Bumpdate: 28 Weeks

Stretchmarks are multiplying!

Size of baby: Head of Cauliflower

Pregnancy Symptoms: Braxton-hicks started and swollen feet

Things that make me nauseous: Nothing

Cravings: Braum's muffins

Sleep:7-8 hours

Exercise: CF 4 x's, Yoga 1, Ran 4 miles

Baby Movement: Dad got kicked in his sleep!

Total Weight Gain: Haven't weighed


Hello Third Trimester!  We can't believe we're 3 months out from meeting our daughter for the first time. I'd like to take a moment to sum up these last two trimesters.

Food: I've avoided artificial sweeteners and use organic agave to sweeten my morning tea instead.  I eat sushi (cooked) once a week.  I haven't eaten red meat except for a steak twice a month.  I eat lunch meat, but I microwave the meat first.  I drink coffee a couple times a month.  I have green tea every morning, it's my staple.  I still use my Syntha-6 protein powder almost daily.  I sadly had to limit by tuna intake, and that's been rough!  I can hardly stand to eat meat since I became pregnant.  Also, I never puked once!  I haven't had any raging cravings, but I have let myself indulge more than usual.  Norah really seems to love cinnamon, snickerdoodle cookies, Sprite, greek yogurt and granola, sushi, lunch meat sandwiches, and peanut butter.  I only recently increased my caloric intake for the third trimester, so I'm aiming to eat about 2,000 calories now a day.

Exercise: Thus far I've kept a steady routine of working out six days a week.  I do CrossFit 4 days, run 2-3 miles twice a week and I take one rest day.  On top of that I walk my dog 1.5-2 miles a day.  I've stayed really active, and it's felt really natural for me to maintain.  Before I became pregnant I was really active, so I saw no reason to stop as long as Norah remained healthy.  I even added prenatal yoga once a week to my routine, but that's more for relaxation than exercise.  My CrossFit family has been SO supportive, and they make me feel like Super Woman with every WOD I show up to do!  They have no idea how much it means to me.  I have definitely had to modify workouts, don't get me wrong!  No more standard burpees, rope climbing, or sit-ups.  I've also decreased my olympic lifts by 30-40%.  My mile run time has also slowed by about 3 minutes, but I'm still getting a great workout and I'm keeping the blood circulating!

Baby Prepping:  I'm taking a Lamaze class, and we also hired a doula for DDay!  Also we've decided to take part in placenta encapsulation.  Mainly I wanted to do this for the hormonal relief needed for when I go back to work and my husband leaves us to return to school.  I know I'll be an emotional wreck, so I'll take all the help we can get!  I've also read a few natural birthing books, but I'm not going crazy with the research.  I do believe you can read too much and drive yourself nuts.  I also have been treating myself to a prenatal massage once a month.  It's my treat since I don't have anyone at home to rub my feet!  We almost have the nursery done as well.  Just lacking a few decorate wall pieces that I still need to make.

Maternity Clothes: M-F I wear my maternity ABU's.  Outside of work I mainly rock leggings, yoga pants and maxi dresses.  I haven't had to buy too much since I don't wear civilian clothes hardly at all.  Winter has been an easy season to dress the bump!  I mostly wear maternity workout clothes since I work out more than anything.  I bought all my workout maternity clothes from Old Navy.  My everyday clothes I bought from Goodwill, Motherhood, Target and Zulily!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Up to this point I've been incredibly blessed.  I've had practically no nausea.  I never puked once.  I do have some lower back pain, mild feet/ankle swelling, hemorrhoids (my favorite), face breakouts (first tri), fatigue (first tri), sore breasts (first tri) and stretchmarks.  I'm also gestational diabetes negative, woohoo!  It could be a lot worse, so I definitely don't complain!

By far the hardest part is experiencing most of this by myself, and having no one to share it with.  Out of the 40 weeks I'll hopefully be pregnant, my husband will only be present for 8 of them.  I wish he were here to feel and see all the changes happening to me and our daughter.  Phone calls and pictures can only really do so much.  I wish he were here to help with the logistics too.  Finding an OB, doula, pediatrician, attending birthing class, shopping for baby items, and doctor's appts would be so much less stressful and time consuming if I had him to help out.  I miss having my mom, friends and other family present in my life during this time too.

Luckily I've been as healthy as a horse thus far, so I'm hoping I keep the streak!

Beginning of my first trimester:

Beginning of my second trimester:

Beginning of my third trimester:

My how my body has changed!  I'm so fascinated with my midsection's ability to stretch as far as it has, even though at times I feel as if I'll rip open right down the middle!  I'm looking forward to seeing what other amazing things my body is capable of over the next three months.  As for this third leg of the journey, I hope to continue to exercise up until delivery.  I hope to keep working until at least 36 weeks.  Most of all, I hope to keep Norah in safely until at least 11 May.  That's when her Dad finally joins us in Florida.  She can come anytime after that date!  Here's hoping my last trimester is as enjoyable as my first two!

Bumpdate: 27 Weeks

Size of baby: Eggplant!

Pregnancy Symptoms: More stretch marks!

Things that make me nauseous: Nothing

Cravings: Brussel sprouts

Sleep:7-8 hours

Exercise: CF 4 x's, Ran 2 miles

Baby Movement:  Moving everyday!

Total Weight Gain: Didn't weigh this week

This week I get to see my husband finally after two months!  The last time he saw me I looked like this...

My what two months in the pregnancy world can do to a gal!  He'll be shocked I'm sure, and I can't wait!

I'm road tripping 16 hours back to Oklahoma this week, so hopefully I can keep healthy.  I plan on making many pit stops to keep my circulation up, drinking lots of water (even though the bathroom breaks will be numerous), and will try to pack healthy snacks to avoid fast food as much as I can.  I also plan on dropping in at a local CrossFit box to keep my exercise consistent.  I don't need to waiver this late in the game, routine is key!

Last week before we hit the third trimester...wow.  It still feels like I only just surprised my husband with this life-changing news.  We're so excited to meet our sweet Norah!

Bumpdate: 26 Weeks

Size of baby: Head of lettuce

Pregnancy Symptoms: Uncomfortable to sleep, lower back pain, some dizziness when I stand, first stretch marks :(

Things that make me nauseous: Nothing

Cravings: Chocolate (I'm not a chocolate person)

Sleep:7-8 hours

Exercise: CF 4 x's, Yoga 1, Ran 4 miles

Baby Movement:  Kicks, rolls and flutters

Total Weight Gain: 16lbs


Wowzers take a look at that belly!  I'm showing more than some friends and family of mine did at full term!  Variations of normal for sure.  Since I am showing pretty large it's not surprising that I began to see the dreaded stretch marks.  I'm no stranger to them by any means.  I had them in high school all over my breasts, insides of my thighs and on my hips.  I drink at least two liters of water a day (66oz), rub lotion and other things on my belly 2-3 times a day and still I couldn't avoid them.  I know it's mostly genetic, and no amount of precautions would stop those tiger stripes but a girl had to try.  I'm worried my husband will be grossed out, so I'm trying to prepare him as much as I can.  He assures me they won't bother him, but tell that to a big pregnant woman with a marked up giant belly.

My lower back has been pretty stiff and sore lately.  I finally bought a bump support belt, and it helps when I exercise for sure.  It's so tempting to wear all the time, but my OB tells me not to because you can become dependent on it and actually weaken your back muscles.  It makes sense to me, so I limit the wearing of it.

This week I went in for my monthly OBGYN appointment, and this week happened to be the dreaded glucose test!  The drink actually tasted yummy to me.  I should get the results next week!

Norah's heart rate was 164bpm, and she was moving around so much the doctor could barely nail her down!  She definitely responds to sugary drinks!  I'm also measuring still a week larger, so I am a little bigger than the average preggo.  My blood pressure is great too.  This time I met with a new OB (there are many at my practice, so it's best to see a few faces!).  I knew he was awesome when he walked in with Reebok Nano 4.0's on (CrossFit shoes).  He also pulled out a lap top with CrossFit stickers all over it.  Where have you been my whole pregnancy!?!  It was SO great to converse with an OB that not only owns his own CF gym here in town, but encourages women to keep doing it until birth.  I questioned him for a long while and he advised my greatly on modifications for my upcoming third trimester.  All in all a great visit!  After my next appt in four week I will start going every two weeks!

The cats love the crib!

I got to go to work one day in civilian clothes, ah....

Yoga is paying off.  I can still bridge!

4 weeks vs 26 weeks

I love my bump!

Valentine's Day

As I've blogged before, Valentine's Day means more to us then just a designated date night once a year.  It's the day my husband asked me if I would be his for the rest of my life.  Six years ago I was surprised beyond belief and couldn't get "Yes!" out fast enough!

The last VDay we had the pleasure of celebrating was in 2012.  We went to a Thunder basketball game and received our first active duty orders to Texas!

This year he received a care package from me, and a little surprise picture of his daughter!  He loved it.

I started my day with a prenatal massage.  Since I don't have anyone here to rub my feet or shoulders I think it's important to spoil myself once a month with a massage.  It was an amazing way to start my day!  Then I walked around Seaside, FL for some ocean time, window shopping and relaxation.

But first, Valentine's Day selfies for the husband!

EEKKK!

Seaside FL

Finished the day with dinner at Olive Garden, then headed home to a very sweet surprise!

I've been teasing my husband about spoiling me with these since I first found out I was pregnant.  They're expensive, extravagant, and unnecessary, but they're all I wanted.  I teared up when I opened the box.  I've been craving chocolate so bad lately, and I usually turn my nose down at chocolate.  I love that he splurged and spoiled me.  Love you babe, and don't worry I'm savoring each berry!

It's hard not to throw yourself a pity party on made-up holidays like these.  I let myself feel sad.  I let myself miss my husband dearly.  I even let myself cry a little, but then after I got that out of my system I thought about what I did have.  I have my health, a badass relationship with the hottest guy I know, a growing healthy daughter in my belly, a sweet faithful four-legged best friend to keep my company and a job that fully supports all three of us.  I have a lot to be thankful for.

Happy Valentine's Day!  I love you Kaiser, and I can't wait for our next date night!

FT Date!

Bumpdate: 25 Weeks

Size of baby: Turnip or Cauliflower

Pregnancy Symptoms: Getting uncomfortable to sleep

Things that make me nauseous: Nothing

Cravings: Brussel sprouts!

Sleep:7-8 hours

Exercise: CF 4 x's, Yoga 1, Ran 5 miles

Baby Movement:  Kicks, rolls and flutters

Total Weight Gain: 14lbs

Hard to believe we have only 15 weeks to go!  This week was a pretty good!  I ran a 5k race in 37 minutes.  Not my best time, but I didn't walk!  I felt really good the whole run except for this nagging urge to pee, but I put it out of my mind.  I definitely got some stares, but it didn't hold back this pregnant woman!  I like challenging people's expectations of how a pregnant woman should be exercising.

I also had to show off my new tights at CrossFit!

I'm still working out 6 days a week with one rest day.  I really love it, and don't see it ending anytime soon.  Fingers crossed!

We also hit the 100 day mark this week!  I can't believe it!

We finally reserved our placenta encapsulation service this week!  For the grand total of $200 a very gracious woman will collect my placenta after delivery, dehydrate it, grind it down to powder, encapsulate it and give to me to take orally!  I'm very excited about it.

Bumpdate: 24 Weeks

Size of baby: Cantaloupe

Pregnancy Symptoms: Trouble getting out of bed!

Things that make me nauseous: Nothing

Cravings: Milk products

Sleep:7-8 hours

Exercise: CF4 x's, Yoga 1, Ran 5 miles

Baby Movement: Not many kicks in the beginning, but the last three days she's been moving!

Total Weight Gain: 12lbs

It's official, my bump has out grown my boobs!  Thought I'd never see the day.  I look at these photos and I definitely feel smaller than I look.  I do finally feel pregnant though.  No more of just feeling like I only had a food baby!

Work again this week was pretty stressful, so I'm trying to take more walks/breaks to cool my temperament.  I don't want my stress levels to effect Norah, so I know I need to get a handle on it now.  I also have been feeling really down the last couple weeks.  I'm not sure if it's hormones, my tolerance meter for my husband's absence decreasing, or maybe I'm just really weary of the loneliness.  Hell maybe it's a combination of all three, so I may talk to my midwife about some natural ways to try to get me out of this rut.

I hit a new milestone this week, my stomach officially touches my steering wheel!  Eeekkk!!

Only two more weeks(ish) until my husband and I are reunited for a little while, it can't come soon enough.

Feeling pregnant!

My breakfast date and I

Sunday snuggles

Bumpdate: 23 Weeks

Size of baby: Grapefruit

Pregnancy Symptoms: Lower back aches off and on, slight ankle swelling

Things that make me nauseous: Nothing this week

Cravings: Rootbeer and yogurt with granola

Sleep: 6-7 hours

Exercise: CF 4x's, Yoga 1, Ran 4 miles

Baby Movement: Actually felt her KICK me two days in a row! First time!

Total Weight Gain: Finally hit the 10 pound mark!

This week was pretty average!  I had some added stress at work, combined with a plethora of additional hormones didn't equal a great work week, but I managed!  My prenatal yoga is always a huge stress reliever at the end of the work week that I really enjoy.

No progress on the nursery still, waiting on funds.  Boo!  I stayed pretty active also this week!

After my 2 mile run!

Filling my ABUs out quite nicely!

Walked 3 miles with the pup

On Wednesday I was sitting at my desk midst a conversation with coworkers when all of a sudden I felt Norah's first actually kicks!  I immediately stopped, fished my hand under my ABU blouse to get a better feel and just couldn't help but smile.  For about 5 minutes all I did was focus on Norah and her first sweet little kicks.  It was amazing.  I'm smiling now just typing this!  I immediately emailed the baby-daddy, and we both can't wait for her to kick him as well.  I felt it again the next day, but not since.  It's my absolute favorite feeling this far and so comforting.  I'm really enjoying being pregnant thus far!

6 months and going strong!