Friday, December 31, 2010

Pregnancy Update

First of all, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.  They helped immensely.  At 0300 last night I began having contractions about 2 minutes apart.  By 0330 they were 30 seconds apart and at 0340 I miscarried my fourth pregnancy.  It wasn't as painful physically as it was emotionally because I re-lived my last two miscarriages and at the same time feared for the next pregnancy.  I prayed that it would be over soon and within five minutes it was.  I am doing well today.  I went back to the ER for a pelvic exam and all looks well so far.  I will go in on Monday to the OB/GYN to have an ultrasound and full pelvic to make sure it was a complete miscarriage.  I am 99% sure it was because of what I felt at the end.  I couldn't bear to look so I had DH take care of it for me.

In the next couple of days I will be working on new goals for 2011 since my last set of goals are no longer relevant.  I will also likely shed several pounds this week from water, blood, and tissue loss.  Not everything about this is negative though.  I have the opportunity to continue losing weight now which will make for a much healthier pregnancy next time around, and of course, a much healthier me.  It will also allow me more time to prepare emotionally for another baby.  This trip down to Texas showed me just how stressed out I am and I do not think my mental condition would have allowed me to be the best mom I could be to Little Bit and Pumpkin at the same time.

I will be putting my pregnancy blog on hold but I will not be deleting it.  I'll be coming back to it next time we are expecting since I believe that a pregnancy is a pregnancy, despite which fetus is growing into a baby.  I don't know if this baby will be waiting to meet me in the end, or if it will be coming back to me as the next pregnancy, but either way, it is not lost.

I'll be back to normal posting in a few days I bet.  I am still a bit sad, as to be expected, but because I can see the positives in this miscarriage, I am healing much faster than before.  I know God was in this plan.  See you soon, and thanks again for your loving support.
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Monday, December 27, 2010

Prayers Needed

I could use some prayers friends.  Here is the post in case you are wondering why.  I'll update on my pregnancy blog when I get home and see a doctor.
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Monday, December 20, 2010

I wanna be excited about Santa again...

or anything for that matter.  I don't get excited about anything anymore.  It's likely due to my depression in the most part... but part of it is that nothing truly excites me.  I was pretty excited when I got a bucket of mail one day, but that was like 6 months ago and nothing since then.  Not even this pregnancy.  Where does that childish enthusiasm go?  I feel like I am robbing LB by not being excited about anything.  I know he didn't smile until close to 6 months old because I never smiled during that time... and now I think he is such a calm and deciding baby because I don't interact with him emotionally.  I know I haven't ruined him,  but I feel as though I am stunting his imagination.  Heck, I've lost about 50lbs (give or take) this year and even that doesn't excite me!  All I see is obese and the same weight I was when I got pregnant with LB.  I'm back at square 1 with little to show for it.

Christmas is days away and I'm not excited.  I am grateful for Christ's birth (even though it was likely not in December) but not excited.  I want to be gitty and have that "sneak into the living room at 4am to make sure Santa came and then go back to sleep... or you know, wait in my room unable to sleep" kind of feeling.  Any suggestions on finding my inner child again?  I totally need to order a bunch of small, inexpensive things off Amazon so I can have a bucket o mail again! lol  I mean look at that face... I don't have eyes!  I am smiling so big they disappeared! teehee
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Sunday, December 19, 2010

I Guess It Helped...

I did my three 10 minute pregnancy workouts just now.  I broke a bit of a sweat and I could tell all the exercises in it were designed to strengthen the core muscles and stretch the hips, but I'm not really sure how I feel about them yet.  I'll try to do them daily and see if I can tell any results.  I don't really feel like I exercised and I don't have any more energy than before... maybe it's just too soon to tell.


Tomorrow I go get my glucose test done.  No eating for 13 hours... *sigh*  I hate that test!  Last time the drink made me sick. It's a normal reaction I hear... but if you throw it up you have to come back and do it again.  No fun.  Wish me luck.  Thankfully, DH is able to go with me in case I get sick.  He can comfort me, call a nurse, or take care of LB if I need him to.  I probably won't get the results until I come back from vacation.  I don't really care what they are though.  Last time I controlled it with diet alone and I have a lance that allows me to test on the fleshy part of my hand under my pinkie finger so it doesn't hurt at all.  I'll definitely let you know how it goes though.  Until then, be safe and healthy.  If you haven't seen it yet, my new pregnancy blog is over here... go on, take a look.  It's super cute if I say so myself!
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Vacation Break

I already had an unexpected break from blogging with out internet being out of service, but I'll be taking a vacation next week visiting family.  I'll be back with Motivation Monday and Friday Party Hop in a week or so.  Have a safe and happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and New Years y'all!
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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Announcing...

The new (I know, like I don't have enough already) pregnancy blog!  Coming This July is up and running... and I've already made a couple of posts.  Head on over and check it out if you are interested.  If a blog post is not specifically related to pregnancy and fitness it will be made over there instead.  Click the button to check out the new blog and to follow Pumpkin and I on this crazy road of pregnancy and birth.


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Friday, December 17, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week 12

Sorry for the unexpected missed week.  We were without internet at the new house for over a week.  We're back now... just in time for vacation where I'll likely not be able to post lol.

Here are my new goals:
  • Keep weight gain in my first trimester below 5lbs
  • List 10 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Unpack all the boxes from this move
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 228lbs which is a gain of 6lbs from when I became pregnant - I am 1lb over my desired weight but I think with added exercise I should be fine. I just want to make sure I don't gain too much because of overeating sweets.
  • 5/15 items listed - I may not get this one done because all my crafting supplies are packed away now... but I'll keep trying
  • We are moved in to our new house and I have unpacked all the downstairs boxes.  Upstairs clothes boxes and craft room supplies are next  - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?
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Having Some Trouble...

Well, I weighed in at 228lbs today which is over my desired 5lb limit for the first trimester.  Now, before you begin to worry... I am not going to cut any essential nutrients from my diet while pregnant to lose weight.  However, because I am already in the obese category despite losing nearly 50lbs this year, I need to watch my weight gain closely.

I have two options to control my weight gain:
  • Limit my sweets intake
  • Exercise more (in a comfortable range of course)
Normally, controlling my sweet tooth is not a problem.  I don't eat many sweets and most things people enjoy that expand the waist band are too sweet for me anyways... but since getting pregnant with Pumpkin all I've wanted are sweets!  LB's craving was milk which is great for my body... I just didn't work out as regularly as I should have.  Pumpkin is making me want cookies, cakes, pies, and chocolate (more than my 1.5 oz of dark per day).  With LB I knew I was craving calcium.... but what on Earth is my body needing from all those sweets?  Fruits just don't cut it so I don't think it's the sugar.  Any ideas?  It's going to be a daily struggle to keep my sweets in check and to exercise daily. 

Thankfully, whether I want to or not, I have to go up and down our stairs several times a day for LB's diaper changes and naps and to go to bed at night.  I need more activity than that though.  I plan on using a couple of my pregnancy yoga DVDs and I am hoping we can find a used recumbent bike to bring home.  It's my favorite equipment at the gym and I have been unable to go to the gym in months because I can't take LB with me.

I have about 3 more weeks before I should even be gaining weight and I have already gained 6lbs.  I am hoping with increased exercise I will have more energy and shed some of the weight I have put on these last couple of months.  If I can work out for 30 minutes a day and cut down on the sweet cravings then I should be alright.  What do you eat when you want a cookie or piece of pie?
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Setting New Goals

Obviously I will not be reaching my goal of 180lbs by Christmas seeing as how I am 226 and only have 2 weeks left.  However, I think I have a really good excuse for not reaching my goal!
So nana-nana-booboo!  Lol.  I think new goals are in order, don't you?  Here are my new goals:

Flexible goals to strive for:
  • Keep weight gain below 227lbs (5lbs) until February which begins my second trimester.
  • Gain no more than 20lbs throughout my entire pregnancy, preferably 10-15lbs.

Hard fast goals to achieve:
  • Eat according to my pregnancy nutrition sheet each day.  That means: 4 servings per day of dairy, 3-4 of lean meat, 6 of grains, 1-2 of dark green, orange, and yellow fruits and veggies, 1-2 of vitamin C rich foods, and 2-6 of other fruits and veggies.
  • Drink enough water to keep me running to the bathroom all day (and unfortunately all night) and maintain light colored urine.
  • Exercise daily (preferably 30 minutes) even if it's just unpacking boxes, walking up and down our stairs for 10 minutes, or shoveling snow (although that last one is a pretty hard work out!).
  • Continue with DH and my Meat and Tater's diet.
  • Put my feet up every night for at least 30 minutes.
  • Take at least 15 minutes every day to relax and breathe deeply.
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I'm Home

I'm back lovelies!  Phew.... I hate being without internet.  It'll be a couple days... okay, maybe like a couple hours... before I get a real post up.  So besides not having e-mail, blogging, access to our bank account info (which is a rough thing when I had to fork over $3,000 for this move!)... I have "1000+" blog entries in my blog reader.  So, for the first time EVAR... I pressed "Mark all as read" without having skimmed them all first.  Eeek!  That means if you wrote something amazing in the last week and half I probably won't see it.  Sorry... but I do have a baby to care for (who has just woken up) and a house to unpack still.  If you have something you'd love for me to read and comment on, please let me know.  I'll be visiting the blogs where I read every single post, but there are many wonderful blogs I follow that I don't check daily but I don't want to miss what you have to say.

See y'all soon!
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Friday, December 3, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week 10

Here are my new goals:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs to get to 210lbs
  • List 10 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Unpack all the boxes from this move
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 222.2lbs which is a total 3.1lbs/15lbs lost, 12.2lbs to go! - I am not able to weigh myself until Monday or Tuesday so that is last week's weight in.
  • 5/15 items listed - I may not get this one done because all my crafting supplies are packed away now... but I'll keep trying
  • We are still moving today... this is taking much longer than it should have.  Anyways, we ought to be in the new house tonight and I can begin unpacking.  - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?
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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Friday Fun and Announcement!

We are in the middle of our move.  I will likely not have internet for Motivation Monday.  I will post late if I need to.  I'm kinda hoping a neighbor doesn't have their internet secured so we have access until ours can be reconnected in the new house.  See you sometime next week y'all!

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!





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Monday, November 29, 2010

A Bit Stressed...

... okay a lot stressed.  So first the good news:
  • We got the house we wanted and I signed the lease today.
  • Tomorrow I go to accept the keys and do the move in inspection.
  • The last month's rent and electricity is already paid for on our current place so we have until the end of December to move out.
Now the bad news:
  • The landlord wants to show the house ASAP... but it still looks like this in our bedroom because there is no where to store things in the house.
  • and the carpets need to be cleaned because the cat peed on the floor once when his little box was moved. 
Our house is in no condition to be seen and he wants to bring someone else in here to show it off.  It will only take until we can move out (hopefully this week but that is really short notice) to get it in shape to be seen.  What if the movers can't make it until a couple weeks from now?  Then what do I do?  We already got rid of our boxes so we have nothing to move things over ourselves.  I am just at a loss as to what to do in this situation.  The house is a mess and I can't very well hide everything in a closet.  They'll want to open all the closets to look in.  I can't avoid our landlord for more than a few days.  He lives 5ft from our front door in the apartment next to us.  What would you do?

UPDATE:  Thanks for all the advice y'all.  I found a moving company to come tomorrow morning and our landlord isn't having anyone come over until Thursday at 2.  God heard my prayers.  I'll let you all know how it goes.
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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Motivation In Motion - Planning a Party!

Next Saturday marks one year since Little Bit was born and I have decided to go ahead with his party even if we only have one friend attending.  The theme is Rubber Ducky!  Here are my ideas:
 Okay, imagine this first cake's top...
 With this cake's side...
Made out of twix bars like this cake... to equal a barrel with bubble bath and rubber ducky!

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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week 9

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs to get to 210lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 222.2lbs which is a total 3.1lbs/15lbs lost, 12.2lbs to go! - We are expecting baby number 2 in the Spring.  I am going to be careful not to gain more than 5lbs in the first three months.  My Dr says it is safe for me to lose as long as I am not cutting calories/nutrients.  I need to keep my weight in check so I can lessen my chance of pre-eclampsia this go 'round.
  • 5/15 items listed - Starting to fall behind on this one. Need to get working on my Christmas items.
  • Well, this one is obsolete so I need to re-evaluate it.  We are moving next week so I need to think up something to make our new house a home.  - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?
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"Black 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!








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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Motivation In Motion - Baby Pumpkin!

What could be more motivating to be healthy and active than shaping a human being into the basic structure that will determine their entire lives?!  Yeah... not much huh?  In honor of that feat, here are some pics of little baby Pumpkin to keep me motivated to do my very best for the next 9 months.


I'll be updating this post periodically with new pics.  I'll set the post date each time so hopefully it will alert you when I update.
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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Free Woman's Day Subscription

I am able to give away two free Woman's Day Subscriptions when I renew mine this month.  If you would like a free 1 year subscription, leave me a comment below.  I'll send an e-mail to the first two to respond and get the address you want me to have them sent to.  I am sure you will get a notification asking if you would like to continue your service for the next year (is it $16 for 12 issues), but your first year is completely free.

I really like their articles.  They have sections such as Live Well, Be Well, and Eat Well with issues on house care, decorating, health care, weight loss and recipes.
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Monday, November 22, 2010

Preeclampsia Prevention

Doctors are torn between whether or not you can prevent preeclampsia, but given that there is only one way to say it's inevitable... I'll be focusing on what I can do to prevent it and praying that it works.  Tips for preventing preeclampsia is much like saying have a healthy pregnancy, but with less leniency.  Here are some things that might help prevent it:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get plenty of dietary fiber
  • Get plenty of calcium and vitamin C
  • Limit salt intake
  • Get plenty of daily exercise, especially stretching exercise such as yoga
  • Put feet up and rest often through out the day
  • Practice relaxation methods such as meditation and deep breathing
  • Take time to relax and do nothing

What other things do you do to lower your stress level and blood pressure?
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Motivation Monday, November 22

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  click on the Motivation Monday photo above 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!

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

I'm So Scared

Last pregnancy I ended up with gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.  For those who don't know, pre-eclampsia is high blood pressure and water retention in pregnant women.  It can be mild or severe.  Mine was borderline severe by the time I was far enough along to be induced.  I was induced at the very earliest day they are allowed to induce at this hospital.  I also had to have magnesium dripped into me which made LB sleepy and unresponsive his first month of life.  We had a very hard time keeping him awake to feed him and he lost 15% of his birth weight (that is a lot).  The reason I needed it was to make sure my blood pressure didn't skyrocket and make me seize during labor. I have thought long and hard about this and I am pretty sure if they say I have to have the magnesium I will opt for an immediate c-section.  It was very unhealthy for LB to have that in his system and even though I would prefer a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), I want what is best for Pumpkin yet still safe for me.

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week 8

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs to get to 210lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 222.4lbs which is a total 2.9lbs/15lbs lost, 12.4lbs to go! - I gained this week... but that is to be expected.  I am pregnant again!  I am going to be careful not to gain more than 5lbs in the first three months.  My Dr says it is safe for me to lose as long as I am not cutting calories/nutrients.  I need to keep my weight in check so I can lessen my chance of pre-eclampsia this go 'round.
  • 5/15 items listed - Check. Need to get working on my Christmas items.
  • I worked on the Craft Room some more today!  I am almost finished with it.  It looks a lot better at least. - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?
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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!





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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

At a Loss for Words

I just found something out that really pisses me off.  I have been trying so hard to stay relaxed and calm but this trip back to my parent's house is just driving me up a *beeping* wall!

First off, EVERY SINGLE TIME I talk to my mom she asked what LB is eating and why isn't he eating finger foods and table foods yet.  He is not even a year old.  He can't chew yet.  He has only been eating baby food for 4 months now because of allergies.  Any time we give him a soaked, soggy cheerio (because hard ones are worse on him) he gags and throws up.  He is not ready, period, the end.  He will be ready when he is ready.  Apparently that is not soon enough for her... she has a plan to have my brother take us out and leave LB at home so she can force feed him until he learns to chew.  I don't f'in think so!  I was already planning on not leaving the house without him, but now I am not leaving the ROOM without him.  He will be in his daddy's arms if I have to go potty!  (Which is every hour now btw lol... doing good on fluids at least.)

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Monday, November 15, 2010

{Rant} Flying with a Baby

We are traveling 13 hours on a plane in a couple months and I just got off the phone with the airline we are using.  My parents bought our tickets and our son is having to ride in our laps.  I was concerned that our car seat might get damaged if there wasn't an empty seat and it had to be stowed below.  First off, they do not cover damage to car seats and strollers because they can be checked for free.  If you put them in a box and check them at the counter, they are.

Secondly, and this is what made me go wtf?!... even though their policy says that if there is an open seat the car seat can be used at no extra cost apparently "the stewardesses don't like car seats on the plane anyways".  Um I am sorry but their job is to make flying more comfortable.  I don't give a flying hoot if they like them or not.  You know what the lady said to me next?  "You can just use a seat belt and it's fine."  My son is 1 year old... do you really think he can sit up correctly and have a normal airplane seat belt strapped across his lap and not come flying out of it (or even crawl out of it)?!

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Motivation Monday, November 15

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  click on the Motivation Monday photo above 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!

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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Surprise!!!

You may have noticed a new ticker under my weight loss ticker...

Guess I won't be going on the birth control again. lol  If my Dr.s advice is the same as it was for LB's pregnancy, I am still a go for losing weight until month three which would be around January I think.  I'll be making an appointment with my obstetrician next week to go over nutrition and safe weight loss.  Unless their advice has changed dramatically and they want me in bed (which I highly doubt) I will still be competing in the Biggest Loser Competition and working toward my Hot 100 goal of 210lbs.

I'll keep y'all updated!
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Thursday, November 11, 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!







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Hot 100 Update Week 7

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs to get to 210lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 220.6lbs which is a total 4.7lbs/15lbs lost, 10.3lbs to go! - Still on the right track.  I need to work out more.  All my cokes and pizzas are gone.  Just chicken, tuna, and turkey from now on. (With fruits and veggies of course.)  I got my daily recommended amount each day this week.
  • 5/15 items listed - Check.  I have some Christmas items to make and put in the shop still.  I am planning on making some mini top hats, aprons, and cute home decor I saw at Micheal's but I thought was for too expensive.
  • I started on the Craft Room today!  I went through a lot of clothes and papers.  I found schoolwork from elementary school... and this pack rat threw it out!  Go me! - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Motivation in Motion - LB's Birthday Anniversary Party


Yes, I said Birthday Anniversary... You only have one birthday; all the rest are just anniversaries.  We celebrated LB's one and only birthday a couple days after he was born.

It is coming up on his first anniversary and I am having trouble deciding what to do about it.  You can read all about my problem here, on my family blog.

I am making this a Motivation in Motion post because I think I really need to use this party as a motivation to finish (or keep) working on the house.  It looks HORRIBLE all of a sudden.  That one week of LB and I being sick and the house is worse than when I started.  It's depressing and draining my motivation every time I see another pile of crap... which btw is EVERYWHERE!  I am almost done with the house.  That is, if I really dedicated myself to decluttering and decorating, I would be done in a week... as it is I will be lucky to have it done by next Christmas.

I'll keep you updated on my progress, no matter how great or small.  Thanks, as always, for your loving and generous support.  Y'all are amazing readers.  Heck, if I get this done... I bet DH wouldn't mind hosting a Visa gift card giveaway in your honor.  He's already getting his thank you in the form of a massage chair.  We're hoping to bring it home before Christmas.
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Sunday, November 7, 2010

Motivation Monday, November 6

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 click on the Motivation Monday photo above 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!

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Saturday, November 6, 2010

Who'll Be the Biggest Loser?

Lauren, from A Survival Guide to Healthy Living and Juice Plus+ Consultant is hosting a Biggest Loser competition among some of her blogger friends and I'm entered!  The contest began yesterday with a starting weight of 222.6lbs.

Starting next week, I will be doing my weigh ins on Friday mornings so I can report the most accurate numbers to Lauren.  I will still be waiting to post them until my Motivation Monday meme, but you might notice my weight loss ticker and progress charts changing on Fridays from now on.  I don't want to confuse anyone. :0P

My good friend, Dawn from All About Dawn, is competing too!  Please head over to her blog to give her some words of encouragement along the way.  I know she would be overjoyed to have your comments grace her blog posts.  We all love comments!

So, who will be the biggest loser and win?  I don't know... but stay tuned to Motivation Monday to find out how I'm coming along!
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Friday, November 5, 2010

I am a Complete Emotional Wreck!


Read all about it on my One Day At a Time blog here:  http://onedayatatimediary.blogspot.com/2010/11/complete-emotional-wreck.html

There is a really funny video to watch too. :0)  I highly encourage you to watch it if you're a mom.
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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week #6

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 222lbs which is a total 3.3lbs/15lbs lost, 11.7lbs to go! - I figured I would gain some back from being sick, but I didn't shoot back up to per sick weight. That is good.
  • Still on track. 5/15 items listed, 1 sold, custom order in the works. - Check
  • Unpacked a bunch of boxes today. It just wasn't in any of my planned rooms... but it's progress! - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?
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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!








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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I've Been Tagged by Jenn and Rachel

Jenn tagged me in a fun game.  She gave me four questions to answer and then I make up four questions of my own to tag four friends with.  Here we go!

Jenn's Questions for Me:
1.  If you could be anyone besides yourself for an entire day, who would it be and why?
That one is a tie.  I would like to be my husband so I could see what a day in his life is really like.  We could relate to each other and comfort each other better.  Plus, I think it would be fun to be a man for the day (read into that how you want teehee).  The second would be my son when he turns 4.  I would love to be in his playful, young body with my adult mind.  I could experience being a kid again, playing with no worries in the world.
2.  What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Well, I really like Thursdays I suppose.  That is when I have Bible Study.  I get to dive into the Bible and spend time with like minded women who strengthen and challenge me.
3.  If you could change your name, what would it be, and why?
I've actually been thinking about this one for a few days now... in the event we have a girl one day.  Here are my favorites: Scarlet and Ariana after two of my good childhood friends and my very favorite: Aurora.  I just love that name!  If I write a book I'll likely use it as my pen name.  I prefer to be anonymous while DH is still in the military since I'll likely speak of it on my blogs. A lot of people assume its because I live in Alaska, but really the idea is from Sleeping Beauty.
4.  What is your favorite song?
I have several:  One for DH and I which is Metallica's Nothing Else Matters
and three for just me:  My sexy song: One Hot Mama by Trace Adkins My strength song: Bring on the Rain by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw  My encouragement song: More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz

My Questions for You,
1.  What is your all time favorite food, and why?
2.  What is your favorite workout or activity, and why?
3.  If you could live anywhere in the world where would that be, and why?
4.  What is your favorite animal, and why?

I got tagged again!  I have a feeling this might happen more than once so I'll just add them to this post.  Rachel from Watch Me Lose It wants to know:
1.How hard has it been to find the moral support that you need while you are working on yourself?
It hasn't been very hard to find external support as my husband has been rooting for me every step of the way.  However, finding support from within has been hard.  I am finally evening out and last night was pretty cool... I put on tops I haven't worn since high school!  I just need to work on loving and supporting myself all the time and not just when something good happens.

2. What movie would you watch over and over again without EVER complaining?
I do watch Under the Tuscan Sun over and over.  I also watch Rudy, Last Holiday, and Chicago over and over.

3. What was the craziest thing you have ever done for/on vacation.
Um, I have no idea.  I've only been on a couple and I was real little.  I think it is time we take a family vacation so I can do something crazy.  I'm not sure its crazy, except for the fact that I live in Alaska... but I would like to go white water rafting again.

4. What's on your homepage?
News?  My homepage is Yahoo! but I almost always open my browser by clicking on the e-mail button so I don't really look at my home page much.
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Monday, November 1, 2010

A Very Difficult Decision

I have made a very difficult decision.  I will be going back on my birth control.  It was a choice between gaining weight and being depressed or possibly getting pregnant.  The problem is that if I get pregnant, DH won't be here for the baby's birth and his/her first year of life.  He is deploying next year.  Normally that is just the draw back of his job, but because of how bad my postpartum depression was, I think it would be safer for me to wait until he gets home to become pregnant again (If I'm not already that is).  Who knows, we might end up with an R&R baby, but at least he would be here to help me through my depression when s/he is born.  I figure once he leaves I can go off the birth control again and my depression will clear.  I should also be able to continue losing weight while he is away and possibly hit my goal weight by the time he comes home.

I was looking at my weight chart and I didn't have that big of a problem losing weight on the birth control.  I can see where I plateaued and gained a little, but it could also be attributed to my gallbladder attacks and subsequent surgery.  I guess we'll have to see. 

I will still be doing my Motivation Mondays, Motivation in Motion and Hot 100 posts, and competing in the weight loss competiton with my family and The Biggest Loser contest hosted by Lauren.  By the way, if you would like to participate in her competition you still have until Friday to throw your name in the hat.  It is only a $10 buy in and the winner gets the pot!  At the moment I think we are up to an $80 pot.
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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Motivation Monday, October 31

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 click on the Motivation Monday photo above 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!


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Friday, October 29, 2010

Separating Fear from Wisdom

I was talking with a friend today about the fear that paralyzes me in life.  A couple years ago I was almost arrested for something I didn't know I had done.  The charges were dropped because they turned out to be bogus, but the fear from that situation, sitting in a room all alone thinking I would be in jail when my husband left for 8 months of basic and advanced training, has crippled me since.  That day, I lost my confidence and have yet to find it again.  I am constantly gripped by fear, a fear of doing things wrong, of messing up, of making others angry at me, of failing.  I was discussing this with a friend of mine today and this is what he said when I expressed that I felt stupid all the time.

"Fear is an emotional response. Wisdom is the learned ability to recognize and control fear."
- Tyler Tidwell

I feel as if that amazing, outward, loving, confident, intelligent woman I once was has been stolen.  All of a sudden, everything I do is wrong.  I'm not smart anymore.  I don't know how to do math; I don't know simple every day conversions; I know nothing about history or politics.  I didn't forget all those things, they must still be in my mind somewhere, but the fear has pushed them away.  I feel like a scared, helpless child... and folks, as a child I never felt that way.  I was always brimming with confidence, even to a fault.  I was one of those kids that knew everything, and if I didn't, you can bet I would find out and report back to you with an air of confidence that would make you question if you really knew the answer to begin with.

Where did that person go?  Is she still in me somewhere?  I struggle with this daily.  I think I need to find the answer to this question to know for sure:  If I am in fact not stupid but have become more wise, then how do I separate this fear of failure from my wisdom?  How do I know when the fear ends and the wisdom to keep quiet begins?

I really don't know, but I found some quotes to help.  I hope if you are living in fear that they will help you too.

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Thursday, October 28, 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!







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Hot 100 Update Week 5

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • I lost 8lbs. That is a total loss of 6.8lbs in the last 5 weeks. - Yes, 8lbs.  I had a stomach virus.  I am slowly gaining that back which is okay because 8lbs in one week, even at my weight, is not healthy.
  • Still on track.  5/15 items listed, 1 sold, custom order in the works.  I also sold something on Ebay that I've been trying to sell for a while.  Old engagement ring/wedding sold!  It was hard to see it go, but it was healing I guess... I don't know lol - Check
  • At a stand still because LB and I both had stomach viruses last week.  We are better now and I can get started again.  - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?
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Time to Celebrate!

I figured I ought to follow my own advice.  I posted the advice of several weight loss successes and one of the suggestions was to celebrate every victory.  I have been focusing so much on the weight I've gained back after my gallbladder surgery that I completely ignored how far I've come.  In fact, I have 9 celebrations I should have partied through so far!  Sooo without further ado... some well earned back patting!

Yay for me!  
And Yay for my supportive husband!  
And Yay for my supportive bloggy friends!

Let's Celebrate!!!
{Gifts can be left in the form of comments.  I LOVE comments! teehee}

But wait... there's MORE.... read on!
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Will You Be My Sounding Board?

I've been throwing around some thoughts lately and I am having the hardest time sorting them out.  Would you mind reading along and giving me your honest opinion?  You've been so helpful and supportive already; I was hoping I could ask for your assistance once more.

Here's what I've been thinking {in bullet form since it's all pretty jumbled in my mind}:
  • I need to do something more with my life.
  • I should be earning money {even though we don't need it}.
  • I shouldn't take away jobs from someone who really needs that money.
  • What I earn would be less than LB's daycare costs, so I should work at home.
  • What can I do to earn money at home?
  • I can craft for my etsy shop but it's more of a "comes and goes" need to create with my hands.
  • I can work on my novels but that will take years before anything comes of it.
  • I could open my house as a daycare but I haven't had any takers yet.
  • Why is money so important to me when we have enough to live on?  I don't want it to be that important.  I want happiness and fulfillment to be more important. 
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Feeling Comfortable Naked

As you all have read by now, it is Eat Chocolate Naked week over at Kimberly's Blog, The Art of Eating Chocolate Naked.  She is talking about loving our bodies just the way it is this week.

My body may not be the most healthy it can be right now; I may have 60lbs left to loose; but I can still love the body I am in, today.  I can get out of bed, walk to the nursery {at 3 in the morning}, lift my son and cuddle him back to sleep, then groggily walk back to bed and fall asleep.  I can snuggle up to my husband and be completely responsive if he wants to show me outwardly how much he loves me.  I can jump around the yard and chase after our very energetic puppy in the freezing snow.  I can curl up on the couch and play mind games or read a book.  I can pop some cookies in the oven and smell the sweet aroma filling the house.  These are all blessings I can count each and every day I am alive.  And as I get more and more healthy, I can add to the list of amazing things my body can do for me.  What can your body do for you that you just love to do?


Yesterday Kimberly challenged us to spend 10 minutes, just 10 minutes, completely naked.  She said we could do anything we wanted... I know it takes me at least 10 minutes to do the dishes.  Did you take the challenge?  If not, I am imploring you to do it today.

I do want to share something personal with you all about me being naked.  I am NOT comfortable with it.  Not really because I don't like how I look, although that plays a part in it.  No, I don't like it because I was raised to always be dressed properly.  My hubby on the other hand strips down to nothing and slaps on his robe {sometimes} when he gets home.  The uniform isn't too comfy and he's very comfortable in his birthday suit.  Before I met my husband, I couldn't even sleep naked.  I had gotten so used to having to wear a bra at all times, and having grown up in such a strict house, that after my breast reduction surgery I just continued wearing shirts to bed. Because I was raised in a home without any hugging or kissing, I just about lost it when DH was holding the baby without any undies on for the first time.  I knew bare skin to skin was a good thing for baby, but somehow I had rationalized that you should only bare enough skin for the baby to lay on.  Silly right?  I am proud to say I have gotten over that hang up and now feel that my naked body is a beautiful thing.  Of course, I can't be going around naked once our son gets older... so I'd better do it now!

So, do you have 10 minutes today to be naked?  I'm sure you can find them.  If you haven't already, you should sign up for Kimberly's e-mails.  She sends you her awesome Body Affirmation package.  Doing these affirmations everyday will help you be more comfortable in your skin.  They have done wonders for my confidence.  What are you waiting for?
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Monday, October 25, 2010

Stylish and Versatile

Lise at The Baby Bottom Line thinks I am Stylish and Versatile!  Thank you so much Lise!  I am honored.
I also received the Versatile blog award from Jessica at Punk Rock Momma!


I truly am honored and humbled by the response this page has gotten.  I figured it would turn some heads with the nearly nude update photos.  I also guessed that participating in the follow me memes would get me some viewers...  but what I didn't expect was that after I stopped entering those memes, I gained more followers on this blog than on my original blog!  I have been so overwhelmed and blessed by the love and support from you, my readers.  I would like to offer both of these awards to the following blogs who really support me day in and day out.  Thank you ladies for your kind words and encouragement to keep keepin' on. {There are several more of you but I don't know your blog sites... or perhaps you don't have one.  Either way, you are awesome too!}

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Eat Chocolate Naked Week Has Begun!

Y'all! I am so excited about this week! Kimberly Riggins is hosting her Eat Chocolate Naked Week. Now, a lot of the women participating are fit women with just some minor hang ups about their bodies, but I want you to know that this is so important to women trying to lose more substantial weight as well. Today she asked some questions as an entry to win a session with her about body issues. She is a Board Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Counselor and Coach, accredited with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition and several certifications as a Personal Trainer. She knows what she's talkin' about and I really urge you to take advantage of her free advice on her blog. It's very eye opening at times and always encouraging.


I started answering her questions thinking, oh this isn't hard... and then it got personal. My answers got emotional. I wanted to share with you what I wrote to her so that you can be encouraged and maybe feel like you aren't alone in case you have the same struggles.
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Sunday, October 24, 2010

Motivation Monday, October 25

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!

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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Eating a Rainbow

Red fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called "lycopene" or "anthocyanins." Lycopene in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit, for example, may help reduce risk of several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Anthocyanins in strawberries, raspberries, red grapes and other fruits and vegetables act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage.  Red fruits and veggies also help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

Orange/yellow fruits and vegetables are usually colored by natural plant pigments called "carotenoids." They also contain zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C. Beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes. Scientists have also reported that carotenoid-rich foods can help reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and can improve immune system function. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C and folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce risk of birth defects.

Green fruits and vegetables contain chlorophyll, fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, folate, vitamin C, calcium, and Beta-carotene. The nutrients found in these vegetables normalize digestion time and boost immune system activity.

Blue/purple fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called "anthocyanins." Anthocyanins in blueberries, grapes and raisins act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They may help reduce risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. Other studies have shown that eating more blueberries is linked with improved memory function and healthy aging. These nutrients improve calcium and other mineral absorption, fight inflammation, reduce tumor growth, act as an anticarcinogens in the digestive tract, and limit the activity of cancer cells.

White fruits and vegetables are colored by pigments called "anthoxanthins." They contain nutrients such as beta-glucans, EGCG, SDG, and lignans that provide powerful immune boosting activity. These nutrients also activate natural killer B and T cells, reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers, and balance hormone levels, reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers.

You can go here to see which rainbow foods I'll be munching on during the day.
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Thursday, October 21, 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 meeting new people!


Won't You Join Me?
I host a weekly meme called Motivation Monday.  You can link up anything you need motivation and encouragement to finish:  getting healthy, a craft project, your homework! lol
 

{Click on the Picture to see all my Motivation Monday Posts}

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:

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!
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Hot 100 Update Week 4

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • I lost another .8lbs. - Headed in the Right Direction
  • Still on track.  4/15 items listed, 1 sold, custom order in the works.  I also sold something on Ebay that I've been trying to sell for a while.  Now I just need to sell my old engagement ring/wedding set. - Check
  • I got started on the nursery last week.  Just a few more things to finish and I'll have one room down.  - In Progress
Hmmm, nothing has really changed this week huh?  Oh well, I'm still heading in the right direction so that's always good.

How did you do with your goals this week?
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An All New Diet

Well, I am almost back to normal.  I am still only able to eat applesauce and crackers, but I'm not getting sick anymore.  I think in a couple days I'll be able to eat anything I want again.  Which brings an interesting thought to mind...

There is literally nothing in my system right now.  Thank you virus for the system flush...  It wasn't pleasant, but it is what it is.  Now the question is, what will I put back in it?

Like I said, I have not bought any cheese this month.  In fact, the only dairy in the house is milk and vanilla yogurt.  I think I will concentrate on the chicken and fish in the freezer for meals.  We have some 90% lean meat as well but I think that's going to be too harsh for me for at least a week.  Plus, with the cost of meat it's more something we eat on occasion and not several times a week.  Let's see, what should I be eating?
  • Whole grains - whole grain homemade bread, brown rice
  • Veggies - green beans, corn, spinach, carrots, broccoli
  • Fruits - tomatoes, pears, peaches, apples
  • Lean meats/Proteins - chicken, fish, soybutter, beans, eggs
  • Low fat dairy - milk, yogurt, cottage cheese
Looks pretty good to me.  Any suggestions?
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