39 Weeks

So I had my 39 week appointment today, and still not much progress to report! She said there was more thinning but no dilation. She did give me what she called, a "vigorous" exam today to try and get things going. I had some mild cramping afterwards, but nothing major. She said they'd let me go about 10 days past my due date (worst case scenario), but would likely start making plans for an induction around the 7 day mark. I am really hoping it does not come down to that. My next appointment is next Tuesday the 6th, 3 days after our due date.

 

 

How far along? 39 Weeks, 4 days...literally 3 days away from our due date! 

Baby Size: The size of a watermelon (or basketball!)

Total weight gain: 38 pounds. +2 this week

Maternity clothes? Maternity leggings basically.

Stretch marks? Still nothing that I can see anyway.

Sleep: Still sleeping surprisingly well, its great!

Best moment this week: I've been sick so its been a very quiet week. We did have dinner at our friends house on Monday, it was great to have a night off from cooking :) And the new Toys R Us opened here, i spent 2 hours there browsing today.

Miss Anything? I can't wait to get my body back.

Movement: Yes, just the odd shift or foot in the side.

Food cravings: I had my big mac on the weekend :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope

Gender: No idea!

Labor Signs: No, i'm beyond frustrated. If I've felt Braxton Hicks, they haven't been very bad.  I know women go into labor all the time without any signs leading up to it, but it's just so crazy not knowing when I will when I am such a planner. I may actually call about acupuncture tomorrow, I hear that can help kickstart things!

Symptoms: no swelling this week

Belly Button in or out? basically out

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Mood: SOOO ready to get this show on the road. I've been bored silly all week, I don't do the "waiting" thing very well.

Looking forward to: The weekend, maybe one last date night with hubs.

Send us some positive vibes that baby decides to make an arrival sooner rather than later! Hope everyone has a great week!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Still here, still pregnant! Still no baby to report... I've been patiently trying to occupy myself this week and let little one arrive on his/her own time. We've both been sick since the weekend, and we're trying to get rid of our colds as quickly as we can. Nothing worse than being ill at 39 weeks prego let me tell you! We haven't been sleeping well at all, and we also haven't been eating that well either because of being sick. Trying to get back on track this week.

Last week the time went so quick, I had so much to do! This week my routine consists mostly of sleeping, watching a Baby Story on TLC (slightly terrifying when you are about to give birth!), walking 5 miles a day, reading and un-packing and re-packing my hospital bag on a daily basis.

Hopefully this weekend will be our last as a family of two!

With only a few days left, here are a few of the things i've been loving and not-loving lately!

LOVING

1. Pregnancy PillowsI know there are many good ones out there, but I have to say that I'm in love with mine from Walmart. It was only $20, thank you hubby! Now the question is, will I be able to give it up after the baby is born? I know Tim would like to get rid of the large visitor so he's not always on the edge of our queen bed...but it gives me such a good night's sleep.

2. Tums

I am pretty sure I have gone through 3 entire containers (thats 300 tablets) throughout the course of this pregnancy. I honestly do not know what I would have done without them.

 

3. Sun Dresses

Obviously it depends on where you live and what season it is, but sun dresses have been a life saver for me. I just recently packed them away to make room for fall clothes. The maternity ones always look better, but I wear a lot that I had before too--usually just adding a belt. Thanks to dresses, I was able to avoid buying very much maternity clothing. One word of advice when pregnant, always dress for comfort!

As a side note:  A few weeks ago we were headed out for date night, and I really wanted to get dressed up and feel good. I put on my leggins and a cute tunic and rocked my black boots. We had to stop at Canadian Tire on the way to dinner to pick something up, we weren't there 10 minutes and I was begging hubby to take me home to change my footwear. I was dying in my boots. He finally agreed after some begging, and off we went to dinner me with my little black flats on. Learned my lesson that is for sure!

 

4.  A Good Workout/Walk

I was a little hesitant about working out in the beginning, but it didn't take me long to realize it wasn't going to mess anything up--it would only help. I used to go to run so that I didn't gain weight...now I go because I know I'm doing something good for my body and baby--and it makes me feel so much better! In the first trimester, my workouts were a lifesaver.  Now in the 3rd trimester, if my back is sore or I notice some swelling in my feet or hands--I go for a walk and I feel like a new person! I think it also helps me sleep at night because I come home totally wiped!

 

NOT-LOVING

 

1. Swelling

Ugh, so uncomfortable. I had a solid two weeks of swelling, and I definitely didn't make it any easier on myself. I was on my feet alot, and constantly running around doing last minute things. I must say its been so much better since I went off work, I haven't had any issues in the 10 days since work finished. I may even try to get my rings back on.

 

2. Gravity

Its so strange walking around and feeling like your belly has like 2 20-pound dumbbells pulling at it from the ground. SOoooo heavy!

3. The nausea/tummy issues - have any of you new mommas or mommas-to-be had this problem? I've been runnign to the bathroom atleast 3 times a day for the past 10 days.

 

I'll stop with the complaints now. It's all totally worth it! Anyone have any ideas on how to pass the time this week? Just waiitng for one more item for the nursery before we do the big blog reveal :)

Also to come, the 39 week update after tomorrow's doc apt.

 

Hope everyone is having a great week! xo

 

The Ever Growing Belly

Looking back now at old belly photos, I can't believe I ever thought my belly was big at 27 weeks. It now resembles the size of a basketball. And sometimes, it feels that way too. I am so glad I decided to take pictures every week in order to compare, it is amazing the transformation the belly took from week to week. What is also funny is the amount of names the belly has had. It started out as Baby Z (for zygote), then family started calling it Charlie which is Tim's grandfather's name, and one of the only names we actually agree on for a boy, and hubs calls it JR from time to time, and then finally Baby OB.
I am assuming we will have a week 39 photo next week, but I am really hoping we won't have a week 40!

 

To Our Baby:

Only one week until your due date! You must be very comfortable in there because you are showing no signs of wanting to make your debut any time soon. But that's ok. We are busy relaxing and enjoying our time together before you make your grand entrance into the world. Thank you for making this pregnancy so easy on your Momma, she certainly appreciates the lack of drama you've caused for the past 39 weeks (which makes me wonder if you are indeed a boy!) No sickness or moodiness, no pains or high BP. We've had a pretty special bond, you poke me and I poke you back. I heard recently that baby's know their mother's voice right away at birth. If that's the case, we better not tell Daddy. He keeps talking to you, so we better pretend when you arrive that you know him too!
Everyone is waiting to meet you, you are already very much loved by all our family and friends. So enjoy your last few days in there and know that we are ready and waiting whenever you feel like arriving.

Love Your Patiently Waiting Momma-to-Be!
xoxo



 

38 Week Update

Well I just got back from our 38 week appointment. I wish I had some exciting news to report, but unfortunately baby seems pretty content in my belly and has taken no great strides to try and enter the world anytime soon. The doctor did a cervix check for the first time and said that I am starting to thin, but no dialation....SIGHHHHH. Was really hoping this baby wanted to make an early appearance. So the doc said she'd likely see me next week at my 39 week appointment.

Other than that, no weight gain this week and BP was great as usual. I finished work last Friday, and it was a great decision to end when I did. I've had no swelling at all since I went off, and I've been sleeping really really well. I find the days just fly by, there's lots of running around and pampering to be done. I had a pedicure earlier in the week, and tomorrow I have my last pre-natal massage. Our Aden & Anais crib sheets and change pad cover arrived today...pumped about that as that was really the last items needed to finish the nursery. Just waiting for the crib skirt from Etsy to arrive.

I also figured it would be smart to pick up a few blue and pink newborn sleepers. Even though we don't know if our baby will fit into newborn, or whether it is a boy or a girl. All the clothes we had were 0-3 months, so I figured it couldn't help but be prepared. I can return the things down the road if they aren't needed.

We have no plans yet for this weekend, but seeing as it really could be our last as a family of two I am trying to get creative and think of something exciting to do. Maybe some pumpkin carving!?

Sooo here is the 38 week update:

How far along? 38 Weeks, 5 days! 10 days to go!

Baby Size: The size of a pumpkin

Total weight gain: 36 pounds
Maternity clothes? Yes and no, pants in the photo are but jacket is not.
Stretch marks? Still in the clear.
Sleep: Sleeping much better the past 2 weeks. Normally only up for one pee-break.
Best moment this week: Our baby shower that we had on Saturday! It was so great.
Miss Anything? Dying for a smoked salmon bagel!
Movement: The odd foot will jab me in the right side every now and again. But pretty quiet these days as there is no room left!
Food cravings: Is it wrong that I really just want to have 1 big mac before this pregnancy ends??? I mean the thought kind of disgusts me for even saying it, and I have had maybe 3 burgers throughout the course of this 38 week pregnancy. They really weren't something I wanted to eat. But I feel like I would have cheated if this pregnancy ends and I never did indulge in a Big Mac from McDonald's. So I am waiting for the perfect time. I really am losing my mind I think.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Garlic
Gender: Can't wait to find out!
Labor Signs: Not really since 36 weeks...I've had some possible Braxton Hicks...along with some other TMI things.
Symptoms: Some acid reflux at night.
Belly Button in or out? Its basically out at this stage.
Wedding rings on or off? Off, tried to get them back on but no luck!
Mood: Anxious. I want to get this show on the road, but Tim keeps trying to slow me down and have me enjoy the last few weeks of pre-parenthood. So i've been trying to soak it all up, spending mornings in bed, going for walks, shopping, mid-afternoon naps, visits with friends, and dates with hubby.
Looking forward to: Baby's arrival! I'm hoping to finish the nursery (now that the sheets and change cover arrive), buy last minute baby items, finish packing our bags, read what to expect in the first year, walk, pamper (massage on Thursday) and relax.

 

Showered With Love

So my Mom and sister organized a duckie-themed shower Baby OB on Saturday - it was such a fun morning. There was plenty of food, a few baby shower games, and lots of gifts. It's amazing to see just how loved someone can be even before entering the world. He/she is so very lucky.  And seriously, every time I read a card saying "you're going to be a great Mom" it made me turn into a puddle of mush.

A few of my favorite gifts...

The Pack N Play, with newborn napper and change table from a great group of girlfriends. They also went in on the Motorolla Video Baby Monitor :) So thoughtful!

The BUMBLERIDE INDIE!! I am stoked about this gift from  my mother-in-law. I can't wait to get out in the spring with Baby OB for lots of runs and walks to get back into shape. Hubs had a very busy Sunday putting together all of our big items we received.

We also got a space saver fisher price high chair, the Universal Clik-It stroller for when baby is in the newborn car seat, the sleep sheep, Sophie the Giraffe (teeth and squeaky toy), some baby blankets, a snowsuit, lots and lots of BOOKS (which I love), some receiving blankets, towels and wash clothes, and some baby care items.

 

Here is some more photos from the day:

 

 My bestie kyla, who seriously knows more about babies than most parents that I know!

The yummy food table!



 I think there is a baby boom going on! We lined up in order of due dates. I am due Nov 3rd, Amanda, December 21st, Kerri Januuary 17th and Emily February 3rd!

 

 Cutting the cake :)

 

 With the hostesses - my momma and sister!

 The ducky-punch!

 with a few of the ladies

 My belly is completely taking over Emma's body!!

 

My nanny came all the way from Moncton to spend the day with us. She can't wait to be a Great-Nanny!

 

 

Worlds biggest thank you to all who could attend & for all of the amazing, thoughtful gifts! I have never felt so blessed & thankful in my entire life. I can't wait for little baby OB to get lots of use out of all these goodies!

 

Car Seat Inspections

We got our car seat inspected at the Dept of Motor Vehicles this week, and I am so glad we did. Tim spent quite a few hours Sunday reading the manuals and installing the seat, but turns out instead of using the belts that come with the seat, we should have been using the middle seat belt. Its much more secure now. I highly recommend going in, we were in and out in 20 minutes and now can rest easy knowing its done right and our baby is safe!

We also learned the head supports that come with the car seat are a no-no! Nothing should be behind the baby's head or back. So he removed those and recommended we use receiving blankets on either side of the head (which is fine). The Bundle-Me Car Seat covers like the beige one that has the place for the straps to be placed (like the one we purchased below) are also a no-no because of the part that goes behind the baby and can affect how securely the baby is in the seat. You need to buy the Jolly Jumper type bags that have an elastic that fit around the OUTSIDE of the car seat. Then you can stuff a blanket in front of them to keep them warm with one like this. Luckily we bought the right one at Toys R Us on the weekend.

37 weeks - FULL TERM!

It's been a good week 37, better than 36 anyway. Last week I was exhausted, I had alot going on at work and home, and couldn't stop my feet from blowing up. I felt like a zombie.

 

This week i've been sleeping better, and I've been able to keep the swelling to a minimum. Even if that means wearing my Uggs to work. I'm not ashamed! 

 

Hubby and I had a date night on Tuesday, one of our last movie nights. We also bought a deep freeze as my freezer meal obsession has gone into over-drive and I ran out of room in our freezer. I came home from pre-natal yoga Tuesday to these beautiful flowers from hubs and Jaxy (kitty).

 

 

 

You know your getting close to delivery when they all know your name when you walk in the doctor office. Today was my weekly appointment. My Group B Strep Test came back negative, that's good news.

Weight fine, blood pressure great, baby's heartbeat was loud and strong. No cervix checks this week, that starts next week she said.
 

 

 

How far along? 37 Weeks, 5 days

Baby Size: About 6.5 pounds and 19 inches long...the size of a wintermelon (whatever that is!)

Total weight gain: Looking like 36 pounds

Maternity clothes? Yes, and even those are getting tight!

Stretch marks? Still in the clear

Sleep: Ehhhh I'm getting up multiple times a night and having trouble falling asleep no matter how tired I am.

Best moment this week: Having date night.

Miss Anything? Being able to move without huffing and puffing.

Movement: Yes, all the time and it's starting to almost hurt. 

Food cravings: Not many cravings lately.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada

Gender: ???

Labor Signs: Still nothing of note. Sometimes some cramping and back pain.

Symptoms: Feeling uncomfortable all the time, hip/pelvic pain and some mild foot swelling. Pretty standard at this stage in the game. 

Belly Button in or out? Holding on 

Wedding rings on or off? off

Mood: Happy.  Feeling tired and groggy and a little anxious! But I really can't complain.

Looking forward to: This is my last week of work before maternity leave, so I'm looking forward to getting things wrapped up so I don't have to worry. Also, baby shower this Saturday! I can't wait :)

Weekend Recap

I figured I'd just write a quick post about what's new and exciting this week.

I now drive around with a car seat base in my car. We are ready to take baby home! Tim spent Sunday afternoon (while I baked) reading the manual for the car seat and getting in installed. He was giving lessons to Jax and I (can you see a little furry fella in the pic below?). We go tomorrow to have it inspected at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Note to Mommas: They recommend everyone have this done before heading home with your little one.

It was marathon weekend in Charlottetown this weekend. It was a chilly day, but hubs and I went out to cheer on Auntie Sarah who ran the 10km, and Emma who ran the 1/2 marathon. It was only a year ago that I ran the 1/2, this year I get out of breath just watching the runners. Next year, baby and I will be partaking as a team! Maybe another 1/2??

 

I made some delicious pumpkin spice muffins on the weekend. YUM! Also made two more freezer meals, Shepherd's Pie and Chicken Spaghetti. We are running out of room in the freezer, we may need to buy a small deep freeze before baby comes.

 

Other than that, we've been visiting with friends because in a few short weeks we won't have that luxury. I've just been trying to relax and enjoy these last couple of weeks. As nervous as I am about the whole labor and delivery thing, I am beyond excited for these next couple of weeks. I just love the excitement of not knowing when baby will decide to come. Every day I wake up I wonder if today is the day. And every night I go to bed I wonder if I'll wake up to contractions. I hope baby doesn't decide to come before the baby shower on Saturday!!

As to how I'm feeling...let's just say, well, 9 months pregnant! Sleep sucks. I am up every two hours needing to go to the bathroom. I am tired all day but yet for some reason can't fall asleep at night.  Hips hurt and my feet are starting to swell up.  Oh the joys!

So needless to say, I'm ready for Baby OB to arrive.  And it's a good thing he/she is 100% worth all of this pain!  I am going to enjoy these last few days of kicks and somersaults :) I can't wait to introduce baby to you all and share his/her name.

What I'll Miss About Pregnancy

Top things I will miss about being pregnant...

#1. Feeling baby move- I really will miss this. It's become my very favorite thing. Especially those hiccups and jabs.

#2. I won't have an excuse to go to eat my body weight in chocolate covered almonds almost every day.

#3. The humanity - people are just so darn nice to preggo ladies! They hold doors, smile, put groceries in your car and seem so happy for you.

#4. My belly - At this stage, I am really not enjoying being the size of a mini-van. However despite this, I love my pregnant belly. I love the roundness, and resting my hands there and feeling babe answer back.

#5. Sharing something new with my hubby - this being our 1st, it has been a roller coaster of emotions. Although terrifying, it has been exhilarating. And something just the two of us can share in. Of course the sharing wont end at delivery, but all these new experiences have increased my emotions I have for my husband.

#6. Naps - there may never be another time in my life when I won't have to feel guilty about sneaking in a 30-min nap over lunch hour or after work.

#7. Being Taken Care Of - I love being spoiled. Some times it annoys me to be treated like I have some kind of a handicap. But I think I will miss being doted on.

#8. Who Cares If My Clothes Don't Fit - This is the only time in my life when its ok to expand to the size of a balloon. I've never been so appreciative for spandex waists.

#9. The Anticipation - It's like waiting for Christmas for 10 WHOLE months. Is it a boy, or a girl?? What will he/she look like? I'll miss the excitement and the build-up.

Come on baby OB!! We are so ready to meet you. Please don't keep us waiting another 18 days.

Love your anxious parents Xoxoxo

Has Anyone Seen my Ankles???

Don't judge, I may have taken this photo while sitting on the toilet.

So I have been lucky to only be swollen once, nooo make that twice (twice in 2 days that is) this whole pregnancy- drink lots of water and do lots of walking pregnant ladies!- IT WORKS.

The one time I do happen to retain water up the yang was the night of our Labour and Delivery Tour at the Hospital...go figure eh! Not only did my feet swell beyond recognition, but I started having insane back pain in my left side and contractions. A little bit ironic? I could barely walk from the L&D floor to the Maternity ward. I thought I was going to have to check myself in right then and there. The contractions didnt stop until about 10:30 pm after having my feet propped up for 2 hours.

 

I am hoping to avoid this happening again, it was not pleasant!! Anyone else have any funny stories?



Maternity Shoot

Soooo here are our maternity photos!! They turned out beautifully and will be such a great way to remember this special time in our lives. The talented Amy Parsons took these for us. She is also 6 months pregnant with a little girl, so I am excited for our little ones to meet here shortly, and to have lots of mommy/baby dates. 

 

Hope you enjoy...here's a few of our favorite pics! Thanks to Kyla for the wardrobe :)

And a final one to leave you with a bit of a chuckle...

 

What I'm Loving Lately

Have a fancy date night: We've been so busy all summer and fall, it is only recently that things have begun to slow down (tim's ball and golf is over, hockey hasn't started, and he is now home at a decent hour with his new job...aka 430pm not 6pm). So we decided we'd have a nice date night last Friday to kick off the long weekend...it was amazing! We had so much fun. We went downtown to the Brickhouse. The new menu was delish, saw some people we hadn't seen in awhile.  Afterwards we even made it to the late movie, we saw Trouble with the Curve with Clint Eastwood. It was really good. I can't believe I made it out that late!

Pumpkin Spice: Decaf latte's ofcourse! I am making friends with the ladies that work in at Starbucks since I treat myself every week after my doctor's appointment. They are prego too, so we always ask about our appointments and our doctor's. I really enjoy anything pumpkin for that matter. I had pumpkin pie on Saturday, pumpkin cheesecake on Saturday. And Kyla made these delicious pumpkin spice muffins for our potluck a few weekends ago, I ate all the leftovers in 2 days. On the docket this weekend, pumpkin spice pancakes!! YUM!

So I downloaded Jenny McCarthy's book Belly Laugh's and it is absolutely hysterical. Even if you aren't pregnant, you'd find this funny! I can't wait to read the next book she has about the first year of the baby's life called Baby Laughs.

Adam Levine: We've been watching the Voice for the past 2 seasons, I can't get enough of Adam Levine and his tight v-neck grey tee's and tats. Normally tats don't do anything for me. He's the exception. I'm gonna stop rambling before I embarrass myself...look at this photo. Enough said.

Nesting: I think even Tim has the nesting syndrome. He cleaned both our cars on the weekend, inside and out! They look great. Now we are all set to install the car seat and get practicing!!
We also got rid of our coffee table with sharp edges, and bought a leather ottoman. Much more practical with a baby, and it has a large area in the middle that we can use as storage for all of baby OB's toys down the road!

Freezer Meals: I've started cooking a stash of freezer meals for when baby arrives. I thought that it would be great to have some meals ready to go in the freezer for those first few weeks at home. So, I started doubling recipes that we already enjoyed and freezing half of it. Last week I made lasagna for us, and one for the freezer. This week, it is Beef Stew and Chicken Spagetti. Next week - shepherd's pie and hashbrown casserole.

Family Time: Sometimes I wonder if its normal for people to enjoy spending as much time with their family as I do. Saturday we spent the day apple picking and running around foolishly at the Corn Maze. Well more like they all ran, and I waddled.

 Beautiful sunny Thanksgiving weekend.

 I would just like to say that despite my waddling, Team O'Brien won the corn maze race!

 

 Sisterly love.

Here we are trying to find out way out. We had all staggered our entrance into the maze by 2 minutes...but somehow we all ended up meeting up and trying to find out way out together.

 

36 Weeks Update

Back to work after a fantastic long weekend! One for the books for sure, more on that to come tomorrow though!

Well let's see, I am feeling about as big as I look. I had my 36 week apt today, and the doctor actually had to help me up off the table. All was well this week despite the weekend full of turkey and brunches. Up 1 pound, BP 120/70 and the head is still down and ready to go. The doctor I saw today isn't my regular doctor. He asked if I feel as good as I look, what a sweet man! He also said the heartbeat was very "man-ly" sounding today, which totally threw me for a loop! I also had a dream last night that baby OB was a boy. Now hubby is totally changing his mind, he's convinced its a boy!!

How far along? 36 Weeks, 4 days. Only a few more days until full-term!

Baby Size: The size of a watermelon, approx. 5.8-6.5 lbs. Baby won't be getting any longer, just beefing up.

Total weight gain: 34 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Loving my maternity leggings, other than that just rocking my mat dress pants and skirts for work and my skinny mat jeans. All the summer stuff is packed away. 

Stretch marks? No, but I keep expecting to see some show up.

Sleep: I'm sleeping a bit better lately actually. I haven't had any insomnia in about a week...thats a bonus. Shifting around/getting up to use the bathroom is becoming more difficult, but I find I only need to get up once around 5am to pee. I also get hungry around this time, so I keep crackers next to my bed for a snack - otherwise I can't get back to sleep.

Best moment this week: Having an extra day off of work for Thanksgiving!

Miss Anything? being able to cuddle my hubby and sit comfortably are definitely missed! You are just so awkward at this stage in pregnancy. Also try giving a urine sample during your 9th month... it's comedy hour!

Movement: Lots and lots of movement all up in my rib region. Babe is running out of room.

Food cravings: I'vm not near as hungry as I used to be so my meals are much smaller. I have definitely been indulging a bit more in my 9th month, i think hubby is loving it! Had ketchup chips last week, and some peanut butter fudge crunch ice cream, andddd a croissant. Also didn't help that it was Thanksgiving weekend and we had 2 turkey dinners!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really

Gender: I still think girl! But then after what the doctor said today and my dream makes me think baby is really going to prove us all wrong and be a boy...that would be so great too!

Labor Signs: I've been having random pains in my pelvic/groin region. I am told that is my bones "softening" preparing for birth! Also Im still super exhausted in the afternoon and HAVE to take a nap or I'm a hot mess. Its so crazy how much energy these little ones can take from you. I didn't have any "check" today - hoping I will next week when I see my regular doc to see if we've made any progress down there!

Symptoms: Lower back pain, lower stomach/pelvic area pain, sleepy, low energy...pretty typical!

Belly Button in or out? halfie

Wedding rings on or off? off! took them off today :(

Mood: happy, starting to get anxious! Really want to meet baby!

Looking forward to: Our hospital visit on Wednesday to Labour & Delivery!! That's really going to make things feel real.

Exercise: Just walking a few days a week. Started pre-natal yoga twice a week for the next 3 weeks, and I kind of wish it was offered like 20 weeks ago! Feeling a little too large to be navigating into some of the postures (like downward facing dog and runners lunge at 36 weeks...really??).

Thankful

...What am I THANKFUL for this thanksgiving?

I am thankful for my amazing husband and soon to be daddy. I can't wait to watch him be a father.

I am thankful for our little miracle, Baby OB, and that he/she is content and happy and growing to get ready for life on the outside.

I am thankful for having lots to laugh about and the little things that make me smile every day.

I am thankful for having amazing life-long friends that support each other no matter what.

I am thankful for my family, and that we love to spend so much time together. I couldn't imagine living anywhere but 6 blocks from home. 

I am thankful that all the hard work Tim and I have put in, has provided the life we get to live, together, as a family and all the new experiences we've had so far. Next on that list...parenthood.

I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxed, family-filled holiday weekend. Ours was one for the books! More to come on that tomorrow.

Xo

What I'm Doing...and Eating Lately

My Pregnancy Nutrition:

I've gained just over 30lbs during my pregnancy to date. It seems like alot, but its within the 25-35 lbs that doctor's recommend. And I've stopped weighing myself all the time and cringing at the sight of the number. I continued to eat clean/healthy the majority of the time and indulge when I crave something. Its so hard when there is always so many different opinions about pregnancy this and that, but every woman is different and every pregnancy is different. I cut regular coffee out, but reintroduced decaf when I realized I needed to be able to have SOMETHING, and definitely splurged on high test iced capps once a week over the summer. I know some friends who don't drink coffee, so they indulge in the odd pepsi here and there.


My 3rd and 4th month of my pregnancy I felt hungry all the time and listened to those cravings. I was STARVING! I've come to listen to my body. If I want something, I eat it, guilt free! But I strive to find a good balance, in addition to adding those little sweets here and there. Now I find my stomache just plain and simply has no room due to the size of baby. My meal sizes are about half the size they used to do. So I have about 5-6 smaller sized meals a day. It seems to be working.

Of course the below is just a snapshot...this is no way represents everything I eat. And I should make it clear, that I am definitely not an expert on what do eat while pregnant.  This is what I've found yummy the past 8 months!

1. Cereal- I have always loved cereal and pregnancy has not been an exception. I'm especially fond of Multigrain Cheerios with blueberries, Kashi Go Lean Crunch,  Shreddies, and Granola. I switch it up...alot, because I started to get sick of the same thing every day. Kashi and Shreddies have lots of fibre, good for those pregnancy "issues".

2. Choc Milk- I am not a huge milk drinker, and I need to get that extra calcium somehow. Hubs and I drink 2-3 liters a week.

3. Yogurt- I've been eating a lot of yogurt lately, they are perfect when I have bouts of insomnia and my body thinks it is breakfast time at 3am. Activia and Oikos pommegranite are my favs.

4. Peanut Butter- To get my fill of protein, I love peanut butter...the crunchy kind! I try to only eat it once-twice a week.

5. Shakes- Protein shakes, with frozen fruit is the perfect  snack. I am in love with my magic bullet.
 

6. Cantalope - It's been my pregnancy obsession, its so sweet and great to have at lunch time with a sandy.

7. Gala Apples & Cheese- They're an easy snack to grab on the go! I call it apple cookies.

8. Great Canadian Bagels - with philly cream cheese of course!

9. Fresh Salads with BBQ Chicken on top - YUM!

10. Eggs with Cheese and Chives - I'm not a huge meat eater, but i really love eggs!

11. Prunes - I started eating these lately for the sole reason to "keep things moving" TMI i know! But i've come to really like them! What I don't like is that only 3 of them = 100 cals! who knew?
 

So there you have it!  Add lots and lots of water and that's my diet in a nutshell. Anyone have any yummy healthy recommendations?

My Pregnancy Exercise:

When I found out I was pregnant I started to cut back the intensity of my workouts. I kept up bootcamp until about 18 weeks, but at a more moderate level. I jogged at a 10 min mile a few times a week up until I was 34 weeks. I totally cut out strength training, and my body noticed very quickly. It didn't take long for that hard-earned mussel to turn to flab. I introduced prenatal pilates and TRX classes aorund 25 weeks. And just recently, I started prenatal Moksha Yoga at my local studio which I hope to continue until I deliver. Other than that, i'm keeping to the walking whenever I feel up to it. Definitely harder now that the days are getting shorter and its dark around 7pm.

Deal of the Week

So I was out to supper in August with some friends, one of whom has a 5 month that she brought along for all us gals to ooh and aah over. During dinner her little one was fussing, so out she whips this amazing invention called the UDDER COVER and breastfeeds her little one right there at the table. I was amazed, I'd never seen anything like it before. She could continue to eat her dinner while peeking in at her little one through the top of this cover.

Well, there just happens to be a promo for free Udder Covers right now (they happen pretty often). They have 6 super cute patterns to chose from and all you have to pay is the $11.95 shipping! So check out the website Udder Covers and order yourself one. I have mine packed in my diaper bag all ready to go :)