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Dancing is one of my great loves.  Before I was pregnant, I would take one or two modern dance classes a week.  When I found out I was pregnant with twins, I switched to yoga and really enjoyed doing that, right up until a couple of weeks before I delivered.
 
I haven't exercised since.  Really.  Not in nearly four years.
 
My husband has kept up with his workouts as best he can, and he encourages me to take time to go to a dance or yoga class, but I just haven't wanted to spend time away from the family to do it.  After being at work all day, I just don't want to spend another minute away.
 
I know, I know.  I can hear all the tsks, tsks, the reminders about the importance of exercise, the warnings about becoming a martyr-mom.  So far, I have been lucky in terms of health and weight and general appearance (uh, except for the part of my post-baby figure that can only be helped by lipo), but now that I'm 40, I feel that my luck may be waning.
 
So, I decided to go to a yoga class.  I picked one out called Restorative, thinking that it's exactly what I need, after four years of being out of the game.  (As it turns out, the class should actually be called Barely Conscious yoga; it's that low-impact.)  I also picked it for the time -- a time during the weekend when we're usually at home chilling or regrouping, so it seemed perfect.
 
The day and time arrived, so I got out my yoga mat, put on some loose, comfy pants and went down to tell the girls where I was going.  (They have been watching Dumbo lately and are very Momma-conscious and bummed whenever I have to go anywhere.  Thanks, Disney.)  

I was prepared for a bit of a sad scene and had to do positive self-talk all the way down the stairs.  ("I know I have to exercise."  "It's good modeling for the girls."  "When they grow up, they'll want to exercise too."  "It's important to take some time for myself," ... etc. etc.)

When I told the girls I was going to exercise and that I'd be back very soon, Djuna said, "You're going to exercise, Momma?  Just like Daddy?"
 
Tears leapt to my eyes.  I couldn't believe they understood.
 
I said to her, "Yes sweetie.  Just like Daddy."