Welcome to 30, Kyle J!

 

Happy Birthday to my Kyle J and welcome to the big year of turning 30 (or 100 as his sister so kindly calls it). This is the 8th year of celebrating birthdays together and I wish I could say this would be the first lame birthday celebration of the bunch, but it isn’t.  However, I am grateful that my parents are able to watch little M while I take Kyle to dinner tonight! And I hope he doesn’t mind that I bought him a beachbody workout {that I just may borrow from him}.

I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend and husband and life coach and supporter and McKenna could not have a better Dad.  We are two lucky ladies if I have to admit.

Here’s to 8 more years of birthday celebrations and then 8 more years after that. And then 8 more … and well, we will take it from there! =D

Pure Barre Challenge. Weekend Update. Life.

Today started the March Pure Barre Challenge – 20 classes, in 31 days – or something like that. Since this is my last full month of my baby bounce back challenge package I through this would be an excellent way to push me harder, make sure I am in the studio as much as possible, and maximize my use of the package.  Plus, lately I have been feeling a bit hard on myself and my weight loss since McKenna was born.  And with having to order a bridesmaid dress lately and knowing that I am going to be in a wedding with like 8 beautiful and skinny girls, it has been a struggle to be happy with the progress I have made since getting back on the work out wagon. So, I took my 1st class today – 1 down, 19 to go and I am REALLY going to try to accomplish this.  Work is about to get crazy, but I think I can do this. fingers crossed.

So this weekend. We had big plans. Like spoil McKenna by going toy shopping since she seems really bored by what she has / what she has is too advanced right now.  However, those plans were halted and postposed to next weekend…. ….Kyle either got food poisoning on Friday or had a stomach bug so I was a single mom yesterday and seriously, it was exhausting.  But it is really cute because she is chattering a bunch. No clue what she is trying to communicate, after all I don’t speak baby, but it is really cute. I do not know what I am going to do once she is crawling and walking and creating scene and active. I am too old for this. However, I am thinking mommy and me Saturday morning gymnastics classes are in her future. Wear out some energy early in the AM. That may help, right?!

McKenna did get to experience her first snow this past week. Needless to say, she was not amused and had zero interest in the falling snow or even touching what had fallen. Tough crowd little tyke. Tough crowd. And you people can say what you want, but that little baby North Face jacket may have been expensive but we have paid for that bad boy a million times over. But really, how cute is she?!

…Even with snow falling, I cannot help think about summer and this 6” melanoma scar on my back.  I know I shouldn’t be embarrassed by it, after all that one mole could have legit killed me but it didn’t.  I don’t want people to look at it and wonder what happened or for people to stare at it.  I bought workout tops that showed it off and I went and returned then.  And the diagnosis has me a little nervous about the summer and the sun in general.  I know overtime it will fade and that it is a battle wound and it shows that I am stronger and it shows that I beat something bad, but I cannot help but think how ugly it is and how large it is.

On a happier and lighter note, I am excited for this week. I have no real plans, but Kyle has a birthday and I have a busy work week which will make it fly by and I have 4 pure barre classes scheduled and 1 flywheel class and mckenna gets to go toy shopping this weekend and I may see my bestie and her husband to be this upcoming weekend and most importantly, the weather is supposed to maybe warm up a bit.

That is all my friends. I don’t have much more to say and we need to go grocery shopping + I have laundry to do and fold. Weekends.

5 Things Friday

I have been meaning to REALLY do a post for awhile now. I know I did a half effort “catch up” post a week or so ago, but that was lame and totally not worth the reading.  And in all honesty, we really don’t have any earth shattering news to share. We are just working and hanging out in absolutely freezing cold weather.

1. I HAVE PAID OFF MY CAR!! This is huge. And I mean huge. That is $300 extra income per month which is {again} huge.  After McKenna was born Kyle & I updated how we filed our taxes and something went a little wrong so we ended up getting a pretty large refund from both the state and federal government. With that money {and some money from previous bonuses and some money from my mom and dad} we paid my car off. Now, don’t get me wrong – we were never in a true financial bind – but to have an extra $300 per month is going to help a lot since random expenses seem to just you know, pop up. :: cough, I had to buy 4 new tires last week which means Kyle probably needs 4 new tires too, cough ::

2. I am a Pure Barre addict again… I bought the baby bounce back package last year and finally got to start up in January once I got the all clear from my dermatologist and I have been going 3 – 4 days a week.  I am seeing major changes in my body and feel better and since I go at lunch most days it gets me out of a funk when I am in one.  Then Saturday mornings are just a nice way to start my day with “me time” before I dive into all day family, baby, and errands time.  I did just sign up for the March Challenge – 20 classes in 31 days – and if I complete it I could win some free classes. So, if you’re seeing this Deb, pick me, I think you’re wonderful and great and pretty and I will butter you up to rig the results and pick me.  :: sadly, once my baby bounce back is up, I do not know if I can afford it and may need to cheat on them with pink barre and their new member special ::

3. I am also tossing around the idea of a half marathon this year …  every time I talk about running or tell someone that I used to run half marathons and full marathons I get a little bit sentimental. But then I wonder if I want to commit to the training. But then I remember I am notorious for not really training for them and just running and finishing.  Keep you posted.

4. McKenna is in a big kid car seat. That is all. I just can’t deal with her growing up so far on me.

5. Kyle & I had the most low key Valentine’s Day … and it was great.  We didn’t have to fight the crowds and fight for a reservation somewhere.  We just split a bottle {or 2} of wine. Grilled shrimp and filets and made orzo and a veggie and had an easy night it. Of course, we couldn’t ditch the 3rd wheel and McKenna was sitting at the table with us. Just shaking her blocks and throwing Sophie around the kitchen.  BUT! I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

7 months + 4 days

Sassy is officially 7 months old. Well, this happened last Friday, but she is 7 months old and seriously fabulous.  She has yet to say “no” to any of my homemade baby food {spinach + apples was touch and go there for a moment} and she is just a chatty cathy.  She rolls everywhere and is officially a stomach sleeper. Which freaked us out at first and now we are just used to it. We sometimes also find her sleeping in positions that we did not put her, but whatever. As long as she is sleeping through the night and not suffocating herself we are okay.  She moved to a big kid car seat this past weekend – still rear facing, but no more carrier; therefore, she is our big hip baby.  She  still only has 2 teeth and isn’t crawling yet; however, Kyle is in full baby proofing mode in preparation for that day {which means I will not be able to function in my house soon}.

I feel like there should be more milestones and exciting things to report on, but truthfully the transition from 6 months to 7 months was pretty uneventful. …I guess I need to start planning a 1st birthday party soon since she is growing up a little too fast.

I know, I disappear.

Hi. Long time no chat. In all seriousness, I am never on this laptop {obviously since I am never updating this blog} that every time I try to make an update I have to restart my computer.  You would think after not posting pretty much anything for a month I would have A LOT to say; however, life this year has been boring and not too much has happened.

Monday – Friday is the normal working.  Kyle takes M to daycare, we go to work, Kyle picks M up from day care, we feed M, feed ourselves, bathe M, feed her again, put her to bed and then we crash. Rinse and Repeat. I did just get back from my first overnight away from home work trip and it was so insanely sad leaving the little princess. I may have been teary dropping her off at daycare before I left, but let me tell you I have never ever ever been so excited to pick that munchkin up from daycare before. Sadly, she stared at me with this “who are you” look on her face. #tragic

Oh and shout out to my husband who rocked it as a single dad for those 2 days. Despite almost serving McKenna peas that were way too hot and waking up one morning at 6:20 AM when he had to feed the baby, get her ready, and get himself ready … they survived which is all that matters.

The weekends seem to be a total whirlwind in all honesty. I have started going to 9:00 AM Pure Barre on Saturdays to just jump start the weekend and to have a little me time before the chaos starts. Between all the errands and nap times and feeding and house chores, I feel like Monday morning just comes way too soon.

I have started making all of M’s baby food which is time consuming, but it is actually very easy and theoretically should save us a lot of money over time.  And I am having a fun time making her different combinations {that I stole from packaged food in the baby aisle}. So far the only combo she has tried has been carrot, apple, mango mash {and it actually is really good} … she still has peas and pears to try along with spinach & apple and then apple & sweet potato. We are giving banacado {banana and avocado} a try tomorrow morning so fingers are crossed.  Kyle hates how I destroy the kitchen and go through about 48105 dishes. And every time I am done I think to myself, “I really need granite countertops” since I have to scrub out the black lines that the baby bullet leaves on the countertops.

M turns 7 months on Friday so you should expect to see the monthly update on her and next weekend and I think I may have a lot of fun things to say in that post. That. Girl. Is. So. Fun.

BUT. Now it is bathtime. So I have to run. Hopefully I will have some fun post in the future about something fun we do as a family or a couple. Until then….

Happy Half Birthday, M!

I am not sure how it happened or where the time is going, but McKenna was officially 6 months old yesterday. Kyle and I were talking about how it feels like it was just yesterday that we were checking in to Northside Hospital and then being rolled in for a C-Section and then introducing her to family and friends. And now she is 6 months old with a budding personality (dramatic + sensitive) and is amazing us every day with her “circus tricks”.

Percentiles & Stats
Height: 28” (+ some)
Weight: 20 pounds, 11 ounces
Percentiles: >97%

She is currently wearing 12 month clothes and has 2 little sharp teeth and he can roll from back to front and front to back (when she wants to). She can sit up on her own, but we get a little nervous so tend to hover and only let her do it on soft surfaces. She has started reaching for the dogs and they are a little unsure.  She loves green beans and apples and bananas and well, really any food.  Obviously, she is a Shanahan and will be ready for Shanahan portions when she visits Granddad Dave and Grandma Cory-Trish in Asheville or St. Pete. We started making our own baby food and I cannot wait to mix and match foods. One of her most favorite things to do is play with her feet and take her socks off. OH! AND SHE STARTED GIGGLING MORE AND MORE which seriously, lights up our world.  and, sadly the 6 month sticker barely made it into the baby book because 40% of it made it into her mouth.

This little munchkin is really just growing too fast. I need to pause time and love on her a little bit more. But, like always… we are excited to see what this month brings and how much more she develops and grows.

 

5 for Friday :: 2015

The beginning of each new year for me is a time to reflect on the past year and what I want from the year ahead of me.  in the past I have set lofty goals and not accomplished most of those goals. this year I just want to end the year better – a better friend. a better career professional. a better me. brace yourself for some honestly.

{one}
I want to be a better friend.
I had a baby in 2014 and I lost sight on something that has always been important to me. My social circle. I blamed not going to happy hour on needing to get home to the baby & not going to Tuscaloosa on having a baby & not going to brunch + spin class on wanting to push the stroller on the greenway.  I stopped calling friends to just chat and see what is going on in their world because my 1 hour commute home was “me” time. A passing text message here and there was the thread holding our friendships together. I want to be better. I want to hop in the car to celebrate engagements and babies. I want to send cards of encouragement when I know my friends are struggling or just a card to say “hi friend, I miss your face”. I want to hit spin class and then brunch for a low key girls morning.  I want to be more engaged and I want my friends to know that even with a baby I am still in their corner and if they ever need me I am a phone call or a car ride away or a dinner date away.

{two}
I want more professionally.
I have a good job. I work for a great company. But I want more. I want to lead and be a leader. I want to be professionally developed. Sadly {in my opinion} I do not work for someone who has the time or the capacity to truly develop me and for me to grow and learn from. So I am taking ownership of that responsibility. I made the decision at the end of 2014 to study for and get my Certified Staffing Professional Certification.  I am reading professional business books and taking LMS classes from our LMS system to better myself. I don’t know where it will take me or where I will go or if it will even get noticed and matter. But for me, it is making me a stronger staffing professional.  All I know is that I know that I want to be a leader in Operations and should a position come available in 5 years or 15, I want my name to be tossed around as a key contender. I want to be someone that my CEO looks at for the MVP award for our President’s Club trip every year.  I want to add value and be able to see the value that I add. I don’t want to be at a glass ceiling standstill. 

{three}
I want to think more of myself & take better care of myself.
it is no secret to anyone who really knows me that I doubt myself and I don’t always have the most positive mental image of myself. it drives Kyle crazy. I once took a personality assessment and one the of the words that described me was “discontent”. And while I constantly want more and I want to be more, I need to also take a step back and realize that I am in a good place in my life. I have a great husband, an amazing little munchkin, a great family, a few good friends, 2 out of control dogs, and a nice house to come home to each day.  Greatness will come. But I need to stop being so hard on myself in so many aspects of my life. Honestly, there are times that I don’t like who I am becoming & have become. And I want nothing more than to set a good example for McKenna.

… a lot of how I think of myself is dictated by my appearance and how I look at myself in the mirror each day.  I need to start sleeping more and working out more. I need to lose the last 20 pounds of baby weight + the extra pounds I had gained pre-baby from being comfortable. This means running when I don’t want to run and working out without having to rely on my FlyWheel and Pure Barre and Blast900 – studio workouts that I cannot afford & use as a crutch and motivation to get my butt in gear. I need new clothes. Clothes that fit. Clothes that make me look confident. Clothes that will help me dress for the job I want. I need to keep eating healthy. I want to look in the mirror and not dislike what I am looking at. I hate to say it but my happiness does feed off how I perceive myself to look. And for most of 2014 {post McKenna} it wasn’t pretty. I need to save my money to use it on important things that will better myself vs. give me a quick thrill of something shiny and pretty. Again, I want to set a good example for McKenna.

{four}
I want us to be more financially secure
To clarify: we are not struggling. We make a good joint income, but somehow every month we are so close to budget that it makes us uncomfortable. maybe we are saving too much. maybe it is just our luck that every month something seems to come up that wasn’t in the budget. We have cut our allowances to practically pennies each month and other than Friday night wine nights we don’t get out just for the two of us. {which is why I value our Saturday & Sunday Greenway runs with M so much – it is free family time}. it makes me sad that our budget cripples us from being able to do things, but saving is important to us.  McKenna going to a good daycare is really important to us. I wish Kyle didn’t have to think that he needs to change jobs just too add more to our gross income when there are so many things about his job that are valuable and that I envy. I just wish 2015 will be easier.

{five}
I want to look for & find the good in every day.
I so often don’t look for the good in everyday and get so wrapped up in the bad and the annoying. I want to try and focus on the little things that make me happy. Like a phone call from a friend I haven’t talked to in months. Or a McKenna giggle. Or that my best friend ever is getting married. Or that I have a husband who will do anything to make me happy. or that my outfit matched and I was well rested. Or that I helped someone. I need to stop focusing on the annoying and the negatives and look at them as minor speed bumps.

I feel like 2015 is going to be the year of ME. Focusing on me. Growing up. Changing. And hopefully becoming a better version of me. 

What are your goals and plane and motivations for the new year.