Have you ever had "one of those days" where the whole world seems to be in your way? We'll today is my day. Note: this should really read "the last day and a half is my day"
It started Wednesday afternoon when my daughter Sam refused to take a nap. This would not be a huge deal except that our afternoon was going to be crazy busy and I knew that a nap-less child would be a MAJOR problem. After struggling with her for almost 30 minutes i gave up and proceeded with my day.
I loaded the kids in the car and took off for Lanie's 2:30 Doctor appointment at Children's Hospital. Wouldn't you know it that the minute we pulled into the parking lot Sam fell asleep. After loading the girls (one fast asleep) into the BOB, I proceeded to navigate my way through Children's to our appointment. Side note: our BOB is a great stroller for Stroller Strides and running, not so great to maneuver in a Hospital full of sick kids and narrow hallways.
Upon checking into the appointment I was notified that the Doctor would be "running a little behind schedule". Normally this would be a problem, but I have a sleeping child with me that I would rather not wake up, so let the waiting begin. Looking back I will regret that thought.
Sam slept for about 10 minutes in the waiting area due to the noise level. The fact that there was a MCDONALD'S in the adjacent hallway didn't help either. Yep, you read that correctly a MCDONALD'S! In a HOSPITAL! Aren't we concerned about childhood obesity?
After wrangling a 11 month old and a 23 month old for almost 2 hours it was finally our turn to be seen. I took Lanie and Sam into the exam room and was told by the RN the "she's on the surgical list. We'll call you sometime in the late summer/early fall when her turn comes up, so we'll see you then." That was it, our appointment was over! We waited over 2 hours for that? I sacrificed a toddler's nap for that? You've got to be kidding me.
Off we went into the afternoon rush hour traffic of the 805. Our normal 20 minute commute turned into a ordeal. Two crying kids, one crazy traffic accident and a mom on the verge is not a good way to spend 50 minutes in a car.
We got home just in time to catch the tail end of the evening news (one of my few vices). I quickly began dinner and got the girls into the bath. As I was getting the girls into their jammies that I got the call that Andy, my husband, had spent his afternoon at Sharp Hospital's ER due to vomiting and would be coming home later that night (he still had to return to work to talk to the Academy Coordinator about his status).
Finally my day was coming to an end. The girls were engrossed in a Laure Berkner Video, Andy was home (finally) and my hopes of a few hours of paperwork time were looking good. Andy put the girls to bed and all that was squashed. If you've ever seen a toddler at the end of a nap-less day, you know what I mean by that statement. Normal people who are tired go to sleep. Not toddlers. When a toddler is tired they rebel. Sleep becomes the enemy. All the tricks in the world would not get our two girls to bed last night (and believe me, we tried). Finally we had to just do it. Put the girls into their beds and shut the door. This use to work well, ya know the tuf love out of sight out of mind method. Just one problem with this theory. Sam is in a "big girl bed" now and can get out.
Two hours and at least two rescue missions to get Sam out of Lanie's bed later (Lanie really doesn't like it when Sam comes to visit), we finally got to bed. Hopes of getting work done dashed.
The good news is that eventually the girls went to sleep, Lanie is on the list for surgery, Andy is feeling better and I didn't kill anyone in all that mess.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Walking for a healthier you!
The most recent issue of HEALTH magazine offers an article by Lambeth Hochwald that states that walking boosts your mood, improves your memory, lowers your risk of disease and helps you to stay fit.Well of course it does. We all know that walking is an important link to better health. So why don't we do it more often. How hard can it be?Well, if you have little ones, then you know the struggles we face, as moms, to get out the door to go walking.
According to Hochwald's article, walking is "great for the heart, cut's breast cancer risks, helps you sleep, cuts down on aches and pains, makes you happy, keeps you slimmer, staves off senior / mommy moments & protects your bones." With benefits like this it would be crazy not to walk a little more each week.
Stroller Strides fits this bill perfectly. All you have to do show up. Let us take care of the rest. As you walk your way to better health we entertain your little one(s), never notice your stained sweatshirt, keep you from getting lost, support you with conversation, laughter and multiple shoulders to cry on, instruct you on great exercises to get you back into your skinny jeans / shorts and most importantly walk with you!We're here for YOU and want to see you succeed as a mom and as a woman. We value your health and we want to help you be as fit and healthy as possible.
So don't wait another day to start walking. If you can get to the park, we'll help you do the rest, and can guarantee you'll want to be with us everyday.
See you there!
Post created by Bend Stroller Strides
Here are a few of the challenges:
- loading the stroller (how does this thing fold up again?)
- kids dressed
- toys
- snacks
- drinks
- dry pants
- shoes (I know I have some tennis shoes somewhere under this pile of flip flops)
- shorts that fit (yeah right!)
- t-shirt (can I borrow one from my husband?)
- jacket / sweatshirt (the throw-up stain isn't that noticeable is it?)
- car keys / house keys
According to Hochwald's article, walking is "great for the heart, cut's breast cancer risks, helps you sleep, cuts down on aches and pains, makes you happy, keeps you slimmer, staves off senior / mommy moments & protects your bones." With benefits like this it would be crazy not to walk a little more each week.
Stroller Strides fits this bill perfectly. All you have to do show up. Let us take care of the rest. As you walk your way to better health we entertain your little one(s), never notice your stained sweatshirt, keep you from getting lost, support you with conversation, laughter and multiple shoulders to cry on, instruct you on great exercises to get you back into your skinny jeans / shorts and most importantly walk with you!We're here for YOU and want to see you succeed as a mom and as a woman. We value your health and we want to help you be as fit and healthy as possible.
So don't wait another day to start walking. If you can get to the park, we'll help you do the rest, and can guarantee you'll want to be with us everyday.
See you there!
Post created by Bend Stroller Strides
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Eating to prevent disorders?
It's well after 6:30pm. I'm on my way to get the girls and head home while my husband is challenging traffic on the freeway. I know that once I get home it will be a mad dash of cooking, jammies, and finally sitting down to dinner all within the hour that we have till the girls have to get into bed.
Everyday I wonder why I (like lots of other parents) even bother. It would be SO much easier to have the girls feed before I pick them up and simply eat dinner with Andy after their asleep. Then I remember a quote that I read in college,
“If you have dinner with your family, including your kids, five nights a week, you have amazing results. You seem to have less incidence of a lot of problems that parents worry about with their teens.”
– Nancy McGarrah, Ph.D., psychologist
Everyday I wonder why I (like lots of other parents) even bother. It would be SO much easier to have the girls feed before I pick them up and simply eat dinner with Andy after their asleep. Then I remember a quote that I read in college,
“If you have dinner with your family, including your kids, five nights a week, you have amazing results. You seem to have less incidence of a lot of problems that parents worry about with their teens.”
– Nancy McGarrah, Ph.D., psychologist
- Shared family meals are more likely to be nutritious, and kids who eat regularly with their families are less likely to snack on unhealthy foods and more likely to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Girls who have five or more meals a week with their families are one-third less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits, which can range from skipping meals to full-fledged anorexia or abusing diet pills.
- The importance of regular family activities to share ideas and find out “what’s happening” is a great way for a parent to be involved, discuss rules, monitor activities and friends, and be a good role model.
- The benefits of eating together will last long after your meal ends, especially if you make family mealtimes a regular activity.
So, tonight as I start dinner at 6:45, still in my work clothes, with two tired girls and one hungry husband "helping" I'll remember that it's not all in vain. The time we are spending together is creating a healthier and happier family.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bun in the Oven?
Here are some interesting facts about exercising during your pregnancy. Some you may know, some startled even me!
ALWAYS get your doctor's permission before starting an exercise program during your pregnancy
Even if you did not exercise before you are pregnant, you CAN begin to exericse! Begin walking or simple exercises. Its not too late to start getting fit - for you and your baby!
Your goal - maintain, not train! Your pregnancy is NOT a time to reach for higher goals - don't train for a marathon now! Use this time to keep your fitness level the same - don't overdue it.
Listen to your body - the OLD ACOG guidelines recommended women not allow their heartrates to increase over 140bpm but that is OLD NEWS! The new recommendations tell women to listen to their bodies. On a scale of 1-10, you should be working at a 5-7 and no higher.
Remember, some days are better than others. Sometimes a workout may seem effortless, but other days the same workout will feel tough. Listen to your body and do what feels right.
Don't Stop Exercising!! Research has shown that women who exercise throughout their pregnancy and STOP at 36 weeks gain more weight than those who never exercised at all!! So even in that dreaded last month, keep moving. Walking, swimming, elliptical - are all great!!
Just some of the benefits of exercising during pregnancy to mom - lower chance of gestational diabetes, less discomfort, easier labor, faster weight loss after the baby is born, less depression, and much more!
So all you Pregnant Women out there - keep exercising. Your baby will thank you for it!!
ALWAYS get your doctor's permission before starting an exercise program during your pregnancy
Even if you did not exercise before you are pregnant, you CAN begin to exericse! Begin walking or simple exercises. Its not too late to start getting fit - for you and your baby!
Your goal - maintain, not train! Your pregnancy is NOT a time to reach for higher goals - don't train for a marathon now! Use this time to keep your fitness level the same - don't overdue it.
Listen to your body - the OLD ACOG guidelines recommended women not allow their heartrates to increase over 140bpm but that is OLD NEWS! The new recommendations tell women to listen to their bodies. On a scale of 1-10, you should be working at a 5-7 and no higher.
Remember, some days are better than others. Sometimes a workout may seem effortless, but other days the same workout will feel tough. Listen to your body and do what feels right.
Don't Stop Exercising!! Research has shown that women who exercise throughout their pregnancy and STOP at 36 weeks gain more weight than those who never exercised at all!! So even in that dreaded last month, keep moving. Walking, swimming, elliptical - are all great!!
Just some of the benefits of exercising during pregnancy to mom - lower chance of gestational diabetes, less discomfort, easier labor, faster weight loss after the baby is born, less depression, and much more!
So all you Pregnant Women out there - keep exercising. Your baby will thank you for it!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
My list
I'm what you would call a "MAJOR Lister". My life is a complex stack of to-do lists, in boxes, and post-its. These are all my form of checks and balances. It's how I know that I'm completing what I need to do as well as tracking what still needs to get done. I have a motto "if it's not on the list, it doesn't exist!". (This also applies to our family calendar.)
The reason I love (and I mean LOVE) these lists is because they help me know that I'm on the wright track and that I'm doing what I'm suppose to.
Almost two years ago my life as a "Lister" was completely turned upside down. I became pregnant.
The second I saw the pink line on the EPT I grabbed my day planner to see what I had going on the third week of July (my estimated due date), and started to list all the things that I would have to complete at work prior to my maternity leave.
The next nine months were a blur of things to-do lists and tasks completed. My OBGYN gave me lists of vitamins to take, foods to avoid, gallons of water to drink, labs to get and exercises to do. I was in heaven with all the tasks, the sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that I was doing EXACTLY what I was suppose to be to have a successful pregnancy and health baby.
Then the unexpected happened. I went into labor 3 weeks early, in a restaurant, with my in-laws. This wasn't on my list. The unexpectedness of the whole situation was almost too much for my anal retentive self to deal with. I wasn't ready for this. I packed my hospital bag that morning but I thought I still had weeks to recheck it. THIS WAS NOT ON MY LIST!!!
I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy little girl the next morning.
After months of trying to create a to-do list of what I needed to do with Samantha everyday (feeding, diaper changes, tummy time, more feeding, diaper changes, etc.) I gave up. She didn't (and still doesn't) care what's on my list for the day. She's just as content doing nothing as she is at getting a million things checked off Mama's list.
Now with two little girls in toe, I still create a list EVERYDAY but my lists are different. They are shorter, simpler and more like "wish lists". I also have a new motto "A man should never neglect his family for business" -Walt Disney.
The reason I love (and I mean LOVE) these lists is because they help me know that I'm on the wright track and that I'm doing what I'm suppose to.
Almost two years ago my life as a "Lister" was completely turned upside down. I became pregnant.
The second I saw the pink line on the EPT I grabbed my day planner to see what I had going on the third week of July (my estimated due date), and started to list all the things that I would have to complete at work prior to my maternity leave.
The next nine months were a blur of things to-do lists and tasks completed. My OBGYN gave me lists of vitamins to take, foods to avoid, gallons of water to drink, labs to get and exercises to do. I was in heaven with all the tasks, the sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that I was doing EXACTLY what I was suppose to be to have a successful pregnancy and health baby.
Then the unexpected happened. I went into labor 3 weeks early, in a restaurant, with my in-laws. This wasn't on my list. The unexpectedness of the whole situation was almost too much for my anal retentive self to deal with. I wasn't ready for this. I packed my hospital bag that morning but I thought I still had weeks to recheck it. THIS WAS NOT ON MY LIST!!!
I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy little girl the next morning.
After months of trying to create a to-do list of what I needed to do with Samantha everyday (feeding, diaper changes, tummy time, more feeding, diaper changes, etc.) I gave up. She didn't (and still doesn't) care what's on my list for the day. She's just as content doing nothing as she is at getting a million things checked off Mama's list.
Now with two little girls in toe, I still create a list EVERYDAY but my lists are different. They are shorter, simpler and more like "wish lists". I also have a new motto "A man should never neglect his family for business" -Walt Disney.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
First
As the Mama of two girls under the age pf two my life is full of "firsts". We have had first words, first bites, first steps, first "big girls" hugs, first parties. The list goes on and on. Our lives are so full of "firsts" that everyday is a new reason to celebrate and be excited. What amazing new thing are the girls going to do today?
This morning when I got up I was not looking forward to today. This is one "first" that I wish our family would not have to have quite yet.
This afternoon I'm taking our youngest daughter (she's 10 months old) to meet her new surgeon for the first time.
This morning when I got up I was not looking forward to today. This is one "first" that I wish our family would not have to have quite yet.
This afternoon I'm taking our youngest daughter (she's 10 months old) to meet her new surgeon for the first time.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Personal Best
A friend of mine (and fellow Stroller Strider) participated in the Moore UCSD cancer center walk this past weekend in honor of her Mother. Although I was unable to walk with her and her family I was able to watch some of the event on the news Saturday Morning.
The theme of this years walk was "personal best" and the speaker really touched a nerve with me. He simply asked the newscaster what she would rather have, a good nurse, surgeon, doctor or someone who every single day gives their personal best.
As I made my way through my day on Saturday I really pondered that concept. How often do I try to give less than 100% in something so that I can multitask and get more done? If you are anything like me you thrive in the fact that you can talking on the phone while driving, or watching the news while playing with your kids. But in the quest of getting more done in less time, who are you short changing?
Isn't it ironic that I expect nothing less than the personal best from the people in my life but very seldom give it?
The theme of this years walk was "personal best" and the speaker really touched a nerve with me. He simply asked the newscaster what she would rather have, a good nurse, surgeon, doctor or someone who every single day gives their personal best.
As I made my way through my day on Saturday I really pondered that concept. How often do I try to give less than 100% in something so that I can multitask and get more done? If you are anything like me you thrive in the fact that you can talking on the phone while driving, or watching the news while playing with your kids. But in the quest of getting more done in less time, who are you short changing?
Isn't it ironic that I expect nothing less than the personal best from the people in my life but very seldom give it?
Friday, May 2, 2008
Going Ons This Month
Mamafest Coming in May
For those of you who attended our Mamafest last spring, you may remember this fabulous event! This year we have combined Mamafest with the LUNA Film Festival. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 7th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Temple Solel in Cardiff. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Postpartum Health Alliance and the Breast Cancer Fund. Both of these great organizations support and educate causes that are important to women. At the bottom of this page are links to the online registration form, vendor information, donation form for the raffle and a general information flyer about the event. This makes for a fun Mom's Night Out. So gather up some friends and we look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions regarding this event please call (866) 348-4666.
Free Mother's Day Class
Treat yourself to a morning of fitness and freebies with the 2nd annual Stroller Strides Mother'รข„¢s Day class. Saturday, May 10th at 9am
Free Stroller Strides class
Free swag bag to the first 25 moms in attendance
Raffles from the following companies
JJ Cole
Road Runner Sports
Pacific Theatres
Cliff Bars
Joggermama
Happy Baby, baby food
Stroller Strides, and many more
Free Brunch and Massages following class
Sesame Street Bay of Play
GRAND OPENING
May 24, 2008
Join SeaWorld celebrities and San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman when the park opens at 9 a.m. for the official ribbon-cutting and opening of the new kid's play area. Elmo, Big Bird, and your other Sesame friends will be on hand.
Come for a Play Date
Friday, May 23
SeaWorld Passport and Fun Card members are invited to come visit SeaWorld's all-new play area before it opens to other park guests. Be the first to ride three new, family-friendly rides. Passport and Fun Card members enjoy exclusive access to Sesame Street Bay of Play from 10 a.m. 6:30 p.m.We also have our own special discount for those who want to purchase the Silver Passport.
Stroller Strides members can buy adult Silver Passports at the childrens price using promo code SWCStroller08. For more information on yearly passes, visit www.seaworld.com
Happy Birthday to all our May Friends
Gretchen 5-10
Sydney 5-14
Jack 5-15
Aiden 5-19
Mother's Day
I have been pondering what I want for Mother's Day for about a month (keep in mind, I'm the eternal planner) and have come up with NOTHING.
I have two great girls, a great (although very busy) husband, good health and happy home. What more do I need?
Late last night, while I was up walking the hallway with Lanie for the 2nd time it hit me. For Mother's Day I want Mama Time. And no Andy, that doesn't mean a new watch. I want time to relax, recharge and review.
Lisa Druxman wrote in a recent post that she was"... thinking about moms needing to find mom-me time. You will be a better mom, wife, friend and so forth if you have things that fulfill you. "
I have two great girls, a great (although very busy) husband, good health and happy home. What more do I need?
Late last night, while I was up walking the hallway with Lanie for the 2nd time it hit me. For Mother's Day I want Mama Time. And no Andy, that doesn't mean a new watch. I want time to relax, recharge and review.
Lisa Druxman wrote in a recent post that she was"... thinking about moms needing to find mom-me time. You will be a better mom, wife, friend and so forth if you have things that fulfill you. "
Strong Mama
I have been called many things in life, some good, some bad, some well... we won't mention the ugly names, but I have to say that I take great pride in a new name I have acquired, Strong Mama.
It came about rather innocently one after noon while I was playing with Sam. We were moving our dining room chairs into our play room to build a tent and, as always she was attempting to move one of the chairs by herself. Not wanting to anger her I let her try to move one all by herself. After a few seconds of pushing, pulling and grunting I heard "Too heavy, Mama. You do". I walked over and asked if the chair was going to be too heavy for Mama to move as well. To my surprise, Sam simply looked me in the eye and shook her head no, "No, you strong Mama, you can do".
Me? Strong Mama? Where on earth did she ever get that idea? I can't move a mountain, I can't bench press a school bus, Jeez, some mornings I can't even bench press my own weight. What do I know about being strong? I still cry every time my girls fall down and scrape a knee. When I think of strong people I visualize Arnold, Helga, you know big beefy people who spend way too much time in the gym. I'm not one of those people. Yea, I work out a few times a week and I try to eat right but that's where I draw the line.
I was still pondering this new name when I came across one of the new adds that Stroller Strides has.
My strength doesn't come from how fast I run or how many push-ups I can do. My Strength comes from the example I set for my girls. Everyday I get the honor of showing them how strong Mama really is. Whether it's working out even though I'm sleep deprived, taking a few moments of "Mama time" to recharge my own batteries, or simply saying no to a second cupcake, everything they'll know about being a woman, a mom, someone of strength they're going to learn by watching me. So, this Mother's day, take a moment to thank all the Strong Mama's in your life. They may not be limited to just your Mom. The Strong Mama's in your life are the women who's actions molded you into the Strong Mama that your are to your children now.
Thanks to all the Strong Moms I get the PRIVLEDGE to call my friends and Stroller Stride Buddies! Your friendship and love help me to be a better mom to my girls.
Shelley
It came about rather innocently one after noon while I was playing with Sam. We were moving our dining room chairs into our play room to build a tent and, as always she was attempting to move one of the chairs by herself. Not wanting to anger her I let her try to move one all by herself. After a few seconds of pushing, pulling and grunting I heard "Too heavy, Mama. You do". I walked over and asked if the chair was going to be too heavy for Mama to move as well. To my surprise, Sam simply looked me in the eye and shook her head no, "No, you strong Mama, you can do".
Me? Strong Mama? Where on earth did she ever get that idea? I can't move a mountain, I can't bench press a school bus, Jeez, some mornings I can't even bench press my own weight. What do I know about being strong? I still cry every time my girls fall down and scrape a knee. When I think of strong people I visualize Arnold, Helga, you know big beefy people who spend way too much time in the gym. I'm not one of those people. Yea, I work out a few times a week and I try to eat right but that's where I draw the line.
I was still pondering this new name when I came across one of the new adds that Stroller Strides has.
My strength doesn't come from how fast I run or how many push-ups I can do. My Strength comes from the example I set for my girls. Everyday I get the honor of showing them how strong Mama really is. Whether it's working out even though I'm sleep deprived, taking a few moments of "Mama time" to recharge my own batteries, or simply saying no to a second cupcake, everything they'll know about being a woman, a mom, someone of strength they're going to learn by watching me. So, this Mother's day, take a moment to thank all the Strong Mama's in your life. They may not be limited to just your Mom. The Strong Mama's in your life are the women who's actions molded you into the Strong Mama that your are to your children now.
Thanks to all the Strong Moms I get the PRIVLEDGE to call my friends and Stroller Stride Buddies! Your friendship and love help me to be a better mom to my girls.
Shelley
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