Gettin' Healthy... or trying to to at least.

So Stephen and I are making an attempt to turn up the health factor in our lifestyles. We both recently saw the doctor and before we get our lab work back we decided to just start doing what we already know we should be doing... simply eating healthy and exercising more. Grant it, we already did eat fairly healthy and worked out a bit, Stephen more so than me, but it was still more sporadic than we would like.

We both joined Planet Fitness, which easily fits into anyone's budget because memberships are only $10 a month. We are going to try to take turns going in the mornings, switching off work outs and baby duty. I also signed up for a pilates class at the local recreation center which I am really looking forward to.

I try to plan out our dinners weekly. That way I know exactly what I need to do to get dinner ready for that night, and I can prep things when I have a few spare minutes through out the day and it doesn't seem like such a daunting task at 5 pm. I also go to the grocery store with a very specific list which cuts down and lots of little trips to the grocery store during the week to pick up ingredients. I've been doing this menu thing for a few months now and it really has helped keep me organized and I'm more encouraged to cook because I know exactly what I need to do.

I write everything down on this chalkboard/picture frame I got for Christmas.

Tonight we had a really, really delicious asian chicken salad from Everyday Food. I make a lot of stuff out of that magazine. I would definitely make this again. I grilled the chicken with a little kosher salt, pepper and cumin. I also added thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds and omitted the mint, cause it's not my favorite. One serving is only 199 calories.

Seriously make this!!!

Here is my sous chef happy to assist!

Here is the recipe since I can't find it online: (from Everyday Food)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce

1 jalapeno, minced

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon sugar

4 cups shredded red cabbage, about half a medium head

1 cup shredded carrots, about 2 large

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions

1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves

1 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, jalapeno, oil and sugar until combined. Add cabbage, carrots, scallions, cilantro, mint and chicken and toss well to combine. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately.

Hopefully we can stick with it! Does anyone have any tips on staying motivated to go to the gym, especially when you have to clean all the snow off of your car at 5 am?

Six Months!

The first six months is over! Hard to believe. Leland had her six month well child visit this week and she is doing great. She is 25. 5 inches long and weighs 17 lbs. 10 oz. Her noggin is in the 90th percentile. She is sitting up on her own and rolling over like crazy. She loves mangos and sweet potatoes so far. She goes to sleep at 6:20 and wakes up between 5:30 and 6. I looove that. She is one spunky, happy little baby.

Some regular scenes from The Girl's everyday life

Leland in the sun.

Leland helping Linsey in the kitchen.

A bedtime bottle.

A new outfit for sleeping.

Recent Pics

Here are lots of pictures from our holiday in no particular order.

New Years Eve

Happy New Year!

Also from New Years Eve, the happy couple.

A family photo

I love my family photo in contrast with Stephen's family photo.

The Tait men with their little girls.

Hehehe, I like this one.

So pretty!

Leland opening some presents on Christmas.

Mary with a swarm of grandchildren around her eagerly waiting to open presents.

Leland's first time eating rice cereal.

This cracks me up!

Love this one too!

The happy couple again.

Leland: Why would you assume we'd post pictures of anything else?

Linsey took some photos of Leland today. I liked this one a lot.

By the way, the doctor said Leland's head is 17 inches in diameter. "Big," the doctor said, "but not off-the-charts big."

One day, Linsey let me watch Leland. This is what happened.

Rarity: Leland Video

Thanksgiving Plus

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving.

A random night before thanksgiving. Stephen got home from work just before Leland's bedtime so he could kiss her good night.

Leland and I at my parents house on Thanksgiving.

Stephen learned how to carve the turkey and he was very impressed with the electric knife.

Leland watches football with grandpa and dad.

Leland with her G.G. and second cousins.

Four generation picture

December 4th Leland Stephen and I went to the light parade downtown Trenton, which went right by our apartment.

It was fun because everyone watching the parade had these candles.

We did go to the Tait's over Thanksgiving but I neglected to take a single photo. Sorry Taits. I'll make it up tomorrow when we travel there just for the heck of it.