Bouncing Back After Baby: 7/18 - 7/27

[MCmom]

I made this thread a few days longer, to cover two weekends, b/c our weekends are so slow. I'm sure our thread will only have a few more posts than usual. We'll see how it goes, you could call this a "test run."

Leah slept for 7 hrs. straight last night, and I got some much needed rest. I was completely wiped yesterday afternoon, and I had to take a nap. Thankfully, my DH had off from work, so I was able to lay down. Leah is pulling up to standing all the time now, and she's learning how to balance herself. I imagine it will only be a month or two before she's walking.

So who is following a LC diet right now? It seems there are only a few of us. It seems like most of the population is following a low-fat diet, or "trying" to I should say. All the people I knew who were doing LC are not anymore. They're either doing nothing or have switched to low-fat. I guess I'll be one of the few people who choose LC as a WOL.

Marye - You sound like you're a wonderful mother. I feel like I'm an adequate mom overall, but there are days when I'm stressed out, and I feel like I'm a terrible mom. Right now I'm trying to do my best with 3 children, I can't imagine having any more. I really believe there are some women who are meant to have lots of children, while others shouldn't have any at all. (I'm in the middle )

My oldest child, is having his 5th b-day in one week. I'll be having a cake for him and guests, and a LC dessert for my DH and I. I don't want the two of us to feel left out, so I make sure to have something yummy & legal to eat.

Dawn - I'm glad that Diego is being less cranky for you! I hear ya on the rough nights. Leah is still not always sleeping through the nights, which is why I'm thankful on the rare occasions that she does. Please check in again soon!

[curlyque]

Mary: That's great that Leah slept 7 hours straight. Now if only I can get Roarke to do that. I'm starting back on the LC Wagon on Monday. I'm tired of all the highs and lows in energy that I experience eating sugar. Nevermind the fact that my weight is creeping up.

Here is the link to see the portraits I took yesterday:
Sears portraits

Marye: I tried the co-sleeper bassinet when Roarke was born and he didn't sleep well in it. He was very restless, so I moved him to my bed.

[SusieQ12]

Hi everyone. Sorry I have been MIA. I just haven't felt like myself lately. But I am getting better.

Mary ~ Yay for you on the weight loss! You go girl!

Stephanie ~ Your children are beautiful!

I finally had to bite the bullet and go see my doctor about my PPD and anxiety. He is trying me on Lexapro. I have read good things about it on the main board. I've been taking it for four days now, and I am feeling better. I had to do something, because even I can admit I've been a total beeyatch. I am also much calmer already.

It does have some side effects, though (headaches), but the doctor said they should go away in a few days. I guess it's just my body getting used to the medicine. It is killing my appetite, too, but in my case that's a good thing.

Anyhoo, I need to go back and read last week's thread and catch up.

Here is a picture I took of Bria today:

[MCmom]

I told ya the weekends were slow! I had one of the worst nights last night. Mainly b/c my two older children refused to stay in their beds. They each were up 3 x's, wanting to sleep in our bed, which means I was woke up a minimum of 6 x's. Then I woke up once on my own, b/c one of my boobs was leaking all over the bed, and was over-filled with milk (very lumpy and tender). Thankfully, Leah woke up shortly after that, and BF for awhile. When I woke up this morning, all 5 of us were in our queen-sized bed. Talk about over-crowded! They better stay in their beds tonight, or else I'll be one cranky mama.

Stephanie - Thanks for sharing the pics of your lovely children! Roarke is getting to be such a big boy, it's obvious you're feeding him well. Gotta luv those chubby cheeks of his! (even my DH said he was a real cutey)

I hope your return to LC'ing is successful. The first few days may be rough (sugar withdrawal), but you can do it!

Susan - I'm glad you're feeling better, now that you're taking something for your PPD. I'm sure your whole family will be happier too. I suffered through my PPD, b/c I didn't know there were meds available for it. I wish I would have known about it.

Bria is so adorable! She's such a petite, little baby. Mine were all chunksters. She's as cute as a button.

MaryC

[curlyque]

Susan: I'm glad that you did something to help yourself. I think it's so great that you were able to recognize that you needed something. I did the same thing while I was pregnant. I knew that I was out of control and needed help with it. I felt so much better afterwards.

Thanks for the compliments on my children. I think they are beautiful too. So is your cutie-pie!

Mary: Thanks. I kiss those cheeks on and off all day long. I am wondering if I'm feeding him enough. When did you start giving Leah 3 meals a day of solids? Roarke nurses 2 to 3 times in the early morning before we get out of bed. Once we get up, I give him some cereal and a small 2 oz jar of prunes. He will nurse to nap a few times during the day, sometimes only 2 for less than 10 minutes at a time. At dinner time he gets cereal again, plus 2oz of veggies, and 2 oz of fruit. Another nursing in the late evening, then 6 oz of formula at bed time. he goes in on Tuesday for his 6 month check up. I'm curious to see how much he weighs.

I just came home from Costco and bought the new Atkins book. I wanted to get re-inspired and find some new recipes. I'll have to take a good look tonight because we are doing our weekly grocery trip tomorrow.

You must be exhausted from so little sleep. I feel for you. I hope tonight is better for you.

[SusieQ12]

Hi ladies.

Well, after three whole weeks of Bria sleeping through the night, she didn't make it last night. I wonder what it was about last night? It seems none of our kids were sleeping. At least us three, anyway.

Mary ~ I forgot to answer your earlier question. Yes, I am still low carbing. That's the only way for me. I don't think I'll ever go back to low fat. I haven't been losing very well, though. I am doing Stillman's right now (at least for the weekend) to try to get back into ketosis quick and lose a few pounds. I don't think I'll do Stillman's longer than about a week at a time, though. I know it's a little drastic, but if I don't see the scale go down at least a pound or two, I'll get discouraged, and when I get discouraged, it usually leads to a cheat.

Hi Steph!

Well, I'm gonna go to bed now. I'll chat with you gals later.

Susan

[MCmom]

Stephanie - Leah isn't a big eater either, but I'm not worried, b/c neither was her older brother or sister at this age. It's not until after their 1st b-day, that their appetites gradually pick up. I'm happy if Leah eats a bowl of oatmeal cereal for breakfast, and a lunch or dinner consisting of some meat and veggies. Sometimes, she'll eat a snack of cut up fruit and/or cheese too. We're not talking big amounts either. I figure as long as Leah is eating "something," she's doing okay. I'm sure you'll be reassured that Roarke is doing fine, after his Drs. appt.

Last night was much better. Leah woke up as usual, but my other two stayed in their beds.

I've been wanting to get the Atkins For Life book, but I was holding out until I got closer to goal. I heard it was more for those who were in the maintenance phase. Let me know what you think of it, okay?

Susan - I get discouraged too if I don't see the scale move for awhile. I don't cheat, but I do eat things that are more for maintenance, rather than OWL. If I'm happy with my weight-loss, I stick with an OWL menu.

If Leah sleeps through the night, once a week, then I'm happy. I couldn't imagine 3 whole weeks. How nice for you.

Lee - I'm apologize for not saying before, how sorry I was to hear about the boy you knew, who committed suicide. Suicide is an awful thing, that deeply affects everyone. I knew someone who took their life, back when I was in high school, and I "still" think about him from time to time. How are you doing these days?

MaryC

[Lee A]

...yeah it's hard for me to get in on the weekend.It's 1pm now and I'm rocking Cody and eating breaky.I leave for work in 2 hours and still have to have dinner prepared and get ready.I was hoping to put my laundry away,oh well...

...so our friends son's funeral is on Wed.My DH is returning to his job on Tues(his boss is making some compromises).He never even unpacked yet and I've been working,we never even had a family day together (sigh)...

Hi Mary-no personal post to me(did you not expect me to pop in J/K)? I'm not offended to be overlooked,don't worry {sniff,sob}

I have been faithfully LC since I had lunch with Mom and sis a few days ago.I've been feeling down and I'm a comfort eater so I'm on my guard.

I forgot to mention last post that Cody who barely has any hair loves a pony tail,stands still to have it put in.Actually it's her request,then she pulls it out and wants it in again.Silly girl.

Glad you're getting your sleep(one night anyway ).Last night I was up til 1pm and tucked Cody in with Selena and she slept to 5:30am.This would've been a great sleep but that DH tossed and turned because it's so hot.

Hi Steph-love the portraits.Roarke looks well fed but oh how mothers worry.Beautiful kids.Good luck getting back on the wagon tomorrow.Hope you find time to read your book

Hi Susan-Bria is as cute as a button and love your bedding
Hope the medication is successful.Glad you are feeling better.

The clock is ticking but I'll be back soon

edit:

Mary-my friend with the psychic powers.I'm doing okay thanx.The viewing is tomorrow and I'm going to make a sympathy card tonight.I write my own poetry in them.I babysat him when he was a baby and it is so so sad.His Mom must be just sick...we'll see her tomorrow.I don't look forward to that.DH's aunt has cancer,his uncle died from the same thing last year.So their pretty concerned it might be genetic.Anyway thanx for thinking about me.

[Marye]

>>Marye - You sound like you're a wonderful mother. I feel like I'm an adequate mom overall, but there are days when I'm stressed out, and I feel like I'm a terrible mom. Right now I'm trying to do my best with 3 children, I can't imagine having any more.

Weeeelllllll...You also need to remember that I have a TON more help than you. I have a 21 yr old that lives 15 minutes away, I have 2 18 yr olds, 11, 10, 7, 4, 3 and my husband who only works 10 minutes away. If I want to take a nap I holler at someone to watch Kyrie..If I need to cook I can put her in someone's arms and they rock her...or I can tell someone else to cook while I rock her! Since we homeschool everyone is always home and things are more easily scheduled. If I am tired we all just sleep in or take a nap..everyone's schedule revolves around mine and it is a much slower lifestyle with much more help than you have! I am also in my 40's and I think you have more/ different perspective on things.I am less type A than I was 20 years ago..less prone to being a perfectionist and more prone to realizing how fast time goes by. My oldest child is rocking her own babies now...soemthing I couldn't imagine when she was this age. I am not more patient or a better mom or anything, promise! I yell and get frustrated just like everyone else.
I am doing low carb still. I will do it forever..probably with cheats but still as consistantly as possible. I just FEEL better when I am eating right for me.
Susan- Bria is so cute! Glad you are feeling better. The first one is such an adjustment. Both to mind AND body!

[LisaBisa]

Hey guys

Mary, I'm still DEF doing LC. I got really serious last week, and I've lost 5 lbs to reward me! What was the impetus for change you ask?

Well, last wednesday, I got an e-mail from my EX husband, concerned about his new wife who had lost 20 lbs in 4 weeks on atkins. He wanted info on LC and basically for me to reassure him that its healthy. He wanted details on my weight loss.

THEN the very next day, I got an e-mail inviting me to my ten year reunion next year. Turns out Nick and I were already planning to go to california next summer, so we're just going to arrange the vacation in time for my reunion.

Those two things together really inspired me. I cannot have my ex husbands wife show me up! ANd I NEED to be thin for my reunion.

Anyway.

Michael is doing great. Now he's pulling himself along furniture. he was standing great w/ furniture before, now he's cruising. He has an appetite. He has 2-3 glasses of milk a day and the rest is food. Big bowl of cereal w/ applesauce for breakfast. Veggies and meat or beans for lunch. Veggies, meat and yogurt for dinner. Rounded out w/ a LOT of cheerios for snacks lol. He loves his cheerios.

Lee, I'm so sorry to hear about your friends son.

Susan, sorry your baby isn't sleeping through the night anymore. It wil come! Good for you for getting help!

Everyone else...HI

Have a good day all

ilsa

[sjoy76]

Hi all! I'm a lurker here and a poster on the pg thread. Can't wait to join you all in December!

Susie: Bria is absolutely adorable! I hope you are feeling back to your old self again real soon and I will be thinking of you. My mom had PPD real bad with 2 of her pregnancies so I know that is something that I have to be really aware of. Kudos to you for recognizing it and asking for help. That has got to be very hard. Take good care of yourself!!

[SusieQ12]

Happy Monday everyone!

I am in a really good mood today. I started following Stillman's STRICTLY Friday morning and today I am down 5 pounds! I am sooooo glad the scale is finally moving again. My MIL and I were talking last night about dresses for my SIL's wedding and I realized that I have 40 more pounds to lose before I am back to what I was last summer right before I got married! And then after that, I still have 15 more to be at goal! But I know I can do it, I did it before!

Thanks everyone for the compliments on Bria!

sjoy, no one in my family has had a history of PPD. I feel weird that I am the only one. But I had to get help, because I was driving my DH insane, and my stepson didn't want to be left alone with me because he said I fussed and yelled too much, and he was right. I did. I feel much calmer now after just a week on the meds, and EVERYONE is much happier.

Oh, me and DH celebrated our first anniversary yesterday! I can't believe it's been a year already. It's been a busy year though, seeing as how I got pregnant with Bria not even a month after we were married! We definitely didn't waste any time!

Lisa ~ Bria is still sleeping through the night. It was just that one night that she woke up. She slept last night for 10 hours! She is a wonderful baby. She sleeps through the night and she can entertain herself in her bouncy seat for about an hour at a time! I feel truly blessed.

Gotta go for now. I gotta go buy groceries. And I have to go back to work 2 weeks from today. Oh, I don't want to!

I'll check back later. Have a great day everyone.

Susan

[curlyque]

Mary: The book is geared towards maintaining this WOE for life but there is also a 30 day meal plan for 45 g, 60 g, 80 g, and 100 g of carbs a day. I think the meal plans will help not get in a rut with the food I'm eating. That tends to happen with me. I eat the same things over and over again and then get bored. Since I am not doing induction because I am still nursing, the 45 g meal plans may be helpful when I need ideas for change.

Lee: No time to read the whole book but I did some good skimming. My condolences on your friend's son, how terrible for the family.

Marye: You must be doing lots right because it sounds like everyone pitches in and helps to keep things rolling smoothly.

Lisa: Sounds like you have some good reasons to reach goal. Is your Ex going to be at the reunion as well? Sounds like you are on good terms with your ex. I am cordial with my ex for Marlee's sake. If it wasn't for her, then I probably would not be in contact with him anymore.

Susan: You sound great today! I'm glad things are going better for you.

Roarke is sick with a cold and fever. Had a rough night with him. He wasn't able to breathe well and was choking a lot. I've tried aspirating his nose but he hates it. He goes in tomorrow for his 6 month check up. He probably won't have his shots though. I called the Dr.'s office to re-schedule and the receptionist told me to bring him in tomorrow anyway because she doesn't have any well baby check up appt's until the end of August but can always squeeze in a quick vaccination appt.

So far Day 1 is going okay. No cravings for sweets yet.

[MCmom]

I have been way overdoing it with the icecream the last few days, so no more icecream for awhile. I vow to see the 180's this year!

Leah is 10 mths old today. I'm still trying to wean her, and she's still resisting. I figure one more month, before I get really serious. All I know for sure is, she will be weaned "before" she turns a year old.

Lee - Since I'm not into the whole "psychic" thing, how about we say it was just coincidence??

Did you get dinner ready, get ready for work, and put away your laundry? Hope so!

I hope the viewing wasn't too hard on you. That's real nice of you to include a poem in the card. I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling down lately. I imagine it has to do with the passing of your friend's son, and then not being able to spend much time with your DH. I hope you're able to find some time together, in the near future.

Cancer is becoming too common these days. Every time I turn around it seems, I hear of someone else getting or dying of cancer. I can only hope that with my DH and I LC'ing (and not smoking), our chances of getting cancer has been lowered. Sorry to hear about your DH's aunt. Is her cancer considered terminal?

Marye - Thanks for sharing and making me feel better. I do try my best, but it's hard with 3 children under 5 yrs. old, and no family to help (on either side). My DH is a great daddy, and I can't imagine doing it without him. At least I have him, and I'm thankful for that much.

How nice to have so many hands to help you! That's one (of many) things that's nice about a big family. At this point in time, I can't imagine having any more children, but since my DH and I aren't doing anything permanent, you never know.

Lisa - It's great to hear from you again! I thought you might have been another casualty. That's great about losing 5 lbs! Sometimes a little motivation is all we need to get going.
It sounds like Michael is doing and growing so well! His first steps are not far off. Leah hasn't started cruising yet, but I know she will soon. It's always sooner than you think. Once they get a taste of freedom, there's no stopping them.

sjoy - I can't say I'll be here in Dec., but I hope there will be lots of people to welcome you!

Susan - Congrats on the 5 lb loss, and on your 1st wedding anniversary! It sounds like you are definitely motivated to lose the weight, which is a good thing. I'm glad you're feeling better too.

Stephanie - Sorry to hear that Roarke is sick. I hope he's on the road to recovery now. How did his 6 mth appt. go? Please share his stats when you can!

One day down, many more to go! It will get easier as the days go by, just hang in there. I'm glad the Atkins for Life book, is going to help bring some variety to your meal plans. I hate it when I get stuck in a rut too. I try to find a new recipe every month or so.

MaryC

[hedy67]

I have not lost a bit since last week, and am getting discouraged. I have been LCing about 30 carbs a day, and have checked to see if I am still in ketosis, and I am registering so, so...what gives?!??! I am not going back to low-fat. I know this is the way for me to lose, but I thougth I'd lose at least a lb. to 2 a week. Since I am BFIng, I don't have TOM yet, so I can't blame it on that. I have been experiementig with food, but not going over my carbs. UGH! Does anyone have any advice?!??

Mary C-Congrats on getting some much deserved rest! Ryan is up every few hours, so I don't see that happening for me for quite awhile!

Stephanie- Your pictures are adorable! What cuties!

SusieQ12- Bria is precious! She looks like such a happy baby!
BTW-congrats on the loss and what is Stillman's? Maybe that is what I need to do?!?!?

Lee- I am sorry about your friend. How sad.

Marye- Wow! I din't realize you have all of those kids! I got tired just reading your post! I am impressed!

Lisa Bisa- Congrats on the loss! Please inspire me!!!

sjoy76- welcome! I am fairly new here too!

[JustKim]

Greetings from Canada!

The kids and I made it here yesterday afternoon. A very loooong drive but I'm so glad we're here Tomorrow my parents are having a little birthday party for the kids...so that will be fun.

Lee so sorry to hear about your friend

Busy day today getting things ready and seeing friends and family...man I can't believe I haven't been home in 1.5 years!

[greenbean]

I am sorry I just have not been up to posting or reading. I am still around and I do intend on getting back to low carbing. I am having some depression issues and in general- tired and overwhelmed. I am hoping when I return from my trip to VA (for work) that I will be in a better frame of mind.

I have lost track of what everyone is up to so I am starting new again.

[SusieQ12]

Hi ladies!

Kerensa ~ So glad you're back. We were worried about you. I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but you may want to think about talking to your doctor about the depression. I did, and now I am taking Lexapro and I feel 100% better. Like I said, I'm not trying to tell you what to do, it's just a suggestion. No one should have to live like that. I totally know how you feel.

Oops, sounds like Bria is ready to eat. I'll check back later. I wanted to post this picture. My dog stays under Bria's crib kind of being her watchdog. I finally managed to get a picture:



I'll be back later for personals.

Susan

[JustKim]

Kerensa...I was on zoloft for a few weeks after Sydney was born for PPD too. It really did help and it isn't a stigma!

[MCmom]

I'm getting ready for my DS Elijah's 5th b-day party this Sat., and finally I figured out what to serve for lunch. At first I was thinking of ordering pizza, but I didn't want to cheat or pick at the toppings. I found out the same restaurant where we would have ordered the pizza, also sells hot roast beef and hot ham by the pound. So we're going to have hot sandwiches instead, and I can just skip the bun. I'm relieved that's settled.

Hedy - Some BF'ing women are unable to lose weight while BF'ing, some lose very slowly, and some lose at a normal rate. I happen to be a very slow loser. I'd be happy to lose 2 lbs a month at this point. If you find yourself having difficulty losing (no matter what you do), you may just want to eat a maintenance diet, until your done BF'ing. Don't get discouraged, whatever you do!

Kim - Glad to hear you made it safe and sound!

Kerensa - I'm sorry to hear how difficult things have been for you! I really hope you're getting lots of love and support, from your family and friends. No one should suffer all alone. We're here whenever you're ready to get back to posting!

Susan - What a cute doggie you have! What kind is it? It looks like a Collie to me. Are those good watchdogs?

MaryC

[curlyque]

Hi. I just came back from the Doctor's with Roarke for his 6 month check up. What a horrible night I had with him. He was so stuffed up he only slept for 15 minute increments throughout the night. He had difficulty nursing because he couldn't breathe. The dr. saw red virus bumps at the back of his throat. He's been running a fever now for 2 days. Even with Tylenol and Motrin it doesn't bring it down completely. Another few days of this and hopefully it will be over.

Mary: His stats are 17 lbs 8 oz, length is 27 3/4" and head circ is 17". Good choices for the birthday party, now there will be no temptation for you. I'm down 1.5 lbs this morning.

Hedy: Have you tried measuring yourself? Even if the scale is not going down, you may be losing inches.

Kim: You sound very happy to be home. Enjoy your visit!

Kerensa: I hope you feel better soon. If you aren't able to get through it by yourself, then I too encourage you to talk to your doctor. I took Zoloft for the last 10 weeks of my pregnancy because of extreme anxiety about the well being of the baby. I kept worry that somehow he was going to die in utero, it overtook my life.

Susan: Cute dog! My cats aren't protective over Roarke, they just like to go into his bassinet when he's not in it.

[SusieQ12]

OK, I'm back. Bria is sleeping soundly in her swing.

Kim ~ Hope your visit with your family goes well. Have lots of fun!

Stephanie ~ I hope Roarke is feeling better soon. Luckily, I haven't had to go through a cold with Bria yet. I know it will happen one day, and I am not looking forward to it. Seems like he is growing like a weed! It seems like just yesterday you were still pregnant.

Hedy ~ If you are breastfeeding, I would not recommend doing Stillman's. You can't have any veggies at all, and the carbs are very low. There has been a thread about it on the main board with the link if you still want to check it out. I don't directly know the link, but that's how I got to it. I read yesterday that it is only recommended for 3-5 days at a time, so I did 4. I am back to regular low carb today. Now I can have my greenbeans and salad.

Mary ~ Sounds like you made a smart choice with the food for the party. I had pizza toppings at my MIL's house one night when they ordered pizza. Eating just the toppings is not filling at all - unless you eat the toppings off of a whole pizza! I hope Elijah has a great birthday!

My dog, Ginger is a beagle/spaniel mix, I think. That's what the vet thinks. I don't know for sure. The lady I got her from said she is a Daschund (sp?)/spaniel mix, but I don't think she knows for sure. We recently got a beagle puppy for my stepson, and he and Ginger look almost exactly alike, except Ginger has long hair like a spaniel. She is the sweetest dog, and VERY protective over Bria.

As far as being a good watchdog, that's yes and no. She will definitely let you know if someone's outside or at the door, but then she runs and hides. She's pretty much a wuss. If someone knocks on the door, she will bark like she's gonna kill, but then you open the door and she's your best friend. The worst she'll do is lick you to death! She's my first baby.

Lee and Lisa ~ Hope the two of you are doing well.

Kerensa ~ Please keep checking in, hon. We worry about you. If you need to vent, you know we are here. You can always PM someone if you want to keep it private. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. You don't have to go through this alone.

Gotta run for now. Hi to anyone else I may have missed!

Susan