So far, so good!!!

We are rolling on our goals here at the Ross house!!! I know it is only day 3, but each day is one day closer to forming a habit out of it for us. Monday I didn't end up working out because things were crazy and so I just watched what I ate and didn't focus on the one thing I couldn't do. I walked 2 miles yesterday morning and ran a mile in the afternoon. There was no preschool time yesterday per say because we were busy. This morning we walked 2 miles, had preschool time, I made dinner, and then I ran another mile tonight! Overall, today was a great day! We actually had two preschool times to make up for what we missed yesterday-she is already looking forward to this time everyday.

Today was playdoh...she did great.
Her end result...

Tummy time for little man!

And this is whatI had to do with Laekan this morning while I did my hair and playdoh with Taegan because he was a bit fussy.

Looking forward to our morning walk tomorrow:)

Here's to a new US!!!

As most of you know I am a teacher-and will always be a teacher in my heart. This also comes with an organization trait and a bit of OCD. So last week I decided that today was the DAY!! The day where I become a better mommy, a better me, a healthier me, and a better wife. I printed off 3 calendars: 1 for Taegan lesson plans everyday, 1 for my workout schedule, and 1 for a monthly menu!! I am determined to be all around better for my family. I hate the way I look(yes I know he is ony 7 weeks old) and I hate that I eat SOO bad. Justin and I purchased new running shoes with the Nike+ chip in them. We are competing to see who can walk/run more miles in a month! I am also going to add the 30 day Shred to my workout routine. I have started searching the internet for healthy dinner recipes for the family that way we can all eat better. Justin and I are counting calories and using an app on our phones to keep track. I am so glad we are doing the dieting/getting fit thing together. It will make it easier for us both because we have formed some very bad eating habits.

As far as Taegan goes-I plan to spend at least 30 minutes every week day with her working on preschool skills. I have tons of resources and supplies here at home that I can use. She is at the age where she is starting to learn so many things that I want to keep building on those and make her a better person. I plan to do this during Laekan's morning naps and if that doesn't work out we will do it later in the evening when Justin gets home so he can take care of Laekan. Today we started with patterning. I have found some great games/activities at Lakeshore Stores to use with her. This is her hard at work this morning...

Telling me the shapes and colors of the pattern...
Picking out the gem that matched the picture...

Completing the pattern and getting them all right!!!!

I plan to do my walk tonight after Justin gets home from work. I am going to start with walking and slowly add in running. So far today, I will be meeting two of my goals...the eating is going to take LOTS of dedication and work. I just have to keep my eye on the prize-which is getting healthy for my kids...they deserve the best me they can get!!!!

Cool dude in his tie and new glasses:)

Oh melt my heart...

Just a Saturday morning...

Laying in the hall drinking my milk and playing my iPod.
Hanging out in my Wildcat outfit playing with a mirror.

Life is pretty good around here:)

A fun morning...6 weeks old

This morning Taegan, Laekan, and I had a great time being silly and just playing at home! Taegan and I were trying to get Laekan to smile since he has decided this is his new talent for us all:) We had a lot of laughs and it did my heart good to have a morning like this with them both. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in taking care of the house and making sure everything is where it should be that I forget to slow down and take these two in!!! Laekan is six weeks old today and we are loving him more and more with each day. It also helps that he has added to his list of tricks...sleeping through the night:) That makes this Mommy super happy!!!

Doesn't this melt your heart?!!
Silly boy!

My precious, precious girl:)

Sunday in Pictures

Justin had to work Sunday morning for a little bit and I was sick so the day didn't start out the best! I did my best to take care of the kiddos while he was gone and then he was home to help. When he got home the kids had on their Father's Day shirts and were so excited to see him and be with him. Taegan was a Daddy's girl that day and it melted Justin's heart. He had a really good day with her!!

Cuddling with Daddy while he fed Laekan.
One of Laekan's first smiles:)

She LOVES giving kisses!

Then she got in the pool after dinner with Daddy and Papa Steve...

I hope you had a great day Justin!!! We love you so much.

Happy Father's Day...

Our attempt at a family picture:)

Justin,

Thank you for being a great Dad to Taegan and Laekan!! I love watching you with each of them and how you are so great with them. I will never forget the first time you got to hold each of your little bundles and the emotions I felt as I watched you with them. They are so lucky that you work so hard to provide for us. I can't wait to watch you with them as they each get older and start enjoying different things with you. It is so special to have two amazing children and know that you will always be the one to hold there hand when they need their Daddy!!!

We love you.

Happy Father's Day!!!

To my Dad-

Thank you for always being there for me and putting up with me. I know that along the way we have had bumps-but you were always the one I looked to for approval and acceptance. I now get to enjoy watching you with my children and it really is so neat to watch you with them!! They love you so much and I look forward to them growing up getting to know you more! Thank you for all you have done for me and for us!!! We love you.

One Month Old...

Laekan Harper you are ONE month old today!!! Slow down the clock please:( Here is what you are up to at one month old:

*You are still wearing newborn clothes. Some 0-3 fit you, but not many!
*You are wearing newborn diapers, but we only have a few left and then are moving you to 1's.
*You are eating 6 times a day and a 4 ounce bottle at each.
*You sleep a 5-6 hour stretch at night and then a 4 hour stretch after you eat.
*You move your head side to side very well on your tummy.
*You love your tummy time and will fall fast asleep if you are tired and I put you on your tummy.
*You wake up for the day around 8, nap from about 10:30-noon, eat, nap from about 1-4, then you are awake until you eat again at 7, awake/nap until 10 when you eat again and are down for the night.
*You have started tracking an object held in front of you.
*You will turn your head when I ring bells on one side of you or the other.
*You sleep best at night when you are swaddled.
*You are still sleeping in the little crib thing-but we might move you to your actual crib soon.
*You LOVE when we kiss your face.
*You have a fussy time at night from about 9-10 every night.

We love you so much and can't wait to see what you do the next month!!!!

Hectic...

To say I am overwhelmed, tired, stressed, and ready for a break might be an understatement! Justin has been gone since Monday morning at 4 am for school in Wichita. It has just been us three around here and I am getting a bit stressed. It also happens to be VBS week at church, we had gymnastics, I had work, and there have been other things thrown in there that are causing this week to pile up on me. I LOVE having two kids and really don't think that the jump from one to two has been that hard, but I just wasn't prepared to do this alone when he was 3-4 weeks old. That was a bit of a stretch.

Taegan has also taken it upon herself to start throwing out of this world fits. I mean they are so out of control I'm not sure who she is at times. She is throwing herself against her bedroom door, throwing toys around, and screaming at the top of her lungs. This momma is doing all she can not to completely lose her mind. I am hoping that some of it is stemming from Daddy being gone, but Lord help us when he gets back and she keeps this up!!! WOW!! I really hope it is a quick phase, because being out in public is not gonna work with these fits. She cried going to gymnastics tonight-she didn't last week. And tonight she wouldn't go to her classroom for VBS-oh can it be Thursday night and Justin can be home??? One more night, I can do this! I think...

Some cute pictures!!

Here are a few pictures of life lately...

Working on our tummy time more...
All dressed up for church:)

First time in the pool for the summer...it was cold but she couldn't wait.

Being cute for the camera!

Gymnastics...

On Wednesday Taegan started a gymnastics class for the summer. She will take two sessions this summer and if she seems to like it and does well I think we will keep it up in the fall. One of her friends from church will take a class in the fall and I am hoping that she will like it well enough to take it with her!! She LOVED it and did great. We need to work on front rolls, but otherwise she did a great job listening and doing the steps. She was so proud to come home and tell daddy about it and show him what she can do. I hope she continues to enjoy it and do as well as she did Wednesday~

In her new outfit ready to go...
Stretches.

Flipping over the bar.

Jumping off the springboard into the hula hoop.

Walking the tressle.

The facts...

*The truth is I am NOT a strong person when it comes to what I can and can't eat-at. all. I will be working on that in the near future-like tonight! Justin and I have started our diet/exercise program and although I am terrible at it, we are doing pretty good. We started walking last week and I have been walking at least a mile everyday, sometimes more. I will increase this once I get clearance to actually exercise! Justin has been walking with me and also jogging. We are determined to get healthly for these kiddos-they need us!!!

*Taegan is one amazing little sister-I am just shocked everyday with how she is acting. She has her moments, but for the most part she is kicking some butt on this new role!!!!

For example...she is even feeding her babies just like we do Laekan:)

*Laekan is one laid back little man...that is 3 weeks old today!!!!

*He however HATES his bath right now. His cord fell off last Friday and we gave him his first bath on Saturday. To say he hated it might be an understatement. He screamed through it all-hoping it gets a bit better!!

Looks like he is trying to kiss me-please ignore my pale face:(

*Justin is one AMAZING Daddy!!! He has been working so hard for us and putting in long days at work. He then comes home and spends all his time with us. We are so lucky to have him in our lives. He is loving his role as a Daddy of two, but finding it a bit exhausting to meet both their needs...welcome to my day!!!!

Melt my heart.

*Taegan is becoming a little mini me...and I love it! Most days that is. She talks like me, acts like me, and is starting to do things for Laekan just like I do-

She's got the holding the pacifier in the mouth down to an art!!!

Today I am thanking the good Lord for all of my blessings. And also asking him for some serious strength in the diet department:)