Welcome to Growth Spurts

My baby is in the throes of her 6-month growth spurt. Which means, of course, that I'm in a growth spurt, too. Hers is a physical and developmental force of nature: she is getting longer and heavier, she is starting to sit up with support, she notices when I'm not near enough for her liking, she vocalizes in new and interesting ways and responds to her name.

Mine is partly physical: my body responds to her increased need for calories by making more specially-tailored milk in higher quantities. This is a tiring endeavor, and my endurance continues to surprise me...just when I thought it was already nearly limitless. The bulk of my growth spurt, however, is personal: I am finding new reserves of patience and compassion. I am developing new ways to connect with my partner even while feeling utterly enveloped by my baby's needs. I'm learning to juggle the "I wants" and "I needs" with the "he wants" and "she needs", all the while shedding some of the overwhelm of the fourth trimester. I have more confidence in my ability to understand and respond to her cues. I'm finding pockets of "space" in which to do my own thing...even if all I do is remove some flaking nail polish. I'm figuring out how to incorporate her in some of my personal activities, like going to Mom & Baby Yoga instead of trying to keep her happy while I practice at home. I'm learning to give in and let go when she just needs me to lie next to her while she naps. I'm getting used to the reality that grieving is a very real part of the emotional mix of early motherhood.

Life is full of growth spurts, and having a baby is by no means the only way to grow. It's my situation, though, and as a long-time yoga teacher my inclination is to observe, incorporate, and share my lessons learned. That's what this blog is about.

It's about Life, with its ups and downs and the lulls in between.

Thanks for joining me. I hope the stories I share, and the lessons I've learned, help you feel less alone in your own growing.

A few things:

• As a health/fitness professional AND a student midwife, much of what I write about will be complementary care for health and wellness, especially during the childbearing years. Keep in mind the usual disclaimer: I am not a doctor, my writing should not be taken as "medical advice". Please consult with your healthcare provider.
• I also write about my creative endeavors, new favorite recipes, and life in general. I have a Pinterest account that I don't know how to use. So far, I'm not inclined to learn. /shrug
• I like to take pictures. I do it with my iPhone. The most editing I do is whatever's available on my phone: brightening, erasing red-eye, cropping. What you see is more-or-less what I saw. Just keepin' it real.
• My bias is toward "natural health", whole food, paleo template eating and balanced living. My opinions - both professional and personal - should not be taken as judgements of your decisions or preferences. My aim is to share empowering knowledge, not change everyone into Mini Me.
• I take my work seriously, but endeavor not to take myself too seriously. I hope that will come through in my posts.
• Whenever I can - and for health-related posts, in particular - I will provide resources for my suggestions. Some topics lend themselves more toward anecdotal evidence and personal experience, which are also valuable ways of knowing. Not everything is privileged enough to get the scrutiny of scientific research, so we rely on tradition, experience, and observation.