I actually did better than I thought being away from Jack for so long. I only teared up a few times in the first couple of days, especially when we were around babies his age. I cried when we watched Wishes, the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, because I can’t wait to share the magic of Disney with Jack!

We quickly got used to doing whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. What freedom! We witnessed several meltdowns by various children within the parks and on the buses and were very thankful that they weren’t our children. The stroller parking was out of control, so again, we were thankful we without a stroller for now.

We talked a lot about what it’ll be like when take Jack in about three years, such as which rides we think will be too scary, and things we have to visit and show him.

I noticed we had more patience with other people’s children than last year. Last year it was annoying, but this year it was, “Aw, poor baby! I bet they’re so tired!”

Around the last couple of days, I’ll be honest…I didn’t think of him as much. At this point, I’m not sure if I remember how to take care of another person!

Yesterday, though, we heard Jack on the phone when we called to check on him and I knew I was so ready to be home with him.

Only a few more hours til I pick him up!!!

We are home from the land of all things magical. Exhaustion has settled in from all the fun, so you’ll have to wait on all the funny pictures. I got a magical cold while I was there that I’m still recovering from.

This was during our FIRST few minutes at Disney, waiting for a bus to take us to the Magic Kingdom:

And this was during our LAST few minutes at Disney. See the difference?

Much more to come later…

As of tomorrow morning, we are officially taking a break with technology and going unplugged. And I’m thrilled! Our only communication outside Disney World will be our cell phones and that’s it! I don’t think we’ve gone without anything but our cellphones since the last time we went the Disney. So, if anyone gets engaged or pregnant and announces it on Facebook next week, let me know, haha! I’m only kidding. But really.

I leave you with pictures of funny Jack Ryan. We have reached a new level of maturity today– he smiled for the camera without being prompted! I’m telling ya, my kid’s a genius.

Have a great weekend and week everyone! I hope it’s magical!

Can you tell I’m in a wacky mood?

Ok, people have laughed at me or think I’m joking when I say I’m going to miss Jack terribly while we’re away. Um, I’m not kidding. I’ve actually already cried about it and we haven’t even left yet!

Being a mom has changed me. Before I had him, I thought it’d be no big deal to leave Jack behind for anything! There are times I do want to take him somewhere, like the middle of the street, and leave him, but those moments are few and far between. (Wow, did I just say that online? Please don’t call child services, I’m only kidding.) And I cherish days “off”, but usually feel a little lost with Jack not around and can’t wait to see him again. So, six whole days of no Jack seems bizarre and unnatural. That’s six days of not hearing his wheezy laugh or seeing his slobbery smile.

But, it’s also six days of only having to wipe my own booty! Whoo hoo for that!

Motherhood is such a funny thing. I don’t understand it and all the emotions it brings. But I like it.

Teething looks painful!

**Disregard the nasty nose; anytime I get close to it, you’d think I was abusing him, so we wait til bath time and it’s not so rough.

If Reid wasn’t Reid, our Disney trip would be a flop. We wouldn’t have a flight, much less have our bags delivered to our room. We’d eat hamburgers the whole time because I wouldn’t have thought to book all our dinner reservations months in advance. We’d miss some extra shows because I wouldn’t look it up and make a schedule in advance.

My outlook on going to Disney, until now, has been “That’s great. I’ll get ready when its time to get ready for it. That’s a long time away.” Reid, however, has done everything, even made a typed up schedule for us of where we’ll be each day and night, where we’ll eat, and what we’ll see.

Reid’s a very prepared person. I remember before we moved into our house, Reid sketched each room on graph paper, and measured our furniture to see how we should re-arrange everything. I, on the other hand, didn’t plan anything, thinking we’ll just throw it all in there and play with it and see what happens.

Today, I’m very thankful for a detail-oriented, scheduling husband.

Today, I had lunch with Lori, Katie, and Deena at Urban Standard. I’d never been before and I fell in love as soon as I saw my hot chocolate!
See!!

Jack showing his enthusiasm for taking this picture

Jack looks like he’s saying, “She said what??”

Me and LoLo

Me and Katie.

Not fun anymore.

“Where did your Weight Progress page go?”

Um, I deleted it. Why? Out of my own annoyance and embarrassment, which I may be adding to by writing this. The fact that I haven’t even lost a pound in at least two months is partly the issue. Who wants to keep writing that every single week? Not me!

If you think I’m giving up, then you don’t know me very well. Losing weight pre-baby was always a struggle, so why would now be any different? I’m just facing reality that its not just going to fall off if I work out, but sneak sugary foods.

I’m back to writing down everything I eat and keeping track with my weight daily because it’s the best accountability for me and any time I’ve lost weight, this is what worked for me.

I’m planning to have a great week, food and exercise wise. However, we’re going to Disney next week. If you’ve ever been, you know what the food is like in the parks (burgers, fries, fried chicken, pizza). We used a certain vacation package that includes our meals; Reid informed me last night that the meals include appetizers, entree, and dessert. Every meal, people. THAT’S A LOT OF FOOD. Thankfully, we’ve planned our trip around incredible restaurants that I know will have healthy options.

Of course, just because the food is there and offered, doesn’t mean I have to eat all of it. Do I plan to eat healthy the whole time? NOOooo way. I can’t wait to visit “France” and get a pastry because it’s incredible. Plus, I remember where the coffee stands are in Epcot and Animal Kingdom, and I plan on indulging in that.

I refuse to let food and weight stress me out during the trip. Hello, are you kidding me, this is a vacation with just the two of us, so I want to enjoy every minute of it, not worrying about petty stuff.

Who wants to place bets on when I’ll cry because I miss Jack? Mind you, I get teary eyed just putting him in the nursery at church. My bets are placed on the plane ride there, but when I see Cinderella’s Castle and I’ll forget all about it.

I haven’t ran in a few days, so I wasn’t sure what my run would be like today. I did intervals for 2.5 miles while listening to the Chicago soundtrack and it was actually relaxing. I’m not sure I’ve ever described any run as relaxing.

I’ve been debating back and forth lately about whether I’m really going to do the Princess 1/2 Marathon in March. 13.1 miles–that’s quite a bit when running 3 miles kicks my butt. With the race being about 4 months out, it’s time to really decide if I’m in or not.

Of course, during my relaxing run tonight, I was thinking “Oh yeah, I can kick this 1/2 marathon’s boo-tay!” Now, as I’m home looking at flight prices, I’m not so sure. My plan, for now, is to put my training into high gear and see how work goes the next couple of months. If finances allow, I’ll go to Disney; if not, I’ll try for the Mercedes 1/2 Marathon in Feb.

Jack and I went to Target today. Not just any Target, either, but the supposed largest Target in the US. I can’t find any proof on that, it’s just what I’ve heard. It made for a fabulous time!

When we came across the massive Christmas section, I was so excited and giddy that I almost peed my pants. Ok, maybe not really, but I was THAT excited! We love the holiday season in the Davis household, so being able to share it with Jack this year just makes it even more special. I showed Jack all the singing snow globes and lights. It was really fun.

I remember all Holiday season last year talking and thinking about what this year would be like with Jack and how fun it would be and NOW IT’S HERE!!! I can’t wait to see his reaction to the Christmas tree lights and to hang his stocking up with ours. Fun fun fun!

So, Happy [early] Holidays everyone!