Fit, Fabulous, and Pregnant-November 2011

Heather!!!!!! Yay!!! I'm so happy for you. I knew something had to be happening. I'm glad though. I also think you'll go into labor before Thursday. I started on a Sunday with really really light contractions and didn't have him until Thursday a.m. but Wednesday was when labor really started. Woohoo!!!! Charlee will be out soon. I'm very excited to see how your labor goes, especially knowing that you're going natural, which I always love to hear the stories.
Yay!!!!

Hi ladies! Quick check in (which is what I feel like all I do these days and am being a lousy board member and not very supportive..I'm so sorry...I never realized how hectic and tired I've been the past few days). Anyways, I had my doc appt and am feeling a bit more positive. My doc is in Vegas right now so I had another doc. He checked me and I am now 2cm dilated, 90% effaced, and baby is at +2 station (which means her head is down low and the reason why my ribs haven't hurt me in the past 3 days...woot!). He said that he wouldn't be surprised if I went into labor on my own before Thursday but if I don't that my cervix is "very favorable" in case I do have to get induced (check out the Bishop score ladies...I learned a lot from this). He stripped my membranes again and suggested having "relations" which put prostaglandins on the cervix and help it to dilate/efface more and might jump start labor. So....I'm really praying things happen soon!

To the person who asked about "natural" labor...some women would describe that as having a vaginal birth, but my definition of a natural labor is one that no pain medication is used including epidural, IV pain meds, pudundal blocks, etc..

Again I am reading everyone's posts and just want you all to know I'm thinking of you all as much as you are sending positive thoughts/vibes my way! It means a lot to me how supportive you all are! Keep on rocking it ladies

Heather -Wonderful! Prayers & thoughts for Miss Charlee to come out on her own. Wooohooo on the Nooky (sexy time), take advantage!!! Best wishes!

Don't worry if you've been feeling out of it on here. I think you've been a great example for us and have definitely been motivating and supporting! :flowerforyou:

Ashley- Good luck on your exams! I am here with you on the visiting, we hosted the fight on Sat and people left late.

On another note:
I gave in to a baddddd lunch today! McD's all the way. Must get my work out on tonight!

~Brenda~ 24 weeks 6days

atynk-CONGRATS! Brook is adorable

Heather-you are almost there, she will be here SOON

emrogers-hugs--our hormones are wacked. sorry things seems overwhelming. I can relate. However i love your wkly goals.

Luna- any pic of baby's room

Thanks misti and better Balance, yes a girl after having 3 boys, :-)

now that families flew back after my g'mas funeral, it's ME time. However I must say, I did alot of walking, taking them to the malls and sightseeing etc....But then again, ate out everyday last week. I have my OB appt on Wed and am afraid what the scale might tell me.

GOALS:
eat better and track it. My calories says 1740
drink lotsa water
strength- 3x this wk
cardio--walk at least 30 min or more 3x this wk
get my HRM a new battery

I take back my last post! I do want a girl...but after doing some reading...totally freaked out and just want a healthy baby!! I scheduled my ultrasound for next week and was reading up on the things I will be able to find out at the appointment. Totally scared me. AHHH!! I know I worry too much and it doesn't help anything. I will try to think only happy thoughts and stay away from online reading

Same here, my DH doesn't want me to read anything. last night, he was saying ill bring the book "what to expect" and ull not read from net and i was like everything is available on net free, so y will u buy book

Ok, I have like a double post again. How do I delete it. Something I'm doing isn't working.

Hi gals!!

Sorry I've been MIA...it's hard for me to post every day. I've been doing really well...got in a nice run/jog/walk last night and some yoga! Goals this week are:
yoga-3 times
strength/cardio-3 times
run/jog/walk-when weather allows

Have a great day ladies!!

Heather- That's so true!

Aimee- I would say most of us have a preferance but what we all just really want is a healthy and happy baby and mom duo! I have to be careful about reading too much aswell or I get freaked out.

kistinbee- Good work on staying active!

Rayna- I hope they have a spot for you and you don't have to continue looking. Hoping for good news

AFM- Not much has changed today just trying to be as active as my back will let me be. Hope everyone has a great day!

Amanda
11W5D

I hear ya Rayna. I am 29.5 weeks and am starting to get tired again like I was first tri. However my exhaustion typically hits around 7 or at least did last night. When I sat down to eat at 7:30 I thought I may fall asleep after dinner. I was able to make it till almost 11 but fell asleep almost immediately. I may not have eaten enough for lunch which could have been the culprit. I got some walking in yesterday - to run work errands and also after work with my husband, his God son and our doggie so managed about 45 minutes of slowish walking. Tonight I plan on some strength and then some treadmill action.

Heather, well said and good attitude. I am a big time planner and I know I will be getting anxious to meet our baby once it gets so close. Not only to see her but also completing this whole cycle of birth. We plan and prepare and when the time comes I know I will want her to be come quickly. An we can't control that, short of induction. I hope she comes by herself before Thursday, but it sounds like you are prepared for whatever happens.

I just had a stupid hormonal thing happen to me. I work at an engineering firm and we have a huge printer that takes 36" long rolls of paper that are quite heavy. Pre-preggo I would cary them up the steps and reload the paper myself b/c the idiot men I work with are too lazy to refill paper. Today all 3 rolls were out so I was determined I would use the cart and wheel the paper up the elevator and then leave a nasty note about how a pregnant person had to refill all of the paper so thanks for your help. I got busted by one of the Admins and she made me stop. It makes sense b/c they probably each weigh 20 pounds or more and are awkward to manage and when I got down to it, I most likely would have asked for help anyways. But knowing that I cound't do this brought me to tears literally. The frustration of people not being responsible and then knowing there are things I just can't do, it was too much apparently. I'm fine now and even laughed at myself as I am typically not overly emotional. Just my hormone story for the day. I haven't had many emotional outbursts like that.

Hope you're all having a great day!

-Ashley

Morning Everyone! So far behind but going to try to catch-up and comment a little.

Ashley: I too DISLIKE how early it is dark out. It is really difficult to motivate oneself to do much of anything. And that chair you found looks awesome! I can't believe the price! Hope it works out!

Heather: Sorry to hear you are unfortunately being subject to the opinions of people that don't have a right to share their opinion. You have every right to want and to work toward a natural birth. As Rayna has mentioned, pregnancies can go post-date up to two weeks based on simple doctor error in calculations. And if no medical conditions have presented themselves in your situation, you shouldn't be pressured to alter your desires. Hang in there and know that we are supporting you in whatever you feel is right for you. Keep dancing though. If nothing else, it will continue to keep your spirits high! So excited to hear things are progressing!!

babeed854: Hopefully the workload gets better soon.

♥Rayna♥: Yay for a great doctor appt. But poo that the doc makes you feel rushed. I ditto nkster781. Put an official birth plan together that you can force the doc to pay attention to. Hopefully that will help to slow things down at your next appt. Good luck with the birthing center and the glucose screening.

taldie01: Try not to focus too much on the poundage. If you're eating well and exercising regularly, then you're healthy and baby is healthy, and at the end of the day that should be all that matters. Don't get discouraged. Keep up the great work and you will see that it will pay off after baby is born and your body responds.

jennamom: Can't say I've experienced any BH contractions. Hopefully it was just too much going on and needing food/drink. Thats one of the items they covered in our first Lamaze class last night. Sounds like you did exactly what the nurse suggested. Stay healthy.

ofccat: Awesome job. So motivating!

svgarcia: Congrats!

atynk: CONGRATULATIONS!!! She's beautiful!

Kristy: Sounds like you had an amazing weekend! And great job on the shopping. And if you don't get to check in again, have a great time on your upcoming trip.

kimmers99: I actually chose not to get the flu shot. I am due January 10, so also right in the middle of flu season. I've never gotten the flu shot, and although my doctor suggested that I should, I have a hard time with the idea of injecting myself with a virus. I don't like to take medicine for anything though. I guess I am a little too paranoid about the possibility of the vaccine causing something negative to happen. It might not be founded on any real rhyme or reason, but I haven't been able to bring myself to get one yet.

Misti: So exciting to hear that you're going to get to experience a 3D! Hopefully you can upload some pics for us to see!

emrogers: Vent whenever you feel you need! Its easy to feel this way. Not only because we have so much going on in our lives right now, but our hormones don't help. Try a breathing techniques. Take a few moments for yourself and remember that the most important things in life are not making sure that you have everything done exactly as you want it. Life is imperfect.

Amanda: So sorry to hear about your back! And keep your spirits up about the tests. Sending positive thoughts your way.

AFM: I will try to keep this as short a post a possible, but there is a lot to update
*Had a doctor's appt last week. Everything looks great. I'm measuring right on the mark. I'm 32 weeks today, and I'm only up 13 lbs my entire pregnancy. I was overweight when I became pregnant, so I fell in the 15-25lb weight gain bracket and I am thus far on track. I COULD be happier with my activity and eating habits, and am as always determined to improve. Possibly 8 weeks left for me to keep myself getting progressively healthier. I am excited because the doctor, my husband and I will be discussing our birth plan at our December visit and I have recently found out that my hospital is more open to birthing options than I expected it to be. I won't have to labor in a bed. I can bring in candles and relaxation tools. They won't force medical monitoring the entire labor unless there is concern for baby. Something that didn't make me real happy was finding out that my doctor won't necessarily be the doctor to deliver my baby. The 11 doctors on staff are rotating. Would have been nice to know sooner, but I will take a more relaxed laboring setting to having my doctor at my side. I trust that the doctors are all quite capable and they will respect the birth plan that my doctor and I put together. If not, I'm not afraid to raise hell in the hospital when I go in to deliver.
*My husband and I took a breastfeeding class last week and our first Lamaze class (1of3) last night. We have really enjoyed all of the classes thus far. All have been really informational. Its nice that my husband has the opportunity to learn these things with me and we get to embrace the experience together. Btw, it isn't just our board that is girl heavy. The Lamaze class last night, of 15 pregnancies, 13 were girls, 1 boy, and then there was us. I'm going to say the odds are we are also having a girl, but I will be letting you all know in the next couple of months....
*Hubby and I have picked baby names finally:
Girl-Tiziana Daniella Flores
Boy-Massimo Biagio Flores
*Feeling so blessed after our baby shower on Sunday. Cannot believe the love and generosity shared by all our family and friends. Quite literally, we were gifted everything we could need/want. I am amazed. It was a great party, but it was a lot of work. Always worth seeing and sharing with everyone. The entire weekend was devoted to prepping for the party. My mom hosted in her house and my mom and I did the cooking for about 60 people. We love to cook, so it was an awesome experience to share with her.
*Baby was making me feel like I had a little alien inside me last night. The way my belly was rolling and moving was so precious. I can't (and can) wait to meet him/her. Time is going so quickly and yet not fast enough. I can only image how Heather feels.
I think this is a quick update of everything. I will post again for anything else I am bursting to share.

Goals this week:
Walk 5 x
Yoga 2 x
Strength 2x
Dine out 1x

Hope everyone has an amazing day!
Rosanna
32 weeks, 0 days

Ashley- How funny, I thought my job was the only one w/lazy men.

rosanna- LOVE the names and I might be a little biased, my fathers side is Flores

Luna- I can sooo relate. Had my first when I was 17 as well and I think that's why I had such an easy labor too. We'll see this time around. I have been a little scared because I figured since I'm older now that it would be different but midwife claims it won't. Let's hope she's right!!

Misti- I LOVE to see the 3D pics. Hubby is being over protective, since ours had to have extra US's he says he doesn't want to expose him anymore. I'm hoping to convince him otherwise, a little later.

jennamom- I haven't experienced BH's but they sound awful. I experience a lot of pelvic pain and hip issues, which suck on their own. Hopefully, upping your water intake will help some. Maybe. At this point for me its like whatever works!

stellcorb- I haven't had a C-section but I will tell you from two different opinions that I've heard. One was with my OB before I transferred to midwife. He let all his patients labor, unless they told him otherwise. In his opinion, it was less risk that way. However, like you said, some doctors do do it because its less liability to cut you open. My midwife, who I'm with now, also lets mom's labor after c-sections, when we met her she told the crowd touring that she's had several mommies give birth naturally after c-section with no problems at all. My first was natrual VB with no meds and I was up in a few hours, ready to shower, etc. I don't know any other way to do it, if that makes any sense and c-section to me is major surgery. I applaud you for taking control and knowing what you want. Obviously, you are doing your research and are not putting you or baby at risk. I wish you luck and hope you can do it!!!!

Oh my, after being gone for a week I am sooooo behind! Rather than try to catch up, I will just let you know what we've been up to and then get back in sync. Ellie had her two month check up about a week and a half ago, she is in the 95th percentile for both height and weight, which makes me happy to know she is getting everything she needs from breastfeeding! Ellie and I spent the last week in Ohio visiting her great grandmothers (one is 88, the other 91) and other extended family. Ellie was an absolute rock star traveler! We didn't get much in the way of working out, but did eat nice and healthy. I did run through the Chicago airport yesterday as our connecting flight was re-routed (one hour flight turned into three and a half hours) and got to the gate with two minutes to spare! I am sure I was a site running across the airport hauling Ellie in her car seat ;-) We did get in a four mile run this morning and then three walks with the dogs - yes, you read that right, three walks with the dogs today!!

Goals for the week - two more runs and daily dog walking plus arms and abs. Tomorrow will be four weeks now that I've been cleared for exercise and I am planning to bump my running mileage and add a run day, so I may get in a fourth run this week.

Andrea, Brooke is adorable! Congratulations to you!

Heather, great job with staying positive. It seems like the more we want our little ones to come, the longer they like to stay nice and comfy in our bodies. Keep moving and filling yourself with yummy, nutritious foods. It will help so much with the labor and delivery process.

Oh, also wanted to share that my 91 year old grandmother is working out and doing yoga three days a week. It was too cute to see her showing me some of her yoga moves!! Such an inspiration to see at her age.

Wishing everyone a great week with healthy eating and great, sweaty workouts!

Holly

morning all...hope everyone is doing really well. I am going to do my homework and re read all the past posts because i have definitely been a slacker. life has officially caught up with me. work has been nuts and that whole nutty october storm just set me back. but no more excuses...its time to get back on track and focus - and a way to do that is to be active on this post again!!!

heather...i have to say you look amazing. i would kill for your arms right now (i seriously need to up my exercises!!)! And your right...she will come when she is ready. My yoga instructor was saying that having an open mind going into your last couple weeks is so key because its really nature that takes its course. she will be here soon - how exciting!!!!

for me...i have been a bit of a downer lately. i am trying really hard not to stress out a lot about it...but i have gained more weight than i would like. i have been exercising, but not every day - i have been eating well, but not as good as i should. i just feel really defeated right now and like i am failing. i had a dr.s apt this past monday and he said that hes not worried about my weight...but i feel like the number is just out of control. i had set a goal for myself to only gain a max of 35 lbs and i am slowly creeping up on that number - and i am 26 weeks!!!! i know i am the only one who can control what i eat and how active i am...but its been a lot harder than i thought and there is literally a fear inside of me with the holidays coming up. i normally gain weight in the winter time because of how cold/dark/gloomy it is outside and and is the LAST thing i need to do...gain the 'un-needed' weight. ...sorry for the rant...its just been on my mind and i know i have to change a number of things. and dont get me wrong...the baby weight gain is wonderful...i know that is bound to happen...i just feel like i am gaining unnecessary weight and thats not settling well with me

Good morning hot mamas. Busy board, let me see if I can cover everyone.

Rosanna - I hear you on the alien. I sit and watch my belly all the time. It is a bit freaky but very cool to see it warp.

Stellcorb - Friday will be here before you know it! Good luck with your VBAC endeavors.

Jennamom - I have heard that 2nd babies typically don't get showers, but I know several years ago my girlfriends threw one for our friend that had a girl and then a boy. There were only about 8-10 of us and it was pretty low key but she was able to get some stuff and we all got to get together. So hopefully you have some friends or family that want to throw you a shower!

Holly - Sounds like Ellie is doing awesome, as are you! I can't believe she is 2 months old already. I love that your 91 year old gma still is doing yoga. That is great. And your running sounds awesome as well.

Badbeed - Sorry work is crazy but I'm with you, thankful to have a job. I work in site design and development and needless to say the economy has taken its toll of those in my field. My husband and I have the same profession so the fact we are both still employed is a blesssing. I hope your husband finds work soon and that your OT keeps up (iif you want it to). Oh, and you're totally a dork for all the Twilight stuff. One of my BFFs takes movie openeing day off work and she is 36. I tell her she is a dork too.

Jchecca - Glad to see you back and sorry you're feeling down. It sucks to see the scale go up. I have never seen the number on the scale I see right now. But it is all for a good cause! Plus by making even partial effort at being healthy now, you are setting yourself up for an easier time to get back in shape after the baby comes.

Heather - You look fabulous! I hope Charlee makes her debut today! And if not you will be a real life official Mom tomorrow. That is awesome. Good luck with everything. I'll be thinking of you all.

AFM, I had a great workout last night. It was the first time I really utilized the gym for an entire workout. We got our TV mounted over the weekend so I got to enjoy Toddlers and Tiara and Millionaire Matchmaker on the treadmill. I can see myself spending lots of time there. It was so nice to be able to come straight home, see Eric, get my workout in and be home already. Not having to pack a gym bag, deal with traffic, park (and pay for it), etc. was a relief so I am happy with my choice to quit the gym. This is the first time I have run on a treadmill in probably 4-5 months and been able to monitor my speed and I have gotten SLOW! I am still proud of myself for still running at almost 30 weeks and hope to keep it up as long as I can. I'm only running once a week as it does take its toll on my body. I sat with a heating pad on my lower back for an hour last night and its still a little sore although less so than last week's run. Also running on the mill allows me to keep my heart rate consistent (no hills) so I was able to run 10 minute long intervals instead of 5-7. All in all, very good experience.

My husband also got our changing table stripped last night so I'll be painting it this weekend. We went ahead and registered for a crib so we will see if we receive that at our shower in 2 weeks and if not hopefully we'll purchase that and a rocker soon and then the nursery should be filled; with furniture at least. I can't wait to have the nursery done if for no other reason than to see how it all turns out.

Question: When did any of you all do maternity shots? I googled it last night and it looks like most people do it early in the 3rd tri because of swelling fear in pics, etc. I am trying to schedule mine at 33-34 weeks. I hope I can get someone being so close to the holidays.

I officially wrote a book. HOpe you all have a great day! I may check in later but have my test tomorrow so may not do my daily morning check in tomorrow.

-Ashley

jchecca: While easier said than done, and I know we all pay attention to the number, try making eating well and exercising the priority, not maintaining the number. If you are doing the other things right, the number doesn't matter as much. If your body puts on the right kind of weight, then getting it off will be easier.

Thank you so much...its so true...I am so jaded by the number...but at the end of the day what really matters is being healthy and doing the right things!

~Brenda~ 25 weeks 1 day

Heather-How are you feeling today?

Holly-How good to hear Ellie is growing lovely & that she enjoyed her first road trip. You're GMA is an inspiration even to me, WTG!

Jennamom-Good luck on your appt. I also enjoy the late night strolls and seeing more houses lit up with Christmas lights. We are (well the hubby is) putting them up this weekend since we will be out of town for thanksgiving.

Elce-Yes, hopefully it will be good deliveries for all of us.

Babeed-So jealous you get to go to the midnight release of Twilight- Enjoy! I will have to see it on a Sunday or another day. Take it easy, hope work doesn't stress you out.

Jchecca-Since you are concerned about your weight you might want to discuss with your doctor. I am also worried I might gain too much, but I have now increased my max gain to 25lbs. I hadn't lost alot of the weight I needed to BP and now I am just hoping the baby grows as should be.

Kristy-Great to hear your appointment went well and you're baby too.

Ashley-You should be proud, you're doing great running still. Hope your changing table turns out great! I am thinking the same time frame for photo maternity shoots as you.


Rayna-Good job on your workout, and I hope your hips feel better.

Rosanna-Good job walking too!

We walked 20 mins last night and it was nice, so hoping to get more walks today & tomorrow. This weekend will be a busy one again, work & my son's last soccer game for this season & picking up our crib & dresser. Yay!