first photo: mat time

I'd like to introduce you to Zao and his Sister. 

Every day for the next year I will be taking a photo and sharing it on this blog. I hope to become a better and more creative photographer through this endeavor, but most especially I am using it as a means to help me become present and appreciative of the moment.

I love this snapshot. It is entirely spontaneous and real, and you can truly see the love in Zao's smile. 

I paused in the middle of today's workout to take this photo. It was too sweet to pass unrecorded! This is how they've passed the time lately while I do my workout, smashed together on the floor mat playing with baby toys.

I used to be of the mindset that exercise had to be "my time," and that it was so important to try to squeeze it in while one or the other of the kids napped, or miracle of miracles: they both slept simultaneously. It was a recipe for stress and frustration. I've learned, because they taught me, to just do it. It doesn't have to be complicated, long or drawn-out, or even at a gym. Stop, drop, and do some pushups. Bang out some presses. Do sun salutation. I do what I can as I can, and try do it consistently. Their little faces watching me, or laughing together, are such a delight, and such an improvement over stinky, sweaty gym-goers. (I'm not hating on the gym, guys! It just isn't in the cards for me right now. And let's be honest, sweaty strangers aren't everyone's favorite crowd.)

You know what else I've learned? I love it this way. I think it is so cool that Zao and his Sister are growing up watching me lift weights, do pushups, squats or warrior pose, and struggle (and improve!) with chin-ups. Exercise and being active is just a part of life, as it should be.