How Improving My Health Has Helped Me Be a Better Mama

So, I don't usually, well, actually more like I never post about myself. So, bare with me as I talk about me, but promise to have many, many references to my precious children. 

One year ago I was finished. I had had enough of who I saw in the mirror and the number on the scale. Ryan and I had recently returned home from our beach vacation with my family and during our 7 hour drive home had a very serious conversation. I told him I was ready for a change. I wasn't going to spend another Summer uncomfortable in my own skin. Yes, I know I had an 8 month old baby at the time, but enough was enough. I felt bloated, tired, irritable, ashamed. 

So, the day after we got home I began my journey. I threw myself into it- I got a personal trainer at a CrossFit gym and changed to a Paleo diet for the first few months, then to Clean Eating. From day one Ryan supported me 100%. He went along with the changes [some pretty big] to our refrigerator and pantry. He helped me research new alternatives to the foods we once thought were "healthy", he endured and tasted countless new recipes that weren't so great at times, and above all encouraged me Every. Day.

 The processed junk was thrown out [literally] and replaced with wholesome, nutritious, God-made food. Within two weeks Ryan and I could both feel such a difference in our bodies, minds, and muscles. We were amazed at how much junk food contaminated our entire being. Ryan actually lost 17 lbs. in a few months just by changing his diet!! Who knew he had 17 lbs. to lose?

Since then I have continued to work out at least 5 days a week. I have become addicted to healthy eating and exercise. I've lost 25 lbs., gained a lot of muscle tone and best of all- tons of confidence. This Summer, even though my body isn't "perfect", I am no longer hiding under a cover-up or tugging at my bathing suit to make it fit. [Some are actually falling off because they're too big]
But, here's something I never expected to get out of this journey- I am a better Mama because of it.

Here's the top 5 reasons I believe improving my health has bettered me as a Mama:
[in no particular order]

1. I know I am giving my children the best food possible so they start on the right road to healthy living now. All they know is fruits, veggies, lean meats, and healthy dairy products. At home, they rarely get junk food. Desserts are a treat and are always homemade and clean. To drink they have water with meals and milk at nap and bedtime. Snacks are unprocessed.

2. I am setting a good example. Most of my workouts are done while David and Rachael are sleeping [6am], but I also enjoy a couple of the classes our gym has to offer. Luckily there is a daycare onsite so they're able to play while I workout. Both understand that Mama is going to exercise because being healthy is very important. When I go to pick them up David usually says, "Mama, you're all stinky and sweaty. You got some good exercise?!" They love to "exercise" in the front yard by running around or pretending to lift a heavy weight. They wouldn't do that if they didn't see me do it. They think it's a normal activity that everyone does.

3. I have ME time. My workouts are my time. I get one hour a day to think about nothing but me. Does that mean my children don't cross my mind? Absolutely not. It means that for 60 minutes I don't have to worry about what's for lunch, or who had that toy first or wiping a bottom. I can be ME. I feel renewed and re-energize. I miss them both so much when I'm away from them and I get so excited when we're reunited. It's like a fresh new start for all three of us.

4. I have the energy and ability to keep up with them. Since eating real foods and working out I've notice my energy level [on most days] is amazing. Keeping up with two toddlers can be exhausting, but I feel like it would be even harder if I had stuck with my old lifestyle- forcing my body to process foods it wasn't made to process and asking my muscles to do simple things like picking up both kids at the same time. Now I can do it with no problem and no doubt that I am physically and mental strong enough.

5. No matter how old they are I will always encourage David and Rachael to achieve their goals. Even if for some reason I don't agree with them, as long as it's not illegal, I will be their #1 fan. Through my journey I have found that it's support from those around you that helps keep you motivated and focused. I want them to always know I am proud of them. I don't want them to ever wonder where I stand and, of course, would never want to hinder their success. I will do whatever I can to help them better themselves and reach their goals. Their goals will become my goals because my children are just that important to me.    

Rachael At 20 Months

Well, on Friday Baby Girl turn the big 2-0. That's right, she's 20 months old! To put it another, more shocking, way- she will be TWO in four months!! 

Rachael is a character. Not a loud, outgoing character like her brother, though. You have to be watching her, she's not going to get your attention to show off. She's a bit quieter [like her Mama], but incredibly funny. She has developed a since of humor and even makes up 'jokes' all by herself. 

Here she is being silly just running through the house. 

She still has the most gorgeous blonde hair with a delicate curl. It is really growing fast these days. I can almost pull it all back in a ponytail. I just have to use a hair bow for her bangs. 

And just like David liked to do at 20 months, Rachael LOVES to make silly faces. 

Here's her happy face: 

And her sad face:

And, one David learned a little later- the surprised face:

As usual, time continues to fly by. We fall more and more in love with our children everyday. There are difficult times, of course, but the good times are SO very good. I know one day Ryan and I will look back on this time in our lives and long to return to these days of chaos, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, what feels like constant disciplining, snuggles, random hugs, saying "No" 1,000 times a day, and hearing our children laugh as they play together in the next room. These days are to be cherished. Not a day goes by that I don't remember the time when I was childless and had an emptiness inside me. Now my heart is fuller than ever before and I just want to sit back and enjoy it all because I know these days won't last long. 

David at the Dentist

At David's 3 year doctor appointment our pediatrician told us that since David has all of his teeth he needed to start going to the dentist! So, that's exactly what we did today!

He recommended several dentists, some pediatric dentists others general practices. I chose a pediatric dentist and I am SO very glad I did. I want David [and Rachael] to like, as much as one can, the dentist. Growing up, I adored my dentist and was never afraid of going. So, I want that for my kids. 

The entire office was decorated with a fun beach theme. Even the waiting room had this super cool aquarium with tropical fish.

When it was time for David to go back, both kids rode in the red wagon used to transport any small children who want a ride. How fun!

Once we got back to our brightly colored room with sea gulls and pelicans flying on the walls, the nice hygienist came in. She was incredibly sweet and showed David [and Rachael] all the fun tools the dentist would be using to check out his teeth. 

David said he was excited for the dentist to come in and climbed up in the chair.

Rachael wanted to join him, but David wasn't so sure.

And then we waited for the doctor.....

And waited....I had to break out the "emergency toys" from the diaper bag to keep them happy and not destroy everything in the room.

Finally! The dentist came in and I quickly realized what took her so long. She pulled up a chair propped up on the counter next to her and talked to David like she had all the time in the world. 

He was a bit shy when she came in and got scared when she put her mask on. When it came time for him to get up in the chair he was hesitant. So, the dentist suggested I get in the chair with him. And that's where the pictures end. 

I was hoping to get some cute images of the dentist actually cleaning and checking David's teeth. But, instead you'll just have to imagine- me, David, AND Rachael all in that dentist chair. The dentist trying to instruct a 3 year old to open his mouth so she could stick this crazy looking teeth cleaner in his mouth. Rachael pushing up against me trying to get a better view to see exactly what the dentist is doing [losing both her shoes in the process]. Me trying to simultaneously hold and support a nervous David while keeping Rachael from falling out of the chair or into the dentist's hands. 

It was quite a scene and one we [the dentist, assistant hygienist, and I] had to laugh at when it was all over. 

In the end, the report on David's teeth was GREAT! The dentist was envious of David's "natural spacing". His teeth and gums are healthy and look perfect! And David's already looking forward to next time. 

Strawberry Picking 2013

While Ryan was on his hunting trip last month the kids and I spent a couple of days at Ma and Big Daddy's house. One morning we went to a strawberry farm close by and picked two buckets full of yummy strawberries!

It's amazing how different David and Rachael are. David has always been a 'play by the rules' type child where Rachael is more of a 'it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission' personality.

David would look longingly at the juicy strawberries

But, only ate them after getting the go-ahead [I love that he's got his eyes closed]

Rachael, on the other hand, bit right into the first one she saw and never looked back sometimes eating the green top too.

And she totally didn't care that she was covered in strawberry juice

Even though they were eating more than they were keeping, we eventually managed to fill the two buckets. 

David thought he could carry them.

So did Rachael.

Our strawberry picking trips have been a beginning of the Summer tradition ever since David was born. I love to look back on the years and see how much the kids have grown. So, here's the links to each one in case you like to reminisce too: 2010, 2011, 2012. 

Happy 1st Birthday, Parker!

Last month we drove up to Tennessee for a whirlwind trip to celebrate Cousin Parker's 1st birthday! We drove for 4 hours with no real stops and arrived at his house just as the party was starting, which was as planed. Unfortunately, we were so excited to get inside I didn't even think to grab my camera! [we even forgot our presents in the car!] But, even if I had remembered it I don't think I would have been able to take many pictures given the fact that I was chasing two little ones who, at times, were going in opposite directions. 

Even without pictures, I can tell you that the kids [and their Mama and Daddy] had a fantastic time. They loved playing with the other kids who were attending the party, visiting with family, eating all the yummy food and, of course, singing to Parker. 

We spent the night at Uncle Michael and Aunt Nicole's house that night. Aside from an upcoming beach trip, this would be one of the last times we would be together because they are moving to Kansas soon. So, it was nice to spend that one night with them. Just before leaving Sunday morning, Parker opened the gifts the kids picked out for him. 

I tried to get a picture of all the cousins. Of the 8 pictures I took in the 15 seconds my two would sit still, this is the best one. 

Happy 1st Birthday, Parker!!!