I wish my village members all lived close by – it was so great having my parents here to help out with Maze this weekend, and we were all sad to see them go this afternoon. The last 6 weeks have been totally awesome. But I do think – more than the nighttime – that the times I’m home alone for really long stretches for a few days in a row are the hardest. The more adult interaction I get and little bits of help here and there, the better everything is. More reasons we sisters need to support each other!
[In other news, the movie The Village is one of my all-time favorites!!!]
Breakfast this morning was killer – inspired by Meghann’s Apple Pie Pancakes!
Matt whipped up some Great Harvest pancake mix and then poured it on top of apples that had been sautéed in butter and a dash of brown sugar. We didn’t bake our pancake like Meghann’s dad did. Instead we just put a lid on the skillet and hoped it would cook through like a stove-top oven. It did!
Topped with Wild Squirrel and Autumn Spice Granola. Delicious!!
Coffee started me going as I showered, tidied up the house and changed all the bedding before breakfast was ready.
OH and I almost forgot – I WENT RUNNING!!! 2.5 miles right when I woke up. Grammie Buzz babysat!! My run was awesome and I felt 97% like my old self. I can’t wait to do more!
Breakfast snuggles
We all went to the bakery for a late lunch –
Half a Tofu + Pesto sandwich for me
Plus I shared this Hugh Jass salad with Matt
After we said goodbye to Buzz + Peepaw, Maze and I went on a long walk to soak up this gorgeous day.
Upon cresting 6 weeks, we have noticed a major change in his temperament. He is SO much calmer and happier during the day. He is awake (and happy) for longer stretches. And perhaps most of all – he can go to sleep on his own without crying for our help (most of the time)! This was his third stroller snooze of the weekend, and we have also noticed him getting drowsy and closing his eyes a few times at home.
Eyes open \\ eyes closed.
AND HE SLEPT FOR FIVE HOURS STRAIGHT LAST NIGHT!!
Glorious. What a big boy!
For dinner Matt and I heated up leftover soup
Topped it with greek yogurt and cayenne pepper. Loved this soup more tonight than the other night – the flavors melded and the squash broke down and thickened it up.
Multigrain sourdough on the side – dabbed with butter.
Sleepy boy! Sleepy parents.
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
Major congrats on the run! I’ll bet that felt amazing to get back into the groove. Way to go Maze on sleeping a bit longer – hopefully that becomes a habit soon. 🙂
Elizabeth says
Glad to hear Mazen slept for 5 hours and also that you are back out running.
Both sets of our parents live about 1.5-2 hours away and I’m a bit sad that when we start a family we won’t have them nearby to help. I’m also a but uneasy about regularly hosting them as overnight guests, as that just seems like a lot of work (although I’m sure they will also be very helpful…).
Where did you get that tea towel that you put near your breakfast plate? I love it! We got engaged in the castle in Disney World so we had ‘And They Live Happily Ever After” on our wedding cake.
KathEats says
Actually I was the same about guests – they wore me out a bit – but after baby they are great to have! It’s just so nice to have extra hands for baby playing, doing the dishes, company for walks, etc.
And the towel was a gift from Tina (Carrots n Cake) – maybe ask her? I don’t know where she got it – a few years ago.
Carla says
I’ve seen that towel at TJ Maxx on day. But you know how their stuff comes and goes.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Wow, that breakfast does indeed look killer! Yum! I can’t get over how big Mazen is getting! Such a cutie he is!
Cara @ I Don't Believe in Diets says
Aww so glad you got to spend time with the family. Completely makes sense that time alone can be more overwhelming. Good thing you have a great community of friends. Love it!
Nicole says
Kath! Congrats on your run & the fact that you felt great! That is so exciting. And Mazen pulling a 5 hr sleeping stretch is awesome, too. Pure bliss, girl.
That breakfast looks superb, by the way. I can imagine how rich it tasted !!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
He gets cuter every single day – congrats on your first run! 🙂
Melissa says
See, it gets better!! 🙂 Hopefully you’ve noticed a change in nursing too!
I brought my daughter home at a day shy of 4 weeks old from the NICU, and I remember the first two weeks being at home sucked LOL. I loved the mornings, but afternoons and night times, she would fuss and fuss, and nothing would calm her. But then, around week 6 or 7, it was like a switch flipped, and she changed, and I really, really, REALLY hated to go back to work! Her personality started to really grow and hasn’t stopped since LOL! I was home till week 9, and then went back. It only gets better from here.
ps, said daughter turned 4 YEARS OLD Sunday. Enjoy the wee baby moments while you can. You think these first 6 weeks have flown by?! Just wait! 😀
Kelsey says
Right now I’m babysitting for a little girl who is almost Mazen’s age – she turned 2 months yesterday! She’s absolutely adorable, but quite a handful to take care of her and her 2 big brothers! It makes me think of you and your precious little guy:)
On a side note, that pancake makes me want a second breakfast this morning!
Elle says
I love Greek yogurt!! I’ve never thought of adding it to soup, though…
Is that cubed tofu or cheese in the salad? I think I need to pick up some baby spinach at the market this week!!!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
Yay for your run! And for grandparents… When I have kids one day, I can only hope that my parents will be close by. I can’t imagine doing it without some help from the experts!
Keri says
He’s so adorable! Are you still using the rock n play? Our almost 7 week old sleeps amazing in it but i don’t know when we should transition her out! Feels like we are cheating somehow!!
KathEats says
We’re actually using the crib most nights now!
Andrea says
The Village is a great movie! Love M Night Shyamalan. I’m going to have to try that apple pancake technique. Looks delicious and so fall! 🙂 Mazens skin looks so smooth and soft… love baby skin! My mom always used to tell me when I was little that the skin on the inside of your forearm – the really soft part – is your baby skin 🙂
Sana says
Awesome run! It is funny how wonderful being able to run feels after a long break!
Mary Catherine says
You are such an inspiration! I hope I can pick right back up on running after babies just like you have!
Do you approve of any coffee creamers? All of the holiday flavor mix-ins at the office are haunting me!
KathEats says
Only if they are real food ones : ) Like some of the coconut ones are now?
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Those pancakes look like an upside down cake! I want a breakfast re-do! Ha.
Congrats on a good run!
Laura says
Kath, you have a glow lately! I know you are pretty sleep-deprived, but you look great! On an unrelated note, those pumpkins in the window are so cute. 🙂
Alicia @ Wanna Be Ina says
So glad you got a run in. You are finding your new normal, and doing a great job of it!
Jessica says
hi sweetie! adore the blog, but am not seeing a way to follow on wordpress. any suggestions?
KathEats says
I’m not quite sure what you mean by follow on wordpress? On the right sidebar you can follow the RSS feed and by email – hope those help!
Meghann says
I’m glad you enjoyed the pancakes! I’m already looking for an excuse to make them again at home. 😉
Jessica says
Did you pump before you ran? Right when I woke up, my poor boobs were always ready to explode so I either had to pump or feed my daughter right away before I could exercise.
Your tofu sandwich looks delicious! I need to go buy some tofu!
Your salads with breads chunks have inspired me, lately I have been toasting a piece of bread and putting it in my salads, holy cow it is delicious.
KathEats says
I fed him for a long time before I left
Ana says
Ahh. I remember those five hours of sleep fondly. My little one just started teething, and I’m lucky if I get three! I hope Maze keeps sleeping like that for you.
Those pancakess look delicious. I am going to try them for a Sunday brunch. I know they will be a hit.
Melissa says
I know what you mean about wishing your village was closer…I’m American but live in London and being away from our family and friends has been hardest now that we have our little one. He is one week younger than Maze. We had my in-laws out for week three and my parents for week four and both were fabulous. Going home again in two weeks which will also be wonderful.
Is Maze becoming a red head? Too cute! He’s really becoming a little man. They get big so fast! Our little Benny has put on about 3.5 pounds already!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I saw those pancakes on Meghann’s blog too, they look amazing! And congrats on all the sleep, I’m sure that was needed!
Jennifer G says
Ahh the 6th week!! Our baby girl is now 4.5 months and that 6th week was our “aha” moment also! It’s such a great feeling when it all comes together and things start to click with you and the baby (together and individually!)! You’re doing great, I love reading about how things are going! I am back at work now (sadface) and SO miss our daily walks. We do them after work and 2 great ones during the weekend!
Annette @FitnessPerks says
YAY for 5 hours straight sleep!!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Sorry you’re parents had to go. It is hard being home alone with the little one for long stretches, but once Mazen gets a little more interactive, things will get easier. Playing with them and communicating with the little ones becomes way more fun! Then you throw another one in the mix and then there’s never a dull moment! I’m glad you enjoyed the visit with your parents!
Erika says
THANK YOU for being honest about how challenging it can be to be home alone with a newborn for long periods of time! As a new mom myself (my son is coming up on 16 weeks), it’s always comforting to hear from other moms who are experiencing some of the same emotions as you are. I so admire that Matt and you take Maze to restaurants and festivals and whatnot – my husband and I haven’t been out to a restaurant since before our baby was born! One of these days…:)
the 3volution of j3nn says
Meghann’s pancake did look delicious the other day. Now I want one too. 🙂 Extra hands are definitely nice with a new baby, I can only imagine how good relief must feel!
Marilu from Kalamazoo says
He is a gorgeous baby! That last photo is beautiful. Glad things are going so well!
Kavi says
Can’t believe Maze is 6 weeks already! Glad that you’ve had so many visits with your family too. I’m sure the extra help and support goes a long way!
Lorin says
Do you think that you feel good with running because of all the walking you do? I went running yesterday for the first time since last month. I’m studying abroad in Italy and walking a lot, but haven’t had a lot of motivation to run. I felt decent except today my quads are a bit sore. I felt fine during the run though, the normal huffing occasionally. 🙂
KathEats says
I can only imagine that it helped.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I can only imagine how great it must be to have help with Maze! yay for M’s awesome grandparents. 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
The greek yogurt and cayenne pepper on the soup look delish and I find with soups or chilis, time is your friend. Flavors meld and marry better in a day or two.
That pancake is perfect looking! From one of the pics I almost thought it was a piece of a Dutch baby style pancake. Wow, I need to make things like that more often! Lovely apple chunks!
Jenn says
Kath, you look so stunning in all your photos! Such a gorgeous new mom glow through and through. Just love this blog and all the updates on life as a new mom.
Cheers!
PS. I think you’ll love our local brewery Firestone Walker’s Double Jack IPA and a recent release, Wookey Jack, a black rye IPA! Next time you’re in Cali make your way down to San Luis Obispo County and taste some fantastic wines/beer! We also have a rockin’ Farmers Market in downtown SLO every Thursday night, rain or shine.
Sara @ sarasmiles says
Kath, he’s beautiful! And I’m sure it felt so good to get out there and run…everyone needs some “me” time.
I was about to get the pesto tofu sandwich instead of the curry tuna. I was happy with my choice but I will definitely get that next time i’m in Cville! I love me some Twin Oaks tofu (if that is what it is)
Erica D says
No way, I’m also a big fan of The Village! I hate most horror movies because I’m awfully skittish, but I really enjoyed thinking about the themes of the film. Utopian society and all that. So cool!!
Amanda Cowan says
Soup is almost always more enjoyable as leftovers!! Yum!
deva by definition says
Congrats on the awesome run :-)! the pesto tofu looks fabulous – I love tofu like that, so good.
Lisa says
Morning workouts are where it’s at after you have kids! I would never get any regular exercise if I didn’t exercise in the early morning while the rest of my family sleeps. Plus, it’s “me” time. Doesn’t make it easy to roll out of bed so early but definitely worth it!
You are seriously making me crave tofu. Yes, I crave tofu. LOL.
Carrie @ The Cook's Palette says
Loving the apple pie pancake! And I have to say, you look positively radiant these days. Motherhood looks good on you!
jen says
So happy for you that you have such a beautiful little boy with a seemingly pleasant temperment, but I hear you about the days home alone being hard. I remember being home alone with my daughter and having her scream much of the day despite my every attempt at soothing, and having her projectile vomit upwards of 50 times in quantities that no normal “burp cloth” could contain. I didn’t know any other moms who could sympathize and I felt so unsure and alone some days. I just couldn’t wait for my husband to come home, both for the extra hands and the moral support!
I know some moms always feel like they really need/want adult interaction (my close friend is one, so she schedules outings every day). But for me, now that she’s older (16 months), being home with her is so much more fun! Today was a beautiful sunny day and we spent 1.5 hours outside together working in the yard and cleaning in the garage. We made bread dough together this morning and french toast for breakfast. We read lots of stories and played lots of peekaboo and spent some time making and remaking a little bed for her babydoll. We did laundry and vaccuumed, and she chattered at me the whole time.
We still have our occasional cranky day (molar teething) but most days she’s such a joyful companion and I feel so lucky to only work 2 days a week so I can spend so much time with her. I remember a big turning point for me was when she started to communicate (pointing at first). Suddenly I stopped having one-sided conversations. I had a buddy.
I look back fondly now on her babyhood. But it sure has gotten easier and more fun as she’s gotten older.
KathEats says
So sweet!
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
Gorgeous pic at the end! Well done on the run! It won’t be long before he’s chatting away and is your little side kick; and there will be so much interaction over the coming months you’ll be enthralled! Blogging I’d imagine must be a great escape when you do need the adult interaction.
Tami @Nutmeg Notebook says
How nice to be back to running and having that feeling of being “normal” again.
When I had my first baby my husband traveled every other week for work. I was left at home with baby by myself as we didn’t have any family nearby. I found a group of stay at home mom’s that had planned activities each week. It saved me from feeling so lonely.
As much as I loved being a new mom, I needed the adult interaction as well to balance it all out. If there had been internet at that time (showing my age here) that would have been one more connection to other mom’s and would have helped.
It can feel a bit “lonely” to be at home with a little baby. Getting out of the house really helps as well.
Five hours of sleep in a row – that is amazing!
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles says
Wha a great day!
Denise Laflamme Jolly says
Quel beau bébé wow il fera pleurer les femmes plus tard !!
KathEats says
: ) had mom’s help with the translation
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
Apples are the new pumpkin, ha! I was on a pumpkin kick, but that pancake has just changed everything for me now. Yum!
Stephanie says
Aww…that last picture is so cute! What a sweet face.
I had similar feelings of isolation when I had my first child–and then a second child less than a year later. I was thousands of miles away from family, in a new town where I didn’t know a single person, and my husband was out of state for work 4+ days a week. You are very fortunate to have your and Matt’s parents, a good social network, and blog friends as part of your village, even if your interactions are not as frequent or the same as they were pre-baby. It sounds like you are doing great at adjusting to your “new normal”.
Suzanne says
He is SO adorable. I swear he gets cuter every day!
Jill says
Good on you for getting out for a run! Go Mama. 🙂 I found it hard after my girl was born to be home alone a lot for days in a row–so I joined Baby Boot Camp. I highly recommend it. I think it may be in your area. You just check out BBC.com and type in your zip code. I went 3 times a week for the first year after and I was in the best shape of my life!! 🙂 Gotta go–the wee one is calling out from her nap–“Where are you Mama??” 🙂
Lauren says
The number one thing I hear my stay-at-home mom friends say they miss is that adult interaction. I’m sure it must be hard on those long days but I’m also guessing it’s incredible rewarding to spend so much time with him too. I can’t imagine how incredibly demanding but wonderful parenthood must be. 🙂
Cait says
Oh my gosh those pancakes look to die for!!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Great job with the run! I’m sure it’s a great feeling. 🙂
And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that when my husband and I decide to start a family of our own, our families are driving distance away.
Spice Chicken says
Yay, Kath! So glad to hear about the run.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Love that idea for breakfast! And I’m glad to know it works on the stove top – I’m way too lazy to turn on the oven for breakfast. 😛
Congrats on that great run!
The Healthy Apple says
Your food makes my mouth water; miss you Kath! So happy to hear about your run; have a great night.
xox
Heidi kokborg says
Congrats on the great run! 🙂 Your breakfast looks so good!
Jessica says
Your soup looks delicious. Nothing better than soup topped with greek yoghurt.
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
So true… us mommas need each other!! Motherhood is HARD and the day in and day out can get overwhelming and even depressing without the support from other parents (or friends or family!). Very thankful that Maze is turing a corner!!
Fran@BCDC says
He’s starting to look like a little person now!!
Tara says
My parents live 1.5 hours away, so I understand. I wish they were close enough for a weeknight dinner. Luckily I’m due in 3 weeks which means plenty of family time around the holidays 🙂
Also, I’m so glad someone else actually appreciates The Village! I love that movie also, and I feel like so many people just don’t “get” it. I remember when it first came out everyone complained about how the monsters weren’t real or weren’t scary or how they hated the twist. It’s about love, not monsters.
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
That apple pancake looks absolutely incredible! I must try making it 🙂
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Oh, that apple pancake looks scrumptious!
Emily @ www.main-eats.com says
Wow-I need to eat those apple pancakes ASAP!!!
Victoria B says
“I wish my village members all lived close by”…
What? Doesn’t your mother in law live in Charlottesville?
KathEats says
She does…”all” is the key word there 🙂
Angel7 says
What a big boy for sleeping for five hours during the night 🙂
I think our four week old boy has only slept for five hours or a little more one night in four weeks. I cannot wait until he sleeps a little more through the night 🙂