Happy 2nd B-Day Niecy Poo

Today was my niece’s 2^nd Birthday.  Well, technically her b-day was yesterday, but her party was today.  Her birthdays are always so special.  I don’t know if I’ve ever told you guys the whole story, but my niece was born 4 months too early, my sister was only 24 weeks pregnant.  She came into the world weighing only 1 pound and 7 ounces.  The doctors didn’t think she would make it through the night.  But we prayed and cried and after 4 long hellish months in the hospital NICU, we were finally able to bring her home.  Today was such a huge celebration, my Big Little Sister said there were 80 adults and kids.  There was a kiddie pool, bar-b-que and even a bounce house.  And, the way my family cooks, there was still a ton of food left when the party was over…..But let me rewind.  All week long, I said I was going to go try a Birkram Yoga class where they keep the classroom at 105 degrees, and you’re supposed to sweat a lot and lose weight.  But, last night me and my friend had movie night and watched “Avatar” and “It’s Complicated” until the wee hours of the morning, so I didn’t feel like getting up for the 8 AM yoga class.  But, I did get up and go to the park and run to my Week 1 Podcast for the Couch to 5K running program.  It kicked my butt!  I kept saying “Carli, talk me to baby, tell me it’s time to walk.” Every time I felt like quitting, I told myself you ARE Carli, you have to be able to do week 1.  When I finished the series of 60 second interval runs, I turned around and finished the whole 3 miles.  It wasn’t hot yoga class, but it was approaching 90 degrees outside, and I certainly did sweat.  Then I went to the store to pick up my niece’s birthday cake for my sister.  When I was there, I ran into my Shopping Cousin.  What a coincidence?!  She was doing what we do best…shopping LOL! But, she caught me red-handed with some mini lemon cakes that were calling my name in the bakery department.  She said “Ah-ha! I caught you!  I’ll bet you weren’t going to put those on the blog” Ummmm… no I wasn’t, but I guess I have to now.  So, I kept some for myself and took the rest to the party.  It was super hot outside, but we were all just happy it wasn’t raining, since it rained the 12 of the last 15 days *ugh*.  That’s why boot camp was canceled again on Thursday….anyway, my niece had a wonderful time.  She loved the bounce house after she realized what it was for, she didn’t even come out to open her presents.   I bought her some baby bling, a gold bracelet and cross pendant gold necklace.  Looking at the party pics, I realized that I might think I’m sneaking food, but my chubby cheeks and double chin tell it all. Like they say when you cheat your diet, the only person who you’re really cheating is yourself.  I see old habits slipping back in, and I have to get it together sooner rather than later.  I need to find the right motivation to get me going again. Like I always say, I only feel failure when I stop trying. Sometimes I feel like quitting, but I’m still trying! 

Daddy and Niece

The Birthday Girl

Niece at 2 Pounds