5 months
5 months ago was our first full day at home after coming home from the hospital. After our first few nights as parents, the first night with our baby at home, a mix of adrenaline, sleep deprivation and wacko hormones, I remember thinking to myself, “this is really your life right now. Things really are this good.”
It didn’t feel real, and Tom and I still say to each other, “we have a baby. This is our baby.”
She’s changed so much since we brought her home:
She’s growing quickly, and is so smart, happy, alert, and most-importantly (thankful everyday for this one) healthy.
Here’s what’s going on this month:
1) FOOD! I’ve been so excited about solid foods for a while, particularly since I’ve had such a hard time with breastfeeding. I was happy to be able to give her whole, organic foods and introduce her to some of the things we love. It’s so much fun to have dinner together as a family, to watch her face as she tries something new -when she first tasted the sweet potato, she looked up at me like, “why have you been holding out?!”- and so far she’s had sweet potato, fennel and avocado. She loved all three of them. For this week, I picked up some organic peas, carrots, green beans and apples. We’re trying the babyled weaning route (more info on that here) but one thing we’re both kind of worried about is the issue of choking, so I make sure the food is pretty mushy before giving it to her. We still haven’t bought a high chair, but for now, she likes sitting in my lap at the table, which works pretty well for restaurants, too.
2) Jumping queen! We got her this exersaucer and I love watching her jump and jump in it.
Some other things we’re loving this month:
-Still lots and lots of books- we read at least a few everyday and she starts kicking her feet as soon as I take out a book. She likes to flip the pages herself, make sounds and try to eat the book.
The newest in the collection: “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” “Whoo hoo are you? and “Little Babaji”
-Elmo! I was wondering what to do for the last 15 minutes before her nap -we’d already done the bath, a couple of books, tummy time, jumped in the exersaucer and taken Bell outside- so I went on YouTube and pulled up an Elmo video. She WENT CRAZY for it. It was Elmo singing ABCs with India Arie and she had the cutest little smile on her face. Those Sesame Street people know what they’re doing.
-Adventures. It’s nice to feel like I can take Liv anywhere and do anything with her. At first, I seriously thought I’d never leave the house again -I was either attached to the Brest Friend pillow or the pump- and now, I love to take Liv on little adventures and to see new things. Many days we stay home and just hang out and play, but it’s great to have the option and feel confident that we can do whatever. Before, getting ready to go anywhere was at least a 2 hour ordeal (get kinda-ready, let her nap, feed her then go), and now I feel like I can pack up the diaper bag and have us ready to go within 15 minutes.
Yesterday, we went to the park to see the ducks:
She watched the ducks, and I watched the adorable curiosity and wonder on her face.
-No teeth yet, but I have a feeling it’s on the way! We have a tradition that the first person to spot a baby’s new tooth gets them a pair of shoes. Not a bad deal 😉
-I’m still kind of crazy about her naps, and have a feeling that I’ll be that way until she’s in elementary school. We did a combo of “The Baby Whisperer” and “Healthy Sleep Habits” methods -which I can’t recommend enough. No crying and she’s been sleeping through the night for quite a while, following the Eat, Activity, Sleep routine. It works brilliantly, but I usually try to have her at home for her midday nap in her crib. When she sleeps well, she’s so much happier and sleeps better at night, and I sleep better and am happier, too 🙂 Of course, we shake up her schedule a little bit if we need to, but most of the time, we try to be home for her midday nap. I’ll run errands or go out and about with her either in the morning or the afternoon.
-Speaking of elementary school, I told Tom yesterday that you potty train kids when they’re 7. He was like,”Wait a second, they make diapers that big? I thought I was potty-trained way earlier than that.” And I said, “Nope, 7 is the magic number.” I got a kick out of it, but I think I scared him for a second.
-As I’ve mentioned a handful of times, but haven’t gone into the full nitty gritty, I went through some stuff after Liv was born. It was a huge adjustment for me, I didn’t feel like myself, and while I loved our new baby with all of my heart, it was a challenging time. I considered stepping away from the blog when I went through the first bit of mommy judgment. I’m sure many of you can relate. As you know, mean comments are hurtful, but when you’re in an emotionally fragile state, they can be devastating.
A few people have asked me to talk a little bit more about it, but I’m waiting until around Liv’s first birthday when I can look back at that time with a different perspective- one that isn’t so fresh in my mind (even though I’ve been writing this entire time). You may have noticed, but I usually talk more about difficult points in my life after they’re over. I don’t like to be the complainer that says “this is hard. I’m having a rough time and haven’t done anything about it yet.” I like to be the one who makes it through and is able to say “here’s what was difficult for me, here’s what helped me, I kept a positive attitude, but I’m glad it’s over.”
Of course, Liv is going to have times in her life that are challenging. I wish I could take the mean girls out of her life before they show up, but I can’t. I just hope to give her knowledge and confidence, the ability to keep a positive attitude, fight through it, look back and be proud of herself.
From what I can already tell, she’s a smart little firecracker. I think she’ll be just fine.
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Beautiful post! You are a great mum and she is clearly a beautiful and intelligent little girl. I have no doubts she will handle everything life throws at her, especially knowing she has such a great family to lead her along the way. We ended up baby lead weaning, cause it was all that worked. I was also worried about choking but it wasn’t as much of an issue as I feared. Just watch she doesnt put too much food in her mouth and cut up anything the size of a grape in quarters as their wind pipe is about the size of a grape! 🙂
So adorable! Happy fifth month 🙂
What a sweet little girl and a sweet mommy, too!! 🙂 Those 5 months went FAST!!!
Hey Gina! I’m another one of those readers who has read daily since ’09 but doesn’t comment often. This time I had to hop on and say how much I enjoy your family posts. I am not a mom and won’t be one (by choice, except to my fur babies!) – and yet I absolutely love reading about your experience. Olivia is an absolute DOLL (so photogenic like her parents too) and I am sorry to hear that people have to insert their judgment where it doesn’t belong. You are a super mom and I’m impressed that you haven’t missed a beat on your blog through it all. Happy 5th month!
She is your mini-me! I have been trying to figure out who shee looks like and in the first five month picture she looks exactly like you. Lucky little baby!
That smile!! I love the big smile in the last picture, just like that pic you had posted before of you and Liv with her looking at you with that huge smile. No matter what happens or what kind of day you have, how can that smile not just melt your heart?! I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with negativity. Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point has talked briefly about “mommy wars” and that kind of thing as well. It makes me so sad, since women should be helping each other and boosting each other up, not hurting and putting one another down. Just remember you are doing a great job, you have family and friends who love you, and nothing in the world can top that big gummy smile!
Oh my god she is absolutely gorgeous!!!
thank you- she is amazing
She is getting to big! She looks like a firecracker thats for sure!
5 months is such a fun age 🙂
I don’t know why people feel the need to be mean or judgmental, ever! But especially when dealing with something as personal and sensitive as having a baby and being a new mom. One of the reasons I don’t blog anymore is because I’m going through some personal stuff too and while I’ve not had to deal with much negativity from readers/commenters in the past, I don’t even want to chance it. So good for you for sticking with it and not letting other people get you down 🙂
I look forward to you opening up about that difficult time after Liv’s birth (whenever you’re ready, of course) because I’ve heard that so many women go through a really rough patch those first few weeks/months. But because so few women are willing to talk about it, there has become a huge stigma around it, which only compounds the issue. I am thankful for everyone who is willing to break the silence and speak openly and honestly about both the joys and the challenges of having a newborn.
On a completely separate note, can you share where you got the rug in the top picture? I really like it!
Exactly what Katie said! Thank you, in advance, for being willing to share your experience.
it’s weird because even when i’ve talked to some other moms about it, they look at me like i have a third eye.
it’s the most amazing thing ever, and the hardest, craziest thing ever at the same time.
thank you! it’s from world market
She is adorable! She looks like she is going to be a big ham when she gets bigger. I gave M some sweet potato yesterday and he loved it. The whole solids thing is a little overwhelming at times 🙂
I hear you about how your life changes and you don’t feel like yourself. I feel like I haven’t used my brain in over a year and in 6 months have barely had any time to myself (any time away from M has been for coaching track). Hubby works long hours, so I’ve largely been parenting by myself and it gets pretty frustrating at times (especially right now with the 6m teething and growth spurt fun). Honestly, most of the time I feel like just a person who takes care of baby, cooks and cleans…anything else is out of the question. Thank goodness M is usually an awesome baby 🙂
Thanks for sharing Gina! I swear, the number one thing that I am dreading about having kids is the Mommy judgement! I know people get worked up about it because it really is the most important thing you can do, but it seems to me that the vast majority of mothers desperately love their babies and are trying so hard to do everything right! I have so much respect for you doing this publicly. For every hater, there are 100 women that you have helped feel normal, healthier and by what you do, so please keep it up and be proud!
I look forward to reading your blog every day and glad that you have stuck with it. You are an inspiration to many people and you seem to have found a great balance in your life. Your little firecracker is precious and blessed with parents that love her.
Haters, shoo… go away!
I don’t comment much but I love your blog Gina and I would say I’m a regular reader over here in Virginia. My husband and I are baby crazy and hoping we’ll have a little one soon someday. All the pictures of Liv just encourage the baby crazy in me and you’re truly an awesome mom!
When the haters surface, ignore them and just think of all of us who truly enjoy your writing, highlights in the fitness world, new healthy eats and your precious everyday life photos.
(My hubby and I start the Summer Shape Up routine today! YAY!)
Your daughter is beautiful!
I have a 6.5 month old daughter and I’ve really enjoyed reading about your daughter’s growth as mine goes through similar stuff. As someone who has also recently had a baby, I find it very comforting to know other moms have gone through struggles too. It’s so challenging and you definitely just have to do what works for your family. Thank you for being so honest about how it is to be a new mom!
A girl friend of mine told me that when you have a baby that every one becomes a critic. Everyone has their own way of doing things and feel the need to tell you how to correctly do what you are doing. You have to know in your heart that you are doing a great job as a mom. Some people will always judge you and will think you could have done it differently, even if you went completely by the books. People can be rude and horrible at times, but you are doing the best you can. You have the courage to document your experience for all to see and that is amazing, you should be proud of yourself and try not ( I know this is hard) to take their horrible comments to heart. I read your blog every day and feel like you are a mom to look up to, you take good care of yourself, your baby and your family. Good job, and keep up the good work. 🙂
Dont worry about the mean commenters. Everyone has a different way of parenting. what works for some might not work for others and some people just dont realize that. it is really important to remember that you are doing what is best for your family. Livi is adorable and she will be a beautiful young lady. You are such a good mother! You and Tom are so blessed
Mean people suck 🙁 Seriously, you are amazing! Thank you for your honesty on your blog <3 Livi is so beautiful!!!!
so happy for you, Liv, & the pilot!! wishing you nothing but happiness, health, & love on all fronts! Thank you for sharing your ups & downs with us! Love all parts of your blog 🙂
cutest. baby. ever.
and a random question: what kind of doggie food do you feed bella? my dog is a similar size and we recently found out the brand we’ve been feeding her is basically crap. any advice? thanks!
we feed bell blue buffalo small breed adult chicken dog food. she LOVES it and the ingredients are pretty good
I just wanted to say keep fighting the good fight and hold your head high. You’re doing a great job with Liv. While I obviously don’t know all the details of your situation- I can say that I can relate and it does get better- which it sounds like it already has or has started to for you. Hang in there!
thank you, friend. and yes, things are a thousand times better and just keep getting better, easier and more fun every day
I’m a frequent reader ever since you got pregrant, but infrequent commenter. I have really enjoyed your posts on the family page and think you are doing a fantastic job as a mother and as a blogger. I have two girls of my own, 6 and 3, and still remember how hard the first few months were with each of them (but so totally worth it!). I can only imagine what the additional pressure from the blogosphere must feel like while you are trying to figure out how to do everything with a newborn. I think your honesty and openness about everything is commendable and very helpful to others who are or will at some point experience the same thing. Being a mother is the most challenging and most rewarding and fullfilling job there is. Keep up the good work.
Wow- 5 months?! Where does the time go?
Sending you happy thoughts regarding the tough period. I hope you’re getting over it happily!
Haha- 7 YEARS!! hehe
Gina, I just wanted to say that I’m sorry people feel the need to be mean & spiteful. It can hurt a lot to read venom, even if it is from a complete stranger! From the outside looking you seem to have handled everything with grace & a great attitude, but I know that when blogging you can chose which things to highlight & what to leave out. I too look forward to hearing about your experience those first few months when you are ready to share. I agree that it is so important to share the hard times & try to get rid of the stigma around being open about the tough parts in addition to the good!
As I get closer to my due date I think about all these things more often & I really treasure hearing your experiences a few months ahead of starting down the same road.
It is obvious you are a wonderful mother to Olivia!
I would love to hear your story when/if you’re ever ready to share on the blog. I’m sure a lot of us moms can relate. The nerve of people just amazes me to no end. They can take freedom of speech a little far when really they should keep certain opinions to themselves.
I can definitely say that you have WAYYYY more supporters than haters. Most of us have major respect for you and how YOU choose to raise YOUR child. I don’t necessarily have to do everything you do with your daughter but that doesn’t mean one of us is doing it wrong. It’s whatever works in each situation. I still love reading your family page and take away a ton of insight. Your doing great!
thank you, kristen <3
I would love to hear your story! As a first time soon to be mom (due in November – I know I still have time) I love reading about your experiences as a first time parent. You are doing an amazing job!
We had our babies within two weeks of one another (Jan 19th here). Interested to hear your reflections. I love my baby more than anything but motherhood is hard! Lots of sacrifices. Fwiw, you are doing a great job!
Liv looks JUST LIKE YOU! And of course, you can see the Pilot in her too… 😉 Her cuteness kills me! So sorry to hear people have been giving you a hard time. I’m not a parent yet, but I think it’s clear that it’s no joke. Hardest. Job. Ever. I think you’re doing a fantastic job + love your positive outlook! Can’t wait to read your story when you’re ready. Thank you for being willing to share it! Keeping you and your fam in my prayers, Gina. xoxo
Gah she is so daggum cute!!! I love that smiley 5-month picture. You can tell Liv is going to be a beautfiul seniorita like the women before her! 🙂 Congrats on making it to the 5 month mark in one peice…I love that you said at one point you felt like you’d never leave the house again, and now you can get up and go in a matter of minutes. Great encouragment. 🙂
~Laura
Haters gon’ hate. I’m so sorry that people were mean to you in your post-partum phase. I also look forward to hearing how you handled it, and what it felt like. I think it’s a great idea to wait to talk about it, though. I’m sure there’s some residual angst, and it still stings. Probably would say things that you didn’t quite want to say, even if they were completely valid. 😉
You’re a classy girl. I think you’re doing a wonderful job with Liv, for what it’s worth. And she is such a cutie. I love the expression on her face in the duck pictures. She’s like, “what in the wooooorrrld??”
Of all the blogs I read, I have enjoyed your family posts the most. I feel like you are very real and honest abut the ups and downs. I don’t have children yet but my husband and I will probably starting trying in the next year. It’s encouraging and inspriring to read a true account of being a new mom. I know everyday won’t be easy and fun and cute smiles, but I know that if you can get through the tough times – with a pilot husband, a thriving blog, and a different work schedule everyday – then I (and anyone) can do it. Thanks for being honest and know that your true, loyal readers love you!
Was that Agua Caliente? I freaking love that park! I have been visiting Tucson for about 20 years. My parents have a “winter place” there now. We are from western NY. I try to go their every chance I get.
I had to de-lurk and tell you that you are doing an incredible job. All the haters are doing is projecting their own fears on to someone they wish they could be more like.
Liv is earth-stoppingly adorable, by the way 🙂
thank you, friend <3
I’m so glad you didn’t stop blogging! I actually thought it was amazing how regurlarly you blogged right after Livi’s birth! And I would also be interest in hearing your story…especially since I will hopefully also soon be preparing for our first baby 🙂 (after a miscarriage a few years ago).
That bring me to my next question, is there a way to get to the old posts in your family section here? Like for the main blog you have the archive, but I’m not sure how that works here. I wanted to go back and take notes on what books etc. you recommended ;-).
Another quick question – did you do ab workouts during pregnancy? I know you’re not supposed to especially later in the pregnancy. but how is it in the beginning and when did you stop?
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
hey girl,
thank you!
not as of now, but i was thinking of adding a section on the “fun” page with links to my favorite family page posts.
i did planks for the first half or pregnancy and stopped when my belly got too big 😉
I had to pop in today before work and get a little ‘Liv! 😉 SO BEAUTIFUL!
SHE is looking amazing!!! I love the pictures…the intelligence and personality are so clear on her little face! I love her “figuring it out” expressions. The pictures are amazing.
I think, as always, that it is so brave and generous of you to be so candid, about the good and not-so-good emotions involved in your experiences. Your blog is so engaging because of this. I have been moved to laughter and tears many times in the past few years because you, Miss Gina, are an amazing writer.
God bless!!! So glad everything is going well!!! 🙂
I love that last picture of Livi! She is so stinken cute!! And the picture of the two of you next to the ducks is so precious.
I love what you said about bullies and mean girls. Gina you are such an inspiration, Livi is a very lucky girl to have you as a parent. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with judgment and criticism, I wish people weren’t so rude sometimes, I really don’t think you deserve it.
Hey Gina,
I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years and love it! Congrats on Olivia-she’s so cute!
Anyway, along those same lines my husband is a merchant marine and gone for more than half the year. We’ve begun to contemplate having a baby and adding to our family, but I often go back & forth about it because of my husband’s job. Sometimes it seems so overwhelming to be a single parent for a lot of the year. How did you know you were ready? Were you ever more nervous about becoming a mom because of the Pilot’s job?
I’d love some insight. 🙂
We LOVED the india arie video!!! of course, i’m no india, but we sing it “just like” her, hand swaying and all, and then we throw in the really long and slow “A. B. Ceeeeeeee” at the end! Looks like Livi is growing really fast! Congratulations 🙂
Just another reason why I love your blog so much…honesty. I totally understand waiting to share your story! I am looking forward to reading it when you do decide to share. I have heard about the post baby depression/ sad feelings…and honestly it’s nice to know that things after having a baby are not always perfect like some people make them out to be. It’s just nice to see ‘real’ life! (or rather read ‘real’ life 🙂 )
Gina,
I have read your blog for awhile now but have never posted. I feel like I have to today. I think its awful some of us insist on being mean girls. Life is hard enough we should be an encouragement to each other and not beat each other down. You are an amazing person and mother! Don’t let others’ negativity get you down!
Monica
It’s so terrible that people feel the need to share their negative views, and I’m glad to hear that you’ve been so enjoying your time with Livi! It’s been awesome to have “real” stories about pregnancy and being a first-time mom – posts I will definitely be coming back to!
I just told my husband that they’re now recommending potty training at age 7. He was completely shocked. I wish I could have kept it going longer.
Oh wow, I can’t believe anybody could think of anything mean to say to you or about the job you’re doing with your gorgeous daughter. That makes me so cross! You give so much to other mummies (I’m one of them!) with your lovely, thoughtful posts and I am so grateful to log on each day and get a dose of fitnessista.
I’m very, very pleased you rose above it and kept blogging because you have helped me through the first few months. My baby girl is four months tomorrow!
I am exactly the same too, I won’t tell anyone if I’m having a hard time until it’s over and I can perhaps encourage that person if they’re going through the same thing.
To negate the mean comments, here is another positive one to say “thank you” for all that you give us through this lovely pink blog. Thank you xoxo
It makes me so sad that anyone would post crappy things to a parent, especially a brand new parent. The first few weeks after I had my first daughter, my hormones were RAGING and I would burst into tears over everything. I can only imagine what it felt like to be judged 🙁 Please remember you also have a huge following who supports you and thinks you are awesome. And I appreciate that you let us into your life as a mother.
I have three daughters and am also very careful about naptime. Regular naps=happy kids=happy mom in this house 🙂
Hi Gina~
Ahhhh, cannot believe Liv is 5 months already, just adorable!!!!!
I just want to say i wouldn’t look at you like you had a third eye cuz i can TOTALLY relate to the post partum stuff, boy oh boy did i have it BAD. I look back now and wish i knew what i know now (that it would get better), but i could have flooded my house with all the tears i shed (my boy is 8 months now). I wish i wasn’t so mean to my hubby either:(
Anyway, i am glad i can come here and get ‘honesty’, i truly adore your blog and look forward to reading it every day!
Hugs!
Hi,
I’ve been reading for a while, but have never commented before – I have to say that it was the way that you talked about your pregnancy that actually made me a regular reader. You just have a real warmth when you talk about your baby, and it’s pretty adorable. I’m a way off becoming a mom (like, years, hopefully) and to be honest, reading the ‘family’ section of your blog has been kind of an education for me, haha.
Judgement is hard – to be honest I think people who put their lives out there on the internet are pretty brave in some ways. I suppose the internet really has two sides to it – it can be amazing, and I know from personal experience that it can be crushing. Being a blogger, I guess you have to be prepared for people to discuss you/disagree with you, but those disagreements must be a lot harder to swallow when there’s another little person in the mix who you love so much, and are so responsible for. Being a first time mom has to be so.overwhelming, and I think your baby looks very happy, and obviously very much loved. Your family is the most important thing, and ultimately, when you read negative stuff I suppose you have to just think ‘eh’. No one knows your life and your baby like you do. People are people, and they’re not always understanding.
Just for the record, I saw an article judging on you on a particular site (which I can only assume you know of), and even though I think sometimes they have a point about certain sites, I read that and it left a seriously bad taste in my mouth. (not to mention that an overwhelmed first-time mom really is not ‘news’.) I think you’re doing a fantastic job and you seem like a sweetheart.
Brush that dirt off your shoulder and keep soldiering on – all that petty judgement shouldn’t mean anything x
(apologies for this ridiculous novel-length comment! and Olivia is adorable)
thank you so much, laura- your kind words me so much to me.
and yeah that article was pretty hurtful. we went through a health scare with liv that weekend and after spending much of it after hours at a lab for testing, i came home to that and well, it was rough to say the least.
you made some awesome points, and thank you again for reading and for such a sweet comment <3
i’m curious about how you are using “baby whisperer” and “healthy sleep habits” combined. my son didn’t sleep through the night until he was a year (it was a crazy year) and i started using “baby whisperer” around 8 months or so. i have a feeling if i would have started earlier, things would have gone much smoother. he ended up being a great sleep after a year up until a couple of months ago when all of his incisors and bottom 2nd teeth started coming in. 6 teeth all at once is tough on anyone. but i know i will sleep again eventually 😉
and i’m really glad you stuck around during those hard times. even though my son is over a year older than liv, i still find such inspiration in reading about your adventures as a mom. i think you have such a great attitude and now i can see why. moms can be tough on one another but i think your outlook on mommyhood is so refreshing. you are doing awesome!
Haters gon’ hate, girl! It’s how you handle those bad moments that make you who you are. Anyone who puts themselves out there is going to be subject to criticism, unfortunately. One day Livi will see how you handled negativity in your life and it will just be one more way you can inspire her to be a better person. If only the cruel people out there had amazing parents like you and the Pilot to teach them how to be kind and understanding. You’re doing a great job, keep your head up! 🙂
Livi is gorgeous and such a happy baby! I think it’s brave and so helpful of you to be willing to share your struggles. Yes, everyone has opinions about parenting and it’s hard enough being a mom without feeling criticized about every little thing. So here I go being a hypocrite.
Gina, I LOVE your blog and I truly think you have a heart of gold! I mean that!! I am going to gently point out something that I don’t think most people think about. As someone who has worked with children who have disabilities I can tell you, they do make diapers for 7 year olds and there are families still struggling with potty training long past that age and it can be such a painful topic. What seems to come so easily for some children can take years to fully accomplish (accident free) for childen with various physical and/or neurological challenges. I know you are kind-hearted and I personally don’t take offense to anything you wrote except I just felt like I had to say something. I know there is so much I take for granted and I have said things or joked about things with the best of intentions without realizing I might be pouring salt in a wound for someone facing challenges and I am glad people pointed things out to me. Please know that I still think you are AMAZING and perhaps I am just being hypersensitive thinking about how the joke about 7 year old diapers may be difficult for some moms out there. I know sometimes blogging it probably feels like you walk on eggshells. I hope you will still feel free to joke and say what comes to mind and just let people gently point out if something may be construed the wrong way.
Happy five months! What a sweet post. I would LOVE to read more about the sleep schedule you used. I have an 8-week old and I’ve already read Healthy Sleep Habits, and I just picked up the Baby Whisperer book. I was thinking of trying a combo approach myself, since I think I need some sort of routine for my sanity, but I’m not sure about all of her methods…would you consider writing a post about what you guys do?