Monday, February 23, 2009
Five...
5 miles on the treadmill at the gym today. Mixed up the speeds a little but average was around 9:20 pace. Easy cardio-wise, but my legs and weird near-uterus muscles start feeling it around 3 miles. Plan to hop on the trainer tomorrow morning for 30-40 minutes and take the core class at night. Getting anxious about going back to work, still don't know how I'll get out the door by 7am. Thank god my mom comes Sunday.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Oh yeah, MUSCLES.
Not going to stress out about not running "enough" these days.
I work out in some fashion just about every day. I just got a trainer for the bike this week so now I can do cardio at home for those days the gym or a run outside won't happen. (I would prefer a treadmill but this fit the budget a lot better.) And I really like lifting weights. A strong upper body matters to me more now than setting PRs this year, even though my ego wants to be able to say I got faster after pregnancy. I'll settle for being stronger.
Just trying to give myself permission to change my goals. I'm not abandoning all goals, just going for one that is more attainable. I'm just not finding time to do long runs, at least in this weather, with the BOB, and once I go back to work I think I just won't want to go out for 1.5-2 hours to run. I'll still run, just more for fun, or shorter distances (I still want to do speed work). And if I bike more or lift more than I run, I want to feel good about that and not lament the fact that I'm not running. Lifting makes me feel...strong.
Um, geez, this shouldn't surprise me. Consider the title of my blog!
I work out in some fashion just about every day. I just got a trainer for the bike this week so now I can do cardio at home for those days the gym or a run outside won't happen. (I would prefer a treadmill but this fit the budget a lot better.) And I really like lifting weights. A strong upper body matters to me more now than setting PRs this year, even though my ego wants to be able to say I got faster after pregnancy. I'll settle for being stronger.
Just trying to give myself permission to change my goals. I'm not abandoning all goals, just going for one that is more attainable. I'm just not finding time to do long runs, at least in this weather, with the BOB, and once I go back to work I think I just won't want to go out for 1.5-2 hours to run. I'll still run, just more for fun, or shorter distances (I still want to do speed work). And if I bike more or lift more than I run, I want to feel good about that and not lament the fact that I'm not running. Lifting makes me feel...strong.
Um, geez, this shouldn't surprise me. Consider the title of my blog!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Definition
The coveted vein in my biceps is back. Which surprises me. I have been lifting more and I have been sure to do more biceps than usual. But my body fat is up too. Maybe it's lower body though, hips and stomach, and my upper body has escaped it.
When I was lifting today, my friend was training a client (older guy) and when he went to get water she told me that he had commented on my being a "strong woman." Is it too early to take Andra to the weight room and expose her to this good body image stuff???
When I was lifting today, my friend was training a client (older guy) and when he went to get water she told me that he had commented on my being a "strong woman." Is it too early to take Andra to the weight room and expose her to this good body image stuff???
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunny day run
Ran 5.5 miles today, a cold, bright, sunny, perfect day for running. I pushed Andra for one 1.5 mile loop, Fred pushed her for the second, and then I did a 2.5 mile loop to finish. I was in such a good mood, just being out there, running sometimes with friends and sometimes by myself. When I got back to the parking lot and Fred said Andra was "going nuts" crying, I surprised myself by just going with the flow and not getting annoyed or frustrated (with one or both of them!). I realized then how important running is, and will be, to my sanity.
The first 4 miles felt great, the last 1.5 a little harder (I pushed from 3-4 miles). I still feel muscles/ligaments/something around my uterus/groin that I didn't used to feel pre-pregnancy, so things are good but not totally normal still. Fine for where I want to be now, slowly building up my long run. I hope to do 6 next week and soon be doing 8 at least twice a month. My next half isn't until the end of June, so I don't really feel the need to push the distance yet. I should still be focusing on weights. I have 2 more weeks til I go back to work, so I should take advantage of that because it could take me a couple weeks to get into a new routine in March.
The first 4 miles felt great, the last 1.5 a little harder (I pushed from 3-4 miles). I still feel muscles/ligaments/something around my uterus/groin that I didn't used to feel pre-pregnancy, so things are good but not totally normal still. Fine for where I want to be now, slowly building up my long run. I hope to do 6 next week and soon be doing 8 at least twice a month. My next half isn't until the end of June, so I don't really feel the need to push the distance yet. I should still be focusing on weights. I have 2 more weeks til I go back to work, so I should take advantage of that because it could take me a couple weeks to get into a new routine in March.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Playgroup
So it's something every mom should do at least once...go to a playgroup. Through our YWCA, I found one for moms (face it, these things are not designed for the babies) of babies around Andra's age. 5 of us ended up on the emails, and we met today. It was just over a mile from my house, but - and this is so important to understand - in a different town. I live in the "city," playgroup was in the "suburb." The rich suburb. So I was doubly skeptical, but as my husband kindly pointed out to me that I was going in determined to hate it, I tried not to roll my eyes as I walked in and met these women. (They were all there before me, I walked over with the BOB since it was relatively nice out and I wasn't thinking I was motivated enough to go to the gym today - though I did lift weights some at home this morning).
I was underdressed. How does one underdress for playgroup? Well, for starters, I didn't have my 12 carat engagement ring on. Or my 6 carat diamond earrings. And silly me, I forgot to tell my housekeeper to pick up my $350 jeans from the dry cleaners. Andra looks cute, but is also not wearing designer clothes (not at the rate she's been spitting up lately!). One of the first topics of conversation is about furniture and things their designers have picked out (most of these women are fairly new to the area). Only one woman was remotely chubby (she was the nicest one). Obviously none of them buy baby things used on Craigslist (I will admit I did wonder if it would've been worth it to buy a new swing, the used one I got is older and not nearly as nice as the one I saw today). Even the mom who was a personal trainer seemed fake (she was, of course, the only one who worked).
At any rate, once Andra started to smell (major poop confirmed a little later at home), and after she raspberried some of her spit-up all over the fancy coffee table, we made our exit. Clearly she was as unimpressed as I.
We won't be going back...
On other notes, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill yesterday after some weights. This is the first time I've passed 3.5 miles on the damn thing since...well, probably October. I've run farther outside, but not in.
I was underdressed. How does one underdress for playgroup? Well, for starters, I didn't have my 12 carat engagement ring on. Or my 6 carat diamond earrings. And silly me, I forgot to tell my housekeeper to pick up my $350 jeans from the dry cleaners. Andra looks cute, but is also not wearing designer clothes (not at the rate she's been spitting up lately!). One of the first topics of conversation is about furniture and things their designers have picked out (most of these women are fairly new to the area). Only one woman was remotely chubby (she was the nicest one). Obviously none of them buy baby things used on Craigslist (I will admit I did wonder if it would've been worth it to buy a new swing, the used one I got is older and not nearly as nice as the one I saw today). Even the mom who was a personal trainer seemed fake (she was, of course, the only one who worked).
At any rate, once Andra started to smell (major poop confirmed a little later at home), and after she raspberried some of her spit-up all over the fancy coffee table, we made our exit. Clearly she was as unimpressed as I.
We won't be going back...
On other notes, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill yesterday after some weights. This is the first time I've passed 3.5 miles on the damn thing since...well, probably October. I've run farther outside, but not in.
Funny faces
I took these pictures 2 weeks ago. Such a little pickle!
The last picture show how much her hemangioma has changed in 2 months. Barely visible on day 1.
The last picture show how much her hemangioma has changed in 2 months. Barely visible on day 1.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Doctors
We went into the city today to have Andra's hemangioma evaluated by a dermatologist our pediatrician recommended. We had the consult, then were told that the office had mis-informed us about his accepting our insurance. Everyone else in his practice took it, but not him. Ok, well, he was very clinical and not so personal anyway, so we then went to see another (female) doc whom we liked much better! Both recommended laser treatments to speed the involution of the birthmark. It could take up to 10 years on its own, less than 5 with laser, and probably better results. Given its size and prominent location on her little forehead, we went ahead. I wasn't expecting the treatment to begin that day, but since they could fit us in and we were there, we did. It took all of about 15 seconds, during which they basically zapped it with a pen-sized laser. A little scary, but we'd known what to expect. I've had a wart on my hand similarly zapped, so I know what it feels like - it hurts, but only during the 15 seconds. Still..my poor baby. She, of course, was napping, and did NOT like being woken up that way! Sounds like we'll have those treatments every other week, for at least 10 treatments. Yippee. Did I mention also that I hate driving into the city, and I'll have to take her by myself for most of them given my more flexible work schedule?
She was good today though...we definitely changed up her schedule on her, so she was more cranky than usual tonight, but during the day she was a gem. Before her appointment, I had my WedMD interview. We had to go to this studio, and it was a little intimidating. Very professional, like, OK, this is real? Guess I was expecting it to be a little bit low-tech. But they sent me to make-up and the host doctor guy had cue cards all made up with my name and stuff. They were interviewing different people with RA all day. I think the deal is that WebMD will have a bunch of these short clips on the website soon highlighting how people are living with RA. There was a "yoga" girl, a mom with RA, a mom whose little girl has JRA, and, according to the printed schedule, I was the "exceptional fitness example!" Ha! Although if I think of myself as someone with a crippling disease, I guess I do fit that title. I just tend not to think of myself that way. At any rate, Andra slept right up until we should have been done with the inteview...if everything had gone according to schedule. As it was, she woke up hungry (understandably, it had been 4 hours which is unheard of in the morning for her) and squawked right in the middle! So we had to retake part of it after Fred hustled her out for a quick walk in the 60 degree NYC weather. But she let us eat lunch in a deli and walk back to her appointment, remained on the verge of a breakdown until we got out of the waiting room into the exam room, and slept in the car on the way home.
My reward for this was a massage tonight by my friend who's in massage therapy school. She has amazing hands. I'm the type who likes to FEEL my massage - if it doesn't hurt a little bit, it's not worth it. More often than not I've left massages feeling frustrated, not relaxed! Luz's are NOT that way. Plus she always asks about the pressure, more, less? So she doesn't leave it to me to speak up, which can be awkward. She's taking a pathology class this semester and has to do a "project" on someone with a disease: ME! Lucky me! Lots of massages, and focusing on my arms. Who'd have though you could get a half-hour massage on just one arm and still not feel like you wanted it to end??? Since my wrists don't bend (I think I have about a 40-degree range of motion...I don't even know what normal is anymore, but I'm guessing close to 180 - if you comment, can you leave me a degree estimate of your own?), the tendons and muscles in my forearms never get stretched out. Imagine running and never stretching your calves - eventually, ouch, right? I hadn't even really noticed, but now - I notice. It was absolute heaven.
Of course, even though I snuck out of the house thinking Andra was asleep, I'm pretty sure she woke up right after and cried the whole time. Fred won't tell me (smart) but...well, I know. I tell myself they both just need practice together, and that will only happen if I go out, but it's hard.
Long post. Andra hasn't woken up again, poor thing, so I'm taking that as a safe cue to go to bed.
She was good today though...we definitely changed up her schedule on her, so she was more cranky than usual tonight, but during the day she was a gem. Before her appointment, I had my WedMD interview. We had to go to this studio, and it was a little intimidating. Very professional, like, OK, this is real? Guess I was expecting it to be a little bit low-tech. But they sent me to make-up and the host doctor guy had cue cards all made up with my name and stuff. They were interviewing different people with RA all day. I think the deal is that WebMD will have a bunch of these short clips on the website soon highlighting how people are living with RA. There was a "yoga" girl, a mom with RA, a mom whose little girl has JRA, and, according to the printed schedule, I was the "exceptional fitness example!" Ha! Although if I think of myself as someone with a crippling disease, I guess I do fit that title. I just tend not to think of myself that way. At any rate, Andra slept right up until we should have been done with the inteview...if everything had gone according to schedule. As it was, she woke up hungry (understandably, it had been 4 hours which is unheard of in the morning for her) and squawked right in the middle! So we had to retake part of it after Fred hustled her out for a quick walk in the 60 degree NYC weather. But she let us eat lunch in a deli and walk back to her appointment, remained on the verge of a breakdown until we got out of the waiting room into the exam room, and slept in the car on the way home.
My reward for this was a massage tonight by my friend who's in massage therapy school. She has amazing hands. I'm the type who likes to FEEL my massage - if it doesn't hurt a little bit, it's not worth it. More often than not I've left massages feeling frustrated, not relaxed! Luz's are NOT that way. Plus she always asks about the pressure, more, less? So she doesn't leave it to me to speak up, which can be awkward. She's taking a pathology class this semester and has to do a "project" on someone with a disease: ME! Lucky me! Lots of massages, and focusing on my arms. Who'd have though you could get a half-hour massage on just one arm and still not feel like you wanted it to end??? Since my wrists don't bend (I think I have about a 40-degree range of motion...I don't even know what normal is anymore, but I'm guessing close to 180 - if you comment, can you leave me a degree estimate of your own?), the tendons and muscles in my forearms never get stretched out. Imagine running and never stretching your calves - eventually, ouch, right? I hadn't even really noticed, but now - I notice. It was absolute heaven.
Of course, even though I snuck out of the house thinking Andra was asleep, I'm pretty sure she woke up right after and cried the whole time. Fred won't tell me (smart) but...well, I know. I tell myself they both just need practice together, and that will only happen if I go out, but it's hard.
Long post. Andra hasn't woken up again, poor thing, so I'm taking that as a safe cue to go to bed.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Feel like a slacker
I'm feeling like I'm not getting into the swing of this baby thing. I do try to get out once a day, but even then I try to time it for when Andra's sleeping (which is not predictable, am I supposed to be trying to get her on a schedule or something??) to avoid the possibility of a crying baby in public. Even though she's so good, I don't want to deal with that.
Last Thursday I went to a lactation thing at the pediatrician's. I got some questions answered about going back to work (and then ordered an electric double breast pump...oh boy) and met a couple other new moms (Andra was the big kid at 8 weeks). Friday 2 of those moms and I went to another new mom thing at the hospital, and then out to lunch. It was actually nice being out with other people in the same place in life...and with potentially loud babies. They all slept though (or at least were quiet). Less stressful somehow?
Yesterday (50 degrees here) I had planned to test out the BOB on my favorite short run with some friends, including one of the new moms who has run marathons, but hasn't run since getting pregnant (IVF, didn't want to take chances). So I was SUPER excited. Woke up feeling hung-over though. Not that I had had anything to drink, but it sure felt like it. Ended up puking more than I think I ever have, slept most of the day on the couch, felt guilty for not playing with Andra more, and felt really badly that I canceled on this new possible friend.
So after not eating pretty much at all yesterday, probably being pretty dehydrated (I lost 5 pounds between Sunday morning and today...you think?), I feel mostly fine today and think I should go work out. I won't, we just went for a half-hour walk to test the BOB. But I feel like a slacker. I still haven't run more than 5 miles (which would be fine with me actually, for February, if it hadn't been just one time). I am lifting and actually working out at least 5-6 times a week so I know I'm NOT a slacker. But I am not exactly getting used to worrying about when I can go. I even feel bad leaving her with my husband, as he's not really sure yet how to deal with her when she cries (which makes me feel bad for both of them). It'll get easier as she gets older, right?? Of course as I am typing this, she's been a happy angel in her bouncy, talking to herself, smiling...I couldn't ask for more. Yet being home is easier than being out and NOT KNOWING what could happen.
I realize this is a ramble.
On a totally different topic, we are going into the city Wednesday for a dermatologist appointment for Andra's hemangioma, and also WebMD is doing a series on RA and they are interviewing me for it! I'll be sure to post the link when it's up.
Last Thursday I went to a lactation thing at the pediatrician's. I got some questions answered about going back to work (and then ordered an electric double breast pump...oh boy) and met a couple other new moms (Andra was the big kid at 8 weeks). Friday 2 of those moms and I went to another new mom thing at the hospital, and then out to lunch. It was actually nice being out with other people in the same place in life...and with potentially loud babies. They all slept though (or at least were quiet). Less stressful somehow?
Yesterday (50 degrees here) I had planned to test out the BOB on my favorite short run with some friends, including one of the new moms who has run marathons, but hasn't run since getting pregnant (IVF, didn't want to take chances). So I was SUPER excited. Woke up feeling hung-over though. Not that I had had anything to drink, but it sure felt like it. Ended up puking more than I think I ever have, slept most of the day on the couch, felt guilty for not playing with Andra more, and felt really badly that I canceled on this new possible friend.
So after not eating pretty much at all yesterday, probably being pretty dehydrated (I lost 5 pounds between Sunday morning and today...you think?), I feel mostly fine today and think I should go work out. I won't, we just went for a half-hour walk to test the BOB. But I feel like a slacker. I still haven't run more than 5 miles (which would be fine with me actually, for February, if it hadn't been just one time). I am lifting and actually working out at least 5-6 times a week so I know I'm NOT a slacker. But I am not exactly getting used to worrying about when I can go. I even feel bad leaving her with my husband, as he's not really sure yet how to deal with her when she cries (which makes me feel bad for both of them). It'll get easier as she gets older, right?? Of course as I am typing this, she's been a happy angel in her bouncy, talking to herself, smiling...I couldn't ask for more. Yet being home is easier than being out and NOT KNOWING what could happen.
I realize this is a ramble.
On a totally different topic, we are going into the city Wednesday for a dermatologist appointment for Andra's hemangioma, and also WebMD is doing a series on RA and they are interviewing me for it! I'll be sure to post the link when it's up.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Cranky baby
Despite logging 9 hours (10:30pm-7:30am) of uninterrupted sleep last night, Andra's morning good mood only lasted an hour or so and then she got really cranky. Almost fell asleep a couple times but didn't. I was getting equally cranky...so off to the gym we went. She fell asleep, I got in a decent workout (back and biceps, then 2.5 miles at a 9:00 pace and some stretching), and she even slept long enough for me to go to the library for some books and Runner's Worlds, and to get a shower when I got home. Now she's cranky again, but I'm hoping more food does the trick.
Last night I gave her a pacifier after a marathon boob-chewing session. She had taken one before, then stopped, but last night it worked again. I'm trying limited use of it, although the pediatrician said not to worry til 6 months or so when they start forming habits and losing the need to suck so much. Still, when it works, it seems too good to be true.
Last Friday I had lunch with my "coach" Kathy, my former student's Ironmom who helped me with a training plan for my marathon last year. It's obviously running focused (leading up to a half at the end of June), and doesn't officially start til March, so I have 4 weeks to keep focusing on weights. My plan is to do both a few days, and then just one or the other once a week. But when I do both, weights come first! That is opposite what I usually do but will hopefully lead to better results. Then come March, everything changes.My mom comes for a month, I go back to work, and I have to take the running plan seriously. Kathy was not very sympathetic about how I am going to fit workouts in; she told me twice a week I will do them before school (because I don't have a 1st period class), and twice before I go home (guess I will have to figure out the pumping thing after all), and then weekends supposedly it will be easier because my husband is home. I need this kick in the butt, it's a little scary, but today showed me that I NEED to workout, to have that time that is just for me. So I will do it.
Last night I gave her a pacifier after a marathon boob-chewing session. She had taken one before, then stopped, but last night it worked again. I'm trying limited use of it, although the pediatrician said not to worry til 6 months or so when they start forming habits and losing the need to suck so much. Still, when it works, it seems too good to be true.
Last Friday I had lunch with my "coach" Kathy, my former student's Ironmom who helped me with a training plan for my marathon last year. It's obviously running focused (leading up to a half at the end of June), and doesn't officially start til March, so I have 4 weeks to keep focusing on weights. My plan is to do both a few days, and then just one or the other once a week. But when I do both, weights come first! That is opposite what I usually do but will hopefully lead to better results. Then come March, everything changes.My mom comes for a month, I go back to work, and I have to take the running plan seriously. Kathy was not very sympathetic about how I am going to fit workouts in; she told me twice a week I will do them before school (because I don't have a 1st period class), and twice before I go home (guess I will have to figure out the pumping thing after all), and then weekends supposedly it will be easier because my husband is home. I need this kick in the butt, it's a little scary, but today showed me that I NEED to workout, to have that time that is just for me. So I will do it.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
"Long" run
I ran outside today for the first time since Thanksgiving. 5.4 miles, no watch, really NICE. I'm pleasantly sore today. And the run kept me from eating much during the Superbowl (not that I could even tell you who played). Felt good to do a "long" run again.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Weights for weight
Long time since I've posted. It's not nearly as fast to type one-handed, that's certainly part of it! Can't claim to be too tired...Andra logged 9 hours straight last night, and we managed to put her down at 10 (usually it's more like 11 or 11:30). I usually wake her up between 7-7:30 every morning, though I am hoping I can gradually transition her back an hour...asleep by 9-10 every night, up at 6, since I only have 4 more weeks of leave and I am stressing out about how I will manage to get out the door by 7 every morning. I'm glad my mom will be staying with us for a few weeks for that reason, I won't have to worry about getting things (bottles, clothes, etc.) ready for Fred to take with her to daycare. Although when she does go to daycare, I will say that I absolutely love the woman who runs the home daycare she will go to. Plus, she just had her first baby 2 weeks before Andra was born, and so she gets the whole new-mom thing.
As for workouts...I am trying to get more intense. I'd say I've managed well to get back into a routine, working out at least 5 days a week now. The gym daycare is great, and I try to go when it's less busy. I took Andra out for an hour-long walk in the Baby Bjorn Monday when it finally hit 40 (or thereabouts), and she did great. My friend Bea (formerly my trainer when I had extra $$) and I have worked out together twice this week - Tuesday we did am arm workout and today we ran and did some back stuff. She will kick my butt on weights, making fun of me if I take "baby weights" (the girl has seriously huge muscles) and I don't like to be made fun of, so I work harder than otherwise. I pushed her to run more than she would have today (we did intervals, though in total only 3.5 miles, I'm still not loving the treadmill again), so it was a nice exchange. I've decided I need to focus more on weights and less on running if I want to lose the weight I've gained since Andra's birth. I assume once I stop breastfeeding it will come off, but it's annoying that I was 146 when I got pregnant, 145 a week or so after delivery, and 153 now. But weights are more important than running, since my only running goals for a while involve distances 10k or shorter. So I do want to start longer runs outside on Sundays (or sooner if I get the BOB attachment and it warms up) but other than than, 2 focused running days a week and 4 lifting days (with maybe 2 miles of running after as bonus if I have time) will be my goal. I'll never get all 7 days in, but I will plan 7 and just take a day off when I need it.
As for workouts...I am trying to get more intense. I'd say I've managed well to get back into a routine, working out at least 5 days a week now. The gym daycare is great, and I try to go when it's less busy. I took Andra out for an hour-long walk in the Baby Bjorn Monday when it finally hit 40 (or thereabouts), and she did great. My friend Bea (formerly my trainer when I had extra $$) and I have worked out together twice this week - Tuesday we did am arm workout and today we ran and did some back stuff. She will kick my butt on weights, making fun of me if I take "baby weights" (the girl has seriously huge muscles) and I don't like to be made fun of, so I work harder than otherwise. I pushed her to run more than she would have today (we did intervals, though in total only 3.5 miles, I'm still not loving the treadmill again), so it was a nice exchange. I've decided I need to focus more on weights and less on running if I want to lose the weight I've gained since Andra's birth. I assume once I stop breastfeeding it will come off, but it's annoying that I was 146 when I got pregnant, 145 a week or so after delivery, and 153 now. But weights are more important than running, since my only running goals for a while involve distances 10k or shorter. So I do want to start longer runs outside on Sundays (or sooner if I get the BOB attachment and it warms up) but other than than, 2 focused running days a week and 4 lifting days (with maybe 2 miles of running after as bonus if I have time) will be my goal. I'll never get all 7 days in, but I will plan 7 and just take a day off when I need it.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Savvy marketing
So it's been almost 6 weeks. It's still a little up in the air when I'm going to go back to school, but I think I can stretch it to March 2. I negotiated a little bit with our HR guy to give me a couple extra paid days in exchange for me grading my students' midterm exam...which is a pain in the ass, takes hours and hours (not a typical test, it's a series of labs and problems the kids work on for 2+ weeks beforehand), and which my non-certified sub can't officially grade. Since the HR guy denied my personal day last April to run the Nashville marathon, I now play by the rules, and I told my assistant principal and department chair that I would gladly grade it for a couple extra paid days, but that truthfully I couldn't care less what happens to it or the kids' grades if he denied it. Not when we're only allowed to use 6 weeks of sick leave, despite the fact that I have over 100 days I haven't used in the 8 years I've been there. Turns out the AP convinced him to give me 2 extra paid days, which is probably worth it (that's like 2 weeks of day care).
At any rate, I have to figure out what I'm going to do about breastfeeding when I go back. Surprisingly, I sort of like it. It's very peaceful, and easy, and convenient. I guess ideally I'd still breastfeed in the mornings, late afternoons and evenings. I just don't want to worry about pumping, so I'm happy to have her have formula during the day when I'm not there. But I also don't want to deal with leaky boobs during the school day. So I'm thinking I should start to transition a little now, get on some sort of schedule...right now, I pretty much feed her whenever she's hungry, which can be random - every hour for a while, then after a 4 hour nap, or maybe there's no nap that day, so... She takes bottles or either breastmilk or formula no problem, but it's just so much easier when I'm with her to just pull out the boob. I figure if I start by replacing one feeding a day with formula, like around 11 or 12, that's a start? Anyone have any ideas or advice? Is this something I should talk to a lactation counselor about? I never had any problems so I've never used one before...
At any rate, in the mail today I got 2 free cans of Enfamil, along with a variety of coupons. I guess they know 6 weeks is standard maternity leave, and about the time a lot of women give up breastfeeding or at least start supplementing. As much as I know it's marketing, it does make it easier to do it when they send me the formula for free...
Ack, it really is stressful thinking about going back to work. Luckily, there'll only be 3 and a half months til summer...
At any rate, I have to figure out what I'm going to do about breastfeeding when I go back. Surprisingly, I sort of like it. It's very peaceful, and easy, and convenient. I guess ideally I'd still breastfeed in the mornings, late afternoons and evenings. I just don't want to worry about pumping, so I'm happy to have her have formula during the day when I'm not there. But I also don't want to deal with leaky boobs during the school day. So I'm thinking I should start to transition a little now, get on some sort of schedule...right now, I pretty much feed her whenever she's hungry, which can be random - every hour for a while, then after a 4 hour nap, or maybe there's no nap that day, so... She takes bottles or either breastmilk or formula no problem, but it's just so much easier when I'm with her to just pull out the boob. I figure if I start by replacing one feeding a day with formula, like around 11 or 12, that's a start? Anyone have any ideas or advice? Is this something I should talk to a lactation counselor about? I never had any problems so I've never used one before...
At any rate, in the mail today I got 2 free cans of Enfamil, along with a variety of coupons. I guess they know 6 weeks is standard maternity leave, and about the time a lot of women give up breastfeeding or at least start supplementing. As much as I know it's marketing, it does make it easier to do it when they send me the formula for free...
Ack, it really is stressful thinking about going back to work. Luckily, there'll only be 3 and a half months til summer...
Gym day care
Made it to boot camp Saturday morning, but had to take Sunday off as we had 2 sets of company (my brother, sister-in-law and niece came for lunch, then the inlaws for dinner) and in between, I had to tutor for a couple hours (midterms this week...great for the stay-at-home-a-little-longer fund). Monday morning Andra woke me up around 5:30 (plus she was up once in the middle of the night...I think I'm letting her sleep too much in the evening, not that I really have any success keeping her awake when I try). I was actually glad I was forced to get up early, because that meant by 7am I was dressed for the gym, Andra was fed, and I was able to put her in the bouncy seat next to the bed and run away before she fussed, thus making me feel guilty for not warning Fred I would be gone. I got in a good 3.25 mile run. Can a tempo run be as short as 2.5 miles? I was trying to run hard, which for now was about an 8 minute mile...I think I varied the pace a bit, but the bulk was right around 8:06, and half an hour is about all I have time for these days if I want to fit in any lifting. I managed just 2 exercises for my back (including the dreaded pull-ups) and 2 for biceps, but I lifted heavy and am sore today.
Today Andra also woke up early, but I opted to nap with her on the couch from 7-9am instead of hitting the gym early. I knew Fred wouldn't make it home in time for me to go to the core class I love, so this was the day I figured out day care at the gym. I made a noon reservation because they told me there were no other kids signed up and it was usually a quiet time. Andra fell asleep in the car, and even though there were plenty of kids (maybe 5) when we got there, she slept the whole time. I did an easier 3, I had wanted to do 4 but psyched myself out. Technically I could leave Andra there for an hour and a half, but an hour sounded like long enough (even though I felt comfortable leaving her there, I still worry about her crying), and I wanted to shower too. So I just did 3, plus abs. Obama was making a speech as I ran, and even though I never watch TV while I run, I did today. Watched...but didn't listen. I needed my music! Plus I figure they'll replay everything a million times tonight.
Today Andra also woke up early, but I opted to nap with her on the couch from 7-9am instead of hitting the gym early. I knew Fred wouldn't make it home in time for me to go to the core class I love, so this was the day I figured out day care at the gym. I made a noon reservation because they told me there were no other kids signed up and it was usually a quiet time. Andra fell asleep in the car, and even though there were plenty of kids (maybe 5) when we got there, she slept the whole time. I did an easier 3, I had wanted to do 4 but psyched myself out. Technically I could leave Andra there for an hour and a half, but an hour sounded like long enough (even though I felt comfortable leaving her there, I still worry about her crying), and I wanted to shower too. So I just did 3, plus abs. Obama was making a speech as I ran, and even though I never watch TV while I run, I did today. Watched...but didn't listen. I needed my music! Plus I figure they'll replay everything a million times tonight.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Photo shoot
Melissa came by to take pictures today. Over 500, I think she said! Here are some of my favorites (of the 15 she put on Facebook...can't wait to see the rest!). In the one below, Andra is holding the medal from the Country Music Marathon we ran when I was 6 weeks pregnant. I think she probably won her age group...
Monday, January 12, 2009
AM workout
I managed to get to the gym in the morning today. After waking Andra up from her 8 hour "nap" (which followed a feeding frenzy last night where I gave her 5 oz of formula after a non-stop breastfeeding session that seemed to last forever, by the end of which I'd had enough) at 6:45, feeding and getting her ready, I handed her off to Fred about 10 minutes after my self-imposed 7:30 "deadline." (How I'll ever do that when I have to be at school by 7:15 I don't know.)
At any rate, I had a great short tempo run (half mile warm up, then 4 half miles at 8:12, 8:08, 8:00 and 7:53, then a half mile cool down). I worked...total time just 26 minutes or so, total distance just 3 miles, but it was enough. I also had time for some quick weights (back and biceps) but was dismayed at how awful my assisted pull-ups were. I used to be able to get through at least one set of 8 with the weight set at 60lbs...today my first set was 4 at 70, then 4 at 80 when I couldn't finish at 70. Second set I started at 90. Sad. I have work to do.
I'm gearing up to get serious about my eating next Monday. Maybe it's no coincidence, but I feel like I'm having feeding frenzies just like Andra. I seriously love food. Especially peanut butter (eaten by the spoonful, with chocolate chips...it got so bad that I didn't let myself even buy any more peanut butter this week, I think I have to ban it from the house the way I once banned ice cream and cookies). I might have been back at my pre-pregnancy weight (146) a week or so after delivery, but it hardly matters, as I've put back on 5 or so pounds since. (My only attempt at veiling myself from that truth is that it's really hard nowadays to weigh myself at a consistent time of day, so my "study" isn't exactly controlled...and the high school science teacher in me does not like that.) They've been fairly guilt-free pounds, what with the holidays and all, but this can't continue much longer. So this week I'm getting my goals in order, getting a plan in place, and preparing for a good solid month or two of clean eating and consistent, goal-oriented working out.
At any rate, I had a great short tempo run (half mile warm up, then 4 half miles at 8:12, 8:08, 8:00 and 7:53, then a half mile cool down). I worked...total time just 26 minutes or so, total distance just 3 miles, but it was enough. I also had time for some quick weights (back and biceps) but was dismayed at how awful my assisted pull-ups were. I used to be able to get through at least one set of 8 with the weight set at 60lbs...today my first set was 4 at 70, then 4 at 80 when I couldn't finish at 70. Second set I started at 90. Sad. I have work to do.
I'm gearing up to get serious about my eating next Monday. Maybe it's no coincidence, but I feel like I'm having feeding frenzies just like Andra. I seriously love food. Especially peanut butter (eaten by the spoonful, with chocolate chips...it got so bad that I didn't let myself even buy any more peanut butter this week, I think I have to ban it from the house the way I once banned ice cream and cookies). I might have been back at my pre-pregnancy weight (146) a week or so after delivery, but it hardly matters, as I've put back on 5 or so pounds since. (My only attempt at veiling myself from that truth is that it's really hard nowadays to weigh myself at a consistent time of day, so my "study" isn't exactly controlled...and the high school science teacher in me does not like that.) They've been fairly guilt-free pounds, what with the holidays and all, but this can't continue much longer. So this week I'm getting my goals in order, getting a plan in place, and preparing for a good solid month or two of clean eating and consistent, goal-oriented working out.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Month 1
Wow. Four weeks ago today (and at about this time), my water broke and Andra started to get here. Crazy. I'm sure I'll think the same thing in a year, in 18 years...time flies, and having a kid makes me so much more aware of that. The little pickle is growing (we go to the ped next week to get weighed, etc.), she seems twice as big as a month ago, probably just because she uncurled, but she's definitely longer and heavier too. She used to fit perfectly in just one arm. Her newborn clothes used to be too big, and now she's threatening to outgrown them. Sigh...and unfortunately, every day is one day closer to having to go back to work. It won't be before mid-Feb...hopefully I can keep up my tutoring to make enough extra cash to push it back to the first of March.
In workout news, things are going. Sunday was a day off, as we went to meet Andra's great-grandparents (Fred's grandparents). Monday I took her out for a walk (about 2.75 miles) in the Baby Bjorn, as it wasn't too cold. Tuesday, she went to her first babysitter, my friend who lives right next to the gym, and I went to the core class. Weds was off, then yesterday Fred made it home before I fell asleep (at 6pm) and I got to the gym to run. I did 3 miles (all I really want to do on a treadmill for now...though I'm itching to get out and do a longer run soon outside), mixing up the pace (3 separate half-miles at an 8:30, 8 and 7:30 pace, followed by recoveries around 9:30) and averaging just under a 9:00 pace. I'm sore today in my quads (also because we did 8 million squats and lunges Tuesday), which feels good! Off again today, as it's too cold to take Andra out and Fred went away for the weekend skiing (I've vowed to take my own weekend trip with friends this summer and leave him home with Andra...we'll see!). So I may not really be able to work out this weekend, although if I didn't feel kind of guilty I'd ask another friend to watch her Saturday morning so I can go to boot camp. (Guilt about asking the friend, not about leaving Andra for an hour...though there's a bit of that too.) I can't wait til she's 6 weeks so I can take her to the day care at the Y (wait, didn't I spend the first part of this post saying I DON'T want her to grow up??).
So we're flying solo this weekend...so far she's been such an easy baby, this better not be the weekend she decides to stay up all night! She slept 7 hours last night (10-5, then again til 8 after I fed her), so I know I'm super lucky.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
The little pickle...
I managed to get to the gym a few times this week. Tuesday, Friday and today. Could be better, could be worse. I ran 3 miles straight yesterday, changing the pace up because I got bored (and of course wanted to run fast, not slow) and averaging about a 9:20 pace. Did lots of abs today at boot camp...I want my doughiness gone! I wonder how long it'll take for the skin to shrink back up?
I'm hoping to get outside just for a couple walks this week, with the kid in the Baby Bjorn since I don't yet have the car seat attachment for the BOB. My husband will be working later this week to catch up from his time off, and Andra has to be 6 weeks to go to day care at the gym, so my options are limited (unless I get it done early, which I really have no excuse not to...I could go at 7 am and be back in plenty of time for Fred to get to work).
I haven't made any resolutions yet. I will, I like to, but the New Year kind of crept up on me. So, by February 1 I will figure them out! But one will involve getting more involved in the running community...tomorrow I plan to volunteer at a 10k, the first in a 5-race Boston Build-up series I ran last year preparing for Nashville. It's a great series, and it plus a bunch of other local races are put on seemingly by one very dedicated guy (who never actually gets to race himself). So volunteering seems like the right thing to do, especially since I am not up for a 10k (or the successive 15-30ks that follow) right now!
Can't help but post a few more pictures of our little pickle (affectionately nicknamed by my Aunt Mary, who then found her a pickle for her first Christmas ornament):
The little pickle.
I love her round belly!
I'm hoping to get outside just for a couple walks this week, with the kid in the Baby Bjorn since I don't yet have the car seat attachment for the BOB. My husband will be working later this week to catch up from his time off, and Andra has to be 6 weeks to go to day care at the gym, so my options are limited (unless I get it done early, which I really have no excuse not to...I could go at 7 am and be back in plenty of time for Fred to get to work).
I haven't made any resolutions yet. I will, I like to, but the New Year kind of crept up on me. So, by February 1 I will figure them out! But one will involve getting more involved in the running community...tomorrow I plan to volunteer at a 10k, the first in a 5-race Boston Build-up series I ran last year preparing for Nashville. It's a great series, and it plus a bunch of other local races are put on seemingly by one very dedicated guy (who never actually gets to race himself). So volunteering seems like the right thing to do, especially since I am not up for a 10k (or the successive 15-30ks that follow) right now!
Can't help but post a few more pictures of our little pickle (affectionately nicknamed by my Aunt Mary, who then found her a pickle for her first Christmas ornament):
The little pickle.
I love her round belly!
Monday, December 29, 2008
2 1/2 weeks already??
Wow. That was a fast and busy Christmas. My parents and aunt were here from Michigan, and my brother, sister-in-law and 15-month old niece from Paris/NYC (they're moving back to the states this month). It was a very full house. I tried to take advantage of the plethora of babysitters to get out to the gym (Tuesday night, Saturday morning boot camp (yay! I missed that class so much), and a run outside (2.5 miles or so) yesterday. I definitely had moments when I wanted everyone to go so I could hold my daughter, take a nap with her, just hang out. I was basically just a feeding and diaper changing machine. But I have her back now, and as a reward she slept (after a marathon feeding session where she literally sucked me dry (eww) and we gave her formula) 8 hours last night. I woke up a few times thinking I should get her up to change her diaper at least (we're using cloth and they do feel a lot wetter than disposables) but resisted.
So boot camp Saturday was great. None of my usual "competition" was there (lots of new people who hopefully won't last) so maybe I didn't push as hard, but I was able to do everything and did NOT feel out of shape. The abs were a little tougher, but I still did just about all of them! And of course I'm sore, but not horribly so. I felt good enough to run outside yesterday (60 degrees, although dreary). Just a 3 mile loop (maybe a bit under). I felt a little awkward, like my gait was off, but except for tight Achilles (normal, I have weird heel bones and the tendon rubs) the run was great. I ran 20 minutes (probably about 2.25 miles) and walked the last half mile.
The challenge this week will be to get in workouts without all the babysitters. And without being able to use the Bob...I don't have the infant car seat adapter, and if I did, it's probably too cold anyway.
Can't believe Andra is already 2 1/2 weeks old. Looking back, the first few days were scary! She was so tiny. She's back up above her birth weight now, much more alert, and we've kind of figured each other out now. It's pretty fun...
So boot camp Saturday was great. None of my usual "competition" was there (lots of new people who hopefully won't last) so maybe I didn't push as hard, but I was able to do everything and did NOT feel out of shape. The abs were a little tougher, but I still did just about all of them! And of course I'm sore, but not horribly so. I felt good enough to run outside yesterday (60 degrees, although dreary). Just a 3 mile loop (maybe a bit under). I felt a little awkward, like my gait was off, but except for tight Achilles (normal, I have weird heel bones and the tendon rubs) the run was great. I ran 20 minutes (probably about 2.25 miles) and walked the last half mile.
The challenge this week will be to get in workouts without all the babysitters. And without being able to use the Bob...I don't have the infant car seat adapter, and if I did, it's probably too cold anyway.
Can't believe Andra is already 2 1/2 weeks old. Looking back, the first few days were scary! She was so tiny. She's back up above her birth weight now, much more alert, and we've kind of figured each other out now. It's pretty fun...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
New Blog to Read
Alison Setton's blog will probably interest some of you who read this one...especially you triathletes.
Andra meets Santa
I really think I am the luckiest mom EVER. Easy pregnancy, fast delivery, cutest little baby who just sleeps and eats and occasionally charms us with her open eyes (did I mention she's sleepy?). She slept through the night two nights ago, the other nights she's only up once to be fed and changed. She was fussier in the beginning, but I think we're figuring each other out, and now she usually goes right back to sleep.
We went to meet Santa yesterday, and then to Ann Taylor Loft where I got 4 pairs of nice pants (nicer than my usual uniform of jeans and khakis) for $9.88 each! Santa was awesome...so good with the scared little boys ahead of us, and when he saw Andra he said, "This is why I do this job." She snoozed through it all. I love showing her off. So many people asked if there was really a baby in my sling (she's 7 pounds, she's not THAT tiny!) and then oohed and aahed when I let them peek.
Thursday we had to go back to the pediatrician to check her weight (up from Tuesday so we're all good now), then I went to Trader Joe's and there ran into one of our assistant principals. He reminded me that the high school faculty party was just down the road, so we went! The principal accused me of having "rented" the baby, as he never believed I was 9 months pregnant and was surprised to see us up and about so soon. Yeah, it feeds my ego...but we ARE pretty laid back and just having fun. (Except I do still get up in the middle of the night to make sure Andra's still breathing...does that go away??)
I went to the gym yesterday, just to walk a mile (14 minutes) and lift, upper body and some abs. I'm sore today and it feels SO GOOD! No running yet, but soon. I don't want to push it, since I'm already back at me pre-pregnancy weight and would rather start out strong than go out too fast and need to re-stop. But just being at the gym, even walking, I was having a blast and couldn't stop smiling. This is the best Christmas ever.
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