For my the whole February is L-O-V-E month and this post is still dedicated to everyone still hung over on Valentine's Day.  Our celebration didn't consist of grand preparation and bonggang gifts.  The essentials for us are: Food, Flowers, Thoughtfulness and LOVE.

I've already shared in my previous Valentine's Day post how our February 14 morning went, special breakfast with a song number from me and hubby dedicated to all of you.  That night, we decided to dine out as a family at Max's Restaurant.

Little did I know my boys prepared something for me while I was still at work.  So when we all arrived home from our dinner, they surprised me with these:

Bouquet of flowers from Macky

Cards from my sons.

What's funny and definitely a wake up call for me was the content of my son's letter for me.  Hahaha!  Have you noticed he mentioned "Nom-nom" twice, Takaw and Taba (just a little lang naman daw) on his card?  I must be eating a lot, but yeah I admit to this.  Now, I am more motivated to be more fit and sustain the diet that I started few weeks ago.

The following day, Macky and I finally used the Circles Event Cafe (Makati Shangri-La Hotel) Luxury Lunch Buffet GCs I won from an event I attended last year to post-celebrate Valentine's Day.  I will write a separate post about our experience there loves.
But wait, there's more!  Not only Mac and I had a date!  My little one also had a Valentine!

Warning:  This isn't about HOW-TO lose weight.  You'll be reading quite an emo-post on weight issues.  So forgive me for being a little vulnerable right now. :)

Are you one of the many moms who feel insecure at times because of how their physique changed after having a child or children?  Physical changes could be anything between hair loss, dark skin in some areas, stretchmarks here and there to huge weight gain.

I admit that I am one of them.  But don't get me wrong.  I embraced motherhood from the very instant that I learned I was pregnant with my first born.  I also would like to believe that I am still beautiful and sexy, because both are qualities that are not only seen on the outside, but most especially on the inside.


When I was younger, dieting in a span of two weeks I could effortlessly lose weight and fit into any clothes that I want.  That was when my metabolism was still up and running which of course made losing extra pounds off me easy-peasy, even without exercise.

After having my first child, I still was able to go back to my pre-pregnancy weight, even lighter at some point.     I just cut down on food and involved a little exercise.  That's all it took.  Here's a #ThrowbackThursday photos to share how thinner I was before:

June, 2007

October, 2007

November, 2009

Then BOOM!
After having my second child, I looked like I was inflated.  I exercised when I already could, dieted a little and my weight went down to almost pre-pregnancy numbers.  Now the tough thing is: maintaining it.

Here are some photos of the heavy-weight me. :)

October, 2010 (one month after giving birth)

December 2010, 3 months after giving birth

LOSING WEIGHT
I am only human to sometimes feel insecure about the extra pounds I have, about the lose skin, flabby arms, layers of love handles, stretch marks here and there and uneven skin.  But most of the time, I feel great about how I look, even confident with the clothes I wear even if I'm on the large size category already.

I feel great because I have a loving hubby whom I know accepts me for who I am, no matter how I look, and what size I belong to.  More especially I have two children who ADORE ME!!!!

Being sexy and beautiful from within is more important than anything else.  YES!  That is so true!  But it's also important to TAKE CARE of ourselves, our physique and our health.  When you are already a mother, all you want to happen is to be with them for as long as you could, to take care of them and see them become successful adults.  Our children are our inspiration and our motivation to always strive for the best and become a better person/mom everyday.

I will lose weight because:

I want to live a healthier life.

I want to live longer for my children and hubby.

I want to feel good about myself.

I am already ready.

I cannot force myself, lalo na let other people force me to become thin just because.  I will start when I am ready, at my own phase and time and on my free will.

It's a DECISION to make and a COMMITMENT to stick to, parang relationships lang yan.  So for now, I know for myself, that I want to start already SOON.  I want it nice and slow.  I will still eat and not commit suicide by depriving myself, but in moderation.  I will walk more, use the stairs more, stand up more, laugh more and stretch more.  One day at a time.  No pressure but definitely some effort has to be exerted.

So for now, let me enjoy what I have, what I take in, how I look, all my love handles.  In time, when I am READY and mentally and psychologically PREPARED, I will START.  All for better health and longer years with my family, especially my children.  Just you wait.  Until then... until then...