Wow. I can't believe three months (plus) have come and gone since little Finny was born. I had intended to do more frequent updates on my weight loss/fitness progress, but you know...things got in the way. So here I am, three months and a few days into life with three little ones. If you're new to my blog, I want to give a little explanation. After I had my third baby, I decided to post photos of my body a couple weeks before giving birth, a couple days after giving birth and a couple weeks postpartum. My goal was to show what normal people look like after having a baby - or three! I know how difficult those few months after giving birth can be on a new mom's body image and self esteem, and I imagined that seeing a normal progression could potentially help someone.
Now, I've entered the phase where my weight is almost back to normal (I still have 15 pounds to go), and I'm (barely) fitting into my old clothes. I hold all my weight in my midsection, so buttoning up my pants is still quite a challenge. My focus is now on getting enough rest, drinking enough water, eating healthier and getting into an exercise routine.
Here's how I look now:
I had been feeling quite down on myself the last couple weeks about my continued waistline struggles (even though that's COMPLETELY irrational given the short amount of time since I gave birth, but these hormones...that's what they do to us!), but I'm feeling a little better since seeing these photos. I have to laugh a little though because as you can see, my bum has gone the way of the 40 pounds I've lost so far. It's almost non-existent! I'm hoping some intense lower-body workouts will at least stop the decline. Ha!
Speaking of intense workouts...those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I started the Bikini Body Guide at about three weeks postpartum (yes, yes, I know...but it was the easiest birth ever). Well, it was going great, and I completed the pre-training and got to the second week of the regular 12-week program. Then, I hit a wall. HARD.
For whatever reason, I had zero energy. All I wanted to do was sleep and eat food that wasn't remotely part of the program. (It's mostly a high-protein, clean-eating diet.) I think it's been a combination of things - growing baby = higher caloric intake, sleep deprivation, blazing temperatures here in Portland, hormonal changes and just being busy.
So, I've been off the wagon. Like, way off. As in, not doing anything other than chasing around my three babies (which is a workout in itself). But I'm hoping to get started again within the next week or two. I'm not going to pressure myself though until I feel ready because I know my body is probably telling me to chill the eff out.
Even with my lack of exercise the past few weeks, I do think the short while that I was on the program made a difference, as the definition in my abs has started to return. You can see this in the two photos below.
BUT!
Don't go thinking I don't have a long road ahead of me. This is what I look like when I'm not totally sucking in my belly:
Yep. That is the real me. The one you see at the playground with puke on my shoulder and poop smeared on my sleeve.
When I update again, I'll hopefully be able to show you guys what an amazing transformation I've had while on the Bikini Body Guide. I'm sure that some think it's weird that I'm posting these photos here, but it really helps to motivate me to see the progress.
Oh, and for the record, my goal has been - and remains - to get healthy and strong. I've always been a thin person. I know this. But thin doesn't equal healthy! I can't keep up with my husband/kids on the most basic hike or aerobic activity. This is about having a long and fun future with my family. And, you know, about fitting into my cute handmade wardrobe. :)
P.S. Is that not the CUTEST baby you've ever seen?!
