August 16, 2013

Fresh Air


After a month of being confined to bed-rest and missing out on some great summer weather, I couldn't get outside fast enough after giving birth. It's always a little nerve wracking taking a very new and tiny baby anywhere, but for me exposing her to some fresh air is much more comfortable than lots of people or germs. I also have this magnetic pull with my babies (I felt the same bond with Little Smith) where I really can't relax or enjoy myself if they're out of my sight. I'm sure I'll loosen up over time, but for now I need to have this baby with me and I also need my fix of outdoor time. At a week and a half old, she has already joined us on several long walks and trips to the garden, and I'm more and more comfortable with each excursion.

Physically I am feeling very strong. I was lucky to deliver without any medication or fluids this time around and I've been really astonished by the difference in how fast my recovery has been. I am still lugging around thirty extra pounds and lots of puffiness (I can't yet wear my rings or any shoes besides flip-flops!), so I do feel out of rhythm with my body simply because it is different from my norm. I have no idea what to wear and definitely miss the comfort of the heavy sweater and leggings that was my postpartum uniform after Little Smith's winter arrival. 

Body issues aside, the more I'm able to get out and put my toes in the grass, the more I feel like myself again. I'm so grateful that Little Smith has reached an age where he can march ahead of us on walks and leave my hands free to care for this tiny baby. It's a little chaotic getting out the door... but we're all so happy once we finally make it out.

8 comments:

  1. what lovely, beautiful pictures! And oh my what a beautiful sling! So glad to see you're feeling well and getting outdoors some. I loved going on little walks outside every morning with my babe tucked into the wrap during those beginning weeks. Rest up Mama! You have such a darling family!

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  2. horray for fresh air! Kinsey was a July baby and I loved walks and fresh air with a newborn. such sweet pictures xo julia

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  3. So good to see pictures of you out and about! I was the same way as far as not being able to confine myself to the indoors after each of my babies was born. With Milo, we took him out when he was only four days old, and it made a world of difference to my physical and mental health!

    As for your birth experience, congratulations on being able to go natural this time (only because I know you were hoping for that)! I had natural births and then hernia surgery, and I was absolutely FLOORED by how horrible I felt after that minor surgery. I can only imagine how having a C-section feels. Crazy how well you feel relative to that, I'm sure.

    You look absolutely radiant. New motherhood (and pregnancy) suit you, Lilly!

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  4. Fresh air makes everything better. I LOVE every one of these photos. Beautiful! xo

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  5. You are such a lovely bunch. I just love that you take your new lady out on long family walks.

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  6. You are so beautiful and your family looks beyond happy! Motherhood suits you so well! And that's wonderful that you labored with no medication :) I loved my natural births and was amazed by my body's ability to recover both times. As women, our bodies can do amazing things, can't they? xx
    Belle

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  7. Oh yes, getting out the door is the hardest part, isn't it? You are an adorable family! I'm glad you are enjoying some summer days now.

    I could never part with my babies either. We rarely used a babysitter even when they got to be toddlers. :)

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  8. I absolutely love these photos. I am so glad you are out and about. It was freaky for me with Lo because she was born just as cold weather hit... so we were cooped up for months but it is SO nice to get out. Also, you look absolutely stunning! STUNNING.

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