So we started at the gym this week. I was beyond excited to find a place that would accept an 10-week-old. I’m allowed to leave her for one hour, which is the perfect amount of time for me to do a class (or so I thought). Unfortunately, Nia isn’t so keen on being in daycare, even if it’s just for one hour. On my first day I chose a Pilates class and was merrily working my core until an employee slaps a sign up on the glass that says “Nia Mom Now”. It wouldn’t have been quite so embarrassing if I could have just slipped out, but I didn’t see it and the instructor announced it so everyone could check it out. Definitely a new low in my parenting journey.
I’m no quitter, so back we went on day two for another try. This time I’m in Bodypump with 50+ other individuals. I made it a whole 30 minutes before there was a loud knock at the window and a staff member pointed frantically at me. I suppose I should be thankful there wasn’t a sign this time, but it was still painful. I quietly packed up my bar and left to sympathy looks from those who were in my class yesterday. I go down to find her screaming her bloody murder scream, which made it all the more embarrassing. SIGH.
Today I’m giving the staff a break and just attending solo tonight. But by jove, we’re going back tomorrow. I will not be derailed!
On a happier note, I made my first gym friend and we’re having a lunch date next week. At this point my gym membership looks like it won’t be used much for actual working out, so I need to at least make the most of it for social connections. Maybe I can become known as the “Lobby Mom” who no one has ever actually seen working out! :)
When my first little one was born, I felt like I would never be able to do the things I like to do. My babies were never ones to be left with others.
Even if it is frustrating now, there will be a time that you will be able to leave Nia without any problems.
Also, don’t beat yourself up for those last few pounds- it took awhile to create a life, it will take awhile for your body to recover. I didn’t lose all of my baby weight until I stopped breast feeding. Everyone told me that I would lose weight breast feeding, and I felt so discouraged- eventually it all came off.
I know everyone is different, and my experience is not yours. However, know that it will be better and it’s okay for everything to not be perfect right now. Don’t be hard on yourself. Some things just have to be reinvented for right now, not forever.
Good luck. You are definitely not alone in this.
Ah the joys of parenting! From my perspective I was a much better parent before I had my own children.
So the people at your gym with kids will understand and smirk because they too have been there and those without kids will judge you because they are the ‘perfect’ parents because they haven’t had a chance to actually try their parenting skills out on a real child.
One of my more memorable parenting moments was having to leave church during christmas eve mass because emily was crying and wouldn’t settle down and the two boys were fighting with each other. Our ruckus earned us a acknowledgement from the priest and most of the parish and almost brought me to tears. I felt embarrased and bad until I got outside and I took a deep breath. I looked at my three beautiful children and knew that I was doing the best that I could do and that was really all that mattered!
I guess every parent has one of those stories, huh? I think for me the lack of control is the hardest to deal with. Or maybe the Minnesotan in me that wants to be polite and not cause a ruckus.
I’m trying to stay with the humor of it and just keep trying. I feel like eventually it’ll click (or I’ll just get lucky). I think patience, in general, is a theme I need to embrace – whether it’s with Nia or my body! Lots of good lessons right now. Thanks for commenting.
Ah, Sarah, I feel for you. You are right . . . Every parent has a story to tell and remember that you are not alone! (Mine also involves Christmas Eve, the altar and a glare from the lady wearing the ugly Christmas sweater on purpose). We all love you and know you are the best parent Nia could possibly have!! Not a parenting low, but another funny story to tell when Nia brings home her first boyfriend!
P.S. I never went back to the gym, so I am so impressed that you are willing to try again. I found it was just easier to exercise with the kids. Is there a Stroller Strides group in DC? That was fun when Reagan was a baby and I had the opportunity to meet other moms in the area.
Keep at it! For the sake of all of you!! The employees that are working with the kids are paid to watch kiddos, so don’t let any guilt sneak in!!!
Something about “Nia Mom Now” just makes me giggle. =)
I’m sure I’ll giggle about it too someday, just not yet…
Good suggestions and thanks for taking the time to comment.
you go girl!! you’ll both get into the routine and she’ll love it at some point!
When my kids are horrible, especially in public, I just think about how much fun my parents have recounting the horrible things we did to them as babies and while growing up. I know when my boys are old and grown and out of my house, I will look back at this time and think, they really were more cute than horrible. And in the long run, it really was funny when I had to be embarrassed in front of everyone because of what they did and I survived it.