(Thanks to my dear friend, Missy, for reminding me to blog about this!)
Last week, as I was up feeding Will at 3 a.m., I was watching the news and catching up on the most recent celeb gossip. I heard a teaser that went something like "Jillian Michaels offends moms...hear what she said after the break!"
When the commercial break was over, the offending quote was revealed. As she was being interviewed for Women's Health magazine (which, in the interest of full disclosure..and as a proud big sister, my sister is featured in this month in the "You Lose, You Win" article), Jillian Michaels was asked if she would ever consider having biologial children. She responded with : "I can't handle doing that to my body."
My thoughts, and emotions, instantly raced. At first, I was angered and offended. Jillian's implying that having babies ruins bodies made me want to boycott her shows and products. I thought that moms who worked hard for their babies, and post-baby bodies, should unite in order to prove to her that her comment made her, in fact, a BIG loser. Ha...that'll show her.
Then, after about a minute, I started to feel bad for Jillian Michaels.
I would be lying if I said that Jillian Michaels wasn't one of my inspirations for becoming a fitness instructor. She's fun to watch as she whips people into shape on The Biggest Loser through her somehow finding a balance between a drill sargeant and a counselor. I know that she's worked her way to health through finding fitness, and I appreciate her doing that. Jillian also has a physique to work toward. If she could do it, then so can I. Perhaps that's why she's as popular as she is- she's relatable.
But, in rationalizing her comment, one has to remember that her body IS her livelihood- figuratively, literally, AND financially. If she started to gain weight, etc., then she will have many people to answer to. If I gain 5 pounds, I have myself to answer to. If she gains 5 lbs., her career is threatened. Not fun.
One thing that I have, and Jillian Michaels never will, is a body that has carried, grown, delivered and cared for three children. The more I thought about it, Jillian will never know what it's like to discover that she's pregnant. She will (most likely) never feel the thrill of the first flutter kick in her belly, nor will she be able to guess what body part swooshes across her midsection as she relaxes on the couch with her husband. Jillian won't know what it's really like to go into labor and then deliver a miracle, nor will she look into the eyes of a life created out of love and feel the love for her new child that is all-consuming.
In other words, having children didn't ruin my body- it MADE my body. It made me who I am today.
I often refer to my stretch marks as tiny badges of courage. My wider hips help to keep me looking womanly. My body continues to nourish my newborn, and it helps to set an example for my little girls as they see me working out at Stroller Strides or running with all three of them strapped into the jogger stroller. Yes, I may have some extra fat that I want to get rid of. But, mark my words, I am WAY more proud of my body now than I ever was when I didn't have to work for it as a teenager or in my early-20's. It now has a power that it didn't utilize before...it makes LITTLE PEOPLE!
I am NOT knocking Jillian's decision to want to adopt someday. I think that's great. One day, I hope that she will be able to know what it's like to raise a child, as there are plenty of babies and children out there who deserve to be loved. In all honestly and likelihood, she will be able to both care for the child herself, and she will have enough people working for and with her in order to somehow balance her professional and personal life.
And maybe it's good that she doesn't try to bear her own child; after all, if she's that concerned about her body, she may resent the baby for changing her physique. Who would want to start off life like that?!
Anyways, thank YOU, Jillian, for helping to remind me about how proud I am of my body. Thank you for inspiring me to become a fitness instructor for moms who want to get in shape post-baby (myself included!). Thank you for driving me to push both my Stroller Strides moms and myself just a little further every time we work out because now I want to prove that you CAN get your body back after bearing children. In one comment, you helped to both feel the frustration of stereotypes (having a baby ruins you), and the joy of knowing how to overcome them.
Rollin' With My Babies!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
One, two, three...
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
I used to glide across the dance floor chanting these numbers through my head.
One, two, three...
They used to signify corresponding fluid body movements, seamless...yet tying into the theme of musicality. Simple. Beautiful. There is a clear method behind the little steps.
One, two, three....
Now it's what's consantly going through my head as I walk through Target as I keep constant track of my children.
"Gracie! Please don't pull those Princess hairties off of the shelf! Stay by the cart!"
"Sissy! Please turn around! Put your booty down!"
Will just, well, sleeps. He occasionally wakes up, only to have his little eyes dart around in the unfamiliarity of where he is at the moment, only to settle back on me and then slowly drift off again.
One, two, three....
I wonder sometimes how life has gone from what seemed to be a smooth waltz to a sometimes spaztic "Ellen" from Seinfeld dance. There are days when the family are able to move through with synchronicity; and there are days when it takes every morsel of energy Brent and I have to get through the end of our day. Most days have moments where I question the motions of parenthood, suddenly realizing my ackwardness, only to correct my form in order to keep from falling down.
I just hope that, to Brent and my kids, they understand that you only learn to dance through learning how to master the little steps along the way.
One, two, three...
As we headed out of Target today, I looked under Will's infant carrier, only to realize that the brake fluid I had wanted to get for our minivan had gotten stuck, and I had not paid for it. I picked it up, and showed it to Grace.
"Mommy, what's that?"
"It's brake fluid, honey. Mommy didn't see it, and we forgot to pay for it."
"Oh, okay, well, let's go pay for it, Mommy."
I smile, proud that Gracie IS learning the steps to becoming a responsible little person. Clearly, Brent and I have taught her something right!
We head back to the cash register, Dani climbing, Will sleeping, and Grace grabbing things along the way...
One, two, three...
One, two, three.
I used to glide across the dance floor chanting these numbers through my head.
One, two, three...
They used to signify corresponding fluid body movements, seamless...yet tying into the theme of musicality. Simple. Beautiful. There is a clear method behind the little steps.
One, two, three....
Now it's what's consantly going through my head as I walk through Target as I keep constant track of my children.
"Gracie! Please don't pull those Princess hairties off of the shelf! Stay by the cart!"
"Sissy! Please turn around! Put your booty down!"
Will just, well, sleeps. He occasionally wakes up, only to have his little eyes dart around in the unfamiliarity of where he is at the moment, only to settle back on me and then slowly drift off again.
One, two, three....
I wonder sometimes how life has gone from what seemed to be a smooth waltz to a sometimes spaztic "Ellen" from Seinfeld dance. There are days when the family are able to move through with synchronicity; and there are days when it takes every morsel of energy Brent and I have to get through the end of our day. Most days have moments where I question the motions of parenthood, suddenly realizing my ackwardness, only to correct my form in order to keep from falling down.
I just hope that, to Brent and my kids, they understand that you only learn to dance through learning how to master the little steps along the way.
One, two, three...
As we headed out of Target today, I looked under Will's infant carrier, only to realize that the brake fluid I had wanted to get for our minivan had gotten stuck, and I had not paid for it. I picked it up, and showed it to Grace.
"Mommy, what's that?"
"It's brake fluid, honey. Mommy didn't see it, and we forgot to pay for it."
"Oh, okay, well, let's go pay for it, Mommy."
I smile, proud that Gracie IS learning the steps to becoming a responsible little person. Clearly, Brent and I have taught her something right!
We head back to the cash register, Dani climbing, Will sleeping, and Grace grabbing things along the way...
One, two, three...
Week 3
Okay, here are my measurements for week 3:
Weight: 154
B: 37 (almost pre-pregnancy!)
W: 31
H: 39
Slow and steady, steady and slow....that's how women who lose weight while breastfeeding go! ;)
Weight: 154
B: 37 (almost pre-pregnancy!)
W: 31
H: 39
Slow and steady, steady and slow....that's how women who lose weight while breastfeeding go! ;)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Confessions from a mom of three
Dialogue from a phone conversation I had today at about 3 p.m.:
Friend: "I want to do something today, (my son) does, too; but (my daughter) is not into it."
Me: "No worries. Grace is still up, Dani is still sleeping, and Will is good...we can do something another day, too."
Friend: "Yeah, maybe..."(I look over at Will, who is in his bounce chair on the floor)
"WHOOPS! Will is puking. Gotta go!"
Such is life.
You know, I remember how, after another good friend of mine had her third, I wondered why she suddenly got so busy. When she only had two, we were able to do park playdates and walks all of the time. I knew she wasn't mad at me or anything; however, I wondered why our once-active social time with one another had cooled. After all, adding one kid wasn't such a big deal, right?
WRONG!
Man, I completely understand her now.
If it takes a village to raise a child, I am my own city structure for my kids. On any day, I am a mom, a doctor, the mayor, sheriff, scheduler, maintenance director, garbage collector, and city planner. Since I do not have family close by, and my husband travels a lot, I am often solely responsible for these three little lives 24/7, with little or no breaks inbetween. I am the chauffer, carting the kids to ballet and the park, and their guardian angel who protects them from everything I possibly can.
Gosh, it's a busy life. I would not trade it for ANYTHING; but man, how things have changed!
I remember the overwhelming sense of responsibility I felt the moment Grace was placed in my arms. As she cried her first cry, I vowed to do everything I could to make sure that her laughs outnumbered her cries. I started to sing her "A, B, C, D...", and she stopped crying. I knew, from that moment on, the power and ability that I, as her mommy had...and that feeling was completely intoxicating.
When I brought her home from the hospital, I realized that my life would never be the same. No longer did life revolve around what Brent and I wanted to do...it was now ALL.ABOUT.HER! Every whimper, every laugh, and every moment of our day was now taken up with molding this little baby into a smart and responsible human being.
Fast forward 15 months, and I had Dani in my arms. Twenty-two months after that, Will. Same feelings for all, just multiplied.
My heart is overflowing...and so is our schedule.
For my dear friends, I apologize for not "being there" for you as much as I used to. Most days, between feeding, burping, and changing the baby, and making sure that the girls are both taken care of and growing intellectually, I have barely enough time to think straight. I try to squeeze some "me time" in there every day; however, most days even that makes me feel somewhat guilty, so while I do take advantage of it, I try to compensate with the kids later.
Oh yeah, did I mention that I have a HUSBAND, too? Yeah, so, when the kids go to bed, I am all about him. He has become my sole source for adult conversations on most days; and for that, I'm thankful.
In other words, and after a lengthy post, I would like everyone to know that, if I seem like I haven't been as active as I once was, I'm sorry. I am active, but just in a different way. I have my little city that I'm trying to keep up on the top of its little hill. Someday, I will be able to breathe again (and maybe be able to hold more than a three-minute long converstation!); but for now, this is my life.
And I love it.
Friend: "I want to do something today, (my son) does, too; but (my daughter) is not into it."
Me: "No worries. Grace is still up, Dani is still sleeping, and Will is good...we can do something another day, too."
Friend: "Yeah, maybe..."(I look over at Will, who is in his bounce chair on the floor)
"WHOOPS! Will is puking. Gotta go!"
Such is life.
You know, I remember how, after another good friend of mine had her third, I wondered why she suddenly got so busy. When she only had two, we were able to do park playdates and walks all of the time. I knew she wasn't mad at me or anything; however, I wondered why our once-active social time with one another had cooled. After all, adding one kid wasn't such a big deal, right?
WRONG!
Man, I completely understand her now.
If it takes a village to raise a child, I am my own city structure for my kids. On any day, I am a mom, a doctor, the mayor, sheriff, scheduler, maintenance director, garbage collector, and city planner. Since I do not have family close by, and my husband travels a lot, I am often solely responsible for these three little lives 24/7, with little or no breaks inbetween. I am the chauffer, carting the kids to ballet and the park, and their guardian angel who protects them from everything I possibly can.
Gosh, it's a busy life. I would not trade it for ANYTHING; but man, how things have changed!
I remember the overwhelming sense of responsibility I felt the moment Grace was placed in my arms. As she cried her first cry, I vowed to do everything I could to make sure that her laughs outnumbered her cries. I started to sing her "A, B, C, D...", and she stopped crying. I knew, from that moment on, the power and ability that I, as her mommy had...and that feeling was completely intoxicating.
When I brought her home from the hospital, I realized that my life would never be the same. No longer did life revolve around what Brent and I wanted to do...it was now ALL.ABOUT.HER! Every whimper, every laugh, and every moment of our day was now taken up with molding this little baby into a smart and responsible human being.
Fast forward 15 months, and I had Dani in my arms. Twenty-two months after that, Will. Same feelings for all, just multiplied.
My heart is overflowing...and so is our schedule.
For my dear friends, I apologize for not "being there" for you as much as I used to. Most days, between feeding, burping, and changing the baby, and making sure that the girls are both taken care of and growing intellectually, I have barely enough time to think straight. I try to squeeze some "me time" in there every day; however, most days even that makes me feel somewhat guilty, so while I do take advantage of it, I try to compensate with the kids later.
Oh yeah, did I mention that I have a HUSBAND, too? Yeah, so, when the kids go to bed, I am all about him. He has become my sole source for adult conversations on most days; and for that, I'm thankful.
In other words, and after a lengthy post, I would like everyone to know that, if I seem like I haven't been as active as I once was, I'm sorry. I am active, but just in a different way. I have my little city that I'm trying to keep up on the top of its little hill. Someday, I will be able to breathe again (and maybe be able to hold more than a three-minute long converstation!); but for now, this is my life.
And I love it.
Monday, April 12, 2010
New Truck!
Well, it's an SUV- a 2008 Ford Expedition. It's official- we outgrew the minivan with the three kids, their gear, and our lifestyle.
Week 1- Progress!
Okay, so....today is the end of week one of my post-baby body. Will is two months old TODAY! Activity-wise, I did Stroller Strides two days, Women Who Run club one day (ran approx. 3 miles), and Mama Wants on four of the days this week. I had two "off-days" where I didn't do anything (well, except chase kids).
Weight as of 4/12/10: 155 (three pounds! Woot woot!)
B: 38
W: 31
H: 39
Weight as of 4/12/10: 155 (three pounds! Woot woot!)
B: 38
W: 31
H: 39
Friday, April 9, 2010
The things we say as moms!
This will (obviously) be an evolving post section!
The things we tell our children in the course of a day are quite funny if you look at them from an outside perspective.
Take this morning, for example. Grace and Dani were playing, and I was drinking my coffee. It's quiet; and when I look over, Gracie was abusing Dani's babydoll.
"Gracie! Does Mommy chew on Will's head?! Don't do that to Dani's babydoll!"
Or...
"Dani! Don't touch your POOP! Hands OUT of your DIAPER!"
LOL!
The things we tell our children in the course of a day are quite funny if you look at them from an outside perspective.
Take this morning, for example. Grace and Dani were playing, and I was drinking my coffee. It's quiet; and when I look over, Gracie was abusing Dani's babydoll.
"Gracie! Does Mommy chew on Will's head?! Don't do that to Dani's babydoll!"
Or...
"Dani! Don't touch your POOP! Hands OUT of your DIAPER!"
LOL!
Well-Toddler Check!
Yesterday, I carted the kids to the base for Danielle's two-year well-baby (toddler) check. The appointment was at 8 a.m., so I made sure to get the kids "up and at 'em" extra early so that we could be there 15 minutes early, just as the military asks.
Despite my best efforts, I was there at 7:55. Still early; but hey.
I had Dani and Will in the stroller, with Gracie walking alongside. Luckily, the Med Group tech took us right in (no waiting! Whoo hoo!), and checked Dani's height, weight, and head circumference. Between juggling helping Dani obey the requests of the tech, holding Will, and making sure that Gracie was not getting into anything she was not supposed to, all I remember is that Dani weighs 28.2 pounds.
The appointment went well overall. The girls were well-behaved, Dani is very healthy, and the baby was content drinking his bottle while I both asked and answered questions. We still have to work on Dani's eczema; however, that will be a battle we will continue to fight for awhile.
Were we done? Nope! We still had to get shots! Dani did, at least. Before we left the room, I squatted down to Dani's level, looked her in the eyes, and said "Are you ready for your shots? Remember we talked about those? You will get a little poke and then we will be ALL DONE!"
"Yes, Ma-ma." Dani nodded her head, curls bouncing.
"Oh, and after you get her shots, she will need to have bloodwork done."
Crap.
"Um, if she doesn't like her shots, is it okay if we come back tomorrow with my husband so that he can help me with the kids?"
"Yes, you can do that. Or you can come back next week. No rush- it's just routine."
My mind raced for a moment. I decided to just take it in stride- if Dani tolerates her shots well, then I will just get the bloodwork done and over with. No use in coming back with the three kids next week, or bothering Brent at work tomorrow.
As we headed into the immunization clinic, I was praying. Hard. Shots are not normally a big deal, but I've never done it with all three. We checked in, and a nice airman asked me to sit with Dani on a cold-looking bench.
"Gracie, you stand right there....no, there! Gracie, puuuhhhhlleeze listen to Mommy?!"
She stands. Okay. Breathe.
I hold Danielle, and brace for impact. My poor baby!
"Okay, all done."
Dani wasn't crying. In fact, she barely flinched. As the airman put the band-aid on, all Dani said was "Ouch, Ma-Ma!"
My kid is a shot genius!!
The airman, who was clearly happy that he didn't have a screamer on his hands, offered Dani a lollipop from a basket. She took one- of course, tangerine (she's allergic to citrus). I put it back and she grabbed another- strawberry shortcake. Perfect. I'm a happy "ma-ma."
Just then, I heard a blood-curdling SCCCRREEEAAAMMM!! From GRACE!
Crap!
"I WANT A LOLLIPOP!"
"No, Gracie, this was for Dani- she just got a shot and deserves a treat." (In the interest of full disclosure, I am trying to teach the girls that they have to earn treats, and not just get them because they exist.)
"I. want. a. LOLLIPOP!"
Let's go. Fast. I whisked Dani up, grabbed the stroller, and tried to maneuver it out of the immunization office as quickly as I could. We get out of the office, and Grace was still crying. I crouch down to talk to her, and over my shoulder I hear "Oh, sweetie, it's okay."
I look over, and it's a nice man in uniform. Military, but a uniform.
"I understand- I have four kids of my own. It's not fun to get shots, is it?" He has an eagle on his shoulder bars.
"I WANT A LOLLIPOP!"
Everyone was looking at us now.
"She will feel better once she gets home and gets some Tylenol." He smiles sympathetically at me as I try to calm down Will, who is fussing as a response to Grace.
"Oh, she didn't get the shots- this one did." I point down to Danielle.
Dani smiled up at him, her sparkling eyes peering between her curls.
***
For the record, the rest of the trip went okay. Dani did get her blood drawn- no cries AGAIN! She even watched the whole time! Either Dani has an extremely high tolerance for pain, or she is a doctor in the making. ;)
Despite my best efforts, I was there at 7:55. Still early; but hey.
I had Dani and Will in the stroller, with Gracie walking alongside. Luckily, the Med Group tech took us right in (no waiting! Whoo hoo!), and checked Dani's height, weight, and head circumference. Between juggling helping Dani obey the requests of the tech, holding Will, and making sure that Gracie was not getting into anything she was not supposed to, all I remember is that Dani weighs 28.2 pounds.
The appointment went well overall. The girls were well-behaved, Dani is very healthy, and the baby was content drinking his bottle while I both asked and answered questions. We still have to work on Dani's eczema; however, that will be a battle we will continue to fight for awhile.
Were we done? Nope! We still had to get shots! Dani did, at least. Before we left the room, I squatted down to Dani's level, looked her in the eyes, and said "Are you ready for your shots? Remember we talked about those? You will get a little poke and then we will be ALL DONE!"
"Yes, Ma-ma." Dani nodded her head, curls bouncing.
"Oh, and after you get her shots, she will need to have bloodwork done."
Crap.
"Um, if she doesn't like her shots, is it okay if we come back tomorrow with my husband so that he can help me with the kids?"
"Yes, you can do that. Or you can come back next week. No rush- it's just routine."
My mind raced for a moment. I decided to just take it in stride- if Dani tolerates her shots well, then I will just get the bloodwork done and over with. No use in coming back with the three kids next week, or bothering Brent at work tomorrow.
As we headed into the immunization clinic, I was praying. Hard. Shots are not normally a big deal, but I've never done it with all three. We checked in, and a nice airman asked me to sit with Dani on a cold-looking bench.
"Gracie, you stand right there....no, there! Gracie, puuuhhhhlleeze listen to Mommy?!"
She stands. Okay. Breathe.
I hold Danielle, and brace for impact. My poor baby!
"Okay, all done."
Dani wasn't crying. In fact, she barely flinched. As the airman put the band-aid on, all Dani said was "Ouch, Ma-Ma!"
My kid is a shot genius!!
The airman, who was clearly happy that he didn't have a screamer on his hands, offered Dani a lollipop from a basket. She took one- of course, tangerine (she's allergic to citrus). I put it back and she grabbed another- strawberry shortcake. Perfect. I'm a happy "ma-ma."
Just then, I heard a blood-curdling SCCCRREEEAAAMMM!! From GRACE!
Crap!
"I WANT A LOLLIPOP!"
"No, Gracie, this was for Dani- she just got a shot and deserves a treat." (In the interest of full disclosure, I am trying to teach the girls that they have to earn treats, and not just get them because they exist.)
"I. want. a. LOLLIPOP!"
Let's go. Fast. I whisked Dani up, grabbed the stroller, and tried to maneuver it out of the immunization office as quickly as I could. We get out of the office, and Grace was still crying. I crouch down to talk to her, and over my shoulder I hear "Oh, sweetie, it's okay."
I look over, and it's a nice man in uniform. Military, but a uniform.
"I understand- I have four kids of my own. It's not fun to get shots, is it?" He has an eagle on his shoulder bars.
"I WANT A LOLLIPOP!"
Everyone was looking at us now.
"She will feel better once she gets home and gets some Tylenol." He smiles sympathetically at me as I try to calm down Will, who is fussing as a response to Grace.
"Oh, she didn't get the shots- this one did." I point down to Danielle.
Dani smiled up at him, her sparkling eyes peering between her curls.
***
For the record, the rest of the trip went okay. Dani did get her blood drawn- no cries AGAIN! She even watched the whole time! Either Dani has an extremely high tolerance for pain, or she is a doctor in the making. ;)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
You Know You're a Southern Californian Mom When...
1.) Your wallet is full of your basic essentials- money, driver's license, military i.d....and passes to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Disneyland, the LA Zoo.
2.) Your kids wear Crocs ALL.YEAR.LONG!
3.) You are able to work out on the beach, any day. Watching dolphins in the surf.
4.) Your kids no longer react to your screams of "LOOK! DOLPHINS!" Instead, they give you the "Whatever, Mom!" look.
5.) A car backfires and you duck for cover.
6.) $65 for a haircut seems reasonable.
7.) You know to look for, and remember, where Starbucks with drive thrus are located. They are hard to find! You will need them.
8.) Your kids have agents. ;)
9.) You can tell if you are on the 110 versus the 405 just by looking at the cars around you.
10.) When, looking around you in Manhattan Beach, you realize that (at a size 10, postbaby) you are the biggest person in the room. And most likely the one person who hasn't had surgery!
11.) You "know" that you have to have you6.r kids on waiting lists for preschools since, like, they were CONCEIVED! Oh, and by the way, preschool costs as much as my college education did! Gotta set them up for success, right?
12.) You know that earthquakes occur, but that they are always scary!
13.) Sunscreen is part of your family's morning routine.
14.) Your kids can point out BOB strollers.
15.) You think that rainy days STINK! You can't go outside!!
16.) When you pull up to an intersection, you can see a Prius on any of the quadrants. Sometimes MANY of them.
17.) You are IN one of those Priuses that you noticed at the intersection!
18.) $500,000 for a 1,100-square foot house seems reasonable in its pricing.
To be continued!!
2.) Your kids wear Crocs ALL.YEAR.LONG!
3.) You are able to work out on the beach, any day. Watching dolphins in the surf.
4.) Your kids no longer react to your screams of "LOOK! DOLPHINS!" Instead, they give you the "Whatever, Mom!" look.
5.) A car backfires and you duck for cover.
6.) $65 for a haircut seems reasonable.
7.) You know to look for, and remember, where Starbucks with drive thrus are located. They are hard to find! You will need them.
8.) Your kids have agents. ;)
9.) You can tell if you are on the 110 versus the 405 just by looking at the cars around you.
10.) When, looking around you in Manhattan Beach, you realize that (at a size 10, postbaby) you are the biggest person in the room. And most likely the one person who hasn't had surgery!
11.) You "know" that you have to have you6.r kids on waiting lists for preschools since, like, they were CONCEIVED! Oh, and by the way, preschool costs as much as my college education did! Gotta set them up for success, right?
12.) You know that earthquakes occur, but that they are always scary!
13.) Sunscreen is part of your family's morning routine.
14.) Your kids can point out BOB strollers.
15.) You think that rainy days STINK! You can't go outside!!
16.) When you pull up to an intersection, you can see a Prius on any of the quadrants. Sometimes MANY of them.
17.) You are IN one of those Priuses that you noticed at the intersection!
18.) $500,000 for a 1,100-square foot house seems reasonable in its pricing.
To be continued!!
What a day!
The days that I teach Stroller Strides are always a bit crazy, especially the hours immediately preceding and following the workout. Today was no exception.
The girls- well, Gracie- woke up earlier than usual at about 6 a.m. I was already up with Will. I first heard an "AAAHHHH!", and then the thump of Grace's feet hitting the hardwood floor. I cringed for the next sound I knew I would hear- the whimpering and then full-on cry of Danielle as Grace jumps on her sister and playmate.
Welcome to today.
From that point forward, the whirlwind commenced. I finished feeding Will, got the girls out of their room, helped Dani into a new diaper while bouncing Will's chair with my foot, then helped the girls get dressed and put their hair up. Then came pumping for me, breakfast for them, and soon it was time to run out the door.
The screaming from the girls started at my warmup. Ugh. By the time we got to the first station, the girls were on a full-on wail until about halfway through class. I hated to do this, but I had to pull away the one privledge the girls know that they have to earn by being good on my teaching days- the park. It was just one of those classes....my hope is that the other moms used my screaming kids as an example of how not all kids have perfect days. I know that mine don't!
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!" was my mantra!
So, after class, we left. No park. But we did have to run an errand to pick up some food, so to Fresh and Easy we went. I don't know if any of you have seen me grocery shopping with all three kids, but it is pretty funny. I have Grace outside of the cart, Will in the basket, and Danielle is on my back through the use of my amazing Ergo baby. I look like a walking circus, but it works. We get all of our groceries, and as I am putting Dani back in the van, I notice something that made my heart sink....she only had ONE SHOE on!
I asked Dani where her other show was, and her response was a coy "I don't know!" Gracie hadn't seen it, either, which meant that (unless the shoe fell under my van), I left it at the park in Redondo Beach where we finished Stroller Strides. At noon on a Wednesday, that's an almost 30-minute drive!! Arrrggghhh!!!
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!"
We went back to the park. I prayed the whole way to Saint Anthony for him to help me find the dang shoe, and that I was not wasting even more time by driving someplace that the shoe was not.
I pulled into the parking lot, and there it was- the SHOE!! Right there on the curb, placed neatly with...the HAT that Danielle left there, too!
Just...keep...swimming! ;)
The girls- well, Gracie- woke up earlier than usual at about 6 a.m. I was already up with Will. I first heard an "AAAHHHH!", and then the thump of Grace's feet hitting the hardwood floor. I cringed for the next sound I knew I would hear- the whimpering and then full-on cry of Danielle as Grace jumps on her sister and playmate.
Welcome to today.
From that point forward, the whirlwind commenced. I finished feeding Will, got the girls out of their room, helped Dani into a new diaper while bouncing Will's chair with my foot, then helped the girls get dressed and put their hair up. Then came pumping for me, breakfast for them, and soon it was time to run out the door.
The screaming from the girls started at my warmup. Ugh. By the time we got to the first station, the girls were on a full-on wail until about halfway through class. I hated to do this, but I had to pull away the one privledge the girls know that they have to earn by being good on my teaching days- the park. It was just one of those classes....my hope is that the other moms used my screaming kids as an example of how not all kids have perfect days. I know that mine don't!
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!" was my mantra!
So, after class, we left. No park. But we did have to run an errand to pick up some food, so to Fresh and Easy we went. I don't know if any of you have seen me grocery shopping with all three kids, but it is pretty funny. I have Grace outside of the cart, Will in the basket, and Danielle is on my back through the use of my amazing Ergo baby. I look like a walking circus, but it works. We get all of our groceries, and as I am putting Dani back in the van, I notice something that made my heart sink....she only had ONE SHOE on!
I asked Dani where her other show was, and her response was a coy "I don't know!" Gracie hadn't seen it, either, which meant that (unless the shoe fell under my van), I left it at the park in Redondo Beach where we finished Stroller Strides. At noon on a Wednesday, that's an almost 30-minute drive!! Arrrggghhh!!!
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!"
We went back to the park. I prayed the whole way to Saint Anthony for him to help me find the dang shoe, and that I was not wasting even more time by driving someplace that the shoe was not.
I pulled into the parking lot, and there it was- the SHOE!! Right there on the curb, placed neatly with...the HAT that Danielle left there, too!
Just...keep...swimming! ;)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Cute quote of the day, 4/6
"Will Boy, I am so glad that you came out of my mommy's belly!" - Gracie, when bouncing Will in his bounce chair.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Ah, Danielle...
I love my daughter. I love her bouncy curls, her sweet smile, and her ability to charm her way out of almost any situation. I love how when other kids are looking through "point and find" books, Dani goes for fashion magazines to proudly point out purses, belts, and shoes.
Ah, Danielle...my sweet, sweet girl.....who LOVES to lock herself in her room! Argh! After Brent left today, I put her down for a nap. After about ten minutes, I heard funny noises in her room, so I went to go check on her, only to find her door LOCKED!
The lock to her room isn't just any lock-- it's one of those old-fashioned privacy locks that you need to have an L-shaped key for. Most houses have them readily available on top of the door frames; mine has had so many owners in its 60-plus year lifetime that the privacy keys are long gone. I called Brent in a panic; no screwdriver we had was working, Dani soon picked up on my frustration and was screaming, and Dani is too little to understand how to undo what she did....poor Brent was trying to explain other options to me, but my head was started to get clouded with the fear that, if Dani would decide to do something like jump head-first off her bed, I would not be able to get to her. Scary!
Luckily, our wonderful neighbor, George, was home. He came over with one of his privacy locks and popped it open in a jiffy. Dani, who was just screaming her head off, beamed as soon as she saw George! I didn't know whether to laugh with relief or cry with frustration...I guess that's just life with a two-year-old!
Ah, Danielle...my sweet, sweet girl.....who LOVES to lock herself in her room! Argh! After Brent left today, I put her down for a nap. After about ten minutes, I heard funny noises in her room, so I went to go check on her, only to find her door LOCKED!
The lock to her room isn't just any lock-- it's one of those old-fashioned privacy locks that you need to have an L-shaped key for. Most houses have them readily available on top of the door frames; mine has had so many owners in its 60-plus year lifetime that the privacy keys are long gone. I called Brent in a panic; no screwdriver we had was working, Dani soon picked up on my frustration and was screaming, and Dani is too little to understand how to undo what she did....poor Brent was trying to explain other options to me, but my head was started to get clouded with the fear that, if Dani would decide to do something like jump head-first off her bed, I would not be able to get to her. Scary!
Luckily, our wonderful neighbor, George, was home. He came over with one of his privacy locks and popped it open in a jiffy. Dani, who was just screaming her head off, beamed as soon as she saw George! I didn't know whether to laugh with relief or cry with frustration...I guess that's just life with a two-year-old!
Mama Wants!
I mentioned this on Facebook a few weeks ago, but I will be documenting this journey here on my blog.
I recently purchased Lisa Druxman's new workout video series, "Mama Wants Her Body Back." I decided on using this series for a couple of reasons: 1.) I don't have time to do P90X with my three kids, a house, and a serious hobby (photography); 2.) in the interest of full disclosure, I am already an instructor for Stroller Strides, Mama Wants' sister program; and 3.) I want to utilize the mommy-centered workouts that focus on those areas that we want to improve post-baby.
Oh, and with three kids, there will definitely be days where I physically can't get out of the house. I need to be able to use momentum to keep going with working out. I also want to be able to have my day center around my kids, so 20-minute long sessions seem to fit juuuuussssst fine. I put my kids down for their naps, get the video session in, and... ka-pow! Done.
I will also keep track of my progress this time. After my second child, Danielle, I didn't record my measurements for comparison's sake. Did I lose the weight after starting Stroller Strides? Yes, and then some. But do I know how many inches I lost, or how much muscle I gained? Nope- not a clue. Not this time, though. It's time to keep track of all of this stuff!
I am starting at about the same point, time-wise, following Will's birth as I did with Danielle's. Today, I'm exactly 6 weeks and four days postpartdom.
Here are my stats as of 4/5/2010:
Weight: 158
Bust: 39.5 (note: breastfeeding....)
Waist: 33
Hips: 40
Safe weight loss goals while breastfeeding: 1-2 lbs./week.
Realistic time frame for significant progress: 6 to 9 months.
I recently purchased Lisa Druxman's new workout video series, "Mama Wants Her Body Back." I decided on using this series for a couple of reasons: 1.) I don't have time to do P90X with my three kids, a house, and a serious hobby (photography); 2.) in the interest of full disclosure, I am already an instructor for Stroller Strides, Mama Wants' sister program; and 3.) I want to utilize the mommy-centered workouts that focus on those areas that we want to improve post-baby.
Oh, and with three kids, there will definitely be days where I physically can't get out of the house. I need to be able to use momentum to keep going with working out. I also want to be able to have my day center around my kids, so 20-minute long sessions seem to fit juuuuussssst fine. I put my kids down for their naps, get the video session in, and... ka-pow! Done.
I will also keep track of my progress this time. After my second child, Danielle, I didn't record my measurements for comparison's sake. Did I lose the weight after starting Stroller Strides? Yes, and then some. But do I know how many inches I lost, or how much muscle I gained? Nope- not a clue. Not this time, though. It's time to keep track of all of this stuff!
I am starting at about the same point, time-wise, following Will's birth as I did with Danielle's. Today, I'm exactly 6 weeks and four days postpartdom.
Here are my stats as of 4/5/2010:
Weight: 158
Bust: 39.5 (note: breastfeeding....)
Waist: 33
Hips: 40
Safe weight loss goals while breastfeeding: 1-2 lbs./week.
Realistic time frame for significant progress: 6 to 9 months.
Here we go!
It's about time that I started this blog!
My name is Rosie, and I'm a extremely busy mom of three kids who (under most circumstances) doesn't have a ton of time to chronicle our lives. After some thought, though, I decided to give blogging a try in order to help keep track of those moments that make life worth living.
Why the screen name "Triple Stroller Roller"? Well, obviously, it's because I have to have a triple stroller to cart my kids around in. I use my stroller almost daily here in sunny Southern California to exercise with, as it's the only way that I am able to get some "me time" in. I typically wake up, feed the kids while they watch Sesame Street, pump, get the kids loaded in the car, and then go to either Stroller Strides or for a plain 'ol run here by the beach. Working out is something that I try to fit in every day in order to help me keep some sense of "me" in a world filled with diapers, bottles, ponytails and ballet slippers. Honestly, without creating some time in my day to get out with my HUGE triple stroller, I am afraid that I would get sucked into my house, as opposed to conquering the day and looking for fun opportunities to better our family.
Thanks for taking the time to follow my blog. My main hope is that, someday, my kids will be able to read this blog and smile about some of the stories that helped to shape who they are and will become. I also hope that they gain a better understanding of me, their mom, so that they see me as a dynamic character, as opposed to just an authority figure.
Let's roll!
My name is Rosie, and I'm a extremely busy mom of three kids who (under most circumstances) doesn't have a ton of time to chronicle our lives. After some thought, though, I decided to give blogging a try in order to help keep track of those moments that make life worth living.
Why the screen name "Triple Stroller Roller"? Well, obviously, it's because I have to have a triple stroller to cart my kids around in. I use my stroller almost daily here in sunny Southern California to exercise with, as it's the only way that I am able to get some "me time" in. I typically wake up, feed the kids while they watch Sesame Street, pump, get the kids loaded in the car, and then go to either Stroller Strides or for a plain 'ol run here by the beach. Working out is something that I try to fit in every day in order to help me keep some sense of "me" in a world filled with diapers, bottles, ponytails and ballet slippers. Honestly, without creating some time in my day to get out with my HUGE triple stroller, I am afraid that I would get sucked into my house, as opposed to conquering the day and looking for fun opportunities to better our family.
Thanks for taking the time to follow my blog. My main hope is that, someday, my kids will be able to read this blog and smile about some of the stories that helped to shape who they are and will become. I also hope that they gain a better understanding of me, their mom, so that they see me as a dynamic character, as opposed to just an authority figure.
Let's roll!
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