A New Week...

Been awhile, but been busy with life....  I now have a crawler at home!  Jake is busy trying to crawl to different places, but still trying to get the hang of it too.  Finally, Paul put up the safety gate and we moved our furniture to prevent JT from falling through our book cases onto the next level floor...

Marlie has been busy doing projects for school. She has also been 'acting' sick sometimes lately.  I keep asking her why she doesn't feel well, but won't tell me anything.  Getting a little concerned =( I hope no one is bothering her at school!  She continues to get great grade which makes us happy!

As for me, I have been slacking in the working out dept.  But, in my defense, my treadmill was not working for awhile, and it was too late for me to go to the gym when there was a free moment.  I guess I need to start back up.  I know my back would appreciate it if I would ;)  Really haven't been 'dieting' either.  I have decided to go back on Seattle Sutton for a jump start next month.  That really worked well for me last time.  I didn't have to worry about counting pts. etc... I just ate what was provided.  Tasty for the most part. It also lowered my cholesterol =D  The only part I don't like is eating by myself.... No one else is eating what I am, and of course their food always sounds, smells, and looks more appealing.  Makes it tough at times.  Also, it stinks when people want to go out to eat.  BUT, I've done this before and got EXCELLENT results.  Unlike WW... Never a good way to start for me, but a way to maintain.... I just thought I'd try, b/c SS can be pricey...

Paul got a new tattoo...  It is a picture of JT's hand print we made when he was 6 mos. old.  VERY COOL! I want to get another one too, but don't think it's advised while nursing...

Speaking of nursing, better get too it!  Also, I am contributing to lower milk production to my menstrual cycle.  It has picked back up since then...

Happy Valentine's Day

The holiday of love... numerous loved ones standing in line at the last minute at the local grocery stores, flower shops, Hallmark chains, jewelry shops, etc. all to buy their loved ones tokens of their love and appreciation for one another, that or because they'll get in BIG TROUBLE if they come home empty handed ;) Then, there's me and my love who claims he doesn't celebrate the holiday, "I don't need some made up holiday to tell you my love."  Ya, uuummm, you don't tell a woman that!  However, he surprised me with Bon Jovi tickets for next month's show, however, he did admit they were possibly going to be an early birthday present. Men! But, regardless, I am super excited because it is a band I've always wanted to see, but was never allowed to go see during my high school years =(  I still would have LOVED flowers.  What girl doesn't?  OH, and I bought myself chocolate.  But, hey, this way I got the kind I liked, and it wasn't too much.

The kids were excited for their little treats I bought them, so was Paul.  I got Paul 2 (1 hour) massages and a little gift from the kids (a picture frame for their recent photos). I also cooked a yummy homemade dinner of my 'famous' spaghetti sauce (I believe I figured out my father's recipe...) with meat, pasta, salad, and garlic bread. Then we had Reese's Peanut Butter Heart Shaped Cups.... YUMMMM! I limimted myself to only one.

Lost that lb. I put on... haven't lost any more.  It's going to take time....

The last 2 days, I've noticed a slight reduction in the amount of milk I'm making...hmmmmmm. Not sure why. I have read that sometimes when you begin "the cycle", it decreases production. So, maybe my body is getting ready for that....who knows.

Well, I hope you all had a great day no matter whom you were with or without, or whether you got a token of love or not.  We all have to remember there are people who love us. They just show us in their own way. Just the simplest of words, "thank you, I appreciate all you do, I love you..." or small gestures like: doing the dishes, or folding the laundry, a hug even, or even just a kiss on the nose from our family pet is all we really need.  But, just remember, girls still like a nice bouquet of flowers any time of the year ;)

So COLD...........

It is/was -7 degrees this morning.  COLD!  The coldest day of the winter so far (I think), if not, for the year.  Have had a very crappy morning.  My phone's touch screen went out, AGAIN!  Second time this has happened on the second phone.  They told me I have to pay for it to get fixed OR pay for a new phone. DON'T think so!  I am going to go into the store and see what I can do. If not, I will cancel my contract.  On top of that, I've lost ALL my pics and video of Jake since he was born.  NO WAY to retrieve it =( even if they fix the touch scree, everything will be lost.  And, to make matters worse, Marlie's phone is broken too.  I HATE SAMSUNG!  What crappy phones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am not going to pay for their manufacturing failures!

Anyway, I guess I've put back on a lb. since I first started 'dieting'.  Could be retaining water too.  Who knows.
I talked with my chiropractor yesterday, and asked him what to do b/c I need to strengthen my whole body, in order to work on my core, so I can get rid of this ugly belly and be pain free.  (For those who didn't know, I've had herniated disc issues since I was 25.  Very hard on me b/c I was extremely active and loved to play sports!!!!!!!!! I'm also in pain everyday.  Some days are better than others, but I still hurt...)  He laughed and said he wished more people understood you have to strengthen everything to work on stabilizing the core.  He said too many people think if they do sit ups, it will cure all.  So, he suggested coming in to see Dr. Mike for a consultation.  (He does rehab.  However, rehab is a form of personal training, even though they don't advertise as such ;) He also suggested walking backwards on a treadmill.  This forces the body to stand tall and works on the core area and gluts. SO, in my case, if my tush is strong and not so knotted up, it will help strengthen my core and my belly, and help ease my lower back pain.  All I could think of was DUH!  I wish I would have thought of that....  BUT, my treadmill's motor went out Tues...  JEESH!  Everything I use daily is breaking =(  So, I will probably make an appt. with Dr. Mike and go from there.  Just like any rehab or physical training, YOU are responsible for doing the work and sticking to it....  Not easy work either.  Very painful at times. BUT, it is important to me, so I need to do what I need to do....

Back to food...  still hard to 'diet' since I'm pumping.  Hungry all the time.  Not wanting to give it up yet, but, yet, am miserable looking preggers still.  So, I guess I just need to be happy I have a beautiful healthy baby, and realize I am doing what's best for him by giving him my milk.  Don't want to severely cut calories, b/c I won't be able to provide for him.  Just hard looking at myself and trying not to be disgusted....  This, I understand is my own battle which I must conquer, but I don't think I'll ever be happy with my physical appearance until it's (my belly) gone (or as gone as much as it can be).  So, until I'm ready to give up nursing, I will continue to battle this demon.... However, I have lost some weight, by making healthier choices.  Now, if I can calm my cravings at times, I will continue to loose weight to an extent.  Then, when I'm done completely with nursing, it will be a severe cut in calories and more drastic physical fitness.  However, I can start working on the physical part now.  Just hard to do when my treadmill is out and it's too cold to take the baby to the gym....  UUUGH!  Just have to keep saying to myself, you can do it.  It takes time.  You'll get there.  And, I need to stay as positive as possible. Just thankful I have a great support system!

Anyway, I made this sausage dinner with white beans recipe last night, and OMG!  Sooooo goood!  I can't wait to eat the left-overs.  And, those who know me well know, I NEVER eat left overs if I don't have too.  I always send them to work with Paul for his lunch.  LOL!  Good Stuff =D

Tonight, "Vampire Diaries" night.  YAY!  Always happy at 7 pm  on Thursdays ;)  Nothing like good food and mindless entertainment...

Back to the Grind

Well, so far so good today.  I've been doing well with the 'diet' and planning on going to the gym tonight when I drop off Marlie at Cheer Tumbling practice.  Fun to watch her flip around.

Not too much to be said about today.  Same stuff, different day.  Kind of gets boring at times.  Want to get out of the house, but the weather isn't so nice to be taking Jake out into.  However, I need to take him to get his 6 mos. pictures, before he is 7 months.  LOL!  Jake got his 2nd tooth today.  YAY!

Just feeling emotional today... maybe it has to do with "womanly issues".  (I am so disappointed that started back up again last month =(  I was hoping to not have to deal with that until I was completely done pumping.  OH well. ) Lots of things pondering in my head.... I just remember, I cannot change/control others, but can control the way I react.

Well, off to the gym.  I hope a treadmill is open... or a bike =D

Super Bowl of Yummy Treats....

This has just not been a good week for my diet... first the blizzard and everyone home, which means gotta make yummy carb-aholoic breakfasts, and nibbling food all day.  Out of my normal routine, which means my exercise was too.  I did manage to work out Friday, Sat, and today.  Went to Yoga too.  (Nice to go.  However, I always feel 'sick' after.  But, it detoxifies your body.  So, I know it is getting rid of any lingering bad stuff in my digestive track and anywhere else it's not supposed to be.) Now, it's the Super Bowl.  I made my homemade fried cheese, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!  I use string cheese and wrap them up in won-ton wrappers, then deep fry until golden brown, then sprinkle with a little kosher salt.  VERY EASY to make.  Only had 1 slice of pizza and a beer.  So, not too bad.  (Oh wait... I stopped at White Castle after Yoga.  HAHAHAHA!) Tummy isn't liking me right now. (lactose intolerant) But, it was worth it! Just got to get it in my head that tomorrow is a brand new day/week and I need to get back on the wagon again.  Not going to get down on myself.  Just gotta move forward.  However, I am noticing some shrinking in my abdomen area.  (At least I think.....) So, that's good!  Hope everyone has a good time tonight!  Can't wait 'til GLEE after the game =D

Blizzard Bad for Body....

Well, needless to say, when you are sick you don't eat; when you are feeling better, you make up for lost time ;) Tuesday, I ate a bit, but I also didn't eat on Monday, so I figure the 2 days cancelled eat other out. Then, Blizzard 2011 happened into Wednesday....

WOW! Can you say comfort food!  We were all home and we all wanted comfort food.  I made lots of banana pancakes for breakfast, but I was doing well with my diet until afternoon hit... all I wanted was crap.  After Paul got done shoveling, we ordered a ton of Chinese.  YUMMMM!

Then, this morning (Thursday), I made butter croissants with chocolate... Oh my, those are lovely!  So, I had a very light lunch.  I am doing well so far, but don't have very many pts. after eating 4 choc. croissants, and 1/2 ham sandwich.  Dang croissants... ;)  Oh well, they tasted soooooooo good!  Dinner for tonight?  Everyone will be eating left over Chinese.  ME??? Haven't decided yet.

I haven't worked out since Sunday and can feel it in my back and in how tired I am =(  Gotta get back to my routine tomorrow. Hopefully, Marlie will have school and I can get back to my daily routine.  BUT, I do so love having her home! So does Jake.

Day 8/9

Ok, so I haven't been slacking in writing... yesterday, I had some sort of stomach issue.  Not fun!  I really only consumed liquids, however, I did manage to eat a hamburger happy meal =D  So good, but I knew it would just pass right on through =(  Oh well.  (The nice thing about being sick, if you are on a diet, it sure helps when you can't eat!  LOL!!!!)

Today, I am happy to say I am feeling soooo much better.  I hope to be able to keep food/liquid in today.  I did have my cup of coffee today, and, so far, so good.  Not really hungry though.  Although I know I need to ingest something since I am nursing. Will probably have a protein shake here shortly.

I weighed myself yesterday on my not so trustworthy scale, and it said I was down to 208.9.  So, If that is accurate, I have lost 3 lbs.  That is a good thing!  But, who knows.... Don't think I'll be working out today, still feeling a little dizzy, but not too bad. Don't want to push it!

For my Menu today... ???  Haven't thought of it yet.  Will post later.