Nobody said it was easy

Hello Sunshine! Today is an absolutely beautiful day outside. 70 degrees and sunny. Really? Does it get better than that?

I head over to Mt. Trashmore this morning for a run or a walk. (If you don’t live in Virginia, we have a city park that used to be a landfill. The old trash pill is now a big hill in the middle of flat Virginia Beach). I got to the park just before 9am. The sun was still low in they sky. The temperature was perfect.

I had no plan for this run/walk other than I planned to take it easy, listen to my body, and enjoy the fresh air. I walked the first 1/2 mile to help warm up my legs (and hopefully prevent leg cramps). After the first 1/2 mile, I felt good. I decided to run.

Running felt great! My legs felt good. I didn’t have any discomfort in my belly. The park has a loop that is close to 2 miles with a bathroom along the path! It is the perfect spot to run for a pregnant lady. I’m never too far from my car if things get uncomfortable. I never have to run more than 2 miles without a potty break. I’m also able to stash goodies in my car (just in case).

Close to the end of my first loop, my iPod died. Oops. I forgot to charge it. I made a quick pit stop to my car to grab my cell phone. My running routine on this run turned into run 2 songs, walk 1 song. I felt a little lost without my music when my iPod died. Thank goodness for the Pandora app on my iPhone. I selected the Jack Johnson station and kept on running. This station has been good to me in the past, but I was ready to run without music when the longest Coldplay song EVER started playing.

Nobody said it was easy
Aww It’s such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I’m goin’ back to the start

Let’s just say I’m not a fan of running to Coldplay! If it wasn’t so hard to get to my phone (Smooshed in a pocket one size too small on my water bottle), I would have quickly changed the song. All I could think about was the quote on Tasha’s blog (who is still alive for those of you who read it! I saw her in person at my baby shower!)

I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, I’m telling you it is going to be worth it.

I might have to send Chris from Coldplay a note to remind him it is worth it 🙂

I ended up running a little over 5 miles today – running 2 songs, walking 1 song. My pace averaged around 13-14 minute miles (running 12 minute miles). It felt great! We will see how my body feels after my next attempt at a run, but today was exactly what I needed.

I had hoped to cross paths with my friend Rachael who was out there running today, but we must have been chasing each other. She is 21 weeks pregnant and running a FULL marathon in a few weeks! Talk about inspiring! I did have a surprise meet and greet with my marathon training buddy in the parking lot. I haven’t seen her since my injury last March. Knowing that both the ladies were out there running at the same time as me helped keep me motivated. The park was also packed with a lot of friendly runners who were more than happy to say hello to the pregnant lady waddling around the lake. I love being surrounded by people who are outside staying active and enjoying the beautiful day!

If you haven’t been outside yet, grab your shoes and get outside!

Post Run Glow
Hello Baby Bump (when did my belly get so big!)

Mood Boosters

Not a happy camper this morning

I can’t lie to save my life. I’m no good at keeping my own secrets. I love to share. I often share too much. I don’t think I’m surprising anyone when I say that I’ve had a rough week. It’s been emotionally rough. It’s been physically tough. Not having my usual running outlet definitely hasn’t help out with the surge of emotions.

This morning I woke up, and my first thought was “Can I really be grumpy the moment I open my eyes? Is it even possible?” I was already grumpy! I stumbled through the dark to the bathroom for my morning shower. I took my friend Tracy’s advice from yesterday. I enjoyed my shower. Long hot showers are a luxury I won’t be able to enjoy in 3 months. Instead of rushing through my morning routine, I tried to slow down.   I was a little less grumpy.

Thirty minutes later Cole was off to school. I was heading to work. I couldn’t shake the combined feelings of grumpy and instant tears.

During our birthing class on Wednesday, the doula’s briefly talked about emotions during pregnancy. They mentioned five mood boosters that can help with pregnant hormones.

1. Go Outside

2. Exercise

3. Treat Yourself

4. Complete a Project

5. Count your blessings

Although it sounds like common sense, when you are in the middle of a tear filled pregnant moment the common sense portion of your brain isn’t highly functional.

Since I was at work, I decided to focus on completing a project. My stack of papers to be filed is out of control. My desk is even more out of control. I took advantage of the quiet morning, and I organized my office. Instant gratification. Sitting at my desk is so much nicer when it is clean.

Once my desk was clean and my paper work was filed, I got a text from a friend that reminded me to count my blessings. Her text made my day and was a great reminder to count my blessings. Not to long after that, I got a phone call from Christian with more good news. The day was getting so much better!

After work, I decided to focus on treating myself. This is an area I often overlook. I’m good at getting outside. I’m good at exercising. I needed something different. I headed to target to shop for a new bra. I’m long over due for a new one since I’ve been “blessed” with pregnant boobs. Note to anyone who is pregnant: If your boobs are huge during pregnancy, Target will not carry a size big enough. Although I didn’t find a new bra, I did buy a new sports bra (also long over due). This may not be everyone’s version of treating themselves, but it makes me (my boobs and my back) very happy.

During our class on Wednesday, the dads had to draw all the parts of a pregnant woman’s changing body – belly, uterus, baby, placenta, boobs, etc. They also had to label how much they thought each part weighed. Apparently I have 10 lb boobs!

After Target, I headed to Trader Joe’s. I treated myself to my favorite dinner items – salmon, risotto, spinach, and squash. When all else fails, a good healthy dinner always makes me happy!  I also bought my favorite treat, Gummy Tummies.

What started off as an incredibly grumpy day has turned into an enjoyable evening. We had a great dinner. My mom stopped by with some goodies for Cole, to check out Chet’s room, to drop off a book shelf for Chet’s room that my sister gave us, and to say hello. Parenthood and Grey’s Anatomy are also waiting for me on the DVR.

Tomorrow morning, I’m going for a run or a walk at Mt. Trashmore. I even think I’ll stop at Starbucks for a Chai Tea (in my own cup) on my way home.

If you’re in Virginia Beach and looking for a doula or birthing classes, I can’t recommend our doula’s enough. They are wonderful. Check them out here if you are interested.

 

Maute Moo Update – 28 weeks, 2 days

Hello there 3rd trimester. I’m still uncertain of my relationship with the 3rd trimester. So far the transition from the 2nd to the 3rd has brought back a lot of 1st trimester symptoms.  Afternoon exhaustion is back. I could nap every day after lunch and sleep until dinner time. I wish this was an option!  I’m constantly hungry. First trimester cravings are also coming back. Salty carbs are screaming my name.  Just when I thought I had my french fry craving under control, it started calling my name again.  Hormones are also bringing out some not so glamorous pregnant moments. Unlike my 1st or 2nd trimester, now I can easily find myself in tears for reasons that do not normally make me cry. I’m hoping this is just a surge of hormones that will balance out of the next 3 months.

I had a doctor’s appointment this morning and got a A+ for my pregnancy. Heart beat was strong. I’m measuring perfectly. Weight gain isn’t a concern. She showed us where Chet’s head and booty was located. His head is nicely tucked under my right rib cage with his booty in my left hip. We still have a couple of weeks to go before he needs to be head down. Right now he is taking full advantage of his free space. His arm and legs are constantly moving.  I also had the pleasure of receive my rhogram shot in the butt this morning. Who said have O negative blood was great! Although I forgot to ask, I’m assuming my glucose test was fine. They didn’t mention the results from my last appointment. No news is good news, right?

but you can get views like this walking

On a more depressing note, I think my love affair with running is slowly coming to an end. My attempt at a run yesterday hurt. My legs were cramping. My stomach started cramping. Everything hurt. I took the not so subtle cue from my body, and I walked 2 miles instead of running. At no point in my walk did my body crave running. While I don’t think I have to say goodbye to running just yet, I do think each day will be different. If running is uncomfortable in any way, I’ll be enjoying the fresh air while I walk. (thank you Lauren for the reality check!)

Not only is running slowly working its way out of my routine, my weekly visits to the yoga studio are also coming to an end. I’ll be transitioning to home practice from now until Chet’s arrival date. October, November and December are Christian’s busy months at work. There is no way for him to get home by 5:30 on Thursdays in order for me to attended my 6pm yoga class.

Cue pregnant tears

I’m not sure which one makes me more sad? Less Running or fewer visits to the yoga studio? I’ll still be practicing at home, but there is something wonderful about being in a yoga class. The energy of the studio, the people, and the class make me happy. There is also something beautiful in a run. I’ll find another source for this happiness. Although this is a hard transition for me (with no help from the extra hormones), I know it means I’m one step closer to bring home baby! This new journey of less running and at-home yoga will allow me to add a new layer to the things that I love.

One day at a time….Inhaling. Exhaling. Relaxing. Allowing each day to come to me. Embracing what each day offers. Welcome to my third trimester.

Sunrise on an early surf session for Christian

and Breathe….

Still my favorite spot in my neighborhood

My 5th cycle of 40 day goals has come and gone without me evening noticing. The last day of this cycle was October 1st. It’s October 5th. I guess I needed 5 more days to ponder over goals.

Keeping up with goals and pregnancy is tough. The big goal of having a baby takes priority over everything. It’s become increasingly hard for me to set plans for the weekend at the begin of the week because I really do not know what my body will require of me on any given day. Some days I feel great. Other days I feel like a walking zombie. I’m constantly struggle with taking it one day at a time and planning out the next 12 weeks of my pregnancy. On good days, I plan for the 12 weeks. On not so good days, I remind myself to take it one day at a time. So far it is working for me. I’m not challenging myself to grow and become better (not exactly), but I’m challenging myself by growing a baby. This entire journey has made me a better person.  Right now that is enough for me.

How did I do this time around?

Set #5 (August 23rd – October 1st ish)

1. Paint Mister Moo’s Room – DONE!

2. Run the Rock n Roll half-marathon and enjoy the race – DONE!

3. Furniture Shop (craigs list, antique stores, yard sales etc) – Pie Cabinet for front room (office stuff), Dresser (Mister Moo’s Room) – This is so much harder than I expected. I look on a daily basis. I just haven’t found “it” yet…at least not in my price range.

4. Submit paperwork to renew teaching licenses – Waiting to hear back on official name change paper work. Then I can submit my renewal forms.

5. Read a book (for fun!) – Cole and I have started reading a chapter book together at night-time. This counts, right? We are currently reading The Fire Within.  It is a wonderfully written book about dragons and squirrels and a quirky little family. I believe there are 6 or 7 in the series. We are both hooked and will be reading them all.

6. Read The Bradley Method book – I’ve bought it. I’ve read the intro.

7. Sign up for a labor/delivery class – DONE! First class starts tonight!

8. Curtain Projects – Living Room and Mister Moo’s Room After painting Chet’s bedroom, I realized I do like the curtains that are in his room. No need for new ones!!!! I’m still on the search for the perfect affordable fabric for the living room.

9. Camp with Cole (possibly September, maybe October) – Not yet

10. Date night with Christian – DONE! TWICE! Pizza night and The Avett Brothers’ concert

11. Register for Mister Moo – DONE! thank goodness since we already had the baby shower

12. Come up with post half-marathon running plans AND post-Mister Moo running plans – post half-marathon plan DONE! post Mister Moo plans are still up for debate.

Not to shabby for a pregnant lady.

Now that I’m in my third trimester, I’ve decided to take a break from the 40 day goal challenges. My focus right now needs to be about taking care of myself and preparing for the baby, the holidays, and child-birth. I feel like I have everything in place so this can be my focus over the next 11+ weeks.  I give credit to these goal challenges for keeping me focused so I could get to this point. Although I’m taking a mini break right now, the challenge will be coming back in full force post baby.

The rest of 2011 is all about nurturing.

Some people think it’s holding that makes one strong—sometimes it’s letting go. -Unknown

Flowers welcoming me home

For the first time ever, I’m consciously making the choice let go of control for the next 11 weeks.  This, in and of itself, is a HUGE challenge for me. I’m a planner to my core. I tend to grab on to anything when I feel like I’ve lost control. I think it is time for me to learn that I’ll be okay without a plan, without a mountain to conquer, or without a battle to win. For the next 11 weeks, I’m challenging myself to be okay with just being….

If I can keep myself quiet, my body will let me know what it needs. My mind will tell me where it needs to go. My emotions will let me know when I need something more. I’m trusting myself.

Don’t seek, don’t search, don’t ask, don’t knock, don’t demand – relax. If you relax, it comes. If you relax, it is there. If you relax, you start vibrating with it. ~Osho

I feel confident that I have a strong foundation. I feel confident that my body and my mind knows what it needs. If my body wants to run, I will run. If it wants to walk, I will walk. If I feel like nourishing my body with veggies and quinoa, I will. I will not shy away from the oh so yummy chocolate chip cookies. If my body needs a nap, I will take one. If I feel good staying active all day, you know I will be outside. My plan to let go isn’t about making excuses to be lazy. It’s about giving my body exactly what it needs on any given day.

This is not something that come natural to me. I’m hoping my family, my friends and my blog will keep me accountable. If you catch me over thinking, over planning, or creating a spread sheet for who knows what, please remind me to breathe.

Enjoying my 2 mile walk today because every part of my body hurt when I tried to run

It’s Raining Love

Sunday was Chet’s Baby Shower. This little boy is loved by so many already! My sister hosted (at my mom’s house) a beautiful baby shower for me, and my mom put the icing on the cake. They though of everything from cucumber water to diaper pails to my favorite childhood item, pinwheels. Chet even got Flannels and homemade tie dyed onesies (for my hippy at heart baby!).

On the way to my shower, I realized I forgot my camera. My sister’s camera lost its charge. My mom lost her memory card 😦 Here are a few that I took on my phone or stole from Facebook!

Welcome - so cute!
My mom made those cute poofs
Before any guests arrived...already spoiled
The never-ending gift basket from my sister and her family
Boy oh Boy! Pinwheels!!!!
They thought of everything
Party Favors

I came home with a truck full of gifts from bottles to cozy sleepers to a high chair to a baby monitor to a bouncer to bath tub goodies to so many cute boy clothes…….and so so so much more. Chet’s room is busting at the seams!

so many goodies

Thank you to everyone who thought of our family on Sunday. And a big thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. And an even bigger thank you to my family for shower me and my baby with so much love.

Today is the official start of my third trimester. 12 weeks until my due date. Thanks to the shower we have very few things to shop for to prepare us this baby.

Cheers!