Tory Girl says the darndest things and leaves Andi and I in stitches daily. When Tory, Aden and I traveled back to Nebraska this past week, several family members commented how they couldn't wait to "hear Tory's little voice." I think it's because she's such a tiny girl who says the biggest, grown-up phrases. Everyone gets a kick out of listening to what she'll say next. Here's some recent Tory-ism's:
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(Reading books to Tory at nap time, with my face close to hers)
Tory: "Mom, you have dragon breath."
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Me: "Tory, are you done with your breakfast?"
Tory: "I totally full of toast."
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(In the locker room before swimming class, dancing around wearing a hooded towel like a cape)
Me: "Hocus pocus! Can you cast a magic spell?"
Tory: "Mom! I don't have my magic wand!'
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(This spring, a batch of sugar ants were coming into the house by the front door. Tory was beside herself about ants being indoors.)
Tory: (in a sheer panic) "Mom! How did marching ants get in here?"
(I bought a few ant bait traps and our little ant problem was solved. A few days later, Tory left a half-eaten cookie on the floor of her room.)
Me: "Tory! This is why you can't walk around with food. Now there's ants in your room."
Tory: (astonished) "There's marching ants in my room. I can't believe it."
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(This is a common phrase for Tory, but one instance lately was when I accidentally pinched Tory's leg with the buckle of her car seat)
Tory: "Ow! You have to watch out for people!"
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(Throwing small toys into the air)
Tory: "I can easily juggle."
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(First thing out of Tory's mouth every morning)
Tory: "I have energy!"
(or, alternatively before nap time)
Tory: "I need to charge my batteries."
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(Offering to share a bite of food)
Me: "No, thanks."
Tory: "Okay, tell me you want one."
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(Nana Candy asked Tory if she needed a diaper change)
Tory: "I don't know, check if I have a blue line."
(and a few days prior when Grandma Janie asked Tory if she pooped)
Tory: "I don't know, smell my butt."
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Me: "Phew, I'm pooped." (from exhaustion)
Tory: (with jaw-dropped) "You pooped?!"
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Strawberry Picking
Picking fresh strawberries from the field with my little family is on my must-do bucket list every summer. I look forward to this day all year long. Andi and I started our strawberry picking tradition when Tory was just 9 months old and we've continued to visit the same strawberry patch near our lake cabin every year since then.
Reflecting on our very first visit seriously brought tears to my eyes. Back then, I imagined a day Tory would be old enough to pick berries alongside us, and now that day is here. Where does the time go?! Having our baby boy Aden join in our annual tradition this year is sweeter than my biggest dreams. It's so awesome to see how much our family has changed and grown in three short years while some things - like visiting this little strawberry patch - remain the same.
Life was busy in the weeks leading into Fourth of July, I guess, because we usually visit the strawberry patch in late June but didn't make it this year. Fortunately, we stayed at the cabin on the Monday and Tuesday following the holiday weekend, so it was the perfect time to go strawberry picking before they closed for the season. This year, we invited our cabin friends Josh and Krista and their daughters Hannah and Kate to go along with us. Both of the babies were asleep in their car seats when we arrived, so we were quite the scene carrying infant seats into the fields with us. The owner insisted on driving us to the picking site in her golf cart even though it wasn't very far to walk.
Once we arrived in the field, we set in to start picking. Tory knew exactly what to do and started picking berries (and eating them, too). We had to remind her a few times to stay in the rows and avoid walking on the plants themselves - oops!
Soon, my sleepy boy woke up and wanted in on the berry picking action. I was a bit bummed Aden is too small to eat strawberries this year. He's just starting to show interest in solid foods and I think strawberries are a "watch-out" for him given his sensitivity to things. Anyway, no "first strawberry" experience for him this year, but he did enjoy watching us pick from his infant seat and pulling the leaves off the plants he could reach. Next year, buddy!
No visit to the strawberry patch is complete without a group photo. Look at us ... our little family of FOUR!
And one of our entire group -- Josh, Krista, Hannah and Kate included.
So many fun memories! Seriously, this is what life is all about.
Love.
Reflecting on our very first visit seriously brought tears to my eyes. Back then, I imagined a day Tory would be old enough to pick berries alongside us, and now that day is here. Where does the time go?! Having our baby boy Aden join in our annual tradition this year is sweeter than my biggest dreams. It's so awesome to see how much our family has changed and grown in three short years while some things - like visiting this little strawberry patch - remain the same.
Life was busy in the weeks leading into Fourth of July, I guess, because we usually visit the strawberry patch in late June but didn't make it this year. Fortunately, we stayed at the cabin on the Monday and Tuesday following the holiday weekend, so it was the perfect time to go strawberry picking before they closed for the season. This year, we invited our cabin friends Josh and Krista and their daughters Hannah and Kate to go along with us. Both of the babies were asleep in their car seats when we arrived, so we were quite the scene carrying infant seats into the fields with us. The owner insisted on driving us to the picking site in her golf cart even though it wasn't very far to walk.
Once we arrived in the field, we set in to start picking. Tory knew exactly what to do and started picking berries (and eating them, too). We had to remind her a few times to stay in the rows and avoid walking on the plants themselves - oops!
 |
| Tory and Hannah picking strawberries |
Soon, my sleepy boy woke up and wanted in on the berry picking action. I was a bit bummed Aden is too small to eat strawberries this year. He's just starting to show interest in solid foods and I think strawberries are a "watch-out" for him given his sensitivity to things. Anyway, no "first strawberry" experience for him this year, but he did enjoy watching us pick from his infant seat and pulling the leaves off the plants he could reach. Next year, buddy!
No visit to the strawberry patch is complete without a group photo. Look at us ... our little family of FOUR!
And one of our entire group -- Josh, Krista, Hannah and Kate included.
So many fun memories! Seriously, this is what life is all about.
Love.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
How To Host a Shrimp and Sausage Boil
One thing I love about our lake cabin is the way it brings people together. It's fun having a place for friends and family to gather and as the host, it takes a bit of planning to make sure our guests enjoy their visit. The best cabin memories often surround food -- cook-outs; s'mores around the bonfire; bellies up to the picnic table passing around tasty homemade dishes -- so I typically write a detailed meal plan each week to ensure we have everything we'll need for weekend festivities.
Meal planning for the cabin can be challenging. For one, there's more pressure to deliver a satisfying meal (and little room to say over the table, "huh, not sure where this recipe took a wrong turn..."). Food needs to be hot and cooked to perfection; the presentation, appetizing; and ideally, the clean-up easy, so I'm not stuck in the kitchen when I'd rather be socializing.
That's why Andi and I love hosting shrimp and sausage boils at the lake cabin. It's easy to prepare (especially for me, because Andi does the cooking!), usually a crowd pleaser because it's something out of the ordinary, and always delivers a "wow" factor with our guests.
Here's how we host a shrimp and sausage boil:
What You'll Need:
Raw shrimp, rinsed
Andouille or other spicy sausage, cut into 3-inch sections
Red potatoes
Ears of Corn, shucked, cleaned and cut into thirds
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (Boil Bags)
Large Stock Pot
Strainer
Brown craft paper
*Generally, figure 1/2 lb. of shrimp and 1/4 lb. sausage per person; so, to serve 20-25 people at our recent Fourth of July shin-dig, we purchased 10 lbs. of shrimp, 5 lbs. sausage, 3 5-pound bags of red potatoes and 24 ears of corn.
Directions:
Prepare ingredients by rinsing the shrimp and red potatoes, shucking corn and cutting husks into thirds, and slicing sausage into 3-inch pieces. Fill a large stock-pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.We (I say "we" like I'm the one doing all the cooking - ha!) ... Andi uses a big 44-quart stock pot to accommodate a large amount of food, but a regular 6-quart stock pot would work fine for a smaller group of 4-6 people.
Start by cooking the red potatoes in boiling water with half of the one-pound bag of Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Add the corn on the cob to the pot, followed by the sausage. In the last five minutes of cooking time, add the shrimp to the stock pot.
Meanwhile, roll sheets of brown craft paper onto a tabletop. We usually use two or three layers of paper to keep the shrimp boil mess to a minimum.
When the food is prepared, dump the hot, steamy shrimp and sausage mixture directly onto the tabletop. Throw a stick of butter onto the table and a hunk of bread or tasty corn bread muffins and you've got yourself a delicious shrimp and sausage boil, served family-style.
The best part -- when the meal is finished, roll up the craft paper and discard. Easy clean-up.
----
Notes from the cook (aka: my husband, Andi):
We're planning another seafood boil over Labor Day weekend when my Nebraska family visits the lake cabin. I'm excited; there's something so fun and communal about gathering around a table, rolling up your sleeves and digging in to share a meal together.
Meal planning for the cabin can be challenging. For one, there's more pressure to deliver a satisfying meal (and little room to say over the table, "huh, not sure where this recipe took a wrong turn..."). Food needs to be hot and cooked to perfection; the presentation, appetizing; and ideally, the clean-up easy, so I'm not stuck in the kitchen when I'd rather be socializing.
That's why Andi and I love hosting shrimp and sausage boils at the lake cabin. It's easy to prepare (especially for me, because Andi does the cooking!), usually a crowd pleaser because it's something out of the ordinary, and always delivers a "wow" factor with our guests.
Here's how we host a shrimp and sausage boil:
What You'll Need:
Raw shrimp, rinsed
Andouille or other spicy sausage, cut into 3-inch sections
Red potatoes
Ears of Corn, shucked, cleaned and cut into thirds
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (Boil Bags)
Large Stock Pot
Strainer
Brown craft paper
*Generally, figure 1/2 lb. of shrimp and 1/4 lb. sausage per person; so, to serve 20-25 people at our recent Fourth of July shin-dig, we purchased 10 lbs. of shrimp, 5 lbs. sausage, 3 5-pound bags of red potatoes and 24 ears of corn.
Directions:
Prepare ingredients by rinsing the shrimp and red potatoes, shucking corn and cutting husks into thirds, and slicing sausage into 3-inch pieces. Fill a large stock-pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.
Start by cooking the red potatoes in boiling water with half of the one-pound bag of Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Add the corn on the cob to the pot, followed by the sausage. In the last five minutes of cooking time, add the shrimp to the stock pot.
Meanwhile, roll sheets of brown craft paper onto a tabletop. We usually use two or three layers of paper to keep the shrimp boil mess to a minimum.
When the food is prepared, dump the hot, steamy shrimp and sausage mixture directly onto the tabletop. Throw a stick of butter onto the table and a hunk of bread or tasty corn bread muffins and you've got yourself a delicious shrimp and sausage boil, served family-style.
The best part -- when the meal is finished, roll up the craft paper and discard. Easy clean-up.
----
Notes from the cook (aka: my husband, Andi):
- Timing is everything so be sure to monitor the food as it boils. The potatoes cook for the longest amount of time (30 minutes total). About 20 minutes into cooking time, add the ears of corn and sausage to the stock pot and boil for 10-12 minutes while potatoes finish boiling. In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, throw in the shrimp (boil for 5 minutes if defrosted / 7 minutes if frozen).
- Either use frozen shrimp or defrost within two hours of eating time.
- Andi recommends a large strainer because, in his words, "it's cheap and it works well for scooping." 'Nuff said.
- Add dry seasoning as an accompaniment to the tabletop so guests can fine-tune spice levels to their liking.
- And finally, use a premium shrimp for the best quality boils. We've ordered a fabulous medium-sized wild Mexican raw shrimp (36-40 per lb.) without shells, veins or tails from Morey's seafood market with great success. (They ship direct, too!)
We're planning another seafood boil over Labor Day weekend when my Nebraska family visits the lake cabin. I'm excited; there's something so fun and communal about gathering around a table, rolling up your sleeves and digging in to share a meal together.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Fourth of July 2014
Another Fourth of July has come and gone, and I'm both exhausted and completely blissed out over our great weekend at the lake cabin. As I type this post, I'm sitting in my new favorite lounge chair on the deck watching the sun rise over the bay. The bullfrogs are bellowing, the crows cawing and the loons calling from the water. It never happens both Tory and Aden sleep the morning away simultaneously (or ever, for that matter) so I'm seizing this peaceful moment to ring in the day with coffee and my computer.
There's too many great holiday weekend happenings to detail, so I'll hit the highlights:
THE COMPANY
Our friends Nick, Julie and their boys Joel and Alex joined us at the lake cabin for Fourth of July weekend along with Andi's co-worker / friend Ravi and his wife Nerissa. Nick and Julie's crew took over the basement and Ravi and Nerissa stayed in their RV parked alongside the cabin. There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and retreat when needed - a perfect setup.
THE FESTIVITIES
Along with many pontoon boat rides and evening bonfires, we joined our favorite lake friends in hosting a progressive dinner of sorts over the holiday weekend. Except, instead of traveling from one place to the next for a different course of the same meal, each of our cabin owner friends hosted the group for a specific meal over the weekend. Joe and Lisa had a Fourth of July BBQ on Friday evening and made a feast of smoked meats and fish including brisket, pork butt, salmon and trout.
Saturday morning, Oscar and Deanna hosted everyone at their place for Bloody Mary's. We played lawn games, sat around to chat and watched the lake's annual boat parade.
Saturday evening, Andi and I took our turn by hosting 22 people at our lake cabin for a shrimp and sausage boil. Andi cooked 10 pounds of shrimp, 5 pounds of Cajun sausage, 16 pounds of red potatoes and 24 ears of corn. We rolled out craft paper over two picnic tables and served the meal family-style. The food was a big hit!
FOOD and DECOR
Back in the day when several of our friends shared the lake cabin together, we'd go all out with meal plans, party themes and decorations for the holidays. Now we own the lake cabin by ourselves and come here so often (and have two kids with much less free time, let's be honest), everything's become more turn-key.
Anyway, last week I caught the itch to party plan and whipped together some festive meals and Fourth of July holiday decor. We enjoyed red, white and blue yogurt parfaits for breakfast on Fourth of July morning (vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, honey and the most delicious granola I picked up at a farmer's market from Great Harvest Bread Co.). I also brought red, white and blue fruit kabobs (strawberries, blueberries and mini marshmallows) to Joe and Lisa's BBQ. The fruit kabobs were a popular side dish - especially with kids at the party. And finally, everyone raved about the walking tacos I made for lunch one day. So easy, too! Andi made the taco meat ahead of time and kept it warm in a Crock Pot. When it was time for lunch, everyone assembled their tacos in a bag of crunched Doritos with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream and salsa.
I picked up some table centerpieces and festive flag bunting from the dollar store and made a Fourth of July banner to hang in the cabin for decoration. I bought fresh flowers, wrapped a piece of burlap around mason jars for vases and stuck a small flag in each one to tie in with the Fourth of July banner's rustic theme.
It all turned out really cute, and those simple party decorations made me so cheerful whenever I saw them throughout the weekend. I hope our guests felt the same way.
FAVORITE MEMORIES
The "progressive parties" throughout the weekend were a ton of fun because, just as it seems, our big, boisterous group traveled from one place to the next. We laughed. We drank. We talked. We played lawn games. It was the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. More and more, our lake friends feel like family.
Another one of my favorite memories took place Saturday night after sunset. Everyone went back to their respective cabins after our shrimp boil and Nick, Julie and their boys, Ravi and Nerissa all went to bed. Andi and I let Tory stay up way past her bedtime to watch the neighbors' fireworks show. As the three of us sat around the bonfire roasting marshmallows Tory joyfully said, "I love camping." "Oh, this isn't camping" Andi told her, "this is called a bonfire." "I love bong-fires," Tory said.
Bonfires, Tory Girl.
BONFIRES.
(And then our hearts exploded. She is so cute!)
---
There's too many great holiday weekend happenings to detail, so I'll hit the highlights:
THE COMPANY
Our friends Nick, Julie and their boys Joel and Alex joined us at the lake cabin for Fourth of July weekend along with Andi's co-worker / friend Ravi and his wife Nerissa. Nick and Julie's crew took over the basement and Ravi and Nerissa stayed in their RV parked alongside the cabin. There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and retreat when needed - a perfect setup.
THE FESTIVITIES
Along with many pontoon boat rides and evening bonfires, we joined our favorite lake friends in hosting a progressive dinner of sorts over the holiday weekend. Except, instead of traveling from one place to the next for a different course of the same meal, each of our cabin owner friends hosted the group for a specific meal over the weekend. Joe and Lisa had a Fourth of July BBQ on Friday evening and made a feast of smoked meats and fish including brisket, pork butt, salmon and trout.
 |
| Joe prepping for the Fourth of July BBQ |
 |
| My dear friend Julie and I |
 |
| Hannah and Tory |
 |
| Oscar carving meat for the BBQ |
 |
| Lisa holding Aden |
Saturday evening, Andi and I took our turn by hosting 22 people at our lake cabin for a shrimp and sausage boil. Andi cooked 10 pounds of shrimp, 5 pounds of Cajun sausage, 16 pounds of red potatoes and 24 ears of corn. We rolled out craft paper over two picnic tables and served the meal family-style. The food was a big hit!
FOOD and DECOR
Back in the day when several of our friends shared the lake cabin together, we'd go all out with meal plans, party themes and decorations for the holidays. Now we own the lake cabin by ourselves and come here so often (and have two kids with much less free time, let's be honest), everything's become more turn-key.
Anyway, last week I caught the itch to party plan and whipped together some festive meals and Fourth of July holiday decor. We enjoyed red, white and blue yogurt parfaits for breakfast on Fourth of July morning (vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, honey and the most delicious granola I picked up at a farmer's market from Great Harvest Bread Co.). I also brought red, white and blue fruit kabobs (strawberries, blueberries and mini marshmallows) to Joe and Lisa's BBQ. The fruit kabobs were a popular side dish - especially with kids at the party. And finally, everyone raved about the walking tacos I made for lunch one day. So easy, too! Andi made the taco meat ahead of time and kept it warm in a Crock Pot. When it was time for lunch, everyone assembled their tacos in a bag of crunched Doritos with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream and salsa.
It all turned out really cute, and those simple party decorations made me so cheerful whenever I saw them throughout the weekend. I hope our guests felt the same way.
FAVORITE MEMORIES
The "progressive parties" throughout the weekend were a ton of fun because, just as it seems, our big, boisterous group traveled from one place to the next. We laughed. We drank. We talked. We played lawn games. It was the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. More and more, our lake friends feel like family.
Another one of my favorite memories took place Saturday night after sunset. Everyone went back to their respective cabins after our shrimp boil and Nick, Julie and their boys, Ravi and Nerissa all went to bed. Andi and I let Tory stay up way past her bedtime to watch the neighbors' fireworks show. As the three of us sat around the bonfire roasting marshmallows Tory joyfully said, "I love camping." "Oh, this isn't camping" Andi told her, "this is called a bonfire." "I love bong-fires," Tory said.
Bonfires, Tory Girl.
BONFIRES.
(And then our hearts exploded. She is so cute!)
---
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| My Fourth of July babies |
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| Tory and her BFF Hannah chatting down by the lake |
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| Joel (7) played so well with Aden all weekend |
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| Alex (4) and Tory with some iPad down-time |
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| Boys catching frogs |
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| Paddle boat rides |
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Bottle Transition
It's been a few weeks since Aden's transition to formula, and for the most part things are going well. As has been the case with him all along, things weren't the easy transition they were when Tory moved to formula. Though, I have many blessings to count as our bumps in the road have been fairly minor in the grand scheme of things.
For one, the spit up. Oh, I'd forgotten all about formula-fed babies and their stinky spit up. When Tory was an infant I wondered why in the world people used burp cloths until she switched from nursing to bottle-feeding and oh, I see! Much more messy! Apparently I had a case of amnesia this time around because I'd stowed away all the burp cloths and again had to dig them out for bottle feedings. We're going through bibs and burp cloths like hot cakes now.
On the topic of stinky: smelly formula toots. My little boy can rip 'em! I'm hoping Aden starts liking food soon so I can work some fruits into his diet and help his bowels along.
Shortly after Aden moved to full-time formula, he began throwing up whole bottles after meal times. I immediately panicked because if this kid can't have regular or soy formula, what can he have (?!) but then concluded his sudden intolerance was directly related to teething. He cut his second tooth a few days later and BAM! no more issues. Darn teeth do some crazy things to babies.
It took me a few days to get the hang of carrying bottle feeding supplies wherever I go (one of the many benefits to nursing; never having to worry about packing bottles), but now it's no big deal at all. And as much as nursing in front of others didn't bother me, I definitely don't miss the awkward fumbling (covering up discretely, juggling the baby and my giant boobs, etc.). At the park the other day, Aden was fussing to be fed and Tory soiled her diaper so I was hurrying around to help them both at the same time. My girlfriend who was with me at the time offered to feed Aden and it was the first time I realized that, yes, someone else can feed the baby! That's definitely a nice change of pace.
Shamefully I admit I feel so free to be no longer providing directly for another human life. I'm having to trick myself with fruit-flavored water and reminding myself to eat meals because now that I don't have to eat and drink water, it's really the last thing I feel like doing.
My, ahem, period has yet to return and I'm curious to see how long it'll be before it shows up. With Tory, I started menstruating three months after she was born and while I was still nursing (not the norm, I know). Last week I experienced MAJOR mood swings (my poor husband!) with fiery rage one minute and hot tears the next, so I assume my body's doing what it needs to do to regulate itself.
So, we're on to the next stage and adjusting accordingly. Now if you'll excuse me, there's a seemingly never-ending pile of bottle parts by the kitchen sink I should get to washing for the umpteenth time today.
For one, the spit up. Oh, I'd forgotten all about formula-fed babies and their stinky spit up. When Tory was an infant I wondered why in the world people used burp cloths until she switched from nursing to bottle-feeding and oh, I see! Much more messy! Apparently I had a case of amnesia this time around because I'd stowed away all the burp cloths and again had to dig them out for bottle feedings. We're going through bibs and burp cloths like hot cakes now.
On the topic of stinky: smelly formula toots. My little boy can rip 'em! I'm hoping Aden starts liking food soon so I can work some fruits into his diet and help his bowels along.
Shortly after Aden moved to full-time formula, he began throwing up whole bottles after meal times. I immediately panicked because if this kid can't have regular or soy formula, what can he have (?!) but then concluded his sudden intolerance was directly related to teething. He cut his second tooth a few days later and BAM! no more issues. Darn teeth do some crazy things to babies.
It took me a few days to get the hang of carrying bottle feeding supplies wherever I go (one of the many benefits to nursing; never having to worry about packing bottles), but now it's no big deal at all. And as much as nursing in front of others didn't bother me, I definitely don't miss the awkward fumbling (covering up discretely, juggling the baby and my giant boobs, etc.). At the park the other day, Aden was fussing to be fed and Tory soiled her diaper so I was hurrying around to help them both at the same time. My girlfriend who was with me at the time offered to feed Aden and it was the first time I realized that, yes, someone else can feed the baby! That's definitely a nice change of pace.
Shamefully I admit I feel so free to be no longer providing directly for another human life. I'm having to trick myself with fruit-flavored water and reminding myself to eat meals because now that I don't have to eat and drink water, it's really the last thing I feel like doing.
My, ahem, period has yet to return and I'm curious to see how long it'll be before it shows up. With Tory, I started menstruating three months after she was born and while I was still nursing (not the norm, I know). Last week I experienced MAJOR mood swings (my poor husband!) with fiery rage one minute and hot tears the next, so I assume my body's doing what it needs to do to regulate itself.
So, we're on to the next stage and adjusting accordingly. Now if you'll excuse me, there's a seemingly never-ending pile of bottle parts by the kitchen sink I should get to washing for the umpteenth time today.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
I Am a Runner
I typically dislike exercise updates on social media but I'm breaking my own pet peeve with this Earth-shattering update: I started RUNNING.
Me! Running!
(I'll give you a second to pick yourself up off the floor.)
Since the early days of elementary school, I've firmly stood in the Do Not Like Exercise camp. I'm not very good at running (mostly because I feel like my lungs are going to cave in when I do it) and I've never enjoyed participating in sports. I like watching sports because it usually involves socializing, beer and many opportunities to shove snacky foods into my mouth but actually participating in an exercise activity? No thanks.
Andi's been nagging me for years to start working out and I never understood why he needed me to help him exercise. He said he wanted us to "be healthier" but, eh, not interested. I've joined local gyms on and off over the years, but it never stuck as part of my daily routine. I don't like fighting for machines or clamoring for a space in organized classes. Last year I joined a gym for a hot-second in an attempt to carve out a little "kid-free time" for myself, but Tory lost her marbles when I left her in the daycare center. See? Working out = not for me.
A few weeks ago I received registration forms in the mail for a 5K run/qalk near the lake cabin. All of our cabin friends run in this race and Andi and I are the only ones who walk it. It's always bothered me a bit, like we weren't physically fit enough to run it with everyone else. There's no pressure from anyone to run or walk, but I felt embarrassed by it. Anyway, something came over me as I completed the race registration forms this year and I decided to try my hand at running. Why not? I have two months to train for it and worse case, I can always walk if I need to. It's not like this particular 5K run/walk is very competitive (the race ends in a beer garden, for goodness sake)!
I told Andi my intentions and said I'd need to purchase a double jogging stroller if I really wanted to give this running thing a shot. I only have 4 hours of "me time" every week so working out with the kids has to be part of the equation. I expected Andi to roll his eyes and bock at the idea of buying another stroller (that makes six different strollers in our possession now), but he called my bluff and said, "go for it!" Crap. No turning back now.
So, I took the plunge. I bought a double jogging stroller (this cheap one so I'm not completely up a creek if it ends up collecting dust in the garage in a month or so), downloaded the Couch to 5K app on my iPhone and I started running. It's only my first week so I don't have much room to proclaim success, but I'm so proud of myself for actually doing it. I'm running!
Surprisingly, I don't hate it (yet) and running/walking isn't as difficult as I thought it'd be. Well, okay, pushing two kids and a 30 pound stroller is no picnic, but it's totally doable. And, it's only going to get easier. I like strapping the kids into the stroller and just going - it's way easier than loading everyone into the car, driving to the gym, getting situated, finding a machine or timing it right to join a class, etc. I'm also hoping to tone up my postpartum body. It took me 15 months to get back to my "old body" after Tory was born and at 7 months postpartum with Aden, I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight but still pretty flabby around the middle. Hopefully, running helps me bounce back more quickly and who knows, maybe I'll actually stick with that "be healthier" thing Andi always talks about.
Now I've publicly proclaimed my commitment to exercise, I have to stick with it!
For a while ....
Hopefully.
Wish me luck!
ps. What are some of your favorite exercise apps / things to listen to / cute workout clothes I need to make this running thing even better?
Me! Running!
(I'll give you a second to pick yourself up off the floor.)
Since the early days of elementary school, I've firmly stood in the Do Not Like Exercise camp. I'm not very good at running (mostly because I feel like my lungs are going to cave in when I do it) and I've never enjoyed participating in sports. I like watching sports because it usually involves socializing, beer and many opportunities to shove snacky foods into my mouth but actually participating in an exercise activity? No thanks.
Andi's been nagging me for years to start working out and I never understood why he needed me to help him exercise. He said he wanted us to "be healthier" but, eh, not interested. I've joined local gyms on and off over the years, but it never stuck as part of my daily routine. I don't like fighting for machines or clamoring for a space in organized classes. Last year I joined a gym for a hot-second in an attempt to carve out a little "kid-free time" for myself, but Tory lost her marbles when I left her in the daycare center. See? Working out = not for me.
A few weeks ago I received registration forms in the mail for a 5K run/qalk near the lake cabin. All of our cabin friends run in this race and Andi and I are the only ones who walk it. It's always bothered me a bit, like we weren't physically fit enough to run it with everyone else. There's no pressure from anyone to run or walk, but I felt embarrassed by it. Anyway, something came over me as I completed the race registration forms this year and I decided to try my hand at running. Why not? I have two months to train for it and worse case, I can always walk if I need to. It's not like this particular 5K run/walk is very competitive (the race ends in a beer garden, for goodness sake)!
I told Andi my intentions and said I'd need to purchase a double jogging stroller if I really wanted to give this running thing a shot. I only have 4 hours of "me time" every week so working out with the kids has to be part of the equation. I expected Andi to roll his eyes and bock at the idea of buying another stroller (that makes six different strollers in our possession now), but he called my bluff and said, "go for it!" Crap. No turning back now.
So, I took the plunge. I bought a double jogging stroller (this cheap one so I'm not completely up a creek if it ends up collecting dust in the garage in a month or so), downloaded the Couch to 5K app on my iPhone and I started running. It's only my first week so I don't have much room to proclaim success, but I'm so proud of myself for actually doing it. I'm running!
Surprisingly, I don't hate it (yet) and running/walking isn't as difficult as I thought it'd be. Well, okay, pushing two kids and a 30 pound stroller is no picnic, but it's totally doable. And, it's only going to get easier. I like strapping the kids into the stroller and just going - it's way easier than loading everyone into the car, driving to the gym, getting situated, finding a machine or timing it right to join a class, etc. I'm also hoping to tone up my postpartum body. It took me 15 months to get back to my "old body" after Tory was born and at 7 months postpartum with Aden, I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight but still pretty flabby around the middle. Hopefully, running helps me bounce back more quickly and who knows, maybe I'll actually stick with that "be healthier" thing Andi always talks about.
Now I've publicly proclaimed my commitment to exercise, I have to stick with it!
For a while ....
Hopefully.
Wish me luck!
ps. What are some of your favorite exercise apps / things to listen to / cute workout clothes I need to make this running thing even better?
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
CERP: Letter of the Week "C"
We're moving through our Craft / Eat / Read / Play: Letter of the Week activities at a snail's pace, and I'm plenty okay with that. I developed the list of fun alphabet activities for Tory and I to do together and some weeks we get to it; some weeks we don't. Though, one constant is Tory's fascination with letters. Most days, she can be found belting out the ABC's at the top of her lungs and the other night I even heard her reciting them in her sleep! As a parent, it's exciting to see Tory so enthused about learning and practicing something new.
Here's a few activities we did recently for Letter "C":
Craft: Make a "C" Caterpillar (source)
Click the link to find detailed instructions on how to make a construction paper caterpillar. Ours looked nothing like the original; Tory used fuzzy balls, shapes and markers to create her own version. I added her picture to our binder collection of alphabet crafts.
Eat: Bake Rhubarb Crumb Bars
It's no secret Tory and I love to bake together, but we haven't spent much time in the kitchen since summer officially set in. Too much fun playing outside, I guess. I decided to change that last week when I picked up some fresh rhubarb at the local farmer's market and made rhubarb crumb bars for the weekend. Tory helped by scooping up the chopped rhubarb and dumping all the ingredients into the bowl as I measured them. These were delicious! I also froze some to take to the lake cabin and enjoy over the weekend and actually, I preferred the bars when they were chilled.
Read: "C" books we read together: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie and several copies of Curious George
Play: "Catch" is one of Tory's favorite games. We include Brother Bear into the mix by sitting in a circle on the floor and rolling a ball between our legs. Or if it's just Tory and I, we kick the ball to one another out in the backyard. Kids and a ball -- one of life's simplest pleasures.
Here's a few activities we did recently for Letter "C":
Craft: Make a "C" Caterpillar (source)
Click the link to find detailed instructions on how to make a construction paper caterpillar. Ours looked nothing like the original; Tory used fuzzy balls, shapes and markers to create her own version. I added her picture to our binder collection of alphabet crafts.
Eat: Bake Rhubarb Crumb Bars
It's no secret Tory and I love to bake together, but we haven't spent much time in the kitchen since summer officially set in. Too much fun playing outside, I guess. I decided to change that last week when I picked up some fresh rhubarb at the local farmer's market and made rhubarb crumb bars for the weekend. Tory helped by scooping up the chopped rhubarb and dumping all the ingredients into the bowl as I measured them. These were delicious! I also froze some to take to the lake cabin and enjoy over the weekend and actually, I preferred the bars when they were chilled.
Read: "C" books we read together: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie and several copies of Curious George
Play: "Catch" is one of Tory's favorite games. We include Brother Bear into the mix by sitting in a circle on the floor and rolling a ball between our legs. Or if it's just Tory and I, we kick the ball to one another out in the backyard. Kids and a ball -- one of life's simplest pleasures.
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