The Easter Bunny Cometh

Oh Easter.  Oh Rose.  Oh Peeps.  Oh what a great day!

 

Also, I think Rose rocked the Bunny dress, don't you?

Dear Rose - 15 months

Dear Rose,

You are now 15 months old.  No longer my darling little baby, you are now my sweet toddler.  A walking, babbling, curious, into-everything Rosezilla!  We love seeing you so excited about everything, wanting to explore, to open and close things, to take things out and put them back. 

Your fifth tooth has appeared.  I wish that teething would be a little less painful and a little faster for you.  There are some nights were you really seem to struggle with it, but Dad and I are always there to hold you and comfort you, even when you are drooling and chewing on everything in sight!  You understand the theory of brushing your teeth, putting on lotion, using silverware, although actually doing those things you still need lots and lots of practice!

You are IN LOVE with the neighborhood playground, especially the swings and exploring the jungle gym!

You got your first haircut last month too. Your little pixie cut really compliments your round little face and you definitely prefer not having your hair in your eyes!

Unfortunately, Rose, you have had several incidents at school – you’ve been bitten twice! And have fallen down several times as you’ve been running and playing.   You are still learning about how your body moves and each day you seem to grow in confidence and get better at having your legs, arms, feet, hands, and fingers do what you want them to do!  Next month, you will begin the transition to the Toddler Room.  We are excited for you to be in a bigger room, with MORE toys. 

Your world is ever-expanding Rose and I love how you are excited to explore, yet want to make sure that Mom and Dad are nearby for those reassuring hugs.

We love you so much, Rose!  Let's go learn about this big, big world together!
All my love, Mama 

Octopus Awesomesauce

I saw this and gasped out loud; this would totally make my Rose's summer! Octopus Sprinkler

I Like to Move It

Today I got up early (feet hit the floor at 5:30 am!) and worked out at the gym before going to work.   I feel very proud of myself for accomplishing this task and still feel great from my workout.   A+!  Gold stars for everyone!   

I don’t know why I put off exercising.  Sure, I can attribute some of it to having a toddler (can you say teething really bites? Hah! But seriously, I am so glad we don’t remember our teeth coming in, it’s such a painful, long process) and just the reality of life.  Yet, exercising is such a great thing – and simply, I just feel so much better when I move my body.  Those endorphins are full of joy. 

Intellectually, I know why I should exercise.  It keeps me healthy by helping my heart and lungs and brain be more efficient; it reduces the risk of hypertension, the risk for diabetes, and all of those other nasty, yucky things that could possibly occur.  Research continually touts it as the fountain of youth.  Can Exercise Keep You Young?

Honestly, my true reason to exercise and stay healthy is that I want to dance at Rose’s wedding.  Full on, shakin' it, joy-FULL, celebrating-love-dancing.

 

I want to be there for her as she grows, living the example of how strong, joyful women take care of themselves and those they love.  I want to welcome my grandchildren with strong, open arms.  What is more important than these things to come? 

But even with these beautiful motivations, I let the excuses pile up and honestly, in that moment, it is easier to snooze a few minutes longer in bed, or check my e-mail, watch some TV, WHATEVER before moving it.  I think we’ve all been there.  And especially for those of us with young children, and full-time jobs, and THINGS TO DO, it’s easy to let just this one day slip. And one more day. . . and so it goes.     

My secret to just doing it is that accountability piece.  When I feel like someone checks in with me, I’m more likely to show up and get the work done.  So, every once in a while, I reach out and ask for that support, but not continually, because I wouldn’t want to impose.  I’m a nice girl, and wouldn’t want to bother you because I know that we’re all busy.    

Then again, this is my health and my future we’re talking about, (and YOUR health and YOUR future, too!) so maybe asking for that help is more important than I think.  Maybe you wouldn’t mind to ask me if I got my tush to the gym, because you are so proud of me when I do it.  And maybe YOU need a workout friend, too, so I can ask you if you've moved your glutes recently too. 

I am curious to know your thoughts and motivations for moving it.  Is there a way to support each other on our this journey?      

Free Cone Day!

What are you waiting for??  Today (April 12, 2011) is Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day!  The only thing better than ice cream is FREE ice cream!  Visit Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream to find out more!

Babies & Cuddles

Verklempt alert!  I want this job, don't you?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

This is Where You Might Possibly Benefit

I work for the Federal government.  For those of you with a radio or an internet connection, you are most likely aware of the current budget situation.  We appear to be moving towards a government shutdown which means that I will be not working, along with a very significant number of Americans.  I'm trying to think positive about this situation:  it's a gift of time, right?  Rose and I can do fun things together! (MN Children's Musuem!) I can go to the gym and hang out with the SAHMs!  I can write that business plan I keep meaning to get too!  Finish a knitting project!  Bake some bread!  Have lunch with Rich!  (Urban Olive and Vine)  Meditate!  Try out a new recipe!  (Shortcake's Green Onion Dressing Salad!)  Blog more, including photos of Rose!

So, internet friends, if Congress doesn't pass any sort of budget measure you might be the beneficiary.  So, make me feel better about this situation and tell me that you are looking forward to it, please!