Now I Get It

I can say that a lot now that I'm a mom.  And one of the things I get is why new moms and not-so-new moms have big gaps in their blog posting.  I didn't realize having a newborn was such a full time job.  And maybe it isn't for everyone.  But when I'm not holding her or feeding her or changing a diaper or an outfit, I am doing dishes, laundry, cooking something, straightening something, organizing something, exercising, or a family member or friend is holding her and I'm taking a minute to sip coffee and chat. 

My mom usually comes twice a week and helps me around the house.  She holds and entertains Eloise and I flit around doing this and that.  She lets me get out for a run too, which is always GREATLY appreciated.  Sometimes we get out and run an errand I need to run or grab a salad from Panera or Brueggers.  Other days a friend or two might drop by or I might take a field trip to see someone.  And the rest of the time I am here with my baby girl, holding her, rocking her, kissing that sweet face a zillion times a day, feeding her and piddling around the house.

I love it.  I absolutely love my new job.  I still work with my Running Start clients and I love that too.  I feel like it keeps me from becoming totally consumed with my baby girl.  I was driving to get my hair cut yesterday and thought to myself as I watched the traffic around me, "So this is what the rest of the world is doing these days..."  Songs I hadn't heard played on the radio and the whole time I was at my hair appointment, I was texting my mom to see how it was going with Eloise. Yeah, I'm one of those.

Speaking of hair, I got it all chopped off.  I got some fun highlights put in, but I told my hair dresser to make it short and easy, which he did.  I like it short and messy and that is kind of what it is.  It only takes a second to wash and dry, which was the goal.

As for running, I'm slowly making progress.  It is hard, but I sort of enjoy the challenge.  It has been a very long time since running has felt this way and I think it keeps me aware of how new runners and runners doing something new for the first time feel.  From time to time I get impatient with the slowness of my progress, the heat, the extra weight I still carry, but I also know these things take time and I'm doing well for where I am.  The weather is on the cusp of becoming absolutely perfect, and Eloise is sleeping well most nights.  I'm still tired a lot, but it isn't unbearable.  I'm trying to eat right, take my vitamins, and get some exercise and sunshine every day, and when we have a wakeful night I try to take a nap during the day. 

Today no one but the termite inspector is coming over, so I knew it was up to me to make exercise happen.  The day is absolutely GORGEOUS and so Eloise and I got out.  We did 0.6 and she fussed so I came home, fed her and got her to sleep and then we tried again.  I walked 2.4 more, pushing the stroller which always makes for a good workout, and it was so great!  Yesterday I ran 3.5 miles and was able to run most of it.  The other morning I ran with my girls and I ran the entire 3.5 with them.  The other night I ran 2.5 and pushed the pace down below a 10 minute mile.  That felt REALLY good.  I've ordered three Jillian Michaels vidoes and they will be here in about a week.  I want to get my entire body in shape, not just the bits I use to run.  I'm looking forward to that challenge as well.

So, for now, I'm in mommyland and loving every minute.  Eloise is 7 weeks old today and she is growing like a weed.  She's starting to smile and it makes us melt and squeal with delight every time she does it. I hope to get the two of us into a good routine eventually and to blog a bit more as well.  For now know that life is good, God is good, and I am extremely grateful for this amazing gift of motherhood!