Time for another post in my “Body After Baby” series. I recently discussed my thoughts on whether or not to share progress photos as I carry out my post-baby fitness journey. I wanted to let you all know that,after some consideration, I have decided that I will plan to post progress photos here on the blog at regular intervals. I really hope to show the reality of the process and that restrictive plans are not the only way to get to a healthy physical place. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful feedback and honest insights.

Now that I have established progress pictures will appear on the blog, I feel it is time to declare what progress I specifically hope to make. The simple answer: I hope to arrive at my body’s “happy place”. The difficult answer: I don’t know where that is.

Sure, I know where I found my happy place post-Makenzie. I truly felt fabulous there.

Like I mentioned in my Q+A post on all things weight related, I believe that was my happy place because I physically felt amazing and didn’t have to obsess over food or workouts to get there or maintain. My body happily found that set point with consistent healthy choices.

However, I don’t know if after two children my body will go the same route. Instead of stressing myself and focusing on the past, I plan to venture into this upcoming “body after baby” time with simply a goal to care for myself and once again allow my body to take me to its happy place. It could be the same or it may be different. No matter what, I will focus on appreciating my body.

I admit that ideally I will achieve something similar as I did after Makenzie. I will do all I can within reason to make it there. I will NOT, however, resort back to over-exercising, food rules, or other unhealthy habits to get there.

My goal, therefore, is to spend 2011 working to regain momentum with my passion for healthy living and fitness. I believe that a year (more or less) with focus on treating my body well will naturally bring me to the best place for my body. I will have to see exactly where that path takes me. No matter what, though, I am determined. I am determined to grasp onto my love of exercise and accomplish new things or reach old achievements anew. I am determined to fuel my body the way I know suits it best and learn more in the process. I am determined to make myself a priority…and see the changes I know that care of self will bring. I am determined. And I WILL reach my goal…even if I’m not quite sure what it will look like in the mirror. The mirror isn't what matters anyways. It's the feeling I'm shooting for.

Question of the Day – How do you determine the best place for you physically?

It’s happened. The bug has bitten. The nesting bug. That’s a very good thing because it gives me more motivation to get things done – like clean the bathrooms. It’s also a very bad thing because plenty of things that you used to look past now appear bothersome. And not bothersome on an “oh, how annoying” level. Bothersome on an “It’s the end of the world!!!!!” level. Apparently the drama queen bug has bitten as well.

Seriously, though. When you live with a toddler things can get very sticky. Literally.

That candy cane? Well, first she opened the box in the store while grocery shopping. And proceeded to tell me how “Kenzie don’t like candy cane”. Which was true. She groaned the one time she tried one. I now realize it was all part of her devious plan to reach in and grab one for herself to enjoy on the car ride home. And inevitably leave her a sticky mess, with me on the verge of a heart attack from the possible mess. I won’t deny my over-reacting to the possibility of sticky hands touching things which I just. had. to. clean. yesterday. or. I. would. DIE!

That’s when I knew the nesting bug had bitten me badly. I guess other indicators were when I wanted to flip out on the check-out lady for not bagging my chicken separately.

Or when I had to grit my teeth because the playroom was “such a mess”! Quoting from my neurotic head there.

Seriously? That isn’t half bad compared to the norm. Plus, I know there’s no point trying to keep a toddler’s playroom in order!

I even cleaned out the junk drawer. What is that about? It’s called a junk drawer for a reason!

It doesn’t end there, though. Oh no. I even nested for the blog. How? I picked up quite a few spreads for prettier food pictures, like my lunch.

Because when taking photos for my Chobani post I suddenly became aware of a dire need for prettier backdrops for my photos. Yes, a dire need, despite the fact I don’t even do much food blogging to begin with. 

Here’s to hoping this is the start of the end of this pregnancy. And also, here’s to hoping my car will stay so nice and tidy.

Oh, yes. I went there too. Or, more correctly, Peter did with my frantic pleas to clean out my car. I wish I was kidding. I told you the bug had bitten.

Question of the night – Are you a neat freak? What types of things bother you when out of order? Normally, its just the kitchen I like orderly. Lately? Everything!

PS – I am completely bummed that BlogHer Food conference is coming to Atlanta in 2011…the SAME weekend as FitBloggin which I am already registered for. A conference finally comes to Atlanta and I can’t go. Not cool. Not cool.