Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Meet the Characters

     
Kristen:

I like many women gained a lot of weight during pregnancy. 30lbs to be exact. I kept that weight on for over a year.

It got to a point where I didn't even want my picture taken anymore. Seeing some pictures of myself brought my weight problem to reality.

June 2009 - 177lbs
When the husband announced he would be going on a military vacation for 2 months I decided it was time for a change. Not only did I want to look better but I wanted to feel better. I felt tired all the time and lazy. I needed to lose the extra pounds for my kids. I want to always be able to keep up with them.

I stumbled upon Kath's blog and found her food concept appealing. Eat lots of veggies and exercise. It was so simple. I started adding veggies to every meal. I also started running. At first I could only run to my friends house (a block away). It kept getting easier. Eventually I could run to the end of the road without walking.

I made it down to 155lbs and was running 5k's easily.  I had my son in October 2010 and am back where I started,  30lbs heavier.  


My family loves food. The whole concept. Preparing, cooking, eating, digesting... ALL of it. It's completely a social experience for us.

I started this blog in the beginning to help me keep track of the food I eat and to blog about our family.  Now I'm turning back to it to lose my last 30lbs.


November 2009 - 155 lbs

The Squirrel:

I didn't mention before that I had a pretty eventful pregnancy. Not only did I gain a bunch of weight but my water broke at 24 weeks. I was on bedrest for 4 weeks before I went into labor at 28 weeks. The squirrel was born at 1lb 14oz. She was 12 1/2 inches long from head to toe. She spent 67 days in the NICU in Florida.

She is now almost 3 and is a happy healthy little girl. Besides being in the NICU at the beginning she has had no major problems. We've never had to see a therapist or any special doctor. If you are interested in reading her story please let me know. I have an additional blog that I started during pregnancy and continued to blog up until recently.



Little Buddy:
Little buddy was born on 10-10-10. Special birthday for such a special little guy. Squirrelly was 3 months early, little buddy was 3 days late. God is mysterious. He and squirrel are pretty opposite. He's laid back and easy going. She's sassy and a busy body. Both like to help (supervise) in the kitchen.



The Husband:

The husband is a helicopter pilot for the USMC. He started the military journey about six years ago and it's been a rough road. The military lifestyle has it's ups and downs but we are so grateful for it. The husband loves his job and I am thankful he has such a good one. We are currently stationed near Wilmington, NC so if any of you bloggers live near me tell me!



 

           

36 comments:

Gina said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh WOW!! What an amazing story you have. Fantastic. Congrats to you, first, for losing your pregnancy weight. I'm sure that's not easy, and you did it, and look fantastic. Also, congrats for raising a clearly very happy and healthy baby :) Your pictures of "The Squirrel" are so amazing. The things they do now, I mean she was obviously very small, but look at her now!! Perfectly precious and healthy. I'm so amazed.

myhealthypassion.wordpress.com said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I just found your blog and I think you have amazing story! I can't wait to follow along and learn more about you! P.S...you have a beautiful family! :)

lunchiemunchies said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wow you're doing so brilliantly, we have completely different goals but your determination is still so inspiring, hooray for health! Your little girl is adorable by the way.

Kath said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hey Kristen! Just stumbled upon your blog from a blog comment on mine. Cool to see you mentioned me here!! Your Squirrel is precious :)And congrats on your weight loss success!

foodologie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hi Kristen! Thanks for stopping by my blog! You have a beautiful family and an adorable baby!!

Anne @ the doctor takes a wife said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Just found your blog :) Love it!!

weightwatchersforone said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

you daughter is absolutely beautiful... and so are you! :)

Kristen said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Thank you for visiting my blog and your encouraging words about having a little one in the NICU, I appreciate it!

Healthy Happy Place said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I didn't realize the story behind your precious baby. wow! I'm so happy she's healthy and thriving

jill said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Great story! Little squirrel is a doll...
I'm due April 2nd!! :)

homecookedem.wordpress.com said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hi Kristen!! Your progress is definitely something to be so proud of!! I love that you mention Kath. She was the first food blog I ever read. She has definitely had a positive influence on me ever since. Your baby is so adorable. I'm so glad that she is doing well and happy and healthy today!! :)

whydeprive said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Such a wonderful story! Congratulations for losing the weight, you look FANTASTIC!

Adrien said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh my god. You have the cutest family ever!

I love that she's called Squirrel- priceless!

Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier- looking forward to more from you! xx

plamarie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Great jod losing the weight! Squirrel, I love it! What an amazing girl!

Anais said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You look so gorgeous :) I totally know what you mean about not wanting your picture taken though... When I look through my pictures in 2008, there's maybe 1 or 2 of me???

I think you did a great job, it's so inspiring :)

And can I just say that you have an adorable family?? Your little squirrel is so cute!!

thebalancebroad said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh my goodness....your daughter is just beautiful! I've had two cousins born at 26 and 28 weeks, and they are thriving now, as well. And you look absolutely amazing, as well!

Megan said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Kristen! What a wonderful story you have. Your lil' squirrel is adorable! Thanks for stopping by my blog - I'm definitely following yours now too!

faithfitnessfun said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wow! Since I'm new to your blog I just had a chance to read up more about you and your story is great. I love that you focus on health instead of a number on the scale. And it must have been such a feeling of blessedness to have made it through your baby girl being delivered so early. She is beautiful and I'm so happy everything turned out well for you and your family. And thanks to your husband for serving our country. :)

Lu said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I just found your blog. Love it! So cute. Congratulations on Baby #2. I'm a military wife as well, so I am really excited to read about this aspect of your life as well. The Squirrel is beautiful.

Hannah said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What an amazing journey you have been on already! Nice to "Meet" you! :)

Nicole (dishin') said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your story and think you look great! My brother was a preemie too (he was 1 lb. 10 oz.). This was back in 1983 so I know things have come along way, healthcare wise. Your daughter looks happy and healthy! Looking forward to reading more :)

teneightsixfour said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

A) Your daughter is absolutely adorable! I love how you call her Your Squirrel!
B) Your family is too cute!
C) I love your blog! :)

Penny said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

1)When I scrolled down and saw that first picture of your daughter, my stomach did a weird flopping thing and a tear came to my eye. She is so beautiful now. Congrats on her and the new baby. My boys are 8 and a half and 6 months! :-)
2)You have a great blog.
3)Kath seems to inspire us all doesn't she? She was one of the first blogs I read.
4) Congrats on losing your baby weight. You look great.

Jessica said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Kristen, I just read this section of your blog for the first time. I want you to know you looked fabulous at your old weight, and look fabulous now too. Being healthy and feeling good is so important, and I'm really glad you've found a balance. I'm always inspired reading others journeys, and yours is no exception!

midgetkeeper said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wow, so much much to say!

I can totally relate to your weight loss story, I am just in the beginning myself. Great job, you look amazing!

Your Daughter is beautiful and such a blessing. What a strong fighter. Just miraculous.

We are a military family as well so I know how hectic and crazy the life style can be!

merrberruns said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Your baby is beautiful, I'm currently living in Durham NC. We go to wilmington often though to the beach. I'd love to meet up with you sometime! I'm looking at grad school at UNC wilmington. How long are you there for?

Corinne said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

thank you for stopping by my blog! you look absolutely stunning! your family is so precious and beautiful :) i look forward to reading more!!

Melissa said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I love your story! You have a beautiful family! I'm interested in getting into running. I will take your advice, just a little at a time and try to increase my distance. Thanks for the tip and for stopping by my blog! Oh and you look great!

Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I am expecting my first baby in November and think I will relate a lot to what you write about on your blog. Into Google Reader it goes! :)

Lindsay@LivingLindsay said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You live in Wilmington - I love it there! I live in Holly Springs, NC, about 1 1/2 hours away. We love going to Wrightsville Beach in the summertime. I'm glad you commented on my blog and I found yours! :)

Tessa @ Amazing Asset said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I just found your blog from the comment section of someone elses and am so glad I did! Your story shows how strong you are, and your family is so beautiful. Good for you for changing your eating habits for the better! I look forward to reading more :)

Gretchen @ Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen! said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What an inspiring story - your children are beautiful! Though it must have been at least a little scary giving birth 3 months early the first time around! I love that you embrace the whole foods, clean eating approach that Kath does - it is the same approach I *try* to maintain to my weight loss as well. And since I've lost 50 lbs so far, I guess it works! Looking forward to reading more about you. :)

The Healthy Engineer said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Such a great and inspiring transformation!!

LOVE the music on your blog :)

Amy-Nutrition by Nature said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Kristen,
Just had a chance to read through your bio without being interrupted 10 times ;-). Wow, your story is amazing from beginning to end! Your children are beautiful.

Kim @ Eat, Live, and Blog said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I just stumbled across your blog and I love it! Your kids are so cute! :)

Katie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a beautiful family you have!

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: I am not a registered dietician nor do I have any type of medical training. Anything documented on this blog is my personal opinion or a learned experience.