Let's get Fit-Diculous

So I've decided that having a baby shouldn't just be life changing as of itself, I've been wanting to embrace a fitter, healthier me for a long time, and now that I've got the freedom, the added motivation and the healthy, wholistic lifestyle, why not see just how great I can feel, look and be! 

I am challenging myself to be in the best shape that I have ever been in by December 2014. 

Every year I have wanted to participate in events which are fitness related, next year I aim to be fit enough to truly compete, however I want to begin NOW! 

Using my Pinterest board 'let's get Fit-diculous' (find me using kcoxall) and of course my blog, I will upload monthly photos, and talk about what's working, and what I am doing to get to my goal. I will be keeping my mptivation up, but would love to see others join in to complete monthly challenges, and will of course, be making everything Mum and Bub friendly, as we all know, our babies come before anything, so fitness and health regimes have to be flexible and understanding of that! 

Will you join me on the challenge? 

For all the fellow motherhood warriors awake at stupid o'clock.. xx

Intuitive Mothering

A fantastic list of things to remember for us new mums especially! Loving this book, and the concept of Intuitive Mothering! 

Every mum needs a good Mums Group

 I began my day with items spewing from my overstuffed nappy bag, as I attempted to wrestle my pram, screaming baby and aforementioned bag into the car, 30 minutes later than planned, for Week 2 of my Mothers Group. 

As I arrived and saw with relief the supportive smiles and similar tired, and somewhat bewildered eyes, I instantly lifted and felt a gush of relief that I was going to be OK, despite the mornings crazy and panicky thoughts racing around my head, full of mothers guilt and hormone induced, sleep deprived, monsters! 

After 2 sessions with my new comrades in this battle we call motherhood, I can honestly tell you that EVERY mum needs a good mothers group! My fellow sleep deprivationists were there to offer a few kind words, looks and gestures that literally turned my world around, and I know that they felt the same too. As we joked about the days that had been so challenging that we had almost surrendered, and compared battle scars and plans of attack, we grew stronger, lighter and a damn sight happier! 

Every mum needs a good mums group, so if you haven't yet joined one, or you are a mum of a toddler or older kid, go ahead to the Australian Playgroup Association website, ask at your local Early Childhood Centre or check the Australian Breastfeeding Association! 

We are always open to new friendly faces, so if you are pregnant or have a new baby and would like to come along to our coffee/play dates or activity days, drop me a line! xxx

Things an expectant parent should read

Here I the link to just one of the articles an expectant parent should read, in order to get ready for their baby.

http://www.babycenter.com.au/a1012877/what-your-baby-needs-to-thrive

Things to buy:

Swaddle's, a baby gym, a mobile, a musical toy/radio, baby and children's books, a ribbon(to tie around baby's wrist/ankle and to the mobile above his or her change table for a fun game, always supervise though!!)

Things to do from the beginning:

Skin to skin contact, baby massage, eye contact with your baby(even if they take awhile to focus)-These activate the sensors in the brain to assist your child to have healthy attachment styles, be in touch with their emotional core and empathise and communicate well with others later. It solidifies your bond and assists with making them feel safe, loved and supported. Helps with blood flow and relaxation, also assists them to know where their various body parts are.

Read to them and talk to them- This sets the stage for effective communication, whereby your child learns to take turns in conversation, tone etc as well as the sound of language and pathways for different words that they will use themselves later. Good communication will be the impetus for everything they do and achieve in life, so doing this is vital!

Love them, and remember that they are only like this for a very short period of time.. They are totally in tune with you, so be present, forget the things that don't matter and can wait, be positive, and enjoy being in your bubba bubble!

Don't forget to buy or borrow:

The Happiest Kid on the Block by Harvey Karp

Developmental Baby Massage (there is a DVD and a book, also check out the website!)

Three ways that my baby settles quickly

Courtesy of "Your Baby month by month"-Su Laurent and Peter Reader