The Joy of A Little Exercise

Most of us women don't have the same bodies post-baby as we did pre-baby. I am one of those women. It is what it is right now but the women around me have always stated that it is important to look good not only for yourself but for your husband too.  My husband loves me regardless, as he should, but both of us have fantasized about looking physically picturesque.  Thus far, since baby, I have been content with myself most of the time and have been telling myself that I will just eat healthy and keep active during the day.  I have felt that I have been doing this somewhat and haven't felt the need to be too excessive about working out, not that I ever have been anywhere near excessive in that department. And then I went swimming with my sister, niece, and nephews...

 You know something is off when you can no longer do a handstand in the pool.

My sister got a pretty good laugh watching my feeble attempts.  At that point I realized maybe a little scheduled exercise really wouldn't hurt.  On the flip side, apparently my cannon balls have improved by immense proportions. I believe some mention of tidal wave may have been thrown around. Hey, if you can make big things happen you should wear them with pride. This year I have the best cannon balls. Next year maybe the best handstands?

The Joy of Breastmilk

A little granola? Maybe. But hey you gotta try things in life...

During our birthing class it came up that breast milk is a magical substance that heals everything.  My little one got his first cold, which is obviously a little traumatic for the first time mom. We pulled out the stops; steamy showers, vaporizer with eucalyptus essential oil, natural chest rub, and then there was the stuffy nose to address. I had three options: 1) saline solution 2) homemade solution (I believe it was water, salt, and baking soda) or 3) breast milk.

We did try the homemade solution but in the end breast milk won out. Our stuffy nose got better and our cold went away. What as the cure? The time it took to naturally heal? All of the remedies together? Magical breast milk? Who knows. But we will probably use breast milk in the future. Besides it is the easiest of all three. I don't have to go anywhere. I don't have to buy anything. And I don't have to make anything, well not with my hands anyway.

~What are some of your favorite remedies?~

 

The Joy of Infant Travel

Travelling with an infant can be quite overwhelming the first few times. The first time we spent the night away from our home what I missed most was my Boppy! Before you leave the house for a day trip or an overnight trip try to think of what makes you most comfortable in your day with nursing, entertaining, resting, etc. and don't forget it!

Our second trip required a plane ride. Flying solo with an infant... boy was I nervous! I felt pretty good until the moment my husband stepped away from us in the security line. At that moment I wanted to burst out crying but then I remembered that I'm a mom now and have to keep it together.

Some planes don't have changing tables, so be prepared to get inventive.  It was suggested to us to take the airplane blanket and put it over the toilet seat cover and do it there. Yuck. But we managed.

Things I forgot to bring on my trip that I wish I hadn't:
1. Sunblock (wish I had researched and bought some natural sunblock prior to trip).
2. Almond Glow Oil  (I really like this stuff and missed it)

Of course these things could have been purchased while visiting home (where I grew up), however, I didn't bother with stores and instead spent all my time soaking up the people I miss when I'm back home (where I live now).

~What tips do you have for travelling with an infant?~

The Joy of a Newbie Mom Gift

I never knew what would be a good gift for someone who just had a baby until I had one myself. For those of us who are typically late, unprepared, and a little unorganized, cooking meals ahead of time for when the baby comes is way too daunting of a thought, so my suggestion... FOOD. But then not everyone has the time to cook something for a friend, especially those of us who are late, unprepared, and a little unorganized.  So my suggestion...

Found at www.ediblearrangements.com



Edible fruit arrangements can be easily sent. Chocolate covered strawberries are the best snack for the nursing recovering mom!

Found at www.ediblearrangements.com

~What were some of your most helpful gifts as a newbie mom?~

 

The Anticipation of Motherhood

 

And so the waiting begins.  Although I'm not really waiting because that wouldn't help the time pass but it's still very present in the air. Four days until our due date.  Will I hold my child tonight? Will I hold my child in two weeks? How will my life change once I hold my child in my arms?

 

 

 

I believe I became a mother the first time we became pregnant but now I stand before the next door or a different door of initiation to motherhood, one that is more recognized. A door that holds a passageway to a new life.  A door that holds childbirth and a being of love I have never yet experienced. 

 

 

I await the things God will teach me through having a child.  Love? Humility? Selflessness? Patience? Will I also experience the opposite like never before, anger and impatience?

 I welcome the next chapter in my life with faith, love, and hope. And perhaps a dash of anxiousness mixed with anticipation.  I pray that I am able to plunge into the depths of childbirth and motherhood with great humility and strength from God.