“Sometimes when you pick up your child you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands, or smell the scent of your skin in the nape of his neck. This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood – finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.” -Jodi Picoult
I literally can’t believe we are in June already, and I have a six (almost seven) week old baby. Incredible! That said, I wanted to reflect and take a little time to talk goals.
Last month, I talked about things I was looking forward to, and goals for myself and for Bryce. Here’s how it went:
Looking Forward To:
-My first Mother’s Day!
Spent the day curled up with my two guys (and Izzy) snuggling, napping and generally being lazy. It was oh so perfect and just what I needed!
-Visits with friends that get to meet Bryce for the first time
Had lots of visitors, including a couple cute little one year old gals, meet Bryce. So fun!
Bryce’s 4 week check-up (hoping he is putting on the pounds, which would mean he’s eating well!)
He definitely did! All is well!
T and I hope to have a monthly date night…and in May, I think it will be us going to see Pitch Perfect 2.
Saw it…have to say, I liked the first one better.
Venturing out for some time away at a blogger Fash Bash event in a couple weeks!
Had fun with mama-to-be Katie, and was nice to get dressed up in something other than yoga pants!
Baby Care:
-Send out Bryce’s birth announcements
Check mark!
-Attend a Mom & Tots walk at a local trail with gals from church
I didn’t end up getting to it, but I did hit up the trail with a friend that same week! Hoping to go next month for sure.
-Attend an event on baby development to learn more about specific milestones to look for
Bryce had other plans that morning, so I wasn’t able to get out the door in time. But my friend who led the class is sending me the info so I can take a look!
-Focus on breastfeeding (it’s tough!) and research alternatives if it doesn’t end up working out
After a lot of thought, I came to a decision to exclusively pump. It’s time-consuming and a lot of “work” in terms of cleaning/sterilizing bottles, etc. but both Bryce and I are enjoying feeding SO much more all around.
Self Care:
-Taking daily walks with Bryce and Izzy (and squeezing in some squats/lunges/arm exercises when time permits!)
Trying to do this, but as a family with T when he gets home from work a few nights a week. I also started running (just under 2 miles each time) and some workout videos. I am itching to get back into things, but I want to wait until my 6 week postpartum checkup to get the “all clear.”
-Try to stick to healthy eating and snacking
Doing….ok. I’ll have a few good days, and then a few days where I hit up the chocolate. Trying to find a healthy balance.
-Stay off my phone, particularly at night time and between feedings
Still trying to work on this…I am a big busy body so this is tough to unplug sometimes.
-Try to blog for a little “me” time
Some days I have the best intentions to get a blog post written, but snuggles and tending to Bryce take precedence. I am managing to get a few posts out per week, which is a nice happy medium!
What about this month?
Looking Forward To:
-Bryce’s baptism and party
-Monthly date night- there are some outdoor concerts in the area we might see, along with dinner out perhaps?
-A fun blogger event in Chicago (more details to come!)
-Bryce’s 2 month check up and my postpartum check up so I can get the ok to get back into running. Boy, do I miss it.
Baby Care:
-Meet up with other mommas for walks and to chat, exchange stories/learnings, etc.
-Get around to filling out the baby book
-Work on enjoying tummy time a bit more :-)
-Work on soothing techniques (at the six week mark, there is a major growth spurt, which doesn’t make for a happy baby)
Self Care:
-Get my hair done. It’s been over three months, and I am in need of some highlights and a cut!
-Eat well. I plan to sign up again for Weight Watchers since it helped me lose 30 pounds a few years ago.
-Enjoy “me” time to relax and de-stress. This could be in the form of blogging, working out, or a manicure.
Good job getting the dates in! We made the mistake of waiting until Little man was older before trying (it happens, life gets busy) and it is so much better for everyone to get out for a bit!
It is so hard to get them in, but I think once a month is do-able! Even if it’s going out to a restaurant with Bryce, it’s just nice to get out in public! (I’ve heard that it’s good to take him out to eat early on because it gets a little harder later?!)
Whenever I pumped I tried to make sure I was getting me time. It made the whole process more enjoyable and relaxing. Whether it was a piece of chocolate, cup of tea, or good book, you need ‘me time’ to get through taking care of a baby! It can be stressful!
Such a good point, Laura. I try to catch up on emails and do blogging stuff- it makes me feel productive and I love aimlessly surfing the web…but I need to add chocolate- good call!
You are amazing! It’s great that you are being realistic with your goals (and way to nail most of them!).
Thanks so much Kelly :-) I’m trying! I should have put a goal on there to clean the house without wanting to fall asleep standing while vacuuming lol.
We should double date at Independence Grove’s Tuesday night concerts one of these days this summer!