Well done for your getting your mind ready for exercise, I find that’s often the hardest thing. My little one is a little older and I’ve started running for 20-30 minutes three times a week when Daddy gets home. It’s my time away from my munchkin and gets me fit at the same time. I also do my crunches when little Luke is playing (as many as I can fit in :-)).

All I can say is, don’t let it add up like I did, kid after kid. Find the determination – especially before the holidays get here in full force (sounds like you are), and pretty soon you’ll be exercising because you love to do it, not because you are doing it to tighten up the muscles. Someone told me this 60 lbs ago, and I laughed. Now I’m doing triathlons and crazy mud races for fun? I guess that’s the new me. I think I have Doug convinced to train for a mini-tri this winter (we just have to tackle the swimming!!). Thankfully you live in a place that you can exercise in year round (if you get up early to beat the heat) – so that won’t throw off your routine, especially headed into fall/winter. Remember – becoming a mom is all about redefining yourself – spiritually, mentally, physically. Its a huge life change – the biggest. It takes time and patience to get that right, and find the new you. You are doing awesome!

So funny. I can so relate. Losing the weight was pretty easy after Grace, but now, after Ruby it’s no bueno. I’m mostly focusing on portion control (I have been hungry since that girl was born!) and exercising when I can and not worrying about it the rest of the time. :) Good job on doing what you’ve been doing!

Just FYI, your rib cage did expand, but it does go back down. Your boobs may never be as small again (lets be honest, that’s not bad), but your hips also get back together. According to most doctors, etc that I’ve talked to, it takes about 9 months for your bones to move back, because it took 9 months for them to get there. I will never wear some of my HS clothes again, obviously, but you’d be surprised what will fit you again eventually. I’m just reveling in my “new” clothes, because with Logan and Spencer 13 months apart, there’s a whole tote that I never even opened between them. As for exercise… I get time to Wii Fit sometimes, and that’s about it. I’d like to be better, but chasing 4 kids under 5 has it’s merits in the exercise department, too. The brownie/pumpkin muffin/oreo cravings are very real, so I don’t forsee myself withstanding that anytime soon… I also agree with Olivia, don’t let it pile up with more kids. :-D

I got my body back with some work (well almost, the ribcage thing, I swear they’re wider). When my little one was 3 months old, I decided I needed something I can do at home, it has to be 30 minutes or less and it must be tough to whip my muscles back in shape. Searching for bodyweight exercises I found Mark Lauren’s “You Are Your Own Gym”. It fit all my criteria. The cover might scare women off but I wanted something hardcore. Besides he has a slim and fit woman portraying some of the exercises.

I followed the programs in the book, it was a lot of effort at first but within a few weeks, the change was very visible. The best part is my legs look a lot better and are more toned that before the pregnancy!