I have been a little out of touch lately and felt it was time to give you a life update before I dive back into my usual recipe and health posts. As you know, my life is completely different this year with a little one, and I’m still learning the ropes. My new life is simpler in some ways, crazier in others, but fulfilling and full of love nonetheless. There is a lot to catch up on, so read on, just like we were two friends, sharing a pot of tea, cozy on the couch on this rainy day, or relaxing outside on the patio with an iced tea – if you are still enjoying summer weather.
I’m adjusting to life as a new mom.
This little guy has brought so much joy into our lives. Watching him slowly develop and learn new skills every single day is so much fun – actually even more fun than I thought it would be. I’ve never been a huge “baby” person before having my own – I preferred babysitting children ages 4 and up. Now, every baby is amazing to me in their own unique way and I love watching them experience life through such fresh eyes. Waking up and seeing Cooper’s smiling face is simply the best part of my day, everyday.
I absolutely love being a mom to Cooper and wouldn’t change it for the world, but I must admit that I’m having a hard time adjusting to my lack of independence and alone time, which is how I personally recharge. Cooper is slowly starting to sleep through the night, but six plus months without a full night sleep has been simply exhausting. Everyone said I’d be tired, but silly me thought that part would be over by now! I feel so fortunate to experience this part of life, but like anything new, it’s an adjustment that I’m still adjusting to.
I learned a few things from being sick for 5 weeks.
I took antibiotics for an ear infection, and those antibiotics gave me a stomach infection that lasted four weeks. I’m finally feeling back to my normal self, but I had a hard time being a positive person during that time, and spent way too much time feeling bad for myself. I learned that I need to work on my positive mindset, and still be grateful for what I have during sickness, because in the big scheme of things, what I had was not that bad at all.
(PSA: Try ibuprofen for an ear infection before antibiotics! I wish the doctor told me that beforehand…)
Another thing I learned through being sick is that you can truly enjoy yourself, no matter how you feel if you surround yourself with people you love. We were in the US most of the time I was sick (thank goodness for family help!). My stomach always hurt a bit on vacation, and I did not get to enjoy all my favorite foods in the US like I normally do. But, what I did find is that I was even more grateful to be with family and friends that light me up. It didn’t matter that I was eating potatoes and drinking water while they were eating pizza and drinking beer, at least we were together. So, as much satisfaction that I normally get from delicious food, it was a good experience to fully focus on spending quality time with people I love.
I am so excited to get back to work.
I feel so fortunate to be excited to get back to work, and to have the opportunity to work part-time for myself, and part-time as a mom (well, still a full-time mom but with two days of daycare). I think it’s going to be the perfect combination. I’m currently focusing on working with private clients, hosting live events, and creating a new online course about intuitive eating. I feel more focused than ever, and feel like having certain hours to work will make me more productive. I am also back to teaching two yoga classes per week, and it feels like just the right amount for me to enjoy teaching while keeping up my personal practice. I think having time to work on my business will allow me to be a better mama when I am with Cooper, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do so.
I am finally at peace with my body again.
I had a really hard time accepting my body while retaining weight post-pregnancy. I thought that it would be easier for me to cope with the weight gain since I have done body image work in the past, but I was really mean to myself on a daily basis. I somehow felt like I should have “snapped back” quicker because I am a health coach. But, I learned a ton in the process; learning to accept my body as is, being grateful for everything in life at any shape or size, and taking care of myself to be healthy and happy, rather than to lose the weight. Even though I didn’t always enjoy the process (there may have been tears, swear words, and clothes throwing), I feel like it was an important learning experience that I can now pass on my knowledge to others. I want to get rid of this idea that we need to “get back in shape” in X amount of time post-pregnancy, and teach women to be kind and accepting of their bodies at all times, especially after a big life change.
I went on a solo getaway and think everyone should too.
I dropped Cooper off at my in-laws and I headed into San Francisco for a day and night out. I had dinner plans with my girlfriends, but other than that, I wandered solo around the city, shopped, ate out, got a manicure and massage, and slept in a big, fluffy, hotel room bed. In those 30 hours, I got a chance to do exactly what I wanted to do in every single moment. It was so nice. It was just enough time to miss the little guy, but not too much. And it was just enough time to recharge myself, as I had felt like I was running on empty for a few weeks there. I was getting inspiration everywhere I looked, I relived some fun memories from when we lived in the city, and I felt like me again. I highly suggest everyone plan a day like this at least once a year, if not more often, so you can return home to your daily life feeling refreshed and ready for what’s next.
So, that’s what has been going on with me. The ups, the downs, the good, the bad…best know as real life.
Now I’d pour another cup, and see what’s going on with you, because that’s what friends do.
