“I think your body is just a little bit stronger after pregnancy.” – Paula Radcliffe

I had every intention of updating you all with a monthly progress posts, but I think it’s been 3-4 months since I’ve done one so I felt like it was time!

Let’s recap the last 7 months for those just tuning in:

• I had Easton on December 1, 2016 just 4 days before his due date. I had a normal delivery but did have a grade 2 episiotomy.
• I gained 35 lbs during my pregnancy putting me as the maximum suggested weight gain that my Doctor had mentioned in the beginning of my pregnancy.
• I had lost about 20 lbs within the first week and then by the first month I was 10 lbs away from pre-pregnancy weight.
• My recovery was pretty normal and I was given the go ahead to attempt running again around 3-4 weeks postpartum by my OBGYN. I ran every other day for several weeks and slowly begin adding more days back as I felt my body getting stronger. I started running 6 days a week and training for the Boston Marathon at the beginning of February.
• I ran the Boston Marathon on April 17th in 3:58. It was a huge goal for me and it meant so much for me to complete it and see my sweet boy at the end!
• Post-marathon I focused on strengthening my body more and running whatever I felt like for 1.5 months. A few workouts as I felt like it, but most running was easy.
• I started a 5k training plan 6 weeks ago and have been really focusing on getting my speed back that was lost during my pregnancy.
• I finally lost the last 4-5 lbs and got back to pre-pregnancy weight though that can change from day to day but I’m finally feeling back to my old self and it took 7 months to get there.

That doesn’t seem like much, but the last 7 months have felt crazy and like a whirlwind. Some days felt so slow and now I look back and I just wish time would slow down. How in the world do I have a 7.5 month old baby?

How am I feeling at 7 months postpartum?

There are days when I feel I have this motherhood thing down and then other days where I am just mentally exhausted. Without a doubt though it is the best and most amazing thing I have ever done and I love my sweet Easton more than I can even possibly put into words. Being his Mom is the absolute best thing in the world!

It took me 7 months to feel like me again. It’s hard to explain what that means but for many months postpartum I didn’t feel like me. Sure, it was still me but I felt so different. Part of that probably was due to a lack of sleep. We struggled getting Easton to sleep for the first 5-6 months and once we hit 6 months I did something I originally didn’t plan on doing – sleep training. It was hard at first but has completely transformed our sleep and now Easton only wakes up 1x a night and often will even sleep through the night!

I’m not sure my body will ever be the same again. I feel strong but I definietly notice the changes. It doesn’t bother me like it once did. This body went through a lot and grew, gave birth, and is caring for a pretty amazing little boy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I enjoy the challenge of working to get my body back to what it once was even though it probably will never be 100% there. I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to be stronger, fitter, and faster. Working towards that gives me goals and a way to focus on myself for the better.

 

Easton at 7 months old:

This boy just keeps changing so much day by day. I told my Mom the other day that I feel like my baby is gone and a little boy has emerged. How did that happen?!

We have had some big milestones including: pulling up on things (including the crib), the first tooth is finally coming in, and we are loving trying out new foods.

He loves baths more than anything. It has to be his favorite part of the day. Other favorites include swinging and of course his Daddy. I’ve never seen him smile more than when Wes walks in the room.

I never knew I could love a little boy this much. He is our world in every way and he makes life so much more fun! Each stage keeps coming with so many fun new things and I truly cannot imagine our life without him.

We love letting him explore new things and I love experiencing life again through his eyes. Every small thing is so fun and exciting!

The past 7 months have been so wonderful and I can’t wait for every new month to come!

 

Running at 7 Months Postpartum

Running and I are currently in a complicated relationship. I love it, I’ll always love it but some days lately my body seems to be revolting against me.  It could be many things and mostly is a combination with a big emphasis on the heat and humidity; however, I’m learning more and more each day what it means to truly give yourself grace.

I started 5k training and have now ventured away from it to try and get my love back for running. Whenever I find myself stressing over running I know it’s time to make a change. I’ll always have big goals for running but at the end of the day it’s a hobby and it should never add stress to my life. If it is then something needs to change.

The last 7 months have been quite a roller coaster with running. Some amazing highs and really tough lows have taught me more about myself than I could have ever expected. There are days I still question my sanity but my love for running is still and always will be there.

Being a Mom will always be my first priority so I’ve learned very quickly how to adapt and overcome obstacles. I’ve learned the importance of enjoying the moment, the miles, and the sweet hours on the trail with my boy. He won’t always want to go and run with his Mama so I am soaking it in right now!

At 7 months postpartum I’m finally feeling like I can go all out again with running. That I can truly push my limits and not worry about how my body will respond due to weakness from pregnancy and birth. I feel more like me even though I still have tough days.

 

Pregnancy and postpartum have taught me so much about myself and even through the toughest of times it is so worth it!