Cooper Thomas: Nine Months

Well Cooper you had an unfortunate theme to this month - ear infections and teething. Poor guy you've been through a lot the past few weeks. At your check-up today the doctor confirmed that you busted ear drum from a couple of weeks ago healed, but you still have or got another double ear infection (3 to date). We sure hope you get better soon! You are still pretty happy and just don't enjoy being left alone in your crib. Not sure if that's illness related or you just wanting to be around someone all the time. And as for the other part of your monthly theme you got your first tooth on March 17 and now have 4 to date (the fourth one popped in last night/this morning). Tooth number two seemed to be the worst, but it could have also been the ear infection. Hard to say! You have the hardest time at night and during the day you just want lots of attention and things to chew on.

You figured out how to crawl but still prefer your belly slide when you get to the hardwood floors. And mommy's favorite you have proven you are capable of sleeping through the night! For about two weeks, half the week you are sleeping through the night. I'll blame the other half on the ear infections and teething! Thankfully you aren't too hard to get back so sleep. A little bit of food and you're golden. And while we are talking about food, you still really haven't figured out other foods yet. Lots of things go in your mouth, but that little tongue pushes it right back out. I think you've swallowed a handful of things since we started this new venture. Your doctor re-assured me you'll get it when you are ready so for now you get to continue making a huge mess that mommy loves cleaning up (ha!).

You and your brother are becoming quite fond of each other. You guys are always want to play with whatever toy the other has and your big brother is good and entertaining you so I can get a few things done.

Aside from the ear infections and side effects of teething, this was one of your most fun months so we can't wait to see all that you will be up to next. We love you Cooper Thomas!

Birth: 6lbs 11.1oz and 19.5in

Leaving Hospital: 6lbs 3.9oz

Five Days: 6lbs 10oz

Two Weeks: 7lbs 10.5oz and 20in
One Month: ~9lbs and 21in
Two Months: 11lbs and 23in
Four Months: 13lbs 4oz and 25 1/2in
Six Months: 16lbs and 26 1/2in
Eight Months: 17lbs
Nine Months: 17lbs 10oz and 28in

Real People, Real Results: The Master's H&C

60 days ago I set out to become {a master}. The Master's Hammer & Chisel was the next step in my postpartum journey. And while I'm not 100% satisfied with my {results} it has been a journey within its self keeping consistent with a daily workout as a full-time working mom of two young boys. I often have to remind myself my body has been through so much the past few years and that everyone's postpartum bodies are different (thank you to Baby Center for this article). I know for certain my postpartum body has been very different from the two boys. So here are my thoughts about the program...

THE WORKOUTS

This program is primarily weight-based. While I know it's good to incorporate weights in to your routine, I wasn't a fan of always doing weights. I think there was only one video where no weights were involved (and it was my favorite workout to do ;)). Secondly the weights focused on heavier sets. I'm more of your lighter weight and more rep girl. But I came out of this feeling strong and that's  never something to complain about!

THE FOOD

All programs give you a guideline or meal plan you can follow to help maximize results. I did great for the first 3 weeks, then it was my birthday and I fell off track. I don't have a horrible diet. I mostly need to work on portions, eating more well-rounded meals, less snacking and definitely more water. Aside from food helping with results, I could tell days that I ate better than others (and drank more water) I had more energy to power through. It's always an area I'm hoping to improve on and I know I'll get there again, one day! Until then I'm doing my best and finding a balance that what works for me.

THE TIME

The workouts were 25-40 min each with most averaging around 35 minutes. What I did like about these workouts was there was a little more pre and post workout stretching which seemed to be lacking in other shorter programs I've done lately. The best time for me to workout was on my lunch break or right after work. This gave me the freedom of only having one kiddo around and sometimes he was even napping!

Overall I enjoyed the program for the first 4 or 5 weeks and then I was ready for something new and more cardio! These videos will definitely be great supplements workouts to do in the future. And as I said earlier, even thought I'm not 100% {proud} of my end results, I know this isn't a one-stop-shop. I'm here to maintain a healthy lifestyle and one that works best for me. I'm stronger, more confident and I'm enjoying working out again. And that's all that matters to me. So on to the next adventure; Insanity Asylum!