Kerri Walsh’s Blog: Babies, Bikinis and Buns!

Joseph and Sundance – Courtesy Kerri Walsh

Kerri Walsh has taken home two Olympic gold medals in beach volleyball with partner Misty May-Treanor.

But she has two even bigger accomplishments to her name: Sons Joseph Michael, 14 months, and Sundance Thomas, 11 weeks, with fellow volleyball star Casey Jennings.

Although she’s an elite athlete used to handling high pressure, Walsh, 31, admits that raising two boys – and getting ready to fit back into the bikinis she wears for work – is tougher than she thought.

Click below to read her latest blog!

The first couple of months of being a mom to two little boys have been more difficult than I imagined –- but also more fun and more hilarious than I thought possible. My boys are absolutely amazing: They’re full of love, life, laughter and smiles. And they are WORK!

I am so in love with my family. My husband and I have gotten a pretty great system down so that we can both get our work done, but also spend time throughout the day hanging out with the boys.

Casey and Kerri – Courtesy Kerri Walsh

For my part, I’ve been a head-case more than once while driving to work and, unfortunately, while working. I’m not sure if it’s my hormones, the sleep deprivation or the newness of the juggling act, but I’ve felt more overwhelmed the last few weeks than I ever have at any Olympic Games I’ve participated in. It’s just nutty sometimes!

That being said, I feel so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy baby boys, an amazing husband who is truly a wonderful father and a job that I love.

Bumping the ball back at work – Courtesy Kerri Walsh

Come to think of it, maybe the overload of every emotion possible has something to do with the fact I’m nowhere near ready to get back to competing and wearing my uniform (Oakley bikinis!) even though I’m due to get back to it in a few short weeks. It makes my tummy hurt just thinking about it.

I truly had no idea how vain I was until I got pregnant … I feel silly writing that but it’s the truth. Perhaps the one good thing about my vanity is that it’s motivating!

I’m quite literally working my butt off and if you promise not to tell anyone, I’ll tell you a silly little secret of mine. After nearly every single workout, I walk my way into my bathroom, make a hesitant but very hopeful little turn and check out my buns. Every day I’m a little closer to walking out with a smile. Perhaps then, order will be restored to my psyche.

Spike! – Courtesy Kerri Walsh

Take care everyone,

– Kerri Walsh

Comments

CB on August 3rd, 2010

Keri you look great, no need to worry!! I enjoy watching you play vball, can’t wait…

J on August 3rd, 2010

Your honesty is refreshing—and you look wonderful!

Ellea on August 3rd, 2010

Kerri you’re my hero!! My indoor seasons coming up in two weeks and you’re my inspiration when I practice. Keep it up!!

Ellie on August 3rd, 2010

Kerri, you are awesome in your honesty and your obvious love for your family. Suggestion to the Beach Volleyball decision-makers: maybe it’s time the sport got rid of the tiny bikini uniforms. I don’t see the men wearing Speedos during their games.

Ivey on August 3rd, 2010

Wow I didn’t know the sport of beach vball was so sexist! Can’t you play your sport w/out having to be practically nekkid!!

Good Luck you you and your gorgeous boys!

Allison K on August 3rd, 2010

My idol on the volleyball court! I <3 everything about her! Best wishes to working those buns off… even tho she already looks amazing!

robinepowell on August 3rd, 2010

A lot of moms, with two or more kids, will probably be happy to hear her comments about her “buns”, not to mention how she looks in a bikini.

Keep up the good work Kerri.

Crystal on August 3rd, 2010

Kerri you are too cute!! You will look and be amazing when it’s time to start training and getting into your itty bitty bikini! Just keep doing what you’re doing and the rest will fall into place! Good-Luck! ♥

meghan on August 3rd, 2010

Ivey, I don’t know if bikinis are a requirement of beach volleyball, but it may be most practical, it gets hot running around on a beach. Also Kerri probably has an endorsement deal with Oakley, so she has to wear their bikinis when she plays.

Electra on August 3rd, 2010

Swimsuits are the required uniform but, the ladies can choose a one piece or a two piece..I’ve seen woman play tournaments in a bikini top and leggings. Love you kerri! You rock!

sat on August 3rd, 2010

Aw, what adorable kids! Keep up the great work, and please remember to reach out to your support system for help and a shoulder to cry on as needed

Luna on August 3rd, 2010

Kerri, you look fantastic, especially for having two children so close together and so recently. It took me forever to work off the baby weight. My youngest is almost a year, and I still haven’t managed. But I’m sure you’ll get there. Joseph and Sundance are adorable. Keep up the good work and I can’t wait to see you out there again.

Jess on August 5th, 2010

Kerri, I have 2 girls, one who is 18 months and one who is 7 weeks. Reading your blog makes me realize that I’m not the only one going through these motions. I to didn’t realize how vain I was about my body! lol. What a blessing these children are! But boy, everything can be so overwhelming at times. You are awesome, keep working hard!

Ethan, Aly, James, Sully and Stellan's Mama on August 5th, 2010

Yay, another blog! I love hearing about other mothers experiences with their kids. It makes my experiences seem normal, as I can hear other mothers going through it (if that makes sense ). And congrats for having two boys so close in age! I have 5 week old twins and another boy (11 m/o) so I can empathise with you, Kerri!

And those two boys could be twins! Especially in the previous photo. Sundance (Sunny?) just has the cutest little ‘look’ about him, I just want to mother him!

Bikini Mom on August 11th, 2010

I love Kerri Walsh, the AVP, and think she is awesome. I have had the pleasure to watch her play many times in Santa Barbara, Ca. and a mother too!Congrats.