So, I read some books.

(I originally started an update post to my to do (wish) list, but the lighting is so bad for photos because this weekend decided to be overcast. So next week I plan on posted an update.) 

I was perusing Pinterest and saw someone pinned "What I read in 2013" - or something to that effect. Then I thought, "I should document what I read, so I'll remember because let's face it my memory is shite most of the time." And since my last post was about books, I figure, might as well keep it up. 

Ok, so here's what I'm thinking...At the end of each book I read I'll write a post about it. That way I'll have something in writing proving that I read a book. My goal is to read at least 1 book per month - although, I'm hoping it'll be more. Heck, I already successfully read 2 books and well on my way to a total of 3 this month. Props to me.

But in effort to catch up, here's what I've read thus far this year (don't worry it ain't a lot):

 

This is a young adult novel written by a person I know. I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading YA novels, which includes kids and adults. ;)

 

This book was a hoot. I actually didn't really like Bossypants by Tina Fey and I was a little crushed by that; however, Amy Poehler's memoir was a hit with me. I love how frank and raw she is. Maybe I could just relate to her a little better? Maybe I appreciated how her book was setup? Maybe I laughed more? Maybe it's all those things and more? Either way, I'd totes read this again.

Here are a couple I tried reading, but just couldn't get into, but that doesn't mean I won't try reading them again:

 

I was really liking this novel, but I was only picking it up before bed and it's a library book. So before I even got to page 100 the book was due back and I couldn't renew it because there was a waiting list. So, I'd like to borrow this baby again. 

 

I own this book - in fact I own the whole trilogy - but before I could really get into it, Inherent Vice was available to read at the library. I put this one on hold so I could read a library that I didn't finish and then I didn't go back to this one. Sometimes my reading habits are flighty. Again, I hope to pick it back up before the year ends. 

And I am currently listening to this audiobook:

I listen to this while Danny drives me to work. We've listened to all the books and are halfway done with this one. I so can't wait to be all caught up! Of course we have the show to keep us going too. We are huge Game of Thrones fans. I have to say though, the books aren't keeping our interest as much as they used to. That being said, we do have our favorite chapters, which for this one so far is only Tyrion. Does anyone else hate having to hear/read about Dorne and Iron Born peeps? Ugh! The 4th book was definitely the hardest to get through. 

Well there ya have it, my reads for 2015. I'm actually quite proud of myself for reading as much as I have 5 months into the year. I've been such a slacker! And this is even BEFORE Han, so no excuse. I even got Danny reading Eleanor & Park now, so I'm feeling like 2015 is the year of literature in our household. I'm giddy with books!

Hey, you gonna blog or what?

Yes, I've slacked a bit on this here blog-o-roo. I kept meaning to post. Honestly. But then, life. You know? As I've said before, April was a whirlwind of a month! Han's 1st b-day, my wedding, and interviewing for my dream job. Well, that's finally all over. But wait, you might say. It's already the 13th of May, so what gives?

Well, one of the 2 interviews didn't pan out. The first one was to get on the eligibility list and the second one was for a Teen Services Librarian position with a library branch. BUT, I was called in to interview for yet another Teen Services position at another branch the first week of May. Well, the day after that interview, I was offered the JOB!!! Yes, I'm doing some goofy dance moves about it - what?! Don't judge. 

So now I go from being a Law Librarian to a Teen Services Librarian - woot woot! And maybe that seems like a step down or something, but if you're Librarian than you get it. No Librarian job is a step down - it's just a step toward the type of services you endeavor to work in. For me that's being a Teen Services Librarian. I'm still in awe that I got that job! I mean the eligibility list was for Youth Services, so I assumed Children's Librarian. See, their aren't many Teen Services Librarian positions out there but their are several Children's Librarian positions. But I nabbed a Teen one!!! That was my focus in library school (yes, you have to go to school to become a librarian. In fact, it's a Master's program).

Anyhoots, that's been the major focus for me the last few weeks. Now I'm counting down the days until May 30th! I decided it's been way too long since I read a YA novel, so I FINALLY read:

And of course it was an UH-MAZING read! I can't believe it took me so long to read this! I remember when it came out and a friend of mine kept raving about it. I guess I was basing it on the cover. I know, I know! Never judge a book by its cover, but when I saw it all I could think of was The Indian in the Cupboard and no thanks. Boy was I so wrong. The themes include poverty, race, alcoholism, and friendship. This is such a funny, sad, and poignant read. Yeah, highly recommend. 

Then to keep the momentum going, Danny bought me this one for Ma's Day:

And talk about SWOON! Hashtag feels! Haha, yeah it's about high school love but there's more than just a make out session going on in this book. It's about dysfunctional families, being young, being different, accepting being different, and falling in love with another person's differences. It's a bittersweet read and it takes me back to the feelings I had when I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower when I was in high school. In his review for The New York Times, John Green said the book, "reminded me not just what it's like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it's like to be young and in love with a book." Thanks, John Green. Per usual you are so right on. And thanks, Rainbow Rowell for delivering a rather simple story in a complex way. I didn't want it to end and when it did, I was pissed. Haha - I mean not by the ending necessarily, but because I didn't want to let it go. I'm STILL thinking about it. 

I started reading another book (an adult book):

And I find myself drifting back into Eleanor & Park's world. Maybe I should have delved into another YA novel. But I had read The Rook was like Harry Potter for adults. It's part epistolary, which I HATE unless I'm reading a book from the late 1600s. But, I'll chug through it since it's a library book and all I have at the moment. Should have gone with a John Green palate cleanser like Paper Towns before moving onto adult novels. Haha. Next book. ;)

And because this picture cracks me up, here's Han with my friend's kids (they came down from Oregon for a quick visit):

He looks so teeny! But he loved playing with a couple of big kids. Well, I'm going to try and get back on my at least 2 posts a week schedule. So stay tuned. :)

  

Weekend ramblings: April editions, vol. 3

First and foremost, did y'all witness this UH-MAZING trailer?! Ok, if not, do yourself a favor and click play.



CHILLS! Am I right?! I was just tickled that this came out during our wedding week. I mean that's how you know it's meant to be. *hand to chest*

Ok, well. Danny and I tied the knot after our 5 year journey together as an unmarried couple. And it was a wonderful experience and I'm so happy we did it. Our professional photos, which were taken by our friend aren't ready yet, but for now here are some from our family and friends.

{This is a little preview from our friend who photographed our wedding}

Weekend Ramblings: April edition, vol. 2

I'm behind a couple weeks, so to make up for it I'm going to do vol. 2 now and then vol. 3 maybe (fingers crossed) tomorrow. I did get married over the weekend, but that juicy post will have to wait until tomorrow just kidding, it will have to wait until TODAY. That's right, 2 posts in one day. Ok without further ado, here are my ramblings from last weekend:

Someone became a ONE-YEAR-OLD.

And someone no longer has to take monthly photos. PHEW! They were getting to be such a hassle with this lil' dude's go-getter abilities. I'm happy we did it, but I'm also happy to have this project finished. I can't believe YHL did this WEEKLY?! Bitches be cray. And I mean that in the most endearing way. 

We celebrated Han's b-day with a donut social. You can see our invite here. And you can see a few photos here:

We had his b-day party in between his naps. So the mini-photo in the upper left is him leaving his bedroom after waking up; the one in the upper right is him utterly confused in what's happening; the bottom left is his joy at seeing peeps; and the bottom right is (I imagine) his awe at how many peeps are in his living room without him noticing during his nap. Ha! Dang that kid of mine is so cute. 

{Note: you can see in the background our credenza that had coffee and donuts on it. I stupidly forgot to photograph it. Ah well.}

Here's his cake that I made. I followed this recipe and it came out super good! My sister kindly finished the rest of the cake Han didn't eat - Haha! I actually plan on making more for this weekend's garage sale ventures (assuming it doesn't rain). I used Tofutti Cream Cheese and drizzled some brown rice syrup on it as well. I have to say this recipe was so super easy to reproduce! And thank the gods because I was STRESSED OUT the week leading up to his birthday and really even on the day. However, I cooled my jets as soon as everyone arrived.

And here we all are as one happy, ridiculous, and goofy fam-bam. Han still isn't the best eater, but he definitely enjoyed the cake, which of course made me fill up with joy.

We decided to have him smash/eat his cake in the living room since our dining room is very small. In order to avoid smashed cake in the carpet we put a vinyl table cloth under his chair. Worked really well.

After the smash cake festivities, Danny gave Han a quickie bath. He definitely needed it and it was a bit of treat for him since he LOVES bath-time. 

Present time! Which is also Danny's favorite time. He happily helped Han open his gifts. Han of course was more intrigued with the wrapping paper, bows, tissue paper, and boxes. 

Those are a pair of Star Wars headphones that he won't be able to use for a few more years, but his Auntie Val Vals couldn't resist getting them for him. Danny said he'd keep them warm for Han until then.

Another gift from his Auntie Val Vals, which he loves! He even played with the instruments right after opening it. So cute. My sister has us singing "Happy Birthday" to Han, so I'll add that video once she sends it to me.

Overall, Han's first birthday party went very well. I'm so happy with how his cake turned out, how he enjoyed it, how the house came together (finally!), and how awesome it feels to have a kid who's ONE. Wow. 

He went from this (at his 2 month doctor's appointment):

To this (lounging with his morning bottle and his grumpy-looking dad who isn't really grumpy):

Danny acts like we don't get 8+ hours of sleep, which we do! We are supremely lucky in that regard. Thank the gods we have a good sleeper! We certainly got him on a schedule pretty early on, like at 3 or 4 months. And boy has it held up. I guess this one-year-old hipster is a keeper. ;)

Now excuse me while I go cry. Watching your kid grow up...damn that shit is emotional!

Weekend Ramblings: April edition, vol. 1

This month is insane. And it's only just begun! But we did have some Easter fun. It should be noted that our small family unit (Danny, Han, Monpetit, Nutterby, and me) do not celebrate this rather silly "holiday." However, the rest of the family do so we hung out with them in Modesto and we all had a hoot of a time. I ate way too many sweets. I'M ADDICTED! But I'm currently snacking on carrots now, so that makes up for it, right?

For anyone curious, I paired MAC's What a Blast Lip Pencil w/ Revlon's Rendezvous ColorBurst Balm Stain 

I figured a nice shade of electric orange on the lips is what Easter is all about: bright, fun, in-your-face-color. ;)

My sister took this ethereal shot of My lil' beasty on our way to Modesto. He later soaked his jeans, but that cute shirt stayed relatively clean. 

Han with his Easter goodies. These are from my youngest sister and my dad and stepmom. He loves holding those squeezy packets, but can't stand to eat them. Although there were some Ella's Kitchen puffs in one of his baskets and he loved 'em. 

Cousins enjoying the spoils of their hunt. They didn't quite get that they are supposed to put the eggs in buckets, but they sure loved shaking them. I also didn't let Han eat any of the sweets in them. As I noted early, I'm addicted to sugar and I would really like to keep refined sugars away from Han as long as possible. 

The fam post-hunt. The boys couldn't be bothered with a photo even a goofy-faced one. 

I also went to see Cinderella at the Studio Movie Grill in Rocklin with some girlfriends. It was my very own Hen Party. We had some margaritas and then watched the movie while we ate our dinner. It was definitely gimmicky, but fun. I really want to go with Danny one of these days. Although I'd say I've seen better live-action Cinderellas in my lifetime (ahem, Cinderella (1965) & Ever After) this one was okay. I question some of the styling choices and I didn't find the prince particularly handsome, but then I was never a fan of Rob Stark. If I were a tween I'b be in love with it, but I can't quite let go of the 1965 and Drew Barrymoore versions. Swoonsville! 

Well as this month progresses and the stress piles on top of the stress, I will have to remember to:

Ever After gif

There's just too damn much happening.

Can we just take a mo' to see how effin' tired I look?! I feel it, but didn't realized I looked it! I need a vacation.

Uh, so yeah. Another week has gone by without me posting. I'm so crazy busy with wedding planning and Han's first b-day planning. Well, the latter isn't so much as planning as it's knocking off crap from the list below (which I wrote and then emailed to Danny):

LIVING ROOM
Clean - dust,vacuum, spotbot couches/chairs, wash windows
Decor - organize better, take down brown envelope holder thing and maybe change it to something cuter
Spruce up media center - fix shelf thing, set record player up, paint cord cover and put it up, wash glass
Bookshelf - organize better, dust
Get any of your music stuff out of there (e.g., guitars, amps, etc.)
Add Han's shoes to shoe cabinet like you said? Will they fit?
Baby-proof once and for all! (hanging lamp area, media center drawers, add baby gate, etc.)

DINING ROOM

Finish painting {yeah we repainted our dining room from this to this - much happier}

Clean - wash windows, vacuum, wash bookcase glass, wipe down ceiling fan blades

Organize bookcase and credenza better

Hang art

Move outside trash bins away from window so we can have it open w/o looking at bins

KITCHEN

Clean - dishes, counters, stove top, wash window, wipe down trash can

Organize the eff out of the counters

Hang art

Maybe paint? (BM Mother Earth color?) Not crucial, but if we have time maybe? We could easily crank this out in 2 nights

OUR ROOM

Clean - dust, vacuum, wash curtains, wash bedding, make bed

Organize side tables better (I really want this for my side)

Hang IKEA lamps (once we get them)

Hang guitar things

Remove clutter

Decorate

Maybe get storage ottoman (this or this) for desk and move chair out to dining room?

HALLWAY

Finish painting

Hang up photos

BATHROOM

Clean - Handy appt on Monday will take care of this bit, so the bathroom is the one room we won't have to worry about.

HAN'S ROOM

Clean - dust, vacuum, wash window

Organize desk

Declutter the FUCK out of this room

Hang up fallen bookshelf for decor items

Go through Han's dresser again (get rid of most if not all of his onesies)

E-Waste your computer?

Organize books above desk by color again (I miss it and it's so visually appealing)

Hang up art

Paint mountains (not as crucial, but would be cool to finally get this done)

It's basically my to do (wish) list in hyper-drive. A lot of stuff we crossed off since I posted that to do (wish) list, but then things fall behind and new ideas pop up. So, yeah. With any luck we'll knock it all out before April 12th. I will take ton of pictures and FINALLY have a before/after post(s). For now, my head's spinning and I'm having heart palpitations. Will it all get done in time?! Gawds, don't even get me started with our wedding crap!

Where'd the week go?

No weekend ramblings this week. I've been sick, Danny's now sick, and Han is being a punk-ass baby. How dare he have growth spurts and regressions?!

                   

I friggin' LOVE Mindy Kaling. She's my spirit animal. Well along with a unicorn of course. But I digress. Needless to say, blogging wasn't my top priority. Well as this week winds down, I think it's high-time I post SOMETHING. How about a Han Bon milestones update? This kid is just shy of a year old! Dang, am I right? Let's just say this has been a trying, but wonderful year. I mean, look at that lil' beasty. I just realized I forgot to post his 10 month milestone photo, so these two will be combined. It all sort of blurs into each other any way.

• He has 4 teeth that are fully out, but 2 more on top that slowly but surely crawling on out.
• His hair is out of control and I love it! Although, he still could use some more.
• Walking all over the place per usual. 
• He was eating squeezy packs, but when those other 2 teeth started cutting through he wanted nothing to do with them and we still can't get him to eat one. Ugh.
• His eating habits aren't habits because he mainly suck on his bottle with bits from our dinner here and there - but he still doesn't properly swallow the bits.
• As of late, he's super cranky. I think he's going through a growth spurt or teething or BOTH. 
• He still sleeps well, but this last week has been tough.
• He loves getting into stuff. He now knows how to open drawers and cabinets. So yeah, we had to add those baby-proofing things to stop him.
• He gets a real kick at of not listening to us. I sure can't wait till he can listen to us. And by that I mean when we say "no," "bring it to mommy," "go play with your toys," etc.
• He talks up a storm. I mean, it's jibberish but he sure is trying.
• He knows how to turn off the light switch when we bring him to it. 
• He climbs up his favorite blue chair with no probs. Well, he does use his mini-Darth Vadar chair as a stepping stool. 
• One of my faves: he HUGS!!! It is such an amazing feeling to have him wrap his arms around me and squeeze! *insides burst into a spray of confetti*
• He waves hi and bye. He loves waving to the cats. In fact, he loves his furry siblings. It's so cute.
• He has favorite commercials: Kaiser, Mountain Dew Kickstart, and Toyota (I can't find the video, but it's in the snowy mountains and there's a guy singing acapella). Whenever they come on he perks up and runs to the TV. Sometimes he dances. So cute.

I'm probably missing some stuff, but I'm pretty sure I hit all the big, funny, and nonsensical milestones. Basically, it's crazy seeing this kid grow and he's so super cute. We love him so much even though he tests our patience on the daily. Lil' punk. But Danny and I are total suckers for that beasty. ♥

Happy Friday image

Donut social for our babe, Han Bon.

In less than a month our baby boy will turn a year old (yes, 11-month milestone photo to come). So, to celebrate Danny and I are throwing him a petite and cozy birthday party. We are getting married the same week of his b-day, so we didn't want to throw some huge extravaganza. Also because he's turning 1. And although that's a feat for us, the parents, he won't know the diff. We also decided to keep this party donut social a family affair, so we only invited parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles.

Since we didn't want to go all out and put down a lot of cash (again we're getting married later that week), we sent out evites. I knew Danny would love this evite design and how cute that Han's up to level 1?! We're having it early (in-between his naps) and thought donuts were a great, inexpensive treat to serve to our guests. And no, Han will not be eating a donut. He's eating a much more healthier treat.

With any luck, his smash cake will look like this. I'm using the recipe Heather from Fit Mama Real Food made for her son's 1st b-day. It's a no sugar banana cake and, from the sound of it, super yummy. There are only 8 ingredients and 3 for the frosting and I feel pretty confident I can successfully make this for Han. Since we are trying to raise Han vegan, I'll substitute the cream cheese that's for the frosting with Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese. Hopefully it'll whip up as nicely as the cream cheese. 

Man, I sure can't wait to celebrate my baby boy's 1st birthday. This year flew by even though the first 3 months felt like an eternity in hell. That being said, being this kid's mom was so worth the pain, anxiety, and tears. 

So yeah, I'm pretty effin' excited to celebrate my lil' man's first year of existence. That face though. ♥♥♥♥♥

Donut image | Cake image

Better just check Facebook and Instagram one more time before bed, said every phone addict EVER.

My friend (who is also a mom) and I started talking about iPhone use. Specifically, how her 19 month old can already navigate YouTube and find the videos he wants - say what?! It's true, I saw him. Granted because they were what he last watched it's pretty easy for him to keep clicking on similar videos. Still, that's pretty impressive for a kid who pronounces "movie" as "moo-moo." I also brought up how Han now knows that moving his fingers around on the phone makes things happen. Although he does still put it in his mouth, but it's definitely a lot less than usual.

The way kids pick up on technology with a quickness definitely leaves me in awe, but then the parent in me begins to wonder if moderation should start being enforced now rather than later. And really the only way to "enforce" moderation is for Danny and I to set our phones aside.

My friend suggested this article, Five Simple Steps For Choosing Your Kid Over Your Phone. After reading it, I felt like these 5 steps could easily be accomplished:

1. Make a commitment to put the phone down and make it public.
2. Turn off notifications.
3. Quit thinking that you'll just "check email really quick."
4. Set up custom ringtones and text tones.
5. Put the phone away somewhere out of sight.

Bahahaha. Yeah, right. I tried and although it worked for a few days, by day 4 there I was sitting on the couch after work scrolling through Instagram while Han scrambled around babbling and playing. I mean, sure he looked like he was having fun, but I only get a couple hours with him before he goes to bed. Also, my phone addiction makes him want to play with my phone even more. So multiple times he came up to me whining as he tried grabbing it. 

Our phone addiction is sort of setting a bad precedent to our son. Damn, I have to think about shit like this because when he's 8 and I'm asking him questions, I'd rather have a face-to-face conversation not one laced with "uh huh" "dunno" "sure" and other monosyllabic, non-participatory grunts while he's glued to some device (something I get from his Dad now - grrr).

I just saw a hilarious Booking.com commercial where the dad locks up the kids' phones and they're forced to do things with their hands other than scrolling, tapping, and texting on a digital screen. Hats off to their marketing department because HELL YEAH. I don't want Han to miss out on tangible experiences like playing outside, reading a physical book, and using his imagination.

So, like all things parenting, it's time to make a concerted effort to minimize our phone time in order to maximize our together time. Let's step up our role-modeling game. Really the only number of the 5 that pertains to us is #5. We need to start putting our phones on silent and leaving them in our bedroom for at least a couple hours throughout the day. I think that it benefits Han, but also Danny and I as a couple. I can't stand his obsession with phone games and he can't stand mine with YouTube videos. We are inadvertently alienating our partner, which leads to annoyance, resentment, and contention. No more. It's time to hang as a fam and have real conversations with...dare I say it...eye contact.

Ashley G print image

Weekend ramblings: March edition.

I worked Saturday and Sunday. All proceeds to go to my wedding on April 18th. It was a long exhausting weekend. I did get to attend Authors on the Move at the Hyatt. A $225 affair that was $0 for me. I was lucky enough to have an in with one of the author's - woot woot! It was fun and the food was super yummy.

Ate grits (re: fancy grits) for the first time and I'b be happy to eat them again. Dessert and the hooch were festive and delicious. It was a great night for such a good cause. Daniel Handler was the keynote speaker and he was as delightful and askew as his novels. 

I got to see what Beth Ruyak, host of Capital Public Radio's Insight looks like. I actually never thought to look on the site, but it was fun to finally put a face the voice in person. Also, who doesn't love a Hook reference?! Classic film from my childhood. I always get a stirring of emotions while watching it. Anyhoots, I felt like such a grown-up attending said event. 3 different California authors sat at our table to discuss their books: Todd Borg, Joanna Rowland, and Anne Leonard. 

I think my Nana would highly enjoy Todd Borg's detective series, Joanna Rowland's kid's book was very sweet, and I really want to read Moth and Spark. I mean, dragons, meet-cute in a library, and the supernatural, SIGN ME UP! Not sure if I'll ever attend another one of these events (they happen annually), but I loved attending this one. Now I need to read the the book by the author who invited me! 

While I worked, Danny and Han visited the Grandparents. Mainly so Danny could help his Dad clean up for our soon-to-be nuptials. Han just hung out working that adorable face.

Damn, he's cute. Well, that's it for this installment. To close, here's an OOTD. This is a new dress from Target that I love, but looking at these photos, I'm not so in love with the wrinkle factor. I'm also thinking it needs a statement necklace. Something with color. Oh well. Yeah, Danny and I were having fun with this dorky photo op. Yes that's a cat in the bottom right-hand corner. He's clearly in awe of my awesomeness...or he simply wants me to let him out of this charade (said in uppity British voice). Cats, so judgey.  

The quirks and perks of a post-baby bod: perks edition.

PERKS
"My cup runneth over...ok, not really, but sorta."

As my belly grew so too did my breasts. But I figured they'd go down to my regular 34B size once I finished breastfeeding. I mean whenever I gained weight the boobs always stayed the same. Thanks Obama. Well, I guess pregnancy is the trick because these bad boys are now 36C and don't appear to be going anywhere. Of course if I lose weight they may shrink too. No biggie, I was happy to be a 34B.

"Good thing I run hot now and never need to wear a sweater because I want to show off this hella cute shirt."

This is the flip side of now running hot (post-Han) instead of cold (pre-Han). If I forget my jacket or sweater, no biggie, I won't freeze and will happily enjoy my meal at a fine temperature. Also, some shirts and dresses I own, have cute sleeves or lacy bits on the back and I never got to show them off pre-Han because I was always cold! Well, I get to saunter around with them on display now. Word.

"And we're back to regularly scheduled periods."

It is nice that my cycle is just as regulated as it was pre-Han. Even though I used to be able to tell when I was actually going to start bleeding, it's nice to know that Flow still visits the same time every month. Also a bonus in case we decide to have another in a few years.

"Damn, look at all this cute shit! Must buy it ALL!"

All clothes from either ASOS, Forever 21, or Target in their Curve/Plus Size sections

Now that I'm curvier, I do a lot of online shopping in that section and dude! SO MUCH CUTE STUFF! I was worried I'd never find cute things that would fit me anymore. Yeah, wrong. There's so much now I have to steer clear of online shopping sites. Also, I find myself gravitating toward dresses a lot more now than I did pre-Han. I used to be so self-conscious about showing my "fat" "gross" legs. Now I don't give a F to a U to a C to a K! If the dress is cute and in my size - GET ON MY BAAAH-DEE!" I seriously never felt so stylish as I do now, and I gotta say, I'm feelin' it. Don't get me wrong, I want the muffin top to go but not the curves.

And there it is, folks. I'm sure stuff is missing, but so far these are the things that have stuck out the most for me.

Any other mamas out there have post-baby body quirks and perks?

Cat calendar image

The quirks and perks of a post-baby bod: quirks edition.

QUIRKS
"Oh, hello waist spillage affectionately called: muffin top and/or lower pooch sag."



So yeah, I gained weight while pregnant and sort of never lost it. I did a little post-Han Bon, but started taking anti-depressants for postpartum depression and weight gain is a side effect. However, I recently stopped taking them; so hopefully with a healthy diet and semi-regular exercise (fingers crossed) I can say goodbye to the sag. I was never Jennifer Aniston skinny and in fact never want to be. I just want my clothes to fit comfortably and smoothly.

"I'm now not the only one losing sleep due to my partner's snoring because I too am now keeping him awake with my cacophonous intake of air during slumber."

I suppose this could be a perk since it's kind of like payback - ha! But really, I'm not too fond of the elbowing Danny administers during my sleep because I'm keeping him up. I'm hoping if I loose weight that post-pregnancy quirk will diminish.

"Well now, ain't you the cutest lil' baby hairs I ever did see. Now what the hell do I do with you?!"

Is that why they're called baby hairs because you get them post-baby? Granted, I lost them post-baby too. I suppose I should just be happy my sparse patches of hair are now thickening up.

"Dude, it's cussin' boiling up in this joint! What is it like, 65 degrees in here?!"



"Surprise! I'm bleeding."

I used to be able to tell when ol' Auntie Flow would come on into town, but post-baby - nah uh. I don't get so much as a slight abdominal twinge before I'm off buying new undies. TMI? Probably, but that's sort of how it goes post-baby. Look, it's pretty effin' weird when your whole life your body has let you know when things are happening below deck so you can get your affairs in order and now it's like your body's all "eff this shiz, you're on your own, lady." Say, what?!

"Wait. Are those...are those more GREY HAIRS!?"

Yes, I had 1 maybe 2 silver slivers, but now I'm finding more and more. Although to be fair that may not be the kid's fault (none of these are, really), but more to do with my old ass. But hey, if I go grey and look like that beaut (Sarah Harris) above then sign me up! Truth be told, I'm fine embracing the grey, I just want more of it not a few sprigs here and there. Consistency, folks!

"Ew this flakage is worse than the folks in a Head and Shoulders commercial."

I've always had dandruff, but never to this extent. I tried EVERYTHING to get rid of it, but the only thing that worked was going with the no poo method. I now wash my hair with a couple tablespoons of baking soda/water/few drops of lemon essential oil. After I let it sit on my scalp for a few minutes I rinse and then wash with Morrocco Method's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo. I save money, time, and my scalp is irritation/flakage free! My hair can be a bit dry and tangly, but while it's drying or before I blow-dry it, I use a little coconut oil and thankfully that works really well.

"Apparently my face is now reptilian as I seem to be shedding skin on the daily."

Oh man, I was gonna include an image of shed snakeskin but I almost barfed. Suffice it to say, my chin and around my nostrils are now dry and flakey. I was more on the oily side post-Han, but now I'm on the more dry side. Funny what hormones do to you. Age is always a factor too.

"Don't mind my hobbling, I had a baby like a year ago."

That popped rib muscle I had pre-Han, still haunts me figuratively and literally. I also get this bizarre muscle soreness on the tops of my feet. I had it when I was pregnant and was told that's due to the softening of ligaments. Yeah, never quite went a way. I don't have the pain all the time, just bouts of it here and there - like now. I also have pelvic soreness while lying on my side, but we just got a new memory foam bed and what do you know - no more pelvic soreness!

Well that's the end of the quirks edition of this post. I hope to have the perks post up tomorrow. Maybe not so surprisingly it's shorter.

Someecard image | Sarah Harris image | Breakfast Club gif | Sorry no image image | Old lady image