Healthy Baby!!

So, if being a parent wasn't hard enough... So many things we eat, drink, put on our bodies, etc. are horrible for us and our babies! I've been really determined to try and find/use the healthiest products for Macie. So far, I've been pleasantly surprised and pleased with what I've found on the market! It makes it a lot easier when you have health conscious mommy friends to help you along the way...

These are a few of my favorite things:

Seventh Generation Diapers and Seventh Generation Wipes Both of these are fragrance free, hypoallergenic, with plant-derived ingredients. They do not contain alcohol, synthetic cleaners, dyes or fragrances. I find they work as great as any other name-brand, and are even CHEAPER if you buy them through Amazon Mom's Subscribe & Save program. Even if you're NOT a mom, you have to check out the Subscribe & Save program. If you do not know what this is, you are MISSING OUT. Check it out here: Subscribe & Save

Super Baby Food - I stole this book from my friend Aimee and I love, love, love it. It explains the importance of organic food, the ease on how to make it yourself and when and what you should start with.

California Baby - LOVE these products. They are a tad pricier than what you'd find in a regular drug store, but after reading up on all of the harmful chemicals and ingredients that regular baby products use, the $3-$5 more that I am paying is well, well worth it.

HAPPYBABY Organic Puffs - Awesome. Macie has not had any of these yet, but from the ingredients and reviews I've read, I've already stocked up when Amazon was having a mega sale. I bought the Greens & Banana flavors. And, again, when using the Subscribe & Save program, they cost less than a box of Cheerios (Most mommy's go-to snack), and are MUCH more nutritional! :)

I'm sure I have more... but these are my FAVS for the moment!

Running...

So, after having Macie, I decided to start running. Inspired by my amazing sister who ran the half marathon last October and is running the full this October. After lots of kicking and screaming by my wonderful husband, he agreed to start running with me. In April, we started the Couch to 5K program. It was no joke! After reading the first week I thought it would be super easy until we were on our 3rd or 4th 1 minute run and both wanted to fall over hyperventilating. Thankfully, we stuck with it and are currently running 3+ miles a few times a week. Not as often as I would like, but it has gotten HOT lately, and running outside is SO much more fun than on the treadmill. Also, when we run outside, we can bring Macie. When we go to the gym, we have to find a sitter (aka Grandma, who works full-time and has a life of her own), so it can be challenging.

I would really love to run the half marathon in October, but I don't think I'm committed as I should be. I love running with Joey because its something we can do together, but my poor hubby has shin splints that just came on last week! Poor baby. :( I feel bad for him. He has been ROCKING it lately and actually enjoys running now! I hope he heals fast and we can get back to is asap.

 Here's Rachel, Momma and I after the Detroit Half Marathon last October.

 Here's Joey and I after running the Wyandotte River Run in May. It was HARD for me, but I'm so happy we did it! Can't wait for our next run, which is currently TBD. 

I've never stuck with running for this long EVER - and I thank the couch to 5K program. I encourage everyone that wants to start running to do it! Its not easy, especially after week 5 and/or if you are out of shape to begin with, but it helps to have a program to stick to and a buddy to do it with!

Hello, again (again)

Can't believe its been so long (again) since I've posted last. Life has been a tad chaotic... Since my last post I celebrated my 1st year of marriage, became a mommy and a brilliant domestic goddess (or so I like to tell myself). Being a stay at home mommy has been fantastic! I have not had the going insane, have to get out of the house, please give me adult time, feelings that I thought I would constantly have (Ok, maybe once or twice). I miss teaching, however, I do not miss the insane amount of work and stress. I DO miss the kids!

Macie will be 5 months old ALREADY on Friday. I just can't believe it. Time has been FLYING by. Makes me nervous... I don't want her to grow up too fast! It feels like she was JUST born and also feels like we've had her forever. Joey and I love, love, love being her parents and feel that God has really blessed us! These are pics I took on Monday for the 4th. She cracks me up with her serious face because she is constantly, talking, shrieking, smiling or laughing... until the camera comes out!