All posts by R.C. Liley

I'm an ex-mutual fund accountant who left the cubicle world to be a stay-at-home dad to my beautiful little girl, Avery, who entered our life on 11/15/13. Also happily married to my wife, Kelley, for 7 years as of 8/17/14. Sorry ladies... :) Fitness and nutrition is of the upmost importance in our family and we strive to reflect this in our daily life. I always prepare our meals at home and only go out if it's a special occasion, and even then I tend to not get much. Food should be fun and a joy to eat, not something quickly consumed from a fast food chain or scarf down before the next meeting. I have come from strictly logging high miles to train for the next marathon to keeping exercise varied and focusing more on strength. I still enjoy going for a run when I can, but nothing crazy, and I prefer hill sprints while pushing my daughter, Avery in the stroller. She loves it and I get a great workout! I want to show the world how to appreciate their body and feed it real, wholesome food while moving more throughout the day. In doing so, everyone would be healthier, happier, and we'd all live in a better place as a result. I blog mainly about my life as a stay-at-home dad and frequently include reviews, participate in campaigns, and share my thoughts on fitness and nutrition. If you ever have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out as I'm always open to listening or helping others however possible. That is, when I have free time since Avery is and my wife are the number one priorities!

Pinterest Picks

Going Dad’s Top Ten Pinterest Picks (2): Baby Play Ideas

04/09/2014 R.C. Liley 3 Comments

I’m an impatient dad when it comes to playtime. I was ready to start playing games with Avery right after cutting her umbilical cord at the hospital! But, I reluctantly held off.

Once we brought her home, I attempted playtime in some form or fashion on a daily basis. It wasn’t well received….

I kept trying, but she kept tight-lipped.

I'd be more amused if you actually shut-up, dad! — I’d be more amused if you actually shut-up, dad!

And then finally she acknowledged my stupid noises and facial expressions making them all worth my while!

Ha ha, hey, those dumb noises are kinda fun!

Now that Avery’s coming up on 5 months and is becoming more active every day, Kelley and I have been finding new ways to play and keep her entertained. Although she still can’t crawl, I feel the time is drawing near and she’s pretty good in her jumper or standing with our assistance.

At a loss of ideas for what to do with Avery now and in the near future, I sought out Pinterest for some fresh ideas. And thus, my list of top ten activities to do with your baby is born (semi-pun intended). Some ideas are good to do before your baby can even crawl, like Avery, and others are just great for when the time comes. Check them out and let me know if you’ve tried these or plan on trying soon. Enjoy!

1. Baby Treasure Baskets. This is simple and fun. I want to use fruit and veggies too!

2. Homemade Material Box. Save your tissues!

3. Homemade Sensory Bag

4. Discovery Bottles

5. Ball Pit!

6. Muffin Tin Sorter. I never made good muffins anyway!

7. Obstacle Course for Crawling. Pretty sure I’ll go through it too!

8. Baby Bounce. I just tried this with Avery, but all she did was stand and smile; no bouncing yet.

9. This is just a link explaining the benefits of “Peek-a-Boo”. Very interesting and I’m trying to do it more now!

10. 24 Activity Ideas to do with your Baby. Yeah, I know this isn’t one thing, but they are all pretty neat!

New Life, Parenting

Is Stay-at-Home Parenting a Job?

04/08/2014 R.C. Liley 3 Comments

You’re one person against one or more tiny people all dependent on you. While your significant other earns the family income by heading to work every day, you are feeding, changing, cleaning house (or trying), cooking, playing, shopping, washing dishes, and somehow, finding time to eat for yourself. Yep, you’re a stay-at-home parent, but is it a job?

I’m not claiming to be an expert with only 2 months under the elastic waistband in my shorts, but I feel confident in saying that stay-at-home parenting is NOT a job. Physically and mentally exhausting? You bet your messed up, cow licked hair it is, but it’s still no job.

Now before you go getting red-faced with anger, hear me out. Saying that being a stay-at-home parent is a job, is basically saying you really don’t want to be a parent. Yeah you have your good and bad days just like you would in the office, and your co-worker(s) can be unruly and hard to talk to at times, but you’re watching your offspring learn and grow.

Because of YOU, your children don’t have to be dropped off where they don’t see either parent for hours every day. I have no ill intent to those of you that do this, and I know we are fortunate to be able to make it work. As a stay-at-home parent, you will also be there to see all of the “firsts” and hopefully capture them on video to replay over and over.

Not only that, but you’re saving your family an expensive childcare bill. Even if you could afford it, wouldn’t you rather be the one helping to shape and develop how your little ones learn? I’m pretty sure the caretakers, with multiple kids to watch over, will never be able to give the same attention as you.

Plus, I would expect less trips to the doctor’s office since you are avoiding your kid coming in contact with other sick kids at the care facility. Yes, it will happen eventually, but hopefully not as often.

Going Mom, my dear wife, is the one with a job in our family. Words can’t express how much I appreciate her for all that she does for us. She has to head to work and leave us in the morning for most days of the week and then come home to be a mother. And a fine mother she is! Literally, I think she’s pretty hot! 🙂

Two cuties that are too cute. See what I did there? ; 0

For me, I despised going to work and sitting in an office. I’m a mover, constantly wanting to do something, and plugging away at a keyboard wasn’t doing it. Now, I am definitely moving and always have something to tend to. Both of these are stressing, but work stress actually hurt my health.

As a stay-at-home dad, I have greatly reduced my stress level and the symptoms I had before have gone. Now I am able to prepare meals for Kelley, care for our child, exercise, and at least try to keep the house in somewhat good shape. Before, I tried to juggle all of this on top of work and it drove me insane!

Kelley mentioned how she notices a difference in my attitude now that I’m at home, and I fully agree. With Avery in our lives, and me staying at home with her, we are all happier and healthier as a result.

So, is staying at home to raise your children a job? Nope, that’s would mean you’re an employee of sorts. I am proud to be a stay-at-home dad and love my form of payment in love from my wonder wife and beautiful baby. Plus, her smiles are like daily bonuses!