35 weeks. Hello Holidays!

Well, as I presumed, the holidays almost took me out!

We had several Christmas parties. We were able to see the Tran Siberian Orchestra. Visit the Christmas train.


Since we were out of town for Thanksgiving, we had to split Christmas day between our families. We literally had 5 Christmas' just between our own, and families. ( Not including friends/extended family) Needless to say............. I'M EXHAUSTED!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm 35 weeks pregnant today. I'm not even close to being ready to having another baby. I have everything lined up medically, and for work. But the baby has no room- not that he/she will be staying there for months anyways-  We still haven't purchased many more boy clothes, in the case that it is a boy. I haven't set up anything for the baby........ Well, oh well. I have 5 weeks to focus strictly on the baby now. It's actually kind of nice!

I am getting to the point of being tired all the time, due to the lack of sleep.

I am waking up hungry, full bladder-ed, parched, and with achy hips!

With the exception of the past week, I'm maintaining my 4-6 day/week work out regimen. Spin class 4 times, and pilates/body pump/yoga 1-2 days a week. I can't express how much of a life saver this has been! I came down with an ear infection last week (Of course the busiest week of my year!) and took the whole week off. I am so sluggish, restless, eating everything in the house, and swelling more than usual. I can't believe what a difference it has made in my energy level, and stamina! I will probably go ahead and take off the full 10 days (antibiotics) to recover from being sick, and get back on the wagon this weekend.


Anisten has gotten much more aware of what's going on. She is so excited to have a baby sister! (That's what she says it is)  She also says she is going to be a big brother.  She now kisses my belly, and likes to pat it, and talk to the baby. I know with mild adjustments, she will do just fine when the baby is here!

We've been doing things the last 6 months we have been working continuously on making her more and more independent. Teaching her to do things like bring her step stool around to turn on lights. We've given her her own drawer in the fridge. I just put snacks and drinks in there so that she can reach them-with permission of course!- I will be making her a little area in the pantry as well soon so that she can get snacks for herself. Having her put on her own socks, underwear, shoes etc.. We've even taught her to let the dogs in and out of the house! I am fully capable of doing these things for her now, but before we know it, I'll be stuck in a chair nursing, or holding a sleeping baby. 

We just had Christmas. And I've already put back some stuff that she got for Christmas, so that when the baby is here, we can pull it out, and it will be "new" to her then!

Right now, the top of my agenda is getting Anisten's room re-done, and washing baby clothes. We will be working the next 2-3 weeks on all of these things, but in the case that we don't make it, I'll at least have clean baby clothes for the little one to wear!!!

My anxiety (probably holiday induced) has been much higher the last week, than it has my entire pregnancy. I've been able to cope with having a toddler, working, being pregnant, keeping house, working out etc. this entire pregnancy, until the past week. I think a mixture of sickness, and business, I just cracked under pressure. My poor husband definitely took the brunt of it. Bless his soul, he's been a trooper. As of today, I've had some time to myself and at home with out a ton of stuff to do, and I am already feeling much better, and back to myself. *Hence, the blog!*

I go to my Dr. next week for my 36 week check up, and will be going weekly from that point on! At my 32(ish) week check up, the baby was measuring 10 days AHEAD! And I (my tummy) was measuring a week or 2 behind. So, smaller belly and bigger baby. Maybe that's why my stomach feels like it's literally cracking in half! ITCHY ITCHY!!!


I will certainly try to make a point to hit the blogs once a week until the end! This will be my last few weeks pregnant. EVER!

Ok, time for the 35 week picture.

Week 30- Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful that this pregnancy has been a healthy one! Not only a healthy baby, but healthy mama as well.


We took a trip to visit my family in Louisiana for the holiday- and it is not an easy one to make for a 30+ week pregnant women. I highly advise against it. My back was not having it!

What's new? 

• Peanut butter is staying in business, because of me. And milk. Apparently it's about the time that the baby starts trying to put on some weight. Hungry little fella! 

• I'm waking up in the middle of the night to eat. OR drink. I'm not eating a lot more than usual during the day, but at night I'll roll over ( in discomfort of course) and feel very hungry or thirsty instantly!

• I have been stretching. I blame it on Thanksgiving, but I have certainly been getting bigger! 

• My hips pop every time I take a step. Lame..

• My work out routine is still going strong- minus my 5 day vacation sabbatical-Spinning about 4 times a week, and body pump/pilates 1-2 times a week. Feeling strong! I'm excited to see the post baby benefits. I hear that it helps ease the delivery process and of course the getting back in to shape and recovery.
• I've discovered the belly band!!!!!!!  Where has it been my whole pregnancy!?

one day shy of 30 weeks-- Wearing my pre-preg skinny jeans! Thank you belly band. And spin.

• We have yet to clean out the "junk/toy room" for the baby. I just keep putting if off, and putting it off. I know they say things are different with your 2nd. And it's definitely true. It's hard to clean out a toy room, when my daughter is sitting in the middle of the room playing with all of the toys!

•  We had our first baby shower. Love my friends!!!!! Had a blast.  Got some great practical things for the baby. 

• I've learned to lean on my chiropractor these days! Extra stretching and manipulation is NOT a bad thing for my pregnant bones.

Alright, I'll update in a few days for my 31 weeks! 9 weeks or less to go?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!??!

28 Weeks-Well, 29 now!

Today makes me 29 weeks.  I kept thinking during the week, I really need to blog my 28th week. And then, well....Life happened.

What's new? Other than the fact that ICE is a new food group in my eyes, and I am sleeping like junk.... not much has changed.

People are starting to ask when I'm due, which is other words for " you're getting big!" You have to really be showing for people to feel confident enough to ask a pregnant when you're pregnant. I keep saying I'm bigger, faster with this one. But I think I've narrowed it down to I'm bigger in my belly only. I have learned about this belly band that you can put over your jeans/pants to hold them up and conceal the fact that they are unbuttoned, that has been a dream! I can wear my own jeans. My legs and butt would have never fit in my (close to) regular pants at 30 weeks with A.  THANK YOU SPIN CLASS!!!!! I am rockin' lots of tights, and tunics. I just had to buy a size bigger, and they fit great! My maternity jeans and clothes that I had with Anisten, just don't fit me yet. My chest is smaller, as well. So over all, I'm okay with being "bigger" in the belly.

Sleep. It's getting hard to come by these days. I mean, I really only have 11 (or less) weeks left, so I guess it's just that time. I toss and turn, and have to keep my baby on his/her own pillow now. I have to get up to pee and eat 5 times a night. Just that time.

I am loving the little body parts though! I've gotten pretty good at figuring out where this little guy/girl keeps certain body parts. I think downward facing dog is among his/her favorite poses. In my right side.

I go to the doctor tomorrow, and after that will start the bi-weekly check ups! OMG where did this pregnancy go?

26 weeks- FLUNK!

So, at my 24 week check up, I had to take the glucose test. This test is designed to recognize high levels of sugar, that isn't being processed correctly in the body.

Let me review with you before we go any further.


I....

• have gained a healthy amount of weight for my body/pregnancy. Still on the low end of "average" for non pregnancy.
• work out 5+ times a week. Running, Spinning, Pilates. Not easy stuff. My activity level has actually increased  since becoming pregnant.
• eat extremely well, 80% of the time. Lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, milk, water (100+ oz. easy per day) protein.
• do not consume large amounts of sugar, or saturated fat. And when I have any at all it's in extreme moderation!!
• feel healthier now, than I did pre-pregnancy
• am devastated!

I never imagined that  I would not pass the diabetes screening with all of that on my side.

After further investigation.. I found out that fruit and milk ( my 2 go to foods!) have high amounts of sugar - not the same kind as a candy bar obviously- and can be hard for my body to process. I've also learned it may have nothing to do with how "big" I am, but just how my body is breaking, or not, stuff down.

The last few days, since finding out this news, I have really cut back my carbs. I'm a runner. RUNNER=CARBS! This has been extremely difficult to train my brain to stay away from bread and potatoes, as I normally wouldn't think twice before eating these.

I already choose "brown" stuff, like bread,rice,noodles,eggs etc.. I try to make better choices in this area anyways-

I will say this. After "protein-loading" for the past few days (very little starch and sugar) I am less hungry! But......I have NO ENERGY it seems.

Tomorrow I go in for the 3 hour testing. I have to fast tonight, and get 7, yes S-E-V-E-N viles of blood taken in that 3 hour span. I'm gonna feel like a million bucks that afternoon! Wish me luck!

Other than that news, everything else has really been well.
My energy level is fantastic! 
I'm feeling lots of strong jabs and kicks- Still pretty low. But very consistent, and frequent.
I've been sleeping much better than I was a few weeks ago. - Could be a relief on the bladder, or those extra spin classes I've picked up....
I still have yet to do a single thing on the nursery.
The baby is measuring right along with the 2/1/12 due date (even though the DR. hasn't officially changed it)

We registered at Target this week! It was pretty fun, since we already know what we like for brands and know what we need, it kept it simple. I registered for a few boy things, just in case. And if I do have a boy, I will send someone to get lots more boy clothes. I figure if I can just get a enough "stand by" things for a week or so, that will be plenty.

I'm totally in non-nesting mode, but I know I will be soon, so I'm not too worried about getting it all done. I think we've decided to do the primary colors room. Something bright, and fun! I really like the blue/black and white room, and still haven't ruled it out completely. But, I think the primary colors will be fun and simple for us to do.


That's my 26 week update (a little late) will be 27 weeks in 2 days. Wow, I really have little time left!

Halloween is tonight, and it's on from there with the holidays, then BAM - baby.

24..I mean 25 weeks!

 I will be 25 weeks tomorrow. So I am a little late on my 24 week update and pictures.


This week was a wonderful week. I felt full of energy, and life all week long! It feels soooooo good, to feel good. I think it's so easy to take that for granted sometimes. But after the beating I took this summer, I will always hold a special place for "well-being" in my little heart! ;-)

The baby is doing great, and getting bigger. I can now feel his/her little hiccups stronger and more frequently. It's so cute! Lots and lots of movement regularly, and very strongly. The baby is the size of an eggplant this week. -- Hm, one day I will learn how to cook those. 

24 Weeks (new haircut too!)

24w5days

I'm about 400% sure that we hit a growth spurt this past week(and half). I haven't gained any weight since my last doctors visit 4 weeks ago, but my belly has gotten bigger! ... Maybe my butt has gotten smaller? PSH!
Oh, speaking of.... I signed up at a new gym by my work, and it's pretty much the best thing EVER. I haven't run outside all week, and really didn't want to. So I decided it's time to start considering other means of work outs. And, boy oh boy, have I? In 7 days I've worked out 5 of them. Which may be a large part of why I feel so great! My new work out plan includes30-45 minutes of cardio whether biking, climbing stairs, running, or even walking in the neighborhood about 5 days a week. I try to include 2-3 of those days with prenatal pilates. OUCH! I took a full hour of spin class yesterday. It feels good to do a solid hour of cardio, including intervals! I can't get that with running right now, so I feel like I'm better off. I miss running out side, and all of that, but I really need the work out instead of the scenery. I will be attempting to do the Tulsa Run in a few weeks. It's a 5k. Yay for feeling good, and good enough to get those endorphines flowing!!!

Something else I've noticed, along with my restless leg syndrome...I was laying in bed, with jumpy legs one night, and my foot around my big toe, starts tingling and almost pricking me. I ask Scott to rub it 3 or 4 days later it's swollen and bruised feeling.  I haven't been running, so I can't imagine that it's work out related. The impact to my feet has been minimal in that sense. I have a friend/client, who is a P.A. for an orthopedic surgeon- So I ask her last night if it's possible to injure my foot with out doing anything to it. She says it is, and explains further what it could be, and pretty much there is nothing I can do. LAME!  So I'm not sure if it's pregnancy/swelling/weight gain induced or what, but it sucks!

I see my doctor tomorrow, so we will just see what he has to say. I also get to take the "diabetes/glucose" test tomorrow. Swallow a cup of sugar, and get poked with needles. yay? I didn't do this test with Anisten, so it's all new to me. 

I definitely am thankful for my energy this week, it's been a busy one! Hence, the reason this post is almost a week late!

Loving the life of inconvenience.

I learn from other parents.
I learn from the good ones and the bad ones.
If you know a little about me, then you know that I'm a very observant person!  I like to pick what I do and don't like from all different types of parents and apply it to my parenting style.

One thing I know as a parent. It's not easy. And it shouldn't be isn't convenient. I knew from the moment that I found out I was pregnant that my life would change in a great way! I knew that I wouldn't just be adding a child to my world, like an accessory, but that my child would be my world.  This is where many parents and I differ. I want nothing more than to be able to teach my own children the ways of life.

Healthy life style choices like  food, physical activities, and extra curricular activities,balance,consequences,social skills,confidence,independence are far more important than any convenience out there!

It's not easy.

I will tell you what is easy.

• It's very easy to turn on the TV and plop my 2 year old in front of it while I get dinner made. 

It's not easy letting her sit and help me make dinner. Along with a great big mess! ;-)  But in return she will learn to not only to feed herself and family -later in life- she will learn how to make great choices when doing so. She will know that chopping veggies for 30 minutes is very inconvenient but so very worth it, to have a happy healthy family with full bellies!

• It's is easy to drive through the drive through every night/morning/afternoon to get something, instead of planning ahead to have a wonderful dinner or snack made that evening. But, I want her to know more than anything, she is worth the inconvenience.   

It's not convenient to work 4 days a week, and have all 3 days off with her home. On top of running my own business, and keeping things a float at home, it's a lot to juggle. I also give up a lot of luxury things like: eating out- a convenience and  Extra vacations.

We love to do these things of course, like anyone else, but I get to spend so much time with my baby, that I don't feel like I need extra vacations to do so. Eating out has become a special treat! We do so, every so often, but I'm so happy that we chose to eat in and enjoy family dinner time. It's time that we can't ever get back! 

• It is easy to drop her off and hope they teach her all she needs to know. 

It is not easy to read books and play puzzles after a long day on my feet.

It is not easy to let her sit and make a massive mess(that I know I'll have to pick up later!) with paint, play dough, sand, or markers! But the things she is learning, along with the quality time we share is absolutely invaluable!

• It is easy to tell her " no, don't do that! " just because she will be making, yet another, large mess. This is where she learns her independent play time.

I want to be able to look back and remember all the things we did together. All the crafts that we spent hours making a mess doing. I want to look back at the times we play dress up. The times when we feed her babies dinner.

I don't want to look back and think " We watch all of those movies together" or " Wow, she's great on that video game" ( Not that these things are bad in moderation)

I spend an enormous amount of time cleaning up a mess, preparing dinner after dinner, chasing a 2 year old around, driving to the store for more crafts, or taking a walk around the block to get out of the house to find things that we can do!

I love my life of inconvenience! People have said, " having a kid is hard! And you're going to do it again?"  You bet! I am not looking to have a life of "easy parenting" I am looking to have amazing children, whom I want to spend so much of my time with!! I love seeing her develop and blossom in to a beautiful little girl. I want more than anything to do it again. Is it going to be easy? Heck no. But again, if I'm going to parent, it's the one things I will NOT shortcut on. Ever. I will never look for the easy road- There isn't (or shouldn't) be one.

I'm fortunate enough to only have to work 3-4 days a week - Which means less day care time and I'm more than okay with that! It means less money to spend on frivolous things. It means Less luxury.- None of these things hold value in comparison. It means the world to me! I'm so happy that, even with much sacrifice, I am able to stay home so much with my baby(s) and not just be part of of their world, but their ENTIRE world! I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll have plenty of time to have the finer things of life, materialistically. But if I'm being honest, I already do.  The little things like seeing your baby walk or talk or learn something new for the first time- Those are my finer things in life.

I have what so many people are lacking. Love.

I know that other people's lifestyles and children('s needs). This is what works for ME. I have too soon realized that I will NEVER get this time back. Ever. So what works for us, may not work for others. And visa versa. But I certainly do know that as a society we have learned to raise our children out of  convenience. When in reality, there is nothing convenient about it. I never want my child to feel like an "after thought". Our marriage and our children will always hold top priority over anything else! Even when it's at such a great cost of ourselves.

23 Weeks- Another cookie please?

I.am.hungry. - The end.


Maybe I'm growing a line backer in there, but holy moly! I'M STARVED! I'm making descent choices with my food. But I feel like I'm constantly eating.

The baby moved up this week-Praise Jesus! I also really kind of "popped" in the process. I don't really feel bigger or heavier than last week, but after taking a picture yesterday, I can definitely tell it's a little higher, and more protruded out there.

I really have done a good job with my food choices. The fair is in town now, and it doesn't even sound appealing. I 'm not sure if it's just b/c I'm pregnant, or b/c I have made so many lifestyle changes in the past year, that fried butter just turns my stomach. I like to eat pretty clean most of the time, so the thought of all of that just doesn't sound great. We plan to take Anisten, so maybe things will change when we get there-who knows? One craving that has been nagging me, is chocolate chip cookies! I have the recipe pulled up on my browser right now, and it's been there for 3 days. I made some pumpkin cream cheese muffins (from scratch of course!) this past weekend, so I am telling myself that we have to finish those first. --- Between my marathon husband and my line backer baby in my tummy, it's not proving to be an issue.

Let's see, what else is new?

I took it easy on running this week. I only ran twice, and I'm really just starting to slow down, and I think since I'm on my feet so much at work, the combination of the two are taking a toll on my legs. I'm already experiencing a little swelling (mostly after I work long days). I'm just taking things one day at a time.  I still managed to get in 4 work outs though. I went to the gym for a little stair stepping/spin bike. And yesterday I found some prenatal Pilates, that I will use! I actually felt like  I got a work out! I have some prenatal yoga, that I like, but it's more for relaxing and stretching which is a great combo with the pilates. So that made me pretty happy to find!

Got new symptom last night right before going to bed... Restless leg syndrome.  I've had the "charlie horse" cramps, with this one and Anisten. But this, this is different! My legs were kind of "jumping". Cramping.Tingling. Sounds fun huh? Thankfully my husband offered to rub them for me, which helped enough to get me to sleep. I don't think I got quality sleep, b/c when I my alarm went off to run this morning, it felt like 2am. ECK! 

Everything else seems to be moving along just perfectly. Other than massive baby kicks, a whole lot hasn't really changed.

Hoping for another smooth week!!!

Week 22-MOVE UP!

I think this baby is growing at a more rapid pace, and I'm feeling stronger movements sooner,so I'm not sure if its' a 2nd time thing or what.... It seems like the baby is still pretty low compared to when I felt Anisten this strong/frequently. By the time she was moving this much and strong, she was well up to and over my belly button. This little one is still a smidge under my belly button(which has fully popped!).

I know that I've heard, which tends to be true from what I've seen, that boys are carried lower than girls. I didn't start showing with Anisten until she was so high up, so I've only known to carry HIGHER. I'm not sure if the combination of showing earlier, with the stronger movements is just making me protrude lower than usual, or if there is a ( i say very slight!) chance that this might be a boy?!

I've had a strong intuition from the beginning that I would have another girl. 2 girls! Of course I'd be extremely ecstatic with a little boy! I've already had girl dreams, and just feel like it might be a girl. But I can't deny that there are a few things that are a little different than they were at this stage.
I also have to look at the fact that I AM DIFFERENT. I'm a different person physically than I was 3 years ago. My starting weight was exactly, and I mean to the half pound, the same with both. The difference? I was just starting to run/work out regularly with Anisten, so my BMI was probably higher than this time around. I was in much much much better shape with very little fat (worked hard to keep what I had!) on my body this time around. I was running 30 miles a week, yoga 2-3 times a week, lifting 2 times a week. Definitely different than the first time! I'm also older. This could have to do with so many things too!


I'm eating differently. I still crave some of the same things - Not as strongly as the first- but don't have to indulge as much. Only a few times have I had that " I need this, and I need it NOW" moment.

Still very active, between a 2 year old, and running 3 times a week, Yoga 1-2 times my fitness level is pretty much still there. * I will say that running 4 miles with +17lbs and a kid that wont move up to release the pain of my sciatic nerve, makes me feel like I ran 10! It's almost 2 minutes a mile slower than what I was at before, but the effort is so much greater! I give mad props to anyone who stays active (besides"life") during pregnancy, it's a feat!
Speaking of running, I've run in to a wardrobe issue.... My regular tech (sweat wicking!) running shirts are still fitting me.....Until I run! I will not even get 10 minutes in to my run, and it is riding up over my belly button! I checked online, and found a few maternity work out shirts, that cost like $80 No, thanks. So, I thought to myself.. what's the most important thing about the shirt that I need. I don't like wearing cotton, it gets heavy when I sweat. I even sweat in the winter, so it's always an issue. I need it to stay down. I need it to keep me cool.

Ladies, and gentlemen, here is the solution to my problem......

I have about 400 race shirts that I never ever wear, because I don't wear tee shirts regularly, and certainly don't run in them! So I cut the arms off and down to almost my hips. This worked AMAZING!!!! The shirt is big enough that it allows air to get through to keep me cool, yet its small enough to hug my hips a little to stay put. Genius right? And, free! Don't judge!

Everything seems to be moving along just fine. I'm still feeling good! I have noticed that when I feel good, I feel GREAT. But it wears off a little sooner than usual. 

Now, if we  can just get this baby to MOVE UP!

BUMP cancer! - Race for Cure 2011

Let me first of say this ... I have been back to running after sickness, and horrible summer heat for probably about 3-4 weeks. I have just been running with lots of walk breaks, and lots of water, and not really caring or paying much attention to time and pace-- So going in to this 5k run, I had no expectations. I was not out there to set any kind of records, for sure! I would have liked to finish before 40 minutes, because, I knew I could at the least do that!

Never did I think I'd actually be able to run the entire thing in under 32 minutes! 5 months pregnant! 

I'm positive that had I run it alone, I would have stopped and walked or slowed way down thinking " I should just take it easy" I ran with out an ipod, as I usually do, side by side with my bestie's husband! It was his first, and he hasn't run in, well I don't know when, but a really long time! So he was not chatty Cathy, and I just needed someone to kind of keep me accountable, and it worked! For both of us. We were happy to finish in a respectable time, as a first timer, and a pregnant girl!

We ran for an amazing cause. That is to raise awareness about breast cancer, and hopefully find a cure to get rid of it all together! So, while we had great fun showing our team spirit, the matter of the fact is still very serious! The statistics of women having and getting breast cancer are not only outrageous, but rising!

It's very inspiring to see all the survivors there walking and running the races!

Congrats to my bestie for her ah-may-zing PR!!! She set a goal of Sub 28 minute 5k (which by the way is 4 minutes faster than last years goal) and she got it! This is so exciting as a runner to set and exceed goals! Now, I'm still talking her in to training for a full marathon next year... I think it's sinking in, that SHE CAN DO IT! ;-)

Now, on to our team spirit attire...which was a blast to put together!

My friend Melissa  and I got together a few weeks ago, to work on some "team shirts" and attire. We certainly found that I should stick to painting faces, and hair- Not Tshirts. She, however, did a phenomenal job!

Our "team name" was Hakuna ma TA TAs! 

Me-MILKMAKER, Andrea-DOUBLE A's, Melissa-MELons, Jasmyn- JUGS

We each had our own name on our Jerseys. In great fun, it was all related to some sort of "breast" term! Incorporated with us.

Add some cute ribbons for our hair....

And, some awesome tube socks to complete our look!

20 weeks-HALF WAY!

I'm pretty excited to hit this mark!

Half way is a pretty big deal. It's going to just fly by from this point on!

This week has been another good one.

*Appetite is in more than full swing. I'm certainly eating my share of "eating for 2!"
*Working out 3-4 times a week by running and doing yoga.
* I felt the baby from the outside for the first time this week! And so did Scott. - Very cool!
* Ran a 5k race.
* Still getting random waves of nausea.... Not sure why, or what's causing it. But, it's nothing I can't handle.
* The belly has popped  with full force. I now have a BUMP! A real one.

19 weeks- Eating a toddler's diet.

I got fast forwarded from 17 weeks and 2 days to 18 weeks, last Wednesday! My new due date is February 1st,2012. I am not attached to the idea of having a baby early. I really want the month of February. I had Anisten on her due date, so I can't measure whether I "go past my due date, or go early" She was pretty big (8lbs) so had we done the half way anatomy age scan like we did this time, maybe they would have moved her due date up.

I am feeling awesome this week! I've been able to resume all of my normal activities- hooray!

Cooking, cleaning, running, working. All in full force. I know that it's only a matter of time, when things will slow down again, but luckily through the fall and beginning of winter, I will feel descent!

So as for my diet....... Apparently we hit a growth spurt this past week. I have been eating my usual "healthy" stuff. But have decided in addition to the wonderful fruits, and veggies.
I want lots of things like:

Apple juice
Mac and cheese
Spaggettio's (which sound DIVINE right now at 10am)
PB&J- I resist the urge to cut all the crusts off like when we were children.
Cheese-its

It's so funny, as I don't usually keep a lot of these things on hand. I have maintained a very healthy diet for 80% of the time. But sometimes Taco Bueno wins!

I've been able to resume my coffee drinking with out yakking. This is a plus in my life! The weather has been STELLAR the last week. So, I've been enjoying it on my back porch in the mornings, while Anisten plays.

I've been able to run 4 times in the last week. Each run becoming stronger and stronger. I plan to run the Susan G.Komen Race for the cure 5k next weekend. I have been doing pretty good with keeping a steady pace, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to finish it in a respectable (under 40 minutes!) time, but if I don't I won't be sad at all. I will just enjoy being out there with other runners. :-)

I can't believe I'm almost HALF WAY DONE! It seems like it went so much faster than my first time. Which is why I've decided to keep this blog. I know that I will forget little things along the way, due to a busier life with a toddler.

The baby has been much more active this week, and more responsive. So if I drink lots of cold water, have some caffeine, a big meal, tight pants all seem to trigger the ever growing thumps in my tummy.

I took a picture on Saturday which put me at about 18.5 weeks. I will have Scott take another 20 week pic, which is always better than the mirror, phone in hand pics, but the idea is still the same!

You will have to excuse the " just got finished with a 5 mile run " look! LOL. But I like taking a picture in my running stuff, it shows off my tummy more than my regular clothes. I reallly should shower and put make up on before posting this all over the interweb! But, I'm not too concerned with it. Today.

Here's to another phenomenal week!!!

Lazy self entitlement gets you no where.

I just can't understand why some people are so entitled. Like the the whole world owes them something.

We have all been hurt. We've all went through hard time. We've all been a victim of some circumstance.

At some point, we've had to either make the choice to either get up and move forward with our life, make our choices, and have our own victories- Or change nothing, and expect everyone to pity us, and constantly live in a state of self pity and just accept the hand outs.

I chose the first. Guess what. IT'S HARD WORK. There's a word so many people are uncomfortable with. Work. It takes work to have success in anything! The benefit of success out weighs anything that might come from a place of pity.

I chose to grow learn and make different choices from my past hurts and mistakes. Instead of wallering in a puddle of entitled self pity.

Yes we need support from family and friends sometimes. And sometimes it's because of them that we got from point A to point B. But to sit back and expect everyone to give you hand outs and certain allowances just because they feel sorry for you is just down right wrong.

Now, this can translate to many other things as well. For the sake of politics I wont go in to "living off the government your entire life" part of the entitlement rant.

Because I may be going through a hard time in my life, does not in anyway give me the right to ever treat people with dis-respect and expect them to carry me for much longer than the initial boost of support! It doesn't give me the right to sit back and let everyone else do my dirty work while I do nothing.

The victim roll is only valid for a short amount of time. Earn some respect from yourself, and others by getting up off your rear and making life choices that will only further you down the road of success......Instead of expecting someone to carry on their back.

This is something I see so much of, and it bothers me to no end. I can empathize with people who are in hard times. I can. But I can not understand not making changes to make my situation different, instead of just wondering why I'm doing circles, and pushing people away-- We can only drain people so much.

Stop being emotionally lazy! Face it. Fix it.

I thought maybe if I blogged about it, and took a look at it that it would get it off my chest. I have to be respectful and considerate of others' feelings. I don't want to intentionally ever offend people. But the truth (which a lot of people know nothing about) be told, people who aren't facing the issues, are the ones the most easily offended! And are the most offensive to those around who want to help.

Work hard for those relationships, that job, the family- whatever it is they are worth it! If nothing else is earned for the hard efforts, self respect and self worth is.

This means concoction of selflessness, TRUTH, and hard work are involved. Some things in life can not just be handed to you. Self respect and worth included.

We can't act one way, and expect the results we say we want.

I want to be skinny and healthy----if I sit around eating twinkies watching all my children all day I'll never be either of the two.

I have to look at myself in the mirror, face the truth, and then fix it.

I've learned that no one owes me anything! If I am a certain way, it's because of choices I've made! I do not expect someone else to make me happy, or skinny, or content, or healthy----- These are all things I can chose to change. Somethings in life I can not, and do not have control of. That's called life! What I do have control of is the way I CHOOSE to deal with it. And then do just that. DEAL WITH IT. Sitting it on the back burner will only make me emotionally lazy, fat and unhealthy!

End rant.

Running while pregnant.

I knew that when I got pregnant, I wanted to continue to run. I also knew that I would not continue to run distnaces.... But only times. I want to do 30-45 minutes 3-4 times a week. So that puts me between 3 and 4 mile runs ( since my pace is considerably slower!) And with this, I'm fine.

I feel just as satisfied at the end of a 3 mile run at an 11:15 pace, as I did at the end of an 8 mile hilly run averaging 8:50 a mile. I am just happy to be able to do what I love, even if it's different.

My doctor is on board with me running, and says I'll know when to stop.. I took about 5 weeks off completely from outside running due to morning sickness and heat. So I was barely getting 3 work outs in at the gym, and at home to keep up my cardio. So with in the last 2 weeks, I've been picking it back up here and there. This is my first full consistent week. Of running and feeling good!


I can tell a difference physically in how I feel, and mentally. I had been so cooped up and filled with "cabin fever" from the sick hot summer, that I had become so cluttered! I wasn't able to read, or watch tv, nothing with out being sick. (sucky eyes= pregnancy symptom?) I have been on a steady dose of endorphins this week, and I think it helps my energy level boost even more than it has.

I kept my options open for running. I wasn't SUPER attatched to it, and gave myself an out. I am not out to prove anything, or win any races. I am just not that radical!  Honestly, it's hard to get out of training mode though! So I've been running a lot with no watch or ipod. Now, more than ever I have to stay in tune with my body. I have to be aware of how I feel, and know if/when I'm pushing too hard. I have been taking breaks in between intervals to recover, or for water until my cardio gets built back up-which is taking much less time than I thought it would. I've got so much to think about that it seems effortless to not rely on music or audiobooks. I also have a consistent running partner, and that helps. Although, she's training for a 4 mile race with a goal of 40 minutes. I'm so excited for her! But I have no plans to run that fast. LOL. So at  some point, she will leave me, and I'll be okay with it!

I plan to do a few 5ks until I get too big. But I will probably just start walking for an hour each day once I'm no longer able to run. I'll also pick up more gym time-and certainly the spin classes!

There is hope of fall in site. I know that will keep me motivated more than anything!
I'm also keeping in mind that with swelling and weight gain, that things might not fit like they used to. *ahem* sports bra!  So I've had to retire some of my other gear that I would normally wear, but I've found a few things that I'm able to grow in to. Since I'm not doing distance running, I'm not as concerned with things like "chaffing" and such. I've been able to find some yoga-ish  spandex shorts that are great for running. And shirts are an easy fix!

I'm on the prowl for resources and support for "pregnancy running" SO if anyone has anything to offer, from personal or professional experience, I would love for you to share!

I didn't know if I would be able to do this with a growing belly,and already achy joints. But with some yoga in the mix, I think I can do it a little longer! I DO know that there will be a day when my energy tanks again, at the end of my pregnancy and the beginning of the new baby stage. I'm soaking up as much of the feel good days as possible!!!

It feels good to feel good!

Today was the first day in a very long while that I wasn't longing for a nap by 9am.

I woke up, went for a run, got home and had some breakfast with my cutie pie. Had some coffee on the back porch. Made lunch and a smoothie for hubby. Made dinner, and lunch! (crock pot dinner, and egg salad for lunch) and cleaned, and I do mean CLEANED my kitchen. I did some play dough, and made a snow globe(thanks pinterest!) and had lunch with Anisten. All before she took a nap at 11:00.

I decided to take the time to rest as well.

So I got on my favorite website PINTEREST and got some DIY ideas for the upcoming holidays!

I then proceeded to clean the rest of my house after nap time. I know it seems silly to feel so victorious over such minor things - that most of us hate doing anyways!- But now, at the end of the day. I have a clean house, dinner is made, and a happy baby.

Saturday, I cleaned out my entire closet, and organized it. YOW! Along with deep cleaning the fridge! -- big chore in our house.

I think it's safe to say I'm nesting a little bit. I am getting in preparation mode. Or maybe just enjoying the fact that I can still every once in a while enjoy a clean house. Even if it's only for a day. :-)

Relaxation begins NOW!

By "relaxation" I mean more pinterest!

17 Weeks- Hello energy!

This week I have felt wonderful! It's Tuesday, so I am a little over 17 weeks. This is the best I've felt since getting that positive pregnancy test!

My appetite is in full swing. No cravings except sushi. It's about the one thing that I could eat anytime, all the time. I only have a little each week, but I still really enjoy it so much!

I am still drained at the end of every day- More than my non preggo days. But at least I have energy during the day to work and hustle around a 2 year old!

I have developed these tension like headaches that knock me out! Luckily, there is something I can take for them when Tylenol wont do the trick. And that keeps them away for a few days. I also had a massage recently, and that helped a lot too! (Thanks Emily!)

I've been organizing, and cleaning so much more than before! I think I'm making up for lost time. Nesting much? Yes.
So far, I have went through all of my clothes/shoes/accessories/bags etc. and gotten rid of 4 trash bags of stuff. And put away all of the summer/athletic clothing that I won't be able to wear until next year (including some winter items). This morning I gave my kitchen a good old fashion scrub down. And it felt amazing. The weather today is cloudy and rainy-ish, so I laid the Anisten down for her nap, and got after it. Now I'm recovering. We wont talk about the rest of the house!

My bump is in no way a secret anymore! It's there! I haven't been very good about getting Scott to take pics of me regularly, but I've tried to keep them at (or around) every 4 weeks at least.Here is a little progress.....

4 weeks- The day I found out

8 weeks

10 weeks

14 weeks

16 weeks

Scott has a 14 week picture in the pink that I don't have yet. And we'll get an 18 week picture. I'm trying to do one a month in the same outfit. Should be interesting to see if it even fits in February!

I've been feeling more thuds lately. Less "fluttery" feeling, and more thumping. Love the movement!


We went to see our Doctor last week. He said all was well, and everything looked perfect. We also took Anisten and she got to hear the heartbeat and see the baby on the tv! She loved the heart beat, but she could care less about the ultra sound. Our little ones ticker was going at 145 bpm. Nice and strong. He put it on my stomach and we heard it immediately. He asked the question "You guys don't want to know what you're having right?" I think he knows.

Peek a boo!!! What a sweet little face.

Side view of a developing baby!

 We are scheduled for our BIG ultrasound tomorrow. It's a more extensive scan to check the baby's growth and development. I don't think it will, but if my due date (2/5/12) changes, it will be tomorrow. I just pray that everything comes out perfect!

Buddies

I see lots of broken bones in our future.

My 2yr old preschooler!

It's been a while since I have updated on my girl!

She is getting so big, so fast!

A few days ago she ask me " How did that man build that hospital?" She constantly asks me how things work, and why things are the way they are (or aren't). She is certainly taking after her father with his engineer like skills.

Her favorite things to do these days are puzzles, taking extreme care of her babies, doing yoga with Mommy, painting, play dough and cooking.

We have been scorched in by the summer heat. So we have to get creative around here.

I had my first "proud, lets brag" Mommy moment. I was recently informed by Anisten's teacher and directors of the school that she will be moving in to the 3 year old preschool class. She has started transitioning over there, and the first week of September she will be a full time preschooler. ---Hold the phone. Did anyone catch that? My daughter will be in the preschool class!!!!!!!!

Her teachers are constantly raving about how much she talks and interacts with them. She told one of the teachers at lunch the other day " Miss Amy, this is disgusting" I haven't heard the end of it yet! Miss Amy went on about how well she talks and communicates with the teachers, and how it's even better than kids double her age. Miss Jordan who is/was her 2 year old class, The Honeybears, teacher says she has never seen any of her kids potty train as easily, and as early as Anisten. So I assume, that this all lines up with what most kids in the preschool class are doing.

It still makes me sad, that she is growing so fast! In that same breath, it makes me feel like all my efforts are paying off. Scott and I spend so much time doing things with her, and keeping her stimulated-instead of just plopping her in front of the TV. In fact, our TV is off a lot of time during the day. Just like we have "designated painting time" we have designated TV time. I attribute a lot of her imagination and creativity to this. Is it harder? You bet. Sometimes I'm so tired (especially now!) that I just want to let the tv baby sit her. But in 20 years I will wish for these times I spent on the floor with her playing and piecing together puzzles. Cleaning up paint messes, and crayon papers.

Anyways, I'm done bragging! :-) I am not trying to be all "Toddlers and Tiara" here, but we have all worked hard to get here!!!! So we have the right to be proud of our girl.

At "open gym"

Checking out and paying for her groceries.

Putting all her babies to sleep in cribs.

It's nap time AGAIN for those babies.

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16 Weeks-Already.

Well, I'm 4 months pregnant. Going on 6.

I feel so huge! And just blah. I've decided it's because I grew faster this time in the beginning, and it's STILL summer. So, I have to see more of myself, more often.

I'm convinced that this has been the absolute worst summer ever. So hot, so sick, and so much cabin fever!


Is it over yet?

More baby room Ideas.

So, since we're keeping the baby's gender unknown, I have been a little stuck on one theme that I like so much.

This theme seems to be simple enough to imitate! This bedding, is, (ready for this?) $850! Obviously, I don't love it that much.. But I toyed with the idea of just seeing if I can get one of my family members who know how to sew make the skirting, and skip the bumber and then sew a little blanket(easy!)  white sheets. But then, I came across this on, of all sites, Walmart! 

It's very similar! I love the wall color, and the rug- if I could just find it. I would add accents of  orange or (sage) green for a boy, and hot pink for a girl. It would be really easy to do!


The dresser that I will be putting in there is black already, so I'll paint every other drawer white, and do the knobs black.

I also love the idea of doing a primary (rainbow) colored room! I have the big foam mat with all the letters like this that I could use. I have a bunch of toys that are all primary colored! I would do pure white walls with red base boards or panels of some kind... I have no idea about the bedding though. I could still probably do something on my own. I love the idea of doing a rainbow (I've always loved rainbows, and their representation) on the wall with the babies name in the post of gold, or the cloud or something.

If it were a girl, I could always add butterflies, and flowery stuff, lady bugs etc... If it's a boy, nothing (or no rainbow at all)  I could add building blocks and crayons for decorations. So many kids things are made with the primary colors! I have lots of them already.

There aren't a ton of nusery ideas including rainbows, that I could find.

I have always loved colors bright ones, lots of them. Especially when it's something nature made....

My only concern might be that there sometimes is a certain connotation that comes with rainbows. But the way I think of a rainbow, is it's true meaning. And that's "promise".  Even with out a rainbow, I still love all of the colors together! And would make for a bright kids room!

Those are my 2 ideas as of now! I'm on the prowl for different ideas, still.

15 weeks- Feeling normal,only pudgy.

Week 15 has so far proved to be the best so far!

• I have had a descent appetite even with a few cravings.
• I have worn make up, and curled my hair.
• I bought some new *ahem* under garments for my growing self!
• I have been able to clean my house in bits and pieces again.
• I've cooked several times, and made coffee with out running to the john.
• *This is my fave* I've started running outside  again!!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAY!
• I've been feeling the baby pretty consistently and stronger each day.
• I've developed heartburn in the last week- bleck! Nothing Pepcid Complete (my one true love!) can't fix.

I'm so excited to get back outside again. This was by far, the hottest summer I've ever been in! I daily, consider moving to a northern state, and don't think I'm kidding. So I have not been outside, since ya know, the twirly stomach and record breaking 115 degree weather don't mingle so well together. I think the lack of vitamin D has been playing a factor in my energy(and depression) level!
I got out Saturday, on a cool 73 degree morning, and ran just under 3.5 miles. Thanks to my first running coach, and fellow preggo Ashley!!!  I have been in the gym 2-3 times a week and trying to do yoga and various fitness work outs at home, but it's NOT the same. I like the convenience of working out at home, but between that and going to the gym alone, I feel isolated. I miss my group/partnered running! We only stopped for water and a walk break once or twice in our first run in forever. We obviously are much slower, but who's training for a marathon? Not this girl. So I've kind of decided to let go of the "training" mentality, of keeping a track of time, and just keep track of distance. I know that I'm about an 11 minute-ish mile now (which seems so slow to me) so I know that if I do 3-4 miles, I'm getting in plenty of cardio time. :-) I was a little sore after that run, but managed another 3.2 mile run 2 days later with Carrie, in my neighborhood. I would like to do some of the 5k's coming up this fall/winter, as long as I possibly can, so that's the plan. If I have to walk a lot of it, so be it. But I'm just happy that it's a break in the morning sickness and the heat at the same time.

My house has been a tornado the last few weeks months. Just to be able keep my kitchen and living room clean has made me happy. I have been going through Anisten's toys and delegating some to "baby" and some to daycare/donation... This also makes me happy!

I got heartburn around 14 weeks with Anisten, and same thing with this one. The nausea went away, the fire takes it's place. At least I get relief with the heartburn! But aside from that I've enjoyed eating more than just rabbit food! I've actually been craving steak and *some* meat.  I'm still a little repulsed by a lot of it! I've even been enjoying a little more coffee - and it's effects- the last few days. Mmm, how I've missed it.

I'm so excited to be feeling the little gold fish, popcorn popping, butterfly feelings in my tummy. Ice water, laying flat on my back in bed, and bending forward seem to be the most consistent ways to get my little girl/guy's attention! Oh, and not to mention the drive home from work when my pants that fit me that morning are popping buttons that evening!!

Everyone keeps asking if I think it's a boy or a girl.
I remember my friend Jess was pregnant with her son Hugh a few years ago,and she kept the sex of the baby unknown. I would ask her almost daily....Still think it's a boy? Are you sure? She knew. WHich is amazing, since she had nothing to compare it with!

I've always had a little inkling that I might be having another girl. I also have a strong desire to have another girl~ So, the 2 might be getting crossed in feelings. But we will find out in February. I do feel like this pregnancy has been almost exactly like my pregnancy with Anisten. Except I am(was) growing faster than I did with her. I was exactly the same weight, and in a thousand times better shape, than with A, but my body just knew what to do right away! I was growing so fast, now it seems to be leveling out.

I found out I was pregnant with Anisten in August, so I didn't start growing til the late fall/early winter. Well, I will have plenty of winter "bigger" clothes. Which are useless to me in June/July/August. Darn. I'm about on the same track as far as weight gain. Since my last visit 3 weeks ago, the scale says I've only gained one pound since. SO that's not too bad. I've been eating differently this time around. Not perfect by all means. Becuase honestly, taco bell sounds better than a salad at home-or anything cooking at home- but it's definitely better! That, added with chasing a toddler, and staying active, I think I'm hoping for a quicker recovery and speedy delivery!

I'm just happy to be feeling about 75% human again! Maybe each week will be better and better.

14 weeks- Sunshine, is that you?

What a difference a week makes!
This morning is the best I've felt in 8-10 weeks.

Before 10:00am I:

• I've made breakfast.
• Packed husbands lunch.
• Got dinner started in the slowcooker.
• Folded a load of laundry.
• Started and switched laundry.
• Cleaned my kitchen.
• And started a blog.

*I'm thinking of tackling my closet!*

I feel so good today. I know that if I over exert myself, I will reget it in the 2nd half of my day, so I'm taking it easy until after Anisten wakes up from her nap later on.

I've only gotten sick once or twice this week - YAY!

I have gained 7(probably more now) pounds already-YIKES!- I gained 50, yes I said 50 with Anisten. I am hoping to keep it around 40 this time. I've been working out more than I did with her- but not as much as usual. Jolting isn't so good for a queasy stomach. So I've been getting about 3 times a week in, at about an hour each. So it's not horrible. If nothing else, it's keeping my cardio healthy. I'm certainly showing much much much faster. My size now, is about what I was showing at 5-6 months with her. I'm not even 4 months yet! But, I'm having NO problem "padding" or "insulating" as I like to call it.

This week, my baby is the size of a navel orange!

This little one is measuring in at a whopping 3-3 1/2 inches.

I've started feeling the baby flutters!!! This makes a lot of the sickness worth it. I felt Anisten for the first time around 16-18 Weeks. And this one around 13 weeks. Yesterday my pants (sad face) were a little snug, and I certainly was hearing from my wiggly orange. :-)

While I know that all day everyday I am not feeling 100% yet, I am so grateful to have a little energy back! I think Anisten is happy too!

On top of that, the weather, which has consisted of highs over 100 degrees for about 6 weeks, has  finally broke today. I went outside this morning just to see what 74 felt like again. I'm so excited for fall right around the corner!

Good day today!