It was a busy weekend for our little family! With fall arriving and me wanting to soak up every second of it, we decided Friday to take a trip to Blowing Rock. Blowing Rock is an adorable little town in the NC mountains, and it was picturesque, as the leaves were just beginning to change.
We started the day with a stroll downtown.
And a little playing in the park.
Before deciding to grab lunch. I had heard about a place with great views, so we decided to check out Canyons.
We lucked out with the perfect porch spot, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.
And wasted no time ordering a beverage. I enjoyed every sip of my Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale.
Not a shabby view for lunch 
Canyons, which, FUN FACT, I was told was once a brothel, served up good, basic lunch food with everything from burgers, soups and salads to Mexican fare. I went the beans and rice with shrimp route.
While Hubbs opted for a more traditional mushroom swiss burger.
Both meals were very satisfying and I would have loved to share another beer, but by that time, Hailey had had enough.
After a quick, anti-climatic trip to see the actual blowing rock (and paying $6 bucks a piece to see the same view we had from our lunch spot), we were headed back home.
But our adventures didn’t stop there. Saturday morning, bright and early, we headed to Hickory for an Oktoberfest 5k!
Well, the 5k was for Hubbs. Hailey and I were there for support. (PS- lovin’ my baby K’tan!)
Hubbs finished in about 25 minutes! … and celebrated with a beer sample. Ah, October… when it’s appropriate to drink beer at any time of the day
I won’t lie, I was jealous. Not of the beer sample, but of the racing. I’m going a bit stir crazy, wishing I could get out and get active again, but my body is still not up for up.
I’m being careful not too push myself and keep reminding myself that Hailey is only 3 weeks old and my body is still recovering from my (evidently pretty intense) tears from delivery.
But I feel so… soft. I haven’t even checked my weight lately (though I’ll be doing that and snapping photos for a post baby body update later this week!), and don’t really care what the scale says because I feel… weak?
The funny thing is, I’m never one that LOVED exercise. I love being active, playing sports, games, hiking, etc, but just exercising? Nope. Always had to force myself. And now I find myself craving it. I crave the challenge, the endorphin rush, the fresh air and even the sore muscles that scream: YAY I DID SOMETHING!
In time, I suppose… in time.
And last, but not least… guess who turned 3?!
That’s right- K-dizzle! …she’s still around; she’s just been temporarily overshadowed by our little bundle of joy.
We love you, Koda bug!
What is your favorite thing about exercising?
I’m going to generate a list of all the things people love about exercise, so when I find myself lacking motivation, I can read it and remember why it’s so great!
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That’s actually really funny because I was going to ask you how lil’ Koda’s been doing!
Great Fall pictures! Thanks for sharing! I don’t love working out either, but I do love the sense of strength and accomplishment when I am finished! It always makes it worth the hesitation that it took to actually step on the treadmill or into the gym!
What you’re going through is totally normal! There are going to be additional frustrations that continue to pop up over the next few months with your body. I felt the same way for a bit after CJ was born…just weak. Even though I worked out my entire pregnancy I still felt really weak after he was born and my body just didn’t feel the same. It took a bit, but I finally feel strong again…probably even stronger than before pregnancy, but physically I still have a ways to go and things are looking quite different. Being patient stinks, doesn’t it?
It sure does stink, but I’m trying to keep myself focused on long term success and not push too hard too fast. I’m glad to hear you’re feeling strong and fabulous again- can’t wait to join you in that feeling
Same here mama. It definitely takes time and patience, but c’mon seeing your little one smile makes it SO stinkin worth it. You’re doing great and you’ll be working out soon. Until then, enjoy the time with your babe!
My favorite thing about exercising? The feeling JUST after a really tough workout (of which I don’t really have many, to be honest, as I’m a lazy exerciser) where you are out of breath, tired, and just need a shower…but man, you feel accomplished and alive!
My favorite thing about this post? The nostalgia it stirred in me: I used to go to Blowing Rock with my cousins when we were younger! I loved it. My favorite restaurant at the time was called Cheeseburger in Paradise…of course, I was 8 or so, so I’m not really sure what the quality of the food really is.
Don’t worry, Brit! You’ll be back to exercising in no time! Enjoy the time with your little nugget and focus on what your body just did for you. Pretty darn amazing. BUT for inspiration when you do get back to it- I love how much energy exercising gives me and how I can feel my body changing and getting stronger. I’m a huge fan of lifting weights. You can see the changes the fastest and it affects everything about how my body runs on a daily basis. Maybe start with some Hailey bicep curls, or baby tricep raises?
You’re brilliant- Hailey is about a 9 lb weight- perfect size for the bicep curls!! I don’t think she’ll mind…
You look great! I definitely feel your frustration. I am itching to get out and work out/run! I’ll be two weeks postpartum tomorrow- this past weekend we went for about a 1.5 mile walk in the park (very slow) just to get some fresh air and the next day I was sore in places you shouldn’t be sore. Patience is definitely key in this stage!
I love the pictures of your adventures. That fall picture is stunning.
Glad you had a great time.
The reason why I love exercise: It makes me happy. It makes me feel happy (in a good mood). I also love how running have made my legs super strong and so thin. I also love to not be the one who huffs and puffs when walking while the others do
I’m itching for (non-prenatal) exercise lately. I find myself talking about 5ks, while pushing Little Man in a jogging stroller…and DH has to remind me not to be TOO ambitious, let myself heal, take it slow.
Oh, yeah.
We’ll get back to our fit bodies. Right now, there are more important things to be concerned about. (<–That's what I keep trying to tell myself because I am having a hard time loving my pregnant body right now!)
Yo’re absolutely right- we’ll get our fitness back and it certainly isn’t the most important thing to focus on right now. You look fabulous and it won’t be much longer before you’re holding your little one!
Oh, Brittany, thank you so much. I don’t FEEL fabulous, so your words are especially welcome. But you know what that’s like:-).
And for the record, I think YOU look fabulous. Really and truly.
Looks like you guys had a great fall weekend! This may sound weird but honestly, I love the fatigue of a good workout. Just feeling completely spent afterwards. Let’s me know I pushed myself
Don’t worry-you’ll be back in no time. A few weeks off in the grand scheme of things isn’t so bad (although I’m sure you’re itching to get back into it now).
What a fun weekend and those mountains / trees are screaming fall!! Happy 3rd Koda!
Your weekend looks wonderful!
Happy 3rd Birthday, Koda!!
I love those workouts when everything (amount of sleep, weather, time of day, energy, etc) just align perfectly and you’re really able to push yourself beyond what you thought you could.
Anytime you “can’t” do something, it makes you want it even more! I’m only 24 weeks along and I already miss my waist, hard workouts, and just being able to diet. OK, so I hate dieting and rarely do it but the fact I can’t makes me want to! And all the random aches, pains, heartburn and constipation can go anytime too.
Also, this is my second child so the newness of pregnancy is just not there like with the first. I’m ready to be done! I am so excited for the actual baby boy, but I do not enjoy being pregnant. It is just like getting my hair done – I hate going,sitting 2 hours, and paying a nice chunk of change but the end process is worth it!
I think I might feel similar with my second pregnancy (not that it’s coming any time soon!) It’s a long 9-10 months, but luckily you already know the joy that comes at the end of it. Hope the next 16 weeks fly by for you!
That feeling of invinvibility. Gah, I love it! But you just had a baby and you should feel pretty invincible too!!
Your signature is so cute! I love all the little food slices.
What I love about exercise is the feeling of accomplishment I get after a workout and how proud I feel whenever I do something I have never done before, like lift a new weight or achieve a new PD!
That view is so pretty and your beans & rice dish looks awesome. Mmmm. yay for the hubs’ 5k!
The rice and beans look so yummy! And I never use to love exercising until I realized how good it made me feel! And also I find myself always so stressed out in college, so I use it as a stress reliever!
My favorite thing about working out is how I feel after! I can only do things I really like such as yoga but I try to stay positive when I’m in a tough pose and feeling some pain.
Those views look amazing!
Aww love the pics of Hailey and the birthday pup Koda
Looks like a beautiful weekend.
Yay for craving exercise! I’m insane and love working out. But on days I feel less enthused about making it out the door, I tell myself “I’ll never regret a workout” or “I’ll always feel better after exercise”. It’s always true!
i love that you can always push yourself just a little bit further. and when you do it makes you SO PROUD!
OMG I am so jealous that Hailey likes to be worn. B Jr HATES to have his arms restrained, even if they are just through arm holes in a carrier or wrap. You all look so happy
SIGH – I love family 
She likes to be work when she’s sleeping
Once she’s up she prefers a little more wiggle room!!
That view of the mountains is just gorgeous, like being on top of the world. A friend and I drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway during a road trip we took, and it was truly unlike anything I’d ever seen. Just simply beautiful.
So glad you had a wonderful weekend with your family. Hailey is so precious!!
My fave thing about exercising is knowing that because of the hard work I put in today, I will be healthier and happier tomorrow and later in life
Sounds like a wonderful weekend!
Those views are GORGEOUS! Love the pic with the two beers. I want to be there with you.
And I know what you mean about the soft/weak feeling post-baby. I think that bothered me most too. I just wanted to feel fit again! Which you will get back to feeling fit…and love on the motivated feeling that comes with this time too. I know you know that though.
You just let me know if you’re ever in NC and I’ll find a view and a beer with your name on it!
And you are my post baby motivation- thanks for showing me how beautifully it can be done!
Hi Brittany. Looks like a great day. Congratulations to your hubby on the race, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KODA!!! (love the party hat!!) Have a wonderful Monday.
My favorite thing about exercising is pushing the limits. It makes me feel strong.
As for your frustration, that is normal. You are light years ahead of where I was at three weeks post baby. I had a pretty bad delivery and I was still extremely swollen (to the point I could hardly walk). My ankles looked like tree trunks. No joke. Yeah very frustrating when you have a premature baby at home (who liked to get up and eat every 45 minutes). I can’t wait to do it again.
Got me a better doctor this go round!
Sounds like you had quite the experience! And you are an angel for being able to feed every 45 minutes… I’m not sure I could keep my sanity
Love the pics–such bright fall colors. I love the ENERGY and ENDORPHINS and I def crave exercise when I take a few days off. It totally gets me out of any slumpy moods I am in.
Awwe! Happy Birthday Koda!
Lunch looks great. Glad you guys are being new-parent hermits! It’s a curse I’ve seen plague many a couple.
Cute pics
You look so happy
Exercising makes me feel strong and alert, but also it makes me feel alive.
So funny- we almost headed up to Blowing Rock this weekend too! I hope to soon (haven’t yet been).
Best exercise related advice: No one has ever regretted a workout afterwards. Seriously. Can you ever remember finishing a workout and thinking, “why did I bother doing that”? Nope- you’re always glad you did!
Oh and love baby slings/wraps- used one with Riley and she LOVED it!
You must go up soon! The leaves were just starting to change, so I’ll bet the next 2 weekends are just gorgeous up there
I love Blowing Rock! I am so glad that you got to get out and enjoy yourself. It seems like you have a pretty well-behaved little girl (and an adorable dog!).
That view is incredible! And you’re so right about autumn being the anytime-of-the-day-is-great-for-beer time. I MISS IT!
Anyway, looks like a lovely weekend <3
i love blowing rock and i love your beautiful little family. we actually got engaged in blowing rock!
i’ve never eaten at canyons but the view looks amazing. your patio table looks perfect. must hit it up!
What an beautiful place to get engaged! I’m in love with the NC mountains. We got engaged on an overlook off the Blue Ridge highway
I’m pretty sure that no one is crazy about the exercising part; I know I just make myself do it because of the great feeling AFTERWARDS & just the pure satisfaction of going through a little bit of pain now so that my body feels much healthier & energetic overall. A little bit of exercise contributes to a big, big part of enjoying life- with more energy (reason enough alone..), joy & confidence.
You’re doing all the right things, especially by pacing yourself, hot Mama! Nursing alone will help u burn off those extra calories. I know that helped me a ton; it even sped up my normally slow metabolism, I think, because I was eating right. LOVE being able to catch up with u on here!! Xxo
What a beautiful view!
And a really delicious looking meal, the shrimps look seriously tasty
Well done to your husband!
It looks like you had a lovely weekend, Hailey looks absolutely adorable
Looks like a nice trip to Blowing Rock. I live in Charlotte, as well, and my husband and I were actually just saying last night how we need to get to Blowing Rock. It’s so nice there this time of year.
I am sure you are anxious to work out again, but your body will thank you if you give it the time it needs to heal. Then you can hit the ground running and get back in the game. Hang in there
Brittany you always do a great job of keeping things in perspective. I know it can be difficult to not feel as in shape as you once were, but I think it helps to remind yourself that you will be able to start working toward it again soon, and you will be feeling strong again before you know it — it’s just that right now, it’s time to focus on other (more important) things. I think just a little more patience is going to take you a long way. You’ll be back to running before you know it, and it’s a great sign that you’re itching to get back to it!
I can totally understand how difficult it must be. Hang in there!
How is Koda taking to the baby and not being the center of attention?
When I don’t feel like getting in some exercise, I make myself think about how I’ll feel afterward. I always feel better after I get moving, and “I never regret a workout” : )
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