Remember that "my-baby-is-4-months-old-supermom" feeling I mentioned in an earlier Quick Takes, a few weeks ago? Yes, laugh heartily along with me as we reminisce about all of my goals and excitement. It didn't last very long. Go figure! Well, actually, I've been doing OK in getting up early and exercising, but that whole 31 Days to Clean challenge I was attempting? I am still on Day 1. I have read several days worth of challenges, but that's not actually miraculously making my house cleaner. I wonder why? And the Good Morning Girls "Ministry of Motherhood Bookclub" readings... well, let's just say they're now on Week 6. I, however, am just starting Week 4. So, there you have it! Hopefully my earlier enthusiasm was an encouragement to someone, and my "back to reality wake up call" can be an encouragement, too. Either you're in the same boat as me and we're happy that we're not alone, or you're doing better than I am and can feel happy about that fact! ;-) I just consider myself taking more of the "slow and steady" route, and I'm OK with that.
Speaking of exercise, I've been at it for almost 3 full weeks now! I've been alternating 3 days of run/walking on the treadmill with 3 days of a strength training video. Aaaaannnnddd... I've gained 4 pounds. Yep! Yes, yes, I know "muscle weighs more than fat" blah blah blah... but seriously? There's no way I've gained 4 pounds of muscle in 3 weeks. I can't even imagine that to be true. But, honestly... the numbers on the scale aren't my main focus, really. I want to feel better in my clothing, have more energy, and overall just feel better... and so far... well, the last one is true. I am feeling better in general. My energy level hasn't sky rocketed, but that probably has more to do with getting up so crazy early (anywhere from 5-5:30 am) and going to bed way too late (usually between 11 pm - midnight). But I do love being active and feeling fit enough to BE active, so I'm really glad I've gotten back into a good routine of exercise.
Oh, and I wanted to give a little suggestion for other breastfeeding moms who exercise. If you've ever tried to nurse in a regular sports bra, you know the amazing skill of acrobatics it can require (especially if you happen to sweat a lot, don't ask me how I know), as well as the overall discomfort it causes. Well, I have found the perfect sports bra for nursing moms! It is the Fiona Bra by Moving Comfort. It is designed to support "fuller figured" women (which often comes with the territory when nursing), closes with hooks in the back (no more over the head wrestling) and also (this is the best part!) has straps that adjust in the front with velcro! So it acts just like a nursing bra! They are truly the perfect sports bra. Another nice thing is that there are several other sports bras made for full-figured women by Moving Comfort that have the same design! So whatever style or size you need, you an probably find one that suits you! I do suggest looking around online for a good price - I found several on amazon.com as well as Sierra Trading Post that were about half the suggested retail price. (Disclaimer: I get no reimbursement whatsoever for this recommendation - I'm just passing along the tip!)
Isaac, my oldest, just turned 10.5 this month. I've always made it a point to measure each of the boys on their birthdays as well as their half-birthdays, so that I have a record of growth for every six months. Well, in the past 6 months since he turned 10, Isaac has been very busy - growing! He sprouted up 2 whole inches in just 6 months! That's the biggest growth spurt on the growth chart by far, so far. I know there are more to come, but it really took me by surprise! He's just 4 inches shorter than me now! It's so strange to me when I look at him and get glimpses of how he's changing. The time has gone by so fast, and sometimes I feel like I am totally, completely unprepared for what the future might hold! Boy, am I thankful the Lord holds it all in His hands and His wisdom, and will give us all that we need! Here's my half-grown boy as of late:
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| This is one picture where he really looks "different" to me - a glimpse of the man he will become! |
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| This makes me think of the lanky teenager he'll soon be, with arms and legs everywhere! Yikes! |
I didn't post about it earlier, but for Mother's Day this year, I got a Kindle! Woo-hoo! However, I was a tad disappointed to discover that Kindle books are not all that less expensive than a regular book! :-/ Thankfully, I ran across a blog called "Family Friendly Reads" which lists all of the really inexpensive or FREE Kindle books available. I check it daily and have gotten some really good books through this site, so I wanted to pass it along to others!
Another great resource I wanted to share with y'all is the Homeschool Buyer's Co-op. This site is awesome for finding really, really good deals on all kinds of curriculum and homeschool-related things. I've been able to save almost $100 in just two purchases so far! They also have lots of free things, so definitely check them out!
Speaking of school, we finally have a reasonable end in sight for this years' curriculum! We tend to do more of a year-round type schedule, so most of our "summer break" was taken right after Rachel's birth, but it looks like we'll have a few weeks to enjoy during the actual summer, as well. We are about to dive into Week 29 of Core D - only 7 weeks left! The big kids have about 10 weeks left of their independent work subjects (Math, English, etc), and the littles have only 5 weeks left of Sonlight's P 4/5! Oh, and Joel (6) is only 15 lessons away from finishing off "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons". We took some breaks from it over the past year, so it seems like it has taken forever to get through it, but the pace has been perfect for Joel. He recently made the realization that he actually CAN read, and is eager to try reading everything he sees now! I love when that finally clicks!
I could have actually done a few more points, but then this wouldn't fit into the "7" Quick Takes theme, would it? So I'll just have to keep you all in suspense and wait until next week. ;-) Have a blessed weekend!
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3 comments:
There is probably nothing better for the ol' self-esteem than to wrestle a sports bra on post-baby and have it get stuck in a big old twisted wad right at your armpit level. Makes you feel like a rubber band got squeezed around your body and looks so lovely in the mirror. :)
As for your large son! Up until now you've had all "little" kids, haven't you? Things really are about to change as you will soon have a distinct "big kids" and "Little kids" line. wow. It's so shocking when they grow that much.
"I have read several days worth of challenges, but that's not actually miraculously making my house cleaner."
- this is SO me too! I just had to laugh!
my Jackson (6) is at 20 lessons to go on "100 EZ lessons" and he is starting to really read too. it is so exciting to see him pick up a book and "go for it"!
love your quick takes :)
:) Erin
First of all, yay for exercising! (I'm not sure about the random weight gain...I haven't owned a working scale in years, which is probably for the best, lol). And thank you for the nursing bra tip! I definitely know what you mean about the discomfort and acrobatics required when hungry baby wakes up in the middle of a workout session. :/ I love that it comes in lots of sizes and some fun colors, too!
On another note, (and this may the the subject for a whole post), I was wondering how you found the method of 100 Easy Lessons compared to My Father's World? Or did you only use MFW after they learned to read? I started Donny in 100 Easy Lessons and got about halfway through when he was preschool age. Now that we have done MFW K and half of 1st, he is reading real (easy reader) books! So exciting!
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