"I wanted to hug my former self. I wanted to tell her, 'It's OK! It's going to be OK. It won't be easy, but you will survive this.'"

A few months ago, I recorded a solo episode talking about navigating "The Fourth Trimester." I was having a tough time — that was obvious. But then I learned: There's a "Fifth Trimester!" And that's the stage I'm in now, as I navigate life with a baby beyond the first 12 weeks and settle into a routine, a work life, and, well, some fun. On this episode, I'm talking about how parenthood has gone from terrifying to fun in the past month — and how getting to music class was a major catalyst in that crucial shift. Annie is five and a half months old now, and I can officially say we're having a blast. It's still hard sometimes, but being a mom to the coolest kid I know is pretty awesome. I'm also reflecting on loneliness, and the guilt associated with feeling lonely when, in theory, I had everything I needed. Plus, thoughts on the comparison trap, being a work-from-home mom, and the new Ali on the Run Show "Motherhood Mondays" series!

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What I mention on this episode:

"A Message From Ali" Episode 118 of the Ali on the Run Show

"The Fourth Trimester" Episode 114 of the Ali on the Run Show

"I Had a Baby!" Episode 106 of the Ali on the Run Show

NYC Half Marathon Recap

NYC Half Marathon Live Show

Taking Cara Babies Newborn Class

Annie & Ellie blog post

Mary Johnson on Ali & the Experts Week

Brynn Fessette O'Neill on Ali & the Experts Week

Brian's Great Turkey Trot of 2014 on the Ali on the Run Show

Chris Heuisler on Episode 6 of the Ali on the Run Show

Chris Mosier on Episode 13 of the Ali on the Run Show

Andrea Barber on Episode 45 of the Ali on the Run Show

Des Linden on Episode 100 of the Ali on the Run Show

Sarah Sellers on Episode 69 of the Ali on the Run Show

Boston live show

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