My goal was to go on a longer walk this morning, but I was up against two major time crunches: the sun and Hungry, Hungry Henry.
As mentioned numerous times, we’re in the middle of a pretty intense heat wave. If we don’t go on our walk by 9 AM, it’s far too hot for a baby (um, and a momma) to be outside.
Are you a morning exerciser? I am absolutely not. Even if I set my alarm early and have every intention of working out, when I’m faced with the choice between getting up and going back to sleep, I’ll return to bed. But today, Henry had me up at 6:45, and I knew that my options were 30 extra minutes of fitful sleep or an energizing walk – so it was an easy choice to make.
My other (beloved) time crunch was Henry. We’re following a ‘nursing on demand’ protocol set by my lactation consultant (she’s a La Leche League leader; I highly recommend LLL resources if you’re nursing), and Henry eats every 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from about 3 AM to 3 PM; he spaces out to every 2 hours to 2.5 hours in the afternoon and early evening. Basically, this means we’re eating all the time! I like feeding him a lot, so it’s fine, but it makes doing anything during the morning quite the task.
So I woke up at 6:45, fed him, made a one-handed breakfast: peanut butter toast and a smoothie.
I ate while playing with Henry. His funny faces kill me. It’s so hard for me to catch a ‘normal’ picture of him. He’s getting more vocal, too, which is amusing.
I was considering getting him into his stroller as quickly as possible but realized he probably needed to be ‘topped off’ before we left. I was planning to walk big loop that would take me far from the house and didn’t want to end up 15 minutes from home with a hungry baby. Plus, he was already starting to give me early hunger cues.
So we ate again, I strapped him into his stroller, put James on his leash, and we were (finally) off.
Luckily, it wasn’t too hot out yet!
We walked for 30 minutes. It’s funny; the last time I did this loop I was practically 40 weeks pregnant. There are a few hills that really wore me out during the last few weeks of pregnancy. But today – it was no big deal. I’ve heard such horror stories about recovering from an episiotomy. I’m not sure if I’m just incredibly lucky, my midwife cut me in the perfect way, or I possess the superpower of regeneration (probably the first two), but I feel totally normal. I’m sticking to walking until the doctor gives me the okay to do more. I was so nervous to get the episiotomy because I was convinced it would screw me up, but so far – I’m hopeful and happy about my recovery!
Plus, getting out of the house and moving is really good for my mental state.
Another bonus: I really love walking with Henry, especially when he doesn’t immediately pass out. I sing him songs and narrate our walk – “Oh, look – there’s a dog. There’s a tree. The sun is shiiiining!” Good times, indeed.
Any one else squeeze in a morning workout today?
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{ 82 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my goodness! baby Henry is soooo adorable with his little faces
I’m dying at those photos of baby boy Henry! Seriously, adorable and so funny to imagine what he’s thinking. You’re doing a great job, Mom!
Henry’s expressions are SO funny and adorable! He really is such a cute baby. I bet he will be a funny person when he grows up too. My boyfriend made the funniest facial expressions as a child and now he is hilarious.
Such a cute baby…I love his Zoolander face! Lol
I’m a total morning gal- I wasn’t always, but in order to have two adults training for marathons, add two kids who are busy that means one of us is normally out early pounding the pavement. It actually makes me feel better for the day though and the days I don’t do it early in the morning I’m not as happy and normally am kicking myself by the end of the day.
More power to you with the breast feeding- the feed on demand way didn’t fly with me and my kids- Get some rest and keep on walking in the morning it will really help you and side comment love your shoes- super nice colors
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His faces are just too precious! I wish I was a morning workout person. I am on the weekends when I can sleep in a bit and then workout, but in order to workout during the week I’d have to be up and out the door by at least 5am and that just isn’t happening!
that picture of you and henry in the stroller is adorable! He looks so happy! Glad you’re recovering well!
Wow, that feeding schedule is intense! Just curious, why do you slow down the feedings later on as ‘bedtime’ approaches? I’d think you’d want to feed him more then, so he has a greater chance of sleeping a longer stretch at night?
I love his little faces!
I don’t slow it down because I’m feeding on demand, he just naturally spaces it out. I wish he would eat for longer stretches and wait longer in between so I could sleep more, but alas – not yet! Hopefully as he grows older it will space out.
Yay!! Glad you made it out. Henry’s faces are AWESOME!! I love it.
Is Henry still in newborn clothes? I’m due in 3 weeks and have no idea if I have enough newborn stuff, but I don’t want to go overboard. Right now I probably have about 12NB onesies. Same question for diapers. Thanks!
Henry was 6 pounds 11 ounces when he was born and 6-5 when we brought him home from the hospital so he actually wore newborn clothes. He’s 7-something now and still fits his newborn clothes but that onesie in these pictures is a 0 – 3 month onesie; it fits but it’s loose. He’s still in NB diapers for sure. It just depends on how big your baby is at birth – I think by the time he hits 8-5 he wont fit into NB clothes. I think 12 onesies is more than enough; you’ll end up doing laundry every other day anyway just because of spit rags and whatnot. Congrats!
Glad your day is off to a good start, time crunch or not! I struggle to run in the morning, but I can handle a spin class if I make it in time.
his faces really are hilarious…
*Smooshes Henry*
I was out for my bike ride at 7:15 to beat the FL heat (although right now you’re hotter than we are!). I like early morning exercise, but I still have to talk myself into it.
I think you’re the one blogger that hasn’t made me terrified to be a mom. It just seems to agree with you!
I am a total morning worker-outer. I am really unreliable at night because once I get home from work I just want to cook dinner, read, and relax at home so I know if I don’t get a work-out in in the morning it isn’t going to happen. It seems to work well for me but my boyfriend is the complete opposite and he will work-out around 8pm at night. I don’t know how he does it but to each their own.
I’m glad you are feeling so good! I love the pictures! Henry is adorable!
Good for you, Henry is too cute!
I finally did! First one this week, 30 mins of yoga
I love that photo of you and Henry… you look like such a PROUD and HAPPY MAMA!!!
This newborn nursing phase can be tiring, but before you know it, he’ll be going longer between feedings! I promise. You’re doing GREAT!
I love my morning workouts. I started doing them to hold myself accountable, I found it was much harder (for me) to skip a workout right when I wake up than after work. I think it’s the fact that I’m half asleep and obviously not thinking clearly
I got up super early this morning to fit in a 4 mile run and a swim. Gotta love tri training!
Those faces kill me. What a little comedian!
I’m an unashamed afternoon/evening exerciser. Work is so much closer to the trails/paths I like to run, and there’s something about being surrounded by running shoes/gear/runners all day that is supremely motivating. I’m also really lucky that Duluth never gets too hot (thank you, Lake Superior!) so that I have that option.
I always work out in the morning–it is my sanity time, and it makes my day soooooo much better!
CUTE Henry!
Henry is so precious. High five for squeezing in your workout!
Oh my goodness, his Feed Me face is so so cute!! Unlike you, I’m a hardcore morning person, but I really don’t like afternoon/evening workouts. If I don’t get er done in the AM, it’s not likely going to happen later!
I’m sick so no morning workouts for me
That last picture of you and Henry is so adorable!!
JAZZERCISE! Oh yeah. And Henry may or may not be the cutest baby I’ve ever seen. Love his faces!
I actually love working out first thing, but today I slept in (until 7:24, lol). I’m in Western NC, so I know it will be way too hot to exercise outside later, but I’ve worked out every day this week and am good with taking a break.
Oh, you look so beautiful- just a glowing, happy mama! I’m so glad you are feeling so good and what a precious little boy Henry is! Lula is 9 months and reading your posts have started giving me baby fever again!!!
Good job getting out there
I never exercise in the morning, but I’ve been thinking about it recently because it’s so hot! Love that picture of Henry, best ever 
This morning i was just about to head out for a run when it started to pour then it ended suddenly so I booked it outside. To my surprise I had a great even though it was so gloomy out and dark. The different weather was actually very pretty and changed up the feel of my normal run!
I love my early morning workouts, but I typically do them inside so the heat isn’t an issue. Today I did 45 minutes on the Elliptical. Love getting my workouts in and checked off the list before my day gets too busy. Henry looks happy to be outside : ) He is such a cutie- I am enjoying his pictures (and crazy faces!)
Henry’s faces are so cute!!
I didn’t think I could be a morning exerciser, but last summer, before I started my job, I got hooked on Mysore (traditional Ashtanga yoga practice, done in the morning). Once I started my job and had to be at work by 9am, I had to be at yoga by 6am! Now I love morning exercise!
Yeah, I didn’t think the episiotomy was a big deal, either. That is, until hubs and I tried to have sex. Wowza!
I’m afraid of that too but I keep telling myself if Henry’s head can come out, then… LOL
I totally agree, Juli! Other than that I noticed the weak abs more than anything else during recovery, and I usually felt great. Mothers’ bodies are amaaaaazing!
I am definitely a morning exerciser! I get up @ 5:15am to get my run in before work. I’m still so out of it, that by the time I’m done, I feel like I’m just waking up
If I don’t do it in the morning, it’s just not going to happen! Then again, I don’t have a sweet little baby like Henry to tend to 
Ha! The baby faces are killing me. I am glad you enjoyed your walk! Congrats on going 30 minutes today!!
His funny faces crack me up!
Sounds like you’re having a grand time! Such a handsome little guy
I’m due in five weeks (Eeeee!) and am happy to be having a summer baby, for the very reason that we can go for walks after she’s born! My parents live a 15-20 minute walk from me…perfect for getting back into the swing of things exercise-wise and letting Grandma go ga-ga over her newest granddaughter while mama has a shower/takes a nap/eats….
His faces are so funny! What a cute little guy
Henry is ADORABLE! His faces are so so funny!
Btw, he looks so much like HusbandHTP in the last picture.
Kudos to you for the hard work – as always, you’re an inspiration for us all!
Ah such cute pictures!! I love the one of you and him in the stroller. How great that you got out this morning and what a good little ritual to put into place. I always feel so great when I wear out my pups with a good walk! I was up this morning for a spin class, so I feel great going into the weekend.
Those pictures are phenomenal. Love it!
And yeah, the benefit of being a teacher is summer vacation, and for me, summer vacation = morning workouts (which I much prefer!) I like getting it over with in the am, so I can have the rest of the day to myself!
I so remember how hard it was to get anything done during the early nursing days! Glad you made it out for a walk!
Hungry, Hungry Henry is adorable. And, I love imagining you talk to him while you walk – so sweet.
I will exercise any time but really enjoy working out in the am. Itsets the tone for my day and makes me feel unbeatable.
If I exercise at night, it is usually a walk, yoga or weight lifting to destress.
Oy, it’s super hot here, too. I like working out in the mornings, and definitely prefer running first thing in the day. Today I slept in a little later than I expected, so by the time I got outside for my run, it was SUPER hot. Made for one not-so-fun run, but I made it through! Glad to hear you’re feeling well enough to get out walking
Walking is so good for a mental break!
Wow, Henry feeds so frequently! He probably has an itty bitty stomach. How much is he taking per feeding?
I’m with you on the episiotomy recovery! I had a pretty gnarly (third degree) tear and it didn’t even bother me too much at the beginning.
yup I ran 3 miles. at almost 9, and it was BRUTAL. i love the funny faces photos!
I remember those days! That is so great that you got out, I always felt like I could conquer the world…or just sit on the couch all day nursing
once I got out even if it was for a short walk. My daughter is a little older now but even today I started to do a little workout at home and then she woke up so I nursed her and then went back to the work out with her in the exersaucer happy as could be!
He is way too cute! Way to go on your 30 minute walk!
Good for you! Henry’s pictures are adorable! Quick question – what type of jog/walk stroller are you using with the Chicco? We are expecting and purchased a Chicco car seat/stroller combo, but need to decide what to do about a jogger.
It’s the City Mini – not a true jogging stroller but it works for walks. I like it!
Squee! Baby!
I was at CrossFit at 5:30 am this morning and it was already in the 80s. It’s brutally hot here. Since I’m 29 weeks pregnant now, if I don’t get it done first thing in the morning, there’s no way I’m going out in the 100+ degree heat later!
You are doing such a great job!! Really, you should give yourself a pat on the back. Go mama!
Glad to hear you are recovery well and getting out. That must make the world of difference.
No morning workout here. Good for you! Isn’t it funny how long it takes to get out of the house now?!? You have to think about what you MIGHT need AND you have to think about how long you’ll be gone for. In the beginning I would be so proud of myself for remembering everything. It was like a game! H-dawg’s faces are too cute! Quite the character.
I love Henry’s faces. Too precious.
Henry looks just like Kristien in the stroller photo.
The photo you got of the two of you – priceless! How did you get him to smile juuuust at the right time!!
Ps. I think he really looks like K in the eyebrows there
The baby pictures are so so so cute!!
You guys are adorable!
I’ve never been a morning excerciser. I always set my alarm and then never actually get out of bed! But this morning with the threat of the heat wave/105 degree temperatures I actually got up at 6 and went for a 3 mile run while it was still cool and wonderful! So thanks insanely hot temperatures for motivating me!
I don’t exercise in the morning (I need breakfast!!!!) But when I do exercise it’s almost always in the early afternoon.
My neighbors call me “The Walker”.
They have watched me push my daughter in a stroller from when she was a newborn until she wouldn’t fit in it anymore. Then she rode her bike alongside me. Now she’s 12, & I can occasionally get her to join me. 
When she was little, I used to narrate our walks, too. 
I think he looks JUST like your husband in the last photo! adorable!
I’m dying over that second picture of Henry. CANT. STOP. LAUGHING!
I have this 25 minute Bob Harper video that I’ve been doing a lot of during this pregnancy and I went through it this morning. I like it because there’s no jumping around or crunches involved–it focuses on strength and balance. It’s tough but so short that I can always talk myself into it.
I’m a bit of a newbie to your blog, and really enjoying it. This morning instead of a walk or workout, I had to get my wisdom teeth out. Hopefully I’ll be up for exercise again soon!
Thanks for sharing your blog; it’s encouraging to me in several ways.
Awww! Such cute pictures!
Love the picture of you and Henry–happy Mama + baby!
That picture of you and Henry is precious!
I TOTALLY cracked up at that one photo of Henry’s surprised face. LOL
I love the way you narrate your walks to Henry! I’m a Speech-Language Pathologist, and I can’t stress enough the importance of talking to your children! Even though they won’t understand for a long while, it really helps them understand the importance of using language to communicate!! And once they can talk, they’ll have so many more words in their receptive vocabulary to pull from! Keep it up!!
You’re such a good mom!
As a nanny and a psych student, I totally agree. They need to learn that SPEECH IS POWERFUL!
Ohhh…the funny face baby pics…I am dying of cute overload!!!
Also, SO glad to hear that you are healing well!
I LOVE HENRY
What a cutie, you’re doing a great job!
Have you seen Hillary Duff’s baby boy? The resemblance to Henry is uncanny!
Hahaha I love Henry’s many faces
So ready for this heat wave to be over! I’ve been running before 7:30am every morning, or it’s just too darn hot.
I love Henry’s funny faces! Great job getting out early to beat the heat. Glad your walks are getting longer and you are recovering well!
Henry is so adorable! I’m glad you’re enjoying motherhood so much and that recovery is going well!
Caitlin he is so freaking cute and those faces…omg…adorable!
I agree with some other commenters— the resemblance to Kristien in the stroller photo is crazy! So funny! He really is the cutest thing Caitlin. So happy for yall