Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I'm a Work in Progress



I wish I could show you some major before and after photos of my home. But I can't, because not much has changed around here. Today I did order some art to hang over the piano, though...so that's a little progress.

The biggest project at the moment is me. I'm not changing dramatically, but I'm trying to make sure I don't lose myself in all the wonderful-ness of motherhood. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. You see, back in 2008, after Peanut was born I was not very happy.

I was ecstatic that I was a mother (Peanut's arrival answered many years worth of prayers), but I felt lost and lonely. Looking back I'm sure I had at least a touch of PPD, and it was very easy to forget about myself (which made everything worse). Now that I have two boys I don;t have time to be sad; so while taking care of them is my number one priority, I am working on taking care of me, too.

The first thing I did was promise myself that if I felt sad to tell my OB - and to do it right away (thankfully I have been so HAPPY!). I realize PPD doesn't necessarily surface in the first few weeks after baby is born, so I'll continue to monitor my feelings.

Then I had my hair cut :) It had gotten ridiculously long, and the ends were super-straggly.

pay no attention to my double chin

There was a silver lining to the long-hair-due-to-neglect -- I had enough length taken off (and the ends weren't really very bad) that my hair was donated to Locks of Love. So I felt pretty good about that (although, after doing some research, if I donate again, it won't be to LoL). I feel much sassier now.

omg - I got bangs!
Last night (wait for it) I went to the gym. I have a secret plan (which I guess is now public) to run a 5K in the fall with Hubs. I'll be pushing the double jogging stroller, so we'll see how long I can actually run for, but it's a goal :) I plan on starting the Couch to 5K plan within the next two weeks.

The next part is going to take a real leap for me, I'm seriously thinking about going back to school in January. That would mean putting the kids in day care, and taking out a student loan, and probably cutting back on some of my volunteering. But I know the longer I put it off, the harder it will be to go back. I'm not sure if I'm going to finish the STC degree I started at Tech, or if I will switch to Interior Design (that's what I really want to do) - either way it's going to be slow going. Not to mention I will be a "non-traditional student." Ugh. But I need to earn a degree.

The last bit is far less important and way more fun. I'm updating our master bedroom!

This is how it looks today (the bassinet will be gone within a few weeks, but it's a pain to move):






Right now I'm thinking - new dresser for me (the one pictured is Hubs, he found it at a farm auction and I love it!). Possibly this one from IKEA, I love it in grey. Maybe a stencil (similar to this) on the wall behind the bed. New bedside lamps. Finally do something about that awful bedskirt (a remnant from bedding which was replaced 2 years ago). And a new sitting area in front of the window - I would love two rattan chairs, but would really need to luck out and find them at the thrift store or on CL.

So that's my "progress," my totally selfish, all about me progress :)

12 comments:

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Your hair looks amazing! I love that cut. :) I know for sure I had PPD with my first. It wasn't quite so bad with my second one b/c I had some mommy friends by then, but it was still hard. I wish someone had told me about that. I never said anything to my doctor and my mom was not helpful at all.

Anyways, I LOVE the color in your room. Such a cheery, fresh blue. A really nice room.

And good for you for trying the couch to 5k. You're a better woman than I am. ;)

Laura said...

Oh sweet girl! I had the PPD too after my first one! It was bad, but it went away pretty quickly. Becoming a mom, even when it's what you've prayed for, is such a transition. It's easy to lose yourself many times over into motherhood. Good for you for making you and your own growth a priority too! You are setting such a good example for your little ones.

The haircut is so super cute. Nothing like a new do to put some pep in your step!

Becky said...

Love the haircut - makes you look slimmer, too! I walked a 1/2 marathon for the first time this year - also lost 30 pounds last year - and it was really great! You should totally do it and you'll like it! I'm visiting from Serenity Now party! Stay home as long as you can with those cute kids..they grow up fast ;) Becky www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com

Breanna said...

Oh my gosh! Your haircut is sooo cute! There is definitely something liberating about having a significant amount of hair chopped off.

I totally admire you for making YOURSELF your project. To be completely honest, this is probably where I should be putting my time as well! I have gained an embarrassing amount of weight since my wedding (a year and a half ago) and need to get motivated to get the weight off!

Good for you!!

Danielle and Clint said...

Good for you! And I must say, your hair is adorable! I am telling you, if you have never ran a 5K, you will be hooked after this one! When you finish, it is the most rewarding feeling ever!

Nicole RJ said...

Hopping over from Amanda's party... good for you for making yourself the project! Your new hair looks cute, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you update your bedroom!

michelle's 10 things said...

Hi. I came over from Serenity Now. I love your haircut. It is very flattering. (I wish I knew your info. on LoL since my girls and neices share there.) Congratulations on working on YOU!

FrouFrouBritches said...

Okay, your room is great. The color is great. I looove your bed, but I'm more enthralled with your new you. I adore your haircut! It looks soo cute on you!!!

Cara said...

Your haircut is so cute, and the bangs look great on you! I'm overdue for a haircut myself and wondering if mine is long enough to donate. I've also been thinking about doing Couch to 5K. I really need to work on myself too, but I keep making every excuse in the book.

I also adore the blue color in your bedroom. I'm also working on a master bedroom makeover, and spent forever trying to find the perfect gray-blue.

Marlee said...

Love the new look! A cute sassy hairdo always makes me feel more self confident and ready to tackle the world. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Marlee

Paula said...

You are such a pretty girl and your new haircut is super flattering! Good luck with your training for your 5K. It's always good to have a goal. I find that meeting a friend for a run or walk guarentees that I'm do it. Perhaps you could find another mom who'd like to train with you.

Two of my cousins suffered from PPD. They both ended up with "happy pills" that they still used from time to time. Maybe your doctor could give you a prescription for something mild??

Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog said...

I LOVE the new haircut! You look amazing!!