Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Gulfstream Park, Daycare, Ran 4 miles!

Saturday, we took Sawyer to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a coastal and marine preserve. Apparently, there are a ton of things to see and do there, but unfortunately, it started to thunderstorm while we were there so they ended up closing all of their exhibits. We did get a chance to walk the boardwalk through the coastal forest and up to the observation tower. From the tower, we were able to enjoy quite a view of the intercoastal on one side and the ocean on the other! I plan to take Sawyer there again this week by myself so we can check out the butterfly garden, turtles, and aquariums. Afterward, we went for sushi and Sawyer ate an entire spicy tuna roll. He loves sushi!

On top of the observation tower.

Sunday, we spent all day at Gulfstream Park, our favorite local beach. Sawyer and Cliff jumped waves in the ocean together and looked for rocks. Sawyer's face lit up when he found this awesome rock. He then dropped it and the waves took it back out to sea. His heart sank as he watched it disappear. Fortunately, he found a new one, not as cool looking though, to replace the one he lost. This time he made sure to hold on tight. He brought it back home and even went to bed with it. It seems like we go to the beach every weekend. We love it!

Today was the first day Sawyer did not cry when I dropped him off at the YMCA daycare. Yay! He actually did a little happy dance when we got there. I think he's starting to enjoy it, just a little. However, in the car, I asked him if he had fun and he shook his head no with a smile on his face. haha..

Today also marks a new fitness milestone for me! I ran 4 miles nonstop! I'm so proud of this accomplishment! Previously, I'd been running 3 miles, 5 days a week. It looks like my new goal is now going to be 4 miles. Now that I know I can do it, I have no excuses.

Swim Lessons, Mom's New Milestone, Losing Post Pregnancy Weight, Favorite Foods

A rare long update with no pictures...

Sawyer started swimming lessons at the Y this past Monday and it's been so much fun! I was worried at first because it usually takes him awhile to get use to the idea of going into the pool. The class is only 30 minutes, so time spent crying out of the pool means less time learning in the pool. We arrived a bit earlier, just in case. Turns out, he was one of the only kids, not crying! He walked right into the pool and felt totally at ease as soon as we got there. We've taken him to the Y several times in the past to get him familiar with the surroundings and it seems to have helped tremendously. He's done great all week, but today he regressed a bit. We've been learning how to put our cheeks in the water, blow bubbles, float, kick, and jump.

After class, Sawyer showers in the locker room. He's never showered before this week, baths only, so it's a fun new experience for him. He loves holding the shower head and spraying water everywhere.

Yesterday, I reached a new milestone. I finally decided it was time for me to trust leaving Sawyer in somebody else's care. It wasn't an easy decision for me and it took me almost 2 years to mentally come to terms with it and then another month of observing and gathering information before I felt safe enough to do so. For the past 2 days, Sawyer has been playing at the Y's Child Care Center while I work out! It's great socialization for him (without me) and a great opportunity to experience a "pre-school" setting with other kids around. During the day there are a ton of kids there of all ages participating in Summer Camp programs. This makes me feel safe and secure to know they have a lot of experience handling children.

Yesterday, he fussed only a little bit when I left. The caregivers kept him busy and distracted. It wasn't until 30 minutes later, when he tried to drink from another girl's sippy cup and was told no!, that he started crying and couldn't stop. Sawyer is a sensitive little guy and got his feelings hurt.

Today, he cried quite a bit when I left him, but calmed down after about 10 minutes. When I went to get him he was sitting on Camilla's (caregiver) lap playing and talking. Naturally, it's going to take some time for him to adjust to being away from me, but it'll happen a little bit at a time.

Meanwhile, I am loving the freedom to work out during the day instead of waiting till the late evening! It's a win-win situation for the both of us! I've lost 10 lbs since joining the Y a month ago! Exercise combined with clean eating and portion control has done wonders both mentally and physically. I have a way to go yet, but I visualize my thin self every day and can't wait to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight of 115! Hard work + consistency + time = results! It's been almost 2 years since Sawyer was born so the time is now! I have a plan and I'm sticking to it!

I have started to juice. I now make fresh juice for Sawyer using my new juicer and I love it! Last night I bought a huge watermelon and juiced the entire thing. I also made some fresh organic apple juice. I will never buy pre-made juice again! I wish I had started this earlier. I'm looking forward to making some vegetable juices too, mostly for the boys: Sawyer and Cliff. Although I do occassionally enjoy a glass of juice now and then, I prefer to chew my fruits and veggies. It's more filling and I feel more satisfied having eaten.

Sawyer has some new favorite foods. He's been eating a ton of salmon, tilapia, oatmeal, and plain Greek yogurt. I found a recipe for salmon frittata that I'm going to make for him tomorrow. Of course I'm thrilled that he's getting all this protein. His eating or lack thereof had been an ongoing source of stress for me until just a few months ago. Just like that he's eating like a horse now, which thrills me beyond belief! It's true that a Mother loves to watch her children eat!