Getting too big to hold like this!

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I can’t believe Henry is seven months old.  Here are the comparison pictures!

month-1  month 1

month 2 month 3

month 4 month 5

month 6 IMG_4133

Time flies, babies grow, hairstyles change.

 

I’m writing this from my hotel room in New Orleans, so I’m going to make this update a ‘brain dump’ kind of post.  Plus, Henry is slowly destroying the room, so it’s gotta be quick.  More on that below.

 

  • Mind After Baby:  Feeling a lot better lately.  I went through a really anxious period around Months 3 – 5 but have definitely improved.  The more I talk to other moms, the  more common that I realize anxiety is for us.  After all, we have a LOT of responsibilities, especially if we are also working, ‘even’ if only part-time.  But I feel better now.  Thanks goodness.

 

  • Body After Baby:  Whoo hoo.  Can I brush my shoulder off for a moment?  This momma is feeling HOT HOT HOT.  However, none of my pants fit anymore!  I’m either right at or a little under my pre-pregnancy weight,  but my pants just fit weirdly in all the wrong spots.  I think I breastfed my butt away.

 

  • Speaking of breastfeeding, I’m trying to hang on for one… more… month.  I’m really taking it day-by-day at this point. 

 

  • My right wrist is permanently killing me from lifting Henry and feeding him bottles in awkward positions.  Kristien is going to start giving me acupuncture, and I’m going to invest in a wrist brace.

 

  • Kristien is the best dad ever.  I wish I could put it into words, but it’s awesome to see him engage Henry in such a loving and caring way.  He is also so proactive and attentive with baby care (diapers, feeding).  I love knowing that because of Kristien’s behavior, Henry will be a good dad to his children, too.  It’s not the only path to teaching boys to be stand-up men, but Kristien is definitely starting a good cycle!

 

  • Henry is doing great.  He is, as I’m sure you’ve gathered, becoming extremely mobile, especially for his age.  He is now a pro at furniture surfing and crawling (although he does this weird lopsided crawl).  He is very fast at everything, and it is getting increasingly difficult to change diapers.

 

  • In terms of other developments, Henry started to babble this month <—a few days after I got really worried over why he wasn’t babbling yet (hah!).  We’re got lots of dadas and babas but no mamas yet.  So unfair!

 

  • Sleep is going well thanks to sleep training.  He’s been sick twice this month, and that really screws it all up.  But he gets back on track almost immediately, which makes it totally worth the effort and time.

 

  • Still no teeth.  Busting out of 3-6 month clothes finally. He’s a little squirt.

 

  • Henry is quick to smile and laugh, quick to look away at something more interesting than whatever you are showing him, quick to go from room to room, and quick to… oh lordy.  Do everything!  He is so FAST and active.  Everyone who meets him says, “Oh, he’s so smiley! He’s so cute!  Oh… he’s so ACTIVE.”  And then they look at me sympathetically.  I wearily thank them. Winking smile

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And last… but not least… I run my first post-partum half marathon THIS SATURDAY!  I am so excited, a little nervous, and really proud.  Here’s to hoping my no-butt can successfully haul the rest of my body across the finish line.

{ 77 comments }

 

  • Kelly January 15, 2013, 9:42 am

    I like the new haircut so much! It really suits you!

    • Carrie January 16, 2013, 11:14 am

      I love your hair too! Looks so healthy and bouncy 😉

  • Sara @ fitcupcaker January 15, 2013, 12:30 pm

    How cute 🙂 And you look great, love to see how they grow!

  • Kristin January 15, 2013, 12:35 pm

    Can u post a video of the weird crawling? My daughter who is similar to henry in activity (crawling at months, standing at 7, walking at 8 months ahh) she does this lopsided crawl also we call it the “gangsta lean” lol but im just wondering. Its funny i get the same reaction as ppl. Astonishment and sympathy. I wasnt expecting mobility til much later!

    • Caitlin January 15, 2013, 1:50 pm

      hahah! i will try to catch it

  • Kelly January 15, 2013, 12:36 pm

    Ha, my 7.5 month old son does a weird, lopsided crawl too! One leg does a knee crawl while the other leg does a foot on the ground crawl. Love seeing your updates!

  • kalli January 15, 2013, 12:44 pm

    yes you look FABULOUS! and the hair is darling too…..you are a glowing confident momma 🙂

  • Sarah January 15, 2013, 12:44 pm

    I had severe wrist pain when my son was little too! I was diagnosed with De Quervain’s tendonitis. It did get better once he was older, but I had to wear a brace and actually get a shot of cortisone in my wrist. 🙁 Hang in there!

  • Michelle January 15, 2013, 12:48 pm

    I liked your haircut when you first posted it, but looking through that “time lapse”, its an instant WOW factor! You look younger and the shorter hair frames your face so well! I don’t know if it feels great to you yet, but it looks fantastic!

    • Caitlin January 15, 2013, 1:49 pm

      Yay for looking younger 🙂 Thanks!

      • Casey January 15, 2013, 4:19 pm

        Agreed–it really suits you and you look happy, healthy, and so pretty! Yay!

        • ash January 22, 2013, 9:55 pm

          Agreed love it

  • Natalie @ Free Range Human January 15, 2013, 12:50 pm

    I always enjoy these posts so much! I especially love the little bit about how great of a dad Kristien is. My husband and I aren’t sure we want kids, but I was just saying the other day that if we decide not to, the part I will regret is not seeing my husband be a dad. I know he’d be great at it!

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) January 15, 2013, 12:52 pm

    3-5 months was my most anxious period for sure. It’s it crazy how things like sleeping and eating can cause such stress?? My daughter is 8.5 months and I am finally relaxed and more go with the flow. Finally!

  • susan January 15, 2013, 1:01 pm

    You look GREAT! So incredibly healthy.

    My first daughter was a lot like Henry. I had several people tell me it was a sign of intelligence … they were right. She’s crazy (scary) smart and extremely perceptive.

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery January 15, 2013, 1:08 pm

    My godson is two days younger than Henry and I just learned this tip from his parents–he has an amber necklace that apparently helps with teething pain. Something about body heat warming up that necklace, which in turn increases circulation. Sorry I’m not explaining it well…it was just an interesting thing I thought I’d share in case Henry experiences the same teething issues. Good luck with the half marathon!! You’re such a stud, Caitlin!

  • Lea January 15, 2013, 1:09 pm

    Good luck on your half!!!I wish I had the guts for that. You look great in green! Post full of exclamation points!!

    • Caitlin January 15, 2013, 1:49 pm

      !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Amy January 15, 2013, 1:16 pm

    I lost my butt to breastfeeding, too, but thankfully I got it back! 😉 Keep going with the breastfeeding. Just look how great he’s doing. A year will be here before you know it!

  • briana January 15, 2013, 1:16 pm

    fabulous post! can i ask where you got that green shirt? i’m loving simple v-necks right now!

    • Caitlin January 15, 2013, 1:49 pm

      old navy 🙂

      • Reenie January 15, 2013, 2:05 pm

        Also ~ simple V-necks…. Target & Walmart. They usually have them in just about every color. =) (and long-sleeved ones too)

        Caitlin ~ you look great. I really love your hair that length ~ it does make you look younger, not that you looked old. You have such a tiny face, it really suits you. And speaking of suits 😉 You in a bikini…..7 months after you give birth ~ you go girl.

        Good luck with your 1/2 this weekend 🙂

  • Michelle @ Lifewithacrazypup January 15, 2013, 1:20 pm

    Henry’s adorable and getting so big! Good luck on your half marathon this weekend! Such an inspiration 🙂

  • Nikki January 15, 2013, 1:29 pm

    You look great!

  • Dani @ Live Lightly Everyday January 15, 2013, 1:36 pm

    Not only do you look great, it sounds like you are feeling great too! Being a mama definitely suits you well, and you have one cute baby!

  • Sarah @ Yogi in Action January 15, 2013, 1:38 pm

    I love these updates- as I have no kids, it’s fascinating to hear how much babies change and grow.

    Good luck on your half marathon- I’m sure you’ll do great!

  • Andrea January 15, 2013, 1:38 pm

    You look so great! I’m jealous. I’m 21 weeks with baby #3 and I’m already dying to get my figure back! Also, I have to laugh about how active henry is. BOYS! I’m bracing myself as this is baby boy #3 as well!

  • Kattrina January 15, 2013, 1:47 pm

    So great you are feeling better. I am always super anxious about Evan getting sick because I’ve used up so many sick days that if he got sick and couldn’t go to daycare, I have no idea what I’d do.

    Sending you lots of good pumping vibes! It’s hard – I returned to work full time after three months and I hate pumping at work. First, it takes so much time to get the pump out, position my clothes, pump, bag the milk, put my clothes back, rinse the stuff, and put the pump away. I pump three times at work and feel like I get nothing done. I had set a “best scenario” goal of BF until Evan was 1.5 and a”wort scenario” goal of at least a year. When I get tired and frustrated, I think about how I just have to make it until a year. BF is hard!

    I also think I BF my butt away. I looked in the mirror the other day and it was as flat as a pancake. And the sad thing is, I didn’t really have much of a butt before – so now I really have nothing. And I’m sure after I’m done BF, I will have BF my boobs into pancakes too – so I’ll have pancake boobs and a pancake butt. Sounds so sexy!

  • Laura January 15, 2013, 1:53 pm

    Caitlin, you look amazing! You just look so happy and great in your picture. Also, it’s wonderful that you are feeling better. Three cheers for that.

    Good luck with your half marathon on Saturday. You are going to rock it!

  • Kristen L January 15, 2013, 2:00 pm

    I can only imagine how overwhelming the responsibilities must feel sometimes. But, it really seems like you are doing great and I’m glad this month you are feeling better. It is also great to hear that you are feeling good about your body.

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More January 15, 2013, 2:12 pm

    First of all, good luck with the 1/2 marathon! Also, Henry seems to have quite the little personality – he’ll be quite the charmer with the ladies i imagine! 😉

  • Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction.com January 15, 2013, 2:12 pm

    Good luck!! Henry and you look great. Glad to here that Kristien is a great dad, he seems like he would be 🙂

  • Nicole January 15, 2013, 2:17 pm

    I love your new haircut. And you look great! The weight loss that comes with breastfeeding was a shock to me. It took less than three months to be back at my pre-pregnancy weight, and now I’m actually a couple pounds less. Now while my old pants fit, my stomach is squishier and I have the dreaded muffin top depending on which jeans I wear. If I could just get active, I would probably slim down even more! The only thing stopping me right now is new running shoes because my feet got bigger…and the ones that felt the best are $110. Ridic.

    Seeing Henry standing in a picture from yesterday prompted me to check how Lucy is measuring up in terms of milestones. So far, so good! Just over 3 months and we’ve already switched into a lot of 6 month sizes because she’s long and we use cloth diapers which add extra bulk. So glad onesie extenders exist!

    Good luck with your race!

  • Amanda K. January 15, 2013, 2:29 pm

    you look great!!
    7 months was also when i think breast feeding calories REALLY kicked in for me — my clothes got loose, i dipped below pre-pregnancy weight. funny, i was SO impatient to lose weight and then it happened by itself (it just took tiiiiime!)
    plus, that’s when i started running a ton, just like you are 🙂

    again, you both look great and HEALTHY! kudos!

  • Lara January 15, 2013, 2:30 pm

    You look great and I’m glad you feel great, too! G is not nearly advanced as Henry physically…I just read your 5-mo update and he’s not standing yet or anything like that. I think his gifts are more verbal…lucky me 😉

  • Ellen January 15, 2013, 2:38 pm

    Did it suprise you how quickly Henry developed a personality. It suprised me how quickly I saw one in my son who is 5 months old. I guess before I had him I thought he would be “just” a baby for the first year, but at 5 months he is a total indvidual! He is hilarious, stubborn, and as my mom puts it very self assured. Sometimes my husband and I have to remind ourselves that he is still a baby and not a kid.

    Good luck with your race…my sister is convincing me to do one this spring and bought me a runner stroller off craigslist to motivate me!

  • Carrie January 15, 2013, 3:01 pm

    “I think I breastfed my butt away.” Hah! That’s awesome! Time to do some squats and lunges with all that running. Good luck, I know you can find it again!

  • Carrie January 15, 2013, 3:02 pm

    By the way (this was totally uncool of me), you look absolutely fabulous, butt or no 🙂

  • Courtney January 15, 2013, 3:06 pm

    You look awesome! I’m not quite ready to have children yet, but you definitely proved to me that non- celeb moms can have an even better body post pregnancy! Thank you, kudos to you for being such a role model to women 🙂

  • Victoria January 15, 2013, 3:06 pm

    You are my inspiration. I’m only 11 weeks pregnant and already starting to show (and this is my first), so I’m really nervous about gaining a ton of weight. But, seeing how amazing you looked after only a few months, and now at 7 months, gives me total confidence and hope. I’ve been following your pregnancy posts as I go through my weeks and now I’m book marking these pages for after baby. Thanks for being you!

    • Caitlin January 16, 2013, 11:14 am

      Congrats on your pregnancy! Enjoy it 🙂

  • Mo January 15, 2013, 3:31 pm

    I’m breast feeding my but away too. I swear I had at least a little booty before, but now at 6 mos. postpartum, I have none at all! My jeans look ridiculous. Oh well, we sacrifice a lot for our kids. 🙂

  • Rebecca January 15, 2013, 3:38 pm

    I breastfed my butt away too! I call mine my “mom butt.” I’m pretty ok with it 🙂

  • CMD January 15, 2013, 3:59 pm

    I lost my butt to breastfeeding too!!! I thought it was SO WEIRD. It was just like, one day after my son weaned, I had nothing at all back there. Boobs, too, but I expected that!

  • alli January 15, 2013, 4:07 pm

    i love these updates! something i will keep track of next time (if there is one) for sure! my little guy is 2 years and 3 months and those baby days seem like yesterday but forever ago at the same time! my guy was couch cruising at 7 months and started walking around 10 months (!!!) they’re not babies for very long, huh? i still call him my baby, though 😉
    i lost my butt, too, but strength training has totally lifted it and rounded it out very nicely! to the point where my pants are tight because my booty is growin’!
    anyways, good luck with your first half! i love reading your blog and seeing that you have such a healthy frame of mind. it helps so much to at least be at peace with your self before trying to raise someone else. i stress out too much about too many things and can see the impact it makes on my son! :/
    loving the haircut, too!

  • Jen January 15, 2013, 4:08 pm

    Hey Caitlin, how do you find your tummy. My exercise and eating habits have, well, gone to hell so to speak and I don’t recognize myself! I used to have a toned tummy and now definitely muffin topping. Ick.

  • Coco January 15, 2013, 4:13 pm

    He really is quite the little man! So adorable.. I just love his eyes!

  • Katie @ peacebeme January 15, 2013, 4:23 pm

    I love your haircut Caitlin!

    I don’t want to have biological children for moral reasons but one thing that makes me think about it is how special it would be to see my husband interact with our child. Such a cute bond.

  • Jen January 15, 2013, 4:57 pm

    You look even slimmer and more healthy than you did prepregnancy, if that’s even possible. I would say that it’s not fair, but I know you worked your butt off (no pun intended). =-)

  • Lili - Lirio Style January 15, 2013, 5:01 pm

    I really like the short hair!! 🙂

  • Jamie @ StudioEats January 15, 2013, 5:47 pm

    You look SO great!!

  • Katy Widrick January 15, 2013, 5:47 pm

    It’s fun for me to see his transition from floppy newborn to being able to hold his head up — that’s the latest development for Audrey at 3 months and it’s such a dramatic difference!

    You look great and I’m glad to hear that you feel great, too.

  • Kayla @ Lovely Ride January 15, 2013, 6:23 pm

    I love the difference in Henry from month 2 – 3 the most. It’s hilarious! YOu look amazing. Like, amazing! GOod for you lady!

  • Sharon January 15, 2013, 6:25 pm

    I think your body updates are inspiring! I had my daughter over 10 years ago and went from 120# to 170# in the 9 months of pregnancy!! It took me 9 months to lose it too! However, now that I am thinking about having another one (life happens..and they will be far apart) I have been kind of “dreading” pregnancy because I am afraid of gaining that much weight again. Seeing your posts are motivating that not only will I gain that much this time, but I will lose it. Thank you for being honest and talking about such personal topics on here!

  • Amber K January 15, 2013, 6:50 pm

    Your hair really does look amazing. And Henry has grown up like a little weed! So cute.

  • Carly January 15, 2013, 7:14 pm

    I have to say you look marvelous! Your new haircut really suits you! Good luck this Saturday! 🙂

  • Angela January 15, 2013, 7:28 pm

    Henry is so dang cute! You’re looking so good, Caitlin! Posts like this make me so excited to have a baby and see my husband become a father. I know he will just be great, I almost tear up just thinking about it. 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 15, 2013, 7:41 pm

    You definitely look HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

  • Leslie M. January 15, 2013, 8:03 pm

    See you at Amelia Island! Can’t wait, supposed to be 52-66 degrees that day. Are you bringing the family? I will have my 3.5 and 5.5 yr old boys (very active, sigh) with me!

    • Caitlin January 15, 2013, 10:46 pm

      I am not! Just me! Are you coming to the Honest Tea mock tail party? I would love to meet you!

  • Mary January 15, 2013, 9:31 pm

    You look amazing, and I personally love the new hair style. Good luck on the half marathon this Saturday…just being able to finish one at this point with a baby is awesome!

  • Emily January 16, 2013, 2:04 am

    I know I’m the millionth person to say this but the hairstyle is great!

    I know it’s early to say this but I was such a shy baby compared to Henry! And I still am, which has impacted me greatly, so Henry’s off to a good start. How does Henry interact with other babies his age? 🙂

    • Caitlin January 16, 2013, 8:46 am

      A little 🙂

  • megan January 16, 2013, 6:43 am

    You may have posted already on this, but could you talk about hydration levels, having the energy, etc. to train for a half marathon while breast feeding? (How it is different from before)…curious to learn how you are doing it! I get so incredibly dehydrated as it is! And I only run a few miles at a time. You are amazing!

    • Caitlin January 16, 2013, 8:45 am

      Sure! I’ll try to do this this week!

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd January 16, 2013, 7:18 am

    You look great! Henry is adorable! And good luck in your halfy!

  • Pip January 16, 2013, 8:29 am

    You look great Caitlin – such an inspiration! I am going to have to go back to these posts if and when I have a baby!

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) January 16, 2013, 9:24 am

    Wow – you look amazing! And congrats on the baby (I’ve been MIA for a bit from reading blogs). You give me hope that I too can lose the baby weight after our baby girl comes in March. 🙂

  • cyn January 16, 2013, 2:16 pm

    new to your blog & loving it!

    beautiful family!

    good luck on saturday!

    • Caitlin January 16, 2013, 3:13 pm

      Thanks!

  • Sara January 16, 2013, 2:48 pm

    I love the hair–and I agree, you look so amazing and happy right now! You must have found your groove 🙂

  • Thais @ Eats n Miles January 16, 2013, 2:53 pm

    You look great!! I always love your baby posts! Love the new hair cut!

  • Lisa January 16, 2013, 3:24 pm

    That’s so cute. I’m glad things are on the positive swing!

  • Abby January 16, 2013, 10:15 pm

    I also breastfed my butt away, but within weeks of weaning after nursing for 17 months my body kind of re proportioned itself. My waist shrunk down and my booty plumped back up. It must be something hormonal lol.

  • Haley January 17, 2013, 1:32 am

    I have the same issue with my wrist!!! I’ve had it ever since Isaac was a few weeks old – my left wrist/thumb joint constantly hurts and even dislocates itself often. But I can’t keep the brace on and take care of my almost 7 month old, so what are you gonna do? =/

    I love seeing your updates cause I’m just a couple weeks behind you and have a very active little one as well. Although he’s not walking yet (thank goodness, lol. I keep telling him to take.his.time), he’s been babbling for a while now (loudly!) and has two bottom teeth. All kids are so different, yeah? 🙂

    Glad you’re feeling better… I can totally relate, although I went through some serious pp depression until about 5 months in or so. Thank goodness it gets better! <3

  • Athena January 18, 2013, 11:32 pm

    It’s great to read about your experiences. I’m currently 23 weeks so it’s really nice to see what other women’s perspective are. Congrats on getting back into shape so quickly!

  • Emily @ Hungry Delights January 20, 2013, 6:07 am

    He looks like such an inquisitive cutie pie and you are looking amazing!
    xo Emily

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