Thursday, September 24, 2009

Reflections: On My Son's Birthday


On this day 11 years ago, I gave birth to my incredible son, Shane. As my husband and I celebrate his birthday with him today, I am also reflecting on my journey since becoming a mom.

Back in 1994, I started putting on weight when my mom became ill and then passed away a few months later. I continued to gain while missing her terribly, and finally started to take control of my health again in 1998. Little did I know that when I started on my New Year's resolution, I was already 1 week pregnant!

I actually lost 6 pounds during the first month of 1998, but then the scale refused to budge. I didn't know what was going on. Then when I was late for that time of the month, I began to get a clue. I took the home pregnancy test, and it came up positive. I went a couple of days later to the doctor, who confirmed the exciting news. My husband and I were thrilled!

At my first OB-GYN visit a week later, I discovered that I had already gained back 4 of those pounds that I lost. (I had stopped getting on the scale once I found out I was expecting.) I was 174 at that appointment...and continued to gain as I ate for 2. I gave in to every craving: ice cream, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Oreos, mashed potatoes and gravy from Boston Market. I knew I was getting much bigger, but thought that was good for the baby. At my last appointment before giving birth, I weighed 232 pounds. My husband gained 25 pounds right along with me!

Everything I went through during that time was completely worth it, because I have my wonderful son. I started being more careful with my food choices, and at the 6 week checkup Shane was doing well and I weighed 212 pounds. I was given the green light to exercise again, and it's been a roller coaster ride on the scale ever since. (More on that in another post!)

So...as I celebrate with Shane today, I also celebrate the fact that I am finally on the right path to losing weight and getting healthier. I know it will give me more energy and make me an even better mom, so I am not just doing this for me...I'm doing it for Shane as well.

Happy Birthday Shane...I love you, and I will make you proud!!! xoxoxo

3 comments:

Annie, The Amazing Shrinking Girl said...

Wish him a happy birthday for me!

WriterMarie said...

I will sweetie...thank you! xoxoxo

Kristina said...

What a sweet post! I remember finding out I was pregnant with my son (my firstborn). I had started putting on weight before that as well. 20 years later, I am like you...doing this for me as well as him and my husband and daughter! Your on the right path Marie!