hello, size 3. it's nice to see you again.

I debated whether to do this post, because I don't want to make enemies. When you're working really hard to maintain or lose weight, there's nothing worse than the chipper skinny girl with the ridiculously high metabolism chowing on a hot dog and fries right in front of you. But I decided to go for it, because I've been there and now I'm on the other side. Miraculously. So remember, this is supposed to inspire hope, not plant seeds of resentment. :)

It seems like every woman talks about her "baby weight." The number of pounds gained with each child that never ever goes away, no matter how hard you work. I'm here to tell you, this may not happen to you.



Ever since high school, I've had to work really hard to stay thin. My weight has fluctuated vastly; even Nathan will tell you that looking at pictures of my full face from my freshman year of college is pretty humorous. Before our wedding, I was the thinnest I had been since high school and was able to maintain that weight until I got pregnant.


And then I gained over 40 pounds in a matter of 9 months.


Things did not look pretty after I had Silas. Check out this picture. Let's be honest...if not for the baby in the bassinet, one would think I was ready to go into labor.

I lost 22 pounds in the first 2 weeks of Silas' life, but then I seemed to plateau. After 6 weeks, I began a rigourous exercise program and practically dieted (even though you're not supposed to when nursing...my milk supply was plentiful, no worries), but progress was slow.

And then, all of a sudden, when Silas was about 4 or 5 months, the pounds just started falling off. And falling. And falling. Until I was having to buy new jeans because not even my pre-pregnancy jeans were small enough.

Always before when shopping for jeans, the fitting room was not my friend. I would desperately try to squeeze into that size I thought I should fit into, until finally deciding that "this store's sizes are weird" and grabbing the next size or two up. Shame.

This time, I had to go back to get a SMALLER pair. This has NEVER happened to me before.

I have not worn a size 3 since 7th grade. Not kidding.

Nathan actually had to tell me to gain some weight back; I was looking too thin. I agreed. So I dropped down to exercising 3 times a week and started eating whatever I wanted. I gained like 4 pounds back. Well, I thought Christmas would be the end; I was borderline gluttonous for 10 days. When I hopped on the scale, I was amazed to find that I weighed less than when we left for Ohio.

I've decided that this is a fantastic problem to have. I've also decided that breastfeeding has everything to do with it.

So be encouraged, friends! Having a baby might actually be the best thing that's ever happened to your body! :)