If You Don't Squeeze It, No One Else Will

Squats are great; really, I love squats. They are great for my legs, which is a constant struggle for me and makes my tushy firm and fab (just how it should be). But, even more than squats, I absolutely love, Love, LOVE booty blasters. Like many of my fitness obsessions, this one originated from my friend Liz, who kicked my butt into shape after McKenzie with Body Back boot camp classes. 

Quick note: I am 22 weeks pregnant in these photos, so just ignore our little mister trying to get in on the camera action via baby bump ;)

22 Weeks: One Pound

This week has been fun! Last week I FINALLY found some cute boy clothes that I wanted to buy (and did) and, as you all know, shopping is like a drug to me - so that baby high carried over into this week.

21 Weeks: Still No Name

This week has been great. I have been so excited about the launch of my Fit4Baby classes  and busy getting everything prepped and ready that, I once again fella f ew days behind in posting this update. Sorry! Aside form my exciting new fitness program, not much else to report. Well, except that I did the whole church thing again this week (for those of you who read my moment of defeat post from a couple weeks back) and took Z to the nursery from the get go. 



She was so excited and booked it into the classroom upon arrival. It wasn't until about 5 minutes before service was complete that I heard a kid crying. I had a feeling it was hear, but just hoped I was wrong. I wasn't. Who was I kidding?! COURSE I wasn't! So I ducked out during the last song and grabbed her. We headed back into the service (because it's the song that the kids play instruments during) and she finished the morning on a happy note. While they don't do any teachings (that I;m aware of) during the nursery time. I am confident that this will be a good experience for her. Much better than fighting with her all of service. I did have anxiety/twinges of guilt the whole service, but tried my hardest to fight them and enjoy my "me time" at church. I never realized how much of a crutch she has become for me. I think I'll need to get used to not having her around as much as she will me. Not pregnancy related, but mommy related, so I thought it was still relevant. ;)

Time for the bump!

Floral Kimono - NoBella Grace

How far along? 21 Weeks 
Workouts: With teaching Stroller Strides and, now, Fit4Baby I have been letting myself slack and believe that just because I have workout clothes on and I'm leading others in a sweat-invoking and muscle shaking workout, I too am getting one. Alas, I am not. But, I HAVE been trying to stay mindful and either do my own workouts at home (if I miss participating in a class) or jumping in for a set or two. I did some booty blasters with my Fit4Baby moms tonight. I'll feel those in the morning!

Maternity clothes? I forgot how comfortable maternity clothes are. But, my current stash is still a tad too big on me. So I mostly stick to my regular, more forgiving, clothes. I have outgrown a few paris of my regular jeans though. Those were sad moments. Im wearing a maternity shirt in the photo this week - but that was more out of laziness because I am way behind in laundry!
Sleep: Still just struggling with insomnia and the mid-night potty breaks. And I now wake up much earlier too, I just don't drag myself out of bed right away. The combination has left me quite tired in the morning and we have had a terrible streak of running late because of it.
Best moment this week: Getting closer to picking a name!!! I'm still fighting Mac on his number one choice, but if he concedes to his second choice, I think we will have our baby boy's name picked! I also, FINALLY, found some cute clothes I wanted to buy him - thank you Carter's - so that was exciting. I was getting a bit saddened by fashion options for this little boy. 
Miss Anything? Being heartburn free. It hit much earlier and much stronger this time around. I also, now, firmly believe that pregnancy removes pigmentation from your skin. I haven;t tanned much since having Z, but I have never felt whiter than I do this week. It's terrible and makes me want to find the nearest spray tanner pronto! 
Movement: He is so active. All day and all night this little boy if flipping, flopping and kicking like crazy. Looks like Z will have someone who can keep up with her non stop energy very soon!
Food cravings: Lemonade, smoothies, cereal and caramel chocolates.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Even though I have a craving for it, a bowl of cereal sent me running for the toilet this week. that sucked.
Have you started to show yet: Yes, and I swear he triples in size at night. I feel like anyone who knows I am pregnant can see it without hesitation, but those who don't know might think I'm just a little pudgy. While I'm not crazy exited for the big ol' bump, I truly dislike this stage. It's quite uncomfortable and makes me very self conscious. 
Labor Signs: No, but I have been having some awesome pressure and growing pains. 
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy, and still stressed. 
Looking forward to: Deciding on a name and figuring out his room. 

Fitness Friday: Prenatal Workouts

I am so excited about a new opportunity that is about to launch for me. Let's rewind a few months to my Fit4Mom Stroller Strides training. When I decided to take the certification training to become a Stroller Strides instructor, the course also included Fit4Baby certification. At the time, I didn't really think much more about it except in terms of incorporating these aspects of this program into my Stroller Strides classes when I had pregnant moms in attendance.

20 Weeks: Half Way Done

I have officially hit the designated half way mark with this pregnancy and, depending on the moment, I either can't believe 20 weeks have past already or I can't believe there are still 2 more weeks to go. Either way, there is a definitive bump starting to show and I, not that I want to but, there is no hiding it any more.

19 Weeks: The Big Reveal!

Last week we had our anatomy ultrasound to find out if this mini mac would be a boy or a girl. And, in true second baby fashion, we decided to forego the big gender reveal party and find out together, as a family.

Because I unknowingly scheduled the ultrasound for the one and only day/time that Mac could not attend,  I asked the ultrasound technician to not disclose the gender during the ultrasound but, instead, right it down and put it in the envelope for me. She kindly obliged and my best friend, Chrissy, helped pull it off by getting a giant balloon filled with the appropriate colored glitter and confetti. 

Note to those wanting to do the same, don't use glitter. In theory, it's great and adds a pretty effect (which it did) but it was such a mess to fill and if we looked hard enough could probably identify the color from the lingering sparkle on the outside of the balloon. 

A Moment of Defeat

This morning was a bit trying for me as a mom. To fully grasp my feeling of defeat let me give you a bit of back story on my church going experience and decisions up to this point.