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Monday, September 30, 2013

22 Weeks Chalkboard Update

I decided to then let my hair down...

How far along? 22 weeks! Baby OFFICIALLY has a weight! 1lb 2oz :)

Gender: ITS A BOY!

Total Weight Gain: 5-6lbs now! Weight gain is rapidly beginning

Stretch Marks: Starting to notice a few on my hips. No linea negra or stretch marks on my belly

Belly Button: In.

Wedding Rings On/Off:  On. 

Movement: All the time! He loves music.

Feeling: Feeling great!

Cravings: CHEESE and some sweets now.

Symptom: MY BLADDER IS SQUISHED!

Missing: Sleeping through the night without having to pee several times.

Looking Forward to: Our Tennessee trip next month for our baby shower with family and friends

Sleep: Trouble falling asleep at night. My bedtime has somehow moved from 9pm to 11pm!

Exercise:  Doing cardio around 6 days a week now for 30 minutes on the Elliptical. I also go for runs around he neighborhood or on the beach. Starting to work out at home more by doing yoga.

Eating: Still healthy, gave up my cheat meals today. :( Lol.






22 Week Diagnostic Ultrasound


22 weeks today. Diagnostic ultrasound went well! He is normal and well formed. We also found out that he is 3 days older than we thought but my due date hasn't changed since it's not a significant difference. He flexed his little bicep for us! And he didn't move hardly from his favorite position- resting his foot on his head. He now weighs 1lb 2oz and mommy has now gained 5-6lbs total.















Saturday, September 28, 2013

At Home Pregnancy Workouts


Hey guys! I had a recent reader ask me to post some of my favorite at home workouts to do during pregnancy. I typically love the gym more than working out at home, because I have access to kettlebells, balls, machines, weights, etc. However, some days you might not feel like going or simply do not have the time! Or you might have just given birth and cant leave your newborn, so this would be perfect. Yes, you can get toned at home! You may not sweat like a hog from these workouts, but they do improve your overall tone and wellbeing.

First lets start off with the plank. Looks easy... but its not. It not only works your arms, but your abs, and legs, and back even!

Next up is the side plank. Same as a plank, but sideways. Works those gorgeous love handles.


Wall Push Ups (for when tummy gets too big). These are a great alternative to push ups because at this point (22 weeks pregnant), my belly keeps touching the ground and I am carrying more weight so its nearly impossible. Do these as you would a normal floor push up.



Next is a wall squat. Here, I am using a foam roller (a gift from GOD!) which helps my back (and feels amazing!) Squat against the wall, going lower, and lower till you cant anymore. Hold it.




Side dips. Helps with those love handles, ladies! Using a ten pound (or whatever size you are comfortable with) dumbell! Extend towards the side slowly. Switch and repeat.


Tricep extensions. Using your dumbell, lift it back above your head and lower slowly, then lift above your head slowly. Reapeat a few times and you should feel a burn





Glute extensions. You can do this with or without a weight. I did mine with a weight for more of a challenge since I am used to heavy weights. Place the dumbell at the bend of your knee. Lift upwards.



People have asked me if you can do core exercises during pregnancy. You can!
Here are butterfly kicks, Lay on your back and kick upward back and forth alternating legs but dont touch the ground



 Lastly, for core, you can do modified sit ups. Since you are carrying a lot of weight in the front, it helps to use the foam roller. I also used a dumbell for a challenge






10 Best Yoga Poses for Pregnancy

Hi there! I have had a lot of questions come in about Yoga during pregnancy. I am pretty sure that you have heard by now that Yoga is one of the BEST exercises during pregnancy to do. YES!!! That is correct. Not only does it help with flexibility, it helps with back pain, sleep, and makes for an easier delivery while keeping you toned throughout pregnancy. Yoga is relatively safe for all trimesters. Here are 10 of the best poses to do while pregnant. As you get bigger, you may need to modify. Here I am almost 22 weeks along and can still do most poses :)

Enjoy!

#1: Warrior Pose


You can do this pose turning either way (pictured). Stand with feet 4 feet apart and turn towards left foot with the whole torso. Deeply bend your the front knee (I had a knee injury so I can only go so far) as much as you can. Hold pose. Lift both arms up towards the sky, lifting the chest. Lock both hands and balance. Switch sides.

#2: Warrior 2 Pose


Place feet 4 feet apart, and extend both arms. Turn right foot inward slightly to the right and your left foot out to the left 90 degrees. Align your heels and deeply bend the left knee over left ankle. Keep pelvis and chest opening sideways. Stretch arms away from each other.Place hand on right back leg for support. Reach and extend upwards and back with left arm for a side stretch.

#3: Warrior 3 Pose

This is an advanced pose. Balance on one leg with other leg straight back and both sides of the hips level with each other. Hands can hammock the belly or float along. Further into pregnancy, it may feel safer to press hands into a wall and stretch the back leg away. Extend as far as comfortable. Alternate sides.

#4: Triangle Pose


Turn left foot in slightly to the right and your right foot out to the right 90 degrees. Alight the right heel with left heel. Raise arms parallel to the floor and reach out to the sides, palm down. Bending at the hips touch the ground. Rotate torso and head around as you lift other arm straight up. Press hips forward. Alternate.

#5: Half Moon Pose


Place legs hip width apart with feet forward. Engage your glutes in order not to overstretch and protect lower back. Reach up with both arms and connect palms. Keep arms straight, side bending at the waist while keeping the feet firmly planted into ground. Hold for one minute before alternating. 

#6: Tree Pose


Balance on left leg while bringing the sole of right foot as high up to the inner left leg as possible. Push foot and thigh firmly together, engaging thigh muscles. Join hands in front of heart, strongly lifting the chest. Alternate.

#7: Bound Angle Pose


Sit on your bottom with soles of feet together, holding onto your ankles or feet with hands. The knees should be lower than the hips if possible. Let go, moving hands up to knees in a relaxing pose. Meditate.

#8 Cat/Cow Pose


Begin on floor with hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Arch like a cat on exhalation as you contract the abdominal muscles, pulling belly up toward the spine.

With each inhalation tilt tailbone up towards the sky and looking up as the back muscles contract and the abdomen stretched. 

#9: Pigeon Pose


Start on your hands and knees. Gently slide the right knee forward between the hands and rest your right hip. Straight left leg behind you as much as you can. Bring right foot forward towards left hip, then square both hips to the ground. 

#10: Wall Pose


Sit sideways against a wall on blanket and slowly spin torso down to the floor as the legs are brought up to the wall. Have a folded towel under your lower back for support if needed. Stay for 5 minutes and practice slow breathing. 


Namaste!

Circus

Last night my husband and I went to the circus because my work gave me free tickets. This was his FIRST time to go! And he really really enjoyed it. Though, a few stunts left me a little bit anxious and on the edge of my seat! It was truly awesome and makes me THAT much more anxious for Mini Cooper to get here!!

 Here are a few photos from our show!





























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