I’m ridiculously proud of the fact that I exercised regularly up until my 36th week of pregnancy. I gained (I think) about 45 pounds during my pregnancy (including a SUPER IMPRESSIVE 9 pounds in 4 weeks) and I’m truly frightened by what that number may have been had I not worked out. I had what I consider to be the most fantastic labor experience ever and I believe that keeping in shape during my pregnancy helped with this.

I’m not ridiculously proud of the fact that I’ve not done any sort of formal exercise since then. Through the magic of breastfeeding, I’m *so* close to my pre-pregnancy weight. But, through the magic of carrying an 8 pound, 8 ounce (perfect) baby, I can’t fit into most of my pants.

Before Henry was born, I thought that I’d get the go ahead at my 6-week appointment to start working out again and that I’d go out that very day for a run. While I was nowhere near ready to go for a run after that appointment, I’m certainly physically able to do that now, at 23-weeks postpartum. But, for some reason I just can’t make that happen. Our climate is currently such that I can’t put the baby in the stroller for a walk, Bar Method classes aren’t a great option anymore because of the (somewhat ridiculous) 4 hour cancellation policy. And, honestly I’d rather use my precious alone time for a bubble bath or a book OR A NAP.

So, here we are. I’m not happy with my body. I’m not happy with being cooped up. I have the tools I need (a BOB, a free month to Baby Bootcamp, a handful of Stroller Strides classes purchased on a daily deal site, ALL the workout dvds and a nursing-friendly sports bra in a ridiculous size) but for some reason I just can’t make it happen. We’ll be ready to go and  there will be a big spit-up, or a dirty diaper or just SOMETHING pops up (there truly was an officer-involved shooting near the park one day JUST as we were about ready to walk out the door for Baby Bootcamp. We obviously stayed home that day.).

How do you motivate yourself to work out? If you’re a mom to an infant, how do you make exercising a priority?

• I gave in to peer pressure and started The Hunger Games trilogy. I loved the first book and even read it in bed with a flashlight after putting Henry to sleep a couple times. I’m about 150 pages into Catching Fire and I’m a little sad that it’s not as exciting as the first book.
• In an effort to keep ourselves busy during the day, I signed Henry up for a baby sign language class. Our first one is on Monday and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m sure Henry is too.
• Have you all heard about Jessica Alba’s company, Honest? We were faithful Huggies users until Henry outgrew the Little Snugglers. The Little Movers just don’t seem to fit as well. On my hunt to find a better fitting diaper, I ordered a sample pack from Honest and was really pleased with the diapers. They aren’t too much more than Huggies and as a bonus, they do not have Winnie the Pooh on them. (Sorry, Winnie. I’m just not that in to you.) Anyway, for $4.95 you get a few diapers and wipes and teeny bottles of the bath products. I recommend. (We didn’t subscribe to the bath products as I’m still working through all the baby bath stuff I got at my baby showers.)
• I do realize that Winnie the Pooh will likely be Henry’s very favorite thing in the world.
• By the way, Henry turned 5 months old on Wednesday. I still have not taken his picture.
• Do you have a highchair that you LOVE? Please tell me about it.
• We have NOTHING planned for the weekend and this makes me giddy. What do you have planned this weekend?

It’s been a big week of firsts for Mr. Henry.

He met the Easter Bunny (thanks to Nanette and Em for inviting us)!

He visited the Portland Farmers Market. (Bonus Crunchy Mama Points to me for wearing him there)

He tried rice cereal for the first time. As you can see, he was unimpressed.

And, he celebrated his first Easter.

I The Easter Bunny did pretty well on his Easter Basket.

P.S. He also slept four whole hours in his crib on Saturday night. Wheee!