4.09.2013

Build 'Em Up: Keeping My Identity

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This week's topic for Build 'Em Up is all about remembering who YOU are & not losing your identity once you become a mama. I know there are many ways to talk about this (making sure you get adult time, spending time with girlfriends, going on dates with the husband, etc), however, I will be talking purely about the physical aspect of this. This topic is near & dear to my heart because this is something that has been a struggle for me & is something I am taking care of as we speak. 
I'm the mama of 2 young boys. I had my boys within 22 months of one another. 
I was 25 years old when I had Grayson. Having a kid definitely changes your body. I immediately lost all my baby weight. However, it still wasn't the same. I didn't feel as young anymore. I didn't really try to change anything, I just bought different clothes. I retired my bikinis & bought tankinis. My clothes were, in general, bigger than they were when I was a newlywed. I wasn't thrilled about that, but I just went with it. 
At 27, I had our sweet Griffin. This time, the baby weight didn't fall off. It stuck like glue, actually! I started Weight Watchers soon after he was born but didn't stick with it. Over those first 5ish months after Griffin was born I put on a few pounds. I hated the way that I felt. I wasn't taking care of myself. I wasn't eating right. I wasn't exercising at all. I felt sluggish. I hadn't always felt this way. Somehow during those chaotic first few months as a mom of 2, I kind of lost sight of myself. I put myself last.

About 6 weeks ago I was showing Grayson pictures from when Ben & I were dating. I about did a double take when I saw a picture of us on the beach when we were 20 & 21.  I was shocked at how in shape I looked! (the sad part is that when I developed that picture a gazillion years ago, I remember thinking how awful I looked!)  That picture was the motivation that I needed. I taped it to my mirror in our bedroom & I look at it everyday.

Inside I still feel like that girl. I want the outside to reflect that.

I have made a lifestyle change. I've changed the way that I eat & really the way that our whole family eats. I am exercising daily during the boys' afternoon nap.  I'm seeing results but I just feel so much better.  It's not about just being "skinny." At this stage in my life I just want to feel good in what I am wearing & be a good example to my kids.

  I am mad that I let myself get to a point where I would look in the mirror & not really recognize who I saw. I have definitely realized recently just how important it is to take care of me. I feel like I'm a much better mom when I am taking care of myself, too. I have so much more energy & I'm just happier. And what's that saying? 

If  mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Be sure to go check out Erin, Kelly, Jennifer, & Courtney!

11 comments:

{annie_loo} @ The Farrar Four said...

Get it girl! Way to go! And...you're right...if momma aint happy, no one's happy! Preach on!

Dawn said...

You're doing great! You've encouraged me to be more active! It has been so hard for me now with two kiddos!

Lynsey said...

You are doing a fabulous job! I am so proud of you and will continue to cheer you on!

Catherine/The Anderson Family said...

You are doing so great, Laura! I am so proud of you!

Heidi {Tales From a Suburban Housewife} said...

What a great post! I completely relate. Getting back into shape after my third has been tougher-I think because I'm a bit older. Anyways, glad to hear you are feeling great and making time for yourself:)

Natasha said...

This is my biggest challenge right now. I need to get better about this. You're right in that it's not about how I look but about how I feel.

Courtney DeFeo at Lil Light O' Mine said...

i so related to all your feelings. i know you'll do great. hang in there! and find a friend to meet you at the park or help climb the mountain together. that helps me.

Sarah said...

I follow you on twitter and have seen your successes! I know you can keep it up! I'm on the same journey and it's so not easy! But, I know the end results will be worth it!!! :)

Jenna said...

I wish we lived by each other and could go on lots of walks together! You're looking great, friend!

Jennifer said...

Oh, Laura! You said it perfectly "Inside I still feel like that girl. I want the outside to reflect that." I think that's what makes it so hard. I don't feel any different but I look a lot different than I did pre-baby. Body-wise, at least. You are doing a great job though! I'm inspired by your dedication and progress, keep it up! Thanks for sharing and for linking up with us!

Anna @ The Things I'm Learning said...

Thank you for sharing! Our boys are 21 months apart. I'm so glad I found your blog!