Different, but the same.

Exactly 20 days after I published my last post, Shane and I welcomed our feisty, beautiful, teeny-tiny little baby girl into the world... Hard to believe that was nearly 6 months ago! 

As a friend once said to me "the days are long, but the years are fast."

To say life has been different would be an understatement. Of course it's been different (no duh, right?). Awesome and challenging and fun and (some days) downright hard, but definitely good. Different good. 

I know it's been a long time since I've written anything, so let's jump right back in with a list of sorts. Just some of the things that have been on my mind recently.

1. I'm obsessed with sleep (and not getting nearly as much of it as I'd like). Baby sleep stresses me out way more than it probably should. The funny thing is, I don't think we actually have it that bad in the sleep department compared to some new parents, but I also know how important good sleep is, so perhaps that is why the obsession. I'm pretty sure Shane is tired of hearing me talk about naps, haha. 

2. I've also discovered my overtired response to stress is crying. I've cried a lot since becoming a Mom (happy tears and frustrated tears, emotional-I-don't-know-why-I'm-crying tears and tired tears. But don't worry, I'll survive). 

3. My body has changed. I'm pretty much back to the weight I was when I got pregnant, but I'm definitely a little softer and jiggle a bit more when I run. Not that this is a bad thing, it's just different (like everything else). Some days it frustrates me a little, not being as strong or as active as I once was, but most days, I'm actually pretty pleased with where I am at physically, and know with a little bit more consistent exercise I'll be back to 'normal' (whatever that is) in no time. Not to mention, I've created something pretty awesome (and adorable) with this wicked bod. 

4. I ran the TC10k a couple weeks ago, completely untrained (running right now happens about once every week or two, as exercise mostly consists of walking around hilly Ukee and short strength workouts while le bebe naps). I was actually pretty pleased with my time (not fast, but faster than I was expecting) considering I registered the day before with the intention of just 'participating'. I was also pleasantly surprised with how I felt during and after. So that was a definite win. 

5. I have been throwing around the idea of running the Victoria half marathon in October for a while now, and I've officially decided to train for it. My friend Laura and I are going to be virtual training partners. The good ol' accountability factor. Training commences May 22. I don't think it will always be easy to get my runs in, but the little squirt will be able to ride in the running stroller soon enough, so that should help. Also, no expectations. I just want to have a goal to work toward and to feel a little bit like my old self again for a handful of hours each week. 

6. Our little family will be packing up and moving once again at the end of August. Shane's next work placement will be Nanaimo. I'm thrilled to be moving closer to my family and think I will enjoy being back in a bigger city with more amenities (hello swimming pool!), but I'm also really sad to be leaving Ucluelet. It took me a bit to feel welcome and comfortable here, but now I really love this awesome little community. For such a small place, there is sure going to be a lot I miss about it. 

Well, I think that is enough for now. If anyone is still reading this, thanks for sticking around. 

Oh! Oh! 

One final thought that just popped into my head. If anyone ever tells you labour isn't that bad, they are a dirty rotten liar. I had some different/complicating circumstances (maybe one day I'll share my story on the ol' blog) but let's just say, labour is way harder than Ironman. 

The medal at the end is way better though.