Connect the Dots Ginger | Becky Allen: pregnancy
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Bump Update: 1 Week Postpartum

I am 1 week postpartum. I can't believe that I have a week old baby. I was so anxious to get her out and now she has been with us for 1 week. But on the other side of that, it feels like she has been with us forever. It is a very weird feeling since she hasn't been with us forever but she just fits right in. 
Transition to a family of 5 has been a little rough. Mason was scared at first of her, but quickly got over it. He is eager to help me and her. He loves her so very much. Collin on the other hand, he has turned into a little gremlin. He is not liking the attention being on someone else. So he has been acting out. But he also loves her so very much. He will give her kisses and hugs and asks to hold her all the time and will give the cutest little smile when he does but man, the other times, he says no to everything we ask him to do and he has just been a trouble maker! 

I am enjoying having a little girl. It has been fun to dress her up in very pretty things and the BOWS! I can't get enough of the bows. Yesterday we had our family and newborn photo session. Again, Mason was great, Collin was a pill and Elyse was AMAZING! She was quite the little model. She feel asleep for most of it and the photographer was very impressed! 

Recovery: Recovery has been pretty easy compared to my other 2. I didn't tear so I don't have any stitches to deal with so that has been nice. I finally started feeling better on Tuesday. My body ached less basically. My biceps and back were KILLING ME from the actual labor up until Tuesday. Plus I was having a hard time walking because my hip was out of alignment. I saw my chiropractor on Tuesday and since then, I have been SO MUCH BETTER! 

Weight: Pre-pregnancy weight:237.7. Weight morning of birth: 264.8. Current weight this morning: 251.6. I'm not concerned with weight. I am still very swollen right now. I actually swell more after labor than before. I know that I lose a chunk at first and then through good eating habits and exercise the rest will come off.

I won't be doing these every week. I am going to transition to every month after this post so that I can write about both Elyse and my postpartum journey. Which I will be sharing more of here! Be sure to check back often to keep up with everything that is going on! 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Week By Week Pregnancy Progression


I have been collecting my weekly bump updates so I could make this great little video of my weekly bump progression! AND I AM SO EXCITED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU! Check how much my belly changed over the past 42 weeks!

My main goal during my pregnancy was to be as fit and healthy as possible. Exercising 5 days a week. Following my 21 Day Fix nutrition program. In the end I was on point about 85% of the time. Yes, I had some sweets and treats. Yes, I missed some days of working out but over all, I did very well. I gained a total of 26 pounds, hoping most is in my belly with the pregnancy and that over the next few weeks my body releases the excess weight. And once I get the all clear from my doc I will be back at my daily workouts and getting my body in even better shape than it was in. I am so proud of what I accomplished, living a healthy and fit plus size pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and these sound like some of the same goals you have, but don't know where to start, or want daily motivation, support and accountability, LET'S CHAT! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! I want to work with you. Support you and help you be as healthy as possible for both you and your baby! Send me an EMAIL or request to join my FREE GROUP (and get my free Clean Eating Guide!) and let's connect!


Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Thursday, September 29, 2016

#1 Tip For A Healthy Pregnancy

MOVE YOUR BODY MORE AND EAT THE FOODS YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD BE EATING! 
Hey moms! CONGRATS on your pregnancy. You have an amazing journey in front of you. The next 9 months are going to be super slow but also fly by faster than anything you ever thought possible. Trust me, I know. I am currently 40 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Just waiting for our little girl to decide that she is ready to come out! Yes, I am overdue by almost one week. Thankfully, I am scheduled for an induction tomorrow because I AM READY to meet our sweet little Elyse!

Looking at the next 9 months you have heard all the stories from your friends about how much they went through while pregnant and even how much they gained while pregnant and you are determined to do better. I want you to know that IT IS POSSIBLE TO CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT GAIN WHILE PREGNANT. I have proven it! I have had a fit and healthy plus size pregnancy! 
This is my 3rd full term pregnancy, (my 6th pregnancy total). With my first, I didn't exercise, or rarely did, and ate whatever I wanted because I WAS FINALLY PREGNANT after 8 years of TRYING AND FERTILITY TREATMENTS! And I KNEW that I would lose all the baby weight I gained just from breastfeeding because all of my friends did and my sister in law, wow she lost 75 pounds just from breastfeeding. Well, I was wrong! I gained 55 pounds with Mason. I weighed a total of 255 pounds. The day after I had him I was down 16 pounds and there I stayed for 10 months until I seriously made changes to what I ate, then I started to lose weight.

With #2, Collin, I was determined to not gain as much. I had gone through two miscarriages at that point and had gained some weight back from after losing it with Mason. I was starting out 27 pounds heavier with #2 than with #1 (food became my comfort during my miscarriages). Just before I got pregnant though, I started exercising again, and running in races, and even signed up for my first half marathon. And I always said, "Come hell or high water, pregnant or not, I am running that half marathon!" So just after my 4th race I found out I was pregnant with Collin. I continued running and training for my half marathon and completed it at 29 weeks pregnant. Then stopped running at 30 weeks because I WAS DONE! TIRED! I ended my pregnancy with Collin at the EXACT same weight I had given birth to Mason. And the day after I had him I again lost 16 pounds and was stuck at 239 for forever. 
After yet another devastating miscarriage at 14 weeks along that almost took my life, battle with deep depression I again was back at my 255 pounds. And then I found my answer. I finally found a program that incorporated only 30 minutes of exercise but the most important thing...IT TAUGHT ME HOW TO LOOK AT FOOD IN A WHOLE NEW WAY! No more cutting calories, no more restricting food groups. NO MORE Denying me sweets and treats. I finally found the key that worked for me. I lost 20 pounds in just 5 months. And then I got pregnant again! I was determined to continue eating the same way through my pregnancy and still exercise only 30 minutes 5 days a week. Now at the end of my pregnancy I have only gained 26 pounds. Less than both pregnancies. Even though I am ending 9 pounds heavier at 264. I have worked really hard to control my weight gain. Keep it steady and this is how! 

MY #1 TIP TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY IS ALL MOVING YOUR BODY AND CONTROLLING THOSE CRAVINGS! 

GONE are the days of eating for 2. Or eating whatever sweets your heart desires. With so many processed foods and chemicals found in most boxed foods, and our favorite sweets, it is just better in the end to just SAY NO! And feed yourself the good stuff your body wants and needs. And here is the crazy thing.

When you are feeding your body what it needs, you won't want the sweets and treats!

I am feeding my body 6 cups of veggies a day, Protein, fruits, carbs (yes even carbs!), and healthy fats.

The key is to EAT WHOLE FOODS and just say no to sweets every day, occasionally, it's okay. If you want more information about the plan that I followed to help me eat the right amount of foods,
 CHECK IT OUT HERE. What you'll get: year membership with access to over 600 separate workouts, including an entire portal just for ACTIVE MATERNITY! Meal plans, recipes, healthy cooking shows, trainer tips and ME as your coach and mentor and virtual personal trainer! I promise you, I wouldn't share this if it didn't work for me.

26 pounds. I have only gained 26 pounds this pregnancy. I feel great. I have stayed active and I know that I will lose the weight after I have Elyse because I finally found the one thing that actually makes sense to me. That actually makes it fun. AND IS SO EASY TO FOLLOW AND MOMMY PROOF! I would love to help you have a safe, healthy and fit pregnancy. 
Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Bump Update: 41 Weeks!

41 WEEKS! WE ARE HERE! WE ARE READY! Today is the day of my induction. Later today we will be meeting our little girl! HOW EXCITING! Kinda freaky because our lives are about to change and have a whole ton of pink in it but very exciting! Many times this past week, we thought she was coming. Matt says my engine was just getting revved up. But it has been exhausting. Contractions are EXHAUSTING! I generally contract late at night, go to sleep and sleep till I have to wake up and go to the bathroom, and then start contracting in the morning. But they never lead to anywhere. Oh well!

We have been having a fun week with Gummy here (my mom) The boys love her. And playing pillow fights with her. It has just been really great having her here. Sad that it is taking so long for Elyse to get here, which means less snuggle time for Gummy but it has still been fun for the boys! 

By the time you finish reading this, the induction should be underway. And by the end of the day we should have a baby. If you want to be one of the first to know how things are going make sure you are following me on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM

***UPDATE!*** So my induction was bumped from today. They overbooked the L&D and had my due date written down wrong (as the 27th) so they thought this was an elective induction not a medically necessary induction. I am now scheduled again to be induced starting tomorrow morning. The doc did have me come in where he did do a pretty aggressive membrane sweep and is hoping I go sometime tonight after that. I am currently 4cm dilated. And her head was right there. He actually was bobbing her up and down to strip me more. Felt very weird! So...tomorrow might be the day, unless I get bumped again.

Total Weight Gain: Gained 26.8 pounds total. Weight as of this morning 264.6 pounds. I am now 10 pounds more than when I gave birth to Collin. And right on track to where I estimated I wanted to be at 40 weeks! HERE IS TO A HEALTHY AND FIT PLUS SIZE PREGNANCY!

Symptoms: Smaller appetite, eating smaller meals throughout the day. Having to "go" a lot since she is head down. Hard time sleeping. Waddling and lower back soreness like nothing else! CRAVING MILK! CRAVING SWEETS. Loss of mucus plug, BIG TIME. I thought I lost it before, nope, Saturday, I am positive I lost it.
Baby’s Size:  Jackfruit (~19-22 inches, 8 or more pounds) 

Labor Progress: As of my weekly check up appointment last Thursday I was 80% effaced,  3 cm dilated and Elyse was engaged in my pelvis -1 to 0 station. 
Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops I wear maternity now and my bigger t-shirts but those are tight now. I am actually running out of clothing. Wearing my new Fabletics sports bra in these pictures and LOVE THEM and the fun colors! A ton more coverage and super comfy!
Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. I think I am getting some new ones or my old was are just being stretched up higher on my belly. No bright purple ones just the faded white ones. I am using Honest Company belly balm right now though to help my belly stretch so I do not get any new ones. I apply it at night and right after I get out of the shower. 
Belly Button: Still an innie! Won't be flat or an outtie. :( 

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Yep, thought for sure many times this past week that it was the real deal because I was having consistent contractions for a few hours, 10 min apart then 5 minutes apart then they stopped. So sad.
Gender: GIRL!!! So excited about all the cute stuff we got for her! We have her coming home outfit and her picture props! So girly, and way too cute!
Sleep:  Napping is required everyday. Especially with all the walking I have been doing. I am waking up many times a night to go to the bathroom or trying to get comfy. (If you see me make a comment on FB or IG at 2am this is why!) I am still getting up at night at 11:30pm, 3:30am, 5:30 without fail. Always around 9pm for about an hour she likes to put on a show and be super active! 
Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my back! Sleeping through the night. 
Cravings:  MILK and SWEETS! I normally don't drink milk any more due to an intolerance I have to it but I have been craving it like nothing else. 2 8oz glasses usually. Funny thing, ice cream doesn't do the trick. It has to be straight up cold whole milk. WEIRD! The sweets is new this week. Everything at Trader Joe's with chocolate is still calling my name. Cinnamon Rolls too. Oh and veggies of course. I am loving me some veggies!
Aversions: Not this week. Everything tastes too good! I am just getting so full very quickly
Excited About: Being induced tomorrow. We finally get to meet this little girl that we have been waiting for, for years!

Workouts: Pretty well for this week! I got in 6 days of regular workouts this past week plus some nightly walking and RUNNING to get this baby out! I'm didn't do any  COUNTRY HEAT! (so sore in my pelvis to shake it!) And I am enjoying finding prenatal yoga routines online.
***If you want to know when I have the baby be sure to follow me over at FACEBOOK orINSTAGRAM! Click the Follow button! I will be announcing there first!***
Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Monday, September 26, 2016

Due Date Disappointment

So...your due date has come and gone and you are just sitting here waiting for "WHEN IS THE BABY GOING TO COME OUT!" For 9 months you have been waiting and counting down to your DUE DATE and then BAM, it arrives and nothing happens. Plus all the other moms around you or in your online groups are all having their babies but they are only at 38 weeks. And everyone around you is super excited too and you are getting phone calls, messages and contacted by everyone and their sister, anxiously awaiting for baby to come. Asking if you have had the baby yet and when you think it is going to happen. It can be just frustrating because you just never know unless you have a scheduled induction or c-section. Only 5% of women deliver on their due date.

Worse yet, there is possibly no labor progress. I have read it from other moms and have experienced it myself. The waiting game SUCKS! Collin was 5 days late. But what made it worse for me on this pregnancy is that for the last 2 months I have had 9/23 8 pounds 3 ounces, stuck in my head. My mind just picked this date to have her early in the morning and when the date just came and went and I was still pregnant, I felt so bummed. Now sitting at 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant and still, no baby. And for the past week, I have been having on and off contractions. It is just a waiting game!

SO HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH DUE DATE DISAPPOINTMENT?

1. Realize that the due date is just an ESTIMATE! That the due date is flexible. Some babies need less time to bake while other want a little more. As much as I hear it  from everyone who messages me, and ugh, don't want to believe it, that the baby will come when they are ready, it is true. Without any intervention, 5% of women deliver on their due date. On Average, first time moms deliver 10 days over their due date. And second or more time moms tend to carry to 40 weeks and 3 days. Only 10% of moms will carry longer than 42 weeks. WITHOUT ANY INTERVENTION.

2. Old Wives Tales to induce are truly that...OLD TALES! Dancing under the moon naked (best if full moon), bumpy car rides, pineapple. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. It all depends on if your body if "ready" for labor.

3. There are ways to try to naturally induce your labor but again, if the body isn't ready it probably won't work. 10 natural ways to induce labor:

  1. Castor oil
  2. Sex, sex, and more sex
  3. Nipple Stimulation
  4. Evening primrose oil EPO
  5. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
  6. Spicy Food
  7. Acupuncture
  8. Exercise
  9. Acupressure
  10. Membrane Stripping
4. RELAX! Sometimes we get so worked up that we clamp up and that goes against the natural, body trying to open to push a baby out, feeling. If you are anxious to have the baby. Have fears about labor, or birthing a baby, or even after baby comes. Talk to your partner and work them out. The process of releasing fears can actually help you go into labor. Take some time to relax and decompress. Remember that once baby comes you won't have quiet time, alone time or time to just go in the bath for an hour. You are going to be feeding, changing and taking care of a whole new baby. It is going to be a big change. Address your fears, relax and release. 
5. Turn off your computer. Unplug from social media if you have to. Don't respond to text messages. Just turn off everything and don't get frustrated with what is going on around you. The news of other moms having their babies or people contacting you can get frustrating. Again making you close up and be tight instead of releasing and being relaxed. If you get overwhelmed with people asking when baby is coming, just don't respond or just turn everything off. And the same goes for when you have the baby. If you want to have a day or 2 of no one knowing but you and your partner and just family, that's ok too. No one should get upset at you for you wanting your peace and quiet. You will post your announcement when you are ready to do so. Don't feel like you have to post the second you go into labor. Or the second the baby is born. With Collin he was in distress for the first 6 hours. We didn't post anything about having him or what he or we were going through. Only a handful of people knew he was born. And that is ok! 

Just know that it is ok to feel sad and frustrated that you are 40+ weeks pregnant. But before you know it your baby will be snuggling in your arms and your life completely changed for the better! 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Bump Update: 40 WEEKS!

HERE WE ARE! 10 months, 40 weeks. HELLO DUE DATE! I have gained 26 total so I think I rocked this healthy and fit plus size pregnancy. I was asked the other day if this is the most active I have been while pregnant. I had to think about it for a bit. With Collin I trained and ran in my first half marathon by 29 weeks. Then I did NOTHING! But with this pregnancy I  have worked out more consistently for the whole thing. Not near as many hours at a time as I did with the training but 30 minutes 4-5 days a week. So...I still think I rocked it. YOU GUYS IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A HEALTHY AND FIT PLUS SIZE PREGNANCY! 
My mom arrived on Monday, all the food has been bought and stocked up on, and teaching is done until January. All the clothing is ready, the bags are packed all we are waiting on is little miss to make her big arrival! We have had a couple of times now where both Matt and I are thinking, "Is it time?" And each time my contractions simmer down. But my body is definitely gearing up for the big day.
Total Weight Gain: Gained 26.6 pounds total. Weight as of this morning 264.3 pounds. I am now 10 pounds more than when I gave birth to Collin. And right on track to where I estimated I wanted to be at 40 weeks! HERE IS TO A HEALTHY AND FIT PLUS SIZE PREGNANCY!

Symptoms: Smaller appetite, eating smaller meals throughout the day. Having to "go" a lot since she is head down. Hard time sleeping. Waddling and lower back soreness like nothing else! CRAVING MILK! CRAVING SWEETS. Loss of mucus plug.
Baby’s Size:  Jackfruit (~19-22 inches, 7 or more pounds) What is a Jackfruit? Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world — one fruit can weigh between 10 and 100 pounds and contain hundreds of seeds that are rich in protein, potassium, calcium, and iron — all of which are important for bodily growth. (glad baby can't weight up to 100 pounds!) 

Labor Progress: As of my weekly check up appointment last Thursday I was 0-1cm dilated. Baby was at a engaged in my pelvis -1. There is still a lot of fluid between her head and the cervix so he said she was still "bouncy" But the same happened with Collin. Once my water broke he just went straight down. I was also 80% effaced. I went from basically 0%-80% in just one week! Next appointment is TOMORROW! 
Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops I wear maternity now and my bigger t-shirts but those are tight now. I am actually running out of clothing. Wearing my new Fabletics sports bra in these pictures and LOVE THEM and the fun colors! A ton more coverage and super comfy!Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. I think I am getting some new ones or my old was are just being stretched up higher on my belly. No bright purple ones just the faded white ones. I am using Honest Company belly balm right now though to help my belly stretch so I do not get any new ones. I apply it at night and right after I get out of the shower. 

Belly Button: Still an innie! I never had my belly button flatten out or pop out during my other 2 pregnancies. It is very close. Less than 1/4 inch which is the closest to being flat out of all 3 of my pregnancies.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Yep, thought for sure the other day was the real deal because I was having consistent contractions for a few hours, 18 min apart mind you, but they fizzled out to nothing by 9pm.
Gender: GIRL!!! So excited about all the cute stuff we got for her! We have her coming home outfit and her picture props! So girly, and way too cute!
Sleep: I still nap everyday. And I am waking up many times a night to go to the bathroom or trying to get comfy. (If you see me make a comment on FB or IG at 2am this is why!) I am still getting up at night at 11:30pm, 3:30am, 5:30 without fail. Always around 9pm for about an hour she likes to put on a show and be super active! 
Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my back! Sleeping through the night. 
Cravings:  MILK and SWEETS! I normally don't drink milk any more due to an intolerance I have to it but I have been craving it like nothing else. 2 8oz glasses usually. Funny thing, ice cream doesn't do the trick. It has to be straight up cold whole milk. WEIRD! The sweets is new this week. Everything at Trader Joe's with chocolate is still calling my name. Cinnamon Rolls too. Oh and veggies of course. I am loving me some veggies!
Aversions: Not this week. Everything tastes too good!
Excited About: HELLO DUE DATE! WE HAVE MADE IT! The date that every woman looks forward to and also the date that the baby is set to be EVICTED! Sadly most women go beyond their due date, and I very well could be one of them. I was 5 days late with Collin. Not sure when I will go on my own, but baby girl has been issued her eviction notice of 1 week! So, here's hoping that this is my last prenatal bump update! My mom arrived this week and it has been such a great help having her her. And yesterday was my last day teaching. All the ducks are in a row so baby girl, you can come at any time! 
Workouts: Pretty well for this week! I got in 5 days of regular workouts this past week plus some nightly walking and RUNNING to get this baby out! I'm really enjoying, COUNTRY HEAT! Although I am only doing about 3 days of it a week right now. If you are interested in joining BUSY MOM'S DANCE PARTY just click on the link to request to join and I will get in touch with you with all the details! And I am enjoying finding prenatal yoga routines online. I can't do the 21 Day fix yoga anymore. Too many modifications so I am sticking with prenatal specific ones. 

***If you want to know when I have the baby be sure to follow me over at FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM! Click the Follow button! I will be announcing there first!***
Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Friday, September 16, 2016

3rd Trimester: 5 Must Have Items

Since I am at the end of my 3rd trimester I thought it would be fun to let you know my 5 favorite must have items. I have used these almost every single day! Check them out below and let me know in the comments what your fave items are in this last trimester!

1. A FUN WATER BOTTLE TO CARRY AROUND WITH YOU

I do not feel amazing every single day, but when I have my water bottle with me, my WONDER WOMAN WATER BOTTLE, I feel like I can take on anything. It just gives me a little boost to my day, and reminds me to DRINK MY WATER so that I don't go into early labor! Find a water bottle that you really like, one that is easy to carry or slip into your purse. And fill that sucker up throughout the day!

2. BELLY BALM THAT REALLY WORKS

I talk about it every week in my weekly bump updates but this stuff really is working. HONEST COMPANY ORGANIC BELLY BALM. I try to use it twice a day to help keep my stretch marks at bay. I already have a ton of them from before I ever got pregnant and this being my third full term pregnancy, I haven't earned any more, or stretched out any of my old ones.

3. COMFY LOUNGING PANTS

Face it, not much will be fitting you by the end of your pregnancy. Even my yoga pants are being super stretched. Make sure you really do invest in some nice comfy lounging pants. I have some old ones from Old Navy, maternity goucho pants, but they don't have them on their site right now, so here are my second favorite pats that I wear around the house. SOMA COOL NIGHTS SLEEP PANTS. These pants are actually amazing. And I have many different pairs of them. They keep you cool while you sleep, which is a must for us pregnant mommas when our core temp feels like we are as hot as the sun.

4. EPSOM SALT

Baths are my groove right now. I took 4 baths last week. (not looking forward to my water bill for this month!) But I need these baths. Not only to they help my aching back and hips, but it is my escape from the chaos of the world. I either watch a tv show and just turn off my brain or I do my hypno-birthing exercises to help me prep for labor. I really have enjoyed DR. TEAL'S EPSOM SALT WITH LAVENDER because it already has the lavender in it so I don't have to add any essential oils to my bath. I will say that it is really, really strong at first for my pregnant nose but once it dissolves in the bath the smell much easier to tolerate.

5. FIND A FUN WORKOUT THAT GETS YOU MOVING

COUNTRY HEAT! I can not say enough amazing things about it but man, I am so loving this workout. Not only is it helping with my cardio stamina, but it is burning the crap out of my legs! Every single time my legs are on fire. Granted I am not doing the workout every single day, I am aiming for 3 days a week right now alternating with yoga to help me stretch more but every single time I do it, my legs are like, WHAT ARE YOU DOING???? And it isn't where my legs normally hurt it is the saddlebag area and hip flexers. Which I normally don't do a lot of exercise with. It is a good change up for me and the workouts have been so much fun. Elyse even likes them. She wiggles her butt back and forth now which is really cute and funny and freaky all at the same time! She has got better moves than me it seems. The main thing in the 3rd trimester is to stay active. Keep moving. Because when you stop, you stop. Everyone I talk to can't believe that I am still working out at 39 weeks pregnant (me along with them sometimes!). They all tell me that they couldn't do it this far pregnant. But with doctor approval you can. You really can. You just have to choose and want to. That is the difference. I am still doing small bouncing movements and shaking my booty back and forth and working my core without doing sit ups. It can be done, just find something that you enjoy doing and hey, dancing is SUPER FUN!

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Bump Update: 39 Weeks


I'm ready to POP! Seriously I do not know how she can grow any more. I can definitely tell when she is not quite as engaged in my pelvis because her butt is higher and her movements are way more cramped. I am like, dude girl, this would be easier on you and me if you just assume the position and STAY THERE! And she is moving a TON right now and every single time it makes me think of Space Balls, "Hello My Darlin!" scene. I know she is bigger than Collin was at this point too, there is just no space left! 

HOW CUTE IS THIS OUTIFT?!? I love Mamabijou over at Etsy. This is going to be her "after blessing outfit." My mom is making Elyse's baby blessing dress (just like a christening, but our church calls it a baby blessing) Well, since my mom is putting tons of blood sweat and tears into that dress it will ONLY be worn when it has to be, for the blessing and pictures (of course!) Once the blessing is over and pictures after she will be undressed and reveal this one. I also have a matching purple bow from her coming home outfit that will be swapped out with the white one for the blessing.

Total Weight Gain: Gained 26.1 pounds total. Weight as of this morning 263.8 pounds. Up .4 oz from last week. Call that a win! 

Symptoms: Smaller appetite, eating smaller meals throughout the day. Having to "go" a lot since she is head down. Hard time sleeping. Waddling and lower back soreness like nothing else! Man at the end of the day my back is just killing me! CRAVING MILK! SWEETS. Sweets are calling my name right now and they taste good!
Baby’s Size: Watermelon (~19-22 inches, 7 or more pounds)

Labor Progress: As of my weekly check up appointment last Thursday I was 1cm dilated. Baby was at a engaged in my pelvis -2. She decided that she didn't want to be in my pelvis that much so she was up more. Next appointment is TOMORROW! I have been taking Evening Prim Rose oil to help soften the cervix plus a TON of meditating and talking to Elyse to let her know we are good to go to getting ready for her to come out!
Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops I wear maternity now and my bigger t-shirts but those are tight now. I am actually running out of clothing. Wearing my new Fabletics sports bra in these pictures and LOVE THEM and the fun colors! A ton more coverage and super comfy!
Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. I think I am getting some new ones or my old was are just being stretched up higher on my belly. No bright purple ones just the faded white ones. I am using Honest Company belly balm right now though to help my belly stretch so I do not get any new ones. I apply it at night and right after I get out of the shower. 

Belly Button: Innie! I never had my belly button flatten out or pop out during my other 2 pregnancies, but this might be the one that I do! Every week it is getting closer! We are actually pretty close to having my belly button flatten out. But not yet. It is still an innie!

Braxton Hicks Contractions: I am getting them throughout the day now, many times a day. Including some strong ones that kind of make me stop and take a breath. I get two different kinds. Upper belly and lower belly, but never at the same time. (that would be labor!) Upper BH are generally caused by exercise and getting up and down too much and just a reminder to slow down and drink water. The other kind I am getting are lower belly ones that really take my breath away. I only get a couple of them a day, not as frequent as the others but these, yeah, remind me more of actual labor pains. They just happen when they want to happen!
Gender: GIRL!!! So excited about all the cute stuff we got for her! We have her coming home outfit and her picture props! So girly, and way too cute!
Sleep: I need to take a nap every day but I haven't been this week. And I am waking up many times a night to go to the bathroom or trying to get comfy. (If you see me make a comment on FB or IG at 2am this is why!) I am still getting up at night at 11:30pm, 3:30am, 5:30 without fail. Always around 9pm for about an hour she likes to put on a show and be super active! 
Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my back! Sleeping through the night. 
Cravings:  MILK and SWEETS! I normally don't drink milk any more due to an intolerance I have to it but I have been craving it like nothing else. 2 8oz glasses usually. Funny thing, ice cream doesn't do the trick. It has to be straight up cold whole milk. WEIRD! The sweets is new this week. Everything at Trader Joe's with chocolate was calling my name. Cinnamon Rolls too. Oh and veggies of course. I am loving me some veggies!
Aversions: Not this week. Everything tastes too good!
Excited About: Due date is next week. YAY! My mom will be here MONDAY. The boys are super excited for her to arrive. I am hoping that when she gets here Elyse will decide it is time to come out and play too! Tomorrow I have my weekly doctor checkup and will be able to hear her heartbeat and find out more about my progress. I do think things have changed since last week because I have been talking to her more, encouraging her to start prepping my body and also meditating to help my body open.

Workouts: Pretty well for this week! I got in 5 days of regular workouts this past week. I'm really enjoying, COUNTRY HEAT! I am trying to dance this baby out! If you are interested in joining BUSY MOM'S DANCE PARTY just click on the link to request to join and I will get in touch with you with all the details! And I am enjoying finding prenatal yoga routines online. I can't do the 21 Day fix yoga anymore. Too many modifications so I am sticking with prenatal specific ones. 
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Monday, September 12, 2016

Favorite Late Pregnancy Yoga Moves


As I am getting closer and closer to my due date, exercise is getting difficult for me. Not that I don't want to do it but physically I am starting to be in pain. My hips ache, my lower back aches. I am pretty sure baby girl is sitting right on a nerve sometimes because one of my legs will just give out on me when I go to walk. It isn't very good. So to counteract the pain I am again upping my yoga, and leaving the days that I am truly feeling well to Dancing the baby out!) I am aiming for 3 days of dancing and then the rest of the time will be yoga, yoga and more yoga.

I have found a great workout that is no joke. Lara Dutta. I thought it looked easy at first but honestly being 38.5 weeks pregnant my heart rate goes up a lot faster than it used and and in some of the exercises I am actually almost breathing hard. It is just a different type of workout. Especially if you follow the deep breathing! That is the key! Check it out below!
Here are some pictures of my favorite moves in this whole workout. They just feel so good! 


Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!
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