What's New???

I have noticed that I am doing EVERYTHING that I said I wouldn't do:  allowing her sleep with us at 3:00 am when NOTHING else works, giving her a pacifier when she is throwing a tiff, and many many other bad habits that seem to make her happy :-).  Whatever works!!!!  If baby is happy = all others are happy.

On another note.... So many people have ask if we have been able to get her on a schedule... and the answer is YES!  Can you beleive it?!!  The schedule is HER OWN schedule that she makes day by day and WE have had to follow and adapt to it.  She definitely beats to her own drum...and let's us know about it!

Good news is that we have had some nice nights of sleep... I LOVE her even more for that!

Grandma is here visiting from Indiana... she is the master of burping the baby.

Great G.G and Papa Stan from Chicago was here... loved every minute we had with them. 

Reagan is sooooo blessed with all of our fantasic family members and friends...she can't wait to meet more of them! 

Its been 5 weeks and I am ready to get my body back!!!  Went to Lululemon and tried on some yoga pants.... OUCH!  What happened to my bootie!?  So... if any of you out there want to meet for a walk, give me a call.  I could use a little push and motivation from you guys. 

As for my mission to make more dinners... did it only once!  Successful too!  I am still taking easy receipes from those who want to share. :-)

Congratulations to Mayor Mike Henn

Last Friday Night, we celebrated Mike's new title and role as Newport Beach's very own MAYOR! 
The family attended the mayor's dinner at the Marriott Hotel with a few hundred people.  Mike delivered a wonderful speech on his plans for the city and his visions for making this city an even better place to work and live.  We all were so proud!  Reagan even received a "shout out" from her honorable "papa" and was a hit with MANY people... especially the republican participants. :-)
I may be biased.. but I think Newport has the best mayor around!

You can follow Mike on his facebook page...
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mike-Henn-Mayor-of-Newport-Beach/183913901638500

Back to Normal???

Back to Normal Mistake #1:
So... my BIGGEST mistake is that I was going to "get on a schedule" this week.  Jim is now back to work and I THOUGHT that I would take the "bull by the horns" and develop a bit of a schedule for Reagan, Maggie, and I. 
I KNOW ALL of you veteran mommies are all laughing at me right now.  2.5 weeks out... I am thinking like a CRAZY woman I know!  So far, I have ONLY been able to conquer ONE thing in the past 48 hours that I actually PLANNED to do.. and that was to take a nap!  Success!!!!  :-)

Back to Normal Mistake #2:
I was able to sneak a walk in my day yesterday while Reagan was sleeping,  and I happened to wander into one of my FAVORITE clothing boutiques..."Sydney Michelle".  I saw my favorite "clothing professionals", Norma and Courtney.  After a few hugs and introducing my pride and joy, they immediately began to dress me in adorable tops, bottoms, and the best of bling!  ONE PROBLEM.... NOTHING FIT!  My bootie is definitely on the JUICY side, my thighs are filled with baby love, and my boobs.... Wowzza!!!!   
Here I was, feeling good about myself... having lost some weight, and had a whisper of hope that I would be able to squeeze into some fashionable pieces.  Ahhhh... not so much! 
I think I'll stay out of the stores for a while. :-)

Back to Normal Mistake #3:
To begin with ... I have become the worst cook!  I have had numerous attempts to fix a fabulous dinner for Jim when he returns from work... and they have all resulted in FAILURE!  Thank goodness that we both have a sense of humor!! 
So...why would it be any different now that I am "with child"???  Could I become the "Next Top Chef" overnight???? 
I REALLY wanted to turn a corner and start preparing nice dinners for my husband.  Yesterday was my first THOUGHT of doing such a thing.... didn't happen.  Tonight... again I am thinking about it...but not/can't make it to the store.
So... that will be my GOAL next week.  My plea to you all.... If anyone has EASY recipes for me.... "Step 1,2,3...and done" type of meal, PLEASE send them my way!!!  Email them to cimobarry@gmail.com...  I need alll the help I can get!



In my life, "Back to Normal" needs to have a new definition.. a new end point... a new place for me to rest my soul. 
For now, NORMAL is going to mean being happy with each minute, wherever it may take me.  It means, loving my new figure because it gave me Reagan.  It means, only focusing in the things that matter... that make a difference in my day to day life.  It means, being thankful for my husband, daughter, and the family we have created.

With all that being said.... I guess I AM "Back to Normal"

16 days down.... :-)

What a ride!  The past few weeks have been exciting, adventurous, challenging, exhausting, endearing, and blissful!  Reagan has turned our world upside down, which in my eyes is NOW right-side up!

We finally were able to leave the home and venture to the real world last Wednesday.  On her 2 week birthday we, the family :-), took a trip to Fashion Island.  I wanted to show my baby girl where we were going to spend most of our time together, trying NOT to spend any $$$.  It was so much fun walking around and having my inner smile shining the ENTIRE time.  I think they call that smile "peace".

We have also continued to be blessed with WONDERFUL dinner from our fantastic friends.  I have high expectations of writing thank you notes to each and every one of you... but I am beginning to have to accept that I might not get to it anytime soon.  SO... here is my public THANK YOU to Carrie, Jen J, Jen S, Denise, Kirsten, Aunt P, and Kelley!!!!!  We have been eating like kings and queens here! We can't thank you enough for your kindness, time, support, and culinary gifts!

AND... we have also been shower with very kind gifts and tokens of love from all of our FABULOUS family and friends.... thank you, each and everyone of of you.  Your visits and gifts mean THE WORLD to Jim and I.  We can't wait to share more of Reagan with you as she grows up. 

We can't wait to see everyone!  GG and Papa Stan are flying out next Wednesday, and Grandma Vicky is on her way on Valentine's Day... could have chosen a more perfect gift for Reagan!

Looking forward to more visitors!! Just know that I AM that "over-the-top mom" who will make you wash your hands and get your flu shot :-)  
I am everything that I said I wouldn't be... sorry guys! :-)

Well.... I am signing off.  Have to go gaze at my beautiful baby girl!!!!