We love parks

We live in an apartment and not having a backyard means we frequent playgrounds and mall play areas. When we moved here Ezra was still just learning to crawl so I didn't think twice about not having a yard but now I regret it. We get out of the house at least once a day. We go places so often that Ezra's first (and only) word was "bye." His all time favorite thing to do is go "bye, bye." He often wakes up saying it.

This weekend we took a trip to Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas to let Ezra run around. We've come here a handful of times over the Summer and it's probably my favorite park ever.

Here are a few photos from a previous trip almost 5 months ago in May. Ezra had just turned 11 months and had only been walking for 2 weeks. He never really had that awkward, cautious walking stage. His first steps were running steps and he hasn't stopped since.

Hiking with a 15 month old

We live a few miles down the road from a nice little nature center and hiking trail that is free on the first Thursday of the month. The last time we went was back in February when Ezra was 7 months old. We took the shorter, stroller friendly route that time and ever since then I've been counting down the months until the weather was cool enough for us to enjoy a real hike.

Last Thursday morning the weather was nice and breezy so we strapped on the Ergo and went for a nature walk. I think it was the perfect level of difficulty for us to conquer with a one year old. The first half was all up hill so we kept Ezra strapped to our back but then when we got to the top we let him roam around. To be honest I am really out of shape and I was sweating and out of breath but just getting outside and being active is a real mood booster.

I overheard one of the employees say it was going to be free everyday very soon and I can't wait to plan weekly picnics.

Here are a few photos from the last time we went to the Dogwood Canyon Audobon Center exactly 8 months ago. Ezra was only 7 months old. 

Starting Over

So today I decided to go back to the gym for the first time in over a year and a half. I had planned on continuing to exercise throughout my pregnancy and afterwards but that didn't exactly turn out as I had planned. So here I am almost 11 months postpartum and 15 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. I told myself I would lose the weight by my son's first birthday so I have a little over a month to kick my butt into gear. I know I won't lose the full 15 pounds but I am hoping to lose at least 10. I've been in a weight loss cycle for the past 6 years, always losing and then gaining the same 15 pounds over and over. I go on fitness kicks for a few months and then as soon as I miss a day or two at the gym I completely lose my routine and thus my motivation to continue. I also have a thyroid disease that adds so many complexities to my weight loss journey. Here is to hoping I can stick it out this time.

I weigh between 155-159 currently and would like to get back down to pre-pregnancy weight of 135-139.

Klyde Warren Park

I planned a little day trip into the city and on Saturday we woke up and made the quick 20 minute drive to downtown Dallas. I just moved to the DFW area in February and these highways are intimidating to say the least. After some GPS mishaps and a few turn-arounds we ended up at Klyde Warren Park. I fell in love at first sight. Yoga, dog walking, book reading on the lawn, and children running through water fountains.

We took Ezra straight to the children's area and I was in awe of the modern architecture and playground equipment. So many fun things to do and adventures to be had in that place. Ezra was still too young and immobile to really enjoy all there is to do but he I think he dug watching all of the big kids. If he sees another kid on the ground near him he will speed crawl over to him and try to climb up his legs. I can't wait until he can interact with other children and run alongside them.

Hello

The name is Elizabeth, or Liz, and I am just now getting around to starting a "real blog" after the past year of Tumblr blogging.