Workout Wednesdays: Blending Motherhood & Fitness

Prior to becoming a mommy, keeping into a fitness routine was easy. There were no issues with fitting it into my daily schedule - I had tons of free time back then! I would work out before work, on lunch, after work...and any time I desired on the weekends. I could also spend as much time during a workout as I wanted.

Now I've got to schedule it between changings, feedings, working, playing with my kids and spending quality time with my husband. When it was just Tanner, it wasn't that hard...I could just take him with me in the jogging stroller and get a nice workout down the beach. Most gyms also have childcare, so it wasn't a big deal to pay a little extra to have that perk when I needed it. With two, it's definitely tricky. The only way I can take out the jogging stroller to get a decent workout is if Tanner is at daycare or Jake is home to watch him. Tanner just couldn't handle walking or jogging the distance I go...I'd go for the double stroller, but he's a month shy of turning 5, so definitely a little too big for that. Being that Jake works from 7:30 to 4:30 every day, I've got limited time to be able to take Breckin out for a run. And the price of a gym membership plus TWO childcare fees each month is a bit out of the question right now as I'm trying to build up my cleaning business. Once that gets rolling, I may be able to consider that. So my workouts are limited to at home in the living room with my own equipment. Luckily, lately, I've noticed that Breckin actually likes to sit in front of me in his bouncy seat and watch me workout. Somehow it entertains him. He just smiles, stares and coos at me. Cute. (I'm glad one of us is amused.) As busy as my life can get, I always make time for fitness. It's one of the few things I have these days that is just for me...and it's important for me to take that time to de-stress, rejuvenate and reflect (I get some of my best thinking done while working up a sweat)...and a plus for my family is that it makes for a happy mommy which makes their lives a lot better. Endorphins, anyone?

Anyway, I wanted to compile a list of my personal must-have home workout equipment for you mommies out there that are also struggling to fit fitness into your routine, as well as give you a few of my favorite exercises to use them for. You can also easily Google routines online for any of this equipment.

1. Dumbbells. You'll want to have some 5s, 8s, 10s, and if you're really into it, some 12s and 15s. To save money, try finding a set of dumbbells with interchangeable weights. This will also save space.

2. Yoga Mat. Even if you don't do yoga, this is great to have for ab exercises, etc. so you don't have to be lying on the carpet.

3. Resistance bands - get about 3 different sizes.

4. Stability ball.

5. Medicine ball. I like to have a 6 lb one and a 12-15 lb one.

6. Ankle weights. (At least 2 lbs each - I use these to do stairclimbs in on my staircase.)

7. Jump rope.

My favorite at home exercises:

1. Dumbbell Squats: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand. Keep dumbbells down to your side. Slowly sit back keeping the weight in your heels, do not let your knees protrude over your toes. Aim to get thighs parallel to floor, hold for 2-3 seconds, then return to starting position by lifting from your hips and rear end. 3 sets of 15 reps.

2. Bridges w/stability ball & leg curl: Lying on your back, place your heels on a stability ball and keep legs straight. Lift from the hips to get your butt of the ground, hold, then slowly roll stability ball toward you using your hamstrings. Roll ball back to beginning position, then lower butt back down to floor. 3 sets of 15-25 reps.

3. Medicine ball twists: Sit up with knees bent and feet flat on floor. Gently lean back until your abs are engaged. Holding a medicine ball, twist slowly from side to side. One rep is going to both sides once. 3 sets of 25 reps.

4. Tricep Dips: find a sturdy surface (strong coffee table or chair) and place hands palm down behind you on it. Slowly bend your elbows to move your body downward, using your arms, push yourself back to starting position. 3 sets 15 reps.

5. Dumbbell Dead Lift: Take a heavier set of dumbbells, and keeping legs just a little wider than shoulder-width apart, straight with knees slightly bent (don't lock), keep back straight and bend forward bringing dumbbells down to your ankles. Using your butt and hips, lift back up to starting position, keeping back straight. 3 sets of 15 reps.

HAPPY WORKOUT!

Top 10 Tuesdays: Reasons Why I Love My Job

I own a cleaning business called A Modern Cinderella (fitting for a princess, don't you think?). I recently left my 8 to 5 job so I could pursue the cleaning business and make it my full-time career. Here are the Top 10 reasons why I love it:

10. I make my hours
9. I can make in 10-15 hours what I was making in 40 hours AND not have to pay out as much in childcare costs.
8. I'm not stuck in front of a computer all day.
7. The only person I have to answer to is myself - I'm the boss of me!
6. It's a great opportunity to meet more people in my city.
5. I get a workout with every cleaning job.
4. I can just put on my I-pod and zone out.
3. No business attire!
2. I have the opportunity to make more money...not subjected to a set amount of hours/pay per week.
1. Because I work less hours, I get to be with my kids a lot more!

Why do you love your job?

PROJECT PRE-PREGO: 25 By 12/25

Here's my Goal - and I'm going to let this blog keep me accountable:

LOSE 25 LBS BY XMAS!

I'm 7 weeks postpartum as of yesterday. I've dropped 25 lbs already...but I'm ready to get rid of the rest (and a little extra). That gives me just under 3 months...hopefully I can reach my goal before then, but I thought Christmas was definitely a feasible goal date.

I've been walking, running, doing yoga and home workouts...in 2 weeks (Oct 8) I start Insanity. I will be posting my progress in this blog - workouts, inches lost, lbs lost, etc.

Hope I can inspire some of the other mommies out there that are looking to lose their postpartum weight, or anyone who just wants to lose a few pounds. I will be posting weekly workout tips and tricks on Wednesdays - also known from here on out as Workout Wednesdays posts.

Wish me luck! And good luck to any of you that are working on similar goals!

Operation: Morgan Needs A New Laptop

OK, so here's my charity case:

I'm in desperate need of a laptop! I have been using the same Dell Desktop computer for 9 years...and while I have to say I'm impressed she's made it that long, it's definitely time to move on. I need more RAM, a faster processor, a cd-rom burner, MOBILITY...I'd say that last one is the most important. I am so tired of coming to my little hole in the guest room to do work on the computer...ok, not WORK per se, mostly Facebook and blogging. But in my defense, I do work on the computer sometimes - checking email and promoting my cleaning biz is work. Anyway, this little hole keeps me from being with my family...and plus, I need to be around them to have inspiration for my blog posts. You want some good blog posts to read, don't you?! All I want is to be able to take my computer to the living room so I can simultaneously play a game of Disney Bingo with my son and update my Facebook status to let people know I am playing a game of Disney Bingo with my son. Is that too much to ask?

So I implore you, oh blog reader, to donate to this worthy cause...The Momma Needs A Laptop Fund. All donations are tax deductible. Comment below for more info on how to donate. You can make a difference in one family's life...

The Fall Five

I love the fall. Summer was always my favorite season...until I moved to Charleston, SC. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a summer-lovin' beach girl, but it is SOOOOOOOO freaking hot and humid in the summer here! My car is a sauna, my electric bill is through the roof and I feel like I need to take two showers a day just because of how dewy my skin is all day. In Charleston, the fall months are more like the summer weather I'm used to anywhere else I've lived.

Here are my top 5 reasons why I love fall:

5. My favorite 5K's (Susan G. Komen, Turkey Day Run & Reindeer Run)
4. I can actually stand to take my sons to the play park for longer than 45 minutes.
3. Exercising outside isn't limited to before 10am or after 6pm.
2. Fall fashions are my favorite. (Hello layers, scarves and boots!)
1. I can sit outside in the evening with my husband or a couple of friends and enjoy a glass of wine without feeling the need to reapply deodorant.

What are your Top 5 for Fall?

Blog Renewal...and a little Blogger's Block

I have "revamped" this blog to basically put both the blogs I had going in the same place rather than two separate blogs. So Smith Beach Babies and Fit and Fabulous Mommy are no more. Introducing: Princess Mommy - Once a Princess, Always a Princess. I worked out this title because I just had my 2nd son...and it's no secret that early on in my pregnancy I was hoping for a girl. But alas, I am a mommy of boys and I have to learn to live with that (though their sweet faces make that part pretty easy). So what happens to a mom when she doesn't have a little princess? She gets to STAY the princess...FOREVER! I'm not new to this role as princess because I also was the only girl out of the three kids my parents had, so let's just say I'm pretty good at it by now and I think I can continue to handle it. I'm fairly sure I provide enough estrogen for one household as it is.

I have been pondering how I will post in this blog going forward. I love to write and I love making people laugh. I hope my witty and sarcastic sense of humor will shine through my posts - I hope to even offend some readers...yes, I'm that sarcastic. But it's all in the name of good blog writing and to stir up some interest and comment banter (yes, feel free to comment on any of my posts!) If you think you can handle it, please become a follower. So you know, I just like to keep life light-hearted and find the humor in things...being a mom, it is especially important. I would go absolutely crazy if I couldn't find a way to laugh at the utter chaos that is my life. But I wouldn't have it any other way...my boys (including my husband) are my everything. So I hope you enjoy my little anecdotes about my life as a mommy...and as the princess.

Unfortunately for tonight, I've been struck with a little Blogger's (Writer's) Block...but I thought I would at least introduce the new and improved blog. Enjoy!

We're All Smiles

Breckin is 6 weeks old now and has been smiling and cooing sooooo much! I love smiling at him and having him actually smile back! There's no better gratification as a mommy than having your child smile at you. He is also starting to interact with his toys! Here are some pics:

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Workout Partners

There's nothing better than having someone to work out with. It can be the extra boost of motivation you need - knowing that someone is in it with you and also, you're less likely to back out of a workout when you know someone is going to be waiting for you. :)

My workout partners lately are either a) my dog, Dakotah or b) Breckin in his stroller...neither are much good for conversation, but hey, it still makes for a nice workout.

What I've started doing lately though is calling around to my friends and asking them to meet me for a walk - be it the Cooper River Bridge, Daniel Island leisure trails...whatever. Especially with having been pregnant and feeling out of the loop with my girlfriends for 9 months - I am eager to invest more time into my friendships because life changes can interrupt those relationships from time to time. Last night I met up with my good friend Corey to walk the bridge...I had Breckin in tow as well. It was nice to be able to pass the time and catch up with her. She has been such a wonderful friend over the past few years and I've missed hanging out with her. It's also nice to be able to call your friends once in a while to hang out without drinking or spending money! Not that I don't mind that from time to time, but with kids, it's not always feasible to go out drinking, or appropriate. I love having friends that are into a healthy lifestyle as well...to have that in common is motivating...and you know you have someone who is supportive of your health and fitness goals.

As soon as I rejoin the gym - I will definitely be calling some girls up to meet me for Spinning, yoga or even just a strength training session...it's kind of like knocking out two birds with one stone: getting your workout in and catching up with a good friend. To my girlfriends: Don't be surprised if I contact you soon to meet me for a walk on the Cooper River Bridge! :)

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Mommy On The Go

One of the hardest things about living a healthy lifestyle these days is our actual diet choices. We are a society that is constantly hustling and bustling...constantly on the go. And this is especially true of mommies...whether you stay at home or have a job. Running to and from daycare, soccer practices, piano lessons, games, picking up or dropping off your children at friend's houses, grocery shopping, doctor appointments...you name it - and not to mention the running around you have to do for yourself, i.e. gym, hair salon, etc (after all, we must still be fabulous even with all this running around). I feel like I'm in my car 80% of my day...or at least out of the house. So what does a fit and fab mommy do for food? We can't possibly always have time to sit down for every meal we have and we most certainly can't starve ourselves...often times it's grab and go...or worse, if you forget to grab something, it's to the drive-thru you go...the ultimate no-no. I wanted to share some of my favorite on-the-go health foods - the best part about all of these: they fit nicely in your purse, or diaper bag.

1. String Cheese
2. Almonds
3. Granola Bars
4. Protein Bars
5. Pretzels
6. Carrot Sticks
7. Craisins
8. Celery w/PB (you can buy single-serving Jif PB, or a really small tupperware container works nicely)

Tip: Keep small Ziploc baggies in the house...after grocery shopping, divide up your healthy snacks into single servings and place in Ziplocs so you always have something ready when you're headed out the door.

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

If the Shoe Fits...

...or rather, gets you fit...

then definitely WEAR it!

I personally never bought into the whole Fit Flops thing, but I'm intrigued by these shoes Reebok has recently put on the market. I mean, I figure, they don't look ridiculous (unlike the aforementioned Fit Flops), so it's just like sporting any other running shoe, but supposedly they work your leg muscles up to 28% more than just running in your run-of-the-mill running shoes using stability ball technology. You're literally standing on little stability balls. I've got to wear running shoes anyway, so why not wear these and have the added benefit of working my muscles even more without any added effort of my own? I think I'll buy a pair...need some new ones for 5K season anyway! They are called Reebok RunTone. They also have walking shoes called EasyTone and they have others for cross training. Check them out for yourself!

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Barre Classes!!!

YESSSSSSS! I'm so excited...I just picked up the latest issue of Skirt! Magazine and noticed an advertisement for a new barre studio in Charleston called Barre Evolution. I am in love with Physique 57 (www.physique57.com) and Bar Method (www.barmethod.com). These workouts are AWESOME and really work muscles you never knew you had. Kelly Ripa is a student at Physique 57 in New York - I first learned about this workout while watching Regis & Kelly. I introduced many of the moves to those that took my cardio dance and sculpt classes at Mount Pleasant Aerobics and Fitness last summer...I would have some of them coming back the following week after taking class and saying how they're muscles burned for days after the class (in a good way). Anyway, it appears that this studio is opening Fall 2010, so I have already signed up for the mailing list so I can be first in line to take the classes when their doors open! I highly recommend this workout to everyone...hopefully this studio is great!

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Fell Off the Wagon

That's right. Nine months with no energy drinks and the minute I give birth I'm sucking them down again...they are my weakness! My favorite is Diet Rockstar. Guess there are worse things to be addicted to...but hey, when you're a mother of a 4 year old and a 1 month old, you need all the help in the energy department you can get! I actually love them right before a good workout...caffeine actually helps you burn more calories. (Leave it to me to make excuses, right?)

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

One Month...

One month ago I was holding my baby boy Breckin for the first time. I can't believe he's already a month old. Before I know it we'll be planning his 1st birthday party...and then he'll be going off to college...

OK, that may be a little bit of an exaggeration.

But it's so crazy to think about how fast the time does fly when you're watching your children grow up. Tanner will be five years old this November. FIVE. It's so surreal to me. I look back on old pictures of Tanner and it still feels like yesterday. His first summer at the beach, his first day of daycare, our daily strolls, potty-training (maybe that's because he only fully accomplished that one a year ago! Boys.) It makes me a little sad to feel that those years came and went so quickly...but I am also excited for what's to come - his first day of Kindergarten, team sports, report cards, new friends, new hobbies, becoming more independent...

And now I have another little one to experience those same firsts with...I imagine I'll really try to be more conscious about cherishing the moments more since now I'm aware of how quickly they come and go.

I do get some new experiences now - watching Tanner be a big brother and teach Breckin all sorts of things. Now I get to have a baby that has an older sibling to look up to...it will be so fun to see them laugh and play (and I'm sure they will have some bouts of sibling rivalry as well). But I know Breckin will look up to Tanner and they will love each other so much.

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Ready to Run

It starts tomorrow...I feel like my hips are finally feeling ready to take it on again. I'm getting up to do a morning run before Jake heads off to work. I hate that I have to do it at the crack of dawn, but it's just not feasible any other time when I have both Tanner and Breckin. I know the first few times will take a lot of convincing myself to get out of bed, but once I push past that hurdle, I know it will feel good and I will want to get up and run each morning. I can't keep this postpartum body forever and I know it's not going to get back in shape on its own...so it's time to get serious. I've got my first 5K in less than a month and I want to feel good doing it.

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

5K Season is Here!

Most people call the time frame of September to December Fall or Autumn...I call it 5K Season! This is the time of year when I run most of the 5Ks I do all year. This particular season is one of the most anticipated for me because I am newly postpartum and it will definitely be a fitness test and challenge for me. I've been looking forward to this so I would have something to help take the pregnancy weight off. My first 5K is the Isle of Palms Connector Run & Walk for the Child on October 2nd. On October 16th, it's the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Daniel Island. I loved this race last year (I mean, any excuse to get all decked out in pink!). I even ran into a friend before the race started and we ended up running it together. She had planned on walking it, but I helped to push her along and she ended up running most of it with me! She was so proud of herself after she was done and it made me feel so good to have helped push her further than she thought she could go. Next will be the Turkey Day Run on Thanksgiving, and following that, the Reindeer Run on December 4th. I usually sign up my whole family to do this one...I suppose we can squeeze Tanner into the jogging stroller one last year (he definitely can't walk the whole thing)...this way Jake and I will both be pushing a stroller. Dakotah may have to sit out this year, we'll see.

But I'm going to start training for 5K Season this month...I am going to work my walking with Breckin into running...my goal with each 5K is to beat my time from the last 5K...I'll be posting my results over the next few months!

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

4 Weeks Old - UPDATE

Breckin is 4 weeks old today! I can't believe how fast the time seems to be flying. I can already tell he's gotten bigger. He's much more alert now - he has the cutest little smile (even if it is only caused by gas)...and I think he'll start interacting with toys very soon. He's been looking at the toys on his play mat more and more...Tanner was about 6 weeks when he first started batting at his.





Last weekend, Uncle Jesse, Aunt Alli & Cousin Chase came down from Charlotte to meet Breckin! We had a great time visiting with them...I can't believe Jake's parents have three grandsons and no granddaughters! We took a picture of the Smith boys (it was hard to get everyone to cooperate at the same time!):



Now that I'm 4 weeks postpartum...I've been very eager to get back on the health and fitness track. I've started another blog at www.thegymbunny.com and would love for you to check it out! It's basically going to be a workout journal...but with little anecdotes about balancing fitness and motherhood.

Tonight Jake and I get our first night out together since having the baby. Nana and Papa have offered to take Tanner and Breckin for a few hours. I'm thinking we'll go out for some Morga-ritas! It's been so long since I've had one and I craved them all throughout pregnancy! I was sucking down Edy's Real Fruit Lime popsicles just to have that lime taste!

Anyway, that's the update on us for now! Stay tuned...

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Fave Workout Spots...

One of my best memories from Tanner as an infant and into his toddlerhood was the stroller walks/jogs/runs we would take together. When he got too big for the stroller, I was a little sad...but now I get to share these experiences all over again with Breckin and I'm so excited. Nothing gets me more motivated to workout than knowing that I don't have to be away from my children to accomplish it.

Here are some of my favorite workout spots that I plan to introduce to Breckin in the next few months:

SULLIVAN'S ISLAND


I can't even count how many times I took Tanner to this beach for strolls...whether it was along the water or down Middle St and through the streets lined with beautiful beach homes. Some of our walks would last 2 hours! Or however long I could get him to cooperate. ☺ I love it because it's so peaceful, beautiful and serene.

MOUNT PLEASANT PIER/PARK


I love this new park in Mount Pleasant. It's such a great place to take kids. It will be nice to go on a walk or bike ride with Tanner & Breckin and be able to stop at the play park for them to play. Of course Breckin won't be doing much playing anytime too soon, but Tanner will definitely love it!

ECO FITNESS/BLUE TURTLE YOGA


I cancelled my membership at East Shore Athletic Club this past June since I was hugely pregnant and my sore hips made it almost impossible to get a real workout in. I was a member of Eco Fitness prior to joining East Shore. I had only left Eco because of the distance it was to the house we bought in 2008. Now that I'm doing my cleaning business and have many more hours available to me during the day, the distance isn't as big of a deal...I plan on rejoining Eco Fitness this winter. I love this gym...and Tanner loved the kid's care. So even though this will be my place to workout not WITH them, at least I know that they are in good hands and will have a great time while Mommy gets in her "me" time (everyone needs a little of that). I love the group fitness classes, the strength training & cardio equipment and my favorite Spin instructor, George! I can't wait to be a gym member again...this is the first time in 9 years that I haven't had a gym membership! That feels so crazy to me!

DANIEL ISLAND LEISURE TRAILS


Daniel Island is such a beautiful island. I am so glad we live just down the street from it! I love the leisure trails...they have workout equipment along the trails! I could spend all day walking on this island and not get bored with the scenery. I loved taking Tanner for walks and I can't wait to take Breckin.

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Cooper River Bridge Strolls

The past few days, Breckin and I have been taking strolls across the Cooper River Bridge and back. I've been walking with him every day since I got home from the hospital with him, but I felt I was definitely ready for more of a challenge...and the uphill arch of the Cooper River Bridge definitely takes care of that! It had been so long since I had felt a really good burn in my butt and legs - it just makes me feel like I'm truly making progress. I also love that I get to enjoy these walks with my son...what better way to combine mommyhood and fitness than to include your little one? I remember when Tanner was younger how we would take walks almost every day - beach, bridges, leisure trails, neighborhoods...I'm definitely getting my money's worth out of the jogging stroller I purchased 4 years ago since I now get to use it with son #2! Speaking of jogging, I plan on upgrading these walks to jogs very soon. And one day, to runs.

So for now the plan is to get out to the bridge as often as possible...I'd love to do it every morning or evening...now that Fall is about to arrive, the weather will be so perfect.

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Postpartum Measurements (Eeks!)

OK...keep in mind how brave I'm being by posting these...I need to keep track, so here goes:

9/3/10:
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 155 lbs
R Thigh: 21.5"
L Thigh: 21"
R Bicep: 10.75"
L Bicep: 11"
Waist: 33.5"
Hips: 39.5"
Chest: 32"

Will post an update in a couple weeks!

 

Friends/Family - if you would like any of the pictures you see of us on the blog, please just right-click on the image and save it to your computer. You are welcome to print at your leisure! They are all high-pixel images. If you do not know my family or me, you probably shouldn't right-click/save or print any of our images. Just saying.

Not Getting Along with the Mirror...

OK, OK...so I know I'm only 3 weeks and 4 days postpartum...but let's face it, anyone who knows me knows that I'm a little bit of a nut when it comes to being in shape. A little obsessive and probably much too hard on myself (obviously...I mean, I'm already giving myself crap for not being back in my skinny jeans less than a month after having a baby)...but that's just who I am and I've accepted it.

I definitely didn't wait at all to start getting back out there...the day we got home from the hospital I took Breckin on a 30-45 minute stroll around the neighborhood...and I've done so every single day since - sometimes even doing two walks, one with Breckin and then one with Dakotah. I was even extra ambitious one night and popped in a Jillian Michael's workout DVD. Yesterday I took Breckin for his first stroll across the Cooper River Bridge and back...and I LOVED the burn I felt while pushing his stroller uphill. But still I get up in the morning and try to find any shirt I can squeeze into (which there are not many right now and mind you the breastfeeding twins are NOT helping) and then put on my "fat" jeans - a $16.99 pair of American Eagle's I bought at Marshall's to get me through this awkward phase until I can get my pre-prego jeans to button! And all I see in the mirror is my flabby midsection and newly-acquired love handles...despite all the work I've been trying to do this past 3 1/2 weeks. Like I said, I am hard on myself. But I'm sure there are many mommies out there that understand what I'm going through and have been there themselves.

Anyway, I'm determined to come to a truce with the mirror - and SOON. This Sunday I will be 4 weeks postpartum...the plan this month is to take Breckin on the Cooper River Bridge every morning (weather permitting) working up to where I can end up running most of it and do an hour's worth of workout DVD's at least 5 days a week. This month it's Turbo Jam...haha. Next month, Insanity...the title is pretty fitting, don't you think?

 

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