Week 2

Last week went well. I did miss one day of cross training because I had to have tests run and I couldn't eat until 2pm that day. Didn't sound like a good idea to work out. I also missed one day of running because John didn't get home from work until 9pm. With no treadmill option, I decided to skip the day.  But, I did run 3 days, cross train 1 day, and keep up my daily walks with Dottie and Lucy.

So onto week 2 of my training. So far its not off to a stellar start.

I supposed to walk 2 minutes and run 4 minutes 5 times. Tonight I did that twice. Then I ran for 2 minutes and uh...I burnt out. I could stand the calf burning, but when it hit my ankles it was too much. I'd say my running is also a cross between speed walking and jogging. It will get better though. I couldn't totally give up though because I was 1.2 miles from my house. So I just turned around and briskly walked home.

As if the threat of emergency surgery wasn't even to keep me moving, we stepped into Lululemon today.

I like. I want. BUT I have to loose like 3 inches off my hips to fit into the largest size. Boo!

At least I have lost 3 lbs. in the last 2 weeks. Something about cutting out sweets, beef, pork, fried foods, and whole milk products from my diet. Again, nothing like the threat of emergency surgery to make a gal stick to her diet.

I also finished knitting a nice summer sweater this week. Part of a month long festival I'm participating in. Turned out really nice and I think it will gat a lot of wear in the office this summer.

Yes!

Look who's fitting into dresses she made last summer, pre-pregnancy!

That's right! Me!!!

The only problem is that the bodice darts aren't hitting me correctly anymore. Anyone know how to alter patterns to fit gigantic breasts on a narrower frame?

Update

So the preliminary results say that I have gallstones. Like bad. Looks like I'm headed into surgery to have my gallbladder removed. But the surgeon is on vacation for the first two weeks of June, so the earliest I could get a consultation was June 19th.

That's okay. In the mean time I was instructed to keep a low fat diet.

I'm still waiting on some other test results, but hopefully this will be all they find.

While I'm waiting I've decided to forge ahead with my 5k plans.

I saw this picture and went 'Urgh.' But isn't that why I'm starting this program? I need to get into better shape. I've already come a long way. When I went into the hospital to have Lucy I weighed 194lbs. Too darn much even though I hardly gained any weight while pregnant. On Sunday I weighed 169. Already 25 lbs. are gone in under 3 months. My eventual goal is to get to 140lbs.

So at least I've taken the first step.

2 Months Old

Little Lucy went in this morning for her 2 month check up.

At 10 weeks old she still on the little side, but getting bigger.

She's now 23.5 inches long (77%), 9 lbs. 15 oz. (15%) and her little head lands in the 3% range.

So funny, because to me her head looks normal, but I guess its kind of small.

She also got her shots and oh our little girl screamed. She slept just long enough for me to get home and walk Dottie. Then Lucy woke up and proceeded to scream for the next 2 hours straight. Poor little thing. Poor mommy too.

Looks like I'll be searching for new diaper covers soon. The ones she in now are starting to get a little too short! Her clothes are getting short too, but she's so skinny!

So here's our little girl.

What's going on today mommy?

Shots?!?!

And finally asleep

Elimination Dieting. I'm trying to look at the positive.

So I went to my regular doctor today. She has no idea what's wrong with me, but she's going to try to figure it out. Lots of tests to be done. Elimination diet commencing.

No dairy, wheat, corn, barley, pork, beef, deli meats, shellfish, soy, or peanuts. Okay, that's fine.

Here's where it hurts.

No alcohol, chocolate, or COFFEE!

I can have almost all vegetables and fruits, rice, potatoes, oats, poultry, ocean fish, beans, lentils, nuts, and spices.

So I went off to Whole Foods with a list of things to buy while I sort out what I can and cannot eat.

Here are my meal selections.

Oatmeal with all fruit jam mixed in
Puffed wheat with almond milk
Rice cakes with almond butter and jam
Apples with almond butter
Salmon with roasted potatoes and salad
Asparagus and leek soup

Hopefully that will get me through the next couple days.

So, anyone have any recipes to share? Most of mine involve dairy and/or wheat. I'd love to get some new ideas.

I'm pretty sure my doctor felt really bad putting me on this diet. Like I needed something else to deal with while taking care of a 10 week old. I totally needed to add a mystery illness.

Training Delayed

I'm so disappointed, but I've had to postpone starting the 5k training.

Basically the allergic reactions I had while pregnant have suddenly ramped up. I've been having indigestion/hives on and off since Saturday. Claritin took care of the hives, but the indigestion remains and is very uncomfortable.

Maybe I shouldn't have Googled my symptoms. I'm coming up with everything from stomach cancer to parasites to food allergies to an allergy to lactating.

Seeing my doctor tomorrow, so hopefully she will have an answer so I don't have to live in such misery anymore.

Its awfully hard to take care of this cutie when you're in constant pain.

34 F...as in Frank

Today I went bra shopping. (Cue dramatic music)

I don't know anyone who enjoys bra shopping, but I think I've now found the way to go.  I went to Jenette Bras.

This place only sells bras bras that are D cup and bigger. Its not your typical store with racks and racks of bras. Instead they ask you what you are looking for and then bring the bras to you.

I walked in, gave them my info (for the sizing card they'll keep on hand for future reference) and told them I needed nursing bras.

She asked 'What band do you wear? 34? 36?'

Sees me adjusting the band on my current bra.

'34. Maybe even 32.'

The fitter disappears into the stock room and returns with a couple different bras in 34 F.

That's right, she guessed my correct size just by looking at me. Awesome.

Unfortunately they didn't have a ton of styles in my size, but I found one that fits really well. She's having another one sent over from their other store.

I'll tell you that this was the least sexy style they had, but that's okay. As long as my girls are happy, I can deal with less sexy bras for now. I'll go back when I'm done nursing and get some prettier ones.

For now, I'll just be happy to have nice perky pointy breasts. Plus it will probably help my back pain.

Also now that I know my correct size (and have depleted the local option) I can hit the internet for some other options like that sports bra I'll need for all the running I have planned.

Working on my Fitness

Now that Lucy is 2 months old, I feel the time has come to start seriously working on my fitness level.

Its some what frustrating to put this into writing because information regarding postpartum fitness has been hard to find. Prenatal yoga DVDs litter the fitness world, but not near as much regarding how to get back into shape post baby.

So, I had a baby. I took it easy for a bit while I healed. Now I need to get cracking building strength before my body revolts against all the physical activity it takes to raise a baby. No amount of walking around the neighborhood is going to strengthen my abs and back to be able to lift all that baby crap without hurting myself.

So, what do I do?

Well, before I got pregnant I was attempting to do the couch to 5k program. It wasn't going as well, because I had no guidance as to how often to do the workouts. Plus I have really terrible running shoes. I burnt myself out before I'd really given it a chance to work. But now I'm thinking of giving it a chance again.

My SIL Terzah gave me a book when she was out here. Train Like a Mother (Its even a signed copy)

While I have no plans on becoming a marathon runner, I do think it would be nice to be able to run the 5k distance without dying. After all, I have a little girl now. Wouldn't it be nice if I had a bit of stamina to be able to play and run with her?

So, I'm thinking of starting their 5k running program. Like the most basic beginning runner version. The prerequisite was walking for 30 minutes a day 3-4 days a week. Well, I've been walking 2-4 miles a day 5-6 days a week since Lucy was 2 weeks old. I think I'm in a good place for this.

The other reason I'd like to take this on is because the book lays out a plan. Rather than trying to run every day, the plan has built in days for cross training and rest. I love that the cross training days are built in. I can use those days for things like Ballet, Disco Abs, Pilates, etc. All the fitness things I like to do that will also help me re-gain my core. It also has days you must run, and days you can skip the run if your infant happens to be up all night long.

So, what do you think? Should I give is a go? Everyone says breast-feeding mothers shouldn't focus on loosing weight, but if I don't start regularly exercising (more than walking) my back, hips, and arms are going to revolt. I'd much rather build my strength now than hurt myself hauling around a toddler.

(Oh and Terzah- Don't think I didn't notice you are quoted in the book. I'm pretty sure that's you considering the likelihood of another Terzah who is a runner in Colorado is pretty slim)