My daughter was 10lbs 9ozs at birth. To give you an idea of just how large that is for a baby, I give you this. Ultrasound machines give baby measurements, in utero, based on how large the average baby should be every week. Most ultrasound machines are designed to measure up to 42 weeks gestation. When I was 38 weeks pregnant, I had an ultrasound. Evangeline already measured off the charts. Literally, her belly was so big that it didn't fit on the screen. Statistically, less than 1% of babies are born at her size. She could have been full term twins. If you have ever seen a woman pregnant with full term twins (not that common as most women that have twins give birth early), you can guess what my belly looked like.
So it should come as no surprise that, at 2.5 months, she is already 13 lbs and growing. I have decided to use that to my advantage for as long as I can. Eventually, she will be too big for me to use her as exercise, so I need to get it in quick.
As my gym membership has become a victim of our bare-bones budget, I have to get creative with my fitness. I gained 40 lbs during pregnancy and have 8 more to lose to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. But, I don't want to stop there. It used to be really easy to go to the gym and get in a workout. Now, even if we could afford the gym, who the hell has the time? I am lucky if I have time to brush my hair everyday.
So combining playtime with the baby and getting in a workout...bazinga.
My new routine consists of Evi armlifts, Evi lunges, Evi buttlifts, and Evi ab twists. The armlifts are really similar to the type of routine that I would do with free weights. Oh, I didn't squeal and make funny faces when I did free weights, but Evangeline seems to really like squeals and weird faces.
For the lunges, I put Evangeline in my Ergo carrier and go to town. I do brace myself against the wall for extra support. Her safety is my number one.
The buttlifts are a little complicated. I lay flat on the ground and pull my knees up. I place her back against my thighs. Unlike traditional buttlifts where you lay your arms flat on the ground for balance, I hold her in place in my lap. Then, I thrust upwards.
Evi abtwists are also done using the Ergo. Once she is strapped in, I spread my legs so they are2-3 feet apart and squat down a little. Then I tighten my ab muscles (the pitifull and wrecked things they have become) and slowly twist from side to side.
Keep in my mind that playtime with Evangeline is my priority so I am talking with her, making squeals, and exaggerated moments the entire time. I would much rather have a happy baby than a good body; but, if I can combine playtime with activities that are beneficial to my waistline...bonus.
The 3rd best thing about these activities is that they are free. Baby, budget, and body friendly.
My guess is that if I combine these activities with walking her, I could be ready for next summer 20 lbs lower than I was when I got pregnant. That would make me a very happy girl. And, I get to play with my daughter and get her out for daily walks. Of course, in a few short weeks, we are going to become mall-walkers because NY winters are not known for being baby-friendly. I am just going to have to remember to leave my ATM card and credit card at home, or being a mall-walker could wind up being quite expensive.
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