Okay, usually I don’t freak out about this, but after being pregnant for two straight years in a row, I’m finally looking forward to a summer at a normal size…now if I can just find a way to get there!

The convenience of living in an area where having every type of food delivered to your doorstep hasn’t helped the situation much. I need to move back to my previous address in the suburbs where I couldn’t find fast food or good food delivery for miles!

I have been proud of myself for one thing…I have been exercising. It’s mostly walking a lot most days of the week, but I have been sticking to it. Here and there I’ll knock out a few small routines of squats, kicks, jumping jacks, etc. (stuff I picked up in kickboxing years ago).

My only vice is the food. If it’s in my house, I eat it.

I’ve always been good at not bringing certain high calorie/junk foods into my house, but with lots of little ones who love goodies and grandparents who keep sending lots of goodies for them, it’s a struggle.

So, outside of placing Bouncers with junk food sniffing dogs at my door whenever the in-laws come by, I’ve resorted to becoming even more vigilant of what I allow in the house.

The kids will just have to get used to healthier snacks, which I’ve found in the past they have no problem consuming in large amounts like they do everything else.

Make way for the carrot sticks and raisins!! (Well, maybe tommorow…already gave in to buying Chips Ahoy for my daughter today!)

I miss the slower pace and less crowding of the suburbs but I have to say, I do love some conveniences living in the city has to offer. For a mom, no matter where you live, the daily duties of life can be very time-consuming and exhausting.

If you’re a mom in the city getting around and getting things done can be even more inconvenient and time-consuming.

The following are some conveniences that are a must for busy city moms…

Laundry Service

This is so awesome. They pick up and drop off your laundry (or you can drop off/pick up yourself) and it’s washed, and folded for you. All you need to do is put it away. Sure, they had this in the suburb I used to live in, but in the city it’s so common it’s a fraction of the cost.

Grocery Delivery

You can shop, pay, and they deliver. Most local supermarkets offer this service for a very small fee. (Similar to Peapod, and Fresh Direct except you have a little more control over the shopping part).

Take Out Delivery

You can get just about any type of food delivered to your door. Even the diners deliver here! (Unheard of in the suburbs) If you want pancakes and bacon at 2am delivered to your doorstep, you can have it!

Public Transportation

There is always public transportation available. The buses won’t stop running at 8pm leaving you stranded. You always find a way to get around.

Easy To Buy and Sell Used Items

Because there is such a large population of people (especially families with kids) it is super easy to sell your used kids stuff on marketplaces like Craigslist and buy the things you need.

I probably won’t live in the city all my life, so when I do leave these are things I will truly miss.

Are you feeling the pressure?? It’s that time of year when Spring is right around the corner and you realize you need to get yourself in shape for the summer.

I realized it myself recently. I’ve always been one to stay physically active all year round, but as of the past few years and two more kiddies later I’m left wondering what happened to my usually in shape self! Taking the stairs has become a real workout!!

So tomorrow is a new day. Don’t have a personal trainer, but I’m going to have to step it up and get myself motivated. We have been blessed with unusually mild weather this winter and the next few days are promising to be nice outdoor days, so my first step will be going out for walks which will hopefully eventually turn into runs.

Walking and running are probably the easiest things I can do to get myself in shape. No equipment needed but a good pair of sneakers and weather appropriate clothing.

I get bored with the gym and being trapped inside four walls. The outdoors, fresh air, and  sunlight are great motivators once you make it out the front door.

Another motivator for me has been seeing all the reminders on TV about women and heart disease. Any of us can easily suffer a heart attack at a young age if you’re not careful about your diet, your weight, or your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Especially for someone like me who has a history of heart disease in the family.

Whatever you find to motivate you to get moving remember…No Excuses!!

See you outside!

Yes, it feels like only yesterday that I had kids who slept well through the night.

How quickly that changes.

One day you are getting decent, uninterrupted sleep…

Then you get a sick kid…

Then you have two sick kids…

Next thing you know, you have a kid sleeping on your head in your bed at night…

Next thing you know, good sleep patterns have been broken, and you have children that want to stay up all night (and stay up all night in your bed!!).

I feel like someone just pulled a fast one on me.

So, here begins my adventures in sleep retraining! If you see me with raccoon eyes in the street, don’t be shocked, don’t run away…now you know the reason why.

I will be victorious (eventually)! Yes, it will be a battle to the bitter end, but it will be all worth it when I can finally get some good sleep again!

My first challenge and focus will be the two-year old, and eventually the infant once he’s all better!

I’ll let you know how things pan out…pray for me!

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Always Adding to List So Check Back Regularly!!