Stay At Home Moms #209
 

Welcome all to a thread full of wonderful women taking on the responsibilty of raising a family and trying to take care of themselves too. Please feel free to jump right in a say hello and to all you regular posters I look forward to another wonderful day with you!

OK Ladies two more things......

#1... Where is Leigh? Are you back yet?????? We miss you :) Hugs :)

#2.... I bought some of that new Ocean Spray Juice N Tea.. I bought the diet Wild Berry. It was great. It is 3 carbs and 3 g sugar and I think maybe 10 cals or so... It is sweetened with Splenda. I just thought I would share. It is a change from water sometimes..... LOL :)

Good evening all!

Just a quick post from me, I can't remember what everyone said now in the other thread, lol. Brain dead.
I am no much of a sweet eater and don't keep it around the house, that is why I figured I'l make my new recipe on fridays (my wi day and I'll have all my flex to use) so I won't have to worry about going off plan.
I didn't get exercise in today. I feel bad about it but my legs are still sore from yesterday's workout and I didn't want to push it. I know I know... excuses. SORRY CINDI!! I will try harder tomorrow.
Well, my evening went fine. I felt better about that phone call as the night wore on. I just had to have some time to myself I guess. Some people can just push all your emotional buttons and not even know it and tonight my heart broke but I couldn't show it. But I'm much better now. Such is life.
ok, I'm soooo tired for some reason so off to bed with me. I'll chat with you all tomorrow! :)

Spryng,
Hugs to you! I hope everything turns out ok with the call. You don't deserve to be unhappy! You are too sweet of a person to let anyone break your heart!
I luv ya ;)

I think the baking sweets on Friday is a great idea! Let us know.

I know you are looking forward to your night with dh! It is getting closer :)

It is about 4:20 here so I guess I need to get back in bed.

TTYL! :)

Missed you!
 

Good morning gals!! I missed you all a lot. We had a wonderful weekend - I'll post some pics later today. DH's family lives in a beautiful place with stunning views - they have an apple orchard and the neighbors have horses. Anyway, as I suspected, there was nothing lowfat or healthy within a few miles of his family :lol: but I did a great job on Saturday and yesterday and gave myself Sunday off knowing there would just be temptation after temptation on the 4th. And I did go for a walk on Sunday. This morning, all was well on the scale - even looks like I'm somehow down 1/2 a pound. I'm glad because I learned that I can make good choices even while visiting others.

I won't be able to respond to everyone's posts, but I'm going to go back and read through as many as I can so I get caught up.

Penny - here I am :lol: How are you???

Spryng - what's this about a broken heart?? I have to go back and see. :grouphug: to you - I don't know what happened but I don't like it!

Okay - I'll check in (with photos) later.

Previous Post from Tricia
 

ok ladies, here are the birth details! LOL (well, as much as i can share anyway)

The baby was named Ruby (which i thought was so cute!) and she weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and was 19 inches long. The mom had a totally drug free labor, so baby was very alert and was definately ready to breastfeed. The mom had been having light contractions for about two days, but once her labor started in earnest it went pretty quickly. the only thing was that once it was time to push, her uterus was so tired out that her contractions almost stopped totally. her midwife decided to give her pitocin since she was so close, and that did the trick. she pushed probably for about 2 hours or so, but once the pit started working, it went quickly. The mom had such an awesome support team (her mom and a friend) and she was so focused. it was awesome. i definately felt privilaged to have been a part of it.

Spryng; as a doula, i do a lot of childbirth education for my moms a few weeks before they are due so that they know what to expect. i also let them know the different birthing options,ect, and help them create a birth plan. during the labor, i help them by offering emotional support, and i make sure that they are never left by alone (as that can be scary), and i help them with different comfort measures such as massage, changing postions, helping them into the shower/tub, heat packs, etc, etc. and i help them with breathing, holding their legs while they push, ect...i could go on all day! LOL I also stay with them postpartem until they get settled in, and help establish breastfeeding if that's what they are going to do, and about a week after the birth i do a home visit to go over postpartem issues (such as depression, getting enough rest, ect..and to hold that baby!)

well, i didn't get anything done today. i spent most of it sleeping! and for some reason i've been eating a lot today. i think it is just emotional stress eating. i usually takes me a day or two to destress after a birth. i'm feeling better tonight though. back to the grind tomorrow.
__________________
**Grins**
Tricia
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197/170/145?

doulachic

Previous Post from Penny
 

Today, 04:28 AM #35
mompen
I AM MY KIDS MOM

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Tricia,
Your job does sound absoutely wondering. It doesn't even sound like a job at all! I wish I would have had someone come to my home after the first child. That would have been great.

I think Ruby is a very cute name! I was going to ask you also. How is the hospital staff for the ones that deliver there? Are they supportive of you?

Do most of your clients have dr.s or midwives? I had to have a dr with all of mine. I have very bad pregnancies and deliveries. I was induced early with all my children, due to severe high blood pressure. Me and my son almost died in labor with my middle child. I had an emergency c-section with him. So for my 3rd, I was on bedrest alot and in the hospital.

I always wanted a normal pregnancies and delivery. It just never happened for me........
As much as I would love to have more children, I don't think my body can take it!
Ok enough pitty for myself ........ LOL

I know you will get back on track! I bet I would be the same way after helping with a delivery!
__________________
Penny

Previous Post from Mel
 

Well, I just wrote a whole big thing to most of you and POOF ...it's all gone. So, this will be the abridge version.

Jaymie, I know exactly what you mean. Hang in there. Set up a reward system for your 6 YO. Have her help you with some stuff like putting toys away, helping with dinner. My dd loves to help with dinner. SHe mixes, pours, spreads and even cuts things like cheese with a butter knife. It takes a little longer to do, but it's much less stressful and it's fun too. Get out when you can. I hardly ever get out alone. I try, but we don't really have any help around. No one in our big families is close enough or has the time to give us much of a break. MY husband and I haven't been to a movie since ...TITANIC. We've been out, but we go so little that we don't want to waste time watching a movie, we want to be with each other and talk ..Uninterupted.

Also, I always have bad/strange dreams before my Pd. A friend of mine said the same thing. It must be hormonal.

Spryng, sorry about your phone call. HOpe all is ok.

Kristin, playing tag with kids is a lot of fun!! Great exercise too. They don't let you stop for a second.

Tricia, Yeh on the new baby. I bet your tired. That is a great job watching the miricle of life.

Penny, great you did a mile. At least you did it. I always say, something is better than none.

Michelle, Cool size 14 bathing suit. I would have been thrilled!!
__________________
SAHM of 2: Abigail age 4
Patrick age 21m
Married 5 Years to a wonderful guy- James aka:Jamie
together for 12 years now.

HW = 221.5
CW = 207.5
GW = 145.0

Morning ladies, this will be quick too as my kids are waiting for breakfast.
Spryng, glad you are doing better.
Penny, you seem to be doing great with YOUR new plan, I like that.
Leigh, glad you are back and did good while away, that shows that you've learned alot.
Hi Geri, Ginny, Cindi, Ricci, Michelle, Krisitin, Mel, Jaymi and anyone I missed...sorry.
I've got to do bills today, work up an invoice for my mom and her kitchen remodel and buy groceries at some point and get a nap. I'll check in later.
TTYL

Good morning all!

Crystal, sounds like you will be busy most of today. Don't forget to take some time to yourself!

Penny, you've been a busy poster this morning :) How is day 2 going on your diet plan? What is for dinner? I am feeling so much better. Thank you for asking. It wasn't a bad phone call, just from my brother whom I haven't spoke to in months now and it stirred up old memories I've been shutting out for quite some time. I don't know if any of you have noticed but I never talk about my parents much and never see them. I haven't seen them in almost 2 years now and it breaks my heart but they pretend me and my kids don't exist anymore. They refuse to talk to me over something I was innocent of. O-well... such is life. Just talking to my brother though (who sees them everyday) stirred up all that pain I went through with them 2 years ago and it hurt, alot. But it's over now and I feel fine. Those feelings are tucked away once again.

Tricia, I would love to have your job! In fact I started talking with my dh about it the other day and may look into something like that in a couple more years when the kids are older.

Leigh, so glad you are home! We've missed you!! Now tell me, are you doing Saving Dinner this week? I'm not doing it this week and not sure about next week. I found a cookinglight club on the weight watchers boards and thought that would be neat to join so I went to cookinglight.com to find recipes and may do a few of those next week. I'm still debating. But it sounds like you did fantastic on your eating this past weekend and made good choices. Good for you! Did anyone say anything about how you ate or your weightloss?

Well, I have to hop in the shower. I have those exercise videos due back today and want to pick up the Butterfly Effect, did anyone see that while it was out in theaters? It came out today. So I'll be gone for a couple of hours and may even sneak a size 8 short into my basket while I'm at walmart, LOL. TTYL!

Is it town day for everyone? My mom wanted me to go but tomorrow is my day.

Crystal,
Hope you get your groceries in without the kids fussing. I bought mine yesterday. Have a great day!

Spryng,
Let me know if you get your shorts today! I just love Wal-Mart. I usually buy alot of clothes from them. BTW, I never seen that movie.

Leigh,
WELCOME BACK! It sounds like you did great on plan. I know you are proud of yourself and we are proud of you too!!!! :cheer:

As for me, I'm not leaving the house today. I am going to try to get some more cleaning done. My hubby changed out our a/c unit to a higher seer rating which makes your light bill drop. So I am hoping for a lower one this coming month.
He also installed a allergen light in the attic. Not too sure how it works but it is suppose to reduce the dust and allergies.

Anyhow I hope you all have a great day! My scale is already down this morning so it is good to be back on track!

:cheer:

Good Morning girls!!

Spryng I hope that you are feeling better girly!! I know how sometimes the past can stir up the dirt at the bottom of the pool so to speak but you're a strong woman and you know we're here for you :)

Well I think that I might try to do what Di is doing by combining WW and SBD Just so I can make sure portions and everything is ok so I'm gonna order from ebay or perhaps I'll join heck I dunno lol.

Penny how do you like your new plan? Any exercise planned for today?

I'm going to go on a bike ride when hubby gets home, I'm excited!! I want to get one of those bike trailer things so I can pull the kids behind me when hubby isn't home to watch them but I dunno if hubby will let me lol such a frugal scrooge he is ;) but I love him anyway.

Spryng does your DH come home this weekend? Its been awhile since he's been home it seems :(

I think I'm also going to go to the library and get some new books. Anyway I better go I hope you are all doing well!!!!

MIchelle

Hi again everyone! First of all, Geri - I did not bring the rain to Wisconsin :lol: It rained Saturday, but things held off on Sunday and we went to an awesome fireworks show at a park in . . . is it Sussex?? Something like that!

Spryng- there's no way I can get to the grocery store today, so I'm still not sure about Saving Dinner this week. It depends on DH's schedule.

Penny - I think it's awesome that you've started over with the diet in a sense.

Crystal - what fun that the remodeling project is almost underway!

Later today I'll be doing on e of my WATP tapes with weights - I'm using hand weights instead of the band she uses. Ugh, I have soooo much laundry to do! Welcome home, huh??? :lol: Oh! The pictures . . . be right back.

Hi, Michelle! I missed your post. Good to see you again :) What books did you end up getting?

Photos
 

Here are some pics from the weekend.

OMG Leigh,
You are looking so hot :love: WOOO HOOOO! And Liam is just such a cutie! Beautiful pics!

Michelle,
Let us know how the combined plan goes. That is great. I have some of the books if you need me to look up anything. Have fun riding today! And have fun at the library!

BTW, The Dora Bugga Bug episode is on :) :)

Spryng,
I just signed up for cookinglight.com I am already getting quick cooking.com but I still love my 1million and 1 recipes cd too!

Btw,
I am making lowfat homemade pizza for supper. I knead my own dough and fill the pizza up with toppings. The kids and hubby just love it..... yummmm :)

Have a great day!

Leigh you look wonderful and that little guy is just a doll!!!!! I love your glasses too!! Unfortunately that sytle doesn't look very good on me lol.

Penny Thanks for the offer girly!! I can't wait to get out of the house hubby should be home soon and I'll be free, free FREE!!!lol

mmmmmm pizza, great now my head is filled with pizza hut deliver cars lol jk!!
Have a great day everyone!!

Michelle

hi ladies, :dizzy:

Still feeling a little brain dead today, but better now that DH is back from his trip. Hope all of you are doing well today in all aspects of your life. i'm so glad to be a part of this board! Sorry if i haven't addressed everyone yet, i am still trying to get used to the board and it moves so fast! that is awesome as i have been on some boards that no one posts on for days...very boring... :D

Penny; sorry you had such a rough time with your pregnancies! that is hard to have things not go the way you want them too. for the most part, the nurses at the hospital are pretty nice (of course there are those few... :devil: ) But i think now that they are getting used to seeing me there and watching what i do, they are more accepting. i think in the beginning they just didn't really know what i did, or if i was really any help. i just kill them with kindness. :D The doctors have pretty much been nice as well. some doulas really have a problem with docs, but so far i have not run into any. the docs are hardly ever in the room anyway, just pop in for a look and to catch most of the time, so i don't think they really care who is there as long as everything is going ok. i work with midwives and doctors, whoever my client has. so far i have only had hospital births, though i am hoping for that home birth eventually! i am mostly just a birth doula, though i do a postpartem visit in the home and a phone call or two. (depends on how well mom is doing). there are what is known as postpartem doulas as well; they come into the home after the baby is born and help with breastfeeding, baby care, and light cleaning and cooking chores. i don't do any of that as i have a ton of that to do in my own home! LOL...but i do make sure that my clients have good support at home after the baby is born.

spryng; being a doula is so rewarding! i can't even begin to tell you. the only sad parts are when something is wrong with the baby (i haven't run into that yet, but i know it will happen eventually) and having to say good bye to my clients when it is all over. you get to know these women so personally that it is hard to keep professional sometimes. i still have a few of them that i have kept in contact with and they have become good friends. one of them even wants to become a doula! :lol: I guess my advice to you, if you really are thinking of doing this, would be to start collecting and reading as many birth books as possible. "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin, is an excellent book (i keep a copy in my birth bag as a reference while i'm working) If you go to DONA's website, they also have a lot of information. (dona.org) Also, you may want to start to build your birth bag. mine is just a duffle bag full or massage tools, lotions, hairties, kneeling pad, tennis balls, ect. You can email me if you want more info. Also, you may want to attend a friend or relatives labor/birth to start with. that will give you a better idea if this is really what you want to do. Good luck to you and feel free to ask any questions you want!

well, i need to go and repack my birth bag, as i have another client who is due...just sitting by the phone...aahhh, a doula's life... :lol:
hope all of you ladies have a great day, and i will try to get to know all of you better!

Hey all, so far no exercise in today. I have been cleaning out Bugga's closet and room. ....I did hear them watching the Bugga bugs on Dora while I was doing this....

Penny, do you put the dough in your bread maker? If, not, can you post the rec for the pizza dough. I'd love to try it.


Tricia, HOpe you are fully recouped before the next baby wants to make it's entrance.

Leigh, great photos. So cute.

BTW....does anyone want or need any 12-18 mo clothing for boy or boy shoes stride rites....I have a bunch of sizes. LMK I would be happy to give them to you. Have lots of size 6 shoes for some reason. some hardly worn. Anyones little guy in wedding or need a dress shoe. I have black dress shoes that PJ only wore once. Perfect for a wedding or special event. Have to check the size though.

Michelle, have a great bike ride. It's really much too hot here for that.

Afternoon Chicks!

I have had a very busy few days. Sunday we went to church and then an ALL day cookout at DH's boss's house! I didn't get formal exercise, but keeping Christian away from the above ground 5 foot pool should have counted for alot of steps or something. I will be so glad when he is older and can be watched by others more. He is just too busy now! Yesterday I slept way late and then went grocery shopping, but not much else, I did do my routine when I got up though. My eating for the weekend was very good. Chasing after energizer baby leaves no time to eat!!!

Glad to see so many of you trying so hard to exercise and do well on holidays!

I have tons of laundry and cleaning to do, and I also have a job cleaning for a sick friend for a couple of days a week. So I gotta get crackin here!

Don't forget your water, ladies! AND YOUR 15s!!!!!

Back in a bit!

Good afternoon ladies.
Cindi, I won't be doing exercise today, but I have a good reason. I just got back fromt the dentist, again, and I am in pain. I will be working out again tomorrow though.
Spryng, sorry about your phone call with your brother. I do know what its like not talking to your parents. I haven't spoke to my dad in a long time. I LOVE to bake. Especially in the winter. I did make a cake from scratch not too long ago. It was chocalate with a vanilla creme icing, also from scratch. I bake cookies, cakes, bread, whatever. I think you will enjoy it.
To all you ladies who have your picture as your avatar, that is great. You all look amazing. That should keep you motivated on your weight loss. Leigh, your pictures are great. I hope you had fun.
I started a different way of eating today, and so far I have been satisfied longer. It's a diet program that came with my work out videos. I just never thought about doing it.
Hi to Geri, Ginny,Michelle,Jaymi, and all the others I missed.

Michelle,
It is homemade pizza so it is not too bad as far as calories and fat. I have been missing it so much b/c I couldn't have it on SB so I am going to make it tonight.

Tricia,
Let us know when the baby comes! YAH! Do you know what she is having? I assume that insurance doesn't cover any costs for doula's, right? Have a great on plan day!

Cindi,
Hope you get your housework caught up..... It is a never ending battle. And I hear ya about chasing after Christian. That is a workout.

Ricci,
Hope your new plan works out great! It sounds like it. Thanks for the kind words about the advators. We are all doing so great and will look awesome at goal. (I know Spryng already does ;))

Mel,
I love your advator :) I don't really do well following recipes.. LOL I can give you a general idea of what I use and you can modify as needed......

Good Afternoon Ladies!
Hi all, I just wanted to check in .
Leigh, those pictures are great.
Ricci, I too love to bake especially in the winter. Love the smell of the goodies in the cold weather.
Spryng, what are you gonna make?
Cindi, I see you are one busy lady lately.
Well, Hi to the rest of you.
Just wanted you all to know that I'm feeling so well. Whoever it was that said the placenta takes over at 10 weeks, that must have been it. I'm 10 weeks now and I feel really good. I even ate a WW frozen meal for lunch, of course with 2 chocolate chip cookies afterwards, but still. I almost wanted to get up early and drink some coffee today, which I haven't done in a month or so. But I didn't yet, that will come soon enough. I've done the bills, gotten my mom's kitchen remodel stuff up to date and our house stuff, cleaned off my desk, it was terrible. Still trying to get caught up on laundry though. I'm fixing to get a nap then go buy groceries and I think go to the closest produce stand, which I haven't ever been to. I love big, fresh peaches and cantaloupe and watermelon. I'll let y'all know what I get. Hope everyone is having a great day.
TTYL

Good afternoon! I'm convinced Liam will take a nap at some point and I'll get my work out in :lol: Keep your fingers crossed.

Tricia- Hi! Being a duola sounds great - I've always wanted to be a midwife. I'm fascinated by pregnancy and childbirth.

Penny- thank you! Lowfat home made pizza? That sounds delicious! So, what are the directions to your house? :lol:

Have fun, Michelle!

Hi, Mel! What season is your 12-18 month clothing? Liam wears mostly 12 (12-18) month right now. I think cleaning is exercise! Just kidding. Well, it is kind of exercise.

Hey, Cindi. I also have tons of laundry and cleaning to do.

Ricci - hope your mouth feels better soon! What is the diet program you're now doing called?

TTYL

Leigh,

I will check on what I have here. Big bag full. Do you think he'll be in 18m in the fall/winter. Cleaning is exercise, just not cardio. It's lots of stretching, bending, squating and so on....:) LMK about the clothes.

Crystal,
Glad you are feeling better! Congrats on getting all that stuff done. I know you must be tired!

LIAM, TAKE A NAP SO MAMMA CAN GET IN SOME EXERCISE :lol:

MEL,
I will pay you for the shoes! Andrew doesn't really have any size 6's for the winter. He is in a sz 4 right now. Let me know :) :P

I just got in a mile walk so I am proud to say that. Once I get the mile down packed, I will start adding more.

Well I gotta get some paperwork done for hubby so I will check in this evening. It is karate day :)

Good afternoon ladies,

Leigh...you didn't get rain at all on Sunday??? We got it twice at a parade and then when my gf and I went for a bike ride in the afternoon we got hit again..but that time it felt great :lol: . I'm so glad you had a great time. Wisconsin is a beautiful state. Have Dh's relatives been here long? You're pictures are great...you look wonderful and Liam's getting so big! Glad you're back with us.

Tricia...if I were wanting to be a doula I'd have to attend several births. Both of mine were planned C sections as Will was breech and Tony's cord was around his neck. I never even felt a contraction! I would love a job that I LOVE you know? Good for you!

Crystal, glad you're feeling better. I got to taste a carrot and 2 beans from my garden today :D .

Penny, I feel like my eating has been much better the last few days. I don't have WI until next Monday...but I've been getting my exercise in and trying hard to behave. Thanks for asking! ;) Sounds like you're doing much better. I don't think I would do well on SB at all!

Ricci, I HATE dentists. I think they were put on this earth to create pain rather than alieviate it :devil: . A necessary evil. Hope you're better quickly.

Cindi, I know how you feel chasing Christian. Tony's only 1 so I did quite a bit with just Will this holiday and Dh stayed home with Tony. Somethings you just cannot enjoy if you have to chase a little one around so much. We did take him to 1 parade. He enjoyed it but wasn't thrilled about sitting in the stroller while it wasn't moving. :^: . It's like you want them to grow up fast, but not too fast :lol: .

Michelle...how's the bike??

Well, I am trying to start potty training Will..yeah I know...he's 3 it's about time. In the first 20 minutes he went through 3 pair of underwear and peed on 3 rugs. :lol: So, now he's wearing pull ups so he can at least get used to pulling them up and down and I'll try to get him to "pee pee on the potty". No success yet today, but we'll keep trying. He's good at saying it, just not doing it. Wish me luck!!

Got in a 3 mile walk this morning. That's about it for today. Supposed to rain more this afternoon. It was dry yesterday but only in the low 60's and the 50's last night (Thanks LEIGH :lol: :rofl: ). They're saying 80's by the weekend. I would settle for 70's! I'd love some pool time.

OK, I'll check back in later. Hi to everyone else out there!

Exercise report: 30 minutes done. 2 mile walk with weights.

Mel - yes, I'm certain he'll be 18 months in fall/winter - that's what size I've been buying when I see things on clearance. Anyway, let me know what's there and I'll put in a bid if it's stuff I can use :)

Penny: :bravo: on the mile walk! Good for you.

Question - I've always been confused about this. When they say you should drink at least 8 cups of water a day, do they mean cups as in 8 ounces? So, a total of at least 64 oz a day?

Okay, the laundry calls . . .

Hello again!

Just got back a little while ago from running my errands. I did get to rent that movie (the butterfly effect) and I can't wait to watch it. But not sure if I'll watch it tonight since the new Big Brother starts tonight (I'm so excited!! I'm a reality show junkie...lol) Lunch was Wendy's. I had a junior burger (6 pts) and a small chili (3 pts) YUM! Always fills me up. Must be the fiber in the chili.

Melissa, Tanner is in 12 months clothing too so if you have any extra feel free to send them my way! LOL. I'll email you my address just in case.

Crystal, I'm not sure what I want to make first. I have one recipe for an icebox chocolate eclair that looks so yummy, but online I found a great recipe for this chocolate fudge layer cake (I've never made a layer cake before so it could be fun or disatrous!lol) But I will let you know when I make it and even take pics! And it was me that mentioned about the placenta taking over at 10 week along, so glad it has helped your morning sickness! I always felt better by 10 weeks along. Now that the placenta is working full time it doesn't wear on you as much. You may even get some energy back someday soon! You probably forgot what that is like. lol.

Penny, that is so sweet of you to say about me looking great. Sucking up is always good! LOL :D It's true you never see yourself the way others do. I don't think I look that great at all. I'm just an average mom.

Ricci, it's nice to know you know how I feel when it comes to my parents. Someday we will have to meet in Joplin and exchange war stories, lol. And it great to find a baker among us! I totally suck at breads. I have tried so many times to make home made yeast rolls and my dough never rises. Can't ever get that darn yeast to cooperate, either my water is too hot or too cold or the yeast is dead. Someday I will get it right though, lol, I'm determined. I LOVE yeast rolls and if I could make them I'd make them for every meal, lol. Which one of your workout videos came with a diet plan? What does it consist of? Sounds good!

Cindi, sounds like you are very busy cleaning! Not only your own home but your friends too! Wow, I can barely keep up with my own house sometimes. You go girl! LOL. And I do plan on getting a workout in today, I will do The Firm Ab Sculpt sometime today. Probably later.

Tricia, thanks for all the info on doulas! I definitely want to look into it and see what kind of need there is for them in my area but as I mentioned earlier I won't pursue any kind of job until the kids are older, the oldest two in school and Tanner getting close to that age. I just love being a SAHM right now.

Penny, do you get a subscription to the cookinglight magazine? Because if you do then cookinglight.com is all free and you have access to ALL the recipes there. I just love that site. The message boards are cool too, lots of reviews on neat dishes. And if you have a cooking question you can ask it there. Like I did with the splenda in meringue question. I found out that you can use it in meringue but use some cream of tartar also to help form those stiff peaks.

Leigh, thanks so much for posting those pics!! I think you look great! And your little one is adorable.

Michelle, thanks so much for your kind words. You are a great friend! :) I do feel like I am a strong woman but sometimes when stuff like that happen I realize I can be very fragile too and I have to be careful. With me being by myself so often I can't allow my emotions to run me ragged or my kids will suffer from it. So I have to stay strong for them. When DH is home I can let my guard down some because he is here to comfort me when I need it, but I can't tell you how nice it is to have all of you to talk to and get feedback from. You're the best! And yes, my DH comes home this friday! I will see him thursday though and stay overnight with him in his truck. And then of course at the end of the month I get to go with him for a week! I'm excited and nervous about that still. But I know we need it. And yes, he's been gone 3 weeks this time so it has been awhile since he's been home. What new books did you get at the library? Can you recommend some for me to check out? I want to take a few books when I'm on the road with Dh, I don't want to get bored. So I like books that are exciting, thrillers or adventure (even romance! LOL) so if any of you can recommend a good one, let me know!

Oh and Penny I didn't get any shorts today. I started to look through them but wanted to try some on just in case, you know? And I can't do that with the kids there so I figure I'll get a pair this thursday or friday when I'm with my DH in KC. But I am wearing a "new" pair of jeans today. I bought some pepe jeans off of ebay last winter and I put them on this morning and they fit!! They are size 9/10 but are cut really small and have small legs so I had to wait and wait for them. But they fit and look great!!!! Maybe I'll try and get in a pic today sometime. I need to update my avatar anyway, I was 133 lbs when that pic was taken so I need a new one.
Ok, gonna get off here now. TTYL!

I'm awake, not much of a nap, but oh well.
Leigh, yes that is correct. 8-8 oz. glasses of water a day for a total of 64 oz. I'll tell you the easiest ways to do this: 1) get bottled water, you can refill them at home instead of buying more, but you ALWAYS have COLD water at hand and a bottle is usually 16 oz. 2) Use Crystal Light or decaf Tea with no sugar or with splenda, if it's caffiene and sugar free it counts as water intake. The Peach Raspberry Crystal Light is really really good. I like my caffiene in my tea though. Maybe that will help.

Mel, your clothes give a way, gave me a good idea, I think. What does everyone think about a swap or a clothes, books, etc., etc., etc., swap? I mean if you want to SELL something that's fine, but for things that we want to give a way we can post that here or on Moms Losing Weight and the person interested can pay for shipping only or whatever is agreed upon. I through so much stuff out or give it to the benevolent center. I wouldn't mind checking with y'all first. It was just a thought. What does everyone think?

Anyways, I'm gonna try to make a grocery list before Ally and Andrew wake up. I think tonight for dinner is Chicken Stir Fry over rice, I may have to have an egg roll with it, we'll see.
TTYL

Hi!
No way I am going to keep up with all the posts........hi to everyone!
Ginny

Hi, Crystal! Actually, a swap sounds like a good idea. I have a bunch of onesies and stuff that was wrong size/wrong season and stuff like that.

Hi, Ginny!

Hello again,
Spryng, I know we need to get together in Joplin one day.We also could talk more online since I have yahoo. I see you on there sometimes,and I don't want to interupt whatever it is your doing.
Geri, My brother and SIL were in Wisconsin over the holiday weekend. I am not sure where they went though.
Hi, Ginny,
Crystal, I think a swap sounds like a good idea.
Cindi, I did get in exercise today, and I am going bike riding after dh gets home. I always feel guilty if I don't do some sort of exercise.
My diet plan is called Michi's ladder, and there are four tiers to it. The top two are the best ones with all the fruit and veges, and the healthy stuff. The third tier is food to eat in moderation, and the bottom one is foods your suppossed to stay away from. Notice I said suppossed to. I hope it works. Maybe it will get me off my plateau. Have a good afternoon.

Just wanted to stop in and say hi once again..... LOL

I am off to karate and will definitely be back tonight......

Ya know me..... I'm addicted :) Have a great evening

Spryng, LMK if he will be 12months in fall. I believe I have some stuff for fall 12 and 18m
Penny, I have a few size 6 things. I will take a look and send you a pic.

Leigh, I have some summer stuff 18 month short alls, 2 shirts and 2 onesie shirts that are nice.

I am happy to give the stuff to anyone who needs it. Who ever wants, can just send me the shipping.

Hello again!

Dinner was leftovers tonight. I wanted to cook but I have so many leftovers that needed to be eaten before they go bad. So I had leftover lemon chicken with rice and had a big sweet potato to round it out. Very filling. The kids wanted cereal! LOL... I'm sure they will be snacking again soon. Cereal never fills anyone up.

Melissa, no Tanner probably won't be in 12 months come this fall, probably into 18 month stuff. He is small for his age but not too small.

Penny, how has day 2 been going for you? I hope you are enjoying your new plan. I'm enjoying hearing about it from you.

Ricci, if you ever see me online feel free to drop me a couple of lines, I'm never doing anything important, lol... I mean I don't work! LOL. And that is why I have yahoo so you all can "talk" to me whenever you see I'm here. Ok? And I hope we can make definite plans someday soon to meet in Joplin, it would be fun. We could meet for lunch or something and walk the mall or whatever. I'll even get rid of the kids for you! ;) What foods are you suppose to stay away from? I hope it breaks your plateau too... sometimes all we need is a change. I never told anyone how I actually broke my plateau... I guess I was afraid someone would talk me out of it or think it was awful. I bought a bottle of hydroxycut (the caffeine free one) and took it until it was gone, which was about 8 days and during that 8 days my stall broke and I lost weight and it's been coming off since again. I think my body just needed a little extra push for my metabolism just to jump start it. But I won't take it again unless I feel I need to but it was just for that week, I was experimenting. So there... it's out! LOL.

Ginny, I'm sorry these threads grow like wildfire and are hard to keep up with but don't feel discouraged! Just pop in and let us know how you are doing! Is your ww meeting tonight? If so I hope you have a great WI and I can't wait to hear what the meeting is about. :)

Leigh, what crystal said about the 8 oz glasses of water is right but on ww you can only count half the water you drink when it's crystal light or whatever... so keep that in mind. Some people will drink 64 oz of crystal light thinking they are getting all their water in but that isn't accepted on ww for some reason, you could only count 32oz of that in your daily amount.

Geri, how is potty training going? Just don't give up! Consistancy is the key. Are you training him standing up or sitting? I found it easier to train Bubba sitting down, he liked it better and then eventually learned how to do it standing up even though he still sits the majority of the time (which is fine with me because that means less mess, lol)

Well, I guess I'll hope off here and get something done. TTYL!

Good evening!

I escaped. Dh just got home from work and had something to eat. Tony just went to bed so I left the boys upstairs so I could be alone for awhile. They were pretty good all day until about 6ish then started getting on my nerves. According to the calendar, TOM is due this weekend so that figures :lol: . I sense that I'm getting short tempered.

Spryng, don't worry about the hydroxycut. I don't advocate those things, but hey...what ever works! I have read many times that the pills work for the short term but over the long haul become more like placebo's. If that's what it takes to get off of your plateau that's wonderful! I'll try it someday when it happens to me. My problem at this particular moment is not eating as healthy as I should be...but better than I have been lately. So glad you're getting to see Dh early :D . I have to remember to download yahoo messenger and then figure out how to use it! Maybe when I get off of here.
Sorry about your relationship with your folks. Maybe it can be resolved some day...maybe not. As long as you're at peace with yourself...that's what counts. ;)

Hi Mel! Hi Penny! Hi Ginny!

Crystal, I like the swap idea. You never know what you may want or need. Glad you're feeling better.

Leigh, congrats on the exercise!

Di...you out there?? Hope everything's going OK! Did you ever tell us when your trip with your sister would be?

Hope everyone else is good out there. I'm off to find something to do for me. :D TTYL!

Spryng, he sits facing the toilet...kind of funny looking. But he didn't go in the potty today. I told him we'd try again tomorrow morning. He liked pulling up his own pants though. That's the first part. :)

Ok, Spryng I will only put aside 12 mo summer aside and I'll split the Fall stuff 18m between you and Leigh.

Penny, 2 things: I made a stuffed crust pizza tonight. Not your receipe exactly. I make pizza all the time, but never stuffed. So, I stuffed it with Orange peppers, onions, a tiny bit of pepperoni, fresh tomato and some low fat mozzerella. I folded over like you said and immediatly put the sauce on. We all loved it!!! Also, I have 4 1/2EW Stride rite, 5.5M NIke and 6M Stride Rite and size 6 Childrens place.

Well, no exercise for me tonight and although I painfully stayed away from any junk food, I ate too much PIzza. That is my problem. I like it..I eat it. Any suggestions on how to stop that? I drink probably close to a gallon of water a day and used to drink more. I think it stretched my stomach and now I fill it with food.

BTW, I started telling how I gained a large portion of weight when my message went poof. In brief, after Bugs was born, I went through an anxiety/mild depression, the DR convinced me to go on PAXIL. This was a big mistake, not only did it put 37lbs on my in 3 months time, but when I weaned off this junk, It through me into a major depression for no reason. I have only felt better since mid April. So, all this nonesense took a year away from me. As if it wasn't hard enough trying to lose weight after having a baby now I have to lose that plus 37lbs. Ughhh!!!

Good night all. I just got back from taking abigial to the church for MOVIE night. She liked it, but I'm not sure she understood it. The movie was Brother Bear.

Ok Ladies I don't have much time. Hubby is waiting on me... LOL

But I did want to address Spryng with the hydrocut......

Well,
I never said anything to anyone but Michelle, because like Spryng I didn't want anyone to look down on me. I went to the dr. in May and got put on some prescription diet meds. Well I took them about three days and then forget them for a couple days and was still doing great on plan. I have only taken them a couple times since then when I didn't have any willpower. But I have decided that I have to do this on my own and I have been.

Ok Spryng ALL OUR GUILT IS GONE........ LOL

I know you had been struggling for a while with the plateau and I think what you did was fine! I am with you...... I think you might have needed an extra boost! And you did it! :)