Post Baby Weight Loss: Expectations & Advice

I know, I know... I still have AT LEAST a few weeks before I should even think about losing baby weight. Obviously, my #1 focus right now is simply on staying healthy for our baby boy & giving him everything he needs, even if that means I continue to feel like a whale.  BUT, I just can't help it.  There is a cute skinny mom that keeps jogging by my house (right outside the window where I do my typing), and it's got me dreaming...

Not my belly.

First, I've been preparing to pack my hospital bag.  Baby Chapman has a precious outfit, courtesy of his Granny (my mom still hasn't decided what she's going to be called, but I've decided for her), to wear home from the hospital.  As the mom (a.k.a. the "second" star of the show), I feel like I should have something cute to wear home too - After all, it will be a very photo-worthy day. But the reality is: my mom gained 80 pounds when she was pregnant with me and lost exactly EIGHT when I was born.  Luckily, she's adorable and tiny now... So, I know there's hope.  But, you see what I'm up against. The thought of wearing one of my blah maternity dresses literally makes me throw up a little in my mouth; but, I can't justify spending money on a new dress to wear home that may or may not fit either.

Second, my brother-in-law is getting married in late October, and I'm wearing a cute red one-shoulder number in the wedding.  Maybe I'm crazy, but I keep hearing the term "hot mama" in my head and envisioning Heidi Clum (below) when I imagine it.  Ha!  But in all seriousness, I really want to not only look good, but feel good that weekend - which is approximately three months after my due date.   I keep hearing from women how wonderful breastfeeding is for weight loss; but, I also know in my heart that weight loss has NEVER been easy for me.  (In fact, truth be told, I definitely could have lost twenty or more pounds BEFORE getting pregnant.)  Part of me wants to start training for a half-marathon (as part of my 30 Before 30 list) in the early fall; but the more realistic part of me knows that this isn't exactly a stage of life where I'll have TONS of time and energy.  Perhaps I should start with Zumba a couple times a week and a leisurely walk with my stroller.  I just don't know!

Source

So... to all you moms that have "been there, done that" before... I'd love some advice on post baby weight loss.  What are some realistic expectations/goals to set... And, what are your tips for actually losing the weight?  You can be honest... I need it!

The Bachelorette: My Latest Thoughts

I haven't written about The Bachelorette since the first week it aired.  In truth, this is because I really think this season is kind-of lame.  I've given her a fair shot (or at least I've tried), but Ashley really just kind-of bothers me.  ***If I hear her say she loved Bentley one more time, I might puke!***  Plus, even the guys I like keep screwing up - i.e. William & Ryan P. (although I'm not really sure I fully understand what Ryan P. did wrong... Anybody?!?!).  Thank goodness I still have JP!  He's a little awkward with her, but I think that makes him even cuter.  I'll keep watching as long as she keeps him around...

Anyway, my strongest feelings towards this season so far involve... Ashley's clothes!  Now, I'm no fashionista, but I think her style is AWFUL.  Case(s) in point:

from www.abc.com

There is just SO much wrong here.  Mini jorts.  A shirt tied in the front - although Kathryn assures me this is in style now.. Yuck! I'm not having it.  And, work boots.  Really?  How about a t-shirt and yoga pants like the rest of the world?

Also...

White work-out top, red shorty-shorts, and high heel wedges (to go canoeing, I'm pretty sure).

Long net shirt (very similar to a fishing net) over a purple bikini - as an OUTFIT.

More mini shorts with shirts that cover them and make her look like she is wearing no pants.

Need more proof... Seriously, just watch the show for five minutes.

Please, don't get me wrong, she's cute and, she's got a great body - one I might just kill for these days, in fact.  BUT, I think she's too old to be marching around in shorty-shorts and high heels all the time.  Come to think of it, that's really hideous on everyone, no matter how old you are.  (When I write this stuff, I feel like such a jerk tabloider... I know Ashley will never read my blog, but if you do --- I'm sorry girl!  I still love your heart!)

Ok, a few other thoughts:

1. I'm creeped out by Ames.  I'm sorry, I just am.  And, did he say he'd been to 70 countries?  Excuse me, when do you manage all your portfolios?

2. PLEASE someone get a stylist after Ben & Constantine's hair.  I can't handle another episode of it.  I'm all for long hair, but when their hair is all slicked down and to the side, I get goosebumps - and not in a good way.

3. I felt a little sorry for West, despite what I said before AND what the magazines are saying about his wife's death.  I mean, kind-of a low blow to send only ONE guy home.

4. Dear Ashley, please stop saying you loved Bentley.  He was a jerk.  Isn't this such a picture of how we females can be so oblivious to idiot guys who "play the game"?  MOVE ON.  Fall in love with JP already! Thanks!

What did you think?!?!

A Better Kind of To-Do List

From Whatever... The Summer List

Now that school is out, I finally have some time to do things I not only NEED to do (and there are still plenty of those things too), but also things I really WANT to do.  Since I don't know exactly when Baby C will arrive, I've committed myself to making the most of these last few weeks that I have to myself. 

So, here's the start of my Non-Stressful/ Last Days of Being Babyless To-Do List:

1. Take a walk every morning.

2. Drink (decaf) coffee and read my Bible on the front porch.

3. Take naps whenever I feel like it.

4. Sunbathe at Kathryn's pool.  (Literally the only place in the world I'd be caught dead in a bathing suit right now... Labor has to look better with a tan, right?)

5. Read novels just for fun.  (The Hunger Games & Black Heels to Tractor Wheels are on my list currently.)

6. Have several date nights with Jeff - dinner, movies, etc.

7. Spend time with Poppy.

8. Do fun decorating projects around the house. (i.e. the frame project I've been planning for a YEAR)

9. Try out new recipes and do lots of cooking!  (Invite friends over for dinner once a week.)

10. Catch up with long-distance friends on the phone and local ones over lunch and/or frozen yogurt.

11. Blog more.  (My loved ones have been very clear in telling me how boring my blog is lately.)

12. Get a pedicure, manicure, AND pre-natal massage.  (If you can't spoil yourself when you're almost 9 months pregnant, when can you?)

13. Spend my evenings on the deck.

14. Take a weekend away with just Jeff and Addy. (Don't worry - we won't go far!)

15. Finish my darn scrapbook & update the Baby Book.

What should I add?