Oh Flagstaff, how you amuse me so!

Brandon and I decided to take a spontaneous family trip to Flagstaff, AZ. It's about 2 1/2 hours away from where we live. We booked a room at the Radisson for $50 (we had credit with Expedia), woke up early this morning, got ready and packed our bags. We headed out around 10:30am and arrived at 1pm. Elora was such a good baby! She slept most of the ride here (Yes, I am blogging in our hotel room while the little one and Brandon are taking a cat nap hehe). 

After we checked into our hotel room, I changed Elora's diaper and fed her. We then went exploring for a place to eat lunch. We found an Italian place called "Strombollis" (not sure if that's spelled correctly). It was pretty good! After lunch we drove around to find a place to take some photos. It's our first family trip to somewhere else besides San Diego. And it's the first time Elora has seen snow. We ended up driving for awhile, then finally found a place to take some photos. There is so much snow everywhere, it's beautiful. Although I would never be able to live in a place that snows, it really is a pretty sight to see. It's not that cold outside, but I think it's too cold for a 4 months old baby, so we didn't spend too much time outside. 

Brandon and I could not stop laughing because we were trying to find this market, similar to "Wholefoods". We looked it up on the GPS on the phone and just could not find the darn place. We were literally going in circles. It was pretty hilarious. Elora didn't think it was too funny though, she was getting pretty antsy in her car seat and just wanted out. We finally gave up and just headed back to the hotel room. There's really not much to do here with a baby. We've seen a lot of snowboarders and skiiers though. 

I doubt we'd come back here again. We liked Sedona much better. But at least we gave it a shot, right? 

Well friends, time to make the best out of this trip! Hopefully little one and big one will be up soon! =)

Until next time...

Mommy A

{Back on track!}

Alright everyone, I have to admit..I have not been working out religiously this week. With Brandon getting sick and him being home with us for a day and a half, it completely threw me off track. No bueno! I need to step up my game!

I'm not in any rush to lose the weight, but I'm going to be in two weddings at the end of this year. I want to look and feel my best. Plus, I need to lose weight just to be in good health. Without good health, we have nothing. So, I need to get back on track next week for sure!

Elora is getting heavier by the week! She is 17 lbs & 2 oz, 25 inches long. Whew, my arm muscles sure get a work out with her! I'm just glad she is healthy, that's all that matters=)

I love weekends! As I usually always say on Fridays haha. Brandon gives me a break on the weekends, which is always nice. On Saturday we are going to meet our friend's baby, her name is Bryce Ann. She is 2 months old. I'm going to take photos of Elora and her together, I love how Elora has little friends already!

It should be a great weekend! I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend yourselves!

Until next time....

Mommy A

{Elora is FOUR Months OLD!}

Today my baby girl is 4 months old! Where has the time gone already? She is almost half a year old! WOW! They aren't kidding when they say time flies so enjoy every moment with them!

Brandon wasn't feeling good at all so he stayed home with us. We pretty much lounged around all day and watched "The Hills". Ugh, I can't believe we got sucked into that show! We downloaded all of the seasons and had a marathon in our living room. Good times! haha

I took some 4 month old photos of Elora and Brandon. I actually need some photos of her and I together. I'm always behind the camera so I don't have many photos of us together. I guess I should show Brandon how to use my camera=)

Here are some more photos of my loves. Please feel free to comment! I love hearing from all of you!

 

 

{Monday Madness!!!!!.....}

Okay, not really. It's been a pretty mellow Monday. Brandon is not feeling well so he's playing the "sick" card with me. He can't do anything because he's sick. I told him "well just because you're sick doesn't mean you stop being a Daddy!" Then he runs off to change Elora's diaper, good boy=)

I hope he fights off whatever it is that's trying to take over his body! We don't need any sickness in our home! We have made it thus far with none of us getting sick so let's keep this healthy marathon going! I religiously take my prenatal vitamins everyday still. I think that's helped me a lot with staying healthy during sick season. It's funny when men get sick, they are total babies!

I have to admit, I was lazy today. I didn't clean like I wanted to. Elora and I just lounged around, took some photos and lounged some more. Lazy Monday indeed. But these are the kind of days that I love. Where nothing is bothering me and I can just be..a Mommy. Elora is smiling like crazy nowadays, it's heartwarming. I can't seem to make her laugh like Brandon does. I'm a bit jealous, but it's okay that's his "thing" with her. He can make her laugh so hard too! Whenever he takes her in the room to change her diaper I hear him talking to her and all of a sudden she just laughs so hard! It makes me laugh haha. 

BREAKING NEWS: Elora rolled over from her back to belly today! The other day she rolled over from belly to back! She is officially a rolly polly olly! I now have a mobile baby! WATCH OUT! Time to baby-proof the whole house!

Check out some of the photos I took of Elora today. She apparently wanted to do more "serious" photos since she didn't bust a big smile for me! Oh well, they still came out beautiful as always=)

My baby girl is starting to sit up on her own now! Two days shy of 4 months.. WOW! Bittersweet...


Today is my Mom's Birthday! Elora's Grandmama! I'm sad we couldn't celebrate with her, but I sent her a little surprise in the mail! (It's a custom calendar of Elora's photos hehe) She should get it by tomorrow. We tried to send it to get to her today, but missed the time frame. Our next big road trip is BIG BEAR for Valentine's weekend with our good friends, The Goodan's! We are so excited! I ordered Elora some little boots for the occasion. She needed some warm boots because it's going to be COLD! I got them from babysteals.com so I got a great deal=)

Time to wrap up the night here at the Padilla house. Until next time...

Mommy A

{Weekend wonders}

This is Daddy Padilla taking over the blog, albeit for this single entry, but who knows? maybe more down the line...

Well it is Saturday morning, we woke up around 5am (well I should say I woke up around 5 am) because Elora got a little rumbly in her tummy.  After she ate we fell back asleep til around 8 or so when she delightfully woke us up from our slumber and started talking away (in her baby language of course).  Perfect cue for starting a cup of coffee to get the day going.  I made Angela a cup of Hyssop tea because she said she wasn't feeling too great, she hates the flavor of Hyssop but it's so good for you!

I look forward to these weekends where I get to stay home with the fam.  working and being away so long from everyone gets depressing at times, especially when Elora rolls on her back for the first time and I miss it!  I think Elora is starting to get the hang of everything around her, she knows who we are now and I can tell shes getting the knack of trying to put everything she can grab in her mouth... yuck! =)

Well this week was Angela's 24'th bday, and although it wasn't her ideal scenario staying home with just her and little Elora I think it turned out good for the most part.  I tricked her out when I got off work pretending I had to stay late fixing someones desktop and she was pretty angry because she wanted to go get her nails done.  In actuality I was driving up north to Scottsdale to pick up her special ordered Sacher Torte that I found out about and just had to get one made for her from AJ's marketplace.  While there I picked up a single rose and a single balloon that says 'Happy Birthday!'  (Inside joke on the balloon)...  What sucked was on the way home from Scottsdale I ran into a horde of traffic, which fueled Angela's frustration even more because it was taking me that much longer to get home.  I called the nail place she loves and the lady said they close at 7, I did the unthinkable at that moment... I convinced the owner of the nail place to come back after they close saying it was my wife's birthday and all she wanted was to get her nails done (manicure and pedicure of course!)  The owner agreed and said she would come back when I gave her a call on her cell phone as she only lived a min away.  We ended up getting there close to 8 and left near 10, wow such great service! being willing to come in for extra 2 hours just for one person was pretty damn cool.  After we left we were trying to decide if we should go out to dinner but being it was so late and Angela's favorite restaurant the Cheesecake Factory closed at 11 we decided to venture to Jack in the Box instead.  2 breakfast jacks and one chicken pita snack later and we were home watching a movie, Elora fast asleep in the bed and Angela and I sleeping on the couch not even halfway through the movie (whoops!) I guess next time I will have to request the day off from work so we can spend the day doing everything and anything her heart desires. :-)

Well breakfast is ready.  Angela whipped up some leftover Cheesecake Factory with eggs (yes we went last night instead)

- Until next time... maybe

BP

Blogging=)

{21+3 = Twenty Four!}

Twenty-four years ago my Mom and Dad were eating at Denny's, munching on some nachos when my Mom's water broke! 9 hours later an Angel was born! Haha JK, I was born!! At 9am, weighing 8lbs, 8oz. What's funny is that Brandon weighed the same at birth too! Aw we were just meant to be! =)

So today is my 24th birthday. I don't have any special plans. I took Elora for a doctor's appointment to meet Dr. Martin in Maricopa. He has an office in Gilbert and so many of my Mama friends have referred me to him. He just recently opened a Pediatrics office in Maricopa, YAY! =) We love him! He was very nice and he doesn't make you feel stupid, like most doctors seem to do. I felt very comfortable with him. We decided to wait on getting Elora any vaccines. We are doing the "delayed" schedule. I was supposed to get her vaccines twice already, but when we get to the appointment I freak out and decide to wait longer. I don't know, I'm just afraid of the reaction she might have to it. I want her immunity to be super strong to fight off any reactions she could have. 

My Mom and Dad were supposed to come visit for my birthday, but my Mom couldn't get the time off. I wish we could win the lottery so my parents can retire. They have worked so hard for so long now. And they have supported me through thick and thin. 

It's been fun hanging out with Elora today. It's my first birthday with my baby girl! Now that's something to celebrate! We had a mini photo shoot with my blackberry camera haha =)

 

I'm looking forward to seeing Brandon today after he gets off of work. I wish he had the day off to spend with us! Let's see what tonight holds for me=)

Mommy A

{BIRTH days...}

It was nice to have a 3 day weekend with Brandon and Elora. Of course it went by speedy fast as per usual. 

Tomorrow is my 21+3! Twenty-four years old, Wow. Where did the time go? I think back to when I was just 4 years old (yes I can remember that far back) when I first met my childhood best-friend Andrea through my window by our front yard. It's amazing how fast time flies. And it seems as you get older, it gets faster and faster. 

I don't have any special plans for my big day except for taking Elora to the Pedi. We are going to start her vaccines. As much as I don't want to, I know she will need them eventually when she goes to pre-school. We are doing the "delayed" schedule. I just don't believe in injecting your baby with foreign chemicals when they are first born. Her immunity is much stronger now so I'm a bit more comfy with starting her vaccines now. I know this is a very touchy subject for most, but everyone has their own opinions.


My promise to Elora is to always make a BIG deal of her BIRTH day. It's the day that completely changed my life forever. I will never forget it. Whether she is turning 1 or 31, I will always celebrate this day. It just seems that nowadays birthdays are not a big deal after you turn 21. I want her to always be excited about her birthday.


I hope that everyone will celebrate their birthdays and be excited (no matter what age) because it was a day that changed someone's life forever=) 


Mommy A 


P.S. Tomorrow is my first weigh in since I started dieting and working out everyday, stay tuned! =)

{Getting back to the grind...}

It feels SO good to work out again! Ah, I wish I would have started sooner, but I must admit having a baby close to the Holidays not so good! It's been three and a half months since I had Elora and I'm just now starting to work this baby fat off. Better late then never! 

The first week is always the roughest. After the first week it becomes a habit. I'm almost there! It's been 4 days since I started. It's a bit hard to work out for anymore then 45 minutes with the baby. But I get sporadic work outs throughout the day. It's actually quite nice that way so I don't get burnt out.

I'm weighing in every Wednesday. This coming up Wednesday is my 24th Birthday!!! YAY! Time sure does fly after you hit 21. Next year I will a quarter of a century! WOW!

I'm looking forward to shedding off this baby fat and sharing my results with you all! I want to post my beginning stats, but I want to wait until I hit my goal and I will give you the "before and after" stats=) I'm not one to take a "before" picture either. I'm a bit embarrassed, I must admit.


San Diego Chargers are in the Playoffs baby! I can't wait to see them win the Superbowl this year!!!!! Who's with me?!


Mommy A

{Work it out!}

Today is the big day! Our Elliptical machine arrives! That means I HAVE to lose this Elora baby fat! No more excuses =) It's been so darn cold outside, I don't know how anyone goes jogging. My joints start to ache when it's this cold! I can't wait to get a routine going. I thought of a schedule that I want to follow:

When Elora sleeps, I workout. If I do this, I will be back to pre-pregnancy size and then some! I just need to stay motivated. Motivation doesn't always come very easy! I was looking at photos of me a few years ago and WOW, I was pretty thin! And even then, I thought I was "fat". I'm starting to think I have that mental illness where every time I look in the mirror, I see a fat person no matter what. I definitely need a confidence booster ASAP!

If you have any tips on staying motivated, please share it with me! I'd love to hear ways that others stay motivated! 

I love being a SAHM (Stay at home Mom). I try to set an agenda everyday to stay busy. Some days go by faster then others. The most rewarding part is being able to spend quality time with Elora. I love the bond that we have together=)

Time to get going! Until next time...

Mommy A

Another trip to SD....

TGIF! We are leaving to San Diego for the weekend (again) today after Brandon gets off of work. We were originally going there to be contestants on The Price is Right, BUT we changed our minds. We were reading a lot about it online and it just seems more of a hassle then fun. Plus, the show is on Monday in Los Angeles and we have to head back to AZ on Monday. Too much driving = TIRED!

It will be nice to see our family, even though it's only been a week and a half since we last saw them! I'm actually going to take Brandon out tomorrow for the day while my Mom watches Elora. We haven't had a real date since she was born. We have to keep the spark flying, so to speak haha=) I was thinking of seeing Avatar in 3D, then go to Balboa Park & walk around and check out a few museums. Then maybe go to Seaport Village. We'll see how it plays out tomorrow. We didn't get to celebrate our one year wedding Anniversary in November, so I want to make up for it. 

I think I'm officially addicted to Facebook. AH! It's my only way of staying in touch with the rest of the world while I'm taking care of Elora. She is such a good baby. We're truly blessed! She sleeps through the night and only cries when she's tired or hungry (or sometimes gassy haha). 

I better get going.. I still have to pack for the 3 of us! Have a great weekend everyone! Until next time!

Mommy A

I'm going to become a DOULA!

I've been back and forth about this decision for awhile now. It was always a thought I had after I had Elora. I think the only reason why I didn't know if I should do it is because of my confidence and knowledge. But a wonderful person in the Birthing community assured me that I would learn along the way. In the 41 weeks that I was pregnant, I learned SO much about pregnancy, my body and child birth. It was so intriguing to me. I was always on the internet researching different ideas and options. I was constantly ordering books on amazon to read. I would like to be a birth and postpartum Doula. Best of both worlds!

A doula is an assistant who provides various forms of non-medical and non-midwifery support (physical and emotional) in the childbirth process.

I'm very excited about this decision and I can not wait to learn more! I believe that every woman should have a Doula. When Brandon and I first found out I was pregnant we researched like crazy. We wanted the best for myself and our baby. I was set on Chandler Hospital since it was closest to Maricopa. I didn't know much about pregnancy and child birth. I just went to my prenatal appointments and figured being treated like a number was "okay". Boy, was I WRONG! Brandon researched reputable mid-wives in the East Valley. We came across Stephanie Soderblum in Mesa. We scheduled an interview and met with her the next week. As soon as we left the parking lot, Brandon and I looked at each other and KNEW we wanted her to be my mid-wife. Brandon said "Let's do it!". That was THE best decision of our lives (Of course next to saying "I DO" haha) We decided to have a home birth with a mid-wife. 

As soon as we told everyone the news, we had so many mixed reactions. We didn't let anyone affect our decision. We were confident, I was confident in my body and with Stephanie. I researched what a Doula was. I found some Doulas that I was interested in and scheduled interviews with them. Of course the first one we met was the one! Sandra made me feel comfortable and I could talk to her about my feelings. We were set with an amazing birth team!

During my labor, Sandra was there for me, right by my side. She massaged my back to help me relax and get some rest before the big push. She made sure I was comfortable and at ease. She knew what kind of birth I wanted and I trusted her completely. I believe the wonderful birth I had has a lot to do with having a Doula there. Of course Brandon was there, but there were times where I didn't want him watching me labor. I remember at one point when I was in the water, I looked at him and told him to go away haha. But he knew I meant that in the kindest way possible.

I'm ecstatic to attend the workshop and complete everything I need to become a certified Doula!

2010 is going to be an amazing year!

The celebration of 100 days of life....

 In Korean culture, we celebrate 100 days of life. Back in the days, they did not have any medical resources or the knowledge about child birth and babies. An immense amount of the babies wouldn't survive. They started a celebration called Baek-il, which is 100 days of life. It was a HUGE deal back then and we still celebrate 100 days.

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/culture/tol/tol.cfm

Since our family is in San Diego and we're in Arizona, we just asked everyone to keep Elora in their thoughts today. She had a mini photo shoot with your truly! =) Mommy A!

HAPPY 100 DAYS OF LIFE ELORA! We LOVE you very much!

Happy New Year! Twenty - Ten!

Can you believe it? 2010? WOW! This decade sure went by FAST! So much to be thankful for, so much to think about, so much I've learned! The best part about being a Mom is I'm challenged every day. Elora keeps me on my toes and she has taught me PATIENCE. Who would have thought a 3 month old baby could teach you something! =)

Going into a new year, I usually set resolutions. But realistically, who keeps their resolutions? I think setting goals for yourself everyday is better. I don't think I've ever followed through on a resolution I've made. So here it goes.. My goals for the first few months of 2010...

1. To not be so hard on myself when it comes to being a new Mom. I stress over the littlest things with Elora and I shouldn't. I should just breathe and learn as I go...

2. To not forget about my relationship with my Husband. With being new parents we're so wrapped up with being a parent that we tend to forget our relationship with our significant other. It's SO important to still show them you care and that you love them very much.

3. To jump start my motivation to lose weight and be healthy. It's not going to happen over night, I know that. But I want it to become a lifestyle.

I will stop there. I want to be realistic about it. 

“The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.”

Time to get some ZzZzZz's... Until next time!

Mommy A