One thing that really worried me about having a kid is that I would become homebound. I know that to some extent it is unavoidable, clearly things are going to change and many activities will be cut back. But I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to go out and do anything EVER. I thought my friendships would suffer, I would be incredibly bored all the time, only ever speak in baby-talk, and Zach and I would go insane and murder each other.
I am relieved to say, it has not turned out that way.
Since Penelope was a few days old, we’ve been out and about. We went out for coffee her first full day home from the hospital. We hit up the farmer’s market when she was 5 days old. And so on, and so on… Last weekend we took her to an outdoor concert. This weekend we spent three days in Bend for a friend’s wedding.
It’s not easy- but it is getting easier. She can be unpredictable. She can be fussy! And I am not 100% comfortable breastfeeding in public. But we have figured out how to make it work. We are learning better how to sooth her when she cries. We bring a bottle so I don’t have to whip out the boob in a crowded place. Zach and I team up to handle her and that makes it much easier. I do go out during the day by myself quite often too- usually shorter outings though. I often hang out with Emily, who also has a wee one, and that gives me confidence.
We like hanging out at people’s houses especially, it’s much easier to handle the baby in someone’s home than a restaurant. I am fine feeding her around my friends, so nursing is no issue. And also, our friends love to hold her so we get a break!
Another fun thing we do a lot is go for walks, hikes, or hang out in the park. Wide open public spaces are easier than committing to a restaurant or coffee shop setting. Then if she gets loud, no one notices. Also, it’s cheaper!
This weekend’s trip to Bend was awesome. It was not only a really fun mini-vacation and the wedding was so special, but it was also a huge confidence booster as parents. Penny was incredible! She slept in the car the entire way there and home (3 1/2 hours!), she was a doll at all the parties and the wedding, she even slept longer than ever in the pack-n-play at the hotel. She knocked it out of the park! It’s fantastic to see how far we have come as parents in just 6 short weeks.
Week 1 going for a walk:
Hiking in Forest Park:
Baby friends at the park:
Picnic time:
At a friend’s house:
Avett Brothers at the Edgefield:
Wedding this weekend:
Zach and Penny standing in the baby section during the ceremony:
Cocktail hour:
Killer view of Broken Top:
She was cozy in the ergo as we partied late in the evening:
Happy Baby on the Go!
Thanks for reading!! Next time, running update!
