Every mom should do yoga!

So, in my pledge to take better care of myself, I've been going to yoga 3 times a week for the past 3 weeks. What better gift to give myself than the gift of relaxation and peace? I happen to live in one of the biggest yogi towns in the nation- there are yoga studios everywhere, a meditation garden whose founder was a yoga master... it's just one of those beachy, organic, whole foods, new wave type of towns. So, even though I go to the very generic, unexclusive 24 hour fitness- the class is full of experienced yoga people who know how to bend like a pretzel and balance their whole bodies on one pinky toe while pointing their hands to the sun and connecting with their inner chakras. I'm so not into the whole religious experience.

I laugh at myself and am astonished by just how unflexible and crooked my body seems. I can barely do tree pose without falling over and have visions of knocking the person next to me over and watching the class fall one by one like dominoes. My downward dog looks more like an awkward mutt and I quiver when I'm in chaturanga for more than a few seconds. But the beauty of it is, nobody cares. Nobody is watching you but yourself in the reflection (even that's too much for me sometimes, so I usually sit in the back). You do what you can and go at your level and since I've been going I've gotten just a smidge more stable and more flexible. It is an amazing tension release and so therapeutic.

And the music! I do love that hour I get to spend listening to Enya. It's impossible to be stressed while hearing Orinocco Flow. Sail away, sail away, sail away. Ahhhh...listen to your breath and feel the rise and fall of your chest as you inhale deeply and exhale slowwwwly. It's so opposite of my high paced rush rush, mommy-I-need-you-now world. It is SERENITY NOW for an hour and it is wonderful.

Taking Care of Me

I wrote this a few weeks ago, but forgot to post it:

Maybe it’s me turning 30 soon, or maybe watching the super materialistic world of Cashmere Mafia (which I HATE but can’t stop watching) has made me feel well… small and lost. As a Stay At Home Mom, it can be so hard not to lose yourself in Mommyland. I guess I feel like my life hasn’t been my own lately. Don’t take this wrong- I absolutely LOVE staying at home with my kids, experiencing every milestone, getting paid in hugs and kisses, feeling joy every day. I know lots of moms who would do anything to stay home with their kids. And really, I would absolutely, without a doubt, not have it any other way.

I guess it’s just like anything else. You get burnt out sometimes. Everyday seems the same, diapers, potty, runny noses, feeding, washing, laundry, dinner, bed time routines- over and over again and again.

It’s my own fault really. I haven’t taken care of me. I haven’t done nice things for myself. I don’t have me time because I feel like I miss out on family time with my husband and my kids. I haven’t bought anything nice for myself in ages. Haven’t gotten my nails done in years. Haven’t really even worn makeup or bought cute shoes in forever. My last adult beverage? I can’t even recall. Seriously it’s quite sad. I even slept through the New Year.

I wear some variation of the “mom uniform” everyday. You know- the sporty velour pantsuit outfit, or jeans and a black tanktop. Shoes? Try really old slip on tennis shoes or flip flops. So sad, I used to be so into cute shoes, now I don’t even know what cute is! Everything I wear is spit up friendly and breastfeeding accessible. Yep, my closet is sad. My wardrobe is pathetic! Partly because motherhood changes your body- pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding- I have no idea even what size I am. I do know that I’m holding on to way too many size 2 clothes that I’ll NEVER fit in again! I really miss nice clothes and nice shoes and have to stop shopping at Target to get my wardrobe! My purse, let’s see- I haven’t had a real, nice purse in years. Sadly- I take my diaper bag EVERYWHERE, even when the kids are not with me (but not having kids with me is very rare).

It’s not just the materialistic stuff… I haven’t read a book that didn’t have to do with parenting in years. I don’t take baths because the kids use our master bath and there are toys and a bath seat instead of candles and bubble bath there.

Everything about me lately is practical and domestic. I USED to be fun and spontaneous- what happened to that? I AM SO FEELING 30 AND IT’S NOT EVEN FUNNY.

So this year, I’m ready to have a little fun. Spoil myself a little. I need to be a happy mommy and not pity myself for just being that and nothing else. I’d like to think I am so much more than that! I don’t know how I’m going to do it. I don’t know where to find the time or the energy, but I’m going to try real hard to be good to me. It’ll be my 30th birthday present to myself. Because how can I be a good mommy if I am not happy with myself? So, I’m going to stop feeling sorry for myself. Self pity doesn’t suit me and I don’t like feeling this way.

The truth about Vaccines

I've done a LOT of research lately on vaccinations. It is such a scary hard decision on whether or not to vaccinate. The most important thing I believe is to be INFORMED. Know what is going into your child's body. Know what your decision is and don't ever let your doctor scare you into doing what's right for your child.

Here's a very interesting video that helped me make my decision. It's a 45 minute video, but it will save you tons of reading and I wish I had found this info earlier (3 years ago). Click on the link below.

The Truth About Vaccines

3

Dear Isaiah,

3 is so wonderful on you! What an amazing age! You are so much fun. There are countless words to describe you, but I picked 3, since well... you're 3!

IMAGINATIVE- Your mind is so flooded with the kind of creativity that only children can dream up! It is purely magical. We love listening to your brilliant schemes and colorful stories. This has taken play to a whole new level!

CHARMING- My little prince. People can't resist your sweet talk (including me). You sure know how to give a compliment and have gotten your way many times because of it. The other day you and Daddy went to the nursery to buy me flowers and you charmed your way into getting a free rose for me by telling a lady she was nice! You bought that rose with your charm, just for me! You were so excited to come home and give it to me!

SPIRITED- You've got so much emotion inside of you, it overflows! In a crowd of children you are often the most animated, excited little person there! You laugh the loudest, jump the highest and are the most enthusiastic!

These things I adore about you. I couldn't have ever imagined that so much substance, personality, and charisma could be inside of a 3 year old. I often tell you that I wish you could stay little and be my little boy forever, but you tell me you can't stay little... that you have to get "bigger and bigger so you can be like Daddy". I guess since you can't stay little, it is the next best thing!

I love you,

Mama