so it is now 9:25 am and I have gone to the bathroom 10 times this morning...I am not exaggerating - I actually counted. This is between the time I woke up at 5:30 and right now.
This is crazy! I can now see why the dual benefit to maternity pants...easier on and off when it comes to having to use the facilities.
And I think the best part is, that you have to drink more water than normal when you are pregnant to avoid dehydration and complications...which in the end...means you have to pee even more!
I am thinking about setting up my computer in our bathroom - sort of remote office to be prepared!
oh...excuse me - bathroom break!
1.31.2011
1.30.2011
Belly Pictures | 17 weeks & 4 days
Well it seems to be Sunday (again) which means it is time for updated belly pictures for the week...I will say, it is pretty cool to be able to see the weekly growth for myself, so I can only assume that our family and friends enjoy it as well as so many of them are so very far away.
This is post workout - sorry if you can smell me through the pictures...figure I would take a few pictures just before I get into the shower to get ready for the rest of the day...yes it is almost 4:00 here!
Oh and many apologies for the dirty mirror - I just realized what a mess it is, but have already stripped out of my workout gear and I am currently kicking it in my ratty pink robe (once again - just about to get in the shower)
Enjoy 17 weeks & 4 days...
Cheers to the start of another wonderful week!
Love You All!
Cheers to the start of another wonderful week!
Love You All!
4 WHOLE MINUTES
So far...today has been a pretty good day.
I was pretty sore last night from the 2 hours walk we took the dogs on. I am not sure if it was the walking/pounding on the pavement or if it was pudgy pulling on the leash that made it a little more painful than I could take, but I had to hand her over to Mike near the end - it was just too hard!
However, with stretching on my Yamuna ball and sleeping with the Boppy pillow - along with a lot of water, I was able to wake up this morning without pain - WHICH IS HUGE.
I also made it a point to go to the gym today, which is a plus, because I have sort of been slacking this week - I only went twice but today makes 3 times, which I am happy with for now.
I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes and even found the energy and motivation to run for a total of four minutes which felt great. I really believe that you need to listen to your body when you are pregnant and as a former athlete and someone who has learned to push through things, even when they hurt, I was a little worried that I wouldn't stop if my body was telling me that enough was enough - but I promised myself that I would listen to my body and it was telling me to give it a try. So I walked for the first 20 minutes at various speeds and inclines, and then I decided that I would start running at 5.5 with a .5 incline. My original goal was to run a minute and then walk for a few minutes to bring my heart rate back down and catch my breath (it is not easy to breath these days) but when I was running, I felt so good that I opted for 2 minutes. I ran a full two minutes, slowed down to a 3.5 and walked for four minutes to catch my breath and slow my heart rate down. Then I decided that I would run for another 2 minutes. Once again, I felt good - but I could tell at the end of my second 2 minutes that I was pushing myself, so I finished it out, and walked for the remaining time.
While this is a big difference for me, someone who (in my prime) would run three to four miles a day, I still feel like I am making progress and I feel good.
When I was walking out, the (very nice) lady at the front desk stopped me to ask me if I was expecting. I said yes, I was due in July. She asked if I had spoken with a trainer and ok'ed my workouts - I explained that I had checked with my doctor and she was very much in support of my working out with the focus on listening to my body to help me determine what is enough vs. what is too much. The lady at the front desk then told me how impressed she was with my motivation and how wonderful I looked - she was like, I didn't want to ask because from behind you don't even look pregnant - but then when you turn around - its hard to think its anything else. But you just look fantastic! HI...THANK YOU FOR TOTALLY MAKING MY DAY!
Please everyone - if you know someone who is pregnant - or you can tell without a doubt that the woman standing next to you is pregnant - and you totally want to make her day (or even week) tell her how amazing she looks - it is a day in and day out struggle for preggers dealing with the weight gain, lack of fitting clothes and ever expanding mid-section...and it is truly nice to hear from people outside of your husband (doesn't he have to say that) or your parents - that you look good!
and then to top off my wonderful afternoon - I found a jogging stroller at Target ON CLEARANCE for $54...originally priced at over $120! It is a Baby Trend Expedition XL in gray...very very nice and a price you can't beat. This is a stock photo so you can get a visual as it is still in the box and probably won't be set up any time soon.
HAPPY SUNDAY to those we love! Belly pictures will be posted soon - xoxo
I was pretty sore last night from the 2 hours walk we took the dogs on. I am not sure if it was the walking/pounding on the pavement or if it was pudgy pulling on the leash that made it a little more painful than I could take, but I had to hand her over to Mike near the end - it was just too hard!
However, with stretching on my Yamuna ball and sleeping with the Boppy pillow - along with a lot of water, I was able to wake up this morning without pain - WHICH IS HUGE.
I also made it a point to go to the gym today, which is a plus, because I have sort of been slacking this week - I only went twice but today makes 3 times, which I am happy with for now.
I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes and even found the energy and motivation to run for a total of four minutes which felt great. I really believe that you need to listen to your body when you are pregnant and as a former athlete and someone who has learned to push through things, even when they hurt, I was a little worried that I wouldn't stop if my body was telling me that enough was enough - but I promised myself that I would listen to my body and it was telling me to give it a try. So I walked for the first 20 minutes at various speeds and inclines, and then I decided that I would start running at 5.5 with a .5 incline. My original goal was to run a minute and then walk for a few minutes to bring my heart rate back down and catch my breath (it is not easy to breath these days) but when I was running, I felt so good that I opted for 2 minutes. I ran a full two minutes, slowed down to a 3.5 and walked for four minutes to catch my breath and slow my heart rate down. Then I decided that I would run for another 2 minutes. Once again, I felt good - but I could tell at the end of my second 2 minutes that I was pushing myself, so I finished it out, and walked for the remaining time.
While this is a big difference for me, someone who (in my prime) would run three to four miles a day, I still feel like I am making progress and I feel good.
When I was walking out, the (very nice) lady at the front desk stopped me to ask me if I was expecting. I said yes, I was due in July. She asked if I had spoken with a trainer and ok'ed my workouts - I explained that I had checked with my doctor and she was very much in support of my working out with the focus on listening to my body to help me determine what is enough vs. what is too much. The lady at the front desk then told me how impressed she was with my motivation and how wonderful I looked - she was like, I didn't want to ask because from behind you don't even look pregnant - but then when you turn around - its hard to think its anything else. But you just look fantastic! HI...THANK YOU FOR TOTALLY MAKING MY DAY!
Please everyone - if you know someone who is pregnant - or you can tell without a doubt that the woman standing next to you is pregnant - and you totally want to make her day (or even week) tell her how amazing she looks - it is a day in and day out struggle for preggers dealing with the weight gain, lack of fitting clothes and ever expanding mid-section...and it is truly nice to hear from people outside of your husband (doesn't he have to say that) or your parents - that you look good!
and then to top off my wonderful afternoon - I found a jogging stroller at Target ON CLEARANCE for $54...originally priced at over $120! It is a Baby Trend Expedition XL in gray...very very nice and a price you can't beat. This is a stock photo so you can get a visual as it is still in the box and probably won't be set up any time soon.
HAPPY SUNDAY to those we love! Belly pictures will be posted soon - xoxo
1.28.2011
The Boppy Pregnancy Pillow - The Next Thing You Should Buy!
While I am sharing all the wonderful discoveries that have helped me to enjoy my pregnancy, I can't possibly skip one of the most effective.
I honestly believe that the minute you find out you are pregnant - you need to buy or order (I would recommend Amazon - but does that really surprise you) a Boppy Pregnancy Pillow. It looks like a oddly shaped "C" but it is truly a "night savor"
While I didn't really struggle to sleep in my first few months, having one around would have made the transition much easier. It hits you one night that you are just no longer comfortable and honestly, that is the worst, longest and possibly one of the most uncomfortable nights of your life...its like no matter what you do you can't find a position that is comfortable. And its not because your belly is too big, I have been told that comes later, but because your body is changing and seriously just can't find a position that it can truly relax in.
There are several options out there for these pregnancy pillows - and I have honestly heard really good things about most of them. The two that stand out are the Boppy Body Pillow and the Snoogle. The snoogle is available at Bed Bath and Beyond (online) and runs about $45 with the 20% off coupon. The Boppy is available at places like Target, Babies R Us and Motherhood Maternity. However, I ordered mine (free shipping) off Amazon and it arrived two days later. And I will personally attest that my sleep has improved dramatically since bringing this pillow to bed with me.
Boppy Body Pillow
Snoogle Maternity Pillow
I honestly believe that the minute you find out you are pregnant - you need to buy or order (I would recommend Amazon - but does that really surprise you) a Boppy Pregnancy Pillow. It looks like a oddly shaped "C" but it is truly a "night savor"
While I didn't really struggle to sleep in my first few months, having one around would have made the transition much easier. It hits you one night that you are just no longer comfortable and honestly, that is the worst, longest and possibly one of the most uncomfortable nights of your life...its like no matter what you do you can't find a position that is comfortable. And its not because your belly is too big, I have been told that comes later, but because your body is changing and seriously just can't find a position that it can truly relax in.
There are several options out there for these pregnancy pillows - and I have honestly heard really good things about most of them. The two that stand out are the Boppy Body Pillow and the Snoogle. The snoogle is available at Bed Bath and Beyond (online) and runs about $45 with the 20% off coupon. The Boppy is available at places like Target, Babies R Us and Motherhood Maternity. However, I ordered mine (free shipping) off Amazon and it arrived two days later. And I will personally attest that my sleep has improved dramatically since bringing this pillow to bed with me.
Boppy Body Pillow
Snoogle Maternity Pillow
Yamuna Ball - a must for pregnancy
So I have to share my recent discovery courtesy of Fit Pregnancy...they did a feature article on the Yamuna Ball and the benefits of using it when you are pregnant to relieve the pressure that builds up in your back, spine, pelvis, hips and even legs. Willing to try just about anything to relieve the uncomfortable feeling nagging me in my lower back, hips and pelvis - I ordered one about a week ago.
It is a small gold ball, - not too expensive considering what it can help you do, and something I believe you can use even after the baby is born to release the tension and strengthen your core muscles.
My Yamuna ball arrived two days ago, and I put it to use yesterday. It is super easy to use, the hardest part is getting down on the floor - but once you are down there, it is something you can use as many times as you want throughout the day.
Basically there are three main exercises the Fit Pregnancy recommends for pregnant women. They all release the tension and pressure that you may be feeling in your back, hips, sides, everything - it is crazy how simple it is but how effective it is at truly making you feel better!
if you are a former athlete, have any issues with your back, hips, or joints (which will only get worse with pregnancy) or are just looking for an enjoyable way to stretch and relieve some pain...I highly recommend looking into this option.
Fit Pregnancy recommends using the "gold ball" which at one point in time was also a yellow ball I believe. It is the lowest level of resistance you can get in Yamuna and recommended for prenatal/pregnancy use.
I used the ball yesterday to stretch my back, work my core a little and stretch my hips/pelvis. I started out by sitting my right butt cheek on the ball with my right leg extended and my left leg bent up for stability and as you breath, press your butt into the ball, you will feel it all the way through your hips, butt, pelvis and even your leg...you can roll you butt over to one side and feel a different stretch...I am telling you - this thing is amazing.
Even Mike was using it to stretch his back - which is a step in the right direction because I am pretty sure that is the most athletic thing my (amazing) husband has done in a very long time. So even your hubby can put it to good use.
I took a chance based on an article and a sense of desperation and ordered this ball - but as some one who is now a "believer" it was worth the investment.
If you want more information or want to order your own Yamuna Ball - here is the information website. I can also send you the workout instructions that I have from Fit Pregnancy.
Yamuna Body Rolling
sample of the Gold Ball - for beginners...its not very big, but it does powerful things!
It is a small gold ball, - not too expensive considering what it can help you do, and something I believe you can use even after the baby is born to release the tension and strengthen your core muscles.
My Yamuna ball arrived two days ago, and I put it to use yesterday. It is super easy to use, the hardest part is getting down on the floor - but once you are down there, it is something you can use as many times as you want throughout the day.
Basically there are three main exercises the Fit Pregnancy recommends for pregnant women. They all release the tension and pressure that you may be feeling in your back, hips, sides, everything - it is crazy how simple it is but how effective it is at truly making you feel better!
if you are a former athlete, have any issues with your back, hips, or joints (which will only get worse with pregnancy) or are just looking for an enjoyable way to stretch and relieve some pain...I highly recommend looking into this option.
Fit Pregnancy recommends using the "gold ball" which at one point in time was also a yellow ball I believe. It is the lowest level of resistance you can get in Yamuna and recommended for prenatal/pregnancy use.
I used the ball yesterday to stretch my back, work my core a little and stretch my hips/pelvis. I started out by sitting my right butt cheek on the ball with my right leg extended and my left leg bent up for stability and as you breath, press your butt into the ball, you will feel it all the way through your hips, butt, pelvis and even your leg...you can roll you butt over to one side and feel a different stretch...I am telling you - this thing is amazing.
Even Mike was using it to stretch his back - which is a step in the right direction because I am pretty sure that is the most athletic thing my (amazing) husband has done in a very long time. So even your hubby can put it to good use.
I took a chance based on an article and a sense of desperation and ordered this ball - but as some one who is now a "believer" it was worth the investment.
If you want more information or want to order your own Yamuna Ball - here is the information website. I can also send you the workout instructions that I have from Fit Pregnancy.
Yamuna Body Rolling
sample of the Gold Ball - for beginners...its not very big, but it does powerful things!
1.26.2011
the flower is growing...
So the flower tattoo I have on the left side of my pelvis - thank you freshman year of college - seems to be expanding...
I am doing what I can to keep it soft and minimize the rate at which it stretches - but odds are this will be one of those things that never really springs back after pregnancy...
I guess we will see! I attempted to take a picture of the expanding flower with the camera on my phone - but was less than pleased with the result - so many tonight.
17 weeks today...crazy to think we are almost to the half way point.
Happy Wednesday!
I am doing what I can to keep it soft and minimize the rate at which it stretches - but odds are this will be one of those things that never really springs back after pregnancy...
I guess we will see! I attempted to take a picture of the expanding flower with the camera on my phone - but was less than pleased with the result - so many tonight.
17 weeks today...crazy to think we are almost to the half way point.
Happy Wednesday!
1.24.2011
feelin good
I feel like today is a good day!
Aside from not being able to sleep last night - it was either the iced tea or the fact that I took a two hour nap in the afternoon, I am feeling really good.
I worked out every day last week (Monday - Friday) and I honestly think that is what is making the difference. My back doesn't hurt, I have more energy and aside from my mini melt down I had Friday night before the Mustangs game (which I will talk about in a minute) I have not had a ton of issues with my ever changing body.
the mini-meltdown...lets see! I no longer fit into my pre-pregnancy pants even with a bella band and was a little frustrated because i felt like I had nothing to wear other than black pants and black cropped pants. I have been relying on the bella band to rock my normal jeans and up until this past Friday, it had been working perfectly. However, when I went to put on a pair of my jeans - I could no longer zip them (Even a little bit) and the two sides were so far away that even the bella band didn't work to make it look normal. So after I pulled all my pants off the hanger, balled them up and shoved them on top of my closet in a frenzy...I found a pair that are bigger than the rest, opted for those and made it a point to order two pairs of maternity jeans from Gap when I got home that night.
In all - there were no tears, and my self esteem and pride were only some what bruised - not beaten...so I feel like it was actually a victory in my world!
we are 16 weeks & 5 days...almost 17 weeks - which seems crazy to think. Not too much longer before Grandma comes out to visit and Mommy and Daddy find out whether the little cockeye will be rocking pink or blue home from the hospital! Obviously we don't care either way - but are just excited to find out!
Aside from not being able to sleep last night - it was either the iced tea or the fact that I took a two hour nap in the afternoon, I am feeling really good.
I worked out every day last week (Monday - Friday) and I honestly think that is what is making the difference. My back doesn't hurt, I have more energy and aside from my mini melt down I had Friday night before the Mustangs game (which I will talk about in a minute) I have not had a ton of issues with my ever changing body.
the mini-meltdown...lets see! I no longer fit into my pre-pregnancy pants even with a bella band and was a little frustrated because i felt like I had nothing to wear other than black pants and black cropped pants. I have been relying on the bella band to rock my normal jeans and up until this past Friday, it had been working perfectly. However, when I went to put on a pair of my jeans - I could no longer zip them (Even a little bit) and the two sides were so far away that even the bella band didn't work to make it look normal. So after I pulled all my pants off the hanger, balled them up and shoved them on top of my closet in a frenzy...I found a pair that are bigger than the rest, opted for those and made it a point to order two pairs of maternity jeans from Gap when I got home that night.
In all - there were no tears, and my self esteem and pride were only some what bruised - not beaten...so I feel like it was actually a victory in my world!
we are 16 weeks & 5 days...almost 17 weeks - which seems crazy to think. Not too much longer before Grandma comes out to visit and Mommy and Daddy find out whether the little cockeye will be rocking pink or blue home from the hospital! Obviously we don't care either way - but are just excited to find out!
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