Stroller Strides

Niki learned that her exercise program, Stroller Strides, allows husbands to attend for free on Saturdays. Niki asked me to go, and while I initially deferred on the grounds that I had to sit on my butt before watching MSU play IU at 11:00 AM, I eventually agreed to go. After all, how strenuous could it be?

After attending my first Stroller Strides class - holy cripes! Once the kiddos were strapped into the strollers, we took off, and for the entire next hour, either my muscles were burning or I was out of breath. While I have always been impressed with how dedicated Niki has been to regularly attend Stroller Strides all summer in the steamy Tennessee heat, I am even more in awe of her due to how strenuous the workout is! Wow.

Charlie is really a great kid. She has her fussy moments, but for the most part, she's a happy, healthy, bubbly, active child. She is free with a smile, happy to cuddle, easygoing, and willing to wrassle with dogs, stuffed animals, or Dad. She falls asleep easily in our arms (I know, I know - she's getting too old for us to rock her to sleep, but we like it and it works - quickly), and is delighted having a bath.

I have always known that Niki would be a great mother. I was absolutely right, but I had no idea she would be utterly fantastic! Charlie is truly a lucky kid to get to spend each day with her mother. Niki has struck a really nice balance of concentrating on Charlie every day by playing with her, helping her develop, comforting her, and entertaining her. In the meantime though, Niki has continued to be active with her friends (both new friends with kids and old friends without kids) and in the neighborhood. She has really spent a lot of time communicating with our families all about Charlie as she grows, which we think is very important. In addition, she no qualms about taking Charlie and cruising around town and doing "adult" activities which Niki enjoys. Finally, she does a great job taking care of me and the household. Niki's doing it all around here, and I am really impressed with how easily she does it . . .

Due to Niki, we're a pretty happy little family.

CJS