The Exercising Mom

There are a few things I have learned the past three months being a new Mom. One, never under-estimate a baby and his power to create loads and loads of laundry. Two, be prepared to worry more about someone more than you ever could possibly imagine and love someone more than you could imagine. Finally, I have learned that no matter what, you need to take time for yourself.

This was really hard for me at first. When Payton came, I only had three weeks to mentally prepare myself to be a Mom. It was all a whirl-wind and when he finally came, I never wanted to leave his side. Even for a minute. I was afraid if I left him, I would miss out on something. His first smile, his first funny face, etc. But I noticed I was sluggish and not feeling good after only a WEEK of taking off from working out. I know that I needed to find time in my life to devote to myself and to find some "me" time.

 For me, this "me" time comes from exercise. I know I am a better wife, mother, and over-all person when I take the time to take care of my body. I work full time (nanny-ing for another adorable baby the same age as Payton) and it is VERY tricky managing my time at home between housework, cooking, grocery shopping, taking care of Payton & Geoff and also finding the time to do something for myself. 

I think it is SO easy for Moms to "let themselves go" and use the excuse of children because they become our whole world. But I promise you, you will have more energy, be more confident in your relationships and just feel better about yourself if you make the effort to exercise and eat healthy.

 I feel better losing an hour of sleep and dragging myself to the gym, than if I were to get that extra hour of sleep. I have promised myself that no matter what comes in life, I will take care of this body, with all it's many imperfections, to the best of my ability. I truly am amazed at how amazing our bodies are. Just today I ran 6 miles, and as I drove home from the gym today I was thinking how crazy it is that I can go that far and that our bodies are capable of doing such amazing things. I will never be a size 2, and that is OK by me... But I am healthy and I will be able to keep up with my children and I am  trying to do everything in my power to be sure I am around a long time to see them grow up.