Boy, to my surprise this morning, I found snow on the ground, in our tress and flowers... I sure do love how snow sparkles, but oh how I hate being cold! It's time for the snow to be gone for now, so we can move on and enjoy spring and then summer time =D
Well, after 3 weeks of doing the 2000 calorie meals on Seattle Sutton, I am down to 203 lbs. When I first started writing this blog, I believe I was 211 lbs. My stomach has shrunk too... Still have a ways to go, but am feeling better about myself physically =D I will be starting the 1200 calorie diet tomorrow. I will probably supplement up to 300 calories since I am still pumping, but am now pumping 2 x's a day instead of 3. Jake is at the point where he could take or leave his late afternoon bottle. And, I want to be in a normal bra..... soon!!!!!!!! Hoping by 10 mos., I will have completely weened him off breast milk and onto formula. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER thought I would make it to 9 months nursing him! I am proud of myself. I know it's best, but I am tired of it and having EVERYTHING scheduled around pumping. I need to be able to get back into the swing of things without worrying about being home on time to pump. AGAIN, I so can't wait until I can wear a normal bra, and my breasts are not sooooooooooooooooooooooooo big, and for them not to feel sore at times. However, I am NOT looking forward to the 'damage' the pregnancy and nursing has done to them... hahahaha! Oh well. I guess that's why we have all of these wonderful push up bras these days ;)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Calories, calories, calories...
Here are some calorie trackers to help you attain or set goals for either gaining, maintaing, or loosing weight. However, remember these are estimations and may not be 100% accurate. But, it will keep you focused and give you a start!
Calorie goals to attain, loose, or gain weight: http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/
Calorie tracker: http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/
Takes into account for pregnant women and nursing women: http://nutritiondata.self.com/tools/calories-burned
Calorie goals to attain, loose, or gain weight: http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/
Calorie tracker: http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/
Takes into account for pregnant women and nursing women: http://nutritiondata.self.com/tools/calories-burned
(This calculator estimates the number of Calories that you burn during exercise and daily living. The report generated by this calculator also includes information about your Body Mass Index (BMI), and lists (your recommended daily intakes for individual nutrients.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
After week 1 on Seattle Sutton
What a beautiful day! The sun is shining and it is around 50 degrees... Spring feels like it's here, along with all the rain it is bringing for the next 6 days. But, I was able to go out with JT and enjoy our first walk in the forest preserve trails for the year. Wasn't as muddy/wet as I thought it would be. Just a bit windy, but Jake was fine. Actually fell asleep.
I've been walking everyday for 1.5-2 miles under 40 mins. Decent pace of around 3 mph. I also have a good stretch when I am done. My back has been thanking me. So, I burn around 200 calories (maybe a bit more...) with that. Then, I did some research and learned that you loose approximately 20 calories per ounce when nursing. So, since I pump, it is easy to calculate. I burn about 340 extra calories when nursing. SO, that is about 500+ calories a day with pumping and walking. NOT including what I burn taking care of the house, the kids, the kitties, and Paul ;)
Next, I began a HEALTHY 2000 calorie diet (with Seattle Sutton) which includes 2 glasses of skim milk. (I believe you are supposed to include 3 glasses, but my tummy cannot tolerate it.) It incorporates WAY MORE protein and fruits/veggies than I normally prepare myself and is sodium restricted. I find myself re-arranging meals at times, so that it is more even keeled. Sometimes, it may be 2,200 calories, and other days 1,600. So, I don't want to go over, but also don't want to go way below. The average is around 1700-1800 calories a day. After the first week, I have lost 3 lbs. and my tummy doesn't look as puffy. I am drinking a lot more water as well, trying to hopefully flush out any retaining water I may have from the C-Section. My life is so much easier not worrying about counting calories, and cooking. HOWEVER, I so love cooking. Paul and Marlie are doing well to support this change, and I do still cook for them; the dinners are just not as elaborate. I plan on staying on the 2000 calorie plan for the next 2 weeks and then dropping to the 1200 calorie plan (and incorporating some extra calories to make it 1500. The program helps with giving you suggestions to go from 1200 to 1500. Seattle's daughters are also nurses and will help nursing mothers incorporate what they may need if they are needing more calories. VERY HELPFUL PEOPLE!). I still want to nurse, but will be cutting down to pumping 2 times a day instead of three. I have noticed a slight decrease in milk production since being on 2000 calorie diet, but nothing huge. I am hoping with going to a 1200-1500 calorie diet won't hurt my milk production too much since I will only be pumping 2x's
*** I have indulged a couple of times with hot fudge sundaes. BUT, my justification is that I had burned soooooo many calories that day, I needed something else. AND, why not treat myself?! Obviously, I cannot and will not make a habit of this. But, once in awhile, we all deserve a treat =D
Less pumping = more freedom! Been planning everything around making sure I am home to pump. There have been numerous times when I've pumped on the hwy and/or in a parking lot going to and fro. I have also had to drag it along and pump at other people's homes. SO not fun. But, I did it for Jake. He is also to the point where he could take or leave his afternoon bottle. So, I don't feel so bad making that change in a couple of weeks, when he's 9 mos. I soooooooo cannot wait to wear a normal bra again!!!!!!! As well as not wearing one to bed.
Glad to have Marlie back at home. It was too quiet without her here. Even Paul got a little sad when she wasn't here. As I told Marlie, we are glad you had fun, and yes, sometimes, we all need a break from each other. So, she was sad to leave, but happy to be home again. We will see grams in 4 more weeks =D
Here's to getting back into the swing of things!
I've been walking everyday for 1.5-2 miles under 40 mins. Decent pace of around 3 mph. I also have a good stretch when I am done. My back has been thanking me. So, I burn around 200 calories (maybe a bit more...) with that. Then, I did some research and learned that you loose approximately 20 calories per ounce when nursing. So, since I pump, it is easy to calculate. I burn about 340 extra calories when nursing. SO, that is about 500+ calories a day with pumping and walking. NOT including what I burn taking care of the house, the kids, the kitties, and Paul ;)
Next, I began a HEALTHY 2000 calorie diet (with Seattle Sutton) which includes 2 glasses of skim milk. (I believe you are supposed to include 3 glasses, but my tummy cannot tolerate it.) It incorporates WAY MORE protein and fruits/veggies than I normally prepare myself and is sodium restricted. I find myself re-arranging meals at times, so that it is more even keeled. Sometimes, it may be 2,200 calories, and other days 1,600. So, I don't want to go over, but also don't want to go way below. The average is around 1700-1800 calories a day. After the first week, I have lost 3 lbs. and my tummy doesn't look as puffy. I am drinking a lot more water as well, trying to hopefully flush out any retaining water I may have from the C-Section. My life is so much easier not worrying about counting calories, and cooking. HOWEVER, I so love cooking. Paul and Marlie are doing well to support this change, and I do still cook for them; the dinners are just not as elaborate. I plan on staying on the 2000 calorie plan for the next 2 weeks and then dropping to the 1200 calorie plan (and incorporating some extra calories to make it 1500. The program helps with giving you suggestions to go from 1200 to 1500. Seattle's daughters are also nurses and will help nursing mothers incorporate what they may need if they are needing more calories. VERY HELPFUL PEOPLE!). I still want to nurse, but will be cutting down to pumping 2 times a day instead of three. I have noticed a slight decrease in milk production since being on 2000 calorie diet, but nothing huge. I am hoping with going to a 1200-1500 calorie diet won't hurt my milk production too much since I will only be pumping 2x's
*** I have indulged a couple of times with hot fudge sundaes. BUT, my justification is that I had burned soooooo many calories that day, I needed something else. AND, why not treat myself?! Obviously, I cannot and will not make a habit of this. But, once in awhile, we all deserve a treat =D
Less pumping = more freedom! Been planning everything around making sure I am home to pump. There have been numerous times when I've pumped on the hwy and/or in a parking lot going to and fro. I have also had to drag it along and pump at other people's homes. SO not fun. But, I did it for Jake. He is also to the point where he could take or leave his afternoon bottle. So, I don't feel so bad making that change in a couple of weeks, when he's 9 mos. I soooooooo cannot wait to wear a normal bra again!!!!!!! As well as not wearing one to bed.
Glad to have Marlie back at home. It was too quiet without her here. Even Paul got a little sad when she wasn't here. As I told Marlie, we are glad you had fun, and yes, sometimes, we all need a break from each other. So, she was sad to leave, but happy to be home again. We will see grams in 4 more weeks =D
Here's to getting back into the swing of things!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Happy Spring
Well, it's officially Spring, and it's snowing... Typical Chicago weather! However, I am just glad it is Spring b/c eventually, the weather will warm up and stay warm. I am just itching to get outside and out on the trails! I've been cooped up for too long. Need some fresh air in my lungs. Spring means new beginnings. We all can use them from time to time. You'd think that Spring would come on Jan. 1st since that's when we all make our new year's resolutions...
Jake continues to get faster at crawling and is now pulling up onto furniture and trying to climb up onto it too! We are having to find new spots for all of our 'things' we have out and about, so he won't break them or eat them. LOL! He is also a bit congested. I think he is b/c of this crazy weather and because he is teething. He cut another tooth on Tuesday. I figured it would be a top tooth.... nope a bottom tooth. So, the matching one will be here shortly. Soon, I hope. I need to sleep and so does he ;)
Marlie is excited about Spring Break. She will be spending her time with Grams and Pop-Pops in Iowa. She is looking forward to getting ALL of the attention since Jake won't be there to divert it away from her. She is also happy to be going to see some of her other friends.
Paul brought me home flowers yesterday, just because. That was the sweetest ever. I LOVE flowers, but they are even better when you don't expect them or if they come just because =D
Well, starting on Seattle Sutton on Monday. Going with the 2000 calorie diet. I'll see how I respond to that. I have done the 1200 calorie diet with GREAT SUCCESS! But, since I am still nursing, I don't want to cut those calories too much. Women typically need about 1800. Nursing add on 500. So, since I am only nursing 3x's daily v.s. 5-6, I am hoping I will be okay. It will also help with my cholesterol... I have been bad, bad, bad since pregnant and post pregnancy with not eating as good of food as I should. I know I need more fruits and veggies...., so now I know I will get it!
Here's to new beginnings =D
Jake continues to get faster at crawling and is now pulling up onto furniture and trying to climb up onto it too! We are having to find new spots for all of our 'things' we have out and about, so he won't break them or eat them. LOL! He is also a bit congested. I think he is b/c of this crazy weather and because he is teething. He cut another tooth on Tuesday. I figured it would be a top tooth.... nope a bottom tooth. So, the matching one will be here shortly. Soon, I hope. I need to sleep and so does he ;)
Marlie is excited about Spring Break. She will be spending her time with Grams and Pop-Pops in Iowa. She is looking forward to getting ALL of the attention since Jake won't be there to divert it away from her. She is also happy to be going to see some of her other friends.
Paul brought me home flowers yesterday, just because. That was the sweetest ever. I LOVE flowers, but they are even better when you don't expect them or if they come just because =D
Well, starting on Seattle Sutton on Monday. Going with the 2000 calorie diet. I'll see how I respond to that. I have done the 1200 calorie diet with GREAT SUCCESS! But, since I am still nursing, I don't want to cut those calories too much. Women typically need about 1800. Nursing add on 500. So, since I am only nursing 3x's daily v.s. 5-6, I am hoping I will be okay. It will also help with my cholesterol... I have been bad, bad, bad since pregnant and post pregnancy with not eating as good of food as I should. I know I need more fruits and veggies...., so now I know I will get it!
Here's to new beginnings =D
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Well, Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my fellow Irish friends and family (and to those who are for just today...) I am looking forward to drinking a green beer with my dinner =D Haven't decided what that will be yet. We've been eating out so much lately... But, I really would LOVE to have some corned beef!!!!!! We'll see..
The weather is getting nicer, so my mood is too. I am sooooooo not a winter person. I need to get one of those lamps or tan every once in awhile to get my vitamin D ;) Anyway, was able to go out for a brief stroll with JT yesterday and try out his new stroller. It was sooo nice outside. Jake and I enjoyed the fresh air and his new comfy, all-terrain vehicle. Can't wait to get on the trails. Still too muddy right now, but will be perfect soon.
Jake continues to get faster at crawling. He's everywhere now. We had to start closing doors. One minute he's at your feet, the next, he's missing.... in a bedroom or kitchen. He continues to try and pull himself up constantly. He loves climbing over me while playing. He tries to say words, i.e. kitty. He gets excited when he sees the cats and says, "kiiii". Apparently, he enjoys eating paper too.. (he just took a corner out of my mail sitting here which needs to be shredded.... uuugh) He also likes to throw his ball and chase it. Funny to watch him get so excited.
Marlie continues to do well in school and other extra-curricular activities. However, she is still playing the "I feel sick" game. I think she is really missing being the only one that got attention. We try and do special things with just her, but unfortunately she still doesn't understand how much attention goes to a baby.
Anyway... went to the dr. the other day and realized my scale is off by 2-3 lbs. so, that made me feel a little better. LOL!
Paul and I were able to actually go out ALONE and spend some time chatting and reconnecting last week. We went to see Bon Jovi and enjoyed a nice quiet/romantic dinner before hand. It sure was nice not having to worry about changing diapers, or being at the beckon of everyone in my home!
My mom was also there with us for a week. So good, as always, to have her visit, but the kids really enjoy her company too. Marlie LOVES when grams is here, because she gets spoiled rotten =D She will also get alone time with grams and pops next week. She will be staying with them for her Spring Break. I'll miss her, but I know she wants to go and see her other friends, etc.
Anyway, hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day, and remember.....May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load. May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road. May you taste the sweetest pleasures that fortune ere bestowed. And, may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed.
The weather is getting nicer, so my mood is too. I am sooooooo not a winter person. I need to get one of those lamps or tan every once in awhile to get my vitamin D ;) Anyway, was able to go out for a brief stroll with JT yesterday and try out his new stroller. It was sooo nice outside. Jake and I enjoyed the fresh air and his new comfy, all-terrain vehicle. Can't wait to get on the trails. Still too muddy right now, but will be perfect soon.
Jake continues to get faster at crawling. He's everywhere now. We had to start closing doors. One minute he's at your feet, the next, he's missing.... in a bedroom or kitchen. He continues to try and pull himself up constantly. He loves climbing over me while playing. He tries to say words, i.e. kitty. He gets excited when he sees the cats and says, "kiiii". Apparently, he enjoys eating paper too.. (he just took a corner out of my mail sitting here which needs to be shredded.... uuugh) He also likes to throw his ball and chase it. Funny to watch him get so excited.
Marlie continues to do well in school and other extra-curricular activities. However, she is still playing the "I feel sick" game. I think she is really missing being the only one that got attention. We try and do special things with just her, but unfortunately she still doesn't understand how much attention goes to a baby.
Anyway... went to the dr. the other day and realized my scale is off by 2-3 lbs. so, that made me feel a little better. LOL!
Paul and I were able to actually go out ALONE and spend some time chatting and reconnecting last week. We went to see Bon Jovi and enjoyed a nice quiet/romantic dinner before hand. It sure was nice not having to worry about changing diapers, or being at the beckon of everyone in my home!
My mom was also there with us for a week. So good, as always, to have her visit, but the kids really enjoy her company too. Marlie LOVES when grams is here, because she gets spoiled rotten =D She will also get alone time with grams and pops next week. She will be staying with them for her Spring Break. I'll miss her, but I know she wants to go and see her other friends, etc.
Anyway, hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day, and remember.....May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load. May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road. May you taste the sweetest pleasures that fortune ere bestowed. And, may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Mom's Night Out...
Whomever invented chocolate, caramel, marshmallow treats must die ;) LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! Easter needs to be over already, so I won't be tempted to buy yummy bad, bad treats!
Anyway, been thinking... there are a ton of us who are mother's whom probably don't do much to pamper ourselves, or just do something that doesn't involve the kids/husbands/boyfriends, etc. We all deserve a night away to just relax, and live a little without the constant worries that come along with motherhood... So, I was thinking how fun it would be to have start a Mom's Night Out once a month. We could meet in different locations around the Chicago-land area. It could involve many different activities such as: Dining out, cooking club, poker night, stay at a hotel and party night, movie night, go to a club/bar night, scrapbooking night, etc. The ideas are limitless... So, if any of you moms are interested, let me know, and I can start getting things together!
Not much going on here. Going to get a much deserved massage this weekend and getting my hair done. SO GRAY! AAAAAGH! Thank goodness I have a wonderful friend who also happens to work magic in the hair dept. =D
Enjoying the warm up today, but wish it wasn't raining, so I could take JT on a walk. Soon though!
Anyway, been thinking... there are a ton of us who are mother's whom probably don't do much to pamper ourselves, or just do something that doesn't involve the kids/husbands/boyfriends, etc. We all deserve a night away to just relax, and live a little without the constant worries that come along with motherhood... So, I was thinking how fun it would be to have start a Mom's Night Out once a month. We could meet in different locations around the Chicago-land area. It could involve many different activities such as: Dining out, cooking club, poker night, stay at a hotel and party night, movie night, go to a club/bar night, scrapbooking night, etc. The ideas are limitless... So, if any of you moms are interested, let me know, and I can start getting things together!
Not much going on here. Going to get a much deserved massage this weekend and getting my hair done. SO GRAY! AAAAAGH! Thank goodness I have a wonderful friend who also happens to work magic in the hair dept. =D
Enjoying the warm up today, but wish it wasn't raining, so I could take JT on a walk. Soon though!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My New Ride...
So, I have been doing a ton of research on a good 'vehicle' to cart JT around in on our trail hikes. I finally bought one yesterday. HE LOVED it! It comes with a steering wheel that honks and plays music, etc. He got mad at me for taking it away from him while I was trying to fix it. That is the first time he has detested my taking something away from him, and not the last... lol It even has a hook up for your IPOD and a little speaker. How cool is that?!?! Think I am really going to to enjoy my new purchase.... =D
So, just need warmer weather to test it out. Can't wait. So happy that we move the clocks ahead on the 13th! Love sunlight! It ALWAYS makes me feel better!!!!!!!!!!
So, just need warmer weather to test it out. Can't wait. So happy that we move the clocks ahead on the 13th! Love sunlight! It ALWAYS makes me feel better!!!!!!!!!!
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