39 Weeks: #ComeOutCharlie

For those of you who follow me on Instagram (@pinkmrsmac), you saw that Operation #ComeOutCharlie is in full effect. 

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! Oh well. 

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. 

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 packed 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 ;)

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?!

How far along: 39 Weeks (Happy Memorial Day!)

Workouts: 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. 

Maternity clothes: 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!

Sleep: 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. 

Best moment this week: 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

- arranged marriage? (But only if she goes Chi O! Kidding ... Kinda!)

Miss Anything: Everything - seriously, #comeoutcharlie!!!!!

Movement: He is starting to run out of room, so much less big movements, but still lots of little ones. 

Food cravings: Chocolate milk still and smoothies too. I'm more into lighter fares lately since I'm still not super hungry these days. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: 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.

Labor Signs: 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. 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?!?

Belly Button in or out: Out

Wedding rings on or off: Still off, but j was able to slip in 2 of the 3 rings the other day because I had less swelling. 

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been a big old grump! I blame the excruciating back pain.

Looking forward to: Meeting Charlie (and getting shelving for his room - cough cough husband ... Again!!)

38 Weeks - Nesting

Looks like nesting has officially kicked in. 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 so 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 cleared up.

Oh! And we went and bought the remaining items that we "needed" for baby C, including hangers, which means all his clothes are finally hung. Yay!  

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 getting terrible pelvic and "down there" pressure/pain. Pretty sure this little one 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! 

With that, let's get on to the bump watch festivities. Who knows, it might just be my last one! Ahhhh! 

How far along: 38 Weeks 

Workouts: Did an awesome at-home workout last week, because I was confined to my house all day 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!

Maternity clothes: 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! 

Sleep: 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. 

Best moment this week: Getting my bags packed and all his clothes hung. 

Miss Anything: 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.

Movement: Yesterday and this morning he gave me quite the scare because I couldn't remember the last time I had felt him really move around. But he has made up for it today. 

Food cravings: CHICOLATE MILK! Fruit smoothies, frozen gummy bears, ice cream, peppermint patties

Anything making you queasy or sick: no, but I'm really not all that hungry, like ever. It's very odd.

Labor Signs: Was 3cm at my last dr appt and have had terrible pelvic pressure and pain today. A few, unmeasurable contractions as well. 

Belly Button in or out: Out

Wedding rings on or off: Still off

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been a big old grump! I blame the excruciating back pain.

Looking forward to: Meeting Charlie (and getting shelving for his room

- cough cough husband!!)

Ps - if you are wondering why these posts are typically riddled with odd typos, that's because I usually write them on my phone while being held hostage in Zs room during our bedtime routine. Sorry!!

Couch Bum Workout

Lately 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.

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.

But, the other day (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!

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!

CARDIO WARM UP - no resistance bands needed

Elevated Plank Jacks - 30 seconds

Toe Taps with Speed Bag Arms - 30 seconds

Elevated Mountain Climbers - 30 seconds

High Knees - 30 seconds

Repeat these exercises 3-4 times before continuing on

ARMS

Overhead Lat Pull - 15 reps
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.

* 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.

Tricep Extensions - 10 reps each side
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. Click here 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. Click here for visual. Slowly return to your starting position to complete your first rep.

* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.

Chest Press - 15 reps
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.

* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.

Bicep Curls - 15 reps
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.

* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.

Repeat these exercises 3-4 times before continuing on


LEGS

Abductor Pulls - 10 reps each side
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 here). Slowly lower your right leg out to the side and return to starting position to complete your first rep.

* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.

Leg Press - 25 reps
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.

* To increase in tensity choke up on the tubing or wrap excess tubing around your fist.

Adductor Crossovers - 10 reps each side
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.

* To increase resistance, choke up on tubing and extend arm out to the side.

Repeat these exercises 3-4 times before continuing on


CORE - no resistance bands needed

Crunches - 25 reps

Oblique ankle taps - 20 reps each side

V Sit - hold for 45 seconds

Bicycles - 20 reps

Repeat these exercises 3-4 times

37 Weeks and finally full term!

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!

I installed the infant seat in my car the other day and bought my Double

Bob Jogging Stroller which have both made this a whole lot more real. 

Another thing that made it oh-so-real was the hospital tour. Since Z was 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 nothing 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!

Aside from being smacked in the face with the whole labor/delivery reality, I was also forced to admit I have yet to pack the hospital bags! Eek! This shouldn't be a surprise, really though, because I heavily procrastinated this task with Z too. 

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 get 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 less 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. 

So, as you can see, still quite a bit left to do considering he could really come any day now.

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 ...) ;)

Time for the bump, before I start having a panic attack! 

How far along: 37 Weeks (and 3 days)

Workouts: 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! 

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

core workout during Zs nap today. Hooray. Oh! But, thanks to his lowered position, I've discovered some of my beloved booty blaster are out 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. 

Maternity clothes: Pants are and top was bought oversized to accomodate a baby belly and then wear oversized 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! 

Sleep: I am still exhausted and now I wake up several times at night and still about an hour before the alarm. 

Best moment this week: 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 women for fun, fitness and mommy support!

Miss Anything: Wine. Red wine specifically. I also really miss my leggings and shoes. It's getting far too hot to wear denim and uggs! 

Movement: Less big movements this week, but he is still super active.

Food cravings: CHICOLATE MILK! caramel, mint, pasta, salty stuff, smoothies

Anything making you queasy or sick: not really but I have not been "craving" my daily green tea fix, so that's kind of a big deal!

Labor Signs: 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.

Belly Button in or out: Flat and sometimes out

Wedding rings on or off: Still off

Happy or moody most of the time: Still a super grump and have very little patience. 

Looking forward to: My dr appt tomorrow (weird, right?)

36 Weeks - Bye-Bye Wedding Rings

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 ... 

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! 

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.

How far along: 36 Weeks (and 3 days)

Workouts: Went 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. 

Maternity clothes: Pants and shirt are both maternity. That might just be a first with this pregnancy. 

Sleep: 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. 

Best moment this week: 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!

Miss Anything: Wine, vodka, beer ... anything with alcohol content basically. I have started carefully planning what beverage will wait my return from the hospital ;)

Movement: 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. 

Food cravings: Fruit, chocolate milk, caramel, mint, cheese

Anything making you queasy or sick: tried eating a grilled chicken sand which today, not a good idea.

Labor Signs: 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. 

Belly Button in or out: Pretty flattened now

Wedding rings on or off: They came off a few days ago and have not gone back on.

Happy or moody most of the time: Still moody, but still have lots of happy swings

Looking forward to: Decorating the nursery.

35 Weeks - One more month

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!

I'm finding myself, more often than not, super swollen to the point of discomfort and even pain and my usual cheery demeanor is being overshadowed by a bit of gloom and grump. 

But, we did have our maternity photos and I was able to wear my 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! 

Lastly, Mac's work surprised him with a baby shower this week that was a whole lot 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 when 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 contribute to the (more than) 2,500 diapers awaiting that cute baby tushy!

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 his 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. 

That said - time for the bump watch before my gloom and doom attitude drags this post down. 

How far along: 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!!

Workouts: 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?!

Maternity clothes: I loathe getting dressed lately. Nothing to do with maternity vs non, insult don't think anything is flattering at this point. 

Sleep: Stay up too late, wake to often during the night and usually an hour before the alarm sounds for the day. I've had a few things stressing me out that keep me up for a bit whine I do wake in the middle of the night - that's been no fun. 

Best moment this week: 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!

Miss Anything: 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

Movement: Always and it's getting painful from time to time. He has quite the sucker punch on him!

Food cravings: Fruit, chocolate milk 

Anything making you queasy or sick: tried eating a grilled chicken sand which today, not a good idea.

Labor Signs: A bit more pelvic pressure and some sharp shooting pains (in addition to my chronic sore and achy back) but no contractions or signs that he's coming any time soon. 

Belly Button in or out: In-ish?

Wedding rings on or off: Still on, yay. But I have a feeling that will it last much longer.

Happy or moody most of the time: Moody, definitely moody. 

Looking forward to: The arrival of his crib (thank you Kim and Scott!) and setting up his nursery.