Part 1: Two babies. Two years.

I have seen countless women who's bodies "bounce back" from their pregnancy a week or a month after delivery. That's awesome -- but for me it's far from reality.

Other women, including myself, are part of the (pardon my language) "Work Your Ass Off To Get There Club". Which is really: "Work your ass off and maybe you'll get there but most likely you'll end up 5-20 lbs above what you used to be." That's what I'm anticipating at least.

Losing weight is something I've always needed to do. Even in high school I was always 10-20 lbs heavier than girls who had similar height, activities, and lifestyles. I just didn't understand. 

After Baby #2 was born [in January], I really hit a low point. After two babies in less than two years my body had been through a LOT and I found myself almost 70 pounds heavier than my already "heavy" weight. It was depressing, embarrassing, and honestly I felt defeated. We want more kids soon but 70 pounds seemed like it would take years to burn off. Especially being a mom of two kids under two AND working from home -- I didn't have the energy to plan workouts/diets/etc. 

I heard about a program called Couch to 5k on one of my online forums. I have never been a runner. I think the only time I ran a mile straight was in PE Class in Junior High... but I was athletic in school and the purpose of the program isn't speed, it's about building your endurance by starting with small intervals and gradually increasing them over 9 weeks. 

So I started running. And I SUCKED! 

The first week I literally struggled to run for 45 seconds. But I was determined. After only 5 weeks I ran my first 5k in my entire life in 39 minutes and 7 seconds! 

My second one is in two weeks (8 weeks after my first) and I'm hoping to shave 10 minutes off my time. Who would have thought I'd be running 5ks for the first time in my life less than 4 months after having a baby! Not me!

As far as weight loss goes, I've lost a total of 35 pounds so far (half of my goal). 

I obviously still have a lot of work to do but I've done a lot so far in the past 3 months. I'm excited to start my next "program" tomorrow and see how much more my body and change! I'll give you details about my next program in Part II of this post.

Overall this has been a difficult journey and I still have several months (if not years) to go. I obviously wouldn't trade my babies to be skinny in a million years. 

However, I am willing to give up an extra 30 minutes a day!

2012 Preview: Dreams

Some people live for New Years Resolutions.
Some people don't even bother to have them since they always fall through mid-February.

Whether they last 2 weeks, 2 months, or the entire year, I'm a fan.
I've always been big on setting dreams/goals. I believe they give your life purpose, direction, and energy.

"Dreams tell us about what a person values, is passionate about, and what a person centers their life upon."

If you goal is to lose 60 lbs and you quit after losing 25... that's 25 less than you would of had if you hadn't tried at all. I don't mean it's okay to give up and not follow through, but sometimes it takes those little steps to hit a big goal.

So since today is the day people set in stone their 2012 resolutions, I decided to re-evaluate my dreams list. Some things have been on my list for years, others are new and I'm adding today.

"The thing about dreams is that the more you define the, the more likely you are the achieve them."

The most important aspects in setting a New Years Resolution or creating a dreams list are:
1) Write them down and review them often (post them on a bulletin board or have a Dream Journal)
2) Have a WHY behind each dream - that's what drives you!
3) I was always taught to dream based on various categories (see below).

Some of the categories have multiple things I would like to accomplish - but I am just listing my #1 goal for some of the categories that apply to 2012 for you (my full list has over 50 things even though there are only 12 categories):

[ Physical ]
    In case this wasn't obvious... my goal is to say bye-bye to the baby weight! I won't say exactly how much I need/plan to lose but two of my commitments are to be gluten free for 30 days and (like the past two years) give up any fast food (my record is just over 3 months)
    WHY: Being healthy/fit isn't something that every person has control over. I am young and want to respect myself and my body by putting food into it that makes me feel good.

[ Intellectual ]
    Increase my knowledge on Natural Labor/Birthing by becoming an instructor for the Bradley Method which is something Tommy and I have been very passionate about learning about during this pregnancy.
    WHY: I believe that God created our body to do AMAZING things - including giving birth - and want to share that understanding and give empowerment to other women.

[ Spiritual ]
    I want to be more disciplined in studying God's word by having time for myself daily (20 minutes) as well as finding a Bible study with other's to challenge me and hold me accountable.
    WHY: You have to invest time if you want to grow in an area of your life and I want to continue to grow as a Christian.

[ Material ]
    Buy a house of course!
    WHY: So we can have somewhere to establish our family permanently as we continue to grow!

(Yes, I know we won't get something THIS beautiful.. but I can dream :) right?)

[ Professional ]
     Start a shop on Etsy to generate more income.
     WHY: I love crafting, creating, and inspiring people. It would be a way for me to add more to our savings as well as a way for me to have time doing something I love.

[ Financial ]
     Save $10,000 by June.
     $15,000 by August.
     WHY: To use as a downpayment for our first home :) Minimum of 10% down. Ideally 15-20%.

[ Creative ]
     Same as professional (because I am going to need a lot of motivation to get it started).. but more specifically: learn more about graphic design and sewing.
     WHY: Because God blesses everyone with different gifts and WANTS you to use them :)

[ Adventure ]
      Go on our HONEYMOON! Somewhere warm, all inclusive, and with no babies!
      WHY: We made a sacrifice after our wedding to save the money.. but I think it is important for couples to have that time alone together where they can just cherish each other without any distractions.

Other categories:
[ Emotional ]
[ Legacy ]
[ Character ]
[ Psychological ]

What do you think about New Years Resolutions? What is on your Dreams List?
What is your #1 resolution this year? Why?

I'll be sure to update as I accomplish things off my list.. I pray everyone has a safe and Happy New Years!