay positive you're more likely to make better choices. You will be less likely to eat your feelings or sulk on the couch. Celebrate the good choices you made today. Be grateful for all the work your body does. Don't focus on the bad, like losing weight, focus that you're doing something good for yourself and losing weight is an added bonus. (ha ha, ask me what i think about this when i step on the scale in the morning)

2. Eat smaller portions. I tend to have a lot of stomach issues and I found that if I ate smaller portions, I felt so much better. On the plus side, I lost a lot of weight like that too. Sometimes I feel satisfied with just having a bite of something, just a taste.

3. Get some fresh air!  Nothing is more inspiring that just being outside. Even if it's just standing in your backyard soaking in some sun. Being outside is good for your body and your mind.

Blog Challenge Day 13: What's Inside Your Fridge

It's mid week and the fridge is a bit bare. We've been bad about stocking up, meaning more likely to eat out or go to the store over and over.

Some of the items in there:
- Beer, mostly brews from Asheville, NC
- Almond milk for me
- Organic cow milk for Rob
- Coconut water for my long runs
- Peas for Sam
- A couple jars of sauce that are getting a bit fuzzy (ugh, shame on me!)
- Spinach and other veggies for salads
- Super yummy breaded chicken got for an amazing deal at EarthFare
- Yogurts
- Pickles
- Beer yeast
- Old bottle of nail polish
- Virgil's Rootbeer
- Baileys

Blog Challenge Day 12: Your Favorite Childhood Book

I can't really recall any favorite books when I was real little. I did like the Indian and the Cupboard books. I really didn't start reading a lot until I was a teenager. That's where I really started to read all. the. time. Rob and I both love books and hope to instill the same passion to Sam!

One book series that will always stand out is the Dinosaur World series by Stephen Leigh. I was in junior high when I bought the first book at a book fair. How could I not get it, it had a dinosaur on the cover? Come to find out that this book was based on The Sound of Thunder, my favorite short story by Ray Bradbury! As a kid, this book and the ones that followed after were awesome!

To make these books even that more special to me, in the back of the book they gave the address from the publisher if you wanted to write them a letter. I wrote them saying how much I loved the book and I (of course) sent along a picture I drew. Not only did I receive a letter back from the publisher, he sent along my letter to the author and HE wrote me back as well! Throughout the span of the book series we wrote back and forth. Just me saying what I thought of the books and a drawing and them saying thank you. I still have those letters and they mean the world to me, 'specially back in a time where correspondence was still through letters being mailed, where to world was a bit bigger.

Happy (super late) BIrthday Puppies!!

I feel like the worst dog mommy in the world...we forgot Molly and Ginny's birthday!! We celebrate both on Nov. 1st, the day we adopted Molly and Ginny was born in Nov. But this year we have Sam and that was the day Rob went to New York. You better believe we are celebrating tonight with good treats and a walk.

Happy Birthday Molly! You are our first kid. You are sweet and silly and I couldn't even get mad at you when you ate the mole on our rug. You taught me and Rob a lot about taking care of something together. I love how one of your most favorite things is belly rubs in the grass.

Happy Birthday Ginny! I still feel guilty when Rob said he brought you home and I was so so upset. We had just given Mason back since he wasn't a good fit and Tony asked if we could keep you for a couple of days while he makes room at his shelter. But we never gave you back. You taught me to be patient and more calm because you were so scared and skiddish. You are so smart and loving.

I love you guys so much! And as I keep telling you, things are wonky around here right now and I wish we could play and walk with you more, but it's just for a little bit. Then Sam will be older and we'll all be back to normal and it'll be so much more fun because Sam will want to play with you.

Blog Challenge Day 11: 10 Favorite Foods

I LOVE food! I am very grateful to grow up in a home where my mom cooked a lot and a lot of traditional Croatian and european dishes. It's definitely made me appreciate all kinds of food. I can honestly say that there are very few foods that I don't like. Most foods that I don't eat now it more of a health thing, like beef or soda or highly processed foods.

Here are my top 10:

1. Pizza- This is one food I can eat all the time. We used to make our own pizza (dough and all) every Friday. I'm not a huge fan of New York style pizza, too thin. I like my crust a bit bubbly, but not deep dish. Oh and pizza needs to have red sauce! My fav pizza is from this place down the road, it's sicilian style with fresh mozzarella cheese and their home sauce.

2. Sushi- Of course some of the best sushi we had was in Japan, but Arizona had a lot of great places too, considering it's way far from any ocean. I like classic sushi. I'm not a fan of the "let's see how much we can shove and fry" rolls.

3. Salads- I LOVE me a good salad! I love putting all sorts of healthy stuff on a salad. Nothing makes me feel more healthier than a good salad. In fact, that's what's for lunch today.

4. Borek- Borek is kind of like a Croatian strudel made with meat. It was always a special treat when my mom would make it because it's a bit time consuming.

5. Venison- We've been very fortunate to have friends who give us deer meat. I love the taste of it, even if it's gamey tasting. One of our favorite things to make is Sloppy Doe.

6. Udon- Udon is everywhere in Japan, which makes me sad that it's hard to find here where we live. Now udon is not the same as ramen. Udon's noodles are thick and hearty, while ramen is thin. Gosh, talking about this is making me hungry!

7. Dark Chocolate- I like the really dark stuff. Give me anything above 70% cacao and don't think that milk chocolate is even in the same category.

(I had to stop writing this post because I was getting way too hungry! ha ha)

8. Cupcakes- What better way to eat cake? I like the different flavors the most. Get wild and crazy on me! We had this whiskey cupcake a few months back....whew! so boozy!

9. Cabo Style Mexican Tacos/Street Tacos - Typically grilled meat or fish with fresh ingredients. There's a place here in North Carolina that makes great tacos!

10. Tofu Chicken Salad - I really like tofu. Make it into a chicken salad, even better!!

Blog Challenge Day 10 - Best Trip of Your Life

The best trip of my life was when we went to Tokyo, Japan a few years ago. You can totally read about my trip in detail here and see our photos here.



It was such an amazing trip! We had always wanted to go, so Rob and I were like, "Let's just go!" We spent about a year saving up money and learning Japanese (I took some in highschool, but I was very rusty) And in May 2013 we went!

We decided to just do Tokyo on this trip because it's such a big city and we didn't want to be rushed by trying to visit other parts of the country. It also makes a great excuse to have to visit Japan again.

Tokyo is an amazing city. It very clean, everyone is very polite despite the mass amount of people and there's like shopping galore. Tucked away among the tall building and modern life, there's temples and gardens and museums. My favorite place in Tokyo was the Meiji Jingu temple that was right next to Harajuku. It's a beautiful temple tucked away in a park. There's a huge tree in it and a place to hang up your prayers. When you're around so many buildings and people, it's just nice to get away from it all.



The sushi was amazing. We loved all the cans of coffee. We ate at Denny's and McDonald (ick). We bought fried octopus balls from an old guy outside one of the parks. We drank whiskey and sake that we got from a vending machine. And the udon noodle bowls was so awesome that I am in search of something like that here.

We had fun looking at all the shops. I bought tons of cute things. We went to arcades and a ninja themed restaurant. And you know I went to a cat cafe!



We plan on going back in a few years. We'll be going to Kyoto next, to see the more traditional side of Japan. We also can't wait to bring Sam too!

Blog Challenge Day 9: What's in Your Bag/Wallet

Yesterday was pretty busy, so I'm a day late on this.

I'm kind of glad for this one because I needed to clean out the diaper bag. But I'm showing everything that was in there (including the random stuff)

Top Left to Right:
-Some Honest diapers. I love these diapers. It's my alternative to cloth and Sam doesn't get many diaper rashes.

-My diaper bag. It's been a dream to own an Oral Kiely bag and they were on sale and I figured I'm going to be a mom and will need a diaper bag more. It may not be very gender neutral, but it's an awesome bag.

- Attached to the bag is a beer bottle opener...cuz ya know, you never know when you'll need one.

- Taggy blanket that was a gift for Sam.

- Random papers including doctor appointment cards.

- Formula holder

- Organic Baby sunblock

- Burts Bees diaper cream (not a big fan, but I like the size)

- Honest wipes

- Socks, hat and sun glasses....hello, summer is over Suzy

- A panty liner and ONE, just one, breast pad

- Links, aka great distraction

- Car keys

- Comb

- Bunny toy

- iPhone

- Snacks, mostly from Trader Joes

- My clutch/wallet from REI. I don't carry a purse anymore and this is great.

Blog Challenge Day8: 5 Current Goals

1. Train and run a half marathon - Y'all know this one. I want to prove to myself that I can do this. I want to force myself to get into shape.

2. Live a more simple life with less - This is something that I've been trying to do since we moved from Arizona to New York in a one bedroom apartment and I realized how much crap I had. But now, I really want to strive to do this, 'specially with Sam. I want to have less clutter in the house, buy quality and only what I need. I want Sam to learn to appreciate what he has and not be overwhelmed with too many toys and stuff.

3. Learn to use my digital camera with manual settings - We did not spend a lot of money for me to always use my camera on auto. Shame on you!

4. Cook more - So silly, but it's true! Rob has been doing practically all the cooking since I had Sam. He doesn't mind, but I miss being in the kitchen and cooking new recipes.

5. Start crafting again - I have so many little things I want to make!

Sam & Suzy This Week

who is this boy??

Last weekend was a Mommy and Sam weekend. Rob was in New York getting ready and running the NYC Marathon, who did awesome btw!

I was hoping me and Sam could do something special together, but there's not much to do with a baby around here. I thought he was still a bit young for a return visit to the Childrens Museum, which I had originally wanted to do when thinking about this weekend months ago. Instead we ran some errands together, went shopping and had lunch. I also ran with the BOB stroller, which was nice (the stroller part, the run was awful) Nothing really special, but it was fun being out and about just us. He's such a good boy though! For the most part, it was pretty easy taking care of him all by myself for 4 days. You just gotta plan and stay ahead of things.

Oh yeah...I totally gave Sam a haircut!! His hair had been looking just dirty all the time and getting in his eyes and ears. He was sitting so nice in his bathtub, that I decided to give him a trim. I can't believe how different he looks! It actually makes me sad because he looks like a little boy and not a baby. Once all his hair starts growing at a normal pace and even all around I'm planning on leaving it a bit longer again. It just fits him.

Sam:
This week has been a bit rough at nights. Since Saturday, Sam's been waking up around 3ish just crying and crying. He had been grabbing at his ear so I took him to the doctors to see if he had an ear infection. Turns out he has swimmers ear and had to get drops. I think he's teething too (droooooooool) and which could be effecting his ears as well.

Other than that, he is amazing! He's talking more and more. He gets so happy when you mimic him too. Like, "Hey! That's what I'm saying!" Sam's starting to squeal when he sees something he likes too, like his stuffed animals and food.

Suzy:
I'm in my 2nd week into my half marathon training. It's been causing me more stress and anxiety than I ever imagined. Who knew?? I've been doing a great job, but the thought of having to run more and more miles in the evenings when it starts to get dark has got me in a tizzy. I tried running on the treadmill and I almost started crying because it was so grueling. They don't call it dreadmill for nothing. The next day I was just a ball of nerves and frustration that I ran my 2 miles very very fast.

But all this stress is good! I know it's more than just the running that's causing me to feel this way. Being a mom and being tied to a baby is stressful. I love it, but it's a hard thing to get used to. I feel that making myself go through this training will help me sort out the other stress and frustrations that I've been feeling. Rob always tells me that running helps him sort out his head.

Blog Challenge Day 7: Your 5 Favorite Songs

1. Rock DJ - Robbie Williams
    While I love all Robbie Williams, this one will always hold a special place in my heart because it's the song that got me loving Robbie Williams AND the video awesome!

2. Bloom - Pogo
    Not really an "official" song that you would hear on the radio, but Pogo remixes and makes amazing songs. Bloom is my go to happy song. I love love love it!

3. Now Is The Start - A Fine Frenzy
    I love A Fine Frenzy, I guess this would be my favorite of her songs.

4. Tune Out - The Format
    This MY Arizona 2003!! So Format was a band from AZ. I loved them. They broke up a few years later and now the singer is in the popular band Fun, which I just can't get myself to like despite my love of The Format!
 

5. Devil's Dance Floor - Flogging Molly
    Oh man this song! Ha ha, we totally played this song at our wedding and Rob and I were dancing so goofy and fun. Rob's parents' good friends, whose husband was irish, was totally jamming and jigging and dancing to this song with us. Great times. Now if only I could've seen them preform this live....*cries*

Blog Challenge Day 6: What Are You Afraid Of

I thought I'd go with a something that's a bit silly, something I like to laugh about.

I'm afraid of earthquakes.

Of course that's something to be afraid of. We've seen the damage it can cause. But I don't live anywhere near earthquakes! 

I was born in California and lived there till I was 12. There were earthquakes all the time. In fact, 2 years in a row, there was a big earthquake on my birthday! Growing up in an area with earthquakes and being afraid of them, I got very jumpy at every rumble, loud noise, truck going by and whatnot. You'd think that moving away and growing up that would disappear. Nope. I STILL get jumpy. 

To makes things even better, when my mom came to visit a few years ago here in North Carolina, me and her were just sitting around and things started to shake. Not a lot mind you, but I shot up and went straight to the doorway (in school you learn where the safest places are). My mom thought I had gone crazy! But things shook a little more! It was a freaking earthquake. HERE!! What were the odds of that happening when my mom came to visit? I called Rob at work and he didn't believe me because he didn't feel anything. Later we found out that it was a decent size earthquake in Virginia that was deep enough to be felt from North Carolina and New York.

And of course, I'm afraid it can happen again here. Sometimes at home, you'll see me quickly look up at the ceiling fan to see if the chain is moving because I thought I felt something.

I will tell you one thing. While we were in Japan, I barely thought about there being an earthquake. Thankfully, this was before the big one that happened the next year.

7 Months

Here are my favorite photos from the past month:

he is so handsome

my little monster

we call this the, "Hello Ladies" pose, cracks me up

halloween was so fun!

playing in the leaves

Blog Challenge Day 5: Your Proudest Moment

This one is easy!

Giving birth to Sam all natural, with no medical intervention, is my proudest moment. Which is fitting because today is Sam is 7 months.

You can read about my birth story here. And you can read my posts about the Bradley Method here and here, which helped us prepare for a natural birth.

I always knew I wanted to have a natural birth. I guess part of me wanted the challenge since I already felt slightly defeated in not being able to conceive naturally. And I did it! No pain medication or anything. Just me, my wonderful nurses and Rob, the most awesome husband. Giving birth has given me so much confidence. I feel like now me and my body can do anything.

Blog Challenge Day 4: Your Dream Job

I always wanted to be an illustrator. That's all I ever talked about. But now in the past few years as my passion for drawing becomes less and less (hello adult world) I just find myself drifting away from it because the lack of time and truthfully inspiration. That actually makes me pretty sad typing this out!

I tell myself that this is just a phase and I'll regain my passion again. I know as Sam gets older I'll start doing art projects with him. I picture me and him drawing together, making all sorts of pictures from his wild and endless imagination! And then that'll full my passion again and I'll start drawing more and more and I will illustrate that children's book that I've always wanted to do!

Blog Challenge Day 3

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right. - Henry Ford

I'm not much of a quote person, because I never can memorize them! But this quote has popped up a couple times, forcing me to take notice. I love when the universe talks to you.

This quote is so me right now. I can't keep thinking that I cannot do things. I have to push myself and say that I can. Like I CAN train and run a half marathon!