Weight Loss/ BEFORE & AFTER

As of today I have officially lost a total of 17 lbs. It's hard to believe because I have NEVER in my life had to worry about weight. I have always been pretty thin. Like most people weight is gradual. For me it was with pregnancy. Like they say, "9 months to put it on, 9 months to take it off". Well as of next week I will have a 9 month old. I am already back down to my pre preggy weight, however I have a lot of adjusting I am wanting to do with my body through weight training & intense exercises. My body changed immensely throughout my pregnancy. Not only has my chest changed from breastfeeding, (sorry TMI), but my hips & legs got bigger because I gained a lot of water weight. Luckily through time that has slimmed back down. It isn't really about a number to me it's more about how I look & how my clothes fit. Skinny isn't my goal, but FIT!

I am so excited to share that I am getting certified to teach a Body Pump class at my gym. I have been going for 8 weeks now & see a HUGE difference in my body thanks to my girlfriend & instructor, Dina. She is going to be my mentor & will be training me here & there before I have my boot camp day which is an all day event where they will test my abilities. This will determine if I pass or not. We have to memorize routines with music & perform it in front of people & also be able to hold a certain amount of weight. I am so nervous but I have never been more excited in my life at the same time.

I have truly used the gym to my full potential since the New Year. I was in a rut. Alot of you mommies out there know what I am talking about. I am home with my daughter all day. While it is the BEST job in the world, it's also the most intense job in the world. I need a break for myself, so what better than the gym. I'm able to put Avery in a daycare class for 2 hours a day. So now I will be able to teach a class & get paid for it, while having her watched for free, with a free membership, all while getting my body in shape. Can't get much better than that! Plus, a healthier mommy is a happy mommy. I want to instill good eating into my children's lives & be a good example.

I have a had a lot of people e-mail me saying they can see a huge difference & want to know what I am up to & how I am doing it. Basically I cut out diet cokes, sweets, limited my carbs, & added water. Diet Coke you ask? I was craving more food while drinking it so had to stop. Ever since I stopped I don't eat 1/2 as much!
...If I am cooking with meat it's Turkey. If I HAVE to have a pasta it's wheat. Anything else is always low in calorie or low in sugar/fat. I always look at the back of labels now. As far as workouts I do a Body Pump class 3 days a week. The other 2 days I do a Boot Camp class. I always do 40 minutes a cardio nomatter what before my classes. I love workout classes because it's like having a personal trainer. You have fun music, friends, & a teacher so you are guaranteed to do it right!

I didn't realize how huge my thighs had gotten, how chubby my face was, & how many pounds extra I had gained with Avery that was going to seem close to impossible to melt away, until I compared these before & after pics I was in shock! I still have a ways to go to get this body tight, but until then I hope this will serve as some inspiration!

Final BDAY fun!

Okay so we have had a full couple of days celebrating Chad's BDAY, but with all good fun comes an end. Between Friday night dinner with the Anderson's at On the Border, Saturday with the whole family, & last night- we have had a busy Bday for him!

To top off his BDAY festivities we ended his special day with some of our wonderful friends, the Staffords. We went over to their house for his favorite Thai Chicken Pizza that Melissa makes, & her famous brownies with a PB twist! One of our other girlfriends gave her the recipe on blog so I will make sure & get the recipe posted another day. Wow, they were good & I cheated because it was his BDAY- yummo!













After dinner we played our fun card game that we all love to play when we get together, PHASE 10! Of course Chad & I were whipped but next time we will beat em!

We are so blessed to have wonderful friends. Chad & Melissa are a true blessing in our lives. We are looking forward to the arrival of their son in May, Grayson- & being a part of their lives with their little one!

Here a few cute pics of our Ave from over the weekend. . .

Happy BDAY Chad!

I did a Birthday post on my husband's party from the weekend below but wanted to do another post on his actual Birthday, which is today! Happy BDAY CHAD!

This is the 5th Birthday that I have had the privlage of spending with my husband. This year is extra special because now we have Avery to share it with. We not only had a wonderful weekend with family, but now tonight plan to spend the evening with some of our great friends, the Staffords. They invited us for dinner to celebrate so we are going to their house. We just love them so much & are so thankful for their friendship!

As I thought today of the times we have spent together in life from Birthdays to any occasion, I was reminded of our past 5 years together & how life is now so different with Avery- but WAY better! Thought I would post a few pictures from the past to present of our life together before Avery & now with her....

Before Avery Elizabeth:
















Pregnant with our first child. . .



She arrived June 3rd, 2009. . .




Now, our life with Avery... PERFECT!















Chad, you are my one & only. My best friend, my confidence, my leader... Without you I am nothing. I am so thankful for our friendship, for our love, for our life together. God has blessed us in so many ways. I look forward to many more years with you & Avery on our Birthday's. I love you...more than words!

Ps- I love you Daddy...