Running in Circles

We're taking Hazel on her first camping trip tonight- so excited for time with new friends, hiking, and yummy s'mores!

I have put off writing this post because I'm sure a lot of people could care less what shape I am in now. I consider myself a pretty modest person in dress and attitude, but there's nothing like posting a picture of half your body on the internet to keep you motivated!

 I've had a lot of people ask me how to lose weight especially after pregnancy and childbirth so I thought I'd share a few helpful thoughts.
Before: I gained 24 pounds

1. Be Patient with yourself

Remember that being pregnant takes a toll on your body and it will take time and effort to see results after. Enjoy the time with your new baby and don't waste time thinking about losing weight at first. 

2.  Chug that Water!!!

I realize how lucky I am to have had an easy experience with breastfeeding. When you are nursing you have to drink a lot of water to keep your supply up. It's easy at the beginning because you get so thirsty when you sit down to feed your babe, but most days I drink 120 oz + of water. Stay away from soda and juices.

3. Avoid junk food and fast food

It takes time to meal plan, but avoiding restaurants and fast food can save you money and calories!

I have a sweet tooth, just like everyone else and I enjoy my M&M's just like everyone else in my family, but its about moderation. 

4. There's nothing like good ol' exercise

If you're reading this blog you know I love to run and teach Pilates. Being fit takes effort but it is so rewarding. The current recommendations for exercise are 60 minutes of cardio on most days of the week (5-6 times) and strength training (weights, resistance training, HIIT two to three times a week. 

5. Make the time

It is so easy to make excuses, even now that Hazel is 8 months old, but if you make a plan stick to it. I have a set, planned workout and run everyday and I do it. Sometimes it means waking up at 6:30 am and pumping so I can run before Hazel wakes up. Sometimes I don't get to run...Brice has to go to work early, Hazel sleeps in, or heaven forbid I sleep in :) But then I spend nap time doing P90X, Jillian Michaels videos, my own  Pilates workouts.

6. Get rid of the guilt.

I am a better wife, mother, and friend when I exercise-its not all about what you look like. At the beginning I felt very selfish when I would leave Hazel with Brice to go workout. But having the time to myself, to push myself physically and mentally does a lot more for my relationships than the time I'm missing from them. If you can make exercise a family affair- if you cant then push the guilt to the side and take care of your own health.

7. Set goals/Find your motivation

At the beginning my goal was to lose the extra pounds, but I do believe breastfeeding was the most efficient at that. Next my motivation came from wanting to get back in running shape. My last run when I was pregnant was 9 miles at a 9:05 pace. Great distance, but much much slower than where I was before. This last week I have been running 6:40-7:30 min miles and couldn't be more thrilled.

Later this week I'm going to share a few of my FAVORITE exercise, but for now figure out your motivation!

So it turns out that its still in the rainy season here in Seattle. Like it has not rained only 4 or 5 days since we've been here! Hazel and I discovered this little play area at the Bellevue Square Mall and now it has become a weekly place to visit. 

There's usually 30+ kids running an climbing around and Hazel LOVES to watch the big kids play!!

This girl is developing some serious personality. She is still an easy going, happy baby but has mastered the fake cry at bedtime and knows when shes in trouble because she gives me the biggest puppy eyes ever.

I just love her!

P.S. this humidity does nothing for my hair. yikes!

Everyday on my plate is a yummy salad! Most days it looks something like this. 

Summer Berry Salad

-Romaine lettuce

- Blueberries

- Sliced strawberries

- Sliced green apple

- 1 strip of bacon (cut up of course)

-1 tablespoon of granola ( you could use almonds instead)

- Raspberry vinaigrette

This salad has made it rounds on my lunch or dinner plate almost daily for a while now. It is just so light and summery. If you want to make it a little more filling add a piece of grilled chicken breast or eat it as a side to a yummy panini sandwich.

Enjoy! 

I am so especially grateful for my dad. 

He has always been supportive and quick to lend a listening ear. I remember in high school when lots of my friends would be complaining about their parents and all I could think about was how lucky I was for my parents. My dad would sit there and listen to me talk about my "big boy problems" and every other little thing. So thank you for listening, for driving to all those soccer games, for singing down in the valley, for teaching me about hard work, and for setting a wonderful example of scripture study and a love for the gospel.

I am so grateful for my Father-in-law, Doug too! I enjoy spending time with him and learning more about his life and his hobbies! Thank you for being a wonderful father and a great example of a worthy husband and priesthood holder.

On Wednesday we got together with a few other BYU Interns working at Microsoft to go on an adventure. We managed to enjoy evening rush-hour traffic on the 520 so we could take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. Once we were on the island we drove right to Mora's ice cream. 

The BEST ice cream we have ever had! Hazel enjoyed a few licks too!

We really enjoyed the night out on the town, getting to know a few more BYU people, and the treat! man- it really was that good! 

Another month has come and gone and this little babe just keeps growing! Hazel has been an absolute blast this last month. 

8 Months Tid-bits

- This girl barely sits still. I'm not kidding- she is moving constantly. Flying with her kept everyone really entertained

-Hazel loves meeting new people/kids.

-Sleeping great still!

-Went to the beach for the first time this last month

- She has started to stand all by herself but it doesn't look like she knows what to do with her feet yet.

-She cut her FIRST TOOTH this month!

- She weighs 17 pounds.

-Loves waking daddy up in the morning by climbing all over him in bed. 

- Has tried peaches, bananas, apples, carrots, squash, rice cereal, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

-I'm working on getting her to eat more purees- this girl would rather just nurse

-Says things like bah-bah and duh duh all day (Still no ma-ma or da-da)
- Hazel kinda hates the stroller right now. Brice and I don't appreciate this because we'll go on a family walk and one of us ends up carrying her the whole way home.
- Brice gets her to giggle the most by giving her raspberries on her stomach or thighs!
-She puts everything in her mouth- the couch, paper, keys, toys, my hair, coffee table, books, etc...everything!
-Oh yeah, and Hazel learned how to drive this last month :)

Today is National Running Day!

 I think it is exciting and want to encourage anyone and everyone to get out there and run for a few minutes, miles, whatever! 

I love the health and body benefits from running. I love the way it can alter my attitude and give me an endorphin rush. I love the way it challenges me but can also be the most comfortable setting in my life. I love that it is time to myself and my thoughts. I love the fact that i can move my body in a single movement and cover ground. I love that I can get lost in minutes, miles, seconds, distances, pace, form, my strike...my thoughts.

Check out this list of 101 running Tips if you're lacking the motrivation or the know how! feel free to ask me any questions too! 

101 Running Tips

This little vacation has kept us busy and tan! We enjoyed a beach day with the family on

Saturday. Hazel was the only one that had enough sunscreen on. We enjoyed the water, the sand under our feet and in Hazel's case in her diaper.

Yesterday I enjoyed a yummy lunch with high school friends. It was so fun to catch up and celebrate weddings, graduations, and babies!

Hazel has really enjoyed our dog, partying in the middle of the night instead of sleeping (I did not appreciate this), getting into everything new around the house, and learning to stand on her own.

I think the overload of pictures can explain that we went to the Angels game Friday night with my family! 

 It's been a while since we've all gone and it was really fun! The game started at 7:05 which is a little bit before Hazel's bedtime but she did great! She made it until the 8th inning and then fell asleep on Chelsea....until the fireworks at least!

Our team lost but we had a great night! Thank you Mom and Dad!

We miss you Brice!