Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 4

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span></span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">lifeasalake</span></span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span></span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span></span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span></span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span></span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span></span>" /></a></center>   Months Postpartum: 7 1/2 Last Weeks Weight: 125 This Weeks Weight: 124   So I missed last week because we had this crazy flu bug hit our house and I was a walking Zombie from the lack of sleep! But we are back this week:)   Even though the kiddos were sick, I still got some exercising done.  Daddy was home sick also for a bit and he let me go for a couple of morning runs. AND I did a ton of yard work, which probably doesn't sound like much but I felt it for days!   Anyways, I am happy I am losing weight.  It is coming off slowly but surely.   I started following a new blog called Bikini Body Mommy.  She has a 90 day challenge going on and I think I may join in!  I can't believe what she has accomplished!  It is very encouraging:) I will post my scores next week.    

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 2

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">lifeasalake</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span>" /></a></center>   Weeks Postpartum: 32 (does that still count as postpartum???) Last Weeks Weight: 127 This Weeks Weight: 125   So like I said last week, all I need to do is run/work out and I will lose weight... well guess what, that's what I did!! 2lbs! I am pretty happy about that considering the week I had!  And the fact that I really only ran once and did 3 days of Jillian Michaels.   I realized this week how fast your body falls out of shape AND how fast it comes back!! I haven't ran in over 3 months and I figured I would pay for that and not be able to run my usual 3 miles, but I did!  I ran all of it with the double jogger and baby:)  It kicked my but and wasn't as easy as 3 months ago, but I ran it all without stopping.  Our bodies are seriously amazing! Oh, and the new Jillian Michael's DVD I have kicked my butt also... Every move I make is sore now, and I love it!   Lastly, last weekend was a tough one for me (emotionally spent).  So Daddy took the kids for the day and I "relaxed" in the only way a mommy can... I went grocery shopping by myself and made Mason Jar Salads for the week.  They are so yummy (even Daddy likes them) and they are awesome to just grab and eat when I am busy (which is pretty much all the time).   Don't forget to check in with Emily and Angela:)

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 1 (Again)

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span></span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">lifeasalake</span></span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span></span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span></span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span></span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span></span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span></span>" /></a></center>

So here we go again:)
Just like with blogging, losing weight has been on a break too!

But we are back at it!!
Joining me and Emily @ Don't Call Me Crunchy, is Angela @ The Harmon Baby Farm.
Angela is also a natural childbirther, who is just 6 weeks postpartum... And guess what? She had her baby in her car on the way to the birth center! You rock mama!

Back to Mommies On A Mission...
I am now 31 (yikes) weeks postpartum!! Where does the time go?? Squeaker is 7 months!
The last time I checked in with you all, I was 129lbs. Since then, I lost 4lbs and was down to 125, then I stopped running and the holidays came and I gained 2 lbs:(
So I am resetting at 127lbs.
To remind you and me, my goal is 115!

I WILL get there.

How??

By not getting discouraged... I know how to loose weight, I need to run!!
So I am getting back at it.

I can't wait to check back in next week!

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 8

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">lifeasalake</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span>" /></a></center>   Weeks Postpartum: 11 Last Weeks Weight: 130 This Weeks Weight: 129   Slow and steady!!  It's coming off:) Nothing much else has change since last week.  I am still running and doing Jillian Michael's.   Since we started Mommies On A Mission 8 weeks ago, I have lost a total of 6lbs! Only 14 more to go.

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 7

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">lifeasalake</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span>" /></a></center>   Weeks Postpartum: 10 Last Weeks Weight: 132 This Weeks Weight: 130   This week was HUGE for me!!! Not only did I lose 2lbs (yay!), but I also reached my prepregnancy weight AND I tried on my prepregnancy jeans... They fit! So yes, as you can tell, I am pretty excited about it:)   I am going to keep doing what I am doing because it seems to be working for me right now. I am running Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with the double jogger and the two babies.  And then I am doing the Jillian Michael's video as many times a week as I can.   I have the upcoming 5K Mud Blast to keep me motivated, but I have something in mind that I really want to get myself... and I think I may make it my "reward" for making it to 120lbs:) We will see....     Don't forget to check up on Mama G!    

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 5 & 6

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">lifeasalake</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span>" /></a></center>   Weeks Postpartum: 9 Last Weeks Weight: 133 Current Weight: 132   Last week was SO busy that I completely forgot to blog! Anyways, last week was great.  I did Jillian Michael's video everyday and went jogging 4 times.  I am physically feeling awesome... more energy, stronger and better endurance. With that said, I lost 2lbs... and gained 1lb this week. I am ok with that though because I may not see the results on the scale, but I feel them and see them! I stopped "watching" what I was eating because I am worried about compromising my milk supply by restricting my calories.  I am still trying to cut back on sweets:)   All in all, I am very happy with my progress.  If things continue and I lose 1lb a week for the next 20 weeks, by just doing what I am doing, I will be more then happy!  It has taken me 5 years and 4 pregnancies to put it all on... so I can give it some time to come off:)   Don't forget to check out Mama G's progress over at Don't Call Me Crunchy. And if you are interested in joining up with us, let me know!

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 4

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span></span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lifeasalake</span></span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span></span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">img</span></span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">src</span></span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">photobucket</span></span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">goog</span>-spellcheck-word"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span></span>" /></a></center> Weeks Postpartum: 7 Last Weeks Weight: 124 Current Weight: 123 I lost another pound this week. Weight loss is slow moving for me I guess:/  This last week I did my work out video 6 times.  And it definitely kicked my butt!! I have been needing it. Unfortunately, I didn't eat great last week... I guess I was thinking if I was working out a bit then I would be ok to have ice cream:) Wrong!!  Next week I really hope to lose at least 2 lbs, so I am going to keep working out AND eat better. I entered Daddy and I into a Mud Run in October! So I am going to start the Couch to 5k running program in hopes that I will be able to run most of it:)  I am going to attempt to put Baby C and Squeak in the jogging stroller and let Buddy Boy ride his bike next to me. But if it ends up being too much then I may wait until Buddy Boy starts school in a few weeks.

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 3

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">lifeasalake</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://i190.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span>" /></a></center>   So you know how last week I said it would be more exciting this week?? I lied! Between us all being sick, I have little time to do any exercise... blah!  This is going to be a little harder then I though with four kids.   Weeks postpartum: 6 Pregnancy Weight: 158 Last Weeks Weight: 135 Current Weight: 134 Goal Weight: 115 & firmer   I lost ONE pound!  That makes me happy since I have been eating like crap and have been sick:) I have gotten the ok from my midwife to start working out, so I am going to start doing the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  I am not sure where I am going to fit it into my day... I am thinking I will have to get up before the kids.  I will let you know how that goes.   So those of you with little ones... when do you find the time to work out with out someone watching your kiddos?

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 2

<center><a href="http://lifeasalake.blogspot.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><img src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.jpg" /></a></center>   Weeks postpartum: 5 Pregnancy Weight: 158 Last Weeks Weight: 135 Current Weight: 135 Goal Weight: 115 & firmer   I posted last week that I figured these next 2 weeks would be slow due to the fact that I am not allowed to work out yet! I was right... I didn't lose anything this week! It didn't help that I also didn't eat very well this past week.  With camping all I did was snack and eat way too many smores!  So tomorrow I am back to eating good.  Salads, veggies, lean meats and NO sweets! My 6 week postpartum visit is on Monday and hopefully I will get the ok to work out again:)  I am planning to start a Jillian Michael's video as soon as that happens!   Hopefully I will have some more exciting news for you next week!

Mommies On A Mission ~ Week 1

Welcome to Mommies On A Mission!

We are a couple of Mama's who have recently had babies and are working to lose weight:)

<center><a href="http://lifeasalake.blogspot.com/2012/07/mommies-on-mission-week-1.html"><img src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z7/Abbeylake07/weight-loss_after-baby1.jpg" /></a></center>  So this is me:

Weeks postpartum: 4Pregnancy Weight: 158Current Weight: 135Goal Weight: 115 & firmer As of right now, I am not able to work out.  I have to wait until my 6 week postpartum appointment to get the ok from my midwife.  So until then, I am nursing, (which seems to help ALOT when it comes to loosing weight), I am cutting out all sweets, only drinking water and taking care of four kids(that's workout enough right?)!My goals with these weight loss posts are to obviously lose the weight/ gain muscle tone, but also to stay motivated and accountable through all of you!  I don't want to disappoint:)I am looking forward to sharing my progress and hopefully be able to encourage others along the way.  Check back next week!  So far it is just Mama G and I that are participating, but we would love for more mama's to join in!So link up:)

Post Baby Weight Loss

Starting next week I am teaming up with Mama G over at Don't Call Me Crunchy for some post baby weight loss.

We will be posting every Thursday about trying to get back into our pre-pregnacy jean and the ups and downs that go with weight loss!

I am SUPER excited about this because I think it will make me more accountable and motivated!

If you are interested in joining in on the "fun", let me know... otherwise check back next week to see how we are doing:)



How Things Have Changed

I had my 2 week postpartum visit with my midwife this week.  She commented on how great I look and how this fourth baby seems to have set me into my groove. 

I think her exact words were "you have surrendered to motherhood".

While driving home, it dawned on me that she is right!

You would think I would have surrendered earlier, but I remember just 3 weeks ago being at my wits ends with my kids at the end of the day... on a good day!

Since Squeak (Baby #4) joined our family, I have been much more relaxed and content with life.

I no longer feel a rush to do something or be somewhere. 

I am happy that our calender is empty and we can spend our days at home.

I have been much more patient with the kids.

And I don't feel as overwhelmed.

We are back into homeschooling (for the summer at least).  We sat down for circle time the other day and the calender said March 17th!!  Apparently I was over homeschooling:)

We are painting, playing with playdoh, rolling in the mud and getting all around messy and dirty!

We are back on a schedule.  And I have managed to get all the kids to nap at the same time several times!

It's not just me either... I see a huge difference in Daddy also!

Our family is complete and we are settling in.

I know that there is a baby moon phase after having a new one join the family, but I really hope things stay this way.  It makes life more fun and enjoyable!

  

Introducing...

Maddox Edward Lake

Born June 25th @ 10:28pm

7lbs 3oz & 21.5in

His birth was beautiful, magical, mysterious and blustery.

I will write a birth story soon, but I am not ready to put it down on paper quite yet.

Until then, just know that it was everything I had wanted, and more then I could have expected.

Mommy Talk Tuesday {Breastfeeding}

<center><a href="http://www.mommyfergblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Not So Secret Confessions of a Second Time Mom" src="http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/SouthernChelle87/MommyTalkTuesdayButton-3.jpg"/></a></center>

This weeks topic {Breastfeeding}:
Do/Did you breastfeed? What was the biggest challenge of breastfeeding or trying to breastfeed? What was/is your favorite part of breastfeeding? Do you think it's ok to nurse in public?

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Breast is best, right?  At least it was for me and my babes:)
I have breastfed all my kids.  Bubba Love until 10months, then I got pregnant with Buddy Boy who nursed until 1, then I got pregnant with Baby C who nursed until 13 months, then I got pregnant again!
I had all the typical issues when beginning to breastfeed, but nothing that detoured me from it... in my opinion there was no other choice.  And after those first few weeks that are tough, breastfeeding seemed more convenient and worked well with my lifestyle.
I have lots of favorites when it comes to breastfeeding.  I love the snuggling and bonding, I love that it helps me lose weight, and I love that it makes me slow down on busy days.
And heck yes I nurse in public... why wouldn't I?  My baby is hungry and has needs no matter where I am!

Looking back though, I realize that I have had awesome support!  I also have never had a bad experience with nursing or nursing in public.  I think that has made me very confident and I think every woman should feel that way:)
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Next weeks topic: {Letters to your Child/Children} Write a letter to your child or children and tell them anything you want to tell them. Post it as a blog post and then come back here and link up!

Where Have I Been?!?!

It has been a while since my last post... Why you ask??

I have been at a birth.

A really long birth.

A really hard birth.

A really exhausting birth.

A birth that was hard to watch.

A birth that is taking time to process.

Once my mind is finally wrapped around the entire birth, I will post a story from my (the doula's) perspective.

Post~Partum

Being only 13 weeks postpartum, I thought it would be appropriate for me to start there.

When I was pregnant with my first, I didn't think about postpartum. I thought the baby came out, there was some bleeding and everything was normal again. Haha!! I soon learned that it took a while for things to get back to "normal" and even then, normal is different then it was.

These are a few things I wish veteran mom's would have told me about...

~Afterpains~

Afterpains hurt!! (especially if you have had children before) They are caused by the process of "involution", which is when your uterus is returning to it's non-pregnancy size. After your birth, your uterus will be about the size of a grapefruit, weighing between 2-3lbs. Over the first two weeks it will shrink down to fit into the pelvis and weight around a 1/2lb, during this time is when you will feel those afterpains the most.

Afterpains are basically mini contractions. And just like contractions, the release of oxytocin is what causes them. How is oxytocin released? Nipple stimulation. So while you are having a sweet nursing session with your new baby, you will be hit with some contractions. Most people use some form or Ibuprofen to help them through this time, so they can just focus on enjoying their time with baby.

~Back Aches~

During your last trimester, the hormone relaxin kicks in and starts softening your joints and losening your ligaments in preperation for labor. It is an amazing hormone that makes it possible for us to open up and make room for our babies to be born.
After the birth, your body has is still loose and soft. This can, just like in the last trimester, cause back aches. It can also cause weakness and leave you vulnerable for injury.

To prevent pain and injury, try not to hunch over while breastfeeding. This will lead to strain on your spine and a longer recovery. Bring the baby up TO your breast and use a pillow or boppy to support you. Try to avoid carrying those heavy car seats. Either have someone else do it, or pick your baby up and wear him/her (they want to be with you anyways). Lastly, make sure you are wearing your baby properly. Not only for the safety of you little one, but for the well being of you and your fragile body.

~Hair loss~

Throughout your pregnancy, the hormone estrigon keeps hair at a continual growing stage. After your baby is born and estrigen levels take a dive, your hair trys to go back to its normal process. Which is have 5-15% of your hair at a resting stage for release, promoting new growth. Before it can get back to its normal process, your body releases a lot of the hair that would have been released the previous 9 months. By your babies first birthday, your hair should be back to it's pre-pregnancy routine.