and I'm back

So, I know it has been a long time since my last post. I have had many things change since then, the biggest being that we have had an addition to our family and his name is Gus. He is a sweet little guy and is very laid back. Maggie is loud and crazy and running around like a crazy person and he just sleeps through it like its no big deal. I have noticed other differences too. I can put him down and most of the time he is ok with it. I can lay him down awake and he will fall asleep by himself. He only cries when he is hungry or dirty(sometimes). He is very laid back and it was exactly what we needed considering Maggie can be a handful. When people ask me how she is doing with him I just laugh and tell him she is very kind and helpful and loving to him and she has only fallen on him one time so far.
So as for progress with the new me. It was put on hold for a little while being that the end of my pregnancy I was complaining quite a bit (which threw out the idea of not complaining as much and trying to be more positive), obviously the weight loss was put on hold as well, being that I couldn't really lose weight while growing a baby inside me and the whole being on time idea went out the window because I was slow and fat and tired (and complaining about it.).
Things that I did work on:
I became somewhat more organized. I organized my cleaning supplies and things under the sinks in my bathrooms and kitchen. I recently put our meds in bins that are easily accessible (first aid, cold/flu/general aches and pains, and kid meds/extras). I also re-organized our pantry, Jeff's closet, Maggie's closet and Gus' room.
I made a commitment to clean the dishes in the sink or at least put them in the dishwasher, every night.
I pick up the mess that Maggie makes every night before I go to bed so I can wake up to a clean (looking) house.
I try and do a load of laundry everyday or every other day to stay on top of it. Although, I haven't stuck with the cleaning book so much I have been trying to keep the house cleaner and doing laundry makes me feel like I have a cleaner house.
I have been cutting coupons and buying as much stuff on clearance as I can, in order to spend less and we just recently were able to put a good amount in savings which is also a plus.
I have been reading more books lately, although they have been children's books, but I recently purchased some other books (at Goodwill- to save money) to read with Maggie that may keep my interest a little bit more than hers.
Things I want to work on:
Reading more for myself (especially my Bible, which needs to become habit instead of an "oh, yeah" moment in my day), listening to music more and watching less tv.
Getting back on the weight loss train- I want to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight by the time I go back to work or even better by the time I see the doctor in May, I want to be to my wedding weight in time for vacation this summer and I want to be able to run/walk the half marathon in October (more to come on that one) right before my ten year class reunion in November (yikes!). Outrageous I know but I think it is totally possible. (the power of positive thinking- which brings me to my next point...)
Complaining and arguing less- 'nough said.
Continuing to learn how to keep a clean(ish) house with two kids
Continuing to save more and spend less.
Finishing my craft projects (more to come on that one too.)
Updating this blog more often to keep me accountable. :)
Things I have given up on:
Crossword puzzles- I don't get them, they are too difficult, I can't even do the easy ones in the beginner books or the ones in the trashy magazines on the lunch table at work. I have tried and failed. I think I will stick with word finds and wheel of fortune.

I think that is enough for now. The kids will be waking up from their naps soon and the laundry just finished so I need to go now. I will be back soon. Stay tuned.

Productivity ?

My house is slowly but surely getting ready for baby numero dos/new baby/jj/hank/whatever the heck his name is going to be. I keep buying little things and I went a little crazy last week at the 70% off sale at Once Upon a Child and every other clearance baby clothes bin I happen to stumble across. I realized that baby number two usually means you have to buy more things especially when the baby is the opposite sex of number one. This seems ok for right now because I am nesting. I keep cleaning everything (sans today...I just haven't felt up to it) and I am getting very close to everything organized that I want to be organized. I came across the 21 Day Challenge at A Bowl Full of Lemons and she inspired me to organize and clean the messiest parts of my house...the bonus is since this house is new to me things weren't entirely disgusting and gross (yet...but I know they would get that way if I let them...I can be really disgusting. Just ask Jeff.).

On today's list of things to get done...laundry, clean the bathrooms, run errands and vacuum (the main level of course...because I need a heavy duty vacuum for upstairs and our old one shot craps on me while cleaning the old house-the main evidence of how disgusting I can really be.)

List of things that I have accomplished today:
put some laundry away and let the whites soak
took more laundry downstairs
thought about cleaning the bathrooms
thought about vacuuming
waiting for Maggie to wake up to run errands

So, as you can see...not much has been done today. But it's only 3pm I have plenty of time.

Maggie just woke up so errands await us...:)

CRAZINESS

So, I have now realized that I am not ready for this next baby. I bought a few things here and there but I don't think I have nearly enough and I only have a few weeks left until he is here. What to do...
Maggie is such a big girl now. She just turned one and we had a great party. Unfortunately, Jeff's uncle died the same day as the party and therefore the party was a little on the sad side. He was such an awesome guy. I wish Maggie would have been able to know him longer. :(
I have been trying to catch up on getting the house put together since the party and I am almost done with the office. It just needs some final cleaning and organizing (Jeff's favorite things for me to do...blah blah blah) and then it will be like a real office. Then the baby's room will be next on the list. Then hanging pictures and clocks and beatification can happen. The house won't look as sterile then. I have some thank you notes to get out. Thank you notes are on the list of things to improve on along with reading more.
As far as other things on my list of improvements to myself:
Crossword puzzles...I just don't understand them. It may not happen. I will have to come back to this.
Reading more would mean that I have free time which I haven't had much to speak of lately. But once the house is organized and things are ready for the baby I think I may have some more time on my hands. Or so I think now.
As for being on time. I have been getting better. Jeff has given me the ultimate test...if I am not ready by the time we have to leave in order to be somewhere on time...I will be left. So far I have not been left. I think this is a good thing. :)
Another thing to get back to are my craft projects or "Craftiness" as the file in the file cabinet reads now. It officially has a file...therefore it must be serious. Mustn't it?

Anyway...
I guess that is all from this front. Good to recap on the things that need improvement and to give myself a pat on the back for the couple of things I have done ok so far. So long for now. :)