“Mom, why are you tinier than before?” asked my sweet four-year-old boy.
“Because the last time you told me that it looked like there was another baby in my belly, so I’ve been running. Does it still look like there is another baby in there?”
There was a long pause in which the girls all came to inspect as well. Finally, he said, “Yes, just a little,” so I guess I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it!
To tell you the truth exercise has never been high on my priority list. Except for my cross country PE class in junior high, I never participated in any organized sports. It wasn’t something I was good at, and back in the day I sure didn’t want to get any skinnier!
Having Bobby at forty was much more difficult than I even expected as was the recovery. This time last summer I was still feeling horrible with migraines almost daily. When I weaned Bobby I became pregnant right away, and then went through all the ups and downs ending in a miscarriage. All of these things just did not lend themselves to getting back in shape. Since the miscarriage though I have slowly begun to feel like myself again! My energy has returned! Oh how I missed it!
And so I have been motivated to exercise by:
1. My kids telling me I still look pregnant. Yes more than one kid, more than one time told me this. And with kids you know they are just being completely honest. It must be what everyone else is thinking and just too nice to say right? Ha ha!
2. High Cholesterol. Yep I have it. It is well above the normal range, but not quite to the needing drugs range. “Diet and exercise!” my doctor told me.
3. My husband. He works out religiously. It’s annoying convicting! He is really nice and doesn’t complain about me, but I know he really appreciates it when I’m staying in shape too.
So there you have it. If you’re needing to get back into shape, surround yourself with children and a fitness maniac and take a trip to the doctor. I guarantee you results. Either you’ll be on your way to fitness or you’ll be eating more ice cream. Jury is out! Ha!

My husband is a crazy cyclist…running is just about my only me time so I will take it!! Go Esther you can do it too!
I wish it worked with my husband. I run more then 3 miles everyday (Either 3.25 or 3.50), and it doesn’t motivate him to want to do anything.
From looking at this photo, I will be honest and say that it absolutely does NOT look like you have another baby in there 🙂 Just being honest. What do kids know? 😉
My own personal opinion:
When your kids say it looks like there’s another baby in there, it’s just wishful thinking on their part! Because you don’t look pregnant — or, not more than 3-4 weeks pregnant, anyway!
Kids say the darndest things! LOL But if it’s any consolation you’re beautiful and you sure don’t look forty or like you’ve had five kids!
I love the bluebonnets! I miss Texas!
I really need to get the motivation. Every day I say I’m going to but just can’t make myself do it. But I sure need the energy!
–Gena
First of all this post is so on time. I am getting back into shape to but its so hard to find motivation. I will say this last week as I am finally seeing some results of the summer workouts it is kinda motivating. Also this summer has been crazy. I was pregnant and lost the baby! I am not as young as I used to be ( in late 30’s) and I want to be fit and healthy for my kids now and for a possible baby in near future.
I am stopping by from The Homemaking Blog Party blog hop. I look forward to your visit at http://www.homemaker-mom.com/2/post/2013/08/the-dollar-store-sew-easy-travel-case.html
Happy homemaking!
Funny! Good for you—wish I could be more motivated! Thanks for linking up at my Homemaking Party!
I’m sure you’ve heard of her controversy, but her program is awesome. I heard of her through a friend, before she became popular. Have been following her for over 6 months. Maria King