4 months post and an update on some things.

Hey guys, it's been awhile. 

The holidays took over my life for awhile and the thought of making another post was far from a thought. Working the photography business and keeping up with other things involving family leading up to the holidays accelerated my desperate need for a vacation from all the things!

(My kids in red, and their cousin in blue. He's going to be a big brother this summer! Can't wait to update the group shot, too! 

We find out in 3 weeks what baby will be! So excited!!!)

So let us pick up now!

I'm 4 months post my tummy tuck now!

It's like counting the weeks and months after having a baby haha.

Time is flying by and I'm still loving my results. It really has been a mental life saver.

(A week before Surgery in September, and today 4 months post)

There is a chance however I will be having a *teeny* revision on my scar where I had sutures splitting through during the recovery and leaving a wider than normal scar.

Not everyone has it. 

I just don't sit still and it caused my sutures to turn right side up, not where all the body fluids were, and since they weren't exposed to all of that, they stayed dry and poked back through the skin. A quick snip and a band aid with some Neosporin for a couple of days cleared it up.

 Except I had 8-9 over the 2nd and 3rd month. 

There is also a couple of areas of skin I might have 'hemmed' so to speak above the scar too but with me losing some more weight before Feb, we will see if it is even needed. 

Regardless of the little issue mentioned, I will say since having the 5 lbs of skin dangling on my torso removed, and the 4 finger width gap sewn shut and stable again, my back problems are gone as well! Something I had struggled with after having my first in 2008 up until 4 months ago. 

Thankful. That is a word I can use over and over again for this surgery. 

I will admit, I did go from 160-162ish to 170 over the month of November and December. GAH. 

Oops. I'm currently on day 7 of the Advocare cleanse and I'm back down to 164 (thankfully!) with a much cleaner diet and I've been consistently working out for 3 weeks now. :) 

I can't tell you just HOW nice that is getting to work out again. 

My core feels stronger. 

I can keep up with my kids way better, and starting very soon I'll be back on a competition workout schedule. I won't be doing a bikini/figure competition this year, as I'm taking this whole year to build my body up and prepare myself for my first competition. 

I didn't want to rush things off the bat, as I'm mentally not ready for it yet. 

I want my scar and body to heal some more, and I want to put my body back through the gym and give it time to change and grow once again like I had when I originally lost the 75 lbs. 

Anyone walking down the same pathway of having this surgery, do know that you need to drink LOTS of water, steer clear of empty carbs or you will BLOAT, and limit your sodium. I made that mistake over the holidays and I'm warning you now. You will be pleased to know that, the more you drink and the faster you get the fluids in the drains moving, the faster they come out. I will make an updated post on the do's and don'ts before and after having this surgery soon. Things I learned on my own that I think will help those of you preparing to do the same thing. 

Anyhow, Last week I weighed in at 166 and had a body fat reading of 26.6%

I have roughly, from that number and doing the math.... 

9.96lbs of fat to lose to be 20%BF

13.4lbs of fat to lose to be 18%BF

 (which is where I'd like to be with more muscle weight) to begin my competition prep.

and 16.6lbs of fat to lose to be 16% which is OK for competition. 

Lower I'm sure is better but right now between 18-20% is my goal to sit on at a regular basis.

My goal is to reach 155 right now. 10 lbs. Do-able by the first week in April, right? 

Even with my surgery, some lipo, and all the weight I've lost in the past, I do still have small love handles. They hide well but at times I'm aware of them or feel them and I just don't want to have them any more. Summer time is around the corner and we are getting the girls into swimming lessons before the public pools open and I am very well going to march myself into target and get goo-goo eyed over the bikinis they taunt you with as you stroll on into the store in early January. My journey will never be completed and this is a little area of mine I'm going to work on improving this year. 

Another area that Ive mentioned before is my involvement with Cosplay! :)

I am dressing up for Comicpalooza this year as 

Cammy White, Emma Frost, and Terra from Teen Titans.

 I've always loved cosplay, but never had the confidence to do so. 

After everything I can finally say YES! I'm ready!

 My first cosplay will be ready by the end of this week, my Cammy White from Street Fighter. 

(I'm wearing a modest bottom on her suit as marching around with kids present would be a mixed signal having my butt hanging out haha)

I will update with photos soon once the whole costume is complete. I'm currently preparing to trim down further and build muscle to play this character to the best of my abilities. I wanna really look like her when I debut the costume at the con.

Along side of things, my kids are wanting to cosplay and I'm planning on making them a Star-fire and Raven costume for the girls, and a Robin for my son. I have no idea what the hubby will dress as 

or if he even decides to) but regardless, it's going to be a blast! 

My next post I'll address my before and afters with my Advocare cleanse which is over on Friday, and if all goes according to plan, my plans and updates on weight measurements and my next workout schedule. My coach will be posting on my blog as a guest soon, so stay tuned for that. 

This year has so many big things coming up that I look forward in sharing them with you all and soon. a

Hope all of you are doing well since the holidays and prepping for Valentines day. 

The next rounds of the holidays are coming quick and school is back in full swing. I'll post more soon. :)