tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70164919598779048882024-03-13T14:48:07.895-07:00Miss Married MacOctober 19, 2004: Boy Meets Girl
<br> July 3, 2009: She Says Yes
<br> May 22, 2010: Happily Ever After Begins
<br> March 22, 2013: Little Miss Z Makes Three
<br> May 28, 2015: With C, Our Family is Complete Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-6541921906408765732015-08-10T22:00:00.001-07:002015-08-10T22:00:33.168-07:00Charlie is Two MonthsToday Charlie turned two months old. I'm in shock from both perspectives. 1. I can't believe my tiny baby (who is not so tiny any more) is already two months and 2. how the heck has it only been two months?!?<br />
<br />
As I mentioned in my last post, adjusting to life with two wasn't as easy as I had let myself believe. But as I was heading out to the door this morning to teach Stroller Strides and then make a stop at the pediatrician's office for Charlie's well visit. I realized that getting out of the house with both in tow seems much more routine. It's still a process, and I love when I have Mac around to help load Z, but it doesn't feel foreign anymore. Yay! Now comes the art of mastering the timely exit so we aren't late everywhere. Which, I am happy to report I WAS NOT this morning! Woo hoo!<br />
<br />
You probably noticed I did not write a one month update for C.<br />
There are a few reasons for that.<br />
- We didn't have a well visit, so I didn't have new stats.<br />
- I was still in survival mode trying to figure out the whole mom of two thing.<br />
- I just didn't really have much to say at that point as he was still in total newborn phase and not doing a whole lot.<br />
- And lastly, I was very bad about writing posts for Z -- I don't think I even did a one year OR a two year for her (#mommyfail) -- This time around I'm being a bit more realistic with the blog and hopefully getting better about consistently posting rather than falling off the grid for a very long time. - But ... maybe I will go back and post about her birthdays, so when she's older she has something to look back at -- haha (Sorry McKenzie!)<br />
<br />
So, back to what I was saying. Two months has flown by, yet it feels like he has always been part of our family. It's strange how you don't realize something is missing until it's in your life and you can't imagine it not being there anymore.<br />
<br />
Here's a little run down of our chunky little man, who hubby likes to affectionally refer to as "beef".<br />
<br />
<b>Weight:</b> 12lbs 7oz (7lbs 13oz at birth)<br />
- I'd like to note, Z did not hit 12 pounds until 4 months!<br />
<b>Height:</b> 22 3/4in (19 1/2in at 4 days)<br />
- I like to use the doctor visit for height because with both and C, they supposedly shrunk from the time they were born to the time they were seen by the Dr.<br />
<b>Sleeping: </b>He is still pretty inconsistent with sleep. Some nights he does great and others he's up every couple of hours. Because of this, he is still sleeping in our room in the rock and play because I am not about to walk up and down the stairs a thousand times a night ;) The most he has slept was <strike>last night</strike> the night before he turned 2 months old, giving me a solid 8 hours and 15 minutes. Typically, he has a long stretch of 5-6 hours and then is up every 2 hours or so until morning. But, when he wakes up, it's just to eat and then he usually falls right back to sleep.<br />
<b>Eating: </b>He is a nursing champ, just like his sister. I have him on a loose 3 hour schedule, but take his lead most of the time instead of sticking to a strict schedule. On average he eats for 10-15 minutes each feeding - which is about twice as long as Z!<br />
<b>First: </b>Well, everything he is doing right now is a first! He is so strong and hold his head up great, has been since the very first week. He doesn't fuss much during tummy time which hasn't given much opportunity to practice rolling. In fact, when he DOES get fussy he tend to use his legs more to scoot forward, like a belly crawl. So, I think we are going to have an early crawler on our hands.<br />
<br />
Similar to Z, I am doing 52 weeks of Charlie as well as monthly photos. So, here are our photos leading up to 2 months old!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40de-JXuI7s/VcmAZxRBpVI/AAAAAAAAM1U/Ra2EI2DAEWI/s1600/01%2Bweek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40de-JXuI7s/VcmAZxRBpVI/AAAAAAAAM1U/Ra2EI2DAEWI/s320/01%2Bweek.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VoCC8HF-2A/VcmAcRA4FhI/AAAAAAAAM1o/rIFWPWo7u6w/s1600/02%2Bweeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VoCC8HF-2A/VcmAcRA4FhI/AAAAAAAAM1o/rIFWPWo7u6w/s320/02%2Bweeks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6rWasyec2E/VcmAaThlunI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/7cHMDPO7fcA/s1600/03%2Bweeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6rWasyec2E/VcmAaThlunI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/7cHMDPO7fcA/s320/03%2Bweeks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtAZR0dCAok/VcmAcFNgU5I/AAAAAAAAM1k/kcl8z7DGz24/s1600/04%2Bweeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtAZR0dCAok/VcmAcFNgU5I/AAAAAAAAM1k/kcl8z7DGz24/s320/04%2Bweeks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGu3GDj6390/VcmAwqsqujI/AAAAAAAAM2g/7N8KzZ1j8sk/s1600/01%2Bchair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGu3GDj6390/VcmAwqsqujI/AAAAAAAAM2g/7N8KzZ1j8sk/s320/01%2Bchair.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_5n1qHl4ok/VcmAvJRazGI/AAAAAAAAM2U/mRqnMZL8MH0/s1600/01%2Bstats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_5n1qHl4ok/VcmAvJRazGI/AAAAAAAAM2U/mRqnMZL8MH0/s320/01%2Bstats.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VJxMdXY_tQ/VcmAdx1hI_I/AAAAAAAAM10/zu0qB6hMX9U/s1600/05%2Bweeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VJxMdXY_tQ/VcmAdx1hI_I/AAAAAAAAM10/zu0qB6hMX9U/s320/05%2Bweeks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rQA9ZTd_bw/VcmAq6phT-I/AAAAAAAAM2M/6xBorbdPxh0/s1600/06%2Bweeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rQA9ZTd_bw/VcmAq6phT-I/AAAAAAAAM2M/6xBorbdPxh0/s320/06%2Bweeks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEa2i5TsCVM/VcmAqDiBkzI/AAAAAAAAM2E/weV6IydzpUg/s1600/07%2Bweeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEa2i5TsCVM/VcmAqDiBkzI/AAAAAAAAM2E/weV6IydzpUg/s320/07%2Bweeks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhduJNHpy8Y/VcmApFsCjyI/AAAAAAAAM18/hJkZvVmdtuU/s1600/08%2Bweeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhduJNHpy8Y/VcmApFsCjyI/AAAAAAAAM18/hJkZvVmdtuU/s320/08%2Bweeks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWxFvbR5fGI/VcmAwlbTXRI/AAAAAAAAM2c/vtJ5PFKIAY0/s1600/02%2Bchair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWxFvbR5fGI/VcmAwlbTXRI/AAAAAAAAM2c/vtJ5PFKIAY0/s320/02%2Bchair.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5F3-8Dt2Tw/VcmAwoS0bmI/AAAAAAAAM2s/HT1iRbWVFCM/s1600/02%2Bstats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5F3-8Dt2Tw/VcmAwoS0bmI/AAAAAAAAM2s/HT1iRbWVFCM/s320/02%2Bstats.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-61701418996657297612015-07-23T22:48:00.001-07:002015-07-23T22:48:57.847-07:00Charlie's Birth StoryThis post is now <strike>4 weeks</strike> 8 weeks in the making. Well, I guess I shouldn't say in the making because that implies that I have put any effort into it prior to this very moment (and once prior) and, quite frankly, I have not. This whole one kid to two kid transition is kind of kicking my butt. Not in a, OMG what the hell was I thinking kind of way, just a, hmmm ... this is quite a bit trickier than I imagined.<br />
<br />
Anyone that knows my little family knows that Z was a dream child. So, despite Charlie being a great little baby, he is still much more difficult, which is only THAT much more difficult now that I also have a two year old to tend to as well. But {slowly} things are starting to stabilize and I feel as if I have a little more control.<br />
<br />
And, with that longer than necessary intro, I suppose we should rewind a bit to the grand entrance of my fabulous little boy - because really, he is pretty amazing and he has truly made our family perfectly complete. And, no, that's not just the sleep deprivation talking ;)<br />
<br />
To truly start this birth story I should probably confess, we totally planned an elective induction. I did not share this with many people in advance because, quite frankly, I did not care for any commentary on the subject. My Dr and I made the decisions, together, to induce just shy of 40 weeks (39 weeks and 2 days to be exact). Given my previous delivery history with Z and current pregnancy status (basically flawless and no cause for concern) with Charlie, Dr. Layton felt no need to wait until after my due date to discuss scheduling an induction. We decided on Wednesday, May 27 at 5am (SO EARLY!).<br />
<br />
The day arrived and, with Z already tucked in at my in-laws, I called the hospital at 3am, as instructed, to verify they were still able to take us at our scheduled time. They couldn't. Thus, starting our anxious waiting to be called in.<br />
<br />
Around 9am Dr. Layton called and said it was unlikely we would be called to come in that day and asked us to come in for some outpatient induction (membrane sweeping). After leaving his office, we decided to walk around a nearby shopping center (yay Target!), grab lunch and just wait for either labor to start or the hospital to call. Neither happened. Then, at 5am, the hospital called and told us to come in as soon as we could, because they were ready for us.<br />
<br />
At 7:30am, after checking in and getting situated, etc. they started the Pitocin. I, naively, thought labor would start immediately and we would meet our son very son. WRONG. We sat around and waited for several hours, watching movie, after movie, after movie. At some point during the waiting the nurse came in and said Drs tend to come in at either the start or end of their lunch to break their patient's water, so we should expect him between 12 and 12:30 or not until 1:30 or 2. It was the latter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1962692_10101119415918598_3316535018121769804_n.jpg?oh=87e6884fa849109549ad6216f27815af&oe=564F2C29" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1962692_10101119415918598_3316535018121769804_n.jpg?oh=87e6884fa849109549ad6216f27815af&oe=564F2C29" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The process was short but oh so painful. In fact, it would wind up being the most painful part of my day. Once he was done I didn't feel like it worked. But they said to give it a little bit and if it, in fact didn't, he would come back in. I wasn't a fan of this option because I was already so bored waiting.<br />
<br />
The contractions were coming and going, but not consistent and not nearly as painful as I remembered with Z. In fact, not really painful at all. So I switched it up and sat on the birthing ball to see if I could help things along.<br />
<br />
After a few hours, it was decided my water did not break and they would call Dr. Layton. It was then that I asked for the epidural which I had already signed off for and had been asked if I wanted a few times. I wasn't in pain enough at that point to need it, but he was absolutely not messing around down there again without some pain meds in my system. So I got my epidural and they called Dr. Layton. At 5:30 he broke my water and that's when the active labor began. Still not as intense as I remember, but that's probably thanks to the epidural that was much more effective this time around.<br />
<br />
After 2.5 hours of active labor and 20 minutes of pushing, Charlie was finally here. Similar to McKenzie, we started seeing his heart rate drop and they had to put me on oxygen. Then, unlike McKenzie, a few things were mentioned that made me worry the day may end in an emergency c-section. First, although I was almost fully dilated, he hadn't dropped down into the birth canal so they thought he might have cord wrapped somewhere - not something a laboring mother wants to hear. And second, once he did drop, he wasn't straightening out and, if I heard correctly, he would not be able to come out if he didn't correct himself. Luckily, he did and we had a successful delivery, outside of an operating room.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/s960x960/11429662_10101118661859738_5454151360911554916_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/s960x960/11429662_10101118661859738_5454151360911554916_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
As I mentioned before, the epidural seemed to be much more effective this time around because I didn't feel everything with the same intensity I had with Z and wasn't nearly as aware of his placement during delivery as I was with her. Which could have been a bad thing for my recovery if not for Dr. Layton and his skillful coaching to avoid excessive tearing and ended up with just a first degree tear requiring two small stitches. While it may be TMI, I figure, if I'm going to share, I may as well share it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/10423778_10101118661944568_3631629532589397433_n.jpg?oh=39c8560c3927796520878e66f2d4d025&oe=564E8A1A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/10423778_10101118661944568_3631629532589397433_n.jpg?oh=39c8560c3927796520878e66f2d4d025&oe=564E8A1A" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10441204_10101118659699068_3925092357290154241_n.jpg?oh=0d22c8a58a8b718b1dac4a00a2f7fc59&oe=56494AE4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10441204_10101118659699068_3925092357290154241_n.jpg?oh=0d22c8a58a8b718b1dac4a00a2f7fc59&oe=56494AE4" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/485476_10101118658830808_5353817876992871841_n.jpg?oh=e52a2b4baa447402dbe5100cd9997c80&oe=5649058C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/485476_10101118658830808_5353817876992871841_n.jpg?oh=e52a2b4baa447402dbe5100cd9997c80&oe=5649058C" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there it is, our handsome little Charlie Scott was born May 28th at 8:33pm weighing a healthy 7 pounds, 13 ounces - almost a whole pound larger than his sister. He had healthy lungs (as he demonstrated by screaming almost the entire first hour of his life) and showed no signs of jaundice. I am not sure if this can be attributed to delayed cord cutting - which we didn't really plan, it's just how the moment played out after he was born - but I am so happy we didn't have to go through the whole bilirubin treatments and testing like we did with Z.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10629795_10101119415160118_5569614826154246044_n.jpg?oh=6dbc4b18bc185e166625c500131ed25c&oe=561A334F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10629795_10101119415160118_5569614826154246044_n.jpg?oh=6dbc4b18bc185e166625c500131ed25c&oe=561A334F" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of Z, because we wanted to have the golden hour just the three of us, as recommended by the hospital, it would be pretty late for her to come down to the hospital. So, we decided to wait until the next day to have them meet. But when she did finally meet him, she instantly loved him. Watching them meet was just so special. She was a bit concerned for me though and insisted on seeing my feet for whatever reason. Once she saw them and was able to climb into the bed with me she felt better about the whole situation and believed me when I said I was ok.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11241616_10101119415733968_309436800199812005_n.jpg?oh=4c2d49370616f102af9a243ed48cf189&oe=56125F21" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11241616_10101119415733968_309436800199812005_n.jpg?oh=4c2d49370616f102af9a243ed48cf189&oe=56125F21" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was such a special event for our, now complete, family. The similarities between McKenzie and Charlie's deliveries paired with the distinct differences makes me think this was just a glimpse of what is to come for our little family. I can't wait to watch them grow up together and watch them develop into their own people with similarities and unique features, just like their entrances into this world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11358801_10204535226520880_1108541120_n.jpg?oh=55092cc7de32752eff6cd1e183826bd8&oe=55B38091" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11358801_10204535226520880_1108541120_n.jpg?oh=55092cc7de32752eff6cd1e183826bd8&oe=55B38091" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
designed by: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoldenAnchorDesigns?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">Golden Anchor Designs</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10488400_10101118720048128_5110669725365522248_n.jpg?oh=372f91cc375368f7a65a0069ff2e284a&oe=5644E79B" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://scontent.fphx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10488400_10101118720048128_5110669725365522248_n.jpg?oh=372f91cc375368f7a65a0069ff2e284a&oe=5644E79B" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
photo credit: <a href="http://www.shannonworleyphotography.com/" target="_blank">Shannon Worley Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
** If we are friends on Facebook, you know that Blogger totally glitched out on me after writing this and deleted everything I had written (and more) on my second sitting. So, I had to go back and rewrite the entire thing! I am not as happy with this version - and I apologize for that - but I am sleepy and anticipating this little one to wake from his uncharacteristic early evening slumber at any minute, so it will have to do. Again, sorry, if it's not quite up to par. I really liked how my original one turned out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-8351037751033050342015-05-25T20:39:00.001-07:002015-05-25T22:00:58.293-07:0039 Weeks: #ComeOutCharlieFor those of you who follow me on Instagram (@pinkmrsmac), you saw that Operation #ComeOutCharlie is in full effect. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZaK6lKirY6Y/VWPrlTIw7eI/AAAAAAAAKTQ/XN_r5PJ9KzM/s640/blogger-image-2085328393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZaK6lKirY6Y/VWPrlTIw7eI/AAAAAAAAKTQ/XN_r5PJ9KzM/s640/blogger-image-2085328393.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>I'm not super hardcore with the castor oil and all that craziness, but I have been using the stability ball, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, pedicure, acupressure, doing LOTS of squats, going for 2+ mile walks (I got in nearly 18,000 steps yesterday according to FitBit!), eating spicy food, etc. while I've had a few contractions here and there, nothing that has me preparing to speed over to the hospital. Sigh! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh well. </span><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">With our wedding anniversary on May 22, I really didn't want him coming that day. So I didn't really kick up the natural induction attempts until the 23rd and now, I'm getting a tad impatient hahah. </font></div><div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Oh ... I can't remember if last week I talked about my major procrastination on packing, or if that was the week before (dang preggo brain!), but il happy to report my bags are totally p</font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">acked and ready to go. Yay! And yes, you read that right. I have BAGS! 1 for the delivery room (mostly snacks, electronics, comfy shoes, makeup, resistance band, etc), 1 for my recovery room (clothes, pjs, toiletries, etc) and 1 for Charlie (super small, but first outfit, coming home outfit, some cute threads to wear for visitors, random things from his nursery to keep him from being Ina ms surrounded by generic hospital stuff) and then and overnight bag for Z. I would do a fun "what's in my hospital bags" post, but I'm a chronic overpacked and you'll all think I am nuts. PLUS, I really just scoured Pinterest for reference points, so I know there isn't a shortage of lists available ;)</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well, that's about all there is to say about that this week. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on baby watch. But for now, how about a bump watch?!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-70xU2KmwYIU/VWP-CLASqyI/AAAAAAAAKTg/7y4-KOAffsY/s640/blogger-image-1822918579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-70xU2KmwYIU/VWP-CLASqyI/AAAAAAAAKTg/7y4-KOAffsY/s640/blogger-image-1822918579.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div style="widows: 1;"><div><div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>How far along:</b> 39 Weeks (Happy Memorial </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Day!)</span></div></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Workouts: </b>Made it to 2 Stroller Strides classes again this week and had 1 great at-home workout, plus all the walking. I still taught my 2 classes last week, but tomorrow will be my last class I teach until Charlie is here! Woah! I'm going to miss working out and working out with these ladies while I wait for dr clearance! Luckily, I have a resistance band all ready to go in my hospital bag. </span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Maternity clothes:</b> Jeans in this photo and a Bella Band for added coverage. Oh and the plaid is too, but ... I totally plan on wearing it well after impose the baby weight. You can't see it well, but it has the cutest lace cut out panel in the back. I'm obsessed. Oh, and of course my trusty compression stockings. Will NOT miss having to wear these!</span></div></div></div><div style="widows: 1;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sleep:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> meh, not good, not terrible. I have been sneaking a quick nap in while z does on some days. Usually just 20 minutes, but I think I got a little more than an hour in today. I didn't even realize I was that tired when I went to lay down, but apparently I was. </span></b></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Getting Zs laundry all put away (a filled and organized closet is my happy place) and celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary and attending the baby shower firmly good friend (and sorority sister) Kari. She is due with her first (a girl!) on the 22nd of June</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- arranged marriage? (But only if she goes Chi O! Kidding ... Kinda!)</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Miss Anything: Everything</b> - seriously, #comeoutcharlie!!!!!</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Movement: </b>He is starting to run out of room, so much less big movements, but still lots of little ones. </span></div></div></div></div><div style="widows: 1;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Food cravings:</b> Chocolate milk still and </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">smoothies too. I'm more into lighter fares lately since I'm still not super hungry these days. </span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Anything making you queasy or sick:</b> I'm still not very hungry, ever, but if I don't eat a little something in a semi-frequent basis, I get really nauseau.</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Labor Signs: </b>Was 3cm, still, at my last dr appt but 70% this time. So, more progress! Yay! I have been having some cramps and back pains (early labor signs) and a few minute contractions, but still nothing consistent. <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">With his head dropping into position though, holy heck is it really uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) down there. The most accurate description I have found, is that it feels like a horse kicked me in the crotch/pelvic bone. Fun ... Right?!?</font></span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Belly Button in or out: </b>Out</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wedding rings on or off:</b> Still off, but j was able to slip in 2 of the 3 rings the other day because I had less s</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">welling. </span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Happy or moody most of the time: </b>I've been a big old grump! I blame the excruciating back pain.</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Meeting Charlie (and getting shelving for his room </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">- cough cough husband ... Again!!)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div></div></div></div></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-64006092319059502812015-05-19T21:35:00.001-07:002015-05-25T20:10:37.171-07:0038 Weeks - NestingLooks like nesting has officially kicked i<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">n. I can't see something dirty or disorganized without wanting to clean it up. Although with a 2 year old on my heels, I don't always get to-nor do I have the energy. But ... I DID {{finally}} get my hospital bag packed. Now it just needs the few last minute things (which I use on a daily basis) tossed in when it's time to go. It feels s</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">o good to have that taken care of! I did have a bit of a fashion crisis in regards to the outfit(s) C and Z would wear when they finally get to meet, but that has luckily, been all c</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">leared up.</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh! And we went and bought the remaining items that we "needed" for baby C, including hangers, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">which means all his clothes are finally hung. Yay! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><br></div><div>This week I am also SO UNCOMFORTABLE and, today,in quite a bit of pain. While the swelling is surprisingly low today, my knees and ankles are KILLING me and I am g<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">etting terrible pelvic and "down there" pressure/pain. Pretty sure this little o</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ne won't be cooking much longer. Totally scary and exciting all at the same time. And, since he's full-term and I am fully over being a blimp, so I'm initiating the hashtag #comeoutcharlie! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">With that, let's get on to the bump watch festivities. Who knows, it might just be my last one! Ahhhh! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtKvH2hNxNk/VVwO_emrTBI/AAAAAAAAKRc/HFetuDDu_tQ/s640/blogger-image-401048275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtKvH2hNxNk/VVwO_emrTBI/AAAAAAAAKRc/HFetuDDu_tQ/s640/blogger-image-401048275.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span><div style="widows: 1;"><div><div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>How far along:</b> 38 Weeks </span></div></div></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Workouts: </b>Did an awesome at-home workout last week, because I was confined to my house all day </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">for our 1-year warranty repairs. I also finally made it to a stroller strides class I wasn't teaching! Woohoo! And, of course, still have my 2 classes I teach a week. So, I'm staying pretty active. But ... I've really noticed a change in what I am physically able to do and have had to do so many modifications as of late. It kind of makes me mad, but hey! considering I made it 38 weeks, mostly unrestricted, I guess that's pretty good!</span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Maternity clothes:</b> Just my Bai Bei Belly Band in this picture, but I bought my awesome "Moms Make The Best Friends Shirt" in a large so I could wear it with the bump - I also bought a small for when I drop all this dang baby weight! </span></div></div></div><div style="widows: 1;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sleep:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Z has been waking up every night between 3:30 and 4:30 so, on top of my own issues, that's been a fun little wrench in the sleep system. Especially because most nights it takes me at least an hour to fall back asleep. </span></b></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Getting my bags packed and all his clothes hung. </span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Miss Anything: </b>lots! Core exercises (I know, I'm odd!) Wine! My shoes! My wedding rings! Sleep! My regular sized thighs - that don't look completely absurd in leggings.</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Movement: </b>Yesterday and this morning he gave me quite the scare because I couldn't remember the last time I had felt him <i>really</i> move around. But he has made up for it today. </span></div></div></div></div><div style="widows: 1;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Food cravings:</b> CHICOLATE MILK! Fruit smoothies, frozen gummy bears, ice cream, peppermint patties</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Anything making you queasy or sick:</b> no, but I'm really not all that hungry, like ever. It's very odd.</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Labor Signs: </b>Was 3cm at my last dr appt and have had terrible pelvic pressure and pain today. A few, unmeasurable contractions as well. </span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Belly Button in or out: </b>Out</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wedding rings on or off:</b> Still off</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Happy or moody most of the time: </b>I've been a big old grump! I blame the excruciating back pain.</span></div></div><div style="widows: auto;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Meeting Charlie (and getting shelving for his room</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- cough cough husband!!)</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Ps - if you are w</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">ondering why these posts are typically riddled with odd typos, that's because I usually write them on my phone while b</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">eing held hostage in Zs room during our bedtime routine. Sorry!!</span></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-90983935191690955372015-05-15T10:24:00.001-07:002015-05-15T10:27:52.479-07:00Couch Bum WorkoutLately I have been struggling to find motivation to get in a good workout each day. I have been letting myself believe that getting into workout clothes and teaching Stroller Strides/Fit4baby meant I worked out too, but that's not always the case. When I teach, I am focused on keeping the kiddos happy and the moms sweating, not getting my own workout in. Yes, there are still several hours in the day after class is complete, but I tend to fill those rather quickly.<br>
<br>
After teaching, I like to spend McKenzie's waking hours either running errands (yay groceries!) or doing something fun/enriching with her. Then we would go home for her nap and I either fill the time with house cleaning, freelance work, or some mommy time (aka catch up on my DVR). And since her nap is so late in the day, Mac is usually home or on his way home by the time she's awake once again.<br>
<br>
But, <strike>the other day</strike> (awhile back because I have been procrastinating finishing this blog) as I was sitting on the couch zipping through commercials and trying out some new exercises for class, I realized I could easily use that time to get in a nice resistance workout. So, I went to work compiling a complete workout I could do while keeping up with the latest drama on Grey's Anatomy, Vampire Diaries, Revenge, and all the other shows I am so addicted to. And now that I am preparing for some potential down time in a bed prior to and after Charlie's arrival, I decided now was the perfect time to finish this blog. Oh an a big thanks Liz for giving me the idea to pack a resistance band in my hospital bag!<br>
<br>
So, for those of you looking to make the most of the nap time hours (or an upcoming hospital stay haha), like me, here's a workout just for you!<br>
<br>
<a name="more"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ylAKm9--Imw/VVYsefyXV9I/AAAAAAAAKQs/dLHKnoOUzAw/s640/blogger-image-1040623619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ylAKm9--Imw/VVYsefyXV9I/AAAAAAAAKQs/dLHKnoOUzAw/s640/blogger-image-1040623619.jpg"></a></div><br><br>
<br>
<b>CARDIO WARM UP - </b><i>no resistance bands needed</i><br>
<i><br></i>
<b>Elevated Plank Jacks - 30 seconds</b><br>
<br>
<b>Toe Taps with Speed Bag Arms - 30 seconds</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b>Elevated Mountain Climbers - 30 seconds</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b>High Knees - 30 seconds</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b><i>Repeat these exercises 3-4 times before continuing on</i></b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b>ARMS</b><br>
<br>
<b>Overhead Lat Pull - 15 reps</b><br>
Place each end of the resistance tube in each hand. Start with hand above your head with arms by your ear. Slowly pull your arms down and apart until the center of the band touches your chest. Slowly return the band to your starting position to complete your first rep.<br>
<br>
* To increase intensity, choke up on the resistance tube or fold it in half, grabbing both handles in one hand and the center fold in the other.<br>
<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<b>Tricep Extensions - 10 reps each side</b><br>
Begin with one arm bent behind your head holding one end of your band and the other bent upward (toward the small of your back) holding the other end of your band. <a href="http://www.fitness.com/exercises/uploaded/generated/triceps_extension_with_band_single_arm_i_133__1.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a visual example. Slowly pull fists apart - so the top arm is extended straight above your head and the and the other arm is extended straight down toward your buttocks. <a href="http://www.fitness.com/exercises/uploaded/generated/triceps_extension_with_band_single_arm_i_133__2.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> for visual. Slowly return to your starting position to complete your first rep.<br>
<br>
* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<b>Chest Press - 15 reps</b><br>
Place the center of the tubing at the small of your back, grabbing each end of the tubing. With elbows out, bent to a 90 degree angle and parallel to the ground, slowly extend arms until they are straight out, in front of your chest (think of a push-up). Return arms to starting position to complete your first rep.<br>
<br></div>
<div>
* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.<br>
<br>
<b>Bicep Curls - 15 reps</b><br>
Position the center of your resistance band beneath your feet. Grab the end of the tubing in either hand. keeping elbows stationary, and by your hips, slowly lift your hands from their resting position by your knee toward your shoulder. Slowly return to your knee to complete one rep.<br>
<br>
* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.<br>
<br></div>
<div>
<b><i>Repeat these exercises 3-4 times before continuing on</i></b><br>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b>LEGS</b></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<b>Abductor Pulls - 10 reps each side</b><br>
While on your back, bend your left knee with foot flat on the couch (or floor if you need more room). extend right leg straight in the air. Place the center of the tubing across the bottom of your, extended, right foot. Cross the band over the top of your foot and grab each end in either hand. Place your left hand at your let hip and extend your right arm out to the side (see visual example <a href="http://agilityfiles.oxygenmag.com/Images/Articles/Training/SecretGreatGlutesLegs006.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>). Slowly lower your right leg out to the side and return to starting position to complete your first rep.<br>
<br>
* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.<br>
<br>
<b>Leg Press - 25 reps</b><br>
With knees together and tucked in toward your chest, place bands under the bottom of your feet. Grab either end of the band with each hand and position arms in a static high row position. Slowly extend legs until fully extended and hovering just slightly above the ground. Return to starting position to complete your first rep.<br>
<br>
* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.<br>
<br>
<b>Adductor Crossovers - 10 reps each side</b><br>
Sit with both legs extended straight in front of you. place one foot in one handle of the resistance band and grab the other end with the hand on the same side, choking up on the band as needed to obtain the desired resistance. Slowly elevate the banded leg and cross it over the opposite leg - like you were going to cross your legs. Keep leg extended and return to starting position to complete your first rep.<br>
<br>
* To increase resistance, choke up on tubing and extend arm out to the side.</div>
<div>
<br>
<b><i>Repeat these exercises 3-4 times before continuing on</i></b><br>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b><br></b>
<b>CORE -</b><i> no resistance bands needed</i><br>
<b><br></b>
<b>Crunches - 25 reps</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b>Oblique ankle taps - 20 reps each side</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b>V Sit - hold for 45 seconds</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b>Bicycles - 20 reps</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b><i>Repeat these exercises 3-4 times</i></b></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-68661167600855181822015-05-13T20:39:00.001-07:002015-05-19T23:04:23.041-07:0037 Weeks and finally full term!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Charlie is officially considered full term. Obviously, the closer to 40 weeks, the better, but if I were to go into labor right this very moment, they would not intervene. How crazy, cool and scary is that?!? I can't believe in just a few weeks (or less) we will be a family of four!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I installed the infant seat in my car the other day and bought my Double</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bob Jogging Stroller which have both made this a whole lot more real. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another thing that made it oh-so-real was the hospital tour. Since Z w<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">as born in a different hospital, we wanted to take the official OB Tour to know where to park/check in and just get a feel for this hospital. I was cool as a cucumber until we stopped in a labor room and she pulled out the delivery stirrups. That brought back a flood of memories from delivering Z and it suddenly became very very real that I was going to have to go through a whole other delivery and, while I may pretend I know what to expect, I really don't. This delivery could be completely opposite of Zs. Or it could be the exact same. Or just different in enough ways to make it completely foreign. My biggest fear (well maybe not biggest since there are bigger concerns that I'm too "superstitious" to even say out loud) is laboring for hours - or days - and having it all end in a c-section any way. I have absolutely not</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hing against a c-section, for the record, I would just like to have a scheduled c if it was needed as to not recover from both laboring and then surgery. I need to change the subject!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Aside from being smacked in the face with the whole labor/delivery reality, I was also forced to admit I have yet to <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">pack the hospital bags! Eek! This shouldn't be a surprise, really though, because I heavily procrastinated this task with Z too. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I did kind of start though, so that counts, right? I have the outfits selected for Charlie, just need final approval from Mac and then his baby book and he should be all set. I organized my toiletries today and started planning my attire while in the hospital, but need to do laundry and make my official list of items since a few (like blow dryer, makeup, camera, etc) won't go in until the very last minute. And I need to g</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">et together a labor bag. I didn't have much use for the one I packed with Z, because I was in labor -at the hospital- for l</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ess than 3 hours (if you haven't yet, go read Zs birth story, it was quite quick and intense), but I probably shouldn't count on that being the case this time around. Lastly, I need to get Zs bag packed since she will be staying with my In-Laws while we are at the hospital. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, as you can see, still quite a bit left to do considering he could really come any day now.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh! And I need to deep clean my house. Ask me how excited I am for THAT one! Ugh! Anyone want to come scrub some bathrooms and vacuum/mop some floor?! (And fold/hang laundry, and dust, and ...) ;)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time for the bump, before I start having a panic attack! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p-sijNtyBaU/VVQY3ZGFfcI/AAAAAAAAKQY/5rKITKhR6sU/s640/blogger-image--1709151551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p-sijNtyBaU/VVQY3ZGFfcI/AAAAAAAAKQY/5rKITKhR6sU/s640/blogger-image--1709151551.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="widows: 1;">
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How far along:</b> 37 Weeks (and 3 days)</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Workouts: </b>Still teaching, but Monday was my last Fit4Baby class until after Charlie is born. So now I will just have my 2 Stroller Strides classes to teach until he gets here! </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't get to workout much this past week because it has been insanely busy around here. But I did manage to squeeze in a quick arm/side</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">core workout during Zs nap today. Hooray. Oh! But, thanks to his lowered position, I've discovered some of my beloved booty blaster are o</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ut of the question. That was seriously a depressing moment for me. And running, pretty close to being out of the question. I feel like he will break my pelvic bone less than 5 minutes in. </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Maternity clothes:</b> Pants are and top was bought oversized to accomodate a baby belly and then wear o</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">versized post pregnancy. I also fit in almost NONE of my shoes, so I am that girl rocking Uggs in May. Oy! But hey, at least they are comfy and I won't stretch them out/ruin them! </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sleep:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> I am still exhausted and now I wake up several times at night and still about an hour before the alarm. </span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Setting up the furniture in Charlie's nursery - note the crib made it's debut in this week's photo! I am still not 100% set on the layout, but I need to visualize all the art/accessories that will go in his room with it and get a few more small furniture items (night stand for next to the rocker is the big one) and then I can decide fully how I want all of it to go. Also, my Stroller Strides moms threw a surprise shower for me after class on Tuesday. It was so fun. I am truly blessed that I have found such a fantastic group of wom</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">en for fun, fitness and mommy support!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Miss Anything: </b>Wine. Red wine specifically. I also really miss my leggings and shoes. It's getting far too hot to wear denim and uggs! </span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Movement: </b>Less big movements this week, but he is still super active.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Food cravings:</b> CHICOLATE MILK! caramel, mint, pasta, salty stuff, smoothies</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Anything making you queasy or sick:</b> not really but I have not been "craving" my daily green tea fix, so that's kind of a big deal!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Labor Signs: </b>Same as last week. A lot more pressure and some shooting pain. I've had a few subtle Braxton hicks, but no major contractions. Still don't think he will be arriving any time too soon. But, I have a dr appt tomorrow and will learn more then.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Belly Button in or out: </b>Flat and sometimes out</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Wedding rings on or off:</b> Still off</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Happy or moody most of the time: </b>Still a super grump and have very little patience. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>My dr appt tomorrow (weird, right?)</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-81117223039914053502015-05-06T16:12:00.002-07:002015-05-13T23:08:42.585-07:0036 Weeks - Bye-Bye Wedding Rings<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well it's that time, once again for a bump update. I've reached the point of swelling where my rings no longer fit and neither do most of my shoes. I hate the whole swelling phase and the fact that it started so early this time around is just so much less fun. But .. just a few more weeks and hopefully it starts to subside quickly. I honestly don't remember how quickly the swelling went away with Z, but I do remember it getting worse before better .. yay ... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But, on a happier note, Charlie's crib has arrived and I am hoping to set up the nursery this weekend. We have all the decor already, so once we get the furniture in place, we can pick out shelving and frames to get everything situated. I am still want certain if I want a storage piece in his room or if I want to use hanging shelves. But I think once I get the furniture arranged I will be able to decide. And don't worry, I will share photos once it's complete! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of photos! We got the link to our maternity photos by Shannon Worley Photography and they are amazing! I am so glad we did them and that we went with Shannon. She really captured Z and our family dynamic perfectly and, if I may say so myself, the images are really gorgeous. I will share them in a latter post because I still need to download and save to my computer, and Z just woke up from her nap (luckily I did the questions first this time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGuYJ6IuBX4/VUqbD-WUAWI/AAAAAAAAKPw/0V_sKPJoTNU/s640/blogger-image-1130515885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGuYJ6IuBX4/VUqbD-WUAWI/AAAAAAAAKPw/0V_sKPJoTNU/s640/blogger-image-1130515885.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="widows: 1;">
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along:</b> 36 Weeks (and 3 days)</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Workouts: </b><b style="font-weight: normal;">W</b>ent to Yoga on Saturday morning (thank you Liz!) Taught four classes so far this week, and have one more tonight. I am still trying to see if I can/will squeeze in Stroller Barre before my doctor's appointment tomorrow and then I'll take Stroller Strides on Friday. The weather has been far too nice not to take advantage of these outdoor workouts. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: normal;">Maternity clothes:</b> Pants and shirt are both maternity. That might just be a first with this pregnancy. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="widows: 1;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> I have been so exhausted this week but still waking up an hour before the alarm each morning. I hope that is not a sign that little Charlie will be an early riser. Z is a little sleeping beauty and wakes at an appropriate hour (usually 8:30/9 if I let her) I might cry if I have a 6am kid this go around. </span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Charlie's crib has arrived!! It was delivered to my in-laws house (because they so graciously purchased it for us) so we are picking it up on Friday and can hopefully get it setup and the dresser in his room this weekend. Yay!!! Then it's on to shelving and decor!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Miss Anything: </b>Wine, vodka, beer ... anything with alcohol content basically. I have started carefully planning what beverage will wait my return from the hospital ;)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Movement: </b>All.the.time! And some are still painful and uncomfortable as he continues to run out of room for the big movements he wants to make. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="widows: 1;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Food cravings:</b> Fruit, chocolate milk, caramel, mint, cheese</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Anything making you queasy or sick:</b> tried eating a grilled chicken sand which today, not a good idea.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Labor Signs: </b>Same as last week. A bit of pressure and some shooting pain, but nothing that indicates he's ready to make his arrival quite yet - which, despite my complaints, is a good thing. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Belly Button in or out: </b>Pretty flattened now</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Wedding rings on or off:</b><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b>They came off a few days ago and have not gone back on.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Happy or moody most of the time: </b>Still moody, but still have lots of happy swings</span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Decorating the nursery.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-68211836389190322992015-05-01T23:38:00.001-07:002015-05-13T23:09:09.154-07:0035 Weeks - One more month<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keeping it short because, well, as usual, I'm super behind on updating and also because I'm in a pretty foul mood :( thank you pregnancy hormones!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm finding myself, more of<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ten than not, super swollen </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to the point of discomfort and even pain and my usual cheery demeanor is being overshadowed by a bit of gloom and grump. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But, we did have our maternity photos and I was able to wear m</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">y heels and my rings, which is a step up from our last maternity shoot where I was too swollen to wear either. I loved our photographer! She lives a few houses down and was so great with getting Z to cooperate. She shared some sneak peeks the next day and I am so excited to see the rest! </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, Mac's work surprised him with a baby shower this week that was a whole l<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ot of fun. We are so lucky to be surrounded by an array of people who truly care about us and support/love us so very much. It's a great feeling especially w</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hen bringing a new life into our world. Not to emotion we now have diapers coming out of our ears - thank you so much who helped c</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ontribute to the (more than) 2,500 diapers awaiting that cute baby tushy!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh! And I knocked the thank you notes and putting shower gifts away off my to-do list! Yay for being productive. I need to go buy some hangers for all hi</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">s cute clothes and pick up a few miscellaneous items from our registry before I will feel adequately prepared to pack his (and my) hospital bag. That needs to happen super soon for my piece of mind. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That said - time for the bump watch before my gloom and doom attitude drags this post down. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JG8hLl72msQ/VURw2KSH92I/AAAAAAAAKPQ/HQN5_SHAEZU/s640/blogger-image--1709083104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JG8hLl72msQ/VURw2KSH92I/AAAAAAAAKPQ/HQN5_SHAEZU/s640/blogger-image--1709083104.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="widows: 1;">
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along:</b> 35 Weeks - at the time of the photo I think there were 34 days to go, now we are at a 30 day countdown! Holy cow!!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Workouts: </b>Taught 5 classes this week and wen got a few of my own, quick, workouts in this week. I feel good and exhausted all at the same time. How is that even possible?!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Maternity clothes:</b> I loathe getting dressed lately. Nothing to do with maternity vs non, insult don't think anything is flattering at this point. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="widows: 1;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sleep: </b>Stay up too late, wake to often during the night and usually an </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hour before the alarm sounds for the day. I've had a few things stressing me out that keep m</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">e up for a bit whine I do wake in the middle of the night - that's been no fun. </span></span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Successfully potty training Z! After 3.5 days of dedicated potty training j am so happy to report that she is officially in big girl panties and hasn't had an accident yet! We aren't doing nap and overnight sans diapers yet, but she's been waking up from her nap dry, so that one might follow suit soon. I'm just happy that we will have just one kiddo in diapers once Charlie arrives!</span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Miss Anything: </b>My body I worked so hard to get back (and better) after Z, feeling confident in my clothes and feeling in control of my emotions! Dang Grey's Anatomy made me realize just how much control I have lost! #RIPDerek</span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Movement: </b>Always and it's getting painful from time to time. He has quite the sucker punch on him!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="widows: 1;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Food cravings:</b> Fruit, chocolate milk </span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Anything making you queasy or sick:</b> tried eating a grilled chicken sand which today, not a good idea.</span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Labor Signs: </b>A bit more pelvic pressure and some sharp s</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hooting pains (in addition to my chronic sore and achy back) but no contractions or signs that he's coming any time soon. </span></span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Belly Button in or out: </b>In-ish?</span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Wedding rings on or off: </b>Still on, yay. But I have a feeling that will it last much longer.</span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Happy or moody most of the time: </b>Moody, definitely moody. </span></div>
<div style="widows: auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>The arrival of his crib (thank you Kim and Scott!) and setting up his nursery.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-15483283006140699942015-04-27T23:09:00.000-07:002015-05-14T06:58:51.482-07:0034 Weeks - Showered with Love<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small; widows: 1;">A strange thing happened on Saturday. As I was talking with guests at the baby shower (so generously thrown by my In-Laws (thank you Susan, Emily, Jessica and Kim!) they were asking for how much longer I had until Charlie arrived and I couldn't, for the life of me, remember how many weeks pregnant I was -- was it 31? 32? ... 33?!? (it was 33 for the record!) -- I simply said he is due on June 1. When I got home I was seriously bugged that I couldn't remember the week number, so I looked it up and realized that on Monday (today) I would be 34 weeks and if I were to go in labor in THREE WEEKS they wouldn't intervene. Holy cow. He could be here as early as THREE WEEKS!! </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This made my overactive brain go into hyper drive with all the things still piling up on my to-do list. Luckily, I was able to get a TON of cleaning done yesterday, so that put a lot of that stress off. Well, I really just picked up and did quite a bit of laundry - including putting it away (yay!) - I still need to deep clean floors and all that fun stuff. But now that I think about it, I hired someone to do that before Zs arrival, hmmm ... Anyway, even if he were to arrive tomorrow, I know we'd be in pretty good shape. I have my second seat attachment for my stroller (thanks mom and dad!) so I won't be stuck in the house and he will sleep in our room for a bit before going p to his nursery, just like Z did. We have diapers, clothes and really all the necessities for bringing home a newborn. That said I'd still rather get a few things done before I have 2 kids (one being a NEWBORN!)to look after. So, here are a few things I have running through my head at the moment to complete over the next 2 or 3 weeks:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Deep clean the house</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pack hospital bag for Charlie</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pack hospital bag for me</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy big sister gift for Z</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy double jogging stroller - so I can start losing this baby weight ASAP</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Paint and decorate Zs room</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Setup and decorate Charlie's room</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Write shower thank you notes and put all gifts away</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I THINK that's everything, but I'm sure I'm forgetting something! Time for the bump! Are you ready?!? ;)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqcckPhn3KM/VTXC0gId3oI/AAAAAAAAKOU/T8vQhTmczjw/s640/blogger-image-2132064517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqcckPhn3KM/VTXC0gId3oI/AAAAAAAAKOU/T8vQhTmczjw/s640/blogger-image-2132064517.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">How far along:</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> 34 Weeks</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>Still no workouts (I was barely even mobile this past week with me and Z being sick. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Definitely! Jeans - Gap Maternity, Cardigan - Heritwine Maternity and my <i>lovely</i> compression stockings because I've officially hit the point of waking up with swollen feet. I'm really hoping that is just a fluke though because I was on my feet all day and probably exerted myself a bit too much with the house cleaning yesterday. </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Insomnia, up a few times a night and waking up early. Gotta love pregnancy ;)</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> My baby shower hosted by my in-laws (and thanks to being sick, basically the only thing that was awesome this week). It was so fun getting both our families together to celebrate our little boy. And of course it was fun, fabulous and absolutely darling. when I get pictures from my sister-in-law, I will share :)</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">A tan, lack of swelling, lack of heartburn, sleep ... red wine. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Constant. it's trippy to see my stomach completely morph with his big movements.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Fruit, smoothies, rice, greek food, sushi</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">nothing comes to mind today</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No, but lots of pressure as he is dropping lower.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still flat, most of the time.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still on, for now. But I take them off more and more because they are bothering me.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Pretty even keel right no. But a little anxious for his arrival now that I realize how close D day is getting. </span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>The arrival of his crib (thank you Kim and Scott!) and setting up his nursery.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-62667568350642289442015-04-22T15:55:00.000-07:002015-04-22T16:13:35.090-07:00Bath Time Workout - Shoulders and Arms Burnout<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">When it comes to bath time, I'm all business. After filling the tub and scrub a dub dubbing, Z typically has until the water drains to play. After repeated call outs from Mr. Mac on being "no fun" I decided to give in a give her a little leeway for play. She loves it, and I love watching her play, but I felt like I could give her more if I wasn't just sitting there watching her splash me, etc. </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">That's when it hit me ... a bath time arm and shoulder burnout session! So next time your little wants a little extra run time, try out this quick and easy workout! Since Z loves to watch me sweat, it's ALMOST as much fun as her bath toys ;)</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CvUvHz2DIg/VTgrDciZjqI/AAAAAAAAKOs/zysvPhM6uvQ/s1600/IMG_9301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CvUvHz2DIg/VTgrDciZjqI/AAAAAAAAKOs/zysvPhM6uvQ/s1600/IMG_9301.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">**You can either do these on the floor next to the tub or use the tub edge (with a towel over the edge to avoid slipping) to create an end aged surface, which is ideal for the lagged stages of pregnancy! </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">This circuit should add about 8-10 minutes to your little's bath time splashing. Feeling extra generous? Go for round 2 before pulling the plug!</span></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-5751985508698207132015-04-17T17:39:00.001-07:002015-04-17T17:39:38.367-07:00Charlie's Nautical Picnic Baby ShowerWe are so blessed to have a slew of fabulous people in our lives who not only love, but support us unconditionally. This past weekend two of my closest friends, Liz and Chrissy, hosted a shower gathering several of these people together to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Charlie. The event was absolute perfection from the outpouring of love from my friends to the delicious food and adorable decorations.<br />
<br />
Here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure, to see just what I mean!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99A58ifWlqE/VTGUTEWIJ3I/AAAAAAAAKKg/a-xkRGq5-HQ/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99A58ifWlqE/VTGUTEWIJ3I/AAAAAAAAKKg/a-xkRGq5-HQ/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsEGwFIebFA/VTGhX1WU0FI/AAAAAAAAKLI/-jODiJMgccI/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsEGwFIebFA/VTGhX1WU0FI/AAAAAAAAKLI/-jODiJMgccI/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9782skcZhs/VTGUTve5CwI/AAAAAAAAKKk/dG5qAIq2T1k/s1600/IMG_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9782skcZhs/VTGUTve5CwI/AAAAAAAAKKk/dG5qAIq2T1k/s1600/IMG_3854.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0tudt5Eg2U/VTGhep6ugtI/AAAAAAAAKLY/ZtvSTt89izU/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0tudt5Eg2U/VTGhep6ugtI/AAAAAAAAKLY/ZtvSTt89izU/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpFRO-1ook4/VTGhV7FvRAI/AAAAAAAAKLA/5JaXF8JmKt8/s1600/IMG_3856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpFRO-1ook4/VTGhV7FvRAI/AAAAAAAAKLA/5JaXF8JmKt8/s1600/IMG_3856.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSBiT_dbwQU/VTGUTsna-YI/AAAAAAAAKKs/nLYRQv4bvdA/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSBiT_dbwQU/VTGUTsna-YI/AAAAAAAAKKs/nLYRQv4bvdA/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VutBlcxqJQ/VTGhYKSUTmI/AAAAAAAAKLM/GMkvyDPV4xk/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VutBlcxqJQ/VTGhYKSUTmI/AAAAAAAAKLM/GMkvyDPV4xk/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVi_XqZNGM8/VTGhelsU1eI/AAAAAAAAKLc/Rc8r-UJhzL0/s1600/IMG_3869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVi_XqZNGM8/VTGhelsU1eI/AAAAAAAAKLc/Rc8r-UJhzL0/s1600/IMG_3869.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vt-opZvZJM/VTGhfgglSBI/AAAAAAAAKLo/EY8_tLyWAwQ/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vt-opZvZJM/VTGhfgglSBI/AAAAAAAAKLo/EY8_tLyWAwQ/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8oUTTjHwSE/VTGmWv0UR7I/AAAAAAAAKNY/Gvq9tNN7YI0/s1600/IMG_3953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8oUTTjHwSE/VTGmWv0UR7I/AAAAAAAAKNY/Gvq9tNN7YI0/s1600/IMG_3953.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNzzvyeUC9U/VTGhnFuA5eI/AAAAAAAAKL4/0E38YtAPZyw/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNzzvyeUC9U/VTGhnFuA5eI/AAAAAAAAKL4/0E38YtAPZyw/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BF6nCD_ARq8/VTGhpP_0q3I/AAAAAAAAKMA/YozW_Cv2T24/s1600/IMG_3894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BF6nCD_ARq8/VTGhpP_0q3I/AAAAAAAAKMA/YozW_Cv2T24/s1600/IMG_3894.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9BrERvGIFY/VTGhxDsipyI/AAAAAAAAKMI/oYONA-qBhhk/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9BrERvGIFY/VTGhxDsipyI/AAAAAAAAKMI/oYONA-qBhhk/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHDq06X-UUA/VTGhyicBY-I/AAAAAAAAKMU/as-lwEV63Ts/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHDq06X-UUA/VTGhyicBY-I/AAAAAAAAKMU/as-lwEV63Ts/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHNDDd69O-A/VTGhyDACy4I/AAAAAAAAKMQ/OOjzJgbGE7s/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHNDDd69O-A/VTGhyDACy4I/AAAAAAAAKMQ/OOjzJgbGE7s/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpZdt_5-n9A/VTGmVrhqkBI/AAAAAAAAKNM/BrKx77URjmg/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpZdt_5-n9A/VTGmVrhqkBI/AAAAAAAAKNM/BrKx77URjmg/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceRmRMy-sg4/VTGmWJXvloI/AAAAAAAAKNQ/WBseB9Fc1vc/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceRmRMy-sg4/VTGmWJXvloI/AAAAAAAAKNQ/WBseB9Fc1vc/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNmOwB_Hvks/VTGmPGSfj4I/AAAAAAAAKMs/9zHS8VCkpSI/s1600/IMG_3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNmOwB_Hvks/VTGmPGSfj4I/AAAAAAAAKMs/9zHS8VCkpSI/s1600/IMG_3914.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2RnJ61ACWw/VTGh5AbBAmI/AAAAAAAAKMg/Xr0qH_enuVM/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2RnJ61ACWw/VTGh5AbBAmI/AAAAAAAAKMg/Xr0qH_enuVM/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzMOy6vSnBc/VTGmSesBzPI/AAAAAAAAKM0/j5Q3F72hn9E/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzMOy6vSnBc/VTGmSesBzPI/AAAAAAAAKM0/j5Q3F72hn9E/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kUNUJIUJys/VTGmUF2yAhI/AAAAAAAAKM8/6ifW8Udjp4c/s1600/IMG_3939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kUNUJIUJys/VTGmUF2yAhI/AAAAAAAAKM8/6ifW8Udjp4c/s1600/IMG_3939.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23eiIIcQFh4/VTGmUtbvhYI/AAAAAAAAKNE/_cALvx9YS5E/s1600/IMG_3951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23eiIIcQFh4/VTGmUtbvhYI/AAAAAAAAKNE/_cALvx9YS5E/s1600/IMG_3951.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-83827908319761828212015-04-16T17:16:00.001-07:002015-04-16T17:16:20.501-07:0033 Weeks - The Stomach Bug StrikesAs you can see, I completely missed my 31 and 32 week updates! Oops! Quite a bit has happened between the last post and this post, most notably, a baby shower! yay! Two of my good girlfriends hosted a gorgeous shower in my neighborhood and it couldn't have been more perfect. There is just something about being surrounded by so many people who love an care about you and are all so excited to welcome your baby into the world. I am also happy to report that, unlike Z's shower, I remembered my camera and have some great pictures to share, so ... I will create a separate post to showcase all their gorgeous party-throwing skills.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing totally worth mentioning however, is that we finally announced our name for little mister Mac! Yay!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--R31Jto_u3w/VTBBDgSUF9I/AAAAAAAAKJg/TmZ8twtad_M/s1600/IMG_3844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--R31Jto_u3w/VTBBDgSUF9I/AAAAAAAAKJg/TmZ8twtad_M/s1600/IMG_3844.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are so excited to share that our little boy will be named: </div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
CHARLIE SCOTT MCINTOSH</h2>
</div>
<div>
Charlie, because we just like that name, and Scott after both of our dads! What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Actually don't tell me! Because we like it and that would be no fun if you didn't. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another big event that happened while I was away came this week. I had to go to OB Triage at Banner Gateway. I had a terrible stomach bug and my doctor was worried about dehydration inducing contractions and recommended I go in. So I went in and they monitored both me and Charlie. Everything checked out fine, no contractions (yay!) and I was able to start keeping fluids down orally, so no IVs of fluid (another yay!). They did tell me not to work out the rest of the week, so that made me sad, but a healthy, happy baby is the most important goal, so I am reluctantly obliging. Unfortunately, the bug hit Z today, so I have been dealing with a sick (and scared) tot while trying to recover myself. No fun! Hopefully we are both better by this weekend for the baby shower my in-laws are throwing for me. Well, Z isn't coming, but I still hope she recovers quickly.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's all for now. Let's play a little photo catch up before getting to this week's update.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XEUcQ2MwUhA/VTBP5PCe21I/AAAAAAAAKKE/cVzPNYBdf5k/s640/blogger-image--1764301787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XEUcQ2MwUhA/VTBP5PCe21I/AAAAAAAAKKE/cVzPNYBdf5k/s640/blogger-image--1764301787.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gD2H_RNMA2w/VTBP6QUjT2I/AAAAAAAAKKM/VDtML7xUqaY/s640/blogger-image-701325713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gD2H_RNMA2w/VTBP6QUjT2I/AAAAAAAAKKM/VDtML7xUqaY/s640/blogger-image-701325713.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CTQSzVL92ME/VTBP3-Gxv5I/AAAAAAAAKJ8/NaYvw7XTwWw/s640/blogger-image-322686091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CTQSzVL92ME/VTBP3-Gxv5I/AAAAAAAAKJ8/NaYvw7XTwWw/s640/blogger-image-322686091.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UC7gi3uvH1g/VTBP2kl3ZAI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/DKrl0aZhfkU/s640/blogger-image--716479711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UC7gi3uvH1g/VTBP2kl3ZAI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/DKrl0aZhfkU/s640/blogger-image--716479711.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">How far along:</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> 33</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Weeks (and 4 days)</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>Thanks to my stomach bug, no working out this week.</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Not in this photo, but the skirt is usually really big on me when im not pregnant. Getting dressed is really frustrating lately though! Maxi dresses make me look HUGE and and it's getting too hot for pants. I've come to realize I prefer to pair tight with flowing, so maxi skirt with form-fitting top, or pencil skirt with flowy blouse. So dresses drive me nuts right now. Oh!and thank to my fabulous (sense the sarcasm?) compression stockings, I'm even more limited on my bottom half attire. oy! - And actually, looking at the 4 photos, the only maternity piece are the jeans in my 31 Weeks photo. Well that and the Bao Bei Maternity Belly Bra that I wear religiously, but it's an under layer, so you can't see it. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still waking up a few times at night and usually before the alarm goes off.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> My baby shower. I love parties and I love my friends. Celebrating baby Charlie was so much fun and I can't thank Liz and Chrissy enough for hosting such a fabulous event. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">A tan! Most of my wardrobe, working out (this week) and red wine and hard apple cider - although at the moment, those sound terrible. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Constant. He flips and fops all day, which hasn't helped with the queasiness brought on by the stomach bug. But, at least I know he's doing well!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Fruit, smoothies, soup</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">The thought of anything dairy right now makes me nauseous. But really, lots of food is doing that this week.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Well, it's kind of flat right now I suppose. But probably still technically in.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">On, for now. I can tell it's only a matter of time. with the swelling and the heat, they are starting to drive me nuts. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Moody and emotional. </span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>The baby shower my in-laws are hosting this weekend and setting up his nursery!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-91141962510429433592015-03-26T16:30:00.002-07:002015-03-26T16:30:35.868-07:0030 Weeks: A jam packed weekWe had quite the busy week/weekend! The latter part of the week we threw a small play date party to celebrate McKenzie's second birthday with the friends she plays with on a regular basis, and from there the rest of our week was filled with fabulous wedding festivities for my cousin, Kari. On Saturday Kari and Matt were married with McKenzie as one of their flower girls. Seriously, she looked so stinkin' cute. And my cousin was stunning. She looked so magical, that McKenzie kept calling her Elsa (from Frozen) it was adorable. We partied the night away and woke up the next day to McKenzie's second birthday.<br />
<br />
For her birthday, we wanted to keep it simple. We had breakfast at Joe's and then went to a spring training game for some fun in the sun. After a quick nap, we had a nice birthday dinner, just the three of us, and a little bit of dessert. It really was a great day and I got a little weepy that this will be the last birthday with just her. In just a few short months this little boy will be here and, as excited as I am to have him as part of the family, it made me a little sad for how much is really about to change. I can already see how grown Mckenzie's has become and it;s only going to continue as we add a baby to the family. We are in for quite the ride.<br />
<br />
In addition to all the exciting festivities, Z started her ISR refresher class and is doing so well. She cried the entire first week, but she is back to loving it and doing so well. I love seeing her swim and float and completely navigate around the pool unassisted. It is such a relief to know that as my attention will start to be divided with this little boy, that I can rest much easier with our little fishy around the water.<br />
<br />
Lastly, Mac got to work on painting the nursery and it looks fabulous! You will get a peek in this week's photo. Up next is Z's room, which I am so very excited to see completed as well. With that, let's get on to the bump watch update :)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxcxTIVDtWM/VRST_WFNINI/AAAAAAAAKIw/cLqqRU9e7Vw/s1600/IMG_8542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxcxTIVDtWM/VRST_WFNINI/AAAAAAAAKIw/cLqqRU9e7Vw/s1600/IMG_8542.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">How far along:</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> 30</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Weeks - While this blog post is pretty, the photo actually isn't so I'm at a 50% win for the week, right?!?</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>With our busy schedule the workouts have suffered a little, but I'm still staying active.</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Pants are a must and some shirts too. The biggest maternity wear change comes in the form of compression stockings though. My swelling has gotten so bad that I basically have to wear them every day, for the majority of the day. No fun!</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Waking up earlier and more often throughout the night. But not having nearly as much trouble falling asleep since the weather is heating up and we seem to be non stop during the day lately. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> So much! Watching Kari and Matt get married, celebrating Z's birthday, starting ISR ... it's been an exciting week (and a half). But as far as new baby goes, the best part of this week would have to be getting his room painted. I can't wait to start getting his furniture and getting the decor hung/set out.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still my leggings (although I got lazy and wore some for the photo - against my better judgement!) and non swollen feet/legs. This revelation has severly limited my footwear selection as well. No fun!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">He moves a ton. So much more than Z did. She had hiccups and quick jabs, but he does full blown flips and turns that still give me motion sickness. It is a completely different feeling than when I was pregnant with Z.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Root beer floats (of course) anything with cheese, smoothies, oranges</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Nothing specifically, I just can't eat a ton or I feel miserable and I get heartburn so easily. That's the worst. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In - but I can tell it's starting to push out a bit.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">On - but my hands get really swollen at night so I sometimes wind up needing to take them off to sleep.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy. Too much excitement not to be. But I am a bit overwhelmed at the realization of just how much I have to do around this house to prepare for a baby. </span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Announcing his name and getting his room filled with furniture and decor. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-71626697646137415782015-03-16T21:37:00.001-07:002015-03-16T21:52:07.807-07:0029 Weeks: Are we there yet?Hello blogger sphere! Another week, another bump watch. Honestly I'm SO DONE being pregnant. And that's just awful! I know. I still have 11 weeks until he's due and I am doing everything I can to try to embrace it and be a happy camper, but most the time I struggle a lot.<div><br></div><div>First off, let me say, I want a full term, healthy baby. So yes, I understand I have quite a ways to go. But with the aches and pains kicking in coupled with some serious leg swelling - and of course the expanding, well everything - I just want to fast forward through the the next 11 weeks. Who can help me accomplish this. </div><div><br></div><div>I honestly do try to stay positive and I love feeling help, not so gently, kick and flip flop around. I know it is a r<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">eally s</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">pecial time between the two of us that only we will share and some women aren't able to experience themselves. But, when I pee my pants for the third time in the day because I sneeze or cough to hard I find it hard to remain blissful about the experience. That whole, your body remembers the experience and adapts more quickly the second time around is really no joke! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On a positive note, I got the results back from my glucose test and I'm all clear. I do have low iron, which I had a sneaking suspicion of, but that's as simple as adding another round of supplements into the day, so I'm not worried. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hmm what else?ac started painting the nursery (and will be doing Zs room too) so look for pictures in the coming weeks. Well, maybe a little longer, we do still need nursery furniture. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh! I kind of hot the first nesting phase. I completely went through everything in the nursery closet (all of Zs old clothes and stuff) and sorted through it/cleared out anything. Not going to the baby. It was quite sad looking back at all her cute, outgrown, outfits that will never be worn mm h one of my own again. But, my loss, someone else's gain I suppose. I haven't decided what I will do for sure, but probably list the really cute, to die for, stuff on an IG ship and sell the rest in small lo</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ts, or simply give them away. Who knows. It's all sorted and out of the nursery now, so I'll just wait for the next nesting burst to decide.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ok, this is getting long, so on to the bump and weekly Q and A! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7qdya9UmxxQ/VQey4zfSXFI/AAAAAAAAKII/jBYd5M3WaA0/s640/blogger-image-1114188838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7qdya9UmxxQ/VQey4zfSXFI/AAAAAAAAKII/jBYd5M3WaA0/s640/blogger-image-1114188838.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span><div><div><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 18px; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">How far along: </b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 18px; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">29 Weeks - week 2 of not slacking, I'm on a roll (I actually cheated on the photo and its a day or 2 early (shhh don't tell)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>Still working out 4-5 days a week. I am focusing mostly on core (back/obliques) and legs lately. My arms are so weak I tem to ignore them, so I need to make a conscious effort to do them more! </span></span></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I ordered two new cardigans from an Kline maternity boutique (Heritwine Maternity) and I really love them! Plus I can wear them after too, so double awesome. I want to find some cute long shorts that don't make my highs look huge as well as a couple new workout bottoms. I HATE how I look in ally current workout clothes! :(</span></span></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">I have been waking up a lot earlier. I remember this happening with Z too. But, I usually just relax in bed until Z wakes honor I need to go wake her up. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Passing my glucose test, getting the nursery cleaned out and getting some cute decor for his room m(at a STEAL of a price!)</span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still patterned leggings and just pants in general. Like I said, I am having issues with how I look in bottoms lately. Dang thighs!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 18px; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">He stilllocea a ton. I can see his movements more on the outside than I ever could with Z. It's weird and kind of gives me motion sickness.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Still root beer floats. Cereal. Milk. Green Grapes. Oranges (I ate 3 in one sitting the other day!!)</span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Chicken is touch and go again. Water still gives me terrible heartburn. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No</span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">On</span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">I've been a tad grumpy. Especially because random people keep asking when I'm due which just means I'm apparently HUGE enough to be comfortable assuming I'm pregnant ... Awesome. </span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none; background-color: white; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 78, 157);"></a><span style="background-color: white; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br></b></span><span style="background-color: white; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 16px; font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Announcing his name! Finishing painting and decorating both rooms.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-26314624611735493042015-03-10T22:34:00.001-07:002015-03-10T22:34:40.512-07:0028 Weeks: Hello Third Trimester!I've officially hit my third trimester! Woohoo! This pregnancy seems to be creeping along at a snails pace, but I feel like I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, finally. That's the problem with finding out about your pregnancy so early on (5 weeks with this one!). This week he has been much more active, but it's starting to give me a bit of motion sickness AND the all too familiar swelling from McKenzie is back so that's awesome.<br />
<br />
We talked about the delivery process and procedures today at my appointment, so that was kind of crazy. But everything looks good the doctor said, and I got to take the oh-so-yummy glucose test juice today. So I was all hyped up on a sugar high for most of the morning. Hopefully that comes back normal, because I really do not want to do the three hour and have to drink more of that awful stuff. However, McKenzie <i>really</i> wanted to drink the juice herself, boy I wish I could have let her. I hate that dang sugar high feeling, but then again, I think I would have hated a sugar high toddler even more, so ... yea ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWT_NdI-PIM/VP_PRY2NsRI/AAAAAAAAKHg/ohaccAKVlCQ/s1600/IMG_6071.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWT_NdI-PIM/VP_PRY2NsRI/AAAAAAAAKHg/ohaccAKVlCQ/s1600/IMG_6071.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm still super bummed about the last post getting deleted/lost, because I had some fun updates to share that my pregnancy brain no longer remembers. Oh well, moving on ... here's the photo, for your viewing pleasure. Oh yea, and happy belated to my love. I was kind of a slacker and didn't do much, but he's in Vegas from now until Sunday, so he's a happy camper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2W9GjGAbmJM/VP_QHAEJqaI/AAAAAAAAKHw/8qbIMBn--0s/s1600/IMG_6804.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2W9GjGAbmJM/VP_QHAEJqaI/AAAAAAAAKHw/8qbIMBn--0s/s1600/IMG_6804.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now onto the present ... I'm so over the expanding <strike>waistline</strike> everything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzFkJqxFbuY/VP_Pl3axM6I/AAAAAAAAKHo/LJEfkiT4Xes/s1600/IMG_7612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzFkJqxFbuY/VP_Pl3axM6I/AAAAAAAAKHo/LJEfkiT4Xes/s1600/IMG_7612.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">28 Weeks - I wasn't a slacker this week! Go me!</span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>My runs are really suffering. I went to go for a run the other day and could barely get a mile in before wanting to call it quits. So, it turned more into a walk/run interval workout. Other than that, workouts have been ok. lots more modifications due to the belly, but I still get my fitness in and that's the most important thing, right? Oh and I'm about to start my third session of Fit4Baby. These classes have seriously been so fun to teach. I love being pregnant with my moms and sharing that with them!</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Because I tend to wear loser fitting clothing, I don't NEED to wear a ton of maternity clothes, except pants. But I do find that I am starting to go back to select form fitting stuff just to avoid the overall wide look. But really, I am getting just overall wide, so I probably should come to terms.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">It's been pretty good recently. Yay!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Mac (and my mother-in-law) finally got to feel him kick, and he kicked Mac pretty hard one time. It was kind of funny. And we decided (with the help and confirmation of our friend who we ordered Mckenzie's crib from) that we will be keeping hers for her adn getting new furniture for him. So I moved her room around a bit to put her barbie dream house and barbies in her room for when she wants some quiet time away from teh baby. I am also going to setup a little tea party area with her two owl chairs. Just need to find a cute table to go with it now. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still patterned leggings and just pants in general. I miss my skinnies!! Waaah.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">He moves a ton, and they are usually big movements, no little flutters and flicks any more. He did kick Mckenzie when I was holding her the other day. It was really funny to see her reaction. She said, "Hey! You pushed me!" and I had to tell her it was him. She still didn't think it was funny.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Still root beer floats. And anything with cheese. Other than that, I haven't really been hungry much. but when I am, I want to eat EVERYTHING.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">His big movements have been giving me motion sickness :(</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">On</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy and motivated (mostly)</span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #ff4e9d; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Announcing his name! Painting his room and painting Z's room too!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-8520038920109211082015-02-25T15:24:00.001-07:002015-02-25T15:26:09.662-07:0026 Week: Double Digit CountownI have a sick kid on my hands today, so I am going to keep it short while she naps so I can use the time to do the millions of other things that get put on hold when all your tot wants to do is cuddle on the couch - and hey, who am I to complain, I certainly know <i>that</i> won't last long.<br />
<br />
I've started going through Mckenzie's old baby stuff and deciding what needs to be traded/replaced due to pink and glitter galore. It's not a lot (luckily) but enough. My biggest struggle is the furniture situation. She is still in her pretty pink crib and very content there; however, when we picked this nursery furniture it was with the complete intent to reuse it for baby number two. We will need to have the fabric reupholstered now that we know number two is going be a boy of course, but I am still so torn. Do we just opt for a second nursery setup and hope she does stay in there awhile, like we are thinking, or do we force her into a "big girl bed" and fight that battle? On one hand, it will help with my want to day and night potty train at the same time, which is also coming soon, but on the other, she LOVES her crib and bedtime is pretty easy for us right now. Even if she is not ready to go to bed, she will sit in her crib, read a book and eventually fall asleep. With free access to roam her room, I am not sure we will have the same ease, and with a new baby on the way, I can use all the ease I can get.<br />
<br />
So ... that's pretty much what's going on in the Mac household. Let's move on to our bump watch - we are down to double digits until baby boy's due date!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhQqN98A_g0/VO5LS3xPA3I/AAAAAAAAKGM/t06Oy_2_Yn8/s1600/26%2Bweeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhQqN98A_g0/VO5LS3xPA3I/AAAAAAAAKGM/t06Oy_2_Yn8/s1600/26%2Bweeks.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">26 Weeks - this photo was taken yesterday, so I wasn't <i>as big</i> of a slacker this week - progress, not perfection, right?</span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>My burpees have turned into more of a frog jump burpee lately thanks to the growing bump, but at least I can still do them, right haha. Still doing my total body workouts with Fit4Mom classes but doing a little less plyometric moves these days - those who have been pregnant can probably guess why ;) But I feel great and love that I get to workout through this pregnancy. It has really helped me feel like I am in more control this time around (even if I'm not) and I just feel so much better (mentally and physically) this time around. I don't know if I mentioned it already, but Mac got me a FitBit for Valentine's Day which has been really fun. I get really mad if I don't drastically exceed my 10,000 step goal - and today might be one of those days thanks to being couch ridden with Z.</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Yes and no. Pants yes, most tops aren't necessary, but they tend to look better, accenting the bump rather than just looking big and bulky. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Less awesome this past week, but that's more due to a chronic cough rather than the pregnancy.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">He started moving around a bunch more again. I was getting a little worried with his lack of movement and he decided to be crazy active this week to help ease any panic, what a good boy! OH! and I almost forgot, we went and did our registry this past weekend, which means we picked bedding and a theme for the room. We are going with navy blue and white with a nautical feel, but not over the top. I still want to find a nice accent color, like gold or aqua that will make the room pop, but I suppose that will come with the details. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">My patterned leggings. I am not brave enough to wear them right now, that and my prior lack of back pain. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">He was moving and kicking around a bunch this week.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Caramel apples, milk, cheese, soup, rice, oranges, green grapes, root beer floats</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Not really. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Nope, just an achy back and some slight round ligament pain.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">On</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy and motivated</span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #ff4e9d; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Deciding on nursery furniture.</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-11055069426175011952015-02-18T23:03:00.002-07:002015-02-19T20:23:40.498-07:0025 Weeks: Cravings Galore<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The week's seem to be rolling by faster and faster these days. I feel like unjust did a bump watch update and here I am again. That said, I don't really have much of a "life as we know it" update this week.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">But ... I think we have settled on a name! I like to give it a little time to sit before we make the official announcement, but keep your eyes peeled for an announcement coming soon! I'm pretty excited about it :) </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Other than that, the weather in AZ has been absolutely fabulous and we have been spending as many hours soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors - sorry east coast friends! I love that she would rather be outdoors running around with friends than home watching tv. This little girl just gets better and better. I'm sure her brother will be just as awesome - fingers crossed.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I do have one more exciting bit of news that involves the arrival of a handsome little boy, but ... I don't know if the parents have shared the news yet via social media so I will leave it at that for now and just say, congrats mom and dad! We are so very happy for you and can't wait to meet him! </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><font face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I guess I had more to share than I thought - typical me I suppose ;) let's proceed to the bunk watch, shall we?!</span></font></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><font face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></font></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><font face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQOLBQlDeO4/VOaouh8OEhI/AAAAAAAAKFw/IjETqnTa1EM/s640/blogger-image-953944632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQOLBQlDeO4/VOaouh8OEhI/AAAAAAAAKFw/IjETqnTa1EM/s640/blogger-image-953944632.jpg"></a></div><br></span></font></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">25 Weeks (and a couple days) - was a slacker (AGAIN) this week</span></span><br><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>Felt much better during Pilates/Yoga this week! Yay!<b> </b>And, I have been much better about going to stroller strides/getting my own workouts in every day this week. I've been trying to get back into a running routine and have definitely noticed a decline in my distance endurance. Need to work on that!</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I HATE pants right now. My maternity jeans from Z are too big but my regular pants are too tight (thank you weight gain in my hips and thighs) so excited maxi dress season is just around the corner. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">According to FitBit, my sleep has been very efficient this week. I haven't been getting up in the middle of the night (yay!) and I toss and turn much less too (double yay!).</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Feeling stronger and better during workouts!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Being comfortable in pants!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">not s much this week, but I think, because I have been more active, he is more sleepy. he still likes to remind me he's in there with some swift kicks to the bladder from time to time and then he gets some bouts of energy where he just moves non stop.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Apples, milk, girl scout cookies, oranges, s;mores (well really anything with Marshmallows), root beer floats</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Water gives me heartburn, so that's awesome.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Yes, I just feel wide right now. There is an obvious bump, but I'm expanding equally on all sides - time to work on those love handles some more ;)</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Nope, just standard growing pains.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">On</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy and motivated</span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #ff4e9d; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Getting some baby boy gear in the house and picking nursery decor.</span><br>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br></span></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-48837283742902631882015-02-11T18:30:00.002-07:002015-02-11T18:30:53.927-07:0024 Weeks: 6 Months In<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This week has been pretty standard. Workout, hang with Z, go to the neighborhood park, slowly buy stuff for the baby. We've been taking Zs neighborhood bestie, Elle, with us to the park a little bit this week while her mom (LIz) takes care of little Lucy who is in the hospital with RSV :( It's been a lot of fun watching them run around together and play so nicely. It's such a blessing having someone she gets along with so well practically in our back yard. Hopefully Z gets along as well with baby brother!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Oh! And I completely forget about my Dr. appt this week. Luckily I checked my calendar last night and saw it on there. Man, it seems like the last 4 weeks just FLEW by. One more 4 week appointment (that includes the oh-so-delicious glucose test) then on to bi-weekly appointments. I can't believe we are getting so close to the third trimester already. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Alright, who's ready for the weekly bump watch?!</span></span>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x2vHPIt_S7k/VNwCJ4jXySI/AAAAAAAAKFY/92y6yuxfQW8/s640/blogger-image--334663989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x2vHPIt_S7k/VNwCJ4jXySI/AAAAAAAAKFY/92y6yuxfQW8/s640/blogger-image--334663989.jpg" /></a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">24 Weeks (and a couple days) - was a slacker this week</span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>I took Liz's Pilates/Yoga class this past Saturday and felt so uncoordinated, not to mention my vinyasa flow push-up sets were severely lacking. Luckily it's a weekly class so I can only get better from here (let's hope!). I have also been better about going to Stroller Strides when I am not teaching plus getting in some "couch potato" workouts this week. Lots of resistance training in hopes to keep the fat trimmed ;) I'm currently mid-post for the couch potato workout (it's been a draft for longer than I'd like to admit) so it should be coming in the next few days. Now I just need to get back to running.</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Full blown bump, means maternity clothes are in full effect, well the bottoms at least. I try to wear leggings from time to time, but since I tend to carry some of my pregnancies in my thighs, I am not a fan of most of my patterned selections at the moment. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">It's been pretty good. Heartburn hasn't been so bad this past week, just a bit of back pain and hip pain from lying on my side, but my insomnia seems to have finally subsided, so yay!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Since I am a few days late on posting, this week had a few extra days including my 24 week appointment. I brought little miss Z with (thanks to my friend Jessica for letting me borrow her Umbrella stroller) and hear his heartbeat. No ultrasound photos, but just knowing everything looks and sounds good accourding to the doctor makes me happy! Although, I do miss the bi weekly photo sessions I had with Z.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> My patterned leggings! Waaaah. they just accent the thighs too much for my liking at the moment.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Tons, but still haven't been able to catch it t a time where Mac or Z could feel it.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Caramel apples, milk, girl scout cookies (but really, isn't everyone right now?)</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Not that I can think of.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Just like with Z, 24 was my magic week to get the popped out/defined bump.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Nope, just standard growing pains.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> On</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Definitely more moody this week.</span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #ff4e9d; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Picking a name and bedding - still at a stand still for both.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-42928668531130176672015-02-03T20:57:00.002-07:002015-02-03T20:58:32.341-07:0023 Weeks: "I Love You See You Soon"<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the moment we found out we were having a little boy, we have been talking to McKenzie about her baby brother. She just loves giving my belly (which is much easier to find these days haha) hugs and kisses. And she always says "I love you baby brother. See you soon!" It's seriously the cutest. I just hope she is as sweet to him when he's here -- taking her toys and undivided attention. ;) I'm not too concerned about the baby stages (maybe naively) because I have seen how caring and sweet she is to our friend's babies. It's more of the crawling phase that I think will be an issue for her. We shall see.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm kind of drawing a blank on anything of actual value to tel you about from this past week, so I guess we'll just get on to the bump watch ... enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JyaeCAvRiI/VNGYI0z4LfI/AAAAAAAAKE8/YgfIwa4G-7M/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JyaeCAvRiI/VNGYI0z4LfI/AAAAAAAAKE8/YgfIwa4G-7M/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">23 Weeks </span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>I am teaching 4 classes a week (2 Stroller Strides and 2 Fit4Baby) and try to jump in for sets when I can, otherwise I try to get in at least 20 minutes of strength/resistance work a day. But my exciting workout this week came from the <a href="http://msmarriedmac.blogspot.com/2015/02/super-bowl-workout.html" target="_blank">Game Day Workout</a> I created to play along with the Super Bowl. My shoulders KILLED on Monday from all the push-ups! I'm also really excited for Liz's Yoga/Pilates class on Saturday! Yay!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Still in the awkward {aka frustrating} in between phase of maternity and regular clothing. It's really annoying to attempt to put on a pair of jeans that just wont budge and even the waist band of my leggings is having a hard time deciding where to rest. SO ANNOYING! But, no maternity clothes in this week's photo. Well, except a Bella Band which I wear almost every day for the added belly coverage.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">heartburn is bad at night, as is bathroom breaks. Plus, with the "no lying on your back" orders from the doctor, (did I mention this? Apparently his heart rate likes to drop really low within just a few minutes of immobile supine positioning) paired with annoying back pain this week, I just can't seem to get comfortable. Needless to say, I'm a little tired these days.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Despite being a bit tired from lack of sleep, I have found myself with that second trimester energy I have been waiting anxiously for. While I'm not running any marathons, I have found myself more motivated to get some stuff done - even setting up a registry on Amazon for our family baby shower and getting an initial guest list to my generous hostesses.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> With this pregnancy my doctor is less particular about the "do not eat" list. Luckily he says smoked salmon is fine, otherwise that's would be a big craving (like last time). </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">He flips, flops and kicks constantly. He really likes to sucker punch me in the bladder just to remind me he's there - that's pretty awesome.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Fresh fruit, root beer floats, caramel apples, milk and pickles (yes ... I am that typical pregnant chick lately). </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Not really. But I am rarely hungry, so I have to force myself to eat most of the time or I get sick.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">YES! Completely undeniable bump and I'm not all that happy about it. Although, just like with Z, I am basically gaining weight evenly and my thighs are taking the brunt of gain this week.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Not really, just not-so0fun back pain and the same pressure/growing pains.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> On</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy with a hint of moody thanks to the tiredness and back pain.</span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #ff4e9d; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Picking a name and bedding - we can't seem to agree on either!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-65544196922871197332015-02-01T22:57:00.001-07:002015-02-01T23:07:17.125-07:00Super Bowl Workout<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Mac out of town and my current "expecting" status, I decided to keep Super Bowl low key this year and just stay home - especially with kickoff taking place mid nap for Z. But, as I was sitting on the couch flipping through the channels for something to watch before the game, my strategically placed resistance band caught my eye (Best thing I could have done, seriously! Keep an eye out for a future "couch bum workout" post!) and I felt a twinge of guilt. So, I quickly out together an easy and fun workout I could do alongside game play. It turned out to be quite fun and I am so glad I did it! Not only was I able to get a workout in, but I was too busy watching the game for my next workout cue to eat endless munchies and snacks. It was also really fun to know I had a few friends across the country doing it with me! Thanks ladies!</span><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IIRkd7MZ9HI/VM8RqxNEX8I/AAAAAAAAKEc/typ4-q754WI/s640/blogger-image-909155293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IIRkd7MZ9HI/VM8RqxNEX8I/AAAAAAAAKEc/typ4-q754WI/s640/blogger-image-909155293.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In hindsight, I would have switched the push-ups for squats, by I suppose it was better that way since I really hate push-ups and it forced me to<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> do them ... a lot. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Point is, look for opportunities to incorporate quick, fun workouts into your daily routine. Or, better yet, check back here from time to time because I think I'll start posting more simple workouts like this as it was pretty simple and quite effective! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PS - I'm not a "fan" of either team, so I picked a team for the sake of the workout and it turned out to be the wrong choice. So, my mini me decided to do my grand finale jumping jacks with me. Don't mind the insane outfit (I'd never pair fur with fur!!) - she decided to play dress up in<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> her laundry basket, crazy kid! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9QVANS631s0/VM8TNDhngjI/AAAAAAAAKEo/BiNXXGNVBjQ/s640/blogger-image--838886136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9QVANS631s0/VM8TNDhngjI/AAAAAAAAKEo/BiNXXGNVBjQ/s640/blogger-image--838886136.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-39267806036698469072015-01-27T16:05:00.000-07:002015-01-27T20:34:48.622-07:00If You Don't Squeeze It, No One Else Will<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WZaDS3PRPBU/VMgV2r8Du6I/AAAAAAAAKEA/WyEygT6s6aY/s640/blogger-image--1090450787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WZaDS3PRPBU/VMgV2r8Du6I/AAAAAAAAKEA/WyEygT6s6aY/s200/blogger-image--1090450787.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
<span class="s1">Squats are great; really, I <i>love</i> 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 <a href="http://pojofitness.com/"><span class="s2">Liz</span></a>, who kicked my butt into shape after McKenzie with <a href="http://queencreek.fit4mom.com/our-programs/body-back"><span class="s2">Body Back</span></a> boot camp classes. </span><br />
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<span class="s1">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 ;)</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
<span class="s1"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Booty blasters are quite simple. You need minimal, to no equipment and the entire booty workout can be done in just a few minutes from practically any location (that you don’t mind dropping onto all fours). Here’s how:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Equipment:</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Yoga Mat</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Resistance Band (optional)</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Method:</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">On your yoga mat, get down on your hands and knees. If you will be using a resistance band (not necessary, but I like the added resistance and reward) place your foot through the handle and pull the tubing with your hands, adjusting to desired resistance. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Keeping your back straight, elevate the leg with the resistance band attached to be parallel to the floor. In a slow, controlled motion, lift your leg toward the sky, squeezing your tush and tightening your core. Return it to the parallel position. You have completed your first rep.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0oOEUsOPSs/VMgRSCo20II/AAAAAAAAKDg/-Jm5eMmulqo/s1600/IMG_4872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0oOEUsOPSs/VMgRSCo20II/AAAAAAAAKDg/-Jm5eMmulqo/s1600/IMG_4872.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Variations:</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Heel to sky</i> - Bend your leg at the knee and flex your foot. Continue leg lift motion with keeping your foot flexed and parallel to the sky, return leg to parallel position. Note: your knee will go from a 90 degree angle (when parallel with the ground) to a 45 degree angle (when elevated).</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bApuMVovyE8/VMgRSM-5AYI/AAAAAAAAKDY/a7ZJxW2fmvQ/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bApuMVovyE8/VMgRSM-5AYI/AAAAAAAAKDY/a7ZJxW2fmvQ/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Arabesque</i> - Rotate your leg so your thigh is parallel to the ground. Bend your knee at a 90 degree angle, with your hip and leg pointing at 45 degree. drop your leg down so the arch of your elevated foot touches the heel of your anchored foot, return leg to parallel position. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jmvcdIXLto/VMgSvW2tr2I/AAAAAAAAKD0/JpgTMEF0ago/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jmvcdIXLto/VMgSvW2tr2I/AAAAAAAAKD0/JpgTMEF0ago/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Fire Hydrant - </i>With your thigh still parallel to the ground, adjust your knee position to the side, creating a 90 degree bend at the hip. Lower leg so the elevated knee touches the anchored knee, return leg to lifted position, keeping leg and hip at 90 degrees.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U391PKmXySM/VMgRSL9i5pI/AAAAAAAAKDc/MrQ1BD3dzng/s1600/IMG_4871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U391PKmXySM/VMgRSL9i5pI/AAAAAAAAKDc/MrQ1BD3dzng/s1600/IMG_4871.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>The Workout:</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">15 reps of straight leg</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">15 reps of arabesque</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">15 reps of heel to sky</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">15 reps of fire hydrant</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">repeat 2-3 time on the right leg, then switch and repeat on your left leg*</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">*I prefer to burnout one side entirely before switching to the other leg, but, you can opt to switch legs between each round if you so choose.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Modifications:</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">As I mentioned this can be done with, or without a resistance band, depending on your desired intensity. Additionally, if you have knee problems, instead of dropping onto all fours, you can find a half wall, bench, or even stable chair and complete the leg lifts from an elevated plank position, mid-thigh or higher would be an ideal height. This option will also help strengthen your core, both back and front.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Now grab a mat and get to it! And if you have a favorite booty exercise or two, share it below. I enjoy trying new ways to tone and tighten - especially those glutes. </span></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-61080503210408160452015-01-26T16:52:00.001-07:002015-01-26T16:52:56.537-07:0022 Weeks: One Pound<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to the few new outfit selections, I feel energized and ready to start tackling some more baby prepping stuff - like deciding on nursery decor and finalizing our name selection. Actually, I am particularly antsy about the last one. While we didn't have a name picked out for McKenzie until 28 weeks I feel like we need to get this little boy a name pronto. It's so funny because we found out sooner and decide later with McKenzie, yet I am still <i>way</i> more unsettled about him not having a name yet. I think it's partially because we had the holidays to keep us focused on other things and we didn't even find out we were having a boy until after the holidays until after they were behind us. I would share some of our contenders, but I don't even think that we are at that point just yet. Soon enough though, I promise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Additionally, one of my best friend's, Elena, came into town from Chicago and I got to spend some much needed girl time with her. I have been so blessed with such great friends, near and far, and I count myself quite lucky because of this. She was recently married (in May) and is talking about potentially moving to Phoenix, my fingers are crossed (100x over) that this comes to fruition. It would be so fabulous to have her close again. Plus, it wouldn't happen until they move on to the baby stage of their life, so not only will I have a bestie closer, but it would be a mommy bestie to boot! So awesome! Alas, this means it will be a bit off as far as a timeline goes, but I'm a patient girl and will settle for continued visits to the Windy City - oh darn ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, my prenatal workout classes started last week. Oh my gosh, so fun. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to meet such motivated and strong expecting moms and workout with them twice a week. I am really excited for this session with these ladies and to continue with future sessions throughout the pregnancy - and beyond. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, I think that basically sums up the fun of the week. Let's move on to the bump, shall we?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z5D_yxDE7CQ/VMbSt8gkonI/AAAAAAAAKDE/t_iLapGPm8E/s640/blogger-image--945337739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z5D_yxDE7CQ/VMbSt8gkonI/AAAAAAAAKDE/t_iLapGPm8E/s320/blogger-image--945337739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">22 Weeks </span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>Still keeping up with my regular routine. I wasn't able to go for the bike ride/picnic I had planned with my girl friend and her daughters due to a huge migraine, but I have been making a better effort to get my own workouts in. I will also be starting a Power Pilates/Yoga class taught by my friend Liz soon. I am pretty excited about that!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I'm in that awkward phase of starting to grow out of my regular clothes (mostly jeans and more form-fitting blouses) but not yet fitting into my maternity clothes. It's no fun. But I am rocking some maternity jeans in this weeks photo - which is why they lok a bit saggy.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Insomnia is still my enemy, but I am sleeping through the night better. That is, when Mac doesn't have the dang window open so the train blaring wakes me up a few times at night.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Getting my house picked up and my laundry under better control - thanks to Elena's visit!</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Migraine medicine and wine. I hate turning down a good glass of wine when enjoying my Postino's bruschetta.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">His kicks are finally strong enough to really feel on the outside, but I haven't been quick enough to call Mac over to feel just yet. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Fresh fruit, s'mores, smoothies, caramel.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Not this week. But, when I eat anything of a thicker consistency and it lingers in my mouth too long it takes all I have to swallow it. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Don't let the photo fool you. I'm not sure if the camera is extra forgiving, or the switch to maternity jeans helped conceal it a bit, but there is a bump. Just ask anyone who has seen me in the past couple days. he's absolutely starting to make his presence known. I am still at the uncomfortable, is she/isn't she stage, but it's certainly more noticeable. </span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No, still uncomfortable pressure and growing pains this week. I feel like I am more paranoid this pregnancy because I constantly find myself stopping and assessing whether I should be concerned with this or call about that...</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> On</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy, and still stressed. </span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #ff4e9d; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Picking a name for this boy!</span></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-90650952711110648272015-01-21T22:42:00.001-07:002015-01-21T22:42:23.958-07:0021 Weeks: Still No Name<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This week has been great. I have been so excited about the launch of my </span><a href="http://queencreek.fit4mom.com/programs/fit4baby" style="line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Fit4Baby classes</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"> 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. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">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. ;)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Time for the bump!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bmbwY0E9KjY/VMCNkeaXLlI/AAAAAAAAKCw/V6sSloWbGn0/s640/blogger-image--469449546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bmbwY0E9KjY/VMCNkeaXLlI/AAAAAAAAKCw/V6sSloWbGn0/s320/blogger-image--469449546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Floral Kimono - <a href="http://nobellagrace.com/" target="_blank">NoBella Grace</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">21 Weeks </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>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!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> 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!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">just</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> 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.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">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. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> 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!</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">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!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Lemonade, smoothies, cereal and caramel chocolates.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Even though I have a craving for it, a bowl of cereal sent me running for the toilet this week. that sucked.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">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. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No, but I have been having some awesome pressure and growing pains. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> On</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy, and still stressed. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Deciding on a name and figuring out his room. </span><br />
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-69953009175836263082015-01-16T18:23:00.000-07:002015-01-21T22:07:43.526-07:00Fitness Friday: Prenatal Workouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKjtwdBWUh4/VLm5N9Lc2BI/AAAAAAAAKCc/wgFBw0egFAE/s1600/f4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKjtwdBWUh4/VLm5N9Lc2BI/AAAAAAAAKCc/wgFBw0egFAE/s1600/f4b.jpg" height="166" width="200" /></a></div>
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 <a href="http://queencreek.fit4mom.com/our-programs/stroller-strides" target="_blank">Stroller Strides</a> instructor, the course also included <a href="http://queencreek.fit4mom.com/our-programs/fit4baby" target="_blank">Fit4Baby</a> 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.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Fast forward to a few months ago. Shortly after completing my certification and training, I started teaching for the <a href="http://queencreek.fit4mom.com/" target="_blank">Queen Creek/& San Tan Valley Fit4Mom Franchise</a> which is about a year and a half old. Being in it's beginning stages, I have had some great opportunities to help expand their program offerings and grow their program - which, as you all know, is a huge passion point of mine. For those of you who aren't as personally familiar with me, simply put, my background in PR and Marketing within agency settings gave me a great love for advocating for and promoting small businesses. While it's great to work on big name accounts like Sprinkles, Gordon Biersch and Cancer Treatment Centers of America (which I did), I really enjoyed seeing the direct results my work had on making a small business grow and succeed. Anyway, with that said; a few weeks ago the Queen Creek Fit4Mom owner, Jamie - you should get to know her name because I will probably reference her again, in future blog posts I am sure - approached me with an idea to launch Fit4Baby classes for expecting moms. It was perfect timing, since I am also currently expecting, and a great opportunity to do more with my certification. I enthusiastically accepted and we quickly went to work figuring out the logistics and launching the program - which starts on Monday.<br />
<br />
So basically, all of that was a <i>really </i>long way of saying, I am so excited about this new endeavor, Fit4Baby, that I will be starting on Monday. I will be teaching a series of <a href="http://queencreek.fit4mom.com/locations/fit4baby-eastmark" target="_blank">4 week prenatal "boot camp"</a> sessions geared toward first time and working moms. The class is certainly open to any expecting mom, but since our Stroller Strides program is also great for prenatal workouts, the scheduling is more accommodating to those who work full time. I am particularly excited for these classes to begin because I think it provides a unique opportunity for expecting moms to connect with other currently pregnant moms (which I would have loved when I was pregnant) while also getting a great workout specifically formatted with the various stages of pregnancy in mind.<br />
<br />
With that said, I hope you will spread the word to your expecting mommy friends and send them my way if they are interested and within a close vicinity. If a group fitness class isn't your flavor or the schedule/location doesn't work for you, I simply will leave you with my top 5 favorite prenatal workouts to try on your own.<br />
<br />
<b>My Top 5 Prenatal Exercises:</b><br />
<br />
<i>Planks </i>- Planks are a fantastic way to engage and work practically everything while maintaining one static position. I like these because they are easy to do anywhere and don't take long to leave me feeling the burn in my shoulders, core, and tush.<br />
<br />
To do this exercise: Grab a yoga mat and place your forearms (or palms if your growing belly makes forearms a challenge) on the mat with elbows (or hands) directly under your shoulders. Position feet far enough back to create a straight line from shoulder to heel. I always tell my classes to picture a wooden board on your back. This imaginary board should touch your shoulders, your butt, and your calves simultaneously.<br />
<br />
The number one problem I see with planks is a piked tush. It may feel strange (and it's supposed to) but drop those hips to create one nice, straight line. You should be using your core to fight the feeling that your mid section will drop to the floor.<br />
<br />
*Modification note - you can also lessen the resistance of this exercise by placing your knees on the ground and creating a straight line from knees to shoulders.<br />
<br />
Challenge yourself to hold the plank as long as you can, with proper form, beginning with 45 seconds. Each time you plank, try to increase your time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justmommies.com/drupal/sites/default/files/admin_images/plank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.justmommies.com/drupal/sites/default/files/admin_images/plank.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.justmommies.com/" target="_blank">JustMommies</a></div>
<br />
<i>Side Planks</i> - Like planks, side planks are a great total body exercise; however, the side plank has a few added benefits, like back pain relief, and oblique strengthening.<br />
<br />
Once again, on a yoga mat, lie on your right side with your right forearm on the floor with your elbow bent directly under your shoulder. Stack your left leg on top of the right (for added support, use a wall to brace your feet against). Lift your hip off the ground, engaging your abs, butt, and leg muscles.<br />
<br />
*Modification note - if your knees begin to hurt drop one or both to the ground, keeping the straight line of the plank from your knee to shoulder, rather than ankle to shoulder.<br />
<br />
Hold side plank for 30-60 seconds and switch sides. Repeat 2 more times on each side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://positivelypanicked.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/side-plank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://positivelypanicked.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/side-plank.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: <a href="http://positivelypanicked.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Positively Panicked</a></div>
<br />
<i>Bridges </i>- Think back to those old 80s workout videos where they did countless pelvic thrust toward the air. Yes, those are what I am talking about. They may look silly, but they are great to do with an expanding belly.<br />
<br />
On a yoga mat, lie flat on your back with hands on the floor to your sides. Create a 45 degree bend in your knees. Slowly lift hips off the ground until a straight line is created from shoulder to knee and simultaneously press palms into the floor. Lower hips back to the ground.<br />
<br />
Complete 3-4 sets of 15-20 reps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://eyogaguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Easy-Bridge-Pose-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://eyogaguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Easy-Bridge-Pose-thumb.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo credit: <a href="http://eyogaguru.com/" target="_blank">EYogaGuru</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Shoulder Press Squats - </i> I love squats. More importantly, I love how squats make my butt look! Because I have relatively weak arms/shoulders that could always use a little more definition, I like to add resistance band overhead presses when I do my squats.<br />
<br />
Start with feet should width apart, place the center of the resistance tube under your feet and grab each handle. Bend your knees, creating a 90 degree bend at the knee. Be mindful to keep your chest up and shoulders back. As you squat down, push your butt out like you are going to sit in a chair. Add a bit of core resistance to your squat by sucking your belly button to your spine, or engaging your core muscles to "hug the baby". As you squat down, your hands will lower to your shoulders and as you return to a standing position, they will extend straight up until your biceps touch your ears.<br />
<br />
Complete 4 sets of 8-12 reps<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.skinnymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Squat-Overhead-Press-Resistance-Band_ALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.skinnymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Squat-Overhead-Press-Resistance-Band_ALL.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.skinnymom.com/" target="_blank">SkinnyMom</a></div>
<br />
<i>Tricep Dips </i>- Again, because I have weak arms, I like to work them out in the most effective ways possible. Most arm exercises are going to be prenatal friendly, but with the added weight of your baby bump, (this is one of the only times I will count the added weight as a benefit I am sure) you will achieve an even better burn!<br />
<br />
On a bench or chair, place palms on the edge of the seat with feet positioned to create a 90 degree bend at the knee. Using your arms, lower your butt to the ground while pulling your belly button to your spine (or hugging the baby). Extend arms to return to the starting position.<br />
<br />
Complete 3 sets of 10-15 reps<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/8i/2-tricep-dips-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/8i/2-tricep-dips-lgn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.womansday.com/" target="_blank">Woman's Day</a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2020147439"></span><span id="goog_2020147440"></span><br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016491959877904888.post-11713070659994856512015-01-14T21:54:00.000-07:002015-01-21T22:09:57.533-07:0020 Weeks: Half Way Done<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">As I selected a few new tops for this pregnancy, I couldn't help but notice how my maternity style has changed this time around. Before I elected for high waist belts and tops that accentuated that I was pregnant. This time around, I prefer to stick to less "maternity" looks and more traditional fashions. It's not really to conceal the bump, but I suppose I don't feel the need to show it off like I used to. While I'm still totally self conscious of this awkward phase of is she or isn't she, I'm not really motivated to do much to make it apparent. Does that make sense?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">On another note, I forgot how much I did not enjoy having to pick a name for McKenzie. And boy names are even harder. Between the two of us, we probably had a list of 75 or so but can't agree completely on a single one. We have narrowed it down to less than 10 but are basically at a standstill for the time being because I won't concede to the name he likes and he won't accept any alternatives. So .. I think we will let the list sit for a little bit a revisit it in a week or two, or three ... really, as long as he has a name before he's born, I'm ok with that. Anyone, enough of the random babblings of this pregnant chick. Let's get on to the bump watch photo and update.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cPD3EPkbS2A/VLdOn7pjB1I/AAAAAAAAKB4/mY-2_sVTXoU/s1600/blogger-image--333512102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cPD3EPkbS2A/VLdOn7pjB1I/AAAAAAAAKB4/mY-2_sVTXoU/s320/blogger-image--333512102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">How far along? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">20 Weeks </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Workouts: </b>I am still teaching Stroller Strides twice a week and trying to get to one or two </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">classes a week on top of that (some weeks are better than others) I really need to get better about doing my workouts at home and now that I have more energy I am hoping to do just that. My main focus will be on cardio and strengthening my arms. But .. since my thighs are where I carry quite a bit of my preggo weight, I am super cautious about keeping those down this time around.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Maternity clothes?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Both, but mostly just maternity sweaters at this point. Oh! I did pull down my maternity clothes, which is how I also came to my style revelation and put on my favorite pair of maternity jeans from last time. They are still a little big, but they are basically the one piece of maternity clothing I have been super excited to be able to wear again :) No preggo clothes in this weeks photo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Stretch marks?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Nothing new. And I think this will be the last week I have this on the survey. It </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">just</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> seems silly since I did get a few last time around any way so I am fully expecting a few this time too and I don't really need to remember when it happens ;)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Sleep: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Still </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">just</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> struggling with insomnia and the mid-night potty breaks. But my hips have been starting to hurt while I sleep, which is kind of annoying. That would be one big reason that my good friend, The Snoogle, has made his grand entrance back into my bed. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Narrowing</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> down some name lists. But that was bitter sweet since we are now at a stand still.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Migraine medicine. They are back with </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">vengeance</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> and can last for 2 days solid without an alleviation. No fun. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Movement: </b></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">He moves a ton throughout the day and I can feel him on the outside with my hand if I am patient enough. Haven't tried to have anyone else feel yet. Well .. I did put McKenzize's hand on my belly to </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">del</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> today but </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">didm</span><span style="line-height: 18px;">;t know what I was doing and kept yelling "let go!" haha. Maybe when I'm bigger and they are easier to feel. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Food cravings:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Chipotle, banana cream pie pudding, oranges and grapes.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Nothing comes to mind at the moment. Maybe eggs on </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">occasion ...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Have you started to show yet: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">Yes, there's a bump, not huge, but definitely </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">noticeable.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">No</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out? </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">In</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off?</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> On</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Happy or moody most of the time: </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">I have been feeling a little overwhelmed this week with everything that needs to be done and everything that j want to get done. So much so, that NOTHING is getting done. But I also blame that on my sick toddler who just wants to cuddle on the couch - totally fine by me!!!</span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG2wyKt9I20/UJW5a0CWviI/AAAAAAAADjQ/UsJINjiUTV0/s1600/Week+20_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to:</b><b> </b>Deciding on a name for this little guy and picking out nursery decor!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Well that's all for now! See you next week 💋</span>
</span><br />
<br /></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254623119515346497noreply@blogger.com0