The Latest, The End of Maternity Leave, & A Give-Away

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Sometimes I worry that all folks pull from this blog is that motherhood is hard, that baby has colic, that life is hectic, and I’m overwhelmed.

But our life is so much more than that. And let me tell you, Month Two with my baby girl has been So. Much. Fun. It’s like we woke up around Week 5 and everybody understood each other (I think the fact that we also started sleeping more has a lot to do with it). We have found a routine. She smiles and coos and is so cute I can barely stand it. She only wakes up once a night (PRAISE THE LORD, HALLELUJAH). And we’ve found some ways to help soothe the colicky spells – not totally eliminate them, but GREATLY reduce their frequency and duration.

But more about little Wrenn in her Two Month post, which will be soon. This post is just a hodge podge of what we’ve been up to.

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I’m back at the gym and loving it. Because my pregnancy was so darn difficult I hadn’t worked out a bit in 10 months, which meant that those first few workouts were humbling. Like, the first time I tried to do crunches and push-ups I could barely do five (those poor stomach muscles had been stretched to the max). But it’s amazing how quickly your body gets strong – each day I feel more and more like my old self.

I’ve never been one to love working out, but now going to the gym has become my “me time” and something I actually enjoy. I still haven’t figured out how I’m going to fit it in after I return to work, but we’ll take it one week at a time.

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In addition to working out, I’m also trying to eat healthier to drop the last 15 pounds of baby weight that I’m still holding onto. Mr. Right, his parents and I are doing the My Fitness Pal app on our phones, which tracks your fitness and food intake. I’m a fan because I get an extra 500 calories a day from nursing – which certainly helps when I feel like a little splurge.

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We took another roadtrip last week, this time to Midland to celebrate our niece and nephew’s birthdays (she’s four, he’s one). This time we felt like pros, knowing what to pack (and packing lighter), and Wrenn did great in the car. The only bad part was when she puked ALL OVER me (dripped down my shirt and gathered into a pool in my pocket) and Mr. Right was gone with the car and hotel key and I had to wear my vomit-soaked clothes for three hours. Yep, rookie mom mistake. I’m learning.

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Mr. Right and I have managed to have several fun date nights without Wrenn. As much as I love my baby, let’s face it – mama loves her date nights. I think Mr. Right kind of enjoys them too! Now that they’re less frequent, they seem to be “bigger” – we’ve done dinner at Reata (my fave) and Texas de Brazil (his favorite), as well as a night at a movie tavern (I think dinner WHILE watching a movie was invented for nursing moms who live in three-hour chunks of time).

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Speaking of nursing… (boys close your ears)… I’m now taking a few supplements because Little Miss has suddenly become a VERY good eater and frankly I’m having trouble keeping up. One of my vitamins makes you smell like maple syrup. All. The. Time. It’s like the International House of Pancakes over here in our home. But I guess there are worse things to smell like then my favorite kind of breakfast. (If you’re wondering, I’m taking Fenugreek and Mother’s Milk tea, along with chugging gallons of water.)

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I’m headed back to work tomorrow. I’m a little sad to leave Wrenn (a lot sad, actually), but also excited to see my work friends. I’m not really sure how the morning routine is going to go, and I’m pretty sure it’ll take me an hour to pack both of our bags tonight, but we’ll figure it out. I know it will get easier… but in the meantime you won’t waste a prayer on me this week. I’m determined not to cry!

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In honor of another transition, I’m holding a give-away for a free “Be Still” print in my shop. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post – it can be encouragement about going back to work, a motherhood tip, or just a random “hi” – whatever it is, just leave it and I’ll hold a drawing on Sunday.

PS–Mr. Right has added a few of his own creations to the shop – leather goods! Go check it out – I’ve used one like this one for almost two years now and LOVE it.

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Other places you can find Texas Lovely:
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/texaslovelyshop
On Instagram: texas_lovely
On Etsy

36 Comments

  1. I love this print and i was jut asking Mary when you were starting back! You are a strong woman an although it might be a lite rough at first not being with Wrenn you will get back in the swing of things! Look forward to seeing your smiling face back in the halls at the hospital

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  2. Hey girlie! Y’all need to come over to the casa! I’m excited to meet Wrenn!! 🙂 hang in there going back to work!!

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  3. Maple syrup, huh?! That is too funny! Good to know about the supplements though. Word of advice: don’t wear mascara tomorrow…or better yet, maybe just wait to do your makeup when you get to work. It will be okay though. It WILL get better. You can do this!
    BTW, super-impressed that you’re working out already! We just bought an elliptical so I could start working out at home…who has time to go to the gym when you work a full-time job and then go home to work your other job? I guess every little bit helps though.
    Praying for you tomorrow!

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    1. Trust me, it was easy to find time o work out while I was home all day. The real challenge will be doing it while working! Thanks for the prayers!

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  4. don’t love the picture. okay it is funny. but crying babies make me wince! so, is there a pill i can take to smell like bacon? cause that would be awesome! my hubby would love it!

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    1. Ha… Crying babies in person make me wince, but in pictures I think they’re hysterical. I’m the person that loves all those pics of screaming kiddos with Santa.

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  5. I remember my first day back at work…I actually made it a half day – baby steps 🙂 but since Sam was home with Will full time while I was working, I didn’t have any worries! It was the pumping thing that took me a while to master while in outside sales. I’m sure I was some cheap entertainment as people parked next to my car with me pumping in the back seat!
    Good luck, Bethe!! You can do it!

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    1. Ha! I’ve already pumped in several parking lots and on the highway while Mr. Right was driving. I’m sure I was a sight to behold! (Wearing my Hooter Hider, of course.)

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  6. I hope your first day back to work goes well! I’ll be doing it soon too and I dread it and look forward to it all at the same time! (I’ve been off work with my son for 15 months.)

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  7. I always enjoy reading your blog. Love how Dow. To Earth and honest you are about life. Can’t wait to meet Wrenn. Im sure shes been swamped by the paparazzi the last two months. Hope to see you soon when you have some time.

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    1. Awww, thanks Nyree! I try to keep things real because when I verbalize things, that’s when I find out from others that I’m not the only one. It encourages me… Plus you’ve got to laugh at life or else it’s not nearly as fun. Hope you can meet Wrenn soon–we kept her out of church until she had her first round of shots, so now we’ll start bringing her.

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  8. Bethe, I love reading your blog and Wrenn is so cute. Going back to work is anxiety provoking, not gonna lie. The anticipation of leaving her was the worst part. I cried as I left her at daycare, and of course she didn’t. 😉 You will do great, be kind to yourself and embrace the amazing mom you are now and independent woman you have always been. Thinking of you!!!

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    1. I’m encouraged knowing that Wrenn probably won’t know the difference, she loves everybody and she’s in great hands with my sister. But you’re right–still some anxiety, but mostly about making sure she’s packed, I’m packed, etc (eek… Those pumping supplies are no joke to lug around!)

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  9. You will be oh so worn out tomorrow after your first day back but then you will see you precious little girl and Mr Right and all will be just fine!! Good luck

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  10. My first day back to work was amazing but it felt so good to get home to my little babies. Good luck, friend. The Lord has your day in His hands. Any ill thoughts, you just push aside. You are wonderful mother! Praying

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  11. Oh, I love this print! I’m a teacher and I’ve worked alongside many a teacher friend that cried through her first day back, so, although I’m not yet a mommy, I’m pulling for you. I know the transition back is hard.

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  12. Love the Aggie outfit! She is adorable and just enjoy the moments because in the blink of an eye they are crawling and walking. Good luck on first day back it can be a tough one 🙂

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  13. I don’t know how it’s possible, but she’s more beautiful every time I see her! And you are glowing mama. Hope last week went well. Praying for you guys in this new phase!

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