Tales of an Iron Housewife

Life in review

2012-02-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

Life is going by incredibly fast these days. My goals and views are constantly changing. I don't know how much is hormones or the constants in my life are now gone.

Rosalie absolutely LOVES daycare. Although it's very expensive I feel like it's money well spent. She enjoys her day and they treat her really well. I love when her teachers tell me about her day and what she did. The best part of my day is picking her up after work when she very first sees me. Today I lifted her up and started talking to her teacher. Rosalie started squealing-it was so adorable.

Last week she had her 4 month check up. She weighed right under 18lbs and was in 99th percentile for both height and weight. So she's proportionate. =) Rosalie is developing a flat spot on her head (Ron and I had noticed it) She sleeps so long at night and prefers the one side. Ron and I move her head around but she always goes back to the same spot. She doesn't need a helmet but we have to keep doing what we're doing.

She got her shots and was very grumpy all weekend. Whereas normally she sleeps all night she was up every hour. It was exhausting. Luckily she's back to her normal self now!

My one year of working was on Valentine's Day-work threw me a surprise party. How cool is that?

Tuesday I did an entire hour on the Octane. Wednesday I swam with Stephen. My endurance is back I just wish my speed was...well....up to speed!

Second Cold

2012-02-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Rosalie has her second cold. Her first cold was at 20 days old.

After everything I heard/read about kids and daycare I broke out the frozen October milk. Since this still had colostrum in it I thought it might help her fight off anything she might catch at daycare.

Plus the milk is getting older and that's the point of freezing it-to one day use it! So for the past two weeks we've been defrosting and mixing thawed with fresh. I assume Rosalie can taste a difference because she's been chugging down on the bottles w/the thawed. I try to coordinate the thawed milk w/nighttime fussies-when she normally tries to refuse the bottle. She has it in her mind nighttime bottle makes her go to sleep.

Anyways-the past few nights either Ron or myself has been waking her up to squeegee her nose b/c she sounds horrible. Today was the first day she's been grumpy. Besides the grumpy and knowing she doesn't feel good those baby sneezes are pretty cute.

Dear XYZ

2012-02-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Dear ___-

I do not have post partum depression- other than Ron, Shannon and my understanding boss I have NO help. If you want to help, help but what you are doing has got to stop. As much as I want you IN my life-for the last 6 months it feels like you truly go out of your way to make everything an obstacle for me and it makes me feel miserable.

I have an infant, a husband, and a full time job I do not have time for this endless loop. I need my life as simple and streamlined as possible. I do not want to be told how to make it easier or more convenient for you to "help."

If you would like to watch Rosalie, you need to come to my house. That's MY hour spent driving-40 minute drive (20 min there and back) plus the time needed to get her ready so YOU can have time with her. I already feel like I don't spend enough time with her why am I going to throw away an hour when you can just drive to my house. and it's not a favor if it ends up being more work.

Not only do I not feel comfortable, but I think a lot of new first time parents would not let their ___ week old infant drive around town so they can meet their friends. I'm NOT ready so why do act like that's an option?

A few months ago when I said it would be nice to have a good night's sleep-I wasn't offering for her to go to YOUR house for a sleep over.

I am extremely frustrated-I've told you countless times you can see Rosalie ANYTIME YOU WANT at daycare but until we work out our issues you are NOT going to be on the daycare pick up list.

I've offered to go to therapy or counseling with you to work on our issues. I don't know where to go from here.

Love always,
Alex

Big Thank You

2012-01-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Next week Rosalie is going to be 4 months old. Ron and I have been able to depend on ONE person to help us out. My best friend Shannon-no and ifs buts or questions I know she is there for us.

Being a first time parent is scary. I didn't even sleep for the first 48 hours or so. The 'first times' of anything relating to Rosalie I felt like jumping out of my skin. The first time I slept by myself, the first time I left her, the first time I went back to work I felt like I had a magnet pulling me back to her.

Even before Rosalie was born, when I was on bedrest Shannon helped make food, clean, etc. She is a really awesome friend, I really don't know what I would do without her.

I feel safest when Rosalie is in our home. She's our first kid. Maybe I am being over protective or nutty but I appreciate that Shannon justs lets me be. Shannon watched Rosalie many times at our house. I just ask Shannon for help and she's there. If she sees I'm having a hard time she tries to make things better. Shannon makes the effort to take things off my plate rather than add things on.

I can trust Shannon. With her I feel like I can be vulnerable and I don't have to worry about anything. I can be who I am.

She doesn't ask me a million questions why. Shannon doesn't make me feel bad by telling me its her day off and she has better things to do or why can't Rosalie come to her house instead. She doesn't say she was to drive around with Rosalie because she has her own errands to do.

Maybe eventually I'll get to that point, where she can go to other peoples houses or people can drive around with her but for now Ron and I are still learning.

There are some people you think you will always be able to depend on. The last few months I've really been let down. Some relationships have been downright disappointing but I choose to focus on the positive. I am sooooooooo thankful to Shannon.

Being happy

2012-01-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling like I'm getting back in shape. This makes me SO happy. Although I want to lose pregnancy weight my main goal for exercising is to become a better athlete and to live a longer healthy life.

Today Ron dropped me and Rosalie off at the park. He went to go get coffee and I went to run w/Rosalie. Everytime I ran up a hill I felt so POWERFUL. Rosalie was up the first mile and after that she konked out. We ended up going 3.5 miles.

Since I'm still getting back in shape my heartrate goes all over the place. I'm trying to find my different paces, etc. I'm not wearing my garmin b/c it really doesn't matter how fast I go at this point. I run up the hill and i've been walking some on the downhills. Running downhill with the stroller can be scary and I'm still getting used to it.

After we were done w/3.5 miles Ron met us for a mile cool down.

This past week I've been doing oatmeal for breakfast, 2 clementines, grapefruit, something with protein w/lunch and dinner, PB sandwich for snack, and small bowl of cereal for 'dessert.' I know I need to eat a few more veggies throughout my day.

A few people have recommended trying the Paleo diet-it seems to be the next low carb fad. The only difference between Atkins and Paleo seems to be the emphasis on eating/not eating processed foods.

I tend to think people should eat sensibly-veggies, fruits, carbs, proteins, etc. Everything in moderation which is easier said then done. If people can't lose weight or potentially have an imbalance they should talk to a nutritionist for an individualized plan than go from fad to fad.

Although I'm not the size I want to be at I am happy with how I look and how I feel. I'm over wearing a bikini this summer. If the weight comes off it comes off. I eat right, exercise a few times a week, etc. My husband (and baby) loves me the way I am.

It's amazing how becoming a mother has changed my view of the world and what I want out of life. I find my life becoming more balanced. I'm still learning but I'm having a less is more attitude.

Okay Breathe

2012-01-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

The weekend-Ahhhhhhh-deep breath

Rosalie absolutely lovesssssss daycare. I've swung by everyday at lunch at say hi. Her teachers commented she takes catnaps (like I said she would). It's funny b/c when she was in the womb I felt like she was always awake ahem kicking me all day and it's been just that! It makes me feel good when she sees me she's been giving me this "I know you AND I LOVE you face." She's also started to giggle...a lot...I wonder where she gets that from. =)

Tuesday after Ron got home I headed to the gym early to swing by the grocery store first. I was exhausted so I decided to get a candy bar for some extra energy. After I got done eating it I got a text from my friend saying she had to bail. I still went to the gym (I ate the candy bar after all). 45 minutes on the octane and lunges.

Wednesday I met Stephen. I swam some before he got there. Then we did a 500 free warm up. Then 10X50s on 50. The 50s went by so fast we did 5X50s stroke/free on 55 and then 5X50s free on 50. They still went by fast so we did another 10X50s. So we ended up doing 30X50s! After that we did 5X100s. My triceps are pretty sore today.

As for work-here is a tale of two stories

When I came into the company in addition to my normal day to day responsibilities I took over this one process 'X' that everyone before pretty much neglected. I saw it as a valuable opportunity to make something 'my own' and as a way to learn our product line, get involved w/ other departments, etc. I revamped the process 'X' as much as I could but there would be a 'bottleneck' and no matter how I tried to improve the bottleneck nothing worked. I trained someone else for process 'X' when I was out on maternity. This person does a good job so now I oversee process 'X' and get involved when needed.

At work we have someone from overseas working w/top management to improve some of our business functions. Since I'm not top management I wasn't invited although I was extremely interested.

I was heated from an e-mail relating to process 'X' and seemed like I was thrown under the bus a bit on something that was completely after the fact (and I had no control over-not my department-or responbility etc) so before any more back and forth e-mails I went to talk with our GM. I was nervous and peeved about this e-mail and so I said as professionally as I could the first thing that popped in my head.

The GM told me to follow him and long story short I sat with the guy from overseas for an hour recommending a way to simplify this process X. Then the guy invited me to come to the meeting the following morning!

This morning was the meeting and I learned a very valuable lesson-Never change your vision for what you THINK people want to hear. I spent all that time defending my vision for the process the afternoon before. Last night I rehearsed w/Ron what I wanted to say and Ron helped me stay on point (when I get excited I tend to ramble)

I didn't want anyone to be blindsided so I spoke w/someone who was part of the bottleneck problem 10 minutes before the meeting. This person suggested finding a way to 'implent it into our computer system.' I thanked the person for the suggestion and said I would add it into the presentation. Here I thought by adding their suggestion it would help swing some support my way-Boy was I wrong. I guess the person thought about it some more during the meeting so when I mentioned it they responded that's a terrible idea. I felt so stupid, but as I said I learned a very valuable lesson.

The process 'x' did get simplified so that was the main objective. I still felt like someone had taken the wind out of my sails a bit. I felt like i'd blown my big shot of impressing upper management. The meeting was 2.5 hours-which I put my wallowing aside and enjoyed the rest of the meeting. I was actually excited no one told me to leave once my part was done so I stayed for all of it. After the meeting, the guy from overseas pulled me aside and really said some nice compliments to me-told me I was very charismatic and entergetic, etc. I thanked him for inviting me to the meeting and told him I was interested in joining anytime. It made me feel much better that although I didn't 'do' as well as I wanted I still learned alot.

I was so busy at the office I skipped breakfast twice in a row and this morning I skipped my second cup of coffee. None of it was intentional-I just got so busy I forgot. Around 3 I ate my oatmeal and brought home my afternoon snack. I left work 10 minutes early to beat the traffic picking up Rosalie.

I love to watch her when she doesn't realize I'm there. It makes me feel so good when she sees me that first time. I love the gigantic smile-it's like she opens her mouth as wide as it can get.

Tomorrow it's supposed to get up to 60 degrees so I'm hoping to take her out in the jogging stroller.

First day of DayCare

2012-01-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

I got everything packed for Rosalie last night so Ron just had to pack the bottles and himself and go.
This morning I was running late and peeped in the bedroom one last time at 7:55. I leaned in and asked Ron what time he was going to start getting ready.
Side note
From my calculations he had to get her there at 9 and its a 20 minute drive from our house. He never leaves on time so add in 10 minute. AKA he needs to leave at 8:30. If he wanted to get coffee at Brueggers (he has the mug club thing) he'd better leave at 8:15. In order to get everything ready to go I thought he should have gotten up at 7:45.
End note
So I asked "what time are you getting up"
Ron "whenever she gets up"
Me "Don't you think it would be wise to get everything ready BEFORE she wakes up" (everything takes 3-4 times longer w/baby in tow)
Ron: Oh yea that does make sense.
Smack head.

I went and saw Rosalie at lunch. All 8 babies in her 'classroom' are girls and 4 were born in October! It made me feel so good-she was sitting in a bouncy seat and I said "Hiiiii babyyyyy" and she flashed me a BIG smile like "Hey I know you AND I love you"

When I picked her up from room she looked exhausted and ready to go. Her 'teachers' said she was very observant. Rosalie mainly catnaps anyways so I knew she didn't really sleep. She did not cry when I put her in the carseat...in fact she smiled some more when I hooked her in. She fell asleep at 7:30 w/o ANY nighttime fussies. Ron couldn't get her to stay awake either.

Tomorrow Ron has a meeting in the morning so I am going to take her to daycare. I'm nervous b/c w/buffers that means I need to be out of the house at 7:15 so I can drop her off and get her situated by 8 so I can get to work by 8:15. My office is 5 min from the daycare. So this means I need to be up around 6:30 to pump and then get myelf ready.

Cooking Extravaganza

2012-01-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

I was going to write a really long post but Ron and I got to talking....for 1.5 hours so the time I haddddddd allotted is now gone. I really miss posting more often since it keeps a record of everything that is going on in my life.

I had a freezer cooking extravagenza this weekend. It's so nice to just pull out a meal from the freezer...except for when all the premade food is gone! So I made stuffed cabbage casserole, pork chili, honey glazed pork and carrots, tacos (which we already ate whoops), crockpot delight which Ron refused to eat this weekend because it's grey...men are so weird. =), 3 whole chickens, baked ziti, chicken pot pie, chicken casseole, oatmeal, spinach ham frittata, peanut butter granola, and coconut granola. I REALLY wanted to make some cranberry pancakes but didn't have any energy left.

Ron and I have avoided having financial talks since you know who has arrived. Daycare is expensive no matter how you slice it. We knew how much daycare was, agreed it was the best place for her, etc. How it fits into the grand scheme of things-well today I finally put daycare expense on our budget. Let's just say its anticlimatic and I spent a lot of effort upset over nothing. Sometimes I wonder why my husband puts up w/me.....=)

Rosalie starts daycare tomorrow...sniff sniff-had to get everything ready tonight-wipes, diapers, bottles, change of clothes (just in case), blanket, stuffed animal etc.

Today I also ran 4 miles-my longest run to date!

Israel

2012-01-15T14:31:00.000-08:00

My youngest sister Katie left today to study abroad in Israel. She will be gone until June or July.

Yesterday we met her at my grandparents for a goodbye lunch. Later Ron, Rosalie, and I met Katie at Starbucks for one last time. I gave Katie some wallet size photos of Rosalie.

When I was 19 I studied abroad in Germany. Ron and I had started dating a few months before. By the time I left I knew Ron was 'the one' and leaving was hard. Ron flew over with me and helped me learn my way around.

He gave me some wallet size photos of us-I carried them everywhere I traveled. My first big trip was to Italy. I was supposed to go with people but long story short I ended up going by myself (sooooo naive!). When I got off the plane in Milan I couldn't find anyone who spoke English. I had no cell phone to call anyone and no Internet to look anything up.

I was so scared I looked up the train schedules to go back to Germany! Before I bought my ticket back I sat on a bench and cried my eyes out. I looked at the photos and didn't feel 'alone' anymore and got the courage to finish my solo 11 day trip through Italy. I ended up meeting a lot of people and had a great time. So I told Katie the story how important the pictures were to me.

She is studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I am sooooo excited for her. I'm also jealous-I was I could go too!

It's amazing how fast time flies. In many ways Germany still feels like it was yesterday. I wish I had kept a blog then. Today I went on my first real stroller run with Rosalie. I didn't plan to run-I just thought about going there to walk.

Years ago, I went to Country Park every Sunday morning w/Caesar. We went for close to a year until we got Abra. Shannon and I went there for our 2nd training run when we did our first marathon. I went to Country Park to learn how to ride my bike w/clips and to train for Ironman. Now I'm running....with my baby! It's amazing.

With all these thoughts going through my mind I felt motivated to run. Running with a stroller is scary. I'm sure in time the scariness will fade. Country Park is hilly. I had a death grip going downhill. I felt like a badass running uphill. The loop is 2 miles and then I had to detour to find a bathroom. I didn't have my Garmin on me but I went 2.5-3 miles in about 40 minutes. I was really surprised because it felt like we were gone forever! Plus we had to make a couple stops-like to the bathroom, etc. I got back to my car at 12:00. My last call to Ron was at 11:07 when I left the store and headed towards the park. So I guestimated we started our run around 11:15-11:20.

Running w/a stroller is a whole body workout. My abs and arms are killing me. I feel like I ran 10+ miles.

What a week

2012-01-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the comments on the previous posts! I got a few compliments on my outfit choices last week. Score!

This week I added iron pills and beans to my diet and I feel so much better. I underestimated how I would feel post baby. Everything is a chain reaction.

Rosalie's getting her first tooth which has given her bouts of extreme fussiness. There's nothing that can be done. It can be frustrating for her to cry from teething and suck in extra air and then get gas. Ugh!

We got really lucky with her-we are almost scared about what the next one might be like. She's a happy laid back baby. At three days old she slept 4 hour stretches (not everyday) and was sleeping through the night by 1-2 month. Last night she got up at 3am-we weren't used to that anymore!

Rosalie has been grabbing things and babbling more and more. Today she was extremely happy for most of the day. I worked from home and she was easy.

I've got 2 of my 3 workouts this week. I actually worked out 2X40 minute workouts. One on the Octane and the other swimming. I've noticed my stroke is out of sync so I've decided to encorporate more drills until I get my groove back. Anyways-hoping to get the last workout in tomorrow. I think Rosalie hit another growth spurt b/c my biceps are killing me.

Last weekend I tried to catch up on sleep. Since becoming a mom and going back to work, during the week I try to get in bed by 11 because I get up between 6:30-7. It's hard and I usually end up getting to sleep between 11:30-12. Not nearly enough sleep for me but I guess i'm getting used to it.

Work was crazy busy last week. I need to get better about eating breakfast. I drink 2 cups of coffee w/lots of milk but often don't get around to eating breakfast until 10.

Since Christmas is over i've been much cleaner in my eating.
Me:Sooooo-do I look like I lost ANY weight this week

Ron: Don't worry about it your a nice person
ummm-yea-not the answer I was looking for...like I said I underestimated how long its going to take me to get my body back.

Still breast pumping! I made it through the last horrible plugged duct and am still only pumping 3x a day now. I'm pumping around 50 ounces and she is still eating around 35. I'm going to stick to pumping 3 times a day for at least the next month before I think about cutting back to 2 times per day.

Insert Spooky Music

2012-01-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

Clothes shopping after pregnancy is depressing. I got the size I thought I was and I was sadly mistaken. Granted I grabbed three pairs of pants and the first pair I tried barely fit over my hips. The second I could button-however breathing entails inhaling AND exhaling. The third pair of black pants fit wonderfully. I turned around to see how they looked in the rear and their was some funky flower design-not exactly work appropriate.

I did have good luck with shirts. I tried to buy different shirts then I typically buy-I have crazy amounts of single color turtleneck, button ups, single color long sleeved. After shopping I concluded one day (after I get a maid) I will hire a stylist. lol. I did buy several shirts I was pleased with. I spent a small fortune and as I swiped my credit card I held my breath that it didn't get flagged for suspicious use.

The clothes I got were nice work clothes. I still need to either 1) loose weight or 2) buy bigger pants.

I have been doing a good job w/ 3 30 minute workouts per week. Some problems I am running into.

My feet are better but pregnancy changed them. I've been shopping for a new pair of running shoes and none feel right. I need to go to the running store to have them watch me run and recommend a pair.

I am thirsty no matter how much water I drink. I made a comment to Ron I feel constantly dehydrated and he asked me how since I'm always drinking water. Exactly! I'm drinking between 80-100 ounces a day (and more) of water. I tried to stay away from salty foods and have tried to incorporate more fruit.

Last week I met Stephen for my first real swim workout! We did the mile set-which in meters ends up being slightly over a mile.

11 laps freestyle
5X50s
9 lap free
4X50s
7 laps free
3X50s
5 laps free
2X50s
3 laps free
1X50s
1 lap free
=1650
Stephen does everything freestyle so when I swim w/him I usually do mostly free as well.

My arms were burning during the first set of 50s. We didn't do anything on intervals mainly just 5-10 seconds rest inter mitten with conversation.

Stephen and his wife recently found out they are having a boy! So excited for them. His wife is also a swimmer (really good too). Before they knew she was pregnant, we had joked I was going to trade him for his wife since she is a distance swimmer. They are a great couple and I looked forward to getting to know her better.

Tough Day

2012-01-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

Over the summer I was extremely disappointed I didn't get a promotion (to another department). Everything happens for a reason-I now THANK my lucky stars I didn't get that promotion. The job title was changed and what I thought I would have been doing isn't what the job is anymore.

More importantly, with the job I have now, I have the most amazing and understanding boss. Last week our sitter fell through and Rosalie doesn't start daycare until 1/23. Ron's annual leave doesn't start over until 1/14 leaving us in a bind. My boss is letting me work from home which is a HUGE help.

Shannon is also off some during the week and has also been helping. It's nice that she is so reliable and I don't have to worry.

Working from home has many challenges. It's great when Rosalie is on schedule and takes naps. Today was not the case. She was SO cranky and refused to sleep. The past few days I've had a plugged duct. Plugged ducts SUCK. They are agonizing and what works for one may not work for another. I was up late last night trying to get it out-wet and dry heat, salt, massage, cold potatoes, and eating brussel sprouts and raw garlic (bleck). No luck getting it out.

I ended up staying up until 1ish and dozed in and out until 2 before finally passing out. Rosalie got up at 4:45 for a snack and diaper change. After I had to tend to the duct-finally got to go back to sleep at 6:00 for a little more sleep before I had to get up for work.

When I have a plugged duct I typically try to mix the milk (left and right, etc) and redistribute into the bottles to make sure each bottle has a good mix. A plugged duct causes milk to come out unevenly (ex foremilk vs hindmilk)

The major reason I mix the milk bc I notice when I don't she gets SUPER GASSY. Gassy+Overtired=CRANKY. Poor kid was burping and farting at the same time. I even pulled out the gas drops-which helped immensely.

All day I kept repeating "you are going to the gym, you are going to the gym" well I knew the possibility of that happening dwindled as the day went on. At 4 she FINALLY passed out. I took her up to her crib and luckily she stayed asleep. At 4:30 I decided I may as well take a nap or at least try to if I was going to have any change of making it to the gym.

I slept for 2 whole hours! It felt fantastic! Rosalie was still grumpy after her 2.5 hour nap. I couldn't wait for Ron to get home. He called me and said he had a lot of work to do and was getting off late.

It was one of those days where I wasn't sure if I want more then 1 kid. Granted I know it was a challenging day-trying to work from home, she was cranky, I was tired and my boob hurt but it makes me thankful I have a great husband that I can hand her off too when I need to. Which as soon as he walked in the door I promptly did!

Ron was hungry so I made him a quick dinner and then tended to my duct. I will be SO happy when it stays unplugged (this is the first one in over a month-but they are still annoying).

Never made it to the gym-still working on the duct and working out is not going to help it. Today's remedy is Rest, IB Prof, and cabbage leaves. =)

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

By the season-

Winter: Travel with Rosalie(....and Ron)-Las Vegas/Phoenix

Spring: Grow a garden-it's been THREE years since I last attempted a garden!

Summer: Lots of pool/beach time. Going out with a baby is intimidating. I know unless I face it I will only be more intimidated.

Fall: Run a 50K ultramarthon (or if all else fails a 13.1 or longer)

Baby is sleeping

2011-12-31T11:51:00.000-08:00

Baby is sleeping which means I get to post TWICE today!

As cheesy as this sounds-we've found new ways to show "I love you"

1) Ron fills up my water glasses by my pumping station-you have no idea how thirsty you can get and how many times I forget to fill them up before hand.

2) Before I leave for work I put a bottle at the top of the stairs for Ron. Breastmilk can stay out for several hours before going bad. She gets up between 8-9.

3) Whomever cleans the bottles. Rosalie goes through several bottles/day. Sometimes we put them in the dishwasher but often we clean them by hand.

4) Whomever gets up w/her at night or in the morning. She typically wants a snack sometime between 4-6am and then she'll go back to sleep for a few more hours (as mentioned before). Sometimes we get lucky and she sleeps through.

It's definitely a team effort.

Life

2011-12-31T10:37:00.000-08:00

Life has been super hectic lately. Rosalie had a great first Christmas. She brings out the best in me and inspires me to be a better version of myself. It's amazing how much she grows and develops. Rosalie interacts with us more everyday and her little personality is coming through.

It's official-work is sending me to Vegas for a trade show end of February! We are making it a family vacation. I will be busy with work-Ron said if he's going to have her 24/7 he'd rather watch her in Vegas then NC. I'm sure they will find some fun stuff to do while i'm working. =) Tenatively we are going to fly in a few days before and then drive or fly to visit my sister in Phoenix.

My feet are doing a lot better! I've cut back to walking and ab work. I've also been trying to work my way up to 200 squats. I'm at 100 continuous. Boy do my abs and butt hurt today!

Starting next week i'm going to meet Stephen for swim workouts again. One of my biggest obstacles to working out is this magnetic pull I feel to get back to Rosalie. I'm not ready to run with her in the jogging stroller (we do go for walks).

This week I met Shannon for a long walk-approx 3.5 miles. She's such a great friend and I feel sooooo lucky to have her in my life. Until Rosalie goes to daycare she's been helping us out since her days off are during the week. The other days I've been working from home some-which is really hard when you have an infant!

Shannon watched Rosalie on Thursday. She surprised me by cleaning/organizing my pantry. Shannon didn't say anything and the next morning when I opened it I was like hmmmm? Did a cleaning fairy visit during the night? She also clipped a ton of coupons for me. My weekly inserts have just been piling up b/c I've had no time to clip. We've been living off my stockpile-need to start couponing again b/c we are running low!

I'm almost at 3 pumps per day. Yesterday was the first official 3 pumps-I got 45 ounces total (which is still much more than she eats).

One of my good friends had a baby in September. She recently found out she was pregnant again and then miscarried. I felt terrible for her but she seemed at peace. Granted i'm breastfeeding-my 'aunt' made a quick appearance and we haven't been careful as we probably should be ourselves. Took a test and it was negative. I felt relieved, sad, and guilt. It's too early to be pregnant again, yet seeing the negative test made me feel sad. I felt guilty to be relieved for those in my life who want to be pregnant and can't.

As for my yearly goals-I want to do a 50K ultra run. This seems like a lofty goal right now. There are a couple race like the Seashore 50K December 2012 or Frosty 50K in January 2013. There are no goal times-just merely to not get injured during training and to finish. I think both races have a 8.5 hour cut off. Racing is going to be on the backburner this year. I like that when I run I can bring Rosalie along w/me.

Creeaaaaky

2011-12-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

The bed rest has left me feeling extremely creaky-I think pregnancy did somewhat but practically not moving for a month took a toll on my body.

Recently i've had a flair up of plantar fascitis. I had it when I was a Sophomore in college and didn't get it again until a few months ago. I'm giving it until the new year to go away or improve. In the meantime I'm stretching my calves and keeping my feet up as much as I can.

My energy levels are improving tremendously. I no longer want to go to bed the minute I get home from work. Yippee!

My newfound energy probably has a lot to do w/pumping-I've been able to drop to 4 pumps per day w/no problems! My daily output is around 50 ounces. Crazy to think I almost threw in the towel a month ago. I perservered and now am looking to be a milk donor. I have estimated 600 ounces 'in stock' and add approx 12 ounces to my stash per day.

I temporarily thought about selling my milk (insurance companies sell it for $185 an ounce and going price for individuals sell it for indepedntly $1-2 an ounce)-Oh-and in the US bodily products are NOT tax deductable (blood, semen, breastmilk). So even though a milk bank can turn around and sell the milk I cannot profit

My goal is eventually to get to 3 pumps per day at 15-17 ounces per pump.

Race Report-5K

2011-12-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

I ran the Will Caviness 5K for the Greensboro runner who died during the Chicago Marathon.

In sum: I'm being lazy and just copied the e-mail I sent to Shannon earlier.

The run went FANTASTIC! My goal 1) was to finish 2) finish in less than 45 minutes-I mean i've only run 2 miles straight so far and my walk pace right now is around an 18 min mile. 3) under 35 minutes-given if everything went well-I just started running 3 weeks ago!

It was one of the races where the only timing mat is the one on the end. So the clock starts ticking when the announcer says go rather then when u run over the mat. Anyway I was toward the middle/back. b/c i hate getting passed.lol

I didn't wear a watch so I had no idea when we started or how far into the race we were. The back half was pretty much all hills-so I have a good new course to train on. Surprisingly my abs hurt much more than my legs did. I finally got the point where I would run 25 strides up a hill and then walk the rest of the way up.

Finally turned back on W.Friendly so I knew the end was near-35.25! I couldn't believe it!

The silent warrior

2011-12-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

My sister Courtney is much different than I. Whereas i'm wide open she is much more private and reserved. I'm a talker. She is the listener. It's very hard to get her to talk about her accomplishments or her woes.

My sister had surgery on Wednesday to remove the cancer. The cancer was more widespread then the doctor's had previously thought. The doctors were able to save two papillary thyroids but they are so damaged it will take 6-12 months to heal/start working again.

The cancer spread to her lymphnodes. They took out lymphnodes in several regions. During surgery they sent off a biopsy of her sinus b/c they think it may have spread to it as well.

The doctors also think the cancer has spread into her lungs. I don't know much about this at this time. Courtney's surgery was nearly 7 hours long and she needs time to heal before they move on to her next step of treatment or further surgery.

The very sad part is that they've told Courtney she will most likely have a reoccurance within 5 years. She needs to stay on top of how she is feeling and immediately go to the doctor if she even *thinks* she feels a lump.

Courtney also has Crohn's disease-so its like a double whammy. I feel so guilty that she's always been so sick and i've always been so healthy.

I get a lot of recognition doing endurance races and being an athlete yet my sister has just as much 'fight' in her.

For years my training has been cyclical- me packing gels, planning workouts, and getting a medal at the end.

Every day my sister counts pills, plans her life around doctors appointments, and there is no shiny medal at the end-or perhaps hers is the most shiny of them all. Her medal is called life. She's been a silent warrior for years in her fight against Chrons.

Soon, at least for a while, she will have a title of 'cancer survivor'

Internship

2011-12-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

Today at work someone asked me who was watching Rosalie. I responded Shannon's watching her today. They said "Wow-isn't this the first time she's being watched by a non family member" Without hesistation I responded "she is a family member" I meant she was there when she made her entrance into the world!

Today was great because Shannon sent me a picture and updates when she could-Rosalie did keep her very busy.

When I came home we joked that it was like being on a internship. I know when I took care of Cole last year I learned a whole lot in a short period of time. However there was still plenty to learn once Rosalie was born!

On the workout front-I worked out Sunday and Monday. Sunday I ran 1 mile straight! Monday I did the running simulator for 30 minutes!

Myrtle Beach Trip

2011-11-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged in G's 21 random facts. So excited! She has a crazy amount of followers and she picked me! I feel like I just got picked first for dodgeball-post to follow

We went on our first family vacation. We were both EXHAUSTED. We debated several times whether or not to go. Ron had booked the trip the week I was placed on bedrest. We needed to use the trip or lose it by sometime in December. However we've had a lot of craziness here lately-breastfeeding woes, water heater went out, Caesar has an abcessed tooth (surgery tomorrow), me going back to work, Ron's last few projects/exams.

We decided we would rather go then wish we had. We were both SO GLAD we made the effort to go. It gave us a lot of confidence for future trips and we got to relax without a lot of distractions. If we'd stayed home we ~~probably~~ wouldn't have relaxed.

The first day we got to the hotel around 4-5. Went to Broadway, walked the circle while drinking Starbucks. Rioz has an Italian restaurant where Tripps used to be. Same concept except they also bring plates of pasta around. Neither of us was that hungry. We went back to the hotel so we could put Rosalie down for the night and Ron went to get Hamburger Joes. The food was DELICIOUS!

Second day Ron and I were still exhausted. I flat out said I didn't want to talk until after we'd eaten breakfast. The

complimentary breakfast place was in a seperate building and the night before didn't look to see how far away it was. Ron suggested driving-as I said I didn't care as long as we got their quick. Ron had gone out to get the burgers and forgot he had to park a ways a way! We walked all the way to the car, got Rosalie in the carseat, and drove 10 feet to the breakfast place. We both started laughing.

We ate at the complimentary breakfast buffet. Breakfast was nicer than we expected even had an omelet maker man. It was open seating and the place was packed. We saw another couple about my age so I asked if we could sit with them. They were from Raleigh and the girl had a "half marathon/marathon" race shirt on. We briefly talked about races-which they had completed one half.

This was their first time in Myrtle beach so we recommended they check out Broadway at the Beach. The girl asked how far was it from the hotel. I guessed 4-5 miles. I guess she didn't trust my mileage b/c the girl kept repeating they would probably walk there. Ron said "I would suggest you take a car b/c once you get there all you will do it walk around and then wish you had your car for the ride home."

She was also excited about an Ethiopian place they had eaten at the day before. Ron said "Ethiopian? what is Ethiopian food all I think of is the starving people in Africa" Ron is witty not mean spirited-the comments were a funny nature.

After that we loaded Rosalie in the car and we headed to the Boardwalk. We walked a while. It was surprisingly very warm and there were some people swimming/tanning on the beach. We split a gyro for lunch at this hole in the wall spot Ron loves. We eat at the place everytime we visit.

We went back to the hotel and went out on the pier. Then strolled along the beach. It was very nice. Ron grabbed takeout at Ultimate California Pizza kitchen. Yummm.

This morning we did takeout from the breakfast place so we could sleep in/rest some more. We took Rosalie's Christmas pictures on the beach and then went to River City Cafe for lunch. I've had the worst luck this year w/wait staff forgetting about my drinks. It's happened several times this year (moreso then I can ever remember). Anyways-burgers were good.

Working out

2011-11-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

My goal is to get in 3 30 minute workouts each week. This does not sound like much but it was hard to fit it in this week.

Monday-2 mile walk/run=32 min
Wednesday- 30 minutes on running simulator (different then elliptical)
Saturday-stroll on the beach w/Ron and Rosalie.

Other than that miscelleanous stretching and core

Dieting-I ate a salad for dinner Monday-Wednesday. I am going to hit the store and do that this week as well. Each night I tried different 'toppings' so I had a slightly different salad each day.

I like to eat oatmeal in the morning. Steel cut oats in the crockpot helped establish my supply (I don't know how or why but it does). Since i've had recent engorgement issues i'm taking a week off from oatmeal.

This week I'm going to eat bagels. I'm still brainstorming lunch. I try to make my lunches hearty to help avoid the mid afternoon crash.

Snacks: apples & bananas

I'm also going to make my own cranberry juice. I did this a few weeks ago and it was tasty. It's easy-boil cranberries, mash and strain, fill with water and let sit overnight. I add a pack of sugar substitute before I drink it.

Instead of mash and strain you could throw the mix in a blender but I thought it made the juice to 'pulp-py'

Challenging Week in.....

2011-11-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

BREASTFEEDING! Yeesh!  Lately I've been using, thinking, depending on the quote "never quit on a bad day." This week has been challenging in terms of breastfeeding-

Quitting anything is easier when the going gets tough. Who wants to quit when they are winning or when things are going well?

Another tidbit I pulled out from endurance training is that if it were easy everyone would do it.    There's going to be highs and lows. There were plenty of times I doubted whether or not I wanted to continue events. I thought about blowing big snot bubbles during my first half ironman. I continued on-eventually completing a 2nd half and a full.

This week I had several issues to overcome.
First-I went back to work and was tired
Second-Rosalie started sleeping through the night
=Me sleeping through the night going NINE hours without pumping. Anyone who has breastfed probably just made an 'ouch face'

My nursing pads were completely soaked through AND I still pumped 14 ounces. 2 hours later I pumped another 10.

Then on Wednesday-long story short-the HR lady told me I could no longer use the guest office to pump and I must use the bathroom. I stated their was a law that required a private room with a locked door. She stated "there's a lock on the stall."

OMG-and she was NOT joking!

Now there are several problems with this

Would you eat something that was prepared in a toilet stall let alone let your BABY eat it?

I mean on the fly maybe but everyday a few times a day!

1) There is no lid on the toilet
2) There are 2 stalls in bathroom
3) I use that time to catch up on more tedious work related tasks

So I instantly picture myself on the toilet w/no lid pumping trying to balance a laptop on my lap while the stall next to me is 'getting hit by their morning coffee'

Obviously that wasn't going to happen

Also-it is against the law. Obama signed a law that states breastfeeding women get a private non bathroom area with a locked door and reasonable break to pump. I cannot believe this law is only a year old and pumping in the bathroom was the norm.

Short story-I can use the guest office-which by the way no one has used in the year I've been there and the office is brand new.

Then on Thanksgiving I got a plugged duct. Worse one I've had. Nothing was relieving the pressure. After several hours of massage, heating pad, pump I read an article after article looking for new and different ideas
I read one that said to get your significant other to suck it out-Ummm I'm sorry but that is disgusting. Ron was glad I thought so (haha).

Found one that said to use epsom salt and a wet cloth-as hot as you can stand it. That finally opened it up.

Milk still was not 'free flowing' and still giving me some trouble so i've been diligent about keeping it open.

I've got until 12/6 (2nd goal) before I can officially quit-or if things stay cleared up I can continue on!

More firsts

2011-11-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

Since my doctor's appointment I've gotten the clear to resume normal activites.

Everything feels very different. I swam a 1000. The last time I swam 1000 meters was at 33 weeks pregnant. Swimming the 1000 meters was harder 6 weeks post partum. Granted it was most likely b/c of being on bedrest.

I've got loose belly skin from where my stomach stretched. Whenever I did a flip turn I felt like my belly skin went down to my knees. It was a weird sensation!

My original goal was to swim a 500, I ended up swimming 1000. Even though my pace was MUCH slower even with breaks I finished in 20 minutes.

I think I sat in the hot tub longer then my workout. Boy did I miss the hot tub!

Most women say the first time they run they feel like their insides are falling out. I felt that more with swimming then I did with running. With running my stride feels off. Its probably more of a combo of my hips getting wider and the extra weight. Running is similar to when I started walking. Now when I walk I feel like my normal self so we'll see.

Dieting front-well-I've got to be more aware in the afternoon! I hit that afternoon lull and I should grab a piece of fruit or drink juice. Instead I've grabbed doughnut and eclairs (not all at once but over the course of a few days).

One way I'm going to beat the mid afternoon lull is menu plan. For whatever reason I've always thought menu planning was stupid. Maybe it comes from my childhood when we ate the same thing every day each week? Monday-Spagetti, Tuesday-tacos, etc.

For the past 2ish months I've menu planned our weekend meals. Mainly because I realized I'd been feeding the freezer. There is no point in filling the freezer if we aren't going to eat what is in it! To this point I only planned weekends b/c Ron is weird and prefers to eat the same thing for lunch/dinner every day.

I no longer think menu planning is stupid and now I like planning the menu. Granted I end up changing it a few times but it takes a lot of guess work out of meals since I already have thought about what we have on hand.

Great first day back

2011-11-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

The anticipation of going back was much harder. Maybe it was because I visualized the morning over and over again until I was happy with the outcome?

Either way I got up somewhere in the early 5am to pump. Went back to bed for all of 10 minutes before Rosalie was hungry. Fed her and went back to bed for another 10-15 min. I decided to get up wayyy before my alarm and get everything ready for work so I could just lay down and hold her for a while.

I ended up holding her for 20 minutes-which felt like 5 minutes. I grabbed my stuff and headed out the door. As soon as I turned on my car I turned on my radio. Guess what was playing? CHRISTMAS TUNES! I LOVE CHRISTMAS TUNES!

As I was getting close to work one of my favorites-Little Drummer Boy started playing.

Long story short-everyone at the office was happy to see me. My boss had put some welcome back stuff around my cubicle. One of my coworkers brought Panera bagels in honor of my first day back. All my coworkers stopped by to see me. Big boss of our office called me while on vacation to wish me well. Several of my buyers and sales reps sent me nice e-mails.

I swung by my mom's house at lunch to see Rosalie. She was sleeping.

I was busy so the day went by quickly. I am glad the day came and gone! Now i'm enjoying my weekend and back to staring at her for hours. =)

Most difficult challenge yet

2011-11-17T17:57:00.000-08:00

When I think about the most "challenging" events of my life the following come to mind:

Moving as a child (age 8) from Northern CA to Southern CA
Moving from Southern CA to Greenboro, NC when I was 13
Moving completely out of my parents house when I was 18-no going home for the summers
Getting married-22
Getting laid off/First marathon/First half ironman-25
Ironman-26
Childbirth-27

Through all of those events there was a positive. A rainbow with a 'pot of gold' at the end. Tomorrow I go back to work and I think its going to be one of the hardest events I will ever go through. I've tried visualizing myself making it to work. Half of my visualizations end with me either driving home or pulling over on the side of the road crying my eyes out.

My mom wrote me a note
It'll be difficult to leave Rosalie at the beginning. Just remind yourself she's with people who love her dearly. That thought probably won't be much help tomorrow but you'll understand soon. Just remember when you come to get her how excited both of you will be to see each other.

I appreciated the note -there is just no substitute for MOM. I'm trying to focus on all the positives and not let myself dwell on it. Balance is key.

I remember so often people saying 'better do x,y,z before you have kids-you won't have time after." Its not b/c you don't have time-its because you want to spend your time differently.

Just can't decide

2011-11-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

As far as future races I am having a hard time deciding what I want to do. I love triathlon but part of me wants to focus on running. A month ago I wanted to concentrate on cycling and had a whole plan for that so who knows!

I'm still interested in beating the time goals I set for myself last year. From now until January my main goal is weightloss and injury prevention-so technically I have a few months of tweaking what I want to do.

By the time Rosalie's first birthday comes around I would love to PR in an endurance event-whether it be B2B half Ironman, or a full marathon (maybe an ultra 50K). A month of bed rest depleted my physical fitness-I'm starting COMPLETELY over. Which is fine-she is TOTALLY worth it but I would love to safely/smartly train for an endurance event (and PR).

OR do I want to focus on getting really fast at the short stuff? 5K/10K/13.1?

Either way I will swim and cycle to cross train.

What am I doing now??

My 6 week check up is tomorrow so I will get 'the clear' to exercise.

As stated earlier my goal from now until the end of the year is:
1) Eating healthy and trying to lose weight through nutrition first. Although I'm not stepping on any scales =) I'm back to eating a salad everyday and trying to limit non nutritious food. Before I start high impact exercise I want to lose more weight to avoid injury. I'm breastfeeding so I'm not 'dieting' just eating nutritiously.

2) I'm also stretching and following some injury prevention exercises to strengthen and get my body ready to get back to 'hard core' exercising. I'm not sure how much time during the week I will have to exercise but I can work out longer on the weekend.

6 Weeks

2011-11-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

I most likely will be going back to work on Friday. I CAN'T believe Thursday will be 6 weeks since she's been born.

A big part of me does not want to go back. A good chunk of me wants to throw away my career ambition. Rationally I know that's not wise, emotionally its going to be soooooo hard to be away from her. Since she's been born I've spent maybe 2 hours tops away from her.

Daycare IS a good thing. Rosalie is a social baby and I know it will be good for her to go. It's good for me to go to work the rational side of me knows I need more than staying home. Working part time is not something i'm interested in right now. I could work from home but she would still need to be in daycare so that defeats the purpose. The best solution is to have her in daycare close to where I work. 4 minute car ride is pretty close.

She doesn't start daycare until the end of January. I'm fortunate that Ron, my mom, and Shannon will help watch her. Plus I am taking off a few days here and there (granted why I'm going back sooner).

I still don't know how single moms or women (or men) with non/un-supportive spouses do this. Ron is so helpful and I know it keeps me sane. I think Rosalie is a happier baby b/c of it.

I have one friend who's husband is gone during the week and another who's husband is in the military. It's hard on them but they get it done. I can't imagine not having a spouse/significant other at all or having one that does nothing to help.

I have so much I should be doing right now. Rosalie is napping-At the top of the list-I need to be writing down instructions on her for when I go back to work but I keep avoiding it.

Anyways-slightly switching subjects, this Thursday I will have met my 6 week breastfeeding goal! I debated about buying another pump for work b/c it would be a big pain if I forgot mine at home. Then I came to the realization that IF I forgot the pump Ron could always drop it off with Rosalie at daycare! So a few hundred dollars saved there!

I have a love hate relationship with breastfeeding. If you've been reading my blog I exclusively pump-which is not popular. I think its a great alternative to traditional breast feeding.

The biggest pros are
1) Convenience-
A)For the most part you can pump on your own schedule. Granted to get started you need to pump as much as many times as the baby eats which means pumping 8-10x a day. Even if substituting with formula I still needed to pump so my body would know to produce.
B) Ron can help with feedings

2)Breast feeding perks-Mom and baby get all the perks of regular traditional breastfeeding.

The only thing I don't like about pumping is probably the same as if I was traditional breastfeeding-I'm at the mercy of my boobs!

My next goal is to breast feed until December 6th when she will be 2 months old.

Thinking about breast feeding for one whole year is a daunting overwhelming task. Before I got pregnant that was my plan but its one of those things where it sounds nicer in theory! I'm not sure how long I will breastfeed but I need small goals.

I have almost a weeks worth of frozen breast milk (over 100 ounces).

New PR is 45 ounces. I set this about a week ago. At this time I actually don't need to produce any more than what I am producing now. I count my first two pumps and after that I've stopped counting. I need to pump to maintain my supply but I'm working on dropping my total times needed to pump.

Now I only pump 5-6x per day. The longest stretch is 6 hours at night.

1 Year

2011-11-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

Its been quite a year in our household. My life has changed so much from this time last year.
Currently I can do a plank for 30 seconds and I don't think I can run 1 mile straight. However-I'm no couch potato-check out my year in a glance!

11/13/2010 I finished Beach to Battleship Iron Distance

In the past year-
I completed an Ironman

Trained my mom to complete her first half marathon 12/12/2010

2 fantastic job offers in one day 1/25/2011

Formally accepted new job-2/1/2011

Began new job 2/14/2011-traveled to New Jersey, Florida, and Texas over the next few weeks. Got to stay in fantastic hotels and eat fabulous meals.

Found out I was pregnant

Found out it was a girl

WEEK 17

WEEK 23

Continued to exercise

Finished 1 race

Went to the beach a few times

30 Weeks

Generous family and friends gave us 3 baby showers! 7/23, 8/13, 8/26

1 Month of bedrest 9/5-10/5

1 Healthy baby 10/6

11/8/2011 1 month Ped appointment=12lb baby and + 3 inches

11/12/2011 Fit into pre pregnancy fat jeans!!!!

What a year!

First Race planned

2011-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

I wasn't planning on doing any races until February but when I got the facebook 'invite' regarding the Will Caviness Memorial 5K I knew I wanted to sign up.

The 5K is on December 10th-I know I can do the distance i'm not really 'racing' it but I figured it will be a good beginning baseline.

Gulp!

Time flies

2011-11-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Time flies! I cannot believe Rosalie is a month old today.

She slept for 4.5 hours last night.

I will do a more indepth post, for now all I keep thinking about is how I can't wait for my sister Courtney to meet Rosalie.

Courtney lives in Arizona-so she will meet Rosalie when she comes home for Christmas. Courtney was recently diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. Although they caught it at stage 1 and she will be fine after surgery/treatment plan it's still scary that your sibling has Cancer.

This year i've realized that despite all the endurance training and events i've participated I've taken my health for granted.

Sleep Deprivation

2011-11-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Sleep Deprivation reminds me of Gollum from Lord of the Ring. The longer you go without sleep the more your mind starts playing tricks on you thus leading to sleep deprived induced spats.

Both of us want to get up with Rosalie and we both want our sleep. We've come up with good rotations but we are still getting into a groove. I don't know how some couples or single parents do it when we have great communication with each other and still have a hard time with getting enough sleep.

I'm still pumping! I'm up to just under 40 ounces per day. I've got about 10 days before I reach my first goal of 6 weeks.

Rosalie had a few outings this week. Thursday she was 4 weeks old. We went to visit my grandparents. Friday we went to Harris Teeter and CVS. Today (Saturday) we went for a 2 mile walk. I love my jogging stroller. It has speakers so I can plug in my ipod and still listen to music.

Yesterday, I went back to Harris Teeter after Ron got home. It's super doubles-
For about $10 I got
Buitoni's meal for 2, Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread, Pint of Haagen Daaz, 3 bottles of Pelligrino, Speciality Jalapeno and Monterry Cheese hot dogs, frozen pizza, 8 mini pack of Coke

With couponing, you have to take more into consideration then just the coupons itself. $10 may seem high to some-but
1) the retail value of my order would have been over $35
2)These are all premium items

First Run

2011-11-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

This morning I got up at 5. I fed Rosalie, pumped, and got dressed. The weather was FREEZING! My car thermometer read 36 degrees and there was frost all over the windsheild.

I drove to Harris Teeter. I collected my coupons and stepped outside my vehicle. It was still FREEZING so I decided to RUN to the door. All 10 feet.

and it felt good!

My 6 week appointment is roughly 2 weeks away-I'm not pushing it until then. =)

Love my baby

2011-10-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this baby. Seriously she is fantastic-even when she's not.

Last night I was changing a pooey diaper. As Ron passed the changing table she shot poo 3 feet and almost hit him. This was the first time we've seen poo shoot out like that. We both screamed and Ron jumped 10 feet. Ron started asking "Did it hit me? Did it hit me?" and I laughed hysterically.

Rosalie gets a really big goofy grin-we haven't been able to get a good shot of the big goofy grin mainly because when she does it we can't stop looking at her long enough to take the picture.

Yesterday, she was laying next to me and I heard a "heh-heh-heh" sounded like a chuckle. I look over and she has a BIG smile and it looked like she was chucking in her sleep.

I quickly googled 'when do babies start laughing' and it seems like this milestone is a ways off. However, this morning she did it again-twice! I know it's not a 'sense of humor' laugh but I couldn't help but smile each time I heard it.

Going back to work is going to be tough. I have been employed less than a year (FMLA 12 weeks you need to be employed for at least a year) so I am lucky to get 6 weeks off. I know a few people who have been in my shoes and had to go back at 3 weeks. My boss is really great. She came and visited me in the hospital and stopped by the house and brought me dinner.

On a good day, I think I could do this full time. On a bad day, going back to work is the light at the end of the tunnel.

She starts daycare in January (Ron and my mom will watch her after I go back to work). The daycare is 4 minutes from my work and located in the same building my grandparents live. It's nice to know that even if i'm not with her my grandparents and mom can go see her anytime.

Happy 3 weeks!

2011-10-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

What you ate: 100% Breastmilk!
Likes: Sleeping with Mom & Dad, Feeding time, bath time
Dislikes: Gas, getting your bottle taken out too soon
Development: Recognize Mom & Dad's voice, lifting your head

New PR 35.5 OZ! Granted she eats about as much as I produce. I have been able to store 12 oz in the freezer.

Tonight we gave Rosalie her first bath. I unknowlingly ate something that gave her gas. We'd tried massage, bicycle legs, warm towel and burping-Everything only helped temporarily so finally we decided to give her a bath (her cord fell off last week).

I think we may have a little swimmer on our hands! She was crying bloody murder. We put her in the infant bath (I was also in the tub) and she immediately paused. No crying whatsoever. We kept the bath somewhat short because it's better to end on a positive note.

On another note:

There is very limited resources in regards to training after pregnancy. The one universal is taking it easy.

I did nothing for the first 2 weeks. The last week I started light stretching, easy abs, and hip exercises. Basically my plan is as if I was recovering from a running related injury. Pregnancy throws your body out of balance so I'm focusing on slowly working out the kinks and making sure my body is in balance.

I feel so much better already. I'd rather take it too easy then do to much and 1) not heal properly or #2 injure myself

First Cold

2011-10-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Last night Rosalie got really stuffy and wheezy. Since we turned on the radiators in our house I started using a humidifier. I tried the saline drops and bulb syringe, keeping her head elevated, and finally sat in the bathroom with the shower on high. The steam really cleared her up.

Still-I was so paranoid she slept with me. After her 6am feeding she decided to be playful. I was so relieved she seemed to be feeling better I played with her. At 7:30 I was exhausted so I put her in her bouncy seat (to keep her head elevated) next to my bed. She woke up again at 9-Ron got up with her and I slept until 10.

It sounds like I slept in but lets remember I was up from 2:30-3 and then 6-7:30 plus had the baby in my arms.

When I woke up at 10 she seemed sick again. Peds told me to come in today. I started to get so worried something was wrong-more than a cold. Luckily she just has a cold and I was doing all the right things. The Ped also told me to use Baby Vicks.

Hopefully tonight will be better!

New PR-30Oz daily total!

Weeks 1 & 2

2011-10-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

First off-New PR: Daily collection-26 Oz!

I've compared this whole pregnancy in terms of Ironman. While I thought the actual giving birth was tougher than completing Ironman, recovery was harder with Ironman.
After giving birth I got to bring home this cutie:

After B2B I had a hard time moving around for days. I remember when we came home I laid in bed for an entire day and didn't go downstairs.

Recovering from pregnancy hasn't been a walk in the park-it's literally been a pain in the a$$,

However, I know without a doubt I want to have another child whereas after B2B I wasn't sure I wanted to do another Iron distance.

Rosalie was born on October 6th-Not sure if the first week counts as week zero or week one.

Week 1:

What you ate: 1/3 Breastmilk 2/3 Formula
Likes: Sleeping with Mom & Dad, Feeding time, White fluffy blanket
Dislikes: Getting your diaper changed
Development: Recognize Mom's voice, lifting your head

Week 2
What you ate: 3/4 Breastmilk 1/4 Formula
Likes: Same as week 1, Monkey vibrating chair
Dislikes: Gas-Cross our fingers it doesn't last too long but you let out blood curdling screams, diaper changed
Development: Recognizing Dad's voice, Holding your head and turning to one side.

New PR and New Attitude

2011-10-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Really? It's Saturday?

All my days feel like one really long day. Since Rosalie's been born I haven't slept more than 4 hours. Even when Ron gets up with her-I still need to pump. The nice part about Ron waking up with her is that instead of me being up for 45 min-1 hour I'm only up for 20-25.

Where does the time go?

When Rosalie starts moving around I know its only a matter of time before she wakes up. Go heat the water. The upstairs microwave takes 2 minutes. Rosalie normally starts a small "i'm kinda hungry" cry during the time it takes the water to heat up. We change her while the bottle warms up. By the time we change her she transitions into a 'I'm ready to eat cry' so then wah-la bottle is ready to go!

She takes her time eating so we burp her halfway through and at the end. Then we re-swaddle her and put her back to bed.

Then its time for me to pump. A good time saver trick I read is to stick the pump parts in the fridge and wash once per day. Since I'm exclusively pumping-that meant washing the parts 8-12 times a day. That is a lot of time to be washing parts. Breastmilk stays good in the fridge for 5 days-so I do a quick rinse and then throw them in a bag and put them in the fridge.

Nursing didn't work for us-some people think i'm crazy to exclusively pump but (for us) I think the benefits outweigh exclusively using formula.

I have some new PRs

Most Breastmilk collected in one sitting: 6.25 ounces
Most Breastmilk collected on one Boob: 3.25 ounces
Most Breastmilk collected in one day: 25 ounces

I'm really frustrated with some people in my life. I didn't mind visitors in the hospital but once we got home it was really important to me that for the first week
Ron, Rosalie and I developed a system/routine before we started inviting visitors and such. That first week especially would set the tone for our family. I felt like that first week especially we were more fragile and it was important for Ron and I to lean on each other. I can't stress enough how helpful it was for our neighbor bringing us dinner and Shannon cleaned before we got home. We only had to focus on each other.

Some people didn't respect our wishes-they either envisioned something different in their heads or thought i'd change my mind.

It's been one thing after another. I'm sleep deprived and have a newborn to care for-I don't make any apologies for people being so petty. If ever in my life I should have gotten a pass for 'not proper etiquette' is now.

That day should have been just about me and Rosalie. I was induced before 39 weeks because I had a medical reason-I had Pre Eclampsia which was dangerous for me and for Rosalie. Ron wasn't able to cut the cord-he didn't let that spoil the day.

I'm proud of us. Rosalie is 2+ weeks old and even though we've had a few sleep-deprived induced spats still getting along great. I have more important things to spend my time on then what's going on in the peripheral. I wish some people would focus on what's important rather than what I should have done.

Misc

2011-10-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

If you would have told me I'd feel well rested after 3 hours of sleep I probably wouldn't have believed it! Rosalie slept in 3 hour spurts last night. I credit daddy's swaddling.

She's 10 days old and growing like a weed. We put one of her newborn outfits on last night and it doesn't fit anymore. Sniff Sniff-it must have shrunk in the wash. I'm in denial!

Ron and I spent the first week just us to try to limit stressors and focus on us three getting into a groove. Shannon has been a huge help. Since October 5th we were called and said "Go to the hospital ASAP" we didn't have time to get the downstairs visitor ready. Ron had a big exam, I'm supposed to be taking it easy. It was stressful thinking about everything that needed to be done. Shannon surprised us and cleaned our whole downstairs. It was so nice to come home and have everything nice and clean.

My neighbors cooked us dinner every night for a week. Everything was homemade and it gave us something to look forward to every day. It distracted us from being tired or having to think about what to cook. Shannon also brought us breakfast and our friend Jennifer brought us lunch. It's the little things that can make the biggest difference.

I'm still being monitored for Eclampsia. My sister Courtney is having medical issues. My sister Katie unexpectedly had her appendix removed last week.

My dad has really stepped up to the plate. I can't remember the last time I saw my dad this much. It makes me feel good to watch him hold Rosalie and take an interest in her.

Rosalie is amazing. I could spend all day watching her. She is starting to smile. She likes the sun as much as her mother does. =)

My relationship with Ron is deeper. Since you alway hear horror stories about labor, he had prepared himself for me to be really mean. He said I surprised him by only yelling at him once (during one of the contractions he started to laugh and I yelled "COUNT"). Ron said he thinks I've been in a great positive mood whereas usually I'm cranky if I don't get any sleep. I credit Ron. There were a few times in the first day or so I felt myself getting worked up by things going on in my personal life. Ron brought me back to the important stuff-I could either focus on Rosalie or the other stuff. I chose to focus on my newborn and shut out the negativity.

BF vs Formula Feeding

2011-10-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

My goal was to try breastfeeding. I liked the health benefits for the baby, helps mothers loose weight, and its cost efficient. Not everyone can breastfeed, so I kept that in the back of my mind and received a number of Similac formula samples.

From talking with other mothers and researching online, I knew I needed a double electric breast pump. The nice models are a few hundred dollars. Since I didn't know if breastfeeding was going to work, I went with a budget conscious model. I figured if it works out I can always buy the better model. If it doesn't-I just saved myself a few bucks

In the hospital, Rosalie had a good latch. She had a few episodes of cluster feeding (feeding a lot). She never seemed like she got enough. I asked the nurses and they said she was fine. I should keep offering her my breast. I noticed she favored the left side.

Day 3 my milk hadn't come in and I knew she was hungry. She was screaming her head off and I felt helpless. I decided I wasn't going to let my baby starve and I broke open the formula. Rosalie slept good and so did Ron and myself.

I've been exclusively pumping for almost a week now. Rosalie eats more than I can provide so we monitor/supplement how much she eats of breast milk vs formula. It might be more work but we give her breast milk first and if she is still hungry then we give her formula.

At first we were mixing it, but if she ended up not being hungry then we would just have to pour the breastmilk out. So that's why we keep them separate.

Don't want to miss a thing

2011-10-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Aerosmith song "Don't want to miss a thing" sums up how I feel about parenthood. I never thought I could function so well on so little sleep. Partly I have no choice-Ron has a cold so I'm up with her. People have volunteered to watch her plenty of times but I don't want to miss anything. She is growing so fast already and her personality is forming.

Thursday night was fairly uneventful-she woke up every 2-3 hours eating crazy amounts of food. 5oz in one sitting and then would be hungry 2 hours later!

Yesterday we had visitors at 12, 1, and 2. Then we went to my friend Anitra's house. Normally I wake her up but Rosalie slept most of the day. Last night she got up EVERY hour. Between the normal feedings and changings-she got painful gas. Shortly after we worked out the gas I noticed her nose was stuffy.

It's hard for her to eat if her nose is stuffy. The Ped said her nose would get stuff and gave us a recipe for homemade nose drops. I made the solution (1 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt), dropped a tiny bit in her nose and then used the nasal syringe-Wahla-Unclogged nose!

By 7am-I was practically falling asleep while feeding her. My eyes were so droopy from only getting 45 min-1 hour sleep .

I wanted to pump b/c I felt 'full' Rosalie was awake so I put her in the Boppy inbetween my legs. She flashed me this giant smile-she has dimples! After that we just played.

Ron is feeling better so I'm going to take a nap!

Greensboro Firefighter Dies After Collapsing in Chicago Marathon

2011-10-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Caviness' are a wonderful family. I know Kathy and Sean (Will's brother) and their 4 kids-very athletic family.

I've read articles where an athlete dies during a race or training but I guess this hits home for me. Will had 2 kids-a 4 year old and a 10 month old. He is the same age as my husband.

On Will's marathon training page he posted a motivational quote:

At Mile 20 I thought I was dead
At Mile 22 I wished I were dead
At Mile 24 I knew I was dead
At Mile 26.2 I realized I'd become to tough to kill

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)— A firefighter from Greensboro died Sunday after collapsing 500 yards from the finish line of the Chicago Marathon.

Capt. William Caviness, 35, died around noon at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Asst. Chief Clarence Hunter with the Greensboro Fire Department said.
Caviness was an 8-year veteran of the department who leaves behind a wife and two small children. He had previously worked out of Station #5, but most recently served Station #14 on Summit Avenue.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Caviness family. The Greensboro Fire Department is grieving this great loss and will strive to support his family through this difficult time," Greensboro Fire Chief Greg Grayson said.
Caviness was running the marathon to raise money for the IAFF Burn Foundation. Fellow rescuers described the firefighter as a fine, young leader and an avid runner who had trained intensively for the event.

"Will's commitment to raising funds and awareness for the IAFF Burn Foundation were only rivaled by his commitment to the safety of the citizens of Greensboro and his crew on Engine 14," IAFF Local 947 President Dave Coker said.

According to a site set up for donations, the firefighter had gathered $2,475 for the foundation, which works to improve the quality of life for burn victims, by Sunday afternoon. As of Monday afternoon, the amount raised on the page had increased to more than $8,000.
Chicago police spokesman Darryl Baety said Caviness collapsed to the ground around 10:30 a.m. while running near the city's South Side.

Five to six emergency medical doctors in addition to EMS personnel were stationed nearby, and there was "an immediate response, within seconds," race medical director Dr. George Chiampas said.

Medical personnel were able to get the runner's heart beating again, but he died an hour and 30 minutes after he was attended to, Chiampas said.

The family has been notified, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Both Caviness' wife and brother, who is also a Greensboro fire captain, were at the race when the tragedy occurred.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

The medical examiner's office said an autopsy is planned for Monday.

The race-time temperature was 64 and reached the high 70s on Sunday afternoon, the fourth time in five years the weather was unusually warm.

Even so, Chiampas said only 54 people were taken by ambulance to the hospital this year, compared to 100 in 2010 and 85 in 2008 under similar conditions.

"Temperature spikes did not occur," Chiampas said. "We had some cool lake breezes that came in toward mid-day and later in the afternoon, which kept us in that yellow (alert level). We never went to red, which we did have to go into in 2010 and 2008."

The incident marks the second time in five years that a runner died at Chicago's marquee race.

Chad Schieber, a 35-year-old Michigan police officer and father of three, died during the 2007 race. An autopsy blamed his death on a heart condition called mitral valve prolapse, and coroners said tests showed no evidence he was dehydrated.

After Schieber's death, organizers improved communication between various agencies and the runners. They also added more water distribution points and medical aid stations.

There have been a handful of deaths recently at triathlons and the sport's governing body in the U.S. is creating a task force to determine if anything can be done to prevent them. That decision by USA Triathlon comes in the wake of deaths at events in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Louisville, Ky.

Even so, incidents like this remain rare.
At marathons, Chiampas said they usually occur near the finish line or within the last half mile or mile

"There's some thought that during the competition, if there's some type of adrenalin surge, that potentially may be one of the issues that puts them in this type of situation," Chiampas said. "Those are some of the things that we look at

Will Caviness Memorial Fund

Greensboro Municipal Federal Credit Union

217 N. Greene Street

Greensboro, NC 27401

Baby Love

2011-10-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

My Iron Baby

2011-10-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

The induction started at 7am. Nurse Melissa started me on Pitocin. Normal Ironman starting time is 7:00am-so my goal was to have a baby by 9:18PM. Nurse Melissa knew what Ironman was-I asked her if that was reasonable and she told me that average first time births is around 12 hours but Pitocin has longer labor times so Yes it was a reasonable goal!

Shortly after, Shannon brought breakfast for Ron and they ate outside the room. During labor food is not allowed-I wasn't allowed to eat Wednesday night either! The last thing I wanted was to smell Biscuitville.

While Shannon and Ron were eating breakfast, Nurse Melissa came back to check on me. I was having regular contractions-The contractions weren't all that painful but they made me want to throw up! I asked Nurse Melissa what normally happens when being induced. She said in a few hours they would break my water to help speed things up.

10 min later (roughly 9am) Shannon and Ron came back. I felt something warm below and instantly thought I peed on myself. I grabbed a tissue and FLOOD. I squealed and tried to take my sweatpants off (yes i'm modest and I was wearing sweatpants!). Ron helped get the pants off and Shannon ran for Nurse Melissa.

Nurse Melissa said "Wow-you weren't kidding about trying to beat your Ironman time" haha. Since my water had broken she didn't check dilation until 2PM. My dad came by to visit with us at 10ish. I was still in really good spirits, taking phone calls/texts, and updating facebook.

Shannon got lunch for herself and Ron. When she came back Ron left-Ron had a big exam the next day so I 'gave him permission' to go study in a quiet place at the hospital. When my dad came back around 1:30 I wasn't in high spirits anymore-My computer was closed and no phone calls/texts from me! The monitor was wigging me out because my contractions had maxed out on the screen. Meaning: The contractions on the screen look like a bell curve-well you couldn't see the top of the curve anymore. I didn't like that! I stopped looking at the screen.

At 2PM Nurse Melissa came to check me and I was at 5cm. She said that average women dilate 1cm per hour at that point and push time would be around 2 hours.

I was very focused on NOT having an epidural-I didn't even think about other pain meds that were available. Shannon went and found Ron. I grabbed some Ironman training tips out of my bag. When I'm in the middle of a long or challenging swim, bike, run I count my strokes, pedal, or strides up to a certain number and repeat. Ron held my hands and pulled one direction and I pulled the other. I told Ron when my contractions started and he would count until I told him it was over.

I was having back labor. Shannon would rub my back HARD during that time. I focused either on Ron counting or I counted each time Shannon did an up/down on my lower back. In our birth and baby class the instructor said to use gravity to help move things along-don't just lay in the bed. The contractions were getting closer together and really painful. My goal was to wait until 3:30 to get rechecked. At 3:15 I went to the bathroom and made it through 2 contractions by myself.

I came out and asked for Nurse Melissa. Either Ron or Shannon went to find Nurse Melissa (I don't know why we didn't use the call button). Nurse Melissa rechecked me and said I was an 8-8.5. Since I was dilating quickly she sat in our room. She commented we should be teaching a class because we were so coordinated! When I was getting closer to a 10 I started breaking down b/c of the pain.
Ron looked at me a firmly stated "Alex-Look at me-FOCUS-DEEP CLEANSING BREATH-LET'S GO"
Without missing a beat Shannon started counting. Ron would lead me through a few deep cleansing breaths and then a couple of hee-hee-hee-hoos- and then finish with a cleansing breaths until I was done (My contractions were lasting 50-60 seconds give or take).

I started getting an urge to push so Nurse Melissa rechecked me and sure enough it was time to push. My mom hadn't gotten to the hospital yet so I looked at Ron and said "Can Shannon stay?" Ron said "yes she can stay" I looked at Shannon and said "Do you want to stay?" Shannon said "Yes"

All my strategies were for breathing. When you are pushing you are supposed to hold your breath. At this point I was in so much pain the contractions seemed endless as soon as one would stop another would start. Pushing seemed to go in slow motion. I kept asking for the doctor-I knew that I wasn't close until the doctor was in the room. Nurse Melissa called for the doctor twice because I was going so fast.

When the doctor came in, I was covered in sweat. She said "Let's get you cleaned up" I said "what" She said "you are covered in sweat let's get you cleaned up." I said "Let's get this show on the road" and wiped my gown across my face! Somehow a wet washcloth appeared and Ron wiped away my sweat.

We started pushing-Shannon would count to 10 and then I needed to breath and continue to push for 10 seconds etc. Well-I couldn't hold my breath for 10 seconds for anything. I yelled "Count to 8" so Shannon counted to 8 and I made it a goal to hold my breath past the 8. So Shannon started counting to 8 and then either she or someone else would yell BREATHE and then repeat. I kept my eyes shut and my teeth together.

I remember screaming "I'M AN IDIOT" referring to not using any meds or epidural. As we got closer the doctor looked at me and asked "Do you have a birth plan"
Me "WHAT"
Doctor: Birth Plan-do you have one? Do you mind tearing or Epi"
Me: "I DON'T CARE"

At this point it seemed like the time warped into slow motion. I heard Ron yell "She's comingggggggggg" and it felt like she was stuck and I screamed "GET THIS BABY OUTTA MEEEEEEEE" and then a big release of pressure.

I opened my eyes and saw Ron glance at me and glance at the baby saying "She's here She's here" and I looked at Shannon and her eyes were full of tears and she screamed "YOU DID IT" and then they put Rosalie on my chest. I couldn't believe she was here. Ron gave me a kiss.

I got a 2nd degree tear so I needed to be stitched up. My body shook all over-I grabbed Ron and said "Don't leave me" and Shannon went to take the first shots of Rosalie being measured/weighed. I felt bad about this later but Ron said he was so worried about me he didn't even give it a second guess.

Born at 38 weeks-Rosalie measured 22 inches-8lbs 6 ounces born at 4:35PM-killed my Ironman time!

After everything was cleaned up, my family was allowed to visit the birth room. Since I didn't use meds or epi, I was able to walk with Ron and Rosalie to the nursery.

Rosalie has a loud voice (I guess she gets it from me) and the nurses joked "Who let the toddler loose in the nursery" haha.

She's here

2011-10-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Rosalie Helen Farlow

Born 10-6-2011

8lb 6 ounce

22 inches long

So in love-birth story to follow

Big Day!

2011-10-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today is Ron's birthday. As I mentioned yesterday-it's been a month of "anytime now." I woke up and felt different.  I was sure she was going to be in until her due date and that was going to be that.

I went to my doctor's appointment at 4.  The doctor checked me and said if I needed to be induced I would be a good candidate. Of course-induction was going to be a last option unless medically necessary. For 1-I'm a few days shy of 39 weeks. 2-I'm fine with staying on bedrest if it keeps her in until 39 weeks.

The doctor said the final say was going to be my 24 urine test/bloodwork.  Ron got home a little after 8. I hadn't heard from the doctor so just decided that my labs must be fine.

Well then the doctor called and asked what I was doing. I responded we were watching TV and eating dinner. She said "well, go grab your bags and make your way to the hospital" I asked her if she was kidding. She said my labs/24 urine test I was Pre Eclamptic and I needed to be induced.

Ron and I both were in shock. We already had our stuff packed. I wanted the dishwasher to be filled before we left and I wanted to paint my toes. Of course I can't reach my toes so I made Ron paint them for me. =)

Just like at a race everything is hurry up and wait! If you round up-Rosalie is at 39 weeks.

Today's update

2011-10-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

Ultrasound tech took tons of measurements and her machine generated that Rosalie is 8lbs 10 ounces @38 weeks which is 90th percentile. The ultrasound can be +/- 10% but even at -10% she's supposedly bigger then average baby.

Just want her to come out already-this anticipation is crazy.

I go back and forth in my head visualizing the birth. Of course Ron's going to be there. My mom and Shannon are on standby-not necessarily IN the room when she's being born but helping through the hours of labor. We'll see how it goes-I know first time labors usually take 14+ hours but I'm thinking mine might go quicker-wishful thinking? =)

Tomorrow is Ron's birthday-think positive thoughts for us!

96%

2011-10-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am 96% to my October 15th due date. I am thinking about this in terms of Swim, Bike, Run. If she comes before her due date, it's like I found out I swam with the current or hit a tail wind on the bike. If she comes after I swam upstream or hit wind on the bike.

96% of a full Ironman puts me approx at mile 135.0
96% of a full marathon puts me approx at mile 25.2

Keeping this analogy-swim was fairly easy, bike went great, but everything fell apart on the run. All factors outside my control. The weather was too hot, didn't have any water, tripped on a root, and am finishing with a death march. You got to roll with the punches and have a good attitude.

The first and second trimesters were problem free. The third trimester my pregnancy has turned high risk. There's nothing I could have 'done' to avoid this end scenario. I also pictured myself run/walking a 5k in October-due to my blood pressure issues I can only get up to go to the bathroom. I guess it beats having to use a bed pan.

I've been trying to stay positive, although I feel like a big complainer!

When I first started having issues a month ago, it was hard to believe I was sick. I remember my doctor coming in saying "What is Ms. Fit & Healthy doing in a hospital bed?" Really, never in a million years would I have guessed I'd have a high risk pregnancy.

One thing that's annoying is that people always want to tell me a 'worser' case or are too nosey. I don't mind sharing a lot of info but I consider the source. If I think someone is asking to be gossipy, I give out little information. I'm pretty much an open book but I don't like the idea of people acting like this is no big deal.
I go in for a growth ultrasound tomorrow. We recently found out that at 34 weeks, Rosalie was in the 87th percentile-I'll be interested to see what it is now.

Bach Bach

2011-09-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

I am a dork-I am fascinated by whole fryer chickens. Chicken broth has soooo many health benefits I want to have a lot on hand for this winter. This week Harris Teeter has them on sale for 59cent/lb-with coupons and mail in rebates it makes it an even better deal!

We've gotten 8 chickens so far and I've cooked 3. 1)paprika & garlic powder 2) lemon pepper 3) garlic salt and pepper. Chicken number 4 is going to be fruity stuffed and chicken number 5 is going to be root veggie stuffed. These chickens are going to be Ron's lunch meat for the next few months. He is shredding the chicken.

Chickens #6-8 are going to be deboned (lucky Ron!) and placed in various marinades for quick dinners.

Depending on if we have any Tupperware or glassware left we might buy a few more. We've done a bacon/ chicken and that has a nice flavor too.

Plus when Rosalie comes we have one less thing to worry about!

We are left with lots of chicken carcasses! Last year I think I wrote a couple posts on my fascination with homemade chicken broth. I am going to experiment with gravy and bullion (which is just condensed chicken stock) in addition to making a good chicken soup broth.

Oh and-you can pick back through the bones (i'd recommend waiting until after the bones have cooled) and find more meat. This meat is usually not as tasty since its probably been cooking for a while but its fine to use in dishes where you need a *hint* of chicken-like a dip, quesadilla , soup, etc.

Picking back through the bones is interesting-to say the least. The last time I made broth from a whole chicken carcass (b/c if we eat chicken legs, split chicken breast, etc I will save the bones and make broth) I was in the first trimester. I couldn't stop gagging long enough to pick through the chicken -so I threw in the towel and just threw the remaining carcass away!

Today was not the day-not a post for the guys!

2011-09-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

The nurse took my blood pressure and it was super high the first time and then they checked it an hour later and it was elevated but not enough to have me induced or admitted.

Spoke with the high risk doc and she looked over my file. Since my BP was high she ordered NS test and ultrasound for positioning/fluid levels.

One of the questions the nurses/docs always ask is "are you leaking fluids?" I'm 37 weeks pregnant-It's hard to tell what's going on down there between the increased vaginal discharge & mucus, I might be peeing on myself or maybe its just plain sweat.

I digress-she is head down and fluid levels were great.

Rosalie is kicking butt! The nurse that did the non stress test called her an overachiever and ultrasound tech said she was a big happy looking baby.

A few weeks ago my friend Jennifer asked me if I was getting vaginal cramps-my vagina always hurts these days but I wouldn't necessarily have called them cramps. A few days ago I started to get them and know EXACTLY what she meant. I feel like someone randomly electrocutes my vagina.

I go back for another non stress test on Friday.

Getting Excited!

2011-09-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

With all my issues at 34 weeks the doctor told us to prepare for her to come at anytime although it would be good if she would wait until after week 37. We lengthened the baby pool to include September. All signs started to point that she was going to be here. Particularly at week 35, it seemed like she was coming ANY DAY. I will spare you the very descriptive name for one of the beginning signs of labor however once you lose 'it' labor is imminent within 1-2 weeks. Apparently 'it' can grow back thus negating the 1-2 week rule.

Oh and I have regular contractions that will come 8-10 min apart for hours and then go away. I have Ron check to make sure it's not just wishful thinking. Since I've been having regular contractions, we are supposed to come to the hospital when my contractions are too much for me to deal with or my water breaks. Good thing we only live 1 mile from the hospital!

Thus we've been on pins & needles the last few weeks.

So here we are! We surpassed 37 weeks and the next goal is making it until Saturday-October 1st. Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment. At each appointment now we wonder if they are going to tell us 'this is it.'

Needless to say we are super excited! I can't wait to meet our little 'Nicki Minaj'-Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom in my stomach every night.

Partnership

2011-09-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is a bragging post. =)

I have the most WONDERFUL husband. After having a low risk pregnancy these past few weeks have put me in the 'high risk' catergory. "Only 6 to 8 percent of pregnancies are considered high-risk, according to the UCSF Medical Center. Occasionally, these situations involve bed rest and other lifestyle modifications for the pregnant mother": http://www.livestrong.com/article/

It's not something that you really prepare yourself for, at least I know based on my history I would never have thought i'd have so many issues.

Being on bedrest is tough. Luckily Ron has picked up a ton of slack. The activities that I enjoy like going to the grocery store, cooking dinner, etc and has had a positive attitude towards it all even though I know its not his favorite thing to do. He now knows how to make homemade guacamole, yogurt, and chicken broth! He's even cleaned without me prompting him that its his turn. Really-someone pinch me. =)

It's nice to know I have a partner in this. When I've had my health issues he's there no and ifs or buts. Even if it means going into work late or calling in or staying up late to finish a project/study for a test- He's been there to hold my hand when I've had to do the not so fun stuff and comes up with witty comments to distract me.

He is the best!

Real Food

2011-09-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Since becoming pregnant, I've eaten more fruits and veggies then I have in my whole life. I find myself eating less processed and more real food. I've been making more foods from scratch and less prepackaged ie) from a box. Note: There's nothing wrong with convenience foods. I eat my fair share of Oreos (speaking of which I hid mine in the deep freezer-Have you ever tried Frozen Oreos? They are never going in my pantry again!)

Over the weekend, I made my first edible loaf of sourdough. Right before I was put on bed rest, a friend of mine gave me a bread machine. Sunday I woke up really early and I decided I could either go grocery shopping or cook. Since it was still dark, I went with cooking!

I'm not big on following recipes-so I'm not sure what ingredient I was off on-but the sourdough came out tasty but with a grayish tint.

Ron gets to eat stuffed peppers this week for dinner-he likes one meal and to eat the same thing all week. Lucky me!

For dinner Sunday I made Chicken Rollatini. Chicken rolled with Ricotta cheese and Spinach in a marinara sauce topped with a slice of Mozzarella Cheese.

Motivation

2011-09-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

Next week I was approved to work part time in the office!

With the recent health scare, I feel more motivated to get back into racing. I know I have several months of recovery ahead of me-but there's nothing like sitting in bed for 2 weeks.

Granted there are no full distance ironmans in my future, I've been watching Ironman motivational videos. The other day, when Ron and I were on the way back to the hospital, I broke down in tears." I was/am really unsure about this whole birth process. Ron said "You did an Ironman you can do this piece of cake." I am glad he is so confident in me-because I've completely freaked out anytime I thought she might be born!

Even now, I'm done with the anticipation and ready for her to come out. I'm hoping working part time next week will get my mind off things.

What a day

2011-09-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

Today was my weekly doctor's appointment. I needed to do another 24 hour urine test. Yesterday beginning at 9am I started to pee in a jug for 24 hours. Note: Jug also needed to be refrigerated!

This morning I woke up ate a banana and drank a lemonade. Ron was intimidated by the big jug of pee. He kept asking me if the lid was on tight, etc. Once we got to the doctors I needed to pee in a cup and then get blood work done. I could tell I was feeling 'off' because I wanted to cry at the thought of them taking blood. I never have that feeling.

The nurse took my blood pressure and it was surprisingly normal. I say surprisingly because I knew I didn't feel right.

The doctor came in and did the Group B Strep test and checked to see if I'd dilated. Then she did a test to see if my bag of waters was leaking-it was similar to a pap smear and I had to cough. It was extremely uncomfortable.

Some of my labs came back not looking good so the doctor told me to go to Women's for further testing. Ron and I stopped at Biscuitville on our way (approx 10:30am). It was delicious and thank goodness we did because we wouldn't eat again until almost 4PM.

I got hooked up to the monitor. Once again I was having contractions! I had to get my vitals rechecked. Then a nurse did another vaginal swab to see if my waters had broken.

Our friend Diane is an ultrasound tech at Women's. I had texted her to see if she was on duty. When we went for the ultrasound she was our tech! That made both of us feel much better. When she told us Rosalie (and fluids/placenta) looked good we felt like we could trust that she meant it and not just saying it.

My doctor came to the hospital a few hours later and 're examined' me. Then the nurse came back for another vaginal swag and some type of urinary catheter test thing. I about lost it with the urinary catheter test thing! It was too much!

Every 15 minutes my blood pressure was checked. Some were good some were not. I got my blood pressure checked right after being told about the urinary catheter test thing and both numbers were crazy high!

During the urinary catheter test thing I had Ron lay across me. I'd reached my breaking point! He's a good coach. He remained very calm and kept smiling. He said "relax and take a deeeeeep cleansing breath" at that point the nurse did "her thing" and it was painful/uncomfortable and I blew air all in his face. His eyes got big as eggs and we both started laughing. He had some really good zingers today.

My bag of waters did not break so I was able to go home. I have to go back to the doctor's on Friday.

For the meantime I'm still on bed rest for gestational hypertension and preterm labor (or so my forms say).

Come on 9/24 (37 weeks=full term) Still hoping for an October baby though!

Past few days

2011-09-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Eventually I feel like writing a 'race report' on my hospital visit. I ended up needing to stay on Tuesday night and then for a short while looked like I may be there long term.

Now i'm home on strict bedrest. The kind of bedrest everything thinks about-not able to do anything. Sometime I learned this past week is that there are varying degrees of bedrest!

The past few days have been busy so I haven't had time to be bored, so it's not been so bad.

Yesterday Shannon did our grocery shopping. That was a HUGE help b/c Ron is exhausted too. Poor guy has been worried about me/Rosalie, not getting any sleep either, stressed, plus he has his last semester of school.

Then she cooked a bunch for us! I sat and 'supervised.' She made BBQ chicken, noodles, Ziti, Homemade Egg McMuffins, and 20+ pancakes.

How fast thing change

2011-09-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well went back to the urgent care on Monday b/c the ear infection wasn't getting any better. Long story short I ruptured my ear drum and had a urinary tract infection. My OB was called b/c my blood pressure was high and they found protein in my urine and we are told to go to Women's hospital.

Get to Women's and my blood pressure is even higher. I started having contractions 2-5 minutes apart. As on Monday afternoon I am 50% effaced and 1 cm dialated. I get admitted for the night to monitor whether or not I have pre eclampsia.

We get an ultrasound done around 9PM. At 34 weeks-Rosalie measured as a "good sized baby" 6lb 5ounces (thats a big baby) and we've been getting a lot "wows." (The ultrasounds can be off as much as a 1lb either way).

I didn't sleep hardly at all last night. REALLY hoping I get released and life can go back to normal!

Meltdown

2011-09-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Granted having an ear infection probably attributed to my meltdown.

Today I just feel fat, bloated, swollen, and found another batch of stretch marks and proceeded to have a melt down. Trying to look on the bright side of things-I know that means my baby is healthy, growing properly etc.

I skipped brunch with the family today. I felt agitated and didn't want to snap. I just want to yell at something. I didn't want it to be Ron or my family so I texted Ron that I was no longer going to brunch and could he still please go. Which he texted he would-I love him!

I did get mad at Caesar so I left him downstairs. He has been a handful lately. I brought Abra upstairs to cuddle with me.

A part of me feels so overcome with emotion-scared that sometimes might happen and I may never meet her. Sad for those who struggle with infertility or have high risk pregnancies.

I feel selfish to complain as there are those who would give anything to feel fat, bloated, swollen and find a bunch of stretch marks.

I miss working out-like really working out. I'm jealous of those who are able to run through their whole pregnancies. This pregnancy that's not an option for me. I'm looking forward to the weather changing so I can walk outside more.

I start training my temp on Tuesday.

I guess I'm just overwhelmed in general!

Work baby shower

2011-09-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was just looking at my blog and can't believe I didn't write about my surprise baby shower.

Last Friday I was supposed to dinner with my boss Rose and coworker Claire (Rose boss' wife who also works for the company). Claire owns a house in Deleware so she ended up having to go to Delaware in anticipation for Hurricane Irene.

I was supposed to meet Rose at Giannos-one of my favorite restaurants. I walked into the restaurant and guess what-it was a surprise baby shower and most of the office was there! I couldn't believe it! I had absolutely NO idea!

We had a lot of fun!

34 weeks

2011-09-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe next month is October. I cannot WAIT to meet Rosalie. She is still extremely active. She is also still breach-I know she has time to turn but I really hope she turns soon so I don't have to worry about it.

Last week I volunteered/cheered at Shannon's half marathon. Due to Irene she lucked out on the weather for an August half. I helped with check in and then met up with Shannon's dad to cheer for her. I got to see Shannon right before she started.

Maybe it was Shannon's half but I've been dreaming about running. I can't believe how much I miss cycling too! I know my life/priorities are going to change once Rosalie is born but I'm a better person when I work out. I also think being an athlete will set a good example for Rosalie.

My feet get extremely swollen by the end of the day. I put my feet up at work when I can but for the most part I go from feeling great to crappy in a short amount of time. I've been in the pool every day this week. The water does make me feel better.

Unfortunately I woke up this morning with an ear infection (not swimmers ear). I'll still go to the pool I just can't put my head under.

Stretch Marks

2011-08-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

As my belly gets bigger and bigger, I've been lucky to avoid stretch marks. However-stretch marks, although unsightly, do have a purpose. I've done everything I could to avoid them but it looks like I am going to get some so I want to focus on the positive! It means my body is expanding for the baby and that my body is healthy.

My good friend who is due 2 weeks before me also does not have any stretch marks. Last week she was hositalized due to low amnoitic fluid. Typically the low amnoitic fluid happens in first trimester or when you go past your due date. She has another ultrasound tomorrow and they will decide whether or not she needs to be induced.

I have a new respect for stretch marks! Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.....=)

Trampoline

2011-08-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

My due date is less than 2 month away. The entire pregnancy she has laid transverse (fancy term for sideways). The last few weeks her head has been near my rib cage-but she is still semi sideways.

It feels like Rosalie it jumping up and down like my cervix area is a trampoline! She is getting bigger and the headbutts into my side are getting somewhat painful.

She has 8 weeks to move headdown. The doctor starts checking the positioning at 36 weeks. I'm really hoping to have a natural birth with no meds. However, if she doesn't turn it might be a C-section. I don't want to have a C-Section for many reasons so cross fingers she will move into the right position.

As far as the pain meds- I am keeping an open mind for "Labor day" (haha). My goal is to have a pain med/epidural free birth. However, like on race day, I never know what the day may bring so I will sign the forms in case I need one.

4 workouts this week!

2011-08-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

On the positive front, I am feeling soooooo much better. It's amazing the difference the extra iron has made. Although the workouts have been small, I've been able to workout everyday this week. Maybe that's another reason I feel so good?

Monday-half mile swim
Tuesday-1.5 mile walk
Wednesday 1+ mile walk
Thursday-Water Aerobics

I didn't get the promotion at work. I'm okay with it although I'm disappointed. It was a long shot considering it's in a different department so the positive in the situation was that I got as far as I did.

Bottomless Pit

2011-08-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

My stomach is a bottomless pit. I literally feel like I'm starving even though I try to wait some time inbetween snacks. For example-at lunch I had 2 tacos (soft shelled bean, cheese, lettuce, and a small nachos. Normally that would more than fill me up. Today, however, was not the case. I waited 10 minutes before diving into the vending machine for a 6 pack of oreos. I waited another 10 minutes and then ate half a container of strawberries before I put them in my coworkers office so I would not be tempted to eat anymore.

I came home and ate a granola bar and bagel thin sandwich with Nutella. I went to Harris Teeter and avoided the free cookies and samples. Came home and luckily pulled in the same time as Ron. Ron while ate the salad I prepared for him, I ate 2 pudding cups. I looked at him and said "my stomach is a bottomless pit today. I just can't get full and I've been eating ALL DAY." He gave me the most genuine look that made me feel so special and said "oh shush you look amazing."

We went for a short walk-somewhere over a mile and less than a mile & 1/2.

Funny story from yesterday. Ron told me he was out of his favorite salad dressing. When I was at Harris Teeter, the salad dressing he wanted was at the very bottom shelf. It was on a good sale+coupons so it was slim pickins. Regardless, I got down on my knees to look for some in the back. I felt like someone was looking at me so I turned my head. There was a guy about my age and said "wow-you must have some craving!" I looked at him and said "the things you do for love!"

Sidelined

2011-08-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

I miss the grind of a good sweat caused by a hard workout. These days I sweat all day-going outside, working, ect. No more cotton shirts b/c they show sweat stains.

My cousin Lori-OB, athlete and mother of 4-has stressed the importance of waiting a few weeks post partum before jumping back into exercise and taking it slow.

In the meantime, I enjoy day dreaming about upcoming races and reading everyone's blogs! Shannon may do a half marathon or 5k the end of August. Once she makes up her mind I'll go volunteer and cheer for her.

So much FUN!

2011-08-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today didn't have the best start. I had the most amazing sleep from 9-2am. Woke up at 2am and could NOT go back to sleep. I was miserable. I had horrible heartburn-milk would not settle it, took a Zantac. I was too tired to get anything done but not tired enough to fall asleep. Finally at 5 I fell asleep and woke up at 10am.

Around noon I got a text from the friend I vented about earlier saying something came up and they were going to be late! Hmmm....seemed very fishy-RSVPed last minute and now 'something came up.' I wanted to text them back to not bother coming but Ron took my phone saying it wasn't worth me getting all upset. I mean really! Long story short they came 1.25 hours late...

I was extremely excited. Valerie and Shannon called and advised Ron and I should drive separately b/c we were going to get so much stuff. Ron and I got there super early. Only mom and Shannon were there. They decorated the room so nicely! Everything was pink, princess, and girly!

Shannon and my mom did a wonderful job planning the shower.

Food was awesome-we had Roast Beef, Turkey, and Ham sandwiches, lays chips, fruit salad, hummus, veggie tray, dip, CHEESE BALL, port wine cheese, melba rounds (mmmmmm), crackers, some type of spicy pita chip, and 2 kinds of cake.

We had a really great turn out. Everyone got there right on time like within 10 minutes. Shannon's mom drove in from Charlotte and her Grandma drove in from Durham. My mom's friend Vickie has a daughter named Jessica. Jessica is a cutie pie! When Ron and I got married she was SOOOOO EXCITED-she was only 5. Jessica thought me being a bride (and she came to the bridal shower) was the coolest thing. She still had that same enthusiasm and it is hard to believe now she is 10. Since she is Vickie's youngest, she'd never been around a pregnant woman. I let her feel my stomach and she just thought it was so neat.

Our friends made such an effort to contribute to the day. My face literally hurts from smiling. For having a relatively small gathering there wasn't a seat left in the room! People were so generous. We are so lucky to have some many people excited about the birth of our firstborn! My friend Susan came and hugged me a bazillion times.

Adam, my brother, was funny-he said he refused to get me anything that included the word 'nipple' he got Rosalie a bunch of toys.

Valerie and her mom got me (among a TON of other things) a car seat!!! Shannon (also among a TON of other things) got me a food processor so I can make my own baby food.

Rosalie got a bunch of clothes, bottles, diapers, wipes, etc. When the shower was 'over' @ 4 people still stayed. We didn't leave until after 6! We all really had a lot of fun and was sad the day had come and gone. We did fill up both our cars with baby stuff so we were really glad we brought 2 cars.

Ron is getting the nursery ready right now.

RSVP

2011-08-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

The friend in question does not read this blog so I figured I would use the opportunity to vent a little! Shannon is throwing me a baby shower this weekend. She has put in a lot of time, effort, and planning into this party.
I have one friend that did not RSVP. Now-I could understand if this friend had a miscarriage, infertility issues or whatever the reason was she did not have to explain. A simple "I can or cannot come" but to ignore the invitation, e-mail, a voicemail, and a text is incomprehensible to me! Shannon saw this friend's husband today at 'the store' and casually asked if she would see them this weekend. (side note: if you don't know Shannon she is the least pushy person in the world) He said that his wife planned their social events and to ask her.

Long story short-I sent her a text with a "are you coming Saturday" and got a fairly rude reply. To which I am really questioning our friendship to be so apathetic about the baby shower. Like I said, if there was a sub lying reason a simple "I can't come" would have been sufficient. Which in the past she's been slow to respond/RSVP last minute so its not just the baby shower. However, this isn't a cookout! Formal invitations were sent out.

Anyways, I tried nicely to respond to her message while sticking up for Shannon as I am still baffled by the text response. The friend sends me another message that "they lost the invitation can you text me the address so we know where it is" I sent the message to Ron so he could respond to them because as I try not to be over sensitive about the whole situation-everyone else responded or at least if they responded late still mustered up some enthusiasm.

It's going to be a really wonderful day with people I care about. We kept the party somewhat small. I felt guilty about not having a huge bash as I'm sure some people probably got their feelings hurt not to be on the guest list. So I've tried to not post about it on facebook. When push came to shove I figured i'd rather have the people there that were most excited about my pregnancy and people that I was going to know in several years rather than invite a bunch of 'flash in the pans'-I learned that lesson last year. There are also a lot of people I haven't seen in forever so they were left off the guest list as well!

All things considering, I guess that's why I was surprised that the friend has acted this way. I'm going to not let this bother me anymore.

Plus the food is going to be really delicious, I'm going to try to remember to take or ask someone to take pictures of the spread! I don't know why but I really wanted one of those fancy cheeseballs so I am really looking forward to it.

I don't say it often enough, but I'm so lucky to have a friend like Shannon. I know she's planned a really great party!

Baby Moon

2011-08-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

Ron and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary by going to our favorite place-the beach!

To be honest, with everything that has gone on the last few weeks I was indifferent if we actually went or not. Ron was REALLY excited about us going on our 'baby moon' so I wasn't going to spoil it. So I told him that we would leave whenever he wanted (which he wanted to leave super early).

Well-how about I woke up really wanting to go? At 7ish I dragged Ron out of bed. =) We walked downstairs and our kitchen counter was COVERED in ants. (New neighbors+construction+rainy weather=ants come marching in). After 1.5 hours of clearing everything off the counter, killing ants, putting out bait station, etc. We felt ready to leave the house.

Shannon watched the dogs, so I alerted her that we put the bait stations out but they could take up to 24 hours so if she came over and there were a bazillion ants don't be alarmed. Luckily when she came over she only found 5 ants. Phew.

I woke up super famished-I actually ate TWO bagels from Brueggers. We drove to Wrightsville and had lunch at Slice of Life. It's a pizza place we've wanted to try forever. I was not feeling well on Friday. As much as I love feeling her move around, sometimes it is downright painful! I think she moves in her sleep too because it felt like she was rolling and kicking ALL day. Which is a blessing...

We went to Walmart and I found some cute post baby clothes on clearance. Later when we checked in, I tried on one of the shirts. What do you know-it FIT! At least from my angle.
Me: Ron can you BELIEVE THIS SHIRT ACTUALLY FITS!!!
Ron: chuckling
Me: What-does it not look okay?
Ron: Go look in the mirror

How about from my angle my belly was coveed but when I looked in the mirror there was a whole lot of belly that was not! I laughed so hard! My belly is getting big. Note: this is not the shirt I was talking about!

Friday night we went to Carolina Ale House. The hostess who looked young asked if we wanted to sit at the bar. There was plenty of seating available so #1-No we don't want to sit at the bar #2 I am 30 weeks pregnant I do not want to sit in a chair with no back!

We requested a booth-which I have to be careful sitting down because sometimes my stomach doesn't fit without a table adjustment. The food was really good. I still wasn't feeling good (this is just normal pregnancy not illness) so I just ordered french onion soup.

We went to the beach and walked along the ocean. I just love walking by the ocean-particularily with Ron.

We stayed at a different hotel then we usually stay at. This hotel served breakfast. Ron joked that it was probably a crappy breakfast. Well, when I went downstairs to ~~let Ron sleep longer~~ scope out breakfast- it was a really good breakfast-with bacon and eggs! I went back upstairs and woke Ron up.

We laid out for a few hours and then had lunch at PT's Grille. We chilled at the hotel for a bit before heading to dinner at Fat Tonys. Then we went back to the beach.

Sunday we ate yummy breakfast, laid out, and headed back to Greensboro!

New chapter of exercise

2011-08-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

I've hit 30 weeks! Crazy to think that she could be here (safely) in 6 weeks or she could camp out and it be closer to 12 weeks. I always thought I'd be running/swimming through the whole pregnancy. However- my body had other plans and I'm completely okay with it.

With how I feel now, I can't believe I did an Ironman less than a year ago. It's amazing going through the journey I was so focused on "doing it" now I watch Ironman clips or read about triathlons and it seems like it was all a dream.

Week 22-24: Running distance caused me to get extremely painful calf and feet cramps. At first it wasn't so bad and I could walk it out but by week 24 I realized it wasn't going to get better.

Weeks 24-27: I limited my runs to 1/4-1/2 mile distances and walked in between. Growing baby + stomach acid=horrible heartburn after running. (it's a personal decision that i'd rather not take over the counters simply so I can run.)

Weeks 27-30: Walking-although there have been a lot of rest days because of my anemia and other issues.

I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to get any walking distance in (currently 2-3 miles). I'm starting to get the similar feet/calf cramps like I did during my runs.

Pregnant women are supposed to L-O-V-E swimming. Um, not me! I like to get in the water, splash around, and do semi water aerobics. I've never been this way before but I've really been enjoying it. I don't know why but I just do not feel like swimming.

I called my mom and asked her to buy a swim suit to go aqua jogging with me. lol. My mom HATES to be wet, she avoids the pool at all cost. She said she was going to buy a swim suit. We are going to start aqua jogging Tuesday...well if she doesn't will it to rain!

Of course I still "swim" with Shannon & Stephen too but I like to have mulitple 'training' partners.

Crazy week

2011-08-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

As I stated in my earlier post-Monday was spent feeling horrible. The meds made a HUGE difference. I am back to feeling like my normal self. I just *KNEW* that this could not be normal pregnancy systems.

Tuesday I got to work early @7:30AM and worked like a fiend all day. I was in and out of sales meetings. The room felt like it was a sauna and I was downing water. My mom forgot about the big sales meeting and stopped by my work to check on me. lol. I didn't see her but she left a gift for me with the receptionist to make me feel better. At 6:45PM, the sales team left the office to go to dinner. We ate dinner at Giannos, one of my favorite places. I didn't get home until 9:30PM.

Wednesday, I was back at the office at 7:30ish. In and out of meetings until noonish. We were provided lunch. I had so much work to do. My brain was fried and my eyes were so tired by the end of the day. Still, I didn't feel like going straight home. I met Shannon for dinner which was a lot of fun.

Big news-I'm going to go ahead and write about it. I applied, going through proper chain of command first, (making sure my current supervisors were okay with me applying, etc) for an internal promotion in another department. I felt like the position was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I figured getting the position would be a long shot but I'd rather think oh well than what if.

Out of the 100s of resumes I was one of five to be selected for an interview. This morning was the interview. Whether I get it or I don't, I feel like I did the best that I could. There is nothing more I could say today. They have 1 more person to interview so I should know within the next two weeks. Either way the good part is that I will have a job on the other side.

I applied over a month ago and kept going back and forth with the decision. If I am selected, by the time I get into my position I will be 8 months pregnant. With how I've been feeling the past few weeks, I really doubted whether I would have the energy to train someone to do my current position AND learn a new position. Luckily this week, after starting the meds has proven to me that if I am selected I will be able to handle this.

So whatever happens, I am glad I applied. =)

Feeling Miserable

2011-08-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got ready for a big week at work. We have a huge sales meeting starting on Tuesday. All of the sales reps are flying in from all over the country. We are getting lunch catered everyday and have a fancy dinner Tuesday night. I wanted to make sure I was well rested to attend all of the events and be on my "A" Game.

Yesterday I started feeling "not good" again. This morning I called the doctor regarding Friday's lab results and was told the results wouldn't be back until this afternoon or (most likely) tomorrow. I basically told the nurse that I was in PAIN and that waiting until tomorrow was not acceptable. After a few minutes of consulting with the doctor, the nurse came back on the phone and said that they would write me a prescription.

I finished up a few things at work, and an hour later went to Harris Teeter to pick up my prescription.

(Spoiler: it ended up being Harris Teeters fault not the doctor office-also-didn't want my full medical history on here so there are some parts i'm leaving off for privacy)

At Harris Teeter they said my prescription had not been called in. I called the doctor's office and got the receptionist. I explained the situtation and she said she would call me right back. Every minute she did not call me back I got more upset. So-I drove TO the doctor's office to MANUALLY pick up the prescription.

When I entered the office the receptionist had an "Oh shit" face. Since I had driven there I decided I may as well see the doctor as well. The more upset I got obviously the more pain I started to feel. When they did the standard "please pee in the cup" I wanted to whap her on the head-don't you understand-IT HURTS WHEN I PEE.

Luckily I got to see my favorite doctor at the practice. I practiced being composed in my head but as soon as I saw her I started bawling-two separate issues #1) I was in a lot of pain. Even the thought of the doctor pressing down on my urinary tract area hurt.

It got a scary because I did the non stress fetal test to make sure Miss Rosalie was okay and to confirm the pain I was feeling WASN'T contractions. Luckily she was fine and I was not having any contractions.

Then I got an antibiotic injection to help knock out/jump start my system.

As I turned my phone on the call my husband I immediately got a phone call. I picked it up and it said "Hello-this is Harris Teeter on Eastchester calling to let you know your prescription is ready." So I went to Harris Teeter and picked up the prescription (and when she wasn't looking gave the tech a stink eye).

I got back to work. I'm an extremely organized person. I feel better when my work is in order and didn't want to "worry" about it at home. When I got to the office, everyone was at lunch so I quickly completed/proritized what needed to be done before I left. When my boss got back from lunch I gave her the items that couldn't wait until tomorrow (of course she was pushing me out the door). I came home around 1ish.

Unfortunately I have NOT been able to fall asleep. I know my body needs sleep but I can't sleep. I "rested" my eyes for 2 hours and have been watching TV ever since-luckily Law & Order SVU was on and now I'm watching NJ Housewives. So I'm awake and feeling miserable!

I encouraged Ron to go to karate but he's insisted on coming home. That's just the kind of guy he is. Which I am very grateful he is coming home!

Water Birth

2011-07-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

I've been researching the different birth methods for my 'birth plan.' I am going to sign up for the epidural but use it as a last resort as I really don't want one. I've looked into the whole water birth thing as an option-Not that I actually want to do it but I want to be informed choices and explore the options.

I was speaking with a pregnant friend of mine about possibly doing a water birth.
Jennifer: Wow, neat-is that because you are a swimmer and feel that would be natural to you.
Me: No, I like the fact my vagina will be underwater and not hanging out for the world to see.

Plus-its supposed to be a more peaceful transition from womb to world.

lol

Ron and I discussed it the other night. He is against it because

Ron: I could care less if you end up projecting explosive diarrhea all over the doctor. I want our baby coming out screaming and kicking.

My mom's thoughts

Mom: I want no part of that weirdo birth stuff. I'll go wait in the waiting room.

Crazy Week

2011-07-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks i've been having extreme fatigue, crying at everything, mad at everybody, starting a workout to to turn around and come home. Just really not feeling like myself. I finally gave into the fact that between the heat and being in the third trimester, I am just going to have to scale back my cardio to practically nothing. So this week I had a whopping 2 walking miles, some strength training and that was it.

I slept late everyday (didn't wake up for workouts) and did nothing but sleep after work.

Long story short-First I passed my gestional diabetes test with flying colors. Since I'm 29 weeks I go to the doctor every two weeks. After my appoinment on 7/15 I was apparently supposed to be told that I was very anemic and some other results of my lab work which explained why I felt so horrible. In addition to my prenatal plus iron pill I need to be on another prescription for iron.

The kicker was I called the office last Thursday b/c I felt so horrible and wanted to come in. I was told they were normal pregnancy symptoms, etc and to take some over the counter meds and rest. I just knew in my gut that it was something else. Being an endurance athlete, I take care of myself and more importantly I know my limits. It's annoying that if someone would have looked at my chart they would have seen that I had not been notified that I needed to be on the extra iron and the results of the lab work.

The baby is fine-just me that was affected.

It's nice to know that I'm not crazy or blowing things out of proportion.

Family Part 2

2011-07-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday I woke up and worked out-2 mile walk-it was extremely hot and humid. My thighs did not like the running skirt and I have chafing! Ugh!!!! Of course I didn't feel bothered until the halfway point and no matter how I tried to rearrange 2 seconds later I felt not good again.

Saturday we went to lunch at Giannos for Grandpa's 90th. I got the spinach ravoli in an alfredo sauce-yummmmmm. Not the healthiest option on the menu but it sure was delicious! We sat by Jim, Lori & kids. Ron is the youngest in his family and hasn't really been around kids.....like EVER! It was cute to see him interact and talk with Jim, etc.

We went back home and chilled for an hour before heading to my grandparent's retirement community. My mom made me upset because she told us to be there at 4 to help set up. Courtney called me at 4 to ask me a random question and I heard a bird squawk in the background prompting me to realize that they were still at home. It was too late for us to go home so we went to Harris Teeter to pick up some wine for Ron (and whoever else wanted some). Most of my relatives were going to drink liquor and Ron isn't much of a liquor fan.

By the time we got back my mom, Courtney, Adam, and some other relatives were there setting up. Actually my mom was yelling at Adam because he didn't get ice and all the drinks were warm. I don't care how old I get-I still felt like going "oooooooo-you are in troublllleeeeeee" =) Adam had to go back to the store (haha).

My grandpa opened all his gifts and we ate cake.

After we started our baby shower. My family members were soooooo generous. We got a lot of really great useful items. My Aunt Laura and Uncle Don had the hit gift of the party. As part of the gift-they got Ron a book -

The book is hysterical! We are wide open with my grandparents. So we showed them the book. My grandma goes "yes, sometimes you feel that way" Classic!!!

Later, we took the party to my parents house. Finally at 9 or 10 I was exhausted and we headed home.

It was a lot of fun and I can't believe the weekend is over!

Is your belly that big or did your boobs shrink?

2011-07-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was my grandfather's 90th birthday. We threw a big party for him yesterday. Family flew in from all over the country. I hadn't seen many of the family members in years. My family also threw us a family baby shower.

Festivities began on Wednesday when Courtney flew in from AZ (she didn't get in until late so I didn't see her until Friday). My Aunty Carol, cousin Amy, and Amy's daughter Ana flew in from TN. We ate Arby's sandwiches and spent time catching up.

Thursday-Jennifer and her daughter Paige came from AZ, Uncle Joe/Aunt Joan came from CA. I think Aunty Judy and her kids came in on Thursday as well from PA.

Thursday, I woke up at 3AM and could not go back to sleep. After tossing and turning until 5:30 I finally just got up since I was meeting Shannon at the gym at 7. Probably not the smartest move but I ended up getting to the gym a little after 6 and did weights, treadmill, and octane-although low intensity before she got there. We ended up walking 2ish miles. I felt really great until 11 and then I went downhill FAST!

I ended up leaving work early b/c I had a nasty case of heartburn. My chest and throat were burning- literally brought tears to my eyes, making me sick and I felt absolutely horrible. Spoke with the doctor who assured me I could take Zantac and Rosalie would not be harmed. I slept from 2-5. I planned to go visit with the fam but felt so terrible I ended up staying in bed and watching TV. Slept again from 9 PM-9 the next morning!

Friday I hung out with my sister Courtney. Upon seeing me Courtney exclaims "Is your belly that big or did your boobs shrink?" Hysterical! We ended up doing some shopping and eating lunch at Chick Fil a.

Friday night we headed to the pool. To be honest I am started to feel self conscious in my bikini. My belly is getting big and sometimes I'm afraid, without meaning to, I might be showing off too much of my bikini line-lol. Anyways, without being prompted- my cousin Kyle-age 11 told me I looked really good in my suit. He made some comment about how I looked good and I was pregnant. How cute is that? Very thoughtful for a kid!

Friday-Jim, Lori and their 4 kids (including a 1 month old!) drove in from Boston, my Great Aunt Irene, and cousin Bonnie flew in from IL. They met us up at the pool with the rest of the gang. My Uncle Don and Aunt Laura flew in from IL and also came to the pool. It was fun to have so many family members there!

I think I left around 9:30pm and the party was still going on!

The rest of the story in Part 2!

A year after accident, N.C. woman to wed

2011-07-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Being around pools, I've pushed and been pushed into the pool more times than I can remember. After reading this article I don't think I will ever push anyone in again. How freaky!

http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/07/18/article/nc_woman_to_marry_1_year_after_paralyzing_accident

RALEIGH (AP) — A year after she was paralyzed in poolside horseplay at her bachelorette party, Rachelle Friedman knows one thing she would change about her life before the injury.

"I wish we had danced together more because I love dancing so much, and we didn't do it enough," she says of her soon-to-be husband. "Looking back, I would have done it every night."

Friedman will finally make it down the aisle on Friday, marrying the man who has waited with her to exchange vows since the accident. She is wearing the same gown she chose for the first ceremony but with her father pushing her wheelchair down the aisle instead of walking her down it, arm in arm.

Also joining her will be the bridesmaid who shoved her into the shallow end of a pool on May 23, 2010 — causing a freak accident that changed their lives. The 25-year-old from Knightdale has stuck with her friend and refused to reveal her identity even as newspapers, television and Internet sites carried the story around the world.

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Advertise with Us "She was tragically hurt, mentally and emotionally. And I was tragically hurt, physically," Friedman says on a day that a tailor is altering her strapless, simple wedding dress to fit her new, thinner, less muscular body. "It's harder to deal with when you're hurt emotionally sometimes than when you're hurt physically."

Friedman was celebrating with her girlfriends in Virginia Beach, Va., about a month before she was supposed to be married last year when she was injured. After being pushed into the pool, she awkwardly hit the cement bottom. She knew immediately something was wrong.

"I instantly just stopped moving," Friedman says. She floated to the top, face up. Her friends were already in the water to help. This isn't a joke, she told them. Call 911.

The horseplay was no different from the way her friends had goofed around many times. Friedman could have just as easily pushed her friend in the water, she says. She refuses to even call the act a prank because that would imply some devious intent.

"People look at it like this is something that happened to me, but it happened to both of us," Friedman said of her friend.

Friedman is moving on with her life, learning how to play wheelchair rugby and using her knuckles instead of her fingers for tasks such as texting and responding to email.

Neither she nor her fiancé, Chris Chapman, ever considered deserting the other. They'd been together for almost five years when the accident happened.

"You have to know me and Chris to understand," Friedman says.

Chapman, a 28-year-old middle school science teacher in Spring Hope, echoes her.

"It was not, 'What am I going to do?'" he says. "It was, 'what are we doing to do?' ... I just didn't know what to do next. It was one step at a time."

The two will exchange vows in a ceremony at The Fearrington House in Pittsboro, with a reception in the village barn. Her favorite flowers, sunflowers, will take center stage. Wedding planning company 1-800-REGISTRY is paying for their ceremony and the honeymoon in Fiji.

"I'll be happy and relieved to see her coming down the aisle," Chapman says. "It's something we've been working on for quite a while."

The two grew up in Virginia Beach, but didn't meet until they were both students at East Carolina University in Greenville, becoming close friends while each dated other people. Once they started dating, he fell in love with her energy and personality.

"She was always positive, always upbeat, always ready to do something," he says. Now, he worries about keeping her active. He's learning to referee at wheelchair rugby, and she's trying to get a hand cycle so they can bicycle together. She also wants to learn wheelchair tennis.

"We're hoping to keep her active," he says. "And I'll go along and try to participate as much as I can."

Before she was injured, Friedman was a program coordinator at a senior activity center in Raleigh, where she planned parties and taught line dancing and light weightlifting. While the job didn't pay a lot, she felt blessed to be employed right out of college, to own a home with the man of her dreams and to be planning their wedding.

A typical day now is "kind of boring," she says. She often visits the senior center where she used to work and does whatever exercises she can at home. She has finished a round of rehab, but will get more advanced treatment in September, courtesy of a foundation called Walking with Anthony.

The foundation, based in Beverly Hills, Calif., will pay for Friedman and her mother to attend a three-week session at Project Walk in California. Founder Micki Purcell, whose son, Anthony, suffered a similar injury after diving in the ocean, says Friedman will get time to recover from that intensive treatment before the foundation pays for another session.

"It costs a lot of money to get out of a wheelchair," Purcell said Monday, adding that she believes Friedman is a perfect candidate to walk again.

An easier goal awaits Friedman after the wedding. The Beatles fan wants a tattoo of the peace sign drawn on the back of her neck, at the center, marking her injury. Underneath will be inked, "Let It Be."

"It symbolizes that I'm at peace with it," she says.

US TOP TEN!!!!

2011-07-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was looking through the US swimming top 10 list from last year and what a surprise to see my name as 6th in the mile! I did this meet last October, completing a 150 mile bike ride the weekend before.

Due to Ironman training I was only swimming once a week, based on my practice times I was close to or under a few of the NC state records so I figured I would go and try anyways. My legs were dead tired and not recovered from the previous weekends 150 mile ride. I was so far off my practice times I was sooooooo disappointed. .Overall I remember leaving the meet feeling like i'd wasted mine/Ron's time and money to go.

For example-My goal for the 1 mile was sub 20. Back in May, I swimming 2-3 times per week training for a 5K swim and i'd done 19 lows twice. I watch the clock while I swim so I know I didn't miscount. However, after the 2 meets I did I am questioning measuring the pool I train at. It's definitely not yards but I'm wondering if it measures short course meters. It could just be the lack of training from swimming once per week. =).

I am fired up for next season!

http://www.usms.org/comp/tt/toptenlist.php

1500 Freestyle SCM Women 25-29 (2010)

# Name Age Club LMSC Time

1 Lillian M Thomas 27 TERR Potomac Valley 18:56.58

2 Jannalyn Luttrell 29 CMS Colorado 19:34.71

3 Sarah M Chinn 26 MAM Pacific 20:13.43

4 Adrienne C Belliveau 26 USF Pacific 20:56.16

5 Jamie Val 27 LVM Southern Pacific 21:09.45

6 Alexandra Farlow 26 UNAT North Carolina 21:21.53

7 Nicole R Pin 28 TSUN Pacific 22:52.21

8 Alicia R Nodier 29 SMS Southern 22:55.50

9 Kerri D McKinney 26 PHX Arizona 23:27.77

10 Shannon Skoglund 27 MOVY Missouri Valley 23:37.36

Super Waddling

2011-07-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

When running, I am still getting the terrible leg cramps. Even on the Octane machine (which simulates running more than an elliptical) I'm getting the terrible cramps. I've tried some different things to help with the cramps but nothing seems to make a difference. So i've been running less and walking more.

However, I hope i'm still walking normally, but I wonder if I'm waddling more than walking!

My glucose test was this morning. I thought the beverage was over rated. I've been hearing for months and reading on the baby boards how horrible it was going to be. To me it was like fruit punch Gatorade-not my favorite thing in the world but drinkable.

Other than that I've been hormonal. I miss competition, the grind of training etc. I'm keeping my eye on a 1 mile race September 10th. Not that i'm going to race it, maybe not even run it-but i'd like to have an event on the calendar....well other then the impending birth of my first born child. =)

26 weeks!

2011-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

I guess one way to bring on more energy is to complain on a blog post. I've had a bunch of energy over the last few days.

My cousin Lori sent me a HUGE box of maternity clothes. She just had her 4th child and promptly sent them to me! I have clothes for all seasons. They are all super cute and I am lucky we are similar sizes.

It's weird because I think maternity clothes look better on me than my regular clothes. Since becoming pregnant I get more compliments on my "fashion" then ever. I know some people pride themselves in wearing bigger clothes or using their same clothes through their entire pregnancy. For me I like the attention to the baby bump-I feel like people know that's I'm pregnant and not fat!

I am at the point where food tasted fantastic and I feel like I never get full. Sometimes that leads me to a nasty case of heartburn. I try hard to stick to nutrious foods and not give into every craving (however I did eat a ridiculous amount of Cracker Barrell gravy this morning). I've learned by planning my meals it gives me more control.

Note to self: need to go buy some carrots! To increase my veggie intake, I am starting to marinate vegetables. I mean, you marinate meat to taste better? Ever tried marinating vegetables?!?!?! It is DELICOUS!

Rest Days

2011-07-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

You know are in the middle of training for a big event and you have planned rest days? You know how hard it is to take a rest day. You don't want to take one but you know it's good for you to have one.

In pregnancy, your energy seems to come and go in spurts. The past two days I have had no energy spurts! Both mornings, my alarm went off and I came back to bed. I know my body, my body needs sleep I just wish I could get my mind on the same page.

Even though physically I am exhausted, I struggle b/c mentally I WANT to workout. I'm on my second day of no working out.

Literally, I know I am too tired. I was going to swim at the gym-but there was a big thunderstorm. I was not going to drive all the way back to the gym once it passed and it was too long to wait in the parking lot. So I decided I was just going to walk two miles...I made it maybe 15 yards and turned around and came home.

My stomach is a bottomless pit. I try really hard to stick to healthy, nutritious food but once again-it's difficult.

I know a lot of how I feel is related to hormones. Sometimes I feel really good and then I feel like a walrus. A big part of me wants to eat comfort food-a big bowl of pasta or mac and cheese, but I know it will make me feel worse tomorrow.

Anyways-it's 7:15pm and I think I am ready for bed!

Almost the 3rd Trimester!

2011-07-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is flying by! I can't believe in a week and a half i'll be 27 weeks and into the final trimester.

Working out has slowed down. Some days I feel great and I can get in a decent workout. Other days I am so tired it is an effort just to walk up and down the stairs at our house.

Saturday I planned to do 4 miles and then go to the grocery store. I laced up my shoes and sat on the couch for an hour. I was too tired to do either. Finally I decided it wasn't going to happen and I woke up Ron so he could drive me to Doughnut World. I was too tired to even drive.

For as bad as I wanted Doughnut World I ate ONE doughnut. Then Ron took me to Walmart, Food Lion, and Aldi. He was so sweet, normally he sits in the car, he came into each store with me and pushed the cart.

When I got home I ate a baked potato. Then I slept for 3 hours! I never nap and this was my THIRD nap this week!

Saturday night Ron and I went out to dinner at Saigon, a Vietnemese place. We went to Ben & Jerrys and then went to see Transformers (I can be a sweet wife too!).

Sunday I met Shannon at the pool, quick runs at CVS and Lowes Food since they were on the way, then went to Applebees with my family, and then did a light workout.

Monday I met Shannon at the pool again and then was a bum the rest of the day.

Today I decided I was going to make more of an effort to stay away from junk food. My two food groups these days have been chocolate and fruit....and sometimes they are consumed together! I was going to eat the pack of Peanut M&Ms that I had and no more.

Well I came into work and someone brought pastries from New York. So starting tomorrow-going to make sure I limit by chocolate in take!

Wow look @ the Pregnant Runner/walker

2011-06-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I completed the Freedom 4th 2 mile run.

Last night I had pasta and pizza. I carefully laid out my 'race' clothes. Surprisingly I still fit into my bike shorts. (Lately my running skirts aren't fitting me right). It took me forever to find my race belt, luckily I did find it!

Knowing I am 6 months I went into today celebrating that I have a fit and healthy pregnancy.

Shannon picked me up at 6:45. Ron was going to meet us at the race at 7:30. The race is 1 mile from our house.

Shannon and I had a good time talking and I didn't realize that Ron wasn't there until the National Anthem started playing. Ron got there around 8am. Shannon's 10K was delayed 10 minutes.

Ron was not in a good mood. He didn't allow himself enough time to get coffee and he is one of those people that needs coffee to function. It was one of those "if you are going to be in a bad mood you didn't have to come/be here" type conversation in which he replied "yes, he wanted to be here but he is mad and wanted to complain that he has no coffee/got up late."

The race started, I felt fantastic. The first mile I felt like I was floating. I wasn't breathing hard, I was just happy to be out there racing. I let people pass me and didn't even chase after. Think fluffy clouds, birds chirping, sun shining loving life type moments.

Then at the turn around I got the absolute worst feet calve cramps in both my legs. It hurt just to walk.

My fabulous run turned into step step, stretchhhhhhhhhhh.. The pain was HORRIBLE-worse than I'd ever felt in a training session or race....EVER!

I was so upset. Although I have been getting mild calf cramps while running, I'd been able to walk them out and continue on my run. Today was not my day for that. I just walked the rest of the way and tried to run a few steps when I could.

I kept hearing people say "wow look at that girl." I assumed they could probably see the 10K female winner somewhere behind me. Finally I turned and looked and didn't see any females. I asked someone and said "are you talking about me" A group nodded. I was so surprised. I commented I was 6 months pregnant and they were all impressed I was even doing the 2 miler.

Their comments put it in perspective. They didn't know me Alex the ironman or as a marathon runner. They just saw me as a pregnant runner (or in this case walker). It amazed me that they were impressed even though I was walking.

My attitude started to change back to my main goal of the day-Celebrating the fact I'm 6 months pregnant and even if I couldn't run the whole thing I am still able to walk it!

I ran my way into the finish line and surprisingly wasn't that far off my goal time.

Ron was all smiles and super proud of me. He'd gotten coffee and was his normal supportive wonderful self. =)

He was also concerned when I told him about my calf muscles. He thought they looked swollen, bent over and gave me a mini massage before declaring I needed to spend the rest of the day relaxing. =)

Shannon also had a GREAT race and beat her goal time by 1 minute!!!

Mile 1-9ish

Mile 2-21ish-tells you how much pain I was in =)

=32.01

New Kick

2011-06-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

In 2010 I got into cooking and making homemade to-go meals. In 2011 I've expanded on that and am on a "real food" kick. Maybe its because I'm pregnant and I am ultra careful about what I putting into my body.

I am a huge fan of homemade chicken broth. Anytime I cook chicken I always save the bones to make broth. Even if I can't immediately make broth-I stick the bones in the freezer. Anyone who knows me knows how squeamish I am, but for whatever reason the chicken bones do not make me squeamish!

I always experiment when making chicken broth. I made a huge batch of chicken broth a few months ago with just chicken bones-nothing else. I didn't have an immediate use for the broth so I stuck it in the freezer. I started developing a cold so I pulled it out and put the broth to use! The broth was well, chickeny! If I am going to use it as a soup I am going to cook it with veggies and bay leaves next time.

A few weeks ago I made a batch of homemade yogurt (can't remember if I blogged about it or not) it was SUPER EASY and yummy.

I am making another batch now and tomorrow I am going to attempt to make riccotta cheese!

I also started a sourdough starter. I am amazed all the foods you can make with a sourdough starter (hint its not just bread!).

Romantic Get A Way

2011-06-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

My 27th birthday is tomorrow. It crept up on me this year. I really planned NOTHING with family or friends beside going on this romantic trip with Ron.

We, meaning Ron, packed the car up Friday night. Ron didn't go to bed until 2am and we had planned to get up at 5:30. Caesar saw the boogie boards and chairs and proceeded to cry all night because he knew we were leaving. Needless to say Ron didn't sleep well and I kept waking up.

I woke up right after 5:30 naturally. I sat in the bed wondering why the alarm hadn't gone off. Finally at 5:45 I woke up Ron. He had a secret plan and set the alarm for 6:30. He was a good sport and got up anyways. =)

We went to Brueggers for breakfast and after a couple stops got to the beach around 10am. After 2 hours of being on the beach I was ready to go. It's amazing how hot I get in a short amount of time-despite getting in the water and jugging fluids!

We ate at PT's Grille-our favorite hamburger spot in Wilmington. Then drove to the hotel.

We stayed at the Riverside Hilton. Super nice hotel. We planned to go to the pool around 3. Ron fell asleep around 2. Since he didn't get that much sleep, and I was very comfortable I didn't wake him up until almost 5...when I started to get hungry.

We went to Front Street Brewery and got half priced apps (score!). We walked around Wilmington and reminised about B2B. I'll hopefully be back for the half in 2012!

Later we went and got ice cream from Dairy Queen.

The next morning we packed up and went to McDonalds for breakfast. Then we headed back to the beach. I started to get hot so I went and sat in the surf. Next time I am bringing my chair b/c I got sand all in my suit! However, I did stay very comfortable sitting in the surf.

Horrific Leg Cramp

2011-06-04T05:09:00.000-07:00

This morning, at 4:30am I woke up with a horric leg cramp in my right leg. I got up, went downstairs to help stretch it out. Emptied the dishwasher, ate a PB sandwich, tried to go back to sleep. Finally at 5:45 since I couldn't sleep. I got up and walked 4 miles. My leg felt to bothersome to run and I REALLY need to invest in a pregnancy support belt.

I've eaten and drank some potassium sources and have not had any luck with my leg. It feels sore now and like it could cramp at any minute! Hopefully it will go away soon!

What if-hot, annoyed, pregnant girl version

2011-05-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

A lot of what I've been thinking lately has been nicely and positively summed up by T @ Racing with Babies (so I named my post the same thing.) It's a really good post.

Maybe this is just the pregnant, hot, and generally annoyed rant version? haha.

I debated about naming the post "I see lazy people" (you know like from the Sixth Sense?")

Lately I feel like I keep running into people that put up roadblocks for themselves. I would do it but this, but that. Always an excuse. Yes, sometimes we can't help it and/or things come easier for some people.

I believe you can make things happen if you want it. Maybe its all the hormones but recently I feel like shaking people.

For example-

Don't complain about not having money if you are not willing to change your spending habits, eat meals in, or coupon.

Don't complain about being overweight if you are not willing to diet and or exercise.

Make it happen! Take baby steps to start towards your goal.

Don't just dream dreams-go make them happen.

First big purchase

2011-05-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

We made our first big purchase in preparation of Miss. Rosalie. I've been watching freezer prices since October. Part of getting the best deal possible is 1) you must be willing to wait and 2) you must be willing to walk away if the price isn't right.

At first I was interested in buying a used one. The more research I did combined with the prices people were trying to sell used freezers I figured it would be better just to buy a new one. Really-someone tried to list a 30 year old freezer for $100. Give me a break!

I watched the sales and realized what a 'good deal' on a freezer is. My specifications
1) Upright. My mom has a chest freezer and I hate digging through it.
2) Over 20 cubic feet. I'd rather buy a really big freezer to grow into rather than a small one that I could outgrow.

When Lowes posted their Memorial Day Specials, they had a 20.5 cubic Upright Fridgidare for 25% off. Plus Shannon gave me a 10% coupon I could combine with the sale. My credit card is currently giving 5% cash back at home improvement stores. So this BRAND NEW freezer was 40% off which is a savings of nearly $300. Plus free delivery-heeheeehee! The freezer is going to be delivered on Monday

Back in Feburary, I realized I was stocking my freezer full of food but forgetting to actually USE IT. I had an abudance of meat,fruits, veggies, cheese, etc. I was very sad when I realized some of the meat was 1 year old. Defrosted it looked sketchy so I pitched it thus the same thing as putting money IN THE TRASH!

Since February we have been eating through my stockpile. I just cooked the last thing of chicken. My freezer is looking a little bare but its okay!

Stephen is out of town the next two weekends. In lieu of swimming, I will be cooking.

Today I made 2 1/2 dozen pumpkin chocolate chip, 1/2 dozen wild berry (martha white mix), 1/2 dozen blueberry (martha white mix), 1/2 dozen banana nut (martha white mix) plus I added chocolate chips..mmmmmm. These muffins will all be going in the freezer. Muffins are so easy to defrost. Put them in the toaster for 4-5 minutes and they taste like they were just taken out of the oven.

Next week I am going to make biscuits or tortillas. I love making homemade burritoes for the freezer. It makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. I am debating whether it will be more cost effective to buy throw away pans OR buy reusable ones for lasangas and casseroles, etc.

Pregnancy support belts

2011-05-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Any recommendations?? I'm getting to the point that when I workout I constantly feel like I have to pee.

Touching base on yesterday's post. Last week I was scared I was not going to be able to work out anymore. Turns out, I just had normal round ligament pain. However, it was in a place I never anticipated and it had me very worried. When you are an endurance athlete certain muscles are just stronger and when they relax it causes major discomfort. I did let the nurse and ultrasound tech know, and they checked me and I was fine.

Today I was sweating bullets at work. I have a heater/fan unit thing and I had my air on high. Although I was the only person in the office that was hot, one of my sweet coworkers turned down the thermostat. I think some of my coworkers are going to start bringing jackets. Me on the other hand? I felt great!

After work I lifted some light weights and went for a "wun." Everytime I ran I felt like I needed to pee, I would walk and the feeling would go away. I enjoyed my 30 minutes on the treadmill. Ron came home from work and we took Abra for a 1.25 mile walk.

Ron takes Abra for a walk if he gets off work too late to go to his martial arts classes. Although I am sorry he misses his class, I really enjoy our walks together.

Surreal

2011-05-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's still weird to think I am going to be a PARENT. For the most part, pregnancy has felt like preparing for an endurance race. The first couple months were spent wondering if I was ready for this, adjusting to my new and changing body, and adapt how I was feeling. There were plenty of days I felt crappy and would have preferred to spend all day in bed. There were days I was so nauseous I prayed I would make it to the bathroom rather than throw up on someone's shoes.

Being an endurance athlete, I know how your mind can play tricks with you. Am I really that sore? Do I really feel crappy? Am I cheating myself? Sometimes, I was. Just going out for a quick walk helped how I was feeling tremendously. The quick walk would turn into a run and I end up feeling fantastic wondering how I felt horrible before. Other times, I would go to the gym and lift a few weights and realize that no, today I just needed to rest.

Last week, I was busy with triple coupons at Harris Teeter and working out was put slightly on the back burner. There are only so many hours in the day. Last week I needed more sleep than usual, so rather than beat myself up over it, I just slept in. Nevertheless, when I don't work out I feel more icky that if I just do a short workout.

Ron ran with me again Saturday morning. I definitely push myself harder when he's there. I don't time myself, but the run seems to go faster and I feel more confident. I'm hoping I can run until the end but I realize every person and pregnancy is slightly different.

Gina Crawford is a pro-ironman. She got pregnant shortly after the 2010 World Ironman champs and is due in June. She stopped running at 14 weeks because it didn't feel right to her. Other bloggers I've read have run up to the day they gave birth.

I realize life can change very fast. One of the woman I met on babycenter.com was pregnant with triplets. She was due on Halloween. She was having a normal pregnancy. She tripped going downstairs and was knocked unconscious. The woman was only 16 weeks along and there was nothing that could be done about the babies. They were all delivered 'sleeping' via c-section.

I feel very fortunate to have a 'low risk' pregnancy. I am healthy, my baby girl is healthy and I can work out. Every workout I try to remember that and enjoy it.

It's a GIRL!

2011-05-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

We had our appointment this week and it was confirmed-IT'S A GIRL!!! Miss Rosalie is approx 9 inches long and weighs 9 ounces. Her feet are 1 inch long. How cute is that? She is healthy and has a personality!

We learned so much during our appointment. Like on the ultrasound there were 2 dark spots that showed fluid in her little body. Both are completly normal. One of the dark spots was fluid in her stomach which means she can swallow. The other dark spot was fluid in her kidneys meaning she can pee! Isn't that amazing?

When the tech was trying to get a profile shot, Rosalie stretched flat on her back and kicked from the left side of the womb to the right. My mom exclaimed "she's already a backstroker!" 2 of the pictures are cool leg shots.

Towards the end of the appointment, she got feisty. She would curl her legs up and kick my stomach right where the doppler wand thing was. She did it twice! It was so neat to see.

I've been able to feel her move quite a bit. She likes pineapples. Whenever I eat pineapple I can feel her wiggle. Ron felt her last night for one little kick.

My mom's a triathlete

2011-05-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday I came home to a wonderful surprise from Christi She got me these adorable onesies! Ron was very excited about them as well. I took them to work and showed my coworkers. Tomorrow I am taking them to brunch to show my family. They are just sooooooooo cute!

Week 18 photo-Before this I really haven't looked pregnant. My stomach has been slightly discomforted week 16-currently. I think its because my uterus is growing. It's not all the time, mainly just at night.

This week my working out has been fantastic. I feel so wonderful too, I definitely think adding 2 days of swimming helped. I got in 12 wun (walk+run) miles for the week and 5ish swim miles.

However, I spent the first 16 weeks barely feeling hungry and having to force myself to eat. Weeks 17-18 I feel like I can't get full. Seriously-we ate at 5 guys tonight. I had a little cheeseburger, split fries with Ron. I told him after I ate I still was hungry. We got ice cream at Harris Teeter. We came home I ate a good sized bowl. 30 minutes later I feel like I haven't eaten for a week.

So-Ron got me ANOTHER good sized bowl.......I am switching to fruit for the rest of the night. =)

As posted earlier in the week, as long as all goes well I am going to do a 5k in late September early October. A friend of mine wants me to do Victory Junction-they moved the race from December to September. I declined because IF for some reason I go into labor I like the fact that in Greensboro I will be 5-10 minutes from a hospital rather than 40 minutes away and potential delivering in an ambulance!

Ron is going to participate with me! It will be his first 5k! Ron is no slouch-he does martial arts and cross fit several times a week. However, he hasn't run with me since we first started dating 8 years ago. He only ran to spend time with me. After a few months he confessed how much he hated running and hasn't run since.

Wednesday we went on our first training run. We 'only' went 2 miles. I led and he followed behind me. We ran the whole way except for a big hill and 1/10 mile to cool down. I always walk the big hill to make sure my heart rate doesn't get up too high. We finished, including the cool down, in 25 minutes. It was the first time I have timed myself in months and I was actually surprised we did it in 25. Most of the time I feel like I run at a snails pace!

That night Ron went to Judo. The next morning I get an e-mail at work "My legs are soooooooo sore! Hurts just to touch them. " I talked to him on the phone and he asked me if I was sore. Which I wasn't. Its so funny how you can be very in shape in some disciplines and then a new activity can point out some of your weak spots. Friday Ron said he was still sore all over and even his butt cheeks hurt. He's probably going to kill me for posting this but I thought it was hilarious!!!

Hello Energy!

2011-05-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well kind of! Yesterday I planned on spin class and light weights. After I got off work I talked myself into at least doing the weights. I got to the gym, got changed, and decided I was too tired....and hungry despite eating a snack.

I had a coupon for a free bagel at Brueggers so I got a bagel and ate it in the 2 minutes drive home. I laid down for an hour and just rested. After I felt so much better so I started off for 2 miles. I decided I was going to try for 4.

2 miles into my run, I got the WORST cramp in my shoulder blade. Such a weird place to get a cramp. I spent .50 mile walking the cramp out and then ran the rest of the way home.

Once I got home, I realized Ron was home!!! He wasn't able to make karate class so he came home to walk Abra and did I want to go? I refilled my water bottle and we walked 1.25 miles with Ron. Fast forward 2 hours and I felt as if I had gone for an 18-20 mile run.

Tonight I was going out to dinner with a friend so I was determined to swim this morning. I got up at 6:50-out of the house by 7am. Went to Harris Teeter for a quick trip. Got another free bagel at Brueggers and was in the pool at 7:33.

I swam
2X250 free
5X100 free w/paddles
200 free w/paddles
2X100 free
100 IM
=1500
done at 7:56

Jumped in the shower, hit traffic on the way to work and got there at 8:33. Ugh-3 minutes late!!!

Tomorrow Ron is going to run with me. We are going 2 miles. Then I'm headed back to the bagel shop. Mmmm-I love bagels!

Check the link below for the coupon.

http://www.swaggrabber.com/freebies-all/freefood/brueggers-bagels-free-bagel-and-cream-cheese-expires-515

We have movement

2011-05-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we've been splurging. Ron got straights A's this semester! He has a 3.92 GPA in his MBA program and graduates in December. Woo!

Friday-I had a taste for pasta from Elizabeth's pizza. We 'used' to go all the time and get the fettucini alfredo (not cream cheese based so its okay!) and veggie baked ziti. However, it seemed crazy to me with all the pasta and sauce in our house that we were BUYING premade stuff. Ron put his foot down and got takeout. We did get the child plate of pasta b/c its cheaper and just as much as an adult portion.

One of the big lessons I learned from being unemployed is that just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. I'm still working on a balance to make sure we have something to eat on the weekends.

Yesterday, Ron and I went to Ihop for breakfast. He'd been wanting to go for a month, but insisted it HAD to be for breakfast. Techinically its not breakfast if you wake up at noon on Saturdays.

Ron got up early, for him, on a Saturday and we left at 10ish. We LOVE Ihop coffee.

We came back and Ron was sweet enough to go fill my car up with gas. In the meantime I got kicked for the first time! I've been feeling some infrequent movement for the last 2 weeks or so but yesterday it felt like someone flicked my inside. Definately not gas! I continued to get kicked and have felt the baby moving around this morning.

As I've mentioned, I used to feel pressure on my right side and low and behold thats where the baby was hanging out. I haven't been feeling any pressure on that side, my mind starts playing tricks on me. Luckily, I have this fetal doppler so I can find out where she is (as long as she cooperates!). I've been finding her right in the center. Maybe that explains why I always feel the urgency to pee?

Then I stopped by a coworkers 50th birthday party and then went out to dinner @ Mellow Mushroom with our friends Jennifer and Jason. After I got Ron to come with me to Harris Teeter. They have a deal (with the right coupons) you MAKE 25 cents per lunchable plus to grab the cheap ice cream. While we were there, I ran into an ex boyfriends family. Akward when the older brother and mom don't want to talk to you. The 'little' brother (who is now 22) stopped to chit chat, I've seen him through the years b/c he is friends w/my brother. But Really?!?! Come on people-its been over 10 years!!

Then during checkout, we saw a prom couple. I leaned over and complimented the girl on her beautiful dress. Her date exclaims loudly-OMG I KNOW YOU YOU WERE MY SWIM COACH!!!! and it took me a second and I realized who he was and gave him a hug. If he hadn't said anything I would never have recognized him!

Race Envy

2011-05-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

It is much to hot for me to "race" right now. I don't do well in the heat. I think it would be neat to do one "race" while pregnant. I say "race" in quotations because there will be no PRing, no real goal times, mainly just to say I did a "race" while pregnant.

Considering its May by the time it cools down the next time for me to logically do a race is late September/early October. I will be 8+ months pregnant! lol...As long as I'm feeling okay and have the okay from the doctor I am going to do a 5k.

Two years ago, I became a marathoner (and started this blog). I put some new songs on the ipod and went out for a run. Actually my goal was to get up early and do 5-6 miles. Well, that didn't happen. My goal was 4 this afternoon.

I started off really well. Felt amazing. Somewhere up a hill I've been walking I got horrible calf cramps in both my calves. I pushed through for .25 mile or so. Finally just decided to walk it out. Well, my body has been changing and the shorts I was wearing rubbed my legs the wrong way. No matter which way I pulled and tugged I could not get them comfortable again.

Frustrated I started to walk up this other hill. Two men passed me without saying anything or giving a wave or ANYTHING. Scared me half to death! Once they got to the top of the hill they started walking. SO I sucked it up, ran past them, SCREAMED LEFT, and ran another .5 miles until I got home. My poor thighs...time to retire these shorts!
Grand total-2 miles!

Updates

2011-05-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

My days are flying by. These days my life is in fast forward.

My only notable workout this week was Monday I took spin. It was the first time I'd been on a bike since B2B! My tush was actually sore the next day.

I am more tired and nauseous NOW than I was in the first trimester. I've gone back to sleeping through the night rather than getting up every few hours. The trick is to not drink more than one cup of caffeine and do not sit down when I get home from work. I try to at least go to the gym or the grocery store-anywhere other than coming home and lying down. Then by 9-10 PM I am clocked out and get up with "ease" when the alarm goes off.

Friday I went in for bloodwork. Everytime you go in you have to pee in the cup. Well, after the nurse ran the results and took my height/weight she took me back to an ob room. I was like 'what? we are just supposed to be doing bloodwork?" The nurse responded "yes and an ob exam." Instantly I thought something must be wrong b/c it was only supposed to be bloodwork. I worried for 5 minutes or so and then the doctor came in. I love this Dr. She is wonderful! She told me everything was fine and that she just wanted to see how I was doing, etc. We listened to the heartbeat-157.

The doctor asked me if I wanted to be a guinea pig b/c she learned some new things on her ultrasound machine. I told her the anatomy test was scheduled for next week. She responded that was too early to have the appointment because when they check for the gender its the same time they check to make sure all the organs have formed. So she pushed the appointment back to 5/19.

Immediately after the ultrasound popped up I could see the baby. I didn't have to squint like the last time. The baby looked enormous compared to the first time. I said "ohhhhh, look how big he is" and the dr said "boy huh?" I said "yes, everyone in my family thinks its a boy and we do too so I just call the baby a he." The doctor said "well, do you want to know" I responded "yes" The doctor responded "It's a girl!!!!"

My mom is still convinced I'm having a boy so we will have to wait until the 19th to know "for sure."

What a day

2011-04-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was off. My mom, grandma, Shannon, and I had a girls day.

We started off at Red Lobster for lunch. Shannon had never been there before! Crazy! After a delicious lunch we headed to Babies R us to start my registry.

The lady who helped me had extremely bushy red eye brows. Seriously! Anyone who knows me know I am NOT a shopper. However, we spent nearly 2 hours at Babies R us picking stuff out.

We had a lot of fun, oooing and aahhhing over all the items. However, I had a hard time clicking things because everything was so expensive.

My grandma bought a book of nursey rhymes so she can learn them. Isn't that sweet?!?!

I was glad we started my registry BEFORE we find out the sex. Ron and I want to have more than one so I was able to get neutral colors without being swayed one way or the other. Of course there were a lot of items I couldn't register yet!

We find out May 5th!

Updates

2011-04-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday Stephen and I had a fantastic swim. I felt really good. I HAVE started to get my energy back.

Our main set was 10X200s meters on 3:00/3:15. The last fews weeks we haven't done anything on an interval. So I had no idea what my new pace would be. I figured if I didn't make it I didn't make it but Stephen should get in a good workout. I told him I could always do 150s or 175s if I wasn't making it.

Well, I thought he was taking it easy on me. We hit the first 200 meter at 2:35. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't even breathing hard. Each 200 I easily made the intervals. After 5 X200 we did a 500 social kick. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't over doing it or raising my core body temp because I did not expect to make the 200s. I chock it up to all the weight training i've been doing.

The generic advice is that pregnant women shouldn't get their heartrate over 140. I think that advice is too generic. During a scary movie my heart rate would go over 140. I think it boils down to your core body temp. I know I could swim or run forever with my heart rate under 140, but I'd still get hot. For me, i'm not paying attention to heart rate per se more so with am I getting overheated!

Tuesday I had to go in and out of the factory most of the day. Whenever we go into the factory we have to wear steel toe boots, which the company provided. Instead of switching my shoes each time I just kept my steel toes boots on. Well, those shoes are NO JOKE! Towards the end of the day my outer quads were burning.

I did step ups for the first time since before B2B. Basically where you step up on stool that's maybe 2 feet tall. I used to do 15-20lb weights in EACH hand. Last night I did them with 5lb weights. Boy is my tush sore! Between the step up, some lunges, and the steel toes my legs were tired!

As for today, today was a reminder to take what people say with a grain of salt. I met this lady who gave me her financial life story after, in not so many words, telling me that buying a doppler was a frivolous purchase. She proceeded to tell me how she lives a frugal lifestyle ..ex) she plans her meals around what is on sale in the weekly circulars and uses coupons religiously . Well, I speak coupon! You know what I found out-she does not speak coupon.

Just to make sure I wasn't crazy, I called someone who also is fluent in coupon and she was just as surprised.

I just let her talk and didn't mention what I do. To her, I got the feeling, she stereotyped me as just some young kid who blows my money based on the fact I bought a doppler. Well, when she gets to know me will she be in for a surprise!

Oh and by the way, dopplers are not expensive. If you are wondering-mine was $58 and had FREE shipping. Yes, it was slightly more expensive then a stethoscope but significantly cheaper than buying an ultrasound machine (haha).

New news!

2011-04-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

We will do new news first. Last night I bought a doppler! It's called a Sonoline B and it's gotten good reviews on a few of the October babies' forums I follow. When I read the specs it said "guarenteed to work after 12 weeks." I thought "ohhhhhh mannnnnn" and then quickly realized I was 14 weeks along...hahaha!

Even before I found out I was pregnant* I kept feeling "something" on my right side. I don't know how to explain it. It just didn't feel the same. 2-3 times after my 12th week I thought I might have felt some movement (very quick) and it was the same place. The doctor put the doppler on that same place and immediately picked up the heartrate. I know babies move around but I think he/she likes to chill on my right side.

I can't wait to try out the doppler! It's supposed to come between the 19th-25th.

I started to get my appetite back. Yesterday I ate 9 of 12 inches in my foot long sub, plus dorritos. I couldn't believe how much I ate except when I looked up the calorie information I only ate 550 cals worth of sub, even on a high guestimate of 450 cals of chips is 1000 calories. Which I don't think I ate that many. So even with a high guestimate of 1000 calories I ate 500 cals for dinner and 200 cals for breakfast....1700 calories is a lot less than I thought I had eaten. I was STUFFED and could not eat one more bit. I don't get it! I used to eat 1700 calories no problem.

In the womb

2011-04-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Courtney recommended I tape the show "In the womb." So I dvr'ed it. 5 minutes into it I knew Ron would want to watch it as well.

The show was 2 hours long so we watched hang last night and the other tonight. It was amazing to watch. Particularly the part that we had already gone through. We had read so much about pregnancy it was neat to see it on the show.

One fact that was interesting was that the baby picks up on the mother's voice and will have a similar sound when first born. Ron went "ohhhh no that mean instead of our baby going Wahhh Wahh its going to go Ronnnn Ronnnnn" hahahaha

6 Miles

2011-04-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight Shannon met me to go on a walk/run. Unfortunately I've had three nights of crappy sleep so walking was all I was up too tonight. We made it 6 whole miles which is the longest i've gone since i've been pregnant.

I'm not sure if it was the post walk high or the pregnancy hormones but it just hit me how much I enjoy spending time with her.

Last year, I got so busy training and she was busy with her on stuff that we didn't get to spend nearly as much time together. After 7 years of very close friendship we seemed to be on two seperate paths. Not like we planned it, but we got involved in different things and started hanging with other people. Sure we saw each other once a week or so and went on several trips but it just seemed different. Which, a lot of it I was to blame.

Now over the course of any relationship things aren't always going to be honky dory but some friendships are really worth fighting for and hanging on too. Over the last couple months I feel like we have gone back to old times but with our new experiences. She was the very first friend I told I was pregnant and found out before 2/3 of my siblings.

I am so lucky to have a friend like her in my life. Tonight was just a normal "going to meet Shannon" night. Great weather and great conversation with my best friend.

2nd Tri

2011-04-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

I thought during second trimester morning sickness was supposed to go away? I thought I was one of the lucky ones with no morning sickness but then around week 9 it appeared. I still think I'm lucky that I don't actually throw up but randomly gagging isn't so fun either!

It's actually gotten worse each week. If I'm not munching on something I can start to feel the ickiness appear. This morning I ate a banana and then started my dust-a-thon. Doesn't a dust-a-thon seem like more fun than just saying you are going to dust the house? Anyways, I started with the kitchen and for whatever reason I could not stop gagging this morning. I ate a pudding, stopped gagging for 30 minutes and then started gagging again. So I ate another pudding and then continued on.

I've never been the type of person to say "wow, I just love pudding" but now that's one of my favorite things to eat. There was a good sale on yogart (and pudding) this week. I flat out told Ron that the pudding is mine. =). Hopefully I can stock up on some more puddings before the sale ends. It's so wierd that I prefer pudding to ice cream.

I have started to get some energy back. I was able to run yesterday. I get side stiches when I walk too fast or do the elliptical. I was on the treadmill and did 3 min walk/3 min run for 30 minutes. No side stitches, which was nice. Although I could have run longer it's the most i've run in a while and I still had some errands to get done.