So I realized that it has been forever since I've blogged and my last posting happens to coincide with the death of our laptop. It's a lot harder to get to the desktop with both boys being so active. Life has been crazy (as I'm sure it has been for everybody.) It's amazing how busy we keep even when it seems that we don't have much planned. It's a full-time, under-appreciated, no time off kind of job raising these two boys, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Life has been awesome but certainly not without its challenges. One of those challenges has been a personal one and involves my post-pregnancy weight loss journey. While I nursed Nicolas, my metabolism got shot and instead of losing (as many nursing moms boast it does) I gained and/or stayed steady while watching what I ate. I have heard from a few friends that the same happened for them. Definitely not a fun thing! I blogged about it several times but with Nicolas, I only gained 27 lbs, and I only recently started losing.
Here's how the numbers break down. I'm 5'5" so a normal BMI allows me to be anywhere from 120-150. Before having children, I held steady at 132 for the longest time and didn't stray very far from that number. In undergrad, I did a lot of heavy weight lifting and went up to 136 but that's as high as I had ever been. In high school, I'm not sure how much I weighed but that number was probably closer to 125 or so.
With my first pregnancy, I gained 33 lbs and lost all of it 6 weeks after giving birth. I had to workout to stay at 132 and eat decently but it wasn't hard at all. A short time before getting pregnant with Nicolas, I started gaining weight again (went up to 136) so a few minor changes in my diet (no more soda, no eating after 8pm) and I was down in the 128/130 range again in a few short weeks. That was awesome! After having Nicolas, the weight started coming off slowly at the 6 week mark but it crept right back on as my milk supply increased. At my highest, I was at 145 (still not considered overweight for my height) and felt HORRIBLE! I was tired all the time, cranky, sleepy, a mess! Mind you, I was working out 5 times a week (hard workouts.) I was also in a lot of pain from a messed up neck and lower back.
So, in December, I finally decided to go to a chiropractor and have my neck and back adjusted and that worked WONDERS! I wanted to be able to workout without the pain and that helped tremendously. YAYAYAY! :) If you have chronic pain and have never been, I highly recommend it. Especially, if you workout and feel that a little pain is okay...it's not okay. You shouldn't have bone pain (muscle soreness is totally different.) I cannot sing enough praises of chiropractors and their place in pain management.
I have a lot more to type but mommy duty calls. To end it though, I'm finally down to 133 and working on getting to 126. I'm wearing my pre-pregnancy pants again (size 6) and my energy levels are through the roof. I'll post soon and explain in more detail about my weight loss journey. :)
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Monday, November 1, 2010
4 months already
I can't believe that it's already been 4 months (and a week to be exact) since we were blessed with our baby, Nicolas. :-) He continues to be such a sweet little addition to our family. He has the most adorable one tooth smile I have ever seen but the poor little guy has been cranky and in pain from teething lately. He's still a sweet little man and just needs a bit more TLC. :-)
We have started venturing out and about more lately as I get more comfortable managing both boys in public, and he takes everything in everywhere we go. He loves watching his big brother play, listening to mommy read stories, and taking cat naps. HA! I don't remember Alex sleeping this frequently at this age but I certainly remember Alex sleeping through the night just shy of 3 months and taking 2 2-hour naps so that's a big difference between the two. Nicolas still enjoys waking up once a night at about 4 or 5 am but he's such an easy going guy and falls right back to sleep that it's not a problem at all. We are enjoying all the "baby" moments as they pass way too quickly!
We are working on getting Nicolas baptized, and I am still at home full time with both boys. I definitely miss working outside the home because of the mental breaks but we don't miss having Alex sick all of the time. When I do return to work, we plan to hire a nanny so that we never have to deal with all of the bronchitis and reactive airway episodes that Alex had this year. He has thankfully been healthy since I've been at home with him so we continue to pray for good health for the little man.
On that note, Alex is certainly growing out of those terrible two's and entering what I call his "fierce" three's. He still manages to act up, which I think is a result of being bored at home and not being socialized enough, but he has certainly stepped up his good behavior and is doing a lot better with discipline. YAYAYAY! We are still being asked to keep him out of school until Dr. Dilley (the most awesome allergy/asthma specialist ever) can make his case for/against asthma and figures out what triggers Alex's episodes. Until then, I will continue to be driven crazy by my loco moco. :-)
I am constantly in awe of the amount of junk (toys) we have managed to accumulate in Alex's 3 years of life. I am learning to appreciate the wonder that is craiglist and I am trying to rid our house of as much junk as possible. :-)
We have started venturing out and about more lately as I get more comfortable managing both boys in public, and he takes everything in everywhere we go. He loves watching his big brother play, listening to mommy read stories, and taking cat naps. HA! I don't remember Alex sleeping this frequently at this age but I certainly remember Alex sleeping through the night just shy of 3 months and taking 2 2-hour naps so that's a big difference between the two. Nicolas still enjoys waking up once a night at about 4 or 5 am but he's such an easy going guy and falls right back to sleep that it's not a problem at all. We are enjoying all the "baby" moments as they pass way too quickly!
We are working on getting Nicolas baptized, and I am still at home full time with both boys. I definitely miss working outside the home because of the mental breaks but we don't miss having Alex sick all of the time. When I do return to work, we plan to hire a nanny so that we never have to deal with all of the bronchitis and reactive airway episodes that Alex had this year. He has thankfully been healthy since I've been at home with him so we continue to pray for good health for the little man.
On that note, Alex is certainly growing out of those terrible two's and entering what I call his "fierce" three's. He still manages to act up, which I think is a result of being bored at home and not being socialized enough, but he has certainly stepped up his good behavior and is doing a lot better with discipline. YAYAYAY! We are still being asked to keep him out of school until Dr. Dilley (the most awesome allergy/asthma specialist ever) can make his case for/against asthma and figures out what triggers Alex's episodes. Until then, I will continue to be driven crazy by my loco moco. :-)
I am constantly in awe of the amount of junk (toys) we have managed to accumulate in Alex's 3 years of life. I am learning to appreciate the wonder that is craiglist and I am trying to rid our house of as much junk as possible. :-)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Birthday Time!!
I can't believe it's that time again: September!!! It's my favorite month of the year. Why, you ask? Not only is it the start of football season, cooler weather (well, not really in Texas, but you get my point), holiday decorations up in stores, but it brings with it my birthday as well as Alex's. :-) On Sept 9th, I celebrated my 30th birthday. It was pretty uneventful which made me happier than ever! My first birthday as a mother was spent in the ER with Alex and a stomach virus. My second birthday as a mother was spent at the doctor's office with Alex and RSV which ultimately led to a year full of respiratory issues and a diagnosis of reactive airway disease. I think it was God's way of reminding me of the selflessness that is parenthood. So, this year instead of celebrating me, I thanked God for and celebrated having 2 healthy children, a healthy husband and family, and my own health.
I can't believe that my baby is going to be 3 on September 19th. He amazes me every day!! This past year I worked full time to complete my clinical fellowship year. I enjoyed it very much but I absolutely hated leaving a crying 2 year old at preschool all day which made him constantly sick. As soon as the school year was finished in early June, it was back to being a stay at home parent and I almost lost my sanity. Alex pushed me to my limits and all I can remember thinking was that I couldn't wait for the allergist to clear him to go back to school. Now that I've been at home for a few months, I am happier than ever! I have many moments of insanity and sometimes wish I could have more breaks from my babies than I get, but at the end of the day, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my life and would be absolutely happy if I never got another break from my babies again (absolutely crazy and nuts, yes but happy!) :-)
Alex has accomplished so much this past year and he is turning in to such a good little rambunctious boy. Nicolas continues to be my sweet dream baby. He smiles and laughs at everything and I cherish his "old soul." I am convinced that he has my Grandma Toribia's spirit: quiet but fierce. He definitely has her chin and looking at him makes me smile because it is the piece of my mom and grandma of which I am constantly reminded. I am looking forward to all the fun milestones. :-)
I can't believe that my baby is going to be 3 on September 19th. He amazes me every day!! This past year I worked full time to complete my clinical fellowship year. I enjoyed it very much but I absolutely hated leaving a crying 2 year old at preschool all day which made him constantly sick. As soon as the school year was finished in early June, it was back to being a stay at home parent and I almost lost my sanity. Alex pushed me to my limits and all I can remember thinking was that I couldn't wait for the allergist to clear him to go back to school. Now that I've been at home for a few months, I am happier than ever! I have many moments of insanity and sometimes wish I could have more breaks from my babies than I get, but at the end of the day, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my life and would be absolutely happy if I never got another break from my babies again (absolutely crazy and nuts, yes but happy!) :-)
Alex has accomplished so much this past year and he is turning in to such a good little rambunctious boy. Nicolas continues to be my sweet dream baby. He smiles and laughs at everything and I cherish his "old soul." I am convinced that he has my Grandma Toribia's spirit: quiet but fierce. He definitely has her chin and looking at him makes me smile because it is the piece of my mom and grandma of which I am constantly reminded. I am looking forward to all the fun milestones. :-)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Weight challenges
I didn't realize how annoying it was going to be the 2nd time around waiting for my weight to just melt off like it did with Alex, esp since I only gained 27 lbs with Nico and 33 with Alex. (Now don't be mistaken, I had to work out to get back in shape but I was able to wear my pre-pregnancy pants by 6 weeks postpartum.) This time around, these last pesky 10 lbs just seem to have made themselves at home and don't want to leave. I still can't wear my pre-pregnancy pants, and nothing I seem to be doing is making the numbers on the scale go down. There are a few factors that I think are contributing:
1. The obvious: this is my 2nd child, and it might take a bit more work to shed the weight!
2. The c-section doesn't allow me to work out until the doctor has cleared me (8 wks in this case).
3. I am nursing Nico and need to consume 500 calories so I can't exactly eat like a "skinny girl"
4. I am on a dairy restriction due to a sensitivity Nico has and thus I feel hungry quicker without my easy dairy filled and healthy snacks. *This is getting very annoying considering my already restricted diet due to food allergies
5. I have to drink 2 types of juice in limited quantities
I'm doing some things right.
1. I'm walking almost every day and trying to get some fun exercise in by playing with Alex like throwing the ball and chasing him outside when the heat allows.
2. I only have half of a soda a day and sweeten my coffee with agave nectar instead of sugar.
3. I am also eating lots of protein and drinking water with every meal
4. I've started simple and gentle exercises: pilates mostly
My endurance is very limited :( but I'm hopeful that it'll get better soon as long as I keep trying. I think I'll start posting side profile pictures of myself so that I can keep track of my progress by my appearance instead of the numbers on the scale. ADM!
1. The obvious: this is my 2nd child, and it might take a bit more work to shed the weight!
2. The c-section doesn't allow me to work out until the doctor has cleared me (8 wks in this case).
3. I am nursing Nico and need to consume 500 calories so I can't exactly eat like a "skinny girl"
4. I am on a dairy restriction due to a sensitivity Nico has and thus I feel hungry quicker without my easy dairy filled and healthy snacks. *This is getting very annoying considering my already restricted diet due to food allergies
5. I have to drink 2 types of juice in limited quantities
I'm doing some things right.
1. I'm walking almost every day and trying to get some fun exercise in by playing with Alex like throwing the ball and chasing him outside when the heat allows.
2. I only have half of a soda a day and sweeten my coffee with agave nectar instead of sugar.
3. I am also eating lots of protein and drinking water with every meal
4. I've started simple and gentle exercises: pilates mostly
My endurance is very limited :( but I'm hopeful that it'll get better soon as long as I keep trying. I think I'll start posting side profile pictures of myself so that I can keep track of my progress by my appearance instead of the numbers on the scale. ADM!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
First Smile :-)
I am trying to post as often as possible and I finally got a chance now that everybody is bed. The time is just flying by!!! It seems that once our day starts in the morning that we are off and I don't get much down time in between to do much but take care of my little men. The weekends are great but those fly by even quicker.
The days have been bringing a lot of adjustment for all of us, especially Alex. I am adjusting to being at home again, which was very difficult at first. It was very easy to be at home with just one kid but now that I have 2, one of which is almost 3 years old, it is really exhausting. I think the hardest part is the discipline that Alex requires. I'm still really tired (probably due to my anemia) so it is hard to keep up with my pumping schedule (every 2-3 hours,) keeping Alex entertained, Nico duty, keeping everyone fed and happy, and household chores. Alex's energy is so high that when he is not exercised well enough, he starts acting up and it doesn't make for a very happy environment (sleepy and cranky mama = not a lot of patience.)
Nico is an amazing baby so that really helps although lately he has been very fussy. We've been experimenting with different formulas (for supplementation at night) and I am hopeful that formula #4 might be the winner (Enfamil Gentlease.) He has reflux and has been crying in pain due to the reflux and gassiness. It's basically been a trial and error experiment with trying to get the right formula so as of day #2 on the new formula, we are a lot less fussy and the gas does not appear to be causing any pain. Praying that this is the one! This will certainly help reduce a lot of mama's crankiness.
Tonight, we believe that Nico might have had his first real smile. While I was holding him, Eddy was standing right next to me tickling Alex and while Alex let out a big giggle, Nico smiled twice and let out of a small giggle. It was really perfect and all 4 of us were involved so not one person can take credit for causing and observing Nico's first smile. :-) Heehee.
Alex is really a great big brother. He's never been one to really like candy or sweets, but the man loves him some cupcakes. Yesterday, he asked for one so I made him a batch of strawberry cupcakes. Before he ate one, he asked that we sing happy birthday to him and later asked for some presents. I seriously have the coolest 2 year old out there.
Loving my 2 boys!
The days have been bringing a lot of adjustment for all of us, especially Alex. I am adjusting to being at home again, which was very difficult at first. It was very easy to be at home with just one kid but now that I have 2, one of which is almost 3 years old, it is really exhausting. I think the hardest part is the discipline that Alex requires. I'm still really tired (probably due to my anemia) so it is hard to keep up with my pumping schedule (every 2-3 hours,) keeping Alex entertained, Nico duty, keeping everyone fed and happy, and household chores. Alex's energy is so high that when he is not exercised well enough, he starts acting up and it doesn't make for a very happy environment (sleepy and cranky mama = not a lot of patience.)
Nico is an amazing baby so that really helps although lately he has been very fussy. We've been experimenting with different formulas (for supplementation at night) and I am hopeful that formula #4 might be the winner (Enfamil Gentlease.) He has reflux and has been crying in pain due to the reflux and gassiness. It's basically been a trial and error experiment with trying to get the right formula so as of day #2 on the new formula, we are a lot less fussy and the gas does not appear to be causing any pain. Praying that this is the one! This will certainly help reduce a lot of mama's crankiness.
Tonight, we believe that Nico might have had his first real smile. While I was holding him, Eddy was standing right next to me tickling Alex and while Alex let out a big giggle, Nico smiled twice and let out of a small giggle. It was really perfect and all 4 of us were involved so not one person can take credit for causing and observing Nico's first smile. :-) Heehee.
Alex is really a great big brother. He's never been one to really like candy or sweets, but the man loves him some cupcakes. Yesterday, he asked for one so I made him a batch of strawberry cupcakes. Before he ate one, he asked that we sing happy birthday to him and later asked for some presents. I seriously have the coolest 2 year old out there.
Loving my 2 boys!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Whew!
So, Nicolás is officially one month old (as of yesterday), and once again it feels as if this postpartum time has just flown by. I'm certainly not 100% healed and it feels a bit slower this time around. That's probably because caring for Alex is just as exhausting as caring for Nicolás. We feel very blessed to have both of our sweet boys so I can't complain!
Nico has been a very nice addition to our family. Given his little problem with jaundice he was slow to gain weight at first but he's now 9 lbs 14 oz and is gaining at a very rapid pace according to his pediatrician so we are very excited about that. We're still trying to get his feeding down because he seems to have a milk protein intolerance so I've been put on a dairy free diet to reduce gassiness. When we supplement with formula, we have to use soy formula. So far it seems to be helping and time will tell if we have to make any other adjustments to help the little guy out.
I'm still adjusting to having two boys. Just this morning, my sanity was tested as I was trying to take a quick shower before Nico's one month check when Nico suddenly woke up hungry. Just then, Alex walked in holding his underwear telling me he had pooped and needed help getting cleaned up and putting his underwear back on. Somehow, I manage although I'm sure Nico is learning to be a much more patient baby than Alex had to be, and Alex is learning to be more patient and not to expect me to immediately respond to his every request. For those of you who don't know, Alex nailed down the pragmatic skill of requesting at a very early age. :-)
I'm still cautious about taking Nico and Alex out to the together because Alex is pretty difficult to manage by myself so we've still been holed up in our house all day til Daddy gets home. I'm hopeful that once I'm fully healed I'll be able to take both boys out and about so that Alex won't be completely bored out of his mind all day.
In the meantime, Alex is talking up a storm and repeating everything he hears (a really dangerous thing if you're in a bad mood or say something naughty.) He has a habit of letting his imagination run wild and talks about seeing dragons and purple butterflies in the suburbs of San Antonio. I love that little guy and he can drive me crazy and have me cracking up all within the same minute. He's such a joy in my life. I never imagined being able to love two little boys so much!
I'm hopeful that soon we will once again know more than 2 1/2-3 hours of sleep at a time. We'll get there I'm sure. :-)
Nico has been a very nice addition to our family. Given his little problem with jaundice he was slow to gain weight at first but he's now 9 lbs 14 oz and is gaining at a very rapid pace according to his pediatrician so we are very excited about that. We're still trying to get his feeding down because he seems to have a milk protein intolerance so I've been put on a dairy free diet to reduce gassiness. When we supplement with formula, we have to use soy formula. So far it seems to be helping and time will tell if we have to make any other adjustments to help the little guy out.
I'm still adjusting to having two boys. Just this morning, my sanity was tested as I was trying to take a quick shower before Nico's one month check when Nico suddenly woke up hungry. Just then, Alex walked in holding his underwear telling me he had pooped and needed help getting cleaned up and putting his underwear back on. Somehow, I manage although I'm sure Nico is learning to be a much more patient baby than Alex had to be, and Alex is learning to be more patient and not to expect me to immediately respond to his every request. For those of you who don't know, Alex nailed down the pragmatic skill of requesting at a very early age. :-)
I'm still cautious about taking Nico and Alex out to the together because Alex is pretty difficult to manage by myself so we've still been holed up in our house all day til Daddy gets home. I'm hopeful that once I'm fully healed I'll be able to take both boys out and about so that Alex won't be completely bored out of his mind all day.
In the meantime, Alex is talking up a storm and repeating everything he hears (a really dangerous thing if you're in a bad mood or say something naughty.) He has a habit of letting his imagination run wild and talks about seeing dragons and purple butterflies in the suburbs of San Antonio. I love that little guy and he can drive me crazy and have me cracking up all within the same minute. He's such a joy in my life. I never imagined being able to love two little boys so much!
I'm hopeful that soon we will once again know more than 2 1/2-3 hours of sleep at a time. We'll get there I'm sure. :-)
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Complete
Nicolás has been home for a week and 2 days now, and we are having a great time adjusting to our newfound family dynamic. Grandma Mary left this morning so now the true test of Alex's adjustment begins. We've all had the luxury of having grandma to distract Alex when Nicolas requires attention from both Eddy and me (which isn't very often thank goodness). Alex fully understands that Mommy must take care of Nicolas but he is having some jealousy issues when Eddy is handling Nicolas. He is too funny! Overall, I'd say that he's adjusting very well and hopefully will continue to do so.
Nicolas came home from the hospital with jaundice but his bilirubin levels were never high enough to warrant phototherapy. Apparently, the jaundice has caused him to be very sleepy which has resulted in him not eating very vigorously. This has in turn has affected my milk supply. We had to rent a hospital grade pump so that I can pump as much as possible in addition to supplementing with formula because his weight gain has been very limited. We're hoping that he will be back to birth weight by his 2 week appt next Wednesday. I have hope because he is eating a lot more now that he is not having to feed for 30 minutes and only getting an ounce. I am very grateful for the lactation center for helping us...they are AMAZING!
Otherwise, this little guy is such a calm and sweet baby. He sleeps like a dream. Last night, he went 3 hours and then 4 1/2 hours between feeding sessions so I feel very rested. The Lord really knew what he was doing when he blessed us with Nicolas. We have a very spunky and vibrant 2 1/2 year old and now a calm, easy-going baby...I couldn't be happier.
Before having Nicolas, I kept telling Eddy that I wanted to try for at least one more, but at this point, I would be happy if we decided to just have 2. Having children is a huge task! It is emotionally fulfilling and exhausting at the same time. We'll see in a few years if we can handle another but as far as I'm concerned, I feel complete. A 3rd addition would just be sprinkles on the cupcake. :-) I love my boys!
Nicolas came home from the hospital with jaundice but his bilirubin levels were never high enough to warrant phototherapy. Apparently, the jaundice has caused him to be very sleepy which has resulted in him not eating very vigorously. This has in turn has affected my milk supply. We had to rent a hospital grade pump so that I can pump as much as possible in addition to supplementing with formula because his weight gain has been very limited. We're hoping that he will be back to birth weight by his 2 week appt next Wednesday. I have hope because he is eating a lot more now that he is not having to feed for 30 minutes and only getting an ounce. I am very grateful for the lactation center for helping us...they are AMAZING!
Otherwise, this little guy is such a calm and sweet baby. He sleeps like a dream. Last night, he went 3 hours and then 4 1/2 hours between feeding sessions so I feel very rested. The Lord really knew what he was doing when he blessed us with Nicolas. We have a very spunky and vibrant 2 1/2 year old and now a calm, easy-going baby...I couldn't be happier.
Before having Nicolas, I kept telling Eddy that I wanted to try for at least one more, but at this point, I would be happy if we decided to just have 2. Having children is a huge task! It is emotionally fulfilling and exhausting at the same time. We'll see in a few years if we can handle another but as far as I'm concerned, I feel complete. A 3rd addition would just be sprinkles on the cupcake. :-) I love my boys!
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