(TT): Fitness, Being a SAHM, Gardening, Thankful for Life.

Every day there is so much to be thankful, I could blog daily about all of the blessings in my life. 

I have many hardships too, but I choose not to let those steal my focus from the good things in life. 

I am so thankful that I was able to wake up at 5 am today to go to the gym. I did not feel well (fibromyalgia) yet I went anyway, and I couldn't be happier that I did. I still do not feel well, but I feel better than I did before. Just getting into the gym and lifting weights was a huge accomplishment. I also upped my weights on most of my exercises this week.

pic from last week, didn't take a pic today.

I am pleased that the pollen count in our area is lower over the next couple of days. I have been wanting to open my window :) It feels so nice to have fresh air coming in the windows without my allergies flaring.

I have been getting a lot done around the house lately. Sorting and getting rid of things that no longer serve our family's lifestyle. It is freeing to get rid of things. The happier I am with my life and myself, the less I need things in my life to make me happy.

I am thankful for our new shoe organizer that is keeping our shoes all neat and tidy. It was getting out of hand in the entry way.

I am thankful for Baby A, she has been saying new things daily and some of her new phrases and mannerisms are the cutest ever. How about this? She is only 17 months old and knows how to sit in time out. We don't yell or spank in our house and use the word "no" sparingly. We use time outs for temper tantrums and other outburst ( like if she throws things, etc). It is really working. She is only a baby though so its a 1 min. time out, followed by a hug, but she understands and corrects her behavior very well for being so young.

We finished our garden this week as well. We only had a couple of seeds left to plant. I am so grateful for our balcony so we can at least grow a potted garden. It is wonderful to see the sproutlings coming up already from the plants we planted previously! Baby A even helped plant seeds and had a blast.

our garden & Baby A's chalk artwork ;) 

the hot peppers that were in Baby A's window from Feb.
they weren't flourishing in window, so planted. left planter plastic on to
not damage plants.

I love that I get to stay home with my daughter. Contrary to how people make it sound, it is not easy to be a stay at home mom. I hear excuses from people all of the time saying " I don't get to sit at home all day, so I can't cook or clean....blahblahblah". Honestly, I hardly EVER just get to sit. My work day does not end. I have been blessed with a Hubby who helps out in the evenings....thankfully! :) Even though I have help in the evenings I still have to make dinner and get things ready at night. I am not someone who "sits and eats bonbons".  I run the sweeper daily, do 4 loads of laundry a day ( babies are messy), clean up the messes Baby A makes, clean and sweep the kitchen all day long, cook all day long ( we make almost every single thing from scratch that we eat), I hang clothes and make beds...etc. There is a ton of things I do daily. This is a mini rant. However, I am blessed to get to stay home to be the person to raise my daughter. I am happy that a day care is not raising her or a grandparent or a neighbor....I am the person home with her. My Hubby and I are raising her...and it shows. She is so happy. Just yesterday a lady in the grocery store said that Baby A is the happiest baby she has ever seen!

I am grateful for every aspect of my life and would not change a thing.

Life is beautiful.

What are you thankful for?

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Nature Walks, Rediscovering Self, and The Joy of Being a Parent.

not my photo. forgot to take forest pictures i was having too much fun. enjoy this stock photo instead.

This is one of those posts where I ramble...so stick with me if you don't mind.

I just had the most incredible weekend....and it didn't cost money.

It was like a vacation, a mini vacation, one where you still get to sleep in your own bed and get home for dinner on time. The best kind of vacation in my mind.

Hubby and I took Baby A out into nature. We have been making it a goal to get as much sunshine and fresh air in our lives as possible. Every single day that it is not raining or snowing or storming, we are outside, even if a bit chilly out...we just bundle up and get outside.

It is refreshing to get outdoors after a long winter, especially with how bad a toll the weather took on my body. My pain levels were high and my mobility limited....but with the weather getting nicer and going outside, I am feeling better!

It is amazing how God has provided us with such a beautiful planet.

Walking through the forest, doing a little climbing, searching for chaga ( and possibly finding some but not on a birch, and high up so have to go back?!), and walking by streams....it was a fairy tale experience.

Anyone who knows me, knows that when I was younger, I did not want anything to do with nature. I was your typical junk food, sterilized environment, trendy, full faced makeup kind of person. I was this way up until I started to change my life in late 2006. I have very slowly and gradually gotten back into health and nature. It is really only this year ( and the end of the summer last year), that I have truly appreciated and taken advantage of the beauty and benefits of nature.

image from redbubble.net

That being said, I have to make a point to those who care less about nature, PLEASE STOP THROWING YOUR POP CANS, PLASTIC BAGS, GARBAGE, AND MCDONALD'S CUPS (or any other trash), INTO NATURE. I cannot believe how much junk I saw just tossed into the beautiful areas where we hiked. In addition, in one park, I saw someone dumped trash just a few feet away from the garbage can....PURE LAZINESS.

Now that my rant is over, I have to say that spending almost the entire weekend in nature with Hubby and Baby A, I feel so much more connected to my family.

My little family is such a blessing to me. Seeing how content Baby A was and watching her learn new things outside was so exciting to me. I feel lucky to be a mother.

The rest of the weekend was filled with late night runs to Walmart in search of a ball pit. Which we successfully...did not find....:( It seems a lot of ball pits are being discontinued? I checked Targets website and did not see any in stock either. It looks like a trip to ToysRUs may be in order. I love the ball pit because it encourages activity and imagination without her face glued to a screen all day.

this is what Baby A's ball pit looks like. It sprung a leak, but I can't seem to find anywhere else. image from target.com

On the plus side we found a filing cabinet while we were out shopping, it locks too which will be perfect with our daughter as she likes to open and close drawers. I can finally get my paperwork organized.

not my photo. this is what my filing cabinet looks like but minus the wheels.

Another great part of the weekend was on Saturday when I got an intense 1 hour of weight training in at the gym and 20 min. HIIT work out on the treadmill. I felt so alive and accomplished.

Over the past several years I have been on a long journey to rediscovering myself. I really hope that you will browse the blog. Even over the past year I have changed drastically ( just check my recipes, there is something for people of all walks in their healthy journey). I am continuing to change and get back into nature.

Life is too short not to appreciate the beauty of the wonder in our childrens eyes when they see a cardinal or a blue jay. The excitement of finding something difficult to find. The adventure of exploration. The comfort of being with family. The energy and warmth of the sun on your face. 

Get outside. Get moving. Replenish your body with nutrients. Grow.

This was one of the best weekends ever. I hope every weekend will

be as good as this one.

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Busy weekend ahead!

Busy weekend ahead! 

Baby shower on Saturday and Baby Dedication on Sunday. Also working on Baby A's birthday dress ( which I hope to post a how-to after her party) , and adjusting the straps on her wings for her halloween costume I made . 

I am very excited to take her trick or treating. Even though she won't be eating the candy ( even if she was old enough ), it is just going to be so much fun carrying her around in her costume. 

They are doing a safe trick or treat for little ones at the mall near us. 

Does anyone else have a safe trick or treat near them?

I think it is such a lovely idea!

I am looking forward to the gym tomorrow. Even on the weekends that we have something planned, I am always able to squeeze in my workouts. I am so happy that I make this a priority in my life. It is the one thing that I do for me. It makes me feel human. My gym membership was the best present hubby ever got me ( well, aside from my wedding ring ;)).

Do any of you other moms schedule "me" time through out the week?

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!

Any plans?

If you have a busy weekend, don't forget to take a moment out for yourself, even if it is only 5 minutes.

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Mother's Day!

Since I don't typically post on weekends, I decided to post about Mother's Day today.

This year is especially wonderful because it is my first Mother's Day as a mom!  Time has flown by so quickly and Baby A is growing before my eyes. I now realize how wonderful it is to be a mom, but also how much time, effort, planning, laughter, joy,  and tears all go into being a mom....and this is just the beginning!

Baby A is 24 weeks old ( can you believe she will be 6 months old soon!) and I am so lucky to be the mommy of such a beautiful, smart,  happy, and healthy little girl!

I can hardly remember this! It was 6 months ago!

Happy Mother's Day to me!

In addition I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom. She has had a long, hard, year full of change and uncertainty, but she has handled it like a champ! I am so happy that she lives closer to us know and that Baby A will get to spend more time with her.  She's a great mom!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

My Mom & I

I would also love to say Happy Mother's Day to my mother in law who has welcomed me into my new family with open arms. She is fun, loving, and warm. Thank you.

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful Grandmother's both of whom have had an amazing impact on my life growing up. I love you both !

And last but not least, Happy Mother's Day out there to all the mom's who strive to give their children the best life possible. Who love unconditionally, who are there for every tear & smile. 

Enjoy your day!

I know I am excited to spend time with my beautiful little family for my 1st Mother's Day!

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Extended Breastfeeding?

Ok, since so many people are talking about this, I had to give my two cents.

The 26 year old mother in this picture is breastfeeding her son who is 3 years old.

You can read an interview with her here.

There have been all sorts of comments and controversy over this cover already. Moms have been debating the topic of "extended breastfeeding" for a long time, so, it came as no surprise to me that moms would be divided over this cover as well. 

First off, I want to applaud Jamie for her natural parenting. Seeing as she was breastfed herself until 6 years old, it seems only right that she would want her children to have the same "bond" and health benefits that she did growing up.

How this applies to me:

While I applaud other mothers for extended breastfeeding, I tend to not believe one way or the other. I believe that each mother should do what is best for them and their child. I think all mothers who are physically able should consider breastfeeding at least in the short term. 

After all, breastmilk is the best thing for babies in my opinion.

Regarding Baby A, I will breastfeed extendedly...kind of. I plan to breastfeed Baby A for the 1st year,during this time I pump and save milk, so that she can get breastmilk through a bottle or sippy cup, after the 1st year mark. I personally think that once a child is old enough to drink from a cup, that is where they should get their milk from. This is because my personal comfortability is that. That is where I draw the line with my child. 

In general I do believe that breastfeeding a school aged child is a little far, but I have no issues with children receiving breastmilk served in a cup. To me a child receiving breastmilk is ENTIRELY better than drinking cows milk ( which is completely unnatural ) and has numerous benefits to a child's health and development. 

Again though, I do not judge parents for wanting what is best for their child. 

I saw several comments related to the article. These comments were enfuriating to me.  People were calling it "child abuse" to breastfeed a 3 year old?? How in the world do they justify such harsh comments? 

Here's my two cents on the commenters:

One, grow up. Two, it is more child abuse to feed your child junk food and fast food, and deprive them of nutrition knowingly than it will EVER be to feed your child nutritious breastmilk because you CARE. Though I hardly believe that fast food is child abuse either ( althought it is careless & unhealthy ). Just making the point that people need to stop with the judging and applaud each other for their hard efforts as parents.

Thoughts on the cover picture?

I think it's fine, the chair is a little much...might have been better if she were holding him. I get a "strong moms" vibe off of the picture though, or "taking a stance for natural parenting".  Some people get a "sexual" vibe off of the picture, but I don't see that. I think people are reading a little much into it.

So, are you "mom enough" to breastfeed?

That's all for now.

Leave your comments below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
FYI, keep it respectful & clean. 

Be Happy Healthy & Strong,

Lolli

Targeting Children With Junk

Here is an interesting graphic I saw the other day on children's exposure to junk food.

♥

Lolli

What To Pack For The Hospital.

I planned ( and successfully had ) a 100% natural & med free birth with Baby A. My list for the hospital reflects that.

Hopefully this  helps some soon to be mommies!

Here's my list:

1. Copies of my birth plan
2. Birthing ball & air pump
3. Onesies for Baby A
4. Diaper Covers & Inserts
5. Wet bag
6. Pads ( most hospitals provide these too )
7. Nightgowns (2)
8. Take home outfit for Baby A
9. Make up 
10. Shampoo/Conditioner
11. Bodywash
12. Vitamins
13. Gluten Free Food ( our hospital didn't cater to the gluten free allergies of mine so I had to pack all my own food )
14. Coconut Oil ( instead of Lanolin for breastfeeding)
15. What To Expect & Hypnobirthing books
16. Carseat
17. Nursing Pillow
18. Breast pump ( the lactation consultant showed me how to use it!)
19. My going home outfit
20. Hubby's clothes
21. Baby bath stuff
22. Baby grooming kit
23. Tennis balls for labor 
24. Back massager for labor
25. Nursing pads
26. Underwear/ Nursing bras
27. Camera
28. Baby Journal 
29. Full water bottle for car ride to hospital

♥

Lolli

More than just a shoe.

Ever have a nice pair of heels? Some maybe as pretty as the ones above? Even if not, ever just have a pair of shoes, or an outfit that makes you feel on top of the world?

Or maybe you are like me, someone who before baby prided themselves in looking their best every day. Dressing even if not leaving the house, doing full face makeup and hair- just to greet hubby at the door with a beautiful smile.

I don't know about the rest of you ladies, but when Baby A came,  that changed. Nothing changed my mindset though, I would still LOVE to greet my hubby at the door with full face make up, nice jeans & a pretty shirt, maybe even heels if I had to run to the grocery store. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in the day, I take a shower but usually that is all Baby A lets me have time for ....either she needs to eat or has a diaper changed, or maybe is waking up from a nap and wants mommy time. Or some days it is the housecleaning that gets in the way, Baby A's nap time is my cleaning time. Laundry, sweeping...you get the drift. On top of that I still don't fit into 99% of my wardrobe, so it's yoga pants & a t-shirt most of the time.

My point is, motherhood has left me feeling less than gorgeous...and I'd love to get out my heels again (my feet haven't shrunk back yet either, making this an impossible task), but for now, I am focusing on what is most important....figuring out life with Baby A. Maybe in a few weeks (or months) when Baby A & I get a better routine, I can  be "me" again ~ a less scrubby feeling more beautiful feeling mommy & wife.

You know what though, I am still loving every minute of being me right now. I have a beautiful daughter whom I love & a handsome hubby that I adore! What could be better than that?

I can be happy with me now because I know that I will get back to being ME 2.0 soon enough ;) 

♥

Lolli

Getting My Groove Back!

I have to admit, I was delighted that my little girl took a nap early this after noon. It felt good to get a 40 min. weight training work out in! Did I mention uninterrupted, and I got a shower! 

Thank you Baby A! Mommy needed that today.

Before I had Baby A, I was organized. I had to-do lists for my to-do lists & everything was done 99% of the time. 

Then things changed.

When I first had Baby A, I really thought that being a mom was going to be an impossible task. 

How was I supposed to take care of a newborn, keep up with the house, and take care of me at the same time?

Well, the answer is, it just takes time. 

Just this morning it clicked in my head that I finally have the hang of being a mommy. Not saying that I am super mom or anything, but I have finally figured out how to clean the house, take care of the baby, get a shower, and stay sane.

That is a HUGE deal.

I remember feeling on top of the world if I could just take care of Baby A for the day & the bonus was getting myself clean & dressed. 

That was a day!

Now, I feel accomplished if I can take care of Baby A, including giving her a bath, get a workout in, get a shower, make a crock pot meal, unload the dishwasher, run the sweeper, & get diaper laundry done :) I am a pretty huge leap from where I was, and it feels good.

I am far from being super mom, but I am working on getting there.

It may have taken me 9 weeks to get here, but I am happy about it!

How did you feel as a first time new mom? How long did it take you to get your groove back? Can any of you relate?

♥

Lolli

Little Night Owls.

When we brought home Baby A from the hospital, she slept through the night for 2 whole weeks......
And then everything changed. She became a night owl. It seems as though she has her days and nights switched. Keeping her awake through out the day doesn't seem to make her any sleepier at night either.

Do any of you have night owl babies? Any tips or tricks to getting baby to sleep through the night? I would love to hear your stories!

❤
Lolli