Things I learned while on hiatus

Heelllllloooooooooo!  So, the last time I wrote, I was just beginning to get back into the "real" swing of things.  I decided to take a little break from blogging so I could figure out the balance of working again with all the other parts of my life.  Here are a few things I picked up/was reminded of while I was away:

• The only thing better than puppies greeting you at the door is babies greeting you at the door!

When Mowgli was about a year old, we stopped crating him during the day.  I would usually get home from work before Brian and Mowgli would be waiting at the door, tail wagging, ready to play.  It was irresistable - no matter the weather, we'd run to the backyard and play fetch until he became distracted with a bunny or find a branch to gnaw on.  This being said, for the last few weeks, the grandmas have been watching Cam two days a week, so I could get some work done at the office.  Coming home to a drooly, toothless grin in PRICELESS.  Any negative feelings get washed away in his giggles and baby smell.  LOVE IT!  And I still love Mowgli too :)

• Your email will still be there - tomorrow, the next day, and long after you die. 

Before Cameron, I'd usually work all day and then come home and work some more before or after dinner.  Brian would sometimes do this too, but he's much better with balance than I am.  There have been a few days where I've balanced my laptop on one knee and Cameron on the other.  Then I realized that I don't particularly want to be that person - that is, I want to devote my energy and attention appropriately.  So when I'm at work, I'll work and when I'm home, I'll do my best to leave the blackberry at the front door.  Not the easiest task, but I have plenty to keep me busy.

• Drinking wine with friends is good for the heart - and soul.

On three separate occasions, I enjoyed my daily allowance of wine (five heart-healthy ounces) with three good friends who I know I haven't seen enough.  For me, there's absolutely no feeling in the world like sipping a chilled glass of wine on a St. Louis summer day and swapping stories with a girl friend, new or old.  There's also something to be said for "returning the favor" to all those who've listened to my trials and tribulations over the last few months.  Life will always be busy... No matter what the reason, make a little time for this.

• Tankinis are great for coping with your post-baby figure.

Happily, I've lost all but six pounds of my baby weight.  It appears that those six remaining pounds don't want to be lost and are holding their ground across my belly and backside.  I don't mind having a rounder rump at all, but none of my pants really fit anymore.  It's definitely been a summer of skirts and dresses (though AMEN for the Gap, I found this great pair of cuffed jorts in a size 0 that fit.)  Most of the one-piece bathing suits I've found are either too snug to hide the belly, or include some crazy ruching or an old lady skirt (Sorry to the old ladies who are reading this and may be offended.)  The tankini has saved me from a summer of mumus!  Covers/hides the parts you want, but still has the youth of a bikini.  Don't get me wrong - I am proud that my body carried a baby.  It's just a little frustrating that sometimes it looks like there's STILL a baby in there. 

• Try to enjoy a date night more often than you think you have time for one.

I think Brian and I do a good job of getting things done- I watch Cam while he mows the lawn.  He watches Cam while I pick up the groceries.  He takes Mowgli for a walk while I bathe Cam.  I make dinner while he puts Cameron down..  By the time we can finally sit down to chat, it's practically time for bed.  All the "stuff" gets done.... except for taking care of each other.  We've both acknowledged this and because we know this way of doing things isn't going to change anytime soon, we've instituted date night.  Every week, we make time to do something we both enjoy.  Sometimes we take Cameron, sometimes we don't.  Either way, we get out of the house and out of the routine and enjoy each other's company immensely. 

Overall, I've been feeling really good.  Between cardiac rehab/regular exercise, taking my meds daily, and sticking to my diet, I feel healthy.   On occasion, I've been able to crack a joke about it.... after all, how completely ridiculous is it for a healthy 28 year old new mom to have a heart attack?!!!  While I have moments of overwhelming emotion when I consider everything that's happened, my heart attack is slowly becoming a normal part of my life too.

I am happy to be back blogging and I hope you'll continue to share this journey with me!

"The joy of life is variety; the tenderest love requires to be renewed by intervals of absence." - Samuel Johnson

 

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." -Thomas Edison