The Post-Baby Chronicles-Weight Loss

Ok. So, here is another part of what I am now calling The Post-Baby Chronicles.  This is my adventure to losing the baby weight (and let's be honest, losing "the before I got married, been overweight my entire life" weight) and continuing to adjust to being a working mom of 2 kids. Blogging about my common and normal life is more cathartic than anything else.

SIDE BAR: While I'm typing this at Starbucks, there is an Obama look alike sitting right next to me snacking on a sandwich. If it really is him then he really needs to chew with his mouth closed.  Anyway...

Weight Watchers is going really well.  Because of a new budget we are living by (I'll post on that later), Jared and I discontinued our online membership, got the books, and are going to do this on our own.  It will take a little bit more discipline, but I have the determination and the loving support of my handsome husband. I have also developed a spreadsheet that we can use on our phones that can help keep us on track.  I'll post a link to it in the next post.  My only complaint to WW is why in the world do men get more points than women?? Jared comes home from work, and I ask how many points he has left. He replies with a 100, and I have like 2. So frustrating. I'm gnawing on carrots, and he's downing a bowl of chicken Alfredo.  It's all because Eve took that first bite of apple. Thanks, Eve. 

For the past 3 days, we have done some sort of exercise.  Both Jared and I are basically starting from ground zero. Two days ago, we worked out to my favorite DVD... Zumba! Oh yeah! Even though I look like an idiot because I have no dancing skills, I have so much fun with it.  And the bonus is watching my honey shake his hips :) 

Last night, we both did a workout using our Gain Fitness app while watching an episode of 24 on Netflix.  My arms are definitely feeling the joy today.

So, here is what I suggest.
1. Join Weight Watchers...it really works. (www.weightwatchers.com)
2. Do a different and fun workout everyday so you won't get bored. I enjoy Zumba and Gain Fitness (link to the app: Gain Fitness) 

Cheers for eating right and shaking your hips! 

If you weren't a super model before, then...

Last night, as I was deep into the world of Pinterest researching post baby workouts,  I started to get discouraged and just flat out annoyed. All the workouts I came across had titles like "How Jessica Alba lost the baby weight" and "Find out how the Victoria's Secret model...."....blah, blah, blah.  And then it hit me! A revelation so freeing. 

If I wasn't a super model before I had kids, I am sure as heck NOT gonna look like one after...no matter how hard I work out.  

Man! Hallelujah! I have been freed from the stress of obtaining a flat belly and for trying to fit into a bikini. Good heavens!

Now, don't get me wrong. I have not taken this revelation and turned it into a free ticket to eat as much junk as I want. Or to not exercise.  

I'm gonna bust my tail! And I've actually been looking forward to it.  Shortly after coming home from the hospital, I reinstated my Weight Watchers Online subscription (side note: I hate those commercials...cheese!) and I am already 1 lb away from what I call my Pre-Post Pregnancy weight...pre-Quin, but post-Cayden.  And just this week, I was cleared by my OB to get back to normal life.  

Last night's epiphany is a big deal to me because I can't lose weight like everyone else.  I battle with hypothyroidism and have probably since college. I have a great endocrinologist, but there are many things she never told me about the disease. In the past several years, I have done a great deal of research.  What I have discovered has helped me tremendously.  For example, there is a huge list of foods that I have to avoid if I want a fully functioning thyroid. Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and soy are just a few of these.  

Also, with Weight Watchers, everyone is aware that you are given a certain amount of points.  Well, for me, because the disease slows down my digestion, I have to eat the majority of the points during the day to give my body enough time to digest.

And because of that, the best time for me to workout is at night when my food has had a chance to metabolize and I have more energy.    

I'm excited to get back at it again, and hopefully, this post can be an encouragement to all my mommy friends who have average Jane bodies. The best thing that you and I can do is to try hard and pray that cheesecake will have health benefits. 

**Disclaimer: If you do have the body of a super model, especially after childbirth, we are no longer friends.** :-) just kidding! 

So, here's to eating right and exercising, running around with my 2 year old as I carry my 5 week old, start a load of laundry, pay the bills, take a shower, change diapers, and everything in between. 

What a year!

This year has changed my life dramatically! Even four years ago, I never thought this is where God would have me. I married my prince in September 2010, had our first son in August 2011, found out we were expecting our second September 2012.... And became a family of four with our second son on May 6th.  

Quin weighed an awesome 9 lbs 11 oz! For some reason, my body makes giant babies. Cayden was 8 lbs 13 oz... But now he's barely on the charts. He's holding steady to the 8th percentile for weight for his age and height. So I joke that I make giant babies and really tiny children.  Making big babies makes sense for parents who are short and stocky, but when they turn into tiny toddlers, I wonder what happened. Oh well. We will find out later if my kiddos grow into their "stocky" genes.

Having big babies definitely took a toll on my body.  So much so that Jared and I have called it quits on having more children.  I have medically shut down the baby making factory. Both Cayden and Quin had to be born via c-section because of their size.  The doctor referred to them as macrosomias (aka "big ass baby"-as explained by my OB). It's been 3 weeks since I had Quin, and I'm still trying to recover. The slow rate could be because, oh, I don't know, I'm trying to keep up with my 20 month old. Possible. Oh! And did I mention that my hair got darker with the pregnancies so at one point I had 3-4 different colors on my head? I looked like a calico kitty! 

Even though my body was taken over by macrosomias, nosebleeds, water weight, cankles, and 32 lbs of stretch mark causing goodness, I have never been happier. 

I look at my sweet little family and thank God for loving me enough to gift me an amazing, hot:) husband and two beautiful sons. What else could I possibly want or need? 

I know there will be difficult days ahead and frustrating moments, but I will accept those with open arms because I have these amazing people in my life. And because I no longer have to worry about getting cankles! It's a win-win! 

 

Brokenhearted

I'm writing today with a broken heart and on the verge of tears.  It's a such a struggle to keep the tears at bay that my nose burns.

I found out last night that a high school classmate of mine passed away two-and-a-half years ago.

As most people do when they go off to college and start living their lives post-high school, they lose touch with their classmates.  I have kept up with some through Facebook, but not often enough...obviously, since I just heard the news.  I found out because the "other Jessica" in my class (there were only 2 Jessica's) posted on FB about the death of a classmate, and out of shock and curiosity, I asked her who it was.  When she responded, my shock could only be expressed through overwhelming tears.

Our class of '98 Homecoming Queen (30 years old) lost her battle with depression Thanksgiving 2009 leaving behind her husband and 3 small children.

I woke up Jared, told him, and just cried in his arms.

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how one of the most kind and energetic people I have ever met is no longer with us.  Its almost too much for my brain to comprehend.

Just like the majority of the adolescent age group, I was trying to find my way in high school.  I floated from group to group trying to fit in.  I wanted so badly to fit into the "popular" group.  Who doesn't? Honestly? I wanted to belong not just because they were popular, but because they were all so nice and kind, and knew what they wanted out of life.  They were great to be around, and accepted everyone.  This was the group she belonged in.

My heart breaks not only because she is gone, but also because how she left. 

Knowing her, I am sure she fought this mental disease as hard as she could.  I pray for her family, her husband, and, especially, her babies.  Even now, years later, I'm sure they need the strength that only our heavenly Father can provide.

I will always remember her adventurous heart, her humor, her humility, her strong faith, and her love for others. I wish she knew how much I admired her.  Maybe God can forward the message.

"Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Psalm 143:7-8

Back at it!

This past summer was probably one of the most amazing times I've ever had simply because of one thing....or person.  My son.  Waking up every single morning and spending every minute with him was wonderful and life-changing.  The word "busy" doesn't even cover it.  Here is what happened this summer.

1. We went to Pawley's Island, SC for 2 weeks.  It was Cayden's first time playing with the sand and ocean. He also got his very first ear infection that trip.
2. We went thrift store shopping almost daily (Goodwill, Revive, Salvation Army, any one that we came across). I love thrifting...my sister and mom have had an effect on me.
3. Jared and I threw an engagement party for Whit and Lindley with a Pride and Prejudice theme.  I'll post pictures later. But it was for 50 people...yeah.
4. My sister got married to the love of her life in New York, then we just got back from Florida for the actual family wedding.
5. I taught a pottery camp for 4th-8th grade students.  It was insane. No one warned me that a full day camp with this age was probably not a good idea.  However, lesson learned. Half-day camps from here on out!
6. I took part of my yearbook staff to a 3 day intensive in July.  It was very informative.

Before I knew it, the eight weeks were gone.  It was one of those times where the saying "need a vacation from your vacation" came to mind when I went back to school August 2nd.

Now, I'm back at it.  Back to work.  Back to every day life where I'm juggling our home schedules with work schedules, figuring out budgets, insurance changes and when I'm going to paint, trying to find the motivation to workout and eat healthy....I'm exhausted.

I have to keep remembering and applying Philippians 4:13, "I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength." Also, if the Proverbs 31 woman can do it all, so can I.  I hope.

I have a lot of plans for this year, and I will do my best to keep you updated.  The first thing on the list is Cayden's 1st Birthday!! My little dinosaur is turning into a toddler.  I have waited to the very last minute to plan this thing...meaning the only thing I have done is send out the invitations.  Sheesh!

So....here we go! The life of a full-time working mom continues....

High Five for Friday-May 11, 2012

Yay for Friday!! Its been a really quick week with so many wonderful things happening and many blessings coming from everywhere.

Here are my top five events from the week:

1. My mom and dad came for a visit.  I get to see my mom every month, but I don't get to see my dad as often.  I am so SO glad that he decided to come with mom this month, even if it was just for 48 hours. I love my Daddy! And so does his grandson!

Cayden, Oma, & G-Daddy

2. I sent in my application today to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for their Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting program.  After a week of prayer and speaking to my wise counsel members, I decided to go for it.  As an educator, I automatically will receive 1/2 tuition scholarship which takes it from $30K/Year to $15K/Year.  After speaking to a SCAD rep, she said that I could also receive an academic scholarship and portfolio scholarship that would make up the difference, giving me a full ride!! So, I am going to do everything that I can to make that happen!! Including creating an entire portfolio in just a few months....but I got this!

Birchbox!!

A few months ago, I discovered Birchbox.  It is one of the greatest things on "my" planet.  It's not a tree or a type of bush. 

It is a box full of beauty samples.  For only $10/month, I get a box of 5-6 travel size samples of new and/or top beauty products.  Do you know how much money this saves me a month?  I don't need to go to Sephora or Ulta on a consistent basis. I still go....but usually because its something that I use often and have run out of. 

I just got my May box yesterday and was so excited to see what was inside.  Apparently, it was the "Gossip Girl" edition, which doesn't really mean much to me.  However, it was cool stuff! I am also posting the contents of my March box because I really liked a few products in it (and shhhhh!... so did my husband, one face product in particular.)

March Birchbox:

1. Miss Jessie's Quick Curls

• I tried this, but it made my hair really oily.  I've got a lot of curl/wave to my hair, and it didn't really work for me.  I'm just going to keep it in my guest bathroom for when they need hair product.

2. Stila sample: Smoky Eye

• Still haven't used this. But it will be great to keep it in my purse for quick fixes or when I need to go to dinner after work and need a touch-up.

3. Deborah Lippmann "the Stripper to go" Nail Polish Remover Pads

• I have already used both of these! I love it! However, I wouldn't buy a whole box of them.  A bottle of polish remover and cotton balls work for me.

4.**BEST IN MY BOX!!** One Love Skin Savior - Waterless Beauty Balm