Simple Everyday Prenatal Radiance

How do I stay so radiant? How to I maintain my sanity and keep chaos at bay? I have said it before and I must reiterate. Yoga. If it weren't for yoga, my children would need far more therapy in their future. =)

The practice of yoga goes beyond breathing and balance, stretching and strengthening - during pregnancy it provides a valuable time to connect with your hard working body, honoring it's miraculous transformation, holding space for the sweet little spirit within, connecting to your maternal instincts, building stamina- and so much more.

A new way of seeing yoga has been appearing to me, the psychological impact of focusing mentally on physical aspects is becoming symbolic of the work I am doing emotionally. (Not sure why I call it work, really it is just exercising my emotional "muscles"... playing with my ego, in a way.)  When I explore the parts of my thinking that block, limit, or become uncomfortable- yoga gives me a way "do something", even if it is only a physical representation of an emotional growth. The spirit follows when the flesh is strong.

Sort of like having a baby. Waves of unexpected, unimaginable pain, coming out of nowhere, lasting for who knows how long. Life is like labor, and yoga, childbirth- breathing, focusing, and performing phenomenal physical feats. Once it is time to push, once I can "do something", I am a warrior- a proud warrior. And yoga prepares me for the big performance.

For those who have practiced yoga- Simple Everyday Prenatel Radiance is an excellect resource. If you are comfortable following a flowing routine and need a simple solution that you can access on the go and do almost anywhere, this ebook is essential! I downloaded it to my Incredible Android using the free Kindle app and the inviting instructions, paired with stunning images is inspiring, invigorating and stabilizing.

My hips love me (after doing it 3 1/2 times this past week) and the sweeties all agree that my mood is much improved on those days when I follow the beautiful blonde on my phone! Simple Everyday Prenatel Radiance by the always amazing, zen mama, Laura Jane makes a great way to say congratulations to the newly expecting and is equally suitable and even more useful for the about to burst!

Even if you don't get through all the poses as your offspring join you (invariably they do- because they want to do all the fun things their mama does- and besides I think I must look like some sort of slow moving jungle gym to them!) - anyway- DO the affirmations, even if you feel silly- words are powerful. Namaste.


Perfect for every pregnant woman you know- and it is on sale over at Amazon, where you can send it to anyone who has a digital portal of pretty much any sort.

Sleepless in the OC

It's the last day of 2011. 4:20 in the morning and I am once again sleepless. Why do all my pregnancies include insomnia? Lack of sleep makes mama do silly things, unthinking things, short tempered things.

How is a peaceful pregnant parent supposed to prepare when she is so sleepy? Well, I do have some tips... having done this a few times before!

#1 Do yoga daily- really it helps a lot. Need an inexpensive, easy to use resource? Simple Everyday Prenatal Radiance There now you have no excuse!

#2 Go to bed early, it's ok you won't miss anything really important. Sugar Daddy has made a few jokes about how out 10 year old stays up later than me- but really, they have enjoyed some special bonding.

#3 Watch what you eat. I'm one of those, "Hey I am pregnant- give me my banana split" type ladies- but with age (and apparently mine is an "advanced maternal age" this go around) comes wisdom.

#4 Give in and get up. Make yourself useful, it is quiet in these early pre-dawn hours, and I can get lots of writing, reading, or just gazing at the Christmas tree lights done without the usual gaggle of giggling wiggle-bots.

#5 Write a blog post- and try not to use it to sort through all the things you wish you hadn't said or done out of sheer exhaustion that week.

#6 Be kind to yourself- knowing your limitations and boundaries is what makes you a super mom, not being able to "do it all".

#7 Stay hydrated during the day, I wake up thirsty so often- and then if I quench that thirst I wake up to pee repeatedly, so I try to get my water in all day.

#8 "...think about that tomorrow." Embrace your southern belle and be like Scarlett, don't let your mental machinations make you mopey.

#9 Start your own "night night routine"- this is sorta silly but I believe the little child in all of us still wants a story, a little song and to be tucked in by someone who loves us.

#10 Remember that in no time at all these middle of the night moments will include a sweet little soul- make space in your heart for him or her with affirmations. (See #1, Simple Everyday Prenatal Radiance includes a great list, and right now it's on sale for about a buck- download to your PC, Kindle, Nook and do that yoga- your body will thank you!)

Well half an hour later- still before dawn, do I roll off the couch and do my asanas, go to the kitchen and grab a cookie, or try to crawl back in my bed without waking any of it's occupants? Guess I should practice what I preach... I can always have the cookie with my morning coffee. Yes I still drink a cup of coffee in the morning, I do have 3 other kids who need me whether I got any sleep or not.

mom and toddler fitness DVD by Parents

Joy and I began what I hope will be a solid tradition this morning! After winning a bet (we settle arguments in this way -it stops the debate until the answer can be found) my hubby bought me a wonderful new fitness DVD from Target. I wanted a wii, but $12.99 vs over $400? Produced by Parents, and geared towards the whole family. Oh and in case you didn't know Obama did not choose Biden as his running mate until August!

We both enjoyed the fun flexibility, the calming core exercises, balancing & breathing- and lots of playful parenting! It is easy to stay in the moment, enjoy your little one and follow the guided movements. I can see how this will strengthen both our bond and our bodies!

It says it is for 16 months and older, but at almost 1 years old Joy was able to get into what I was doing- and her weight was easier for me to use in the resistance portions. It ended with a sweet session of cuddling and calming- a nice transition into naptime.