Happy Monday.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Cause and Effect
MS left yesterday on a short work trip. Which meant a lazy Sunday for me and the Grizz, and way too many photos and videos of his behavior. Crazy dog lady...is that a thing. Turn the volume up and enjoy...
Happy Monday.
Happy Monday.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Five on Friday
Fall is for real in the air now - even though I tried to force it weeks ago. We can sleep with a window open and let in some cool air and it's now feasible to run after work without dying of heat exhaustion. Cue the boots and scarves.
1. Wax On, Wax Off
In celebration, my house needs to smell like pumpkin or cinnamon or crisp fall leaves. Fortunately, I stumbled across this wax warmer at a friends baby shower and couldn't believe how great it was at filling your house with whatever fragrance your heart desires. We are currently enjoying the Better Homes & Garden refill you can pick up at Wal-Mart - spiced pumpkin pie. The warmer was about $15 and refills are $2-$3 for 8 wax cubes.
2. The Great Pumpkin
About the time it cooled off, I got a bee in my bonnet about actually decorating for Fall this year, since we were still getting settled this time last year. A quick trip to Garden Ridge and the farmers market, and here we are. I'm just thrilled Namath hasn't peed on the pumpkins yet. Although he does like to pretend to smell the pumpkins, and grab a fireplace rock and run off to eat it. You can see quite a chunk missing. Snakes in the head...
3. Soups On
I don't think I'm alone in the soup boat. It's easy, delicious and makes enough for leftovers. I believe we are going to start implementing Soup Sundays to take full advantage of soup season. We pushed to Monday this week and started with one of my favorites - white chicken chili.
4. Mark Your Calendar
In an attempt to get organized before bebe rocks our worlds, I decided we needed a calendar app. Cozi came highly rated, so we are giving it a whirl. Anyone else have a shared calendar app you love?
5. Sparkle
Speaking of boats, I'm the last person on this one. LOVE this nice break from plain water without having to venture to diet drinks all the time.
1. Wax On, Wax Off
In celebration, my house needs to smell like pumpkin or cinnamon or crisp fall leaves. Fortunately, I stumbled across this wax warmer at a friends baby shower and couldn't believe how great it was at filling your house with whatever fragrance your heart desires. We are currently enjoying the Better Homes & Garden refill you can pick up at Wal-Mart - spiced pumpkin pie. The warmer was about $15 and refills are $2-$3 for 8 wax cubes.
2. The Great Pumpkin
About the time it cooled off, I got a bee in my bonnet about actually decorating for Fall this year, since we were still getting settled this time last year. A quick trip to Garden Ridge and the farmers market, and here we are. I'm just thrilled Namath hasn't peed on the pumpkins yet. Although he does like to pretend to smell the pumpkins, and grab a fireplace rock and run off to eat it. You can see quite a chunk missing. Snakes in the head...
3. Soups On
I don't think I'm alone in the soup boat. It's easy, delicious and makes enough for leftovers. I believe we are going to start implementing Soup Sundays to take full advantage of soup season. We pushed to Monday this week and started with one of my favorites - white chicken chili.
4. Mark Your Calendar
In an attempt to get organized before bebe rocks our worlds, I decided we needed a calendar app. Cozi came highly rated, so we are giving it a whirl. Anyone else have a shared calendar app you love?
5. Sparkle
Speaking of boats, I'm the last person on this one. LOVE this nice break from plain water without having to venture to diet drinks all the time.
23 Weeks
After a day of work and a PT appointment
Total weight gain: Still at 10 lbs, and really think my bathroom scale is wrong. In a good way. I'm considering selling it after this pregnancy to a lucky buyer.
Maternity Clothes: Yes! Gap had a huge Columbus Day sale, and I racked up. Thanks, Christopher, for sailing the ocean blue in 1492 so I could get dresses and sweaters for 40% off.
Stretch Marks: I thought maybe I saw one and had a panic attack, but I don't think I did. So, I'm going to say no.
Sleep: Can't complain.
Best Moment this Week: Seeing all the movement kick into high gear. Close second is making a labored decision over crib bedding.
Miss anything? Well, it is Thursday, so I'll be missing that glass of wine, or three, with all the good shows.
Movement: Oh yes! It's crazy how fast it's picked up from here and there to very consistent coupled with seeing it from the outside. It's surreal!
Food Cravings: I wish I had some crazy craving to share. I just like to eat. Matt's birthday dinner is this weekend and I'm looking forward to some hot wings.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Eating too much. Note to self for said birthday dinner.
Exercise: Completed a 5 miler Saturday with no walk breaks! (Unless you count the stop lights, which is just safety, in my opinion). The cool weather has helped keep the pace and heartrate as easy as they need to be.
Gender: Boy.
Labor signs: The only sign I have it's coming is there is a baby in there.
Symptoms: The PT was so helpful to teach me some stretches and strengthening exercises to help with sciatic pain. She is a runner, and was so encouraging about me being able to run as long as possible. I also got a short little massage out of the appointment - not a bad way to spend a Tuesday afternoon.
Most looking forward to: Heading to IKEA next weekend to pick out a dresser/changing table. Starting to put his nursery together is so fun!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Catching Up
I've gotten a little behind. But with good excuse, I think.
I spent last week in the ATL for a work conference. I had a pretty, albeit scary, view of this random carousel that sits in the middle of downtown. Any locals no the purpose of this fair ride in the middle of the city? Although the view was nice, I found myself waking in the middle of the night wondering just how much I trusted the engineers that designed this round, nearly all glass hotel. What kind of grades did they make in college? And did they have a masters?
To distract myself, I conquered one of the milestones that every adult should - a quiet dinner alone. Not so quiet, because it was a blues joint, and I had this guy serenading me. The picture is a little blurry. I tried to be quick so as to not have him think I was a big fan and try to pull me up on the stage or some other sort of nonsense. It should also be noted the whole reason I picked this place was that I was dying for a spinach salad - and it was divine.
After dinner alone, I got the treat of eating with a friend I don't see nearly often enough. She was kind enough to give me door to door service and we hit up - where else - Mexican. The tacos, I still dream about them.
I arrived home for a glorious weekend in Birmingham. We did a whole lot of spending time together with nothing on the agenda. It was wonderful and I soaked in every moment - as did Namath, who got to take a field trip for a Puppy Sunday.
No time for pictures when milk-bones and ice cream are involved.
Needless to say he was a happy camper.
We also did some outdoor dining - bonus points it was Mexican outdoor dining - some clothes shopping for me, shoe shopping for MS, and pulled the trigger on some nursery bedding. I also moved offices and made my first pot of soup of the season.
I think that about brings us up to speed.
I spent last week in the ATL for a work conference. I had a pretty, albeit scary, view of this random carousel that sits in the middle of downtown. Any locals no the purpose of this fair ride in the middle of the city? Although the view was nice, I found myself waking in the middle of the night wondering just how much I trusted the engineers that designed this round, nearly all glass hotel. What kind of grades did they make in college? And did they have a masters?
To distract myself, I conquered one of the milestones that every adult should - a quiet dinner alone. Not so quiet, because it was a blues joint, and I had this guy serenading me. The picture is a little blurry. I tried to be quick so as to not have him think I was a big fan and try to pull me up on the stage or some other sort of nonsense. It should also be noted the whole reason I picked this place was that I was dying for a spinach salad - and it was divine.
After dinner alone, I got the treat of eating with a friend I don't see nearly often enough. She was kind enough to give me door to door service and we hit up - where else - Mexican. The tacos, I still dream about them.
I arrived home for a glorious weekend in Birmingham. We did a whole lot of spending time together with nothing on the agenda. It was wonderful and I soaked in every moment - as did Namath, who got to take a field trip for a Puppy Sunday.
No time for pictures when milk-bones and ice cream are involved.
Needless to say he was a happy camper.
We also did some outdoor dining - bonus points it was Mexican outdoor dining - some clothes shopping for me, shoe shopping for MS, and pulled the trigger on some nursery bedding. I also moved offices and made my first pot of soup of the season.
I think that about brings us up to speed.
Monday, October 7, 2013
22 Weeks
PSA: I usually don't make it regular practice to take selfies in a hotel room (or ever), but I'm out of town this week so I'm leaving my pride behind for sake of documenting week 22. It was this or have housekeeping take my pic. I think I chose correctly.
Total weight gain: Right at 10 lbs. would love to keep this slow pace but I have no delusions the third trimester and the food centered holidays to come won't take their toll.
Maternity Clothes: I dare not try to wear regular pants. What's the point? But dresses and my regular loose tops still work great.
Stretch Marks: Nope. But I did "invest" in some Palmers Cocoa Butter. I feel misled. I thought it would smell like the beach. It does not.
Sleep: Can't complain.
Best Moment this Week: Baby boy is moving so much more this week! So reassuring- but still a little weird! Heart rate was 160 at this months appointment - if we didn't know he was a he that old wives tale would have me fooled.
Miss anything? A big glass of wine with Thursday night TV.
Movement: Yep!
Food Cravings: Nothing in particular. The sweets aren't making me so sick anymore, and I could kill for some chocolate fro yo as I type...
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nah. Feeling pretty good!
Exercise: Still running 3x a week and trying to do weights as well. I feel super tight lately and have heard good things about prenatal yoga. Any DVD suggestions? Would like something I could do at home.
Gender: Boy!
Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: I mentioned the sciatic pain to my doctor and she referred me to a PT "because it's only going to get worse". Hoping a couple sessions will help me learn to relieve some of the pain, because What to Expect was zero help. Pelvic tilts in my cube? NO THANKS.
Most looking forward to: Getting the nursery started. I'm giving myself an Oct. 31 deadline to pick bedding, crib and glider are on the way!
Mental Health Weekend
Work has been crazy for me and MS lately - so a few weeks ago we decided to take a long weekend and take a breather.
We started Friday morning with some play time for the boys.
And a coffee treat for the lone girl. I detoured away from the Pumpkin Spice to the land of Salted Caramel Mocha. SCM.
Namath won the battle of the bone.
Spoiler Namath: No one wants that nasty thing but you.
We headed to the promised land of bouncy seats and bottles armed with my excel spreadsheet and some chocolate covered pretzels. I needed a snack for this process.
I really think the bottle/paci situation was the most confusing of all the gear. I debated the gumdrop vs. regular.
While someone did a close inspection of the video monitors. Isn't he festive in his blue?
After all that time in a baby store, he deserved a cold one at lunch. Note the glazed over eyes. I also had a cold one. A cold Fresca.
To aid the healing process, we went somewhere a little less babyish - Home Depot.
Into our cart went the beginnings of a closet system. MS is excited to put it together.
Saturday we pulled the trigger on a crib. I really, really wanted the gray to work, but the nursery walls are gray, as is the glider and someone needed to stop the madness, lest the nursery look like an elephant's nest. So, we got this crib in white.
We also ventured to test out the new Fresh Market, where they had any baked good you could imagine in pumpkin flavor. #PumpkinTrend.
THEY ALSO HAD AN OLIVE BAR. I felt this was picture worthy.
Lest you think our mental health weekend was anything but, we also did a lot of DVR cleaning, movie watching and junk food eating - and a little exercise.
So, there.
We started Friday morning with some play time for the boys.
And a coffee treat for the lone girl. I detoured away from the Pumpkin Spice to the land of Salted Caramel Mocha. SCM.
Namath won the battle of the bone.
Spoiler Namath: No one wants that nasty thing but you.
We headed to the promised land of bouncy seats and bottles armed with my excel spreadsheet and some chocolate covered pretzels. I needed a snack for this process.
I really think the bottle/paci situation was the most confusing of all the gear. I debated the gumdrop vs. regular.
While someone did a close inspection of the video monitors. Isn't he festive in his blue?
After all that time in a baby store, he deserved a cold one at lunch. Note the glazed over eyes. I also had a cold one. A cold Fresca.
To aid the healing process, we went somewhere a little less babyish - Home Depot.
Into our cart went the beginnings of a closet system. MS is excited to put it together.
Saturday we pulled the trigger on a crib. I really, really wanted the gray to work, but the nursery walls are gray, as is the glider and someone needed to stop the madness, lest the nursery look like an elephant's nest. So, we got this crib in white.
We also ventured to test out the new Fresh Market, where they had any baked good you could imagine in pumpkin flavor. #PumpkinTrend.
THEY ALSO HAD AN OLIVE BAR. I felt this was picture worthy.
Lest you think our mental health weekend was anything but, we also did a lot of DVR cleaning, movie watching and junk food eating - and a little exercise.
So, there.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Running in the First Trimester
Now that I'm well out of the first trimester, I feel like I can speak with the tiniest of authority on running in the first trimester - and thus far. I'm not a doctor, I don't even play one on TV, so of course listen to the advice of your doctor about what's best for you and your pregnancy.
One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was call the doctor to a)schedule an appointment b) ask if running was still ok. They recommended more of a walk/jog until the first visit to ensure everything was going well. Thus, the wog was born. It was a big slow down from what I was used to, but honestly, it was a welcome break and good reason to take it easy - especially factoring in the June Alabama heat. I was doing .25 walk/.25 run.
I wogged my way to my first appointment, where they found a bleed (nothing to do with running, happened when the baby implanted), so I was put on rest until they could check again at 8 weeks.
I was cleared at 8 weeks to start back running. My doctor is conservative and is very hesitant to tell me to sign up for a half, but told me to listen to my body, and since I was running before, it should be totally fine. I had to work my way back up to running, with a lot of walk breaks. I've slowly worked back up to where I run more than walk, but the speed is much slower, yet the effort feels the same. After a lot of research, and asking around, I really think keeping up my running, when done smart, has great benefits for me and Sunburst.
First run with Baby S.
A few things I've learned along the wog:
1. Listen to your body
Ugh. That phrase is so cliche I almost hate to put it on there, but it's true. If you are used to pushing the pace, racing up hills and battling the heat, it's a huge change of mindset that ALL those things are not ok. I've never followed the heart rate rule of thumb, as I understand it's outdated, but I do follow the talk test. You may feel like a crazy person talking to yourself out on your run, but it was a good indicator that if I struggled to speak, I was pushing too hard, (ignore that 11 minute pace on the Garmin, baby steals a lot of blood and energy) and it's time for a walk break. Hills usually always make me fail the test, and there are some steep ones in my hood, so I walk all of them and still feel I'm getting a great workout. The goal is to be active - not to set any records.You're lapping everyone on the couch, and hopefully preparing yourself for an easier delivery. Cheers to that.
2. Water is Your Friend....
I've never taken water on a run except when training for the full, but in the heat of summer, the danger of overheating and/or dehydrating scared me enough to make me bring along a bottle. Also be sure to drink another bottle when you get home. Baby is taking a lot out of you, if I haven't mentioned that.
3. Sort of
Make sure you have some bathroom breaks along the way. Even if it's just 3 miles. Even if you went before you left the house. The pounding makes the slightest fullness in the bladder will make it scream. Also scream worthy: when you just have to go, swear a car isn't coming, and one zooms by mid-stream. I pretended I was tying my shoe. With my tail out. I'm sure it was all very graceful. Don't let this happen to you.
4. Enjoy
After years of training for races and changing distance up and down, it's been nice to run just for the sheer health benefits (for me and baby). Growing a life places a large demand on your body, so there is no shame in a slower pace, walk breaks, and just doing the best you can that day. I sound like Andy Griffith.
Happy running!
One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was call the doctor to a)schedule an appointment b) ask if running was still ok. They recommended more of a walk/jog until the first visit to ensure everything was going well. Thus, the wog was born. It was a big slow down from what I was used to, but honestly, it was a welcome break and good reason to take it easy - especially factoring in the June Alabama heat. I was doing .25 walk/.25 run.
I wogged my way to my first appointment, where they found a bleed (nothing to do with running, happened when the baby implanted), so I was put on rest until they could check again at 8 weeks.
I was cleared at 8 weeks to start back running. My doctor is conservative and is very hesitant to tell me to sign up for a half, but told me to listen to my body, and since I was running before, it should be totally fine. I had to work my way back up to running, with a lot of walk breaks. I've slowly worked back up to where I run more than walk, but the speed is much slower, yet the effort feels the same. After a lot of research, and asking around, I really think keeping up my running, when done smart, has great benefits for me and Sunburst.
First run with Baby S.
A few things I've learned along the wog:
1. Listen to your body
Ugh. That phrase is so cliche I almost hate to put it on there, but it's true. If you are used to pushing the pace, racing up hills and battling the heat, it's a huge change of mindset that ALL those things are not ok. I've never followed the heart rate rule of thumb, as I understand it's outdated, but I do follow the talk test. You may feel like a crazy person talking to yourself out on your run, but it was a good indicator that if I struggled to speak, I was pushing too hard, (ignore that 11 minute pace on the Garmin, baby steals a lot of blood and energy) and it's time for a walk break. Hills usually always make me fail the test, and there are some steep ones in my hood, so I walk all of them and still feel I'm getting a great workout. The goal is to be active - not to set any records.You're lapping everyone on the couch, and hopefully preparing yourself for an easier delivery. Cheers to that.
2. Water is Your Friend....
I've never taken water on a run except when training for the full, but in the heat of summer, the danger of overheating and/or dehydrating scared me enough to make me bring along a bottle. Also be sure to drink another bottle when you get home. Baby is taking a lot out of you, if I haven't mentioned that.
3. Sort of
Make sure you have some bathroom breaks along the way. Even if it's just 3 miles. Even if you went before you left the house. The pounding makes the slightest fullness in the bladder will make it scream. Also scream worthy: when you just have to go, swear a car isn't coming, and one zooms by mid-stream. I pretended I was tying my shoe. With my tail out. I'm sure it was all very graceful. Don't let this happen to you.
4. Enjoy
After years of training for races and changing distance up and down, it's been nice to run just for the sheer health benefits (for me and baby). Growing a life places a large demand on your body, so there is no shame in a slower pace, walk breaks, and just doing the best you can that day. I sound like Andy Griffith.
Happy running!
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