Friday Weigh In & Other Things

Happy Monday, world! Last week was a little crazy and it definitely showed up on the scale. Lucikly it wasn't horrific.

Starting Weight: 284.4
Previous Weight: 249.0
Current Weight: 249.2
Lost/Gained: +0.2
Total Lost: -35.2
Inches Lost: -3.5

I didn't take my measurements this week either. I am telling you, last week was a blur. However, that gain was expected. We ate out, a lot, I didn't get to walk like I did the previous week, and I just wasn't focused. It does happen from time to time though and I'm trying to do much better this week. Cross my heart.

Well, I have finally decided that I will be brave enough to share progress photos with the world. I'm not embarassed with myself, disappointed, not embarassed. My body is what it is right now. My stomach is completely different than it ever was in my life because I grew, carried, and gave birth to a baby via cesarean. My stomach will never be the same again, but that's OK with me because my body did something amazing. That being said - here we go:

The picture on the left was 4 weeks post partum. The one on the right... was Tuesday 3/17 as you can obvioulsy see. I have gotten smaller. Yay! Even though it's only a 9.1 pound difference, you can see the change in my body so far. I don't think I will do pictures weekly, but possibly monthly or bi-weekly.

Pictures are one of the BEST ways to measure progress. Pictures, measurements, and clothing. Sometimes the scale is a bitch but she isn't always in tune with everything going on with your body. That's why I rely on other means to measure progress sometimes. 

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I totally ordered this diaper for Carson and am obsessed with it:

BumGenius Louis Print

Now, I didn't get the flip, I got the Freetime. It is so stinking cute! Obviously since both Andrew and I are instrument people this diaper was very fitting. This was definitely a splurge purchase at $35 but I wanted it so badly. Diapers are becoming a serious addiction and I might have to have an intervention.... maybe. I just love the Freetimes, I wish my entire diaper collection was Freetimes (as a reminder, the Freetimes are the All-in-One diapers as mentioned in my post about cloth diapers).

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I leave you all with a super cute picture of Carson:

In this photo, Heather is holding him and he is flirting with Amelia, Heather and Nick's daughter. Heather says that Carson will be her future son-in-law. Wouldn't that be perfect?! 

How was everyone's weekend? Anyone else have a super crazy week and needing a kick in the butt to get back on track?

Friday Weigh In

We will get right to it:

Starting Weight: 284.4
Previous Weight: 250.0
Current Weight: 249.0
Lost/Gained: -1
Total Lost: -35.4
Inches Lost: -3.5

Another pound gone! I was actually very surprised by this considering I had a couple of really bad "off the wagon" food days. I thank breastfeeding for some of my continued success since I burn so many extra calories from producing milk. However, instead of focusing on that, I want to outline the positive things I DID do that helped towards Friday's weigh in success:

1. I walked Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at least a mile each time
2. I tracked my food even when I didn't want to because I knew how badly I had done
3. I stayed positive and told myself that even though I had a bad moment, the next meal was a chance to get back at it. 
4. I reached out to my Coach for support
5. I reached out to my mom for support

Having people by your side while you lose weight is crucial. Even the other day I was upset about something and felt the need to eat to comfort. I went to the fridge and pulled out my container of strawberries and ate some of those. I was proud of myself for choosing something healthy and when my husband sat down next to me he told me that he was really proud of me for what I have accomplished so far. That means so much to me coming from him. He is someone who doesn't struggle with weight issues (damn skinny man) and when he can see I am working hard and he says things like that it really helps keep the momentum going. I love it. 

Also, I love coaching! Julie is great and talking to her once a week really helps me. 

I love having a detailed action plan every week and love that it is so easy to reach out to my coach. I can do it from the phone app too. WeightWatchers adding this feature was incredibly smart and awesome!

And again, I swear I will start doing progress pictures. 

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Other Things:

Carson is doing fantastic. He's healthy and for the most part, very happy. We are having some issues right now and I think he's showing signs of teething. I know a lot of people swear it's too soon, but every baby is different and some babies are even born with teeth! His teeth will come in when they are ready. That being said, he is super fussy, has stopped napping well, and bites. Everything. Kid gets mad and CHOMPS anything that you put in his mouth, especially hard stuff. I've been putting his teething toys in the fridge and then giving them to him. He is also a drool machine. Lots and lots of drool. So, I'm just keeping my eye out for any signs of teeth. He goes to the doctor soon for another check up so I will be sure to ask her what's up. 

He feet aren't really that big.... the little soft shoes just make it look that way. Grandma Chris likes to put him in cute outfits while mommy is at work. Makes my heart melt. 

I've fallen off the Dave Ramsey wagon too. I just have this impulse to buy shit we don't need things and can't seem to help myself sometimes. It is like there is this demon in me telling me to hit the "buy now with one-click" button on Amazon. So dangerous. Now, my spending isn't hindering our lives. I'm not over spending or buying anything on credit - I'm just using extra money for shit we don't need things that could have been money used to throw at the remaining debt we have. I just have to refocus and start watching my FPU DVDs again and listening to the Podcast. It seems, like anything else in life, I think I am doing fine without the extra support and can do it on my own. Nope, I can't. I need the constant motivation and reminders. Just like with my weight loss journey. 

Anyone else out there try Financial Peace University or Dave Ramsey's practices? Have you had success? Share your stories!

Why I Love Cloth Diapers

Before Carson was born I did a lot of research on cloth diapering. It was something that I wanted to do but at the same time it terrified me. People kept telling me how much work it was and that I wouldn't like it. Well, here were are at 3 months and I love cloth diapers. Love them. They are fabulous and it is so much cheaper than buying disposable diapers all the time. Plus, it makes me feel good that I am not throwing all those dirty diapers into the trash where they will go sit in a landfill for years, and years, and years, and years.....you get it. 

Now, we did do disposable diapers until Carson was about 10 pounds. I didn't buy or receive any newborn size cloth diapers and that was fine for us. Once he was big enough we made the switch and we have been going strong ever since. When we travel and are staying overnight somewhere I do use disposable diapers just because it is easier for Andrew and I. 

LotusBumz

I don't remember what brand this one is....

Chelory

Charlie Banana

They make it look like Carson has a big butt and it's adorable. Haha. I have a plethora of brands and I'm going to say that my number one favorite cloth diaper is the BumGenius Freetime:

I ordered that color today (hummingbird) as well as one in orange (sassy). These are AIO (All in one) diapers so the inserts are attached and you just fold them over each other and it's ready to go. It is also one size. The snaps on the front adjust to the size you need and they fit up to 35 pounds of kiddo. They have so many fun colors and designs of cloth diapers. It becomes an addiction if you decide to do it. 

If I were to rate them in order of what I like it would be this:

1. BumGenius Freetime (AIO)
2. BumGenius 4.0 (pocket diaper)
3. Sunflowerbaby Pocket Diaper (they are almost identical to BumGenius)
4. Charlie Banana Pocket Diaper
5. LotusBumz (pocket diaper)
6. Another offbeat brand I have but can't think of (pocket diaper)
7. Chelory AIO
8. Homemade

Pocket diapers just have the inserts and you have to pull them out when dirty and then stuff the diaper again when it's clean. That really doesn't bother me at all, but the AIO diapers are so awesome. 

Now, the manufacturer of the diapers give specific instructions on cleaning and care of the diapers. I have done it their way, and my way, and my way works just fine. At first, I was washing them and then hanging them on a laundry rack to dry. This worked pretty quickly but the diapers didn't stay super soft. Wouldn't you want a super soft diaper on your bum? So, one time I tried a small load of diapers in the dryer on a low setting and it worked like a charm and the diapers were super soft when they came out. So, now I wash them on a heavy duty cycle with my dreft detergent and then put them in the dryer on low for 30 minutes, fluff them, and then do another 30 minutes. They come out dry, soft, and ready for use! (Once the pocket diapers are stuffed of course). 

One of the BEST things about cloth diapers is that Carson NEVER has diaper rash. Ever. The only time the kid has gotten a rash is when we were in Taylorville for two days straight and he was in disposables. It was awful. I got him home, put butt paste on him with a cloth diaper and by the next diaper change it was gone. I also love the fact that I don't have to ever run to the store because *gasp* we are out of diapers! Also, I have not had ANY poop explosions up the back or awful leaks with cloth. They are crazy absorbent and keep the poop and pee where it belongs. With disposable I have had some messes..... 

I did some math to show my husband how much money cloth saves us. I like Pampers so that is what I am using in my math:

27 diapers would MAYBE last us a week, (Carson poops a lot! He is breastfed after all)

Pack of 27 diapers x $11.99 x 52 weeks in a year = $623.48

$623.48 x 2 years = $1,246.96

I have 23 cloth diapers that I purchased. (Well, 6 were given as a gift. Thanks, Heather!!!!)

4 of them were $10.00 = $40.00

5 of them (as a set) were $50.00 = $50.00

6 of them (as a set) were $100.00 = $100.00 (gift from Heather)

4 of them were $13.00 =  $52.00

1 was $20.00 = $20.00

I bought 3 today, 2 Freetimes and 1 Charlie Banana Swim Diaper = $52.00

Homemade ones didn't cost me anything. 

Total: $314.00

The cost for me to do laundry? Minimal. I buy laundry detergent maybe once every 2 months if that and I use that to wash his clothes too. So I'm not buying anything special. 

So, for $314.00 I have over 20 (purchased) diapers to last me until he is 35 pounds (or until potty trained). 

I have close to 40 diapers with the homemade ones.

Cloth diapers worth it as an initial investment? Yes, yes, YES. See, the husband scoffs when I say I bought 3 diapers for $52 dollars. What he forgets to realize is that those three diapers will last him until he is potty trained. Seriously, it takes a lot to destroy a cloth diaper. The 5 I got for $50 were already used. I bought them off a buy/sell/trade Facebook site and they were like new when I got them. 

My next plan is to switch to cloth wipes so I can save money there as well and not have all the waste of disposable ones unless I am out and about. Basically what I plan on doing is using Cassie's idea and get baby washcloths, make my own "soak" for them, and have them in a diaper wipe warmer. They'll get washed the same time as the diapers so it isn't any extra hassle.  

So there you have it! That is why I love cloth diapers. It was definitely a learning curve and a trial and error process but now that we know how it works we LOVE it. 

The next challenge? Solid poops after we introduce food at 6 months.... 

Do any of you cloth diaper? Did you consider? What made you not commit to it? 

Friday Weigh In & Goals

Good morning, blog world!It's Monday... it's the Monday after DST. Joy? I'm glad it will stay lighter in the evenings now, but goodness that first morning feels so strange. Even Carson was confused and didn't wake up when he normally does. It was kind of nice though because I was able to get ready for work and he was still zonked!
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Friday Weigh In:

I am so, so, so, SO excited because mom is doing WW with me again. When we do it together it is so much fun and we are both very successful because we have each other to lean on. Plus, with the personal coaching (which I actually look forward to now) I think I'll be able to handle this with ease.

Starting Weight: 284.4 
Previous Weight: 251.6
Current Weight: 250.0
Lost/Gained: -1.6
Total Lost: -34.4

Almost 35 pounds gone! Yay! I lost and I'm thrilled! I am also thrilled that the weather is going to be super nice this week and I can go for walks. Mom bought Carson and I a jogging stroller too! I'm excited to pick it up and start using it. Gotta get those steps logged on my FitBit!

I still haven't taken any pictures for progress and I plan on doing that sometime this week. Maybe this afternoon or tomorrow. I am trying to figure out what I want to wear in them. I'm thinking a tank top and shorts.... if I'm brave enough I'll do a swimming suit. Maybe....

The action plan I made with my coach this week was:

• To weigh in at my meeting
• To walk at least 2 days and at least 1.5 miles
• To try something new foodwise

I'm getting red beets in my Farmbox this week and I've never had fresh red beets before. Therefore, that is my something new. And since I will have a lovely jogging stroller, Carson and I (and mom) can go for walks after I get off of work since the weather is going to be gorgeous. (In the Midwest anything above 40º is gorgeous)
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Goals:

I am part of a group on Facebook and today's photo of the day was "Goal". I found this picture from my honeymoon in 2011.

Don't I look nice with my spray tan next to my pale husband? :)

At that point in my life I was hovering between 162-165. In my mind I had a vanity goal weight of 150 but looking back (as it always happens) I now realize that 160-165 was really a nice weight on me. I was active, I was in a size 10 or M, and I was HAPPY. In the back of my mind I still thought I was fat. Oh how wrong I was. I would love to get back to that point and know that the reason I got there in the first place is because I lived an active lifestyle as well as eating right. So, getting back into activity is going to be huge for me. I want to run again. I miss it so very much. The best way to get back to it? Start walking. 

What is your favorite activity? How do you make sure to do it daily?

Where Did 3 Months Go?

Carson turned three months yesterday! GAH!

I'm just dumbfounded that three months have gone by already. Yes, I know, time flies when you have kids! Just let me marvel in the fact that my life the last three months has been a whirlwind! (A happy one!)

Carson's favorite things right now are:

• Not wearing any clothes
• Blowing bubbles
• Drooling
• Chewing on his burp rag
• Grabbing a hold of your hands and sucking on them
• Trying to suck your face (when hungry)
• Eating
• Pooping/Farting
• Watching mommy & daddy do things around the house
• Chatting
• Grinning

I love him to pieces. Words cannot begin to describe the love I feel for Carson and the overprotective-ness I have for him. He's my world. 

We had Carson baptized on Sunday and he did wonderfully! He jumped a little bit when Pastor Traxell got him with the water the first time but after that he went right back to sleep. So proud of my little guy. We then had some fabulous food catered AND delivered from Hy Vee and had a nice luncheon that was loads of fun. My house is super small, but it is wonderful when it is full of family celebrating something wonderful! 

I'm already planning Easter since it is the next thing coming up. Carson is going to have the most amazing memories in our little house. Just like I have amazing memories from growing up in our tiny houses! He'll hunt eggs (next year), get a basket full of goodies, go to church, and then come back home for food and fun with his family! Can't wait! I think that will be one of my most favorite parts about being a parent. I want my children to have the same love of holidays that I have because regardless of gifts and candy, it is spent at home with loved ones and that is what's most important. (Good food helps too....) 

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Last Week's Weigh In:

I didn't post last week because I wasn't able to on Friday. Friday ended up being a stay at home and do laundry day because Carson had a pukey day. Kid gets so active he shakes himself up and then pukes. 

Anyway, here are the results of last week, 2/27/2015:

Previous Weight: 256.4

Current Weight: 251.6

Lost/Gained: -4.8

Total Lost: -32.8

A 4.8 pound loss is fabulous for one week! I really, really like the personal coaching. Knowing that I have an action plan and that my coach is going to call me weekly to check in really helps keep me focused. I talked to her on Tuesday since I missed her Sunday call but she was very happy for me and we made a quick action plan because I'll be talking to her again so soon after tomorrow's weigh in. I am going to try and update more regularly. Promise. 

I need to start taking progress pictures too. I keep saying I'm going to but don't. I did start taking my measurements though. That will definitely help show progress. 

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Other Things:

Not much else to update. I'm still receiving my Farmbox and loving all the delicious produce that comes in it. This week I got the cutest little plums and cannot wait to try them! I devoured everything in my last box. The other day mom and I ate the acorn squash that we were sent. I stuffed it with beans, quinoa, mushrooms, and cilantro. It was amazing! I'm going to probably add how many boxes I get a month because being vegetarian means I eat tons and tons of produce. In fact, today I have already had an orange, a banana, blueberries, and a grapefruit and it's only 11:45. 

Oh, and Andrew and I are still following Dave Ramsey and the only debt left is school loans. We have worked hard, budgeted and paid off everything else! We own both cars! Such a freeing feeling to not have car payments anymore. Andrew and I are a great team when it comes to budgeting and we help each other to stick to the plan. I love Dave Ramsey's common sense approach and it has helped up tremendously!