I love conversation posts. I miss talking to you guys about my life, so I like checking in now and then. Let’s sit down and have a glass of vino together, okay?
-On the exercise front, I have a new routine! I spent most of the summer going for stroller power walks early in the morning. Mazen’s nap schedule made it hard to get to the gym, and the heat kept us in the air conditioning as much as possible. M’s nap moved from 9 to 10am and suddenly I realized that we had about 45 minutes at the gym between when the Kids Zone opened at 8:30 and our walk home for nap. I got back into the swing of doing cardio and weights. Now that we’re down to only one nap at noon, my whole morning has opened up. I can do classes again (Pump!) and Mazen gets to run around and be social for an hour. I still go for walks and runs, but most of my exercise is at the gym these days.
-Except on Sundays when I play SOCCER!! I played in high school and a year of club in college before I had to find other ways to exercise when the joint in my foot started to get really bad. I had surgery my senior year of college and many years later I am finally ready to play soccer again! I joined a co-ed team along with my friend Meg. It’s very casual with full-field games on Sundays, so it works well for us since Sunday is Matt’s only day off and he and Mazen can play while I’m gone. We have had several games already, and while I am far from being one of the best players, I think given my 11 year break from the sport I have done well. I love the thrill of being on the field – a feeling I have missed for a long time.
-I have moved forward with hiring a babysitter! Matt and I have gone on several date nights, and I’ve had several mornings out to work in a coffee shop. It’s lovely to get a foamy cappuccino, sit under the trees on the downtown mall and get some uninterrupted work done. It ain’t cheap, but it’s worth it.
-A strange long-term side effect from pregnancy is new hair growth. I mentioned before that after Mazen was born my hair was falling out like crazy in the shower. Apparently it is growing back because I have all these tufts of hair growing in around the edges of my hairline. It looks like I cut gum out of my hair! A new hairdresser even noticed and asked if I had had a baby that year. I wish they would grow faster because ponytails are awkward. Isn’t this just lovely:
-I mentioned in my beach post that I’ve been loving the Bota Box. I can’t decide if this is a good change because I can have a small glass without the pressure of finishing a bottle so it won’t go bad or if it’s not so wise because I might want to have a small glass every night. (Might = will). It took me a few weeks to finish the box, but I can’t help but think about all those calories adding up that I probably didn’t need!
-I just finished this book and enjoyed it! What should I read next?
KK says
Thanks for the great post Kath! I love getting to peak into your daily life with a little 1 year old! How long is mazen napping now at 1 years old? Also, i am a new work from home mom with a 10 month old and to be honest I am really struggling :/…how many days a week are you getting a babysitter to get your work done? Do you find it to be a huge stress relief? i am almost at that point but feel so guilty about spending the money on one when I am home 🙁 I need some motivation from other mommies!
KathEats says
He went from 3-4 hours of napping in 2 naps to 1-3 hours in one. It’s unpredictable and that sort of sucks. I have only gotten a sitter one day a week, but might reevaluate as time goes on. I’m working more in the evenings now.
Andrea says
You’re so funny! Your poor hairline. I love that you’re playing soccer – so fun!
Katie says
I love this new idea! Please have more of these types of posts in the future!
julie says
the husband’s secret by the same author! i finished it about a week ago (loved it) and am now reading what alice forgot.
Katie says
Yay for a new routine! I’ve never played soccer but absolutely love watching it and wish I played (its not popular in small town northern mn).
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Oh I read What Alice Forgot and really liked it too! I recently read the Bloggess’s book, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, which was very funny. If you’re looking for more of a novel, I’d recommend The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton, or for something “darker” any of the books by Gillian Flynn.
Sally says
I read that book this summer and loved it!
I just finished The Space Between (http://www.amazon.com/The-Space-Between-Thrity-Umrigar/dp/006079156X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381326880&sr=8-4&keywords=the+space+between) and really enjoyed it.
Julie says
I miss your “life” posts too 🙂
Is your babysitter someone you knew previously? I would love to find a sitter for my son (he’s only 3 months), but I can’t bear leaving him yet. Maybe in a couple of months!
For a book suggestion, have you read “Where’s you go Bernadette?” by Maria Semple- it’s fun read (I read it while nursing, was perfect). http://www.amazon.com/Whered-You-Go-Bernadette-Novel/dp/0316204269/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381327656&sr=8-1&keywords=where%27d+you+go+bernadette
Jackie says
Was the book good? Gone girl I a goo read!
Lauren @ The Highlands Life says
I just finished reading “Skipping a Beat” by Sarah Pekkanen. Really good! I’ve read a couple of her books now and enjoy her writing. Also, have you read “Gone Girl”? I seriously couldn’t put it down.
P.S. I totally have the weird post-partum hair growth too. Hurry up and grow out already!!
Emily says
I’m 2.5 years post partum and still waiting for the re-growth to catch up. I even contemplated bangs to help even things out but thankfully didn’t execute on them.
KathEats says
Oh dear, guess I have many years of awkward hair to get through!
Ashley says
I don’t know what type of books you like, but the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon blows my mind. It’s super challenging to describe (romance/mystery/historical/Scotland?) but it’s super awesome.
Fancy says
Loved this post! I really miss your old way of blogging, I really enjoyed reading about your days and meals each day 🙁
Chelsea @BigBitesLittleBudget says
I love that you are back playing soccer! It always feels so great to get back to something you love. I hope you continue playing and enjoy the experience.
Jessica says
Ugh, yes, my son is 15 months and the regrowth is crazy annoying. I have similar tufts to yours behind my ears, lol. The ones in front look SUPER cute when my hair is up, not. I call them wings. I am pregnant again, (yay!!) so I get to start all over with it growing and falling out.
Elisabeth says
Have you read The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves? Or, she just had a new one come out called Covet!
KathEats says
Yes! Loved that book.
Ashley says
I feel you on the hair issues. I had emailed you while experiencing postpartum hairloss (still am) because I had recalled you alluding to experiencing a similar issue but you never responded. Glad to see it’s growing back, you’ll be back into those ponytails before you know it.
KathEats says
I just searched my email but didn’t find one from your address (or “Ashley + Hair + loss”). But I’m sorry I never responded!
Ashley says
Emailed you from work… Strange! 🙂
KathEats says
Email me the address and I’ll hunt!
Chewbacca says
RE: Awkward Hair Growth
Better your hairline than your face! O__o Yeah, no one warned me about that!
Posting under a pseudonym cuz well…..*insert chewbacca call***
LOL!
KathEats says
Haha. Yikes!!
sarah (SHU) says
i’ve had so many of your posts recently where i wanted to comment but haven’t!! first: totally understood all of your breastfeeding posts feelings. all of my memories (not that they’re that old!) are flooding back now that #2 is on the way. weaning is so hard! our process sounds like it was similar, though i stopped pumping during the day at 9 months, we continued b-feeding 2x/day and then 1x/day until 13 months. such a bittersweet end.
second, YES the hair. i had the same thing. it looked like i cut hideous baby bangs. Now they’re halfway grown out and don’t look as ridiculous and i’m dreading going through the awkwardness all over again argh!@!! just like last time, i barely lose any hair during the preg (but this time i know it will be made up for later!)
finally, sounds wonderful about the babysitting hours to work and play. firmly believe in keeping some me-time in my life – good for everyone!
KathEats says
Can’t wait to meet #2!
Jess says
I am right with you on the new hair growth! Ugh! Mine gets into these tight little curls that poke through my bangs. I look a little rediculous sometimes!! I had never heard of the hair loss and regrowth that came with pregnancy. Luckily my guy is pretty cute and worth it all 😉
Ashlee@HisnHers says
Have you read Gone Girl? Its my favorite book ever.
KathEats says
Yeah, but I didn’t love it!! The first half was awesome and then it kind of fizzled for me
Sally says
I thought I was the only one that felt that way about Gone Girl! I loved both of her other books, but Gone Girl just didn’t do it for me – started off strong, but the ending was disappointing.
Jesse says
so important to get that “me time,” glad you’re finding the time and feeling more comfortable with it. i still struggle to take time for myself some days, but i know it’s good for me, my marriage and my son.
way to find the balance, lady.
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/10/work-outfit-3.html
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
This was a fun post to read! It’s nice to hear about what’s going on with you and your little family. I can totally relate to the hair loss thing. I have baby hairs sticking up all over the place these days as they grow back. Lovely.
val says
i felt way more compelled to drink wine when i had the bota box in my fridge left over from a party. it was SO EASY to just pour a little glass of wine. but i did like that it lasts a month+.
i loved this book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Language-Flowers-A-Novel/dp/0345525558/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381336569&sr=8-1&keywords=the+language+of+flowers
Jess says
Love this post and a little peak into current life for your family. Question on the gym membership: Have you had any issues with the childcare? Loving it? I’m assuming that you go to a chain gym. I’m really, really struggling to find a workout routine that works for me and my family…but I’m realizing more and more lately that it is something I NEED to figure out for myself. I think the best solution will probably be utilizing childcare at a gym like 24Hour, but I’m nervous about leaving my 13-month-old there. I know, I know…paranoid first time mama. 🙂
Oh, and on the hair front…YES!!! I have the same thing. Ridiculous little stray hairs poking out everywhere. I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E to style and hide.
KathEats says
It’s a gym local to Virginia with a few locations. The child care is top notch. We have had a few small issues, but overall I’ve been really happy with it. And I think leaving your little one gets easier the older they get : )
Krista says
I just finished Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and I highly recommend it!
Renee King says
Oh Kath the hair thing is not just you, I have it too, and I am not a mom yet. I just put them up with bobby pins and hope they get longer soon. I love that you hired a sitter. I think even for stay at home moms it is good to get a break in once in a while. I also think it is really important after babies not to forget about you guys, so I am an advocate for date nights for parents. I only wished I lived closer, I would love to come play with little Mazen.
KathEats says
I wish you lived closer too : )
Amelia says
OMG those little hairs killed me! Mine didn’t start growing back in until I was done breastfeeding…only then did the fuzz turn back into hair! So there’s light at the end of the tunnel 🙂
And, three cheers for one nap & for hiring a babysitter – both are life-changing!
meg says
thats so funny, i have the same tuft of hair in the back of my head and wondered how the heck that happened. makes sense now!! I have a one year old son 🙂
Theresa says
I loved this post! I played soccer throughout high school, and then on an adult league after college. A couple years ago I tore my ACL (skiing) and now I’m afraid to play soccer again because I’ve heard it’s a common injury for women in that sport. But it is so much fun, and a great workout!
Lauren @ Lettuce Eat Cake says
First thought: “I must now get a Bota box ASAP.” Second thought: “The calories! Crap. Kath is probably right.”
KathEats says
Haha
Jess says
I just finished The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty. It is an AMAZING book! I’ve told all of my girlfriends about it, and got a couple to read and they loved it as well. It’s set in the 1920’s in New York City.
Tracy says
Have you read The Fault in Our Stars? Sad, but very good!
Kate @ Indulgent Wellness says
Oh the little whispy hairs…grrr! Hailey is 2.5 and I’m 22 weeks pregnant, so just when I was getting ahead of the awkward tufts of hair, they are all going to fall out again! Small price to pay:-)
Tracy says
I am reading The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen Kent. The novel is set during the Salem Witch Trials. Really good book and perfect for this time of year. I love how she goes in to detail about daily life, what it took to prepare for the winter. What life in general was like in these small and developing communities. At the same time, she weaves a very interesting story that is totally captivating. Some strange analogies were used from time to time that make you stop and say: Huh? But other than that it’s a great read. I can’t wait to see what happens next but I don’t want it to end!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
Love these posts — it’s nice to catch up!
PPP says
THE HAIR THING! ugh. Its horrible. I went through the same thing with both babies. And of course, just when my regrowth caught up after baby #1, I lost it all over again with baby #2! Just another glamorous part of mommyhood, I guess. But comforting that other women go through it – none of my mommy friends did! I’m the only weirdo! 🙂
Re books – these are my FAVES from the past year…
Night Circus
The Book Thief
Gone Girl
Her Fearful Symmetry
Happy reading!
Elyse says
I just finished “Sisterland” by Curtis Sittenfeld and it was awesome!!!
Lindsey @ The Hungry Hydrologist says
Just finished In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez and really enjoyed it. Have you read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall? It’s non-fiction, but a great story and motivated me to get running again. My other two favorites of the moment are The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (such beautiful writing, that you just wanted to read it slowly and savor every word) and The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (an elegant, sad, but touching story). Let me know if you read any of these!
Brittany @ The Fit Phoenician says
I am having the same hair issues!!! I guess it could be worse… That’s amazing that you are still breastfeeding :). My daughter is 8 months and we’re still going strong. Have you written a post about breastfeeding lately or baby led weaning? I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
He is such a cute 🙂
ps can’t wait for my wine in an hour!
-Brittany
KathEats says
I just did on BERF!
http://www.babykerf.com/the-road-to-weaning/
Brittany @ The Fit Phoenician says
*cutie
Lauren @ Peaks and Passports says
The book I’ve loved most recently is “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. I’m not usually into nonfiction, but this book reads like a novel. I laughed out loud, I almost cried, I thought about the strength of the human spirit – not a bad read!
Sammy @ Peace Love and Ice Cream says
Thanks for the update! That’s cute that you’re playing soccer…a lot of people around here play kickball, or softball. And that’s great that you have a sitter….doesn’t have to be every Saturday night, but it’s good to get out – sans kids! – once in a while. It feels so good 🙂
-Sammy @ www.peaceandloveandicecream.com
Tiffany says
I love some quiet time at a coffee shop 🙂
By the way, I bought the TJ’s pumpkin body butter! It smells so comforting, sweet, almost like a piece of warm pumpkin bread! I think you would love it, but when you go to TJ’s ask and see if they have a tester open so you can smell it before buying it.
Kristen says
Have you visited Virginia Wineworks? It’s Michael Shaps winery in Charlottesville and they make Virginia’s first boxed wine. I really enjoyed all the ones that I tried, and it was nice to take one home and enjoy it slowly! It’s near First Colony Winery so it’s worth it to make an outing to try them both 🙂
KathEats says
Not yet but I want to!
Jill says
book recommendation – The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani. I loved it. It is not light reading because it deals with some difficult subject matter however, it is a compelling page turner. I only mention this because I recommended it to a friend who thought based on the title that it was going to be an easy summer read.
Anna @ Fitness à la Anna says
I just started Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn…I’m already hooked!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
Just finished reading “Wild” and loved it. And if you want a copy of “Crazy Rich Asians” on audio (which I narrated) lemme know!
Liz Fischer says
I just finished Shine, Shine, Shine and it’s so wonderful! I’m onto Michail Chabon’s Telegraph Avenue now and loving it. =)
Kori Tompkins says
Oldie– Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
New– Night Film by the same author
Calamity Physics takes a bit of effort to stick with in the beginning because you have to get used to all of the parentheticals, references, etc, but once you learn to read over them, the narrative is really amazing. Just when you think you know where things are headed, she surprises you, and the conclusion is nothing I had seen coming. It’s rare that anything surprises me anymore, so that was a really welcome change! It’s also pretty long, so it should keep you entertained for a while 🙂
Steve says
I haven’t seen you for a while, due to a new grandbaby and and aging Grandpa-in-Law….way to busy to get casual or relax. Great to zoom thru y9our pages at 900 miles and hour. That’s all I have.
God bless you and all your escapades of food and life.
Much love and admiration; you’re an inspiration to our culture and life. God has aimed you at us.
Kelley says
Love these posts!
And ugh, that post partum hair. I have them too. So annoying. Those tufts refuse to grow!
Shayla says
I could not be happier to read this post. I’m 6 months postpartum and have A TON of tufts at the bottom of my hairline like you. It’s so depressing and makes wearing my hair up quite difficult and silly looking with the million bobby pins I have going on. I thought maybe it was just breakage but thought how coincidental it was with the hair loss….I just couldn’t believe I lost that much hair to regrow that much tufts lol! Hopefully (for the both of us!) it’ll grow out quickly :/