One of those weeks.

It has been testing to say the least, lack of sleep, lack of patience and complete loss of sense of humour.

It started on Monday Evening, Elsie is a very noisy sleeper. She cries out in her sleep, kicks crazily and makes little piglet noises. At least every half an hour, which means I wake about every half an hour, that's if I even ever fell asleep.

Tuesday -
I tidy the whole house.

Write a couple of reports.

Attempt to go to town with my mum to pick up hubs watch.

Sounds delightful, and to my husband it's a fun day out. But on little sleep and with a baby, this little outing is like a full army mission, with feeding times and nappy changes it can sometimes take over and hour to get out the house.

Then I realise I'm not even dressed.

Come home.

 Lola (Puggle Puppy) has emptied her bowels all over the clean kitchen floor. She has obviously eaten a stone, peg, tree (I don't care to investigate anymore I'm sure it will turn up in her sick or poop at some point)
Que clean the whole house again, because the smell has got every where as far as I'm concerned.

Tuesday Evening.

Do a body pump class (with what energy I wasn't sure)

Hubby offers to sort the bottles ready for bed... how nice. I settle into a sleep.

3am

 Elsie wakes up. There are vital parts of bottle making equipment missing. (OBVIOUSLY)

Go downstairs.

Lola has had another FOUR accidents on the kitchen floor.

Give her cuddle she must be poorly.

Clean the kitchen again.

Run back to screaming baby.

Aaaand Feed.

Aaaannddd half sleep till 5.

Wednesday

Clean Kitchen Again

Take Lola to the vets. *KACHING*

Take Elsie for her first injections :(

Go home

Husband returns home as I am doing my work - moans about how tired he is. I mustn't know how he feels.

Get ratty with him.

Feel guilty so be nice.

Go to bed.

Thursday

No sleep again.

Only one accident from Lola this time.

Clean the house.

Stub my toe whilst hoovering.

Write this to release some anger as the baby sleeps.

INSP QUOTES

Sweat is your fat crying.

Don't treat yourself with food, Your Not a Dog.

Body Pump = FEEL THE BURN

I just did my first body pump class with Steve at The Club and Spa. As expected I can not move my arms further than an inch away from my body. Similar to that odd Impulse Advert where all the women danced with their arms at their sides. I have no idea how I will lift Elsie tomorrow, or even move.

Steve is understandably soooo toned, and proves to me the benefits of the class. Along with two ladies that took part in the class that had bodies I am currently dreaming of. The young lady in front of me had a very nice booty and I'm not ashamed to say that I couldn't help looking at it. She is definitely my squatspiration, The Hubster is hoping I become bootilicious and this will be the class to do it!

Right now I would rather stick pins in my eyes than do another squat or trisep dip, but I am staying strong and motivated, 8 weeks till holiday. We can do this.

Four Tips for Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy

Here are some motivational postpartum pointers to get you going in fitness.

Pregnancy Tip 1: Set Your Sights

If you haven't done so already, set a realistic goal for yourself — say, losing one pound per week. Work toward it by following a sensible weight-loss diet (the Postpartum Diethas all the nutrients you need; add about 300 calories a day if you're nursing), and by exercising regularly. Regular is the operative word here — working out for at least 30 minutes three times a week is essential to losing baby weight after pregnancy (and staying healthy for your little one). 

Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy Tip 2: Keep Moving!

Sticking to a diet is much easier if you stay active (and you’re already on the move with everyday baby care!) plus postpartum exercise can boost your metabolism. Find an activity you enjoy — jogging, yoga, cycling, swimming, even walking works — and plan it into your week. You'll get in shape even faster if you squeeze even a little extra activity into your daily routine. For example, leave the car in the garage and take the baby in his stroller for nearby errands. When you do drive, park a bit farther away than usual, and take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can. Every step counts toward your ultimate goal of burning more calories than you take in (the only way to shed those stubborn pounds!). 

Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy Tip 3: Team Up

When it comes to losing baby weight after pregnancy, you need all the support you can get — so make sure your partner is on board, too. Instead of watching TV, take a walk tonight. And together, make a commitment to sticking to a diet. Start by ridding your fridge and pantry of high-fat foods; then stock up on fruits and veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and lean meats, poultry, and fish that are good for you (no matter what you weigh). Keep an eye out for each other’s eating habits — no sneaking snacks! 

Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy Tip 4: Think Positive

Most importantly, keep a positive attitude about sticking to a diet. Treat yourself to some smart snacking with healthy on-the-go noshes and focus on what you've accomplished so far (like having a baby and the weight you've already lost). And remember that just because you aren't at your prepregnancy weight yet doesn't mean you can't look fabulous. If your skinny clothes are still too skinny, buy a couple of fun things that you'll enjoy wearing as you make progress towards losing baby weight after pregnancy. A new haircut or makeup can also perk you up as you slim down. 

Exercising with Baby on Board: Some Fun Ways to help..

Course you want to get back into shape — and of course, finding time to work out can be next to impossible with a little one taking so much of your time. One way to get back into the fitness swing is to start exercising with your baby. Here are some exsample ideas on moving your butt (and whittling down your belly) with your little one at your side.

Walk the walk. Pop your baby in her/his stroller and hit the road (or the mall, if you prefer). A front carrier works too, and the extra weight will give your workout an extra boost. ( I use a carrier a lot it fantastic and so much easier) Or sign up for a stroller-based class or a personal trainer to come to your home, which both will give you a great cardio workout and it also tones your muscles — and if you go to a class you might even make some new mommy friends. I would wait to buy a jogging stroller or bike trailer until your baby is to hold their neck/head in a controled away to ride safely.

Take a hike. Ah, the great outdoors — it's a breath of fresh air for both of you. If you choose to hit the trail for a workout with baby, consider your baby's age and temperament before you set out. For one- to five-month-olds, use a front carrier to give head and neck support. How long a hike you can take depends on your stamina and your baby's. Remember that an infant, especially one who's not used to being confined in a carrier, will probably not last longer than 20 to 30 minutes without fussing. Those sturdy back carriers should be reserved for a sturdier baby (six- to 14-month-olds). Be sure to pack snacks (get ideas for smart snacking ), drinks, and nappies, and plan your trek ahead of time. Go early (or late) in the day to avoid the sun's rays, and whether it's winter or summer, dress both your baby and yourself appropriately. Layers work best.

Experiment with yoga and Pilates. Both can help increase your flexibility and strength using your own body for resistance — and it can be a great workout with baby as well. Once your cutie is at least four months old, try some mat exercises like this one that really targets those abs (yay!): Lie on your back, bend your knees and plant your feet flat on the floor, then prop the baby on your pelvis facing you (hold under her/him arms). Inhale and pull your navel toward your spine; exhale and lift your bottom and back off the floor, one vertebra at a time, until you've pulled your body into a straight line from chest to knees (keeping a careful grip on your baby, of course). Inhale, then roll back down (and give them a kiss). Repeat.

Get in the swim. Working out in the water is wonderful for both of you. You'll enjoy feeling weightless after all those months of feeling huge, and your baby enjoying the simple act of splashing their hands. And exercising with baby in the water is simple — you can use your baby as a weight by holding beneath the arms and lifting her up, then lowering her/him back into the pool. (make sure it's safe) 

Do a little dance. Get down with your darling to your favorite tunes (you won’t even notice you’re getting a workout with baby!). And not only will your little one love the movement, you'll also foster a passion for music. (No head-banging, Mama, no matter how radical the song might be…and don't pump up the volume too much — tiny ears are extra-sensitive.)

How to get those Amanda Holden Arms.

Here are a few of the exercises Will and I do when we are at TheClub and Spa, but I also have to do them when I am at home... homework.

Chair Dips

Do it:

• Sit on the edge of the chair with your feet together.
• Place your hands on the seat on either side of your thighs and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Bend your elbows 90 degrees and lower yourself toward the floor.
• Straighten your arms, raising your body back to the start position.
• Do 8 reps to start with and build up your reps each time you do the exercise.
• Two Arm Tricep Extension. 

Two Arms Tricep Extension.

• Stand up and hold one dumbbell with both hands behind your head, upper arms pointing straight up.
• Raise the dumbbell up by curling your elbows and slowly lower it back after a short pause.
• Your upper arms should remain still throughout

You can do these exercises at home or at the gym so they are perfect for working your arms, wherever you are. 

Say Hello to Amanda Holden arms in no time. 

Thinspiration

Many people think of this as a negative word, but if you are sensible and serious about losing weight safely then it is just that. Inspiration to help us thin.

I have a few Thinsps, but Amanda Holden is my number 1.

      

Amanda Holden, is super sexy and I can only hope that I will look as good as she does at her age. She is nicely toned, her arms are firm without going all Madonna Heroin Chic like some people do, and she has had children. So she shows me that my perfect body dream is possible.

So you may say Thinspiration is a negative word, but I think that having inspiration for something whether it is the gym, a career or chocolate. It can only be a good thing...

Thank you for the Inspiration Amanda.

The Importance of Eating

Today I learnt a valuable lesson, having got no sleep thanks to lovely Elsie and not eating this morning due to being in a mad rush I set off to meet Will at The Club and Spa for my first PT sesh of the week.

Feeling the pressure today, I could tell my strength was down, along with my motivation and determination to get rid of the dreaded fat... "maybe I could live with it" definitely crossed my mind a few times as I held back the tears but no I fought on with Wills help we hit it hard and fast until...

Just at the end of the session on the bike (during the warm down I might add). I lost my breath, I just couldn't catch a breath and in turn started to panic. Trying to keep myself calm I had to steer myself away from the impending full blown panic attack that was creeping up inside me. Luckily Will noticed (probably the fear in my eyes) and kept me calm whilst trying to keep me on a steady path with my cycling to take my mind off the fact I couldn't breath.

Once I was back to normal and had apologised repeatedly to Will for my lack of energy, determination and Will power. He asked me what I had eaten today... "A Banana" I shrugged - then I got it. A very stern look.

Will explained to me that due to the lack of food in my system along with the 48 hours I hadn't really slept, my body had nothing to work on, and therefore it struggled to even breath. Whoops, my bad.

But no matter how tired you are it is important to still continue with a good exercise regime as it will help with your energy levels through the day.

For me this is really important, having Elsie and Lola to entertain as well as do my work and try to be a good wife (although admittedly poor Danny and dinner keep creeping down the list) by exercising in the morning I do find I have that extra push to get on with my days.

It wasn't even the panic attack I was ashamed of, but the fact that I hadn't listened to Will when he has repeatedly told me to eat more... it is just an odd concept for me to eat more when I am desperate to lost weight. But Boy will I eat more in future. It was utterly embarrassing nearly crying and spluttering for breath in the middle of the gym and I only have myself to blame.

Sorry Will, lesson learnt. I promise.

Not Enough.

The Gloves are OFF

Today I had another PT Session with Will at The Club and Spa Gym in Chester. Will is fabulous when it comes to mummies wanting to lose their tummies, and he also a dab hand at anger management.

When handed a pair of boxing gloves I thought this is just what I need. Boxing is a great way to get fit, it raises your heart rate, tones those bingo wings and relieves any built up tension.

I could feel my troubles (and my fat) melting away, but who would have thought there was the need for coordination in boxing? Poor will nearly had a black eye when I got confused between my lefts and rights.

I am now completely jelly legged but utterly invigorated. I can't wait to do it all again - I didn't know getting fit could be fun I thought it was all treadmills and cross trainers.

Lola

Lola is our Puggle Christmas Pup, we got the little rascal when I was 4 months pregnant and she is the best dog I have ever known.

Lola loves water, she likes to be close to you and more recently she adores eating stones (and consequently throwing them up). Since the day we got her she has eaten everything she shouldn't including:
Laptop Chargers
Pillows
Spongebob
Her Bed
Chocolate Biscuits
Teddy
Playstation Cable
Phone Charger

More importantly though, I want to talk about how brilliant she has been since Elsie came along. It will soon be Elsie and Lola, they will be best friends. Lola already knows how to calm Elsie down and likes to be as close to Elsie as any other member of the family.

an example of how Lola likes to be close to people.

Lola is a nutter, and has the best snuggle tooth around. Many people think that there is a human inside her and I tend to agree with them. She is a great big sister and although I never leave the two alone together I know there is going to be a special bond between them.

Post Natal Exercise Tips

Did you know that when your pregnant, your abs split in half and move around to the back of your body? (this could be where my back fat came from)

During my PT session today with Will, he told me that you aren't to do Sit Ups or Crunch like exercises to get your tummy back in shape as it could give you a POT BELLY. We don't want that ladies.

This is because your Abs aren't yet healed and by doing the wrong exercises it can cause them to heal incorrectly. 

What should you do...

Work on your Core - and strengthen your abs from within. 

Here is an excellent exercise for your core and pelvic floor muscles. 

The Pelvic Floor Lift, here Will is using a kettle bell, but you could use your baby and incorporate play time too.

(demonstrated by the lovely Will at The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall in Chester) 

SHE'S SMILING

Wow, Elsie smiled for the first time and I don't even know what to do with my self. Other than send photo's to everyone I know, then post them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Should I send one into the local paper? I know everyone in Chester would love to see Elsies first smile... wouldn't they?

A mummy first, and a first time mummy. I just had my first proud moment and my smile is from ear to ear. I can't wait for Daddy Cugs to get home so we can show him our new trick.

Back Fat

So I had a baby 5 weeks ago, and after a week I wasn't back into my jeans... What the heck I thought. The baby is gone... so why on earth am I still having to wear maternity leggings up to my arm pits and baggy tops.

Nobody tells you about the wobbly bit in the middle that doesn't go away, like they inserted some jelly in there to replace the vacant space that Elsie once lived.

"Be Patient" they say, "It will drop off you in no time" I hear.

It has been 5 weeks and I spotted a new revelation. BACK FAT. What is this strange thing that rolls around my bra straps I ask. Even though I have never been a gym goer or particularly healthy eater, I have never had BACK FAT.

"THAT'S IT" I am joining a gym, and join the gym I did. The Doubletree by Hilton in Chester has a brand spanking new Club and Spa - It's very swanky and just the thing I need to get myself into gear. So now I am a member of a gym and I have a lovely Personal Trainer called Will.

We had our first session yesterday, and inevitably I can't walk today - but I shall gain a body like Amanda Holden and I will show that Back Fat who's the Boss.

( I also got to go shopping for lots of nice gym clothes, and I have ordered a sexy pair pink trainers which I can't wait to hit the gym in.)