Friday, June 4, 2010

Stop Being Fat, Mama BLOG

I have officially started my journey of being a healthier mama! You can check out my the blog "Stop Being Fat, Mama!" at www.stopbeingfatmama.blogspot.com.

Encouragement along the way is welcomed!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Stop Being Fat, Mama!

So my sister (and I believe her roommate at the time?) coined the term "Stop Being Fat" which is slowly turning into a "Stop Being Fat" diet. And I have officially joined the team.

I think back when I got married and weighed 135. Even then I was like "Dang, I wish I would have lost another 10 pounds." What I wouldn't GIVE to be 135 now. And Im the only one to blame. By the time I get home from picking up Ava I use the "Im tired" excuse. I also use the "I dont have time", "I need to get laundry done" and sometimes the plain ol' "Im lazy" excuse.

Before I gave birth to Ava I was a good solid 145. I was working out at the gym, had a personal trainer, and ate right. Now, at 176, I haven't worked out in weeks, I sometimes skip dinner or have a small piece of toast, or go through the drive-thru at lunch. I am almost at my heaviest that I was in high school. And when I look at those pictures, I KNOW Im overweight. And what does that teach Ava? With the rise in childhood obesity, I put my foot down to be a healthy and active mommy.

A separate blog to come on my journey to being an active and healthy mom and wife. For now, "Stop Being Fat, Mama!"

Friday, April 9, 2010

Stay-at-home vs. Workin' it

I love my job. I love the people I work with. I actually look forward to going to work everyday because of the challenges, flexiblity and creativity it brings.

But sometimes Im sad that I can't be a stay at home mom. I think it hurts the most when I hear about all the MOPS mamas talking about playdates and the time they get to spend with their little ones during the week. And then when I look at fun activities for Ava and I to do (for example, a mommy and me gymnastics class), the only times they have available are weekday mornings. Hello? Don't you realize their are working moms out there too?

Ava loves her babysitter and is always so excited in the morning to see her. But sometimes I wish I could explain to her why mommy and daddy have to be away during the week. She doesn't seem sad. And she's always so excited to play with us in the evening. And yes, I suppose the socializing she's getting at daycare is great, but what about socializing while mom is there? What about playdates that I can watch her squeal and laugh with other kids?

It tough and sometimes I feel like a bad mom. I know Im not and Matt's not a bad father either. How do people do it? How do people have a house, one working parent and money to pay for food and other necessities? Did I miss the memo?

I know Ava will grow up to be a beautiful and amazing daughter because of the people in her life and the support she gets 24/7. Sometimes I just wish I could be the 24/7 and not the 15/7.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ava's 1st Birthday!!

So Ava's 1st birthday is only 9 weeks away and I just decided on a birthday theme (seriously, all event planner's would be ashamed of my lack of planning ;)





In any case, I decided on the typical "Our Little Princess is turning One!" Birthday theme. I was even more excited to see that the decorations and such that I was planning on buying had some great reviews. I was even more excited to see some had pictures. Until I clicked on this one:



Seriously?!?!? What IS this?!? This seems a bit extreme. I had some ideas of how I wanted to decorate for Ava's birthday but... Wow.

Sorry Ava. You're better off learning now that life is full of disappointments. And that you're birthday party will not look like this, LOL.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

PostPartum Depression

I belong to an amazing group of moms through the MOPS group at church. It has really been a great network and I love the two Thursdays a night that we get together.

Im starting to freak out though about this coming Thursday because instead of listening to someone else speak, I will be the one doing the talking. And its a subject that hits home for me because I went through it after I had my daughter - Postpartum Depression.

You never think you'll be the one who experiences it and I feel nobody ever REALLY talks about it, but I feel its something that women need to know is real and it CAN happen to them. I want them to know the signs of PPD so they will know if they are experiencing it or someone close to them is. I want them to know what resources helped me pull through and how to surround yourself with loved ones during the depression.

If they leave with only one thing ingrained in their minds, I want them to know that asking for help is OK and that they do not have to go it alone.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

9 months - already?!?

Ava had her 9 month check up today. I was excited that no shots were scheduled, but I still couldn't believe that my baby was having her 9 month old check up already! Isn't she suppose to stay a baby forever?

Her measurements were as follows:

Weight - 16 pounds (15%)
Height - 26 inches (8%)
Head size - 18 inches (90%)

I've come to terms that she will always have a large head and as the doctor puts it, "Will not be the tallest kid in school". I mean, come on, have you seen her parents?

Im sad and excited at the same time that Ava is almost 1 years old. Im excited to plan her first birthday party, but sad that my baby girl is growing up. Before I know it she'll be telling me she hates me and asking for the keys to the car.

But until then, I will smother her with kisses every chance I get before she thinks they're "gross".

Sunday, January 24, 2010

I am grateful

Matt is gone this weekend at the annual snowboarding trip with his friends. Im glad he was able to go spend some time with them and just have a little time away from us. Ok Im sure it sounds crazy to say "time away from us" but I think its healthy that we both get some "me" time every now and again. But I digress.

As I was getting Ava's breakfast ready I thought to myself how hard it would have been to be a single mom. Just having a weekend without him was tough and that was with my parents visiting on Saturday! There would be no one to watch her as I went outside to do laundry... I couldn't run to the store alone because I had someone to leave her home with.... And I couldn't take a leisurely shower during the day because I would have had to have her in the bathroom with me.

I know doing those things are doable when you have a little one, but I appreciate Matt that much more knowing Im not going through this alone. If Im frusterated, upset, happy, sad, I have Matt there to help. Yes, I complain that he doesn't do this or that, but to single moms who have no choice - I give you kudos for doing it alone. I couldn't do it everyday by myself and for that I am grateful.