Wednesday, February 24, 2016

What's Up Wednesday (2/24/16)


I can't believe that it is already the last week of the month and time for another What's Up Wednesday!



On the last Wednesday of every month I'm linking up with Shay to answer these questions:



1.  What we're eating this week...

We have the best neighbors, and they've been spoiling us with home-baked goodies since coming home from the hospital.  Everything from banana bread to lasagna, we are so lucky to have such kind people living near us. 

2.  What I'm reminiscing about...

Last month I told you that I was excited to see Mike holding our daughter for the first time.  It was just as perfect as I imagined it.  February 9, 2016 was one of the best days of my life and my heart doubled in size.  At 2:19pm we welcomed Arianna Jade Florio into our family.  I will be writing a future blog post on her birth story.  

3.  What I'm loving...

Seeing how much Vincent loves his baby sister!  I was anxious to see how well this little guy would adjust to having a baby at home and he has been amazing.  She is the first thing he asks about in the morning and he loves to "touch" her.  We are still working with him on being gentle with her.  


4.  What we've been up to...

Adjusting to life as a family of four. We are getting in all the baby snuggles and loving on our sweet girl because we know how quickly time passes.  

5.  What I'm dreading...

Next month Vincent is having a procedure done on his eyes to correct blocked tear ducts.  It is a quick procedure and our surgeon is awesome, but thinking about him having his first surgery makes this momma a nervous wreck.    

6.  What I'm working on...

Planning a special yoga series for mothers.   I'm working with Green Locus Yoga to plan a four week long Mommy and Me series in April.  If you know any moms who  you think would enjoy this, please send them my way!

7.  What I'm excited about...
Next month we are starting Vincent back in swim lessons, and I'm excited to see how well he does.  He has been taking lessons since he was six months old, but these are at a different facility and are three days a week instead of one.  I hope he likes it.

8.  What I'm watching/reading...

Frozen is on repeat in our house.  EVERY DAY Vincent wants to watch this movie.  He loves Elsa and Anna just like every other kid out there.

We have also been watching the last season of American Idol, I don't have a favorite yet. 

9.  What I'm listening to...

Loving James Bay's new song "Let It Go"  - planning to add it to my future yoga play lists.  

10.  What I'm wearing...

These days I'm lucky if I make it out of my pjs.  We're at home most of the time, so comfort is my aim, enjoying these lazy days while I can :)

11.  What I'm doing this weekend...

Celebrating my Dad's birthday with family!  My brother, sister-in-law and nephew are in town from Austin, it is so great to see them and catch up with them!  It's great that our little girl shares the same birth month as her Grandpa, that's something that they will share for the rest of their lives.  
Uncle Brian holding Arianna for the first time


12.  What I'm looking forward to next month...

Easter with my family.  Last year was so fun watching Vincent hunt for eggs, I cant wait to see how much he loves it this year.  Our community has an annual Easter egg hunt and we do a little something at our house Easter morning. 
Vincent at the 2015 Easter Egg Hunt (Its crazy how different he looks in just one year!)


13.  What else is new...
I think that's covered everything, we're busy loving on our newborn baby girl and toddler boy 

14.  What is your favorite Easter tradition?
Coloring Easter eggs with my boy! Can't wait to do it again this year and get baby sister involved (even though she'll only be watching). 

Easter 2015


So that's What's Up with us, I look forward to continuing these posts throughout the year, and hope everyone is having a great week!  

XO

Shari

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Prenatal Yoga

Baby Florio is here!  Arianna Jade was born on 2/9/16 at 2:19pm, weighing 8lbs and 10oz and measuring 20 1/4 inches long.  We have been getting used to our new life as a family of four, and loving all of her baby coos and smells.  In a future blog post, I will recap her birth story.  


Reflecting back on my pregnancy, one of the things that helped me the most was my prenatal yoga practice.  In addition to getting pregnant while finishing my 200hr RYT program, the practice helped me cope with a lot of the side effects of pregnancy.  I would highly recommend for anyone to take part in yoga during their pregnancy.  There are so many benefits to prenatal yoga, I wanted to share a few of them with you all.  


1.  Connection with mommy and baby - The practice allows for dedicated time each week for mommy to bond with her unborn child in her womb.  It allows for loving connection between mommy and baby to be built before the baby is even born.  

2.  Calming - Through connection with the breath, yoga allows for the mind to find a calm space, resulting in relaxation.  There are so many natural stressors that come along with bringing a child into the world, that devoting time to your practice not only allows you to relax, but also often helps you sleep better too!

3.  Balance - Growing another human can cause the body to feel off balance, carrying around extra weight and fluids to nurture the baby.  Practicing yoga allows for the body to focus on balance through each pose focusing on the proper alignment and our breath.  

4.  Build strength and stamina - Yoga is also a great workout!  Yoga poses strengthen our bodies to be able to carry our babies around.  Some of the poses assist the body in finding extra space and relieving some of the pains of pregnancy in our low-back and hips.  

5.  Community - The women that participate in a prenatal practice are going through the same thing that you are.  Its a great way to have a sense of community and bounce questions about things you may be experiencing in a safe environment.  

6.  Practice breathing - Yoga helps you prepare for childbirth.  The breath practice is a great tool for labor during contractions.  The focus that you have on each pose during your practice can be easily translated to the delivery room.  As you inhale, you acknowledge the tension that you may be feeling, as you exhale you let go more with each breath.  


Check out the local studios near you to see if they offer a prenatal practice.  I promise, you won't be sorry that you did!
Namaste!

XO
Shari