I’m 4 months into this mom of two stuff and I can honestly say it’s busier than I imagined it to be. I knew having two kids would mean more of my time, and I eagerly signed up for it, but as a no-excuse-make-it-happen kind of girl, it’s a bit humbling.
I haven’t been to the gym in a couple of weeks. I throw Kaitlyn off her schedule so frequently that when she has the opportunity to get a nice nap in at home, I let her have it.
Cooking meals this week has been tough. I knew it was going to be a busy week (I was even back in the WCCB studio yesterday- as was Kaitlyn- for some mommy review fun with Kristine!), so I gave myself a break and didn’t plan out must-make meals for each night.
I realize that may sound like I’ve given up, but I haven’t. I’ve adjusted my expectations. I’ve accepted that I won’t be running any fall races this year most likely or creating elaborate meals in the kitchen. However, that doesn’t mean I’m throwing myhealth aside.
I haven’t made it to the gym, but I’ve been doing workout videos a couple of times a week. It’s not my favorite, but it gets me sweating and Hailey will even join in sometimes and it makes it a lot of fun! I’ve been focused on staying active with afternoon walks with the girls and short runs when David is home and I have the opportunity.
I also may or may not have prematurely spent some birthday money on some new workout gear. SQUEE!
This week I didn’t really have a meal plan. However, instead of planned out meals, I grabbed some staples- chicken, steak and several veggies- and we’ve been eating simple meals of grill-it-or-roast-it-all. The meals won’t win any culinary awards, but they are quick and good for us.
from instagram
I guess at 4 months in I’m at a place of doing what I can when I can. I don’t want to create unrealistic expectations and set myself up for failure, so I’m readjusting. I’m striving for progress, whatever the speed.
When I was a health coach I worked with many moms that had basically thrown in the towel. I remember encouraging them (how they must have loved that from a non-mom) to take baby steps and acknowledge the small wins along the way. I found if you could get that positive energy building, the rest often fell into place. Don’t you find that if you get in a workout that you want something a little healthier to eat? Or if you take your vitamins that you are more likely to drink an extra glass of water? I know I do and that’s all I’m shooting for right now.
So with that being said…
and
And the numbers…
| 3 Months Postpartum | 4 Months Postpartum | Difference | |
| Right Bicep | 10.75” | 10.75” | — |
| High Waist | 29” | 28.25” | -0.75” |
| Around Belly Button | 32.75” | 31.5” | -1.25” |
| Hips | 38.75” | 38” | -0.75” |
| Right Thigh | 22” | 22” | — |
| Weight | 121 | 119 | -2 lbs |
Progress …even though the weight loss may be mostly a result of my haircut!
I refuse to compare my results to when I was 4 months postpartum with Hailey. I’m in a different place now, I’m juggling more and I’m even a couple years older. So even though things may not be progressing as quickly, progress is still progress, no matter the speed.
When is a time you’ve had to readjust your expectations?
Jennifer says
I think you look amazing! I really enjoy reading your blog everyday! I have a little boy who will be 2 in November and I am still not back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Pitiful, right. For some reason breasfeeding made me keep the weight on and it wasn’t until Grant was 16 months old that I was able to start to see a difference when he really cut back on nursing and I finally quit pumping at work. Hormones I guess. Anyways, I recently started working with a health coach and I am really enjoying it! She is a huge motivator and it has really helped me. I’ve lost 25lbs since March and I’ll be 31 next month and I am determined to loose these last 5 lbs. Thanks! Sidenote: I gained 60lbs while pregnant! Ew! lol!
Marjorie says
It took me a long time too! But you can do it! I am 15 pounds lighter now than when I got pregnant with my son (he just turned 2). I am still slightly overweight, but very close to my healthy weight range for my height. So I am trying to lose a few more lbs. If I ever get pregnant again, I will take it a little easier on the junk food. 🙂 It is hard work losing that weight!
Marjorie says
Way to go!!!! You are doing so great! I was a hot mess at 4 months postpartum. And that was with only ONE child, so I can only imagine.
It is so strange, when you are in the middle of those early months of mothering an infant…it feels like it is going to be that intense forever. At least it did for me. I was wondering if I’d ever have time to myself ever again! But little by little, they become more independent. And little by little, you will figure out how to fit more time in for cooking, working out, etc.
Jen says
You look great! And I definitely see progress! Great job, mama. Two kiddos is no joke.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I loved your tv segment! Also, cute new hair cut!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
I think you’re doing great! The fact that you’re squeezing in some video workouts despite your busy schedule is so inspiring. I can only hope that when I’m four months into being a mama of two that I am getting some exercise in.
Monica says
Oh, those expectations… I had every intention of being “that mom”. You know… the one who gives birth, bounces right back in both body composition and fitness levels, works full time (have to…unfortunately), runs races on the weekends with the jogging stroller, all while looking great and keeping the house pristine.
Not enough laughs in the world for how far from that I’ve ended up. Most days it is all I can do to come home from work, feed the babe, get stuff ready for her daycare for the next day, and stuff food into my own mouth before shuffling off to bed. I’m…er…softer than I’ve ever been, and my jogging stroller is so lonely. But I have a happy, healthy daughter, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s all that matters right now.
You are doing great! Keep up the good work!
Brittany Dixon says
Amen Monica! At least now I know that the image of ‘that perfect mom’ is just an illusion. No one has it that together all the time. Rock on! 🙂
Laura @FitMamaLove says
With two kids, squeezing workouts in when you can is definitely the name of the game! I haven’t meal planned in forever, but like you, I always have things on hand to make healthy meals, even if they are super simple. The grill is great for cooking things up quick and healthy!
Jessica says
You look great! I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight and size about 6 weeks after my first son was born…I even still had a flat tummy. Once #2 came around, it was a whole different ball game! And I really beat myself up about it for awhile until I realized, like you, I was in a different season of life, with more going on, less sleep, less opportunity to exercise, etc. Once I finally accepted that I was less harsh on myself. Our youngest just turned 3 and my stomach still isn’t as flat as I want and I’m 5lbs from where I was 5 years ago, but it’s ok. I’m still working on it without being obsessive about it!
Lauren Brennan says
You look awesome! I give you major props for being brave enough to post your stats here for the world to see!
Over the past few weeks I’ve actually gained a couple of pounds and some inches and it’s been really disappointing. I know I need to readjust my expectations being a mom of two, but I also need to readjust my eating habits too! I think I’ve been going a little overboard with the sweets, because hey, I’m burning those extra 500 cal while breast-feeding, right?! Yeah, that stops now.
John J. Stathas says
You look great! Congrats on the way you take care of yourself and your family in very holistic ways! I’ll see for myself tomorrow!
Maria says
Those workout clothes are adorable! Where did you go?
Progress is progress and comes in many different ways…progress is getting more than 6 hours of sleep a night, taking a stroll to calm your stress levels, or eating a few extra veggies. It may seem like little things, but they add up! You LOOK healthy and happy!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, great point about measuring success in other ways. I think that’s so important and I really should acknowledge that more.
As for the clothes, I went to the ‘dark side’ and hit up Lululemon for the first time. 😉 I did find some on sale though!
sarah (the SHU box) says
i think you are doing AWESOME. progress is progress!!! and it’s definitely a marathon and not a sprint 🙂
Brittany Kirkland says
I think you look awesome! Keep up the good work and give yourself credit… and a break. You really look great!!!
Alex @ Get Big, Go To Work says
You look great, and I love your outlook/positive attitude! I think a positive attitude/thoughts are contagious and will surely help to motivate you to keep up with it even if you feel changes are small.
Erin says
Progress is progress! 🙂
I’m so glad I recently found your blog. My baby girl is 6 weeks old (my first), so I’m loving all your posts about life with kids. 🙂
Lee says
I am 8 months post-partum and still haven’t lost all the weight. I honestly thought it would just fall off. Ha.