Change is in the air

Here in the Palmer house, things are changing. A lot of things!

Daelynn is completely out of diapers except when she is sleeping. Boy is this Mama happy about that! She has been a complete champ about potty training, and has done phenomenally well. We even braved a trip to the store with her diaperless. No problem.

Blake is in a world of changes right now. We just changed his nap schedule around about a month ago. And a couple weeks ago we began to wean him off using a bottle. He had some experience with sippy cups, so that helped. And yesterday was his first formula free day. Bring on the whole milk! Daelynn had a hard time with that transition, she wasn't sure about milk for about a week. But Blake didn't even seem to notice anything had changed.
He got his very first haircut last Sunday! It makes him look so much more like a big boy (feeling bittersweet about that).
He is up to taking 4-5 steps at a time, and will be toddling everywhere in a blink. Just in time too, all his jeans are getting holes in the knees! He has been great at going up the stairs for a long time, but this week he figured out how to go down the stairs too.
He is learning how to feed himself with a spoon... though still has a long way to go. He is taking the flood of changes in stride, like the good little man he is, without too much complaint.

Jim finally shaved off the goatee that he has had for some months now. And got a haircut to boot, right after Blake. Looks like a whole new man.

As I stated in my previous post, our diet has changed quite a bit. That has been going well. We are finding new foods we never knew we liked, as well as some we never knew we didn't. Everyone is benefiting from the change to healthier food. And I am getting to try new seasonings and recipes, which is a favorite activity of mine. I love being creative in the kitchen.

I found out last night about an unexpected benefit of moving to a bigger house where I use the stairs so many times a day: I am in much better shape! I have not been in good shape for running in a few years. But last night I decided to try a little run... I ran a mile... nonstop, without barely breaking a sweat, and without loosing my breath! The only thing that stopped me after that was my calves threatening to cramp. I was, and remain, stunned and excited! Oh the possibilities...
Between the change in diet, and a slightly increased exercise regime, I have been loosing a fair bit of weight. Just this morning I found out that I have hit a goal I have been working at for nearly a year: my pre-pregnancy weight from Blake! Within 2 months after delivery I was within 2lbs of it, and that was the closest I have been able to get until now. I am so excited!

Lots of positive, healthy changes. And lots to rejoice for. I am so thankful to God; for my beautiful, healthy, growing children. For my amazing husband, who's support and love has been invaluable, especially with so much change occurring. For leading us through these changes, and for being our strength. The Lord has blessed our family so greatly.