Wednesday Weigh-In: Week Fifteen

It's Wednesday!!

We're fifteen Wednesdays into this journey.  That's almost 4 months.  Some days it feels like I started yesterday and some days it feels like I've been at this forever.  I can definitely see big changes in my body.  I still have a long road but seeing progress is so encouraging.  I've been consistently working out at least 3 times a week for 11 weeks now.  I feel stronger than I have in a really long time.   Also I can tell if I've eaten more carbs than normal because I feel like crap.  I feel sluggish and heavy and just blah.  I was shocked by how bad I felt.  It was definitely the motivation I needed to stay the course.  I don't want to go back to that feeling all the time.  It took one day for me to realize how far I've really come and how much better I really feel.  I'm not going to lie, sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder if I'll ever get to my goal.  Sometimes it feels like an impossible task to lose these last 25lbs.  But I just have to sit back and look at how far I've already come.  I've lost more weight, done more push-ups, more burpees and run more stadiums than I ever thought I would do again.  When I'm feeling down about the size of my pants and what I left to do, I redirect my focus to what I've already accomplished.  I don't focus on the flaws, I choose to celebrate the progress, even when it feels like I have to dig to find any progress to celebrate.

-1.6lbs from last week.  Not quite 2 pounds but I'm still on track to hit my goal before surgery.  So close to kissing the 160's goodbye forever.  I can finally wear my wedding band again which is my favorite non-scale victory so far.   I can get my engagement ring on but can only wear it if the humidity is low. Ha!  

The -25.5lbs is what I've lost since starting Keto. I've lost more than 42lbs total. I've got around 25lbs left to lose.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week Fourteen

We've been trucking right along this week.   Trying to make good choices.  I've been committed to working out 3 days a week for 10 weeks now and I can definitely see the changes in my body.

The other big news this week is I'm having breast reduction surgery.  It's something that I've thought about since I was 18 years old but I always wanted to wait until after I had kids.  Well I've had two kids and it was time to seriously consider it.  I went for a consultation back in August and I liked the surgeon ok but I wasn't convinced I wanted to do it.   I did get approval from my insurance company that they would pay 100% so that was good but I wasn't sold on this guy.  I talked to a few other friends and decided to go for a consultation with another surgeon and I really, really liked him.  He was so nice.  I never felt rushed.  We talked about exactly what I wanted the end result to be and I was very encouraged.  I left that day knowing I wanted to do it, we just had to decide when.  I originally thought I wanted to do it in January but after talking with this surgeon about recovery and my weight loss goals I felt confident that I wanted to go ahead and do it as soon as worked with our schedules.  So I went ahead and scheduled it for the first week of November.  I'm very excited.  I'm a little nervous to not be able to work out for several weeks.  Everyone that has had it done said it's 100% worth it. 

I'm down 2.4lbs this week!  I'm excited for this progress.  Every little bit counts!  I've got about 15lbs I'd like to lose before surgery in 7 weeks. 

I've lost 41lbs since March. (I think I'm going to change my graphics to reflect the total weight loss.)  I did another body fat analysis this week and the results weren't what I'd hoped for but I did lose 1.5" in my arm and .75" in my thigh.

I posted this on Instagram and facebook yesterday for "transformation Tuesday" yesterday.  That picture from Disney popped up on my timehop last week and I couldn't believe what I saw.  I knew I was overweight but I had no idea how big I really was.  I was 6 months postpartum and still breastfeeding but I was miserable.  Not necessarily with how I looked (I didn't love it but I because my body had just grown another human and was still feeding it I was ok with it) but I felt terrible.  I was so exhausted all the time.  I had zero energy.  I just didn't feel like myself and I wondered if I would ever feel like me again.  Here I am a year later and I feel great.  I love fitting into old clothes but I love the way I feel even more!  I'm so proud of how far I've come but I've still got a good way to go.

Tuscaloosa Gameday

I had tickets to the Alabama game Saturday in Tuscaloosa, it was a late game so I didn't really want to take Barrett.  I knew Brittany and I would have a blast.  We had so much fun the two years we were at Alabama together and I was ready to relive the glory days. 

We got there, got parked and headed over to my cousin's house to hang out.  We visited for a while and then headed out to see the sights.  We walked by the stadium and it was almost time for the team to arrive so we waited around to see that.  Then we walked all through sorority row to see the new houses.  (They are huge!)

We made a pit stop in front of Tut to make our picture before they tear it down.  I've made so many memories in that building.  From cheerleading camp to my freshmen year.  I'm sad they're tearing it down. 

We walked back up in front of the quad on our way back to the stadium.  I love Denny Chimes.   There was a big crowd for it to be a cupcake game. 

I was so excited about how good our outfits looked together.  Also this is my accountability partner and she looks amazing.  I'm so proud of how far we've come.  It's been many years since we sat in that stadium together and I'm so thankful that we're still friends.

And I know I include a picture of Matthew every year but I just can't get over how old he is.  He came to my house to tailgate before his first Alabama game when he was just 2 or 3 years old.  Now he's 14 and taller than me. 

We had the best time and I've decided that this is the perfect friend day because you're trapped in the car for at least and hour each way so you get lots of time to catch up.  And then the game is just so much fun anyway.  I'm hoping to get back down for another game this season but I don't know if it'll happen. 

And we won!

Roll Tide!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 13

I feeling better this week and slowly but surely getting back on track.  If I had one piece of advice for this whole weight loss journey it would be get an accountability partner.  Someone that has similar goals and someone that will challenge you.  Someone that will call you out when you are slacking.  Someone that will truly encourage you.  They celebrate the success and they pick you up when you feel like you can't eat one more hamburger without the bun and run with you when you think you can't run one more stadium.  I had a great accountability partner in 2010 when I was successful (she moved away) and I have a great one now.  I feel like I have my own little cheerleader. (Hopefully she feels the same way.)  I've fallen off the Keto wagon too many times to count in the last month and honestly if it weren't for Brittany's encouragement I would have probably gone back to my old eating habits.  But we are in this together and I want to see her reach her goals as much as I want to reach my own.  So we tell each other to put on your big girl panties and deal with it. While we still have a ways to go to reach our goals, we are so much closer than we were even a month ago.  We've also been lucky to find a fitness instructor and class that we both really enjoy.  The instructor is so motivating and encouraging.  Sometimes I feel like he feels sorry for us but either way he's been good for us.  He challenges us every week and we've surprised ourselves at how far we've come.  I am so surprised by the changes in my body in just 9 weeks of working out.  I'm excited to see what progress looks like in another 9 weeks.  

-2.8lbs this week!  I might do a backflip when I get below 160bs.  This is the smallest I've been since I got pregnant with Barrett.  I'm so proud of that.  

My total loss since March is 38.4lbs.  Hopefully I'll hit 40lbs next week.  We're going for another body analysis this Friday and I'm anxious to see the results.  The scale hasn't moved that much for me but I feel like I've lost inches and fat.  I'm hoping I'm not wrong.

Find a partner and get started.  You won't regret it!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 12

This pretty much sums up my feelings today. 

But I'm committed to this.

Well, I'm committed to blogging, Keto, not so much this week.

And the scale shows it.

Anywho, I feel like I sound like a broken record lately.  I'm just on the sugar struggle bus lately.  It all started with a piece of cake for Patrick's birthday and it's been down hill since then.  I'm slowly getting back in my routine and will hopefully see some results next week.  A concert,  football kickoff and long weekend did me no favors this weekend.  I did stay on schedule with my workouts and I am proud of that.  I actually crave that time each week.  I start getting antsy if I haven't gotten to sweat.

I gained 1.2lbs.  Which is frustrating.  But I can't say I'm surprised.

Oh well, You can't let a bad week wreck your whole outlook.  I've come so far, (and still have a way to go)  I'm going to pick up today and get back in gear.

I also feel like crap after eating like crap.  Makes me want to get back at it even more.

Labor Day Weekend: So long Summer

We've had a wonderful long weekend at home! 

Thursday night Barrett went to workout with me.  He now insists he has to go every time I go and while I love using that as my time away, I also love having my own little cheerleader there.  When it's not crowded the teacher lets him "workout" with us.  It's really sweet.

Friday morning started with donuts in our college colors.

Then we had a little adventure to check out the wedding venue for some of our dear friends.  It was a beautiful place so I tried to take advantage and snap some cute pictures of the kids. 

Here they are wearing the same outfit.  Patrick told me not to show anyone this but it's too cute not to share.

Friday afternoon Crystal sent out a group text asking if anyone wanted to go see Sam Hunt in Birmingham.  I'd already planned for the kids to spend the night with my parents and Patrick had to be at work early Saturday morning so he didn't want to do anything so I went.  We had so much fun!  Brittany ended up getting a ticket from another friend and we met up for a bit.  I wasn't a huge Sam Hunt fan but he put on an amazing show (for free!). 

I did learn I'm too old for general admission tickets.  I almost lost my cool several times when people kept pushing through to "get to their friends" in the front.  Finally, I just didn't move and told them they should have gotten there when their friends did if they wanted to stand with them.  And I made a poor choice of footwear and my feet were killing me. but other than that we had a great time!

There was a huge crowd and it was a gorgeous night for an outdoor show!

Saturday morning, Brittany and I met at the GUTS trail for a little hike.  We did 3 miles to start the day and it was so nice.  I'm really enjoying getting out and sweating.  My goal is 4 days a week right now and so far so good!

Saturday night the kids and I went to Matt and Jennifer's new house to watch football!  Their new house is beautiful and the kids tried their best to destroy it.  This is the only picture I got of them together.

He said he couldn't take a picture because he needed to relax.

I squeezed her into this outftit from last year because it was way too big on her and she only wore it once.  It was tight but she was just so cute I couldn't stand it.

Selfie with my girl!

Last year in the same outfits.

Sunday morning I got up and went to Mass.  Barrett was whiney and AveryAnn was coughing and had a nasty runny nose so Patrick stayed home with them and I went alone.  Which is super weird when you're used to wrangling two kids.  After lunch the kids took naps and I went to HIIT.  Later the Moore's came over and the kids played. 

Monday morning we all slept late and enjoyed some snuggles. 

After naptime we loaded up and went to the park. 

We haven't been since AveryAnn started walking and it was fun.  Barrett was so excited for his dad to watch him go down all the slides and AveryAnn just wanted to play on the steps.  Then of course the ice cream man showed up and luckily Daddy had some cash.

AveryAnn wore most of hers but they sure were cute. 

After the park we made a family trip to Lowes.  Patrick got some screen so he could make me this cute frame to hold my earrings.  We did baths and then it was time for bed!  We're ready for Fall!  The weather this weekend was such a tease. 

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 11

I've had a good week this week.  Finally back on the wagon and getting my eating habits under control.  The scale started moving again and I'm itching to keep seeing smaller numbers.  I keep telling myself its a marathon not a sprint.  I'm so proud of how far I've come.  Just 3 months ago I was so miserable.  I was tired of looking through my closet and not having anything to wear.  I was tired of being uncomfortable all the time.  I'm wearing clothes I haven't worn in years.  I'm doing things my body hasn't done in years (like push-ups on my toes!!)  I look forward to going to the gym.  I don't always like eating well but I like the results so it's worth it.

Down 2.6lbs from last week! I'm 31lbs away from my goal!  I'm finally over half way there!  I'm really hoping I'll get there by the end of the year! 

I've lost 37lbs total since March.  I've been working out at least 3 times a week for 7 weeks now.  I can tell a huge difference in my body.  (I'm not sure if anyone else can really tell yet, but I can and that's all I'm worried about right now).  Barrett has gone to workout with me a couple of times and he's the sweetest cheering me on.  While I love using that as my "me" time, I love showing him that being strong and taking care of your body is important.  Plus having your own personal cheerleader is pretty awesome. 

Those shorts in that August picture haven't been worn since before Barrett was born I think.  I am so proud that I can not only wear them but I'm fairly comfortable in them.  I'm so proud of how far I've come.  I'm so proud that I just started and kept going.  I can't wait to see my picture less 30 more pounds. 

18 Months (+1 Week)

AveryAnn turned 18 months old on the 22nd but because I can't get my life together she didn't go for her doctors appointment until today.  This time last year we were going to the lactation meetings to figure out why she wasn't gaining weight.  That seriously feels like last month not last year.

• You weigh 26.2lbs
• You're 31" tall. 
• Eating is hit or miss.  Sometimes you can't get enough of whatever we're eating sometimes you will not eat anything.
• You're wearing 18 month clothes and size 5 diapers.
• Shoes are size 5 and 6 (except your sandals that are a size 3 that I'm still cramming your feet into.)
• Your vocabulary grows daily.  
• Your favorite words are "Daddy" and "Baby"
• You sleep 7-7 most every night. 
• You want whatever your brother has and you want to do whatever he is doing.

.

Fun Uncle Patrick came by to visit this afternoon and you were so fussy.  He picked you up and you fell right to sleep.  It was pretty sweet

Also in the last week or two you're so excited about your babies.  You say "bay-bee"  so southern and drawn out and I can't hear it enough.  It is the sweetest.  I can't wait to take you to the American Girl store when you're a little older.

You are so much fun, most of the time and you keep us laughing.  You've recently gotten into wearing things.  Hats, sunglasses, headphones, necklaces.  Anything you can put on yourself is fair game. 

If I pick Barrett up, you're at my feet in no time with those little arms above your head for me to pick you up too.  So I end up holding you both a lot of the time.  I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to hold you both. 

This was the day of the Solar Eclipse.  We had so much fun, you just enjoyed running up and down the driveway at the office. 

One of the cutest things you do right now is sing "Happy Birthday".  You sing it all the time.  (except you know, when we want you to).  One Friday we stopped to get donuts and when I got you out of the car you said "Happy day"  I laughed and laughed because it was so funny that you said it at the donut place.  Well, "Happy Day" turned into the birthday song over time and now you sing it about a dozen times a day.

We are all so crazy about you.  Some days I'm so sad that there's not much baby left but watching you grow and learn takes the sting away a little.  You're still very cuddly and I hope that never changes.  I can't believe how quickly the last 18 months have passed but I can't wait to see what the next 18 months look like!  We love you to the moon and back!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Week 10

I'm going to be honest.  This week has been difficult.  I kind of fell off the wagon and I've seriously struggled to get back with it.  There have been days this week where I've thought.  "I've lost 30lbs, that's good enough."  But it's not good enough.  I still have at least 27lbs of excess fat I need to lose to be in the healthy range.  I want to lose those pounds.  I want to be in the healthy range.  I want to continue to feel my best and be my best for my family (and myself).  Patrick's birthday was this weekend and I just could not resist the cake.  I tried but I couldn't.  So I had a piece.  Knocking me out of ketosis.  Which is fine but then he brought home all of these chocolate/peanut butter/oatmeal no bake cookies and they mock me every time I walk into the kitchen.  I fully expected the scale to be a disaster but it wasn't.  So I'm going to throw out all the crap and get back on the wagon with full force this week.  I'm half way to my goal and I'm more determined than ever to get there.  

Down 0.4lbs  Which isn't a lot but it is something and every little bit counts.  It's been a really long time since I saw this number.  So I can't let a bad week get me down.  This is my 6th week of working out and I'm really starting to notice big differences in my body.  I'm starting to get a tiny bit of muscle definition.  I'm feeling so much stronger!

I've lost closer to 30lbs total since March but only half of that has been on Keto.  (not that it matters, all that matters is that it's gone!) 

I'm ready for a new week and to get back on track!

Happy Birthday Patrick!!!

Happy 36th Birthday to the head of our house!  We are so thankful you were born!

If he's going to do something, he's going to do it to the best of his ability.  There is no eyeballing anything for him.  When things break he loves figuring out what is broken and how he can fix it.  I'm convinced he can fix anything.   He works so hard at two jobs so we have everything we need and most things we want.  He is my biggest cheerleader and for that I am so thankful.  I love sharing this beautiful life we've built together.  He makes me laugh.  A lot.  In fact, I can never stay mad at him because he always makes me laugh and its so hard to be mad at someone when you're laughing.

I love watching him be a dad.  He loves his babies with every thing he has.  They think he hung the moon.  When they hear the garage door every afternoon they both just squeal with glee.  It is the sweetest part of the day.  AveryAnn says "Daddy" about a thousand times a day.  (One day she'll say Mama)

Barrett wants to be just like him.  He loves going to work like his Daddy.  (even though he has no idea what his Dad really does and that our work is nothing like what his dad does).  I asked him tonight who he loved more me or Daddy and he of course said Daddy.  But then said "don't worry, I still love you too."

Happy Birthday Patrick!  We hope you have the best day ever!  We love you so much!

Summer Bucket List: We did it!

We had the best time this summer checking things off our Summer Bucket List.  It was the perfect amount of things to do to keep us looking forward to something without being overwhelming!  I think this will definitely be a tradition in the Horton House.  Here's a little recap!

SPLASH PAD

We hit the Gardendale splash pad at the beginning of the summer and the one at the Zoo to close things out.  We enjoyed them both! 

MOVIES

We saw SING! at Black Creek Park and it was so much fun!  We had plans to go to a few more outdoor movies but the weather never cooperated.  We also went to the Alabama Theatre to watch the Little Mermaid.  The Alabama Theatre really made an impact on Barrett and he talks about it often.  I'm hoping we can take him back to see a Christmas movie in December.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

This was one of my favorite things we did this summer.  Barrett enjoyed it and AveryAnn loved disrupting the whole place every week.  He worked hard and earned a fidget spinner.  It was a highlight for both of us!

BEACH WEEKEND

We had an awesome weekend at the beach with Tony and Carla!   I loved getting to watch the kids play in the sand and water.  We even saw some dolphins and some of the air show!

SNO SHACK

This was a fun one.  Barrett was so surprised when we stopped one afternoon for sno cones after school!  Now everyday when we pass it he says "Mama there's the sno cone place, look at all those people getting sno cones!"

URBAN AIR

We hadn't been to the trampoline place since it opened and we were itching to go.  I'm not sure who had more fun me or Barrett.  Plus we left sister at home so he was happy to not have to share his mama! 

 

BARONS GAME

Well, it was the night we tried to go to a Barons game.  We got there and they were sold out.  So we didn't get to mark that one off!

SHRIMP BOIL

We invited all the Barrett's friends and their families over for a Back to School Shrimp Boil.  Grampy let us borrow his slide and everyone had a great time.  We're thinking that this should be a tradition and next year we're renting a big slide that the adults can play on too!

ZOO DAY

We spent the entire day at the zoo with our friends one day.  Barrett wore his Chase costume all day long and we all got the biggest kick out of it.  It was a nice day to end the Summer!

So that's a wrap on our 2017 Summer Bucket List.  I decided last night that I would write on the back of the list a little note to Barrett about the summer and how much fun I had making memories with him.  I hope to do this each summer.  I'm going to put it in his baby book for him to have (and probably throw away one day)  Hopefully he'll appreciate it. 

 

The only things we didn't get checked off were a weekend at the lake and the movie Cars 3!