Whole Food vs. Puree for Baby

Nick is officially becoming a kid! He is eating plenty of good fats and even whole foods! I have read about babies eating actual foods versus purees, but never paid any attention until I began to notice Nick's behaviors when it came to meal times.

Keeping in mind that Nick is still learning about eating, I am not putting too much effort into worrying over his eating habits....yet! I am one of the pickiest eaters I know, besides my Aunt Kim (who I totally blame for this now family trait)!

Anyway, when I offer Nick puree, he will fuss, but eventually give in. Then, when I offer him a banana, organic puffs, or even other actual foods, he excitedly chews and gobbles them down! What gives?! I guess this is where Alex and I just have to go with the flow and throw the "first time parents" rule book out the window.

Time to brag...our baby boy has been crawling for almost a month now. I have to close doors and hide the outlets. Nick is also trying to pull himself up to stand. This boy has loved to stand since he was a newborn. He cries if you sit him in your lap. Put him up on his feet, and Nick won't complain! Now, I can let Nick stand BY HIMSELF (yay!) in his play pen while holding onto the side. My heart literally melts. How can he be getting this big already?! We are so in love with him!



















Enjoy your weekend with your friends and family. We will be happily chasing our 6 month old around while you do! :)

Birthday Gifts, pay it forward

I haven't really talked much about my kiddos on the blog but obviously they are the BIGGEST part of me. The thing that keeps me pushing harder to be a better person every single day. Our blog is about health but it is also about being a mother and balancing it all and keeping your family happy and healthy. One thing that makes me happy is giving back to those in need. Paying it forward is so important in life, I always read about the cool ways just ONE person can change someones day, whether it be paying their bill at Starbucks or just giving someone a compliment, you have the power to change someones entire day. Well I am always looking for ways for us to be giving back to those in need and birthdays are the PERFECT time for that! Everyone wants to know what to buy your child and is ready to give your child whatever they want, well my kids don't need a thing. Honestly.

I am in the process of planning the boys birthday bash for this summer. We decided to trade in 4 separate parties for one giant summer bash! It's not doable for all of our family and friends to make 4 separate parties in a year so this way each summer we will just do one big she-bang with all our peeps and be done with it! Don't worry we still do something special with each boy on their real birthday but lower key with just us! 

The one thing about birthdays is that there are SO MANY gifts! SO FREAKING MANY. It is semi overwhelming and I just don't care for it at all. My kids have plenty as is and I don't want them to be spoiled honestly.I don't want them thinking it's my birthday what did you get me? I want them knowing that they are loved by family and friends, the real gift is that. So as I have done in the past we have picked one local charity for people to make donations to instead of buying our kids toys! I would honestly rather my friends and family money go to someone who needs food than buying my child another toy that will just be thrown into a toy box and played with a few times. 

So I encourage you to pay it forward with your kids birthdays or even your own. There are so many people that are less fortunate and that need help! I know the boys party will be a freaking blast and honestly they will know no different presents or not!! Here's to the rest of the exciting party planning for their party.....the food!! My favorite part! I am already fantasizing about the cupcakes! YUM!

PS I used to order invites but have since switched to just making my own. I made this little one on PicMonkey in just a few minutes. I will email to our friends and family and also print a few for our grandparents that do not use email! Cheap and easy!! I am all about simplicity! 

Pool Time!

Alex was an excellent swimmer back in the day, and I just love being outside, next to a pool, and in the sunshine. With these powers combined, we are having too much fun putting Nick in the water!

I am so thankful our son enjoys splishing and splashing. I am able to get into the pool with him, and we truly have a blast! I have never felt so much love and joy in my life.

Summer already feels like it is in full swing, and we are totally going to take advantage of it.

What are your plans for the summer? Fitness groups? Play groups? Trips? We'd love to hear from you!

Greek Chicken Salad in a jar!

Well if you didn't know already, I, Allie have a mason jar obsession. I drink anything and everything in a mason jar (I prefer the blue ones usually) and if I can incorporate them into anything else I do so. They just make me happy. Flowers in a mason jar make my heart skip a beat. They bring me some joy inside the madness of my home. I have read of people doing salads in a jar during their meal prep and I thought it was a good idea! You can really do any salad you like and put it in jars for the week. I decided to do a greek chicken salad in a jar. I won't lie, I only put it in the jar for pictures haha! Since I stay at home I don't typically have to FULLY meal prep so I just cut it all fresh right before I eat it. Whatever works for your lifestyle. If you put the dressing in the bottom it will keep everything fresh and good to go for the week! 

You will need:

Chicken (I just used a some left over from dinner) 

Bell Pepper

Onion

Cucumber

Grape Tomatoes (if you prefer)

Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Feta cheese

Mason Jar

Chop everything nicely and layer in jar. Make sure to put the dressing on the bottom. I chose to put mine on after since I was at home.  Feta on top. Voila! You are done. I just love the crispness of the veggies! The chicken just adds some protein and a nice texture!

You can eat it from the jar or in a bowl!! Enjoy!! 

xoxo

P90x3!

Ahhh!! I love it when I find a new workout that really gets my motivation high and my fitness maxed out! I thought I was all about Insanity, but P90x3 is taking the lead.

So far, I have completed two weeks worth of P90x3. Tim Horton covers a lot of ground in 30 minute sessions, and I have been very pleased with the level of activities along with the actual exercises themselves. Of course, I am not a fan of squats, lunges or yoga, but I am warming up as the program progresses.

I took on yoga again this week. I decided I needed to change my "Ughh...I hate yoga! I am not flexible!" attitude to "hey, maybe I will be a yoga freak if i persist." I am interested to see where I am with this in a few months.

Keep up the good work, fitness friends! Allie and I are really enjoying getting to know you as we continue our own fitness journeys. :)