I LOVE MY OLDER COUSINS!!!

Our little guy wanted to tell his older cousins thank you for coming over today. The weather was perfect, we couldn't have asked for a better day to go swimming. We had hot dogs, chips, and fruit for lunch. I tried to make sure the food I put out was safe for Janeen's little man ( he has severe food allergies you can read all about them at http://zumfamily.blogspot.com/) and hopefully I was successful?? I think I did okay by not grilling the little man's hot dogs because good knows what kinds of seasonings Uncle Edday uses when he is grilling!!! Aunt Janeen and the boys visited with our little man and then took a dip in the pool! We had a great day!

Older cousins.

Janeen and her little man.
Janeen's oldest boy lounging in the pool.

Trial Sleep Over

One thing I would like to do before I have to go back to work, is go to the casino! So, I made reservations for August 9th!!! Yes, my husband and I will be going away for a whole night which means that our little angel will be sleeping at grandma and grandpa Mueller's!!! The baby and I went to their house yesterday for a trial sleep over. We got there Friday at about 11:30 a.m. and just got home around 10:00a.m. Our little guy didn't even bat an eye!!! Sure he had his usual fussy time when it was time for night night but overall he was a perfect angel the whole time we were out there. He went to bed at 8:30p.m. and slept through the night until 7:00a.m. the next morning. I thought that maybe he might not be able to sleep being in a new environment but NOPE... no problems!!!
We had a great time at grandma and grandpa Mueller's. We eat lunch with great grandma Schilling, grandma Mueller (of course), Maryanne, Marge, and Rose ladies that they both worked with over the years. Then grandpa Mueller came home. He spent some time with his grandson (bonding) and then grandpa Mueller and I did a little fishing in his pond. I caught one small bass and my dad caught a couple of blue gill!!! We ended the night sitting on the deck enjoying each other's company.
Saturday morning I woke up to breakfast, which was a nice change since I usually make breakfast at home! Thanks grandma and grandpa Mueller for a great evening and awesome breakfast. Our little guy is already looking forward to his sleep over!!!

Grandpa!

Grandma!Grandpa fishing!!!

Summer of Me Finale!!!

I started the Summer of Me challenge, organized by ChristieO from http://babytealeaves.blogspot.com, with the goal of loosing 10 pounds. I did not meet my goal but I am proud to say that I lost 7 of the 10 pounds that I hoped I would lose! Christie, thank you for motivating me to get my body back. After having a baby, I still have some work to do but thanks to your challenge I am well on my way. I will continue to work out and stay healthy because it is important to me and also to my son. I want to be able to do some many things with him as he grows up and living a healthy lifestyle is the only way I will be able to keep up with him as he becomes more active!

Wordless Wednesday

Our boy is getting so big!

12 Weeks Old

Our little baby is 12 weeks old today. He is getting so big, it's amazing how much they change in such a short amount of time. We went to JCPenny's today to get his picture taken. I had everything all planned out but our little guy had other plans. He decided that he would take a nap 15 minutes before his scheduled pictures and I just new that nothing good was going to come out of that. As expected, he was not very happy when I woke him up 20 minutes into his nap. The lady taking the pictures was very loud right off the bat to get him to smile by making rolling noises with her tongue. I didn't even get the chance to tell her that loud noises scare him and makes him cry, she found that out for herself. My stepmother and I were able to calm him down and the photographer was able to get some really cute pictures. I go to pick them up on August 6th! I can't wait to share them.

Night out!

My husband and I had a night out! We went to his cousin's house for a family party (thank you Renee for having us) and then we stop at my friend Liz's house for her birthday party. We had a nice time at both parties and managed to squeeze in some live music on the way home. We stop at a place called the Firehouse (my husband's band plays there occasionally) and I danced like I was 21ish..... it's been a while since I have danced and with the baby weight and all it probably didn't look pretty but I really didn't care!!! I had so much fun and probably one beer to many!!! But is happens... On the way home I wanted to stop at Taco Bell so bad but we didn't (remember those nights?) .. so sad!!! So now I am just sitting here writing to all of you and thinking gosh..... six a.m. is coming quick... I'll need to wake up and feed our little angel!!!

In the end it will be worth it... my husband and I do not get out much these days... let only till 1 in the morning... so I guess you can say I am gluten for punishment!!!

I hope you all had a great weekend!!!

Fat Ticker Friday

This week I worked out extremely hard, well at least harder than I have since the beginning of this challenge. And I was shocked to see that I had only lost one pound. There are two ways I can look at this: 1. I only lost one pound because I am finally gaining some muscle back or 2. I only lost one pound because I drank a couple of beers this week. I think I'll go with option 1!!! I feel like I am gaining muscle and my clothes are finally starting to somewhat fit!!! I have four more pounds to lose in order to meet my goal of ten pounds by next week. I am a realist and now that it will be a difficult task. And even if I don't reach it, I am making progress and that's all that matters!


Here is what I did this week:

1. Saturday- I ran 30 minutes on treadmill at a speed of 5.0 and incline of 3.5, walked 10 minutes.

2. Monday-I ran 30 minutes on treadmill at a speed of 5.0 and incline of 3.5, walked 10 minutes.

3. Tuesday-I ran 30 minutes on treadmill at a speed of 5.0 and incline of 3.5, walked 10 minutes.

4. Wednesday- I ran 30 minutes on treadmill at a speed of 5.0 and incline of 3.5, walked 10 minutes.

5. Thursday- Same as above!!!


I logged in 18 miles this week. That has to be putting some muscle back into these flabby thighs!!!

Now to answer the question of the week asked by Christieo at http://babytealeaves.blogspot.com/

-I'd have no problem losing weight (or keeping it off) if it weren't for ___________.

If it weren't for allot of things I could lose more weight period. But I would have to say that my biggest weakness is food. Big shocker there huh? I love to eat and I love pretty much all food. My sister-in-law at http://zumfamily.blogspot.com/ can attest to that! I even love the safe food she makes for her little man!

What foods or food don't I like you might ask.... huh.... liver and that's about it. My mom used to make liver and onions when I was younger and it's the only food that I can recall pinching my nose so that I couldn't smell or taste it as I chewed. Funny how that trick never seem to do the job and neither did the pounds of ketchup I used to drown it in.

Thursday Thirteen 5th Edition

Thirteen Things about Danielle Thirteen things I am thankful for! 1. My family because I love them will all my heart. 2. My health because without good health I wouldn't be able to do the things that I am able and/or capable of doing. 3. My career because it is rewarding. 4. My home because it puts a roof over my head. 5. My friends because without friends I might not be sane. 6. My pool because on days like today there's no other place I'd rather be!!! 7. Being able to stay home with my son during the summer months. 8. My athletic ability. 9. My ability to forgive and forget because if I couldn't do that I would probably be a mean and spiteful person. And that I am not! 10. Food! I am sure we are all thankful for that. 11. My clothes even though I still don't fit into half of them. 12. The experiences that I have had throughout my life. Some have been good and I am sure we all have had our share of bad. 13. Being me!!!

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Family, Friends, and Fun!

We have had a busy couple of days. Saturday my girlfriend from high school and her husband, who we also went to high school with, came over to see our little baby. They have been wanting to come over for some time now and so we all decided Saturday would be a great day to get together. It was supposed to be sunny and hot outside (great day for a dip in the pool) but it wasn't instead it rained and we did not get to use the pool. We made the best out of our day anyway. We grilling brats, chit chatted, and hung out with the baby.

My high school buddies and my son.

Sunday went we to my sister-in-laws house for our nephew's 4th birthday party. It is so hard to believe that he is already four... the whole time we were there I just kept thinking our little guy will be four before we know it, time is already flying by.

Grandma Alberts and all the grand babies!

Today, two of my friends from work came over. They too have wanting to see the baby! My one friend brought her daughter over to go swimming in the pool (today was a great pool day). I think she had a really nice time. She asked if she could come back and I told her she could come over anytime.

Me, my friends daughter (who will be my son's helper at daycare :) ), and my son.

Fat Ticker Friday

Yipee!!! Yipee!!! I lost two pounds this week. This challenge is flying by. I can't believe we only have two weeks left. I am half way to my goal of 10 pounds. Hopefully, I will be able to lose 5 more lbs in the next two weeks. This challenge has been so much fun and it has been a pleasure meeting some of my competition. Great job everyone and good luck in the next couple weeks!

Here is what I did this week:

1. Saturday- I ran 2.5 miles with dogs and three sets of stairs at the park.
2. Sunday- I ran 2.5 miles with dogs and two sets of stairs at the park.
3. Tuesday- I ran/walked 3 miles on treadmill (30 min. run at an incline of 3.5, walked 10 min.)
4. Wednesday- I walked 3 miles on street with baby.
5. Thursday- I walked 3 miles on street with baby.

Thursday Thirteen 4th Edition

Thirteen Things about Danielle Here are thirteen TV shows that I enjoy watching. Don't get me wrong... I am definitely not a couch potato but with a new baby there is not much I can really do when he is sleeping other than play on the Internet, read, clean, or watch TV! I really suggest watching the video clip for the new game show Wipeout if you have not already watched the show on TV, it is halerious!!! 1. Wipeout! You never get sick of the people wiping out on the big balls! 2. So You Think You Can Dance 3. abc Primetime 4. Good Morning America 5. Regis and Kelly 6. Martha Stewart 7. Wheel of Fortune (and oldie but a goodie) 8. The Moment of Truth 9. Rob and Big 10. CSI: Las Vegas 11. CSI: Miami 12. A Baby Story (TLC) 13. Bringing Home Baby (TLC)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Possible Girlfriend #3

Today we had our first real play date! My girlfriend Amy came over with her daughter (who is absolutely gorgeous) to play with our little guy. Amy and I had lunch (thank you for bringing food over) and the kids played on the baby Einstein mat (taking turns of course). We all had a great time. It was nice to have a friend over and have some adult conversation if you know what I mean. The kids got along really well, we already can't wait until they can run around together. I have a feeling our little guy will be chasing after this one for sure!!!

The cutie pie!

Hanging out together!

Child's Development

Our child's development is beyond his age! According to Help me grow http://www.ohiohelpmegrow.org/ he should be able to hold his head erect, bobbing, when supported in sitting position, follow moving person with eyes, imitates or responds to smiling person, and vocalize. He does all of these things. Yay!!! In addition to the proper developmental stages that he has reached, he can also (the following things just started happening today!!!! Yipee!!!) roll on to his side, has begun reaching for objects, laughs out loud, and definitely enjoys play. Some of the developmental things that he has begun to do usually don't occur until about 4 months of age. Our son will be 10 weeks old tomorrow! He is off to a great start.

We had a little party in the living room today on the baby Einstein mat! Our baby was kicking, laughing, reaching, rolling, and smiling while mommy danced around and daddy played the guitar. This isn't the partying that my husband and I are used to by any means but it was one of the best parties ever!!! Here is our little guy touching his own head (he also discovered his ears today) and posing for the camera!

Happy 4th of July!

Today we went to grandma and grandpa Mueller's for a 4th of July picnic!!! We had a great time! I put some pictures on a slide show below! Enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!

Fat Ticker Friday

It's a wash! I didn't loose any weight this week but I didn't gain any either so I will take it! I also didn't eat as well as I should have. I did stick to the NO BEER during the week, yet it was the weekend that killed me. I had two beers and three glasses of wine which caused me to gain back the three pounds that I lost last week (water weight). I lost those three pounds again this week but duh? that doesn't count so a big fat zero it is. If I could just not drink those unnecessary cocktails on the weekend I would be in good shape.... darn it! Anyway, enough about that... on to the the workout.

Here is what I did this week:

1. Sunday- I ran 2.5 miles with dogs and three sets of stairs at the park.
2. Monday- I ran/walked 3 miles on treadmill (27 min. run at an incline of 3.5).
3. Tuesday- I walked 3 miles or maybe more... I didn't really keep track this day because I walked with a friend.... To much talking!!!
4. Wednesday- I walked 3 miles, and tried to do some crunches.
5. Thursday- I did not workout today, the crunches set me back. I guess my body is not ready for crunches yet.

This was not a very good week. Baby steps right?

Now as for an embarrassing workout story.... I really just can't seem to think of one. The only thing that comes remotely close to embarrassing was wearing the Tour De France shirt in college. Let me explain!
I played college basketball at Western Michigan University (MAC). Yes, I did get a full ride scholarship! Along with the scholarship came conditioning workouts, weight training, practices, and study tables that of course were all mandatory. Well I decided, as a freshman and now it all, that one day I would sleep in and show up to lift weights whenever I woke up. Bad, Bad, Bad idea! I was supposed to be in the weight room that morning by 6:30a.m. and what do you know I stroll in at 7:30a.m. because remember I know everything and I was going to do what I wanted to do.... Yeah right!!! My whole team just stopped what they were doing and looked at me like YOU ARE IN DEEP ****!! And I was. Bob our strength and conditioning coach looked at me and said "have you ever watched the Tour De France on TV?" I just stood there (jaw hitting the ground at this point because I knew what was coming) dumbfounded in front of my entire team. And then it appeared! The yellow Tour De France shirt. I had to put on the shirt and get on the bike until I was told to stop. I pedalled and pedalled and pedalled and pedalled..... for a very, very long time. It was very embarrassing when the rest of my team was practicing and I was still riding the bike. A few teams even came and went in the weight room and of course they all had to ask me why I was wearing the shirt and how long did I have to ride the bike for... You think I would have learned my lesson but not so much! I'll save that story for another time!

Thursday Thirteen # 3

Thirteen Things about Danielle There are a number of things that I need to do around the house and in the yard. The question is, do I skip working out to get them done? At this point in time, I am not willing to do that. For those of you new to this site.... I just recently had a baby and giving up a workout to do house and yard work is just not an option! Don't get me wrong I try to keep up on the little stuff like vacuuming, dusting, wiping counters etc.... but what I need is a whole day to really get down and dirty. Before I had my baby I used think that being a stay at home mom was a piece of cake. I thought how hard could it be? I now know that being a stay at home mom is not easy and have the utmost respect for all you moms out there that are fortunate enough to be a stay at home moms. I myself will not be a stay at home mom. I am however lucky enough to have the summer off, so for now I will consider myself a stay at home mom until I have to go back to work. Here are thirteen things around the house and yard that I desperately need to do or at least call someone to help me with. I thought I would never need someone to help me either... boy am I learning allot about being a mother and all the little details that need to be taken care of that used to seem easy but now are difficult to do with a new baby! 1.... Scrub the kitchen and bathroom tile floors. 2. Wash windows and window ledges. 3. Wash the baseboards. 4. Wash the blinds. 5. Organize our workout room. 6. Organize the kitchen cabinets and clean them out. 7. Reorganize the baby room (where do I put all these toys?) 8. Clean out the refrigerator. 9. Pull the weeds in my flower beds (I hate weeds!) 10. Try to keep the pool clean! 11. Clean up the millions of helicopters that are caked to the driveway. 12. Organize wires that hang out around the TV. 13. Organize my clothes!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Possible Girlfriend #2

As usual, me and my little guy ran lots of errands today. First we dropped, KOA, our dog off at Pet Smart to get groomed. She is a beautiful German Shepard and these days she has not been looking very beautiful. KOA loves getting groomed. When we went back to pick her up she pranced around like, look at me!!! look at me!!! And she had the right to, she looked like a new dog. Here is a picture of her looking beautiful.

After we dropped the dog off to get groomed, we stopped at the post office. I mailed the book that I was supposed to mail for the book exchange. Hopefully, I will get some in return! My little guy was not very interested on the things going on around him at the post office. He decided that this would be the best place for his morning nap.

After the post office we made our way to Walgreen's for new dog beds. You might be thinking... they have dog beds at Walgreen's?? Yes they do and they're cheap!!! My dogs stay in the basement, which can get pretty dirty, so $10.00 dog beds are the way to go!

We made it home just in time or my little guy to eat and then we were off for a walk with my friend that lives through the woods from us. This is where possible girlfriend #2 comes in! My friend just had a baby girl in March... Yes, my son is already chasing after the older women!!! He didn't exactly get to scope the little hottie because he decided to take another nap... but don't worry they will meet again!!!

Isn't she adorable?