Look what happened yesterday:
I cannot believe it’s been two months since Baby T came into the world! We totally lucked out with this little man – he is the epitome of an easy baby. He is sleeping through the night. I’m talking from 10pm until about 6:30am, when I wake him to breastfeed.
Remember when I said my pregnancy with Tanner was rough and Fran said he never wanted to hear that I missed being pregnant? Well, instead I’ve been suggesting a third baby might be a good idea. Every time Roman has a tantrum or misbehaves, Fran just holds up three fingers wordlessly and gives me a look. What can I say, I love this mama gig! 😉
Anyway, at two months postpartum, life is getting a little more normal. I’m going back to training clients in July, I’ve started running again (more about that on Friday) and after back-to-back visits from my parents and Fran’s mom, we are just now getting into the swing of being a family of four.
And I’m even getting some time for blog reading! Today I wanted to share a little link love with a few articles that I’ve loved reading, or have resonated with me.
I was shocked when I read Allie’s blog post about being diagnosed with vitiligo. I love Allie – I’m happy to call her a true friend. So when I read this, I started crying. In true Allie form, she shared it because she wanted to help other people who were diagnosed and then two days later was already joking about it. The woman just redefines grace under pressure.
Speaking of strong, amazing mamas, I am way behind the times in that I only started reading Sarah’s blog, Run Far Girl when she was pregnant with her youngest, baby Liam (who’s a couple of weeks younger than Tanner). When I get into a new blog, I like to do some exploring and read old posts and learn more about the blogger, which is how I began reading her son Jack’s story. And sobbing uncontrollably.
But I haven’t only been reading sob stories, promise! Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice is a triathlete, baby! On Sunday she competed in her first outdoor triathlon. I’m looking forward to reading her recap, but it was her post about her first open water swim and all the feelings she had after it was over that blew me away. This year, Marcia’s been learning to swim well enough to compete, despite it being a struggle for her. The woman is such an athlete.
I’m psyched to try this Baby at the Barre workout that Brittany put together! How cute is her son Cooper? 🙂 Later this week I’m going to try to make it to a baby and mama yoga class, but I love that I can just do this workout in my living room.
Sports drinks like Gatorade just don’t do it for me. I don’t like the taste and all the many, many ingredients kind of freak me out. After a long run in the summer, I usually go for coconut water, but that’s kind of boring. Luckily Lisa at RunWiki has come up with natural, no-sugar-added recipes for sports drinks. And her kids love them! I am definitely going to try them out.
Do you get into a funk of feeling like you have to do everything all at once? And then invariably don’t get anything accomplished? Well, that’s me in a nutshell and a few posts have been reminding me to calm down. I read Kimberly’s post on the importance of taking a mental wellness break. Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama discussed balance and what it’s okay to prioritize in everyday life. And to help keep everything streamlined, Melissa gave tips on decluttering, while Amanda from Diary of a Semi-Health Nut shared advice on working from home effectively (i.e. without distracting yourself).
Is there a theme to the articles I wanted to share with you guys? Well, I guess you could say I’m aiming at being a strong, kickass mama and athlete, getting back into shape post-baby, making my own running fuel, taking it easy on myself while still being super productive and organized. That should be a cinch! Ha ha ha. But then I also read Christine’s article about getting out of your own way of success. Sorted!
And finally, not a fun post to share, but one of my very favorite bloggers has called it a day – the inimitable Kim from Day With KT is taking a break from blogging to focus on her businesses. Kim was the very first person who didn’t know me personally who commented on one of my blog posts. And hers was one of the first blogs that I really became invested in – you know, one you read every week because the writer has become like an old friend and you want to catch up with them. I will miss reading Kim’s posts!
What have you been reading?
Are you working towards something this summer?
Such a sweet, sweet picture at the end! I’m so glad things are going well for you–easy babies rock! Love all the links you shared. I miss KT, too!
misszippy recently posted…I make poor marathon choices
Yes, even though there are moments I’m at the end of my rope with Roman occasionally, I LOVE being a mama of two! And I really miss Kim!
Thank you so much for sharing my story Carly. I cannot tell you how much your kindness meant to me the day I posted that. While I was out doing speed work on the trails yesterday I started thinking about what you said about my strength and it helped push me along! You are such a great friend and I truly appreciate that friendship!!
I also love most of the links/bloggers you mentioned and the rest…are a must read!
Happy humpday mama!!
Allie recently posted…Work On Your Weakness
You inspire me with your strength and I am so happy to have met you through blogging! xoxo
Thanks so much for the shout out my friend! I swear if I can get myself through the swim portion of a tri, anyone can. Love you in your fun Spandits and oh my so much cuteness I cannot stand it! I see both you and Fran in that little face!
Marcia recently posted…Race Report: Espirit de She Triathlon
So happy for you for achieving such a major goal! I am so impressed with you. I can’t imagine ever getting to the point of doing a trip, but I am fascinated by trip training and reading about how bloody hard it is!
I can’t believe Baby T is 2 months old!! He’s so cute. Love the photo of the boys together. Thanks so much for including my post. xo
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…3 Easy Smoothie Recipes
You’re welcome! xoxo
What a dandy little fellow! I love to look at his hands, so cute!
he’s a sweetheart!
Your baby is so so sweet! Carly, you have the biggest heart! I can feel that you are an incredibly empathetic and passionate person ( I can relate) and I love ya for it! I read Allie’s touching story too– I have Vitaligo as well and it’s not easy, especially when your passion is being outdoors in the sun- so much that I could relate to. Thank you so much for all of your support on Pinterest and sharing.. not only are you a heart with arms and legs, but you are incredibly generous and kind. xoxoxoxoxo
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted…DIY Homemade All Natural- No Sugar Added Electrolyte Sports Drink
I had no idea you had Vitaligo as well – I’m sorry you have to deal with that, it must be so hard to have to be constantly vigilant about the sun and protection. And I love our Pinterest love affair, I read all the posts of yours that I pin and I love how much you want to share and help people. Much love back at you! xoxo
What!? How is he two months old already!? Who lets these babies grow up so fast? I remember being so thankful that I had so much help initially but I was so glad when everyone left us alone and we could just be a family of three. It takes some time to figure out that new dynamic.
I recently thought about my pregnancy and then thanked my lucky stars I was so no longer pregnant. Not my favorite thing! 🙂
Thanks so much for including me in the links! I really hope you enjoy the ab workout. I’ve found that abs are the most difficult for me postpartum!
Britt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…Fashion Fix with Stitch Fix (5 Looks 3 Ways)
Oh I was not a fan of being pregnant the second time around. And I’m sure if we do it again it will be miserable. But oh so worth it! (Convincing Fran is proving tricky).
More power to you, C. Already looking toward #3!
Thank you for including my post. Perhaps you can give me tips on how you keep sane because parenting seems to zap many of my brain cells!
Melissa Burton recently posted…#Giveaway for IDEA World Fitness BlogFest 2015 in Los Angeles!
Who said I’m sane??! ha ha ha ha.
You’re cracking me up. Our first baby was the easier one in every way. Des was easy too, but not quite as much. My brother had the reverse – colic with the first and an easy second. He said to his wife, “So #3??” And #2 was only a month old at that point! ha!
Tanner is SO CUTE!
Tamara recently posted…An Awfully Big & Unscripted Adventure.
Thanks Tamara, we are head over heels with Tanner! And I’m still on the Number Three bandwagon. 😉