IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY...

No..... that is not me..... obviously. But I thought that was a DAMN funny picture.  I mean....  I know 200lb men who can't deadlift like that!!!  And she looks to be about days away from birth.  Holy smokes.  That being said, I have been keeping up with my morning workouts.  It hasn't been easy.  First trimester exhaustion has left me little desire or energy to schlepp my exhausted butt over to Nana and Papa's gym at 7am for 40 minutes of weight training.  I try to go every day, working lower body and upper body on alternating days, but I seem to be able to manage 5 days a week.  Except for Thanksgiving week and weekend as I was busy getting ready for the Holiday and then slipped down a stair and strained by neck on Black Friday.  Thank God for my chiropractor!!!  He fixed me up good as new.  So, now I am back to pumping the iron, and looking forward to getting a little energy back in the second trimester.  It would be nice to finish a workout feeling energized, rather than drained.  I have also been trying to remember to do a full body stretch at night and my Tupler Tummy Exercises.  I haven't been quite as responsible about keeping on top of these, but I am determined to make it a habit. I want to be nice and limber for the labor and birth and I want to help keep my transverse strong and mostly closed, in hopes of preventing another abdominal tear.  It was so excruciating and heartbreaking not to be able to take care of my little baby Miles.  This time I have TWO big boys to care for and I want to do everything I can to protect my abdominals.  So Tupler and I have to get her done!!!

TOUM, TOUM, TOUM, TOUM, TOUM-EY, TOUM, TOUM!!!

In case you do not know what the "heaven in your mouth" food known as Toum is, I will share.  It is a  Lebanese dip or spread made up of emulsified olive oil, crushed garlic, and lemon juice.  You may had this spread served with a giant plate of chicken or beef shawerma at your local Mediterranean or Lebanese eatery.  Some places make a decent Toum, others terrible.  But no one.... NO ONE....  makes a Toum like Zankou Chicken.  I know, I know, Zankou is a chain.... kind of like the McDonald's of the Mediterranean world.  But, it still remains fact (in my humble opinion) that Zankou makes the best Toum.  They use nothing but the three ingredients mentioned above, and they use the perfect amounts.  Zankou's Toum is so garlicky and lemony.  Pure perfection on my tongue.  And yep -- that's right -- you can add it to my growing list of pregnancy cravings.   I LOVE it.... so much in fact, I am considering a homemade attempt.  YIKES!!!  But the nearest Zankou is Glendale, and although Jason works in Glendale, it's such a pain in the booty to get it.  So, once I get up the energy, I think I will emulsify me some Toum!!!

THE PRE-NATAL COLD FLASHES STRIKE AGAIN!!!

They say every pregnancy is different, but I am beginning to suspect that to be a great big fattie mcfat fat lie.  Come on.  I get ALL of the same symptoms..... side effects.....  whatever you wanna call it.....  with each pregnancy.  Oh wait....  I didn't have acne with my first two pregnancies, but my face looks like a pizza this time around.  But that is it.  And the cold flashes are a symptom I really could live without.  Holy hell.  I was jolted out of a peaceful slumber (afternoon nap) by my body shivering so hard that it could have been mistaken as a seizure.  I was frozen to my core.... deep down to the bone and NOTHING made me warm.  I just lay there, in the fetal position, wrapped in a blanket, as my body tried to shiver itself back to a tolerable temperature.  I think it took about 2 minutes, but it felt like 15.  So, here we go.  These cold flashes will most likely last me the rest of the pregnancy and into the post-partum phase.  Aye aye aye.  The things we endure to grow these wonderful little critters!!!

THE BACK AND BODY PILLOW ONCE AGAIN!!

I mean it... No pregnant woman should ever be without some version of this miraculous pillow. Oh the comfort and support that this amazing products provides!!!! This time around, though, we have a king sized bed and there is still plenty of room for Jay Jay on his side of the bed. Oh and for a squirmy little Miles come early EARLY morning.

A NEW FAMILY TRADITION

Nana and Papa surprised the boys (and baby June Bug) with an early Christmas gift this afternoon!!!  The Elf on the Shelf!!!  This pregnant momma was so excited that Nana and Papa gave our growing Family the gift of years of tradition and great memories.  Miles and Lennon really took a liking to the adorable little elf and even named him..... Charlie (after Miles' new favorite cartoon character Charlie Brown -- gotta love "It's Thanksgiving Charlie Brown).  We already went online and registered Charlie with the North Pole so that he can start his watching, reporting, and mischief tonight!!!  The whole concept of Elf on a Shelf is genius.  Santa sends Elf Scouts out to the homes of all the little boys and girls in the world in order to keep an eye on whether or not they are being naughty or nice.  Every night, after the kiddos go to bed, the Elf returns to the North Pole to report the days naughty or nice deeds to Santa.  This is how Santa determines whether or not you have been good enough.  The Elf also gets into a little mischief here and there and it is the kids job (upon waking) to find where the Elf has relocated and what little deed he has participated in.  Pinterest is loaded with incredible ideas for this part of the tradition.  One family's elf made elf sized pancakes while the kiddos slept.  Another's went "Gold Fishing" and had strewn gold fish crackers in a trail leading to his newest location.  Another decorated the house in an elf sized paper ring garland.  We are so excited about getting started with this.  This should prove to be loads of fun for all of us.  We can't wait to add little June Bug to the tradition!!!

I AM WEARING MATERNITY PANTS....

Well, I finally had to cave.  The pre-pregnancy pants were being (discreetly) unbuttoned, too frequently, in public places.    I found myself fantasizing about being at home lounging in my over-sized flannel pj's.  The bump can no longer be contained and requires the oh so comfy feel of the spandex band of maternity pants.  I have said it before and I will say it again..... they need to make ALL womens pants like this. Forget ever having to suffer through another "fat day".  Bring the bloating on people.  I have a band of spandex that stretches to accommodate any fluid retention that comes my way.  And hey.....  I can over eat a little here and there without the added discomfort of my jeans digging into my bloat.  AWESOME!!!  Here's a brilliant idea..... why not make the band part of the jeans for non-pregnant women out of spanx material so that you can benefit from a little shaping as well????  LOVE IT!!!  Someone please invent this so I don't have to.  I am just too darn tired.   Anyhow, I got a couple of pairs of pants and a few shirts to get me through until the weather warms up again and I can live in oversized dresses and moo moos.  If I am being honest, I actually kind of like bopping around in cozy maternity clothes, showing of my bigger than 10 week bump, and basking in the glow of pregnancy.  For now.  ;0)

THIRD PREGNANCY AND THIS STILL BLOWS MY MIND....

I was reading over "The Bumps" descriptions of this week in pregnancy and this turned me into a weeping ball of pregnant blubber.  

your baby at 10 weeks

• Baby has working arm joints, and her cartilage and bones are forming.
• Her vital organs are fully developed and they're starting to function.
• Her fingernails and hair are starting to appear, too.
• Plus, she's swallowing and kicking in there. (Can you believe it?!)

When people ask how far along I am I get self conscious.  I feel silly saying 10 weeks.  I am ONLY 10 weeks.  Like 10 weeks is still nothing.  But then I read this and I realize that in only 10 short weeks my little June Bug has gone from a rapidly developing yolk sack, to an embryo, to a nearly fully formed .14oz fetus.  He/She has arms and legs that are kicking and flailing and organs that are fully developed and  starting to function.  I imagine that he/she's face is already starting to resemble what they will look like when they come home to us.  At 10 weeks there is nothing insignificant or "too early" about this little baby.  It blows my mind to think that at 10 weeks he/she is forming the finger nails that I will gently clip to protect their face from spastic little newborn nerves.  This melts me.... completely.  This gives me all of the permission I need to rub my little 10 week belly, in full view of the public, without any hesitation that I am indeed loving on my little baby boy or girl.  

10 weeks pregnant

Now that you’ve reached 10 weeks, you can stop wondering when you’ll start to actually look pregnant. It’s probably right around now, as your baby continues her rapid growth and your tummy starts to develop some extra curve (of course, you still might be the only one who notices). In the process, your ligaments and muscles are starting to stretch, so don’t be surprised if you start feeling some aches and pains. While, some moms-to-be don’t really get them, others find these sensations -- called “round ligament pain” -- well, downright painful. Your breasts have probably gotten bigger too, since they’ve been prepping for breastfeeding for weeks already! That’s why week 10 is probably a good time to stock up on some new, looser clothes -- and maybe your first round of maternity wear. Don’t go too crazy though. As your body continues to change, you’ll likely want to get some more essentials along the way.

your baby's the size of a prune!

Now, she's about 1.2 inches long and weighs about .14 ounces. Her body length will almost double in the next three weeks.

Share this with family and friends

your baby at 10 weeks

• Baby has working arm joints, and her cartilage and bones are forming.
• Her vital organs are fully developed and they're starting to function.
• Her fingernails and hair are starting to appear, too.
• Plus, she's swallowing and kicking in there. (Can you believe it?!)

 pregnancy symptoms at 10 weeks

• You may have aches and pains in your abdomen, as baby's putting a pressure on your organs, veins, muscles and ligaments.
• You're probably still feeling nauseated and emotional.
• Tired! Not only is your body working really hard to grow baby, but your sleep might be distrupted by some pretty weird dreams.
• An increase in vaginal discharge (ew!)
• Bigger belly and boobs -- this is around the time you probably can start to see some real changes in your body.
• Visible veins -- those blue streaks are carrying a ton of extra blood to baby.


 your must-do's
• Have your first prenatal checkup, if you haven't already.
• Take your nuchal translucency test.
• Schedule your CVS test and/or amnio, if you decide you want them.

 your nice-to-do's
• Shop for maternity clothes -- your normal clothes probably aren't fitting you right.

9 weeks pregnant

At nine weeks pregnant, you and baby have made two big accomplishments: You’ve made it to month three, and she’s no longer an embryo -- now she’s a fetus. Basically that means she’s becoming more and more baby-like, and you’re inching closer and closer to leaving the nasties of the first trimester behind you. Just one more month to go! By now, you’ve probably visited the OB, and maybe even seen baby’s tiny heartbeat on the ultrasound. Exciting stuff, huh? You’re also probably starting to think about how life will change when baby’s in the picture. Around week nine, you might want to start looking for ways you and your partner can budget, so you have some extra cash when she arrives. You also should consider checking out your company’s handbook to see how maternity leave is typically handled. That way, when it comes time to break the news to your boss, you’ll be prepared to discuss your expectations -- and begin a potential plan -- with her.

your baby's the size of a green olive!

She's gaining steam! At 9 weeks, your fetus measures around .9 inches and weighs about .07 ounces.

Share this with family and friends

your baby at 9 weeks

• This is a milestone. She's no longer an embryo -- now she's a fetus!
• She's developing more distinct facial features.
• And she might now have a strong enough heartbeat to be picked up by a fetal doppler.

 pregnancy symptoms at 9 weeks

• Moody. Those hormones just keep raging. Sorry mama-to-be -- but they should tone down in the second trimester.
• Morning (or all day) sickness. Do trial and error to see what makes you feel better.
• Frequent peeing, fatigue, nasal congestion and/or headaches (thanks again, hormones).
• Weight gain. You'll likely gain between 1 and 5 pounds during the first trimester.

 your must-do's

• Have your first prenatal checkup, if you haven't already.

 your nice-to-do's

• Decide how and when to announce your pregnancy.
• Research your employer's maternity leave policies.