Two weeks later

Took me two weeks to find the right moment to do this little workout again: three sets of 10 each of deadlifts, presses, squats, hang cleans with the 45 lb bar. This time I did all three rounds quickly without breaks, in the garage. Maybe I'll put a a little weight on when I do it again in another two weeks...

Haven't started jogging yet. Gotta first see if we can get young Ruby to take her milk from a bottle. (Tim wanted to taste the "milk from mom's boobie", so we poured some pre-pumped milk into a cup for him. He sipped it (with a straw, natch). Said "I don't like it. It smells AWFUL!" Oh, the hilarity.)

Meanwhile, I'm rediscovering that parenting a baby is very physically demanding. Though not too tired from lack of sleep, I collapse into bed each night quite bone-weary and muscle-achy. I have a signature move, which I've dubbed the "Aylmer Get-up".

Try this at home:

Cut the top off a ten-pound bag of potatoes, and hold it upright in the crook of your arm. Get down onto both knees on the floor, as if to pick up a toy, teenager's shoes, or get the Bailey's from the lowest shelf. (Do this as a squat if you can reach the floor with your hand.) Keep that bag upright - don't spill the potatoes! Still without spilling the potatoes (that is, keeping your torso very upright), return to a standing position. Repeat 50-100 times daily, without putting the bag down between reps. If your arms get tired, strap the bag to your chest for awhile. (Another variation would be to add a 40 lb pack to your back for a few minutes, to simulate those times when the choice is face a tantrum or give the damn 3-year-old a piggy-back ride. Don't strap it on though, just hold it back there with your one free hand.)

Then, book an appointment with your massage therapist.