Trying to stay motivated

The little one is 8 weeks old, 9 weeks in a couple of days, and I'm having a bit of a motivational blip.


Two weeks ago I had a giggle when I found myself doing tricep dips against the bath one evening while waiting for it to fill.  A couple of days later, while waiting for some pasta to cook, I was doing assisted press-ups against the worktop.  Now when I get a moment to myself I just want to flop, right here on the floor a crumpled bundle of me not doing anything except breathing.  I wanted to flop before, and I did but I also exercised.  Now I'm considering buying those pants that hold everything in.


I know that I feel like this because I'm sleep deprived, I've missed a couple of park sessions and therefore missed encouragement from other mums, and because my uterus has contracted and I'm only making small gains (or rather small losses) in the flabby tummy area.  


In the hope that recognising this blip is the first step towards remotivating myself, here is my plan of action:
1)  I will put on my waterproof jacket (rain is providing an excuse to stay in) and buy some soft fruit and a little choccy bar or cake.  The treat is to remind me to be nice to myself and I will eat it on my own in silence when the kids are asleep and enjoy it as a treat, rather than gorging it when the toddler's back is turned and not appreciating it (so wanting another one).
2)  I will plan the exercise session I am going to run on Monday.  I'm volunteering to run this weekly Ready Steady Mums session - come along - and will blog about this another time.
3)  I will try on my bridesmaid dress, which should arrive this week, and feel happy wearing something beautiful.  In four weeks I'll be wearing it for the bride and groom.
4)  I will do some yoga daily, even if only a few minutes of breathing exercises, as that helps me to slow down and appreciate a moment, and it also helps me to sleep. 

Three and a half weeks postpartum

I'm certainly feeling the three weeks of sleep deprivation but trying to get on with some normal things in life is helping me feel less like a zombie.  Just getting us all up, dressed and fed takes hours, so having gone to the effort of brushing my teeth (when did I last wash my hair?) I might as well go out.


Yesterday was a good day to go out: no rain!  I went to the park for another workout and was encouraged by the number of mums that had brought toddlers to the session.  I recently read a blog entry from another mum blogger who talked about her frustration of not being able to do a workout at home with the kids about, and also of the wish for her children to see her exercising so that she is setting a good impression to them.  I really empathise with that.  I tried to do yoga at home while I was pregnant but ended up doing it when our daughter was asleep as otherwise she was trying to climb on top of me or push her toys into me.


The toddlers at this session stayed in their buggies for a bit, played together or on their own and occasionally wandered off and let mum have a bit of extra exercise chasing them back to the group.  With other mums around there were lots of eyes to check that they were all safe and didn't wander too far.  So now I am planning on going to another workout session with both kids in tow.  


What about exercising at home?  After reading the other mum's blog I've decided to adopt her attitude of doing what you can.  Maybe yoga is best saved for nap times, but I can do stretches and play active games.  My toddler really loves to jump at the moment so maybe more of that (apologies in advance to our neighbours below) or some enthusiastic renditions of "head, shoulders, knees and toes"?

Getting ready for second time around

During this pregnancy I have juggled part-time work with home life in the always-on-the-go way that is the life of a parent.  I also took up yoga, which I have found immensely beneficial.  Katy showed me some stretch and tone exercises from the soon-to-be-released RSM prenatal video.  I haven’t been as disciplined about doing these, sorry Katy!

This time I’m more motivated to lose weight and tone up again soon after the birth (maybe I won’t feel so motivated after I have actually given birth?!).  I thought I would document my journey to see how following RSM as a second time mum works for me.  What keeps me motivated, when do I exercise, what exercise do I do, how do I feel, how do I manage it with a newborn and one under two years old?  How will I as a non-sporty, well intentioned but easily distracted woman fare?