Growing up, I was always very thin and fit. I spent my jr. high and high school years at the ballet studio 6 hours a day dancing my life away. I even dabbled in the professional dance world in Chicago, and then danced in a ballet company during college. I basically could eat whatever I wanted, but was always very healthy and body image conscious. I actually didn't realize how screwed up my body image was till I got married, stopped dancing and had my first baby.

Eight years and 4 children later, I am finally ready to face the challenge head on! May 2007, 9 months pregnant I weighed 210 pounds. When I started on this site Dec.1, 2007, I weighed 184 pounds. After 5 months of hard work, I weigh 157 pounds and look forward to losing another 15.  145 is my realistic goal. That's what I weighed before becoming a mom. I haven't been 157 pounds since 2003.

I absolutely love this site! I lost 25 pounds by simply becoming aware of what I was putting in my mouth. I just joined our local Y 3 weeks ago and hope it's the boost I need to push through these last 13 pounds.

It's fun to have an identity other than "Mom." My husband is so supportive and proud of me and loves how much happier I seem to be. I feel like I'm a better wife and mom because I'm taking care of myself a little better.

Update: 5/7/09

Just had baby #5 on April 17th. I reached my goal before getting pregnant and weighed 149 before pregnancy! I also was running a lot and even ran a half marathon at 13 weekds pregnant. I was pretty active my whole pregnancy and felt really great. Who knew that pregnancy #5 would be my best one so far.

I still managed to gain 50 pounds while I was pregnant. My body just knows how much it likes to gain while carrying a baby. I weighed 198 pounds the day of my c-section. 3 weeks post partum I weigh 179. That means I have 34 pounds left to go till I am back down to my goal weight.

I'm also going to run the same half marathon in October. Should be fun! Now it's time to breastfeed!