Back at work with my baby!

I have now been back at work for 3 weeks running the Play & Music classes. It has been really wonderful getting to see everyone again - children, parents and the staff at A Gym Tale, while still being home with Ewan 3 days a week. It has been a really nice transition back to work and I am still feeling rested and energetic.
 Although Isla was just over two months old when I came back, which is still very young, it is really nice to be working part time as opposed to jumping right into full time work like I did with Ewan when he was 4 months old. Isla is with me each day at the classes in a sling and I feel like it has been working really well. Yes, we have had a few rough classes where Isla has not been happy, but overall I feel like I am able to still offer a quality program for parents and their children. And there is absolutely nothing better than being able to bring your children to work with you. That is the number one perk of owning my own child friendly business. It really would be wonderful if more work places could be accommodating to children or even offer child care at the work place. Don't get me wrong, some days I would love just one child free hour at work where I could be super productive, but for the most part it is a blessing to have them with me at A Gym Tale.

 I also have to give a huge THANK YOU to so many parents and grand parents who have offered to hold Isla when it is obvious that she does not want to be in the sling. YOU have saved me in those moments! Just when my stress levels are beginning to sky rocket because my 3 month old baby just doesn't understand that there is only 5 minutes left in a class, lol, one of you have stepped in and cuddled her while I finish the class. Maybe I should start advertising free drop-in play time for anyone who wants to cuddle my baby! Let me know if you are up for the job!

Isla is now 3 months old! I cannot believe how much faster time seems to be flying by with my second baby! I am trying to soak up every moment of it! Here is an updated picture of Isla -

And one of Ewan playing in the late April snowstorm?!

I hope everyone enjoys some snow fun today!

Good things happening at A Gym Tale!

So I have written about it on Facebook, but I can't stop going on about the new front entrance at A Gym Tale! It is just so wonderful! And so spacious with so much space to sit down - and not just on child sized benches - adults can sit now too!
Alan came up with a fantastic layout, that really does not take up much more space at the centre. I think it will be beneficial to everyone to sacrifice some space from the eating area to the front area (and yes, I realize an ideal solution would have been to rent a bigger space from the outset, however rent is so ridiculously high in Barrhaven that we really had to work within the constraints of 4000 sq/ft). Alan and the contractor did such amazing work and did it all over the Easter weekend. A huge thank you to both of you!

Pick up and drop off times must be so much more relaxed and on weekends parties will be able to both arrive and leave without fighting over space. Guests should be entering A Gym Tale excited to be there as opposed to being frustrated over the lack of space. I kind of just want to sit in the front entrance and listen to everyone be amazed by the space or even just sit with them since there are so many benches!

Other exciting news is that A Gym Tale was listed in April's Today's Parent magazine as one of the best indoor playgrounds in all of Canada. It was such a surprise and honour to be recognized. Alan and I pride ourselves on creating a unique space and programs / birthday parties that focus entirely on fitness. With the Pirate Ship & Castle playground and the gymnastics area there is no room at all for any video games / arcade that is seen in the majority of indoor playgrounds. We are so excited to be mentioned in that category.



So stop by to see me at A Gym Tale on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday to say hello during Drop-In Play or anytime for a quick peek at the renovations!