Easy weight loss and stretch mark reduction...no, really!

Dear Monster,

   I will always say that I am lucky because I only gained 20lbs while I was pregnant with you. However, only 2lbs 7oz of that was actually you! So, after you were born I had some work to do. Loooots of work to do. I'm back to a little less than my pre-pregnancy weight so I'm happy with how I look but my post pregnancy body was NOT something I was warned about. In the end, you're here, you're happy and you're healthy and I would give up my flawless skin and skinny hips for that over and over and over again! Love you HoneyBee!
~~~

POST PREGNANCY WEIGHT!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!! Tack onto that the struggles with postpartum depression, stretch marks, and trying to find a desperate moment to sleep...*sigh* Life as a brand new Mom is not what the books and stories make it out to be. Go to google, go to Pinterest, go to the library and there are millions upon million of ideas, tips, and recommendations for how to lose the extra pounds and get back to happy and healthy. I have tried all of them! Diets, work outs, lotions, meditation, naps, reading, writing, talking, quiet moments, bah! Nothing worked 100%.

Well, today I am here to help with TWO things. Weight, and stretch marks! Don't fret, we'll get to the mental health on another day but I find it is easier to feel good on the inside when you are feeling better on the outside. Keep in mind that no woman should ever be ashamed of her stretch marks. It is tangible evidence of just how bad ass our female bodies are. I mean, come on, WE DUPLICATE! If the only evidence of our amazing duplication is that our wonderful curves are a little bit more enhanced and our skin stretches just a little, I think we're still doing pretty damn well!

Let's start with stretch marks! If they are just bothering you to the point of distraction, I have a solution for you that might actually work. I have tried Lanolin, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, A&D Ointment, massage therapy...the list goes on and on and on. Through all of this I have found ONE product that works. It made my stretch marks completely disappear! I came upon it through one of my favorite people in the whole world, Miss Lacey, a best friend of mine! We just grabbed one of the massage bars by chance and holy guacamole, was I surprised! Here it is ladies:

Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar

You can purchase this wonderful piece of heaven at any Lush (<~ that link will take you to the Store Locator!) location or you can purchase it online. I don't know why it works, but it did for me. You can't even see my stretch marks! The second best part?? It has drastically reduced my scar from my C-section! It wasn't a beast to begin with but it has brought it down to practically nothing! Even better? It's happened over the last month! AHHH! I love this freaking thing! So, give it a try, see if you like it. Oooo...and it smells like cinnamon! My husband follows me are the house smelling me and calling me his "Cinnamon Wife" for 12 hours after I use this thing! On the site there is a video that explains how to use it, there is a description of what's in it and why, and you can have it in your hot little hand in one week for approximately $17 with shipping! The bar itself is around $11 if you buy it in stores. Oh, and by the way, it lasts f-o-r-e-v-e-r!!

Now that we're working on that problem, lets move onto getting that baby weight off! I'm going to be completely honest with you here...working out and getting back into shape was on the absolute bottom of my worry list post-pregnancy. Finding time between putting bottles together, sleeping, playing, working, doctor's appointments, physical therapy appointments, and living in general was just not even a possibility. So, after trying a ton of different work outs and work our regimens I came to the conclusion that I had one basic problem: Liam. Anytime I would try to work out or go for a simple walk Liam needed or wanted something different and Mommy's ajenda was no longer a possibility. My solution? INCLUDE THE MONSTER! How simple is that? He works great as weight resistance and he has tons of fun sitting with me and flying through the air! Plus, he is constantly growing so I am always being challenged! No plateauing for me! Are you ready for some simple work outs that include your kiddo?? Master Tip: Do these workouts around an hour after your kiddo eats. Don't do it right before food time and absolutely DO NOT do them right after! Vomit city is coming your way if you do. Ha ha ha

Here we go! (Preface: Sorry about the pictures, I'm not a professional and we had to get them while Liam was in a good mood which is rough right now because he is teething and he got vaccines yesterday! Eek!)

Warm up: Baby Dancing! Easy way to get your body warmed up and get you up and moving! Grab your monster (in any position), clench those glutes and walk around your house. Take big steps, take small steps, bounce your monster, just move around in general! You can do this for about 5 minutes.

Full Body Warm Up: Baby Grabs! This generally only works if your monster can stand but you may be able to modify it if you set your little one in a bouncer or swing in front of you. 1) Stand your kiddo up in front of you, and squat down (keep that back straight and don't let your knees go beyond the tip of your toes). 2) Lift your kiddo up so that your arms are straight out in front of you 3) Lift them above your head 4) Hold for a count of three. 4) Slowly lower back down following the same path. If this is your first real attempt at working out you will only want to do about 3 of these to start. You can work up to more as your body re-adapts to true physical activity.

Leg Lowers: 1) Lay flat on your back with your knees straight over your hips and your lower legs parallel to the ground. 2) Lay your kiddo across your lower legs 3) Lower your knees to your chest and lift your shoulders, neck, and head off the floor (Keep that chin up!) 4) Hold for a count of three. 5) Slowly return to the original position. Again, you may only want to do a few of these the first couple of times you do this. Your abs will HATE you tomorrow!

Baby Crunches: I find this one is a little easier for me if I am able to lightly rest my feet on something like the couch or a chair. This is one of Liam's favorites. Master Tip: Give your kiddo a couple of toys to keep him/her busy. He/She is mainly just sitting and watching your face for this one! 1) Stay in your Leg Lowering position but move your monster to sit on your stomach (this helps to remind you to keep your pelvis on the floor and Liam loves it when my abs flex and he moves around because of it!) 2) With your fingertips at the base of your skull for minor support use your abs to bring your upper chest, neck, and head up to say HI to your kiddo (Keep that chin up off your chest!!) 3) Hold for a count of three. 4) Slowly lower back to your original position. Your abs will hate you for this one too!! Only do a few!

Baby Lunges: Keep that toy in your kiddos hands! You'll need it for this one too! 1) Start with your monster in your arms with your feet together and your back straight in a standing position. 2) Lunge forward making sure the knee of your lunging leg in line with the tips of your toes 3) Hold for a count of two. 3) Moving forward, return to your standing position. 4) Repeat with your other leg. 5) Moving forward, return to your standing position. Try to do 3 full sets!

Cool Down: Baby Dancing! Relax and cool down with some more baby dancing. Move slower and with more intention while doing this for a cool down. OH, and you don't have to clench your glutes for this one!



There you have it! I went from 162 to 137 just doing this and watching my calorie intake. It's simple and it lets you have some quality time with your monster. I hope these simple tips can make being a new Mommy even just a little bit easier! Remember you have to love yourself to love others!

Do you have any awesome tips for working out or getting rid of those silly stretch marks? We'd love to hear them!

Happy Saturday!