Tag Archives: thoughts

Tear for Mommy: #MySundayPhoto – 06.28.15

06/28/2015 R.C. Liley 12 Comments

Just this past week, Avery seems to have taken on the “terrible twos” duty 5 months too early. She is climbing, crying, and clinging more than ever before which means my wife and I need hurry and adapt to the increased energy very soon!

In the mornings, as Going Mom is getting ready for work, Avery hardly cares what I’m doing and wants to spend all of her time “helping” Mommy as she tries to get ready. Sometimes Nuttzo and banana helps deter her, but when the hair dryer comes on, she’s gone.

I feel bad when the only thing to do is just shut the doors to keep Avery from going in to throw everything out and tug at my wife as she tries to get ready, and I know it hurts Kelley too. Even though I know it’s all phase (isn’t everything, really?), it hurts me too when she could care less about Dad when Mom is around.

This really only happens in the morning, but still, no parent would like the feeling I’m sure. I could babble on, but today’s picture was captured just after Kelley left for work and Avery was crying for attention. She doesn’t cry when my wife leaves, just while she’s there.

She gets over things quickly and we usually have a fairly good day, minus the crazy toddler part, but seeing the tear just makes things so dramatic. Besides the drama, I love the photo, and of course her beautiful blue eyes.

Does your kid go through phases of liking one parent over the other?

#MySundayPhoto, Parenting

Hiking and Beer With My Wife: #MySundayPhoto – 06.14.15

06/14/2015 R.C. Liley 6 Comments

Last Monday, June 8th, was my 31st birthday, yay, but my wife and I celebrated the Saturday before. In the past, I’d get excited about celebrating by drinking beer and partying with friends. But now, I find enjoyment in other, more active forms of celebrating.

Today’s picture, as seen in my birthday post, is from my Samsung Galaxy 3 (yes, old school at this point), but the quality come from the memory, not the pixels or megabytes. It’s of my wife, Kelley, and I standing in line at a local brewery under the hot Texas sun after a 5+ mile hike.

The hike, as we expected, was HOT! I tend to enjoy punishing my body in the heat, so it was a great way to celebrate the day. I’m forever grateful to Kelley, not such a fan of the heat, for joining me on the trek. We rewarded ourselves with refreshing craft beers from an awesome brewery (hence the line) called Martin House. It’s the same place we went for both of our 30 year birthdays.

This last trip had me feeling a little woozy, as expected, but I really didn’t enjoy that feeling. Maybe it’s an age thing, but I much prefer having a coffee and getting a “buzz” from caffeine instead of alcohol. If it’s after a hike, make that an iced black coffee. So next year, be on the lookout for a hot a sweaty 32 year old gulping down massive amounts of iced coffee….it’s probably me! 🙂

What’s your favorite way to celebrate turning another year older?

#MySundayPhoto, Parenting

Exercise Reading: #MySundayPhoto – 05.31.15

05/31/2015 R.C. Liley 6 Comments

It’s not only exercise equipment in her ~~cage~~ play area in the garage, she has books too. I recently added books for Avery to read as I workout in the garage and now she goes from swinging her kettlebell to reaching for a book.

But in either case, she keeps her back safe by always wearing the weight belt. Unless Daddy needs it for some heavy lifting, then I give it right back!

I love seeing her into both fitness and reading! As long as my wife and I keep it fun, there’s no reason not to continue down the path to great mental and physical health.

If you had to choose one or the other right now, would it be a workout session or reading?