I’m not really sure what day it is – I think Monday? I know it’s November but it feels like October. I don’t really remember October?! I know Thanksgiving is coming up REAL FAST. Nothing forces you to live in the moment like being a new parent. I can only look ahead maybe 1-2 hours because life is so unpredictable! I am slowly emerging from my nest, and it’s felt so good to go out and about!
My priorities each day: first and foremost, shower. I don’t feel alive without a shower and some make-up. Also: a walk or light workout, a tidy house, and snuggle with the babe. Second tier priorities are write a blog post or nap!
On Friday I met some girlfriends at Pippin Hill for lunch. We shared a cheese plate, deviled eggs, a salad, and some vino. It was great to be out and social.
Baby Wilson looked huge next to Little B!
I made a batch of The Best Granola Ever and snacked on it all week. I’m going to make more soon and create a blog recipe page for it. It’s not my recipe, so I’m going to tweak a few things to make it my own!
Breakfast of champions: cheese eggs, chocolate croissant, fruit, OJ, coffee. I wake up starving from a night of nursing!!
Mazen loves chocolate smoothies and has one nearly every school day for breakfast. We make them with peanut butter, frozen banana, chocolate Vega protein, and milk. Thomas often saves the leftovers in a giant jar for me, so when I need a quick breakfast after he leaves for work, I can sip away.
Another super fast option is cereal (pumpkin spice cheerios!) mixed with The Best Granola on top.
We got super cozy on the couch this weekend. I can’t believe how quickly the temps dropped to winter level. See above re: what month is it.
M played a “sleeping bag monster” game for a good hour Sunday morning!
If anyone has gotten a slight smile out of this guy, it’s Mazen! Mazen gets so excited when Birch is awake and alert.
Matt and Mazen made us a delicious quiche for dinner! Along with a pecan pie. The quiche (based on this recipe) had mushrooms, bacon, spinach, and goat cheese and was so good. The homemade crust is the best part.
I had it for dinner and lunch.
Lumi Juice is great when I don’t have time to make big salads. Gotta get those greens in!
I had a delicious Roots bowl that I ran to pick up while Auntie Sarah watched Birch for me – his first babysitter! He did great, and the bowl was worth the trip.
A friend brought us enchiladas for a meal train meal – delicious with avocado on top!
On Saturday we drove out to Bold Rock to see a friend in his band. We didn’t realize they were having a huge festival in honor of Virginia Cider Week.
I got a little anxious with so many people not so much about germs because I am super careful not to touch anything and wash or sanitize my hands frequently but just because I didn’t know where we would sit! But we found the Barrel Barn nearly empty and were able to relax there for a while. I use a nursing cover in public, and while it’s not as easy as being at home on the couch, it wasn’t too bad.
Thomas and I made spaghetti with meat sauce and salad on Sunday night. Mazen’s favorite!
Last but not least, I’ve gotten in a few good walks but we also went to the gym as a family and Thomas and I traded off walking the track with B while we each did a little cardio. I asked my doctor while I was still in the hospital if light cardio was ok before my 6 week appt and he said yes, especially because I had been active throughout my pregnancy, but listen to my body and keep it low-ish impact. So I did an easy 15 minutes on the stairmaster and it felt great to sweat again! My body is really craving some sweaty workouts, and I’m listening to it. We also bought a used treadmill on Craigslist over the weekend – more on that soon!
Kate says
It looks like you are settling in well with Baby Birch! You all look so happy!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
So nice to read up on your updates, Kath! Seems like everything is going great 🙂 Can’t wait for the post on your new treadmill! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Kelli H says
I wonder if second time moms heal faster than first time moms. There was no way I could do any stairs that soon after having a baby. I’m surprised that felt good to you! I understand you were active during pregnancy (as was I) but I would think it would have more to do with the healing tissue. I’m glad you’re doing what feels good to you though. Don’t think I’m judging you, please. I am most definitely not. Baby B is so handsome. It makes me miss having a newborn to wear. Don’t think I’m quite ready for those long nights though! Enjoy this sweet time. It flies by so fast (as you know…)!
KathEats says
I do think healing went much faster this time. Even in the hospital i was more mobile (and presumably less swollen) than the first time. Also with a smaller tear this time too.
judy says
Which Chocolate Vega protein do you use?
KathEats says
This one: https://amzn.to/2Fw3oRk
Pat says
I love Birch’s little pumpkin hat!
Angela says
Glad to see you enjoying Fall! I remember how great it was to be out and about and social in those first few weeks! It was a real treat to be outside and in the world again!
Also, love your brown boots! Where are they from?
KathEats says
They are Lands End!
Samantha says
You keep talking about being a “new parent” like Mazen doesn’t exist. :/
KathEats says
Oh please, don’t be ridiculous. I’m using it as a general term for new mom or new dad. Mazen is getting plenty of love.
Rachel says
Oh, no one would think Mazen’s being left out!! I think Samantha is saying that it’s kind of confusing caling yourself a new mom when you’ve been a (awesome!) mom for 6 years? I mean, i get it, you’re mom to a new baby so you have a lot in common with first-time moms but your also a pro at this, haha!! I bet your newmom friends are learning a lot from u!
Allison says
I think it’s different because while this is her 2nd kid, it’s her first kid with Thomas and his first kid period. All of my children have the same father, so when 2 and 3 came along it wasn’t as big of a deal if that makes sense?
While Kath isn’t a new mom, this is a new family. Let her (and new hubby) enjoy it.
Theresa says
Randomly I thought of this… I hate the tread but recently signed up for the Peloton app for $12 a month on apple store. They have guided workouts from 20 mins up for the tread and bike. The classes fly by and there is a great online community.This is not sponsored… seriously just love the product and want to spread the joy. You and your family are stunning. Congrats!!
KathEats says
When I get to running mode I might try some guided workouts!
Julia says
I am so impressed with your relationship with Matt. My divorced parents have an amazing relationship and it has made all the difference in my life. Knowing they love and respect each other and prioritize myself and my siblings makes divorce no big deal. Kudos to you both!!
KathEats says
<3
alan says
Congrats on the beautiful baby Kath (and entire family!!!). Thru the screen, I think we all just wanna grab those cheeks 🙂
I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy each other.
Kaci says
I just love how positive you are – it just comes through in everything you say. You are so body positive, talk about being a mom to a newborn with such grace and love but you are real in discussing the days and nights, going out, exercise, etc. Coming from someone who doesn’t have kids (or rather kids with fur 🙂 ), it’s a welcomed treat to hear motherhood talked about in such a beautiful way rather than hearing “I hate my body” “I’m so tired” “Oh you just wait til you have one cause it’s so lonely” etc. Not to say those things are not of content and value, but I dislike being inundated with all the negativity.
Happy Thanksgiving to your sweet family! <3
PS: Samantha is a moron in my book….NOBODY thinks you don't love Mazen just as much and I 100% understand you saying "a new mom". Then last time you had a newborn was SIX years ago….things have changed since then.
KathEats says
Xoxoxo
Kori says
So well said, Kaci, and I couldn’t agree more!! Kath, I just love your realness, positivity, how genuine you are, and your content. I definitely do not read your words to mean you don’t love Mazen or that you view your relationship with him as any less than! That is ridiculous! When Rachel (our oldest cat) came into our lives, we were parents [purr-ents 😉 ]. But our motherhood changed when Mason (our middle cat) came into our lives and then again when Jackson (our youngest) became our third baby. It’s an evolution of motherhood/parenthood. Birch is adorable, and I wish you all the best Thanksgiving!
Lisa Clarke says
I smiled to see Matt’s delicous-looking pie crust on the blog again! 🙂
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
So jealous right now I haven’t had any cinco yet! Lol need some vino or a pumpkin blue moon!
Jill says
Hi Kath! Enjoying all your new baby posts 🙂 Question for you… I am expecting twins in the spring (first time mom!). My husband works A LOT (nights / weekends / all the time – we have our own real estate business), and my parents thankfully live 1/5 mile down the street. SEVERAL people have suggested getting help with nights for the first few weeks, a night doula or night nanny. I never thought I would consider this, but it is sounding more appealing. The rationale is not to burn my parents, and husband me totally out in the beginning (marathon not a sprint?). I plan to breastfeed, so it would really be help with changing, monitoring, putting babies back to sleep, etc. I know it’s a personal question, but as a new mom, I wanted to get your thoughts on this. I will be working minimal hours from home at the beginning… but will need to do some work from home. Any thoughts appreciated, from readers too! 🙂
KathEats says
Oh man, twins! Double the love, double the things to do. I think hiring some help for those first early days is a really good idea if your budget can swing it. With just one baby both Thomas and I have been pretty maxed out, so I think having a ratio of more adults to babies is a great idea. I have had a few blog readers recommend night nurses or postpartum doulas to me, and while I think it’s a great idea I couldn’t justify the cost. But if I were having twins I definitely would!
Jill says
Thanks so much. I am going to look into it! Happy thanksgiving to you and your family! <3