James is six weeks old today. What that really means is that I had my surgery six weeks ago, so my “maternity leave” is over and with it, all my excuses to be lazy. I see Dr. Risky this afternoon and she’ll very likely remove my remaining restrictions. Last week I was like, “I can’t wait to be able to exercise again!” and now that I will be allowed to all I can think is, “ugh, I’d rather sleep or sit on the couch and think about the next thing I’m going to eat.”
I do need to start working on getting my body in working shape again. It took me a few weeks to get my appetite back, so for the last couple weeks I’ve been on a bit of a “food honeymoon,” letting myself eat whatever sounded good. And everything sounded good! I’ve gained back some of the weight I lost via pregnancy but I wouldn’t mind losing it again – this time, through healthier channels. I’m not someone who loses weight just by breastfeeding, so that means I’ll be putting down the pretzels, picking up the celery, and trying to find some gym time.
I’ve spent much of the last six weeks cozied up with James. Every time I think, “I really ought to put him down while he sleeps,” I remember that these tiny newborn days are fleeting. He’s outgrown many of his newborn outfits, and he’s a few meals away from his last newborn diaper. My favorite position is laying him on me, tummy to tummy, but he’s already showing a strong preference for facing out when he’s awake. I know I should probably should stop being such a baby hog…he just seems so comfy here with me.
Of course, spending mass amounts of time curled up with a newborn means lots of smelling like a sour milk machine. Both kids napped yesterday (at the same time, even), and not long after it occurred to me to use the time to shower, I fell asleep sitting up. I seem to take the majority of my showers after midnight these days. Better than nothing!
After today, the pregnancy stage of my life is 100% finished. We were pretty consumed by the effort it took to get James here, and I will not miss our lives revolving around it. I’m not sad about ending that chapter, even if the new one means less sleep and more celery.
Jenn says:
He is so sweet & boy does he ever look like Maddie!! I don’t blame you for not wanting to put that beautiful little boy down. Living in Canada, it seems so cruel and exhausting to think many people who live in the USA HAVE to go back to work NOW!!!! How do you all do it? We get a full year off and I am so Thankful and Grateful we do!! I say….Girl, you hold that baby for as long as you can!!! You worked so hard to get him so next time you think “Maybe I should do some sit -ups”, I say sit up, grab that baby boy and sit right back down again! You look AMAZING just as you are!!! Working out can wait…babes on the other hand, don’t keep!! xoxo
Katrina says:
a YEAR?!!!!! No way!!! That is SO wonderful. My little guy will be 6 weeks old on Monday, and as I was cuddling him today I said to my older girls, “I can’t believe that some mamas have to go back to work when their babies are this age…I couldn’t take being away from him when he’s so little!” I’m so grateful that I’m a stay-at-home mom, because I don’t think my heart could take it any other way. But Canada has got it right — mothers should get a year to be home with their new babies!
Lee Cockrum says:
I think your maternity leave should last at least 8 weeks since you had a c-section!!
Maria says:
I agree—also, I don’t feel like the pregnancy phase really ends until you are done producing milk. Until I weaned my daughter at 11 months, I didn’t officially feel like my normal self, so give yourself a break!
Katrina says:
I agree.
Heather says:
I got pregnant on the first try with my oldest two (with first husband, who was very abusive), so it came as a shock when it took three years to get pregnant with this baby. When my lovely, wonderful husband Bill and I decided to have another I expected to get pregnant right away.
Now that I am, after going through the heartache of trying and a chemical pregnancy I will be grateful when this baby is out, healthy and he can make his appointment for a vasectomy. I get wanting to put pregnancy behind you, though my issues haven’t been as extreme as yours.
Also, I’m with Jenn. Six weeks just baffles me… we get 15 weeks of maternity plus 35 weeks of maternity that can be used by either or both partners.
Jenn says:
That’s crazy that your mat leave was only 6 weeks. I guess it’s something I’ve taken for granted. In Canada, we get six months paid – a percentage of wages- and then the option to take another six months unpaid.
Mr. James sure is a handsome boy.Don’t blame you one bit for not wanting to put him down!
Jeni says:
He is so stinking cute! Congrats on a sweet baby boy! As far as diet and exercise, try out my friends website. They help you with meal planning and work out with you. It’s like a personal trainer in your house and you don’t have to go anywhere! Cheaper than the gym and you and Mike can both use it. Bonus: Annie can join the fun with the family exercises! Oh, did I mention it only takes 20 minutes?!?
http://www.corecamper.com
Bianca says:
I LOVE James’ face. He is so expressive. Wonder if you have an actor on your hands!
emily says:
First off, my ovaries are killing me from the cuteness. Sweet little James makes me want to have another baby, STAT. I was lucky enough to lose a lot of weight with breastfeeding my daughter but now that she’s 15 months, I can feel myself getting fatter. But, I’m still eating like I’m breastfeeding and have nothing to lose. I need to get myself in check!
Expat Mom says:
Giving up your baby snuggles is highly overrated, especially since he’s the last one! Snuggle away, I say.
Colleen MN says:
With my second, I just brought her in the shower with me. Worked really well. At first I had her over a towel for traction, but soon I became a pro. I showered her, then laid her in a towel all snuggled up while I finished.
Lanie says:
Happy 6 weeks sweet baby James (and to your parents too)! You all worked so hard to get him here I am so glad that part is over for you all. I think it is also great that you are so certain that your pregnancy days are behind you. It might sound like an odd comment but I feel like the uncertain journey to (and in some ways from) pregnancy is so bittersweet for some of us that it must feel good to no longer live with that uncertainty. Not sure if I writing this is a way that makes sense but I hope you understand that I am trying to say this is a positive thing (and maybe you can add a little peanut butter to make all the celery a bit
easier to eat.
P.S. I am so glad to read that you got your appetite back!
S says:
With my newest little man at 2.5 weeks old, I totally get the feeling of not wanting to put him down. I, too, am taking showers at odd times of the day and night because snuggling with my guy? That’s way better than anything. And I’m milking my maternity leave for all its worth. I may not get paid anything past 6 weeks, but I’m spending as much time with my kids as I can possibly get for the 16 weeks available to me, paycheck be damned.
Paula says:
Heather – I had my tubes tied when my last was 6 weeks old. I told OBGYN that if I got pregnant again I’d come after him first for failing at the surgery and Paul second for having suck sneaky sperm. 15.5 years later the snip, burn, tie, and clamp has held. When I go to the doctor they ask “Is there a chance you might be pregnant?” My response is “Hold on. Nope. My husband is still breathing.” I HATED the hyperemesis and the inability to remain upright for more than a second.
Enjoy James. The weight will come off. 6 weeks post partum isn’t a huge amount of time. Just relax and enjoy your babies because soon you will be typing a response and going “15.5 years? Really?” Yes. Really.
Stacy says:
I had snuggled my third and last baby boy every second I could. I knew all too well how fast it goes by and I was determined to cherish every moment. He is already 15 months old, sigh. It also took me much longer to lose weight after his birth than it took with the first two. I gained 50 lbs and lost 20 right away but the rest stuck for awhile. When he turned one I was 20 lbs less than when I got pregnant, so don’t worry about it, enjoy the sweet baby snuggles and rest up.
Katrina says:
My weight went way up with this last pregnancy. My little guy will be 6 weeks old on Monday, and I’ve lost 33 pounds already without doing anything but breastfeeding. I still have another 30 pounds to go until I’m at a decent weight for my age and height. I should start exercising now…but I just don’t wanna. Call me lazy. I do. Because I am.
This is our last baby, too…and I’m holding him and holding him and getting all the newborn cuddles that I can. Because it goes by so quickly. I will miss this era in my life. I already look at the pregnant bellies around me with envy. I wish I were 10 years younger so that I could do it all again.
Annalisa says:
You will lose weight with breastfeeding for sure. Problem is, looking toned is another story, and usually the ideal combination strives for both. I lost about 15-20 lbs between the birth of my daughter and her first tooth (two months, girlfriend started early as was quite a biter), but did I look it? Nooooo! You’d think I’d gotten *gasp* fatter!!!
It took more like six months for my body to actually start showing the continuing (albeit somewhat slower) weight loss, during which time I went to the gym about three times a week (down from my six times pre-pregnancy, but definitely up from my zero during pregnancy), and took a 20 minute walk every single day, often with that baby strapped in a carrier (didn’t have a choice, she also hated the stroller, and I could seldom leave her at home with someone).
Literally, I have post pregnancy photos taken one day where you’d go “Who is that blob?” and within the next week where you might go “Wow! Is that the same person on those other photos?”. It’s like at some point my body just got with the program, given enough nudging.
And lady, toned enough or not, you already look pretty good in some of those postpartum pics. I remain jealous.
Dianne says:
James is adorable. In Australia we get 12 months maternity leave but it is unpaid leave. We do have a baby bonus so every woman gets $5000 when she has a baby, this has only been around a few years and probably will change with a change of government. You look great Heather, the weight will come off, gradual is best.
TracyKM says:
You’ve got a wrap, you’ve got an ever-growing baby—you’ve already got the perfect work-out set up. Mobywrap used to have exercises on their website even! I dont’ recommend wearing him facing out in any carrier unless you can put him in froggy style, (I think there’s one or two mei tai’s that are narrow enough for a forward facing out carry). It won’t be long until you can wear him on your back (again, not in knit wrap though), and that is awesome exercise!!! Especially going up stairs or hills, with your back straight and your butt and abs engaged.
You’re looking really good though. Unbelievable it’s been 6 weeks!!
Lora says:
Happy 6 weeks, James!! I vote for as much snuggle-time as possible, my youngest is now three and I thought I was in heaven a few weeks ago when he fell asleep on me for the first time in over a year. Soak up those snuggles!!!
Auntie_M says:
Girl, I’m impressed with you for showering at all! LOL
I can’t believe how time has flown and that James has been here on the outside for 6 whole weeks!!!! Amazing!!!
You really do look amazing for a sleep deprived mama! And I wouldn’t want to give up those cuddles either–as you said, and this post proves, time flies. Snuggle that baby while you can: who cares if you smell like sour milk??? Seriously!
And, oh! Jamesie! You look like both your big sisters!!! Maddie just shines from your face, but right now you have Annie’s hair coloring and (I think) more of her eye color. But you look so very much like Maddie. It’s so nice to see both your sisters peering out from you–while you also remain perfectly YOU, as only you can!