Right before I found out I was pregnant, I helped launch Weight Watchers Wednesdays with my blogging buddies, Mojito Maven and LyndsAU. It was only a week later that we found out we were expecting and the WWW had to go out the window for the next 9 months.
I was concerned with how much weight I was going to gain, but because I was so sick for so long, when I finally started feeling well exercise was the furthest thing from my mind. At 5′8″ I ended up gaining 42 pounds. My doctor never told me that I was gaining too much weight or that she thought I should try to cut back. This is what I looked like at the very end of the pregnancy.
taken June 3, 2009 (the day before I was induced)… and seconds before I fell down those stairs!
So because so many of my pregnant friends have been concerned about weight gain and how to manage it while you’re pregnant, I have pretty good news. I saw the tummy in the above picture for many weeks and would wonder every day how that big tummy was ever going to go back to normal. I lost 20 of the 42 pounds while I was in the hospital. I had a baby that weighed nearly 10 pounds and I lost 2 quarts of amniotic fluid. I don’t even know how much water I was retaining, but 20 pounds was just gone like that.
Now, two weeks after Hudson was born, ten more of those pounds have come off– on their own– and probably with the help of breastfeeding. I can’t be too sure how it’s coming off. My appetite isn’t nearly what it was when I was pregnant and I’m BUSY. I don’t even have time to think about what I’m going to eat.
So, be encouraged, pregnant friends. I’ve lost 30 pounds in two weeks. I’m sure the last 12 pounds won’t be so easy.
taken June 19, 2009– two weeks after Hudson was born
The muscles in my stomach are completely gone and my skin has lost a lot of its elasticity. After my six week post partum check up I’ll be back in the gym to correct all of that. I didn’t have any stretch marks while I was pregnant, but as soon as I delivered him I looked at my stomach and it was half the size that it was two seconds before and I could see stretch marks immediately on my lower stomach. Oh well.
Here are some recent pictures of baby Hudson. We’re just so in love with him!
celebrating his one week birthday with a cake ball made by Jenny of Lucky in Love
my mom ordered a stork for our front yard!
Fiona thinks that Hudson is her baby
tummy time!
Daddy time
{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }
You look great! I am 5′10 and gained nearly 50lbs while pregnant. The same thing happened with me, the majority of the weight just came off and then I had to work to lose the last pounds. Same thing with the stretch marks, but do not worry they fade out quickly! You have a beautiful baby!
Just wanted to say that Hudson is beautiful and you look great! Can’t wait to hear how everything is going – do you think you’ll do any product reviews? Things you loved/can’t live without and things that were a waste of money? I’d be interested to hear.
He is so sweet! The baby is precious and your house looks so cute. You look great, too!
The Cape Houses last blog post: Calling the DC ladies!!
Just beautiful…………………You too!
I view my stretch marks as my badges of honor or battle scars. For some reason they don’t bother me at all.
and I meant to also say that you look great and your baby is a living doll!
What an adorable baby! And thank you so much for sharing about your weight loss and tummy stuff. That is all stuff women want to know, but are often too afraid to ask. I know I am! Plus, I worry that I’ll sound vein if I’m concerned about my tummy going back to normal, but in reality, who wouldn’t worry about that!??! You look fantastic and I’m sure those last 12lbs will shed before you know it! Thank you for the info
I love your house!!! You look great and sweet Hudson is just adorable.
You look AWESOME Erin! Thanks for sharing! Hudson is way too cute!!!
Kates last blog post: fashion show, fashion show, fashion show at lunch!
Hudson is TOO cute and I’m in love with your house!
Hudson is adorable and you look great!
I didn’t realize we were the same height!
Melissas last blog post: Favors, Programs, and Menu Cards!
You look wonderful and Hudson is so hansom. Did you also know that there are these bands that wrap around your stomach that help your muscles and skin to go back down? I saw them on a TV show and everyone was raving about them. I don’t know what they are called but if I find the link I will send it to you.
Gracie Beths last blog post: Shopping Spree, Part 2
LOVE the pics! Hudson is so cute, Not that I would expect anything else, also the stork (and your house) is so charming!
Happy early father’s day to Todd! You look great too, being a mom looks good on you.
danicas last blog post: Foto Friday!
OH, you look wonderful. Motherhood has made you even more beautiful!! You are way ahead of what most people would lose at this point! I gained 45 pounds with my first, and I lost all the weight and got back in my original clothes, but it took me 3 months. So I think you will see that this last 12 pounds will drop quickly cause you have healthy eating habits already. And, The only thing I did to lose my last pounds of weight was watch what I was eating and stroll him everyday. He loved it and it got me out of the house, so I loved it, too! When you feel up to it, strolling is such fun! Hudson is doll! xoxo
Preppy 101s last blog post: We Have a Winner!
You look great! Hudson is so cute!
I’m dying from a cuteness attack over your house! It’s SO CUTE. And the stork is gorgeous! Aw, what a nice idea!
Oh and your baby’s all right too
Ruby Slipperss last blog post: Alice in Waterland
He’s so beautiful. You look great!!
Ginas last blog post: 3 Weeks
You look amazing, Hudson is adorable, and your house is precious!!!!
Amy Spencers last blog post: Wonderful Words of Wisdom
Wow! It came off in no time! The pics are just too adorable. I love the one of Hudson and Fiona. Too cute!
Abbies last blog post: I Was Showered… Now I’ve Been Splashed!
You look fantastic! Especially at week 2, I’m sure the rest will melt right off! I hope one day I’ll be half as lucky! Hudson is precious, it’s been so heartwarming to follow and read your story! I love the puppy/baby pictures, they’re the best!
PreppyGirls last blog post: Tisk Tisk!
Love the blanket int he last pic, and your house is so cute!
Emilys last blog post: Flashback Friday
you look great, and I ADORE your house!
slynnros last blog post: Babies for Sale!
Your home is darling! I love older homes with character.
You look amazing for just having a baby. You give me lots of hope as I’m going through my pregnancy. I have a goal of gaining 25 lbs, but that could go right out the window as soon as I can finally start feeling like eating. Hudson is so precious and love his nursery, great decorating. Thanks for being so open and honest about your pregnancy and labor/delivery its great to know what I’m heading for in a couple months.
Stylishsuburbans last blog post: Long time no post & Big Surprise
You look great, and Hudson is just precious!
Mrs. Cups last blog post: You Know You’re a Bad Blogger When…
Erin you look awesome!! You’ll have those lost few pounds off in no time!!
Hudson is absolutely gorgeous! That last pic of him and Todd just melted my heart…
Megans last blog post: Dear Facebook
You look great! The stork is really cute. I’m in love with your house too! It’s so charming. i’ve been househunting for a year and would love to find a home with that much character. Do you think you’ll share more pics of the inside?
I was at pottery barn today and saw hudson’s rug there. i thought of you!
baby hudson is adorable!
I love those storks they are so cute!! You look great and baby Hudson is adorable!! I have missed you in twitter-world recently, I mean what are you doing that you are so busy that you can’t get on and have a tweet-convo about our trashy reality shows?!?! J/K!!
Megans last blog post: One TV Show
GIRL!!! You look fabulous already!!! Such an inspiration to so many others (especially me)!!!
Hudson is so precious!!! He’s growing fast too.
And your home is gorgeous!! I love the stork too. So sweet of your Mom.
XOXO
You both look SO beautiful =)
you look great and keep the baby pictures coming! he is a doll!
Hudson is beyond beautiful! And don’t be discouraged about your body- it already looks rockin! Please post more pictures of your beautiful baby boy
Sarahs last blog post: An Intimate Reception and A Cute Invite
Love this post! It gives hope to us ladies (even the ones, like me, who are farrrr from having a child yet!)
You looks great! and Hudson is adorable!
I mean look great…no clue why I put an s on the end!
You look fabulous!!! Congrats on the birth of Hudson.
Keep up the good work. The weight loss will come. I love everyone’s suggestions. Strolling around the block is a great idea. Especially with some wonderful summer weather.
I’m a new reader and I love your site!
Julie @ Angry Julie Mondays last blog post: What a Week
You look great! It’s amazing how breastfeeding helps the weight fall off. I’m having trouble with these last 5 pounds though..
What a beautiful little man you have!
Jamees last blog post: Online what?!
Those last pounds will probably come off easy for you too. It took me about two months on the last bit of my weight. Already being in good shape from working out and good eating habits really helps. So you have a head start.
Maggie Dickinsons last blog post: What’s Cooking!
Oh Erin…he is just the cutest thing! And yeah for cake balls
So cute with the candle!! Thanks for the shout out 
I cannot believe you have already lost 30 lbs! That is super encouraging
I am definitely wishing you the best of luck with the rest…however…you have ALWAYS looks freaking fabulous!
Jennys last blog post: 100!
Thank you so much for this post. One for the great hudson pictures but also your honesty. It really does mean a lot – I am so worried about it! You look amazing and it is certainly crazy what the human body can do and handle! 30 lbs in that short of a time is awesome! I am sure your little body will be back in no time once you hit the gym!
You look amazing! I have to admit weight is one of the things I dread when we decide to have a family, but it’s remarkable how great you look just two weeks later! And, Hudson is adorable!
Saras last blog post: The Mrs. and the Singleton
I love the pics of Hudson and you look absolutely wonderful, girl! When you’re ready, you know I’ll help write you up a program and/or do your metabolic testing!
Amy Walkers last blog post: One Click…
You look great! Congrats on your baby boy
) I hope hubby had a great first Father’s Day… he looks so proud!
oh hudson is so precious! what a sweet little baby boy!
You were the cutest pregnant person ever!!! Congrats on the weight loss and your beautiful baby. I am sure you will kick those last 12 pounds with no problem. Good luck with everything!
I love the pictures, Erin! Hudson is adorable
I also love the palmetto tree window in your house!!
You look awesome!!!! I can only hope to look like that 2 weeks post baby! Sheesh, woman! I love the stork–you have such a cute house.
You are looking great!! for 2 weeks after giving birth! I’m sure the last 12lbs will come quick..
Wow! That is great about the weight loss! 12 lbs won’t be too bad to lose at all! Heck I could stand to lose almost 12 lbs and I didn’t even have a baby (BTW – we’re the same height!)
Can I just say how adorable your house is? I love it! Please do a whole house tour and post more pics!
ERIN!!! You look fabulous!!!
I gained 50 lbs with my first and never lost all of the weight-I use to be so small!!!:( That was 15 years ago… I only gained 15 lbs with my second and lost all of that weight, but I’m still carrying extra weight for 15 years now… I think WWW is a must for me!
Todd looks like such the proud Daddy!!! Hope you all had a wonderful Father’s Day!
Have a great day!
xo
Sarah
Hey lady! You look so good.. and you are right..a lot of the credit DOES go to breastfeeding. It really helps the weight to come right off because your body is burning those calories to produce the milk.. neat, huh?? Thank You especially for that one, Lord! Hudson is such a cutie.. Give him a snuggle for me! My youngest grandchild is 16 months old…they grow up so fast!
I love the photo of Hudson and Fiona..too cute! And your house is sooo pretty! You are truly blessed, Erin.
You and I are a lot alike in honesty. I like that you were bold enough to put up pictures of the after-baby. You look wonderful, really, and it sounds like you feel wonderful too. We all struggle with body image and weight, and I always appreciate bloggers who are candid about their own situations. Perfection isn’t reality. You were such a pretty pregnant lady, and are still a petite woman.
If I lived in your neighborhood and saw that stork, I think I’d drop off a “congratulations!” card.
ok, here we go:
1. You look AMAZING!! Even when you were pregnant you looked fantastic!!! YAY for hopping back on the Fit Train with me!
2. The stork in the front yard = precious
3. LOVE the pic of Todd holding Hudson!!
4. The pic of Hudson on his tummy almost had me in tears! He is adorable!!!
xoxoxo
Mojito Mavens last blog post: don’t mess with me and cheese!
You look AMAZING! You were so cute pregnant, so it’s no wonder you look great after. And I’m so glad that the pounds are melting away (I hope I can say the same someday when I have kids!).
Hudson is so precious. And the pic showing his belly just gets me. I love nothing more than babies cute bellies.
So glad you are doing well, friend. Keep the pics coming! I’m just eating them up!
xoxo
I love that pic of Hudson with the dog. He looks like he’s relaxing.
Thought you would like this site too:
http://www.theminisocial.com
it’s like Rue La La but for babies!
Becky
First, you look fantastic and thank you for telling us like it is! We do appricate the honestly!
Second, your house is just darling and the stork in your front yard is such a great way to announce it to your neighborhood!
Last, Hudson is just darling. What a sweet baby boy.
Girl, you know my issues with my weight gain!! This post was great to read!! And can I just say that you look GREAT!!!!!!!! Amazing that after two weeks you have lost so much weight!
I love that stork and must have something like that
Hudson is beautiful Erin. Gorgeous! I am sure he is such a joy!
You fell down those stairs??
Bless your heart! You looked so great the day before!! I had similar luck losing most of the weight quickly, but I took my time losing those last 10 lbs. You already look fantastic, so I am sure those last few will be gone by the end of summer! 
Love all the pictures, Hudson is a doll, love the cake ball 
, and I love your house…it’s so charming!!! 
That stork is so cute! Where did your mom get it?
And I agree with the battle scars comment! We all bear them. For you new moms check out the Shape of a Mother Blog — http://theshapeofamother.com/blog/
Amandas last blog post: American Village
you look gorgeous! and Hudson is such a doll!
Lyndseys last blog post: A Quick Hello
You look amazing – I’m so glad your little family is doing well! Thanks very very much for the encouragement; I’ve been a little nervous about the post-partum weight myself. I’m not sure if I’ll look as adorable as you at my due date, but six months in I’m plugging along and you’ve given me lots of hope. Sending you love and wishes for lots of good sleep!
You look awesome and what a cutire pie you have!
Ok sorry that should have said “cutie pie” not cutire pie!
You look great! I was surprised how easy the weight came off – I have always struggled with my weight so I figured I was doomed. Having a 10 lb baby helps, huh? ha! I think breastfeeding is the other trick!
P.S. I ADORE your house – it is precious!!!!!
Kellys last blog post: I Heart America
You look amazing! Hudson is absolutely perfect and darling. I think it is so impressive that you have already lost 20 lbs! Congrats on the healthy sweet boy!
Tracy Anderson’s post pregnancy video is THE MOST AMAZING workout and it will change your body completely. I still do it and Baby Girl is 5. What you will find once your kids are older is that all those pounds you lost after your kids were born seem to creep back on while you snack off their plates at the pool (cheesesticks are SO good!) and drink ridiculous amounts of wine to cope with their antics. Do the video…you won’t regret it!