In the words of Dave Matthews, “so much to say.” (I could write a whole post about my high school DMB obsession but we’ll save that for another day.)
I wanted to share a little peak into what I’ve been up to the last couple of days as well as some big things that are coming up next. I am definitely hitting the ground running in 2019 but also clinging onto the sweetness of slowing down that happened in the second half of 2018.
RIGHT NOW
He is my everything. I love this photo because it shows how much he’s totally his own person. For months I’ve been worried if I should be worried that Finn’s not super into sitting up. I see all of these other babies his age sitting up and playing but Finn is like, nope. The second I try to sit him down he stiffens his legs, wants to lay down and starts crawling. Yesterday I put him down in the pack and play in a sitting position and was floored when he stayed like that for over 10 minutes just grinning at me.
So clearly he can sit…he just wants to MOVE! He may or may not get that from his mommy! Those kicking legs are going to turn into running legs before I know it!
Also, food. I adore watching Finn explore food and learn how to eat. Last night he gobbled up my white chicken chili and that was really cool to experience. I’ve noticed that sometimes he’s all about eating and putting food in his mouth. Other times he just wants to play with it and explore it and doesn’t eat that much. I’m letting him take the lead and not forcing anything. I figure as long as he’s in his high chair and interacting with his food, it’s a win!
On the subject of food…this dinner!!!! I have read so much on grass fed beef being a great food for babies due to the iron content. I had a couple of pounds of local grass fed ground beef in the freezer so I defrosted one tonight. Finn got a little with his dinner and I made bunless burgers. I topped them with goat cheese, sauteed baby portobello mushrooms and ketchup. On the side I had a chopped salad from Trader Joe’s and tots from Whole Foods. For some reason I have been craving tots for months. The Whole Foods Organic 365 brand did not disappoint. They were super crispy and tasted great.
Finally for right now, these girls. They love their baby brother but they also love their mama. They are always close by and last night they were both hanging out on his play blanket after he went to bed. The sweetest.
UP NEXT
I am excited but also humble/nervous to share with you some BIG things that I have coming up!
First up…
I am auditioning to teach a strength format at a fitness studio I highly respect this Friday and I have all the butterflies. I can’t remember the last time that I auditioned for something and this is an opportunity that I really desire and have wanted for a long time. I hesitated sharing with you guys that I was auditioning for it because there’s a chance I’ll come back to you with news that it’s not in the cards for me, but it’s a reality of the industry that I work in so I wanted to be candid. Wish me luck!!!!!!!
I am traveling to Studio B Power Yoga’s Yoga on Chocolate location in Hershey, PA twice in the coming months to facilitate workshops. The first is geared towards current RYTs and will be all about Assisting and Creating Yoga Magic.
Here is what we will cover:
- How to use assists to connect students to asana through hands-on touch, props and other non-touch methods such as mirroring and encouraging words
- How to use a bell-curve model to design a power yoga class that flows organically and draws students into the experience.
- Dynamic use of voice to engage students and create classroom energy.
- Tips and tricks for creating playlists and effectively leveraging music in power yoga classes.
- The importance of contrast in the classroom experience.
- And most importantly, how to tie all of these elements together.
Here is the link with details on how to sign up.
My second trip will be in April and will be a weekend geared towards students (but CEUs will be offered for yoga teachers as well). I will be presenting workshops on the foundations of backbends, arm balances and inversions. I’ll post a link to sign up for that when it’s open!
Stay tuned for some similar workshops (assisting, arm balances, inversions and more) here in Charlotte.
Lastly, I have two 200-hour yoga teacher trainings coming up in 2019! One will be in Charlotte and another at VIDA Hot Yoga in Tennessee! Dates and details are coming super soon!
That was a lot. I think it’s time for dessert and bed now!
PLEASE share something that you have on the horizon for 2019 that you are excited about…work, life, whatever!
Totally unrelated but I’d like to get a second carseat and stroller to keep at my parent’s place in Florida…something that can grow with Finn and doesn’t break the bank. Would LOVE your suggestions.
My advice from experience is to buy a brand new convertible car seat to leave at your parents. You’ll use it for years so you’ll get the return on investment. Keep an eye out for Britax sales…we got a great deal a few months ago. I’d ask your parents to keep an eye on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc. for the type of stroller you see yourself using the most while visiting (jogging are so versatile, but just an example). There is such a re-sale market for those, they are bound to find a good deal! (Or if you find one locally, travel with it and leave it next time you visit…)
Congrats on your upcoming workshops and trainings! Are you still considering filming yoga classes to put online? (am I remembering correctly that you mentioned that a while back?)
Such a great post! I signed up for Barre teacher training in March. So outside my comfort zone, but I’m excited!
Good luck with your audition! That’s awesome you have so many exciting things coming up. Also, that photo of Finn with his blanket is too cute 🙂
Good luck at the audition! You will do wonderfully!
I have a possible move out of the country on the horizon and I’m also excited about some projects at work that I want to invest a lot of time in. I am trying to believe that I can do these great things! Building up my confidence slowly after years of thinking I wasn’t good enough.
Good luck with your audition! You will do great!
Do you have the ikea high chair?? We have a chicco one but there are so many nooks and crannys and pads that food is still stuck from my first 4 years ago lol. I think I need the ikea one. Do you like it?
We got a $99 car seat in Costco for my husbands car and it’s great! We take our seats to the police station to install and he said they all have to pass safety standards to be on the market so any seat is good, some just are more comfortable, have bells and whistles, etc
The Jeep brand stroller on Amazon is fairly cheap and of good quality.
We always just brought the infant car seat because it clicks into the stroller, the convertible car seat is such a pain to travel with. So I don’t know about cheap infant car seats for travel, but the Cosco scenera next convertible car seat is like $40. We have one at each of our families’ houses on opposite sides of the country so we don’t have to travel with convertible car seats. They are not deluxe by any means, and I would not at all recommend for every day use (straps and things just seem lower quality in terms of ease of use), but safe and fine for visiting.
Yes, we just bought this same car seat for the grandparents’ use and its great for a backup! VERY lightweight, relatively compact (storage!) and easy to install. And the price is excellent.
Jen, I found your blog a little bit before you gave birth to Fin and I wished I found it sooner. I don’t know you but I am always rooting for you and was SO happy for you when I read this blog.
You are incredible and I know you will totally get the new strength training job. It’s funny they say good things happen to those that are kind and humble. You are an example of that in every form.
I have tried the kale/cauliflower/brussels mix from Trader Joe’s and hated it. Do you do anything to it to doctor it up any?
I did make the paleo banan bread and my family went crazy for it, as did I. It was seriously the best!!
I simply cannot wait to see what all you do in 2019z I am both excited and happy for you!! ?
We use the cosco scenera next for my parents and traveling. It’s super light and easy to get in and out of the car. It’s also great for the plane. Another plus is that it’s super cheap! Like $40. It’s not a bucket either so it will last Finn for awhile.
such great news, Jen! good luck; you will crush the audition! and obviously be amazing at your teaching weekends.
goals: seriously job search; time to move on! and utilize this spinning certification i have to actually teach.
My family likes to say “I wish you good execution!” for big moments like your audition, because it’s not a matter of luck. Go in there and be YOU! That’s all it will take for them to love you.
Also, Finn is just so adorable. Thank you for sharing that joy!
I have followed your blog for years and just signed up for the TT in Hershey. See you soon and looking forward to meeting you in person 🙂