Is There Recreational Fun after Baby?

After we had a baby, a recreational activity for me and my husband was going to Walmart together. That was about it. Maybe you know the feeling! Yet doing fun things together, maybe something you did before baby, is important to strengthen your marriage. Your spouse can feel forgotten when diapers and onesies take front and center.

This week on my Losing Weight After Baby podcast, I talk about one thing your husband needs: recreational companionship. And guess what? When you bike, hike, swim, play tennis, etc. with your husband, you'll be burning calories at the same time. And you're having fun while communicating how much you enjoy your man. That's multitasking at its finest!

On my website, I have a list of activities to jog your brain about things you can do together with your spouse and even a few you can do with baby. Right now, we love to hike with our 3 & 1 year old. Ethan loves running in the dirt and Noelle is all about being outdoors. Summers approaching...take out your calendar and plan a little family fun! When you keep active, the pounds will come off much faster.

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not
obey the word, they without a word, may be won by the conduct of their
wives. I Peter 3:1

-Arlene

Your Baby, Your Husband

Just because you have a darling 10-pound baby staring into your eyes almost 24 hours a day, don't forget about your other baby...your husband!

Remember those days when he was your baby, your sole focus at home, the recipient of all your attention? Your husband may be experiencing a little post-baby culture shock too. You're getting used to a busy life with baby, and he's getting used to taking care of himself a little more these days.

I want to encourage you to take a moment for your husband today. Write him a note. Tell him that you realize you haven't cooked a real meal in days. Ask for his opinion about something you're facing with your baby. Ask for his help with baby. Don't be the kind of mom who says "I'm the only one who knows how to change a diaper in this house." Let your husband share in the responsibilities, even if he doesn't do everything exactly like you do.

I have been blessed with a talkative, expressive husband who's not afraid to voice his needs (maybe it's because he's Italian and from New York?). He and I recently did a podcast together (a first for us!) called, "She Loses, He Loses" about how both of us needed to lose weight after baby . Isn't it true your husband probably gained a few "sympathy pounds" - ha! On the podcast, my husband James and I talk about what we did to drop the pregnancy pounds together. What does this have to do with loving your husband? Getting your body back is a great way to show you care for your man since physical appearance probably matters a great deal to him. My weekly podcast is called "Losing Weight After Baby" and I hope you'll check out the show.

So this weekend, think of your other baby - your husband - and tell him how much you love him.

Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:8

-Arlene

The Comforter

Yesterday was shaping up to be a bad day. My kids woke up earlier than normal, I had cramps, plus the Chinese food I ate yesterday was not agreeing with me!

In the afternoon, I was recording my weekly podcast Losing Weight After Baby. I wasn’t feeling well when I did it, but pressed through only to find out I had the microphone facing the wrong way and had to do it all over again. At that point, I said, I need to pray! Guess what? When I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to empower me, He did! The podcast went much better the second time than the first time.

My pastor is doing a 3 part series on the Holy Spirit and it has really helped me to focus on the Holy Spirit and ask for His daily guidance, empowerment and comfort.

When you need comfort, turn your eyes upon Jesus. Depend on the Holy Spirit. Throw yourself in His able arms instead of a carton of ice cream or a piece of chocolate cake. I read a great quote by pastor and author Dr. David Jeremiah today,

Let me suggest to you that only a feeling of utter inadequacy and insufficiency
can ever prepare us to be God’s warriors.

Whatever battle you’re facing, big or small, call on the Comforter today. He will not disappoint!

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will
teach you all things. John 14:26

-Arlene