Winning my life back. My battle against PCOS.

30 lbs down as of Saturday!!!!!!  I couldn't have been more excited!  Every time I feel like goofing off or swaying in the tiniest way, I remember how far I have come.  I also know I don't want to go back to the place I was.  I wasn't myself for over a year.  I had no drive to get out and do things.  Everything seemed like a chore.  I wasn't even the mom or wife I know God intended me to be.  Don't get me wrong.  I was and still am a devoted wife and mother.  However, I am much more active with my family now.  I want Jacob to see me making healthy choices so it is not something he has to learn.  It will just be something that comes natural to him. Speaking of the little man...we celebrated his 4th Birthday with a party yesterday.  There were 35 people in my house.  It was great to have all of my family and friends in one place.  I think everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.  I was beat after al...

So...my back was hurting last week, so I didn't do my miles.  I did the two Zumba sessions, but that is it.  I skipped Monday for Jacob's birthday.  I really did not want to go tonight.  It would have been much easier to sit down and watch the Biggest Loser people sweat instead of sweating myself.  So....I....went to Zumba!  There is no room for excuses at this point in the game.  As soon as I let the old ways creep back in, there is no telling what kind of down-ward spiral will ensue.  I was happy to find that I have lost a total of 28 pounds now.  I just have one pound to go until I am out of the 180's.  I am almost back to the weight I was when I said my vows!!  Yay for me.  It wouldn't be as much of a journey without the friends who are on this journey with me.  I am literally watching people I have known for years melt away before my very eyes.  There isn't even magic involved.  It's just good ol...

I cannot believe it was four years ago today that my little man was welcomed into my arms.  He was worth every minute of doubt, pain, and all of the tears shed.  I thank God every day for the blessing that it is to be his mommy!  We spent the day having lunch with Papa, went to see my friend Leslie's new Valentine baby (also a miracle baby), and then daddy made us lobster tail and shrimp for dinner.  Does it get any better?  Obviously, I skipped Zumba tonight... I even managed to file our taxes which was the worst part of my day.  All in all, it was a great day to spend with my little angel.  Signing off for now, ~Jess

Ok....step 1. NEVER DO ZUMBA IN SHAPE UPS!!!<-----Unless you are very coordinated.  I did this last Thursday, and paid dearly for it.  I was sore until Monday.  I had the day off and did a ton of laundry.    I decided that every time I would go upstairs to get a new load, I would do lunges.  I then followed up with Zumba in the evening.  There was one new routine, but it substituted another song, so I thought I would be just fine. I woke up Tuesday morning feeling awful.  I had really hurt my back with the shoes, and didn't rest like I should have over the weekend.  I went to see the chiropractor yesterday.  I felt so good this morning when I woke up that I wore my heeled boots to work today.  I know...what was I thinking?  I followed that up with Zumba again this evening.  I am not sure if I am putting more effort into it, or not drinking enough water, or pushing myself too hard at home, or what, BUT I am sore toni...

It is funny to me how the society views "skinny" or "thin". Everyone wants to look perfect in a bathing suit, but are never satisfied when they put it on. I went to Florida with one of my best friends when we were 19. I weighed 160 pounds. I thought I was huge! I got plenty of stares, but I managed to convince myself that they were looking at my fat butt and pale skin instead of the fact that they may have been admiring the scenery. I got married a month before my 23rd birthday. I weighed 172 pounds. I was so bummed that I couldn't lose he weight before the big day. I did love my dress though! When I got pregnant with Jacob, I weighed 180 pounds. I had reached an all time high at that point. I thought I was lucky to have lost 12 lbs in the beginning of my pregnancy. How stupid is that? I was losing weight because I was sick and on bedrest, but felt good about the drop in pounds. Why is it that we are never happy with who we are? Why is I that a...

I could have used the fact that I didn't have to work yesterday, and only had a half day on Tuesday as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted and not exercise.  It would have been really easy considering Zumba was canceled.  I am proud to say that I didn't do that.  I walked 2 miles Monday, 2 miles Tuesday, played on my Auntie's Wii Fit Wednesday (after bowling), and did some Zumba tonight.  Hopefully all of this hard work is paying off.  I was excited to find out this morning that I am down another half a pound.  I believe that makes a pound and a half in the last three weeks.  That is ok.  I realize I have hit somewhat of a plateau.  In the past, this would have been about the time that I would say, "Well, obviously it is not worth it.  I give up!"  I keep reminding myself of why I started this journey.  It isn't just to better my health.  It is to be a better wife and mother to the family I have been blessed with.  I...

I was on the last sentence of a very long blog entry when I somehow hit delete.  Without typing everything over again, I will sum it up.  Today marks the 6 month anniversary of my Papa's death.  It is also what would have been his 77th Birthday.  I miss him very much each day.  I want nothing more than to make him proud.  I will continue this journey each day remembering what you taught me growing up; that I can do anything I put my mind to.  I will not give up. I love you very much.  Until we meet again... ~Jess