The First of 30 Days

Yesterday was the first day of my workout routine using the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred.

Let me just say.. She kicked my ass. I was left a shaking, aching, panting, sweaty mess. I can confidently say that was the best workout I have done by far. No other workout left me feeling so thoroughly whipped.  Plus the added challenge of my 4 yr old dancing in and out of the room. (as I refer to her while working out... increased difficulty) Or the blow to my ego when my audience containing my 5 month old was laughing at me jumping around and rolling on the floor. Maxx thought it was hilarious.

To add insult to out of shape injury my husband calls me on the phone just as I finish my first level 1 routine. He actually laughed at how out of breath I was and totally whipped I sounded.    So, I challenged him to do the workout.   He confidently agreed. "No way can a female's workout be that tough"
Well, he tried it.. That was the most sweaty I have seen my husband in a long time.  He was a soggy hot mess.  I can honestly say.. she kicked his ass too.  I didn't point and laugh at him struggling thru some of the moves... like I wanted to. (yes, I am a very sore loser.. and sore winner too) I did giggle quietly to myself when he was cursing at the tv towards the end.
When he finished the workout he was just sitting with his muscles shaking.  I let out a very satisfying...

I TOLD YOU SO!!

Even though I felt horrible right after my routine was over. I still look forward to today's routine.  I was left feeling energized after recovering from the total shock of my first real workout in over a year.  Sure my muscles ache, but for dramatic results you need dramatic action.

My Baby Boy and Me

I found this poem while sitting here in the wee hours cuddled with my baby boy.  It brought tears to my eyes and had me holding him closer.  I will admit there are days when I just want some peace.  The ability to do any chore with both hands or without him strapped to me.   Getting through an entire bathing ritual without someone calling out for me.  Or feeling like a pit crew when bathing.. how fast can you get everything necessary done?

Now when those days crowd in on me I will take the time to sit in awe of my sweet growing boy and revel in his need to have me close.  One day he will push for his independence, running away and laughing when I ask for hugs or kisses.  He wont remain little for long and his need for me to be near will never be so great.  For now, I will enjoy being the most important person in his life.  Even if it means having an audience while bathing.

My Baby Boy and Me

It's three AM, they're all asleep,
and no-one's here to see.
As we rock slowly back and forth,
My baby boy and me.

His little hand is feather light
Tucked up against my chin.
I hold his tiny hand in mine,
and stroke his baby skin.

The house about us creaks and groans,
The clock hands creep around.
He snuggles closer to me still,
And makes his baby sounds.

I love these quiet hours so much,
And cherish every one.
Store memories up inside my heart
For lonely nights to come.

All too soon he'll be grown up,
His need for mama gone.
But until then I still have time
For kisses and for song.

Time for quiet hours like this
With him cuddled in my arms,
Where I wish he'd always stay
Protected, safe and warm.

And yet I know the day will come
When his tiny little hand,
will be bigger than my own.
He'll grow to be a man.

But until then he's mine to love
With no one here to see.
As we rock slowly back and forth,
My baby boy and me.
...Author Unknown

Be the Right Kind of Village

They say it takes a village to raise a child.

What they really mean is it takes a supportive village to raise a child.

There are many choices a mother has to make for their child.  These choices will not only affect the child but the mother's life as well. It is her job as a mother to make those choices for her child and your job as the village is to support her... or shut up and get out-of-the-way.

• Exclusively Breast feed or supplement with Formula
• Formula  or Breast feed
• Cloth diaper or disposable
• Co-sleep or cradle
• Circumcision or intact
• Vaccinate on schedule or Delayed schedule Vaccinations
• To vaccinate at all
• Home-made baby food or Store bought jars
• Attached parenting or CIO

No matter what the parents choose it is their child and their parenting choice.  What does it matter if they name their son Christian or Damien.  As long as they love and nurture that child.

Support a Mom! Motherhood is hard enough without the criticisms of others.

Most of all remember that unsolicited advice is really just criticism with a nicer name.