The help generously extended to me over the last three weeks is starting to taper off. David’s mom left yesterday after being on full-time Hailey duty for a week (thank you, Mema!) and my last meal from a friend is being dropped off this morning.
Even David has a late night or two lined up this week meaning I’ll be tackling bath and bed time solo with the girls for the first time. I’m not overly concerned about it because honestly, I feel spoiled rotten that I got to wait this long before handling it by myself.
Though I am incredibly grateful for all the assistance, I think I’m ready to move forward. I really thrive on routine and there really isn’t one right now. Since Kaitlyn is only three weeks old, I don’t see a pretty little schedule tied up in a pretty little bow being delivered to me any time soon. And that’s ok- I am not one to wish away these newborn days… I mean… LOOK…
Instead, I am trying to focus on what I can do to bring back a sense of normalcy. For me, that means healthy food.
I haven’t talked much about my postpartum body (yet– I’ll chat your ears off about it when I write my my one month postpartum update), but here’s a spoiler- the pounds aren’t coming off the same way they did after Hailey. Though the number doesn’t really concern me (I’m convinced most of those pounds now reside in my bra), the way I’ve been eating does. I’ve been overdoing the comfort food and can feel it. Casseroles, pizza, pastas… and though I’ll swear up and down I don’t have a sweet tooth, somehow I find myself snacking on the brownies, Oreo pie, homemade ice cream and other treats that have been dropped off. And by snacking on, I mean I ate 3 brownies one day and called it lunch.
I’m not being hard of myself, I actually think I look and feel pretty great for 3 weeks postpartum, but I know I’ll feel better both physically and mentally if I start taking more responsibility for what I’m putting into my body.
So yesterday as both girls napped, I took to the kitchen to prep some food for the week.
I made a simple Tabouli salad to put on greens.
I bought a rotisserie chicken and shredded it so it’s ready to be added to wraps or salads.
I boiled and peeled eggs to have a satiating snack ready to go.
I peeled and froze bananas for morning smoothies.
I washed spinach and salad greens, loaded up on almonds and even picked up a new oil and vinegar to use in a salad dressing for the week.
Nothing super fancy or spectacular, but after that hour in the kitchen, I felt a little of ‘me’ return- a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic stage of life. And I liked it.
I’m on such a high, I’m tempted to throw exercise right in there, too, but a little voice is telling me to hold back. I know my body is still recovering, so for the time being, I’m focusing on good eats instead of fast feets. (So sorry. I couldn’t resist.)
When life gets chaotic, what helps you regain a sense of control?
What is one thing in your life you really count on to make you feel like you?
Parita @ myinnershakti says
When things get chaotic, I resort to list making. It helps me get my thoughts in order AND put together a plan in one go.
Honestly, I can’t believe you have time to blog, food prep, etc! I can hardly get it together and I just have a husband…haha! You’re rocking it…whether you see it or not. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
If you could see the behind the scenes, it might not look so together (AKA, nursing in my robe while typing up the blog- TMI? ;))
Heather says
I thrive on routine, so having one and sticking to it makes my life so much easier. I admit, the first 6-8 weeks of having a new baby is so hard on me simply because my routine is gone. When things get chaotic for me, sitting down and making lists and prioritizing is so grounding. Or if the situation isn’t conducive, sometimes finding a quiet moment or two to just breathe deeply until I can get my bearings is helpful. Sometimes I get caught up in the chaos and have to remind myself it’s only temporary and to find the humor in the moment, or to just let it all go and shrug my shoulders and realize that life goes on, and so will I. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Great points Heather! The loss of routine is the most difficult part for me, too, but like you said, sometimes when I feel myself getting frazzled I just lower my expectations and embrace the chaos because it all is temporary!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
When life gets chaotic I tend to just grab whatever I can find in the kitchen, so your strategy of keeping lots of healthy semi-prepared foods on hand is a great idea!
Genevieve says
I totally hear you are wanting a routine, I think that is what was hardest about having a newborn, especially the 2nd time around. It comes with time, like you know but yes, it is a hard stage for sure!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Way to go pulling some meal prep together already! I remember feeling the same way after L was born- the nursing hunger and so many free meals made for a lot of comfort food eating and while it tasted delicious, it definitely left me feeling more sluggish and bloated than normal. Hope things go really smoothly this week on your own. Now I’m craving tabouli!
Ali says
I agree with you that sometimes routine and consistency feels good. When life gets out of control, I try to plan meals and try to get some exercise in. In my experience, I lost some pounds in the first bit of postpartum, but I started to gain momentum in my weight loss from 3-6 months postpartum. I honestly didn’t even change my eating habits that much – I think it was the breastfeeding/hormonal part of things.
Laura @ FitMamaLove says
It’s easy to let healthy-eating take a backseat those first few weeks when it’s hard enough just to get any sort of food in your body. If someone’s going to bring me food, I’m not going to turn it down even though it’s usually in the form of casseroles or some other heavy dish.
The pounds definitely didn’t come off as easily for me with my second. I didn’t even really have to work at it with my first. It was like breastfeeding melted everything away. It was hard for me to accept that I was actually going to have to do something about it with my second.
Getting back into the usual health and fitness routine after having a baby feels so good, though, and definitely brings back a sense of normalcy.
Brittany Dixon says
Yes I think I took the pounds coming off after Hailey for granted and am interested to see what the journey looks like this second time around. And I agree with you- I won’t turn down any food someone wants to bring me right now! 😉
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
I am trying to ‘prepare’ myself for this exact thing once our boys arrive. I strive on a plan…so I hope that I can find time to make some sort of a meal plan/prep routine shortly after settling in at home. Fueling with clean foods and knowing I have them ready to go makes me feel so good EVEN if I can’t get in the workout I might want to.
Nan says
I am really really impressed and inspired of how you are doing with your two little ones. I only have one right now and he can be a handful and my friends are just beginning having their second children now and from what they tell me, these beginning weeks and months can be challenging. Good for you for being so motivated in getting healthy food on the table. Its definitely takes a bit of extra work and planning but you feel so much better after eating it, right?? What was so crucial to me in those early weeks and months for some semblance of normalcy was carving out of tiny bit of “me time” each week. Getting a manicure felt heavenly and having just a bit of quiet time to read while in the pedicure seat made me feel like a new woman. Also, baths…. I was big on relishing a bath (though it was quick!) once my husband got home work and before those nighttime hours and feedings rolled around. Those oils you bought at the grocery store seem symbolic of getting something for you and that reflects what you enjoy and makes you feel good! Enjoy!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Nan, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked down at my sad, neglected toes and longed for a pedicure! It sounds so self-indulgent but I think it would make me feel like a million bucks right now. Love your idea of baths, too.I should totally carve out time to soak in the tub for a few- sounds amazing!
I also heard a saying once that totally rings true- ‘any number of kids is a lot of kids’ – it’s all challenging in it’s own way and I’m sure you’re rocking it with your little boy 🙂
Maria says
You guys look like you had a blast at the pool! I hope it stays warm – I’ll be in NC next weekend!
Mad props to you for doing some meal prep! I’m sure you’ll be back to your fighting weight in no time! There’s nothing like a little over-indulging to make a salad taste really really good 🙂
Jen says
Good for you for getting some food prep done! It’s been a lifesaver for me. And weight loss after #2 has been so much slower for me as well. Grr.
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
I am convinced that the key to healthy eating is the PREP! I know that chopping up veggies for the week is an easy way to get myself back on track. That and drinking lots of H2O.
Lauren @ Fun, Fit and Fabulous! says
She is just too precious for words. I am with you, healthy food really helps me to feel more like myself, in control, and just overall better. Some form of exercise also helps even if it’s just walking for a quick 20 minute tabata workout.
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Hang in there!
Eating healthy always sets me up for a good day!
Taylor says
Hello! I am not sure that i have ever commented although, every night I get your latest post in my email box and I look forward to it!! Youre babies are absolutely precious and I think your attitude is amazing!! Quick question though, I love your recipes, is the tabouli listed above homemade? If so – would you be willing to share the recipe?? Thanks!!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Taylor! Thanks for the kind words 🙂 The tabouli is homemade, but I just kind of winged it by glancing at a few different recipes. Mine has Bulgar, red pepper, cucumber, tomato, parsley, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. It turned out pretty tasty!
Marisa says
Just wanted to say….that photo of sweet baby girl is making my ovaries ache! Too precious!!!!
Jen says
Very inspiring! My baby girl will be five weeks tomorrow and yesterday afternoon I was able to wear her while she slept (she’s not such a good sleeper when I put her down…reflux issues and who knows what else) and make a big batch of whole wheat angel hair with chickpeas and broccoli and tomatoes and some healthy pb blondies and it made me feel so good, and like myself again! I used to love to do food prep on Sunday mornings before she was here, but I haven’t had time to do much, and it felt so good!
Darlene @BlogBoldly says
Ahhhh….
Precious, PRECIOUS baby. 🙂
I’m going to the airport in a few hours to pick up my daughter and 1st grandchild. I love being a mom beyond the moon and back.. but being a grandmother is such a beautiful blessing, too.
Don’t quite know how I stumbled upon your blog.. but going off now to read some more.
~ darlene 🙂
p.s. I am really diggin’ the design of your blog. Simple and tasteful.
char eats greens says
I still might eat 3 brownies for lunch and consider it a success. Even though I’ve been doing this whole mom thing for 1.5 years, I still feel like I suck at it! My life is far from organized and I really need someone to give me some tips too!! One day!
So side note, Nia say that picture of Kaitlyn above and signed and said ‘baby’. Not only is Nia saying it still so cute to me, but seeing that pic melts my heart!
char eats greens says
And excuse my bad typing, it’s suppose to read: Nia SAW that picture…
Melissa says
First off, congratulations!
I’m.with you. Some time spent on menu planning and food prep helps me tame the chaos. Taking time to read makes me feel like me.
Best wishes to you and your family!