Flexibility

Lists, schedules, and being organized used to bring me so much satisfaction and happiness. When you have a baby, you might as well throw all of those out the window.

Today, I was hoping to go for a run to do some "pre-training" before I start my real marathon training in a few weeks. I have just been running 45 minutes, so I told myself last night I was going to add 10 minutes and go for 55 total. I do better running based on time than distance since some days I feel better than others, and I don't want to push myself too hard this early. Last night, I even came up with a route that I wanted to try.

Wesley decided that it was party time last night, and went to bed after 11 PM, after one nighttime feeding at 2:30 AM, he was up and wide awake at 5:30 AM. I woke up tired, and with the goal to get his passport picture today. Wesley had other plans. : ) He was having a tummy ache, and did not want to have his eyes open, mouth closed, and looking straight forward at the same time. Seriously, are there babies out there who do these 3 things at the same time? We managed all but with a mouth open. Hopefully they will accept this picture.

So it is 5:30 PM, and I don't see that run happening today. You know what I think, WHO CARES?!? That run will be there tomorrow, or the next day, or when it works with Wesley's schedule. I plan to savor this precious moments with him while he is young, and everything else can wait.

A real endurance event

I have done a half distance duathlon, ran a few marathons, but nothing is an endurance event like being a mom. First, I hate to even sound like it is challenging when I think about my parents who had twins, and my friend here in Denmark who is a single mom. I have it pretty easy.

BUT, things get "challenging" when your baby thinks it is time to get up at 4AM. He has done this many times, so we kind of expect it now. I try to do as much during the night as possible (he wakes every 2-3 hours) so DH can be rested for work and his training. So this morning at 4AM, I took the shift and played with Wesley for about an hour. I kept thinking, oh he is tired, and just needs to be rocked/bounced back to sleep. After trying this for an hour, I woke DH up and said "your turn"! I then decided since I was awake, it would be the perfect opportunity to go for my 4.5 mile run. As soon as I was done, DH hopped on the trainer, and did his workout. We decided we just would get creative with our workouts, and this morning was great for me to get it done early.

Now it is approaching 5PM, and I am already thinking about when I can put my head on my pillow. I did make plans with the girls to go out with them to a concert tonight, and DH would have some "bonding" time with Wesley. (I really think they are just going to take a nap together!)

I have already pumped and have that ready for them incase Wesley gets hungry while I am gone, but the worrying is already setting in. Is it always this hard to let go, and let someone else take care of them? I know DH will be perfectly ok with him, but what if he wants his mommy? I need to lighten up, right?

This is a race without a finish line, so I am going to sit back an enjoy it. Have a good weekend!

Ok, baby is on the outside! Let's workout!

Ha!

I guess I never considered all that your body goes through during the pregnancy, and then finishing the "race" with the labor and delivery. In my mind, I thought it would take a week or maybe two, and I would be ready to ride my bike, go jogging (not running), back to the gym for classes, etc.

Reality check: It is going to take 6-8 weeks until I am back.

I am ok with this now. I know the best thing for me is to take care of myself and my family. A healthy mommy means a healthy baby. If I don't make sure I am getting enough rest, staying somewhat calm, and eating right, it won't let me do my job as a mommy very well.

I plan to use this "break" to take long walks with Wesley in his pram, and get some fresh air as much as possible. I picked a great season to have this baby. I also want to slowly start doing some weights at home, so my arms look nice in all of the post pregnancy clothes I plan to buy.

When I use my Beco carrier, I think I have to call that a modified "workout." I have to use my core and legs more to compensate for the extra weight.

What are your stories about getting back into an exercise routine? Did you listen to the doctor and wait the right amount of time? Where there activities that you found easier on your body that you picked up after the baby?

No more Hump Day, Bump Day!

Can you tell I am excited? I love my outside baby!

So I guess I can use Wednesday to update you on Mommy Life.

I feel I could write a book already on what I have learned. Such as:

1. Babies, cry. This does not mean that Mommy has to at the same time I did this a few times. When he had his hearing test (he passed) I told DH that he was going to have to hold him, because I was close to tears. Damn hormones!

2. Breastfeeding is good for mommy and baby. Wesley has gained weight since he has left the hospital, and mommy has lost weight. That is a win-win!

3. We are not into buying every baby thing on the market, but we have found a couple of things that have made our lives easier. One is the Beco Baby Carrier. DH had it on yesterday and was able to make his lunch, and do laundry all while carrying the baby. The other is our pram. It also serves as a great napping place for Wesley, and I just push it back and forth in our living room to get him to calm down or fall asleep. I am sure there will be many others that come along that just work for our baby. If you have anything baby related that you feel you could be the spokesperson for, let me know!

Have a good Hump Day! Almost weekend time. : )