P90X-Week 2.

Again, this is mostly for myself, but you are more than welcome to come along for the ride.

I think after this last week, I'm a little discouraged. All of the extra fat I gained from the pregnancy decided to get together and have a party in the front of my stomach. I've never had my fat group together like that, and I look like I'm pregnant again. So, in case you were wondering: Ross and I are NOT expecting another addition already.

As a result, I decided to not eat sweets for a month, and add 30 minutes of running each day to the workout schedule. We'll see how that goes. By sweets, I mean full on desserts. I have no problem eating a piece of candy every now and then, but it's the 5 brownies, 6 cookies, and 3 popsicles that I'm talking about. So far it hasn't been difficult at all. I just tell the folks we're hanging out with that day that I'm not eating sweets and we come up with a different dessert or snack. I love everyone. Everyone was so supportive of me not having chocolate last year, and now everyone is even ok with me nixing sweets altogether for a while. Thanks for putting up with me and supporting me! Really, it helps SO much. Hopefully the improved eating habits and extra cardio will boost my spirits.

I've started cooking better and I'm surprised at how easy and how much less expensive it really is. Lots of chicken dishes at our house lately. Chicken soup, chicken and dumplings, chicken and salad, chicken sandwiches... you get the picture. I'm loving the flavor and the grocery bill. It's probably helping with the attitude, too-which is a plus for everyone, I'm sure!

Well, let's get to it. This is P90X-Week 2:

Day 8: Chest and Back.This was the day of the Championship game. I was so occupied with cleaning my house and cooking food for some friends, that I missed the workout. Whoops.

Day 9: Plyometrics. I decided to do BOTH of the workouts today. I started with the lifts, and then went to Plyo. I'm surprised at how much easier the pushups and pull ups were already. I'm still using the chair, and I'm still on my knees, but I'm proud of myself. I worked hard and did more reps for each exercise. I only did half of Plyo because Claire woke up, but I still gave myself credit for doing that much on the 2nd workout.

Day 10: Shoulders and Arms. I was sore from the day before. It was hard at first to do all of the lifts, but I tried really hard to use more weight and do more reps for each exercise. For the most part, I could do more reps and use more weight, but the tricep exercises were still hard. I increased the weight on 2 of those, but I did do more reps. This next week is the last week before the rest week, so I'm going to work hard to improve this week.

Day 11: Yoga. Not gonna lie, I was actually really looking forward to Yoga all week. This was the day Claire got her shots, so I only managed to get through half of it before I had to go help Claire. I did all of the strength ones, but none of the balance postures. Those are my favorite, so I was bummed. I'm looking forward to doing the whole thing this week.

Day 12: Legs and Back. The night I did yoga, Ross took care of Claire the WHOLE night, so I was well rested and ready to go in the morning. It was nice to get the workout done before Ross left for work, but I wasn't really focused on what I was doing. My mind kept wandering to everything I needed to get done that day before the weekend and what we would do that night. I could have worked a lot harder, especially on the pull ups.

Day 13: Kenpo. Since Kenpo is a cardio workout, I decided to run for 30 minutes instead. I got running shoes for Christmas and have been itching to use them for what they're actually for. It actually felt really good and I really really enjoyed it. I hadn't run since April or May, and I've missed it. This is when I decided I wanted to add running to each of my workouts.

Well, it's Monday night and I still haven't done my workout. I'm using "my shorts are in the dryer" as my excuse for not doing it yet, but the dryer's almost done and then I'll get busy. This is my last week of phase 1 before the rest week so I'm going to work hard and see what I can do.

Finding the Positives.

Claire is an active baby. And although those big gummy smiles melt my heart, there are mornings where after getting only 2 hours of sleep, I'll roll over and tell her I want to box her up and UPS her to Grandma's house for a while. Then she'll look at me wide-eyed with the same gummy smile that somehow helps me make it through another day. Either she thinks I'm funny, or she knows it's a good idea, too.

I knew I wouldn't be sleeping a whole lot with a baby. I guess I just didn't realize how long it would last, how little sleep I'd really be getting, and how much things would really change. Don't get me wrong, I love Claire, just I find the real truths of having a baby humorous. There are days where I don't feel like a person. I shower two MAYBE three times a week, and just make sure I'm out of jammies before Ross gets home. Shave my legs? Funny. I'm married. Plus it's cold outside so I wear pants anyway. That happens like twice a month. As long as Claire looks cute and I have my wedding ring on, I'm okay going outside looking like a hobo.

So here's how I see this playing out. She'll be so grumpy from her shots, that it'll set her schedule right. She won't feel well and won't be happy for a few hours, and then she'll tire herself out and go to bed at a reasonable time. And she'll actually sleep. None of this pretend she's asleep until she's in her crib and then start shrieking. It's probably not very likely, but I'm all about hope. She has to get poked anyway, so I might as well try to find something positive about it, even if it's not very likely. This smidge of hope for at least 4 hours of sleep in one day has made me almost excited.

I've been trying to keep her awake today so she'll be sleepy for her appointment. I'm not sure if it's working, but I do know she's pretty irritated with me. This idea probably doesn't even make sense, but with only 15 hours of sleep a week, I'll believe anything! I am excited to find out what her stats are, so I'll do a real post later about how big she is, how she is growing, and what she likes to do later. Here's to hoping her appointment goes well. Cheers!

P90X-Week 1.

This is mostly for my own personal use, but what the heck? I'll share my struggles, triumphs, and moments of 'pass the barf bag' for everyone to see.

The first time I started P90X was Feb 2010. I was just about half way through when we found out we were expecting a little miss now known as baby Claire. I decided to press on for as long as I could. There was a family mono epidemic that broke out before Ross and I were married. I remember a dinner where Ross' brother, Jake, said that he wouldn't get sick because illness is mental. (Or something like that.) So I decided to do him proud and take on that mindset so I could finish P90X and have a rocking pregnant bod. No stretch marks for me!

Morning, or rather ALL DAY, sickness is NOT mental. Towards the end of March I had to stop, which is probably a good thing. For the few weeks that I did do the program, I felt great, ate well, and had awesome results.

Claire is now 2 months old and I decided to give it a go again. For real this time. She's usully pretty good. Though I can hardly get her to take a nap, she likes sitting on the couch or swinging while she watches me. On water breaks I just pop in a binki or adjust her bottle and she's usually pretty content.

At the beginning of each week I will be posting about the previous week. Maybe towards the end I will post pictures, but for now I have the common courtesy to NOT post pictures. Again, this is mostly for my benefit. Hopefully reflecting on the previous week will get me motivated for the current week and help me think of things I can improve on. Also, by reporting my progress and struggles, I'll probably be more likely to keep going and finish. So here we go.

Week 1:

We got back from our trip late Sunday night. Monday was Day 1. Chest and Back.It was difficult start a groove not just from being on vacation, but from going MONTHS with very little real exercise. Ross was on the couch tending to Claire while I was doing pushups and pull ups. On my knees and with a chair. I think having him in the room made me work a little harder and sweat a little more. I was feeling sore just a few minutes after completing the workout. Instead of jumping right into Ab Ripper X, I decided that I'd just do 100 sit ups a day. Not much to report on that other than I had to take a couple breaks to do all 100, but I did them.

Day 2: Plyometrics. All I can say is Holy Plyo! I had never done this one before because I was doing the lean program instead of the classic. I understand why Tony says to not eat at least 1 hour before doing the work out and on water breaks to only sip a little. Usually during my workouts, I go through a liter. It was hard and by the end I was moving a lot slower and not doing as many reps, but I did it. For my 100 sit ups, I did 20. I was so sore. This is when I was rethinking my 100 sit ups every day idea and cut is back to 50. By the end of the day, I felt as if I had been thrown down the stairs.

Day 3: Shoulders and Arms. This is one of my favorite workouts. I used really light weights, but did around 15 reps for each of the exercises. With this workout, you do each exercise twice. On the second round, I upped the weight a little, but kept the reps the same. I'm excited to do this one this week and increase the weight. Shoulders were a little more difficult because I was STILL sore from Monday. Sit ups? forget it.

Day 4: Yoga. I almost didn't do the workout that day. I really really REALLY don't like this workout. Or so I thought. It was getting late and Ross kept asking me if I was going to workout. My response each time? I should, but I don't want to. Good thing my husband knows how to motivate me. After all my whining and all my excuses, he got me to commit and DO it. By the end I felt great and was glad I did it. The first half of the workout is HARD and no fun. By the end, my poses were lazy though I was still sweating like crazy. I really like the balance postures and actually did pretty well. For Yoga Belly X, I was lazy. Not gonna lie. This week I'm going to put on my big girl panties and work harder. I realized I really do like the yoga workout, I just don't like how long it is.

Day 5: Legs and Back. Another one of my favorites. I used light weights again, and even no weights for some of the exercises. On the second round, I upped the weight and/or reps depending on the exercise. Towards the end of the back exercises, my pull ups were getting lazy and sloppy. Hopefully this week I won't be as sore and and do better.

Day 6: Kenpo: This is just fun. I did the workout in the afternoon when I was thinking about the other things I needed to get done still. I think I really could have worked harder throughout the whole workout. I tried harder on some exercises, but I think I didn't really 'Bring it'. I'm looking forward to improving this week and will probably do it earlier so I can focus on it.

Well there ya go. I'm pretty lucky, my mom is doing the program as well, and started the same day so I have someone to check in on! I have my new goals for this week, and will report next Monday!

As Promised: The Update Post.

Over break, we braved the drive to Oregon with Claire. It was a blast! While we were there, my Dad told me to keep a journal and record everything going on with Claire. I just kind of looked at him and said, "When?" Right now Claire is perfectly content in her swing, so let's see how much of this post I can crank out!

First, We celebrated Ross' birthday back before Thanksgiving. I know, seems like forever ago right? That's how behind on blogging I am. Ross just wanted a low key birthday and that was great! There were rumors the day before about a big storm coming, so BYU closed early, for the rest of the week! I was really excited because Ross had volunteered to work for a few hours on his birthday. Instead, we started off the morning opening presents.

Claire helped. You will all be impressed to know that I only gave Ross one of his presents early, and didn't even tell him what the others were. He got a Lord of the Rings board game, a book trilogy, a kid's book called, "Daddy's kisses", and White Christmas. We then made and decorated sugar cookies with my mom, and then Ross had the day to do whatever he wanted while I took my mom to the airport.

That night, I made Ross' birthday cake, and we just played games. I won't bother posting a picture of the birthday cake because it was a pretty sad looking cake. I guess I need some practice.

We left for Oregon right after Ross was done with finals. I was really looking forward to a little vacation. While we were there, we blessed Claire. I am so grateful for Ross and that he could bless our little girl.

We spent Christmas Eve at the Loveland's house for dinner, and had a blast! After, we went back to my parent's house for Christmas morning. Ross got me some running shoes and under the tree, well next to the tree was a JOGGING STROLLER!! I was so stinking excited! (But when we got back to Utah, there was a junk load of snow so I can't even try it out yet. STINK.)

Claire got an activity mat that she loves.

She's becoming more aware of everything around her and even smiling when you smile or talk to her. I love her huge smiles, and I'm so excited that they're not gas induced anymore.

Claire will be 2 months old next week, and I'm not really looking forward to her appointment next week. I'm excited to find out just how big she is, but really nervous about her shots. I ALMOST cried when they poked her foot at the last appointment. Time for mama to put on those big girl panties I guess.

But she's starting to sleep a little more at night and loves to scoot and lay on her tummy. Claire doesn't really like to take naps, but she spends the day just hanging out and watching everything I do. That is, when she isn't eating. This little girl is a monster. She is a bottomless pit.

She had a lot of fun and Grandma and Grandpa Loveland's house, too! We went over Christmas morning to talk to Jake. That was so fun! Claire got a blanket Grandma AJ made, and a couple of Snoopies to add to her collection. And we got a TOASTER!! I can't even express how excited I am to not have to use the oven on 'broil'. Claire loved having morning talks with Grandma, and Grandpa could always make her smile. All the kids thought it was hilarious when she'd toot or make faces. It was a treat for me, too! Everyone wanted to hold Claire, so I got to take naps, and do whatever I wanted during the day! We also went to Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center one night. It was a blast! Claire must have been in heaven with all of the bright lights.

New Year's I finally got to eat my brownie. For those of you who don't know, I went last year without chocolate and let me tell you, it was HARD. Being pregnant and wanting a brownie was especially hard. I still feel like I have to sneak chocolate. It doesn't really feel like I can now, which I guess could be a good thing as I try to lose all the baby weight.

We had so much fun in Oregon. Although I was really excited to get home and back in to normal life, I was sad to go. I get to go back in a few weeks with Claire though for my brother's wedding! I can't wait!

-Side note, I realize all the pictures got cut off, but Claire's awake and I don't really care enough to fix them right now. Sorry!

Blogging.

Holy cow! I never realized blogging would be such a challenge with my schedule "on demand". I'll to get in a REAL post next week when we're back in UT. With pictures and everything.

I Love Being A Mom, Even At 3 AM.

During the last couple weeks, I've grown a greater appreciation for mothers. Especially stay at home moms. After I was laid off from my desk job in June, I felt like a loser. I did not serve a mission, don't have a degree, wasn't even in school, and was four months pregnant. The chances of me getting another full time job were pretty slim. At least when I was working full time, I felt like I was actually contributing and doing something. We didn't need to worry about finances, or health insurance.

I took on a paper route and spent the days cleaning, cooking, making Ross' breakfast and lunch before school, running errands and walking. I still felt like it wasn't enough. A couple months before Claire was born, I read. A lot. And I came across a talk from Jeffrey R. Holland in a book. Just a simple line stood out. " there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons"

Growing up, I always thought that being a stay at home mom would be the easiest thing on the planet. Truth be told, after the last couple weeks, I have discovered that it is one of the most challenging things I have done. Being a mom is tough, being a stay at home mom though, is so much more difficult.

Mom's really do sacrifice a lot for their kids. I don't think I really noticed or appreciated the things my mom did till now. Not only do they sacrifice the tangible things, but I realize now, that many moms would probably love to have a full time job, or go to school, but instead choose to stay home. I'm an active person. I'm not satisfied if I let my day go by without doing something productive. I love being busy, and feel lazy if the house isn't spotless and dinner isn't on the table when Ross gets home.

With Claire, I don't get out of bed till 11, am lucky if I can squeeze in a shower, and haven't made Ross breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The laundry is currently on my bedroom floor just waiting to be folded, while the second load is still in the washer. Three days later. I am so beyond grateful for both of my moms who have come and helped us out, and seriously dreading Saturday when we will be on our own again.

I'm so grateful for that quote and small reminder that it really doesn't matter that I haven't showered in two days, and we pick up clothes off of the floor as needed. I don't have a full time job and I'm not back in school yet, but I don't feel like a complete loser anymore. I've never been so tired in my entire life, my new perfume is ew de spit up, but I love being a mom.

BTW, Ross' mom took us to get pictures of Claire. It was a real treat! We get the prints back on December 10th, but they're online for people to look at. You can take a gander by clicking here. Thanks, Mom!

Two Weeks.

Claire is 2 weeks old today. Seriously child, stop that. I feel like we just brought her home yesterday. We accidently slept through her appointment yesterday, so I have no idea how much she weighs right now. Lesson learned: Do not schedule appointments at 9 AM when you KNOW you won't be sleeping much at night. But she is getting chunkier, so I assume she's getting bigger. If she actually slept through the night, I'd be ok with her staying this small forever. I love her.

We're actually going to take newborn pics in 40 min, so I'll post more pics later. I promise. :]