2019 Goals :: January Check-In

I thought I would do a monthly{ish?} check-in on my 2019 goals. It's good for me to track my progress and have a little accountability...even if it's to myself and all 3 of my readers {hi Mom!} :)

Goal #1: Drink 60oz of water every day

If I am 100% honest, I wasn't wholly committed to this one {goal setting mistake 101}. I really only put it on the list because I knew I should put it on my list. I'm just not good at this. Especially in the winter months. I make the excuse that I just don't drink very much in general {which I actually don't, often not drinking anything at all at a meal}, but I can down 32oz of sweet tea without blinking. So I definitely need to work on this one. I do better when the water is ice cold, with lemon, so I get that set at the beginning of the day...I just have to actually remember to drink it :)

Goal #2: Increase my fitness level

I think I got January off to a fairly good start. Nothing mind-blowing, but a good base for the rest of my year. I bought a FitBit Alta HR with some Christmas money, and I really like it! It has kept my fitness level at the forefront of my mind, and it's an easy way to track my progress and reach some basic goals {steps, heart rate, etc.} I will say that I was surprised how few steps I take in a day. I feel like I am chasing after toddlers all day long, but I don't actually take that many steps. So I am glad to have my FitBit to help remind me to move around a bit more.

So what have I been doing? 

• Walking {getting those steps in!} Now that we have our triple stroller, it's easier for me to head out the door and take a walk with all 3 babes! We have to time it just right with everyone's feeding and sleeping schedule {which can be difficult and doesn't always happen}, but everyone loves getting out for a stroller ride when we can! We just need it to warm up just a bit so we can make it a more regular habit. And for the miracle of all miracles to happen: all 3 babies to nap at the same time #dreambig

• Working on some core exercises to repair diastasis recti. At this point, it's self-diagnosed, as I will go back to see my doctor next month, but even if it's not a severe case, things are not quite back to normal. I have done a lot of my own research and compiled some exercises that I hope will bring things back together. But most of the exercises I have used have come from here, here and here. I hope to incorporate some more Living Room Workouts soon, but I also need to get some of the basics repaired before I can do that.

Goal #3: Listen to the Audio Bible daily

I have successfully completed this every day in January! I read through Genesis, Mark, and am currently working through Exodus, Psalms, and Proverbs.

Goal #4: Read 55 books

I was able to read 8 books this month. I will still write my reviews at the end of the year, but here's a glimpse at what I have been reading this month. {I don't recommend all of these books; it was pretty even- good, bad, eh}.

Goal #5: Participate in the #150hoursoutside project

Our outside time right now is mostly walks around our neighborhood. Which is not terrible, but since I am usually by myself, it means loading everyone up in the stroller. So while I get some good exercise, my kiddos aren't exactly running around and exploring the outdoors. And we have had some pretty cold and windy days, so our outside time has been fairly limited. But I know it will be easier in the warmer weather. Baby steps, right? :)

Goal #6: Do something creative every month

I worked a little bit on our 7th year photo book. I still have a ways to go, but it was fun to sift through old photos and reminisce when Eli and Maddie were little!

Goal #7: Be more intentional with discipling Eli and Maddie

We started the year by reading a story from The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible every morning. I love the colorful illustrations in this book, and I love how each story {even the Old Testament ones} point to Jesus and the gospel. It's easy enough for Eli and Maddie to understand right now, but I can also see using this for awhile, as it asks questions that they will be able to answer a little better as they get older.

It's our routine to get set for breakfast, kiss Daddy goodbye as he heads off to work, then read our Bible story. And Eli and Maddie don't let me forget, or ask to read it again during snack...which is so great! They also listen to the Audio Bible with me every day, but are not exactly sitting or paying attention during that time haha. But even just having God's Word playing in the background for them is a habit I want to instill.

I have mentioned before that we don't do a lot of TV for Eli and Maddie, and they have only watched a handful of things. My goal is to make it to 3 years before that's a more regular part of their life, whether it's a particular show or movies. But sometimes, you just need a distraction and a way to contain twin toddlers while you feed the baby...or just stop the screaming, amiright??

Enter Right Now Media and the Seeds Family Worship videos! They basically take Scripture verses and set them to song. The videos are sometimes cartoons, but sometimes not, with the words of the Bible verse/song on it. Super simple, but a great way to learn Scripture, and entertaining enough for my kiddos! Our {read: my} favorite is the Seeds of Praise album, but there are several available that we can work through.

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So that's a recap of January! On to February :)