Submit and be a CAVE WOMAN (for a little while)

The Just Recipes Blog is going through a temporary blogging slow down. I am 2-3 weeks out from giving birth to my second child- maybe sooner. Blogging will pick up to it's regular posting pace. Thank you for your patience.

All moms know that before and after delivering a baby, our minds have a hard time focusing because they are consumed with how we are going to juggle all the necessary duties of maintaining a household. After having a baby I have learned that one must forget about cleaning the house; stop trying to put on mascara; and do not even schedule a pedicure, hair cut, etc. You as a person, a woman, and an individual are put on hold- only for a little while though.

The first two months after the baby is born is all about maintenance, keeping everyone alive, and trying to maintain some sanity in the brain. How does one prepare for the endeavor of welcoming a new family member into the home?

I have no idea. I do know that when my first was born all aspects of my life became extremely fundamental. I felt like a cave woman. Every aspect of living was stripped down to the necessities. Alright, so I did have a powered breast-pump, heat in the house, as well as TLC's "Bringing Home Baby" to help pass my days recovering from the 8 pound emergence. Tackling new projects, talking on phone, checking e-mail, even enjoying a long shower are all usually put on hold, which is OK. One thing that simply cannot be placed on hold is food. That I CAN prepare for.

Precooked frozen meals are easy and inexpensive to prepare. There are some recipes, packed with protein and easy to thaw and eat, that are perfect for recovering mom as well as keeping the rest of the family nourished and satisfied. Breakfast burritos (recipe in JUST RECIPES cook book) are easy to prepare ahead of time and freeze. Pasta dishes with meat (if vegetarian, tofu) with vegetables mixed in are also smart to have pre-made and in the freezer. Other foods like cereal, yogurt, green salad fixings, frozen hamburger patties, fruit, cheese, bread, and nuts are all essential to have in the kitchen so you and your partner can just grab and eat without fuss. Keeping sweets out of the house is smart because they do not get anyone anywhere except a fast crash and burn type of body rush. Plus, most women want to shed their baby weight. Having a well stocked kitchen is something attainable to most women these days. All it takes is some planning.

Planning a head of time for a new trip can be intimidating. Knowing what you need, how you are going to get it, getting it, and using it, are important aspects in having a peaceful journey. When it comes to recovering and thriving after giving birth, submit and be a cave woman for a while. Hoard your food and be wise in your nutritional decisions. Bask in the simplicity of being a woman. Remember the itty-bitty baby days do not last long, and tired times will soon end.

Peace,
Karen Fjeldheim