Those of you that have been following my blog know that I have lost a lot of weight in the past few months. In January, I changed my eating habits considerably and it helped me to lose the rest of my baby weight, plus about 15 more pounds. The combination of intense exercise at UFIT bootcamp (http://www.ufit.ca/) and better food choices really made a difference for me. However, when I say "better food choices", it doesn't necessarily mean what you think it would mean. You see, I'm a horrible eater and always have been. I don't eat vegetables. I hate vegetables. The only vegetable I can handle is potato (which doesn't even seem like a vegetable to me). When I say that I started eating healthier, I mean that I cut back on the fast food, frozen pizzas, Kraft dinner and chips. I started to eat things like fruit, yogurt and high fibre cereal. Essentially, I lost weight because I went from being a horrible eater to an "okay" eater.
About a month ago, I reached my goal weight and started to eat more treats. I could slowly feel myself slipping back into old habits. I started going through drive-thrus again and I munched on empty calories during the day. My weight wasn't affected by these changes. I have been the exact same weight for almost a month now (my goal weight).
This past week I decided that I wanted to get back on track with the healthy eating. I'm doing it for a different reason this time. My whole life I have been a bit obsessed with my weight, watching the scale go up and down over the years. I would diet to lose weight, but then would end up putting it back on. Anytime I have decided to "eat better", it has been because I wanted to lose weight. Well, this time it's different. I don't care if I lose any more weight. I'm happy where I am. I just want to be healthier. I want to set a good example for Grace. How am I going to get her to eat vegetables if Mike and I don't touch them?!
I went grocery shopping on Thursday and stocked up on healthy food (lots of veggies, fruit, yogurt, chicken, turkey, etc). I was excited to try new things and to start eating veggies! Here's where it gets frustrating. I just can't do it. Tonight I made a pita pizza and decided to make a small salad to go with it. Spinach, feta cheese, strawberries, almonds...it looked delicious! I sat down to eat it, feeling proud of myself. Well, it was disgusting. I gagged more than once and just couldn't make myself eat it. I ended up throwing it out.
I was so mad at myself. I'm sure it's all in my head. Why can't I force myself to eat veggies??? I've tried them cooked, I've tried them raw, I've tried them drenched in butter and dressing. Nothing seems to work. I know that there are other ways to get my vegetable servings. When I was pregnant, I pureed veggies and put them in pasta sauces. I used to make smoothies with V8 juice. Here's the thing though...I don't want to hide the veggies, because that defeats the purpose of getting Grace to love them. She needs to see me eating them. I guess I'll have to try again and hope that I can learn to love them (although it doesn't look very promising). If you have any great ways of making veggies taste good, please share!
For now, I'll stick to the fruit and hope that Grace doesn't notice that I don't eat my veggies! :(
June 18, 2011
June 16, 2011
Brrrrrr!!!
One of my favourite things about PEI is the beaches. They are breathtaking. I could spend the whole summer at the beach. I love the feeling of the sand between my toes. I love the smell of sunscreen. I love the sound of waves crashing. In past summers, I would spend countless hours laying in the sand with the sun beating down on me. I would get excited as my skin turned a golden brown (I do wear sunscreen, but I tan very easily and sure do love a good summer tan).
As a teacher, I am very lucky to have the summers off (I think teachers need that break to re-group and get their sanity back, lol). I was especially excited about this summer, because it's Grace's first summer and I can't wait to get her to the beach.
Here's the thing...the weather sucks these days. There's no other way to put it. It just plain sucks. We have the odd nice, sunny day and then it is followed by a week of rain or freezing cold temperatures. This week has been especially cold. On Tuesday, I took Grace to Mike's ball game and the wind was so cold that we couldn't stay. I had 3 layers on and would have worn mitts and a hat if I had them. Poor Grace had so many layers on that she could hardly move and her little hands were still freezing.
Last night, it was so cold in our house that I had to crank the heat. Grace wore her flannel sleeper to bed, I wore my flannel pajama pants and we broke out some extra blankets. This isn't supposed to be the case in June. We're supposed to be at the beach!!!
Excuse me for being bitter about the weather. I've just had enough of it. Time for some warmth and sunshine. Now, excuse me, but I have to go put some socks on. My feet are freezing. :)
As a teacher, I am very lucky to have the summers off (I think teachers need that break to re-group and get their sanity back, lol). I was especially excited about this summer, because it's Grace's first summer and I can't wait to get her to the beach.
Here's the thing...the weather sucks these days. There's no other way to put it. It just plain sucks. We have the odd nice, sunny day and then it is followed by a week of rain or freezing cold temperatures. This week has been especially cold. On Tuesday, I took Grace to Mike's ball game and the wind was so cold that we couldn't stay. I had 3 layers on and would have worn mitts and a hat if I had them. Poor Grace had so many layers on that she could hardly move and her little hands were still freezing.
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| Is this how I'm supposed to dress in June? |
Excuse me for being bitter about the weather. I've just had enough of it. Time for some warmth and sunshine. Now, excuse me, but I have to go put some socks on. My feet are freezing. :)
June 11, 2011
Bathtime Buddies
A couple of months ago, I decided to have my first bath with Grace. I had been skeptical about it. Honestly, I wasn't sure if it was weird or not. Was it creepy to have a bath with my baby? I decided that it was worth trying. I mean, she came from inside of me and there's nothing weirder than that, right?! Turns out, we both loved it and I now try to squeeze in a bath with her once a week or so. It's great on nights when Mike isn't home and we both need to have a bath. It's an easy way to kill two birds with one stone!
There's just something about laying there in a warm bubble bath with your baby in your arms. It doesn't feel weird. It doesn't feel creepy. It just feels right. :)
Then it's off to her bedroom for a lotion massage, a story, a feeding and some snuggles before bed.
I give you total permission to judge me and find it weird that I bath with my baby. However, if you haven't done it before, I recommend trying it. It's just one more way to squeeze in some extra bonding time. I figure that I need to take advantage of all these special moments while I have the chance, because they grow WAY too fast! So, I will continue to relax in the suds with my baby girl on my chest. :)
Grace loves the fact that the water is deeper than usual and that she can splash her Mommy and get a reaction!
I love the fact that it's easier to hold onto her and not as hard on my back as leaning over the tub! It's easier to clean her too! We both love the extra playtime and the extra snuggles.
It is such a relaxing time and we're always in there way longer than I planned. Tonight she was super tired and she even laid down on my chest and rested for a little while (something that she rarely does anymore). So special. :)
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| Sorry for the partially nude photo. I figured it was no worse than a bathing suit picture! |
There's just something about laying there in a warm bubble bath with your baby in your arms. It doesn't feel weird. It doesn't feel creepy. It just feels right. :)
Getting out is always a bit of a challenge, because I need to get dressed before she gets cold. She almost always waits patiently in her vibrating chair while I get dressed though! :)
Then it's off to her bedroom for a lotion massage, a story, a feeding and some snuggles before bed.
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| All ready for bed! |
Summer Weakness
This, my friends, is my summer weakness.
Vanilla soft serve...there's nothing better.
P.S. This is a small...how freaking big is a large? :)
Grace likes it too. :)
Ice cream. For some reason when the sun starts to shine, I take it as an excuse to eat ice cream as often as I want. LOL.
This, my friends, is why I gain weight every summer.
June 03, 2011
I Have A LOT To Say...
So, in case you haven't noticed, I've been lacking with the posts lately! Sorry! I kind of forgot about my blog for awhile and then was just too busy to find the time to write! I have some updates and some random thoughts to share, so this post will not be about one particular thing! It's going to be a long one...
1. Grace's belly: I forgot to update you all on Grace's belly situation (for those of you that have been following my updates on the blog). We saw a pediatrician last month and she told us that Grace has a classic case of constipation, very common in babies when they are introduced to solid food. Because we had tried many of the classic solutions for this (prunes, water, etc) and they weren't working, she prescribed a mild laxative. It has worked wonders and Grace is seriously like a different baby. She is so much happier. Turns out she has probably been dealing with cramps for quite awhile now, so it was good to get it all sorted out! Hooray! :)
2. Sleep update: Nights have gotten a little better since the last time I posted. Grace now wakes up twice each night. The odd time she will only get up once. Still not great, but better than before. She almost always puts herself to sleep in her crib now too - yay! I haven't been rocking her to sleep. When she wakes in the middle of the night, I nurse her for 5 minues and then put her back in her crib. She falls asleep in no time. However, the feedings are becoming a habit that she relies on, so the next step is to try to eliminate at least one of those nighttime feedings.
3. The Babysitter: We went to meet Grace's babysitter today. She will have Grace full time starting in September when I return to work. The visit went so well and I feel so good about sending her there. She was sweet, she loved Grace and Grace loved her! I know that she will be in good hands. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It's still going to be incredibly hard to leave her, but knowing that she is somewhere great makes it that much easier!
4. Work: On that note, I am STRESSED about the whole work situation. I try not to worry about it, but it's hard. As many of you know, I'm a teacher. I had a full time job out west (my dream job), but left it to come home to PEI. Jobs are scarce here and it is a highly competitive profession. Sometimes I look back at pictures of my classroom and students in Fort McMurray and I feel like crying. I just feel like I'm never going to have that again. :( I have already prepared myself to substitute teach when I return in the fall. I'm fine with subbing. I just wish that it was guaranteed work. It sucks that there could be weeks that I don't get any calls. It sucks that there are no benefits (something we don't have right now). It sucks that I could be driving all over the province. It sucks that I don't get paid in the summer. I would kill for a guaranteed position, even if it was a temporary job (someone's maternity leave, sick leave, etc). All jobs are posted on June 15th. Someone told me the other day that there are approximately 400 applicants for each teaching job on PEI!!! Just a little competition. I have spent this week updating my resume and trying to "sell myself" (something I hate doing). Next week I will go out and drop my resume off to principals (probably pointless, but I'm going to do everything I can). Cross your fingers for me. Hell, cross your toes too (and anything else worth crossing)!
5. Fitness classes: As you may recall, I lead a group of Mommies in a workout each week. Our group has grown immensely and we usually have 20-35 people at every workout. The babies come with us and we have a grand ol' time! :) Well, I was informed this week that we would no longer be able to do our workouts at the gym we were using. We've been there for months now, but they are kicking us out because I don't have the certification to lead a class. They knew that I wasn't certified when I started there and they told me it wouldn't be a problem. The girls coming to the classes sign a waiver and are fully aware that I'm not certified. Apparently this doesn't matter. I started this fitness group so that new Moms could meet other Moms and get a workout in during the day with their babies. I do it for free, because I don't want anyone to be held back because of money issues. I'm so frustrated and annoyed that they would do this to us! Since when are you not allowed to workout with your friends at a public gym??? I'm sure I could fight this, but it's really not worth it. We're on the hunt for a new place and the old place can kiss my @ss! Sorry...I'm a little bitter.
6. Running: I got a jogging stroller, thanks to Mike's cousin. She had 2, so she gave one to us! The weather still hasn't been fantastic, but we've gotten out a few times with it. The first day that I had it, I decided to attempt a 5km run on the trail and I DID IT!!! Grace was a trooper - didn't say a word the whole time. She was probably laughing inside at the sound of her mother huffing and puffing and talking to herself. I literally talked out loud saying things like "1 more km Cheryl, you can do this!" and "We're almost there Grace!" and "You are not tired...you are not tired...you are not tired!" LOL. It was not a pretty sight. I was sweating bullets. My shoulders were hunched. My head was flailing around. I was panting like a dog. My legs felt like lead. Can you picture it? ha ha. It took me 35 minutes to run the 5km with the stroller. My goal was 30 minutes, so this was obviously slower than I anticipated. However, I was still proud of myself! I haven't gotten out to try it again, but hope to shave at least a minute off my time next time around!
6. Changes: As I mentioned in my last post, I finally reached my weight loss goal and am down to my "wedding weight" (139 lbs). I haven't lost any weight in the past 2 weeks, but am happy with where I am. I feel fantastic! The challenge now is to maintain this weight, while I contine to work on my fitness goals!
7. Anniversary: Monday was my anniversary with my husband, Mike! We've been together for 10.5 years and have been married for 3 years. We had a great date night with dinner and a movie. Mike and I met when we were working together as teenagers. We started dating when I was 16 and he was 17. The rest is history! :) Like most couples, we have had our ups and downs over the years, but I cannot imagine my life without him. Our wedding day was the happiest day of my life. I was on cloud 9 the entire day. I just couldn't believe how lucky I was to be marrying him. I look forward to many more happy years together! I love you, Mike! xoxo
8. My Incredible Little Girl: Grace continues to grow and I love her more each day (if that's even possible). She is turning into such a little girl, full of personality. She squeals for attention, smiles when you talk to her and flaps her arms when she gets excited. She LOVES food and it's so much fun to try her with new things. She prefers to feed herself and I just love watching those little fingers work so hard to pick up each tiny piece of food. She sits up independently now (finally) and is starting to move herself around the room. She pushes back with her arms and moves forward from time to time. She hasn't mastered the art of crawling yet, but I have a feeling it won't be long. She is into everything, exploring every nook and cranny of our living room. I could sit for hours and just watch her. She is so entertaining. I can't imagine what my life was like before she was in it. I love her so much and look forward to a summer full of adventures with her! :)
9. Friends: I love my friends. They are amazing. I don't know what I'd do without them. I miss them if I go more than a few days without seeing them. Enough said. :)
10. I am happy. Despite the stress over work, I really am happy. I feel so lucky to be living this life, because it really is fantastic! :)
1. Grace's belly: I forgot to update you all on Grace's belly situation (for those of you that have been following my updates on the blog). We saw a pediatrician last month and she told us that Grace has a classic case of constipation, very common in babies when they are introduced to solid food. Because we had tried many of the classic solutions for this (prunes, water, etc) and they weren't working, she prescribed a mild laxative. It has worked wonders and Grace is seriously like a different baby. She is so much happier. Turns out she has probably been dealing with cramps for quite awhile now, so it was good to get it all sorted out! Hooray! :)
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| My Happy Girl! :) |
2. Sleep update: Nights have gotten a little better since the last time I posted. Grace now wakes up twice each night. The odd time she will only get up once. Still not great, but better than before. She almost always puts herself to sleep in her crib now too - yay! I haven't been rocking her to sleep. When she wakes in the middle of the night, I nurse her for 5 minues and then put her back in her crib. She falls asleep in no time. However, the feedings are becoming a habit that she relies on, so the next step is to try to eliminate at least one of those nighttime feedings.
3. The Babysitter: We went to meet Grace's babysitter today. She will have Grace full time starting in September when I return to work. The visit went so well and I feel so good about sending her there. She was sweet, she loved Grace and Grace loved her! I know that she will be in good hands. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It's still going to be incredibly hard to leave her, but knowing that she is somewhere great makes it that much easier!
4. Work: On that note, I am STRESSED about the whole work situation. I try not to worry about it, but it's hard. As many of you know, I'm a teacher. I had a full time job out west (my dream job), but left it to come home to PEI. Jobs are scarce here and it is a highly competitive profession. Sometimes I look back at pictures of my classroom and students in Fort McMurray and I feel like crying. I just feel like I'm never going to have that again. :( I have already prepared myself to substitute teach when I return in the fall. I'm fine with subbing. I just wish that it was guaranteed work. It sucks that there could be weeks that I don't get any calls. It sucks that there are no benefits (something we don't have right now). It sucks that I could be driving all over the province. It sucks that I don't get paid in the summer. I would kill for a guaranteed position, even if it was a temporary job (someone's maternity leave, sick leave, etc). All jobs are posted on June 15th. Someone told me the other day that there are approximately 400 applicants for each teaching job on PEI!!! Just a little competition. I have spent this week updating my resume and trying to "sell myself" (something I hate doing). Next week I will go out and drop my resume off to principals (probably pointless, but I'm going to do everything I can). Cross your fingers for me. Hell, cross your toes too (and anything else worth crossing)!
5. Fitness classes: As you may recall, I lead a group of Mommies in a workout each week. Our group has grown immensely and we usually have 20-35 people at every workout. The babies come with us and we have a grand ol' time! :) Well, I was informed this week that we would no longer be able to do our workouts at the gym we were using. We've been there for months now, but they are kicking us out because I don't have the certification to lead a class. They knew that I wasn't certified when I started there and they told me it wouldn't be a problem. The girls coming to the classes sign a waiver and are fully aware that I'm not certified. Apparently this doesn't matter. I started this fitness group so that new Moms could meet other Moms and get a workout in during the day with their babies. I do it for free, because I don't want anyone to be held back because of money issues. I'm so frustrated and annoyed that they would do this to us! Since when are you not allowed to workout with your friends at a public gym??? I'm sure I could fight this, but it's really not worth it. We're on the hunt for a new place and the old place can kiss my @ss! Sorry...I'm a little bitter.
6. Running: I got a jogging stroller, thanks to Mike's cousin. She had 2, so she gave one to us! The weather still hasn't been fantastic, but we've gotten out a few times with it. The first day that I had it, I decided to attempt a 5km run on the trail and I DID IT!!! Grace was a trooper - didn't say a word the whole time. She was probably laughing inside at the sound of her mother huffing and puffing and talking to herself. I literally talked out loud saying things like "1 more km Cheryl, you can do this!" and "We're almost there Grace!" and "You are not tired...you are not tired...you are not tired!" LOL. It was not a pretty sight. I was sweating bullets. My shoulders were hunched. My head was flailing around. I was panting like a dog. My legs felt like lead. Can you picture it? ha ha. It took me 35 minutes to run the 5km with the stroller. My goal was 30 minutes, so this was obviously slower than I anticipated. However, I was still proud of myself! I haven't gotten out to try it again, but hope to shave at least a minute off my time next time around!
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| My "new" jogging stroller! |
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| Immediately after completing our first 5km run! :) |
6. Changes: As I mentioned in my last post, I finally reached my weight loss goal and am down to my "wedding weight" (139 lbs). I haven't lost any weight in the past 2 weeks, but am happy with where I am. I feel fantastic! The challenge now is to maintain this weight, while I contine to work on my fitness goals!
Here are some recently updated before and after pics!
7. Anniversary: Monday was my anniversary with my husband, Mike! We've been together for 10.5 years and have been married for 3 years. We had a great date night with dinner and a movie. Mike and I met when we were working together as teenagers. We started dating when I was 16 and he was 17. The rest is history! :) Like most couples, we have had our ups and downs over the years, but I cannot imagine my life without him. Our wedding day was the happiest day of my life. I was on cloud 9 the entire day. I just couldn't believe how lucky I was to be marrying him. I look forward to many more happy years together! I love you, Mike! xoxo
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| This one's an oldie!!! |
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| Engagement pictures - Fall 2007 |
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| Our wedding - May 31, 2008 |
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| Pregnancy pictures - June 2010 |
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| Our family is growing! Grace's birthday - Sept. 16, 2010 |
8. My Incredible Little Girl: Grace continues to grow and I love her more each day (if that's even possible). She is turning into such a little girl, full of personality. She squeals for attention, smiles when you talk to her and flaps her arms when she gets excited. She LOVES food and it's so much fun to try her with new things. She prefers to feed herself and I just love watching those little fingers work so hard to pick up each tiny piece of food. She sits up independently now (finally) and is starting to move herself around the room. She pushes back with her arms and moves forward from time to time. She hasn't mastered the art of crawling yet, but I have a feeling it won't be long. She is into everything, exploring every nook and cranny of our living room. I could sit for hours and just watch her. She is so entertaining. I can't imagine what my life was like before she was in it. I love her so much and look forward to a summer full of adventures with her! :)
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| Trying some cheese! :) |
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| Sitting up and banging things together! :) |
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| Exploring the coffee table! |
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| Checking out the dandelions! :) |
9. Friends: I love my friends. They are amazing. I don't know what I'd do without them. I miss them if I go more than a few days without seeing them. Enough said. :)
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| My girls - Jill, Tanya and Sherri |
10. I am happy. Despite the stress over work, I really am happy. I feel so lucky to be living this life, because it really is fantastic! :)
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