Day 45
Yoga (class) 75 minutes
Uncle Cliff, you were right when you said, "Give it 45 Days." I can't think of a time you've ever steered me wrong. ;) I still don't know what's supposed to happen after 45 days but I know it's a great motto for life.
I just returned home after a really great yoga class. Walked through the door, and saw my baby asleep on his daddy's chest on the couch. What could be better than that? It may take a little time for me to reflect on this quest, but I have come to a few conclusions. My yoga practice has improved - I'm stronger, more aware of my body alignment and my breath. My mind still tends to wander but I'm able to refocus with more ease. In my daily life I feel calmer more of the time. I'm able to bring my attention to the tiny moments of my life and really soak them up. When I feel anxious or flustered I'm better able to either 1. Feel that way and then let it go, or 2. Take a moment to calm myself. I have a long way to go when it comes to physical balance, strength, and emotional well being. But, "Maybe I'm not what I should be, maybe I'm not what I could be, but one thing's for sure - I'm a lot better than I used to be." (To quote a certain wise uncle of mine.)
The most important thing this little quest has done is that yoga practice is now a part of my daily routine. And I am going to continue practicing every day. Even if it's just 10 minutes before bed, it's something. It's 10 minutes for me and for the well being of my body, mind, heart, and soul. Which in turn benefits all of those that I love and care for. And I'm blessed with a lot of loved ones in my life - BLESSED.
So, if you ever have an obstacle that seems insurmountable, or a goal that you'd like to start working towards, I'd advise you to turn your ear to my sweet Uncle Cliff and "Give it 45 Days".
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Day 44: Sister Wife
Day 44
PM Yoga 25 minutes
"25 minutes" was totally split up. Earlier this evening, I was hanging out with my nephew while my baby slept. Eli was playing a game on the computer, so I tried to squeeze in some stretching on the side. I love that he knows what yoga is - he asks me, "Are you doing yoga? You can do yoga and I will play." But after about 5 minutes my downward dog pose became a tunnel for him. :)
My miraculous sister had spent the day with me CLEANING my house! She's an angel. I'm having a couple moms and babies over tomorrow, and of course my house was disgusting. So Rach agreed to help me out. Sometimes I wish she could be my sister wife. It's a lot easier to get stuff done when there's two of us!
And then tonight, Jude of course didn't want to sleep in his crib, so I handed him to his papa so I could get a yoga break. He sleeps incredibly well in our arms! But he does not like to be laid down. This has been an ongoing battle, although every night is a little bit different - and some nights are completely different. I have no idea what I'm doing on this front - I'm just trying to do my best. Anyway, after about 10 minutes I could hear that papa wasn't having much luck either, so I had to peek in and see if I could help. We decided to just bring him to bed with us. So I squeezed in 10 more minutes while Miles laid down with him. They're absolutely silent now. :)
I have to mention that today is the anniversary of my cousin Kristin's death. This blog is dedicated to her family - for it's her dad that is the original inspiration. I've been thinking a lot about her lately, and others that have died way too young. It's a really hard thing to get a grip on. Life's a journey and we all know that it ends in death. But it's so heartbreaking when death comes too soon. Especially when it comes too soon for such a beautiful person, like my cousin was. I remember her being FULL of life, laughter, and just good good fun-loving energy. 23 seemed like a "grown-up" age from my perspective when she died - because I was about 13. But it's not at all. It is SO young. And I usually try to look on the bright side of things and to focus on whatever positives are to be found. But sometimes I just have to acknowledge that it fucking sucks and it's not fair. No one should lose a child or a sister so young. Even though life continues to go on, time passes, distance grows... it doesn't get easier.
PM Yoga 25 minutes
"25 minutes" was totally split up. Earlier this evening, I was hanging out with my nephew while my baby slept. Eli was playing a game on the computer, so I tried to squeeze in some stretching on the side. I love that he knows what yoga is - he asks me, "Are you doing yoga? You can do yoga and I will play." But after about 5 minutes my downward dog pose became a tunnel for him. :)
My miraculous sister had spent the day with me CLEANING my house! She's an angel. I'm having a couple moms and babies over tomorrow, and of course my house was disgusting. So Rach agreed to help me out. Sometimes I wish she could be my sister wife. It's a lot easier to get stuff done when there's two of us!
And then tonight, Jude of course didn't want to sleep in his crib, so I handed him to his papa so I could get a yoga break. He sleeps incredibly well in our arms! But he does not like to be laid down. This has been an ongoing battle, although every night is a little bit different - and some nights are completely different. I have no idea what I'm doing on this front - I'm just trying to do my best. Anyway, after about 10 minutes I could hear that papa wasn't having much luck either, so I had to peek in and see if I could help. We decided to just bring him to bed with us. So I squeezed in 10 more minutes while Miles laid down with him. They're absolutely silent now. :)
I have to mention that today is the anniversary of my cousin Kristin's death. This blog is dedicated to her family - for it's her dad that is the original inspiration. I've been thinking a lot about her lately, and others that have died way too young. It's a really hard thing to get a grip on. Life's a journey and we all know that it ends in death. But it's so heartbreaking when death comes too soon. Especially when it comes too soon for such a beautiful person, like my cousin was. I remember her being FULL of life, laughter, and just good good fun-loving energy. 23 seemed like a "grown-up" age from my perspective when she died - because I was about 13. But it's not at all. It is SO young. And I usually try to look on the bright side of things and to focus on whatever positives are to be found. But sometimes I just have to acknowledge that it fucking sucks and it's not fair. No one should lose a child or a sister so young. Even though life continues to go on, time passes, distance grows... it doesn't get easier.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day 43: Fakesgiving
Day 43
PM Yoga Flow 20 minutes
Phew, what a fun filled holiday weekend! Yesterday was the party at my parents' house, and today was our first Fakesgiving - a holiday feast of only vegan food, which also included games, music, merriment, and one of the tallest Christmas trees I've ever seen. Jude had his first experience playing guitar, listening to a jam session, and pulling on a black lab's tongue. I love the holidays.
PM Yoga Flow 20 minutes
Phew, what a fun filled holiday weekend! Yesterday was the party at my parents' house, and today was our first Fakesgiving - a holiday feast of only vegan food, which also included games, music, merriment, and one of the tallest Christmas trees I've ever seen. Jude had his first experience playing guitar, listening to a jam session, and pulling on a black lab's tongue. I love the holidays.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Day 42: Yankee Swap
Day 42
PM Restorative Yoga 20 minutes
I just finished a little gentle, restorative yoga. Which basically means using a lot of props and giving your body some gentle, loving care. I think.... I don't actually know. But, it's been a long and exciting day so when we got home tonight I pulled out the "yoga balls" which are two little balls held together in a sack (hee hee) so that they are placed on either side of your spine if you are lying on the floor and you just roll and move them up and down your spine doing whatever feels good. Also I did some gentle stretching.
It was our family's annual "white elephant christmas party" today - Jude's first. :) I'm sure totally overstimulating for him and we got home waaaaay passed his bedtime, but it was a hit. I dressed him in the cutest elfen gear I could find and we made out with some pretty awesome gifts. We're up $5, a vintage fabric abc wall hanging that is priceless and some gadgets for canning! How'd we manage that?! Ate lots of delicious food, laughed a lot, snuggled, visited, and just basked in the awesomeness that is our family and friends.
Good night.
PM Restorative Yoga 20 minutes
I just finished a little gentle, restorative yoga. Which basically means using a lot of props and giving your body some gentle, loving care. I think.... I don't actually know. But, it's been a long and exciting day so when we got home tonight I pulled out the "yoga balls" which are two little balls held together in a sack (hee hee) so that they are placed on either side of your spine if you are lying on the floor and you just roll and move them up and down your spine doing whatever feels good. Also I did some gentle stretching.
It was our family's annual "white elephant christmas party" today - Jude's first. :) I'm sure totally overstimulating for him and we got home waaaaay passed his bedtime, but it was a hit. I dressed him in the cutest elfen gear I could find and we made out with some pretty awesome gifts. We're up $5, a vintage fabric abc wall hanging that is priceless and some gadgets for canning! How'd we manage that?! Ate lots of delicious food, laughed a lot, snuggled, visited, and just basked in the awesomeness that is our family and friends.
Good night.
Day 41: O Christmas Tree
Day 41
PM Yoga Flow 15 minutes
After we got Jude to bed (another ordeal) I settled in for just a little bit of stretching after a loooong day. A wonderful day, but busy and full. I finished quite a nice little stretch by the light of the Christmas Tree's colored bulbs.
But, I feel like I've been "doing yoga" all day. Meaning that I've felt eerily at ease - very zen. I feel that I was able to focus in on a moment as it came and went, determining what was needed at that time. I took the baby all around town for four hours and to four different locations on holiday errands. I was able to accomplish a lot - I just want to be done so that I can relax without stressing out about last minute details. The energy was about to turn crazy consumer christmas out there at the stores - I could feel it teetering on the brink. The upside is that I have no more money to spend so I have no choice but to be DONE!
My boy was such a joy during the entire day. We played at home, had a morning nap and then I figured I'd take the opportunity to run some errands. He snuggled in the ergo almost the whole time, and was able to stay well rested. Love that thing. We had a little break at starbucks (i'd forgotten to eat lunch and needed to refuel with a fruit & cheese plate) where I had my snack, he breastfed, and also stared some people down. He is so social. He will single out a person and just smile at them until they look over at him. Then he will either start jumping with glee or act all shy and turn away to nuzzle into my neck.
PM Yoga Flow 15 minutes
After we got Jude to bed (another ordeal) I settled in for just a little bit of stretching after a loooong day. A wonderful day, but busy and full. I finished quite a nice little stretch by the light of the Christmas Tree's colored bulbs.
But, I feel like I've been "doing yoga" all day. Meaning that I've felt eerily at ease - very zen. I feel that I was able to focus in on a moment as it came and went, determining what was needed at that time. I took the baby all around town for four hours and to four different locations on holiday errands. I was able to accomplish a lot - I just want to be done so that I can relax without stressing out about last minute details. The energy was about to turn crazy consumer christmas out there at the stores - I could feel it teetering on the brink. The upside is that I have no more money to spend so I have no choice but to be DONE!
My boy was such a joy during the entire day. We played at home, had a morning nap and then I figured I'd take the opportunity to run some errands. He snuggled in the ergo almost the whole time, and was able to stay well rested. Love that thing. We had a little break at starbucks (i'd forgotten to eat lunch and needed to refuel with a fruit & cheese plate) where I had my snack, he breastfed, and also stared some people down. He is so social. He will single out a person and just smile at them until they look over at him. Then he will either start jumping with glee or act all shy and turn away to nuzzle into my neck.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Day 40: If mama ain't happy... you know the rest.
Day 40
Mom & Baby (class) 75 minutes
Yesterday (day 40) was an off day. The babes had been given his vaccinations the day before, and he also had a little cold. We snuggled in bed until 10AM. Class is at 10:30 and I debated whether or not to even attempt it! I figured we should just do it and we were out of the house in a 20 minute flash. I'm still glad that we went even though it wasn't ideal. Jude was fussy and just not his usual extremely happy self. My day pretty much continued in that fashion. We had a great visit with my sister and her boy, and a terribly challenging bedtime ordeal. But, that was yesterday and this is today. Start fresh. He slept great last night 5, dare I say almost 6 hours in his crib before coming to bed with us!?!
It's unbelievable how much my life revolves around his sleep habits right now. But, it's my job to keep him happy and healthy, and to just do my best. Which is why I also invest time in keeping myself happy and healthy... i.e. yoga practice.
Mom & Baby (class) 75 minutes
Yesterday (day 40) was an off day. The babes had been given his vaccinations the day before, and he also had a little cold. We snuggled in bed until 10AM. Class is at 10:30 and I debated whether or not to even attempt it! I figured we should just do it and we were out of the house in a 20 minute flash. I'm still glad that we went even though it wasn't ideal. Jude was fussy and just not his usual extremely happy self. My day pretty much continued in that fashion. We had a great visit with my sister and her boy, and a terribly challenging bedtime ordeal. But, that was yesterday and this is today. Start fresh. He slept great last night 5, dare I say almost 6 hours in his crib before coming to bed with us!?!
It's unbelievable how much my life revolves around his sleep habits right now. But, it's my job to keep him happy and healthy, and to just do my best. Which is why I also invest time in keeping myself happy and healthy... i.e. yoga practice.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Day 39: Day 1 - Step 1
Day 39
Yoga (class) 75 minutes
The awesome, adorable, amazingly supportive hubz offered to come home a little early so I could make the 5:45 class this evening! THANK YOU! I'm so glad I went. I've been going to this studio and taking various classes by all different instructors. They are all unique and superb at what they do. Tonight the class consisted of ab work (I hate it but I love it after the fact) and repetitive standing poses. I think I'll be feeling the effects tomorrow!
We also had JudeBear's 6 month appt. this afternoon. I love his pediatrician and I appreciate how supportive he is of our choices as parents. When we asked about sleeping strategies, he advised us to take it one step at a time. Perhaps a first step might be getting him to fall asleep in his crib (as opposed to his standard breastfeeding and rocking sleepy time!) then when he wakes up in his crib in the middle of the night, it won't be such a shock. GUESS who fell asleep in their crib tonight? It wasn't easy and it took a while. But, after the calming of yoga class it wasn't bad at all. Step 1. Day 1.
Not too shabby.
Yoga (class) 75 minutes
The awesome, adorable, amazingly supportive hubz offered to come home a little early so I could make the 5:45 class this evening! THANK YOU! I'm so glad I went. I've been going to this studio and taking various classes by all different instructors. They are all unique and superb at what they do. Tonight the class consisted of ab work (I hate it but I love it after the fact) and repetitive standing poses. I think I'll be feeling the effects tomorrow!
We also had JudeBear's 6 month appt. this afternoon. I love his pediatrician and I appreciate how supportive he is of our choices as parents. When we asked about sleeping strategies, he advised us to take it one step at a time. Perhaps a first step might be getting him to fall asleep in his crib (as opposed to his standard breastfeeding and rocking sleepy time!) then when he wakes up in his crib in the middle of the night, it won't be such a shock. GUESS who fell asleep in their crib tonight? It wasn't easy and it took a while. But, after the calming of yoga class it wasn't bad at all. Step 1. Day 1.
Not too shabby.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Day 38: Sleep, sleep, sleep
Day 38
PM Yoga Flow 15 minutes
Confession: I cheated. Just a little bit. Usually when I settle down for my PM relaxation flow I light candles, sit in silence, meditate, and really focus in on myself and my body. Today was rough. Usually the baby wakes up in the morning and 2 hours later - like clockwork - he's tuckered out and ready for a nap. Today that happened, as usual. However, after he was nursed, rocked, and soundly asleep, as soon as I layed him into his crib he woke up and screamed. This cycle repeated itself at least four times. It took 5 hours from the time he woke up to the time he finally settled in for a nap - which only lasted one hour tops.
I thought tonight for sure he'd go to sleep. He was soooo tired. We had our usual "splash-splash" where he was the happiest baby ever splashing around in the tub, jammies, clean diaper, lullabies, rocking, nursing, and storytime. Then it was time to put the sweetly sleeping infant in his crib. Like every night where he may fuss a bit but with a little binkie action he settles in for the night - well, for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, he repeated his reaction from earlier in the day. He was pissed! He DID finally settle in and is sleeping in his crib now (I think). But, it took a full hour and a half longer than usual.
SO - my point. I practiced yoga while I watched GLEE (that I DVR'd from earlier). Maybe this is cheating. I don't care. I'm the only one judging here, right????
And I think I just heard the baby stirring.....
shit.
PM Yoga Flow 15 minutes
Confession: I cheated. Just a little bit. Usually when I settle down for my PM relaxation flow I light candles, sit in silence, meditate, and really focus in on myself and my body. Today was rough. Usually the baby wakes up in the morning and 2 hours later - like clockwork - he's tuckered out and ready for a nap. Today that happened, as usual. However, after he was nursed, rocked, and soundly asleep, as soon as I layed him into his crib he woke up and screamed. This cycle repeated itself at least four times. It took 5 hours from the time he woke up to the time he finally settled in for a nap - which only lasted one hour tops.
I thought tonight for sure he'd go to sleep. He was soooo tired. We had our usual "splash-splash" where he was the happiest baby ever splashing around in the tub, jammies, clean diaper, lullabies, rocking, nursing, and storytime. Then it was time to put the sweetly sleeping infant in his crib. Like every night where he may fuss a bit but with a little binkie action he settles in for the night - well, for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, he repeated his reaction from earlier in the day. He was pissed! He DID finally settle in and is sleeping in his crib now (I think). But, it took a full hour and a half longer than usual.
SO - my point. I practiced yoga while I watched GLEE (that I DVR'd from earlier). Maybe this is cheating. I don't care. I'm the only one judging here, right????
And I think I just heard the baby stirring.....
shit.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Day 37: Side Body
Day 37
Yoga (class) 75 minutes
My mother in law is in town, so I've been trying to take advantage of the opportunity to slip out and attend some yoga classes! This evening I went to a level 1 class, which was really sweet. It was just what I needed- a gentle, deep stretch without too many vigerous poses. We did work on regular standing poses, but the focus was on alignment and stretching the side body. My body has been pretty sore, so I am grateful to get a good, gentle stretch. The focus of tonight's class was on our side body, and also "being good" to ourselves. :)
Yesterday I didn't get a chance to blog... we had quite an exciting day! We went with the baby, the husband, and the mother in law to cut down a Christmas Tree - Jude's FIRST christmas tree!!
It was quite the experience. We had a hay ride, a hike up a steep hill, finding the perfect tree, daddy cutting it down, meeting Santa, hot chocolate, socializing with other babies, meeting goats and donkeys, and general merriment. The tree is now up in our home and it is so beautiful.
Yoga (class) 75 minutes
My mother in law is in town, so I've been trying to take advantage of the opportunity to slip out and attend some yoga classes! This evening I went to a level 1 class, which was really sweet. It was just what I needed- a gentle, deep stretch without too many vigerous poses. We did work on regular standing poses, but the focus was on alignment and stretching the side body. My body has been pretty sore, so I am grateful to get a good, gentle stretch. The focus of tonight's class was on our side body, and also "being good" to ourselves. :)
Yesterday I didn't get a chance to blog... we had quite an exciting day! We went with the baby, the husband, and the mother in law to cut down a Christmas Tree - Jude's FIRST christmas tree!!
 |
| roughin it |
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Day 35: Really? 10 to go...
Day 35
Yoga (class) 75 minutes
No I did NOT sleep well last night. My baby bear was kicking me and restless all night from about 2:30 AM until 7. But, I wanted to take advantage of the weekend when daddy is home to stay with Jude and I can sneak off to class. So I got up early and made it to class on time (barely). I'm SO glad I did. Accomplished some major shoulder opening and overall space and focus. Trying to stay positive and change my mindset when I become irritable. We'll see how it goes...
:)
Yoga (class) 75 minutes
No I did NOT sleep well last night. My baby bear was kicking me and restless all night from about 2:30 AM until 7. But, I wanted to take advantage of the weekend when daddy is home to stay with Jude and I can sneak off to class. So I got up early and made it to class on time (barely). I'm SO glad I did. Accomplished some major shoulder opening and overall space and focus. Trying to stay positive and change my mindset when I become irritable. We'll see how it goes...
:)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Day 34:
Day 34
Yoga Flow 20 minutes
Had some free time today while the baby napped. I had a pretty good flow going. Feeling good about my strength improving. Also, I am able to choose what my body needs at the moment and I have lots of resources of moves to choose from. Kind of excited that 45 days is nearing! Also kind of anxious, because I hope that I keep doing yoga daily past the 45 day mark!
Yoga Flow 20 minutes
Had some free time today while the baby napped. I had a pretty good flow going. Feeling good about my strength improving. Also, I am able to choose what my body needs at the moment and I have lots of resources of moves to choose from. Kind of excited that 45 days is nearing! Also kind of anxious, because I hope that I keep doing yoga daily past the 45 day mark!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Day 33: Constipation
Day 33
Mommy/Baby Yoga Class
I am SO glad to be back in a class! My foot is still pretty bruised, but I decided to just go and do my best. Jude and I hadn't been to mommy/baby yoga in 2 weeks because last week was Thanksgiving, and the week before I took a subbing job. It was so great to go back and to see how the other babies had grown over two weeks - it's really amazing how different they all are! It felt great to practice and get some instruction. Jude isn't staying on his blanket play space anymore, he ventured over to the other babies' blankets and started talking to them. Then, he spotted a water feature in the corner and started to make a beeline for that. Luckily, he's still in the "inchworm" phase of mobility, so he's not too quick for his ol' ma'. Yet.
But, the poor boy is constipated! I feel soooo bad for him because he grunts and turns red in the face from pushing and he squeezes out this poo that is super thick! NOT his usual runny, fill up a diaper poo. My poor poor baby. :( I feel guilty too, because it's my fault - I control what he eats! I think it's because I gave him a bunch of rice cereal mixed with his bananas the other day in an attempt to fill him up! He loves to eat, so I figured I could feed him more! Oh well, I hope this passes soon so he feels better. It's all about trial and error.
Mommy/Baby Yoga Class
I am SO glad to be back in a class! My foot is still pretty bruised, but I decided to just go and do my best. Jude and I hadn't been to mommy/baby yoga in 2 weeks because last week was Thanksgiving, and the week before I took a subbing job. It was so great to go back and to see how the other babies had grown over two weeks - it's really amazing how different they all are! It felt great to practice and get some instruction. Jude isn't staying on his blanket play space anymore, he ventured over to the other babies' blankets and started talking to them. Then, he spotted a water feature in the corner and started to make a beeline for that. Luckily, he's still in the "inchworm" phase of mobility, so he's not too quick for his ol' ma'. Yet.
But, the poor boy is constipated! I feel soooo bad for him because he grunts and turns red in the face from pushing and he squeezes out this poo that is super thick! NOT his usual runny, fill up a diaper poo. My poor poor baby. :( I feel guilty too, because it's my fault - I control what he eats! I think it's because I gave him a bunch of rice cereal mixed with his bananas the other day in an attempt to fill him up! He loves to eat, so I figured I could feed him more! Oh well, I hope this passes soon so he feels better. It's all about trial and error.
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