Week 31 – Round 3

Size of Baby (per “What To Expect”) – Size of a butternut squash. Approximately 3-4 pounds.

Weight Gain – 22 pounds. I am holding steady at about a pound per week.

Movement – The baby (no we don’t know her name yet) is moving lower than either of my other two girls.  My first daughter spent a lot of time pressing into my rib cage.  While I can feel this child at the bottom of my rib cage, most of the movements are focused around pressing out from my belly or down towards my hips.

Sleep – No sinus infection equals more quality sleep.  Note, we are taking a rest period each afternoon.  Sometimes we fall asleep, other times we just turn the lights off and sit on the couch (or in bed).  Oftentimes, we play with faces on Instagram stories.

What I miss – Bottomless cups of coffee!  This weekend was Father’s Day.  My husband had a full list of things he wanted to do with the family on a weekend dedicated to him.  As he pounded cup after cup of coffee throughout the morning, I felt my energy levels drop as the temperatures rose.  No, I don’t rely on that much coffee, but with the combination of heat and pregnancy fatigue I could have used a pick me up on more than one occasion.

We left the house on Saturday at 9:30AM to head to the berry farm in Gastonia, NC.  After picking two large baskets of strawberries and blackberries, we went straight to the Whitewater Center where we hiked, ate popsicles and let the kids participate in the obstacle course.

At three years old, my oldest daughter has finally gotten the hang of most of the balance obstacles and can maneuver her way across things that she can hold on to with both hands.

Best Moments this Week – Celebrating the most important people in my life.  Not only was it Father’s Day, but it was also my mom’s birthday.  I already told you how we spent Saturday afternoon.  We later joined my family at Cafe Monte to celebrate my mom’s birthday.

Fear not.  My mom made sure to do the girl’s nails before they headed out for the evening.  At this point, I am one hundred percent sure their nails look better than mine.

We most certainly went all in on Saturday.  By Sunday, the girls were worn out (and so was mommy).  After teaching a class at Flywheel, the four of us met at Phil’s Deli for Father’s Day breakfast before heading home and not leaving the house.

These days our time at the house is filled with Legos, Slip n Slides, a small bouncy house and afternoon cartoons.

We invited my family over for a cookout that afternoon to distribute small gifts and cards.  The girls were clearly the center of attention as each gift was opened.  I took them to a local Hallmark to buy their own separate cards for both their “Popi” and their dad.  They took it upon themselves to color them in with markers and add additional stickers.

Highlight of the day was my two year old repeating my husband say “damn it” as he was trying to put together furniture.  He and I did not acknowledge it as we did not want to provoke that behavior.  The most ironic thing is that he never uses  bad language.  As such, it wasn’t until later when I mentioned it to him that he admitted he hoped I hadn’t heard.  Let’s hope she doesn’t repeat it again.

Looking forward to – Meeting our new addition.  Even the girls are asking when she can come out.  They can feel her move and they talk to her regularly.

Cravings – Salt, sweets, food.  Top meals of the week included: NY strip steaks to celebrate Father’s Day, afternoon homemade guacamole snacks (see picture below) and mini eclairs  and coconut cake to celebrate my mom’s birthday.

Symptoms – Big mama keeps getting bigger and keeps slowing down.  Resting more, running significantly slower and going to bed earlier.

Workouts – If you have been following my weekly updates, you probably have noticed a shift in my cardio workouts and more focus on strength.  I have been doing less running and more cycling and weights.  I have heard horror stories of women pushing through the aches and pains of pregnancies to continue to do certain workouts in the final weeks of pregnancy.  What’s the point?  Do something that doesn’t compromise comfort.  In the grand scheme of things, pregnancy is such a small period of time in your life.

I have been incredibly fortunate to have the ability to jump on a bike (at Flywheel) on the days I don’t feel like being on my feet.  Focusing on more mobility and body weight core exercises has also prevented me from having any chronic aches and pains.  I am actually in shock with how good my body feels at this point.

Monday – I taught my regularly scheduled 6:30 AM Flywheel class.

Tuesday – See strength workout below. I also taught the 3:30PM Flywheel class that afternoon.

• Jog 800m
• 2 Rounds
  • 10 PVC pass throughs
  • Max Dead Hang (approximately 45 seconds each time)
  • Miniband around thighs, roll medicine ball back and forwards 15 yards x 3
  • Miniband around thighs, single leg hip hinge with row x 15 each
• 2 Rounds
  • Single Leg Glute Raise shoulders on Bosu x 15 each
  • Reverse Fly x 15 each
  • Wall Sit x 1 minute
  • Tricep Extension x 15
• 3 Rounds
  • 5 Pull Ups
  • 10 KB OH press each
  • 15 KB Swings
  • 20 Lunges each leg

Wednesday – I rode in our newest Flywheel instructor, Shelby’s, preview ride!  Even with sore legs from my Tuesday workout, I still rode a 278 total power score.

Thursday – I have pulled back from participating in my run group on Thursday mornings.  That said, I still taught my 3:30 PM Flywheel class that afternoon.

Friday – See strength workout below.

• 2 Rounds
  • Jump Rope 2 minutes
  • Single Arm Squat to Overhead Press x 10 each
  • Scapular Pulls x 15
  • Single Leg mini band hinge x 15 each
• 3 Rounds
  • KB Swing x 15
  • Backwards Lunge x 15 each
  • Pushup x 15
  • Bicep Curl x 15
• 3 Rounds
  • Slam Ball x 10
  • Pull Up x 10
  • Squat with Band x 15
  • Dips x 15

Saturday – I went for a run/walk.  See stats from my run above.  My husband has mentioned a few times that he may run in the Famous Toastery Fourth of July 4 mile run.  If he does, I may actually jump in.  Before committing to the race, I wanted to see how I felt even running.  I ran slow (11:10/mile) and I walked one or two minutes here and there, but I got over three miles in and I actually felt pretty good!  Who knows, you may just see me cross the finish line in two weeks!

Sunday – I taught my regularly scheduled 7:30 AM Flywheel class.  That class was just fire.  I can’t explain how much I love that crew!

Week 29 – Round 3

Size of Baby (per “What To Expect”) – Size of a head of cauliflower. Approximately 3 pounds.

Weight Gain – I hit the BIG 2-0 this week.  20 pounds that is.  Baby and belly are growing more each week!

Movement – There is significant movement that can be seen by the outside eye without touching my belly.  At my doctor’s appointment this week, the doctor confirmed that the baby is head down but rolled over to my right side.

Sleep – Dare I say I am starting to feel better?  With that comes more sleep.  I went to see a sinus doctor on Wednesday.  He proceeded to scope through my nose and into my maxillary sinus (right beside your nose).  Completely uncomfortable.  I started my second round of a 10 day antibiotic to rid my body of the remnants of this sinus infection.

What I miss – An afternoon Diet Dr. Pepper.  I try not to drink diet soda while I am pregnant due to the caffeine and aspartame.  That said, every once in awhile I will sneak in a Sprite Zero.

Best Moments this Week – I passed my one hour glucose test with flying colors!  On top of that, the baby and mom had a good check up (her heart rate was in the 150s).  I am now seeing the doctor every two weeks.

After taking all of Saturday off, I regained my strength for a trip down to Gastonia with the family to berry pick.  I was hesitant to go given the age of the girls and the hot temperatures.  However, the girls never cease to amaze me with their ability to jump right in to a new activity and the overcast skies kept us pretty cool.

We took bets in the car on the way there on how long we would make it before the girls wanted to go home.  My guess? 20 minutes.  My husband?  40 minutes.  We made it over an hour!  I am so happy that we decided to go.  My oldest daughter was on point.  She wanted to control her own basket, so she could independently fill it to the top with blackberries and strawberries.  She was so proud of herself (and so was I!).

My youngest was engaged for about a half hour before she decided to take a snack break in the double jogger.  She didn’t move the rest of the time.  She didn’t cry either though, so I can’t complain.  See pictures of our crop above.  If I start to look like a berry by the end of the week, you know why.

We stopped at Tony’s Ice Cream in downtown Gastonia on the way back to the interstate. As the name implies, we had ice cream.  This hole in the wall has been a local favorite for as long as I have lived in Charlotte.  It was packed.  Line out the door.  Nowhere to sit.  It was also cheap and well worth the wait.

Looking forward to – Meeting our baby girl!  The girls helped me unpack newborn and three month clothes this week.  We washed them and folded them before loading them in the baby’s dresser.  The girls each took one of our two bouncy seats to their room to put their own baby dolls in.

Cravings – Food.  I feel like I eat/graze all day.

Symptoms – Fatigue!  I woke up Saturday completely exhausted.  I navigated through getting the kids out of bed and helping them eat breakfast until my husband got home from his workout.  I then went back to bed until 11:30AM (even cancelling a training session to get rest).  If you know me, this is so not like me.  I didn’t leave the house the rest of the day.  The rest did my body good.  I was feeling like my old pregnant self again by Sunday.

Workouts – I am slowing down for several reasons:  I’m in the home stretch, I’m bigger and I’m peaking the hump of being sick.  You will notice I skipped my Thursday run group this week and I did not work out at all on Saturday.

• Monday – I taught my regularly schedule 6:30AM class and came back to teach a 10:45 AM Memorial Day class.
• Tuesday – Strength work in the garage.  I have no problem backing off cardio, but I do try to fit in two strength training days a week to maintain basic energy to stay mobile and fit for birth.
  • 2 Rounds
    • Run 800m
    • Side Extension with Band x 15 each side
    • Dead Hang Max
    • Deadlift x 15
  • 5 Rounds
    • 5 Pull Ups
    • 10 Pushups
    • 15 Body Weight Squats
  • 2 Rounds
    • Side Crunch Bosu x 25
    • Bicep Curls x 20
    • Heavy KB carry x 25 yards
    • Bulgarian Squat x 15 each
• Wednesday – After sleeping in, I opted to go to Flywheel for an 11:45 class with Robert.  Some days even a trainer needs someone to motivate them.  Great ride in which I didn’t push too hard.  Total power around 250.
• Thursday – I took a WALK around the block for 30 minutes before heading to Flywheel to teach my 3:30PM class that afternoon.
• Friday – Strength work in the garage – see workout below.
  • 2 Rounds
    • Run 400m
    • Single Arm Squat to Overhead Press x 10 each
    • Scapular Pull x 15
    • Single Leg Miniband Hip Hinge x 15 each
  • 3 Rounds
    • Kettlebell Swing x 15
    • Backwards Lunge x 20 each
    • Pushup Roll Out  x 8 each
    • Bicep Curl x 20
  • 2 Rounds
    • Slam Ball x 15
    • Pull Up x 10
    • Squat with Miniband x 25
    • Tricep Extension x 25
• Saturday – Much needed REST DAY!
• Sunday – I taught my regularly scheduled 7:30AM class.

 

Week 28 – Round 3

Size of Baby (per “What To Expect”) – Size of a cucumber. Approximately 2.5 pounds.

Weight Gain – 19 pounds.  I can legitimately tell when the baby goes through a growth spurt.  A few things happen in no order:  her movements slow down, I eat more, and I am more tired.  By the time my energy level resumes, my belly is bigger and my weight has gone up.  Do a happy dance!

Movement – After a few days of less movement, things picked up drastically over the weekend.  Rolls rather than punches.  Even the girls can feel the baby move at this point. They often ask to touch my belly to feel the baby move.  Too bad I can’t get her to do it on command.

Sleep – I don’t want to speak too soon, but I think I have finally beat my sinus infection.  After a whopping TEN days on an antibiotic, the pain in my face has subsided enough that I am no longer taking Tylenol for relief.  Hence, this has made sleeping much easier over the past week.

What I miss –  Gosh, not much!  I’m savoring the last few weeks of my last pregnancy.

Best Moments this Week – Memorial Day festivities.  I am so thankful for those who sacrificed their lives to protect the incredible country that I live in.  While we didn’t have any big plans for the weekend, we did end up staying busy each day.

We had been to a crawfish boil before, but we had never been to a shrimp boil.  Saturday evening we joined some of my favorite Flywheel riders for our first shrimp boil.  We were unprepared for how incredible the food would taste.  My husband ended up eating more than his fair share of the delicious main course while the girls wore themselves out jumping up and down in the bouncy house.  We left with full hearts and full bellies before crashing once we got home.

Memorial Day weekend is a huge travel weekend for many of our Charlotte friends.  Since we had gone on our own vacation the week before, we felt no pressure to get out of dodge.  That said, after Flywheel and a family breakfast Sunday morning, we hit the pool for our first swim session of the summer season.

It used to be a process to get the girls to stay at the pool for an hour before they were overheated and ready to go home.  That phase has passed.  We can now spend at least 2-3 hours at the pool before I have to suggest we take a break.  Our youngest is the water bug.  She has caught on to using her legs and arms to maneuver around the pool and has no fear.  Let’s just say you have to keep an eye on her!

After two days of serious outdoor activities, we were sure the girls might hit the wall and take a nap for us on Monday.  Nope.  We had tickets to the Memorial Day Charlotte Knights minor league baseball game from a prior game rain cancellation that we opted to use.   Start time was 2:05PM.  We had tickets in a section that was situated in the scorching sun.  While an usher in a shaded section helped someone to their seats, we took the initiative to sneak into some seats that were in that section.

The biggest highlights of the two and half innings that we made it through?  The team store (we bought a girl’s soft bat and ball), Dippin Dots in the team replica hat and Homer the mascot.  After an hour and a half, we trekked back to the car with tomato faces.  It’s the effort that counts.  They enjoyed it while it lasted.

Looking forward to –  SUMMER! School is officially out.  We celebrated on the last day with the rest of my daughter’s classmates toasting to ice cream sandwiches on the playground.  I have taken the initiative to sign the girls up for some activities that they can participate in together this summer (as I anticipate I will experience some fatigue as the third trimester sets in).  

Gosh, ever since we got back from the beach my girls seem to have reached a new level of friendship.  The conversations that they have together are literally priceless.  The pictures don’t do justice how much they love (and hate) each other at times!

Cravings – Any and all food.  As I said before, any time the baby is growing I feel my appetite increase.  I feel like I was hungry all day every day this week.  With decreasing space for my stomach, I also walk a fine line of what is enough and what is too much.

Symptoms – Pregnancy literally goes to my head.  In ALL of my pregnancies, I have experienced significant symptoms in and around my face.  The most common?  Pregnancy congestion and sinus issues.  Next up?  Gingivitis and teeth pain.  The only time I ever use a Netti pot or feel the need to constantly be cleaning my teeth is when I am pregnant.

Workouts – After an incredible week at the beach (and some much needed time off), I was back on my full group and personal training schedule this week.  On the days that I feel the most tired, forcing myself to get a workout in tends to make me feel better.  Routine and consistency are everything to me.

• Monday – I taught my regular 6:30 AM Flywheel class.
• Tuesday – See my garage strength workout below.  Later in the afternoon, I taught my regular 3:30 PM Flywheel class.
  • Warm up (2 Rounds)
    • Row 2 minutes
    • Curtsy Lunge with Band Extension x 15 each side
    • Dead hang 45 seconds
    • Miniband around thighs walk sideways 10 steps, 10 front raises each direction x 3 rounds
    • Deadlift x 15
  • Strength Circuit (3 Rounds)
    • KB Swing to OH Press x 10 each side
    • Pull up x 10
    • TRX Squat x 25
    • Pushup to Tricep Dip pass through x 10 each
• Wednesday – EASY DAY!  Run/walk through neighborhood for 30 minutes (I accumulated approximately 2.5 miles).  At a training session with my group later that evening, I also got some hang time in at the bouldering wall.  Here is great drill to try for grip strength:  Hang 10 seconds, 1 Pull Up.  Do that as many times as you can before dropping.  Move your hands if you can!

• Thursday – Most of my run group was out of town or busy (except for my girl Cara!).  I reassured her that it would be okay for her to push pace ahead of me, but she insisted on staying with me as long as I was actually running.  Thank you for that.  I made it about halfway before I started walking on the recoveries.
  • 800m warmup jog
    • 6 Rounds (2:00 on, 1:00 off, 1:00 on, :30 off, :30 on, :30 off)
  • 800m cool down

I accumulated approximately 4 miles before heading home to get my kids up and moving.  We spent the morning at Chuck E Cheese before I headed to Flywheel to teach my 3:30 PM class.

• Friday – Sleep in.  Check.  With both kids out of school, I did my workout in the garage at lunch as my oldest ran around me practicing her own exercises. See strength work below:
  • Warm up (2 Rounds)
    • Jump Rope 2 minutes
    • Turkish Get Up x 5 each side
    • 15 Scapular Push Ups
    • 15 TRX Lunges each leg
  • 11’s workout
    • Perform 10 Pull ups, 1 Pushup
    • Next 9 Pull ups, 2 Pushups
    • Etc., until you reach 1 Pullup, 10 Pushups
  • Basic Strength Work (3 Rounds)
    • 15 KB Swings
    • 15 KB Overhead Press each side
    • 15 Side Raises KB
    • 15 Single Leg Squat TRX each

• Saturday – 30 minute WALK around the block!  Two miles is all I had time for.
• Sunday – Double time baby!  I taught the 7:30/8:30AM Flywheel class.  I have to admit this will be the last time that I teach back to back Flywheel classes with no break until the baby is born.  Mama needs time to hydrate and rest before jumping back on for round two!

Week 25 – Round 3

Size of Baby (per “What To Expect”) – Size of an eggplant (approximately 1.5-1.75 pounds)

Weight Gain – 17 pounds.  Bump keeps growing and growing.  It’s hard to believe we are already this far along!

Movement – A lot more movement these days.  The movement has started to grow from my lower abdomen up my belly and above my belly button.  I can certainly tell when she stretches out.

Sleep – I got SICK this week.  Just a common cold, accompanied by a lot of coughing and phlegm.  The cough will keep me up at night if I don’t prop my pillows up on top of each other.  I actually pulled back significantly from exercise this week and slept with a humidifier on for one night.  That said, at this point in my pregnancy, I have been able to relieve some of these symptoms with Sudafed, cough drops and nasal spray.

Best Moments this Week – One word.  STAYCATION.  My husband and I love some alone time, but we also love some time with our two girls.  That said, while an extended “baby moon” would have been nice, we spent a night out in Charlotte and opted to take the girls on a beach trip before baby number three gets here.

It only takes a little bit of time together here and there to make a big difference.  We headed uptown for some relaxing time at the Ritz Carlton pool before heading out for appetizers and drinks (mine a “mocktail”) at Sea Level.  Gotta love hanging at the bar while watching the Kentucky Derby.  We headed out post horse race and enjoyed dinner at BLT.

How had I never been here?  Have you seen the size of the popover dinner rolls they bring you BEFORE dinner even starts?  Big mama was hungry.  Unfortunately, I fill up very fast given the small amount of space my stomach has left in my midsection.  I couldn’t even eat the whole thing before my steak came out.  I highly recommend the restaurant for food and service, but I caution you in that you may be sitting within eighteen inches of the table beside you on both sides (which can be awkward if another restaurant patron wants to listen to your conversation – as was the case in our situation).

We were in bed by ten and up by eight.  Even staycation didn’t slow us down.  It is easier to relax knowing the girls are in good hands.  My parents made all the stops Saturday afternoon/evening and even Sunday morning.  The girls absolutely loved the Disney Pixar show at the Belk Theater.

Looking forward to – I mentioned our upcoming beach trip with the girls, but before we get there, my husband and I will be celebrating our five year anniversary on Friday.  It’s hard to believe it has only been five years.  We have certainly been busy.  I found out I was pregnant with my first child a little less than eight months after we got married.  It’s easy to see how we could already be expecting our third.

That said, I have been trying to spend some quality time with my youngest daughter in the days leading up to summer vacation and our third child arriving.  Both my husband and I have worked hard to maintain separate relationships with both girls (i.e. individual time in which their real personality can shine without the other dictating).  It’s certainly a special time.  They still describe us as “awesome”, “fun” and “the best”.

Cravings – I’m loving some good old fashioned hearty meals.  In other words, steak, potatoes, beef broth soup and veggies.  I could still do without the sweets.  I met my husband uptown this week for lunch and enjoyed a spicy soup and noodle combo.

Symptoms – Congestion, but I’m sick.  Did I mention my belly has gotten bigger?

Workouts – Since I was sick, I did significantly pull back this week.  Listening to my body is key to making sure baby stays happy and healthy (especially at this point).

• Monday – I taught my regularly scheduled 6:30 AM Flywheel class.
• Tuesday – I did a short strength workout in the garage before teaching my standard 3:30 PM Flywheel class.
• Wednesday – what started as a planned 30 minute run turned into a 30 minute walk.  After running for 10 minutes, I started to feel cramping and called it.  It was a beautiful day.  I had purposely parked my car near a nail salon so when I was finished I could get some “me” time in.  I don’t do the whole nail routine often, but I did both a pedicure and manicure post walk.
• Thursday – whatever cold was developing came on full force Wednesday evening.  I dropped out of my usual run group workout to get some much needed rest to be able to teach my 3:30 PM Flywheel class.
• Friday – I slept in AGAIN!  Going on three days straight.  A huge rainstorm made a mess of our garage.  While I was moving some things around with my youngest daughter, I snuck in a 38 minute workout.  I got ALOT done with her in the garage and in a short amount of time!  I also maxed out at 8 pull ups in a row.
  • 2 Rounds
    • Jog in place 2 minutes
    • SKLZ single arm roll out x 10 each
    • PVC single leg hip hinge with rotation outwards x 10 each
    • Sandbag Deadlift x 15
  • 3 Rounds
    • Static Squat with Should Mobility x 10 each side
    • Pull ups x 10
    • Goblet Squat x 15
  • 3 Rounds
    • Side crunch on Bosu x 15 each
    • Single Leg Squat with TRX x 10 each
    • Squat Thrust x 15
• Saturday – After communicating with my doctor Friday night about what over the counter medications I could take, I started to feel a change towards the better by Saturday.  I was invited to the Lululemon Southpark store to test out their newest sports bra – the Enlite Bra.  I warned them in advance that I was pregnant.  They were all game to still have me visit the store.

I joined several other fitness personalities in Charlotte that I had never met before.  This is why I am glad I decided to go.  Not only did I buy into the bra, but I connected with some absolutely fantastic women.  We bonded over a fitting, a 5k run and some breakfast.  Let’s be serious though, the bra is $98.  I get it.  Mouth drop.  Ladies,  everything at Lululemon is wearable and returnable.  If you are interested, put it on, run in it and see what you think.  I’m sold.  Biggest thing for me was not feeling trapped in the straps.  No chaffing.  No need to take it off immediately post run.

• Sunday – I swapped my early Sunday class to teach the 2:45 PM class that afternoon.