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Happy New Year lovely people!! I’m always a bit shocked when a new year arrives. Time seems to be moving at warp speed. Where did 2015 go, you know? Although, I’m ok with putting 2015 to bed…I like the sound of 2016. The number just feels good rolling off my tongue and I love the energy that a new year brings. 2015, was an intense year for me- intensely hard and intensely beautiful. I said it on my instagram account but it felt as if 2015 had two acts. Act one kicked my ass- it was filled with lessons, hard work, big questions & uncomfortable (albeit needed) personal growth. I can’t say I enjoyed that period but I know that it lead me to a better version of me, so, high-five Universe! Thanks for dragging me through the shit! I truly believe that we must go through dark periods to earn and appreciate the lighter ones, and act two of 2015 was just that…a big bright light. It was one of the sweetest periods I can ever remember experiencing. I’m so grateful for the gifts it brought me.
This new year feels different from most for me. I’m usually all about starting the year off with big goals to accomplish in the 365 days I have. While I do still have goals this year (working on a new vision board now) my intention for this year is less about attaining things and more about enjoying things. It’s shaping up to be a year that I will have to be ok with things moving at a slower pace than I am used to. I officially stopped working last week until the babe arrives in May. I knew it was coming considering my job as a fit model is based on my measurements and they have certainly changed dramatically in the last few months. Even with the preparation, it was a hard pill for me to swallow. I really enjoy working and the idea of stopping sounded less than ideal. All my clients were great about it though. They were very supportive and reassuring that they would have me back when I was ready. So my plan is to go back a few months after he is born (granted I can get back to my measurements!). Even with their reassurance I found it hard to turn all my clients over to another fit model. I felt such a lack of control! I had to remind myself that change is inevitable and letting go was ok. There will always be new clients. On to a new adventure, right?!
So what am I going to do with myself for the next 4 1/2 months before he arrives? Your guess is as good as mine. Someone told me I could spend it getting his nursery ready. This idea made me giggle…who needs 4 1/2 months to ready a nursery? God help me if it takes that long! I’m hoping to fill my time with more writing & blogging. I’ve really neglected both for some time. I used to blog every damn day and now I’m lucky if I do once a week. I also hope to fall into a regular yoga practice. I haven’t gone to one class since finding out I was pregnant (In the beginning I was scared that I would hurt the baby but I think I am moving past my “scared of everything” phase). Ok so I definitely have blogging, writing & yoga to fill my days. My other ideas include a once a week artist date with myself, baking (because what better time to take up baking than when you are pregnant…I’m already getting bigger so why not just throw myself all in, you know?) & home projects (it’s so funny how strong the urge is to nest and ready your space before the baby arrives. Like he is going to care about the new credenza or which shade of grey I paint the walls!). Any other brilliant ideas about how I should spend the next few months?
365til30.com 
Do absolutely as much as possible of everything you love. Massages, hikes, reading, writing, dates with your man (trips away with your man even!), phone conversations with girlfriends, manicures etc. I had a gorgeous girl in October and I love her to bits, but I miss uninterrupted ‘me-time’ so I’d recommend do as much of all the stuff that makes your soul feel good. And huge congratulations on your pregnancy – growing another human is seriously the biggest thing ever ❤
Anne, thank you for your thoughtful comment. I can imagine the loss of me-time will be a huge adjustment. I’m a big fan of alone time! I am going to take your advice and do as much as possible of the things that feed my soul these next four months. Congrats on your beautiful baby girl. xo
Your first job, as a parent, after tending to your child’s, and your own, immediate needs, is to show your child just how awesome life is. That, to me, means doing a variety of healthy things during the course of a day. Even in utero, your child feels how you are doing. So, by all means, go for yoga, hikes, walks with Frank, swims (come March and April) and all the things you and Brian enjoy together (except wine or beer). The next five months can, and should, be mostly enjoyable. After he is born, your son will be taking in everything, so postpartum need never be a time of depression. You are amazing, Kate!
I always appreciate your thoughtful and kind comments. I couldn’t agree with you more. Even in utero, he feels how I am doing. I am going to do my very best to enjoy the next few months as much as possible. Wishing you a light filled New Year, Gary!
What a beautiful, positive expression of all that makes life grand !!!!!!!!
I am SO excited for your big year ahead and what a crazy, unexpected blessing to have this time off. As a fellow do-er, I know it will be challenging at times but so cool to get a chance to really learn to embrace the slow and lean into your new season of life. I love it all. And selfishly looking forward to more writing, YAY! xoxo
“Lean into your new season of life” – I just love that! Thank you sweet Liz for your words. xoxo
Kate! I am so far behind on my blog reading (And, errr, blogging… : )), but I wanted to stop in and congratulate you! That baby boy is incredibly lucky to have you as his Mama! XOXO
Carlynn, thank you for you lovely words!! I’ve been so far behind on my blog reading and writing as well. Let’s make it a point to connect more in 2016! Wishing you the best! xo
Yes, I would absolutely love that!!!
Do more of what you love to do 🙂 There are actually 366 days in 2016 – a leap year! Wishing You the BEST – Happy Day – Enjoy!
Sounds like your goals for this year are similar to mine- slow down and enjoy what comes while throwing in things to add to your health and happiness. I will absolutely recommend a pre-natal yoga class, even if you do it at home. It will feel good where you are at in your pregnancy now, and as you get toward the end (like me), it’s harder but REALLY helps with the madness your body will experience. Walk a lot, too! Take your sweet Frankie on long walks and you’ll both feel amazing. PS I’m literally about to bake a double batch of cookies. #blamethebaby
So excited that we are overlapping in our mommy journey! xx
Enjoy these last few months. I didn’t work the last three-ish months before Charlotte arrived and I really loved having the time to myself. It gave me time to prepare (as much as possible – I don’t think you can ever be fully prepared) and enjoy some ‘me-time’. I went to movies by myself, took long walks, organized the house and read a ton.