Measurements

Measurements at a week into my exercise routine. I'll measure myself every month to check on my progress with the 30 Day Shred. I plan on doing the program until I'm dead or physically unable.

February 26, 2010 :

Bust - 44"
Waist - 38"
Stomach - 45.5"
Hips - 43"
Arms - 14"
Thighs - 27"

Well I definitely have some trimming and sculpting I have to do! But I'm comitted and I'm going to make it happen. I will be so glad to see those numbers shrinking and to see a lean body appear. Wish me luck!

30DS and 20 minute naps

So I've lost a little weight, 2 or 3 pounds in a week. I didn't take my measurements before I started so I'm thinking about going and getting a measuring tape today. I'm trying to cut back on my portions somewhat, but nothing drastic. I've been doing the 30 day shred for a little over a week now. I do it at least every other day and it only takes 20-30 minutes. I gained between 20 and 30 pounds but I was already overweight so I'd like to lose about 40 pounds altogether. I've always struggled with my weight and have never been really committed to exercise so this is a HUGE life style change for me. But with support from my dh I've been doing pretty well and getting better. I think it helps not just to think of it as losing the baby weight, but deciding to be fit for life. I don't want to hit my mark just to be disappointed with myself a year later when I'm back in size 13 jeans! I love being curvy (picture Shakira and Beyonce) so I'm not worried about trying to be Paris Hilton, I just want to be the healthiest, hottest me!

Also I have to get some fenugreek as my milk supply seems to have decreased somewhat. I'm a little worried that the exercise and slight cut in calories has affected my supply. If it comes down to losing weight or continuing to bf then I will choose breastfeeding.

The baby has been a little tough with naps lately. He's been taking about 5 twenty minute naps a day. But he's seems to be doing all right so I don't mind being a little more worn out than usual.

Mike has been working from 1:30 to 10 at night which can be lonely, but my mom comes over most nights for at least half an hour so it's not too bad. I think the baby prefers his daddy to work mornings though. I think it allows him to wind down better at night knowing his daddy is home.

Well lo is getting tired here so I'm going to rescue him from his jumper. Peace out!

SAHM and 30 Day Shred

So I've managed to be a stay at home mom. Because I couldn't find work. We're making it though. The hubby and I are both glad I can stay at home with Caleb. I don't have to miss out on any of his moments and we can continue with our attached parenting. I don't have to worry about getting him to take a bottle, which he's made quite clear he rejects. It's nice too because hubby and I don't have to spend anymore time apart because of conflicting schedules. I'm still trying to work out something so I can contribute some to our finances. But Mike (hubby) is such a great provider :)

Keeping up the house is a bit of a challenge. Often things get piled up to the point of being grotesque but I manage to get it all under control again. It can be hard, but satisfying. And of course Mike helps out too. His hours can be erratic and long but we're thanking God he has work. The shop is thankfully getting some more business so he'll be able to work 40+ hours again. All things considered we're still doing quite well. We have cable and internet and plenty of food and a nice apartment and first and foremost each other!

I love being a mother and wife. Especially to my two wonderful men.

On another note, I've started an exercise program called 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michales. It is unbelievably intense, but I can't wait to to see the results of the hard work. I've been stuck at about 180 pounds and I need to lose about 45. I'm hoping it won't take longer than 6 months with this routine. I'll post updates in two weeks, if there is anything worth mentioning :p

Caleb 5 months strong

So it has been almost a year since my last post. Caleb was born 1:17 am via c section on September 17th, 2009. He is now 5 months and 3 days old. He is amazing. He's so handsome and sweet. He's very inquisitive and interactive.

Motherhood and wife-hood are treating me fantastically. I've been so blessed. It's exhausting but with the support of my husband, family and friends it's been a truly joyous experience thus far.

That being said, I have never prayed more in my life. Succinctly I pray for Caleb to have health and happiness and to live a long and fruitful life in God.

He never ceases to amaze me. Everyday he does something fantastic, whether it's a laugh a cuddle or reaching a new milestone. I honestly cannot believe he is almost 6 months old.

He can roll over both directions, he can get up on his hands and knees though he is still perfecting that art. He loves standing and can hold his own weight though he needs support to keep his balance. He is gabbing away and is a total daredevil, enjoying being flipped, swung and hanged upside down. He's gotten his first two teeth (bottom front) and has started his first solids, so far he has had rice cereal, carrots and peas. Carrots are his favorite.

I plan on keeping a regular blog tracking his growth and my marriage to the fabulous Mr. S. Pictures will be abundant.

I need to be a dentist

I just forked over $364 for four fillings. Said fillings took an hour or so to complete. And that was the copay, I'm not sure how much my insurance covered. Dear God! That must be nice. My dentist asks me, "Do you think I should start taking Fridays off?" Yes, yes you should. Because you were smart enough to study your butt off and land this cushy if sometimes nauseating job and you can afford to just take Fridays off if you want to. The only person who's had a nicer job that I've met was my orthodontist. He didn't even work on my mouth. He took a five minute look around, told someone else what to do and disappeared. Even his receptionist took a two hour lunch.

Don't get me wrong, both my dentist and my ortho were great. Really good at what they do. It just hurts to put that much down. But it was my fault. My kid is gonna have the cleanest mouth in the U.S. Brushing and flossing are so worth it. Do it now or pay for it later!

Thank God my dad felt very generous and ambushed us with a few hundred dollars. He can be a very sweet man.

That's all for this update.

Wannabe Work at Home Mom

I just went on maternity leave. It's early but my job requires a lot of lifting, bending, standing and it had just started taking a really uncomfortable toll on my body. My Doc agreed that it was about time for me to take leave, so here I am. At home. And to make an embarrassing confession; I can't drive. I am horrible at it. So I'm stuck in the area. But I will learn how to drive when the baby is born.

Anyway! I've got my heart set on finding a way to work from home. I can't stand the idea of leaving my baby with someone else. And it really doesn't make any sense for me to go to work when I'll only be making enough to pay for the daycare.

But it's hard to find legit work from home offers. At this point we're thinking a) home day care. I've taken care of multiple kids regularly before so I think it would be doable. But with my very first child in infancy I find it a daunting aspect, quite possibly too much to handle. B) Data entry. Hubby says his sister is doing it scam free so we have to talk to her about the company she works with.

This is definitely the coolest and most amazing thing that has ever happened to me and I wouldn't give it up for every one of your anonymous lives ;) But it can be overwhelming. I mean, I'm standing here at the foot of Mt. Everest clad in California Casual sans climbing gear, and hey! Where the hell is my Sherpa?

As the Belly Grows/Wolverine

My child has been super active the past few days. Which I like because it's fun and I know he's ok :p It makes up for how torturous it's been trying to find a name! Aidan is out. Kaleb is out.

Quinn is a possibility, but I don't think it's right. Oh well, the search continues. At least we have a few months until the day. I keep telling the hubby we should just name him Kid since that's how I refer to him now. It's a joke but watching him get all uppity is funny.

We saw X-men Origins: Wolverine the other day. It was fantastic (for the most part) and I hope they make a mini series thing out of it. It was very well done and I give it two thumbs up. You all should go see it.

I'm super psyched to see the new Terminator movie. It just looks like it's going to be superb.

Oh and if you will, wish us luck because we're going to be looking for a bigger place here in the next few days. One bedroom and 700 sq ft is filling up fast and we don't even have any baby stuff yet!