Buh-bye baby blues!

I don't think that I had PPD by any means, but I was definitely down in the dumps for a month or so. Not so much about how I felt about Hallie, though there were a couple of days where I asked myself "what in the hell were you thinking?". I just felt like ick, blah, ugh, yuck...you know...GROSS.

Working out and crafting has absolutely helped lift my spirits and bring me back to my old peppy personality. I really feel like I'm getting my life back in order. While it will never be quite the same...it will be orderly again.

I think for anyone the following things are imperative.

1) Take care of yourself.

Try to shower first thing in the morning & get your "beauty" routine in. I found myself showering, but just pulling my hair back and not even looking at my makeup. Well, that's going to stop. It's important for me to feel good on the outside.

2) Find a release.

Whether it's working out, crafting, reading, walking, whatever...MAKE time for it. If you completely throw yourself into your child, you will totally forget about your needs.

3) Spend alone time with your partner

I know it's hard to leave your baby, but it's essential that you maintain a healthy relationship with your other half. SEX is especially crucial. It is so easy to just go to sleep at the end of the day and put it on the back burner, but men have needs...NEWS FLASH...so do we! It's pleasure and a workout all in one!

4) Don't over schedule yourself

No one is super mom, I don't care if you think you are...you're NOT. Take your time, slow down, enjoy the little things. If you miss a class or a group b/c you are running late, or you just don't feel like it...that's OK! Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a day off and let your hair down.

5) Take a mommy day

Leave the baby with dad and take a day to yourself. Do whatever you enjoy, and do just that...ENJOY yourself. Trust me, you need it.

6) Keep a clean home

I know that for me personally, if my house is a mess...my life is a mess. This may not be true for everyone, but for me a clean house and a clear mind go hand in hand.

I'm sure there are many more things that I will figure out along the way, but those are my suggestions from my five months of experience. Life can only get better from here, and I'm the only one who decides just how awesome it can be.