PROGRESS!

LORD its good to step on the scale and see progress!  I am happy to report I am down to 129 and have ran Monday and Tuesday (albeit not a long distance, the effort still counts) and have done my sit-up on Monday and will do them tonight for day #2 AND I have successfully been tracking my foods each day this week.  I needed the boost in confidence as I am feeling pretty down on myself as of late...
Happiness here I come again :)
a

Sit-Up Challenge....

...might be harder than I thought.  Ha ha.

Back before I had 2 c-sections, I used to be able to do 500 sit-ups in an exercise class. It was hard, but totally doable for me. Last night I started the 200 Sit-Up Challenge with A and some other friends and I only had to do 67 sit-ups the first night. Yeah.... um... it was sort of hard. My abs are just NOT the same as they used to be. I know that when you get a c-section, they literally cut through your stomach muscles, but I never thought they'd be this weak. Ugh. Oh well, I guess this is why we are doing this challenge. It is going to be HARD though. But I'm up for it... BE GONE FLABBY ABS!

-V

A New Beginning.

Hello, A here.
Today starts a new day!  New week, new month (almost), new outlook on life.  This morning I got up and ran (well, attempted to run) and did my sit-up challenge with V.  It's 11:30 EST and already I am sore, lord knows what tomorrow brings.  I had a great Thanksgiving and drank my weight in wine.  I am 131.5 this morning and it stops here.  I will weigh myself every single day to remind myself of the damage done by the food and drinking that I was happy to take in (and G-D it was good!) but it's gotta stop.  I signed back up for Calorie Count today and I know they are laughing at me, rude.
Anyway, on the path to healthy! 
Happy Healthy Eats to you!
a

Back!

Hello! We survived an awesome Thanksgiving weekend! It was crazy busy, with tons of travel, but all in all I had a blast. I had about 5 minutes of sleep the entire weekend, but who needs sleep anyway?

Wednesday night I went to my mother-in-law's house with the kids, while my husband went to the Hunting Ranch with 'the guys' for the night. We all had a fun girls night with my husband's sister and her girls joining us too.

Thursday, we drove to my husband's brothers house and had a great day. The kids were in Heaven with all the attention and other kids to play with. They both even took a nap there and I had a whole hour to just socialize. I think I almost forgot how to do that... he he.

Friday we headed home, only to pack right back up again and head to Ann Arbor on Saturday to see my family. My brother and niece were in town so it was great to see them. I was still a little bitter towards my parents for blowing off S's 1st birthday party. But I need to just get over it because unfortunately, nothing is going to change on that front. My parents are wonderful people, but they can be very blind and selfish about things like that. That is how they are and I need to just deal with it. It's not like they are going to suddenly change. Besides, I wasn't there for them, I was there to see my brother and niece who I only usually get to see twice a year since they live across the country.

Eating wise I did better than I thought I would. I definitely had a full meal on Thanksgiving, but that was about it. I didn't indulge in anything extra. I even got a run AND a bike ride in on Friday, to burn it off too. It was 60 degrees here, which is crazy for Michigan in November. The one little snafu I had was on Saturday night. I did good allllll day at my parents house. But, we drank wine on Saturday night and I got a little loopy, which lead to eating. DUMB! Anyway, not perfect, but still better than I normally would have done.

I can see that I've lost a few pounds already. Not sure if I mentioned this or not, but part of the contest rules is that I can only weigh myself 3 times between now and Feb 20th. So as much as I would have liked to step on that scale, I am going to wait until it gets closer to Feb 20th so I can see what I weigh when it really counts. Because I am NOT losing.

I saw that A put a post up about what happened to her. I am glad to see her writing about it. Having suffered from a similar loss myself, I know what an emotional rollercoaster having a miscarriage can be. I think talking about it, is the first step to healing though. For any of you readers out there, I'm sure she could use some words of encouragement. So please feel free to write something on her post.

Lastly, A, myself, and 3 other friends started the 200 Sit-Up Challenge today. http://www.twohundredsitups.com
I'm super pumped to do this with other people. It makes it fun to get back into shape. And let me tell you, these flabby abs need it!

Well here's a great week of eating healthy and exercising! Woot Woot!

-V

Life Must Go On.

and go on it shall...hello from the a side of things.   things have been a lit crazy lately  and i have sad news.  we lost the baby two weeks ago and life has been difficult to say the least.  now i about ten pounds up and no baby. ive been very sad and down but thanks to an amazing weekend with v and her kids along with my son b i am feeling more like me again and need to get the weight back off and feel happy with my body  ive been doing ok but the exercise needs to kick in full gear and i will be participating with v in her sit up challenge. i need all the help and encoragement i can get!!!  this is being posted from my phone so excuse the errors. happy turkey day to all!

Hunger Point

The first few days of eating healthy really suck. It's almost like you go through withdrawals. This is day 3 and I'm just HUNGRY. But, I know this is a good thing and I will get some great results, so I'm just going to suck it up because I am NOT losing this contest... he he.

Sunday, my mother-in-law threw me a surprise pizza party for my birthday. Yesterday I came to work to find a huge bagel with a big glop of cream cheese waiting for me on my desk. It was very nice of a coworker to save a bagel for me, but no way was I eating it. When she wasn't looking, I wrapped it in a bag and threw it in my trash. THEN today, I got to work and my boss got me 2 gift certificates to McDonald's for my birthday. Again, super nice, but really?  I feel like somehow my husband is orchestrating this to make me suffer... bastard  =)

This past weekend was awesome! The visit from A and her little man was soooooo much fun. It was so nice having her here. We even managed to sneak away from the kids and go have some wine and food at a restaurant. Well, lots of wine and a bit of food. Ok, well we sat up drinking until 1:30am, but COME ON! How often do I get to do that? And I promise you, I paid for it the next day, which of course was my little girl's 1st birthday and I had to cook for 15 people... good times.

Actually little S's 1st birthday was fabulous! Great food, great family, great friends. The kids had so much fun running all around, it was a zoo. But it's always wonderful to be surrounded by the people you love and having A there made it that much more special.

It should be an interesting week to start a diet/healthy eating regimen, being that its Thanksgiving. The only thing I've got going for me is I'll probably be so busy chasing after my kids and trying to make them eat, I won't have much time to eat myself. Let's hope at least.

I'm not sure if I'll have a chance to post for the rest of the week. We leave tomorrow for my mother-in-law's house. Then on Saturday I'm headed to Detroit to see my family since my brother and niece are in town visiting.

Have a great Thanksgiving!
-V

Seriously.... Can't Move.... Ouch

Soooooooooo, went for that run yesterday. It went well... but I seriously am SO sore today. How pathetic is that? Now, something you should know about me. When I do something, I do it like a million percent. There is no middle road for me. I'm either "on" or I'm "off," hardcore. So the smart person, not having had run for a while, would have done a nice slow jog to test the waters. Me? Yeah, I ran hard and long. Which is what I used to do when I was in shape, but is pretty hard when you are out of shape. So I'm definitely going to be feeling it for a few days. But I'm glad I did it and will continue to do so.

Anyway, Sunday starts my 19 lb weight loss challenge with my husband. www.loseit.com says I get 1,600 calories a day to lose the weight by then. So I am super pumped about this. This is really the nudge I needed to get back on the wagon again. Especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, it's just so easy to pack it on.

And for the most fun news, A gets here tomorrow with her son! I'm getting super excited. I'm happy I get to spend the first night with my kids still gone, so I can actually pay attention to her and her son. Because once my kids get home on Friday, they will be up my butt.

Also my precious little girl's 1st birthday is on Saturday. I cannot believe it's been a year already. I felt like with my son the year went by super slow, but with my daughter it flew by. We are having a family party on Saturday (minus my parents who feel like it's more important to attend the U of M football game, than to come to her party... that's another story for another day). But it should be a fun-filled day with lots of family and a few friends to celebrate.

V

Reeeeeelaxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

So I know I should be happy having the house to myself. I mean all I seem to do on here is bitch and moan about how busy I am taking care of 2 kids... but I miss my babies!

You would think that I would have had the BEST sleep in the world last night... but I kept waking up listening for my kids, forgetting momentarily that they weren't there. I did that like a billion times. It's hard for me to relax because I'm just used to going and going and going. I think it's going to take a bit for me to remember how to relax again.

Oh, and for the 2nd time in a week, I had a dream about The Wiggles last night. WTF? And in both dreams, I kissed one of The Wiggles (at least it was the same guy in both dreams). I need serious help I think.

I am going to go for a run tonight after work. Its going to be 60 today, probably one of the last warm days we are going to have here in Michigan. So I am going to take advantage of it. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, that means I collapsed from being so out of shape. Wish me luck!

V

19 lbs

So, my husband weighed himself on Friday and realized he's gained 19 lbs in the past 2 years. Now seriously, the man is so skinny and built, I have no idea where this 19 lbs is. But, he insists he's gained it and is determined to lose it. So he challenged me to a contest (we love a good contest in my house and always have one going between us because we are both extremely competitive) to see who can lose 19 lbs by Feb 20th. If one of us doesn't make this goal, then the other gets to come up with an AWFUL thing they have to do.

So his idea is that if I don't make my goal I have to put a bikini on, and write "I Lost" on my stomach and send that photo to FIVE people (just so you know A, you will be one of the five). Seriously, shoot me. The thing I came up with is that he has to go get a couples massage with me. Now that may sound fabulous to some people, but my husband is FREAKED out by that stuff. Doesn't want any stranger touching him or anything. I get so jealous of my friends and their spouses that go and get these all the time. So, I think it would be hilarious to go do it. Plus, I get a massage out of the deal, so it's a win/win for me. I get to see my husband EXTREMELY uncomfortable and I get a massage....

So here is the nudge I needed to get back on the healthy eating wagon. I think losing this shouldn't be too much of a problem since I have A LOT to lose. Its going to be harder for him because he's skinny now to begin with. So BRING IT ON HUSBAND!

In other news, we survived our weekend of traveling. It was very hard and frustrating at times, dragging two kids to funeral homes, churches, dinners and long car rides. But considering, my kids did great. They looooooooved staying in a hotel. Though it was awesome and both slept through the night, so that helps. But we were exhausted by the time we got home at 10pm Saturday night.

Unfortunately, A was unable to make it this past weekend for a visit (for reasons I will let her discuss if she feels the need) but she is coming to visit me this weekend instead. So I'm pumped for that.

My husband is taking my kids up north today to his mom's so he can hunt. I get the house to myself for 3 whole days! I'm super excited, but also having minor panic attacks about not having my kids with me. I am going to miss them so much. But it will be nice to have some alone time.

That's all for now...
V

Weekend of Fun... Gone

Well I was so looking forward to this upcoming weekend. My husband is home and I thought we would have some breathing room. BUT my husband's great aunt died yesterday, so we are off to the east side of the state for the weekend. I've never met this woman, but from what I hear, she was wonderful. And by no means do I want to make light of her passing. BUT, we are going to stay in a hotel room on Friday night... with both kids. Seriously, I cannot think of anything less fun than that. OH WAIT, I can! Then on Saturday we have the funeral in the morning and THEN have to hop in the car and drive an hour to my nephew's baptism and then 2 hours home. So my kids will be sitting in quiet churches for the majority of the day. I mean, it's like I can hear the temper tantrums echoing throughout the church already... good times.

BUT, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. My husband is going away hunting next week (Mon-Thurs) AND taking the kids with him to his mom's house. So I get FOUR WHOLE DAYS by myself in my house! I cannot even imagine. Too bad I have to work all week, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

I WILL make sure I workout every one of those darn days. I know I'm going to miss my kids terribly, but I am also pretty pumped to have some alone time.

Still needing to get back on the healthy eating band wagon... tough love from anyone out there?

-V

The Fear of The Scale.

Well hello from the A side of things.  I am alive (barely) and I am finally making it to the other side of my first trimester (WOOT!).
I have not blogged in a bit for a few reasons, one of which is due to extreme FATIGUE and extreme hormone issues.  I have been angry and tired and busy and annoyed and irritable and did I mention - tired and annoyed?  Happily though, it's finally passing and I am starting to feel like me again.
That brings the 2nd point to light, the scale.  I have been gung-ho about keeping on track, eating only my "additional 300 calories needed for the baby" (yeah, right) and none of that is going well. Side Note: I firmly believe that male doctor made that claim and I would like to meet him and slap him in the face, no woman would EVER set that standard....or at least one that has had a baby. End result, I've not weighed myself since I stepped on the scale a few weeks ago at the Dr's office. I'm scared to and my tummy is sticking out quite a bit already.  I know weight gain is part of the process, I've worked so hard to get it off that mentally I'm having a hard time adjusting to my new body....and the one that's to come.  I know that's awful to say, but it's true.
Onward and upward, my web-based friends.  Physically fit, I'm trying to be!
-a

Top Things Not To Say To A Pilot's Wife

Are you scared something will happen to him?

No – I actually hadn’t thought about until just now when you said that – so thanks for that!

He’ll be back in no time – Keep busy, he’ll be back before you know it!

Um.... keep busy, really? Cause taking care of 2 kids alone for multiple days on end, isn't busy enough?


Do you feel like a single mom?

This is probably the most common question I get. It's rude. I'm sorry, but single moms are AMAZING people. They do this alone, with no help from anyone. Am I alone alot? Yes. But I also have multiple, upon multiple days at home with my husband. It's an insult to me, and insult to my husband and most importantly an insult to single moms.

Come and visit us!

Thank you very much. But no thanks. Do you really want to help? If so then come and visit ME

Do you get to fly with your husband when he goes on a trip?

Surrrrrre, I can take off at a moment's notice any time a trip pops up. At 11 months and 3 years old, the kids are plenty old enough to stay home alone at this point. And my work? They don't need me to come in.

Do you have family nearby to help?
Yes, but I'm pretty sure I've got it covered, I am quite capable, thanks

I don’t know how you do it. I don’t think I could.

What exactly do you mean by that? Would you divorce the father of your children because he’s going away? I’m actually not quite sure how we do it either but I know one thing – you’re right - not everyone could.


-V   =)

November's been kicking my a**

Hello there. Yes, I totally suck and haven't posted in a week! Life has been kicking my butt lately and I'm sorry I've been a total blog slacker.

It started with Halloween weekend. It seemed like the Saturday and Sunday before Halloween we had a party everyday where the kids had to be in full costume. Do you understand how long it takes to get two kids into costumes? Especially an 11-month-old who HATES being in a costume? I would literally be sweating by the time I was done. I had the cutest pink cheetah costume for my daughter, but she refused to wear it. Every time I put it on, she'd rip the hat off and then it just looked like she was wearing a polka dot jumper from hell. So I ended up putting her in my son's old pumpkin costume that she couldn't rip off... oh well.  My son was DJ Lance from the kids tv show Yo Gabba Gabba. He was ADORABLE! Even if the stupid hat and glasses fell off every 2 seconds.

By the time Halloween came around on Monday, it was our 3rd day in a row of wearing these costumes. But we had a great time. My husband got home late Sunday night, so he was able to go trick or treating with us.

Then Daylight Savings decided to wreak havic on my house. I tell you, who ever came up with the idea did not have little kids. My 11-month-old, who normally sleeps until 8am, has gotten up between 6am & 6:30am the past 2 days. I don't even want to know what time my son has been getting up. He normally is up by 6am anyway... lucky for me, he just plays quietly in bed until someone comes in to get him.

Other than that, things have just been crazy busy. My husband left for flight school training last night and he will be gone for the whole week. Soooooo, yet again I'm on my own. My healthy eating has taken a MAJOR backseat to all the craziness going on in my life. I know, I know, its NO excuse to eat like sh*t. But alas, I have been. I'm sure I gained back those 7lbs I lost. I did workout yesterday though, so at least that's something. I need to get back on the wagon. Anyone want to give me some tough love? Please, write anything you want on here, I can take it. Call me a fat a**, call me whatever you want to motivate me. I can take it.

Anyway, I promise I will be back to blogging this week.

AND A comes to visit on Friday with her little boy!  Yey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait!

-V