18 Weeks

Can you say HEARTBURN!?!?!? This crap is for the birds, although I wouldn't wish this on a poor little bird. It's nearly PAINFUL! It's this crazy burning sensation in my throat! I don't eat anything processed, fatty or fried...Yet I feel the burn baby! 
Well, I am almost 5 months pregnant! Now the time is starting to fly by... It's crazy! In just a few short days, this belly has expanded like a balloon. 

My energy has increased a bit, but I'm still not a morning person. I get a surge of energy around 12:00, and that's the time I put all my energy into my workouts. I do my best to try and do cardio, but for some reason, I HATE it right now. Maybe too many years of running and my body wants to rest, who knows. I DO have some fierce strength to lift weights in my circuit style training, so it's not like I am NOT getting ANY cardio, just not running right now. All other cardio for me is boring. I was thinking about hopping on a spin bike for my cardio, but the thought of sitting my sheesh on a HARD bike is not something I think I would like right now. 

Everyone who sees me now CLEARLY knows I am pregnant and not that I gained weight. I am carrying pretty high. I still have no hips, thankfully,  but my belly starts right under my boobs! it's round and it's POPPED! I LOVE IT! I LOVE HER! 

I think you are supposed to get food aversions early in pregnancy right!?!? Well for me, I am getting them BIG TIME RIGHT NOW! Everything about animal meat GROSSES me out! I craved jumbo shrimp, I made it and hated it! I made Wild Salmon which I ADORE, and threw it away! It tasted like shit! I REFUSE to eat Chicken (5 years now) and I won't eat ground turkey anymore after reading about the bacteria on it!  SO what am I eating for protein? Tofu (once in a while) American Tuna (brand Name) once a week, and basically loads of eggs and egg whites, with the occasional turkey breast off the bone (NOT DELI MEAT) and protein powder.The rest of my diet is Veggies veggies, fruits, and whole grains like black rice, quinoa, steel cut oats, Ezekiel products.

I had to run to Buy Buy Baby to find a Glider for little G's room. Of course I get sidetracked by EVERYTHING in there! That place is amazing! So for $7.99 each, I got her some little books, to start her library!  When Mario saw the "My Daddy and I" book, his eyes welled up! AWE! He loved the selection of books.  We are still waiting on her furniture, like the crib and mattress and the dresser.... The night stand came rather quick, but the others are taking longer! I hate when you have to WAIT for the delivery and they only give you a 5 hour time frame! REALLY!?!

Are you on Pinterest? I am! Follow me! My baby board is my FAV! Little G's baby Board on Pinterest

17 Week and lots of kicks!

17 weeks and counting! I'm amazed at the rapid growth of this baby now! She is suppossedly the size of an onion from crown to rump, not including her legs, though I wonder, because all of the sudden (as you can see from the pic), I have POPPED! 
I didn't weigh myself last week, I guess I really just forgot (like everything I have been forgetting lately). Last Thursday I weighed in at 128lbs. This morning I weighed in at 130! 
I've been purchasing random things here and there as far as maternity clothes. Everyday I grow out of something and have to replace it with something BIGGER.
I've been napping again. I really can't tell if it's the baby growing so much in the past two weeks or if it's allergies, all I do know is that everyday I need at least an hour on the couch.
My favorite moment this week was actually yesterday. I was sitting on a large Swiss ball and bouncing lightly on it. It made her move so much! I actually think she liked the bouncy movement. I haven't felt her move so much!
I went for my sonogram last Thursday. She was so much bigger and of course moving like a little Tina.... though I have one complaint. My doctor's sonogram machine SUCKS! The pics are never clear! It's a bummer because I look forward to the pics to save for my pregnancy scrap book. Good news is that she is doing great and I'm madly in love.
My cravings this week: I had to have jumbo shrimp and frozen yogurt (I don't even eat dairy!). When I gave into the shrimp craving, I immediately got over it. I had 5 with my dinner and I don't want them again anytime soon! The frozen yogurt craving was AH-MAZING! I am making Mario bring me today! I can't wait! Chocolate and coconut with carob chips! LOVE!
I'm fuller this week than last. My butt has got its plumpness back that I lost because I was super lean before the pregnancy, but it's not wide. Mario loves it (WHY!?!?) The lean muscles in my arms are covered for the time being by baby fat and water retention. All good stuff....

a little second trimester workout

I put together a little video of the style of training I do.....

I usually do three moves per circuit and my rep range is anywhere from 10-15... This is ONE OF THE MANY workouts I have for you...

I hope you enjoy!

Getting my workout on!

I've been feeling good lately... working out more and more and able to actually last more than 30 minutes. The hardest thing for me during this pregnancy has been keeping up with MYSELF! I am usually on the go from 6:00 am until about 9:30 when I drop to my pillow for the night. I normally would run 4-5 times a week anywhere from 3-9 miles and train like a beast in the gym about 5-6 days a week burning 500-900 calories per workout- Yea, I'm  a little obsessed. But these days with this little peanut growing inside of me, my energy has come to a screeching HALT! From February until about the end of April, I hardly did a thing and when I did, I wouldn't last more than 20-30 minutes!  I won't deny, I did NOT fight it. I listened to my body which I believe is the best thing you can do for the baby and for yourself.

Most say that around week 14, your morning sickness and fatigue go away. For me, never having morning sickness THANK GOD, and NOT getting my energy back until week 16... I am ready to get going! Now that I have some energy I take full advantage of it. I'm strong in the gym, and LOVE going to the track to walk the track and climb the stairs (not run them).

My only complaint with my workouts is my POST WORKOUT AGONY! I've never been this sore! I'm not used to being so sore and tight. I definitely don't recover as quickly as I did pre-pregnancy. I also used to always suck down some sort of Glutamine with my workouts which aids in post workout recovery. I contacted Sandy from Beverly International, and she told me that she would stay VERY conservative during pregnancy and avoid it to be safe, just stick with my protein and that's it. Well, I listen, because I don't want to do ANYTHING to harm myself or my little girl. I don't even take my protein powder EVERYDAY. I take it MAYBE 3 times a week. I know once it gets warmer outside, I will want more smoothies, but for now, I'll stick to LOADS of eggs, occasional turkey breast, lots of beans.

I had my LAST cheeseburger of my pregnancy making that 2 from a restaurant and one from home. I think it was just a craving because now I get GROSSED OUT at the thought of cheese and red meat. I'm more on a beans kick right now. I've been making some fabulous lentil salads and bean salads with organic corn!  I'm back on my vegan sort of kick with some eggs in there. It makes me feel so much better. I will however listen to my body. If I feel like I need an iron boost, I'll have some ground buffalo or A BluePrint Cleanse Juice: Beets, Apple, Ginger and lemon- SO AMAZING!


Yesterday I went to the gym with Mario. We go our separate ways in the gym, but are together. It's nice. Here is the workout I did:

Legs & Shoulders
Round one: 3 sets 10-15 reps

• Smith Machine Squats- just the bar and then added 5's on each side for the last two sets
• Barbell standing shoulder press- 30 lbs. and did 12 reps

Round two: 3 sets 10-15 reps

• Bulgarian split squat off a bench- 12 reps each leg
• Side laterals- 10 lbs. one arm at a time.

Round three: 3 sets 10-15 reps

• Leg extension- 40/15 45/12 50/12
• rear delt fly standing cable 2.5 lbs. 15 reps

Round four: 3 sets 10-15 reps

• Dumb bell deadlifts- 25's in each hand 12 reps
• upright row with a kettle bell- used 25lbs the first two sets then 18 lbs. the third.

Mario wasn't done yet at this point so I figured I would do some cardio. I tried the Arc trainer, but my boobs were happy with the bouncing (even with two sports bras on!) They HURT! SO I got on the stationary bike for almost two miles when he was done, I hopped right off. I'm still not that into the cardio. I feel that it's more important to maintain my lean muscle by lifting weights and do my workouts in a circuit style keeping my heart rate up

MY red little obsession

I LOVE BEETS and HERE is WHY!

Beets have been getting so much attention lately if you haven’t noticed! Ever pick up a Blue Print Cleanse Juice? It’s because of the high nutrient value they rock! I tend to agree with anyone who thinks Beets are a super food, because THEY ARE.

Before I get into the benefits, I want to add that I have LOVED beets since I can remember! My mom used to buy them in the can, because Whole Foods didn't exist and well, she was a busy lady to be boiling them and prepping them. Didn't matter! I LOVED them! I have HER to thank for always giving me my fruits and veggies and keeping me away from the junk!

Being a vegan for many years, beets were a great source of iron for me. Now that I am pregnant, I occasionally have my ground buffalo, but ALWAYS incorporate beets into my salads, as well as drink my Blue Print Cleanse Beet Juice!

You don’t have to be pregnant to get these benefits, but if you are… I would start eating LOADS of them!

·         Increased iron during pregnancy: Pregnant women are recommended to consume beet juice because it will help improve hemoglobin content. The high vitamin C content in beets can help improve absorption of iron in the body.
Consuming beet juice regularly during pregnancy can help women give birth to naturally healthy babies. The nutritional benefits during pregnancy and nursing are many; Try drinking it before & throughout your pregnancy.

·         Improved liver health: Beets contain a nutritious pigment known as beta cyanin. This helps detoxify your blood and liver. By eliminating your body’s toxins, beets help prevent fatty deposits in your body. If you have been consuming a lot of junk food, adding a glass of beetroot juice to your meals can help you recover. Beetroot juice is also considered a healthy remedy for a hangover.

·         Heart Health: Studies have shown that beet juice can help reduce high blood pressure. It can also significantly lower the risk of coronary heart disease, circulatory diseases and strokes. If you are not too keen on drinking a pint of beet juice every day, you can simply mix it with other healthy juices such as oranges and carrots. Try the Blue Print Cleanse Beet juice! I promise you will love it!

·         Storehouse of vitamin C: Beet benefits stem from the many nutrients it contains. Beets are rich in vitamin C and packed with a lot of other nutrients as well. Vitamin C helps boost immunity. It is this high content of vitamin C which also makes beetroot great for your skin. If you want to use beets  for skin, consume a glass of beetroot juice every day. It helps remove toxins and improve skin texture. Due to these properties, you can also use beetroot juice for improving the health of your hair.

·          

The best thing about using beets  for health is that all its parts can be consumed. Young beetroot greens are rich in iron and have higher iron content than spinach. Beetroot leaves also have several medicinal benefits for diabetes. They contain a large amount of insoluble fiber that helps the food move through the alimentary canal. It also contains soluble fiber that controls blood sugar and cholesterol, improving circulation. It also contains several minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, along with vitamins such as folic acid and vitamin B6.

Apart from improving immunity and cardiovascular health, beetroots can also help you improve your mood. Beetroots contain a nutrient known as betaine, which can improve the production of the natural mood enhancing compound known as serotonin.

Nutrition Facts

·         Calories: A single serving of beetroots contains about 55 calories while the beetroot greens contain about 25 calories.

·         Proteins: 100 grams of beetroots contain about 2 grams of proteins, and the same amount of beetroot greens contains about 3 grams of proteins.

·         Fat: Both beetroots and beetroot greens contain only trace amounts of fats and therefore, are considered an excellent diet food. The low calories and high nutritional content of both beetroots and beetroot greens makes it a super food.      

·         Carbohydrates: Beetroots contain very small amounts of starches. 100 g beetroots contain about 12 mg of carbohydrates, and beetroot greens contain about 5 mg of carbohydrates.

·         Calcium: Apart from vitamins, beetroots are also a rich source of calcium. 100 grams of beetroot contains about 24 mg of calcium and beetroot greens contain about 144 mg of calcium.

·         Iron: 170 grams of beetroot contain 0.9 g of iron, while 145 grams of beetroot greens contain about 2.8 g of iron. Beetroot greens are known to be a superior source of iron than other greens.

·         Vitamin A: 100 g of beetroots contain 30 IU of vitamin A, and the same amount of beetroot greens contains about 7400 IU.

·         Vitamin C: Beetroots are known to be a rich source of vitamin C. 100 g of beetroots contain 10 mg vitamin C and 100 g of beetroot greens contains 22 mg of vitamin C.

Some New Goodies!

Had a very interesting date with myself on Thursday. I decided to step foot in Destination Maternity! My oh MY! Well, after shopping around for quite some time almost in tears because I was MORTIFIED at all the large clothes that still didn't fit and MY clothes that didn't fit, I found some EXTRA small things. How about these? Hudson Maternity Flare Jeans! I got them for 50% off! That's always a plus with daddy (Mario). They are so nice. I got a few tank tops and a few tops to wear with my jeans. I bought a maternity bra. When the guy who worked there (YEA, a MAN!), I almost passed that! These bras were so big you could use them as helmets! HOLY CRAP! I HOPE my boobs don't get that big! I'll fall over! I also got the most comfy maternity undies to wear to bed. 

I couldn't believe how well the staff were with customers! I mean they treated me like I was Princess Kate! HELLO! Maybe I should get pregnant more often! I mean they were soft spoken, gentle and very helpful! They even offered me water! SERIOUSLY!?!?!? 

After I found some clothes I wandered off to find some lotion  for my boobs and belly. This one smelled amazing and anything that has collagen in it is MY FRIEND! NO stretch marks this time for me! 

Sanctuary MUM to be Body Butter

Then I found these bars. I am VERY skeptical about bars to begin with.. Unless they are Lara bars, Kind bars or Two Mom's in the Raw bars, I usually run the other way, but since these were for mom's, I figured I would try two. I ate one on the way home, or shall I say I INHALED IT. Yea, it was that good!

Belly Bar: Chocolate & berry nutty cream

I can't tell you the last time I went shopping and got samples or something for free! MY OH MY! A big bag of treats for mommy & little G! The blue packets are Mama Mio. This is cream for the boobies. Smells great and feel great on your skin! Maybe this will help my boobs from falling to my feet?

The purple packet is Belli- Facial hydrator. I think it's OK, I mean, when I put it on, my face was a little sticky, not a good feeling... but hell, it was free, so, I will try it again! 

The yellow packet is Boudreaux's Butt paste... Which is for little G's Cooley. I'm not sure about this stuff.... YET! I will wait and see what else is on the market, Only the BEST for her body skin and health.

And YES! A teeny little bottle! AVENT. I ordered Dr. Brown's on my registry, which I hear are the BEST, but why not keep this as an extra!?

Samples

After my adventure at Destination Maternity, I walked over to Whole Foods, which is always an adventure. I aware, I have had ADD since I am a little girl, but when I am in this store, I take it to a whole new level!!!! 

Looking for a NEW deodorant, I sniffed about 15 of them before I finally smelled one I liked! I have been using Secret for so many years, but learning about the dangers and how antiperspirant can cause cancer, I have been using an all natural deodorant for about 8 months now. Works fine.  Yea, I may get wet under my pits but I don't smell, and ya know what? that's all that matters! :O)

Jason Purifying Tea Tree deodorant

I LOVE all Alba products! They all smell like summer and the beach! They have NO chemicals and NO paragons (cancer causing). They also WORK GREAT! This is a day time facial moisturizer. SO before I apply my tinted moisturizer, I apply some of this.

Soothing Jasmine & Vitamin E

If you are pregnant and haven't read this book yet, IT'S A MUST READ! I can't put it down! My friend Kim passed it on to me, now that she has three girls and probably experienced all of the stuff in here three times over, It was my turn to read. Jenny McCarthy is VULGAR and doesn't hold back to begin with, that is what she is known for. Reading about her pregnancy and what she goes through and how she describes things, let's just say you will LAUGH, BLUSH, and CHUCKLE the whole time you read it. 

The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth

16 weeks and counting!

Love Letter

I am now 16 weeks.. and this past week gained 4 oz. I thought FOR SURE I was going to get on the scale and it would read 135 pounds! Phew! Only 128. I am right on track. I had no morning sickness so I had an appetite. When I started the IVF meds, I was 114 lbs. When I found out I was pregnant, I was 117 lbs. I am now 128. So in the FIRST trimester I gained 10 lbs. If I can gain ONLY 10 lbs. or less in the second and the same in the third, I will be fine with that. It's a healthy normal weight gain. 

I'm NOT wearing any of my regular clothes. They now just look pretty in my closets. I'm only able to 

16 weeks

wear a FEW pairs of shorts from my pre-prego days... But those are getting tight too. I went shopping online to Destination Maternity. I bought myself gorgeous Hudson white bell bottom jeans, Jessica Simpson cut off jean shorts, a t-shirt that says Girl in a pink heart, and a stripped v-neck tank- all really cute. Today I had to go to Whole Foods, so I actually stopped into the Destination Maternity. OMG! I was so overwhelmed. Everything looked sooo big for me still! Sheesh! Even the smalls would swim on me. Luckily I found some extra smalls. I got a great bra to wear to workout, some cute undies to sleep in and a few long tank tops. I found a pair of cotton shorts to work & workout in along with a pair of black capri's. This is harder that I thought. I'm so used to buying things super small like "00" and now walking into this store where everything is big, scares me! :O(

I'm sleeping okay again, thankfully...we go to bed the same time pretty much every night. We wake up the same times everyday. Nothing has changed.

The PROOF!

My favorite moment this week going to lunch with my friends Mary & Michelle for another CHEEEESE BURGER. Oh, my I add, my LAST cheese burger. It was so nice to catch up with my girls. when I see them, we are usually training, so there isn't much talking... SO to be dressed up and OUT of the gym was so nice. I say it's my last cheese burger, because I'm OVER it. I'm over the swiss cheese too. I have been going through these little phases that last maybe 1-3 weeks, and that's it. Now I'm all about veggies and fruit!

When I think about what I miss for this week as far as pre-pregnancy, I miss My Beverly International Glutamine Select drink. 

My strong craving this week? Honestly don't have ANY this week, which to me is a good thing, since I am feeling like a bloated cellulite fat ass!

I'm more round this week and still looking like a 6lb medicine ball.

I haven't been napping since I have SO MUCH TO DO!

See you in a week for more updates.

XO

Little G's Room.

We decided to get a move on it and order little G's nursery furniture. We were going to go the less expensive route and order from Buy Buy Baby. I found a set I loved, but we are not into getting boxes of pieces of furniture delivered to our door. Who has time to sit and patiently put furniture together? NOT US! Mario works 7 days a week and I don't have the head to scre bolts into frames. Sorry.

We DID however get her fabulous furniture and most of it on sale... From Pottery Barn. We decided on a crisp white for her room. Her walls are a Lavendar. One great thing about her room is that the sun rises through her window in the morning, and when it does, the lavender walls lighten up about 3 shades. It's the coolest thing! Once the sun moves around the house, Her walls deepen again. Here are some pieces we purchased yesterday as a start to her project.

I want her room to be bright, yet calm and peaceful, happy and a place she will love to be in. All we have in  there now are two gorgeous prints and lavender walls, and I LOVE to be in there. I can't wait to see it filled with HER stuff.

Catalina crib.

Catalina dresser and changing table

Catalina night stand.

The green Dot lamp shade

Madison Lamp Base

Gabrielle Nursery bedding

If you look at the color of the wall in this pic, ours is a little brighter and more lavender... but this is kinda close, so you get an idea. It's going to look BEAUTIFUL! We still have to order the Gabrille rug. We still also have to order her tall dresser and her window treatments. 

This was a great start though. We should have the stuff we ordered in about 2-3 weeks, and the other stuff sometime in June or July... No rush... we aren't EXPECTING her until November. 

A MUCH needed pedicure and a smoothie to drool over!

In the fitness world (my world), having protein smoothies and shakes are a "STAPLE" in your diet. So I know it may sound like a long time to YOU, but I have been drinking protein shake for 20+ years now! They are a GREAT way to get QUICK protein back into your body to replenish your muscles after working out. Protein replenishes, repairs and recovers your muscles for growth. 

Being pregnant, especially having to go through my first trimester in the winter, SUCKS! I'm ALWAYS cold, no matter what I have on and no matter how high I pump the heat! Having an ice cold shake in the winter doesn't work very well for me, as I would SHIVER for hours after I was done drinking it.  So, I have been longing for my amazing smoothies for weeks!!! 

Today was a PERFECT day! My house is warm, because it's hot out today, and while I didn't work out, having extra protein and greens with some frozen berries was JUST WHAT I NEEDED!

Having organic fruits and greens in my smoothies along with some protein is a great way to make both Momma and Baby happy!  Are you pregnant? Trying to get pregnant?? Start having smoothies and try my recipe!

Pregnant Goddess Smoothie:

• 1/2 banana (small)
• 1 cup organic wild frozen blueberries
• 1 cup organic frozen strawberries
• 2 tbsp. bee pollen
• 1 scoop Green Vibrance
• 9 oz. water
• ice (optional)

Blend for 30 seconds until frothy and smooth.

With my hair skin and nails growing like WEEDS lately, if I didn't get a pedicure today, my sneakers would all need to be cut open at the toes, because my toe nails were that long! I love soaking my feet in the super hot water with the jets going on my tired feet! They are not super swollen yet, but I know it's coming, I can feel it! 

Years ago I used to get red toe polish with little white dots only on the big toes, it was my trademark in the summer... This summer, it's a FUSCHIA color with white dots. The lady looked at me like I had three heads, so I looked back at her! PA-LEASE! Do NOT mess with a pregnant hormonal woman! Sheesh! Give me what I want! SO, what do ya think? I'm also in LOVE with my $5 flops from Old Navy! THEY ROCK!

Have a FABULOUS weekend and Mother's Day! Can't wait to report back to you on Monday. I'm sure my lovie will plan something super nice! 

Just incase you had your baby or you aren't pregnant yet, you should take a gander at my crazy blog (the other one) workouts and recipes galore! Staying Fit & Lean

15 weeks and growing!

This was just a few days before yesterday- which I am now 15 weeks pregnant! Not bad... I mean I'm actually starting to LOVE this belly and not care so much about my 8 pack. I mean, seriously, is there anything more beautiful? Not me, but a pregnant woman? I know before I was pregnant when I would see a pregnant woman, I would melt. Didn't matter how big or small she was, just to KNOW there is a baby growing inside, I would die. Now it's ME..... again after all these years, and I am loving life. I must also say that I am confident enough to say I had one of the best physiques in the gym and by far the best abs.... still, my husband LOVES my body right now, and tells me I am so sexy. He loves my PLUMP tush which I say is my Aunt Jemima ASS, and he grabs it and hopes I keep it.... Well, I will say (shh, don't tell him)... I'm already planning all the half marathons I will be running. I may even do ONE LAST figure comp just to give myself a goal to fight for. 

So the 14th week, I think was my busiest week since I've had this little peanut inside of me. We picked her paint, had the painters come and paint it. I went shopping for prints for her room, and ended up leaving with two GIANT prints, that I couldn't leave the store without! I also spotted a little stool which was the same color as her room, and fairy princess detailed. Um, yea, Got that too! Three of my clients, Mary, Priscilla and Robin are planning a baby shower for me which will include Mario's and my clients from Greenwich.... Which means, I think I may have to do another shower for family and friends.. I wouldn't want to exclude anyone!! 

So things are coming along now.... 

I am now 15 weeks.. and this past week gained only .6 oz. I think because I have stepped up my cardio by getting to the track, and also because my appetite has changed. I'm hungry but not starving. 

I'm still wearing all my regular gym clothes, but NONE of my regular jeans and stuff..... Those are packed away until little one comes along. 

I'm not sleeping like a rock.... I get to bed by 9:00 and out like a light by 9:10, but wide awake at 3:30, get some water and pee, and stay awake tossing until about 5:00, when I am out cold until 6:00... Please tell me this won't be until she comes. I need sleep NOW! I know the drill once she comes! NO SLEEP!

My favorite moment this week was watching Mario's face when he walked in her room and saw the prints I picked out for her. He melts every time he goes in her room, and THAT warms my heart.

When I think about what I miss for this week as far as pre-pregnancy, it's my MOJO for working out. I could care less right now if I make it to the gym, I'm so happy at home prepping baby's room, and filling her closet with little onsies that i pick up everywhere I see cute ones. 

I had a strange craving for ONE chocolate chip cookie. I saw a three pack of Tate's at the food store. Never had them and haven't had REAL cookies in so many years, that I was so excited to get my FIX and be done with it only to find that I HATE TATE'S cookies! What a bummer! I'm over the cookie craving! My friend Mary tells me if I am going to have a cookie, I should do it right. She is going to make me her homemade cookies, with the exception that I ONLY WANT TWO!

I'm more round this week and looking like a 6 pound medicine ball at the gym.... perfect description.

Ive been napping again for the past 3 days, maybe it's allergies, maybe it's the rain, or maybe it's because I'm KNOCKED UP! HA!

See you in a week for more updates.

XO

Happy 14 weeks!

 Oh yea! Little belly is poppin'! So I am now 14 weeks, and since I found out I was pregnant I have gained 7 pounds. I was 117 on the day it was confirmed I was pregnant and I am now 124. Before the IVF meds, I was 114. SO I really never lost the water weight and bloating from the drugs. I have purchased lots of maxi dresses, in a size small, because I was REALLY TEENY before. I purchased one Maternity dress, a maternity tank and a pair of maternity jeans so far... Not yet wearing but I feel like I will be SOON!

Sleep is my best friend. I lay my head down and I am OUT in 2 minutes flat! I do get up more often to pee at night, but I think I do it in my sleep. I have to say my favorite moment is picking her nursery paint color, bedding and furniture. I am going with the Lavenders and super light greens. Very soft, and calming. 

To date, everyone knows we are having a baby, and to be honest, YOU CAN TELL! I was small than a double zero before with super ripped abs and definition everywhere. Now, it's natural to lose muscle definition and be covered in water and extra body fat. I am sure my body is really happy. I haven't been this calm or relaxed in over 20 years. I am only in the gym every other day or 35-40 minutes, lifting weight and doing light cardio. For the past 5 years I have been going HARD On my physique with running half marathons and weight lifting like a soldier, that for this pregnancy, I just want to enjoy it and be calm. 

If there are a few things I miss, I would have to say running and my clothes. I can't fit into anything and I WON'T run.  As far as food cravings, I think I'm over turkey and watermelon. Now all I keep thinking about is real homemade pop corn and cheeseburgers! But this here is more like how I eat everyday. 

When people ask if I can feel her move, it's not like YES I can definitley feel her, but if I am laying still for a good 20 minutes, I can feel little flutters, which is pretty much her doing flips. her limbs are way to small to feel. But yes, I DO feel her. Not as often as I would like, but yes, she is there.

As far as my mood swings, I would say I am SUPER happy MOST of the time except the morning. Between allergies and NOT being a morning person, it's rough to be all sunshine and rainbows. GRRR!

I am loving this experience and I am LOVING how amazing Mario has been so far. He is truly the best! 
XO Tina

Getting my Registry DONE!

I feel like the earlier I start this... the better. I know I will probably make several changes along the way until I am closer to the arrival of this little one, so I started late last week. I decided to register at Buy Buy Baby, Target and Giggles. I think Buy Buy Baby has almost everything I needed and Target has stuff that I couldn't find at Buy Buy Baby. I registered at Giggles in Greenwich CT, because almost ALL of my clients are here in Greenwich, and because I LOVE their things.  It's definitely NOT an easy thing to do, and it takes up a lot of time, especially when you want the BEST for your baby.
From bibs to cloth diapers, and from changing tables to bouncy seats, I think I pretty much got it all. I'll keep looking as I think of things or get suggestions from friends. 

My main focus right now is getting her room painted. I am going with a super light lavender to match the bedding I picked for her which is lavender and light greens..... ya know, all the softer pastel colors. I didn't want to go with the typical pink- BORING!

I am NOT going with WHITE furniture, more of a driftwood, which I think will look more beautiful. I just LOVE the look of the tree too... Maybe I can find some decals that would match..... If not, I am sure I will find some beautiful pictures for her wall. 

Here is the furniture I am thinking:

I can't wait to get it all done. I am doing this whole project step by step... I still have such a long time away before her arrival. Until then, I'm just enjoying the journey.

Momma G

Our Little Peach...

yep! She is the size of a peach at 13 weeks in my belly~ Let me just state it now... She is going to be like mommy and daddy with ants in her pants! I went for a NT Scan, which is a prenatal Nuchal Fold Scan which can detect down syndrome and other abnormalities as well as heart problems. It's non- invasive. A technician does this test by sonogram. She or he will measure the clear space in the tissue at the back of the babies neck.

This was such an amazing experience! Getting a sonogram at the doctor, I think it's it's not the same. This Sonogram done yesterday was INCREDIBLY clear and precise! She was moving around like crazy! The technician was having such a great time with her. I will say that Greenwich Hospital is the RITZ CARLTON of hospitals! NO JOKE! The technician was giggling and smiling and so happy with our little G. She said little miss was healthy looking and every body part is developing nicely! I got to see the  4 chambers of her heart, her perfect stomach, her spine, and most amazingly her brain! I happen to think she is camera shy because she kept putting her hand over her face! LOL! I was melting! her belly is so round and I can't wait to smother my face in it!

November can't come soon enough!

It's a GIRL!

WOW! I can't believe we already KNOW what we are having.... Now it seems as though time is picking up and going by faster and faster. We were waiting for the results from the 21 Chromosome test last week, and the Dr. told us that at that time he would know based on my blood what the sex was....

The past two weeks went by really slow waiting for the results, and because I am 41 years old, I have been nervous that maybe the baby would have down syndrome or some other abnormality. When it came time to call the Dr. for the results, I asked Mario to call. So he called yesterday and Dr. Reiss told him I was fine, the baby was GREAT and then he asked if Mario wanted to know what we were having and of course, Mario said yes....Dr. Reiss said in a calm sweet voice... "It's a girl." 

I was SO happy when Mario told me the baby was healthy. Whether we have a girl or a boy, it didn't matter as long as the baby was in good health. Having a girl is the ICING on the cake! That's for sure! I was a little worried about Mario. He had high hopes for a boy, BUT.... He is going to be the most AMAZING father and daddy and this little girl will have her daddy wrapped around her finger! 

We are so thrilled! Mario & I kept texting eachother yesterday after that and he told me he wished "SHE" was here already! ....ME TOO! I can't wait to meet her, hold her, smell her, and look in her little eyes.

My Baby Is A Chicken Nugget!

We went for an ultrasound on Tuesday April 9th.... and I wanted to cry tears of happiness! The baby is getting so big inside of me and looking MORE like a little chicken nugget! Baby G has hands feet a nose and a tongue! Baby G is 11 weeks!!

For the past week I noticed I have LESS nausea. There are times if I eat a little too much in a meal, I will feel queezy for a few hours, but nothing like I used to feel. I can go a whole day without a nap because I sleep SO DEEP at night. I'm getting a great 8-10 hours of sleep. There are days like yesterday where I HAD to lay down, and slept for a nice solid hour! I LOVE sleeping, can you tell!?!?

Still not ready for maternity clothes, but I know the time is coming. RIght now I am rocking my LULULEMON'S everyday to work, with my same tanks and sports bras. I DID buy a new regular bra.... I went up a whole size! I WAS a 34D and now I am a 34DD. I feel TREMEDOUS! I just went to a boutique in Rye and purchased a GORGEOUS black with thin white stripes Maxi Dress, along with a GORGEOUS very detailed torquise Tunic (dress). I can't wait to wear them and rock my little baby bump.

On my fridge is a dry erase board as you can see... Each week I write a love letter to our little baby... so I can take a picture of it and print it out for a baby scrap book. Nothing like your little one growing up to see what you & daddy went through to creat this little angel!

XO Tina.

Really POPPED today!

I woke up this morning and didn't realize it right away but when I got to work, EVERYONE of my clients suddenly realized that I am showing! OH MY! I looked down and yup- they were right! I am really showing! It's amazing how in just a few days I went from no one noticing to EVERYONE noticing! I am going into my third month soon, so I guess it should be happening! :O) I'm happy!

Yesterday, I took a marathon nap! 2.5 hours! Seriously?! Can't remember the LAST time I did that! Wow! It felt great, but I was foggy and moody for the rest of the evening. Poor Mario.

I am still moody. When I read about this part of my pregnancy, it's supposedly normal, but I feel bad. I can't even control the snippiness or fresh tongue. I hope this goes away soon. 

Today, here is what I ate:
meal one: oat bran with a banana and Beverly Muscle Provider protein powder.

meal two: a Kind Bar

meal three: 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites with tomatoes and baby kale served over 2 Wasa Crackers.

meal four: Kamut puff cereal (no sugar, or preservatives) with almond milk. I sprinkled Vitol vanilla egg white protein on top.

meal five: dinner with going to be a fabulous Turkey Meatloaf with a side of broccoli rage- looking forward to this one!

I have some new ideas for meals that are super healthy for me right now. When I make them, I will take pics and post.

Can't believe it, but I haven't worked out since Saturday, and to be honest, I could care less right now. I just want to be HOME, nesting and organizing- I know I am so annoying... But I figure, I can workout tomorrow, Friday & Saturday again. three times a week is fine right now until the weather breaks, and when that time comes, this girl will be walking all over God's Creation!

Baby G wants Watermelon!

This little baby wants watermelon. I can seriously NOT get enough! I remember craving it with Heather as well (21 years ago). The sweetness the juiciness and the color! I can't get it in my mouth fast enough, it's insane!
Turns out, there are so many benefits of eating watermelon while pregnant! I didn't know this but it makes sense that watermelon reduces swelling... of course! It's loaded with water- 92%! It's also an aid in morning sickness and dehydration. One serving of watermelon has triple the amount of lycopene than tomatoes. Let's also remember the potassium! You don't ALWAYS have to eat bananas! 

For the baby's brain, eyes and nervous system to develop, certain vitamins and minerals are necessary, such as Vitamin A, C, B6 magnesium and postassium.

I eat it at least 4 times a week! I can't imagine what I will do this summer when it's REALLY in season! I may turn into a watermelon!!!!!!

Have a great day! Spring WEATHER is on it's way!

Working this little belly!

It's been years since I did the typical bodybuilder workout. To be honest, Once i started wearing a heart rate monitor going back to like 2008, I realized that I could gain lean muscle AND burn LOTS of calories, but keeping my heart rate up- Circuit training. 

Even now that I am pregnant, I refuse to workout like a bodybuilder. 3 sets of one exercise, before you move on to the next- THAT is BORING. I'm way too hyper to workout like that. I also have gotten the BEST results training my body the way I like, and NOT how "everyone else" does it. 

I have been creating some very efficient workouts for myself for this first trimester. I may not be able to do my box jumps and my sprints, jumping rope like Rocky and burps, but I don't need to right now. 

This pregnancy is so special to me, I don't want to risk or worry about this little "olive" (the size of the baby now). I am smart about listening to my body. RIght now this baby is making me so tired, that I am lucky if I can push through 45 minutes of working out, so in that 45 minutes, I need to get as much in as possible. I try to workout at least 3-4 days a week. Some days I don't want to do a thing except for sleep. If I take one day off, I make sure the next day I do SOMETHING.

Yesterday I worked out for 35 minutes and today I lasted 37 minutes. Sounds kinda pathetic for a normal NON-pregnant woman, but for a woman in her first trimester who went through IVF, I could care less what ANYONE says. Each woman is different. I consider myself an athlete. I train for 1/2 marathons and am used to being in the gym 6-7 days a week. I have to say it's honestly nice right now to be able to rest, take it easy and also give my hard worked body a break.

The foods I eat are amazing for me. I try to eat 5-7 small meals, because if I eat large meals, I get super nauseous. I really don't want to yak, so I (again) listen to what my body wants and needs.

We went for an ultrasound with my OBGYN yesterday, and it went GREAT. I will be seeing Dr. Reiss in Rye, NY. He is super cool, very professional and guess what! His practice is just him! So I will always see him and no one else. NOT a fan of big practices. I want one-on-one attention for this baby. We are 9 weeks and 1 day pregnant. the baby was moving like crazy on the ultrasound. It's sooo cool that this olive sized baby is already going nuts in my belly! The heart beat was nice and strong and loud! It was beating 188 BPM when we were there. 

I will go back in 2 weeks for the 21 Chromosome testing... It's a little nerve racking, but staying postive will get us through it. 

Off to make a hot chocolate protein almond milk... Snack time! :O)

PS.  I will be posting my first trimester workouts very soon! :O)

A day of FATIGUE at it's highest

Well, so far in the last 9 weeks, today marks the most INTENSE fatigue I have felt. I got almost 10 hours sleep last night. I didn't even get up for water or to pee. SERIOUSLY, no joke, deep REM sleep!! I came home from work at 11:30 this morning and wanted to sleep since then. I laid down for about 20 minutes until Mario brought me a turkey, avocado, tomato, lettuce on a whole gran wrap, which um, was TO DIE FOR.  After I ate it, I laid down again and really tried to sleep. It lasted for about 20 minutes until I got the sudden URGE to nest and clean and organize. WTH!!!

I didn't go to the gym today although I wanted to, my body and this little baby wants no part of any physical activity right now. HOPEFULLY that will change soon. I am starting to feel like a lazy slob. 

I was at Target this morning before I came home, and bought my first official maternity Maxi dress. UGH! I also bought the belly band, which I am kinda excited to try. I figured why pay a lot of money since this is the last time I will be pregnant. I will splurge on a good pair of jeans soon, just not sure when to make that purchase. I plan on wearing little dresses and shorts all summer along with flowing tank tops. 

I am going to my OBGYN tomorrow- GOSH I am going to miss Dr. Miller so much. I cried my eyes out the other day when she told me I was discharged. I LOVE her and the girls who work there. They are sooooo incredible, caring and supportive. She has a GREAT team. My OBGYN has some BIG shoes to fill!

My meals today:

Meal One: Breakfast: 6:45am
6 egg whites
1 Nature's Path Chia waffle
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 sliced banana

Meal two: 11:45
coconut yogurt
1/2 scoop Vitol -Egg white protein
handful honey nut cheerios (DON'T ask!)

Meal three: Lunch- 1:30
slices fresh turkey off the bird
sliced avocado
lettuce
tomato
on a whole grain wrap

Meal four: 4:30
Smooze- It's a sugar free, gluten free, dairy free ice pop- it's so delicious! this one was coconut & papaya

Meal five: dinner- 6:45
1 turkey burger
very big salad