Pregnancy

Hollie’s 40 Week “Bumpdate”

/ musclesandmunchkins / 5 Comments

Here I am, 40 weeks + 1 day pregnant!  My whole pregnancy people said to me, “oh you won’t go a full 40-weeks, most people never do with their second one.”  Note to self, “Don’t believe everything you hear when pregnant.”  I am not sure why I didn’t learn this the first time around.

I am trying very hard not to get frustrated.  I feel like I have tried every old wives (besides the castor oil) tale there is about inducing labor at home- no success.  I have contractions daily, but never strong enough or close enough together. Thursday night I was up for 4 hours having contractions about every 10-20 minutes and then of course woke up today feeling fine.  Last night I finally was able to get a really good night’s rest.

I keep reminding myself to count my blessings: God has given me this child to carry and not every woman has that capability.  I am also reminded of the women who have a hard time carry a baby full term and I quickly turn my frustration into appreciation. From now until I have this baby I will be reciting this verse I read in yesterday’s devotion, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)  I am trying to put my troubled, anxious heart aside and remember what a blessing it is to carry this child for 40 full weeks.

Here is a little update:

Weight Gain- I have not gained any weight in the last 3 weeks.   Overall, I have gained more weight than I did with Claire, but at every appointment (besides the last 3) the actual number has been the same as it was with Claire.  I feel like there is a “magic” number for my body to grow a baby (just my theory).

Workouts- I miss the gym!  I stopped teaching last week “just in case” and I miss my gym family.  I am still working out though.  This week I took it a little easier than normal: walking, a little running, lunges, push-ups, dips, and squats. Last week I ran over 3 miles in one day and 1.5 miles without putting a walking interval in the mix.  This was the longest stretch of running I have done in a long time.

Food Aversions- none and I have had none this whole pregnancy

Cravings- This whole pregnancy I have never had one of those, “I have to have this now, go to the store right now,” moments.  I have eaten an abnormal amount of ice cream, but it hasn’t been a severe craving.  With the cooler temperatures this week I have wanted to eat all things pumpkin and this morning I gave into a pumpkin donut from Dunkin’ Donuts, and then immediately regretted it when I was starving at 11:30 am for lunch.  I attribute this to anticipation of fall and not to pregnancy.

Sleep- Last night was a great night of sleep, but overall, I am not sleeping well, especially when I am up having contractions or being anxious about when this is all going to happen. (Again, why I need to be repeating John 14:27.)

Looking Ahead- I have another doctor’s appointment on Tuesday to see how I am doing.  Right now there is no progress and I am not dilated at all.  Apparently I have a cervix of steel and quite the cozy uterus- my babies like to stay where they are.  I delivered Claire at 40 weeks and 4 days.

photo-17

I am hoping with patience and time this baby will come on his/ her own.  In the meantime, we are enjoying what will most likely be our last weekend as a family of 3.  Last night we enjoyed dinner at the local Mexican restaurant and picking some mums.  This morning we will head out for run for the hubby and a walk/ run for me- I am sure Claire will choose the faster one to push her in the stroller.  And then we will devote the rest of the day for college football course (especially cheering on the Irish tonight).

Jamie is looking forward to that blog post when she gets to announce whether or not Muscles & Munchkins is welcoming a new  boy or girl munchkin…. Until then, enjoy your day!

If you are a Mom, did you go late or early with your munchkins?
What do you have planned for your weekend?  

(Don’t forget, every time you comment in September you are entered in a drawing for our free giveaway!)

 

Surround Yourself with Positive People

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What a great three-day weekend it was!  We had visitors all weekend and it was great to be with family & friends before this baby decides to make his/ her grand appearance.  On Saturday, despite a few location changes, we threw an early 2nd birthday party for Claire and all the kiddos seemed to have a great time.  Sunday was spent relaxing with my family and doing some things around the house.  On Monday, my wonderful husband let me have a whole morning and afternoon to myself: a nice workout, lunch with a friend and a pedicure.

Claire 2nd Birthday cupcake

(Still not sure how my little girl is almost 2, and she LOVES the occasional treat! )

Despite throwing a birthday party and enjoying some relaxing time with family and friends we still managed to MOVE this weekend.

I am continually reminded of the important to surround myself with people who are encouraging to my lifestyle.   Last week I blogged about tips for a fit pregnancy and this exact thing was one of my tips.  This weekend I couldn’t help but think about how true that was.  No matter where you are in your fitness journey (or any journey for the matter), it is so important surround yourself with people who encourage your positive behavior and/ or change.

On Sunday, my family set out for a run.  We are all in different stages of our training: my husband is fast and is training for a sub 1:40 half marathon, my mom’s significant other is training his first full marathon (at the age of 55-impressive!), my mom is training to lead a sub 2:00 half marathon pace group, my sister hasn’t run since her half in April, and then there is me who does what I can at 38 weeks pregnant.  Despite the different levels, we all set out and did it together.  We put Claire in the stroller, and grabbed a bike and all set out together.  Josh and Thom went ahead of us girls and reached their goals.  Although at 38 weeks pregnant, I am slower than my mom, she stayed with me and encouraged me the whole time.  My sister and I took turns riding and running.  I ended up doing a total of 5.59 miles, and 4 of those were running, which was the most I have done since my third trimester.  As we finished the workout and neared our house,  Josh stood on the corner and waited to cheer each of us on.  I am so thankful I have a fit family that can be together and put our health and fitness first.

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(Please don’t mind my large sweat spots on my shirt. We are missing the awesome 55-year old who is training for first full marathon- someone had to take the picture.)

My workout on Monday was nothing short of pure encouragement.  I am so lucky to have a gym that is so positive, encouraging and full of people in all different walks of fitness.  My two dear friends, Heather & Farrah, who have been an amazing support system really forced encouraged me at Claire’s birthday party to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.  They both know I am not a fan of highly choreographed group exercise classes and especially not Turbo Kick, but their support was all I needed to get up and get it done on Monday morning.  (The fact that we agreed to have brunch at my favorite spot after AND the workout was outdoor and for a good cause helped as well.)  Once I got to the workout, the 85 plus people kept me going.   So many Y members came up to me and complimented and encouraged me.  My friend to the right of me made a comment about my 38-week pregnant plank that kept me going (Thanks, Brandee).   I even got a shout of from the instructor!  After 30 minutes of sweaty Turbo Kick and 60 minutes of butt-burning Piyo, I was so glad I did it…. and even said I may start to do a little more Turbo!

Labor Day Workout

(My fit-mommy-friends, Brandee & Farrah)

After this workout, there were so many pictures and comments flying around Facebook and Instagram.  There was one that really caught my eye from a lady who lost her son this winter.  She commented about how her friends from the Y really encouraged and supported her through such a hard time in her life.  They welcomed her back when she was ready… and this was her first workout back.  Just a huge testimony of how important it is to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people AND how blessed we all are to have this place as our gym home- it is more than a fitness facility.

Y parking lot during workout

(How awesome is this place?  Photo credit of class instructor & master trainer, Julie Voris)

Whether it is beginning a workout routine, changing your diet, saving money or even being a better parent or spouse,share your goals and surround yourself with people who encourage instead of discourage.

Who in your life plays a big role in encouraging your goals?

Staying Fit While Pregnant

/ musclesandmunchkins / 3 Comments

At 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow, I get a lot of crazy looks walking into the gym or running down the street, but I am okay with that.  I also have people who have brought me to tears when they tell me how much I inspire them, or that they didn’t quit their last set because they looked at me and realized they had no excuses, and even one lady took a picture of me to send to her daughter.

During my first pregnancy I worked out for a long time as well, but it wasn’t as often, the intensity lacked and I really just gave up.  I didn’t give up because I had orders from the doctor: I gave up because I got frustrated with what I physically couldn’t do.  I was too focused on the limitations pregnancy was giving me instead of focusing on what my strong, amazing body could do.

Here my list of things that have helped me stay fit this time around:
1. Talk with your doctor and be honest.  First and foremost, ALWAYS make sure your exercise is okay with your doctor and be completely honest with what you are doing and plan on doing.  My doctor is aware that I still jump on boxes and in the air and lift weights.
2. Stop comparing yourself.   Comparing yourself gets you no where.  Don’t do it: not to your non pregnant friends, not to the last pregnancy and not to other pregnant women.
3. Praise your body for what it can do.  There are so many things we feel like we cannot do because we are pregnant- stop worrying about those.  Instead focus on all the great things your body is doing at this point- growing another human being isn’t easy.
4. Surround yourself with positive people.  Being around people who put your changing body down or criticize your efforts to stay fit while pregnant does not do you any good.  Instead, surround yourself with people who lift you up and support your activity lifestyle and hold you accountable.  I am so blessed to have a core group of “fit friends” who meet me for workouts, and encourage me to keep going.
5. Involve your husband.  My husband knows my goals and on days I’m not feeling it he’ll say let’s go for a bike ride, or just a walk- 9 times out of 10 that will get my blood going and I’ll do more.
6. Just move.  A walk is better than nothing, 10 push-ups are better than none, and increasing your heart rate no matter how is the best thing you can do.
7. Don’t give up- modify.  Can’t do a full 45 Minute high intensity workout?  What about 10 minutes in the morning,
10 minutes in the evening.  Don’t allow your pregnancy be an excuse to quit, instead modify your workouts and the exercises you are doing.
8. Set goals.  Set monthly and weekly goals.  For me, I have a fitness journal that I keep track of my goals for the month and the week.  This is where I also “schedule” my workouts.  Some of my recent goals have included drinking 1 gallon of water a day, getting in Piyo two times a week, and walking for at least 20 minutes a day.
9. Get comfortable. Buy some workout clothes that fit you and make you feel comfortable.  Working out in your too tight pre-pregnancy shorts and shirt that barely covers your belly doesn’t make staying fit while pregnant fun.
10.  Remember your why.  Simple as that.

H fit while pregnant

What advice do you have for pregnant woman trying to stay fit?
What has helped YOU stay fit while pregnant?