Visitors

in All Posts

My day was completely turned around by a visit from my friend Jen and her son Wyatt.  Last night was rather rough with Henry.  Quite honestly, I spent part of the morning doing the ‘new mom sob,’ which is when you cry while nursing because you’re so exhausted (not to freak out any future parents, but yeah – this happens).  But it turns out that all I needed was a walk around the block, a big cup of coffee, and Jen’s smiling face to feel better. 

IMG_0242

Oh, and Maggie still hates Henry – by extension, all babies – but we’re working on it.  Sometimes, she sits next to Henry.  And last night, she let me rest Henry’s arm on her back.  She dealt with Wyatt quite nicely.  Maybe she’s adjusting.

IMG_0244

Jen not only provided a much-needed momma pep talk, but she also came bearing gifts!  Do you know what all new parents want?  Food and diapers.

IMG_0246

You know what else all new parents want?  To spontaneously grow extra arms.  I finally tried out our Boba carrier this morning (it was sent to me for a review; I’ll do a complete one when I’m more familiar with it), and it was like I suddenly had two additional hands!  Plus, I liked Henry being so close; he enjoyed it, too. 

IMG_0240

Ah, it’s the little things.  I appreciate them now more than ever!

 

Lunch:  leftover stuffed baked sweet potato, two hard boiled eggs, and watermelon.

IMG_0710

And snack:  rice cakes with peanut butter and carrots.

IMG_0712

James ate once of my rice cakes when I wasn’t looking… Bah.

 

So – in celebration of the small things, what’s made you smile today?  Or – even better – anyone have something big to celebrate?

{ 66 comments }

 

  • Erika June 26, 2012, 3:40 pm

    Listening on the monitor to my 10 month old jabber to himself while he was in his crib this morning made me smile! Also finding out that my boss is going on vacation made me smile 🙂

    • Caitlin June 26, 2012, 3:40 pm

      hahah love it.

  • Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles June 26, 2012, 3:43 pm

    I’m having one of “those” days, but a sweet email from my boyfriend made me smile this morning. Made my whole day better 🙂

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life June 26, 2012, 3:47 pm

    As someone who is 4 months pregnant………. I am not looking forward to the new mom sob, but I am sure it is all worth it… right?!?!

  • Kath June 26, 2012, 3:47 pm

    Woot GH Gluten Free!!

    And I can’t wait to use my Boba!

  • Sana June 26, 2012, 3:47 pm

    So sweet of Jen and Wyatt to drop by!

  • Heather June 26, 2012, 3:49 pm

    My best friend makes fun of me for the mom sob that happened after my eldest was born but she is still sans kids. It does happen but the little things help tremendously.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape June 26, 2012, 3:50 pm

    Today’s my birthday, so that is the big celebration of the day 😀 All the well wishes from my friends and family have definitely made me smile!

    • Tammy Root June 26, 2012, 4:24 pm

      I know I do not know you, but Happy Birthday!

    • Katy @ HaveYouHurd June 28, 2012, 10:27 am

      Happy Birthday!

  • jen June 26, 2012, 3:50 pm

    running 3 miles at the gym. probably doesn’t sound like much but for me it was an accomplishment!

    also, my kids napped at the same time today which is always a reason to celebrate 🙂

  • @HilaryFleming June 26, 2012, 3:53 pm

    My 2 1/2 year old telling me to “hold it off” (instead of “knock it off”) when I told him it was time to take a nap. Dealing with the push back and defiance can be difficult, but it always makes me smile when they get their words and phrases mixed up. Plus the weather is beautiful today. And…I’m having a baby in a week and a half. 🙂

  • Erin Margaret June 26, 2012, 3:55 pm

    It was birthday 2 days ago and I decided to start working on my blog and sharing it more. It’s so hard to stay motivated and feel comfortable putting myself out there so it’s a big thing for me I guess. 🙂

  • K @ Finding a skinnier me June 26, 2012, 3:59 pm

    Realizing I was 14 weeks away from graduating college made me smile today and a silly text from my husband.

  • Lindsey Gail June 26, 2012, 4:03 pm

    Today is my husband’s birthday, and although we’re not big about birthday celebrations, I made him angel food cupcakes with this wonderful whipped cream cheese frosting with fresh strawberries on top. He’s taking them to class tonight (as if he were in elementary school).

    Creating and being productive give me a little something to feel good about when the world doesn’t feel like it’s spinning in the right direction. Even if it’s just doing the sink full of dishes and taking out the trash. I have to say, a friendly face is a wonderful way to turn around a day!

  • Regina June 26, 2012, 4:06 pm

    Trying to figure out when to celebrate both my husband’s and my birthdays (August 13th and 14th respectively) and our anniversary (August 20th) because our son is due August 24th and I have a sneaking suspicion he’s going to be an early bird. Knowing we’re THAT close to meeting him makes me smile like nothing else (and knowing we’re 4.5 weeks from the safety called “full term”).

  • Austin June 26, 2012, 4:07 pm

    The little thing that makes me smile today is that I just entered the blogging world last week with my own blog which just happens to be titled “The Little Things in Life”! Kind of funny timing!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat June 26, 2012, 4:08 pm

    Aw sorry to hear you had a rough morning Caitlin, but I’m glad it was quickly turned around! Today a chat with one of my friends made me smile, as well as my workout this morning. I’ve been off running for over a month and this morning, I tested my ankle out on the treadmill again. Pain free! 🙂

  • Tiff June 26, 2012, 4:08 pm

    This adorable dachshund puppy video made me smile! You might like it too!

    http://laughingsquid.com/madeline-the-dachshund-puppy-playing-with-a-ghost-crab/

    • Reenie June 26, 2012, 5:20 pm

      That video was cute. 🙂

  • Janae @ Bring-Joy June 26, 2012, 4:10 pm

    You’re totally allowed to have melt-downs at any time of the day, several times a day, for at least the first 3 months post-partum.

    Babies are unpredictable, adorable, time-intensive little creatures. Enjoy the moments, it doesn’t last forever!

    (love your PB on rice cake & carrots–great snack!)

  • Jessica June 26, 2012, 4:16 pm

    I’m sorry you had a rough night. The biggest thing that helped me through those first few weeks was “this too shall pass” – you will sleep again! Eventually. 🙂

    What made me smile was my husband bringing my little girl to my work on my lunch break (he brings her every day so I can nurse her – I’m super lucky!), and she kicks her legs and waves her arms all around, with the biggest grin on her face, when she sees me. Makes my day!

  • Janelle June 26, 2012, 4:18 pm

    “Sneaking” away from work to eat frozen kefir with a friend makes me smile. 🙂

    Also, the new mom sob doesn’t scare me away… It makes me feel comforted to know that when those times do come, I’ll know that I’m not the only one to ever have felt that way!

    Oh, and you and H look so cute with the Boba.

  • jen June 26, 2012, 4:19 pm

    Listening to loud music and singing in the car made me happy today 🙂

  • Tammy Root June 26, 2012, 4:21 pm

    Seeing Marea in a cute new outfit made me smile. I think cute clothes on our little ones can turn a mood around! 🙂

  • Claire June 26, 2012, 4:25 pm

    Oh, man, the “new mom sob,” I remember crying in the shower almost every morning for that first month, I was just SO DAMN TIRED. But, slowly, it got better and better; your body adjusts to the sleep deprivation, and your baby won’t need to nurse every two hours forever.

    I also loved the Moby wrap, it was great because it kept my baby up close and high on my chest and she would sleep comfortably while I got to do exotic things like eat a meal with both hands, ha!

  • Michelle S June 26, 2012, 4:41 pm

    This morning, one of my 80 year-old ministry volunteers walked in wearing a t-shirt that read, “This is what AWESOME looks like”. Totally made my day!

    • Jen June 27, 2012, 1:01 am

      That IS awesome (and actually, just made me smile)! 🙂

  • Tara June 26, 2012, 4:43 pm

    Do you have the Aden and Anais swaddle blankets? If not, they are a must. Our son is almost 8 months now and we still use them everyday. We’ve used them as swaddles, burp cloths, blankets, etc. Now our baby is hooked on them and he cuddles up with them to sleep and I always have one in the diaper bag. He loves to chew on them too. We have 8 of them and they are now my staple baby shower gift since they are a little pricey but worth it!

    • Tara June 26, 2012, 4:48 pm

      Oh and I wanted to add about the “new mom sob”–just keep reminding yourself this is what you wanted, you knew it wasn’t going to be easy AND it’s only temporary so soak up those moments. People aren’t joking when they say it goes by so fast.
      I’m not trying to say suck it up–just things I tell/told myself when I wanted to scream, cry and feel sorry for myself.

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats June 26, 2012, 4:45 pm

    that was so nice of her to visit, glad it made your day better! I try to make thankful lists everyday to help me realize all the great things I have, even little things like I love my outfit today! Or I don’t have anywhere I have to be after work! (aka froyo may be involved)

  • Breanne June 26, 2012, 4:48 pm

    I’m celebrating a big thing – I found out I passed my assessment yesterday. I’m now officially a certified LesMills BodyFlow (tai chi, yoga, and pilates) instructor! 🙂

  • Kat @ Balance & Spice June 26, 2012, 4:53 pm

    This post makes me smile. Truly. Hearing about your new relationship with time as a momma really makes me smile, as I feel that way about people in my life all the time – I always knew you, just haven’t met you until this moment.

    Also, the fact that we’re bringing our puppy home on Friday REALLY makes me smile. 😀

  • Eliza June 26, 2012, 4:55 pm

    Aw Caitlin, you’re doing such a wonderful job! There is not a mom in the world who hasn’t done the new mama sob.

    Inspired by you, last year I did my first sprint triathlon and loved it. In just over two weeks I’ll be doing my first ever Olympic tri and I couldn’t be happier. I’m grinning from ear to ear right now because I just came back from a killer brick workout–13 mile bike, 1 mile swim, 15 mile bike. It is a gorgeous day and it felt so good to push myself and succeed. I even knocked a whole minute and a half off my swim time. So that’s what I’m celebrating today!

  • colleen June 26, 2012, 4:56 pm

    My little thing was getting my butt out of bed this morning at 545 and jogging/walking 2 miles.

  • brooke @ sweats & sweets June 26, 2012, 5:09 pm

    My husband will be 25 this Thursday! I’m currently baking his cake right now!

  • Annette@FitnessPerks June 26, 2012, 5:21 pm

    YAY, love this! Your stuffed sweet potato looks yummy, p.s.

    Small thing to celebrate: I feel so much better, and I got a killer amount of sleep last night! WOOT!

  • Amy Q June 26, 2012, 5:26 pm

    I nailed a new strength training program for the FOURTH DAY IN A ROW 🙂

  • Hillary June 26, 2012, 5:44 pm

    Glad to hear your day is turning around! I got to spend an hour by the pool today, and I tried a new place for lunch that had the best sandwiches I’ve eaten in America. Yes, sun and food make me smile!

  • Sandy June 26, 2012, 5:47 pm

    My due date is in 2 days! No signs of baby yet, though! I got a Boba too and can’t wait to use it and see how you like it too!

  • Meghan June 26, 2012, 6:21 pm

    Love my carrier when TJ was a newborn its how I cooked dinner. At 4 months old i still use my carrier constantly, shopping, walking the dog, erc. Actually if I put it on now the dog freaks because he knows its walk time. i use a sling too, tj loces sitting facing out in it. We actually were surprised how little food was brought to us, and actually really hurt, I know when mg friends have kids I will bring lots.

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) June 26, 2012, 6:24 pm

    We had a really rough night with our 8 week old – she screamed from 10pm-1:45am, fell asleep at 2am and woke up at 5am. It’s been like this several nights in a row. I was having major meltdowns today. .. it just ALL came out. Then my little one smiled at me while looking at me in the eyes and it totally melted my heart. Put it all into perspective.

  • Amanda June 26, 2012, 6:47 pm

    I put our bouncer together for our youngest daughter since she’s finally big enough and she loves it! The kicker was when our oldest noticed the little one in the bouncer and she got really mad because she remembered it used to be her bouncer but then she got over it and started playing with the toys on it which only made the baby further love being in it 😀 WIN!

  • Sara@RunningInPinkProject June 26, 2012, 6:51 pm

    My “little thing” was spreading out a new yoga mat at class tonight. I got it on “final sale” at Lululemon a couple weeks ago and it was nice to stare down at bright pretty mint green instead of red for a change. 🙂

  • Liza June 26, 2012, 6:52 pm

    Yes I was accepted into graduate school this morning at my number one choice! I had been waitlisted since March so this was a total shock!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 26, 2012, 7:23 pm

    How sweet of Jen to bring you those gifts!

    Going for a morning run by the lake this morning made me smile! 🙂

  • Liz June 26, 2012, 7:59 pm

    Today is my birthday and I still went to the gym and ate (relatively) well plus got my first ‘you look good’ compliment from a friend I haven’t seen in a while. Loving living healthy one step at a time 😀

    • Abby June 26, 2012, 10:06 pm

      Mine too! It’s gone by so fast….I have a 16 month old and one due in 10 weeks!! Lots to smile about 🙂

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt June 26, 2012, 8:00 pm

    I’m dying to see Henry. You can expect a crash visit from me too in the near future. And I promise to bring food. 🙂

  • Lee June 26, 2012, 8:35 pm

    I am smiling today because it’s my 2-year wedding anniversary. And also, totally unrelated, I found a cool vegan restaurant near my office.

  • Lindsey June 26, 2012, 8:53 pm

    I have a couple “little” things: I got an encouraging note from my kid sister (It said, “I want to be just like you!”) and simultaneously a text my–ahem–special long-distance friend that said, “I just got your letter, and it was so wonderful!!” Props to the mailbox!

  • Heather June 26, 2012, 10:15 pm

    so glad Jen came over! Wyatt is a trip. i hope maggie adjusts!

  • Julia H. @ Going Gulia June 26, 2012, 10:33 pm

    One thing that made me smile today was that I finally heard back from the owner of a body-positive website about me becoming a contributor to her site! It’s a matter close to my heart so I’m pumped to hear more about what I might be able to do for it 🙂

  • Maria June 26, 2012, 11:01 pm

    Finally getting the energy to cook up a delicious meal for the husband and myself. This third trimester stuff can get pretty exhausting 🙂

  • Jen June 27, 2012, 1:11 am

    Good friends = Priceless

    This is going to sound silly, but today…arriving home after a lonnng, stressful day at work, I was thinking that I wished I had a pet to greet me (the only reason that I don’t is that I am never home & would feel totally guilty). Then, as I was walking from the parking lot to my apartment, there was this adorable little dog that refused to go home with his owner until he greeted me & gave me a big doggy kiss! 🙂 Silly, I know…but it did make me smile!

  • Emily June 27, 2012, 6:50 am

    It gets better! I have a 16 month old, but this post brought me right back to those first few weeks. You will be amazed how quickly this time passes, and before you know it Henry will be giving you 5-6 hours of uninterrupted overnight sleep. When Lily started sleeping through the night a (tiny) part of me missed the overnight feedings when it was just the two of us in the wee hours. We are now trying for number two(!)

    I appreciate the candor of your posts. They remind me so much of the whirlwind that is jumping into the role of parenthood.

  • LindseyAnn June 27, 2012, 7:43 am

    Friends really can make all the difference in the world, especially when they’ve been through what you’re experiencing and can talk you through it.
    And to answer your questions at the end:
    Little thing to celebrate: My first official marathon training run, and my pace was nearly perfectly consistent.

    Big thing to celebrate: I got married on Saturday. 🙂 It’s not a “Today” thing, but I still cannot stop smiling.

  • Angie All The Way June 27, 2012, 7:58 am

    I distinctly remember a few 3a.m. mom sobs and the look of concern and worry on my husbands face. On top of it all I felt guilty for him worrying because there wasn’t anything he could really do (welcome to mom/wife guilt?). This was the point we moved our rocker/recliner in our bedroom. Since he was still in his bassinet in our room, not having to leave the room to nurse him 393478347 times a night was a small, but worth it modification to the night routine. Do you go this his nursery on the other level through the night? There were still mom sobs at times because sleep deprivation is by far the HARDEST part of the entire journey to motherhood – including pregnancy, labour, birth & beyond. I only include labour & birth because they are over in a day :-/

  • Crystal June 27, 2012, 8:13 am

    It gets sooooo much better once you figure out side lying nursing. At least then you can cry laying down. For some reason sitting up at 3am just killed me. I have never been more tired than the first 2-3 weeks with my first. I’m on my third now and it gets easier each time.

  • Stephanie June 27, 2012, 9:15 am

    It is perfectly okay to admit that having a newborn is tough and to cry and vent about it whenever you need to. I’m almost 6 months in and (not to scare you) but life is still tough. But it does get easier and more manageable and, luckily, a lot more fun. Sure, I may never get to sleep in on a Saturday but the smiles and laughs all make it so worthwhile. Hang in there and be ready for the highs and lows and not afraid to ask for help or call a friend when you are having a rough day. Henry is beautiful!

  • Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real June 27, 2012, 9:41 am

    I remember the new mom sobs, exhaustion and nursing will do that. Like everyone says, it does get better. Either that or you just get used to living with exhaustion. I tried to do too much too soon with my first child, then tried to rest as much as possible with the second and it was much better. Ask for help, accept all offers of help and yay for friends that bring food! I agree that in a few weeks you will be able to nurse lying down and that is so much better for mom.
    Little/big things to celebrate: We just rescued/adopted a 7 year old yellow lab who is super sweet and makes our family complete.

  • Sarah T. June 27, 2012, 10:07 am

    The new mom sobs are totally normal. Mine lasted about a month, at which point I realized I needed to stop trying to be super human and accept more help. Made thigns much much better!

    Small happy thing from yesterday – finding a $60 rug on clearance for $15 and then using a coupon on top of that to get it for $10!! And it looks PERFECT in our living room! Score!

  • Amber K June 27, 2012, 2:16 pm

    While I’m not exactly looking forward to the new mom sob, I think it’ll all be worth it.

Previous post:

Next post:

Healthy Tipping Point