How did this happen?

As I sit here thinking about where I got off track with my fitness, diet and overall daily routine, I have to say that it all began when I got pregnant. And I swear, while I may complain about pregnancy and what it did to me, I would never-ever wish the experience away - as Saxon is my greatest joy - one that fitting into a size 4 never gave me.

About 2 weeks after discovering I was going to be a mommy, I started to get sick daily. And I mean puking-at-work-4-times-a-day sick. My poor co-workers, they had to endure my trips to the restroom, and my green face, for over 4 months. During this time, I honestly just couldn't make it to the gym. So in essence, what had been a daily routine of mine, came to a very abrupt stop. I continued to walk my dog, simply out of obligation to Charlotte. But, the strenuous walks on a hilly golf course became 15-minute walks around the neighborhood.

I was sick so often I lost weight in those first 4 months. But, by the end of the 9-months, I had gained nearly 50 pounds.

After having Saxon, I tried to get back to the gym during my maternity leave. However, I went back to work at 8 weeks, and my little bundle of joy went into full-time daycare. After giving my baby to someone else for 10 hours out of the day, I honestly did not want to go to the gym, and put him right back into yet another daycare. It felt selfish to me. So, for the longest time I worked, and came home to care for Saxon, Char and our home. Damon was in Iraq at the time, and the gym became a sporadic option for the weekends.

And so it was that way for almost 2 years. Until Damon came home from Iraq, and we moved out here to NJ. Now, I have the luxury of working from home part-time, and Saxon stays home with me. So, I feel free to go to the gym, and give Saxon a couple of hours of socialization with kids his own age. I feel confident I can get back into the swing of things, and get into shape again. I really do. Thanks for supporting me, and listening to my stories.

Photos: (Bottom) My belly the day I found out I was pregnant. (Third from bottom) A couple of months pregnant

(2nd from top) 6 months pregnant (Top) Almost 8 months