Head Over Heels In Love

My very, very, very best friend had her first baby on Sunday.  A wee-little boy that captured my heart the moment I layed eyes on him.   He is a sweet bundle of love, with this adorable, squeaky little cry that makes you just fall for him over and over and over again. 

Oh J-Man, I adore you and I can't wait to watch you grow up.  Kiddo, you hit the jackpot in the parents department, really.  Their love for you (and each other by the way) is palpable and inspiring.  

I love watching your mama start her amazing parental journey.  I love that she trusted me as her sounding board to keep you safe and healthy in pregnancy and now beyond.  I love that she fearlessly and calmly put her body through hell and back again to bring you into the world. 

I love her and you, with all my heart!

Food for Thought?

I was perusing Facebook this morning (when I should have been in the shower getting ready for work?!) and came across a post, originally shared by Delphine Fieberg.  Since I'm in the throws of a mind/body overhaul, it made me pause and reflect.  Wanted to share...

Do You Want To Be A Whale Or A Mermaid?

"A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"  The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.  They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.  They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on CD's. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.  But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?  They would have no sex life and could not bear children.  Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.  And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.  At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.  We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.  Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I?!"

I love this and hope to think of it when I'm being overly critical of myself!

P.S. My co-worker made encouraged me to power walk/run stairs with her at lunch today.  I mean, not many people can get my lazy butt out of a chair, but she did, just with her big 'ol smile.  Thanks to her and to EVERYONE who offered words of wisdom, tips, recipes and encouragement! 

Stay tuned to weigh-in day on Monday...so far so good!

Day #1 (of the Rest of My Life)

I started Weight Watchers today -- again.  Please, the story of my life with on again-off again diets plans for getting healthy. 

But, I do feel really good this time.  I have a support group at work and feel really committed and ready.  Also, food -- food that I used to love and worship (aka, junk!) just doesn't taste as good as it used to.  When I eat it now, it leaves me feeling tired, energy-less and, well, fat.  That says something, right?

I've been struggling with whether or not to post my actual weight on my blog.  The number is higher than it has ever been before.  Even with my share everything approach to life -- not sure I'm ready for it to be so public, so real.  Maybe I'll change my mind as the scale goes down, but for now, I'm just not there yet.

So my goal?  35 pounds lost by my 35th birthday. I usually set really unrealistic goals.  Like when I went to St. Thomas in May, my goal was 20 pounds in 2 weeks.  Yeah, OK.  So, in my commitment to truly make a life change, I'm going to try and slow things down.   My new approach gives me 9 months and 3 days!

In terms of working out (BLECH!), I'm not ready to hit the gym yet.  I really just dread it.  But, I was enjoying Bikram (hot) yoga.  So, I am going to commit to that a few times a week -- for now.

So, there you have it.  Keep you posted.  And, if you have any tips, recipes and/or moral support to share, I'd love to hear from you!

I Survived (So Far!)

I wanted kids as far back as I can remember.  BUT, there was one thing about parenthood that stopped me in my tracks, gave me pause about having children at all and had me considering home schooling so they wouldn't ever have to be in a cesspool of germs -- vomit.  Hate it.  Hate the mere idea of it.  Hate the anticipation of it.  Hate the even remote possibility of it.

Well, I just survived the dreaded stomach flu with Ellie.  A major milestone of mommy hood (passed, with flying colors, I might add!)  I have to say, it wasn't as bad as I thought.  My little lady was SUCH a trooper, so very brave.  And, to top it all off, she kept looking up at me with those big, sad blue eyes, saying "tank you Mommy.  I wuv you Mommy."  Love.  Love.

As the clock strikes 10:38 tonight -- marking the exact moment we will reach the coveted 24 hour mark -- I will sleep soundly knowing that I graduated past my private parental panic with honors!

P.S.  G-D, since I was such an amazing mom...can you please spare me, the hubs and most of all the 4 year-old?  He has his first field trip tomorrow and is beyond excited.  And, selfishly, while I was great, truly -- I'm still not quite ready to do it again! 

Blog Bliss

First...what do you think of the new look?  I love it..."me" colors and just the right amount of girly/cutesy.   I might re-work the signature a bit...but, I couldn't wait to get the new and MUCH approved look up and running.

Secondly, I was chatting with some of my favorite co-workers this morning, both who asked me when my next post was coming because they really do love reading my blog and my writing.  I honestly haven't been that into it lately, but just hearing those kind words gave me just the inspiration I needed to stick with it.  I'm such a sucker for a pat on the back or some kudos..works every time! 

So, here are a few updates on The State of Jen:

1.  Last night, I went to a friend's house to help her with her darling kids while her husband was on a business trip.  She has a 6 week-old and a 3 year-old and the thought of doing the "witching hour" alone sent her into a bit of a tailspin.  I jumped at the chance to help -- because I remember feeling the exact same way.  She told me she was embarrassed to ask for help, thinking I'd judge her for not wanting to handle the few hours alone.  I took her hands in mine and explained that I did everything in my power to NEVER have to do dinner/bath/bed time alone until Ellie was oh, about 6 months.  And, that I stopped judging other parents the exact day I became one!  Her relief was palpable as I held that little bundle of newborn for a few, precious hours. 

2.  I'm co-throwing a baby shower for my BFF on Sunday for her baby boy due 11/11/11 -- so cool!  (You know I'm not that into getting induced for delivery -- but I might have to make an exception for this one, what a cool birthday that would be!)  I'm very, very excited and will post pictures next week.  I'm also a bit nervous since I volunteered to make ALL the food myself.  With the hubby at a golf outing all day Saturday, it should be an interesting scramble!

3.  The kids are fantastic.  MDB has his first field trip next week.  They are headed to another pre-school to play outside and have a picnic in the park.  He is beyond excited to ride the school bus and I was beyond excited to sign my very first permission slip!

4.  Ellie, oh my Ellie.  She is just full of spit and vinegar these days.  Darling as heck, but also a whole, lotta 2.5 year-old drama.  I think we have a live wire here -- reminds me of someone else I know.  Me?  No, not me! :)  My parents secretly wished a "spirited" child on me during my own bouts!  Happy guys?

5.  Lastly, my quest continues on my never ending (or starting for that matter) weight loss/get healthy battle.  A few girls at work who have managed to change their lives for the healthier are letting me into their Weight Watchers "support group."  Today is our first meeting and I'm pretty excited about it.  Like I said, I've always needed the support (and praise) of others to help me on hard journeys -- so here goes nothing everything!