Current Events, Health & Fitness, Northwest Indiana Mom Blog

Only 2 weeks after school actually started, Abby had her first day of preschool.

There were no tears.

Well, not from her anyway.

But she did cling a bit to me before I left.

She refused to smile for my pictures.

She acted rather strange (strange for her) when we got there and has been downright weird ever since.  I never realized how much of a free spirit she was until now.  She is definitely in her own little world.  Someone asks her a question and her first response is “lady bug” no matter what.  She makes funny noises and says “boo” when she isn’t comfortable talking to someone right away.  And she does not stand still, even when standing still.

She insists one minute she doesn’t like preschool and doesn’t want to go, then the next minute she’s talking about it like she loves it.  Today she tried to get me to bribe her to go when I was trying to get her out of the house.

She said “how about this, I’ll go to preschool if you take me to Taco Bell?”

She talks to her brother too much.

I think she’ll adjust.  It’s harder because these kids had 4 classes together already and probably most of them had overcome their timidness and fears by now.  I rather like the 2 1/2 hours to myself twice a week but man it goes by fast.

The one thing Abby is sure of is that she loves her new lady bug backpack.  We received it from Stephen Joseph Gifts along with a lunch box that we put away for her to use eventually in Kindergarten.

They sent us their Quilted Ladybug Backpack and Vinyl Ladybug Lunchbox.

So cute and the perfect size for my little ladybug.  The detail on the backpack is fantastic and both seem well made.

(Please forgive her outfit in the pictures below.  She had a bad rash that kept her out of school and I had to keep her covered up in long sleeves and pants.  To appease her, I let her pick out her clothes each day.  Obviously.)

Stephen Joseph Gifts has quite a few great lady bug products, along with so many other wonderful and unique themed items.

Note: I received the backpack and lunchbox shown from Stephen Joseph Gifts.  Opinions expressed are my own.

With a 7 year old and a 3 year old, there aren’t too many defining moments that stand out among the rest that I can remember really being proud of them for something that wasn’t simply a developmental milestone.

Sure, I was happy and proud of the first words, the first steps, the first day of school, etc..  But of all that is fairly typical.  Most parents experience these things in one way, shape or form.

But every once in awhile, kids do something that stand out beyond the range of “normal” growth and development.

They do something beyond your expectations.

On August 24, 2011 my son started second grade.

Today, less than 1 month later, he started third grade.

Yeah I’m proud.

And I look at him and just smile a lot for no reason.

He keeps asking me “what?” when he catches me staring.  I just respond “you’re a third grader now,” and he seems content with that answer and goes on about his day.

Just one question, does that make me a year older?

I have learned over the 39 years of my life so far that I just can’t be the best at everything.

I can try.

But the reality of it is that is might not be worth the effort because something has to give.  You have to sacrifice something in order to excel at others.

Or at least ask for help.

I think moms tend to put themselves on the back-burner when it comes to the quality of their lives and their health, especially when it is so easy to get caught up in taking care of their families.  It’s in our makeup to be nurturing caregivers.  Many of us define ourselves by how well we do our job as “mom” and “wife” and we take a lot of satisfaction in making sure our families are happy and healthy.  And for those of us who work (at home or in a traditional office), our priorities are stretched even further.  We strive to do and have it all, but in the end we often sacrifice ourselves before anything else.

Over the last couple of years I have made some conscious decisions to put some of my attention back into me because I realized that a happier, healthier me actually makes it easier to be successful in my other roles.  If the engine doesn’t run, the car can’t go anywhere on it’s own, and moms really are the “engine.”

I have become an avid label reader, I try and make as many meals as possible from scratch without processed ingredients or foods.  I have become more active following intense workout routines and starting a marathon training program.  Eating right and exercising helps my body and my brain feel better and more able to take on whatever life throws at me.

But sometimes that isn’t enough.

Taking vitamins helps get me through those days when my diet is less than stellar.  When I’ve run myself so ragged with the kids, their school, housework, their extra-curricular activities (and so much more) that all I want is a slice of pizza and the couch.  When my body is run-down and my defenses are lowered but I can’t afford to get sick.  When I have 2 sick kids and sleep is just not an option. When I want to grab my running shoes and hit the pavement or the treadmill despite not having slept in 2 days because I need some “me” time.

Vitamins help give me the extra energy I need to make it through the day but they also give me permission to NOT be supermom.  Knowing that I have some extra help taking care of me makes it easier for me to be just mom, and put my cape away.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Nature Made and received promotional items to thank me for taking the time to participate. Vote for my entry at www.facebook.com/naturemade between 9/20/11 and noon (PT) 9/26/11.

About Nature Made

Nature Made® provides top quality vitamins, supplements, minerals and herbs that meet the highest industry-wide standards of purity and potency for consumers’ individual nutritional needs. Nature Made is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand for Letter Vitamins, Fish Oil, and CoQ10. (Based on 2011 Pharmacy Times Survey)

About Supplements

Many Americans often fall short on getting the nutrients their bodies need. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diet where there may be nutrient shortfalls. Vitamins and minerals work together to keep the body growing and functioning normally. They help convert food into energy, keep cells healthy, and support the immune system.

For more information visit: NatureMade.com

Since Abby has been dealing with her rash and now a fever, we went out and got some crafts for her to do so she didn’t go stir crazy.

She wanted paint.

I cringed.

But gave in.

She picked out a wooden birdhouse with which to apply her new-found love of paint.

Phase 2 to follow…