The Post-Pregnancy Plan - Part 2

This week I am slowly making progress toward my goal of getting back in shape. I decided to officially start the Couch to 10K program this week and have already completed Week 1, Sessions 1 and 2. Yeah me! Last week was just practice. Today Avery decided to wake me up at 5:30 a.m. So, I fed her and then headed out to the WCRC (Williamson County Rec Center). I have lots of energy today regardless of the interrupted sleep last night.

I have decided that I REALLY like to work out. I loved it when I worked at LifeWay because I had lots of accountability. At least three days a week, I would go to a sculpting class with two other ladies on my lunch break. At that point, I saw it as an opportunity to get out of the office for a little while. (I didn't have windows in my office, so I needed fresh air and sunshine.) I would go to classes after work. I would go on the weekends. You could say that I was somewhat addicted to exercise. (Not in an unhealthy way I might add. I just really enjoyed it.) Today it is about getting back in shape, being healthy, and feeling good about myself.

The second step of my post pregnancy plan is to eat more healthy foods. So, I have joined E-mealz. E-mealz is a meal-planning resource that I have used before. However, now they have the New Weight Watchers Point System meals that will help me achieve my goal. (Thank you Shanna for reminding me of this great resource.) Basically you pay $15 for a 3-month subscription. This is a cheap, time-saving way to feed your family. With your subscription, you have access to a weekly menu based on grocery store sales. They even give you a grocery list! As I have been mentally preparing to go back to work, this just seemed like a perfect fit. I will not only save time and money, but Matt and I will eat healthier meals! It is a win-win situation. If you think you might want to try this go to the Web site, download a sample menu, and try a few of the recipes.

That my friends is the post-pregnancy "get back in shape" plan. It is simple, but I know if I stick with it the results will be SO worth it!

The Post-Pregnancy Plan

Yesterday I went to the gym. (Thanks to the Williamson County Rec Center for giving WC teachers free membership, I have no reason NOT to lose the baby weight.) So, Matt was working from home yesterday and I took the opportunity and made my way to the gym for the first time in ... well ... forever!

Couch to 10K. It got my attention as I was reading a post by a friend of mine at alyssainnashville. I clicked on the and read more about a running program that was not only supposed to help me run 6.21 miles but lose weight too! I mean, if you want something you have to work for it, right?!

I have to admit I am NOT a runner. I ran track in middle school just because my friends did. I think the coaches let me compete because they felt sorry for me or maybe for more practice. Either way, I knew myself that I would never make it to the state track competition. However, I do remember thinking that I was pretty good at jumping hurdles. Then one day my foot caught the hurdle in practice. I fell and busted my knee open. I wonder if that is why my knees make crackling sounds today when I run. Hmmm ...

So, I have completed the first session of Couch to 10K! I wonder if I will actually get to the gym enough to complete the program. I checked out the childcare area and just don't feel comfortable yet putting Avery in there. Either way, I have become more motivated in the last few weeks to get back into shape like I was in my mid-twenties. I know it will be even more difficult to keep working out when I go back to work in March. I haven't let myself think about that yet. It is going to be tough in every way.

So, exercise is the first step to getting back in shape and being healthy. The second—eating right. I will post my plan for that another day.

Newborn Pictures

Here are some of our favorite pictures from Avery's newborn photo shoot. She was actually a month old when we got them taken. I bought the little hat she is wearing from a little boutique down the street from where we live. I am glad I did, because Laurel was able to get some really great pictures of Avery in the hat. She was completely alert for the whole shoot, so we didn't get any sleeping newborn pictures. Truly, I think the pictures just captured her curious little personality.

Metcalf, Party of Three

Thanks to Laurel at Eilas Photography, we now have a fabulous picture of our new little family! We also have some really amazing pictures of Avery that I will reveal soon, after I figure out which ones that I want to use for her birth announcements. It is going to be hard to choose, they are all SO good! Of course, how could they be bad with such a sweet baby girl as the subject of the photos. If you need a great photographer, check out www.eilas.com.

Celebrating 1 Month

Avery,
Today is your 1 month birthday, and now your dad and I can't imagine our lives without you. You are a strong and active little girl. We are going to have to keep our eyes on you for sure! When we took you to see the pediatrician at only 5 days old, he was impressed with your ability to focus on his face. Since then you have grown and can now lift your head when you are on your stomach, hold your head steady, play with your hands, and occasionally give us a half smile and coo to us. You also have an amazing set of lungs. A friend of mine, who also has a very vocal little one said, "I'm convinced that when God gives us a child whose lungs never tire, He must have something very special in store for that voice."
Love,
Mom and Dad

Fighting Sleep

Sunday Matt put Avery's swing together that Mimi and Pappy got for her. Well, all I can say is that she loves it! We learned quickly that it is a great toy for wake time, and we also learned that she quickly falls asleep in it. This is good until nighttime when she needs to fall asleep in her bassinet. She cries and cries and cries until either Matt or I pick her up. She has learned how to fight sleep unless she is either in her swing, bouncy seat, or in our arms. So, no more nap time in the swing or bouncy seat for Avery.

2 Weeks Later

Today Avery had her 2 week check-up. She was such a good girl! We are so excited that she is back to her birth weight at 5 lb. 13 oz. She also grew an inch longer and is now 19.38 in long! The doctor said that she could start sleeping longer at night, which makes mom and dad happy. Also, she is probably going to start sleeping in her big girl bed (crib) as soon as mom and dad are ready for that.