Thursday, March 22, 2012

Getting There.

They say that it takes a full year for one's body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, even if you attain pre-pregnancy weight before that year is up. If this is the case, then my body has yet to fully recover since having Cub, since I never celebrated my oldests' first birthdays without being pregnant (phew). After my first two pregnancies, my goal was simple: Reach pre-pregnancy weight sooner than later. Easypeasy. Well, not really easy, but the goal was a simple one.

Halloween 2011: Pregnant Humpty and her Wall.

During my pregnancy with Lydia, I could tell my body was different. Even though I was working out, my body was worn out. It was the hardest pregnancy physically and I understand why. My core muscles are tired of being stretched, my posture is struggling thanks to pregnancies that occurred close together (that were all followed by breast-feeding, which involves being hunched over), and really, I just feel ... a little used up. The experience of pregnancy is a blessed one, no doubt, but there is a physical toll that is taken as well.

I knew my physical goals this time around needed to be different. I knew I needed to begin restoring the weak muscles in my body and to build strength. Oy!

Due date, January 23, 2012. Lydia was born two days later.

The day before my post-pregnancy appointment, I called my dear friend to inquire about personal training. She happily agreed and I started the very next week. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I wake up at 4:40am, pump a bottle, stumble around getting dressed, and drive half-asleep to train. Lots of weights, pilates, and the like. The fit is a perfect one because my friend is not only in amazing physical shape and is quite driven, but she is also a Mom (of FOUR little ones!). She understands the toll pregnancy can take on your body. She is an encouragement but is also sympathetic when I wobble on the Bosu ball or struggle to finish my set of push-ups. Essentially, she kicks my rear without kicking me when I'm down. :)

It might sound crazy to get up so early, especially when Lydia still wakes up at night to eat, but, as I've heard it said before, it's easier to add chaos to chaos than it is to add chaos to calm. Would I want to wake up early to train when Lydia starts sleeping through the night? Heck no! It's easier for me to do it now when I'm already used to running on punctuated sleep, so it will be a habit when she does start sleeping all night (and evenings can be unpredictable with my husband's work). Next week will complete my first month of training. It's hard, and great. I love that I can feel myself getting stronger. I love feeling little improvements each time we meet--maybe lifting a little more weight or having better balance (my core is trying!). I love that I'm not worried so much about the scale. If it takes me a month or a year to get to a weight I'm pleased with, then that's fine. What matters is that I'm consistently working on getting stronger. The results will come as they may.

And, I'm breastfeeding, which means I need to keep my calories up. Hallelujah popcorn and M&Ms, ha ha! I snack easily. :)

First attempted photo op with all three kids, March 22, 2012, three days shy of Lydia's two month birthday.

Even though it sometimes feels like it just might take all the king's horses and all the king's men ... Humpty WILL get put back together again. :) So, here's to the beautiful chaos of motherhood and taking the time to do something for yourself, that will really reward everyone in the long run.

Have a lovely weekend.

8 comments:

  1. Good for you. You look great in this last picture. I can DEFINTELY tell you've been working hard. Now, I am going to go workout..you just motivated me(and I only have one child)! Way to go Katie!!

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  2. Look at you! I'm so impressed...4am? Wow. You are amazing. Good for you!

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  3. Go girl!!! There is something so powerful about changing your mindset from weight/shape to strength/health/energy...so glad you are channelling that attitude! All this hard work will pay off for you in so many ways!

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  4. Katie,
    I just wanted you to know that I am always so encouraged by reading your blogs. My husband works a crazy schedule and sometimes I feel so frustrated with my 2 kids but then reading your blog just makes me feel like I need to try to appreciate this stage of life a little more. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being such a great encouragement to me, and a wonderful example of a Godly woman, wife, and mother.

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet words, friend. All I can say is HANG IN THERE! Just last week all three kids were crying in the car and I actually cranked up the radio to blaring and yelled, "I CAAANN'T HEAAARRRR YOOOUUU!!!" Wow. Mature, right? :) It's a wonderful stage, but, it's a hard one, too. You're doing a great job. I hope you're able to take some time out for yourself!

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    2. Thanks. There are so many nights when I put the kids to bed and think to myself Ï'm a terrible mother. All I did was yell at my kids. I didn't even enjoy my time with them." I hate feeling that way and I end up just crying out to God for his help because most days, I don't think I can do it. Who knew motherhood would be this hard.
      Hope you are soaking up all your precious time with your sweet little ones. All 3 of them are just precious.

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  5. You are beautiful and inspiring. A double whammy, if you ask me. LOVE the pic of you with your little ducklings all in a row!

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