Five

Dear Keatyn

Today you turn five. Happy Birthday!! You have a big year ahead of you. I hope that you find as much happiness, wonder and adventure in five as you found in four. I’m confident you will because that’s the kind of person that you are.

You’re such a phenomenally fun kid, and so different from me in so many ways, that I know I’d love and admire you even if you weren’t my daughter. But I’m lucky because I get to be your mother. I get to revel in messy-haired good morning snuggles, remind you to keep eating during a million and one silly mealtime distractions, and marvel at your laid back, easy cheer.

I know your going to thrive in Kindergarten this year. Your endlessly curious, determined and not afraid of hard work. I can’t express how proud of you I am when I see you working on something over and over again, trying to master a new skill. The truth is that you impress me. It’s a strange feeling for a grown up to be so impressed by a little kid.

A big part of me wants you to stay little forever. I love your hugs and kisses, your riotous giggles, and your little kid-ness. Your my little baby and always will be. The rest of me is so excited to watch you grow up, see the person you become, watch you stride confidently into the world relying on yourself more and more.

As a four year old you’ve been talkative and giggly, independent and creative, intrepid and athletic. On any given day you’ll sing dozens of songs ( or the same song dozens of times, usually Michael Jackson or Taylor Swift), draw some pictures, and dance. You make us all laugh. You can reduce your brother to a pile of gasping giggles at any time with your unique brand of ridiculous humor.

I’ll miss all of our time at home together when you start Kindergarten in the fall. Your going to grow up so much this year. I love you so very much, my sweet, whimsical, brave, charming, and tenacious silly girl. I hope you have the happiest birthday, and most wonderful year ahead.

Love Mom.

Getting the move on.

How many steps do you take a day? I just started using my steps and was blown away about how little I move 😦  Perhaps I could blame the snow and cold weather on my lack of motivation lately. 10,000 steps a day, I got this.

For my birthday my husband got me a fitbit flex and I’m in love. It’s fun, easy to use and helps me reach my goals. It really put things in perspective on how little I move, so it’s time to get to moving.

I’ve been slacking and time to get back at it. I’ve got 40 lbs to lose Before vacation 🙂

❤ Jen

Why wait

I keep telling myself as soon as these holidays are over, I’m kicking it into high gear. I’m going to eat better, exercise and be happy. But what am I waiting for? I want to be happy now. Of course I want to eat my mom’s famous peanut butter fudge this Christmas too and I will.  It’s a balance. Give and take starting out with baby steps. So each week I’m going to set goals.  These goals are not always going to be about healthy eating, but goals to help me live a better life.

For my daughter….. happy birthday.

Happy 4th Birthday to my beautiful little princess. What a year you’ve had. Full of so many accomplishments and firsts. I’ll never forgot how your face lit up the first time your eyes saw Mickey Mouse as you waited eagerly to hug him. The giggles and laughter that poured from you as you ran into the waves at the beach. Squealing with excitement as the cold water covered your toes. You have always been our little beach bum.

Thank you for reminding me of all the fun things in life. For doing all sorts of weird things for reasons that are only apparent to you, but entertaining and  joyful to us.

I love that you are the perfect big sister. Bugging your brother to the point of supreme irritation, yet you think he is the best thing since sliced bread. That is exactly your job as big sister and your doing it wonderfully.

I love the way you sing everything, like the song in your heart is so large it has to burst forth no matter what you are doing. Some of the best moments of my day are when I find you singing a song and I get to listen to you, just around the corner where you can’t see me. I love your imagination and creativity, everyday is a new expedition.

Thank you for bringing so much joy to my life, so much fun and of course love beyond measure. You are the most special girl I have ever come across and not just because you are mine.  Some days I cry, some days I smile and even days I want to pull my hair out. But every day no matter what I feel blessed to get to be your momma.  Happy Birthday.

Love always,
Mom

Weigh-In Wednesday.

😦 All the hard work I did this summer- GONE. Back at square one. This is the story of my life. 

Wednesday’s will be my weigh in days and I’ll report all progress here.

My long term goal is to lose over 100 pounds and keep the weight off and help my husband become healthier and teach my children to be active and eat healthy.

Getting started. My personal story.

I’m a wife and a mom, that’s my identity.  The three people living in this house is the reason I get out of bed each morning. But somewhere along the way, I’ve forgotten that four people live in this house. It’s time to start taking care of ME.

Being overweight is something I’ve battled my entire life. I couldn’t tell you the last time I felt “skinny”. In my adult life, I’ve gained and lost over 500 pounds. Lose 25, gain 30. This cycle has haunted me long enough. Its time for changes.

I’m holding myself accountable by documenting the entire next year of my weightloss journey. The struggles, tears, and accomplishments. If you’re reading this, I’m honored that your here. I hope you gain insight or inspiration along this journey with me.

❤ Jen