Once the emotional rush of becoming a parent is over, and the child needs routine and begins to grow, parents can sometimes fall into bad habits. If you haven't had time to work out or take care of yourself, it's hard to get back into those routines.

Even though work has been more and more busy lately, I figure since I'm not sleeping much, I might as well join a gym and get some workout time in early in the morning. These days, I'm up at 5am, at the gym with my laptop and clothes for the day at 6am, and at my desk around 7:30.

This includes weightlifting and cardio. The mistake I made when I peaked too quickly last time I was in a great workout routine, was doing just cardio. No abs, no weights. Alex and Martin would be horrified.

This time, I met with a personal trainer and told her of my back issues, so she set up a routine where I can lift pretty much nonstop for a half-hour, and I can choose to do some physical therapy and ab work for my back in between sets, then get on the treadmill for a half hour or more. It's dark and cold in New England in the early morning hours at this time of year, so running outside can be a problem.

Getting into this routine has helped. Our new house purchase is moving along too, so I'm already dreaming up ways to make the basement into a workout area: BRT ball, maybe some kettle weights, and down the line a treadmill for days that running outside isn't an option.

Despite the insanity of piles of work and a baby to take care of, staying in shape, be it via workout routine or doing things around the house as Alex has pointed out, is important. When children see their parents as strong, in good shape, and having energy to do things with them instead of always seeming exhausted, lazy, and watching TV during down time, it will only benefit them in the future. For me, getting back into good shape is preparation for doing things around the house, as well as doing outdoorsy stuff with my son when he is old enough to appreciate them - hikes, going to the beach, swimming, and sports.