The First of Many Firsts

This weekend we have been pretty busy a little more busy than we should have been but more on that in this weeks postpartum post.  We had our doula over for our first postpartum appointment which consisted of us chatting about the birth, about how things are going so far and being new parents, among other things. We also had a few visitors over to meet Edie on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

One first we gad this weekend was trying out cloth diapering. Make sure to check out my post on Naturally Family tomorrow regarding our cloth diapering plans.

Saturday afternoon Neil and I attempted to venture out to the market to pick up lunch and a few things but upon arriving at the store Edie had a little bit of a break down so her and I stayed in the car while Neil picked up some things.  I think she was a little over stimulated from all the new people and it was pretty hot out too.  I calmed her down and nursed in the car while Neil picked up lunch, some groceries and a green lemonade for me (bless him).

Today we decided to try and go out for an early breakfast and we were pretty successful.  I nursed right before we let in hopes that would fill her up so we could eat without much worry of needing to stop to nurse her.  Breakfast went pretty smoothly minus the fact that I ate too fast because I was nervous that Edie would have a little bit of a breakdown and I wanted to be ready to take her outside. Well Neil and I were both able to enjoy our breakfast before the fussing started and I took Edie outside (where she calmed right down) and Neil paid.

Another first for us today was going for a walk with Edie in the Boba Wrap. It took a few tries and 30 minutes of nursing before we could finally go but it was great once we did. We didn’t go far, just about 20 minutes of walking but it was nice to get out.

 

Postpartum Update: 1 week

I can’t believe that 10 days ago I gave birth to my beautiful little Edith. She is quickly getting bigger and more interactive everyday.  It still amazes me that she is really here and she is our little girl.  I often find myself just staring at her for hours, especially after she has just nursed and is passed out on my chest or lap.

How I am healing: I am healing slowly but surely.  Unfortunately I had a 2nd degree tear which required stitches and 2 skid marks from giving birth so my healing time is a little slow.  I find at times, especially if I am on my feet for too long that I tend to get really sore down there.

Activity: My activity level is pretty limited right now due to my healing. Last Saturday I thought I was super woman and decided to head out to the farmers market with Neil only to find that the walk from the car to the market (about 1/2 mile) I was super sore and spent my time sitting on a bench while Neil ran around and picked up veggies, bread and fresh squeezed juices.  I also ended up having my first public nursing session (thank goodness for Aden & Anais blankets). Otherwise my activity includes kegels and a few standing crunches per my midwives recommendations.

Weight: At 39 Weeks 4 Day I had gained 34lbs and since giving birth I have lost 16lbs.  At this point I am not focusing on my weight but rather on healing and spending time bonding with my baby.  Would I like to get back to my per-pregnancy weight? Of course I would but I am not dwelling on it and I’m not rushing myself to get back to physical activity until my body is good and ready.

Catching up? You can read about Edie’s Birth here–> Edith’s Birth Story Part One.. and Edith’s Birth Story Part Two… and Edith’s Birth Story Part Three… and Edith’s Birth  Story Part Four… Also you can head over the Naturally Family and read our Doula’s Story.

My Favorite Summer Getaways

This summer we are sticking close to home since we now have a baby and Neil took a large chunk of vacation as paternity leave.  This is new for us as most summers we fill our time with various short getaways. Since we won’t be getting away this summer I thought I’d take a moment to reminisce about my favorite summer getaways.

Portland, ME

Head out and visit the lighthouses in the evening and watch the sunset and then stop into Silly’s to enjoy some tasty buffalo fries with spicy vegan dip or try one of these vegan friendly restaurants.

Pick up breakfast and lunch at Whole Foods and then take a day trip up to Freeport to do a little shopping at L.L. Bean and the outlets.

Call Allagash Brewery and make a reservation to do one of their tours and sample their tasty brews.

Run the Old Pork 5k or Half Marathon and then celebrate at Novare Res Beir Cafe where they have an extensive beer menu. Not a beer fan? Then stop into Local 188 and try one of their amazing cocktails (okay so I haven’t had an alcoholic one but the virgin versions were amazing).

Head down to the Fore River Sanctuary Trail and go for a walk or a run through the beautiful, well groomed trails.

Oh and my number one must do in Portland, ME is to schedule a foot soak at Soakology <– favorite thing ever.

New Haven, CT

My first to-do in New Haven is to make a reservation at Miya’s Sushi – trust me you need a reservation this place is always packed when we go there.

Stroll around the Yale Campus and stop into Blue State Coffee for a tasty beverage or snack.

Head to Claire’s Cornercopia for vegan pancakes (service here is lacking but the pancakes are tasty).

We always make a stop into Ikea because it’s the closest one to us.

Stop into Edge of The Woods Market and pick up a vegan baked good (I recommend the cupcakes and danishes) and while you’re there pick yourself up a jar of Biscoff Spread <–speaking of Biscoff anyone want to send me a jar?

If you are a beer lover head to Brü Rm. at BAR for a beer and if you’re hungry pizza.

Backpacking on The Long Trail

Pick a part of the trail to hike and either leave one car at each end or arrange a pickup.

Make sure to leave early in the day so you can get to camp at a nice hour so you can make dinner, do a little yoga and enjoy the view.

Make sure you pack a good amount of food but nothing too heavy; my favorites are crackers, oatmeal, Backpackers Pantry pouches and of course a few cans of beer.

Don’t forget to pack extra socks, something warm to wear at night and all the other essentials (see here).

Camping in Vermont and New Hampshire

Head to Franconia Notch in New Hampshire and camp at Lafayette Campground. While you’re there hike the Notch, bike or walk the trails or take the tram to the top of the mountain (and if you dare hike down).

Camp in a lean-to at Underhill State Park a small Vermont state park (one of my favorites) and then take a morning hike on Mount Mansfield.

Camp at Little River State Park in Waterbury, VT.  This is one of Neil and my favorite state parks because it has great hiking and nature paths, kayaking and canoeing and a beach area for relaxing and swimming. Tip: the best site (in my opinion) is site number 21 so make sure you reserve it ahead of time!

Where are your favorite summer getaways? I can’t wait for camping and summer getaways with Edith next year.