Bye-Bye Baby Belly

My son, also referred to as “Lil’Bro, Brother, Bro, etc.” is already 2 months old.  Hmm, I may have to come up with another nickname just in case another brother gets thrown into the mix.   I digress. It’s been 3 months.  Bro is no longer in the NICU.  The high calorie, oh so delicious meals have stopped.  Bro is sleeping through the night. So, all that is left of that oh so precious newborn stage is my baby belly.

It is time it goes.  I don’t have much baby weight to lose.  I dropped the first 20 after giving birth…pays to have big boys.  And yes, I did weigh myself before I went to the hospital.  Dropping a big chuck of weight in a few days is a real ego booster! Now, I’ve got to buckle down to get rid of the last 11.

I don’t know about you, but for me I have to take small steps in order to be successful.  If I try too many things at once I get overwhelmed and end up just giving up.  Check out the first baby steps I’ll be taking to lose this baby belly:

My Goals

• Reduce calorie intake and start counting calories using MyFitnessPal.
• Start implementing transverse abdominal exercises I read about in the book, Lose Your Mummy’s Tummy.

Any of you on a weight loss mission?

February’s Goals

Last month, I didn’t designate a post for the goal’s I wanted to accomplish, but I’m happy to say that I actually stuck with them.  This is pretty amazing for me.  The big difference this time around is trying not to get ahead of myself and just taking baby steps.  One thing at time.  So, far so good.  Here were the goals I accomplished last month.

 

• Create a Prayer Jar ~ If you don’t have one, I highly suggest making one.  It has been such a blessing to pray more specifically for the people in our lives. 
• Track my eating ~ I started using MyFitnessPal (free online calorie counter) the second week of January and I have logged in consistently for 25 days in a row!  I’ve tried using it before, but it didn’t last as long.  I think it was because I was trying to do everything.  Baby steps, people.  Baby steps.  I’ve lost 5lbs just by counting calories!

February’s Goals

• Daily bible reading and scripture memorization with the boy. We used to be on top of this, but have been back sliding a bit.
• At least 2 date nights a month with the hubby…even it one is an at home date.
• Exercise more and track on MyFitnessPal on top of calorie counting.

I probably could add a few more, but as I’ve said before…baby steps. 

Do you set monthly goals?  What do you plan to accomplish this month?

Any Reading Recommendations?

"All this she must possess," added Darcy, "and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading." --Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)

I don’t know what happened, but the day my son was born was the beginning of the end of my “extensive reading.”  I didn’t really enjoy reading until Jr. High, and even then I didn’t become an avid reader until high school when I was introduced to Jane Austen.  {sigh} She’s one of my favorites!

I used to read through books in a couple of days and if it was the weekend I could read through a book in a day.

I miss it -- getting caught up in a good book. 

Therefore one of my goals this year is to read, at least one fiction book a month.  I should be able to handle it.  Right?  No sweat!

The other part of this goal is to read authors I’ve never read before. 

Here’s what I have so far:

This will get me started, but now I need your help.  What book would you recommend?  Who are your favorite authors?

Tools to Reach Goals

I’m a failure.  Well, when it comes to New Year Resolutions.  I never seem to achieve them.  It doesn’t matter what I do, I seriously fall flat on my face every time. 

SMACK. SMACK. SMACK.

Yep.  So, this year my resolution is not to fall. 

How I am I going to do that? 

Well, for one I’m not setting a New Year’s Resolution!  That’s right, I’m living on the wild side!  And it so freeing!

Resolutions are just words, for me.  Dreams, that have impossible deadlines. Wishes without a plan of action.

So, this year I’m setting goals.  Not one large lofty one.  But many small obtainable ones.

I’m still finalizing them and once they’ve been formulate…yes formulate…because these goals will have the systematic steps that I will need to reach them…I will let you all in on them. I’ll need you for accountability.

However, before I share all, I wanted to let you know of two tools that I will be using to keep me from falling flat on my face.

1. Tell Your Time – Is a fabulous e-book written by Amy Andrews, which is helping me to get the most out of my time.  Right now you can save $5 on your purchase by using the code CLEANSLATE. You can read my review here.
2. Motivated Moms Chore Planner  – This is another wonderful e-book created by Deann Polanco and Janet Russell.  This resource has been a life saver in keeping my home organized.  The e-book comes in a variety of formats, so you can choose the one that works best for you.  One thing extra that I love about it, is it has a daily bible reading.  Currently you can save $1 on your purchase by using the coupon code LLNOE.

What tools are you using to meet your goals this year?