Posting at 5am--when I'm up, I'm up!

I'M not normally up this early. Trust me, I'm not one of those folks who bounds out of bed with a broad smile across her face, ready to smell fresh-brewed Folgers, watch the sun rise, do some stretching exercises, and read the newspaper. Alas, I am not one of these folks. Find me up at midnight nose-deep in a novel? Much better. Truth is, Wilder's a little "off" this night/a.m. and has been up twice. Those moms doing the breastmilk thing have to stay hydrated and well-fed. Well, when you're taking care of a baby all day, it's hard to even remember to do those things. And last night, I hopped on the treadmill for a little energy re-boot, which was too much for my body...not enough calories to exert that level of energy. So, Wilder probably didn't intake enough milk (I can usually tell when supply is low), hence his need to make up for it in the middle of the night. I feel horrible about it. But I've learned my lesson.

My body shut down and I became weebly and fatigued. It's incredible how the human body works..how it provides external indicators to remind us something's not right. This led me to the question: am I taking care of myself? Because if I'm not, everyone in my family suffers, which I can't bear. It's yet another struggle for moms--feeling selfish for relishing in a bath when you know you haven't read 10 books to baby yet...

Last night was a bit of a wake up call for me. I need to explore my creativity, call my sisters up for a healthy chat, and, bake, because those are things I love to do. And there's nothing selfish in that.

As your days are filled with work, errands, appointments, gift-buying, and the like, what is your body telling you? It's my hope you'll pay heed to the signs, be wiling to say "no" when you need to, and acknowledge the messages your body is conveying. In this bustling, wintry season, don't overlook tending yourself so that you can be your very beautiful best for those who delight in you.

..and, for those who might rely on you for their food supply!