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Parental Push-ups
Getting Through the Rugged Toddler Years
By Diane Lane
Even without the yoga, my muscles had ample preparation for toddler athletics in all the earlier weightlifting events; the infamous shopping cart lift was one such event. This is where I would lift Baby high in the air, letting his feet dangle above the leg holes in the seat. I would then hold that position for what seemed like 15 minutes as he resisted those openings.
During another event, I perfected the practice of not only weightlifting but also juggling. As an occasional bus rider, I would hold Baby in one arm while dragging the fold-up stroller and big diaper bag up the steps with the other. The juggling began when the bus driver stomped on the gas pedal right before I managed to sit down.
And who could forget that popular musical rhyme exercise that ends with "We all fall down"? My little guy absolutely delighted in this game but took it quite literally. He fully expected Mommy to hit the ground and instantly pop back up again. He simply would not take into consideration my substantially greater height, less flexible knees and unpadded bottom.
At this rate, I figure by the time he's grown up, I'll either be ready for early retirement or I'll look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
