"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! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle!   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 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!