Training Plan: 8 weeks post-baby

before FOCUS T25

Today I did my very first full length workout since little Boone was born (thanks to my hubby).  I am so out of shape - or maybe FOCUS T25 is just really, really intense.  Either way, I had to take some time outs and modify during the Cardio workout today.  FOCUS T25 has been really hyped up in infomercials lately, and before Boonie came along, I was thinking about quick workouts that I could do at home.  I even contemplated getting a treadmill because I love running intervals but that idea was quickly dismissed as we live in a very modest (i.e. tiny) one bedroom apartment which has filled up with baby stuff.  My "get my body back" plan consists of committing to the T25 program as it is laid out in the workout calendar that comes with the system, in addition to eating clean.  I'm going to go full out here, so I had Adam take these "before" photos, complete with the pasty white skin, messy hair, and no makeup, as seen in all those before photos in good infomercials.  My "after" photos will probably have me nicely tanned, fully made up, and looking oh so happy!

sideview (notice post-baby pooch)

the Squeem link / belly binder

The biggest change that I noticed in my post-baby body was the looseness of my belly.  Before baby, I purchased the Squeem corset from Amazon on the advice of another mommy who had good results with it.  I also bought this belly binder from a local baby store and I used it for about 1 week postpartum.  The belly binder was comfortable, provided a little support, and made my tummy look pretty flat underneath my clothing.  Within a week, my belly had shrunk enough so that the belly binder really didn't do anything anymore - yay!  So I switched to the Squeem - so tight!  I have been wearing this on and off but I find that it makes me really hot and sweaty, especially in our tiny, non-airconditioned apartment where I am constantly breastfeeding a very warm little baby.  The Squeem does give me a really nice shape so I think I'll continue to wear it under close fitting dresses and outfits in which I want to look tight, toned, and tiny!

FOCUS T25 system

 I am really hoping that this loose skin on my belly will shrink away.  Plus, I want to generally tone up and improving the roundness of my booty wouldn't hurt either...let's see if T25 lives up to it's infomercial hype!  My T25 challenge will begin tomorrow!  I will post weekly progress pics.  I am so excited!

Pregnancy: ain't no stretch marks on me

coconut oil/body oil/body butter/body lotion/massage lotion

Ok, the title of this post is not entirely accurate.  You see, I do in fact have stretch marks, both old and new (hardly noticeable and ugly purple things).  But I completely avoided stretch marks on my enormous pregnant belly and I believe it is because I greased myself up liberally with various moisturizing potions and lotions frequently.  I would moisturize post-shower, before bed, and at any other time during the day when I remembered.  When I was cooking, I would take whatever oil I was using, whether coconut, olive, or avocado oil, and rub it all over my tum tum.  I highly recommend this tactic to any other expanding mama.  Of course, I didn't get huge, I ate well and exercised throughout my pregnancy and grew at a rate that was right on track.  I think that I even measured a little under the prescribed centimeters near the end.  My absolute favourite of the above was the Skinnygirl Mommy Moisturizing Body Butter.  It had a delicious scent, like ice cream or something sweet, and the creamiest texture.  Unfortunately, I have no idea where to get more of this stuff because it was gifted to me by my lovely mom-in-law (I should ask her).

Disclaimer:  I got stretch marks on my breasts!  I did not attend to those as I should have.  Why?  Because I just didn't think they would grow that much.  After all, the baby was in my belly.  Well, I was very wrong.  They grow!  And they grow even more after baby is born if you're breastfeeding, which I am and they're out of control!  Oh well, I have love for them because they nourish my baby.

Oh, and the old stretch marks are from when I went on birth control for acne when I was 18 and gained about 30 lb. in two months.  The appetite was a little out of control, to say the least (I could eat an entire bag of cookies in one sitting - not good).

Baby bumpin': 34 weeks

walking Boscoe and Beau on Easter weekend

I love being pregnant!

showing off my new Asics - love these shoes

dress Target ($5 on clearance!)

Wow, what a week! Got a GI infection (tummy bug as I told my nephew) which resulted in my spending a night in a recliner because of gastric reflux and a day in bed...which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it gave me time to meditate on God's goodness and grace during this Easter season. His indescribable gift to us leaves me speechless! Now, bug has passed and I'm feeling like myself again - did bootcamp class today with good control over Braxton Hicks! Thanks to my husband for helping me put on my shoes this week lol!

Baby bumpin': 32 weeks 5 days

Thank you to all my beautiful friends who blessed me so much yesterday at my shower! Special shout out to Amy and Kristene who worked so hard during exams to plan and prepare everything! I felt lifted up by love all day long! This week was another awesome one as I officially finished my last exam before mat leave - and rocked it too I might add! Started some major Braxton Hicks contractions - uterus just practicing. And received my birthing pool in the mail which is large enough for a pool party lol! Now Adam and I are looking forward to some family time!

Baby bumpin': 31 weeks 4 days

 This week was awesome! I finished my last clinical placement before mat leave in mental health where my pregnancy blessed me and my patients with opportunities to talk about family, future, hope, and many good things. Puddin' has started waking me up at 4 am to demonstrate his/her shadow-boxing skills! These are pics of us shopping at the Old Navy (got the cute cropped denim jacket by the way) and I thought that mannequin had a faint resemblance to Adam..could be what our son looks like one day! Sigh

Baby bumpin': 30 weeks 4 days

Feeling really good and loving my belly! Still managed a solid half hour of 3x3 intervals on the treadmill today - just feels like I'm running with a giant bag of groceries! Think I'll be doing more of a speed walking thing soon though.

I finally had to bite the bullet and buy some "maternity" workout clothing.  I hit up the clearance rack at the Old Navy and picked up these capris for $10 and a couple of tank tops for $5 each, not bad.  They're not maternity per se, but they are in a size large enough so that I am comfortable without abandoning all style and just donning a frumpy big ol' t-shirt - not my style.