Wyatt Stanley Part 1

Our sweet and spunky Wyatt. He is kind, soft spoken, and such a typical sweet little boy. He loves trains, his brother and is such a Daddys boy.

Wyatt had a rough year. He had more blood drawn that I have had my whole life. He's seen nurologists, had a year of PT, and has worked so so hard to over come muscle myopathy.

When Wyatt hit six months old we went to his well check. He was a healthy big boy just like his big brother. He wasn't crawling yet, but no one was worried. After all, Parson didn't crawl till he was nearly one!

Fastforward to his one year appointment. Still a healthy, happy, talkative big guy! He still wasn't crawling. He would army crawl and pull himself around with his arms on his belly. He didn't pull up and didn't know how to get from laying to sitting. We thought, he is just a late bloomer. No one was worried. We would give it a few more months.

We went to his 15 month appointment. He was still healthy. He was starting to string words together, he had more words than Parson ever did at this age. He was so happy all the time! He still wasn't crawling, he still was not pulling up, or getting to sitting on his own. His pediatrician told us it was time to look into it. To find out why he was just so far behind...not just a little delayed.

We got X-rays first. At this point I was a few months pregnant with Hannah. You know what ill never forget. Ill never forget my 15 month old screaming behind a door while a nurse talks sweetly to him so they can X-ray his hips, legs, and feet. Wishing I could be in there with him. We waited a few days. The X-rays came back normal....thats good right?

Then we got blood work. The first lab couldn't find his tiny veins. So we packed up and went to the hospital. Parson was so nervous. He didn't like watching his little brother get poked anymore than I did. Thankfully, the nurse was able to get the blood draw on the first poke. They said you'll know the results in a few days.

A few days past and I missed a call from Wyatts pediatrician. A message that said "Hi Patty, this is Dr. Locke. I got Wyatts blood work back, can you please call me." First I thought, well we have a great relationship with our pediatrician, maybe she was calling to tell me good news! I returned her call. She was and is so kind and explains things so well to us. She said that Wyatts CK (Creatine Kinase) enzyme level was elevated. Not just a little elevated. Elevated enough that we needed to go see a neurologist.

xo

Patty

Influenster - Super Mom Vox Box!

A few months ago I heard about the Influenster Vox Box from a friend. Its a way to fill out brief surveys and get sent a box of new products to try and review for the companies. Its pretty fun! I always look forward to my next box!

The last Vox Box I got was a Super Mom Box. I was pleasently surprised with the products I received since they were brands I don't generally grab for.

One of the products I got in my box was Suave Kids Purely Fun 3-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash.

I won't lie, I NEVER grab Suave products. At first glance, I was a little disappointed when I opened by box and saw this item. My Wyatt has super fine hair and sensitive skin, so I figured it would be best to try this on him. At first I was so surprised about how good it smelled! Usually things with labels like "Pure" and "Simple" don't have any scent...and I am a sucker for a nice smelling product! Besides that it washed really well and was ACTUALLY tear free (which isn't always true). It left Wyatts hair clean, not greasy, and not weighed down. It worked well on Parsons thick curly hair to! Over all this product was a win in our book! 

There was another Suave product in my box. It was a coconut oil hair mask. NOT good for my thin Mama hair. Not something I would recommend for anyone with thin hair that is easily weighed down. 

The third item in the box that I wouldn't usually grab for was Palmolive Fusion Clean Dish Soap.  I won't lie. I am a blue Dawn or Method girl when it comes to dish soap. Again, I was pleasantly surprised by the Palmolive! It got my dishes clean without scrubbing, took care of toddler gunk and didn't leave soap scum behind on my dishes or on my sink! Another win in this box! 

There were a few other products in my Super Mom Vox box, squeezable Daisy Sour Cream, kids dental flossers, pens and deodorant. Ill save those reviews for another post!

xo

Patty

Whoa is been awhile!

Hi there long lost blogging world, its been awhile.

Its been awhile because shortly after my last post almost two (yes 2!) years ago life got crazy!

Parson started school as a 3 year old and ended up occupational and speech therapy which took up a ton of time. Right around that same time we found out I was pregnant with babe 3! Hannah, who is now 10 months old is such a pretty spunky little joy.

Wyatt who is now two and a half (WHAT?!) has had a crazy last year to. But, more on that to come.

Then our Parson is a spunky, adventurous, strong willed FIVE year old who is starting kindergarten in a few weeks!

Don't worry, there will be more updates on life soon.

xo

Patty

3 days in!

So I am on day 3 of this challenge group that I am apart of. So far its been going pretty good...despite the mini candy bars hanging out on top of my fridge for trick or treaters this weekend.

I have been drinking the Shakeology at least once a day. I'm trying to find a recipe that I like. I mean its not the worst tasting thing ever, but it takes some getting used to :) I love eating healthy food, it feels good. So that part is pretty easy. Again, except for the stupid candy bars on top of my fridge and I won't lie. Monday and today I have had 2 mini kit kat bars. I know its not the end of the world...but still.

About that halloween candy. I always battle with Halloween. I mean its so fun for Parson to get dressed up and go get "treats". I always have a variety in my bowl to pass out. It usually is candy, glow sticks, and temporary tattoos. You would be surprised how many kids pick the glow sticks and tattoos over candy.

So what do I do about all the "junk" that Parson gets in his bag? Well the last two years I have just been swapping it out with stuff I "want" him to eat. I don't think that is going to work this year. My plan for this year is let him go trick or treating, let him enjoy candy (an acceptable amount) on Halloween. Then the next day he will have an option. He can trade his candy for a new set of legos or 2 trips to the aquatic center. Then the candy will go to work with daddy and all the grown ups there can enjoy it :) I will stills swap out a few thinks like my favorite go to lolly-pops for him.

We will see how it goes. What do you think he will choose? Legos or the aquatic center. I am torn, those are two of his favorite things. I am excited to see what he chooses.

Workouts have been going pretty good. I still love PiYo and boy my arms are sore still from Monday! Today one of the coaches in the challenge group decided that our challenge for the day was to do 10 squats every time we had to use the potty. Let me tell you, when you are trying to drink at least a gallon of water each day and you have had two children....you have to use the bathroom a lot. So its 3:59 and I have done 50 squats today.

Here are a few pictures from the first few days...

Breakfast day one! Coffee, Steel cut oats with raspberries, banana and a drizzle of raw local honey

These came in a 4 pack. I LOVE them. This is the only one I ate. Parson as since then eaten them.

Day one workout! PiYo hardcore on the floor. Wyatt literally laughed at me the ENTIRE time.

Chocolate Raspberry Shakeology breakfast day 3

Parsons lunch on day 2. Turkey and hummus roll up, green pepper, sliced apples, and baby carrots

Lunch day 2! Meijer has delish ready made salads with berries and pecans! You don't even need dressing.

50 squats in

I told you I would sprinkle some cute. ;)

Now, on to my workout for today. Wish me luck!

Patty

A change of pace

Ive been gone for a long time. With two very cute and time consuming reasons to blame...

Wyatt 9 months

Parson 3 1/2 years

This blog has been primarily about the doing of our everyday life and about our two adorable boys. This blog is about to have a little change.

After I gave birth to Wyatt and I was around 6 weeks postpartum. I started heading to the gym and running with by best friend. We were hardcore. We pushed through injuries and kept on going and getting better and better. Heck, we actually started to like running! I dropped all my baby weight thanks to my diet, exercise and breastfeeding.

Summer rolled around and our schedules got busier then our little family bought a home. Our time was consumed with parties, house shopping, packing, vacations, and moving. Needless to say diet and exercise got put on the back burner. Boy, I can tell. 9 pounds later I'm feeling a whole lot less motivated.

Before the craziness of the summer hit, I signed up to become a beach body coach. I ordered PiYo (a mix of pilaties and yoga) an at home work out that kicked my butt. I loved it. But we all have our struggles.

At the time I was dealing with Wyatt being super sensitive to dairy and eggs. So, that meant no dairy or eggs for me since we were elusively breastfeeding the time. That made a diet hard. Lots of carbs, meats, and peanut butter ;) That also meant I could not drink Shakeology which was part of the beach body plan. ( No worries folks its not like slim fast, its just mix you toss in your smoothie for an extra boost of nutrients and protein).

Now that Wyatt is not as sensitive to when I have dairy and eggs, my diet has freed up again! Parson is in school a few hours a week and thats ample time on those days for me to squeeze a workout in. Who knows maybe ill brush off my running shoes and go for a run this week with my running buddy.

Anyway, this blog is going to be my diary. My tell all about my journey to a healthier life...not a smaller number. In fact. We aren't even going to talk numbers here. We are going to talk about how I feel, how my workouts are getting "easier" and how my clothes fit. Because ladies (and gents) your more than a number. You are worth a healthier life...and I am discovering that I am to.

My beginning goals are:

Workout 5-6 days weather its walking, running, PiYo or whatever...something
Feed myself (it seems like a no brainer, ask any parent they will understand)
Feed myself nutrient dense food. Feed myself as well as I feed my kids. (you'll also see what I feed my kids daily to. It about a healthy family for me..not only me)

Get ready for lots of food shots, sweaty post workout shots, a touch of cuteness from the boys and probably a whole lot of complaining at first. Join me if you want or just sit back and watch.

Oh and feel free to send me a note of encouragement because...I like brownies ;)

Patty

So its been awhile...a long while.

SO I have been long gone. Obviously because I am focusing all my time and energy into two little boys, my hubby and home!

Here are a few pictures of our spring and summer. I promise ill be back someday soon-ish to update!

We bought a house!

Played at the beach 

Went on nature walks

Laughed a lot

Read lots of bedtime stories 

Went on vacation

Wore party hats for fun

Got stitches while playing at Grandmas

Started preschool

And are always having fun and being silly

-Patty

3

April 5th 2011 at 2:47pm....weighing 9.5 pounds and measuring 22 inches long. Parson Dean Jones was born. Wisked away from Mom and Dad quickly and admitted to the NICU for dangerously low blood sugar. Our start was rough.

April 5th 2014....weighing in at 40 pounds and almost 40 inches tall. This boy certainly does not have any health issues now. 

He is kind, smart, curious, and naughty. He loves his little brother and adores his Daddy.

He loves to read, sing and dance...he gets that from his Mama.

Being outside is his favorite thing...regardless of the temperature. 

School buses are his true love, but he loves all things transportation.

He knows all his letters, numbers 1-20, knows his shapes, colors, directions, his full name, the state he lives in, birthdate, can sing countless songs, and knows Mom and Dads "real" names. 

He speaks so clearly now...not perfect but his diction is improving day after day. We drive in the car and need no music because he narrates exactly what he sees out his window. Taking in every moment, object, vehicle,  movement of the world around him.

He will show you the firehouse, hospital, gas stations, train stations, parks, Mr. Phils house, grandmas house, and the infomus red store (target)....and he will most certainly show you all 3 school bus depots in our area. 

His favorite foods are black beans and rice, turkey dogs, cherry tomatoes, apples, grapes, strawberries, french fries, curry chicken and ice cream. 

He is our fabulous first, our biggest little, the boy that made us parents, gave us new meaning to life and has taught us so many lessons.

We love him more than life itself...forever growing and forever our first baby.