At Annabel’s appointment on Monday I mentioned my whole diabetes hullabaloo to Dr. Looove. She gave me the raised eyebrow, which means her wheels are turning and she’s figuring out how she’s going to make the situation better. Since I’m still only eight weeks postpartum, she wants to wait a little longer to check my Hemoglobin A1c (an identifier for diabetes). Then she told me that I need to be careful about my diet (boo) and to be sure to exercise (booooo) as both will really help keep diabetes at bay. And then I groaned and the raised eyebrow became the hairy eyeball.
Remember two weeks ago when I said I was excited to exercise? Well, since then, I have been to physical therapy, and my therapist put the kibosh on me doing anything too strenuous until this week, and still doesn’t want me to go full-steam for an additional two weeks. But I am supposed to get my heart rate up for at least twenty minutes a day until then.
In the meantime, I am exhausted. Which, you know, is nothing new. But if I have 20 minutes to myself and my options are 1) exercise, 2) eat, 3) shower, or 4) sleep, SLEEP ALWAYS WINS. I use that new mom excuse to the hilt.
I really don’t want diabetes, though. I just like pie too much to not do what I can to avoid it. And it didn’t help when last week a grocery store clerk asked me when I was due. DUE! WITH A BABY! While I pushed my seven week old in a stroller. Obviously she wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but it made me realize that I am too tired to even suck in my gut. That’s just sad.
Yesterday I was early for an appointment with my psychiatrist, so I decided to walk around for 20 minutes before I met with the doctor. Everyone that knows me just gasped because I am never on time for anything, let alone early. Annabel was with me, so I loaded her into the stroller and we did laps around the hospital she was born in. By the end of the 20 minutes I was sore and hot and I’m sure my shrink reaaaaalllllly appreciated my stinky smell but HEY! I exercised!
The bigger thing though was taking some time to do something for myself. It’s hard to find ways to make sure my needs are being met, you know? It’s a pretty sad day when Mike has to tell me 87 times to go get a pedicure and I would rather languish on the couch with my peanut butter jar and a spoon. I’m not really sure how to let myself take moments for myself – let alone find the time for those moments. And then what do I DO with those moments? Conundrum.
I didn’t love exercising yesterday and I still kind of wish I’d slept in the car for those 20 minutes, but I am a bit proud of myself for doing something healthy. Even if I’m really only doing it so I can continue to eat pie. My reasons are my reasons!
MeghanlovesSteveYoungIsthatWeird? says:
Exercising is hard! At least you have a wonderful excuse not to exercise. I have no excuse. hah.
.-= MeghanlovesSteveYoungIsthatWeird?´s last blog ..always on my mind… =-.
J in eire says:
When my girls were babies I used to meet up with friends every morning for coffee, we would pick somewhere that was a 20 minute walk from where I live, so win win situation….walk & cake. Since they all started school we still meet up, but walk the long way (about an hour) before we get our coffee and chat… It’s very hard (especially with a newborn), but if you are walking towards the cake……. Also I live in Ireland so we have to walk in the wet and grey, grand soft day etc. When it’s lashing. My walk is my time for me, my music, my thoughts.
Noelle says:
How about yoga? Especially the last 10 minutes when you lay down and melt into the floor!
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..Guest Post by Grandma Weezie: On Babysitting =-.
Petunia says:
Carry Annie up and down stairs. Best work out ever and she is the best weight you can carry. It’s Mommy and Me time and a great workout.
Heidi says:
I don’t know how people exercise on no sleep. Seriously.
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Life Interrupted =-.
Desiree says:
Starting Exercise is the hard part. Once you get into a routine it gets easier. Or so I have been told. Im not the most fit person but I need to get my but into gear too.
I would pick sleep over exercise as well and my baby is 3 almost 4 now..lol
.-= Desiree´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Krissa says:
It’s so, so hard to make yourself exercise when you are tired so YAY that you did that! Just keep doing what you’re doing. As you become less tired (I have it on good authority that this does happen) you’ll be able to try different things until you find some kind of exercise that you love or at least don’t have to force yourself to do. Just put a big picture of pie up somewhere you can see it to keep you motivated!
Kt says:
Finding the time to do things is the hardest part. But I think that’s going to be the best way to squeeze in your 20 minutes – in between things. Then it won’t seem quite as huge because it’ll work right around something else.
Keep it up!
.-= Kt´s last blog ..Things not to say to a pregnant lady =-.
gugs says:
Swimming is also great if you can manage it. There is just something about passing through the water that is incredibly relaxing.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Hey, pie is totally a valid reason for exercising. Personally, I exercise for cupcakes.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Bad things happen if you play with food. =-.
Sue says:
Exercising so you can eat pie,,,,there is definitely a method to your madness!!!! Hey; if you walked around the hospital for 20 minutes, that’s a good start. Maybe you could take Annie to that beautiful park again, and do some walking there. Either way you do it Heather,,,,,you’re wonderful, and that’s what counts! Being “wonderful” doesn’t keep diabetes away, but that’s a whole ‘nother topic!!LOL
Jill says:
I hear ya on just about everything you just said. I too am supposed to exercise and watch my diet to avoid diabetes.
I end up napping way too often.
It sucks.
.-= Jill´s last blog ..A little of this and a little of that (not ALL depressing stuff either!!) =-.
Teal says:
Annabel is a real cutie, Been there and done that with the tired. 4 years into it and still tired. Have your thyroid checked too. I was falling asleep everytime I sat down after my second daughter was born, they checked my thyroid and my reading was in the negatives, so definately have it checked.
cindy w says:
If it helps, I found a Mom-Baby Yoga DVD at Target. It was a lot harder than you’d think too. (Or maybe that was my 15+ pound 4 month-old.) Good luck. Diabetes would be no fun, no fun at all.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..Conquering the Slide =-.
Suzanne says:
I totally exercise so I can eat!! I LOVE food and I’m not ashamed to admit it!! I mean, looking good is nice an all, and there is that health thing, but to be able to REALLY eat every once and while and not feel (too) bad about it, that’s nice!! Why else would I exercise tired every night?
Sarah P says:
OK. That person at the store was a jerk.
Also, here’s what you do:
You get yourself a hat. Attach a fishing pole to the top, angled so the line is dangling just out of arm’s reach.
To the fishing line, attach pie. Set a timer for 20 minutes.
Now, chase that pie!
(It would work for me.)
.-= Sarah P´s last blog ..Juicy confessions =-.
http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/ says:
Exercising is yuck. I don’t like it either. Walking is the only thing that I’ve found I enjoy. My hubby and I walk 3 miles every day. Most of the time I’m dying by the time I get home but I feel good that I did it. Sometimes we have to push ourselves….you want to be healthy for Annabell…and yourself! It doesn’t help that I just made Peanut Butter Eggs either!! http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/2010/03/creamy-peanut-butter-eggs-mmmmmm_23.html
Tamela says:
I just had a hair appt. yesterday and dropped my son off with my mom early so I could park 15 min. away and walk there. It felt so good to get brisk morning air at a good pace. Starting is definitely the hardest part-especially when you’re exhausted. And pie? Great reason.
charlane says:
I tell people that I am chubby because 1) I made a person, that takes fuel…and 2) I am happy beyond anyone’s comprehension of happy and sweets only add more joy to my euphoria.
There is nothing wrong with exercising for pie! In fact that very well may be the only reason I would run, if there was pie, or a donut, or cookies at the end of the race.
Ugh I’m with you I need to exercise too…it is a sad day for us both then
.-= charlane´s last blog ..A few Cake Updates =-.
Janet says:
I exercise just so I can eat my 5 pounds of chocolate each day!! Gotta have the motivation don’t we:)
.-= Janet´s last blog .. =-.
Diane says:
I. HATE. EXERCISE. PERIOD. So, I feel ya. I really do. I have tried out most options out there and walking is about all I can handle. I cry and cry to my husband about needing to lose some weight and I know what he means when he gives me that look… that “well, if you get off your ass and exercise” look… no sympathy I tell ya. Pppssshhh. Exercise, schmexercise.
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Our Anniversary =-.
Mary says:
I think it would have been hard for me to try and start an exercise program seven weeks postpartum. I wasn’t sleeping then yet either, with either of my kids. They were probably six months old before I got back on track with exercise. I didn’t have the added complication of diabetes, though, so the only pressure on me was from myself.
One thing I loved to do, though, was dance with my babies. I would put on whatever music was making me feel like moving at the time and pick up my baby and just waltz around the living room. That was a desperation move, since my kids were colicky and the constant movement kept them from screaming after feedings. The added side benefit was that I got a little bit of exercise each day.
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Getting Them to Launch =-.
Maria Keil says:
I do water aerobics twice a week and love it! when you are in the water it doesn’t feel like you are exercising. Give it a try.
Maria Keil
Deborah says:
Do you like to shop? You could do laps around a local mall, pushing the stroller, if you do. Then you get to window shop AND you get the benefit of some activity. You might even meet some of the senior citizens who do that every day.
(((hugs)))
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Bleeding Heart =-.
Mary says:
Plus most malls have food courts, right?! One of the restaurants are bound to have pie!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Post-Op =-.
Leslie says:
Malls open pretty early for mall walkers. Check your mall! You might even meet some new mom friends. Most of the stores don’t open until ten, so you can window shop. It’s a great way to find out when the sales are! Walking is the best for you. You can take the baby, you can go every day, and malls have bathrooms for peeing and diaper changing! Do it! I’ve been doing it for three years! Oh yeah…they have air conditioning and a roof so you don’t have an excuse for heat and rain.
Heather says:
I soooo need to start exercising again… but I keep using my excuse.. My knees hurt. (I’ve had knee surgery twice on the same knee and I’m only 32!)
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Why me wednesday…. =-.
Laura says:
Hi,
You may want to ask your doctor to check your TSH for thyroid issues. I was so tired after my daughter’s birth and four months later I found out I had postpartum thyroiditis. The symptoms are not noticeable to new mothers since we’re tired all the time anyway! They are basically tiredness, moodiness, trouble losing weight.
Just a thought!
Laura
Kristen says:
I was going to suggest the same thing. Mine was very wacky during and after pregnancy.
Though 2 1/2 years later I usually don’t have the motivation to exercise more than a walk. Even though my jelly belly disgusts me. My Biggest Loser video bought in November is collecting dust. I’ve done it a few times and was sore for days!!! I used to run but can’t seem to get back into it. And I would much rather lay on my couch, clicker in hand, than even think about joining a gym!
So, keep up the walks with your beautiful girl and hopefully everything will be okay. I’d hate for you to not be able to eat pie!
Mahala says:
I’ve never considered pie as a motivational tool for exercise. I’ve been doing it all wrong.
Lindsay says:
I am so worried that my gestational diabetes will linger and become Type 2 after the baby is born…I’m not just a lover of pie…I am a lover of any baked goods! Cookies, cake, breads…I love them all!
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..The Low Down on Baby K’s Heart =-.
Suzanne says:
I was a runner but I followed my doctor’s orders and didn’t run my entire pregnancy so I was itching to get back to it after my daughter was born. I started running again at 5 weeks post-partum (I had a c-section). Even though I was exhausted because I was up 2 or 3 times a night, I made it a point to run. And the days I ran, I felt better. I had more energy and was invigorated by the 45 minutes I had all to myself. It’s not easy and there will be many days you won’t want to do it, but getting into a regular exercise routine will do wonders for your energy.
maya says:
You are so my soul mate. Laying on the couch with a jar of peanut butter and a spoon? Of course, I am too lazy to actually get a spoon so I scoop it up with my finger. yummmmm
.-= maya´s last blog ..Don’t Hate Me =-.
dawn says:
Oh admit it – you just use your tongue – your PB has Rigbyesque tongue marks in it!!!
maya says:
I may have been known to do that once or twice.
.-= maya´s last blog ..Don’t Hate Me =-.
Stacey says:
Pie is a great reason!
.-= Stacey´s last blog ..Back to work nerves! =-.
Jennifer A. says:
Have you tried Wii Fit? It has yoga, aerobics, and strengthening exercises…and it’s fun! You don’t even really feel like you’re exercising. 30 minutes fly by, and it actually does help. I think the newest version even has a personal trainer…just a thought.
.-= Jennifer A.´s last blog ..Quick Note =-.
jen says:
I feel like you and I haven’t had a baby in YEARS! What does that tell you? lol
(((Hugs))) from here!
.-= jen´s last blog ..process =-.
dawn says:
Replace your current peanut butter choice with one that JUST has peanuts in it. TJs or whole foods or similar will have it (Arrowhead Farms is my fave.) Get rid of the HFCS – peanut butter deserves better than that.
Lay on your back and do bench presses with Annabanana.
Candice says:
Exercising is hard. I have just started getting back into. When I have time and a babysitter, I just go. I don’t think about it. If I do, I will decide I just HAVE to watch one of the many DVR’d shows. Good luck!!
.-= Candice´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Graham! =-.
Molly says:
Ug, hang in there. I never understood those women who were hitting the gym four weeks postpartum (or nine months pregnant for that matter!). A walk around my neighborhood was about the most I could muster! Hang in there.
suzanne says:
Good for you for taking the time to walk!!! It is so hard to motivate at first. Exercise does not feel like you are treating yourself until after its over, when you realize how much better you feel for having done it. (well, over time it makes you feel better — the first few weeks of getting into a routine are rough). For me, its also a necessary component of emotional well-being. I think starting an exercise routine s a new, sleep-deprived mother is challenging, but maybe you could meet that challenge by starting out verrrry slowly and ramping up as your schedule normalizes in the coming months? 20 minutes of walking is better than 10 minutes, and 10 minutes of walking is better than nothing.
I think the key is to figure out what works for you — what routine you can follow regularly, and then stick to it (well, as best you can with a new baby)! The benefits are huge, so I am a believer in trying to move your body as much as busy schedules and new babies allow.
Shannon Olgin says:
I appreciate the honesty. I also hate exercising, but most my friends say they love it. And I’m so uncoordinated. When I was in high school (and in good shape), it took me from 7th grade until 12th grade to learn our aerobics routine. I’m not exagerating.
But I have been making myself get up at 6:30 am and go to the gym with a friend for the last month. And it is hard to believe that I am actually feeling better.
Of course, my youngest is now 2, and I don’t think I’ve exercised in 4 years. So my body is probably feeling better. But I watch 7 children out of my house from 7 am to 6 pm, and I just don’t want to go at night.
My husband got me a bike for Christmas since my 10 year old wanted to go riding with me, and I loved to ride when I was younger. I was embarrassed that I couldn’t even make it around one block. And we went to some sandhills with our kids last Thanksgiving, and I thought I would pass out (literally) after going up one hill. So sad!
So now I get to exercise at 6:30 in the morning. Blah! But I can make it around the block with my daughter now, and I want to be active with my kids. If not for my own health, I will do this to set a good example for them.
Good luck getting started. I know you can do it.
Christina Cox says:
Hi! If you ever take your pup for a walk – maybe you can get your workout in then – I would take the dog/baby for a walk and do 2 or 3 small hills (near Ocean Park blvd.) which was PLENTY at the time. It got me really sweaty and tired and extra irritable but I think it got the old heart rate up and I needed to to metabolize all the wine I would be drinking later at night with my mother in law. D’OH!! Good luck!!!
middle-aged-woman says:
Pie is an excellent reason. So is cake. I think Rigby ate that peanut butter to encourage you to go get a pedicure, as well.
.-= middle-aged-woman´s last blog ..Brainy or Wise? =-.
earth_mommy says:
Mmmm…pie….coconut creme pie…..
Oh, wait, what were we talking about? *sucks in belly*
rachel cortest says:
The story of my life, especially since T. died. I have gained 30 pounds since his death. My TCF friend who lost her seven year old daughter has gained 60 pounds. Grieving is hard hard work and it makes you tired and add to that the fact that you have just had a baby. It is amazing that you could walk for 20 minutes. Then I heard on the Today show that women in their 50’s or older have to exercise vigorously for 60 minutes to MAINTAIN their weight. So, as my friend said, BRING ON THE NACHOS AND BEER!!
Angie says:
good for you! I do understand the finding time for yourself or taking time for yourself problem though. My youngest is now 2.5 and I am just now getting better about not feeling guilty. You will make it there and hopefully the diabetes issue is still just a lingering post pardum thing
Meyli says:
Exercising so you can continue eating pie? Sounds like a good reason to me – you need balance! *sending you lots of encouragement…and pie!*
20 minutes is way better than what I do :B and I don’t have any sort of ‘new mom excuses’…
Lisa says:
I’m not a big fan of exercise either, and still over 2 years since my daughter was born I find it hard to take time for myself and would rather do anything other than exercise with that time. I have found that going for a walk with my daughter is a great way to get exercise without feeling like I”m exercising. I’ve been doing it since she was a few months old and we both enjoy our walks. I’m getting exercise but don’t feel like I’m forcing myself to work out. Just a thought.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Getting Your House Ready to Sell When You Have Kids =-.
Jen L. says:
Pie is a REALLY good reason!
Erin says:
I just had a baby a few weeks ago. The oter day I had to run to the drug store and the lady at the check out asked me when I was due. I was so mad because I was feeling really good about myself. So I just called her every name in the book (in my head) and told her how old the baby already is!!! Hang in there maybe in a few months when the babies sleep longer then 2hrs at a time we will feel like working out!! MAYBE?!?!?!?
Jenn says:
I’ve been prego 8 itmes . The first 6 times, I went straight back to my pre prego weight immediarely but when I got pregnant my 7th baby it became harder b/c she was born in the winter, plus I had a 2 yr at home. With my 8th baby, I went into the pregnancy with some “baggage on me; to begin with so my fat so I just dealt with that, . A year after my son was born, I became ill and suddenly, I was too sick, weak and sore to exercise and although my weight bothered me, I HAD to accept (or at least that’s what my therapist & Dr’s said).
Finally with all that was going on in the wolrd I had to learn to embrace my body and every I feel bad, I think about the 5 babies I tried so hard to hang on to before they went to Heaven and the babies, I got to hang on to here and celebrate to celebrate that. AS for all the rest…..well.I just take one small step at a time. I guess that’s all any of us can do…..right?
I’m glad your proud of yourself…..I’m proud of you too. I think you look great and as long as you d0….then that’s all that matters! OOOHH and by the way…please have a piece off pie for me too!!!! :[)
Tracey says:
Do you have a salsa babies class where you live? You wear your baby and dance your butt off.
My friend did that with her twins and is now smaller than she was before she had her babies.
Natalie says:
Oh, I relate on sleep ruling over exercise! My chunky monkey is 9 weeks old, and I would much rather sleep than go work out. Those walks will add up though, and I’m hoping for my sake, the pounds will drop off!
C says:
It is a little known fact that the effort to bring a full spoon of peanut butter from jar to mouth burns like 100 calories each time, AND raises your heart rate a few nothces as well.
I have been looking into speed eating as a form of exercise recently. We could start a trend.
Jen the Catalyst says:
YAY for you! Way to go!!!
Celebrate each little accomplishment.
Something I did recently that is spurring me on to choose all of the things I want to include in my life is a vision board. It was kind of fun to cut pictures and phrases out of my favorite magazines and create an “art project” to remind me every day what I desire. I posted about it here:
http://jenthecatalyst.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/i-picture-the-future-it-is-beautiful/
Exercise is a big part of the right middle side of my board; and after I put it up, my husband suggested we start geo-caching! WHOA! He’s never ever iniated a walk or exercise. Fun!
.-= Jen the Catalyst´s last blog ..Getting down to Business =-.
Lindsay from Florida says:
“Even if I’m really only doing it so I can continue to eat pie.” Ummm, IS there any better reason to exercise? If so, I’m unaware of it.
I’ve been tae bo’ing it like crazy the last few weeks because all my college roommates are coming to visit soon, and I want to be able to eat as much as I please while still fitting in a bathing suit while they’re here.
That’s all exercise is good for really. Letting you eat more of what you love.
Gale @ Ten Dollar Thoughts says:
Pie is an absolutely respectable reason to exercise. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Pie – served warm and a la mode after supper, served cold for breakfast, nibbled out of the dish when no one is looking – does lovely things for one’s soul. It is a noble thing in this world. And if it means your psychiatrist has to smell you for 50 minutes, so be it!
.-= Gale @ Ten Dollar Thoughts´s last blog ..You Can Never Go Home =-.
Aunt Becky says:
I consider eating jelly beans exercise. It’s ALL in how you look at it, baby.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..I’m Just A Notch In Your Bedpost, But You’re Just A Line In My Blog =-.
Stacy says:
I’m still using the “I’m too tired” excuse, and my kid just turned three.
binkytowne says:
Oh Heather! You still get to play the new mommy card. Sleep when you can. Can you find 20 minutes to toss her in the stroller and go for a walk? That’s all you need at this point. Rest sweetie. There will be plenty of time for marathon running later.
.-= binkytowne´s last blog ..Rightthissecond =-.
Adventures In Babywearing says:
I can’t believe people say those things! I admire your dedication. You’re doing great!
Steph
.-= Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..A moment, fleeting =-.
Yolanda says:
Heather –
Good morning. You did exactly would you should do, pop Annie in her stroller and do a twenty minute walk, do that everyday and you will be one hot mama.
Trisha Vargas says:
My methodology has always been that it takes 40 weeks to build a whole human being, I should get 40 weeks to rest after all that hard work and then an additional 40 weeks to get back to my prebaby weight.
If you are alrady doing 20 minutes of hard care cardio at 8 weeks, you are way ahead of schedule.
Sshh, don’t tell anyone but my kiddo is 18 months and I am still struggling and way off goal wight target. I’ll have to come up with a new 40 weeks excuse soon before my husband catches on.
You keep up the good work
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Trisha Vargas says:
Sorry for the typo’s. I had cherry pie filling on my fingers!!
Sarah says:
” I would rather languish on the couch with my peanut butter jar and a spoon.”
About this…I hope it was a NEW peanut butter jar?
Kelly says:
I made the mistake of asking someone when they were due only once…it was when I was managing a jewelry store, I had been working with this woman for hours…finally got her settled on what she wanted, when the question fell out of my mouth. She was so offended at me that she left without buying anything. Lesson learned! She really did look pregnant, and didn’t have a baby either…yikes!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..The Shopping Trip… =-.
Jeannine says:
you and i would get along fabulously IRL. !!
Alexandra says:
I’ve been able to keep my diabetes at bay for 8 years now, with diet and exercise. Last summer, I wanted to see if d & e really mattered, so I did nothing for 2 months: yikes! my hgba1c were pretty bad. SO, yeah, it does make a HUGE dif.
Keep at it!
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..Please Allow Me To Reinvent Myself =-.
Glenda says:
I love to walk. Now that it’s spring time you can put Annabel in her stroller and take off My mom developed gestational diabetes for my youngest sister and after she gave birth, it never went away. She had to take pills and eat right, and as she got older, she needed insulin. Take care of yourself.
Amanda says:
Assvice warning. I have 3 daughters and sometimes employ the fake it til you make it approach. While I don’t always feel like doing things, I want to look back on the decisions I made as being the ones that reaped the most for me personally and for my girls. I don’t want them to sweat their shapes,but I do want them to make choices that enhance and prolong their quality of life. So it’s trips to the playground and early bedtime sprinkled with special ice cream and the odd late night. That said, in the morning, it takes a backhoe to get me out of bed.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Our Time =-.
Tina says:
30 Day Shred! You’ll love it.
Amy Collen says:
Yes, was having issues with this too the last few days. Wow, taking time for myself. WHAT A CONCEPT!!! LOL! So, usually after the kiddos are in bed I zone out in front of the computer. Well, I was getting pretty tired of that and began to think it quite worrisome that I was looking up random friend’s addresses to view their houses. Sooooo, I ran off to the library, got a million DVD’s and said to myself, “The kiddos are in bed by 8 (which usually takes till about 8:30 to get everything settled) and I am to watch a movie at 9 with a nice drink and dessert. Then do some light reading after. Well, I did it last night. Saw a wonderful movie, “The Amateurs” which cracked me up and had ice cream and a wee dram of vodka. NICE! Feel GREAT today. It so does feel good to do something for yourself :). Big hugs!
Just Jiff says:
Bayley turns 2 tomorrow and I STILL use the “I’m tired because I’m a mom” excuse. haha! Seriously, though, until she’s sleeping 12 straight hours you can use the new mom excuse all you want.
I wish my husband would tell ME to go get a pedicure. But l’m like you in that I’d rather take a nap.
.-= Just Jiff´s last blog ..Random Stuff. =-.
Rebecca says:
“DUE! WITH A BABY! While I pushed my seven week old in a stroller. Obviously she wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed,”
This happened to me………..I was holding my 3 week old baby……..and a NURSE….yes a nurse, actually said “You have a baby that little and you’re already THAT pregnant with another” I just looked at her and said “She is only three WEEKS old” and walked away. Yes a NURSE…….
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..What Bush Is This? =-.
Krystina says:
In the city I live in there is a strollersize class that allowes you to take you baby in a stoller and the class is designed for women with kids. I have taken the class with both of my kids and loved it. I found it more social them exercise, and everyone in the class is at the same level as you. Also since I paid for the class in advance I was commited to go.
Ray says:
“I’m not really sure how to let myself take moments for myself – let alone find the time for those moments. And then what do I DO with those moments? Conundrum.”
^^You go and get a pedicure like Mike said! THAT’S WHAT! =P If he offers to watch Annabel for you, take that opportunity to do fun/relaxing stuff for yourself. Things like the aforementioned pedicures, driving around the area (you might find a nice new spot), going to the beach and just enjoying the waves, etc, etc.
There’s a saying that goes something like: “When moms happy, everyone’s happy.”
Take care of yourself Heather. And YAY for the exercising yesterday. ;o)
Maile says:
I wear Isabel to cover my gut…
Someone thought I was pregnant when I was at the farmers market with my older girl Avery…she was 22 hours old(and yes I am crazy and went home the morning after delivering and then went for a walk)
Sadly I am not supposed to have peanuts with this medication I’m on, but I did eat a bag of triple chocolate cookies from TJ’s yesterday(well all but 2 which I will be eating momentarily)
.-= Maile´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Amy K says:
My husband and I just bought bikes and are looking for a kiddie bike trailer to pull our one year old. I’m more of a napper than an exerciser too, but a lazy ride on paved, non-hilly bike paths sounds like fun.
Leslie says:
Ummm… I’m still 5 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight! And my old OB was kind enough to point out that my pre-pregnancy weight is considered overweight…thanks, Doc!
Cindy says:
Hope this info helps a bit.You may know this plus more already.
The definitive test for Type 1 diabetes is an antibody test, the A1C is more a diagnostic for the past 3 months control measure. The A1C normal range would be near a 5. [Don’t know about type 2.] A1C is now a simple finger stick— you can ask your PC for it, always great to know where you stand. About the blood thing you can get a Req. for a panel and check for platelets if you are bleeding or bruise easily, sometimes this goes unchecked as it can fluctuate.
A high or low glucose would make you feel sleepy or tired plus many more symptoms.
Anyhow if walking turns out to be your thing, those purple Nike’s the ones from the picture of the pooch at the Marathon just might be the ticket.The bright yellow swoosh on purple,— perfect! Walking is great even on a tread mill, if you can arrange for that to happen. Take care of your feet they carry you everywhere.
Good Luck with your health goals.
Finding time for you is hard while caring for a nursing infant.
Enjoy your slice of the pie!!!
Mindi says:
Heather,
I have only commented a few times though I read every day. Your sweet Annabel Violet is about a perfect as they come. I have no children of my own…can’t for that matter but that is a whole other story. I come to you as a nurse, a peds oncology and ICU nurse who has traveled your journey/nightmare far to many times. I just wanted to say I think you are doing admirably well. I really do. This is perhaps the hardest time for you and Mike. Anniversaries are usually big and special and a marker of a milestone, a snapshot in time that is blissful and happy. There is no rerward for surviving one year without your precious Maddie…except that you simply survived. The energy and desire to do for you will come. Time is both your friend and enemy right now in the grief process and that will change too. In time you will feel better physically. In time you will have a desire to do more than just get by. In time you will find a way to enjoy every moment in this world that no longer holds your girl. It is always amazing to me how elastic the heeart to be able to feel such extreme highs and lows, joy and pain, all in the same breath. You will get there dear Heather. And until then you will have all of us to cheer you on!
God Bless the Spohrs!
Tricia (irishsamom) says:
Hey Heather – not sure if this is an option yet, but I was on bedrest for eighteen weeks and obviously needed to excercise after all that enforced rest. I have no family in the country though and no babysitters (I had a three year old too) and I totally get your wanting to sleep whenever you can and not having the energy (specially after bedrest) to actually do too much. I ended up signing up for a post-partum yoga class, which included the babies, when my oldest was in pre-school two mornings a week. I won’t say I got too much yoga done, my son had colic for twelve weeks, but I did get stronger and also it was mentally calming for me and it energised me to do other things, ie : walk around the block a couple of times a week until I was feeling better.
Just a thought – I’d much rather do yoga on my own, (lol) but now I teach a postpartum class and it’s a great way to get some exercise, get out of the house and do something for yourself. (at least that’s what all the new moms tell me). I hope you can maybe find something like that that will be approved for you to engage in.
Love and hugs,
Tricia : )
.-= Tricia (irishsamom)´s last blog ..Singleness of Purpose =-.
Brittany says:
Yes, yes.
Um….question.
Where is my daily Anabel picture???
Lamb says:
The woman at the store is exactly why I never, ever under any circumstance say anything about a woman being pregnant, even if I’m sure she is!
Good for you, going for that walk! Keep building up your resistance – soon enough you’ll be chasing Annie around the house!
.-= Lamb´s last blog ..Woman’s Day Magazine No Longer Irks Me! =-.
moosh in indy. says:
Attach your pie fork to a five pound weight and eat it while sitting one one of those bouncy balls.
.-= moosh in indy.´s last blog ..if he ignores them, they still come. so he lies. =-.
Amy (@HappyMomAmy) says:
I was asked by a store clerk when I was due with my baby WHILE I held her in the carseat 4 days after she was born. Like I was some whacko pregnant chick with an empty carseat? WTF, lady?
A la Ren & Stimpy: “Joo EEDIOTS!”
.-= Amy (@HappyMomAmy)´s last blog ..The Grind. =-.
Heather says:
It took me a LONG time to get back on the exercise bandwagon (my weakness in anything chocolate) but now that I have, it’s amazing how much more energy I have when I do squeeze it in. Walking the dog with the stroller might be all it is, but it gives me more energy than sleeping does.
But she’s only 7 weeks. I was really athletic through pregnancy and could barely walk around the block for 8 weeks after the c-section. Give yourself some time. You’ll feel more like it when she’s older and you miss those pants/shirt/dress/swimsuit/underwear that you used to wear. Or not. Because spending time with the kid in the morning seems to always beat out getting out the door to walk the dog…
Good luck!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Vitamin D =-.
TracyKM says:
Are you allowed to hold Annie? If so, strap her into a mei tai or wrap while you houseclean, make dinner, do laundry or walk somewhere. By wearing her, you maintain good posture which works the core muscles, you can go up and down stairs/hills which works the butt/legs, and you burn more calories cause you suddenly weigh more. You don’t get any of these benefits with a stroller–I see moms ALL the time sticking their butts out and their arms stretched out as they push the stroller uphill. That just works the shoulders and doesn’t do anything for the core muscles. Babywearing is SO much fun, so convinient, and lets you exercise without even knowing it!!!
Marie says:
Exercising can be fun. I like hiking and biking, but walking is great. Try long walks when you feel well enough, up to 3 or 4 miles. It helps clear my head when I’m stressed out or upset about something, and even wakes me up when I’m tired. You can push Annie in her baby carriage!
Nicole says:
I walk my two dogs six miles every day. Because they’re really big (like 80 lbs) and if I don’t, my flowers and vegetable garden suffer. But the real reason is that the nearest Starbucks (I live out in the suburban boonies, apparently) is three miles away from my house. And that’s how I justify getting a large, full-fat, sugary vanilla latte.
So.
Pie? Great reason!
Suzy says:
hey I think pie is a pretty good reason for anything really
.-= Suzy´s last blog ..Traditional Honey Biscuits (Cookies) =-.
red pen mama says:
I learned how out of shape I was this weekend, kicking a soccer ball around with my 3-year-old (while my 5-year-old was on the field). I gotta step up my exercise. up & down stairs with laundry isn’t cutting it anymore.
.-= red pen mama´s last blog ..Music, Please =-.
Miss E says:
I found that yoga/pilates is a good form of exercise with 1/2 of the pain/agony of any other form. I’m with you…I would so rather sleep in my spare time than anything else.
.-= Miss E´s last blog ..Moments =-.
Kimberly says:
Heather, I never enjoyed exercise before either but I liked the feeling I got after it was over. 7 years ago I began to do yoga once or twice a week for stress relief and quickly realized that I LOVED it and even smiled during “exercise”. I couldn’t WAIT for my next class and quickly began to do some form of yoga or meditation every day. It has literally saved my life, I lost 15 pounds without even trying (more body awareness) and I feel better than I have ever felt. Most people think I am at least 15 years younger than I am, I have flexibility, strength, and a sense of calm & gratitude that amazes me every day. Have I convinced you yet to try it? I hope so~you will love it. Good luck…and walking is very good…a meditation too.
Kristel says:
Do you have a Wii? Because Just Dance is the most fun eva’!!! And who doesn’t want to see a 30-year-old woman make a fool of herself while pretending to be the likes of MC Hammer, Elvis or the Spice Girls?!?!? (I’m not sure if I, in that sentence, am referring to me, you or both…)
.-= Kristel´s last blog ..It’s a Small World =-.
Rhonda says:
Exercise will help with the panic attacks, also!! You go girl! 3 times a week take that 20 minutes to nap and the other 4 days take your brisk walk. That way you get your rest and your excercise. Go get that pedi girl, you know how good that feels!!
Al_Pal says:
Pie is a *fabulous* reason to exercise! ;D
Good Luck. I’m not a fan of exercise, either, but I *love* dancing. ;P
Amanda says:
The only reason I do any sort of exercise (besides hiking, which I do love) is to be able to keep up with my intake of cookies and cake.