5 Things My Daughter is Teaching Me

My daughter is almost 2 and in her short lifetime has already taught me so much and continues to do so. Sometimes, when I get stressed out from training, house chores, or simply life, she does something that reminds me that I need to take a step and relax.

Here are a few things I’m learning from her:

1. Be Fearless: Lauren is an adventurer. The lengths she goes through to accomplish something she wants is truly admirable. Currently she’s really into electricity and seeing how things turn on and off. Of course, she sees us turn light switches on and off and wants to be able to do it too. My husband and I like to think we’ve done a pretty good job of child-proofing but our Lauren is a smart one. Here’s a pic of how she managed to get to a light switch.

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I have always viewed the marathon as scary and something unattainable. For some reason, it wasn’t until after having both of my kids did I start think it was something I could do. Becoming a mother makes you think/feel like you’re superwoman lol!

I want to show my daughter that mommy set aside her fear and did something pretty awesome. I’m going to tell her that her fearlessness was contagious.

2. Say No: Lauren’s favorite word besides “food” is “no”. She says it so emphatically and with zero doubt. I love it. But, in my own life, I find it difficult to say no. I often take on more than I can handle thinking that I like having a lot to do. In reality, I end up stressing myself out trying to find a way to accomplish everything on my to-do list.

Every time Lauren gives me her assertive “no”, I’m reminded that sometimes you just gotta say it and mean it and without hesitation.

3. Don’t Give Up: Lauren loves figuring how things work. Often, she gets frustrated when she doesn’t get it right on the first try. But instead of heaving it across the room in anger, she’ll let out a grunt and keep at it until she gets it. I love seeing her in action. There are so many range of emotions with her trying something new: Curiosity, Puzzlement, Intense Thinking, Frustration, Persistence, Discovery, Elation. Lauren will not give up until she does it and does it right.

There have been many a days where I just wanted to stay home and rest. Sometimes I have. But most of the time, I think of how far I’ve come in my training and how disappointed I’d be if I just threw in the towel. During RnR Arizona, around mile 10, boy did I want to stop and walk. But I didn’t and I’m so glad. I accomplished something that was difficult by not giving up.

4. It’s Okay To Show Emotion: Going along with number 3 and Lauren’s range of emotions, I’ve loved seeing her express herself. Even if it’s anger she’s showing.

I often try and be strong and not show how I truly feel about things, one of them being staying at home. It’s been a difficult adjustment and I sometimes feel guilty about not liking it so I try and hide it. I finally confessed my emotions to my husband one day and he told me that it’s perfectly okay to feel that way and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to work and be a working mom. It feels so good talking about how I feel and sometimes having a good cry session to release some built up emotions. And I love that my husband makes me feel comfortable enough to do it in front of him.

5. Have An Opinion: Maybe it’s a toddler thing but my Lauren sure is opinionated. She’ll definitely tell me how she feels about things. Sometimes I just stare at her in wonder. I think, “This is my daughter. This is really my daughter.” From deciding what to wear to where her toys should be put away, she’s got her own opinion about it. In fact, I love making everything a question so I can see how she answers.

I like to think she gets this from me as I’m pretty opinionated and always seem to have something to say about everything. I’ve learned throughout the years to keep some things to myself or know the right time/place to say things. Lauren reminds me when she blurts things out that sometimes you’ve gotta think about those things.

What are some unique ways you’ve learned something?

How are you still learning?

Don’t forget, the Road ID giveaway is still happening! Who doesn’t want FREE $35 bucks to spend?? Click here to enter! Giveaway ends Friday.

 

It’s Not Easy

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I’ve said before that the number one question I get asked is how I manage to find time to workout. I’ve always believed that if something is important enough, you’ll make time.

But I’m not going to lie, it’s not always easy.

My workouts happen in the evening when my husband gets home from work which is usually around 6 p.m. We put our son to bed and then I head out. I typically get home around 8 and my daughter is already in bed by that time. My husband and I have a small dinner and chat for a bit and then I shower and head to bed. I try call it a night by 10.

And then this is when it gets tough.

My son still does not sleep through the night. He wakes once for a bottle between 2-4 in the morning. My husband and I take turns each night as far as who wakes to do that feeding. The little guy always goes back down after his bottle, thankfully, and then wakes for the day around 6. My daughter’s waking time is around 6:30. Things are definitely difficult when both wake at the same time.

So there’s no continuous sleep. It’s hard. I’m tired. But it is what it is. As crazy as it sounds, you actually get used to it after a while. And there are worse days than others. Like today for example.

Our son woke up at 1 in the morning, early for his normal timing. Mind you I had gone to sleep at 10. He went back to sleep after his bottle but at 4:30 we heard our daughter. I looked at the video monitor to make sure she wasn’t just squirming around in her crib. Nope. She was standing, wide awake, ready to go. My son woke up soon after at 5:00 and our day officially began.

I’m typing this on coffee cup number 2. : )

Here’s hoping you’re having a good morning!

–Do you have kids? Is it difficult to manage kids and working out?

–What makes it difficult to find time to workout in your life?

(Don’t forget, The Color Run giveaway is still happening–today is the last day!)

What’s New Wednesday

A lot of fun things have been happening in Helly world : ) Here’s a few things I’d like to share with you:

  • My son got his first haircut! Yes, at 5 months, it was much needed lol!
    Before and After

    Before and After

     

  • It was my husband’s birthday last week. He was out of town on a work trip but we celebrated for him at home.
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  • I’m typing this post from my brand NEW computer!!! I’m so excited! I had a grandpa Mac and my awesome husband bought me this fantastic upgrade–Macbook Pro : )
It's so beautiful!

It’s so beautiful!

  • I had a great workout last night! I feel like having decreased my mileage for a the past couple of weeks have really helped my leg. I’m going to continue up to my 1/2 in less than 2 weeks!! eek!!
yay!

Maybe it was my new tights? : )

Hope you’re all having a good week so far!! Don’t forget I still have the giveaway for TWO FREE ENTRIES to The Color Run 5k!

–Tell me what’s new in your world? I want to hear about it!