Off the couch I fall.

So, after having 2 kids in a 4 year time span and hitting the 34 year mark, the baby weight didn’t just fall off after I had Joseph like it did with Anna.  Two weeks after Anna was born, I was back in my skinny jeans.  Two weeks after J was born, I was unable to breathe in my bath robe. 

Something had to be done.  So I did it.

I started the Couch to 5K program right around the 5 week mark after having Joseph.  I used to run quite a bit pre kids and even managed to hit the treadmill quite a bit after Anna was born.  It’s something I’ve always enjoyed and a way for me to feel like I’m healthy in some capacity (I eat like total crap).  So, after being out of the loop for a while, I dove back in and haven’t looked back since.

It was a very slow process at first.  Using old running shoes that were well past their lifespan certainly didn’t help.  I had major knee issues that I forced myself to run through.  A new pair of shoes, many hours of icing myself down, and bottles of Naproxen later, I’m now running again, and this time I’m in it for the long haul.

It took me about 8 weeks to start seeing any results which was pretty frustrating, but once my body realized it was being used again, the baby bulge started coming off, and I started getting stronger and stronger with each run.

I set a challenge for myself right before I had Joseph to train and run in a 5K before the fall.  I’m proud to say that I met my goal, and I’m even surpassing it by running in additional 5ks (my friend and I are running in the Breast Cancer Awareness 5k in October) and maybe even a 10k if I feel brave enough.  At this point, though, I’m just proud of my accomplishments thus far and am going to enjoy the moment.

Joe was nice enough to join me (he used to be a runner although he’s not been very active with it over the years) at the Saints Back to Football 5K in NOLA.  There were about 5000 runners who showed up that day, and while it was pretty claustrophobic to be around so many people, once we started running, it was fabulous.  The energy was intense.

Here I am before the race showing just how fabulous my time was going to be:

I basically didn’t want to die, so I paced myself very slowly just to be on the safe side.  I am also kicking myself that I didn’t eat any chicken on a stick after the race.

A small section of the crowd. 

Rounding the bend to see the Super Dome.  What a glorious site to behold since I was about to die at that point.

I made it without stopping to walk once!  I wasn’t last either.  WOOT!  My eyes look like that because they were sweating.


Pretending to lick this man’s sassy shorts.  I was just shy of photo  bombing their photo. 

The hubs and I in all of our sweaty glory!

Video of me crossing the finish line.  Take a Dramamine because it’s hella shaky!

Natalie finishes!

My results:

Overall: 1798 out of 4089

Women: 708 out of 2291

F 30-34: 149 out of 466

Age/Grade: 43.29%
Place: 1709

Finish: 34:26
Pace: 11:05

Tag Time: 34:26

Gun Time: 45:23

I am happy to say that I feel more fit now than pre-kids, and it’s all because I got my butt off the couch and started moving again.  The Couch to 5K program is absolutely amazing for anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort.  By following the marathon not sprint mentality, you slowly work your way up to long hauls of running time.  It truly works! 

After the 5K program, I started the 10K bridge program, but I really don’t have an hour a day to run unless I want to neglect my kids, so for now I’m going to work on running faster miles and adding on more difficult challenges with my runs (inclines, arm weights).

If you’re on the fence about this program, start today.  I promise you won’t regret it!

If you’ve had success with the program, let me know.  I’d love to hear your feedback about how it worked for you! 

Toof.

It’s happening this time a lot more quickly than with Anna.  Joseph is getting a tooth.  This would be really exciting if I weren’t still nursing, but since I am, all I can do is shudder at the thought of what may happen with that precious little tooth. 

At least he’s cute!

Week 28.

After a Saints playoff loss, this past week wasn’t one I’d want to re-live, so I’ll just dive right in to the baby stuff.

Here’s where we are this week:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.


Images and content courtesy of babycenter.com

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: +23.5 total.  This is +1.5 from last week. 
1 lb. over the normal weight gain and 3 lbs. less than the maximum weight gain, so I’m doing great!

Sleep habits: Sleep has been going well.  I have been having some issues when I wake up and am on my back, but there’s not much I can control about my positions throughout the night.  The hardest part of sleeping at this point is the frequent bathroom trips and my overall inability to get out of bed as quickly as I used to be able to (from the weight gain and heavy stomach). 

Maternity clothes: Still wearing them.  Today I’m wearing my pre-pregnancy pants, but they are fully unzipped.  I needed some black pants and didn’t have any options, so I went for it!  Thankfully, my long shirt hides everything, so it’s all good. 

I’m tempted to buy a few more shirts to carry me through, but I guess I’ll just work with what I have for now.

Best moment of the week:  My mom, sister, and Jackson came over this past Saturday to help me paint the nursery.  We didn’t get much done, but it was nice having them there. 

Food cravings: Right now I’m craving King Cake, but that’s not abnormal for me this time of year (Mardi Gras). 

Symptoms: Pretty bad cramping on my lower left side.  It was kind of miserable yesterday to the point where I almost drove myself to the hospital, but it has since subsided.  I definitely over-did it this past weekend painting the nursery and trying to get control over the massive amount of laundry that is always piled up.  I seriously need a maid. 

I’m also having lots of pressure, so I’m not sure if he’s dropped and locked into birthing position or if he’s just chilling out low.  The cramping and pressure yesterday had me convinced I was about to go into labor. 

Movement:  Most days he’s pretty active although I did have a worry moment this past weekend and “forced” myself to eat some cake to get him to move.  He moved immediately and then hiccupped for about 30 minutes.  His movements are much stronger now, and he’s started shifting inside to where it makes my entire belly move like a wave. 

The nursery:  I spent this past weekend painting the walls in preparation for my friends Beth & Kent to come in and help me stripe the main wall.  I really like the colors (click here for all of the nursery details) and hope that the stripes turn out like I’m imagining them!  

I also spray painted (in aqua) some old frames I found and added Joseph’s DIY art into them.  I really like how they turned out!  I took it a step further and spray painted an old lamp in the same color which will be used on his dresser/changing table (which I still have to buy).  I will probably paint the shade in stripes.  Still undecided about that. 

There’s still lots left to do, and hopefully we’ll be able to get it all done.  I also need to get back all of the stuff I loaned to my sister (PNP, swing) and all of my nephew’s clothes ‘cause my poor child will be naked if not! 

What I’m looking forward to:  Beth and Kent’s visit.  Finishing up the nursery.  4D u/s.

What I miss: Not much right now.

Next appointment: I have an appointment on Thursday (the 19th) for my gestational diabetes testing.  Hopefully I pass with flying colors because I’m not exactly the world’s best when it comes to restricting myself. 

See ya next week!

84 days to go!

Week 11. How ‘bout ‘dem Saints?

Here’s where we are today:
—  I open my mouth and can even move my tongue.
   
—  I have eyelids, but they are fused shut.
   
—  I can drink whenever I want.
   
—  I sigh, stretch, and move my head.
   
—  If I am a girl, my ovaries now contain my very own reproductive cells.
   
—  For some reason, I love sucking my thumb. Usually the right one.
   
—  Did you know I can grab things with my hands?
   
—  Sometimes I just feel like yawning so I yawn!
—  My vocal cords are forming. I can't wait to use them.




The good news is that the baby is looking more like an actual baby and less like some weird alien life form. 

What’s happening…

I’m feeling pretty good.  Most days I don’t even feel pregnant which can be a blessing and a curse.  It’s a blessing because I don’t need to haul around Anna’s potty training toilet in case of sudden yack attacks, but it’s a curse because I often freak myself out thinking that something might be wrong.  My symptoms were so strong with Anna that there was never any doubt things were moving right along in there.  The 1st trimester is such a pain in the ass.  I’m looking forward to at least feeling some kicks or stretching or something just letting me know that things are as they should be inside.

I have had some very mild cramping lately that I’m going to chalk up to growing pains. 

I’m a little bumped out at this point.  It’s not bloat bump, it’s baby bump.  However, to most outsiders, I don’t look pregnant – just like I’ve eaten a huge meal.  So, basically I’m in that horrible in between phase where people just think I eat a lot. 

My main issue at this point is clothing.  I can’t really wear my tight shirts because of my gut, but maternity stuff is overkill.  Joe and I went on a little shopping excursion the other day, and I walked out empty-handed.  Plus, we’re in the midst of a season change, so all of the cute summer shirts I’d traditionally like are out, but it’s too hot to start stocking up on turtle necks and sweaters. 

Hurry up and change, weather!  Mama is impatient and in DESPERATE need of some new clothes.

I just got over a head cold that may be a result of a recent weather change.  It feels nice to be able to breath out of both nostrils again. 

I haven’t weighed myself lately, but I imagine I’ve gained a few lbs.  Maybe +1.  I’m still able to wear my pre-maternity jeans, but I have to leave them unbuttoned.  Most pants still fit me in the butt/thigh area.  My pee stick hadn’t even dried yet when I was out of regular clothes w/ Anna, so this pregnancy is certainly different. 

I’m a hormonal bastard on speed this go ‘round.  I’m one fava bean shy of gnawing off someone’s face.  I certainly hope that the 2nd trimester will bring some relief from these insane mood swings.  I know Joe is hoping this as well.  He’s been wonderful throughout this entire process, thankfully.  I need to give him an award of some kind when all of this is said and done.  Maybe I’ll win the lottery and can surprise him with a navy, black or silver Z28 Camaro – <--- his dream car. 

One can dream.

How ‘bout ‘dem Saints?!
So, Joe and I decided to take the little bean to his/her first football game!  We bought tickets for the Saints/Bears game on Sunday, September 18 – a surprise from Joe for our anniversary.  We had a blast!  How could you not enjoy a butt whooping game like that?  Well, unless you are a Bears’ fan. 

Sorry, Cutler.  Perhaps your fans will be less douchey the next time we play you on your field.  You know what they say about karma, right?

Here are some photos from the day:

Saints running in.


Glorious dome behind me!


Champion Square in the background.

We were idiots and didn’t bring cash with us, so we spent the better part of an hour running back and forth to ATMs to pay the parking attendant.  This meant that we had to skip the Champ Square festivities and run to our seats to get there before kickoff.  Oh well, you live, you learn!

It was all worth it since we finished with a  beautiful score of 30 – 13 with 6 sacks on Cutler.  It was a fantastic game.  I’m just glad our offense AND defense were on fire this time.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen them play with such fury! 

The baby enjoyed the game, I think. 

Anna got to stay home and play with grandma, so it was a great weekend!

See ya soon!

Saintsgiving.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I’m finally taking the time to blog about our day.  Now that we’re in December, that’s appropriate, right?

The highlight - other than the food, family and fun – was watching the Saints play the Dallas Cowboys and finally getting revenge on them after last year’s heart breaking loss. 

Here are some pics of my family of Saints fans:

Joe and me before the game!

My little Who dat!

Uncle Glenn, Aunt Clarissa, Chris and Ale

My dad missed the memo that the Saints were playing, not LSU!

Crazy Joe and my child who refuses to look at the camera!  I made her a turkey bow and woven headband to match her outfit.  The headband came off before we even got there.  She settled on the bow and then ripped that out later.

AS usual, she’s trying to get away from me!  I get no love from this child when there’s playing to be done!

Joe’s “sassy” expression in the background owns me.  Anna paused to eat a chip with her Aunt Lea Lee.

Anna and her cousins spent the majority of the day sticking these leaves to the glass windows.

A little saucy pose right before the game started. 

Anna, MiMi and Aunt Lea Lee.  Of course Anna is still eating and not looking at the camera. By this point, I gave up.

Anna is patting her cousin Aydan on the back for a job well done with the leaves.

My uncle’s finger got in the way!

Anna and Paw Paw = BFF

  Do I have the cutest nephew or what?!  He could be a baby model!


She looks all innocent, but don’t let that sweet face or bowl of chips fool you!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!