Weigh Day

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A Weekend of Firsts

 Last Saturday was my & the BF's 3 year anniversary ♥. We ended up waiting to really celebrate it until yesterday. It was our "first" date since Baby was born, and - despite the fact that I cried as we were driving away from dropping him off at his grandma's - it was a lot of fun! We ate at Cheddar's and I had my first legal drink (I turned 21 in September but was pregnant!).

Strawberry Swirl frozen margarita.. I took probably five whole drinks lol. Really strong! Afterwards we played putt putt and then went to pick up our sweet baby. It was really good to get some alone time with my boyfriend :).

Today is my first mother's day! It's been wonderful! I am so lucky and grateful to be a mom to such an amazing little boy. After sleeping in, we went grocery shopping and then hung out with my mom and little sister for a little bit. We made a pizza for lunch - boyfriend wanted pepperoni and black olives and I wanted spinach and onion, so we made half and half.

Sooooo good! Other than that, we've just been veggin out and I've been getting spoiled. Heh :) Tomorrow is weigh day and the start to FINALS week. I'm going to school this summer so my break is only like a week, but I'll take it!

Happy Mother's Day!

-Carissa

Down a size!

I meant to wait until 159 to try on a size 12, but today i had to buy a blazer (ended up getting a size 10 stretch) for a scholarship banquet i'm going to tomorrow, and i found a super cute leopard print pencil skirt on sale in a size 12, so i had to try it on. It fit!

Unfortunately my eating has been a little (okay, a LOT) out of control this past week so its kinda put a rain cloud over my smaller-size celebration. I guess its always going to be a struggle.

-Carissa

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Weigh Day

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Weigh Day v. AWESOME

Goodbye 170s, hello 160s!!! I have never been this small (6th grade maybe?). 20 more pounds until goal- hooooray! Now if only i can convince myself that i don't want any leftover Easter/birthday (bf just turned 23!) goodies......

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Yum!

Had to share - fire roasted vegetable soup & grilled chicken wrap. Add McAlisters sweet tea (which i haven't had since the beg. of my pregnancy) and you've got one deeelish supper!

I love McAlisters. They have so many healthy options and its a really fun atmosphere. Where do you guys like to eat out when on a" calorie budget"?

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I dont know how they do it.

Moms who work out are seriously super heroes as far as im concerned (actually ALL moms are- but working-out-moms are like super SUPER heroes). With laundry, dishes, feedings, diaper changes, cleaning, snuggles, and all the other mommy duties, where is the time to work out?! I know that's such a cliche excuse, but really. When do you fit it in????

Add homework to that list and it makes for one busy super hero. Luckily bfing helps me burn some bonus calories, but i still hope i can learn how to balance everything and start exercising on the regular again.

Any tips from seasoned mamas out there? How do you fit in those fitness minutes, and what kind of exercises do you do (im thinking along the lines of fast and effective)?


Hope you're week is starting off right! If not, don't worry- tomorrow is a new day, a blank canvas, a fresh start!

---Carissa

PS. Tonight we're having stuffed mushrooms and ice cream :) a girls got to live a little!

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Weigh Day

I fully expect to be out of the 170s by next week!!!

Hope you guys are staying healthy and enjoying some wonderful spring weather!

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Weigh Day

Finally-a little drop! I was in Supermom mode all weekend.... i got a ton of stuff done & I think keeping busy helped me stay on track a little better. It was prob one of the best weekends food wise that I've had thus far.

Lets hope all that gettin stuff done business carries over into the work week. Happy Monday!

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Review: Jamba Strawberry Lemonade Swirl bars

It's such a hot day here today.... 86! Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 40s... sheesh. Anyway, I decided to try one of these new Jamba bars we got at the store on Friday (we don't have a Jamba Juice here, but they have them in OKC and I loved to get smoothies there when I lived there!).

TALK. ABOUT. DELISH. They're really creamy - not icy at all - and not too sour or too sweet. They're like a mix between a strawberry smoothie and sherbert icecream. I can't believe these things are only 70 calories!

(I couldn't even wait to take the picture before I took a little taste. ha!)

Definitely recommend!





Self truths

I feel better when I work out. Even though I dread it most days, afterwards I feel really great.

I have to eat enough calories to produce milk, but that's not an excuse to eat more than I should. It also means I can't over-resctrict. Throughout my journey I've realized that I am either very strict about what I eat and how much of it (I felt good if I didn't go over 1000 calories - that's not healthy for ANYONE) or I abandon my goals altogether and eat everything I can think of (also completely unhealthy). I have to find some kind of happy balance.

Chips, crackers, trail mix, and other things of the like that can be had in large quantities are dangerous around me. Even the healthy versions are bad in mass amounts. I'm just going to have to settle for substituting them with things like grapes, carrots (don't love em, but I can deal), etc.

I'm lazy. I planplanplan and never actactact. I need to make a conscious effort to change this part of my life.

Weight loss means being uncomfortable sometimes. Whether it's during a tough workout or resisting that new yogurt shop you pass on the way home, sometimes there will be things that you wont like doing and you just have to suck it up and do it anyway. I'm not a very happy camper when I don't get what I want - particularly with food. It's sad, but I get very jealous when I see other people eating things that I "can't" have because I know how unhealthy it is. Like I said, I'm gonna have to get rid of my pouty-pants and deal.




These are my self truths... what are yours?

Back to school, baby shots, and weight watchin'

Ahhhh, what a wonderful week Spring Break was. I got a tiny glimpse of what life-after-college is going to be like... I can't wait until I don't have to worry about homework or exams anymore! But for now, it's back to studying, writing papers, and taking tests trying not to procrastinate (HA).

Bentley had his second doctor's appointment today, during which he received three shots in his legs and one oral vaccine. Poor thing :( He's so tough though! He only cried for a few seconds and then he was fine! My sister said he has been a little fussy today... and if I touch his legs he gets upset :(. His cry isn't really like an "I'm hungry" scream or an "I'm poopy" wail... it's just like... "Ouch :(". He finally fell asleep; I'm typing this while he rests... soon he'll be eating and then we'll be on our way to the gym.

I still haven't lost any weight. Right now, I'm only thinking about right now. What can I do to make myself healthier today,  in this moment? My eating's been a little crazy and I haven't worked out as much as I'd hoped to, but I'm working hard at making improvements, even if they're small ones.

I feel so bad taking LittleButt out while he doesn't feel good... but his grandma is going to be with him at the gym so if he starts feeling too crummy, I'll only be a few seconds away. Let's hope this week brings big pound losses!


xo,
Carissa, a wishinIcouldmakeitbettermomma

PHOTO SUNDAY!

current weight: 177 lbs

First pictures after baby!

If you're craving...

Something Italian, eat this:

Fazolis Kids Meal Meat Lasagna + 1 Breadstick

[410 calories, 20 g fat]

Something quick, eat this:

McDonald's Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap
+ Snack size Fruit and Walnut Salad

[470 calories, 17 g fat]

Something hearty, eat this:

McAlister's bowl of Country Potato Soup, in a bread bowl

[313 calories, 9 g fat]

Something sweet, eat this:

Sonic Jr. Oreo Sundae

[180 calories, 9 g fat]

Something grilled, eat this:

Applebee's Grilled Shrimp & Spinach Salad

[250 calories, 14 g fat]

Sonic: http://fast-food-nutrition.findthebest.com/compare/98-1327/Vanilla-Reduced-Fat-Ice-Cream-Cone-vs-Jr-Oreo-Sundae

McDonalds: http://keepittightfitness.com/2010/12/dine-out-dish-mcdonalds-2/

Applebees: http://supernaturalbotanicals.com/blog/applebees

McAlister's: http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSSE/WesternCarolina/Locations/McAlistersDeli.htm

Fazoli's: http://mojosavings.com/2011/02/24/fazolis-free-spaghetti-entree-2/

Well crap.

Today... i ate... way. too. much. Im so miserable! An entire pint of ice cream, and that was AFTER my unreasonably portioned supper. Siiiiigh. Tomorrows a new day.

I HAVE exercised the past three days! 30 day shred yesterday and Monday, and today my boyfriend and i went walking at the gym. Hes so great! It was really nice to spend that time with him : ). Tomorrow my mom and i have plans to go to zumba again, so that should be fun.

Just a quick update while my sweet baby sleeps on my chest :). Im planning on getting into my photo friday routine again, either every friday or maybe just the first friday of each month- i haven't decided yet. Either way, ill be posting pictures this friday, so be sure to check back!

Have a great night!
~Carissa



PS-the high for tomorrow is 89 here!!!! Its not even officially spring yet!!!!!!

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Weigh Day

Woke up late so I forgt to take a picture, but im at 177.

Its spring break, so hopefully i can get some good exercise time in.

Ahhhhh.

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Did you know?

Working out - to the point of sweating - increases

the size of the basal ganglia, a part of the brain that

controls attention and the ability to coordinate

actions and thoughts.

Just another benefit to getting active!




Source: Family Circle magazine, April 1, 2011 Issue, pg. 90

Zumba Zumba!

Who's tried it? That sexy, sweaty, aerobic dance/exercise class... my mom and I tried it for the first time yesterday... whew! Talk about hard! It's very fast paced, but not impossible. And it's a great workout! The hour seemed to go by so fast! We had a lot of fun :) I think I'll go again!

That class being ony the second workout I've done since Baby was born, I'm not sure how this week's weigh in will go. I'm doing fairly well food-wise, still not counting every calorie though.

What are your favorite workout classes?

If love burned calories....

I'd have lost a trillion pounds by now! I am seriously so crazy about this little boy :)))))))

No workouts since monday... its hard to get there before 5 since i get home at 230. My boyfriends mom works at the gym but leaves at 5 so i have to get there well before that and most days it just ain't ha'nin. Ha ha. I also think im suffering from separation anxiety or something.... i hate it when hes not close. I feel like after being at work for 6 hours, the last thing i should do is spend ANOTHER hour away from him, even if it is to work out... it makes me feel like a bad mom :(. Not saying that moms who workout are bad mothers at all-its just how it makes me feel. I don't want to miss a single breath, smile, cry, coo, or second that i don't have to. Has anyone else felt this way? :(

Anyway, did you guys see the weigh in this morning? I believe that's 2 lbs down... pretty good for no gym! I've been trying really hard to watch what i eat. Now, time to put in another week of honest effort... and hopefully some exercise.

xo
Carissa

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Weigh in

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This is the last thing I expected to feel after working out.

Guilt. Guilty for leaving him with his grandma (she works at the gym) while i walked for 30 mins..... after being away from him all day, i just wanted to hug and kiss and snuggle my little boy. I also know that its time to get in shape (that walk taught me a lesson today!). I know, i know- being healthy is one of the best things i can do for myself and my family, but i just cant help wishing that i would've spent that time with him instead :(.

It was so hard to leave this morning. Work went by fairly quickly though, and it wad SOOO good to see him when i got home. My sister answered the door with Bentley in her arms and i almost cried tears of joy at the sight of his sweet little self!

Anyway... weighed 177.8 this morning. So there's that.

Im off to finish feeding and spending time with baby! Oh, and homework.... ugh.

-Carissa, a jugglin mama

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What size am I?!

Went shopping for some back-to-work outfits... I was pregnant when I started this job, so everything I had to wear was maternity! I can prob still wear a good majority of it, but it was nice to get some pants with no elastic in the waist and some new shirts :).

I walked into the first store and just kinda stood there, staring at all the different aisles, clueless as to where to even start. I had no idea what size of ANYTHING that i would fit into. I finally just went to an area i was familiar with-plus size. I picked out some shirts in 1X and went to try them on.... and wouldn't ya know it, they were all too big! I had no idea where the "regular" sizes were so i just got a cardigan and tshirt in XL that i'd found & we headed to old navy. There, i tried on larges and had much better luck. I also got my pants there.... tried 16s, too big! :O. 14s are a little snug around the waist, but i figure my body is still changing from a home for two to room for one!

So im ready for tomorrow as far as wardrobe goes... just not in any other way. I've been so sad today because i don't want to leave my little baby boy :((. On the bright side, at least i can work out tomorrow.


*sigh* .... see you at tomorrow morning's weigh in.

~Carissa

PS-follow me on twitter (@kuhrisuh) to get the weigh in results first each week!

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Goals of the aggressive variety

Again, posting from my phone in the middle of the night. You'll prob get lots of these, ha ha!

Ive got some goals that require announcing for accountability's sake. I'm cleared to exercise starting Monday, and im ready to get after it! Hopefully this enthusiasm lasts. I remember when i first started this journey, i wanted to lose 100 lbs in one year. Pregnancy put a (very worthwhile) hold on that, and now my 2 yr anniversary is approaching in July. Id like to make my dream a reality and finally reach that 100 lbs lost mark this July. That's 30 lbs in 4 months. A hair over 7 lbs a month, which makes just about 2 lbs a week. I realize that those last pounds are often thrmost difficult to drop, but im gonna keep at it until i get there. Who's with me? What are your goals for summer?

I also need to say this: another goal is to complete ALL my assignments for ALL of my classes. Im so close to finishing, and i've gotta finish strong. Stay on my case about this!!

Here's to a busy, positive, goal gettin future!
xo,
-Carissa

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Baby weight & Breastfeeding

Okay, let's just get right to it. When I found out I was pregnant, I weighed 174. Thanks to morning sickness (more like all day sickness), I was 170 at one point. But that didn't last long! At my last doctor appt before King Bent arrived I weighed in at 211. So I gained right around 40 lbs - half of what I'd lost! Boy was it rough seeing that "2" on the scale again....

Fast forward 5 wks, and I'm sitting right around 180. You can't imagine my relief when I saw that number. I was really scared that it was going to take me another 5 months to lose that weight again. I haven't been counting calories or dieting really.... baby has honestly been my number one focus. Funny how your priorites can change in an instant!

I have been attempting to make a conscious effort to make healthy choices, though they often have to be very quick to both cook and eat. Im sure lots of you moms understand. Doctor released me to work out starting Feb 28th... I'm really excited! It's gonna take effort to fit school, baby, work, home, and the gym in, but I have to be determined to make the time for it.

One thing that has helped me drop the "baby weight" so quickly is definitely breast feeding. I've read that you can burn anywhere from 300-500 calories per day producing milk - now THAT'S what I call a workout! ;) It's one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I love breastfeeding for many reasons:

•Gives me a really unique bonding time w/baby. Being able to provide for your child so fully & naturally is one of the most beautiful things a woman's body was designed to do.

•Health benefits for baby. I've read and heard that one of the many health benefits your baby receives from bf'ing is in his brain development. CLICK HERE for a complete list of all that breast feeding goodness!

•Health benefits for mommy, including but not limited to that awesome calorie burn!


I know this post is all over the place... bear with me. Im running on minimal amounts of sleep here! Ha ha

Hope you're having a great start to your week!
-Caaaarissa

Introducing... Baby Bentley!

Hello, from a brand new momma & her sweet baby BOY! Thank you for all your comments - you are all so sweet! I had such an incredible pregnancy and delivery (though I might not have described them in such kind terms at the time, ha ha), and I really want to share it all with you! So, here goes...

Pregnancy was, well, pregnancy. I was sick, hungry (mostly for potatoes), tired, energetic, happy, sad, nervous, excited, annoyed, round, glowy, busy, and all those other pretty and notsopretty things that come along with growing a little person.

37 weeks

By the time January rolled around, I was so ready to meet our little angel that I could hardly stand it - while at the same time being really nervous to be new parents. I'm so thankful for how well my pregnancy went, and I can tell you now that I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Now, onto the birth...

Due date was January 14th. I went to the doctor on the 11th, and to my dismay, I was not dilated and he had only moved down just a bit. Don't get me wrong, I wanted him to come when he was ready, but I was pretty ready myself! My doctor said that if I hadn't delivered by my next appointment (the 18th), we would schedule an induction for the 21st. I was happy that there was an end in sight!

I worked throughout my pregnancy, and that last week I was feeling SO tired, and was going to bed at like 8pm every night! The day before my due date, I guess I must've looked as crummy as I felt, because all day at work people were asking me if I felt okay and telling me that I could go home if I needed to. My boss made a joke, saying, "I hope I don't see you tomorrow!" I just laughed and told him I was sure I'd be there - I honestly thought I was going to have to be induced! But wouldn't ya know it, around 11pm that night I started having contractions! At first, the thought of contractions didn't even cross my mind. They just felt like really bad back pains. My boyfriend was the one who actually suggested that maybe I was going into labor... and I was reluctant to believe it. I had contractions alllllll night long... 3-8 mins apart. The next morning we got up and ate, and they started letting up a little... prob around 15 mins apart.

I hadn't felt baby move since before the contractions started, so my mom suggested we call the hospital just in case. They told me to come in so they could monitor the baby. Turns out I was dilated to a 3! My doctor had me walk around the maternity floor for about an hour, and by then my contractions had started up again pretty strong. They admitted me around 4 pm. Contractions were.... painful. I had asked so many people what they would feel like, but it really is something you can't explain. They started in my back, but then radiated throughout my whole middle. They didn't really feel like cramps to me... more just like... CONTRACTIONS. Ha ha!

Anyway, I did get an epidural. I'm so happy that I did! I had contractions all through that night and the next day. At one point, because of baby's heartbeat's time to recover after each contraction, they thought that I was going to have to have a c-section, to the point that they were preparing me for surgery. I was freaking out... the doctor was saying things about the cord possibly being wrapped around him, and I was starting to panic. Thankfully, I had a great doctor and she stayed in the room to monitor us most of the time. I had to sit in the most uncomfortable, straight up position, because that's what baby liked best. Eventually, I started feeling the contractions again, and it was time to start pushing. The doctor said we really had to give it a good try, because baby wasn't going to deal with the stress for very long. After just 20 minutes of pushing (and 27 hours of labor!), our beautiful, sweet, perfect, wonderful little boy was born!

January 15th, 2011

2:44 am, 6 lbs 15.9 oz, 20 in. long

It was the most amazing experience of my entire life. I cannot describe the love I have in my heart for my little baby son... there are just no words. And to be able to share that experience with my boyfriend... the look on his face the first time he held his son was indescribable.

I could see the love flowing from him. Our love has not only grown stronger, but our love for this sweet boy - who we named Bentley - grows more and more every day. He was so supportive throughout the entire pregnancy & all throughout labor and birth... I really could not dream up someone better than him to share this with. ♥

After he finally took his first pee pee, we got to go home. It was around 9 pm... and now, here we are, one month and four days later. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions, but every sleepless night has been worth it. He is absolutely perfect in every way... his smiles, his newfound "coos" and his snuggles are my favorite things in the entire world. :)

I am the happiest momma in the universe, I'm sure of it!!

He was a little jaundiced, but luckily nothing that required any treatment and it went away on its own. He's growing wonderfully! At his first check up, he had gained 1 lb and grown 2 inches! My tiny man :)

I still can't believe he went from this little seed...

...to this perfect baby :).

He was born on Saturday, and school started Monday. Needless to say, I've been overwhelmingly busy. I go back to work in one week (SOB!), so I'm trying to get in all the snuggle time I can with my little lovebug. I'm hoping I can keep up with school - which I should probably be working on right now. I'll post about my weight gain and where I am now soon... for now, my little heartthrob needs some lovins :)


xoxo!

-Carissa, a proud mommy