Picnic at the Park

I've probably said it a thousand times, and I could say it a thousand more, but I seriously LOVE being a mom. It is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love being able to stay at home and put all my attention and focus on Duke. When I lay Duke down for a nap, I always just stare at him and can't believe that he's all mine. The meaning of life has such a greater meaning to me now that I have a little family of my own. 

When I was little, people would ask what I wanted to be when I grow up, and I would always say a "stay at home mom". My dream finally came true and it's a million times better than I would've ever imagined. Baby's are so innocent and pure - straight from heaven, and I love being able to spend all day (& night) with little Duke. It truly is the best!!!

The other day, back when it actually wasn't snowy and cold outside (it snowed yesterday), Christine and I went to the park for a picnic. It felt good to actually get some sun and hang out with these cuties. 

Don't mind my gross hair! Obviously it was a bad hair day haha

I have this thing with babies just in a onesie... so cute! Especially when they have thunder thighs ;)

t w e n t y t h r e e

Birthdays are my absolute favorite. I believe that everyone deserves at least one day out of the year to be spoiled rotten... & that's just what Chad did (although he technically spoils me when it's not my birthday, too ;)

We started the day off by going to breakfast. We originally went to Callie's cafe, but after waiting 10 minutes to place our order, we decided to ditch it and grab Jamba Juice. Who doesn't love a fresh Razmatazz?! mmmmm

Next, I met my mom and Christine at Marley's in the Riverwoods for lunch. Salads and fries... doesn't get much better than that. It's not a girls day without with little retail therapy... so we stopped at Called to Surf, and I couldn't pass up a new shirt. That's what birthdays are for, right? right.  

Last but not least, we went to Provo Beach Resort and treated ourselves to a delightful Blue Bell banana split. 

I decided it would be fun to get number balloons and have a little photoshoot. I told Chad we should do it every birthday to see how we change over the years... he didn't seem too excited about that ;) We'll see if I can convince him to do it when his birthday rolls around next year.

When I went to pick up the balloons at Zurchers, I was shocked that two balloons cost almost $20, but it was too late to back out since they had already been blown up. I was determined to get my moneys worth and get at least one good picture. Here's what we came up with...

{of course, I had to show off my new shirt too...}

I came home to a decorated kitchen... it seriously melted my heart. My day was officially made. 

We enjoyed an Italian dinner at Le Dolce Vita, then we went and bought supplies to make our own bath bombs. We are pretty stoked to use them. 

Can we just take a minute to appreciate the many different facial expressions and chubbiness of Duke?! Take note, these were taken within 10 seconds...

Chad surprised me with a half dozen of my favorite cupcakes (Cravings in PG)... so naturally, we had to take a bite of each one. I could live off their cupcakes. SO GOOD.

I can honestly say that this was by far my favorite birthday. I told Chad I didn't want any presents. I have a healthy (& adorable) baby, and the sweetest, hottest hubby... what more could I seriously need?! It was such a perfect day spending it with my loved ones. No gift could ever give me that much happiness. 

{+ Duke gave me the best present by sleeping all through the night!! What an angel baby. & we ate cupcakes for breakfast. win-win.}

Workin' It

Duke is starting to get on a feeding/napping schedule, which is nice because now I can have a little "me" time throughout the day. Don't get me wrong, I am completely obsessed with the little guy and love being at home with him, but it's nice to have a little break and get some things done. 

First things first, I have been anxiously waiting 6 months to workout. I have always loved working out. Since being on bed rest for 4 months, and two months post partum, I have finally been cleared to workout and I have never been so excited. Although I have lost 42 pounds since I had Duke (which is smaller than before I even got pregnant), I don't feel as good, mainly because I hardly have any muscle... I guess 4 months of laying down will do that to ya ;) I'm still super weak, like only being able to handle 10 minutes on the elliptical weak, but I am building up my strength and that's all that matters. 

While I was working out this morning, Bruno had a suspicious look on his face and I could tell he was up to no good. I pulled out my camera and just watched him for a few minutes. He literally is obsessed with Duke and kept itching his way closer and closer to him. Things escalated quickly, and before I knew it, they were having a mini make-out session. It was cute, but I quickly stopped it before Bruno got too excited. These two are my little pals and I can't wait to watch them become best friends as Duke gets older. 

Weitzeil Easter Egg Hunt

Every year, the Saturday before Easter Sunday, all the Weitzeil's go up to my aunt Sherry's house in South Weber, UT for the anticipated Easter egg hunt. This has been going on for as long as I can remember, and it's such a fun tradition. Even though all of my cousins are older, and most of them are married and have kids, the tradition still lives on. Our parents prepare the plastic eggs with candy and hide them throughout the yard. We are given a grocery sack with our names written in sharpie on them, and then we are released into the yard to find our 15 eggs + a charleston chew (yum!). It's been such a fun tradition and it was even more fun having Duke there with us. I can't wait to introduce him to all of our crazy traditions! 

Weitzeil cousins

Duke with Grandma & Grandpa Weitzeil