Category: Feeling Frumpy

Need to get active and toned – Hard to keep motivated with babies.

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Feeling Frumpy

War On Weight

Not the answer I expected. Picture by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Not the answer I expected. Picture by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For last week, I have cut down on portions, not eaten sweets and been upping the exercise. I know I need to do more exercise but have done more than usual recently. I decided to weigh myself on the Wii and it told me I had put on .2 of a kilo. How annoying! I am now getting angry with the weight to hopefully show it that I want it gone. There is a phrase from the film, “Groundhog Day”, that says, “Don’t drive angry“, well I am now “Getting angry with the weight”

Do you have this issue, you do more activity to then finally weigh yourself to find that you have not lost but gained.  Just upsetting to say the least. As I am getting angry about the extra kilos or pounds, I am going to get even harder on it, it’s days are numbered. I am going to go hard core, I will get up earlier and do some jogging or some type of exercise to make it leave for good.

I am getting very sick and tired of not feeling like my old self. Currently I feel dumpy, huge, uncomfortable and more. I know that I don’t look dumpy and it is just how I feel, but I do feel uncomfortable. It is interesting that when you a little overweight you can feel that it does not feel right, well I can. Not sure what others have felt like.

Maybe I need to use shakes for lunch or breakfast and just have a low calorie meal at night? Do you do meal replacements? Do they work? My fear with them is that once you are off them the weight will come back. I don’t want that to happen. I was keen on maybe doing Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers to see if they are any good, but it is the money with the food and the extras that put me off. I know how to make a meal that is fine to eat if you are dieting, however it is hard doing it with a husband that wants dinners cooked and kids to cook for as well.

Before kids I was using Lite n’ Easy, this was brilliant, I lost 10kgs, and had so much more energy. The meals were good, prepared for you and you just had to heat them up. It was great for a busy person and allowed more time for you, as no extra shopping, cooking and more time for exercise and fun. However it is the cost that factors this choice out again and it is a pity.

So now, no excuses, the war has begun. Weight you have your notice. You can leave now or the next month or so is going to be hell for you and a slow painful death – You have been warned weight!

Are you in the same boat? Do you find that you are doing the right things to have more weight pop up on the scale? I am going to plod along and just get meaner to the weight and step up activity. Also will sit down and plan more low fat, yummy meals. Do you have sure fire way to get skinny and slinky? If so send in your comments.

Why not continue the discussion on our facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/Mummy2twinsblog

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Feeling Frumpy

A Day of Walking

Exercising my extra bits off. Picture by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Exercising my extra bits off. Picture by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today I did a bit of exercise. Maybe saying it was a bit is an understatement. I walked to the chiropractor, kids were in the pram, and pushing them now is definitely harder. After the chiropractor I walked to playgroup although very late, the girls had a bit of a play.

I tested an iPhone application called Endomondo and it was a great success. It was recommended by a friend, and she was right it is pretty cool. It gives you info on where you are going, elevation, can talk to you (keeping you motivated) and much more.

I did two walks with the kids and in total I have burnt 310 kcal. Would like to have burnt more, but it is a start. Maybe if the weather is good tomorrow I will go for another walk, crossing fingers.

Did you manage to fit in some exercise today? If not understand, it is hard with kids and other things on your plate. One great tip that Dr Oz and my friend said, “Just get moving”, and they are right. More action and activity is better than nothing. Even if it is not exactly what you had in mind, it is better than sitting down or not doing it at all.Send in your comments on how you moving?

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Feeling Frumpy

Exercise Has Started

Weights
Aim to get toned – Gotta lift more weights

I made it to aqua aerobics today and was very pleased with myself. The workout was good and the instructor worked us hard. Legs and arms are a bit wobbly and after a lot of weights with the resistance from the water, I think I will sleep well tonight.

While doing my exercise I had fantasies of having the well-toned, worked out body of my dreams. To reach this ideal, more time at the gym, walking and at aqua is needed.  Today was a good start and it is a step in the right direction, now just got to stick with it.

With the kids back at pre-school I am hoping to fit more exercise in. Do you find it tough to fit in exercise now you have kids? I definitely do.

The plan tomorrow is to do some Wii Fit, Tuesday some walking, and Wednesday more aqua, then maybe more walking on Thursday/Friday and of course some more Wii Fit. Then Sunday will do more aqua aerobics. This is my plan and I hope to stick to it.

Do you have a routine to fit in exercise? I find that once I get back exercising it m

akes such a difference, I have more energy, I am happier and I feel better about myself. Exercise might also make me feel better about losing more weight, so that would make me happier anyway. Send in your stories about how you manage to get fit with kids.

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3 years and beyond Feeling Frumpy

Where is my old self?

Do you ever feel like you are just doing the same thing day in day out? Well I do. I know that being a mummy is hard work, and it is very important; however it is hard to stay motivated when you seem to come last for everything.

Sounds depressing doesn’t it. Have no fear I am not depressed. I am still laughing, going out and seeking help when I need it. However, I wish I could wear a glam dress just because, and the heels to match it. Maybe if I was lucky, I might even have time to put on makeup and do my hair.

Currently I just feel like a fat, unattractive, daggy dressed, stay a home mother, who gets overlooked due to having kids. I know that this is not true, but it just feels that way.  Am I the only one that feels like this? It is just a tough gig.

I think I am just craving some time to socialise with other adults, and have an assemblance of my previous life; even for a couple of days per week.  This will eventually happen more when the kids are older, so I am decided to work away at things I can do from home.  I am nearly finished my masters in project management, and hoping to start a business from home in the future.

Caring for two kids that are nearly four is a challenge, they are both on the go for nearly 12 hours or more and it is a big task to keep them occupied for this period. Upon thinking about my main annoyance lately is for time out. I understand that I have time out when kids are at pre-school, but I think it would be nice to have time out that is not on a deadline. I have a whole day, not a 6 hour window to get things done. With hours up your sleeve to do a task, I find that you only get bits and pieces of things done. This can be good and bad at times. Especially when you think you can get it all done.

I have decided to do some things that will put more of a spark into my day, and in the end make me feel more like me:

–          I dyed my hair

–          I did a home facial

–          I am going to have a bath this week and just relax

–          I want to read my magazine

–          Watch my favourite shows

–          Do some exercise, go for walks, use my Wii Fit

–          Wear nicer clothes out

–          Put on makeup

–          Wear earrings

–          Socialise with other adults

I am going to try and do some or nearly all of the above so then I won’t feel like such a dag (for those that don’t know what a dag is, according to dictionary.com, it means the following: “a person who is untidily dressed”), and unattractive. If you feel good with what you are wearing, you usually carry yourself better. I know it is superficial but it works.

Maybe the whole reason I feel so down in the dumps is that being a mother is not paid, glorified or respected enough. As I said it is one of the most important jobs to do. I am sure that other mothers out there think and feel like this. It is a thankless role and it is a pity that I am not getting paid or benefits of any kind. The only wonderful benefit is two great kids who love me, I know a bit over the top. It is nice to be there for the girls and have the ability to help them learn. I do feel lucky I can do it.

What do you do to feel like you again? Is it difficult now you have kids? Do you think that you have changed much or not at all? I feel like I have not changed, however it is just the access to things that is limiting. As the primary caregiver, I cannot just go to the hairdressers/beautician. I need to book that in when kids are at school (and there is a time limit on those days) or on the weekend. If it is in school holidays, just weekends. Send in your tips and tricks to make yourself feel great. Remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

 

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3 years and beyond Feeling Frumpy

Easter Eve

As I write this I need to remember to be careful of the bunny paws on the floor, I need to go to the bathroom before I turn in for the night and don’t want to ruin them. The girls are going to be so excited and happy that the Easter Bunny came, I did threaten to call him and explain how naughty they have been. A friend on facebook has reported that the kids went to bed with the threat that she was going to email the Easter Bunny. Oh the power of chocolate treats.

The girls had a visit with their great aunt and her friend today and had a blast. They were given chocolate eggs and I have saved the others till tomorrow. Both girls were so tired after we left them in their room no sound was heard, must have just closed their eyes and fallen fast asleep. Very tired bunnies.

I hope everyone is having a good night and the excitement of tomorrow will soon be here. The Easter Bunny will come to our house for another year, and I am sure we will still have chocolate for months afterwards. It is great that the girls have such a wonderful time at Easter, however it is not good for project slinky to be surrounded by so much temptation.

I would like to be losing weight, however I feel like I am always going back and forth. I have cut down on portion sizes and I eat right, now just a matter of sticking to the exercise and doing it more regularly.

We here at mummy to twins hope that you all have a happy and safe Easter, look after yourselves and take care.

Also try and not eat too much chocolate if you can, and if you can’t see if you can walk for ages to burn it off. 🙂

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3 years and beyond Feeling Frumpy University Study

Sun, exercise and study

Today I went for a nice long walk in the sunshine. It was wonderful to be all on my own and to be finally exercising. Yesterday I did about 20 minutes on the Wii Fit and then it was a bit crazy with the fact the kids kept on pulling out toys, hard to have room to do things with the floor filling up with toys and junk.

So now mummy and daddy have had lunch and rested. The girls got a vegemite sandwich each and not much has been eaten.  I am about to do some study and work on my assignment for university, while the girls and daddy are in the backyard.

Daddy however wants to tidy and clean the backyard and the kids are more interested in building houses out of branches and leaves, and making a mess.  Off to get my cuppa tea and get started on the study. Wish me luck, hoping to not get interrupted.

What do you have planned for the day or the weekend?  Have you had time to yourself to do what you like or exercise? I must say that just going for that walk made me feel ten times better about myself.  Note to self, fit it more walking. Send your comments in.

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Feeling Frumpy

Project slinky is back on

I know that I need to exercise more. I feel great after I do it, however getting back into a routine is the hardest. I thought that I would be looking fitter and more toned by now after kids. This has not happened.  It is hard to keep the routine and fit it all in with kids.

I do have a Nintendo Wii Fit that I like using and I feel best using while kids are in bed or away, I then can do all my exercises and not get interrupted.

These are the things that put me off doing exercise when I have a chance, then it is too late when kids are running around:

1. Slept in and miss my window

2. Not well, either headaches or something else

3. Too tired and cannot manage it

4. I suppose just being lazy

I have tried doing it with the girls but it has never worked. I have also tried going to the pool to do aqua aerobics say 3 times a week, and try and do some other things at home with the Wii fit, however the pool cancelled the child care session for when the aqua aerobics lesson was on, so it made it impossible to go – You can see more information on my post about “No More Pool”

Now need to get into going to the pool on the days I do have off, I have also thought on walking around the oval a couple of times as this will help. I don’t know if you are like me, when I go off and do things it means then the hours are less in the day that I do have off. I need to prioritise as I would like to lose some weight and get fitter. So I guess I need to structure it into my day in a better way.

Some links that might inspire us:

Do you have problems fitting in exercise? I used to be so good, I walked an hour a day and then the next day went swimming or did a session like aqua aerobics twice a week. Now with kids it seems like a struggle and something that ends up getting missed.  How do you fit exercise in if you have kids? What are your tips and tricks? Send them on so we can all learn.

I am now going to make more of an effort to get fit. Maybe we can have an online group that helps each other and keeps up the motivation.What are your thoughts?

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3 years and beyond Feeling Frumpy

A rave about ramps

What is it with ramps that take you to the footpath? If you have a pram it gets stuck. This is not helpful when you have to get off the road due to traffic. I don’t understand why these have not been made so that any pram/wheelchair or say anything on wheels can access it first go, not after 2-3 attempts.

I really don’t understand why they are not easier to use. Also when you have traffic everywhere, 2 kids in the pram you need to get off the road quick smart. Having the ramp not easily able to glide over the wheels and allow you access to the footpath is just annoying to say the least.  Has this happened to you or anyone you know? Have you been annoyed at this? Or is it just me?

I am sure that prams are not the only things that have encountered this issue. What about wheelchairs and trolleys?  I just had to share my annoyance with this. As we have had some sunny days, I have taken full advantage and gone out with the pram. This allows me to get some exercise and the girls love it as they can touch plants and see more.

All that needs to be done to fix these ramps is to make them meet the concrete at the street and have a seamless; I wonder why this is never done in the first place?

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3 years and beyond Family Feeling Frumpy Pre-School

Week 2 of pre-school and time out

Week 2 of pre-school is here and went well, although it was a rough start. The girls did not want to get ready and made it hard to get out the door. Managed to get there on time in the wet, so that is a great start I thought, and finding a park was even better. This school run is interesting as I have never been a parent of children in school. Although they are only in pre-school it has the same timing as a school day. Now I will understand when school holidays are. I never knew as it was not important. Now I will know when they occur.

Both girls were shy this morning and needed coaxing to get into the doors at school. It was a bit upsetting as they did not do this last week. I think it is still all new and it is a learning curve as it is only week 2, so not expecting that much. I left the girls when one of their friends came in, their mate Mia is great, they like her so much. However this little girl is moving back to Germany with her family in a week so the girls will not have that friend to play with. I am hoping that we can get an address to send letters so that the girls can keep in touch.

When I dropped the girls off, there was a boy who was super excited about his upcoming birthday party this Saturday. He is turning 5. He seemed to be inviting everyone. Was not sure if we were on the list and thought we would not be, the girls only started at the school last week, so thought he was talking about his other friends. Upon collecting Julia and Lillian, I found that he has invited them and in-fact the whole class. It is nice that the girls have been asked to a party for a classmate. Must RSVP to his mother to make sure she is aware of numbers for the party. Now, what to get a 5 year old boy for his birthday?

The weather here is still terrible, nice sunny day and then terrible storms. It has not stopped raining all afternoon. I managed to get some tidying done, sheets on beds changed and some washing done. However, would have liked to have done more. Tomorrow is my time, I am pencilling in that time for me and my projects.  I am feeling very fat and frumpy so must work in some exercise tomorrow. I need to see if I can get up earlier to incorporate it into my day as by the time that everyone wakes and I get stuck into things, it never gets done. I really would like to be doing more exercise, however with the early morning idea, I do like my sleep so that is why this has never happened for any great length of time.

My mum and step dad came to visit. They were going to be staying for a couple of days but have had issues with their caravan and it is at the mechanics to get fixed. Issues with the wheel and axel, not good and I hope it gets reparied soon and cheaply, or at least not as expensive as it might cost. The girls were surprised that Nana showed up to pick them up from school. Mum and I asked the girls what they did today at school, and they were both very silent.  Both girls only told us that they did not play with the puzzles. So what did they do?  I think they were so busy that they cannot remember what they got up to. They had all their lunches come back from school, must have been too busy to eat as well.

Mum and my step dad bought the quilt blankets that they both made the girls. The girls loved them and insisted on having them on their beds tonight. They really enjoyed looking at the panels and finding all the things that are on the quilt, dogs, cats, Dora the explorer, flowers, letters, numbers and many other things.

As the girls picked at their lunches at home, I just gave them something light for dinner with milk. I don’t think they would have eaten a planned dinner after I spent time preparing it and I was not in the mood for doing it or eating it if they did not. Lillian curled up on the lounge piece she dismantled and she looked so tired. I asked if she was tired and she nodded and said yes. The girls never admit to being tired, so she must have been exhausted.

They went to bed about 6.30pm and probably went to bed about 7.30pm. They should be plenty rested for their wake up call at 7am tomorrow morning.

What do your kids/children get up to at school or pre-school? Do they tell you? I think it is odd I get the answer, “I don’t know”, I really think that they are so overloaded with new things, and people to play with that they just forget. I am just finding it interesting that you can never find out. Must ask the school tomorrow what they get up to.

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3 years and beyond Feeling Frumpy Katoomba and Weather

A walk in sunshine and rain

Woke up to nice sunny, hot weather, about time I hear you say. It feels like the rain has set in and will never leave.  Very worried about autumn and of course winter. Living in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, it gets very cold. If it continues this wet weather we will be in for a cold and wet winter. This is not something I enjoy. I love summer, but not when it is wet and gloomy. So as it was sunny and warm, I made the most of it.  I organised the girls to get in the pram, packed us up and I walked into town, well Katoomba that is.

As I have been meaning to do some exercise, it was nice that the weather was so nice.   So all 3 of us were out and about for a walk, well mummy was walking and huffing and puffing some of the way. It is hard to push the pram with it all stocked with 2 little people on board now. I suppose this helps with the exercise, so I shouldn’t complain.  We finally got to the shops, I dropped of daddies shirts at the cleaners, then we went off to check the post office for a parcel we are expecting went to the bakery and purchased cheese and bacon rolls for the girls, then off to Coles to get some shopping.

On the way back the pram was packed up well with all the shopping plus the girls. It was getting black and dark. There was a big black cloud getting darker and darker. We heard loud thunder and I thought I had to speed up to get us home. I had a bit of walking to do. The whole idea now of taking the pram seemed like a stupid idea. How will I ever get back in time.

I managed to get down Station Street and if you know that street it is all downhill. I jogged with the pram all the way down that street. I was trying to make up some time to get us home quickly. However that did not help a great deal, just around the corner from the house it started to rain, thunder and lightning seemed to be getting worse and felt very close. I was trying to keep up with the jogging but could not, ended up fast walking. This was met with sadness from the girls as they liked me going fast and really enjoyed the speed. Pity it was not something I could keep doing. Maybe after more sessions jogging or fast walking I could do that, only if the weather would permit.

We managed to get home, wet and I was so exhausted. I got the girls out of the pram, put the pram under cover, and opened the house. Made sure all windows were closed and then raced outside to get the clothes off the line.

Have you ever been caught by the weather? Has it made it difficult if you had kids with you? What did you do? I did think of getting a taxi or bus, however you would have to wait for that and the likelihood is that the rain would have been worse by this stage. After we were all indoors it bucketed down. I also learnt that there were weather warnings for hail and severe thunderstorms in the area. We were very lucky to get home when we did. If I had known that would have happened, I would have taken the car.  Although every time I do and it ends up a nice sunny day, I kick myself for not going out and exercising and enjoying the weather while we can.

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3 years and beyond Feeling Frumpy

Time off – well just for a bit

I had an appointment for my second microderm and oxygen facial, it went better than last time so that is a plus. The other plus was that I was on my own, so a day to myself, shopping, having lunch, looking at window shopping and able to do whatever I wanted. It was so nice to have this time to myself.

After the facial I popped off to The Good Guys and purchased a juicer. We are now going to give a juice fast a go, I know sounds crazy but it worked for Joe Cross the guy who created the film: Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Joe was overweight and suffered from an autoimmune disease and thought that eating vegetables and fruit juiced is the way to go. Joe managed to lose the weight and during the weeks of the fast lowered his drugs for his disease he was taking. By the end of the fast he managed to keep off the weight and not be on any drugs for his condition. It was a very positive film and inspirational. Check IMDB for more info on this film. James and I think that it might help us and who knows, at least having fresh healthy juice has to be a bonus. So we will see.  Cannot start the fast yet as we are booked in for a Valentines dinner, so that will have to happen first.

Now having the juicer in my hot little hands, I headed to the shopping centre to see if I could visit with Auntie Denise, no luck there, it was her day off yet again. Oh well, then I went off to have lunch and to relax for a bit. After lunch I went off to Sussan’s as I had a gift voucher from Christmas and managed to purchase a really nice skirt. Who knew stripes could be so flattering. Managed to see a cheap skirt also in Target and it is more for the cooler weather so just the thing for Katoomba. One thing that I thought was interesting to see in Target was that Dita Von Teese is selling lingere there as well, she has her own label. Interesting. Pity that it all looked small and not for sizes like me. I am a little busty than normal and it is very sad that the sexy feel good underwear is never available in my size. It would be nice if for once these type of things were easily accessible,  in my size, and reasonably priced. Oh well, maybe after the diet and some more exercise I might be skinnier. 🙂

It was nice to have some me time and wish there was more of it.  Only a couple of sleeps until the girls start school, so that is exciting and good for them and me. Now still need to find that battery charger for the camera. Still have had no luck. Might have to take pictures on the camera after all. So project find camera battery tomorrow or think of what to do about it.

Update: After I got home with all my shopping and especially the new juicer. James could not wait and opened and cleaned the bits that you need to. Then he did a test juice. Nice fresh orange juice. YUM!!! It is so quiet compared to others from years ago. Very impressed. Now need to get recipes and vegetables and more fruits to help make our juices.

 

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3 years and beyond Feeling Frumpy

Up early

I have woken up early to see if I can get some things done. Exercise, tidying and maybe some me time. Will let you know how this goes.

  • Kitchen partly tidy, now to do some exercise, then have breakfast.
  • Have now had breakfast, kids and husband have had breakfast.
  • Clothes hung on line.
  • New clothes in washing machine, did about 4-5 loads of washing. Making use of one very sunny hot day to dry clothes. Now need to finish it off and fold and put it all away.
  • The girls and I went for a walk, well I did the walking they were in the pram. They both sat in the pram and put their own seatbelts on, I was very impressed. This happened on our way and leaving Coles they did it as well. All I said was, please get in the pram, girls jumped in and did their seat belts up so quickly. What smart little girls.
  • Purchased a birthday pressie for Zoe one of the girls good mates as her birthday party is on Friday. Once home I and the girls were hot and bothered, me more so. Filled up the paddle pool for the girls. They managed to get in and out 3 times, all the while runining 3 sets of clothes. Oh well, they did have fun and managed to tire themselves out in the process.
  • Dinner was a hit, girls ate it and Lillian ate everything and even licked the bowl. I was shocked and so happy that she did that. Must have been hungry and just liked it tonight, it was sausages, cheese, beetroot and tomato sauce, A winning combination for sure.

Now I am very tired from my very long day. Off to bed for much needed rest. Playgroup tomorrow to tire the munchkins out yet again.  Have a lovely night all, and hope tomorrow is a great day for all.

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Feeling Frumpy

No more pool

Found out today that the pool at Katoomba has cancelled the late session for childcare, this means that I can no longer go to the pool during the week as I have no care for them.  I found this out only after purchasing a 10 pass ticket for childcare to learn of the change, and then had to have it refunded to me.  They only have the 9.30 session avail for childcare and that would not help me as aqua is on at 10.30, they stopped that session due to not enough numbers using the service. I say that this is a needed service to encourage people to use fitness centres and encourage mothers back to the gym and allow them to have some time to themselves.

Why it that people like me are penalised and no thought is given to this group of their customers at all. I was very upset indeed, in tears about it, as I was aiming at making sure that I go each week this year and try and make it a priority, now I have to wait to do it in Feb when the kids go to pre-school, however with this new system, will only be able to do it once a week aside from weekends.   I feel that there must be more of women/men in my situation that would use this service.

I am trying to do my best to lose weight and to tone up, but having kids and being the primary care giver is hard. When they are sick, you cannot go out. When you are sick you cannot go out, the weather has been not helpful, and I could go on and on. Today, it felt like a conspiracy against mothers with no help!!! Why, oh why, do organisations, especially the council run one make a stupid decision that does not help accessibility to their services to make sure that you are fitter, happier and a better person and mother all round. I am going to try and see if other pools on the mountain have childcare and times for similar classes, however I don’t want to spend my few days/hours off travelling up and down the mountain.

Thinking of writing to the paper about this topic and the cost of teaching children to swim as well, it is just outrageous – It should be free or a charge that people can afford. Please let me know if you are affected by this terrible injustice of not allowing people to use the services for the time they wish to go to the class they want to go to. No point being a member if you cannot use the services you want to use.

Please let me know if this has happened to you or anybody that you know of.

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2 Years and beyond Feeling Frumpy

My girls are now 2

Cannot believe that my little girls are now 2 years old and little girls rather than babies. Well they will always be my babies, but you know what I mean.

Julia and Lillian are such bright, energetic, funny little people. It is going to be interesting to see what they grow into.

We had their birthday party on the 11th as that was the Saturday before their birthday and this year it fell on a Monday. So too hard I think to do another party on a Sunday, so Saturday it was. This year it was  Muno themed party, one of the characters from Yo Gabba Gabba.  The girls are obsssessed.

My mum, their Nana made Muno shirts for them and they love them so much. Want to wear them all the time now.

Just cannot believe that it has been 2 years already. I thought I would be a sexy, slinky mummy by now but still feel fat and frumpy. Oh well I live in hope that I will get toned and wonderful soon.