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)

Back in the Studio!

Today was my first class back after having Lucy. It wasn't too bad.

It was at a new school. One in Pasadena so I wouldn't be as far from home. Plus it should work with John's work schedule most weeks.

Of course today there was a sub, so I'll have to go again when the usual teacher is back.

I told the teacher is was my first class back. He started going on and on about how it will be a very slow and beginning class. I thought 'Oh no! That's going to kill me!' Thankfully we only did one exercise and he noticed I was a lot more advance than I let on and the class was much faster paced.

Did I mention there were only two students? Me and a pre-teen girl. Poor thing was more of a beginner and I fear the class was a little fast for her tastes. But I heard a good teacher will teach to the most advanced student in the class (within reason).

Now I just hope I can walk tomorrow. My body kept sending signals reminding me I hadn't moved that much in a while. Hello inner thighs! Nice to feel you again upper abs!

After weeks of nothing more than walking, I am elated to be back at ballet!!!

Half Way There

Today Lucy is 7 weeks old, so I am roughly halfway through my maternity leave.

I have mixed feelings about this. I miss working. I miss being around adults. But I also like being with Lucy. We've hit a rhythm that works for us. Lucy is so darned cute, that it sucks knowing I'll be going back to work right as Lucy starts being more alert and playful.

Over all we're doing really good. We've started trying to set a bed time routine. Bath time, feeding, swaddle and to bed. She doesn't go to sleep until a few hours later, but its a start.

I've lost a total of 22lbs. so far, but I've hit a plateau. That's okay, but I'd still like to slim down to a healthier weight overall. I was going to go back to ballet last week, but John worked late. So here's hoping I'll make it back into the dance studio this week. I know I'm going to get my ass kicked after such a long break, but it will also be so good for me. Got to get those abs back and functioning better. The stretching couldn't hurt either.

Now onto the pictures.

Lucy and her Glowworm

Starting to smile

Play time

Mommy's yarn matches her romper (I LOVE rompers)

Mirror Time