Finishing what I start.

I get the vacuum out, realize I have to pick up all the toys and laundry off the floor before I can begin.  I drop some dirty socks off in the boys room where I discover all their costumes strewn about the floor. Sigh. "Boys! Get in here and clean up your room!" I start helping them, take a sippy cup from their room to the sink. Full sink of dishes, I better do them. Start the dishes, Reece asks for a snack and some milk in his baby language that only I understand.  I look at the clock, it's 1:30pm already? Sheesh I need to make lunch! Start lunch.  Feed the boys. Better make myself something too, I'm starving.  Pretty soon a couple hours have gone by and I haven't vacuumed, boys didn't finish their room, dishes aren't done, and I'm tired!

I HATE this about myself.  I have issues finishing what I start.  Those few things are small, but big things as well I struggle with.  Losing all the weight.  Keeping goals.  Doing what I say I'm going to do. Even sticking to my dinner menus.  Blah.

I know I CAN stick to something if I am really motivated.  Like my half marathons, and triathlons. I didn't give up on those.  I finished.   But those I knew I could at least finish.  It wasn't like I was going to be rejected from trying.  It was in my control. 

I tend to give up on dreams and goals when I think I really can't achieve them. Why bother right?  I always tell my husband to encourage him, "It's better to try and fail then not try at all."  I should take my own advice!

On and off for a few years I've been working on a fiction book.  I will go MONTHS without even opening the file. Luckily I don't delete it because I always get inspired and get back to it.  I've written, erased, re-written, read and thought, "what am I doing? This is so stupid. No one will read this!" I've changed the story 3 times already.  

I do NOT have a degree in English, nor am I good at it.  This holds me back a lot.  The only good things I have going for me are a big imagination and that I LOVE love to read and read a lot. 

I also had the idea about a year ago to write an eBook on healthy living on a budget.  I even had The Wellness Mama commit to writing a couple chapters.  I still plan to do this, but then that fear enters in again that, "WHY would anyone read this?" so I temporarily quit.

It's not just a book, it's anything I want to do. Losing weight, eating clean, projects in the house, taking a course, reading an educational book I promised I would, ect.  I'll find excuses to not finish.  My husband is the opposite.  He will work all night until what he said he was going to do is done.  I wish I was more like that.

I dream BIG! I can't tell you how many ideas I have for random things! This is why my husband calls me a manic.  My photography business, an iPhone app idea, an idea for a book, a coffee shop with an indoor play place for kids, a hotel, a restaurant, a modest AFFORDABLE clothing line.....ect!!! LOL Before I did photography my husband helped me start a wedding planning business that went NO WHERE. Except made me realize I actually was passionate about photography. 

I can't imagine how my husband feels sometimes. "Babe, I have a brilliant idea!"  Eye roll from him...."No really listen!" Me jabber for 10 minuets about whatever, totally convinced that I can do it and demand him to support me.  Oh man poor hubby, when all along he thinks..."Ok..sure." Not his fault.  I never finish things.  He is super proud of me for my photo business and my fitness and weight loss accomplishments. And I believe that's why he knows, if I really** want something, I will do it/get it. Thus he never rejects an idea cold turkey. 

Right now since I can not reach my goal weight due to being with child ;) I want to commit to FINISH the book I've been working on.  I almost deleted that got scared even writing that sentence.

Finishing has been such an issue for me my whole life. Did you know I took Karate as a girl? Not really my thing I wanted to do Ballet, which eventually I did.  Anyways, I made it all the way to my red black belt. I was in black belt training.  I begged my parents to let me quit because I was scared I wouldn't be able to run the three miles.  Finally they gave in.  I regretted that my whole life. Seriously.  I have such lofty dreams and ideas. I get zealous, then suddenly quit. 

I think if I can finish this book, even though it will most likely get rejected a billion times and never get published, I will be able to finish this weight loss journey.  And anything else I dream off.  I mean there's no limits right?? Who's to say, "You are a weight loss blogger. A mother to 3 boys and pregnant. You are a housewife, and a photographer...NOT a writer....or a clothing designer...or whatever."  I say that!!! LOL it's me! I gotta show myself I CAN finish.  I know I can because I finished all those races.  Some of the best days of my life :)

And what better time to finish a book than trying to rest during pregnancy due to placenta previa! I've been sitting most of the day because I keep getting braxton hicks contractions :( not good with placenta previa.  Did get some cleaning done, but I need to clean the bathrooms.  

Is there something you want to do but don't because you doubt you can? Am I the only maniac here?

A quote from Author J.K Rowling, who was a poor single mother that became a multi millionaire from the Harry Potter books, which were rejected 12 times before being published....oh and it took her 7 years to write.

"Failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy to finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one area where I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter, and a big idea. And so rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."
 – J. K. Rowling, "The fringe benefits of failure", 2008

8 Key Things That Has Helped Me Lose 65 lbs

These 8 things has really been key for me to see a good weigh in.  BTW I changed my weigh in's back to Friday's, so check back tomorrow to see how I did this week! Prayers! ;)

1. Logging Food. 
We all know if we don't keep track of our food, we eat waaaay to much. OR not enough. Using My Fitness Pal allows me to see how much protein, veggies, good fats, ect I've had.

2. Making dinner my smallest meal.
This and #3 is really key for me.  If I eat a chicken salad for dinner, with water, I usually will see a good number on the scale the next day {assuming I didn't go crazy earlier that day!}.

3. Not eating after 6:30pm.
Eating dinner at 6pm is VERY helpful to me. I don't always do it, usually the last 3 nights before a weigh in if I can. After dinner I don't consume any more calories on the days I do this, and I wake up feeling like I lost weight...you know that feeling?? Side note: when I was engaged, I lost 15 lbs in 2 months JUST by not eating after 4 pm. I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner, but didn't eat after 4pm. Not recommending that...it's almost impossible for a busy mom to eat dinner that early.

4. Drinking Apple Cinder Vinegar {a tsp or 2} with a 8 oz of water first thing in the morning really helps! It flushes you out.

5. Consuming Coconut oil daily.
I have it in my coffee every morning.  There is a lot of science behind this, but in simple terms: FAT burns FAT. A low fat diet is extremely unhealthy. You need lots of good healthy fats or you will have a load of health issues {lesson learned!}.

6. Eating Clean. 
This has been a huge change in lifestyle, and we are not perfect...but this really helps. I noticed, when I am not *trying to lose weight {when life gets busy}...I don't gain it back UNLESS I eat processed junk. Interesting right?

7. Breastfeeding for MORE than 6 months.  
This takes a lot of patience for me to not fret over NOT losing weight while breastfeeding for the first 6 months.  The author of "Outsmarting the Female Fat Cells After Pregnancy" says, weight loss comes from breastfeeding AFTER you've been exclusively breastfeeding your baby for 6 months.  For me, this is dead on. I hold my baby weight until my baby is 6 months old, then...it starts melting off like butter! For reals. Now, I know every lady is different, but if you are 3 months postpartum and you aren't budging on the scale, give it time. Patience is key. :)
Don't let those 6 months be a deal breaker for you. Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.

8. Not exercising TOO much.
This is tricky.  When I train for a half marathon, I DO NOT LOSE WEIGHT. How? I am burning 1200 calories a run!!! Well, the body is very tricky. It goes into stressed mode, and it's very hard to lose weight while consistently doing long, hard work outs.  This is my person experience. Once I stop training, weight comes off.

These are all just my experiences. Every person is different.  A few other key things for me are: drinking plenty of water, walking, eating enough protein, getting enough sleep and LOTS AND LOTS OF PRAYER!


She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. ^{Proverbs 31:15}

I resolve to FINISH

January 1, 2010 was my very first blog post. Wow! Three years has flown by. It's been a wonderful, happy, trial some 3 years.
Since then we've: Lost a baby, had a baby. Gained a ministry job, lost a ministry job. Gained new friends, lost a friend to a car accident. Paid off our van, made a new nest egg.
I've LOST 66 lbs, gained some back. Lost some & gained some again. Now losing those annoying few pounds & more!
I was sick, then I got better. I had surgery while pregnant! I've adjusted to being the mommy to three boys and I love it.

I've ran 2 Half marathons (one of which I finished LAST because it was a torturous 14.5 miles of steep, narrow trails!) Completed 3 triathlons, and one 26.1 mi Bike the Coast. I got certified to teach cycle, and completed a few 5ks & 10ks.

I'm very proud of myself. I'm not where I want be, but I'm not where I was. Thank you Jesus.
With God's help, and my determination, I WILL reach my goal weight this year!

I've learned SO much these last few years. Through sickness of my own I've learned about nutrition and health and I'm so thankful.

You'll all be sad to know that after 23 months if no aunt flow (10 while pregnant, 13 while nursing!) she just returned. Yay! Not. I stepped on the scale this morning. To see a 4lb gain! What the hoots?! On top of the 5 I had gained back already. No bueno. It's going down. Big time.

I haven't posted progress pics in a while. The ones of me in all black are from march(ish) 2012 (4 months post partum) to this week. Others are from Christmas time 2009- Christmastime 2012.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Reece is ONE!

Just a quick post to say hi and that Reece is ONE today! Can you believe it?? Wow. That year FLEW by! It's been a great year. Lots of trials but so many blessings. I just wanted to post a sneak peak of his one year birthday shoot I did today. I wanted to do it today so I always remember what he looked like on his first birthday.
I've been so busy w photography for the holidays. It's a blessing but I'm swamped! Going to Morgan hill tomorrow for a night just to do photos. I'm still doing "Paleo" and maintaining weight. Really it's more like low/no sugar and no gluten because I feel like death the next day if I eat it. Blah. I need to start losing again and I will. Merry Christmas. Be back soon!
Love The Curvy Housewife

Weigh In & Dumb Internet!

Last week: 192.7
Today: 191.8
Loss- .9

Not as good as I hoped, but considering I have a clogged duct and excess weight {if you know what I mean} I'm ok with that.  And yes, still clogged milk duct, or infected Mammatory (is that the word?) gland. Pure pain. But next week, NEXT WEEK, I am praying to hit the 180's!!!! Wouldn't that be nice.

So my friend informed me that she googled "clogged milk duct" and under the images there was my sweet baby Reece!!! Stupid internet took my image from my last post and associated it with clogged milk duct. Apparently they can take any image they want.  I deleted the picture from my post but it STILL shows up on google! I feel so violated. I won't be posting pictures of my boys on here anymore I don't think.  Maybe I'll make a private picture account somehow.

I'm pretty upset with myself right now. Last night I made the mistake of going to the grocery store hungry.  I bought some cookies, chips and a lemon cake. Bad, bad, bad.  Last night I had a salad and half a roll. Weigh in was in the morning, I wasn't gonna blow it yet! As soon as I weighed myself I had a piece of the lemon cake. Blah. Want. To. Barf. Just have to record it, and move on!

I mentioned in my last post that I don't do well on the weekends, then Monday I struggle to back on track, then Tues-Thurs I am focused.  And for the most part I've been losing consistently. I wonder how I'd do if I did well Sat-Thursday! I am determined to do it this week.  I also haven't worked out in a couple months {hangs head in shame}.  But you know what? I have 3 little boys, a husband and a house that keeps me moving.  I sweat everyday {probably just the intense desert heat}.  Cleaning my house is a work out.  Ok ok, no excuses. But I'm actually fine with it. For now.  I am itching to run, just NOT in this 106 heat. My poor husband works outside all day.  I have NO clue how he does it.  He truly is a beast of a man. And pretty cute too. ;p


HERE'S TO THE 180'S!!! Then the 170's....wow. I can do this!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Weigh In & Progress Pictures

Last Week: 200.0

This Week: 198.0 

Whoo hoo!!! I am very happy with that loss. And yes....One HUNDREDS! Never ever ever going back. I have a book called "Out Smarting the Female Fat Cell After Pregnancy". I've read it a couple times. She says, losing weight in the first six months postpartum is VERY hard if you are breastfeeding. She said studies show that most breastfeeding women lose the most weight between 6-12 months postpartum. I think my body is finally letting me lose the weight. I know for some women they are back to their pre-pregnancy weight in just a couple months, but NOT ME! This will be the fastest for me, I am 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight with Reece!! And only 12 pounds away from a weight I haven't been since before I got pregnant with my first.  Wow. I am so happy! I THANK JESUS my Rock for helping me! 

Here is me on the left only 3 months ago, and today me on the right. This is only an 8-10 pound difference (not exactly sure). Wow. I fluctuated and didn't lose for a while {remember}, so,  I've lost 8.2 pounds in 6 weeks! Since March I've lost a total of 14.25 inches! I can really see it in my mid section. 

I've been really frustrated with my arms though lately.  Seems like they won't budge! UGH! I don't want to wear a sleeveless dress to the wedding (15 days!) with my huge arms. I really want to buy a new dress for the wedding but...things are tight. I'm trying to sell some things on Ebay. Hopefully it works out. My clothes are frustrating right now. Some are too tight still, and some are too big. Yuck.

Poor Reece, his fever finally broke last night but he has been crying ALL day. He didn't want to eat, or sleep, or sit, or play or lay, or anything but me hold him standing up. ;( I think he's teething. Poor baby.

I weight lifted twice this week, but really need to up my work outs. I don't want to lose muscle. That's my goal this week, work out 3-4 days a week...and RUN. I am desperate to run. Doing good, staying below my calories, eating pretty clean, and drinking LOTS of water. Which is also helping my heart. I have an apt w Cardiologist on Tuesday.

Thanks for reading :) 

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Done.

The 10 miles that is! I ran 10 miles yesterday at the beach! I started around the 22 mile marker (didn't get a pic :/ & ran to Nike 17 (beginning of Venice beach) & back). It took me about 2.5 hours, including a few potty breaks.
I always get asked how I can run for so long...here are some things I've learned.

-Your body can do much more than you think it can.

-Whether you are running 3 miles or 13
miles, the first mile is always the hardest.

-If you stop, it hurts & it's hard to get going again.

-Eat clean, healthy carbs for fuel.

-You can suddenly throw up with out feeling nausea first. ;)

-For me, Gu & any other gooie fuel upsets my stomach. Gatorade too :(

-To avoid runners tummy, don't stop abruptly, cool down, if it starts to hurt jog slow. (this really helped me yesterday).

-Don't worry about the time!! I LOVE free running.

-Listen to a podcast you enjoy if it's a boring course.

I really enjoyed the run. I was so distracted by the people I saw and the beautiful scenery.

I had to nurse Reece a few times before we even got running. Then I gave him his very first solids, a banana in a munchkin net thing, he sucked on it until he fell asleep. It was wonderful =)

The hubby ran 13.1 miles!! While pushing the double jogger! I'm so proud of him :)

I'm of course just gonna keep doing WW & working hard at losing weight. I see a difference in my body, if the scale doesn't reflect it OH WELL. It will eventually.

Here are some pictures from yesterday. I absolutely love LA. I saw, two weddings, a guy roller skating while playing the bongos, people tight roping, kids playing, a beautiful sunset, guys doing tricks in their bikes, lots of other runners, tons of friendly bums, and so much more.

The picture of me in the pink skirt was from today. I bought it 6 weeks ago and couldn't fit into it comfortably until today!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Weigh In

Last week: 205.6
This week: 205.0

Words can not describe my frustration. Yes I know I lost, yes at least it's not a gain. But losing .6 pounds in 4 weeks is unacceptable. UNACCEPTABLE!!

It just is! It's like I'm working so hard just to maintain. I'm wasting money I already paid to be losing weight with Weight Watchers. Something has to change. I'm just not sure what.

Heading to Santa Monica now to attempt running 10 miles. it'll be wonderful to de-stress, with a beautiful view. I'm going to be doing a lot of thinking & praying while I run.

Congrats to Kelly on losing 101 pounds! You're awesome girl!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

I hate the mall.

Yesterday was an errand day for me. Tuesday my hubby started working at our church...did I mention that!?? Huge answer to prayer.  So, I had to venture out with three kiddos all on my own.

One of our first stops was the mall.  I always buy my boys shoes at Old Navy (they are so reasonable, cheaper and better than Target and Walmart). I scored quite a few shoes for cheap for all my guys (except Reece, he just kicks them off ;))

See? Shoes for the Hub $12! Boys shoes $9 each & 2 pairs of flip flops for Shane and Cody $2.50 each. Can't beat that. 


I contemplated getting me a work out shirt at Old Navy but decided against it because 1. I shouldn't be spending money & 2. I am losing weight. (Although I am in desperate need of work out shirts!)

But I did decide to get myself a new purse..$14. There goes reason #1. ;-) Isn't it sooo cute?


After Old Navy I went to a store I use to love. Forever 21. Ours is huge.  I was browsing trying not to focus on the extremely loud music that might wake Reece up, who is sleeping in the Moby wrap, when I remember they only go up to size L. And their size L is actually like a regular M.  I see several young very thin girls shopping. I found some really cute tops I wanted but was not about to spend money on them yet if I can't wear them for who knows how long. As I was putting them back, I could tell I looked frustrated. Than the sales girl came up to me and said, "Hi, uh are you finding everything ok?" I am a mom, shopping with 3 little boys, in a section where clothes don't fit...I felt so ridiculous. I wasn't about to say that though.  I said, "Oh yeah I'm good thanks!" and booked it. But okay, I'm a Mom, but I'm only 26. That means if I could fit into their clothes it wouldn't be that ridiculous.  I have been saving up for a goal weight shopping spree. I will go back to that store. And I will be able to fit into their stupid small size L.  Mkay? Mkay.

I couldn't get out of the mall fast enough. The mall just reminds me of when I was able to shop there. It also reminds me of when I first realized I was gaining weight. Remember I told you how my evil Russian boss would call me chubby when I was about 170 lbs? Well while I worked there I got hired at my most desired place of employment...NORDSTROMS.  Leaving the evil Russian was no problem. What human likes to be called chubby all the time? Anyways, it was when I started working at Nordstoms in the BP department that I realized I could barley fit into their biggest size, a 13.

Have I ever mentioned that I worked at Nordstroms and went to junior college for Fashion Design? I was a HUGE fashionista.  Ever since I was little. I can remember my mom making me bell bottoms when I was in 6th grade because I wanted some. I also remember being teased about them, but I didn't care. Those 6th graders didn't know fashion like I did. I have my Mom to thank for encouraging me to be who I really was instead of conforming to what others thought was "cool".  It paid off too because in 8th grade I was voted "Biggest Wardrobe" in the year book, and most of those girls that teased me, well let's just say they didn't hang with the "cool" crowd in high school.  (Not that someone should aspire to hang with the "cool" crowd...I'm a big advocate for being yourself & embracing your talents. For instance if you are good at soccer, you play soccer and you own it! Or piano, or whatever. Don't not do it because your friends think it's dumb..ok total side note. That's a whole 'nother post. :)
It was my Mom, my sister and I from 7th grade up, and we could all share clothes. So of course I had a big wardrobe. :) I have SUPER fond memories of going shopping with my Mom at the mall. Our favorite stores were Bebe (which I hate now, because I swear their clothes were only made for size 0 Asian women), Cache, and Nordstroms. My Mom had expensive taste. :) Since my parents divorced, she always worked really hard to make sure we didn't feel deprived of anything.

Back to yesterday..... I needed some home goods and groceries so I headed to Target.  A safe Haven.  I KNOW I can fit in Target size XL tops. {Yup, XXL is too big folks!} Target and Old Navy has been the source of my clothes for 4+ years.  I love them, they are kind in their sizes & prices.  But Oh I am so ready to be able to walk into any store and be able to fit their clothes.

While shopping for clothes for Reece (he is such a beast! in 9-12 month clothes, not even 5 months old!), a rather large lady comes up to me and says, "How do you do it?!" we laughed and talked. As she walked away Shane yells, "Hey! Why is your butt so big?!" Oh. My. Word. **BLUSH** I felt terrible. He wasn't trying to be mean, he really had never seen a butt that big and wondered why it was big.  So embarrassing!! Poor lady. I'd cry if someone said that to me.

Tomorrow is weigh in. I'm super excited. I'm getting close to the 100's again and CAN NOT wait.  I've done good all week. Stayed with in my points and earned 19 Activity Points this week and I plan to add 6 more today {Tea Bo & Treadmill}.  I am guzzling water because I ate a Rubio's burrito yesterday for dinner with the fam. Even though it was with in points it was full of not so good stuff.

Tomorrow we are going to the beach in LA! Super excited. I'm going to try to blog about my weigh in before we go.  Hope everyone has had a great week.

p.s. this post was hard to write. embarrassing & vulnerable. everyone and their mom's know now i'm too fat to shop at the mall. fantastic.  but it was necessary for me to write it. i already feel better about it all & know I just need to keep working hard & i'll get there.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Committed

Committed.

That is a BIG word. Wow. With commitment I could get a lot done!! Other than being a wife and mom, me committing to something is VERY difficult. I hate to go back on my word or to not follow through with something. So I don't commit to begin with.

Since I have been losing .4 - 1 lb a week for the last month, I frustratingly wanted to figure out why. I read/heard/ or came up with several reasons: 1. you aren't eating enough since you are breastfeeding 2. you are eating too much 3. muscle weighs more than fat 4. just a bad week... ect.

You all KNOW I love My Fitness Pal. I am a hardcore advocate for it. It works. In fact, counting calories and Weight Watchers have been the only success I've ever had!!!

Since I am breastfeeding and do not plan on quitting that any time soon, I needed to come up with something that is bfing friendly, where I can see success. I've been thinking, praying and pondering this since weigh in on Friday. Luckily my hubby said he supports me in what ever I want to do, as long as I'm COMMITTED.

I was/am committed to My Fitness Pal. I was doing really well with tracking and staying with in my calories. And in NO WAY is it My Fitness Pal's fault the scale wasn't moving.
My friend suggested I try the Zig Zag diet (staggering your caloric intake so you are not eating the same amount every day). I think it does work, it makes since, especially when you hit a plateau. I may try it one day.

Sadly the last four days have reaped a hard consequence. I am up 4 pounds. O. M. Goodness. That's basically a months of hard work. Hoping it goes away soon.. you know bloat and what not. {I wish}.

So I've decided to COMMIT to something. Something I know works, that is Breastfeeding friendly, that has a great supportive community, that has a reputation for success. WEIGHT WATCHERS. Kelly and I have been at this at the same time for a while and she is currently doing AMAZING. She's been doing WW the whole time.
So, I paid for a monthly pass and got the second month free. Last time I did WW I was the exact starting weight I am now, and I lost 14 pounds, and it's what got me into Onderland. Some ridiculously annoying name for a number we all want to see on the scale..somewhere I want to be again. 9 pounds to go for me until I see that number.

I'm all in. I am committed. I will keep going, even if it is only a pound a week. I am already in the grove of it since I was doing My Fitness Pal. Which by the way I will still do to track my progress and workouts. I'm anxious, a little frustrated that I have to re-learn everything, nervous it won't work, but mostly EXCITED. My weigh in's will be Saturday's now since I can only for sure go to the 7:30 am meetings.

Stay tuned for some kick butt.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Craving

Something I have learned from losing weight, is your palate changes! You really do Crave what you EAT!! If you are just starting out on a healthy eating journey, give it 3 weeks. Really!! You will soon start to crave what you eat! I remember loving salads at lunch, and grilled chicken tacos for dinner. I looked forward to eating my frozen mangoes with a little whip cream for a dessert while we enjoyed a movie.

I've been faithful at counting my calories and eating clean healthy foods again for a few days now {if this is your first time here, I am 3 months postpartum and really just got serious again about resuming my weight loss journey!}. It's all coming back to me. I am enjoying my lean turkey sandwich loaded with veggies on Sara Lee light bread instead of just throwing any food in my mouth because I'm always in a hurry.

I feel better, I'm in control and reaping the results. We had a family night at Chili's the other night and I ordered something healthy!! {insert victory dance here}. I got the Margarita Chicken and it was delicious! I logged it into myfitnesspal.com and still had calories to spare for a treat when I got home. Now my husband and boys on the other hand...well...

Speaking of boys. A couple was staring at me at Chili's. I thought it was just because I was nursing Reece, even though I was totally covered. Then it happened. I began to burp him, and realized poop was all over me. YUP yellow poop on my hands, all up Reece's back, his blanket, my arms. What. In. The. World. How does a 3 month old poop so much? The couple was staring at me in complete horror. I'm pretty sure they never want kids now. I was playing it cool when Shane yelled, "EWWWW poop Mom!!! It's on your hand!" and several more people grossly looked our way. Can't make this stuff up folks.

Let's remember, you crave what you eat! Let's give it time and see how we fall in love with the healthy foods. :)

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Photo credit: Me :)

Maniac

You know how my husband calls me a maniac because I get on these manias? Yeah well that's where I've been all week.
Once I realize something is a great idea and I'm passionate about it... it consumes me until I feel like I have control over it. This happens with losing weight & racing.
Right now it's my photography. Something clicked a couple weeks ago and I realized...I want to focus on newborn and baby photography! I LOVE everything babies, birth, and bellies. You know this about me.
So.....I've spent all week making a "studio" in my house, buying cheap props, making cheap props, doing a photo shoot, then downloading free trial of Photoshop and totally frying my brain trying to figure it out. This photo took me a good few hours.....


All while still managing a household and keeping 3 kids alive. Fewww.

The Lord is REALLY blessing. I have already had one paying photo shoot the above baby girl :)
I have one tomorrow and two in Morgan Hill this weekend (my sister in law had her baby! We are going to see her and I am doing her photos on Friday for free of course). I am charging very cheap right now, I need to build my portfolio. There is still so much to do: change my website from weddings to babies (I will still do weddings but that will be later). Get a logo, and most importantly O R G A N I Z E.

Since my mind has been so busy, I have not put losing weight as a priority this week. Honestly I don't even want to eat I am so busy, so I through whatever is fast together. I need to be organized! A time to edit, a time to clean, a time to play with my boys, a time to cook and prepare healthy food and a time to exercise! This I am working on...

Weigh In, well I was the same as last week. Which is ok I guess, at least I didn't gain. Next week.....weight loss is TOP priority. I am going to make good decisions while out of town this weekend...I WILL.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

I can't believe it.

I can't believe this guy is already 7 weeks 2 days old.

I can't believe he's already wearing 3 month clothes.

I can't believe I'm so blessed to be the mother of three beautiful boys.

I can't believe in 12 days I'll have a 4 year old.

I can't believe a year ago I was tapering for my first half marathon.

I can't believe I am 25 pounds heavier today than one year ago (actually I can since I had a baby, but I don't like being at this weight again).

I can't believe I have to start all over..it feels so unnatural to me to get back into the swing of losing weight.

I can't believe I KNOW how many calories that brownie has, yet I eat it with no hesitation.

I CAN believe, I will lose the weight. Again.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wednesday's Weigh In & 29 days

We are in the 20's now people....29 days until Baby's Due Date!!! Although we know DD's are just a guess anyways...

Weighed in on Monday and it read I was up another 2 pounds...that would be 4 in ONE week! But today I was back down 2 pounds so it's the regular +2 in a week I've been gaining. Still not happy with it, and I know I very well could have actually gained 4 pounds. The last 2 months of my pregnancies I gain a lot of weight. Even though I got a head start with not gaining hardly anything until 6 months...my body knows to gain...and gain...and gain. I am OVER stressing about it. It's gonna happen...it's keeping my baby healthy...and Lord willing will come off quickly.

36 Weeks pregnant tomorrow = 26 pound total weight gain.

Pregnancy Update:
* Low blood pressure. I've been getting faint and weak here and there. Last prenatal appointment my blood pressure was 100/70. Border line low.
* Had an ultrasound last week (yay!). I really wanted one and asked for one. I told my Midwife I may be leaking fluid, so she checked vaginally but couldn't see any leaking, (also said I didn't look dilated at all..boo) but ordered a ultrasound just to be sure. Fluid level was OK, but it can't go any lower. I've been staying very hydrated trying to avoid this. We don't need any reasons to induce!
*Braxton Hicks. I walked 2.5 miles on Monday {pic above of me on my walk} , and since then I've been getting BH much more often. I also walked 1.33 miles yesterday with Davey :)
* UNCOMFORTABLE. Yup that sums it up. Sleep...not much, walking=waddling. Back hurts a lot.
*More pressure down there, and I think he's dropped a little bit.

Looking ahead:
I was sad my pregnancy is almost over....not because I want to stay pregnant, but because this huge event I've been waiting and looking forward to for eventually 10 months will be suddenly over. And of course I am super excited to have my baby in my arms, kiss and smell him, I am also scared and overwhelmed as to how I will be with 3 boys 3 and under!

I had bad baby blues with both Shane and Cody. It's normal. But it's not fun. I hope having a natural birth will help some with that, also going to California soon after he's born (Lord willing!), but how about when I get home from CA? Suddenly my husband is back at work right away, I have not had much time adjusting to life as a Mom of 3, my Mom will be home, and I will be ALONE....with 2 toddlers and a newborn.

Certain things really helps the baby blues:
1. Getting enough sleep.
2. Having help
3. Setting goals, something to look forward too.

Which brings me to the point that I am already preparing for what I will be looking forward to: losing weight again, training for Country Music Half Marathon, getting Baby on good schedule, having a solid routine, ect.

Of course I will be no doubt enjoying my new baby boy, and enjoying his big brothers and daddy being all googly over him. But I know it truly helps to have a goal set. I am excited for these goals and to see the scale go down again.

Did you have the baby blues?

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Wednesday's Weigh In & 33 Weeks Pregnant

It's so hard to believe I only have 7 weeks left!

Weigh in this week was bad. B A D. Up another 3 pounds!! Ugh! Bringing my total to about 19 (almost 20) pound gain total.

I am trying to tell myself that 20 pounds for 33 weeks is really good {for me}. But I can't get over how I gained 6 pounds in the last 3 weeks. What if I keep gaining like this for 7 more weeks?! Yikes!

Stopping weight gain, or slowing it down while pregnant is a whole different ball game than maintaining or losing weight when not pregnant. It comes down to this...
I H A V E N O C L U E H O W T O D O I T.
I walk 7-9 miles a week. I know I could be eating better, but I am not eating as bad as I once was...
Ok well I could eat a lot better I think. Lately I have been craving lots of sweets.

I had a prenatal appointment yesterday. Went great! Baby is head down, she said he got much bigger. She read my birth plan and spoke with Davey and I and is on board with everything. She even said I can push in any position I want to: standing, sitting, on my side, squatting, whatever I want. And Davey can help catch the baby.
After my appointment we went to tour the hospital. I saw one of the two rooms where they have a big tub for women going natural. It's nice, but I gotta say I'm a little disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting, but it's still a hospital room. Ya know?
I plan to make it a very nice relaxing space with dim lighting and music and lavender sent. They said that is no problem at all.
We are DONE with the baby's room! I am just waiting for a special frame I ordered to come in, and then I will be posting pictures. :)
Funny how much time we spend preparing for baby's rooms, when they don't even care about them?
But they are oh so fun.
I did his first load of laundry as well. It's all becoming so real. Soon we will be a family of 5. Shane and Cody will have a baby brother. They are so excited. Yesterday Shane was very disappointed we left the hospital tour with no baby. He really thought we were going to get his baby brother. We saw a baby girl in the nursery and he kept saying we had to go get "him" that's baby _____ (baby's name). =) it was so sweet!
Thanks for reading, and pics of the nursery up soon!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Post Baby Goals

Today I have had an incredibly sick 2 year old. He slept with us last night, can hardly breath, cough, sore throat, still no voice. I was/am really worried about him due to his wheezing. Lucky we have a nebulizer. Today has been completely focused on him. I planned on doing Walk Away the Pounds 2 miles today, but I didn't. He needed me. And when he was asleep, I got a little (tiny) time in God's word. Oh! And my sis had a beautiful baby girl today. So happy :)

So while most of the day I have been holding, cuddling, and taking care of Cody, I have been browsing the web for races in 2012. Sad that not many are scheduled yet, still too early to I guess.
BTW time flies when your online. Whew. If Cody wasn't sick I would have gotten nothing done today! (well I still didn't do much but take care of him, but that was my goal). So here are my goals, and I realize now more than ever, they actually start now. No not training hard, ect, but exercising and eating right so I don't (hopefully) gain tons of weight in the next 3.5 months.


POST POSTPARTUM GOALS:

1. Lose baby weight.

2. Finish losing 100 pounds (-60ish before pregnant).

3. 5K

4. Sprint Triathlon

5. Olympic Triathlon

6. Half Marathon

7. Full Marathon

8. Half Ironman

9. Dualathon or Aquathon

10. & of course nurse my baby & be the best mommy I can be.

These are just goals and dreams right now. Of course it would be nice to have to ability and money to do these all, but I am not stressing it. More events will come and hopefully I can do more local things. My two MAIN goals are: Finish another half marathon, and to run a full marathon. I may wait until 2013 for a 70.3 Ironman. We'll see. Don't want to take too much time away from home to travel to far away events, and it's not like CA where there are events EVERYWHERE.
So there it is. I am excited. And now I have to go put my sicky to bed. Good night!

P.S. What are your up coming goals or races?

Love, The Curvy Housewife.

Baby Names

I still have to upload all the photos from our Disney trip. My iphoto isn't working right now :( I'm on it though. I know you all are soooo anxious to see them ;-) wink wink.

So once again we are having a hard time deciding baby names for boys.

I love Kingston & Weston. But the hubs says, No Way.

He loves Jody, but I say it's way too close to Cody. He also really likes Baylor.

We love the beach so we really would love to name him something that has to do with the ocean/beach. Can't find many tough. Also, we have a western theme with our boys....

It's so hard to determine the name your child will have F O R E V E R.

So our top three names right now are:

Reece

Ryder

Cash

and in that order. But I just don't know if any of them are his name. ya know?

P.S According to Babypump.com I should have gained about 13 pounds by now...and I am still -3. whoo! but I am very aware I still have 4 more months. I am getting excited to have this baby in very early December, and jump back into losing weight.

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Resuming & Continuing

Although these last few months I have lost about 10 pounds (I fluctuated up and down for the first few weeks of pregnancy), I have not been trying to lose weight. TRYING is what I have been doing for two years now. July marks the two year anniversary to the start of my weight loss. Yes two years is way longer than I anticipated for losing 59 pounds, and I still have more to go. But you know what I am happy about......that I kept resuming, and continuing.
I have said it before, but that is the key to weight loss. Most people do not have perfect weight loss journey's where they lose 100 pounds in a year. Yes I know of some, and no I don't like them. Just kidding. But they are rare.

Life happens. Two years ago this month I had no idea I would get pregnant 9 months into the journey, be pregnant for three months, than lose our baby. I didn't know I would get pregnant again eight months after that and get terribly ill. But that is life!! I am embracing the journey because I am still on it. Even at almost 18 weeks pregnant, I want to be continuing what I have worked on for two years.
The first 16 weeks of the pregnancy I didn't have much control over what I could eat. Which is why I lost weight. But now that I can [sort of] eat the foods I want and crave, will I eat anything and everything unhealthy??

Answer is, at first, I didn't really care about that. I was just so glad to know I wouldn't get sick from eating fat. I felt deprived and that I had to make it up to me and my baby. What I have learned these last two weeks, eating junk food isn't all the fun. It doesn't make me feel good physically. My body still does not want fast food, greasy foods, or sugary candy. So for me, continuing with health during this pregnancy is eating good, non greasy foods. Eggs, cheese, fruits, veggies, lean meat, peanut butter, milk. Much of that I couldn't eat before the surgery. Don't get me wrong, if we go out I will eat what I want, but that is usually something my body needs. We went out for my husbands birthday just him and I. It was wonderful. I had Lobster, Shrimp, and Steak. Yes. I. Did. and a baked potato with sauteed mushrooms. I am still dreaming about it. Can you tell I am craving protein? I am also not saying I won't eat a cookie once in a while. I am pregnant. :-D And I am also not saying I won't gain weight the next half of the pregnancy. What I am saying is, I'm going to try my best to continue, and when the baby comes, resume weight loss.

I am also trying to brace myself for seeing the scale go up. Now that I am not on a non fat diet, I should be gaining weight. It will be hard to see the scale go up. After surgery I was still 185. But my jean skirt I wore the day before surgery, fell off me six days later. Weird. But I do believe I have gained a pound or two. I will be 18 weeks tomorrow and look maybe 12 weeks [for me]. Usually by now people are asking me what the baby is, when I am due, and it is obvious I am expecting. If I don't hold my dress below my tummy [like in my earlier pic] you can't tell very much. Or it's just awkward to ask because someone just isn't sure and doesn't want to insult me.

DON'T FORGET!!! Tomorrow we find out the gender!!! WHOOT! I will update ASAP!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Weighing In

188 the last two days in a row. You have to understand, that at 14 weeks pregnant, it is so out of the norm for me to be losing weight. Usually by now I would for sure be up at least 7-10 pounds. My pregnancy book says you should gain a pound a week by now and for the rest of your pregnancy. I am not complaining, but, I rather control my weight with will power than with health issues.
I saw a surgeon today about my gallbladder. He told me to eat very plain, bland foods, and hang in there. Thanks buddy, that's a big help. He said they can and will do surgery on me if the pain keeps happening. Surgery has to be done in the 2nd trimester (which I am as of today! yay!). I really don't want it. The Priolsac seems to be helping a little (sometimes). So if I can I will tough it out for my sweet baby. I have an ultra sound on my gallbladder tomorrow to make it an official diagnoses, even though the ER did an ultrasound and found stones. But he said there is a chance it could look really good and maybe the pain is unrelated to the gallstones. My favorite thing he said, "You know....pregnant women get all kinds of belly aches." OH?? Like morning sickness? yeah I had that, it's not that. Like heart burn? Nope not that...constipation? NOT....and does a normal "Belly ache" make you almost pass out from the pain?? I don't think so mister. So since you have never been pregnant, let's not suggest you know the pain I feel. Um kay?? Thanks.
I'll update tomorrow after the appointment. Love you all for praying and thinking of me!!

Love, The Curvy Housewife

Happy

I just got done with a glorious 8.19 mile run.

Running makes me happy. I'm not sure why, the endorphins, and the fact that I CAN run maybe?

It's not that while I am running I feel super strong, or think that I look good, or love the scenery.... (my neighborhood is a bit boring, and I always pass the elementary school at recess time and I find myself waiting for some smart Alec kid to yell, "Run fatty!" as I go by).

I really think what I love the most about running.... is that,
I CONTROL HOW FAR, HOW FAST, and HOW LONG I RUN. And.... it's satisfaction in the moment. When I finish, I know I just did something great. I know, I can say, "I just ran 8 miles" and that not many people can say that. It's something I CAN do.

I know I control my weight, losing or gaining, but that takes time, patience, waiting, waiting, and waiting. While a good long 8 mile run? It only took me 1 hour 45 mins and I get the same accomplished feeling as seeing the scale read a loss.

I'm a little addicted to it. The satisfaction it brings me. It makes me feel that, even though the last 3 weeks I have been eating as much as an Elephant, and it's Mom..... I'm not a loser. I can still DO something most people can't. And that, my friends, is a healthy addiction.

I run for personal satisfaction, not to please others. But sometimes I get these thoughts in my head. Like.... I'm sitting in church, behind a fit young guy and I think.... I bet he can't run 13.1 miles. Or 7. Or 8. Or 9. Or 10. Or even 6. And I feel superior to him, even though I would never ask him/her..."Hey buddy! I bet you can't run 13.1 miles! Well I can!". No, I would never. But I know.. and that's all that matters.

Love, The Curvy Housewife