Make "Me" Time for Girlfriends, Spas, Working Out ...

Since you gave birth, life has been all about baby. Your world has revolved around feeding, burping, changing and getting her to sleep. And if you're like a lot of parents, you may have forgotten that you're your own person at all. That there are things you like to do, places you like to go and people you love to see (besides that bundle of joy). Well, it's time to remember! And we're here to help!

What You're Thinking: "'Me time?' What's that?"

Of course your baby is still the center of your universe, growing faster than a Chia Pet, and becoming more gorgeous and irresistible every day, but this newsletter is all about YOU—because you, mama, are AWESOME!

• Learn to recharge your batteries in bites and bits. Grab a cup of tea or sneak in a bubble bath when you can. A five-minute indulgence is better than nothing! And if you're waiting to snag a solid day to yourself, you'll be waiting a looong time, so relish what you can get!
• Retain some of your pre-parent interests so you don't completely lose touch with who you were before baby. Did you love to read? Work out? Travel the world? Keep it up! (Well, that last one may have to be put on hold for a while, but still.)
• Avoid parental burnout and try to carve out time for yourself every single day. Hand the baby to your partner, the babysitter, the mailman (just kidding!) and take a solitary moment. You don't have to be a super-parent and do it all by yourself all the time. Lean on your support network when you can. Believe it or not, they want to help!
• Stay in touch with your friends. A ladies' lunch or cup of coffee with your best bud or a rockin' girls' night out can do wonders for your psyche. Your baby is cute and all, but no one can gossip like your BFF can.

Making a regular appointment for me time doesn't require a weekly visit to the spa—but wouldn't that be nice? Well, as it turns out, it doesn't take a ton of work to turn your very own bathroom into an oasis. You just need a bathtub, a few strategically placed luxury items, and a few spa-inspired tips and you're on your way to ohm at home! Read more ...

• Taking Care of Yourself When You're Busy Taking Care of Everyone Else
• Getting Some Balance in Your Life
• Staying Connected to Friends With No Children

Cook It: No-fuss, One-pan Chocolate Cake
A cake so scrumptious you'll want to eat it all by yourself!
Do It: Do you regularly make time to do things for yourself?
Take our poll!
Share It: A Model Parent
This Mama explains why Mommy Martyrdom is sooo not her thing.
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.

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All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street, you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.