running Archives - Page 11 of 11

For a Monday, Avery and I had a pretty good day. She wasn’t perfect (show me a baby that is!), but her afternoon fussiness was nothing new. I expect Mondays to be difficult for all of us because Going Mom has to go back to work and misses her after spending 2 days at home. It’s never a fun transition. Plus, Avery and I miss Going Mom and I know Avery doesn’t like going back to taking the bottle after 2 days of boob!

But, alas, we forge through it and look forward to the weekend ahead. Avery graced us with another long night in her crib and easily fell back asleep in our bed after feeding. I always fear she’ll just be restless and I’ll have to go to the recliner. And by fear, I mean kinda enjoy it since I know I can’t always hold her like that. Bittersweet.

Another positive for Monday was the improved weather! Sun shining, light wind, and warmth equals a great day to get out and move! So, after her lengthy morning nap, we took off for a stroller run around the neighborhood with Abby (our Golden) in tow.

I’m not sure how so many new parents gain weight when a sleeping baby is so cherished. Just take your baby out for a walk in a baby carrier like the Onya or Ergo or in a jogging stroller and start moving. If they fall asleep, you won’t want to stop for fear of them waking. It’s good for you (moving = exercise and being healthy), and good for them (more sleep = less fuss)!

Although babies are young and may not understand everything, it’s never too early to lead by example and show your child how to live a healthy, active life. I WILL NOT be a dad that just sits in front of the T.V. chewing on his shirt and waiting for someone to fix him a meal. Not that I know anyone like that…..

On the run, Avery never made a peep until around 6 miles, and phew, I was happy to call it quits at that point! Abby was exhausted and ready for water too! She just turned 7 and still acts like a tiny, energetic puppy. Good for her health, tiring for us!

Run is done and we're happy. — Run is done and we’re happy.

After the run, Avery was in a good mood so I decided we’d hang out in my Dad Cave (i.e. the garage) to enjoy the nice weather. Most people think media rooms and sound systems when a Dad/Man Cave is mentioned,but I prefer being active, so none of that for me.

I use my power rack for strength training while Avery is taking her morning nap and enjoy the challenge of lifting heavy. I’ve had pictures of a Ferrari and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles framed just sitting in the garage, so with the nice weather, Avery hung out with me while I hung them both.

Like most guys, I have my fancy exotic car obsession, and Ferrari is my top choice, but I’ll always be devoted to Subaru. Plus, the STi isn’t too shabby. I had one years ago, was stupid, and now I don’t….*sigh*

Anyway, I’m more excited about the Ninja Turtle picture. Can’t you tell?

Since Avery was still happy and wanted to “hang” out some more, we did just that. Yep, I made a corny use of words and I’m not ashamed. Just wait, one day I’ll share some good puns with you, they’re great!

After messing around long enough, Avery grew tired, hungry, fussy, and annoyed with me hanging on pull up bars. So, we headed inside for a food and nap time.

Going Mom made it home right as Avery woke up and was excited to see her little girl well rested and happy. It makes me happy when I can get Avery to be rested like this so she’s ready for Kelley and not worked up from being too tired.

We enjoyed the rest of our night and Avery went to sleep easily. Another Monday survived!

Dads out there, do you have a Man/Dad Cave?

Moms, do you have something for yourselves?

We are being graced with great weather here in Texas and making the most of it! This Tuesday was my first day back on the job since Going Mom had to Go (ha ha ha, I’m corny) back to work today.

I was hesitant about today since Avery hasn’t been the best the past couple of days and basically had been refusing the to take a bottle. But, to my surprise she did a complete 180 and it ended up being a great day!

The morning started out a little rough, but she finally finished her bottle and, more importantly, pooped! She later pooped again, and then again tonight. Three times in one day? Guess that makes up for the past two days of nothing. Look at me, blogging about my baby pooping…….I’m cool. But seriously, no shame here, I believe babies pooping relieve parents just as much as the baby.

After crying about mommy going back to work, Avery helped console me, and then I returned the favor and put her down for a nap. She slept great and allowed me to get my squat day workout in as well as a good steamed veggie and egg white breakfast. I even made Kelley’s breakfast ahead of time; score!

You know your baby is sleeping good when YOU have to go and wake them from their nap, and this was the case twice today. For the first nap, I came in with camera in hand to try and capture a smile from this sleeping beauty…

But then I startled her with my voice which led to this….

Next time I won't pop the balloon! — Next time I won’t pop the balloon!

Luckily, she was quick to forgive me and then finished another bottle. Things were going pretty good, so I figured a nice ride in the stroller should be attempted. Avery usually gets fussy at first, and I have to start running with the B.O.B. stroller before she’ll calm down. But, she didn’t make any sounds of protest as I strapped her in and put Abby,our Golden Retriever, on the leash.

I started off at a steady run in the nice weather and settled into a good pace. Mind you, a good pace with a dog and stroller creating drag in the stupid wind is nothing fast, but it’s still a run. I kept checking on her as I ran, but she never let out a peep, and I could see she was asleep. How? I have no clue since there were bumps all along the way, but I didn’t want to stop until she had a good nap.

5 miles later and Abby was panting and dragging pretty bad, so I had to bring her inside for water. I let her in, Avery not budging, so I went back at it for some more running. By the time she finally woke up, we had run 6 miles and walked a little extra. Breaking new ground feels great! Avery even awarded me with a smile as we returned home.

Avery finished another bottle as we watched the Nordic Combined Olympics and then had a little play time. Well, I thought it would be play time….

Hey, she holds herself up pretty well though, so that’s something.

I put her down for her afternoon nap and again, I had to wake her up. Something just felt too good about today. I made sure not to abruptly come in with a booming voice like the first time, and I’d say she was happier about that….

Not sure how, but she finished her fourth bottle of the day right as mom walked in. Man was I happy to report on the good day, and even happier that Avery stayed that way for the night. I love having a happy baby for Kelley to come home to and I strive for this every day.

We enjoyed each other’s company for a while and “talked” with Avery until her bath time and then she was down for the night. I can only hope for another successful day tomorrow. Oh please Avery, please!

Do you ever have what seems to be a completely different baby than what you had the day before? Any good stories?

Going Dad

Tag Archives: running

Hanging With My Daughter in the Dad Cave

6 Miles and Smiles

An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.