A Hippo with a Headband: July 2010

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Friday Fun!

It's time for Friday Fun! That means it's time for Friday Party Hop! I hope you'll join me this week for some blog, twitter, and facebook hopping fun!

There are only a couple rules for this party. You don't even have to follow me unless you want to. I'd rather have a few active readers because they enjoy my blog than have you feel obligated to follow me. It isn't a rule... but I would love if you grabbed my button so others could find us and link up.

The Rules:
1) Link up your blog, twitter, or facebook... all social networks are welcome here in fact
{Non-bloggers may need to upload photos from their computer or other site}
2) Hop around and follow whomever you want. No pressure to follow here.
3) Have fun!

<center><a href="http://AHippoWithAHeadband.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://countingourblessings.webs.com/FridayPartyHop.jpg" /></a></center>

I'm also joining in on these fun parties! Please
hop on over to my dear host(esse)s' blogs and give them some love!

If you are new here, Welcome! I am Jeannette.

Under my header you can see my weekly weight loss progress. If you look at my sidebar, you can find my inspirations and a scrolling marque of my weight loss in photos. In the footer is a chart showing my progress overtime {running data from the ticker above}.

Here are some posts to get you started:

My Stats and Goals {The First Post}

My Weight In Pictures

Some Nice Improvements

Weight Loss Prayer

Is My BC Making Me Fat?

Big Changes in the Works

If you are an old friend, welcome back love! I am so glad to see you again. Are you ready to jazzersize? Or you know... whatever. Just get movin'! Maybe zumba, yoga, carry a 19lb baby around? Anything to get that blood pumpin' and your body sweatin'!

Now put on those headbands and let's get started!

PS: I'm having a party soon to commemorate being under 200lbs! It will likely be in August and I'll be hosting giveaways during it. Feel free to grab my party button and help me spread the news.

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Big Changes In the Works

I have been thinking about several facts lately.

{So ashamed.}

I am fat. Yes, this is a fact. There is no getting around it. In fact, I'm not really "fat" so much as obese.

I am not a good house keeper. I would like everyone to think I am, but I'm not. I'm lazy and I'd rather sit on the couch browsing blogs and design websites online than actually clean and design my home. We still have a room completely full of crap from our last move. It is so overwhelming that I have resolved to just do nothing. I work on it maybe once a week for 30 mins or so. I also hate doing dishes so much that I let them pile up in the sink over the course of several days.

I am not a very good wife. I have been avoiding a physical relationship with my husband lately. First I had postpartum depression, then my birth control was causing me to have no sex drive, but truthfully, I just don't want sex. Lately, I find it messy and nothing else. Furthermore, I don't take the time to give my husband the attention he deserves. I don't rub or scratch his back which he adores; I don't linger when he hugs and kisses me; and I don't thank or compliment him when he more than deserves it.

I am not the best mom I can be. I don't hold Little Bit for more than 20 minutes a day. Mostly I move him from chair, to bouncer, to exersaucer, to the floor for belly time. He's fed himself since he was 2 months old so I don't even hold him to feed him. I know he is a happy baby. I feed him, bathe him, kiss him and hug him when I carry him around the house and put him down for naps and bedtime. I just don't spend enough time cuddling him and talking to him like he so desperately needs right now.

So what am I going to do about it?

I am going to continue eating more fruits and vegetables and less fats and carbs. I am also going to eat more lean meats since I tend to be tired and weak during the day.
I am going to get moving somehow, every day. Even if all it means it a walk or bike ride.
I am going to keep up with my weight loss so that when I do gain I can look at my trends over time and know that it will go back down. I truly do think menses causes actual weight gain. I went from 2lbs over to 1lb under when my period ended.

I am going to keep up with laundry on Mondays and Thursdays.
I am going to keep up with dishes as soon as they enter the sink instead of letting them sit for a couple days and pile up.
I am going to vacuum and clean the bathroom once a week.
I am going to straighten the living room each night before going to bed and clean it once a week before our company comes on Saturdays.
I am going to work on the den, unpacking boxes and putting things away, at least three times a week. First is going through all my clothes and sorting them into "donate", "keep", "toss", and "salvage for fabric" piles.

I am going to make time in my day to stop whatever I am doing and give that time and energy to my husband.
I am going to continue to kiss him every morning before he leaves for work, but do it mindfully and slowly.
I am going to thank him and give him the appreciation he deserves for providing for this family and loving us so deeply.
I am going to "think sexy thoughts" throughout the day so I am more apt to accept my husband's loving advances when he comes home.
I am going to rub/scratch his back every night before bed and talk about about our days so we can reconnect physically and emotionally.
DH and I have decided that I will no longer take hormonal birth control. Hopefully this will help bring back my sex drive, allow me to continue losing weight, and keep feeling better about myself.

I am going to hold LB more, at least an hour a day.
I am going to talk to him more and make a point to explain what is going on around him, no matter how much I would rather not carry on a one way conversation.
I am going to sit down the DH and LB each night to listen to them read together.

{Getting happier and healthier by the day!}

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Motivation Monday July 26

Motivation Monday

Welcome to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Each week I will discuss how the previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can look in my archives for other Motivation Monday posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want. Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you motivated!

My Week

Pregnancy ruled out... but my dizziness is gone too. I am thinking maybe it was a PMS. I was dizzy with my last pregnancy and my PMS do tend to mimic pregnancy for me... so we will see. I'll mention it to the Dr next week when I go in for my final post op visit. I did three of my six videos for this week (I started on Monday). That isn't bad. I was planning on doing the fourth one, but I was barely able to move and DH said I needed to rest a couple days or I'd injure myself. I took his advice and am feeling good today. I'll be doing the... hmm I think I need to switch my 6 minute Sunday movie with one of the others... I can do more than 6 minutes of workout after a 2 days rest... Maybe the Power Sculpt. Check out my Fitness and Food Logs to see what I decided on.

My Progress

I'm liking the green this week. Honestly, I weighed in on Friday and all my numbers were red. My tape measurements (taken in the evening) were mostly red too. I was devastated. I cried. I did a whole week of videos and wanted to give up. I was heavier AND my muscle mass was down. Then I re-weighed today and I was mostly green. I have some motivation to continue on. I know I need to keep moving and keep eating less fat and starch, but my heart just wasn't in it on Friday. I am feeling better now. Maybe this week (when my period has finished) will be a huge weight loss!

In case you haven't heard yet, as soon as I get under 200 lbs I'll be throwing a party in celebration! I'm even rounding up some giveaways to make a huge bash out of it. Here is the button in case you want to help spread the word. You can see the whole post here.

My Numbers {From Last Saturday's Weigh In}
{Green is Improvement, Red is Bad, Mmkay?, Blue is Stayed the Same}

Weight - 215.2
BMI % - 50.7
Water % - 36.9
Muscle Mass % - 33.6

How did you do this week?
If you would like to link up, you can do it on any of the sites with this linky tool. Linking to one will link you to all of them. It's that easy! If you'd like to have the blog hop linky on your post like mine, just press "Get the Code Here" and copy/paste it into your post.

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Friday, July 23, 2010

Friday Fun! (A Little Late)

It's time for Friday Fun! That means it's time for Friday Party Hop! I hope you'll join me this week for some blog, twitter, and facebook hopping fun!

<center><a href="http://AHippoWithAHeadband.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://countingourblessings.webs.com/FridayPartyHop.jpg" /></a></center>

Sorry I'm late getting this posted this week. Last night was rough and I'm in Alaska so technically it is only 0930. :0) Alright, here it is, link away!

I'm also joining in on these fun parties! Please
hop on over to my dear host(esse)s' blogs and give them some love!

If you are new here, Welcome! I am Jeannette.

Here at A Hippo With A Headband you will find a chronicle of my journey to a healthier me. At my heaviest, while pregnant I was 270lbs and suffered from gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. I had been losing weight slowly before I became pregnant, but now I know what lays ahead of me if I don't step up my game! I am seeking to be healthy for myself, my husband, and our children {we plan to have a couple more one day :0P}.

Under my header you can see my weekly weight loss progress. If you look at my sidebar, you can find my inspirations and a scrolling marque of my weight loss in photos. In the footer is a chart showing my progress overtime {running data from the ticker above}.

Here are some posts to get you started:
My Stats and Goals {The First Post}
My Weight In Pictures
Some Nice Improvements

If you are an old friend, welcome back love! I am so glad to see you again. Are you ready to jazzersize? Or you know... whatever. Just get movin'! Maybe zumba, yoga, carry a 19lb baby around? Anything to get that blood pumpin' and your body sweatin'!

Now put on those headbands and let's get started!

PS: I'm having a party soon to commemorate being under 200lbs! It will likely be in August and I'll be hosting giveaways during it. Feel free to grab my party button and help me spread the news.

Widget by Css Reflex | TutZone

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Is My BC Making Me Fat?

... and which is worse? Getting pregnant now or staying obese?

The Pros of stopping my NuvaRing:

I'll likely be able to lose weight easier
I won't be as emotional
I might not be as depressed as I am right now
My sex drive might come back

The Cons:

If I get pregnant now, DH will likely be here for the birth, but he'll miss the first year/ year and half of that baby's life to a deployment
I'll have to suffer through PPD, adjusting to a newborn, and dealing with a toddler alone
We are over 3,000 miles away from family and friends and it costs $2,000 to see them

I was thinking I might be able to change my BC to a non-hormonal IUD but given my allergies, I don't know that my Dr will do the copper insert for me. Mirena has a low dose, but so does the Nuva Ring. I'll have to ask at my next appointment. I won't take Depo Provera again; the patch gave me horrible panic attacks; and I know myself... I won't take a daily pill. What have y'all experienced with birth control?

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Yoga Kicked My beep!!!

O M G! Okay, I think I prefer yesterday's cardio to today's weight loss yoga. Something about constantly moving, yes sweating EVERYWHERE, but moving nonetheless was so much easier than... get in an awkward pose that makes every muscle in your body twitch and HOLD! I want Jillian!!! Bob whooped my *beep* today!

Okay, it wasn't that bad... but it was definitely hard. Plus, my arms were all jello from yesterday's workout...which for some reason I decided I needed to use wrist weights for. Bad idea for your very first workout in, oh 8 YEARS! Anywho... I have two videos down and I think next time I use them it won't be so bad. During the videos it's so rough because it feels like it's never going to end. Then afterward I am all like "Wow, that wasn't too bad..." Next week I'll know which poses are toward the end and I won't be freaking out that I can't go another minute in plank.

Oh and my shower today? ICE COLD AGAIN! For some reason, we have water pressure now but it is either scalding hot or ice cold. I mean, hurts your hands ice cold. So I was constantly switching one way and the other to keep the two mixing in the pipes as not to damage my skin. It was annoying, but I needed a shower...bad! Alright, off to the store and Dr's office. Today is the big day to find out if LB is going to be okay with his apparent laziness to put his legs down while upright. Personally, DH and I think he is hurting from growing so fast (DH went through the same thing) and he doesn't want to put so much weight on his hips.

As for the store? I'm gonna suck it up and spend the $150 on a nice tempur mattress cover at Sam's. I have coils in my ribs at night and I just can't get any sleep. I don't know what my deal is... I have every intention of buying it until I see that price tag; then I shy away. I don't feel bad dropping $100 in JoAnns... I guess it's because it is something nice for myself. It seems wasteful... but I deserve a good night's rest. DH and LB will benefit from my getting a good night's sleep too so I shouldn't feel bad splurging on a nice mattress pad.

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

One Day Down!

I finally popped in one of my workout videos today, The Biggest Loser Workout. It was pretty tough as I was doing it, but after I finished and cooled down, it wasn't so bad. I thought "Was that it?" We'll see if I'm still saying that in a few days...

It took quite a chunk of time out of my day, but I guess I feel better tonight than I did last night. I think it took longer to cool down and shower than it did to do the whole warm up, exercise, and cool down stretches. But at least I get to spend that time looking at this! {Okay, so he's wearing a shirt in the video, but anytime he raises his arms... *drool*}

Hopefully I'll get some more energy over the next few days and not be so exhausted anymore. I ate a lot better today. Still probably didn't eat enough, but I made better choices than yesterday.

In blog news, I added some new pages up top for you to browse and keep track of my weight loss journey. I made a whole other blog for my daily fitness and food logs so I don't spam you out here.

{Update: It is now 8am Wednesday. I am sore as hell! I don't think I'll be doing today's workout with my wrist weights strapped on... I was really tired last night but for some reason I tossed and turned all night. Hopefully LB will finish his breakfast and we can get a nap in...}

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Motivation Monday - July 19

Motivation Monday

brought to you by Me!

My Week

Still dizzy... hoping to start my work out videos on Sunday. I'll keep you updated.

My Progress

Numbers suck... but not too badly. Just a little down this week. I am hoping to work on that once my dizziness goes away. I did do a LOT of stairs yesterday with heavy boxes. Maybe that will show next Saturday.

My Numbers {From Last Saturday's Weigh In}
{Green is Improvement, Red is Bad, Mmkay?, Blue is Stayed the Same}

Weight - 217.4
BMI % - 51.5
Water % - 36.5
Muscle Mass % - 33.8

How did you do this week?
If you would like to link up, you can do it on any of the sites with this linky tool. Linking to one will link you to all of them. It's that easy! If you'd like to have the blog hop linky on your post like mine, just press "Get the Code Here" and copy/paste it into your post.

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Weekly Fitness Videos

You may have noticed a change on my sidebar. The Walk to Run Challenge has been replaced with Weekly Fitness Videos. As per my Dr.s orders, I can no longer do anything high impact, such as running. It also rules out 30 Day Shred unfortunately. I can do that video once I get under 180lbs though. But for now, all low impact for me. So, everyday, every week, I will be going through the following videos:

Sunday - Tracey Mallett's 6 Minute Quick Blast Method - Total Body Fat Burner

Monday - The Biggest Loser Workout - Cardio Max

Tuesday - The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 1

Wednesday - The Biggest Loser Workout - Weight Loss Yoga

Thursday - The Biggest Loser Workout - Last Chance Workout

Friday - Jillian Michaels' - Shape Up Back Side

Saturday - The Biggest Loser Workout - Power Sculpt

I fully expect to skip and/or miss a couple of these for the first couple of weeks but over time I hope to get in a solid routine of daily exercise. I figure since I am "stuck" at home all day, I might as well put in a workout video and get moving. My amazingly supportive Hubby, adorable little son, and my motivation needing self will still be going on nightly walks, time and weather permitting. Now that I am over a month post-op, I plan on using my Ab Lounge and Power Rider throughout the week as well. I don't know how often I will use my elliptical since it is pretty hard for me right now, but I imagine as I get into this routine of movement it will become easier and easier for me.

I plan on starting this Sunday. I might begin earlier if my dizziness fades, but beginning a workout routine, home alone (I doubt LB or Shadowbutt can dial 911), while dizzy is not the best of ideas.... I am feeling better today, but still a little dizzy now and then. We remove my BC tonight so we'll see if my period comes. If so, that rules out an ear infection (but not all inner ear problems I am reading), high blood pressure, and pregnancy. I will certainly keep y'all updated! Thank you for all your kind comments and suggestions. I'll let you know what the Dr.s say.

Wish me luck!