Take It Off Monday

I kinda had a feeling that this week would not be a HUGE weight loss week.  And it wasn't, I was right.  But after losing 5 pounds last week, it wouldn't be normal {or healthy} to continue losing weight that fast. I will say, however, that even though I only lost a pound this week, I still feel better than I did last week.  I just feel a lot less bloated, overall, which I'm excited about! {Perhaps I'm losing inches?  Have to count the non-scale victories (NSV) too, right!?!}

It's been awhile since I talked about how the plan works, so let me tell you about it: I'm on the 5 and 1 Plan.  That means that I eat 5 Medifast Meals per day plus 1 Lean & Green meal.  I usually save my lean & green meal for dinner time, because it allows me to eat with my family.  In addition to these items, you can have 1-2 Medifast snacks per day. 

Now there are a hundred different ways you can do this plan, but here's what works for me {on the average day}:

8:30am- Medifast Meal 1 {ex: Spiced Pancakes}
10:30am- Medifast Snack {ex: Spicy Black Bean Veggie Chips}
12:30pm- Medifast Meal 2 & 3 {ex: Macaroni & Cheese and Honey Mustard Pretzel Sticks}
3pm- Medifast Meal 4 {ex: Peanut Butter Crunch Bar}
5:30pm- Lean & Green Meal {ex: grilled chicken, broccoli/squash/zucchini mix & a side salad}
8pm- Medifast Meal 5 {ex: Brownie}

I usually skip the mid-morning Medifast meal because lunch is usually when hunger hits its peak for me.  So if I can get by with a snack {and lots of water} around 10:30am, then it allows me to eat two things together for lunch, which keeps me much fuller {and less likely to cheat!}

Like I said, there are a million different ways you can follow the program, but this worked for me last time {when I lost 30 pounds!} so imma stick with it, mmmkay?

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Week 2 Summary

Weight loss this week: 1 pound

Weight loss to date: 6 pounds

Weight left to lose: 24 pounds

 

First Goal: 10 pounds

• Reward: Alex and Ani birthstone bracelet!

Second Goal: 20 pounds

• Reward: New boots!

Final Goal: 30 pounds

• Reward: A new outfit {or two, because: skinny!}

Success: I lost another pound, so I'll take it!

Set-Backs: Lots and lots of parties this weekend, so that was a bit rough. Parties are hard!

 

Exercise: Walking.

How is everyone else doing on their weightloss journey?

As a Medifast blogger, I receive Medifast meals and support to facilitate my weight loss journey. All opinions are my own.

Brynn

So, Brynn turned 4 in May and is old enough to play soccer this year.  She excitedly helped pick out her little cleats and shinguards and couldn't wait to get on the field to play after watching Carter from the sidelines these past 2 years. 

When we took her to her first practice, she was OMGSOEXCITED and could barely contain it...

 ...but as soon as we handed over her soccer ball and pointed her in the direction of her team, her smile disappeared. The face that she gave me as she slowly walked towards her team and looked back, kind of broke my heart.  Her big blue eyes were welling up with tears.  She then ran back towards me, saying that she was scared. 

I walked over to her team with her and held her hand as she listened to the coach's directions.  But she refused to play.  She just stood there next to me, frozen.  I tried to encourage her, but she kept repeating that she was scared.  She also didn't want to talk to the coach or any of the kids on her team.  As I held her hand, I started getting her to dribble the ball in the cones and play the shark game with the kids, so that she could take part in the practice.  As she felt more comfortable, I slowly started backing away and returned to the sidelines with Bob to watch the practice.

Now we know that Brynn is a very shy kid, but she usually has no problem playing with other kids once she feels comfortable.

Fast forward 3 days later to her very first soccer game.  She excitedly got ready, putting her way-too-big uniform on and shoving her little feet into the cutest pair of soccer cleats my eyes have ever seen.  And as we drove to the field, she talked with Carter in the back seat about how they were both going to score a goal in their respective games. 

But once we got out of the car, we saw that same face we saw at her first practice.  I held her hand as we walked to the field and took her to the other side to be with her team.  I slowly started walking to the parents side when I heard her crying.  I then spent the next hour trying to calm her down instead of watching her play her first game.  Nope, she didn't play at all.  She actually refused to go in.  But as soon as that final whistle blew, you bet she was the first person in line for the team snack.  #thatsmygirl

The very next morning, team pictures were scheduled. We woke up early to get Carter and Brynn ready.  Carter's team was first, and he did awesome.  We then waited an hour at the field for Brynn's team pictures.  But do you think she got hers taken?  Not a chance.  Again, she refused.  And her second practice a few days later?  Nope, not happening.

I continuously leave the field feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do.  I obviously don't want to force her to play soccer if she doesn't want too, but at the same time, she asks me to play and says she loves it.  She's excited to get ready for the games and practices and still tells me that she's going to score a goal. {Umm, you actually have to PLAY to do that, dear.}  What gives?  I know she's a shy girl, so maybe she's just not as comfortable around all the people yet?  Maybe she doesn't want to be the center of attention on the field?  I'm not sure!

I will say that, at her game last Friday night, she DID go in the game.  For a minute.  But she did go in.  And she scored a goal...

 

...and then, after a few team high fives, she ran over to the concession stand to get in line for cheese fries.  In the middle of the game.

Her third game is tonight. We're going to continue to take her, because she seems to want to go.  I'm just hoping I'm doing what's best for her, ya know?  I'll just keep encouraging her to play, without forcing it.  That's about all I can do, right? Maybe she'll play TWO minutes tonight before running to the concession stand {which, I don't blame her much, those cheese fries are good.}

Anyone else have a super shy kid?  We had the exact opposite problem with Carter, so this is all new to us.  I'll take all the help I can get...

Take It Off Monday

Like I said in my post last week, I've decided to start the Medifast Program again.  I've been successful on this program before {I lost 30 pounds in between Brynn and Reid!} and since this body of mine will house NO MOAR BABIES {yes, you read that right.  As Olivia Pope would say: "consider it handled." In other news, OMGSCANDAL. 4 more days! Wait, what was I talking about?} I need to lose this baby weight for good!

That's my motivation this time, for sure.  Knowing that this is it for me.  This is my opportunity to focus on getting my body back.  Making it a priority to lose this weight. Focusing on me.

The first week back has been an adjustment, for sure.  But there was only a time or two where I felt like I might actually wither away. Well, I guess technically I was withering away because:

Now that, I can handle.

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Week 1 Summary

Weight loss this week: -5 pounds

Weight loss to date: -5 pounds

Weight left to lose: 25 pounds

 

First Goal: 10 pounds

• Reward: Alex and Ani birthstone bracelet!

Second Goal: 20 pounds

• Reward: New boots!

Final Goal: 30 pounds

• Reward: A new outfit {or two, because: skinny!}

Success: Staying strong while my body was adjusting to the program.

Set-Backs: There was that one day that I forgot to pack all my Medifast meals for work.  Whoops!  I'm still getting back into the swing of things here, people.

 

Exercise: I have 4 kids.  Does that count?  No? It should.

Has anyone else started a weight loss program recently?  Tell me about it... we can get through this together!

As a Medifast blogger, I receive Medifast meals and support to facilitate my weight loss journey. All opinions are my own.

I think I know what my problem is...

I have at least 10-12 drafts that I've tried to post in the past several months, and each time I save it thinking "I'll just finish it later."  Do you think that ever happens?  No. Not even close.  I get busy with work or home responsibilities. Oh, and also: 4 kids.

Now, it's not that I have OMGNOFREETIME. I do have some free time.  But that time usually occurs between 9-10pm and I'm too tired to do anything but watch Bachelor in Paradise at that point. {Oh, don't judge.}

But now? I think I know what my problem is... Or was. I think I know what my problem was.  I was trying to catch you up on my life since my last post and it just. wasn't. possible.  So, let's just start small.

This post right here?  This is my first post back.

I'd love to tell you everything that has happened lately.  Like, Carter... he's in 1st grade now.  Brynn?  She just started soccer {and loves/hates it... more on this later.}  Reid just turned two last week. TWO.  And Emerson?  Oh, my sweet girl.  We lucked out in the baby department, you guise.  That girl is so sweet and loving and PATIENT.  She's the best.

As for me, I'm working on myself right now.  I'm trying to lose this baby weight for good {I started Medifast today!  I've had success in the past and I hope I can do it again.  More to come on this.}  I also recently got promoted at work, which has been keeping me quite busy, but also makes me so excited.  I just celebrated 10 years at the university that I work at and it's crazy to think back to when I first started. How much my life has changed in the past 10 years. 

Back then I was a just-turned-25-year-old in a 2-bedroom apartment with a city view. I had an amazing boyfriend, could go out whenever I wanted and was about to start grad school. Shortly after I started working, I got engaged, planned a wedding, finished grad school, got married, bought a house, renovated ALL THE THINGS, had a baby, turned 30, had another baby, celebrated 5 years of marriage in Disney, lost a baby, had another baby, lost my dad, sent my first baby off to kindergarten, had ANOTHER baby {OMG, now I know why I explain my past life in kids... "oh, that was totally 2 kids ago."} turned 35, and just sent my first baby off to 1st grade.  That's a lot of stuff in 10 years. A. LOT.  And I'm so excited to see what the future holds for me and my sweet, "little" family.

So, yeah. I'm back. And I guess I should redesign the blog. My header is totally 1 kid ago, you guise.

Happenings Lately

So much going on, people.  So much.  Obviously I haven't blogged in awhile.  The truth is... I can barely go to the bathroom, shower and/or eat with 2 hands {oh, the luxuries!}, so clearly blogging is going to take a back seat. But I'm now trying my best to get back into the swing of things. So here's what's been happening lately...
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I go back to work next week!  Ahhhh.  How did this happen!?!  Baby girl is 9 weeks old {today!} so I do feel lucky that I will have had 10 weeks at home with her before I go back.  I also have a nice transition back into the office over the next month, which I'm very grateful for as well!

But, I have to admit... I'm having serious mixed feelings about it. 

On one hand, I am super excited to get back to work. {Call me crazy!}  I just miss being in my work environment, having daily adult interaction and actually getting a designated lunch break where I'll be able to eat.  With 2 hands!  {It's the little things.}

On the other hand, I know I will miss my baby girl like whoa.  And my 3 other babies too, obviously.  But especially Emerson.  We've been attached at the hip {or she's been attached to my boob, rather} for 10 weeks straight... it will be a difficult adjustment to leave her for 8 hours a day while I'm at work.  But we'll get through it... I have 3 times before this, right?
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Speaking of going back to work... I've been having serious anxiety, to the point of having nightmares about it.  And not for any of the reasons mentioned above.  Here's the thing...

My very first day back in the office after my maternity leave with Reid?  My dad died.

The. very. first. day.

Imagine being overwhelmed with the thought of leaving your new baby for the first time as you head back to work. Running a little late, as you transition to your new morning routine.  Sitting down at the computer to hundreds of new emails.  Your desk flooded with all the changes made in the short time that you've been gone. You haven't yet said hello to all of your fellow coworkers, because you've been inundated with work. And just as you get a moment to breathe after a few overwhelming hours trying to get re-accustomed to your work environment, you get that fateful call that will change your life forever.

I never realized, until recently as I prepare to head back to work again, just how much it has impacted me.  The timing of it all.  Being with Reid for 12 weeks straight and then, leaving for work that day, and not seeing him for more than an hour in the week that followed.  Makes me cry just thinking about how difficult that time was for everyone.  It's hard enough losing a parent, but to have it happen just 2 hours into your very first day back from maternity leave when you're already an emotional mess, made it all that more difficult. {And let's not add to it, the fact that I came home late that night to a dog that could no longer walk and that we were told to put to sleep THAT SAME DAY.}

It was obviously the hardest day of my life.

So, as I prepare to go back to work next week, I can't help but have severe anxiety about it. Almost like... "what terrible thing is going to happen when I return to work this time?"
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Let's shift gears, shall we?

Carter is playing baseball!  Well, tee-ball, but still.  He's so excited about it {and so am I!}  Opening Day is this Saturday and I'm praying for nice weather.  The poor kid has only had 1 practice so far because the other 4 have been cancelled due to rain and SNOW. {Ugh!}  Would it be too much to ask to have spring-like weather in spring??  Anyway, here's my little cutie just before his first {and only, grrr} practice:

Love him!  I must also add that he is doing amazing in school.  I was so worried about how he was going to do with being so young {he has a July birthday!} and I was even more worried about how he would act in school, but I'm happy to report that he is doing SO WELL!!  We are so proud of him!  Go Carter Man!
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With April approaching, I am in the midst of planning Brynn's 4th {WTH!?!?!} birthday party.  Her birthday is on a Saturday this year {May 24th}, so that makes things easier.  Of course, that's Memorial Day weekend too, but whatever.  It is what it is.  Anyway, baby girl wants to have it at Build-A-Bear again, so that's what we'll do.  And, like every other child on the planet, it MUST be Frozen themed.  Because, what else is there right now!?!  Exactly. {And a Frozen/snowflake theme on Memorial Day weekend makes so much sense.  Obviously.}

I did design her Frozen birthday invitation a few days ago, and I'm still tweaking it to perfection, so I'll be sure to post it as soon as it's ready!  I will say that it's one of my favorite invitations that I've designed so far though... EEEKKK!

Here's a recent pic of Brynn and I on our little girls day out...

We only went to Target and Chicl-Fil-A, but hey! It was fun! It was so nice to just have some time with my first baby girl. :)
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Reid Joesph turned 18 months on March 10th. He is doing amazing... he's smart as a whip but equally as evil.  He is into everything, let me tell ya.  There's a reason he's so cute, ha! We have his 18 month well visit on the same day as Emerson's 2 month visit, so I'll include his stats in that post as well. Here's a pic of my sweet boy along with his cousin, BFF and birthday twin, Aubrey, last weekend at their cousin Ben's 7th {ahh!!} birthday party...

OMG, they're the best, aren't they!?!
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Emerson just turned 2 months old on March 27th.  Can you believe it!?!  I have a whole post planned for later this week, but here's my little sweet pea on her second monthaversary...

Still with the hair.  I LOVE IT.  She's the sweetest!

She has her 2 month well visit on Thursday with Reid, so I'll have stats and everything for you then!  But let me just say that she is a great baby.  She's been sleeping through the night for several weeks now, has been an awesome nurser {with no signs of reflux, woo hoo!} and is very go-with-the-flow {poor thing doesn't have a choice, but still.} She just adores her brothers and sister too.  She's all smiles when they're around! :)  I'll have more on Emmie Mae later this week...
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In other news, Bob and I are still alive after two months with 4 kids, so that's saying something, right??

More later.  Promise.