My decision

When Jordan and I decided to start trying for a family, I never really thought I'd have to explain my decision. I mean, I really don't have to, but I will because if my thought process can help someone else then good! Everyone's situation is different, but this is how I (we) decided.

When I came to the conclusion that I reallllly needed a life style change (January 2010) it wasn't all about weight loss. Sure, I knew it started there, but there were other things I felt like needed changed too. For instance, paying down debt, getting my husband finished (or close) to graduating, becoming happier in my workplace, getting more organized..the list goes on and on. I literally felt like a mess at that time in my life. I had just gotten married, I weighed 240lbs, I could barely fit comfortably into any of my clothes, I had just had 2 miscarriages, we were eating takeout almost every night and our credit card balances and outside debt were high.  So yea, life=mess.

Throughout the year, I was an active participant in Weight Watchers, working out 4-5 times a week, getting strict on a budget and paying off debt and building a savings account. I was supporting my husband through college and just becoming overall a happier person. I ended up losing 52lbs on Weight Watchers. Now, I'm not in a "normal" bmi and I'm not a size 4, but guess what? I wasn't a size 4 in High School either :)

Anyways- onto my decision to get pregnant. We looked at a few different things:

• Jordan applying to medical school- after emailing some bloggers and Jordan talking to some of his doctor colleagues we decided now is probably the best time. It isn't going to be easy while he's in medical school, but it wouldn't be easy when he's in residency or as a practicing physician either.
• Debt and savings- This is something we've really worked hard on in the past year. We went by (some of) the Dave Ramsey methods..example: paying smallest debts first. My biggest goal was to have NO outside debt..like credit cards, medical bills, etc. I look at a car payment and student loans differently..even though they are still "debts." Does that make sense? lol
• Health- This, of course, was one of the main factors because we agreed that if we had another miscarriage we would wait awhile to try to conceive again. In the year my thyroid leveled out, I was "cured" of my acid reflux and of course by losing some weight I just felt healthier all around.
• Judgement- We were worried about what people would say/think.. "what about Jordan's medical school?!" "What if you have another miscarriage?!" "Can you afford it?" you know..all of those questions from those around us. Thankfully, I haven't felt much judgement..more positive support than anything.

In conclusion, we decided we wanted to try again to start a family..stat! It started to consume my thoughts..I was starting to take prenatals, googling nursery ideas, youtubing videos, etc etc. I was still working out and still eating right, but I wasn't losing any weight. I honestly think my weight loss plateaud because my body was ready to get pregnant. That may be all in my head, but that's my story and I'm stickin to it :) Sorry this was the longest blog post of the century, but I just wanted to map this all out. Please feel free to email me if there's any additional questions, but please no hate mail :)