The Beginnings of Motherhood

  Lots of things have happened since I posted last. My last post was one week before my sweet little boy was born. He came nine long days past his due date. Fortunately I went into natural labor and didn't have to be induced. I went into labor early in the morning on December 8. I had mild contractions throughout the day. I was admitted to the hospital late that night. After many uncomfortable contractions, I decided to get an epidural. That was a great decision. Matt and I got to sleep for about 2 1/2 hours. When we woke up I was fully dilated, then pushed for about 3 hours. Then at 11:02 am on December 9, 2012 my life changed. I became a mom!!! Baby C weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 20.5 inches long. If you want to read about it from a daddy's perspective, check out Matt's blog post. 

My two favorite people!!!

  So now that Baby C is 6 1/2 weeks old, I'm starting to get the hang of it. With long sleepless nights to nursing every other hour, it has all been worth it. (I can say this now, because he slept two 5 hour segments last night.) Motherhood, so far, has been unbelievable, yet unpredictable. I'm so excited about what is to come. He is starting to become so much more fun. He is much more alert (for the few hours of the day that he is not sleeping). I know he is only going to become more fun. He is also growing like crazy. He is wearing 3 month old cloths and weighs over 11 lbs. 

Happy boy!

  It's also amazing how a woman's body recovers after nine months of pregnancy. The year before I got pregnant I lost a significant amount of weight, about 20 lbs. As my pregnancy progressed, I became slightly discouraged as I saw the scale go up and up at my Doctor's appointments and my fitness level go down, even though I knew it was for a good reason. I am excited to say that I have lost almost 25 lbs (since the week before he was born) and can fit into my non-maternity clothes. About two weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers. This is an amazing program. This is the program I used in 2011 when I lost weight before. I love it because I can eat what I want, when I want. It is just promoting a healthier lifestyle and encouraging better portion control. So I am losing weight again!! And I am also starting to get my fitness back too. Yesterday was my first run since last spring. It wasn't far or fast, but I got out there and did it. I ran, with Matt and Baby C in tow in the jogging stroller, at our favorite park near our house, Little Mulberry Park. 

  I am excited about 2013 and all the new things that are in store for me. My big goal this year is to do a Half Ironman. I've picked out Ironman Augusta 70.3 on September 29. My training for Augusta doesn't officially start until mid May. But until then I'm going to try to build up a nice base. I also would like to do some other races between now and Augusta, probably a sprint & olympic triathlon, and possibly a half marathon (don't hold your breath, running is not my favorite of the three sports). I'm a goal oriented person so I need something to work towards, otherwise I'll just sit on the couch.

  I'll keep you posted about all the adventures 2013 has for me, whether it be motherhood or triathlon training.