Celebrate We Will...: August 2010

While I've been EXTREMELY lucky that we have a well-adjusted, easy baby (she's the angel baby in the Baby Whisper's explanation!), I can't say that losing the baby weight has been easy. I breast fed for three months, and stopped when I had to go back to work. I was thankful for the time that I had, but didn't see the weight "fall off" like people told me it would if I breast fed. It also didn't help that I kept feeling hungry all the time when I was breast-feeding. I had an unbelievable appetite and could always eat! It was nice while it lasted, and although I wasn't gaining weight, I certainly wasn't losing.

Around May, I joined Weight Watchers. I was sick of my body looking the way it did and decided I needed to do something for me. Although it's another bill and financial commitment, I know it's important for my health. So far, I've lost 8 lbs. It's okay, and I know a lot of people would be happy, but I wasn't giving it an honest effort in the beginning. I was tracking, but I was using the extra point available every week, just to get through my daily allotment.

As I got more desperate, I was approached by a friend on Facebook to talk with a trainer, Ty Turner. Ty is a nationally certified trainer and used to be a manager of a fitness club. He has a vision of an online training/nutrition program, and is hoping to work with more than just his clients in Oregon. Ty took me under his wing because I was one of the initial 100 people needed for him to show his success. He has been so motivating and helpful. His advice about food, working out and commitment to the goal have been awesome. I email him frequently with questions and he always gets back to me with a well-justified answer. His support has been invaluable.

Lastly, I know that a lot of what I put in my body has been less than par. I try to eat healthy, but we are always tempted with other things. I need to work on my will power to say no when we are out, and knowing that every occasion is not a special occasion. I wanted to do something easy that would help me "start over" with my eating. I tried an Isagenix cleanse. I used the 9-day cleanse, and found that it helped me think about what I was putting in my mouth. I signed up to be an associate so I could get a discount, but that means that I can sell it to myself now too!!!

In the last two weeks, I've lost an additional 6 lbs. Between Ty and Isagenix, I feel that was the difference. Ty provided the support and Isagenix got me back on track. My goal is to be back in my "old clothes" by my friends wedding on November 6. That's about 23lbs left. My ultimate goal is to be in my "bikini form" by next January, when we go to Puerto Rico. That's about 31 lbs. I know I can do it, if I just put my mind to it. I'm hoping that the school year will put me back into a nice pattern again and packing my meals will take the guessing game out of bad choices... what about you? Do (did) you have trouble losing the baby weight??

I'm back from a blogging hiatus! A much needed break from an overwhelming life... I wonder if anyone will actually read this anymore!!! If you're still out there reading- please let me know!!

Anyway, baby girl has grown so much in the last couple of months! I can't believe how far we've come... she is absolutely perfect in every way. She's the easiest, most relaxed baby (just like her mother!) :) We are so lucky... truly blessed.

I've included some pictures over the last months (mostly my favorites) and have made a promise to myself that I need to blog once a week... whether anyone is reading or not... because it's the best outlet for my sanity next to exercise!!!