It's Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

1)  So  I got this ombre nail kit for my birthday on Sunday from one of my wonderful sisters and I'm dying to use it.  Problem is my nails are terrible right now.  Hoping this weekend sometime to go get them done and see if they will use this kit to paint them.  

2) Wednesday had a great day with my little family.  Let the boys play outside in their pool and water table all morning, had lunch, then took them swimming at one of their grandparents, napped, then headed to a parade, and finished off  the night with a trip to our ice cream shop Homewood and our nightly cuddle fest.  Wish every day could be that great!

3)  I signed up to run my first full marathon.  I'm freaking out a little bit.  We have about 25 weeks but I'm still nervous as all get out.  I wanted to do a full but was still nervous and some days was thinking I should run another first but this one was nearing selling out so we went for it.  Lucky for us the next day it was sold out! We have a big group going down to Memphis for this one.  Running the full it will be my mom, myself, my sister and my sisters hubby.  Then running the half will be my other sister, and her mother in law.  Since it's a fairly close one of to home we also have some people coming with to watch including my hubby this time.  It should be a fun trip now just to build up to running that stinking far in the next half a year!

4)  I'm so thankful to stay at home most days to get to witness moments like this.  This afternoon before nap, Noah wanted to watch a little TV and of course Carson wanted to, too.  He is Noah's little shadow and copies everything he does so since Noah wanted to lay on the couch with the "circle blanket" he had to too!

5) Feeling extra blessed this week. I got to go on two lunch dates with Matthew this week.  Some days I work I run errands since I don't have the boys but this week I skipped them and went out to eat with him instead.  And my kids are just so darn adorable.  Have had so many cute/ sweet moments with them this week.

Watching a movie before bed one night.  They thought it was so cool to put the pillows on the floor!  Carson wanted to do it the next morning too.  

In case you missed it on Instagram, the boys love helping their dad do anything.  Noah got to plant some more seeds in the garden and they both helped water.  

Today they were having a blast pulling leaves off the trees and bringing them to me.  

Preparing for a Little One Link Up

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love.

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.


Here are the topics we still have for future weeks:


Friday, May 31: Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables

Friday, June 7: To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate

Friday, June 14: Tips For Quick Recovery After Labor

Friday, June 21: Struggling With Postpartum Depression

Friday, June 28: BabyWise vs. Attachment Parenting

Friday, July 5: What You Really Need In A Diaper Bag

Friday, July 12: Buying vs. Making Baby Food

Friday, July 19: Cord Blood Banking vs. Not Cord Blood Banking

Friday, July 26: Moving Baby To Solids: Ideas, Tips & Tricks

Friday, August 2: Shopping For A Little One: Favorite Stores & Shops

Friday, August 9: Introducing Your Child Into A Home With Older Siblings Or Pets

Friday, August 16: How To Stay Connected To Your Partner

Friday, August 23: Baby-Proofing Your Home

Friday, August 30: Baby-Proofing Your Marriage

So without further ado, let's get on with this weeks Topic


Tips For A Quick Recovery After Labor:

Hi, Wifessionals readers! I'm Hayley and I normally blog over at A Beautiful Exchange. I'm so excited to be here with you to share a few tips about a healthy, speedy recovery after the birth of your sweet one. Whether you are having a natural birth or a C-section, these tips can help you rest your body while adjusting to life with a newborn!

Accept help: It's so hard during the first few days to want to be the best mother you could have ever pictured yourself being. You can't get enough of the little miracle cuddling close to you in your arms and you want to be there for every cry, hiccup, grunt, and gurgle. While all of those things are absoutely fabulous, you need to keep in mind that your body has just gone through something pretty traumatic. Beautiful, but traumatic. Maybe so. Either way, you should allow family members or
friends to give a helping hand. Thanfully accept offers from people wanting to help--just not too much! My mom came and stayed with us 2 nights after my son was born. I only woke up to nurse and it really helped to get that physical and mental rest!

Don't feel like you have to entertain guests: Because let's face it, they are not coming to visit you. They may say they are, but we all know they just want to hold the baby. While it's nice to have friends and family to stop by, don't work yourself too hard trying to the keep the house tidy, or offering drinks and snacks to people. If there are too many people asking to stop in, say NO! Chances are they will see the baby at some point, even if it is just on Facebook.

Sleep when the baby sleeps: If you do not do this, you will be completely exhausted. Once you get towards the end of your pregnancy, it may help to start trying to go to bed earlier. Your rest is extremely important while your body is healing--everything else can wait! Sleep is one of the first things to go once you have a baby, but take advantage of the multiple naps your newborn will take throughout the day. If you have things that you feel like just have to get done, do it while the baby is awake, just close by in a bouncy seat or swing!

Drink plenty of water: This especially goes for you ladies that will be breastfeeding. Your body needs lots of water to keep your milk supply up and full of the nutrients that the baby needs. Get a cute water bottle or cup and add that to your hospital bag. Get in the habit of drinking plenty of water all throughout the day, if you haven't already.

Accept extra supplies from the hospital: Anything that is in your room when you leave (with the exception of the baby blanket and obvious hospital property) is yours to keep. When you are about to check out, load up any and everything that you have been using. This includes the SUPER SUPER size pads and ice packs, along with the stylish gauze underwear. You may feel like you are walking like a dinosaur, but you will be so thankful to have the supplies handy when you need them.

Ice is your friend! The hospital will give you a few extra of the "pad size" ice packs. Do not under estimate the power of those things. Before I gave birth, the thought of an ice pack hanging out in my underwear made me cringe, but I am so glad that I had plenty of them! They help soothe the pain really nicely, especially after the irritation of a shower or using the bathroom.

Eat well: Don't be in a hurry to shed that baby weight! Breastfeeding babies thrive off of the fat content that is found in breast milk. Keep in mind that just like when you were pregnant, everything that you ingest will somehow effect your baby as well! Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein! This goes for all of you that aren't breastfeeding, too. Your body needs plenty of vitamins and nutrients to properly heal. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins, as well!

I hope these tips have helped out some fellow mommas! I really appreciate Kaitlyn and Jennifer letting me hang out with you guys today and can't wait to read everything that is coming up in this little series! I hope you guys will come and visit me at A Beautiful Exchange! 

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Almost 30

My birthday was last Sunday and I started out the day to myself getting in a 5 mile run.
It was a quiet run and I was lonely.  Just the week before I was running with 17,000 people all on the same trail in San Diego with beautiful scenery and adrenaline like I've never experienced before.   But as I ran down those lonely country roads I also did a lot of thinking about my life thus far.  I was overwhelmed with thinking about all that we have.

I just turned 29 this year, and a few weeks before my birthday my hubby turned 30.  30 sounds so much older than any number in the 20's and  I can't believe I'm almost there.  Age doesn't bother me now but someday I'm sure it will.   I have terrible skin, but yet have such a baby face.  I've always hated it, but someday will like it when everyone thinks I'm younger.  

Anyways,  since most of you don't really know me.

Here's what I wanted for myself as shallow as it sounds by this age

Kids after 30 because I really wanted to get my career going first

Big city career in fashion

Live in a big city

Wear high heels every day and dress up every day. 

I always pictured myself walking down the city streets, with heels, dresses and skirts, and a briefcase.  

To Be "Successful"

Well now  that I'm 29 here's my life

2 young boys and plan on being done having children

Live in my hometown which is pretty small and we actually live outside of it.

My house is covered by fields on 3 sides.

I wear flats, boots, or flip flops most days.

I still love fashion and dress up when I can but honestly most of the time I live in yoga pants and a plain colored tshirt

My life is truly very far away from glamorous!

I don't do anything with my fashion degree because I work with my husband at his optometry office.

Now by comparing the two, one would assume, I'm possibly not happy with my life or that I don't feel successful.  

I won't lie, of course I have days where I'm not completely happy, days where I do want more.  Days when I want that feeling of success and something of my own.  But at the same time, 99% of days, I'm completely happy with my life.  

I can't imagine my life without my boys, they bring me more joy than anything I have ever known.  

We actually spent a year living in the middle of downtown Chicago and I didn't like it like I thought I would.  I loved getting to experience what we did while we were there.  I was always around people but still felt lonely.  I missed our friends and family like crazy and couldn't wait to get back to them.  

With my career I knew that if Matthew and I were to get married, I knew we would end up back in our hometown because he had plans to join his father's optometry practice.  That was something I really thought and prayed about before we got married because I knew a big career using my degree just wouldn't be in the cards where we live. 

Now I'm actively trying to find someone for my job at work because more than anything I want to be a full time SAHM to my boys before they go to school.  I never thought I would want a van and to be the mom who stayed home.  I always thought I would need something more.   (I didn't realize how hard being a mom would be obviously when I thought that)  I have in the last few years really wanted to start a business and have had multiple ideas that would work in our small town and still hope to do so someday but most likely not when our kids are this young.  

I have shared this quote before but wasn't sure if I had on here and this truly sums up my life so far.

God knew what I would want.  He knew what the desires of my heart were going to be and he picked my perfect mate for my  unknown dream life.  We are blessed beyond measure and living the life that was made for us. Here's to another year, that I'm sure will be better than the last!  Here's to living in the country with my two kids and just being a mom without some fancy career.  Here's to my happy !  

Preparing for a Little One Link Up

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love.

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.


Here are the topics we still have for future weeks:


Friday, May 31: Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables

Friday, June 7: To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate

Friday, June 14: Tips For Quick Recovery After Labor

Friday, June 21: Struggling With Postpartum Depression

Friday, June 28: BabyWise vs. Attachment Parenting

Friday, July 5: What You Really Need In A Diaper Bag

Friday, July 12: Buying vs. Making Baby Food

Friday, July 19: Cord Blood Banking vs. Not Cord Blood Banking

Friday, July 26: Moving Baby To Solids: Ideas, Tips & Tricks

Friday, August 2: Shopping For A Little One: Favorite Stores & Shops

Friday, August 9: Introducing Your Child Into A Home With Older Siblings Or Pets

Friday, August 16: How To Stay Connected To Your Partner

Friday, August 23: Baby-Proofing Your Home

Friday, August 30: Baby-Proofing Your Marriage

So without further ado, let's get on with this weeks Topic
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

When it came to Vaccinations I was apprehensive when Noah was born which was 3 years ago.   There was a lot of talk about Autism being related to all the vaccinations kids receive so he did receive all of his shots until his 1 year and 18 month ones I had chose for him not to get them and I felt confident in that decision.

I know in the last few years the beliefs on that theory are not as strong.  However,  I have heard lots of information on shots and read lots of good articles for them and against them.  This is one issue I can totally see both sides and have never really made a good informed decision for myself or for our family.  Carson our second has received all of his shots except for chicken pox because Noah and him already have gotten them.  And when they both enter into kindergarten I will probably have them get current to what they are requested to have.  

The cold/ flu shots I have never done and never will for myself or the boys.   I just do not like the idea of them.   I don't believe they work and I don't like that we don't know all of the future side effects of them.  Those I do have a stance on.  

I think it's important when making this decision for your children to get vaccinated or not to read up a little about from both angles.  Take into consideration what jobs you and your spouse have?  What kind of environments will your kids be in, daycare or stay at home?  Then after you take those things into consideration and read some articles for you own knowledge you can make an appropriate informed decision for you, and your family.  

Here are few articles that could be helpful
One against Vaccinations can be found here
One for Vaccinations here

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Currently

This week I'm joining Harvesting Kale for the Currently Link Up

This week's themes are Coveting, Imagining, Asking, Saving of Saving For, and Fearing

Here Goes....

I am currently....

Coveting... I'm not actually supposed to covet but seriously my husbands ability to relax.  I'm on stress overload when  I get back from a trip or pretty much every day anyway.  I can't let go everything that needs done and all the catching up I have to just stop and breathe.

Imagining..... training for a full marathon.  I can't stop thinking about it.  I want to commit to doing one but scared at the same time.  The half was hard and that would be twice as hard.
And also that I was back in San Diego, it was seriously a great trip (more to come on that later)

Asking.... Noah to stop hurting his brother, Carson to stop whining and Noah to stop saying poopy. I missed them like crazy but didn't take them too long to get on my nerves today.

Saving for... A new vehicle for Matthew, a van for me, retirement.  Not sure on this one.  We have things we want but not actively saving for anything in particular.

Fearing.... That I will never feel caught up.  All our trips the last month and half have killed me.  Ready to get caught up and for some constant normalcy. And that it is going to take me forever to loose the 5 lbs I just gained on our  trip.  My eating was out of control and now I'm paying.  Darn junk food and  relaxtion!

If you want to join in on the fun, head on over here.

Preparing for a Little One Link Up

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love.

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.

Here are the topics we still have for future weeks:


Friday, May 31: Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables

Friday, June 7: To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate

Friday, June 14: Tips For Quick Recovery After Labor

Friday, June 21: Struggling With Postpartum Depression

Friday, June 28: BabyWise vs. Attachment Parenting

Friday, July 5: What You Really Need In A Diaper Bag

Friday, July 12: Buying vs. Making Baby Food

Friday, July 19: Cord Blood Banking vs. Not Cord Blood Banking

Friday, July 26: Moving Baby To Solids: Ideas, Tips & Tricks

Friday, August 2: Shopping For A Little One: Favorite Stores & Shops

Friday, August 9: Introducing Your Child Into A Home With Older Siblings Or Pets

Friday, August 16: How To Stay Connected To Your Partner

Friday, August 23: Baby-Proofing Your Home

Friday, August 30: Baby-Proofing Your Marriage

So without further ado, let's get on with Week 9: Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables! 

Cloth Diapers vs Disposables:

When we had Noah 3 years ago cloth vs. disposables was an easy decision for me.  I knew I was going to do disposables hands down.  Cloth diapering was really getting popular and even though that was the case I didn't really feel like cloth was for me.

A lot of my friends were doing them and still do and yes I do believe you save money but not nearly as much as what they try to advertise.  Some people have used  them successfully for multiple children and I know some people have chosen to buy new for their second children because they just couldn't get the smell out of their old ones.  Another thing to think about it most cloth diapers have a certain weight they will fit, I have known multiple momma's who have either had to do disposables in the beginning until their cloth fit or buy a whole other set to fit their newborn.  That's an added expense for sure on top of the normal starting cloth diaper set.  Also not figured in on the price is the cost of extra laundry and special laundry detergent, it's not huge but it's added money onto your original investment.

Over the last year and  a half I have really done a lot of research as far as the products used in our home and have really been a lot pickier when it comes to what we use.  If I was just starting out with kids now I probably would be doing research on disposables to find out if everything I read about them is true and that may of swayed my cloth vs disposables decision but I can't say for sure.  Carson will be 2 in August and we will be potty training soon so it's too late now I'm not changing.

But since we went with disposables, here are a few tips that can help save money in the diaper years.

1)  Try out the different brands.  We tried a few different ones and always went back to Pampers.  Hands down I feel Pampers Swaddlers are the best for newborns but once they are out of the newborn stage, try some of the cheaper diapers or off brand ones and see if they work well for you.  Every baby is different and sometimes certain brands just don't work so be careful if you are stocking up beforehand and make sure you can return / exchange them from where you are getting  them if they don't work.

2)  Sign up for Amazon mom.  When I first had Noah Amazon mom was free and you received 30% off diapers if you set up a monthly subscription for them.  It was awesome, I did it for diapers and wipes and it helped us save a ton.  Sometime,  before Carson was born I remember the rules changing to not quite as awesome of a deal but still a good one.  Now you can get a free 3 month amazon mom membership and receive 20% diapers and wipes but after that to get the discount you have to have Amazon Prime which is a $79 /year membership.  We did the math and it was still worth it to pay the fee and get the discounts when we had 2 in diapers. Now that we don't go through that many it's not quite as much of a savings.  However we also order a ton off of amazon so the free 2 day shipping perk is great along with tons of free unlimited TV and movies we can stream through our Ipad or our Xbox.  The stuff they have to watch is a lot like Netflix just not quite as good.  So that is an option for you to look into, even if you don't do the amazon prime, at least do the 3 months, buy some extra diapers during your trial and then call it quits.


3)  If you buy diapers/ wipes in the store always look online for coupons first.  There are quite a few out there especially if you aren't brand loyal and could buy whatever the coupon if for.

4) Before I knew about and signed up with Amazon with Noah 3 years ago  I went online a lot and  would buy a lot of coupons on Ebay.  You can't actually sell coupons on Ebay so you are paying for someone's time to clip and list  them.  You may pay a few dollars for the coupons but can save a lot more if you use them all.  It always worked out well for me doing that.

Remember there isn't a wrong decision when it comes to cloth vs. disposables.   You and your partner talk it over and decide what is best for you,  your baby, your lifestyle, and your finances.  You aren't a bad mommy to do either one.   The decision is yours!

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Truth Behind the Photo

Aww, look at this sweet photo of my precious boys.  They are both smiling, happy, getting along so well.

They were in that moment.  That is true.  

But do you ever take photos like this, plast them all over your social media like this is the appropriate depiction of your day or something you did?

 I know I'm guilty.  

Then because of pictures like this that everyone else posts I'm feeling bad maybe because I didn't take my kids to the park that day or because I'm wishing my kids would get along better like other's I see. 

Well let me tell you about the park.  While most of our time spent there was happy.  Noah thinks he is boss over all the park and was bossing around the other kids telling them what they could and couldn't do.  He wouldn't stop and it was getting on my nerves.  Then every time Carson was about to go down a slide or do something he would jump in front of him or push him aside so he could go first. 

He kept calling the other kids poopy and wouldn't stop with that either.

Then he hit my last nerve and really shoved Carson and he almost fell backwards down some steps.  I told him we were leaving because he wasn't being nice.

Of course he didn't go willingly so I carried his little butt to the car while he kicked and screamed.  I used all my might to get him buckled in his seat while he is still screaming bloody murder for all to hear.  

Next I had to go get Carson who wasn't in trouble but had to leave anyway and started the screaming process all over again and had to work to get him in.

Then I put myself in the car, tried to get my breathe back, turned on the ac, to combat the sweat and then drove away with the little dignity that I felt I had left.  

That picture doesn't tell you that now does it?

I don't know about you but if I'm being honest  I kind of delight in hearing other people's stories like this.  I like to know I'm not alone in the struggles of mommyhood.  I like to know my kids aren't the only ones that aren't perfect.  

I've been thinking of hosting a link up called the Truth Behind the Photo and would love to see and hear your  behind the scenes stories about your photos.  

So here is my next question, if you blog would you join in?

Linking up here today!

Preparing for a Little One

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love.

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series for a few weeks to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.

We have finished the second series, but if you have missed them here are the topics below that you can go back and check out.

Friday, April 5: Registering (Everything you need to know, Must Haves, Don't Bothers, etc...)

Friday, April 12: Nursery Organization & Ideas

Friday, April 19: Packing For The Hospital: For you & the baby

Friday, April 26: Birth Stories (The good, bad, and ugly) / Birth Plans (yes? no?)

This week starts our second mini-series.

Friday, May 3: Bringing Baby Home / Surviving The First Few Weeks

Friday, May 10: Breast Feeding vs. Formula

Friday, May 17: Calming Your Baby & Sleep Methods

Friday, May 24: Losing The Baby Weight

The second series will focus on bringing the baby home, new mom obstacles and losing the dreaded baby weight.  Even if you are a first time mom, you may have posts or input on this first series especially!! I know some of you are due any day now, so I'd love to get your input as well.

If you decide to participate on any of the weeks, all you have to do is write a post answering and discussing the topic/question that week and link up to the main post on my blog. I think it will be a great resource for tons of moms to be!

Below you can grab a button to use on your posts and it will be helpful if you link back to Wifessionals or Five 27 Jones so that others can get the details to link up as well. I really hope some of you will share your secrets with us!!!

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This week Losing the Baby Weight

Losing Baby Weight  isn't easy.  Period!

Let me just start with the fact that I wasn't at my ideal weight when I got pregnant with my first.
This was just a few weeks before we found out I was pregnant.

 Then throughout my pregnancy I gained 47 pounds.  Yeah I know that's a lot, way more than I had planned.  When  I pregnant they said a good amount was between 25-35 and my goal was 30 I thought right in the middle was good.  I passed that one pretty quick.  Needless to say for me I was huge.  I will never forget the day I gave birth when they asked me how much I weighed, I never wanted to say that number again.
Here is me 2 weeks before Noah was born.   Yuck!  I always show weight gain in my face so much.  I always have cheeks but they just get bigger and bigger.

After Noah was born I had a lot to get rid of and honestly I didn't really do a whole lot about it.   I was going through a lot of family issues, I was adjusting to my new life as a mommy.  When I got home from the hospital I had lost 13 pounds so far, and then after about two weeks I think I was at 20, then shortly 30 down.  Then the rest took awhile.  I plateaued for a good 6 months.    I did some walking here and there, tried to watch what I ate but didn't necessarily try very hard. I was uncomfortable with myself every single day but just couldn't get motivated to make any lasting changes.   Then the week of Noah's first birthday  I found out I was pregnant with Carson.

I was scared.   I still had  about 7 pounds on that I never lost from Noah and I had a hard time dealing with the fact that it was now too late to try and loose weight and I would see the numbers start to go up again.  With Carson I did better but still not too great.   I gained 33 pounds with him.
After Carson  I knew I wanted to be done and again that day when I was getting ready to have him, they asked the same questions, what is your current weight... Grrrr... I vowed again to never say that number again.  It was 7 pounds less than last time but still painful.

After Carson I was ready to loose the weight.  Right after he was born as soon as I could I tried to go on little walks when possible.  We have an elliptical and had a treadmill and as soon as  I was able I tried to start doing those a few days a week.  Carson was born August 29th and by December 6th I had lost all 33 pounds, which was just over 3 months.  I remember getting on the scale and seeing that number, it was a huge victory.  I was excited to see it but still had more I wanted to loose.

 Over the last year and a half I have done multiple things, I have continued to work out, walk, more recently running, have done some Turbo Fire, Brazilian Butt Lift, and the elliptical.  Last July I also started taking Genesis Pure which I know has contributed a ton to my weight loss and the ability to stay at my ideal weight.   I have always been a yo-yo'er but since last summer have actually kept  the weight off.  I still fluctuate about 3-5 pounds every so many weeks but I blame that one on hormones and sometimes we all have those bad eating weeks because of stress, vacations or just busy schedules.

I'm not perfect and still have some weight/body goals I would like to achieve but also proud of where I have came from.  I am in better shape now than before I got pregnant so that is a good feeling.

I hardly ever takes pictures of myself and I think I already posted this one a few weeks ago but for comparison here is a recent picture.

To all of you future mommies, here are some things to remember because I know you already know them!  

1)  It took your whole pregnancy to gain the weight, it's not going to come off as soon as your baby is born or shortly after.  It will take time, but you will get there!  

2)  Drink plenty of water ( especially if nursing).

3)  Get plenty of rest.  Your body functions better with sleep.  Sleep provides us with energy.  Getting enough sleep helps us make better food choices.  It is important and will help in the long run.  I know sleep is always the first thing I can think of to give up when I'm short on time, but it's not always the best option.  

4)  Don't diet.  Diet's don't work.  Just eat healthy foods and try more frequent smaller meals each day rather than 3 larger ones .  

5)  Make some time for yourself and get your sweat on.  Go for a walk, take your pick of workouts and do them!  I can't tell you how good it felt to really work out after Carson.  I had to get up really early and it stunk at first but once I got used to it, I really started to enjoy it.  I love the quiet time I get to myself.  I love the feeling of a good sweaty workout, makes you feel like you accomplished something.  I hear it said a lot but  love it "sweat is your fat crying".

6)  Expect for weight to look different on your post  baby body.   You may reach your  pre-baby weight but still look so different and that's normal.  Things shift, around your belly will take longer to change, my hips stayed bigger for quite some time.  That all took some extra time but again it can/ will get better. 

7)  Enjoy your baby and remember he/ she was all worth it!