Single Mommy

I really admire women who are single momma's all the time because I don't know how they do it, ALL THE TIME! They are so strong and amazing to be able to be the mom and dad and just get it all done.

I am going to be a single mommy for the next couple of weeks as the hubs is doing his 2 weeks a year for the military. Right after Mason was born, 3 days, the hubs was deployed for 11 months. I was a single mommy for the first 11 months of Mason's life. I was on survival mode the whole time. I feel like I am going back in that mode right now, but at least I know now how to control it and take advantage of my time and to actually leave the house and do fun things. But it is tough. Being the 24/7 only me for everything. Matt gave me some time to myself before he left and will give me some me time when he gets back too to just help me recover. Again, single mom's you are amazing!

I am so thankful for his military job though. So proud of my husband for serving our Country and fighting for our freedom. I can handle 2 weeks. Another year, not so sure. So wish me luck!

March Week 3 Workout Recap

Wow! March is almost over. I knew that this month was going to fly and April is going to fly by too. These next two week are going to be a tough for me though. Matt is going on his AT training for military so it is just me, the kid and the dog for 2 weeks. No break. No sanity! Single mother life. With that being said, the 2.5 hours of daycare at the gym are going to be pretty tempting. So my goal is to be spending some quality time with the treadmill and stationary bike during this time most days. That's the plan! Wish me luck! Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER TODAY!

Pregnancy Changes: Starting to get low back pain all the time. Getting heartburn at night, almost every night. I am having to sleep propped up now. My hips and shoulders don't like me sleeping on my sides so I am constantly turning from one side to the next. Baby likes it when I am on my right side. I guess cause the placenta is taking up so much room on the left. I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions a ton over this last week. Any time I go up and down the stairs, which are a lot since we have 3 levels in my house, stand up from sitting, or going #2 I get BH contractions. They are pretty strong too which surprised me. I talked to my doc and he said that it is perfectly normal for them to start earlier and be more intense with subsequent pregnancies. (I wonder how bad Michelle Duggar's are after 19 babies!). I also had my 32 week check up, from now on I will be going about every 2 weeks for the next month. Baby is doing great. Doc is still pleased with my lack of weight gain. Up only 5 lbs total from pre-pregnancy weight.

Prepping For Baby: With the base being in the van Mason says "Bruder". Then he will say, "No Bruder". He isn't quite sure about this new baby thing. It is just kind of surreal to have things set up and ready to go. Exciting and very scary that in 2 months a new baby will be here.

Prepping Mason For Baby: He learned to say brother as you saw above. That is new for him. He is finally going to bed in his bed without pitching a fit after a puke attack a week and a half ago. We are telling him about Collin trying to prep him for that. I point to small babies that we see and tell him that Collin will be like that. Mace just says cute and walks away. Mace has been under the weather for most of the week. Either a cold or the start of allergies but he has been more cuddly too, so I am soaking up all the cuddles with my big boy.

Workout Recap: 

Monday: Snow day, stuck inside again!

Tuesday: Still too much snow for me to drive in so stayed home and rested.

Wednesday: Mace was sick with a runny nose. Not sure if allergies or a cold. Stayed home

Thursday: 1 hour 15 min prenatal yoga class.

Friday: rest

Saturday: 3.1 mile walk outside. It was just too beautiful to stay indoors today! (possible snow storm on Tuesday so trying to enjoy being outside.)

3.1 total miles
32 Weeks Pregnant

Springtime = Races, Races, Races!

With the welcoming of spring comes the new season of Races! Spring is the start time for most races in central VA. As it is finally starting to warm up a bit and the chance of snow is way less, however this coming Tuesday weather.com is saying that we are supposed to expect to see more snow! (I am ok with this snow because it is delaying the nasty humid summer from beginning too early and the blooming of the spring flowers and trees when my allergies go NUTS!)

Where To Find Races: There are so many races coming up near where I live and I am sure there are where you live too. (AZ and FL races tend to happen early in the year as it is just getting too warm to safely run races now.) You can go to runnersworld.com to find races near you. I put in my info and within 100 miles from my house there are 306 races between today, 3/22 and 4/22. They even list healthy kid runs too! There also could be local races that aren't registered with runners world so check your local newspaper or running shop to find out when and where!

http://www.cvilletenmiler.com

How To Pick Races: Go through your list and figure out what distance you want to do. And determine how far you would like to travel in that day. A ton of races are up in DC for us and going to DC a ton just doesn't do it for us. That place is a parking disaster so I would. I know that next year I will run in the C-ville 10 miler, (been wanting to do that 2 years in a row but too far pregnant this year.) But I would also love to run in the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC. (there is a 5k there too) So pick wisely.

http://www.cherryblossom.org

Listen To Your Body: Don't overdo it. I know it is such an amazing feeling to finally run outside comfortably after such a long and cold winter, but don't schedule a race every weekend unless you are used to doing so. For me, (if I weren't pregnant) that would still be insane. My body would be so mad at me. It likes its recovery time. We need it. (that is another problem with the spring race circuit.) Every race is jammed packed in there every weekend. The C-ville 10miler is on March 29. The C-ville marathon, 1/2 and 10k is on April 5. The Cherry Blossom 10 miler and 5k are on April 6. Know your body and what it can handle.

http://www.active.com/fort-belvoir-va/running/distance-running-races/spring-into-spring-5k-hereos-vs-villains-edition-2014

HAVE FUN! Whatever you do decide to do, have fun! This is a race but the only person you are trying to beat is yourself. I try to PR every time I run because that is what this is all about. We train to better ourselves and every time we race/run we will get better. If you don't PR, that is ok too. You finish that race as best as you can. Make mental notes and still have fun. You are running in a race instead of sitting on your butt eating bon-bons! You are taking care of your body and trying to help yourself live longer! YOU ARE AMAZING!

(These races listed are the 3 I would pick to be in for the spring, doing a 5k for the Cherry Blossom race. Sadly they are every weekend. Not sure if my body could handle that but something to train for, for next year!)

Prepping For Labor- Daddy's Packing List

Here we go again momma's! Last week I wrote about Mommy's Packing list. Here's one for Daddy. Did you know that you should pack a bag for Daddy too? Well, the cool thing about Daddy's bag is that he is going to be carrying all the other stuff you couldn't fit in your bag. So your bag was all the stuff you need to get you through about 2 days of staying in the hospital. Daddy, especially if you have other children or pets will be making at least one stop at home. So he doesn't need as much stuff. Matt takes all his stuff in a backpack and that is about the size that we need. That way he can carry his bag and yours and be able to put yours down easily in case you are in the middle of a contraction and he needs to help hold you up! ;)

Couple of things to do first. If you are a first time mom, (FTM) take a hospital tour. Most hospitals have a snack room for mommy's in labor. This is the man's vending machine basically and your snack place for after you have baby or just before all the fun begins when you still want/need to eat. But check to see if your hospital has complimentary snacks available. My hospital has basic snacks and juice stocked in their snack area. Knowing this will change what you pack.

Ok Packing List For Daddy:

~Toiletries. (Don't forget the D.O.) In case you are in labor for a long time. Or have baby over night.
~Change of clothing (just one)
~pajamas for one night (prob long pants as the hospital will feel colder to him. You will be working either having a baby or nursing which I felt hot when I was nursing at first.)
~power chords to all electronics
~some reading material just in case labor stalls
~His fav snacks, have a couple just in case he feels like something different from the snack room. And pop, or soda whatever you call it. I picked up 2 6 packs of Mt. Dew for my friends hubs just after she had baby #3. He was in dire need of some Dew.

Not too bad, right!?!? Pretty easy. So after baby is born daddy will go home for a few hours and come back smelling good. Use the time when he is gone to not have any visitors, except for close family and try to get some sleep. Baby will be sleeping a lot and you need it too. You will want it. Sleep when the baby sleeps!

Make It Important!

The other week in church the teacher used this quote to emphasize her lessons. This quote has stuck with me that whole time. It has applied to many different situations in my life lately. This is true. It something in your life is important to you, you will do everything in your power to do it. If it isn't or not top in your life than you will make an excuse. Every time.

Case in point: I wanted to run the Princess half and it was important to me. I ran a ton, even though it was hard, it sucked and it hurt often. Now that the 1/2 is done I have not run or even walked as much as I should have. Because it is hard, it sucks and it hurts. I am still exercising  but not as much as I had planned on at this point. I am a work in progress. I can still change that and every week I have a goal and if I meet it, great if not then that is ok too.

No matter what it is in life, exercise, personal hobbies, or just anything. If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse.

March Week 2 Workout Recap

This week sure went by quickly! Before I knew it, it was Saturday. EEK! But staying busy with other things though.

Pregnancy changes: I AM STARVING ALL THE TIME! I feel so hungry. I am starting to graze for food, which I got out of that habit because I overate. So no I am just trying to have healthier foods around the house to graze on. Yummy yogurt. Need to be better though. Things are starting to get more difficult for me. Bending down, picking things up off the floor and getting up from laying down are hard. My belly is just starting to get big and in the way now. Tying my gym shoes is interesting too. Can't wait for warmer weather and flip flops!

Prepping for Baby: Set up the pack and play in our bedroom, found out missing a part of it now trying to search the house for it. Also painted the nursery with the help of friends. YEA! Daddy also cleaned out the van and set the base in the van. Things are happening. My hospital bag is partially packed. Moved baby toys from the nursery to the basement.

Prepping Mason for baby: Getting things set up around the house for baby and explaining that the crib, pack n play and toys are for Collin is helping to get Mace used to the idea of another little one in the house. He says baby and points to objects that will be for the baby. Oh and he started saying that he has a baby in his tummy too. Cute guy!

Workout Recap: 
Monday: Rest. I had a mommy helper come over and help clean my house. A girl from my church is trying to raise money for summer camp and offered her services during her spring break. Jumped on that band wagon, yes I did! She was all day, and she watched Mace for me when I had to go to a doc appointment so I didn't make it to the gym.

Tuesday: Rest. My doula came and I started noticing that Mace wasn't doing too well. He didn't want to eat breakfast and his voice was raspy, plus he slept in until 9:40ish, even with the time change that is late for him.

Wednesday: Rest. Mason was up the night prior throwing up so no gym for us.

Thursday: 1 mile walk; 1 hour 15 min prenatal yoga class

Friday: 3.5 mile walk/run

Saturday: Rest. Painted the nursery

Mileage 4.5 miles
31 weeks pregnant

Prepping For Labor- Mommy's Packing List

It's getting to be that time where I need to have a bag packed and in a place easy to grab just in case we have to leave in a hurry. I am going to do this in 3 parts. One for Mommy, Daddy and one if you already have children even if they aren't leaving the house. So stay tuned for the next 2 over the next couple of weeks!

Remember Father of the Bride 2, where Annie goes into labor and George, (Steve Martin) is running around with his head cut off. Has to look for the keys to the car, then runs back in to grab the bags which are right next to the door, then has to run back in because he forgot his son, Matty. Keep in mind most cases of labor will not be like this. You might feel like this, the stress of, Oh my goodness baby is going to fall out if right now if I am not in the hospital at this very second! But often labor takes hours, or even days, or weeks. Yes weeks! As Annie shows in the next scene it was a false labor and they return to the house exhausted. (I still have no idea how long mine will take since Mace was induced. So this is the part even I am a little nervous about. How will I know when it is real?)

Father of the Bride 2 had things going for them. They had the bags packed. I wanted to share my list of things that you want to think about packing in your bag and keep you bag in a place where your hubs and family members who are with you know about so when you do go, it is easy to remember. Or have it tucked away in your room and as your due date approaches move it closer to the garage or front door.

What to pack for Mommy: Starting from bottom of bag up.
~Going home outfit for you and for new baby and going home blanket for baby (I have a special one, don't forget baby socks too!)
- bring your comfy sweat pants. No jeans here cause you won't want to pull them on. And bring a pregnancy top too as you will have a bump still. (see Kate Middleton pix of Prince George meeting the world)

~Washed blankets from home for baby to get used to smell of home while in the hospital.

~clothing to wear for your hospital stay. 2 tops 2 bottoms (sweat pants again or capris or loose fitting non tight stuff). PJ's would be great, I just choose black bottoms or dark bottoms because of the after birth bleeding that happens, unless you want to wear the hospital gown.

~Nursing bras (2, just in case) and pads, along with nipple cream or coconut oil in a small container

~Cheap flip flops for the showers

~toiletries- toothbrush, hair brush, hair tie, face wash, shampoo and conditioner, glasses case, contacts and solution and makeup if you so choose.

~Birthing gown (I choose not to use the open butt gowns the hospital has and I bring a night dress that goes down to my knees and has thin straps. (Nursing gown from Old Navy.com nearly 3 years old.) More comfy. Check with doc and hospital to see if allowed.)
UPDATE* Don't forget to bring a robe with you so you can walk around the hospital if you have to during labor.

~Birthing sports bra or nursing bra- I have a black one that I will use again to give birth in. Keep in mind this one will get messy from when you meet your baby as they will place the baby on your chest or belly when they are born. That is why black. My cousin did hot pink though.

~Chapstick and hair tie easily accessible for use while laboring. You will need it.

~Charger for phone, tablet and all electric things you are bringing. (make sure your camera if bringing one that is not your phone, has a fully charged battery prior to being packed.)

~Ipod or MP3 player and headphones (or have these close to where your bag is so that you don't forget.)

~Insurance card, birth plan, pre-registered hospital card, picture ID and list of what you packed to make sure you bring it all home in a file folder so that you can check into the hospital and also add the hospital paperwork to before you leave the hospital too.

I am hoping to do most of my laboring at home prior to the hospital. And when I get to the hospital I want to be all work no play basically. But if getting induced, bring a good book or crossword puzzle or a game with you and make sure you rest because inductions can take some time and it can get boring just sitting there watching the clock, which you will do even if you bring a book, game or rest. I also bring essential oils with me to help calm me or help me through the labor. My doula and hubs will administer them to me during labor.

Other women bring their Boppy pillow with them or a pillow from home. I don't, because that is just more stuff to take home when your hands are going to be full of stuff, including your new baby!

But these are my essentials. If I think of anything else to add between now and DD I will update this post!

QOTD: What do you think is the most essential thing to pack to the hospital?

Want to know what to pack for your hubs? CLICK HERE! 
Want to know what to pack for your kids and pets? CLICK HERE! 

What's Your Mantra?

I am just wondering what mantras are used out there to help you through a tough run, bad day or just a way to get your butt to the gym.

Why are mantras important? Repetition is the key! Most people learn by repetition. And if we tell ourselves something so many times we might start to believe it.

There are different types of mantras. Positive ones get us motivated. But be weary of the negative ones as they will beat you down and might not help your situation, (unless you are a person that pushes back against negative comments.)

My mantra for the 1/2 marathon up until mile 10.5, look at everyone I am passing! I am strong! K liked to point out to me that a 29 week pregnant chick was passing and staying in front of a ton of people. So that became the phrase of the day for me. After mile 10.5 I had a different tune in my head, I just wanna be done. That is what I kept saying and I told K I won't stop. Just keep going! 

You can turn these motivational mantras into daily positive affirmations too to help lift your spirits and guide you on to having a better day. I am amazing. I am strong. Repeated every morning will block out the negative thoughts we can often get during the day.

Let me know what gets you through your workout or a bad day!

Proper Running Shoes

Hey fellow readers! I know I have been kind of MIA but I have actually been doing research on a couple of upcoming blog posts. And well, just haven't written them yet, but they are coming!

~My current shoes, Brooks Adrenaline- GTS 13~

I learned a lot on my 1/2 marathon. Not just about me but about other runners too. When I run, I tend to watch the person in front of me and try to pace them or just think about their shirt, often I will call someone by their shirt, (a lady in my training program last summer was wearing a Cinderella the Musical shirt and I called her Cinderella for 3 miles as I was pacing her) or just anything that will keep my mind off of what I am actually doing. Running is hard and we need to focus on other things to keep going.

Well, I watched a ton of women's feet for their pacing and tried to match my pace to theirs on the 1/2. I often look down since I am pregnant just to make sure I don't trip or anything. One thing that I noticed were the improper running shoes some ladies were wearing. I broke my heart seeing them in some shoes that we not made for running knowing that they had a grueling 13.1 miles in front of them.

These are the 3 that really stuck in my mind:
Mile 2 I was behind a lady when she stepped she was actually stepping on the side of the shoe and not the actual base of the shoe. And she had to pull her shoe back into place about every 10 steps because it was sliding off her feet. AT MILE 2!

Other ladies, many ladies, were wearing their BRAND NEW New Balance Cinderella shoes, with the ribbons. Yes they were brand new because they were spotless on the sole of the shoe.

Another lady around mile 11 or so I passed had bloodied bandaids on both heels of her feet and the back of her shoes were just covered in blood. I felt so bad for her.

Please, please, please! GET PROPER RUNNING SHOES when doing 3 miles, or 6 miles especially 13.1 miles. These are shoes that you can find at a local running store or shoe store where they check your running stride, and foot fall and ones that you have been TRAINING IN! Break in your shoes by using them on training runs. Every time you run so that you know where rubbing happens or where you need to tape up your feet to avoid sores or bloodied heels. (I felt so bad for that lady) You will know how you feet feel after pounding the pavement at 3 miles, 6 miles and 10 miles. You will know if you need more support and have time to get it before the race.

Using brand new shoes is a no, no too because again you don't know how your feet are going to feel after such a long distance. And the shoes are so stiff and not broken in. Yes New Balance did make a brand of running shoes with the Disney theme in mind. They are cute and they have fun ribbon laces that will be totally trashed or damaged by the end of the race but again, knowing how the shoe and your foot work together is so important. Here is a Runner's World article on common shoe questions.

Running is a sport. Injuries happen. Toe nails are lost, and bleeding will incur. Runners may not have the best looking feet but we know that our feet can carry us many, many miles! But I felt so bad and my heel just ached after seeing the lady's heel. I know someday it might happen to me, but I have finally learned taping up certain parts of my foot is ok to add extra protection. If you start to get a blister on a test run, or a shorter distance run you know what your tendencies are for longer runs now. (E, I'm talking to you!) I taped around the ball of both feet to protect the bunion area and the callus on the bottom of my feet during my runs. They helped but, I taped too high (like 2 cm) on my left foot and got 3 tiny little blisters from the irritation caused by my shoes. I will chalk it up to being super excited and nervous oh and sleep deprived for my misplacement of my tape.

So there we have it! Running shoes, properly fitted, and worn by you, running shoes really are a necessity. I hope these 3 ladies and all the others that participated in the race had a happy and safe race and they were able to accomplish what they set out to do. Take care of your feet because they will take you place if you show them a little love! 

March Week 1 Workout Recap

We are already 1 week into March. Anyone else think this year is FLYING by? And it has been a week since I was in WDW. So sad. I love Disney and the "magic" they have there.

This week has been an insane week for us. Matt got a new schedule that seriously affects our family time and it has seemed like I am a single mom again. Kind of crazy and scary but Mace and I are making due. Mason asks for Daddy all the time and when Matt is home, and Mason isn't already in bed, Daddy and Mace have a ton of fun playing together. It is really sweet to see them play. Matt promised Mace to take him to a park after he gets off his military duty today and Mason is already excited.

One thing that is helping me through the week is my gym. After a year of Matt being deployed when Mason was just born I never went out. I stayed in and never left Mason once. I came to later realize that I need a break. Yes I get mommy quiet time but I need a break to focus on me and take care of me. So the gym this week became my sanctuary. It will be again next week and for as long as this new schedule lasts. Also I am letting my pace slow down. No longer training for the race, I am now doing this to stay healthy for me and my baby. I am still integrating running in my walks and will continue to do short spurts of running as long as I can.

~First post race run/walk~

Pregnancy changes: I am starting to gain weight. I am now up 4 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight for this pregnancy. I gained 2 over the trip so I am gaining about a pound a week at this point. I was hoping it would be 2 lbs a month instead of the 4 but with the over eating I did on our trip of all things yumminess I am not surprised that I gained 2 lbs. Now I just continue to exercise and eat what my body needs not necessarily what it wants, like sweets every single day. (I am craving oranges and pineapple right now so I have given into that craving. Fruit is so yummy!)

 ~Where are my feet???~

Prepping for Baby: Haven't done anything this week. I know, shocker, huh! It has been more of surviving this week, finding a babysitter to watch Mason when I have had to work and trying to just not feel so pregnant icky!

Prepping Mason for Baby: A friend watched Mason yesterday while I taught piano and she recently had a baby. Mason was so good with the baby. I think it was his first time interacting with a baby younger than 2 months old. I even got to hold little A and Mason came over and patted his shoulder nicely, gave him a hug, and was super sweet with him. When I handed A back to his mommy Mason wanted to sit on my lap and be cuddled just like A was so, now I know. Mason is going to have a hard time when Collin arrives and all the attention that Collin will get instead of Mason. But now I know.

Monday: rest (real rest, not sitting in a car all day, kind of rest)
Tuesday: 3 miles walk/run 16:40 pace; 15 min on bike
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: 1.25 mile 16:00 pace; 1 hour 15 min prenatal yoga
Friday: rest
Saturday: 4 miles walk 16:45 pace

Total Mileage: 8.25 miles total walk/run; 2 miles on bike
30 weeks pregnant