Dec 23

PHOTO JOURNAL

peg and ashlyn

amanda and chris

summer

aaaaaashlyn!

nieces and the kiddies

The last couple of weeks were busy for me. I’ve been shopping like a madwoman for the holidays. With kids in tow, I am only able to work my way through my Christmas-list a little at a time. My longest stint at the mall was last Tuesday…when the kiddies and I spent 10 hours at Valley Fair! Scary, huh? Surprisingly, both girls were extremely well behaved and that made my job so much easier.
I actually think Ashlyn and Summer enjoy these outings….the bustling crowds, the delightful sounds and smells, the festive energy….so much to absorb. :smile:

Yesterday my mom asked me to do some shopping for her, so the kiddies and I spent another long day at the mall.
I’m finally finished with all of my shopping and wrapping. It’s a good feeling to be able to accomplish such a feat all by myself (although it would have been more fun being able to share it with Aric).
I’m feeling quite proud (as you can tell). Oh, hell yeah! A little over a year ago, when Aric first left for his project in Taiwan, I didn’t think I could handle taking care of Ashlyn alone. But look at me now. WOOHOO!!! :mrgreen:

Today I spent the day hanging out with my nieces. We had lunch in Japantown, checked out Christmas in the Park , and went ice skating. It was really fun!
We spent a cozy evening at home watching TV and playing Monopoly. You know you’ve been playing too long when you run out of play-money and have to make your own. HAHAHAHA!

tea party

wrestle-mania

My two girls are really enjoying eachother. Ashlyn is the best big sister: she’s helpful, patient, encouraging, and very loving. Summer is so much fun: she’s smiley, sweet, interactive, and a force to be reckoned with. Together, they laugh and play and wrestle and hug. It’s the cutest thing!

I can’t believe it’s the eve of Christmas Eve! *squeal!* Can’t wait!

Dec 23


(6 months into challenge)

WEIGHT LOSS SINCE PREVIOUS UPDATE: zero pounds
TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 39 pounds
CURRENT WEAKNESSES: Starbucks’ Eggnog Latte and Crunchy Cheetos

I must be completely narcissistic to continue to update this Body Challenge….even when I pathetically failed at losing a single pound in the last 2 months! :lol:
Not bad considering how much (and how often ) I ate last month while on vacation. Wil thinks that if I attempted to exercise regularly, my weight loss would be significant.

Nevertheless, my body shape has changed and I am starting to feel like my old self. However, I’ve come to realize that no matter how much weight I lose, I will probably never wear my old clothes again. :sad: Sad. Looking through my closet in SoCal, I noticed that aside from jackets, coats, sweaters, and formal dresses, my style in clothes have changed. I like my tops much longer and my bottoms much looser. Pregnancy can do that to you.
Another sad realization is that I’ve lost the bountiful bustline that came with breastfeeding. And to add insult to injury, my chest is smaller than before! :cry:

After this holiday season, I’m really going to apply myself. *cross fingers*
11 pounds to go. Wish me luck.