The Battle of the Bulge

My third baby is turning 9 months this week! 9 MONTHS! I am in denial about it. How did the time go by so fast? As I walk in and she is standing in her crib this week, I have the realization that she almost isn't a baby anymore.

And here I am 9 months later and I still prefer yoga pants to regular pants because nothing with a button is comfortable. I actually took off my jeans and put on yoga pants with boots for an event this week. I've kicked up the exercise over the past month but its not getting me the results I hoped for.

So the sacrifice begins. Over the next couple of weeks I am going to thin out sugar and flour, wean myself so to speak. Lent starts on February 18th and this year I am giving up sugar and flour. I am hesitant to put it out there like this but success is more likely with a little pressure. So those yummy bark thins will be a thing of the past in a few weeks... Until then moderation :)

Intentional Play Time

Last week I talked about New Years goals but another year has gone by for my kids.  Next year I will have a 4 yr old, 3 yr old, and 20 mo old! Most days just fly by.  It's really hard not to be sad watching the time fly.

I am trying to be intentional about several things going forward. I have to really try hard to have purposeful interactions with the kids, such as sitting with them engaged in their activity versus having them do an activity, like color or paint, while I'm trying to set up, organize, or manage the activity. I should get to color sometimes, or build blocks. Why did I decide to stay home if I'm not able to participate in the fun?

On the other hand, I have become frustrated at times when they don't want to sit and read with me, or do a puzzle, or sort beans...which was a disaster of sorts trying to find all the beans before the baby did! I have to remember that those are purposeful efforts that are not working out the way that I intended, however it is still quality time.

So to another year gone past! And many great years of learning and growing to come!

New Years Goals

Here it is January 15th and I am just getting around to blogging.  Let's face it, I am not good at keeping up with this whole blogging thing.  If I could blog in the shower, I would have it made. I have whole conversations with what I would love to share with the world. On the positive side, it is only January 15th and I have conquered the beginning of some of my goals already.

A big goal for the first quarter this year is thinning out my work appointments. They are all over place and I need a more steady schedule.  Sometimes things just work out, and now I have a little time for this list of things that I have been wanting to tackle. A a mother of multiple itty-bittys, my list of things that I want to get done is really not that long or time consuming because we are essentially still in survival mode.  I can't make overwhelming lists for myself anymore because it will be years before  any of it gets completed.

Organizing pictures and maybe getting some photo books made. Sounds like an easy one, but there is always something else that I could do instead.  I decided to start with 2013 and I'm about 8 months through weeding out and uploading to Shutterfly my photos.  I hope this project doesn't die by February. I fear I will be hit by a bus and my husband will never get to this and then my children will have no pictures or videos of themselves.  Irrational? No, just a normal mom thought in my opinion :)

Ok so blogging and updating the Real.Fit.Mom Facebook Page- hasn't happened much.  I can't decide what direction I want to go in.  I start to hold back when I seem to post the same things, like lots of food.  But no more! I am going to post what I want and hopefully it starts to morph into something with more of an identity. So share it with your friends and help me build it!!

Last goal- trying not to make too many goals.  I have about 8 more I could easily list but I don't want to be accountable for them!

Go have a great day!

Thanksgiving 2014

As we wrap up such a fun and productive weekend, I can't help but reflect on Thanksgiving 2013.

One year ago, we were a family of 4 with the uncertainty of how we were going to juggle three kids two weeks shy of 3 under 3. And yet as we sit here today with our youngest, 7 month old baby girl, who is so happy, content, and brings her older siblings so much joy, I can't help but be so thankful.

We figured the novelty of 'the baby' would wear off by now, but it hasn't.  She draws them in with her smile, and they all melt. Although this is probably it for us as far as more kids, because we can't imagine juggling any more, I'm sure we would have the same reflection if we were blessed with more.

We are excited to kick off the holiday season!!

Stroller Fit Classes Are Back On TUESDAY!

We are going to start Stroller Fit Classes on Tuesdays at 9:15!  Please bring water, a yoga mat, and have Baby in the stroller.  We will be on the move to keep Baby entertained.  

Classes are at 3904 Davila Drive.  The house is on the corner of Davila and Lenel.  Enter at the side gate near the garage on Lenel to sign in.  Classes are $15 and class is about one hour.  Please try to text me either the night before or the morning of class if you are attending so I have the equipment ready 702-338-2405. 

We will consider adding an additional class in a couple of weeks so let me know what days or times you would like to see.  Email me with any questions- dibellac@yahoo.com.

Don't forget to like our Facebook Page in case of any last minute changes or weather issues Real.Fit.Mom.

I know it's hard to make time but summer is just around the corner so make time to get back on track!

Work in that Workout!

As a Mom it is so easy to put off your workout for other things that need get done- I know because I'm also guilty of it.  It's only 10am and I've already been the cleaning lady, though begrudgingly my husband might say, and the vacuum repair man, in addition to the normal household duties.  I look like hell and the last thing I want to do is get ready to pack up MD and get to the gym. 

Yesterday I was in this predicament and the weather was so nice that we went for a long walk and later to the park so MD could also get some exercise.  There are lots of easy things you can do at home to get in that workout and cut out the time it takes to pack/unpack and travel to the gym. 

If you push the kids in the stroller, there are several easy exercises that you can do. Lunges have several variations, so about 20 minutes into your walk periodically do a set of 10-20 lunges.  You can do them walking forward, stationary, or stepping side to side to target the inner thighs.  Calf raises on a curb are also a great exercise.  You can also incorporate running intervals.  For example, one block you can run the distance of two driveways, and then walk two driveways. Maybe two block later you do the same but you sprint the two distance of two driveways and walk three driveways. 

Once you return to the house, keep the baby in the stroller but where they can see you so they are entertained. You can do pushups either on your knees or against the front steps for an easier angle.  Tricep dips and leg lifts can also be done on the steps or the edge of a deck.  And if you have time try to fit in some crunches. 

Happy Exercising! 

Making My Own Baby Food

MD teething on a carrot

When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I went to hear a lecture by Dr. Alan Greene, author of Feeding Baby Green.  The tag line for his book is "The earth-friendly program for healthy and safe nutrition."

The first thing that I learned from this lecture, as I have mentioned before, is that we are the parents and that we should always be learning and asking questions.  Many things are just taken for granted as "the way it has always been done or the way it is usually done," but there are always alternatives.

Dr. Greene talks extensively about what we feed our children as babies and what forms their eating habits and associations with food throughout their lifetime.  A topic in his book that I really took to is the lack of nutritional value that rice cereal has in an infant's diet, and how it is a processed food out of a box.

Until this lecture I had never thought about what I would be feeding MD beyond the hope that I could nurse him for at least the first several months.  But leaving the Dr. Greene lecture, I had my mind made up that I was definitely going to make my own baby food.  And I must admit, it has been a whole lot easier than I ever expected.

During an afternoon nap recently, I steamed and blended carrots, broccoli and peaches and also made lentil soup.  If I use frozen fruit, I let it defrost first and then blend it with a hand blender.  If I am steaming more than one vegetable for example, I will just scoop the carrots out of the steamer and then throw in the broccoli to save time.  For me cleaning up can take a lot of time so I try to keep it convenient.

I often freeze the fruits and vegetables in ice cube trays, which is about 1oz per cube.  I let them defrost for a few minutes before I pop them out and store them in a baggy in the freezer.  I have ruined ice cube trays by trying to get them out with a knife right out of the freezer. 

As for the lentil soup, I will sauteed yellow onions in olive oil before adding the water and lentils.  I never add salt.  Sometimes I will even throw in mushrooms or carrots.  I no longer have to blend soup for MD but in the beginning I would blend soup with a hand blender and then store it.  I use a nonstick muffin pan for this.  Each muffin is about 3 oz.  When you take the pan out of the freezer, let it sit for a few minutes before you try to pop the soup out.  Do not use muffin tins or papers.

When I am ready to feed MD I will put a couple of cubes in a glass bowl in the fridge overnight, or I will put them in the microwave on defrost.  The food in the picture about lasted about two weeks.  When we eat out I try to bring homemade food but I always have a "Happy Baby" food pouch with me in case of an emergency.

Thank you for letting me share!  Happy Baby Food Making!

High arsenic levels found in organic foods, baby formula

High arsenic levels found in organic foods, baby formula

Carseat Review Website

I came across this great website today while looking at reviews for convertible carseats.  Hope you find it helpful!
Convertible Car Seat Reviews

Mommy Fit Class FRIDAY

Hi!

The weather is supposed to be great Friday so I will be holding class at Noon.  Hope to see you!

Christina

Mommy Fit Class This Week

This Wednesday is supposed to be 65 degrees!  I will be teaching a Mommy Fit class at Noon.  No excuses, it will be a beautiful day in January.  Email me if you have any questions. 

Happy New Year!!

Are you looking for some help with getting back on the horse?  It's a new year and it is time to get going on your 2012 goals.  There are several things that Real.Fit.Mom. can help you with including a current fitness assessment, goal setting, nutrition log review, and monthly fitness plans.  

Fitness Assessments include measurements, physical fitness assessment, nutrition log review from last 7 days, goal setting and mini workout including exercises that you can do at home.

Monthly Fitness Plans include weekly exercise plans emailed to you each week based on what is established during the Fitness Assessment.  Weekly phone calls to keep you on track and to answer any questions.  Plans are made specifically to fit within your life.

Packages & Pricing

Fitness Assessment (60min) $45.00

Monthly Fitness Plan $55.00

Monthly Fitness Plan for 3 months $130.00

A Fitness Assessment is included with your Monthly Fitness Plan for the first month.

Monthly Fitness Plan plus 1-hour Private Training session per week $225.00/month

Fitness Assessment included.

If you are looking for something different, we can set up a package specifically for your needs.  

Welcome to 2012 and be sure to make it a great year!

Thoughtful kindness

Since having a baby, my faith in people has skyrocketed. I have been met with random acts of kindness more than I ever have before, and more than I ever expected.

There are the usual: "I'll hold the door" gestures, "Would you like a lid for that" questions, and "I can carry that for you" comments. While recently traveling alone with my little guy random passengers have helped me with my luggage, and the bag handlers and stewards have happily held my child so I could break down a stroller or use the restroom.

I was touched recently over Thanksgiving by a very thoughtful woman. I was waiting for a walk-in appointment to get my brows waxed. I go to one of the best in town and didn't have an appointment, but was prepared to wait for a couple of hours to get them done.  It was the holidays and I was desperate. I had the baby with me so I signed in and then went for a walk. Forty-five minutes later, the wait was still pretty long. 

A nice older woman named Marilyn was chatting it up next to me, she had an actual appointment which normally has to be booked two to thee months in advance.  She has a grown son and was reminiscing about how she didn't get out with him enough when he was an infant.  After a while she went and checked on her appointment.  When Marilyn got back she told me that I was going to take her appointment.  I was very touched but I didn't need to get them done so badly that I needed to steal her appointment two days before Thanksgiving.  She insisted, remembering how it was challenging to take care of the little things when you have kids. It was such a thoughtful gesture for someone to give up their time for another. 

Instances like these are examples for people to look up once in a while and have an actual conversation, instead of keeping your head down texting and sending emails.  Having a baby has reminded me that people are more thoughtful than I would have would ever given them credit for. 

Breast-milk shortage hits milk banks; tiniest babies at risk

I found this article to be very interesting. I learned a bit about milk
banks and how they help so many.


Breast-milk shortage hits milk banks; tiniest babies at risk

Alternatives To What Is Considered Normal

One of the biggest lessons that I have learned over the last year is not to assume how to raise your child.  Just because "most" people do something or parent a certain way, it doesn't mean that those principles or actions work for your family, nor does it mean that there aren't alternatives to "the norm."

Last week I went to the monthly meeting for the mom's group that I belong to and the speaker, Licensed Professional Counselor Toni Borowczak, was fantastic.  She impacted me in several ways. 

As a parent, you want your child to succeed.  Having such a young one, I can't even imagine how disappointed I will be the first time he talks back or does something bad, and I am terrified on how to effectively discipline him. 

Toni asked us all, "When your child comes to the door at 25, who do you want to see standing before you?"  Some answers included: Happy, Self Reliant, Confident, Kind, & Socially Responsible.  You can directly instill your child with so many tools for life. 

Toni gave me many things to ponder as well as the knowledge that there tools that we as parents can use to help parent the best that we can. 

Toni also recommended some books that I intend on checking out:
"Yardsticks" by Chip Wood

"A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Motivating Children (Raising Kids Who Can Series)" by Betty Lou Bettner and Amy Lew

"Raising Kids Who Can: Use Good Judgement, Assume Responsibility, Communicate Effectively, Respect Self & Others, Cooperate, Develop Self Esteem & Enjoy Life" by Betty lout Bettner and Amy Lew

"Positive Discipline" by Jane Nelsen

Toni Borowczak
Licensed Professional Counselor
214-265-8689
toni@Corbellacounseling.com
corbellacounseling.com

Bookmarks @ NorthPark Activity Schedule

Check out this link:  Bookmarks Upcoming Events
Bookmarks is part of the Dallas Public Library.  We love the Baby Bounce Class and look forward to the other classes the library offers as MD gets older.

Tuesday's Mommy Fit Class!

We had a great Mommy Fit class on Tuesday!  Thanks to Kelli, Jenani, and Becky for joining us!  For more information on classes, click on "Class Schedule and Information" under the October Blogs on the left of the screen.

 Girls are working up a sweat!

Lunges being supervised by the babies!

Great job girls!

Mommy Fit Pictures 10-21-11

Kelli & Jenani working hard!

Feel the burn!

Class Information & Schedule

Hello Moms!
We are excited to kick off our Real.Fit.Mom. classes starting Friday, October 28th!  We ask that you arrive at 9:00am to get set up and signed in.  Class will start at 9:15am and will last one hour.  The cost is $15/class and payment is required before class begins.
    
     Please bring: Water, Yoga Mat & Towel

Classes are held on the back patio at 3904 Davila Drive.  The house is on the corner of Davila and Lenel.  Please enter at the side gate near the garage on Lenel.  The gate will be open.


Children are welcome but please remember that you are responsible for watching your child.  You are welcome to have your child in a stroller or wear your baby.  Or you may want to bring a mat or blanket for your child to play on.  We suggest that your little one has a full belly when you arrive, but as Moms, we know that the best planning doesn't always work out. 


Classes are circuit based and are designed to get your heart rate up while toning your muscles. All levels are welcome and modifications are available to make exercises easier or harder.

Our proposed schedule through December is Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:00am.  If there is interest, we will add a Saturday morning class.  Stay tuned for updated information. Our facebook page will be up and running shortly.  Thanks!