With the tangerine morning sun peeping over the sea horizon and Love's peaceful, sleeping face fallen away from breast, lips slightly parted following her 5am feed, I lift her hand from my chest and tuck it down beside her chin. Slowly, I peel my body away from her with as much tongue-poking-out-the-side-of-my-mouth concentration as my ten year old self playing Pick up sticks trying not to disturb my pile of colourful skewers, or in this case, my sleeping babe.
I slip into a loose t-shirt laid out the previous evening and tiptoe down the stairs. A furry little head pops out from beneath her bedding, one floppy ear folded back. She watches me in silence. I catch her gaze from the landing and whisper, 'Go to the beach?'. She tilts her head as if she understands every word, then slides out of her bed, an old cardboard box from the growers markets, stretches in a perfect downward dog pose, holding just long enough to finish her yawn with curly tongue outstretched. Her little round body follows me down the stairs, nails gently tapping against the hardwood floor.
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It's always a little difficult for me to run after a long break. My feet begin to feel heavy against the sloppy, wet sand, my lungs fill with cool air and my ears sting in the breeze. I push myself for the first kilometre until I feel my body settle into a regular rhythm, feed pounding, Coco running from the dunes to the sea and back again. I can tell she has missed this time with me, she seems particularly yappy today. I can imagine that expression on her face is really a goofy smile. Just the two of us, without the squeaky toy I brought home from the hospital, the living doll she's not allowed to play with yet.
We run all the way to the northern island before turning back and jogging home. Coco bounds into the sea and gulps down some salty water- she does that sometimes. I can feel the sun begin to burn my skin as we reach Witches Reef. We slow to a brisk walk before stopping to stretch. I can feel my stomach rumble, a reminder that I need fuel to replenish my energy. It never ceases to surprise me how ravenous I have felt since breastfeeding.
We have a quick dip in the cool sea, then walk the rest of the way home. We rinse off under the outdoor shower, then drip dry in the sun for several minutes until I decide what to make for breakfast: an energy smoothie, with peanut butter. Oh how decadent for breakfast!
Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie Bowl with Chia
Serves 1 (very, very hungry lady)
2 x large very ripe bananas, frozen
1 heaped Tbs organic peanut butter
2 tsp honey (substitute agave for vegan)
2 Tbs chia seeds
1 Tbs hemp seed oil
2/3 to 1 cup soy or other non-dairy milk
Blend all ingredients until smooth, pour into serving bowl. Garnish with sliced apple, coconut flakes, pepitas and raw peanuts.
This is the perfect smoothie to enjoy if you're an active mama. If you enjoy other smoothie recipes, check out my instagram @seaandsalt
Bella xx
