Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Mommy Needs Coffee: Toddler Talk

Workout: 30 min swim

Sooo, last week was one of those feels-like-I'm-a-single-parent weeks because RC had a crazy work schedule. Yes, fun times and in a non-sarcastic way - they really are fun times. It just takes some reminding sometimes.

I also ended up only getting one swim in plus the walks, but that was it for the entire week. I was tired. However, I keep having to remind myself that tired begets tired, and not exercising for me makes me even more tired, so this week - two workouts under my belt. Yay!!!

Now, for some coffee ...



and some book talk.

I kind of got into a reading rut and finally got through a couple of books that prompted me to clear out my Nook library. So glad I did. It made me realize that I had ordered this sample, but never actually read it.


I can't complain too much about the BB, but she is definitely testing us right now. As much as I have this thing against reading self-help books, I'm actually ok with reading baby-help books. In my mind, I need all the help I can get.

I haven't gotten too far on this book, but will post a full review later (or eventually). However, in the short couple of chapters I've read I kind of feel more empowered as a parent. It's a strange thing to say, but I do.

I had forgotten one of the most important lessons I learned from "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer," here's my oh so wonderful review, which is to really treat your child as their own person.

This has led to a very subtle change in dealing with her, really. Here are some examples:

  • I try to be more courteous and ask her before we do anything like change her or put on her jacket.
  • I am trying to wait and ask if she needs help with certain tasks instead of rushing and doing things for her. This one is tough for me, I must say.
  • I also have to remind her to use her words whenever she starts getting angry or frustrated.

One of the biggest issues I had was trying to rush home and get dinner on the table while trying to keep her from asking me to hold her half of the time. Things are slightly better now, I try to do most of the prep work after her bed time (lifesaver!!!) and we try to spend some time outside playing before actually starting dinner. I also try to include her in the meal-making process. She's now a fan of sitting on the counter and having her own spoon to stir with.

Are you a fan of baby/toddler-help books? Got any suggestions?

ADios :)

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Saturday Snapshot: Chalk-the-Block!

Workout: 30 min walk + chasing of the toddler!

This past weekend was jam-packed and so much fun, we feel so blessed.




Take these lovely strangers, whom my BB picked up at the local Chalk the Block festival this weekend and handed them some chalk!


Then inspected their chalk-coloring skillz! Future manager on our hands, maybe?




Not pictured here, there was also a Luminarium Mirazozo (a "calming balloon" that you walk through and hang out in), people on stilts (I never know how they do it) and some cool street vendors.


It was a fun event that everyone got into!

What's the most random festival you've attended?

ADios :)

Friday, October 19, 2012

Taco Thursdays: leftovers!

Workout: 20 min yoga + 25 min swim

Yayyyy, today's swim was G'rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat - if I do say so myself. As you know, I'm slow at both running and swimming (go me) but I love the fact that I can be pregnant and actually do some "speed" work. That feeling never gets old and I am missing running right about .... NOW!

Now, my "speed" work is probably more like a regular person swimming but it makes the work-out so much fun and it just flew by. I also make sure to keep it easy and not over-exert myself, but that's where listening to your body really pays off.

Actually, I think I'm making the weight's guy at my gym nervous. He came over while I was working on those squats yesterday and asked when I was do. How I was feeling and if my doctor was ok with my workouts?

I told him my doctor was fine with me working out as long as I kept the weights light (which I do) and don't over do it.  I try to do both of those things but I don't think he's seen many pregnant women pumping iron, I'm sure I must be a sight!

If you've been pregnant before and worked out, did you ever experience anything similar?

Also, there were no tacos today. In fact, it was one of those rare weeks that for some reason, a crock-pot full of soup served us for 3 days. It was heavenly :)

ADios :)


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Mommy Needs Coffee: Hot water + Dates!

Workout: 20 min yoga + 20 min swim

Another day, another BB breakdown at the daycare. Fun times!

This one wasn't so bad and the 20 min swim got me feeling better about the whole situation, I just have to take it one breakdown at a time. Plus, after a month or so of cold showers at the gym, we got our hot water back. 'Twas glorious!

But today I wish I could have more than one of these:


I'm just so tired, I think I may be trying to fight a cold and hopefully I will :) Hello sinus cleaning, honey and oranges!

I know yesterday's blog was more of the Mommy Needs Coffee variety and it was such a bummer, too! Thanks for listening and the kind words - it helps to know I'm not the only one going through it and I  wholeheartedly agree that:

me+a workout > me-a workout

Plus, after reading Three Surprising Tips for an Easier Labor it gave me more motivation to continue my strength training plan. Squatting and lunges are some of my "favorite" exercises and it's good to know it may help on that whole upcoming labor thing.

I'm also definitely going to make sleeping a priority, it just gets so hard once the belly is in full bloom - and IT is! I've been averaging anywhere from 6-7 of sleep but the middle of the night wake-ups have started so my new goal is to be in bed by 10. Maybe if I write it and repeat it enough it will come true!

Also, note to self: stock up on dates this weekend. Apparently, having 6 dates a day can lead to an easier labor. Sign.Me.Up.Please! Not knowingly, it's a good thing I made some date+pumpkin whole-wheat bread this weekend so I'm on the right path. I just need to start planning my date shakes and date oatmeal concoctions.

Are you a date fan? Favorite recipes? Random easier labor tips you swear by?

ADios :)

Monday, October 15, 2012

The Salad Case: Pricey?



Workout: 30 min walk + 30 min weights

Today was one of those days where I dropped the BB off and left her crying. I HATE those days!

My entire days has been painted by that feeling of failure I get sometimes when it seems I can't do anything right. Ever get that feeling?

I so wish I could stay at home and get to spend more time with her, but that's just not in the cards right now.

I don't want to get too deep here, but it just made me start thinking (among other things) about the price we pay to lead a healthy lifestyle.

I'll be honest, I still feel guilty I'm taking an extra hour to work out while she's in daycare. Right now, my decision to do so has more to do with prepping for labor (which ohMyGosh is coming up so so fast) than to fit into my "goal" jeans (because I have no "goal" jeans right now).

The yoga, swimming and strength-training are helping me get through this third-trimester and I'm so glad. Still, I wonder if I'm focusing too much on the workouts because I'm still eating a wee-bit too much sugar? Or getting to bed too late to be able to wake up at 5 and work out at home?

I've been thinking about this for a while. Every time I reach for a fun-size Snickers bar, or order a mini-Pumpkin Blizzard (you have to order this - oh so good - but maybe don't) I wonder if I'm un-doing all that work that goes into planning and prepping healthy meals not to mention all those workouts.

Do you guys ever have such thoughts? Does it ever impact your future decisions? 

ADios :)

Sunday, October 14, 2012

The Sunday Plan: Updated?

Workout: long walk with the family

So... I've been good about menu planning (a bit), but bad about packing it to work. As a result, $$$ down the drain. This week, I work on that! 

Below is the plan, but on Monday I plan to take some veggies/bread snacks that I can prep at work in case I don't prep at home the night before.

Also, I've been going a little crazy on the squash (on sale + me likey) but it's worked out well. I can bake them all on Sunday and they are ready to go on their respective nights!

Archaic-rap-meme-generator-go-shorty-it-s-your-birthday-we-re-gonna-party-like-its-your-birthday-d18c72


  1. CrockPot Sundays: Pork Stew
  2. Panini Mondays: Brie + apples + acorn squash
  3. Surfin Tuesdays: Salmon patties + spaguetti squash
  4. Sghetti Wednesdays: Butternut squash fettuccini
  5. TacoOrRice Thursdays: Paella
  6. Pizza Fridays: Garlic + spinach
  7. Savory Saturday Breakfast: Bean Burritos
  8. Sweet Sunday Breakfast: Pumpkin Bake
  9. Breakfast Savor of the week: Eggs + Cheese
  10. Salad Case: Spinach + Greek + hummus
  11. Smoothie: yogurt + blueberries
  • Produce Isle
    • acorn squash
    • spaghetti squash
    • butternut squash
    • bell peppers
    • potato
    • onions
    • celery
    • cilantro
    • garlic
    • spinach
    • bananas
    • apples
    • fruit (on sale)
  • Staples Isle
    • bread
    • tortillas
    • rice
    • pasta
    • canned artichoke hearts
    • yeast
  • Dairy Isle
    • shredded cheese
    • parmesan cheese
    • brie cheese
    • yogurt
  • Protein Isle
    • pork
    • eggs
    • canned salmon
    • hummus
    • chorizo
  • Frozen Isle
    • veggies
    • blueberries
    • pizza
When was the last time you partied like it was your b-day?

ADios :)

Friday, October 12, 2012

Flashback Fridays: Songbird

Workout: 30 min weights + 30 min walk

Ok, I know - I'm terrible at being consistent (that probably goes with everything) and I'm sure you've figured it out by now. What gets me is, when did we get to mid-October?

At least there was a much-needed break to good ol' San Diego!


With some quality family time at the beach with our little munchkin! Can you believe she is already 3 ft tall??? Again, when did that happen?

Plus, we've been taking in the Fall and all it has to offer - including more sugar than I'd like to admit. I am also proud to say that I've kept up with the swimming (yay) and strength-training at the gym. We've also been walking it up as a family since my 2-yr old refuses to stay in her stroller after her cheerios are gone from her her snack cup.

We're also blessed because the pregnancy has been going well, but I've been dodging that gestational diabetes test like there's no tomorrow - talk about giving sugar a bad rap! Why can't they just let you bring in a nice Pumpkin Latte from Starbucks?

I was looking through my drafts and it turns out it's been quite a while since I posted on a Friday. The below is actually an old draft that I had prepared and scheduled to publish back in April!!! However, I just realized (I think) that you still have to hit the Publish button for it to publish at the time you schedule a post. Yes, I know - here I thought I was tech savvy! So here you go, a 6-month old Flashback Friday post!

What were you up to 6 months ago?

***

...speaking of music, I read this article about the cast of Glee getting 200 records on the Billboard charts. Crazy, huh? Although I am a GleeK I obviously don't think they should be considered to be in the same group as the Beatles or Madonna.



Also, I was actually surprised that despite the iTunes phenomenon of the show, it's ratings aren't that strong. I'm all about the music and the Finn + Rachel high school romance but I do think the show can get a little "preachy" from time-to-time.

Glee has however introduced me to some good music, including the Rumors sound track.



I immediately downloaded it the next day after the "Rumors" episode aired and have been known to play it non-stop on certain days. "Songbird" being my favorite song from the album.

There's lots of music that I absolutely love and I wonder if my BB will share my opinions. I'm a big Beatles  and Juan Gabriel (I know, totally different) fan because of my parents and have picked out some other music along the way. But if you really think about it, there's so much good music out there that I probably have never heard of or ever will.

Have any recommendations?

ADios :)