Weight Loss: War vs. Journey

In 2005 I weighed 200 pounds. I have lost 70 pounds. 

Both of those statements seem ridiculous to me. The first because I vividly remember the day I weighed in at Curves in Auburn; I immediately felt all 200 pounds crashing down. The second because I never intended to lose 70 pounds.


So when I started to contemplate this post, I couldn't decide whether war or journey aptly described the past 10 years. 

War: a sustained effort to deal with or end a particular unpleasant or undesirable situation or condition.
Journey: a long and often difficult process of personal change and development.

I am definitely going with war. Journey sounds nice and poetic, but let's be clear, losing weight is a WAR. It is a war with your mind, your body and your relationship with food and sometimes other people. 

Circa 2007-ish. Weighing in at around 180-185. 

Dad and I's engagement party (2007). 

When you decide you have to change your body, it starts with a "diet." Eat less, drink less; workout more, sleep more. For some people it starts with a pill or shot or prepared/packaged foods. Either way is fine; neither way is sustainable. 

In it for the long haul and want to win the war? Get ready..."sustained effort" is part of what defines a war. When it comes to losing weight and getting healthy, a sustained effort is THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. There will be times of peace, when you are happy in your workout routine and in a good rhythm of eating healthy and maintaining portion control. Then there are the battles...when cake seems to be taunting you and french fries are your complex carbohydrate. 

Vegas 2009, slimmed down but still around 150.

I am an emotional eater...so every emotion I feel is better served with food. In my better times I control this well by eating healthy foods and proper portions. In stressful times, I have to refrain from sitting on the couch with a carton of ice cream after scarfing down half a pizza, with a salad on the side. Can I get another glass of wine, please? 

Luckily, I have a supportive husband and a good workout routine that helps keep me motivated. My goal is not to lose anymore weight, but maintain and feel good about what I eat and feed my family. 

Fall 2011, goal weight achieved around 135.

And I have gained tons of tips and tricks over the past 10 years. I think the best tips I can offer are - 

1. Be prepared - plan your meals, including snacks, drinks and desserts.

2. Eat smart - the biggest eye opener to me was calorie counting. Working to lose weight does not mean you have to starve. 

I'd love to share more about the changes I made in the last 10 years to get me where I am today. Feel free to reach out with questions or comments! 

July 2014, steady at around 130 for 3-4 years now...minus pregnancy #1 and #2. 

*Note: I wrote this article months ago, but am just now happy with the content. Since I am currently 23 weeks pregnant my food and workout regimen have been altered accordingly, but have not changed drastically. 

One Year Later...

This morning at 5:11 a.m. I was half way through the squat track during a Body Pump class at 24e thinking to myself:

I might not make it to the end of this...I think I added too much weight. My legs may give out. Is my quad supposed to burn like that? Oh man, I drank too much wine last night. And that bread pudding might not have been worth it.

Then I realized that exactly one year ago I was experiencing the worst pain of my life, followed by indescribable, surreal joy...followed up with more pain, then back to joy.

Barrett William Seal graced us with his presence at 5:11 a.m. on August 18, 2013. He was three weeks early, but fully developed and ready for the world. Mom and Dad were extremely naive and thought we were prepared. Needless to say, we have learned a lot in the past year and I am sure B has MUCH more to teach us.

B at two days old, still in the hospital.

I made it through the squat track and the rest of the workout because I kept thinking of the one, all-encompassing phrase that sums up the past year.

"This too shall pass."

From sleepless nights, endless feedings, seemingly pointless crying fits and miserable car rides, to runny noses and countless pediatrician visits...all the hard times dissolve into warm snuggle sessions, toothless grins, first words and baby laughter. The thing mom and dad have to remember is that all these times pass just as quickly as the others; being aware and present in the good and bad times is equally important. Knowing that B won't only eat beige food forever and will eventually stop teething is hard to comprehend in the moment. At the same time, while he is jabbering to himself, peacefully playing with his toys (or the remote) we have to take the time to adore the preciousness that is our sweet B.

Dad is seriously hysterical! 

"Ma, it's pizza...it's beige and I like it." - B

Parenting is hard. Harder than the squats I did this morning, fighting traffic, or managing challenges at work. Seeing his sweet face, hearing him mumble "ma-ma-ma," and even waking up in the middle of the night puts everything in to perspective.

Ready for Auburn Gameday!

The Rise of Super Dad

I was raised by two wonderful, hands-on, loving parents. My mom stayed at home after my younger sister was born while my dad worked hard to support the family. My dad changed diapers, got up in the middle of the night, and held us at dinner so my mom could enjoy her meal. My dad went to swim meets, piano recitals, dance recitals, gymnastics meets and everything in between. This is what I was used to and this is what I expected from Adam (now Dad). 

What I didn't expect was the unique dynamic that comes with a new baby. The past year has been a process that has changed our lives and relationship more than I imagined. For me, becoming a mother happened instantly. The second I saw B lying on my chest, looking all squishy and gross, I knew what I needed to do. When I didn't know what to do, I moved forward acting like I did. This is just kind of how I do most things in life...personally and professionally. 

About an hour after B's arrival. 

I feel like for men things happen differently. The foreign object that was just removed from the body of their significant other is now screaming and flailing attempting to comprehend the sensory overload that has just taken place. Nurses are scurrying about tending to Mom and Baby while Dad is left trying to get a glimpse of the new life he helped create. What ensues in the following months is difficult to describe and, I would imagine, differs wildly from one father to the next. 

Perfecting the football hold. 

Look at that sweet face.

 Our journey into parenthood has had its ups and downs. But the one thing I never doubted was Dad's ability. Three months after B was born, I had to travel to L.A. for work. Dad handled B just fine, despite his own nerves. Most every morning, we pack up B and Dad gets him to daycare. Most every night, Dad washes and prepares B's bottles for the next day, after he washes our dishes from dinner; he then cleans the entire kitchen and picks up the toys strewn throughout the house. 

Closely supervising tummy time.

This weekend I attended my sister's bachelorette party. Dad and B had a boys weekend - dinner with Grandpa Friday night, Dad got to golf with friends on Saturday thanks to my brave girl friends who managed three babies, B and Dad washed up then headed to a dinner with friends on Saturday night, then brunch on Sunday before I got home. 

The Super Dads and their boys before golf.

By the time I got home, B and Dad were waiting and everyone was happy. Dad didn't seem frazzled, there were no weekend mishaps, and we enjoyed a nice evening and early bed time. 

I don't want to provide a false sense of ease...life is not always easy. We have had our ups and downs as parents, but we have grown, adapted and overcome. Dad is amazing; he has the desire and ability to make B a happy, well-adjusted child. More importantly, Dad has the desire and ability to make me the happiest Mom and wife. 

Let's be honest, Dad is MUCH funnier than Mom.

Cheers to all the Super Dads who change diapers in the car because there is no changing table, who eat cold food because the baby decided the high chair was no longer comfy, and who strap on the diaper bag and sport that burp cloth. But let's not forget the private times when you let us cry on your shoulder, bring us a glass of wine in the bath, and remove our hair from the fist of a handsy infant. 

Hangers Won't Start the Car

Last week I almost walked out of the house with hangers instead of my purse. 

Mornings at the Seal household are usually pretty smooth where B is involved. We have a routine and it works. After Dad shuttles B off to daycare I get up to 45 minutes alone in the morning...and it's kind of amazing. But for some reason I often find myself wandering around the house, haphazardly trying to straighten things up, put dishes away, contain the baby toys, or clean off the table. Half of the time I end up staring at myself in the mirror in the fourth outfit I have tried on, rummaging through laundry to try to find a specific shirt, or staring in the fridge trying to figure out what to pack for lunch. 

Waiting patiently while Dad gets ready.

By the time I find an outfit and lunch, there are clothes all over the bed. I attempt to straighten those up, then fold up B's blanket and toys, finish my hair, put on jewelry, unplug my flat iron, put other clothes in the hamper, collect the excess hangers, rinse B's morning bottle and leave it in the sink, grab baby items from the table and put them in his room, straighten up the changing table and his glider, shut the nursery door, grab my lunch then...you see the problem? I never stopped to put the hangers in the laundry room! 

B at 4 months. Always happy in the morning.

Dad witnessed my strange morning drill a few weeks ago. After I walked in and out of the living three times in five minutes, he asked, "What are you doing?" My response, "I have no idea." 

I consider myself a very lucky person to have someone like Dad because we make such a great team and work together to be sure sweet B is happy on his way to school. 

The Monthly Photo Shoot

I am not good at the cutesy things in life. I am not crafty, baking is not fun for me, scrapbook-ing is my nightmare, and writing thank you notes* seems like a chore. That being said, taking monthly pictures of B is important because hopefully someone else will do something cute with them. ::Hint, hint:: Let's face it, it won't be me. 

So each month - somewhere around the 18th, we aren't exact - I begrudgingly get out a white onesie, place the appropriate sticker on his chest, and strategically put him in the same positions as the previous photo shoots. 

Last night, five days late (seriously, how much can he change in 5 days?), we had the most difficult shoot to date. He won't sit still, plus I don't know how to work our fantastic camera. Here are some gems to share. I will use the action setting next time.

"I just want to stand!"

Bright idea: He thinks Toby is hilarious...let's try that. FAIL.

"Oh, look over here at these fun things" -B

"Adam, you are too close." -Ma

Nappy Giraffe was not interesting enough...off to the humidifier cord.

Directing the imaginary band.

Goin' down!

So cute...except for the seemingly broken wrist. 

"No, the camera is the other way." - Ma

"Ugh, you people and your pictures." -B

"Lindsey, get out of the way." - Dad

One of the best!

My other favorite.

Chillin' at eight months

*NOTE: I cherish every gift I have gotten and understand the importance of a thank you note. 

Tidbit Tuesday: B is Mobile

This is less of a tidbit and more of a request for the sake of future tidbits. Baby B is on the move! He started crawling last week. Here is the video proof:

It started very slow: rolling around, sitting up, falling face first into the carpet, army crawl, limping crawl, full crawl and now pulling up on furniture. Plus trying to eat the furniture, with his forehead. Just yesterday he bumped his head twice and broke a ceramic pot. All under the seemingly watchful eye of Mom and Dad. I promise, we were there! Luckily he seems to be resilient, he wailed for a good 30 seconds then quickly recovered with the help of his favorite stuffed animals.

"Hmmm...are there cords for me to chew on?"

"I bet the edge of that table tastes yummy."

He is immensely interested in cords, plugs and shoes (ew!) so we need to do some baby proofing quickly. We have the outlet protectors and will definitely want some of the cabinet locks because he seems to like opening and shutting things.

We would greatly appreciate your comments letting us know what worked for you. I will be sure to test them and then share my thoughts!

In The Face...

Babies have zero control over what comes out of the orifices of their bodies. Whether it's tears, snot, spit-up, pee or poop. If it needs to come out, it will. At one point or another, it will end up in the face - your face, Dad's face, baby's face, anyone and everyone's face. Yesterday, while Dad was lifting B over his head Dad got drool in his mouth. When B was a newborn we both got pee in the face. Luckily, I have only gotten poop in my lap...while at a restaurant. I have heard stories about poop in the face. It scares me. I am a little poop-phobic.

How do you avoid baby bodily fluids in the face? You don't. You take it because you can't drop the precious poop machine you are holding. 

"Mmmmm...warm water."

And they think it is hysterical when Mom and Dad scream in disgust. Are we programmed as humans from birth to think that other's misfortunes are comical?! There was that whole "Jackass" TV and movie empire that capitalized on our sick sense of humor. 

"Want some drool in the face?!"

B used to pee in the bath EVERY TIME. Just as we got the water adjusted and bubbles flowing, he would see if he could arch it to hit the faucet. Bath drained, new bubbles added. 

B's first time in his sink tub. Not a fan.

Side note about bath time: it's not always fun and doesn't always fit into the day. We aim to bath B every other day. Using the 4Moms Cleanwater tub (see above) was great for us because it has temp control and fits in the sink. The truth is, babies don't need baths every day. I have articles to back me up - here from Parents and here from Fit Pregnancy. 

If your baby loves the bath and it helps the bedtime routine then bathe away.

Remember, whatever works. 

Tidbit Tuesday: Diapers

Life as a new parent revolves around diapers - how many per day and what they contain. 

At first, changing B's diaper was a war zone; weird poop, vaseline, uncooperative diapers plus flailing legs and screaming from all parties involved. Not to mention the threat of baby urine to the face.

I will pee in your face today...

Oh Dad, this is going to be a good one.

After a few weeks diaper changes were a breeze; smiling, laughing and better bowel control.

Now it is a game just to keep him on the changing table; diapering a baby who acts like a damn spider monkey after chugging red bull should be an Olympic sport!

But little did I know how handy diapers could be. As I was driving to work one morning my travel coffee mug started leaking. In my new car without any napkins, the only thing I could find was a diaper. It quickly soaked up the coffee on my pants and in the cup holder, AND made a handy absorbent koozie. Yet another reason to keep diapers on hand at all times.

Pampers to the rescue!

The People's Eyebrow

You know those ADORABLE pictures that I post on Facebook of sweet B? Like this one: 

B enjoying his ExerSaucer.

For every precious, sweet face I capture, there are four to five not so great photos. Actually, I have more than 1,500 pictures on my phone and 75% of them are the good, the bad, and the ugly of our little man. This kid requires some serious shenanigans for a smile on camera. Normally he giggles at next to nothing, but when the phone or the real camera comes out...stone cold. 

Exhibit A: Ma, Get this thing out of my face.

So I snap away and keep trying to get the perfect shot. Then it's on...Instagram, Hefe filter, insert witty post, #theseallife...BOOM. Share with Facebook and let the "likes" flow. 

But what happens to other pictures, you ask? I look at them throughout the day when I am missing B and need a pick-me-up at work. Sometimes I text them to Dad so we can share a moment thinking about the little life we created. I remember fondly the words that came out of Dad's mouth right after B was born, "I can't believe that just came out of you." 

Please, share in our good times with the following outtakes. 

Pissed baby. 

Drunk baby.

WTF baby.

The People's Eyebrow. 

The actual People's Eyebrow.

Date Night Dinner, hold the vomit

To save money and spend more time with B, Dad and I like to have dinner at home on the weekends. But it has to be something good...we eat a lot of chicken and vegetables during the week so we need a change of pace. Last Friday I went to Publix with nothing particular in mind. Luckily they had New York Strips on sale. Couple those with some little rose potatoes, asparagus, a quick salad, some wine and we have a Date Night Dinner! 

I use DAK's spices in almost every meal I cook. They make awesome blends that are SALT FREE and the owners live here in Birmingham! The steaks were seasoned up with some DAK's Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pepper and Steakhouse blends. I also added a pinch of kosher salt.

Yummmmm. Sophie was jealous. 

For the potatoes, I added 1-2 tbsp. of Herb Oil (also made in Birmingham). This stuff is good enough to drink and really great with bread or any other starch. I also added some Herbes de Provence because it is Dad's favorite. We wrapped these up in foil and threw them on the Weber with the steaks and asparagus (not shown). 

Mini potatoes are cute and fun to eat!

B joined us for dinner, as he usually does, but wasn't feeling his green beans so I tried some Yo-Baby yogurt. Evidently he was trying to tell me he wasn't hungry because he proceeded to projectile vomit on my house slippers. We learn something new every day. 

Friday's Lesson: all high chairs should have wheels. I missed the second projectile by inches thanks to my quick reaction and our spiffy rolling high chair. 

"MA, NO MORE FOOD!" said B in his OXO Seedling high chair provided by G-pa Steiner.

Needless to say, bath time was quickly followed by ice cream for Mom. Good thing Publix had a Haagen-Dazs BOGO!

Welcome to Baby Season

I have read multiple articles about how life has different seasons. That could not be more true and right now we are at the height of baby season! In just the past year there have been six babies born within our immediate group of friends. Outside of that, I can think of at least seven more. Football Saturdays went from all-out tailgate parties in Auburn to a more mild "get-together" at a friend's house within a 10 mile radius. Packing 60 beers for a tailgate used to be commonplace, now a bottle of wine and a 12 pack is more than sufficient. 

I wouldn't trade these times for any. We have an amazing group of friends; Dad and I are lucky to have their unwavering support and welcomed advice. I think we would agree that parenthood has been different than we expected and things haven't always gone the way we intended. 

"Whatever works" is commonly heard at gatherings and judgement is strictly forbidden.

(L to R) Weston's Dad, B's Dad, Walker's Dad, Brady's Dad and Michael (wife and baby TBD).

B watching the Auburn game with Rebecca and Aunt Mantha.

B and Aunt Kristen at the Orny Cocktail Party.

Mom and B after the Iron Bowl - WAR EAGLE!