temple nights & clean eating

Chase and I were so lucky to be able to go do a session last night at the Oquirah Mountain Temple.  My dear friend Sam went thorough for the first time.  It was such a blessing to be able to be there and support her. We got there early because we didn't want to miss the session.  As we were sitting in the chapel we were able to participate in a ward temple night.  We sang I Stand All Amazed.  We sounded like angels singing.... I know that is due to the fact that we were inside the beautiful temple.  Those of you that know me... know that i can't sing.  I try to, but i surly can't carry a tune.  It brought the spirit in to say the least.  There is just something about being in the temple.  The peace that overcomes you.  The joy of being able to look across the room and see your husband.  I feel so blessed that Chase is a worthy priesthood holder that can take me to the temple.  It has a hard quality to find in men these days.  

It was hard to leave Henry for 6+ hours, but I knew he was in great hands at my parents!  He seriously gets SO much love and attention over there.  My mommy is one that trust 100% watching him.  She knows his different cries.  She knows when he is just wanting attention or when he's hungry.  She knows when he wants to play, snuggle, watch tv... etc...  I am so blessed to have them so close!  I especially loved coming home to find Henry fast asleep in his bed at my moms.  I could tell that my dad "papa" had dressed him.  He was wearing blue/green stripes on the top and brown/white striped pants. haha i LOVED it!

As far as my eating clean/healthy... this week was NOT the best.  I still lost another 1.5lbs, BUT i know I could've lost a few more had I been more strict.  I have started taking progress photos... Those will come soon.  I have so much more energy and am feeling great when I eat healthy and exercise.  It's not always the easiest... but it pays off!  When I married Chase I was at my ideal weight/and in shape.  I was 160lbs.  Somehow in a year and a half I had put on weight and was up to 240lbs.  The night I went in to have Henry I had gotten up to 285lbs!  YIKES... I know, tell me about it!  I had gotten into the worst eating habits ever & was not working out.  Before I married Chase I was working out at the gym and trying to eat clean.  When I got pregnant... nothing ever sounded good to eat. So I would eat out ALL the time.  I was put on bedrest in January.  So for almost 3 months I laid in bed not being able to do much, and eating like crap.

I am so determined to get back down to 150-160 lbs!  I know I can do it, and that's all the matters.  I want to be healthy for me.  I want to be healthy for Chase & Henry.  I want to be able to run around all day with my kiddos!  I am proud to say that 4 months postpartum I have lost 55 lbs!  I am now 230lbs. I weigh less now that I did before I got pregnant with Henry!  Still way too high of a number... but it is slowly going down!  YAHOO!

I wouldn't change any of this.  Henry was worth EVERY lb.  I have learned that I will need to be more strict with myself.. Stress doesn't do any good for the body.  Walking cleans the mind and makes you feel incredible.  Water is great for the body!

Enough about me... Henry is 4 months old tomorrow!!!
HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?

my sweet baby is already 4 months!
I can't wait to find out his length and weight percentages!
I am hoping they'll let me start him on food!
Big boy needs to eat!  Milk isn't keeping him full these days!

He is constantly smiling/laughing/making funny faces.
He loves to dance and he LOVES tv!
He brings so much joy to our little family!!

August What?!

Hello August!
Where has the time gone??
The days FLY by and it makes me a little sad.
Henry is no longer an infant... he no longer looks like an infant.
He is a big baby now!  He looks like a big baby now.
It is so bittersweet!!
I LOVE seeing him explore more of the world, however I miss the sweet newborn Hank!

If these past 4 months have gone this fast... I'm terrified that i'll blink my eyes and 4 years will pass.

Henry has tried rice cereal a few times... he LOVED it!  It's quite the challenge of keeping him full.  He just wants to eat and eat and eat.  He is totally growing.  He eats & sleeps.

HE LOVES watching his tv shows!
Small Potatoes is definitely his favorite.  They are potatoes that dance and sing with a british accent.  Such a cute show!

I found an incredible machine... it is a formula maker.  It is like a coffee maker but for baby formula!  It sterilizes the bottle, fills the bottle with WARM milk, and voila!  I totally want it!

i LOVE tommee tippee brand of bottles/binkis!  Now they came out with this??!?!
I think Henry needs it!

ALSO i found the walker I want to get Hen for christmas!! yes I am one of those who starts thinking about christmas in july!



As far as losing baby weight goes... I'm down 8.5 lbs!  YAHOO!!!  I feel so much better/more energized with eating healthier!  No dairy/No Carbs has turned out to be fairly easy!  Given the fact that I cheat on weekends!  Exercising i've been awful!  I know I shouldn't make excuses.... but it's TOO hot to go jogging with Henry.  I do try to get a quick workout in here and there at home.  Julian Michaels has a FABULOUS quick workout dvd.  Hey when you've got a baby, you fit in a workout wherever you can!

Chase has been crazy swamped at work!  He is such a hard worker for our little family!  Henry and I are SOO lucky to have him.  He goes into work around 6-6:30am and gets home around 6pm.  He somehow still finds time and energy to help clean the house, help make dinner, and play with Henry.  He is incredible!

We will both be starting school in a few weeks... poopy!  where did summer go?
It will all be worth it in a couple years when we have both graduated and Chase will have his masters!  I married a genius!  Did i mention he is on FULL scholarship!  Proud Wife moment!! I seriously just love him so much.  He is totally a super dad/husband!

I am off for the night!


ps.  this is one of my beautiful best friends!  she is getting married SO soon.  I couldn't be more excited for her!  I have truly enjoyed going to showers for her!  Henry LOVES his Dort Family!

this bum... i couldn't resist!

Henry's facial expressions have become so funny!  He is 90% smiles and the other 10% funny faces!  We just love him and can't imagine our lives without him.  Why didn't we have him sooner?!