tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10584422336024108742024-02-02T14:10:38.756-05:00For Life Follow my joyful struggle to live healthy and live well in this life *after* weight loss!Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.comBlogger978125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-73617047469252071762017-06-03T11:46:00.004-04:002017-06-03T11:46:59.541-04:00Alive and well! Life, hiking, family :) Hello! I have gotten a few comments asking me how I am doing, and I am sorry I haven't updated more, but life sure is busy, crazy, full and tiring :)<br />
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I recently got a professional license in my new industry and have been super focused on my family too! Workdays are really busy, because I'm still trying to lead a healthy life so we are out and about ( walking, hiking, playing ) and cooking fresh meals at home in between work and daycare and errands and chores. Weekends seem to be even busier somehow! We try to socialize and bring our son somewhere beautiful and get stuff done around the house on those days - traveling once or twice a month, too.<br />
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My son just recently turned a year and a half old. He is energetic, funny, sweet and bright! He really lights up our lives and make every day special (even if every day is tiring too!) He's starting to talk and can get around like a pro - he's got a sweet lil personality: he loves to wear hats and it's a process for the shoes, he wants to sweep, and when he laughs he has a huge deep belly laugh.<br />
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I have no complaints, my friends, which is probably why you're not hearing from me much :-)<br />
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<span id="goog_1045898537"></span><span id="goog_1045898538"></span><br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-62179634429655402392016-11-19T14:03:00.001-05:002016-11-19T14:03:08.847-05:00Down a leg for the year...Good news: my dissertation is being published and I am done! Amazing - I can have a normal life again!<br />
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Well. Until the bad news.<br />
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I fell while hiking two weeks ago (leaves on a steep slope) and messed up my ankle. I just got the official diagnosis, a level III sprain that can take up to three months to heal. I am stuck in an air cast, prescribed rest, ice, elevation and physical therapy.<br />
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Agggh!!<br />
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So for the past two weeks, my 10 to 15,000 step count per day has gone down to under 2000. And I am up 4 pounds. I got really used to eating a certain way because I was very active every day. But now I have some changes to make if I'm going to be decently sedentary for a while!<br />
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It's a challenge - we are hosting Thanksgiving, and my sons birthday party the Saturday after. But I'm tightening up my usual, daily meals. Also going to focus on some exercises that don't use my ankle - arms and core. I don't need all my hard work losing the baby weight to be undone :)<br />
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Other than that - things are going ok! I'm reading for fun and watching tv again (Westworld!) and getting to enjoy nights at home (or going out to see friends, 100% guilt free - no school work hanging over my head). Hunter's turning one on Wednesday and is a delightful ball of sass and energy. I'm excited to celebrate with him!<br />
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That's it for me, for now. I might blog a little more, because one, I need something to do and two, it might help keep me more accountable as I recover with this ankle!<br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-6137769119034511442016-11-02T13:41:00.000-04:002016-11-05T11:10:13.235-04:00Still kicking!!Hello! It's clearly been a very long time since I have posted. But a few of you have emailed me from time to time to see how I am doing, which is super nice! But I bet there's not too many others out there still checking in here :-) and that's OK, but I thought I'd give you a little update to let you know how it's going.<br>
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I just wanted to say that everything is going really well. I'm not a statistic, I've lost the pregnancy weight, I'm back around 125 to 128 pounds on any given day. I have gotten back my fitness, been hiking mountains and sharing this world that I love with my son, which was my dream! I am in the process of submitting the paperwork to finish my dissertation for a December graduation. And still looking for that dream job!<br>
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My son is almost 1 years old, he has been walking for about three weeks, has six teeth, and is the highlight of my every day. He is funny, bright, bold, and a sweet little love.<br>
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Things have been going well! I didn't go radio silent because they weren't, only because I've been very busy. When I haven't been working on my dissertation, I've been spending all my time watching my son grow. My priorities are him, my health, and then my career. So blogging fell by the wayside! I hope to return to it regularly once the dissertation is absolutely submitted and done.<br>
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I am on Instagram as @mountainwolfe if anyone wants to follow me! I'll follow you back, I miss the community that blogging brought me.<br>
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Till then!!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2sIr5k9mXtpcTs7shadWaOxLf4YxfACcnheIKoY8tka0hx8i77sHwOszLNTdxkH3WIJ1BCJfhwLPcchyphenhyphenAUKJNrhcaesyI8jVZYC34lZVc7fNmJJnY4KjT6o-5sLqek0V6LDe20AdEpA/s640/blogger-image--1578952307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2sIr5k9mXtpcTs7shadWaOxLf4YxfACcnheIKoY8tka0hx8i77sHwOszLNTdxkH3WIJ1BCJfhwLPcchyphenhyphenAUKJNrhcaesyI8jVZYC34lZVc7fNmJJnY4KjT6o-5sLqek0V6LDe20AdEpA/s640/blogger-image--1578952307.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-33080406368986046572016-03-20T17:22:00.001-04:002016-03-20T17:22:44.033-04:00Check in!Wow!! Life is crazy! In a nutshell: I have a new job, am working on my second round of edits on my dissertation, and life with Hunter keeps me busy enough without those other things!<div><br></div><div>Some pics of my little man:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3YRLV3JjTgNVa2VhkKgSUSF6Nt6gy8Jf0TQQZYor7GQ_4sj5EHvVJg-y8aTghBahZl3ZDZAmC-uvoktb33Yc9zFjjEwVi8RtTwiF4Z8vInNxm2JL7KzgZCOCshbRKgXs7qFOO136ShI/s640/blogger-image-313790178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3YRLV3JjTgNVa2VhkKgSUSF6Nt6gy8Jf0TQQZYor7GQ_4sj5EHvVJg-y8aTghBahZl3ZDZAmC-uvoktb33Yc9zFjjEwVi8RtTwiF4Z8vInNxm2JL7KzgZCOCshbRKgXs7qFOO136ShI/s640/blogger-image-313790178.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cIFdf1k6L8QCRIhAdFLSQTcMb2pkmFTTrEB8PfTYZhkDFMWrDQTUqB876ifi37OX6Bsdu_3UGq004Z7-f9Af1fInEHi9g2_640yO-LS9K7CGuqb-YDtFxkHz1olWrha3UxVZa2w8_fc/s640/blogger-image-1086751698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cIFdf1k6L8QCRIhAdFLSQTcMb2pkmFTTrEB8PfTYZhkDFMWrDQTUqB876ifi37OX6Bsdu_3UGq004Z7-f9Af1fInEHi9g2_640yO-LS9K7CGuqb-YDtFxkHz1olWrha3UxVZa2w8_fc/s640/blogger-image-1086751698.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKyP7mT7Z-Jl6raP4Yr64-veEdTRRPHeDSkvibz8wsxE1H01T-7KmvLeAm4hKlJbTiI28ckQDnlT96h55pl_Z6N3zafeOzqLBmtY7EgXfWP1ZvlcQfbrUitV1Ygh6lwDhmuuqV8Iw844/s640/blogger-image-1478362846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKyP7mT7Z-Jl6raP4Yr64-veEdTRRPHeDSkvibz8wsxE1H01T-7KmvLeAm4hKlJbTiI28ckQDnlT96h55pl_Z6N3zafeOzqLBmtY7EgXfWP1ZvlcQfbrUitV1Ygh6lwDhmuuqV8Iw844/s640/blogger-image-1478362846.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcXdZ8D9k7M9c1vWAD_NujMeqqmE1j7O9XL4egbW9fNypSQ5jQ-NbPpe18cZa5R358dd9DsljiULkLHDiEQmDX6crBWZCZA4fyjOqOtFV-hARNO0HjnyUD_9mNQBg3CxTPSjzArEe7Xs/s640/blogger-image--1111809892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcXdZ8D9k7M9c1vWAD_NujMeqqmE1j7O9XL4egbW9fNypSQ5jQ-NbPpe18cZa5R358dd9DsljiULkLHDiEQmDX6crBWZCZA4fyjOqOtFV-hARNO0HjnyUD_9mNQBg3CxTPSjzArEe7Xs/s640/blogger-image--1111809892.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Life is good :) Still working on health and fitness- just another part of life really! Down another couple pounds, right at 140. So lost 12 pounds the last 3 months - pretty good rate! Will be back where I want to be in the summer if I keep it up :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-31628391663922835252016-02-17T14:41:00.001-05:002016-02-17T14:41:27.742-05:00Picture; Back to WorkHere's a little picture update of me (Hunter is usually the star of photographs now!):<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvRA1v-mRGiLbdTdjheVie-6ICEP1Xtjf7vBqCYgr_Fo6G5_-cbG3pufoCUHJ2RT6vk5bF_I9jh_8H2DjKuC7qtzShyphenhyphen0UXLf3G4iA5uRfWcK2OdcbUEnHcEnXAi4EnezyGsWCmXGuBqg/s640/blogger-image-1923479377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvRA1v-mRGiLbdTdjheVie-6ICEP1Xtjf7vBqCYgr_Fo6G5_-cbG3pufoCUHJ2RT6vk5bF_I9jh_8H2DjKuC7qtzShyphenhyphen0UXLf3G4iA5uRfWcK2OdcbUEnHcEnXAi4EnezyGsWCmXGuBqg/s640/blogger-image-1923479377.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Feeling ok - but definitely still wanting to lose these last 10 pounds. Clothes don't fit great and I'm not loving my shape right now... But not hating it either! Progress is being made.</div><div><br></div><div>Work is lame. I'd much rather be home, cuddling my boy and changing his diapers, letting him feed all day!! Pumping at work in a quiet, lonely room stinks. I was getting out a lot, socializing and whatnot, so I don't even appreciate the "adult" time.</div><div><br></div><div>Eh. I'll figure it out.</div><div><br></div><div>Just focusing on keeping the family healthy and happy for now!</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-10363116970226613912016-02-13T14:25:00.001-05:002016-02-13T14:25:02.538-05:00Alive and well!I got a comment from Vickie asking if we're all doing ok-- and I wanted to pop in to say that we are!!<div><br></div><div>However, being a new mom, finding a new job, trying to jump start my health and fitness, etc is a lot more exhausting and time consuming than expected!! I spend the hour I have to myself (given to me by my husband) reading or showering :)</div><div><br></div><div>But we're happy! Hunter is verrrry sensitive and cries pretty easily (very easily over stimulated, doesn't like to be set down, etc) so that's been challenging. I go back to work on Tuesday though, so he's going to <i>have</i> to establish some new routines.</div><div><br></div><div>Hunter sleeps well now, though, so that's awesome. 5-8 hour stretches at night, usually followed by another 3!</div><div><br></div><div>He's also insanely cute:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHsqBaSTnVHX9xWxEhPUuhhOSkQjgAPxE4dNlnzuv6LokQPwRhyphenhyphenYTrfAMtnc0_LVooV2LpwZCSun1TzbgL-Ogi5ejfAQ_HfGxO5jy4ZL-Qns0MXWlRrZKKBKqPNB3n1yxlpA3FoXZ3Dg/s640/blogger-image-1470035265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHsqBaSTnVHX9xWxEhPUuhhOSkQjgAPxE4dNlnzuv6LokQPwRhyphenhyphenYTrfAMtnc0_LVooV2LpwZCSun1TzbgL-Ogi5ejfAQ_HfGxO5jy4ZL-Qns0MXWlRrZKKBKqPNB3n1yxlpA3FoXZ3Dg/s640/blogger-image-1470035265.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcucqgF0IMNCF5PjGobt1GVqChyOw2lOcvhkkxJis5y3eQly9P6B0FQuVdwa1Nc2px_sD-bQxa9f_rYSS8023MiFsws1K5S-OgIWsPy6AvYKgoq2VTaDdqlz7lT3caDJ0vNJLgWsN1XD4/s640/blogger-image--1973253361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcucqgF0IMNCF5PjGobt1GVqChyOw2lOcvhkkxJis5y3eQly9P6B0FQuVdwa1Nc2px_sD-bQxa9f_rYSS8023MiFsws1K5S-OgIWsPy6AvYKgoq2VTaDdqlz7lT3caDJ0vNJLgWsN1XD4/s640/blogger-image--1973253361.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBpOY1FfH7fbL-0kcZv5e3YWaE79QGw85hs12nlTspvAg6X4xG7H-J4dI7RAriWky1q5XPDB5cmrAoLehmH5nXbx09JJUVF5tqo3Vlf9325-I8JI2MBx3tlVaDPQYDzVvoez-pFbGz-w/s640/blogger-image-1114789603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBpOY1FfH7fbL-0kcZv5e3YWaE79QGw85hs12nlTspvAg6X4xG7H-J4dI7RAriWky1q5XPDB5cmrAoLehmH5nXbx09JJUVF5tqo3Vlf9325-I8JI2MBx3tlVaDPQYDzVvoez-pFbGz-w/s640/blogger-image-1114789603.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEFkKvzaA8DH4YiXPc60Iv6FBwdBnYEGflr_DSLXafcrLKZZ5YNtYcdOdTAJPf-6lpszmA_eP7IAaYuYnV41kODVdhm3TIxMPwi-S8TICU2F4DN95AJdyBwtlbMsLY0YNh_lsL_ja3Lw/s640/blogger-image-1344803874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEFkKvzaA8DH4YiXPc60Iv6FBwdBnYEGflr_DSLXafcrLKZZ5YNtYcdOdTAJPf-6lpszmA_eP7IAaYuYnV41kODVdhm3TIxMPwi-S8TICU2F4DN95AJdyBwtlbMsLY0YNh_lsL_ja3Lw/s640/blogger-image-1344803874.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Things are going well in most fronts. My advisor is liking my dissertation so far. I'm potentially close to a new job. I've lost a few more pounds. Hunter is healthy and growing. </div><div><br></div><div>Can't complain!!</div><div><br></div><div>Might blog more once I'm back at work and have forced free time on my breaks!</div><div><br></div><div>Love to you all <3</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-63800604204669557492016-01-26T11:52:00.001-05:002016-01-26T11:52:21.241-05:00Slow ProgressI've been making lots of progress in making good choices to fuel my (and my son's!) body. But I've also not completely gone without treats.<div><br></div><div>Breakfast was eggs and toast, lunch was turkey wraps with mango/avocado salsa and rice pudding:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlNBdv1ouPsQujS2GwAbwkhCd5jDoWe5UV-WbLD_SBS3FxpS6wkO9VNEs0cZ31J9hdxpe7tG4lH-bfE3pSWPZqVgAJHkw3_o9U6ZetmQjbbWuYo5-O-hdSHtzFsedlEF0o_ba0XUN3-Q/s640/blogger-image-76370753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlNBdv1ouPsQujS2GwAbwkhCd5jDoWe5UV-WbLD_SBS3FxpS6wkO9VNEs0cZ31J9hdxpe7tG4lH-bfE3pSWPZqVgAJHkw3_o9U6ZetmQjbbWuYo5-O-hdSHtzFsedlEF0o_ba0XUN3-Q/s640/blogger-image-76370753.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Last night I went out with a couple friends and enjoyed a tasting flight of beer (I missed beer!):</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWeilgWDkgZk7byqajKuvLyUemGGoWS0W1m7BByA3Ed7Hsz2Om6Md4_NbCN-GvmytY4aojincFr9meVuqFC8yWW9AjIqTCqWLVDbBFNdU2p7qNqBsbwQH-hgtMBwtHZ9fe3pjsbt1PSU/s640/blogger-image--1366269995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWeilgWDkgZk7byqajKuvLyUemGGoWS0W1m7BByA3Ed7Hsz2Om6Md4_NbCN-GvmytY4aojincFr9meVuqFC8yWW9AjIqTCqWLVDbBFNdU2p7qNqBsbwQH-hgtMBwtHZ9fe3pjsbt1PSU/s640/blogger-image--1366269995.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'm walking as much as I can - did 4 miles on Sunday with my little family :) And slowly incorporating more body weight exercises during my day (I'm really looking forward to having my core strength back!).</div><div><br></div><div>I'm trending slightly downward with my weight, so that's good- but mostly I see my shape changing as I get active again, my posture improves and I challenge my muscles!</div><div><br></div><div>This is definitely a slow process- especially since most of my energies are for my child, now! But I'm making sure to take care of his mom, too :)</div><div><br></div><div>Forward progress!</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-89696120472415280842016-01-20T17:48:00.001-05:002016-01-20T17:48:59.414-05:00Consistency!Though I'm not where I used to be in terms of diet and exercise, I'm being consistent with what I <i>am </i>capable of right now. Getting out for at least a short walk every day, tracking my food daily, making a concerted effort to eat my veggies and staying hydrated.<div><br></div><div>My steps are getting there (the cold weather is tough - some days I bring Hunter to a store to walk around), but I'll admit to just plain old being exhausted some days. But I am getting something done every day, even if it's just a little, and that's a big step!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQTpPUJf2o1aL6vtkbXkDH4E6RsXaeYtn7ImVmV3I7DB8_rdM64-44K_ZCcTMgHtIFXlwiUBrpF8LbYWVlUrZshU-DU9p-KdGyE8HHGzBFT1_nYLwe2KGVI3rkcwbXpzk-h5hNBjRmGI/s640/blogger-image-550907830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQTpPUJf2o1aL6vtkbXkDH4E6RsXaeYtn7ImVmV3I7DB8_rdM64-44K_ZCcTMgHtIFXlwiUBrpF8LbYWVlUrZshU-DU9p-KdGyE8HHGzBFT1_nYLwe2KGVI3rkcwbXpzk-h5hNBjRmGI/s640/blogger-image-550907830.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My meals are staying consistent too - having my three meals a day, like I described in my previous blog post, and a snack or two as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6xx-3GDxHd-LxwvAQC-cIRh5TlnDyqLpiNzFswY8vcVdmslZrIg8KIksGl7BxlI2FpigKy2ExIcIseO21EIAHCNMHdgq4FA_7L3IWlOuoMcr3k2dF9IJ-jqzY7UmoN9xCHKDCKl8LJM/s640/blogger-image-668560483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6xx-3GDxHd-LxwvAQC-cIRh5TlnDyqLpiNzFswY8vcVdmslZrIg8KIksGl7BxlI2FpigKy2ExIcIseO21EIAHCNMHdgq4FA_7L3IWlOuoMcr3k2dF9IJ-jqzY7UmoN9xCHKDCKl8LJM/s640/blogger-image-668560483.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Had haddock on corn tortillas with a side of roasted beets and roasted Brussels sprouts yesterday for dinner. Tonight I am having butternut squash soup with peas, and a black bean burger.</div><div><br></div><div>Staying consistent with getting vegetables back into my diet has been really big. Even though I've added grains back to my diet, I am aiming for vegetables to make up the majority of my carbohydrates! They just have a lot more nutrition and fill me up a lot better.</div><div><br></div><div>So even though my weight isn't dropping consistently, I'm going to stay consistent with my behaviors. I know that breast-feeding may mean that I'm not going to drop any significant amount of weight until I'm done breast-feeding, but setting up these healthy habits for me, to be a better example for Hunter, to be a healthier mom, is important.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6T_gG3nSVZanjvAmo4TLGdkojwI9LrJjLO5JqokiRJqGJlHH5vPbRA8LicndZBHJ-1Yc_KtBZNGdS6yDDRTi2OKuHHWp62-3P7HenU4BwHIxjDMVqOc-09EOWclFJ1Hpsw0qeOaoWjE/s640/blogger-image--1443006376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6T_gG3nSVZanjvAmo4TLGdkojwI9LrJjLO5JqokiRJqGJlHH5vPbRA8LicndZBHJ-1Yc_KtBZNGdS6yDDRTi2OKuHHWp62-3P7HenU4BwHIxjDMVqOc-09EOWclFJ1Hpsw0qeOaoWjE/s640/blogger-image--1443006376.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-48717814554555244052016-01-11T12:29:00.001-05:002016-01-11T12:30:39.598-05:00Better Meal ChoicesI've been on a pretty good streak of just plain old making better choices - with regards to both food and activity.<div><br></div><div>This was lunch today:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGS-ta_Wrx2-F6SILpCY7nKLq8Rgg_0Ql_L6ebeaGy5nW3v50T42WyDEZldumWgkjAnXdOQnHRvKis3CLYa-FKryDkxXfaHR1_5ttfSx6-8HdypFNa-6OksuBy2vuSgP2AnS4ZPj6Wlg/s640/blogger-image-1456775661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGS-ta_Wrx2-F6SILpCY7nKLq8Rgg_0Ql_L6ebeaGy5nW3v50T42WyDEZldumWgkjAnXdOQnHRvKis3CLYa-FKryDkxXfaHR1_5ttfSx6-8HdypFNa-6OksuBy2vuSgP2AnS4ZPj6Wlg/s640/blogger-image-1456775661.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Lettuce, turkey, cheese and mustard with a fig bar snack (I got these on sale at the co-op, they're made with a really great ingredients and fill me up great!)</div><div><br></div><div>Breakfast was organic waffles with peanut butter and cottage cheese on the side.</div><div><br></div><div>Dinner will be a veggie/butternut squash soup.</div><div><br></div><div>If I eat grains with breakfast, like today, I'll do just veggies and protein for lunch. Some days I do protein/fruit for breakfast and will have bread at lunch. Dinners are getting closer to our old, pre-pregnancy dinners - lots of veggies and protein. Last night's dinner was cod with an almond meal crust, broccoli and roasted sweet potatoes.</div><div><br></div><div>Taking in a ton of water, too - breastfeeding seems to completely dehydrate me no matter how much I drink!</div><div><br></div><div>Still around 145, but definitely feeling MUCH better now that I'm eating better, less junk, more nutrition, and more well rounded (not 80% carbs like when I was eating poorly!).</div><div><br></div><div>Takes effort to not indulge in food as pleasure (especially when I'm stressed with Hunter!) but it's worth it. I feel more energetic, for sure :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QbBdIwotccM_E8wC33zS3tHJBBk9evsLlC8_DGY2cja1k8UycNtKTzmFSriJMQgUrSSQb4e-MLQY-kjIJDjcfNyqSPuRsbgY-AWCwOJaQoxcZRBm4fEqrLJqozyiBte7GBIfVWlmyW4/s640/blogger-image--45795838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QbBdIwotccM_E8wC33zS3tHJBBk9evsLlC8_DGY2cja1k8UycNtKTzmFSriJMQgUrSSQb4e-MLQY-kjIJDjcfNyqSPuRsbgY-AWCwOJaQoxcZRBm4fEqrLJqozyiBte7GBIfVWlmyW4/s640/blogger-image--45795838.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Hunter making his weird face in his bear suit :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzla5KiL1dEW6COjFxx9YK5lPQOBfIbFtewGQHOJWMkEZhNn7qfBbt2WdCHjfzvPng9udH1TGZjkt1H6IjKT9OgDlHrtAP8Lec6gXkSKagArNK7rLspQvoLezEyeaKMbwbR9m7ulM9s8/s640/blogger-image--1166823351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzla5KiL1dEW6COjFxx9YK5lPQOBfIbFtewGQHOJWMkEZhNn7qfBbt2WdCHjfzvPng9udH1TGZjkt1H6IjKT9OgDlHrtAP8Lec6gXkSKagArNK7rLspQvoLezEyeaKMbwbR9m7ulM9s8/s640/blogger-image--1166823351.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Family walk at the golf course- got in 3 miles here!</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-8576517835739823722016-01-07T13:50:00.001-05:002016-01-07T13:50:16.412-05:00Weight, Ramping up activityThings are progressing - slowly but surely around here! Hunter is six weeks old officially today. I look back at the pictures of him a month ago, and I see how much he has grown, even though it is hard to see day to day.<div><br></div><div>And even though he still not sleeping much through the night, things are changing around here. Especially because I'm feeling stronger and more capable as the days go on. It is two more weeks until I am cleared for more activity than just walking. But I had chilled out on even walking too much for a while, because I was certain I had pulled my internal incision by doing a little too much too fast.</div><div><br></div><div>But I've been getting out this week! Taking some walks with Hunter and the dog, running some errands, going shopping.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMH7QAhqpdyu6wHxu4M8xVSUv6EC8SiVK6G7K8R3AD6Dh7SdqeTuIqP541ngoziXocnnQzaTTp0wd3lzobT_IDrMRaqN2LOQsHYiJ6JxztYtvfJnC64E9ULB7aWUWzi3NWouHHzpsBwM/s640/blogger-image-203617960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMH7QAhqpdyu6wHxu4M8xVSUv6EC8SiVK6G7K8R3AD6Dh7SdqeTuIqP541ngoziXocnnQzaTTp0wd3lzobT_IDrMRaqN2LOQsHYiJ6JxztYtvfJnC64E9ULB7aWUWzi3NWouHHzpsBwM/s640/blogger-image-203617960.jpg"></a></div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0RTjLnRMddMk-_GJfTVHLFTxaNRGdA6VDCSd5XGaYjC5d4THCom9AgBasAyDpo2p3_kfdwrRbZw8ZEeMjcBZRtpIOkyZTue88Rn72lh4jGYOh023KZGG2npK_pfL5Ip-NRDZcMfxGho/s640/blogger-image--877394774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0RTjLnRMddMk-_GJfTVHLFTxaNRGdA6VDCSd5XGaYjC5d4THCom9AgBasAyDpo2p3_kfdwrRbZw8ZEeMjcBZRtpIOkyZTue88Rn72lh4jGYOh023KZGG2npK_pfL5Ip-NRDZcMfxGho/s640/blogger-image--877394774.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And I have been sticking to tracking my food, though I am obviously eating far more than I need to maintain my weight because I want to keep my milk supply up. And I am making plenty of milk, finally. Hunter was growing so fast for a few weeks, because we struggled so much with breast-feeding in the first three weeks, I think he had a lot of catching up to do!</div></div><div><br></div><div>I lost a pound, now at 145. Not much, but a small downward trend. Lost 3 lbs in 30 days - I think that's a good rate that won't endanger my supply! But best of all, I can see my old body <b>shape </b>coming back as I get more active. I'm not <i>so</i> horrified by the changes anymore... I have hope I'll get somewhere close to normal by/during summer :)</div><div><br></div><div>So, despite sleeplessness and feeling overwhelmed, I've been able to stay on the path to getting back to health and fitness (getting more active, eating better foods and tracking what I eat). Just required a little effort not to reach for the cookies and not to always lay in bed (though I do lay in bed a fair amount, taking care of a newborn is hard!). Little changes add up over time - and all I have energy for right now <b>is </b>little changes!</div><div><br></div><div>I pumped milk for tonight - leaving Hunter with Chris and am hitting up a girls' night! Pretty excited for adult times!</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-58787705039241022242016-01-02T18:44:00.001-05:002016-01-03T09:33:25.366-05:00First meal I've cooked in a loooong timeI've been very, very lucky the past many months to have a husband who has cooked dinner for me, first while I was pregnant and writing my dissertation and second while I've been recovering from my csection and feeding a newborn. I haven't cooked anything more than eggs in maybe half a year!<div><br></div><div>Also the past month, we've been eating food made by friends and family, ranging from turkey soup to a huge lasagna to vegetarian meals. That's been a big help.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, it worked out that Hunter was well fed and well rested at dinner time and we were making shrimp - my favorite thing to cook! I handed the baby over to Chris in a good mood and got to cooking.</div><div><br></div><div>I made garlic butter shrimp tacos on corn tortillas with guacamole and a side of roasted broccoli:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3AmNUK0TAeHC3PzRKuFSm_olpOtfnRYWvo3rmRVNEWik0hcY-K-WHnV2ncxP2QIHByG0K3PzJciqXqED4NXIwgpF0UGIWB2jt5k0xiIoW_NxRLEQ5CpzJOgBbUxeiZivBY_Z8dcz6hI/s640/blogger-image--281087390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3AmNUK0TAeHC3PzRKuFSm_olpOtfnRYWvo3rmRVNEWik0hcY-K-WHnV2ncxP2QIHByG0K3PzJciqXqED4NXIwgpF0UGIWB2jt5k0xiIoW_NxRLEQ5CpzJOgBbUxeiZivBY_Z8dcz6hI/s640/blogger-image--281087390.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'm a little rusty but it was fun to get back in the kitchen. Hunter is still making it difficult for me to cook when I'm alone because he doesn't like to be put down most of the time, but hopefully that will change as he gets older :)</div><div><br></div><div>As the flow of prepared food slows, it'll be important for us to get back to cooking and food prep if we want to eat well (do <i style="font-weight: bold;">not </i>want to rely on takeout or frozen pizzas!). I think we'll definitely simplify from what we had been doing- more frozen veggies, premarinated meats, etc, but preparing the food ourselves has always been important to us! Chris and I love cooking together and always have a lot of fun doing it, so it's good for our bonding too :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-23061065997779491492016-01-02T09:25:00.001-05:002016-01-02T09:41:32.577-05:00New Year, New Life, New Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumNR_96eK49mtdiWbGhSU9-6n5Ext6HxyvnmWy1JwYo7cyZ-_S5cj01gI0-z01g6_A_YK7kpZ28E9bhhuI8yEnr5tfmwA01fa_ISE6sF9ZqJzHY5JkiJHdETmWK-UExVEOd9UFkHDLGM/s640/blogger-image--408999494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumNR_96eK49mtdiWbGhSU9-6n5Ext6HxyvnmWy1JwYo7cyZ-_S5cj01gI0-z01g6_A_YK7kpZ28E9bhhuI8yEnr5tfmwA01fa_ISE6sF9ZqJzHY5JkiJHdETmWK-UExVEOd9UFkHDLGM/s640/blogger-image--408999494.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I definitely am very excited to see what 2016 will bring - I've never had such a life change as having a baby before (and life has changed pretty drastically for me in the past)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hunter is 5 1/2 weeks old, showing a little more personality and I know this year is going to see rapid changes for him! And for our little family :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't really have any resolutions for this year, nothing specific anyway. My goals are just to make sure I try my best to be a good parent, to make sure Hunter is happy and healthy, to make sure I am happy and healthy, and my marriage is happy and healthy. All of those things are connected.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I want all three of us to be active, get out in the world, to learn new things, eat nourishing foods, to stay socially engaged, and to fill our spirits with bright and enlivening things. I want to try my best to start our family off on a good foot :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So what does that mean? That means putting energy into these goals. To make healthy decisions, not lazy ones. As Hunter continues to get older, I can feel my own energy returning, and know I will be rejoining this world shortly (right now, I'm still spending most of my time in bed feeding him!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I just really look forward to showing him the world this year. I want him to know how beautiful it is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For myself personally, my resolutions are definitely to get healthy and work on losing a little bit of baby weight, but not to obsess about it! I had got into a really good place last year of maintaining a healthy, trim body without counting calories or being controlling about it. I don't want Hunter to see a mom who has a bad body image or issues with food. So I'm going to work on myself with a loving demeanor- not a self- or body-hating one. It's more important than ever to have a good relationship with my body so that Hunter knows the body is a beautiful and amazing thing that can carry him through this world!</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-87032411115555484972015-12-28T09:14:00.001-05:002015-12-28T09:14:35.895-05:00Christmas- family, eating, etcMe and my little family travel to see my in-laws for the Christmas holiday. It's only about an hour and a half away, so not a huge journey, but we didn't really know what to expect with a one-month-old!<div><br></div><div>Things actually went really well, he slept the whole car ride both ways, so that was a blessing! And he didn't really seem to notice the change in scenery (we brought his pack and play that he sleeps in and his white noise machine) and we had some good nights and some bad nights, just like at home. Overall, it was nice to be with family and to have someone there to hold the baby so we could eat sometimes, haha :)</div><div><br></div><div>I didn't track my food for three days while there, and I regressed from the progress I had made previously. I ate a lot of sweets and indulged lots of cravings. I feel pretty bloated in overall not great, so I'm not gonna way myself for a while, forgive myself and get back into the swing of things at home.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm still healing from the C-section, I've been taking it easy for the past five or so days, because I had started to bleed a little too heavily after I resumed more walking and activity. I'm technically supposed to be on very limited activity till January 14, so I don't want to push it.</div><div><br></div><div>Life with a newborn is challenging, we are getting sleep some nights and not others. He cries a lot some days and not others. He's eating pretty constantly, leaving me not for you to do much else with my life! I'm emotionally pretty drained by it, but I do see him growing every day and I know that this is not life forever, so I'm just working on taking it day by day.</div><div><br></div><div>I'll leave you with some recent pictures <3</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzkZs72neJGJWoEMCdWRAHHPoe_Gr4nisBU-u0PCSsrQUOW442QqOhoJo_-s72QPf6ItmDHDjiPGcjWN_VWJMVTMvqdb9PAUGeWdHtWfVpU2waFRv1CxullbFLS7s6sL0RCOCtwZd3AA/s640/blogger-image-1441352278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzkZs72neJGJWoEMCdWRAHHPoe_Gr4nisBU-u0PCSsrQUOW442QqOhoJo_-s72QPf6ItmDHDjiPGcjWN_VWJMVTMvqdb9PAUGeWdHtWfVpU2waFRv1CxullbFLS7s6sL0RCOCtwZd3AA/s640/blogger-image-1441352278.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUrzZ3GFcVrxG5naAAjdAx34FY_R_GWyi5_ZcVOrkUOEQzBMm0qVXNxvUa6JZJmJRD63JZSSE4Jrb6TjGxMCNqmtn_Bvz9p1NEYRI0LjjhHSfIJqN4Ewe5C1eV9Z4Dxszo696tvg7-bk/s640/blogger-image-1720185591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUrzZ3GFcVrxG5naAAjdAx34FY_R_GWyi5_ZcVOrkUOEQzBMm0qVXNxvUa6JZJmJRD63JZSSE4Jrb6TjGxMCNqmtn_Bvz9p1NEYRI0LjjhHSfIJqN4Ewe5C1eV9Z4Dxszo696tvg7-bk/s640/blogger-image-1720185591.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcksiAemE-3T9jDz3VqjmzeMCKfYBnfdIZ5jRfK0_yrduzwaS_LeRVpnO6adQLG1iGpD3gSXWILYI42aiUOfZqEjPXtKk1WH_AZuBlLplGtdBiJvHD_T8AL_rsFCFtc7qeuotVxlnyYUA/s640/blogger-image-386366380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcksiAemE-3T9jDz3VqjmzeMCKfYBnfdIZ5jRfK0_yrduzwaS_LeRVpnO6adQLG1iGpD3gSXWILYI42aiUOfZqEjPXtKk1WH_AZuBlLplGtdBiJvHD_T8AL_rsFCFtc7qeuotVxlnyYUA/s640/blogger-image-386366380.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjESEDdeJvgWrsGzJi3847amUMBZPVRkK8DDJPv2Tynmj7n4qFPzWVdW3fWUqCs1NOcgJo7EA3Efk_HXSBD_WtQ1hZBk7RPYFsGK3o5XPpKDB4igK38iXRtWY43Ja32dJSBpuL-FcRZQ/s640/blogger-image--313689436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjESEDdeJvgWrsGzJi3847amUMBZPVRkK8DDJPv2Tynmj7n4qFPzWVdW3fWUqCs1NOcgJo7EA3Efk_HXSBD_WtQ1hZBk7RPYFsGK3o5XPpKDB4igK38iXRtWY43Ja32dJSBpuL-FcRZQ/s640/blogger-image--313689436.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-31778382936982318792015-12-19T13:44:00.001-05:002015-12-19T13:44:59.057-05:00Small ProgressSo, despite some hard times (mainly dealing with sleeplessness and a screaming baby!), There has been a little bit of progress, as well.<br><div><br></div><div>Something that have been going well:</div><div><br></div><div>Feeding Hunter has been going better! Not so painful anymore.</div><div><br></div><div>Chris and I are figuring out a schedule that works for us for now. We are sharing baby duties at night so each of us at least gets a shot at sleeping a few hours straight every day!</div><div><br></div><div>I've managed to leave the house most days this week, whether just to run an errand, go on a walk, or even to socialize!</div><div><br></div><div>I went out without Chris or Hunter one night to see my friends for 3 hours, I left a pumped bottle for the baby and got to feel like myself for a few hours :-) </div><div><br></div><div>I have lost 2 pounds, down to 146. I've been tracking my calories, and am eating over 2000 cal a day to keep my milk supply up. It will take many months at this pace to get my body back where I want it to be, but it's worth it to get back there and to keep my baby healthy at the same time.</div><div><br></div><div>So despite there being times where I wonder, what the hell am I doing, there are also times where I'm relatively pleased with how things are going! Ups and downs, for sure. There are days where I feel pretty crazy and completely incompetent, and days like today, where I feel pretty good about myself. I went on a 2.5 mile walk today, the farthest I've been able to walk since I gave birth. That was a good boost, even just to be outside for an hour!</div><div><br></div><div>All I am looking for is progress, not perfection. I want Hunter to grow big and strong, I want to find my way back to healthy eating, and I want our family to be happy! I know that it won't always go smoothly, but I think we can get there :-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSammgrtjM8yKUFdUsiRVdSyEZB8WVxBdYtz3zMm6HBjDhKkwGTxtcywBo11PVl5pAtZvWyJIS71lrEHWpkSDGpFDUH0-bZRd7wQ5nzU025eesSAVuTqjQ5HT0HR_NOOZjLRwAdEc30SE/s640/blogger-image-2063354474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSammgrtjM8yKUFdUsiRVdSyEZB8WVxBdYtz3zMm6HBjDhKkwGTxtcywBo11PVl5pAtZvWyJIS71lrEHWpkSDGpFDUH0-bZRd7wQ5nzU025eesSAVuTqjQ5HT0HR_NOOZjLRwAdEc30SE/s640/blogger-image-2063354474.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-2569028029535132022015-12-15T13:03:00.001-05:002015-12-15T13:03:51.428-05:00Existing!<div><br></div>I started my first week with Hunter alone - it's super hard to do anything, even anything as simple as getting food to eat for myself, when it's just me and the baby. I'm pretty exhausted!<div><br></div><div>Nothing much is changed, however. Just taking care of Hunter and managing to survive myself, somehow. I'm dirty and tired and eating whatever food people have brought us, whether it's junk or healthy. My weight has held steady, however, which is a miracle considering how much crap I've been eating!</div><div><br></div><div>I haven't gone for a walk in a couple days, but I think it's actually been good, as my incision and midsection are feeling a lot less tender recently.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm trying my best to enjoy this time with my son. I will admit that it's very hard, though. Breast-feeding is not going as smoothly as I would like, though we are making progress every week, as he gets a little older and stronger and we fall into a pattern together. He doesn't sleep well at night, which is a struggle, of course. We're just surviving right now!</div><div><br></div><div>I can't believe that Christmas is next week! I haven't done anything really to prepare for it - no presents for anyone, I have to have Chris get on that for me! Especially since I think my brother is coming up this weekend to do a little mini Christmas because he's going to Florida on the actual holiday.</div><div><br></div><div>That's all that's up with me, really! Tired, overwhelmed and not doing too much :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBZEingltoluaERo6hgE855rlqnGywRJU2sG_sA7Pbsu997nIqDiabOzKONQu9etUlvILbR0iPrLWuFcMHpY_eAzEosuAeK6E9CLETr06zXVUCiJMbDtRgJ4v3KoWFM3Zz_dJLA3aL1k/s640/blogger-image--234990785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBZEingltoluaERo6hgE855rlqnGywRJU2sG_sA7Pbsu997nIqDiabOzKONQu9etUlvILbR0iPrLWuFcMHpY_eAzEosuAeK6E9CLETr06zXVUCiJMbDtRgJ4v3KoWFM3Zz_dJLA3aL1k/s640/blogger-image--234990785.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-31939095227580181292015-12-10T13:02:00.001-05:002015-12-10T13:02:33.380-05:00My mom body -_-Things are going well with Hunter - we're learning every day, trying to figure out how best to feed him, how to get in some sleep, etc. It's super hard but I think going pretty well!<div><br></div><div>On the other hand, I'm having some body image freak outs. I purposely haven't looked at myself naked in the mirror since birth and finally did today. I knew my body shape would be different but I'm pretty dismayed at how it's changed. The mom pouch/hanging belly I've developed depresses me. I know I'll lose weight in the next months to year, especially as I re-adopt my eating and fitness habits. But I'm sad to know I'll probably never look how I used to (with a soft but mostly flat belly!) and I won't be fitting back into my clothes in a cute way (so many of my clothes were very form-fitting and will now highlight a droopy, chubby belly).</div><div><br></div><div>So that's the truth, just being honest about it. The sadness about the loss of my old body is there - <i style="font-weight: bold;">but </i>it is not detracting from the joy in the rest of my life, don't worry :) I just did not want to pretend that everything is completely hunky-dory over here!</div><div><br></div><div>I'm getting back to eating well. I decided to start tracking my food again, because I'm pretty sure I was over eating by thousands of calories a day, because I was so tired and so hungry and so stressed and so emotional. I'm not giving myself a goal or a limit on my calories, but just tracking food so that I am more thoughtful and not going crazy with sweets or junk food.</div><div><br></div><div>Fitness will come next year, once I'm cleared for more than just walking!</div><div><br></div><div>So that's where I am - facing the reality of my body, definitely bummed about it, but moving on and getting back to a focus on health so that I can <i>feel</i> better about myself :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-8201243538782417052015-12-06T15:46:00.001-05:002015-12-06T15:55:17.825-05:00First 2 weeksHunter will be two weeks old tomorrow. I am hoping that things start getting a little easier soon! People have told me that the first 2 to 3 weeks are the hardest. I sure hope that is true in this case. He wanted to be fed every hour yesterday, between that and the diaper changes it was nonstop. It is so weird to be so completely exhausted physically and mentally when I barely leave my room all day!<div><br></div><div>A friend brought us a huge tray of premade enchiladas yesterday. Looks like my lunches are taken care of for a while! One of my good friends is making us a Porkchop, sweet potato, and brussels sprout dinner tomorrow. The help is definitely nice. Otherwise, I'm eating a lot of sweets still. My hunger is absolutely out of control, especially yesterday when he was eating nonstop.</div><div><br></div><div>Parents always told me how hard having a newborn was. I thought I understood and sympathized, but I had no idea at all!</div><div><br></div><div>I went to Target and my local coffee shop with Hunter today, and that's about all the activity I had in my energy stores, Haha :)</div><div><br></div><div>Back in bed for the night, feeding him while watching television and napping when I can.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXfDQjwkkrMVQvxsjZ8N2gMdA7QVnyZd4JEacCHh4zWG-81h2X09VfZagEZ8K9n6dZqDh0r9eM0seNTeFJCgKdj9JIrIZ5G-6UxQ7EzILdo3i2IQRy0-IswM2pMw-iomiyDnAZz7wSfs/s640/blogger-image--1685393974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXfDQjwkkrMVQvxsjZ8N2gMdA7QVnyZd4JEacCHh4zWG-81h2X09VfZagEZ8K9n6dZqDh0r9eM0seNTeFJCgKdj9JIrIZ5G-6UxQ7EzILdo3i2IQRy0-IswM2pMw-iomiyDnAZz7wSfs/s640/blogger-image--1685393974.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-28160403394922304572015-12-04T13:24:00.001-05:002015-12-04T13:24:10.510-05:00Post-birth healingI went to my doctor's appointment and I'm healing really well - my incision looks really good. I'm obviously not cleared for much activity for the next 6 weeks (at almost 2 weeks) aside from the basics of having to lift the baby, etc. They said I could do light walking, even push a stroller, but nothing too hard like pushing that weight up a hill or anything.<div><br></div><div>So we took Hunter and Koda out for an easy stroll around the neighborhood:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zv8o_2f07gdVF1TpUfMI5iId_nZLrTYfTNNK-JoMEsa3635vqjtN-xDTz5GKQV3Ty6f3PeGOSNNWk8CXkwAtUqnlu46ma4CWIw9kbautsS03Kj2g-YpUDpN9qzsNQSS5B86JMp35gSM/s640/blogger-image-1942224108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zv8o_2f07gdVF1TpUfMI5iId_nZLrTYfTNNK-JoMEsa3635vqjtN-xDTz5GKQV3Ty6f3PeGOSNNWk8CXkwAtUqnlu46ma4CWIw9kbautsS03Kj2g-YpUDpN9qzsNQSS5B86JMp35gSM/s640/blogger-image-1942224108.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It was nice to get out of the house and feel the fresh air. I'm glad it's been such a mild fall - it was almost 50 degrees yesterday.</div><div><br></div><div>I did weigh in, just to see where I'm at and with the understanding that I'm still healing and my body is going to continue to change over the next few weeks. I'm 149- so 17 pounds less than pre-birth. About what I expected!</div><div><br></div><div>Things have been up and down - adjusting to the new life is difficult. When he cries, it breaks my heart, especially if I can't seem to soothe him. Some nights we get decent sleep, some nights we don't. He's amazingly adorable but I won't lie and say it's all easy street!</div><div><br></div><div>So back to feeding him, eating, and laying in bed, haha :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-73569364731634250682015-12-02T08:49:00.001-05:002015-12-02T08:49:58.180-05:00First few days at home..I went home with Hunter on Friday. It was a tough weekend realizing the reality of life with a newborn! I was also still in a significant amount of pain from the C-section. We were kind of just holding on, and I cried a lot, too. <div><br></div><div>I had been struggling with feeding him, which led to a lot of tears and frustration, because I just wanted to feed my crying baby! I went to a lactation consultant and she helped me quite a bit. So now he is finally getting fully fed and having a full belly! I am actually getting a decent amount of sleep, which is helping with my mental state :-) I was scared I was starting to get depressed because everything just seemed so hard and so overwhelming. Sleep makes a world of difference!</div><div><br></div><div>People brought us so much food, even full Thanksgiving dinner, so we haven't had to go grocery shopping at all since we've been home. However, not all of the food has been terribly healthy. I'll be a lot of pie and pizza in the past few days, haha. Not exactly how I wanted to start off my post-parting eating but I've just been looking for easy, truthfully. </div><div><br></div><div>As the pain decreases and we get used to this new phase of life, I plan to get more involved with food shopping and prepping. Right now, I am just pleased to let people bring me food and not worry about it.</div><div><br></div><div>Also, I can see the beginnings of my body coming back. Not like it was, obviously, but I don't feel so humongous anymore. I am definitely having some body image issues as I look at some very specific trouble areas that have occurred because of this pregnancy though!!</div><div><br></div><div>I haven't weighed myself, but I'm going to my doctor tomorrow for a check up and they will weigh me then. So I'll see where I stand. My highest pregnancy weight was 166 pounds, I started my pregnancy and 126 pounds. A 40 pound gain - not the best, not the worst. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll check in again soon!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-60008936182856084682015-11-28T08:10:00.001-05:002015-11-28T08:10:29.486-05:00What a week -- birth!I have NOT had the energy to update my blog about finally giving birth because it was an unexpected situation that landed me in the hospital all week.<div><br></div><div>First: the awesome stuff - I gave birth to a son, Hunter, on Monday night :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNn0CzTQLC4z2piOYxCnKVd3M2b2d9uDMYa0xQtt24mAxQFBymOGMSnCEY7hdskos701haUz8Isx7MSGoGH2024iotnNHJBqEt-jvt28zzsH_GBSe4t5_mr835ybDi4yS36ek2S2gCPc/s640/blogger-image--699440614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNn0CzTQLC4z2piOYxCnKVd3M2b2d9uDMYa0xQtt24mAxQFBymOGMSnCEY7hdskos701haUz8Isx7MSGoGH2024iotnNHJBqEt-jvt28zzsH_GBSe4t5_mr835ybDi4yS36ek2S2gCPc/s640/blogger-image--699440614.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And we are both very happy and healthy! So, really, nothing else matters!</div><div><br></div><div>But things didn't even remotely go as planned. I woke up at midnight/early Sunday morning with labor pains. They were far apart and irregular so I tried to get some sleep (though didn't get much). Later that morning, we grocery shopped, ate a nice breakfast, I showered, etc. I had planned to ride out most of my labor at home.</div><div><br></div><div>But then my water broke at noon and my doctor told me to go to the hospital. Do off we went and I spent the rest of Sunday working through contractions that were growing ever stronger and closer together.</div><div><br></div><div>I was still in labor on Monday morning, not too strange. Eventually my doctor checked my progress (they don't do that much when your water breaks to reduce infection) and I was 8 cm dilated! I was happy to hear that and soldiered on without an epidural, feeling like I was close so shouldn't bother. </div><div><br></div><div>However, several hours later my contractions stayed about 2-3 minutes apart and at the same intensity and I hadn't dilated further. They eventually gave me pitocin to try and progress the labor (again worried because I had broken my water over 24 hours ago and that risks infection).</div><div><br></div><div>Around 6 PM on Monday I got an epidural because I was in so much pain for so long, I was exhausted. They hoped me relaxing would help get the baby further down. I was 9 cm at this point but couldn't seem to fully dilate.</div><div><br></div><div>Eventually a new midwife started her shift at 7 PM and checked me out - she felt the baby was in a bad position. She had an ultrasound done and saw the baby was face up and definitely not moving down the birth canal. After an hour of monitoring me with an internal contraction monitor- they saw that finally the pitocin was starting to distress the baby and my contractions were not getting anything done.</div><div><br></div><div>After consulting with my OB, and with me, no one felt like I was going to be able to give birth naturally.</div><div><br></div><div>So after over 40 hours of a pretty intense labor, I was getting prepped for a c-section.</div><div><br></div><div>The procedure went quickly and well (though I was beyond freaked out and couldn't stop my non paralyzed parts from trembling) and it was clear to them the baby WAS stuck in my pelvis in a bad position (they even had trouble getting him out through the surgery!). He was also 9 lb 14 oz and really crammed in there haha :)</div><div><br></div><div>I heard him cry, and I cried and my husband cried ... But they took my son to get cleaned up and alarms kept going off. Scary. They couldn't get his oxygen levels up because he had too much mucous in his lungs. They took him to the NICU before I even got to see him :(</div><div><br></div><div>I was given anti-anxiety meds in recovery because I was a mess. My adrenaline had been pumping for almost 2 days, I had had no sleep and I did NOT have my child with me!!</div><div><br></div><div>After a few hours, they took me up to the NICU on my stretcher to see him - he was gorgeous!! And doing a lot better but they were still keeping him till they were certain he was ok. It was a long night without him and I barely slept. My head was racing from the past 2 days, my body was destroyed from exhausting labor and surgery. I was sad to not have held my son on his birthday.</div><div><br></div><div>Then, at 8 AM on Tuesday morning, they brought him down to my room to stay! I got to hold him and oh... I was so in love.</div><div><br></div><div>The next few days were a blur of learning to take care of Hunter and trying to sleep :)</div><div><br></div><div>I stayed in the hospital till Friday morning, I was experiencing a lot of pain and having a hard time managing it. I was also struggling to breastfeed and none of us were sleeping well.</div><div><br></div><div>It felt like a lifetime in the hospital but also such a blur!!</div><div><br></div><div>I've absolutely fallen in love with Hunter, however, and it has made all the pain and distress and everything else just not really matter :)</div><div><br></div><div>We're figuring stuff out at home now. It feels surreal! I'm happy :) But also a little freaked out by everything that happened, I won't lie. It's hard to be recovering physically from the week - to not be able to do much for myself or Hunter. Chris has been truly amazing with taking care of us, I'd be lost without him!</div><div><br></div><div>So that's why you get the late update - I'm an exhausted mess of a human! But also a very happy, lucky new mom with a beautiful new baby :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-29561049582633070352015-11-21T10:16:00.001-05:002015-11-21T10:16:41.737-05:00Almost a week overdueAnd no posts because pretty much my every thought revolves around the thought of "When will this baby be here?!" And that's pretty boring! So I haven't subjected you guys to several posts surrounding that theme:)<div><br></div><div>I'm pretty eager to meet this kid! </div><div><br></div><div>If I don't go into labor this weekend, they're going to induce me early next week. I really hope to avoid needing pitocin but what needs to happen will.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm getting acupuncture today to try and get my body primed for labor and I hope it helps urge things along. Walked 10,000 steps yesterday, started this morning off with a 2 1/2 mile walk and ate a nice spicy Thai dinner last night!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEsMfB90F7JR3ZiUnhYLsYR7iBQFTjENiv-rfJorzENz2JFj8uovKkafQHmY4othBxCmNL9ErAb1LDoRhLSxhNjEYjrxjP61MI1ag_qlTWDX1a9bZxbBHLZnQ5txGFhA4boc_0Bl4FSY/s640/blogger-image-1361208944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEsMfB90F7JR3ZiUnhYLsYR7iBQFTjENiv-rfJorzENz2JFj8uovKkafQHmY4othBxCmNL9ErAb1LDoRhLSxhNjEYjrxjP61MI1ag_qlTWDX1a9bZxbBHLZnQ5txGFhA4boc_0Bl4FSY/s640/blogger-image-1361208944.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>But the baby is only going to come when it's ready, and I can't force it to happen this weekend, I just don't like the thought of forcing my body into labor with drugs. But I know at some point, the baby has to come out because it is just getting bigger every day and less likely that I'll be able to do this naturally. I'm just hoping for the best, doing what I can to get my body ready for labor, and will listen to my doctors and do what is best for both of us.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm also pretty tired of being pregnant. My belly is humongous, I can't move around so well, I tire so easily, and I want to get on the path to getting my normal body back (i'm not naïve enough to think I'm going to look like I did before I got pregnant, but I just want my strength and flexibility back most of all! I'm tired of not being able to bend down and clean or get up off the floor easily, things like that!)</div><div><br></div><div>So send me good vibes - I want to have this baby!!! :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-89420351324807399842015-11-16T12:24:00.001-05:002015-11-16T12:24:22.839-05:0010 months pregnant photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZk93vB1B7xJD-XKScKRpp6S5zUmUV4vogqwx3P6pUeDvBjpDJKhL7-X7TtUGIq_vAAPndMNVPKqmgRNNsEGQlj1LSIpEijHkqmwEFYNTLU3zL3vBlyPet2Af1PFiS38vQHIqxKDumDE/s640/blogger-image-860121933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZk93vB1B7xJD-XKScKRpp6S5zUmUV4vogqwx3P6pUeDvBjpDJKhL7-X7TtUGIq_vAAPndMNVPKqmgRNNsEGQlj1LSIpEijHkqmwEFYNTLU3zL3vBlyPet2Af1PFiS38vQHIqxKDumDE/s640/blogger-image-860121933.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Haha :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm still going to work, even though my due date was yesterday. As I mentioned before, I want to save my leave for when the baby is here. But, wow, holy uncomfortable! I'm still doing my walks through my breaks and my lunch, but sometimes cut them a little short. My strange new waddling stride sometimes hurts my knees and hips, or I have to get back to use the restroom :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Otherwise feeling good, strong, all that :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-33475186886092199402015-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:002015-11-15T08:00:34.785-05:00Due DateIt's the morning of my due date ... I was sure hoping to be meeting my baby today, but based on how I feel, I think that's probably not going to happen!<div><br></div><div>It's such a strange feeling to be completely <i>not</i> in control of this situation! I love being in control :) But this has been a good life lesson... For the most part, I've just been accepting of all the changes in my body and my life, trying to go with the flow instead of fight it.</div><div><br></div><div>But! Oh, I am getting so eager to have this baby.</div><div><br></div><div>Also - I'm going to work till I <i>do </i>have this baby, because I technically can physically and everything, but, wow, I really don't want to. Financially, it's the best choice. Comfort-wise, not so much! But I'll keep plugging along. I don't want to use any of my leave time till the baby arrives, because that would mean less time off when baby does come.</div><div><br></div><div>So - send good labor type vibes that I do have this little one soon!! :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-43439775007745447242015-11-10T06:32:00.001-05:002015-11-10T06:44:07.160-05:00Last minute things...No baby yet! :)<div><br></div><div>I am <i style="font-weight: bold;">so</i> grateful that I do not have this dissertation to work on right now, this last week or so of being pregnant. I have incredible amounts of free time, especially because I'm not doing too much else due to how hugely pregnant I am, haha! I am resting a lot, enjoying my time alone with Chris, getting things ready for the baby, and just relaxing.</div><div><br></div><div>Chris and I are indulging our whims - going out for breakfast and dinner over the weekend, enjoying it just being <i>easy</i> right now. I'm also so, so, so hungry lately... I'll eat a full meal and feel quite hungry an hour later! I am making the effort to eat nutritious things, though, and not give in to the sugar addiction so that baby and I are as strong as possible for the upcoming birth!</div><div><br></div><div>Due date in 5 days - I wonder when this will all happen! Starting tomorrow I'm going to start amping up my walks (I've been doing more like 7000 steps a day lately) and eating spicy food, all those "this might not actually work to start labor, but it isn't going to hurt you" old wives' tales! Definitely no herbs or castor oil or anything (which I think just makes your bowels go crazy rather than starts labor- yuck).</div><div><br></div><div>I want to meet my little one :) </div><div><br></div><div>In the mean time, I am really enjoying this quiet time. I'm feeling really rejuvenated (though still pretty tired - sleep has been hard).</div><div><br></div><div>I'll keep you updated!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEKZyZnFqu1KEkDOaBYvj_Nc38jrTzRM037N-C83sX8Ya301GNfx4lMYmHsu_PZ8Kx59DK7p9odRX_mQoaj3NdelRMP7RedysFz21WTRVRmJWACf4JwxpTQ3rj0EEc3a7Bdg9vaeAMnc/s640/blogger-image-584380547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEKZyZnFqu1KEkDOaBYvj_Nc38jrTzRM037N-C83sX8Ya301GNfx4lMYmHsu_PZ8Kx59DK7p9odRX_mQoaj3NdelRMP7RedysFz21WTRVRmJWACf4JwxpTQ3rj0EEc3a7Bdg9vaeAMnc/s640/blogger-image-584380547.jpg"></a></div>Typical me this past weekend - pillows and kitty cuddles :)</div>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058442233602410874.post-133640293432039732015-11-05T07:31:00.003-05:002015-11-05T07:31:31.819-05:00One goal hit ...So, big goal hit. I submitted my dissertation draft to my advisor yesterday. Now, that doesn't really mean much except that I completed a full draft. I have a committee that is going to read it and send it back eventually with things to fix (and I am just praying it is nothing crazy - like more research or a complete re-haul of the whole paper!). But still. I did it!<br />
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When I found out I was pregnant, I made a promise to myself to finish up this part of my life and finish this paper (and hopefully graduate because of it!). I didn't know if it was possible... I had been exhausted my first trimester and third trimester. My second trimester saw a burst of energy where I did the majority of the hard work.<br />
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I've been dedicating all of my energy to this - all my thought and time. When I really get motivated, I <b><i>really</i></b> get motivated! In all aspects of life whether it is school or health and fitness or anything else! Gives me hope that I will be able to lose this baby weight when the time comes :)<br />
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You might be hearing from me more - I hope to document a little bit of how this pregnancy has gone, the HUGE changes my eating has gone through (not so great), and what I hope to change in the coming weeks.<br />
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I am 10 days out from my due date and getting very excited :) I am also very, very pleased I get to enjoy the last few days of this pregnancy without rushing home after work to work on my dissertation! I am going to relax and enjoy fully <3Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932197714895328100noreply@blogger.com7