The Fit Skool

by Kelly

March 7, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

Scholarship Fundraiser & Weekend Fun

Monday is here again and while this weekend was fast I believe I made the most of it and did all the things I wanted to!

Friday evening Marc had a work meeting and dinner event so I spent the night with Ava which was lovely and relaxing. I was in bed early which is always a plus!!

Saturday Ava decided she didn’t want to sleep in and our personal alarm clock woke us up at 5:55am. I wasn’t exactly excited but I thought to myself it could be worse!!

Lets just say Marc made a trip to Dunkin and I had 1/2 cup of coffee to get my day going. I can’t wait to be able to chug coffee when I’m not pregnant just for fun ;)

My productivity started after a big breakfast and I headed to the YMCA to do a quick workout while Ava played in the childcare.

After I finished my taxes for 2015 which is always a HUGE accomplishment!

One of my early birthday presents to myself was a trip to the car wash to have my car vacuumed and washed! It’s always nice to have an extra clean fresh car.

IMG_9624

Ava had been asking to go to the pool at the YMCA so we went!

IMG_9623

She had some much fun kicking and splashing… I think Marc and I enjoyed it too. It got me excited for the summertime and being outside at the beach.

We all showered and got ready for the party we had Saturday night.

My best friend Megan has an annual party to raise money in memory of her dear Aunt for a Memorial Scholarship which will be awarded to one Greenwich High School Student.

IMG_9629 IMG_9631

Megan is such a caring person and is always looking to help others. I couldn’t have been more happy to attend and donate for this scholarship.

IMG_9627

The party was great and everyone was smiling and having fun. It was a lovely celebration and was great to be with my friends.

Sunday I trained a client in the morning and then did some relaxing. I got a manicure and a massage which was quite the treat. I needed some time to myself and it was perfect.

The rest of the night was spent at home with the family!

It was a great weekend and I’m looking forward to the warm weather that is in store this week ;)

Did you do anything fun this weekend?

Are you a fan of indoor pools?

March 4, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

Things I’m loving this week..

This week flew by, I’ll take it. We are getting closer to spring weather and I’m overly excited about it. My birthday is next Wednesday and I really wouldn’t be pumped about it, but Ava keeps talking about it every day so now I feel like there’s a little build up and excitement for it. Plus she told me she’s making me a cake with sprinkles on it so I guess I should be anticipating that haha.

She’s too funny sometimes.

Today I am going to share some Things I’m loving this week:

Lets start of with this popcorn from Trader Joe’s. I love making homemade popcorn, but pregnancy has taken my energy at nights so healthy bagged popcorn it is. Call it lazy if you want but this stuff is convenient, it costs $1.59 and it tastes great. It also pairs well with Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal ;)

IMG_9603

Salsa Verde!!! Um yes this stuff is drinkable… well not really but it’s sweet tangy and awesome with tortilla chips. Marc picked it out at Trader Joe’s and we have had it before. It’s so good. I highly recommend it.

IMG_9614

I told you I’ve had a craving for chocolate and sweets which is totally not like me and I’m blaming baby boy on this… but i’ve started to replace that craving with these Cookie Dough Larabars. They basically taste like the real thing and I feel good about eating this vs a brownie or cookie any day. When Stop & Shop has them on sale for $1.00 I stock up.

IMG_9613

The Good Bean Smoky Chipotle & Lime chickpeas. One of my boot camp friends brought me these because she knows I like the sea salt ones and I couldn’t find these anywhere. They are so good, spicy, and satisfy a salt craving! Marc and I ate them together until he stole the bag from me ;)

IMG_9543

 

Trader Joe’s Blueberry Wheat Bran muffins. I bought these to have for a morning snack they are great topped with a little butter.  They are 100 calories a piece & have a good amount of fiber!

IMG_9615

In case you missed my post yesterday check it out! I have a 21 Week Pregnancy Update for you!!

IMG_9590 IMG_9066

Check out the difference there!! 21 weeks on the left and 14 weeks on the right!

WELL that’s it for now. I hope you have a great weekend :)

What’s something you have been loving this week?

Any fun plans for the weekend?

March 3, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
3 Comments

Baby #2 Pregnancy Update 21 Weeks

I’m so excited to update you all today with my pregnancy at 21 Weeks. I’m so happy to be at this stage right now and feeling good. I’m moving around great, my energy is up and I’m trying to enjoy this second trimester as much as possible.

My one complaint… time is flying and I feel like my To-Do List for Baby #2 and house projects is too long!!! With about 4 months left I need to get stuff done with the baby’s room and also with my own projects!

BABY UPDATE 21 WEEKS

The Baby is the length of a BANANA, Weighing about 3/4 of a pound

Weight gained

about 14 lbs.. I noticed a big jump these last 2 weeks and my belly is officially getting round. I guess there was a huge growth spurt!

Gender: 

It’s a BOY!!! We couldn’t be more thrilled to have a baby boy joining our family in July.

IMG_9497

(This Picture was taken at 20 weeks after teaching Group Power)

Workouts

I am definitely staying on track with my workouts, they have been on point and feeling good for the most part. I have made modifications here and there, I will update you on that in a separate post.

here’s how this past week of workouts looked:

WEDNESDAY 1 hour Group Power Strength training class plus 20 minute walk with Cooper

THURSDAY Boot camp class and Fit For Life Class

FRIDAY One of my rest days, 20-30 minute walk with Cooper

SATURDAY 25 minute Cardio Elliptical workout at the gym and 20 minute family walk

SUNDAY Another rest day and 20 minute walk with Cooper.

MONDAY 1 hour Group Power Strength training class, 1 hour Fit For Life Class, 35 minute walk with Cooper. (lets just say I was tired after this day!)

TUESDAY Boot Camp class and light elliptical cardio

IMG_9496

(Picture also taken at 20 Weeks post workout, I feel like the bump looks bigger then the picture up top)

Symptoms:

No big symptoms this week. I am peeing more frequently and unexpectedly but that’s about it. Hooray.

Food Aversions: 

None off the top of my head ;)

Food Cravings: 

Chocolate in the form of sweets, like brownies and more brownies. I have promised myself that I will not have any sweets this week. I feel much better when added sugar isn’t on my meal plan.

I love oranges and fruit in general.

I’m also digging protein of any kind, eggs, meat, fish, yogurt… I need it at almost every meal!

Sleep: 

I’ve had solid sleep this week, I have only woke up a couple nights to use the bathroom. Once my eyes are closed I am OUT.

Maternity clothes: 

I need to go shopping, that is on the agenda for this weekend. I have stuff from my pregnancy with Ava but it was a different season. I’m kinda not excited to buy new things because I won’t need these clothes once the baby is born. Should I just stretch out all the stuff I have now?? haha suggestions please!

Stretch marks: 

None yet! Praying I don’t get any. I was blessed with no stretch marks with Ava.

Do I Miss anything: 

Being able to do ab exercises flat on my back, I modify them and do them on an incline step box, I guess that works for now it’s just not the same. I really can’t do any twisting exercises at this point which makes sense and I’m limiting my jumping so I miss some of those intense exercises but I’m over it.

I also miss my runny egg yolks. I know laugh at me but they are heaven to me. I also miss laying on my belly. I’ve kinda learned to sleep on my side now so that improved my sleep drastically these last few weeks.

IMG_9590

(This picture was taken at 21 weeks, my belly is sticking out further each day!!)

Movement: 

Baby G #2 is moving a lot. There are certain times of day I feel it more for instance my down time between 1-230pm and 9-1030pm. When I eat fruit baby boy basically does belly rolls and kicks like crazy. I’d be lying if I said I don’t eat more fruit on purpose to feel him move.

Baby Items Purchased: 

No new recent purchases, but we will be doing some work in the babies room soon :)

Wedding rings ON or OFF: 

ON

Belly Button IN or OUT? 

My belly button is still in but looks like its flattening out a bit. I won’t be surprised if it pops out this time.

I’m Looking Forward To: 

I’m looking forward to my ultrasound next week. The Doctor couldn’t see one part of the baby during the anatomy scan so we get to go back!! I’m excited to see him again. It’s a bonus.

 

March 2, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
12 Comments

WIAW: my 90/10 rule

Hi there!! I hope your week is going well and you are feeling great. Today I’m 21 weeks pregnant and moving right along. I don’t want to jinx anything but my energy has been up this week and this is the best I have felt so far. I’m pumped about that.

WHAT-I-ATE-WEDNESDAY-NEW-BUTTON-PEAS-AND-CRAYONS

I’ve always focused on healthy eating even but with a little baby growing inside of me I’ve been working a little harder at it. Some of my strong cravings for chocolate have gotten the best of me this trimester but I’m trying to keep my food focus on 90% healthy 10% fun.

Let me tell you that 10% has been put towards brownies, it’s so good it’s bad ;) I’m not even lying. It’s all about balance right?

Anyways, I’m linking up with the WIAW crew over on Arman’s blog today to share my food journal with you from Monday. I think I ate pretty healthy and all my meals were satisfying and delicious.

 Breakfast was 2 eggs with peppers & potatoes. Eggs are my thing!

IMG_9492

After I taught Group Power I ate a banana as I was walking to my car. My biceps were feeling it more then usual, it was a good one.

Once I got home I had a chocolate shakeology,

IMG_6906

a blueberry bran muffin from Trader Joe’s which ironically had not ONE blueberry in it. Go figure I get that one.

IMG_9580

I also had a handful of mixed nuts. 

IMG_8154

Ava and I headed back to the Y around 10/1015am and she played at Childcare while I taught my Fit For Life class. Again my biceps were feeling a burn.

When we got home I fixed Ava her lunch (a stuffed shell, some chicken & applesauce) and I made myself a bowl of salad to eat with her. It had romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers & balsamic dressing. 

IMG_9583 IMG_9582

I then had a second bowl and this sandwich with chicken, roasted peppers, lettuce and a little mayo.

Ava and I read a book and then she started to get over tired from her busy weekend so I put her down for a nap.

My afternoon consisted of blog writing, fitness coaching, and eating this orange!!

Oranges are one of my favorite fruits right now.

 image

Around 3 o’clock I needed a real snack so I had Siggi’s Yogurt topped with granola, blackberries & grapes, I swear there is yogurt in there!!

IMG_9585

Dinner wasn’t anything crazy and was actually quite random. I had a bowl of Turkey Chili with beans & brown rice.

IMG_9327

Plus a side of shaved brussel sprout salad

IMG_9587

that was sautéed with balsamic & olive oil. It was delicious but it didn’t really pair well together.

Marc had a basketball game at night so I used the time to kick my feet up and relax after I put Ava to sleep. I snacked on a bowl of blackberries and when Marc got home we shared some Trader Joe’s popcorn. That stuff is addicting!!!

IMG_9604IMG_9603

That’s about it for the day :)

 Do you follow a 90/10 rule with healthy eating?

IF you have ever been pregnant before what were some of your cravings? 

February 29, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

I’m ready for Spring weather!!

This weekend was once again fabulous. We lucked out with the weather and Sunday was beautiful and over 50 degrees.

I’ll take 50 degrees any day over anything below 32 degrees. I’m so ready for spring and the opportunity to do more activities outdoors.

I’m starting to get antsy and I think Cooper & Ava are too. When the weather is nice they both get to play outside and get there exercise. We are all around happier when the temperatures are on their way up. Do you feel the same way?

We were productive this weekend, but we also relaxed, had fun and most importantly enjoyed each other’s company.

Friday night was low-key we had dinner at home and Marc and I watched Grey’s Anatomy on demand. Thursday nights I am at boot camp and never make it home in time so I like having something to look forward to on a Friday night in my sweatpants!

Saturday we took our time getting up in the morning. Marc and I made a trip to trader Joe’s in the morning with Ava to get some groceries and stock the fridge.

IMG_9558

Ava loves the carts.

IMG_9557IMG_9556

I took Cooper for a long walk in the afternoon. It was quite chilly by the water but we both enjoyed being outside.

IMG_9567

Marc and I also went to Target in the afternoon. My dad watched Ava which was awesome and we got to spend some money on random things.

For dinner it was homemade pizza night in our house!

IMG_9565 IMG_9566

My pizza had chicken, gorgonzola, spinach, and roasted red peppers. Marc’s was olives, mozzarella, provolone, and tomatoes.

It was fun, easy, and delicious.

IMG_9563

Plus the meal cost about $10 to make 2 pizzas. It was great.

Processed with MOLDIV

Sunday Marc’s parents visited from Rhode Island. Ava always gets super excited when they come over and I love seeing how happy she is.

10599224_10207457636192450_1991010850946157929_n

There were LOTS of smiles yesterday.

IMG_9571

She shows off her new toys and takes advantage of all the attention for the day.

12512456_10207457636872467_3070698162670320097_n

We went to the playground which was complete crazyness. There were about a million kids and families but Ava and her cousin Natalie had a blast. I have NO pictures because if I took my eye of Ava for one second she would be lost!!!

Our evening finished up with dinner at a friends house. I always love a home cooked meal from a chef ;)

IMG_9574

The food was amazing and we had a great night! Ava thoroughly enjoyed playing and chasing around their cat Holly too! She has a lot of love for animals.

how was your weekend?

Are you ready for Spring??

February 26, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
1 Comment

Things I’m loving this week!

TGIF… no seriously….. I’m so happy it’s Friday. While this week went fast, I’m wiped from all my workouts and from being a mom.

Ava gave me my run for my money these last 2 days. I love her so much but when she’s a pain she’s difficult to handle. I think it comes with the age, but seriously I could teach 5 classes in a row and she still tires me out more then any workout. How does that work???

On a positive note, she’s been a saint so far today so I’m rolling with it :)

I figured I would share some of my favorite things from the week with you!!! It’s always fun for me to look back and pick out some new things that I like!

EVOL cups. I found these at Stop and Shop in the freezer section. I don’t eat many frozen prepared foods but this intrigued me and I was quite surprised at how good this tasted. It’s definitely not substantial enough for a meal, but it was a great snack with protein, carbs, fats, and fiber. I’m definitely going to buy them again!!

IMG_9447 IMG_9446

POWER GREENS. My dad bought this bag for me at Costco. Not only is it GINORMOUS it’s full of healthy veggies like kale, spinach, collard greens and It’s easy to mix up a salad or saute in the pan with olive oil. This package has lasted me a while too!!!

IMG_9544

GREEN PEA CRISPS. Speaking of green things, these snacks are fun to eat. They are crunchy, salty and somewhat healthy!! Have you ever tried them?

IMG_9542

HANGER ORGANIZER. I may have mentioned before that my closet is the messiest part about my life. I’m slowly trying to become one of those super organized closet people (like Marc) but I’m not sure it will ever happen. I stumbled upon this hanger on AMAZON.COM and I didn’t hesitate to purchase it. I am going to use both hangers to hang my workout tops.. and some other tank tops. I have a million workout tanks that I stuff in my drawer but they always come out wrinkled and I need to wear a workout tank every day so that doesn’t work. I can’t wait to try it out!

IMG_9541

SWEET POTATO SOUP. I posted this in my WIAW post the other day, but guys I ate this every single day this week for lunch. I’m beyond obsessed and I’m so happy it’s a healthy snack/side. It’s full of veggies and it’s so creamy & velvetty I will need to make some this weekend.

IMG_9535

AVA’S CHEESE FACE. I know I said she’s been a handful this week but she still brightens my day EVERY day. When she was eating dinner the other day she asked me to take another picture of her eating mac & Cheese. She gave me the best CHEESE face everrr.

IMG_9530

And last but not least, check out that BUMP. I’m loving that there’s some belly shape forming these days and I don’t look like I just ate 2 cheese pizzas. This baby is growing fast and I am super pumped for the progress we are experiencing at 20 weeks ;)

 IMG_9333

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! I hope you have a great weekend.

What’s something you are loving from the week?

Any fun plans this weekend?

February 25, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

Krazy Kettlebell Circuit: 2nd trimester fitness

The second trimester is in full effect and I’m loving every second of this great positive energy. I feel like I can accomplish anything right now and that’s amazing but also challenging at the same time!!

I know you are probably thinking, why is that challenging if you are feeling great?? Well, when it comes to exercise during pregnancy it’s not really okay to push your body to exhaustion with workouts or even daily activities. I have to remind myself some days that I’m pregnant and to SLOW down. Other days I really feel pregnant and don’t need the reminder but I have to constantly keep that thought in the back of my head. I’m sure in a couple of weeks I won’t have to EVER remind myself, but for right now I’ll enjoy feeling normal!

With that being said, this past Saturday I chose to do a workout at the gym that can really be done by anyone (not just pregnant ladies).

IMG_9467

This workout incorporated both upper & lower body and I found my heart rate to be in a good range the whole time. During pregnancy it’s important to listen to your body so I rested when I needed to and drank water throughout this 30 minute workout. I also took a bathroom break. Yes, I have a weaker bladder these days.

Anyways, here’s the workout:

Warm Up

10 minutes of light cardio (I chose the elliptical) walking, biking or jogging is great too!

Krazy Kettlebell Circuit

Kettlebell Swings

Kettlebell Squat to Upright Row

Kettlebell Lunge to Row

 

Complete each exercise for 30 seconds, repeat circuit 5-7x (rest 30-60 seconds in between each round)

Cool down 

Perform some light stretching or walking for 5-10 minutes

 IMG_9464

(20 weeks Pregnant)

I completed 5 rounds of the above circuit and my rest times got longer as each round passed. I used both a 20 & 25lb kettlebell for this circuit and while I felt I could do more weight I didn’t push it!

For Demonstrations of some of these exercises check out the links below.

Kettlebell Swing

Kettlebell Squat to Upright Row

**Please check with your Doctor or Physician before beginning a new workout program**

February 24, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
6 Comments

WIAW: The BEST soup ever

I hope you week is going by rather quickly and your day is off to a good start. I tend to talk about food a lot on this blog, but food is a part of all of our lives and if you think about it we probably spend a lot of time eating, cooking and thinking about meals!

Sometimes that’s fun and other times I just want someone else to do the thinking for me!!

I’m linking up with the WIAW crew to share my food journal with you from Monday. Marc was off from work that day and it was SO nice to have him around the house. It made Monday extra special.

My alarm went off at 6:15am. I like that time and it wasn’t hard to get up. I made myself a quick breakfast scramble with eggs, peppers & potatoes. I also had a large glass of water while cooking and 1/2 cup of coffee. I know I’m random with the coffee but I don’t drink a lot so I’m being accurate with the 1/2 cup.

IMG_9491

I was out the door around 7am to teach Group Power at 730am. It was nice to not have to pack Ava’s bag for childcare and worry about what she was wearing since Marc was home for the day!!! It was one less thing on my morning to do list.

IMG_9499

Not a bad strength training workout for a pregnant lady!!

After class I came home to see Marc and Ava. I refueled with a banana immediately after the class.

IMG_6568

Once I got home I made a Chocolate shakeology protein drink. My body needed the protein.

IMG_9500

A little while later I had a piece of toast with an egg on top! The baby was still hungry ;)

IMG_9501

Marc had some projects he wanted to work on around the house so I played with Ava until I needed to go back and teach my Fit For Life class. Marc started to build a bench and shelves for our back entrance so we would have a place to put shoes and coats, etc.

We decided to eat lunch at home, probably because I was starving but also because Ava was tired and ready for a nap. I ate some leftover Lemon Chicken with a little pasta that Ava ended up eating from me

IMG_9507

Plus 2 bowls of this AMAZING Sweet Potato soup. My mom’s friend who is a chef made it for me. That is a PERK to being pregnant. Amazing people help you satisfy your cravings. At least this was a healthy one ;)

IMG_9502

I had to hold myself back from a 3rd bowl because even though it tasted heavenly I was stuffed.. After lunch Marc continued to work on his projects and I did some computer work while Ava slept.

I snacked on an orange and also these green bean snacks. I’m not sure If I like them a lot or they are just salty and crunchy which is always satisfying.

IMG_7585

While Ava was still asleep I took Cooper for a nice long walk, it was sunny and almost 50 degrees out!! I loved it.

At around 430pm we took Ava to the playground to let her get out some energy and also get fresh air. She ran around for 30 minutes straight with a giant smile on her face. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t the highlight of my day.

Processed with MOLDIV

We ate dinner around 530pm. I was too hungry to cook a new meal but I was thankful for some food prep I did this weekend. I had 2 pieces of Chicken Marsala and a Veggie burger.

IMG_9521

This meal is not photogenic, it looks terrible but it was yummy. Don’t you hate when your plate doesn’t look appetizing???

My night snack was some grapes and a healthy brownie with a little ice cream.

IMG_0986

I recycled this photo from Valentine’s Day because I forgot to snap a picture.

After Ava went to bed we watched the show Superstore! Have you guys watched it? We find it rather amusing and who doesn’t love a good laugh??? My night time snack was….

PS: I AM OFFICIALLY 20 weeks pregnant which means I am half way through this pregnancy… WOW!

What’s something yummy you ate this week?

Do you like when you have a night off from cooking?

February 22, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

Weekends should last forever…

After back to back AMAZING weekends with friends & family I really couldn’t be happier. My energy is good, I feel great, Ava has been so fun to be around, and we have been able to spend some quality time with friends and family which is always awesome.

I actually didn’t take many pictures this weekend! I know I know, that’s part of my blogging job but sometimes living in the moment is better.

Friday night we had a fabulous dinner at Villa Italia Ristorante in Stamford, CT with my family. I literally had my phone out to take pictures, but when you are presented with amazing food and delicious smells your pregnant belly takes over and you dig in only to realize oops my meal is gone and I forgot to snap a picture to share this lovely meal with my blogging friends.

Well… I had Mussels in a Garlic White Wine Sauce with roasted veggies on the side, and some italian bread. Ava had some meatballs, carrots (from my veggie mix), french fries (from uncle Jeff’s meal) and some bread. She ate so much food.

Marc had lobster ravioli which to be honest doesn’t excite me but he said it was delicious!!! It was a great night and we had fun!

Saturday we were up early as usual, Marc bought us coffees and we went to visit my friend Danielle at her deli The Pemberwick Exchange in Greenwich.

IMG_9494 IMG_9493

Ava loved all the bacon!!!

We had an impromptu playdate with our neighbors which Ava thoroughly enjoyed

and then we ate a quick lunch. Salads topped with Rotisserie chicken!! yum.

IMG_9467

See that belly popping??

I hit up the Gym to get a quick workout in and I will share my workout with you tomorrow. It was pretty good!

The night was relaxing, we ate dinner at home with my family and made meatballs & chicken Marsala.

IMG_9471

When they left Marc & I watched Scandal on demand from Thursday night and munched on some popcorn. Love that show and it always keeps me on edge!!!

IMG_9474

I worked a little Sunday morning and then the afternoon was spent hanging with Marc and Ava.

IMG_9478

We also took Cooper for a nice long walk because the weather was great and did some stuff around the house.

IMG_9486

Marc and I also made this delicious Lemon Chicken dinner. Sorry for the messy pic. We were hungry!

After 2 back to back family filled weekends I can’t help but smile. I don’t dread going to work on Mondays and I’m super thankful for that. Now I am off to teach Group Power and get my sweat on with my baby bump!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?

Do you dread Mondays or do you not mind them?

February 19, 2016
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

GENDER REVEAL & Baby #2: Pregnancy Update Week 17-19

I am currently 19 weeks pregnant and time is FLYING by. I literally think this baby is going to be here before I know it.

These updates have forced me to enjoy each week and really look into detail as to all the changes I am going through. It’s all happening a lot faster then my first pregnancy and I know that Ava is the #1 reason for that. My free time is limited and when she’s asleep I can’t think of anything besides kicking up my feet and relaxing!

Anyways, here’s another update for you.

BABY UPDATES:

The baby is the size of a MANGO! Weighing in at 11oz.

WEIGHT GAINED:

11lbs total

WORKOUTS:

My workouts have been back to normal after having a head cold for a few days during week 17. I did not exercise while I was sick!

It sure did feel good to get back to a workout routine but I chose lighter weights to ease back in. Week 18 was amazing and I was feeling great. I completed my normal classes and some extra cardio workouts.

SYMPTOMS:

I had some rough nights sleeping during week 17. I blame that on a bit of stress between Ava & I being sick and then her bumping her head and having a minor injury.

Besides that I have been feeling pretty good, fingers crossed!

GENDER REVEAL:

I’m sure this is the moment you have all been waiting for!

IMG_9409

BOY OR GIRL?

Marc and I are so happy to share with you our great news…….. We are having…..

.IMG_9451

A BOY!!!!!  

IMG_9445

I had a strong feeling during most of my first 17 weeks that we were having a boy but I didn’t tell Marc that. I know he really wanted a boy and so did I so we are beyond excited for this new bundle to join our family!

FOOD AVERSIONS:

I haven’t had that many aversions. I managed to eat 1/2 a sweet potato which was HUGE progress and I even had a rice cake with some peanut butter. Those were 2 foods I couldn’t stand in the first trimester so I applaud my small success.

I can’t think of anything else that was a big aversion off the top of my head, but on any given day there’s always something I will not eat. I pretty much know what I want to eat at each meal!

IMG_9333

(Picture taken at 17 weeks)

FOOD CRAVINGS:

Anything potatoes… baked potatoes, potato chips, french fries. I am still loving my yogurt parfaits they have become a staple snack for me! I did eat a couple salads this past week and they were so delicious.

I need to eat protein with each meal and in between with my snacks. It’s the only thing that really satisfies me. I have been having some strong sugar cravings and I try to choose fruit over junk but I have given in on several occasions.

We had a brownie sundae on Valentine’s Day and I may have had a chocolate chip cookie here and there.. shhhh.

IMG_9348

(Picture taken at 18 Weeks)

SLEEP:

I had some rough nights of sleep during week 17. I was up coughing one night and I had to pee a couple times the night after I taught boot camp. Remind me not to drink 40 oz of water before bed. That’s not a good idea ;)

Week 18 sleep has been golden. I am now using my pregnancy pillow and that keeps me from tossing and turning. I sleep like a ROCK.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

I am looking forward to the rest of the second trimester. I know it sounds silly but it feels good to feel good and from what I remember with Ava’s pregnancy this was the most productive stage.  I wouldn’t really say we’ve started nesting but house projects have begun and I blame the winter weather. It has forced us to stay in more then I’d like to, but we are getting things done and that’s a plus.

MISS ANYTHING?

I totally miss sleeping on my belly. I stopped that this past week. For a while Marc said should you be sleeping on your belly??? But to be honest it was still comfortable! Now it isn’t and I think that has made me toss and turn a bit more then usual. When I lay on my back my mind races and I have a hard time laying on my left side since my shoulder injury 2 years ago.

I sure do miss runny eggs… I know I said this last time but it breaks my heart every day when I have to purposely break my egg yolks :( In case you want to visit me when the baby is born you can totally bring me some eggs for breakfast and I will think of a way to repay you ;)

IMG_9424

BELLY BUTTON IN OR OUT?

So far it’s still in!

WEDDING RINGS ON OR OFF?

ON… I never had to take mine off with Ava until I was in labor just to be safe. I’m hoping that’s the same this time around.

MOVEMENT:

Baby Boy is moving on a regular basis. It’s soo reassuring to feel those little movements turns, popcorn like kicks and just know that all the nausea, headaches, and exhaustion is worth EVERY second.

Marc has felt the baby move a bunch and that’s always fun for me. I can’t wait for Ava to feel the movement but I’m going hold off a bit until my belly gets bigger and then she understands a little more about what’s going on!!

BABY PURCHASES:

I gave in and bought a Reebok onesie, with a long sleeve shirt and matching pants!! I bought Ava something similar before she was born so I thought it was appropriate!

My mom and dad also went nuts and bought numerous onesies! This boy is already spoiled!

RANDOM STUFF:

My belly is measuring right on track and the uterus is now right below the belly button (hence the baby bump!!!) This means my intestines are now pushing up a bit and I’ve been getting full a little quicker after meals.

We got a long ultrasound and anatomy scan and I’m super relieved that everything is going well and the baby is healthy. That’s all I really care about at this point.

 

Were your guesses right on the gender with your kids? I had a strong feeling it was a boy, but you never know!

If you have ever been pregnant before did you find out the gender or wait until the end?