Newly Motivated

So spring time is approaching and I am newly motivated. I want to be a good example to my son so I decided that I am going to stop making excuses and just do what needs to be done. I am doing Weight Watchers on my own now; I may join the "At Work" meetings in March. I am also going to squeeze in 30-40 minutes of gym time at least 4 times a week. We have to work hard for what we want and with a wedding coming up, summer vacation and possibly re-entry into the dance company, I need to get a grip. I know I will never be model thin, but I want to get back to my comfortable weight. I was dancing around the other day and it was evident that I am still out of shape. I am snacking on grapes right now. I decided to cut out the processed snacks, even if they are vegetarian, low-fat and/or low cal. I am focusing on fresh veggies and fruits. My godsister worked on a "look book" for me because I mentioned to her over the winter holiday that I wanted to revamp and make myself over postpartum. I REFUSE to buy any clothes for my new look until I have lost like 10 pounds. That would put me back in a definite size 8. I have decided that size 6 is probably not a natural size for me. When I got down to a size 6 when I was training for a 10k road race, I was working out 5-6 times a week, running and spinning. I was also on a raw food vegan diet. Although I was very healthy at that time, I just can't see myself going raw vegan again. I became very obsessed with food and the diet and I think it was messing with my mind. So I rather do something like Weight Watchers where I can eat what I want within my points and exercise the weight off. I mean maybe one day I will get back down to a 6 but it will be slower and more gradual than the last time.
On another note, my little peanut will be 4 months at the end of next week! I have started reading different books about vegetarian babies and baby's first meals. I plan on making his food whenever I can and sending organic jar baby food when I have to. I figure if I am leaving him with my parents on a weekend, I could send the homemade stuff along with some jars just in case. There are so many different theories about when and how to start babies on solids. Outside of the US, many cultures start babies on solids at 3 months. From what I've heard, it's pretty standard to start babies in the US at 6 months. I plan on starting my little one of solids at the end of April. It's going to be so interesting seeing him take his first taste of real food. I am thinking avocado, banana and sweet potato may be his first foods. I need to do more research though. He will definitely be purely vegetarian for awhile. I may eventually add fish with scales to his diet, but not until he is maybe 3 or 4 years old.

Control Pantyhose are a girl's best friend

So between work and the baby, I am finding it so hard to squeeze in exercise. I wanted to have lost all my pregnancy weight by now but after I pick up my little one from daycare and come home, all I want to do is hang out with my family. I know, I know, I could just leave for 45 minutes and do a quick workout but I am just drained when I get home. Dinner, a movie and my two guys are all I want to do. So now I am a solid size 10, up from an 8. Some people can't notice but I can when I look at myself naked in the mirror. Oh what pregnancy does to the body. I feel so much pressure to get the weight off by springtime. Plus my best friend is getting married and wedding pictures are forever. If I could just take off 10 pounds by the end of May, I would be happy. It's totally possible to do in a healthy way, even with breastfeeding. But I quit Weight Watchers to save some cash and now I am wishing I didn't because all their online features and tools were really helping me. I am hoping if B and I get a little more stable I can join again by March. Okay, no more ranting. I don't want to think about my extra pounds right now.

Babies bring people together

I am realizing more and more that babies bring people together. I feel that my mom and I have bonded and are a lot closer than we were before since the baby has arrived. And I am suddenly in contact with friends from high school whom I haven't spoken to in years. Now there are three friends who I have been going back in forth with over e-mail. It's really nice. Everyone is really excited about the baby. And they can't believe I am a mom. I STILL can't believe it to be honest. I feel like I woke up one day and I was married with a baby! Everyone has just been so great; it's awesome. I need something to keep me going; this little guy is in the beginning stages of teething I think. Some people say it seems early (he's 3 months), but he is showing many of the signs. He grabs everything and puts it in his mouth. Last night he was yamming on a frozen towel; it was so cute. He has been pretty fussy at night too. He wasn't hungry or wet, just frustrated. He has been drooling a river lately; he can wet up a whole bib in no time at all! I thought I had more time before the teething began but obviously this guy is an early developer. He also has big feet and is "big" for his age. People keep telling me "he's big". I really can't tell because I haven't been around babies that much so I don't notice his size. He must be about 12 pounds now; he has a doctor's appointment friday so we will see how much this little monster has put on in a month! He definitely has a hearty appetite. I joke around with my mother and say that he is going to be big and tall like my brother. She said "not fat though". Yeah yeah, I just mean broad and tall then. Being a mommy kind of rocks... And I am enjoying meeting other mommies and having people smile at me and the young babe on the street and in the subway. What doesn't rock is the subway commute. It's okay but I just wish his daycare was like right next door to my job instead of 2 subways stops or a 25 minute walk! But people are really nice and they usually give me a seat once they see I have a baby strapped to my chest. I use the Moby Wrap and LOVE it! I am such a babywearer. I haven't put him in the stroller once. He has been in the stroller though with the childcare provider. They go to the park when it's nice out, i.e. 40 degrees or more and clear. Okay let me get back to work...