You know what really irks me? Headlines on magazines like US Weekly with claims like the following: “See How So and So Lost All Her Baby Weight in 10 Days!” or “Celeb X Got Her Pre-Baby Body Back in ONE Month”. You know what I’m talking about. I don’t know if these were actual headlines, but they sure do sound familiar. And okay – it’s true you can lose all the baby weight that fast. As for your body achieving the same shape? For your average Jane without the trainers and nannies, not gonna happen that quickly. It just won’t. That is why I plan to tell all (openly, honestly, and with pictures) here on FFF.

I delivered baby B one week ago. My body looks like this right now.

And it is absolutely perfect. Just how it is. It carried my child for 9.5 months. It nourishes my little man right now. It plays with my beautiful daughter. It is me. It is real. It is beautiful.

Sure, I have fitness goals I want to achieve…but that’s more about caring for myself and doing things I enjoy. I still need to love my body where it’s at in this moment. And I do.

In sharing my “body after baby” journey, I hope to show that it is possible to regain fitness and get back in shape with balance, moderation, and consistency. I want to reflect the reality that it takes time, dedication, and effort but that it can happen.

More important than anything though, I want to express the strength and beauty of our bodies. They can do miraculous things – whether carrying a child or running a mile or hugging a friend. Please love yourself today and every day. I’m beautiful! And you are too.

Question of the Day – What about your body amazes you right now? Remember – be confident!

And for those interested – I shared a link to the sneak peek of Braedon’s newborn photos on my Facebook page. 🙂

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?