The Chatty Gourmet

The other day Jenn and I went to go visit a gym in Anaheim called Bogifit, a gym that caters to youth only. It was a beautiful facility that contained child and regular sized workout equipment. As we were walking through the tour I couldn't help but get excited myself, everything looked so fun and I could only imagine how a child would feel being able to let loose in there. The truth is, kids need a place to go and call there own, somewhere where they don't feel threated or embarrassed to use the equipment freely and really get a good workout in. With childhood obesity at it's highest I think it is so imporant to give kids a place to go and get active. I never really stopped to think about it and I was definitely one of those people in the gym who looked at a child using a treadmill or bike and thought "this is not a playground, why is this little kid in here"! They were probably so uncomfortable and it probably took a lot of guts to use the equipment in front of a bunch of adults who they knew just thought they were playing around. It's funny I have worked with Childhood Obesity in the past and I never thought of giving kids their very own gym, it's a great idea and I really hope that we see more facilties like this all over the nation. If you are in the orange county area check out their website at www.bogifit.com.

After becoming a Mom this past May, my life has flashed before me numerous times. I keep counting the years in my head thinking "Ok when Jax is 30, I will be 65. When he is 15, I will be 50.  Am I treating my body right? Am I eating right? Am I taking care of my mental and emotional health so as to not be a stress ball and cause an early heart attack?" Not to mention I am wondering how I can run a Business, be a good Mom, keep up with family and friends and get in another baby by 40!  

So.....How many of you older first time Moms have thought about this race against time as well? I know I eat right (Yes, I actually do eat my Susan's Healthy Gourmet). I also have some personal ways I relieve the emotional stress and I sleep great! I play with my baby and kitties every morning so I start my day happy not stressed about what's to come. My hubby and I pick our battles and discuss the issues that come up for new parents instead of holding in resentments or constantly rebringing up the same issues creating an unhealthy pattern of blame. I drive the speed limit, lock my doors at night, don't go into dangerous situations, have even cut back on caffeine (which I swore I would never do. I LOVE my coffee!).... so why do I still feel so vulnerable?  

I didn't even expect all this. We weren't even sure we could have babies! We tried for awhile and had started the infertility tests when we got preggers. Everyone tells you your life will change but no one can reach in your heart and place that feeling of unconditional love that will be put there when they are born. The lioness in me has come out and I will do everything and anything to protect my child, even if meant sacrificing myself. THAT'S how much you love your children. And THAT'S why I feel so vulnerable. 

Someone once said, fear fits in two categories; what you may never get and what you could lose.  

Now I have another life to think of. I have another gentle soul who needs me there for the next 30-50 years to help him through life and to listen to him share with me his joys and sorrows.  I want to be there to suspect there might be a first crush, to ship him off to college, to comfort him when he hurts or to tell him "No way can you do that!" and "Mommy knows best so don't you forget it!".

Of course, how can I do those things if I don't give myself the best possible chance of being around and of being a good example of healthy living for my son?

My entire life all I have had to take care of was a couple of overweight fuzzy kitties and my little ole self. I can't even skip dinner anymore! The days of living for myself are long gone and now every decison I make I get to think of two others; my husband and my boy.

A pain?...maybe. An adjustment?...sure. A blessing and miracle?...absolutely!