I come to you with minor frustrations this month plus I’m typing this out after being up every two and a half hours last night. Apparently karma doesn’t like it when you whine on the internet about your child waking up one time a night. Note taken.
So where to start? How about with the positives!
My energy is pretty great. My hair isn’t falling out at the rapid pace it was last time. My nails are strong and skin is clear. I’m starting to feel a little stronger, which I notice mostly in my lower abs that don’t feel like they are crying for mercy after I run anymore. So I have that going for me!
I still haven’t gotten a haircut, but soon!
Ok, enough dillydally, the frustrations. This probably says it better than words could:
| 2 Months Postpartum | 3 Months Postpartum | Difference | |
| Right Bicep | 11” | 10.75” | -0.25” |
| High Waist | 29.5” | 29” | -0.5” |
| Around Belly Button | 33” | 32.75” | -0.25” |
| Hips | 39” | 38.75” | -0.25” |
| Right Thigh | 22” | 22” | — |
| Weight | 120 lbs | 121 lbs | +1 lb |
A month has passed and inches are only down in quarter-inch increments and weight is up. Hm. That kind of sucks.
To discuss it more eloquently, I’m annoyed because I thought since I was able to fit (finally!) into some pre-pregnancy shorts that I’d see more progress in my measurements. However, I’m really trying to treat myself with grace and decided to step back and examine my situation through my health coach goggles.
What I’ve done right this past month:
– The gym. In the past two weeks I’ve made working out more of a priority. It’s not where I want it to be yet, but I’m probably doing 2 solid workouts a week with more movement (1 mile jogs) thrown in when I can.
– Healthy food choices. We’ve eaten 95% of our meals at home and they are full of fresh veggies, complex carbs, healthy fats and protein.
– Taking my vitamins. I stopped for a week or so (mostly because I forgot) and realized I can tell a difference in my energy when I do take them.
– Enjoying my baby. I’ve soaked up plenty of grins and rolled around on the floor with her for hours.
What I Can Work On
– Drinking water. I know I’m not drinking enough of it and will put more conscious effort towards that goal this month.
– Eating enough. I am making healthy choices, but between juggling two kids’ schedules I find myself eating the leftover broccoli and it’s enough to tame my hungry so I forget to eat a real lunch. I know my body is working hard to keep up with the girls and produce milk and if I don’t get it enough fuel then it’s going to hold on to every ounce of fat I have for dear life. Luckily ‘eat more’ is a suggestion I can totally get behind.
– Sleep. Laura wrote a great post yesterday on the importance of sleep and though I don’t have complete control over that right now, I am going to try hanging around the house a little more in hopes of helping Kaitlyn get more on a regular nap pattern, which is certain to help with nighttime sleep.
So yes, I’m frustrated, but staying focused on the fact that my inches are still going down, albeit slowly. Plus, this coming month brings some structure back to our lives with Hailey starting ‘school’ (a couple half days a week). And at the end of the day, hanging out at 7-8 pounds above pre-pregnancy weight for a little while isn’t the end of the world. I feel healthy, but just would like to be more fit. So I’m going to work at it!
Thanks so much for following my journey. It helps keep me accountable to take care of myself along with my family. I know I’m a better mom and wife when I eat well, work out and am well rested (David would certainly attest to the latter… no sleep makes me grumpy!).
What do you need most in your life to feel like ‘you?’
A sweat session? Good Food? Sleep? Time to read/meditate/breathe?
For me, it’s a tie between vegetables and sleep. Eating junky food and not sleeping is a baaaaaaad combo for me!
John J. Stathas says
Your commitment, perseverance, and accountability are admirable, edifying, and motivating! You look great!!
Marjorie says
You are doing great! I wished I had looked that good 3 months postpartum. I was a hot mess.
For me I HAVE to have SLEEP. And that lack of sleep makes me reach for junky food to try and spur some sort of energy. Like overfeeding myself is going to compensate for the lack of energy. Not true, by the way. It just makes me feel worse.
Jodi says
You are doing great!! Don’t beat yourself up too much about the last few lbs! I think with second babies it takes a little longer and in general I really believe your body knows what it is doing!! Whether you are eating perfectly or not so perfect, I really think your body holds on to that extra weight for breast feeding purposes! With both girls, I kept 7-10 lbs until my body started weaning. So, keep on keeping on!! I even wore my work maternity pants (FOREVER) bc I just didn’t feel comfortable in my regular clothes. I just rolled up the waistband so no one could tell! (and I felt comfy…)
I always prided myself on being able to go without much sleep and still function great. ( I think it was all that medical school and residency training where we didn’t have an option!!) BUT, I have come to realized that (as I get older…) I function terribly without sleep. Now, for me its only 6-7 hours in a row, anything beyond that is awesome! But a bad nights sleep and I find myself a total airhead, totally inefficient and wayyyyyyy more short tempered. I guess I have discovered I am NOT superhuman. Just human. 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Airhead is a perfect way to describe it! Not you of course 😉 but the way that I feel with lack of sleep. It’s like I can’t process a full thought to save my life. Next play date should we just put on a movie for the girls and snooze??
Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat says
It’s important to incorporate the things that make you feel like yourself. For me, that’s time studying scripture, working out, and eating nutritious food. We’ll see how I do fitting those in once baby’s here 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
It’s going to be soon! I”m excited for you 🙂
Cassie says
You seriously look great. I don’t know why we as women can be so hard on ourselves, but seriously- you pushed a sweet little baby out 3 months ago, and you are juggling a lot! Give yourself a break 😉 happy thursday!
Linda says
Even though the numbers are frustrating, I think you look great. You can visually see a change from last month. You are looking more fit and are doing a great job. Keep it up!!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you Linda!! I couldn’t tell if I could see a difference or if I just got a bit of a tan 😉 Either way, I’ll take it!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
The scale has gone up for me the last week as well but pants are fitting a bit better- funny how that works. But I can definitely see the difference on you- even if you’re not feeling like it’s much!
Was it a full moon or something last night? I was bragging to a neighbor that baby J was sleeping well and then she had me up every two hours last night too- plus was WIDE awake from 3-5am, as was my 4yo who heard her. Party at our house- just in time to ring in our tenth anniversary today. 🙂 This is one we’ll remember!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, one you will remember for sure! Happy anniversary! Let’s both hope it was a full moon or mercury was in retrograde (I love saying that even though I don’t know what it means ;)) and that ALL our sweet girls sleep well tonight. That’d be the best 10 year gift ever right?
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
Well I think you look wonderful? How tall are you? I’m 5’2″ and weight the same and it looks like we have very similar body types!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m all of 5’1″ (and very proud of that 1 ;)) – I totally would have guessed you were taller and you always look so fit!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
Ha – I know that every inch counts! I never would have thought you were as short as I was!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
You really are doing such a great job, my friend. Every body is different and goes at its own pace, so just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll get there. Don’t get discouraged about the weight thing either. As you get back in the gym, you’re likely building muscle, so it might go up a pound or two before it decides to come down for good. It’s so obvious how wonderful of a mother you are, and that is what truly counts. Sending lots of good sleep vibes to you! xoxo
Maria says
You may only see minor differences in measurements, but you look fantastic and you have that “healthy glow”. Something to celebrate, right?
I don’t feel like me unless I get at least 7 hours of sleep and some alone time during the day. I could get ready for work in 30 minutes flat (if not less), but I choose to get up earlier to have a quiet, slow-moving morning. It’s my favorite part of the day.
Lindsay says
I hear you on the water! I drank so much water when I was pregnant but for some reason these last 3 weeks have been a challenge to drink enough.
Lauren Brennan says
Sleep is definitely number 1 for me feeling like myself! And then I would say fresh air- it’s amazing what simply stepping outside can do for the soul. 🙂
You look great Mama, and although you might feel frustrated right now, you are absolutely beautiful to your two daughters (and David too!). If I ever feel down about my post-baby body, I take comfort in the fact that my babies don’t know the difference and love me anyway! Hang in there.
Brittany Dixon says
You’re so right Lauren. Nothing makes me smile quite like when Hailey brushes my hair and says ‘mommy you so pretty’ – such a kind, pure heart! And I totally agree with you about fresh air. What a great reminder that I should step outside and soak some up 🙂 Hope you are getting some zzz’s!
Jen says
I actually laughed out loud when I read about the karma/baby sleep thing. Not that I wish you to be up so frequently, but it certainly makes me feel better when other people have baby sleep issues, too!
To feel like me again…sleep. Definitely sleep! Besides that, same, eating well, exercising. Baby girl is 3.5 months old now and for the last few weeks I’ve put up a little checklist for each week and it basically helps me make sure I fit in walking, a little strength training, and keeping my dessert intake to ONE serving a day. It’s easy to get sucked into lots of sugar with so little sleep, and that ends up make me feel worse, not better.
Sarah (shu) says
Totally understand and can relate! I am mayyyybe just starting to make some progress with the same 5-7 lbs now at 6 months out. No idea why it is so much harder this time but you so have company! I think you are doing great and I applaud your moderate approach. And the time spent rolling around w k? Not ever to be regretted!!
Julie says
I can tell a difference between your 2 mo. & 3 mo. pics. (And you looked great at 2 mos!) I’m sure you know this, but being “up” 1 lb. could have other explanations (retaining water, building muscle!). I don’t even own a scale (only get weighed at the doc) – I truly believe the best indicator is how my clothes fit, & it sounds like you’re doing great on that front! I think you should quit measuring & weighing yourself & just feel good in your clothes (because you look great!) & enjoy your family. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I agree with you Julie! How my clothes fit is the best ‘measurement’ for me. If the numbers ever really get me down, I promise to stop tracking, but for now I like that it holds me accountable. I know a number is just a number and after checking in once a month, I get right back to life! Thanks for the comment 🙂
LaToya says
You look fabulous!
What I need to feel like me, is time out with my girls… which is happening tomorrow, as a matter of fact. We don’t do anything, big, we normally go out to eat and have a glass or two of wine and trade stories (i.e. complain) about our husbands and kids, but it’s quite therapeutic.
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t think ANYTHING is more therapeutic than a girls night. I hope you have a fantastic one!! 🙂
Sara Moser says
You amaze me!
Katie Harding says
You look fantastic and you are so brave to be posting everything on here! I am a week out from my third baby and can’t even force myself to get on a scale yet! You are my inspiration, thanks for sharing!!
Fiona MacDonald says
Girl you look amazing! I know it’s hard to not see the ‘progress’ when you’re feeling like you’re working so hard but remember it takes time, give yourself time and don’t push yourself, sleep is what helps fuel those workouts and I bet with two kiddos that might not come easily! Many of my friends are going through the post-baby body stress and though I don’t have kids (yet), I’d know i’d want my gal pals to root for me! So keep it up girl!
Stress reliever for me-gym and some good gal time to put everything in perspective ! 🙂
Ashley says
You look great and you can totally tell a difference in those two pics. It’s hard to take care of ourselves when we have little ones to take care of but we can’t forget to do that as it makes our job as a mom tougher and more exhausting. Keep up the great work and remember it took 9 months to put on the weight so you need to give yourself at least 9 months to take off the weight.
Tara@PNWRunner says
You look amazing. Sometimes the measurements mean nothing especially if you are gaining muscle! That is what I’ve learning overall after weight lifting, etc. If you feel healthy then that is all that matters!
Jeni says
The scale is so deceiving, because it’s very obvious from your pictures that you’ve trimmed down and tightened up quite a bit. Good job! I’ll be at 3 month pp in 2 weeks, and I still feel like I have so much more to go. Besides the weight, I also feel like my energy levels are just okay, and I haven’t gotten my days to any kind of routine that I could feel proud about; basically, I can’t get anything done. Being a mom is hard!
Nicole @ Just Live It says
You look GREAT! 🙂 I’m 26 weeks pregnant with my first child… and I’m already slightly dreading the weight loss after baby. 😉 But I’m trying to see it as a fun challenge, and I definitely don’t want to be too hard on myself. You’re looking AWESOME and totally headed in the right direction. You go, Girl!!