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32 Week Update

32 weeks 4 days….once again I feel like my belly has filled out a bit since last month

Today I am 32.5 weeks which means that I only have 52 more days until Baby’s due date!  I’m sure the next 7.5 weeks are going to fly by so I’ve really started working on getting everything together/in order in case he decides to come early, which I honestly have no idea whether he will or not.  Since I was induced at 39 weeks with Garrett, I don’t know if I’m more prone to going early, later, or right on time.  I know, no one ever really does, but just in case, my goal is to have everything done and ready by December 15th.  I finally got Garrett’s new bedroom furniture ordered, and actually received a call a few days ago that it was in, so now we’re just waiting on a delivery to be set up!  I also got the second camera for our summer infant monitor so that I can have cameras in both boys rooms.  I bought the mattress, changing pad, and some sheets etc. and now I’m just trying to figure out what I’m going to do for curtains in G’s new room.  Unfortunately, his new room is at the front of the house so the sun shines on it most of the day and it gets pretty warm, and also stays pretty light so I’m thinking if I don’t do black out curtains, I’m at least going to have to get some that are heavy and lined.  Once again, I’m so lucky that I have a handy Mother-in-law so if all else fails, and I ask nicely, she can make some for me 😉 Other than the curtains, I just have to pick up a few things for the walls, and perhaps some shelving for books and toys, but I’d like to wait until I have the furniture in his room so that I can match it as closely as possible.  We’re getting closer to having a name picked out though nothing is set in stone yet , but as long as we have a couple of possibilities, I don’t think I will mind waiting until he is born to see which name fits him better.  Oh who am I kidding, I know myself and I’m more than likely going to want need to have it picked out before then.  Either way, we do have the middle name picked out already so that is a start.  I don’t know why boys names are so hard for us!

I had a Dr’s appointment today and this pregnancy continues to be uneventful which I’m very thankful for.  I haven’t had any complications, and I feel good overall, in fact I spend more time in the waiting room than I do with the actual Dr. but again, I’d rather have it uneventful because that just means that Baby and I are healthy.  I do have to admit though, since I haven’t had an ultrasound since my Anatomy Scan at 18 weeks, I’m itching to get another peak at him.  Perhaps I’ll get one later, but if not, I guess that’s a good thing as well!  Just makes me even more excited to see his precious little face when he’s born!  My weight is within the range of where it should be, my blood pressure is still great, and my belly is measuring right at 28 cm which exactly where it should be, so with that being said, maybe he will come right around or on his due date….there’s just no way to tell!

Monthly Update

How far along?  32 weeks 4 days

Total Weight Gain: 24 lbs from my first appointment

How I’m feeling:  Still pretty good.  Continuing to exercise 4-5 times a week.  Same old lower back pressure and round ligament pain, along with some intermittent heart burn, however, it is getting more and more uncomfortable to roll from side to side in bed, and sometimes it feels like my back and lower belly cramp up when I get up from sitting for a while.  But all of this is to be somewhat expected for both the third trimester and a second baby, and it could be much worse, so again, I’m just grateful.

Maternity Clothes:  Of course

What I’m craving:  Not much that is good for me.  Carbs, carbs, and more carbs.  Apples and peanut butter, chocolate and peanut butter, pretty much anything that goes well with peanut butter

Sleep:  Ehhh

Best Moments this month:  Finally feeling like I am crossing off things on my massive “to do” list

Movement: yes, more rolls than jabs but he’s still very active

Belly Button:  Slightly out, I think I have an oddly shaped belly button, and I’m not sure that it will officially “pop” but randomly it will be sore, and feels like I have a bruise all around it.  I’m thinking it may be from my past belly button piercing??

What I miss:  A comfortable nights sleep

What I am looking forward to:  Thanksgiving!!  Family coming back into town, and finishing up Garrett’s new room

Milestones: I’m in the home stretch!

Getting so excited to meet you little guy!

If you’d like to read about my second pregnancy so far:

11.5 weeks…The Big Announcement

16 Weeks

What I’d like to do differently this time around

20 Weeks

24 Weeks

28 Weeks

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by Jenny on November 8, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Exercise, Holidays, Pregnancy

Posted by Jenny on November 8, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/11/08/32-week-update/

Weekend Wrap-Up

I hope everyone had a great weekend and that your Monday is starting off well!  We had a very enjoyable weekend filled with lots of sun and boating, some cleaning and some relaxing.

My in-laws were in town for a few weeks staying at the home they have in our neighborhood, which if I haven’t said it enough is sooooo nice!  I love having them around the corner!  We get to spend lots of time with them and they are such a big help with Garrett.  Unfortunately, they had to head back down to Pensacola yesterday to make preparations in case Isaac heads their way.  But they will be back in a few weeks so we’re looking forward to that!

We spent a lot of time with them on their boat this weekend,  They have a pontoon boat which is much easier to have G on than our boat is and we soaked up every minute of it, and even got to hang out with Susan, Nate and Caden on Saturday!

Playing in the water

Playing Captain with Daddy

I got up Saturday morning to get G his milk and just got a whiff of yuckiness when I opened the refrigerator door (I’m sure my pregnancy induced super senses had nothing to do with that 😉 but I decided right then and there that I was going to deep clean the fridge as soon as I was awake enough to do so.  Our fridge was in need of a makeover anyways so I did it.  I forgot to take a picture of everything in it before so here is the stuff on the counter that I took out.  Is it just us or does everyone feel like they have a ridiculous amount of condiments!

I took everything out, and threw away any condiment that we haven’t used in the last month.  Then scrubbed down all of the shelves and wiped down the inside

Then after it was squeaky clean and lemony fresh, we put everything back in

I feel like it still looks like we have a lot of condiments but we got rid of a bunch so you can only imagine what it looked like before.

After our day on the lake we came home to the upstairs AC not working and sitting at 83 degrees, luckily the downstairs was fine and it wasn’t too hot outside or else I would have been one very unhappy person.  The worst part of it was that we just had our AC units serviced at the beginning of the month and everything checked out just fine…..regardless, we called the same company that had serviced our units a few weeks ago and thankfully someone was out at our house fixing the problem (a burnt wire) within the hour and, because it had just been serviced, they did it at no charge to us!  We finished off our night with some Jets Pizza at the in-laws and came home to watch a few more episodes of Damages(our new favorite show) and were in bed by 9:30…..pretty lame, I know, but because I’m no longer napping during the day, I am beat by the time it is dark outside, and my husband is just a good sport 🙂

Sunday we went to out to breakfast, washed the  cars, and played.  I menu planned for the week, grocery shopped, and then Dan cooked dinner and we relaxed for the rest of the night

Sunday-Linguini Sorrento (adapted from one of our favorite authentic Italian restaurants)

Monday- Chicken cordon bleu with rice and green beans

Tuesday- Fish Tacos, Fresh Pico and Guacamole

Wednesday- Italian sausage sandwiches, homemade potato wedges and salad

Thursday- Chicken/broccoli stir fry and rice

And today has been pretty productive as well!  I walked 3.5 miles with my boys this morning then went to a spinning and strength class at my gym, ate lunch, took care of some housework and prepped a few things to munch on throughout the week.  And I got to talk to my Mom this morning and wish she and my Dad a Happy 35th Anniversary!!!!   35 years….how awesome is that!  They are such wonderful role models and I am so lucky to have them for my parents!

How was your weekend???  Were you productive today?

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by Jenny on August 27, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Exercise, Family, In the Kitchen, Life
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Posted by Jenny on August 27, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/08/27/weekend-wrap-up/

3 Things I Would Like to do Differently This Time Around

As a first time (expecting and New Mom), I had no idea what was in store for pregnancy or Motherhood. I read lots of books and articles, and talked to friends and family members who had kids. I researched a lot on the internet, and read “What to Expect” books and Baby Center religiously, and figured I would just do the best I could do to take care of myself and my baby. Afterall, Motherhood is a natural thing right?? I knew it would be full of challenges, but I had also heard how rewarding it would be. Still today, I am amazed at what my body did to grow and nurture another human being. It’s almost surreal; and now that I’m going through the process again, I am constantly thinking about what I can do better or differently this time around.

  • First and foremost, I have decided I want to take better care of myself. I worked out at the gym quite a bit in the beginning of my first pregnancy, but as time went on, I started slacking. I walked 3 miles around my neighborhood just about every day starting in the middle-ish of my second trimester and continued walking until the day I went to the hospital to be induced, and even though looking back, it wasn’t as much as I could have been doing, it was still something, and for that I was proud. I was able to bounce back pretty quickly after I had Garrett and I know a good part of that was due to the walking I did. Prior to getting pregnant this time around, I had trained and participated in a Sprint Triathlon and I know that after we have this baby, I am going to give my body a break from baby making. So I owe it to myself to get my body back to its’ “happy place” and I also know that in order to get there it is going to require a good amount of weight (on top of my baby weight) loss and LOTS of toning. In order to get a jump-start on this process I am making it a priority to not only walk my 3 miles at least 5 days a week, but to utilize my awesome Gym. They have a GREAT child watch program that I feel very comfortable leaving G at, and a very accommodating class schedule, which allows for me to attend at least 3x a week. Of course I am cautious and I continue to listen to my body and modify when necessary, but I feel great and I’m hoping that if I can keep up this sort of schedule (with some added pre-natal yoga) that I will be able to…
  • Let my body go into labor naturally. My blood pressure was somewhat elevated towards the end of my first pregnancy, and although I tested negative for pre-eclampsia, my Dr’s felt it would be best to induce me at 39 weeks in order to prevent any complications that could arise should my blood pressure continue to rise. Again, being that it was my first pregnancy I was hesitant and a little bummed, but the only thing that mattered to me was that I deliver a healthy baby so I obliged. I don’t know first hand if labor and delivery will be much different without pitocin, but I have heard that it is; and I think that if my body can do what it’s supposed to do without medical intervention, I may be able to go a little bit longer without getting an epidural. I’m not saying that I won’t get an epidural this time too (that thing made L&D much more tolerable) but I do think that if I am able to get up and walk around, or get in the bathtub or sit on a birthing ball (rather than being confined to a bed) during contractions that my mind and body may be more tolerant, and I might be able to prolong the epidural administration. Again, I have no comparison….yet…but I am anxious to see the differences.
  • Breastfeed longer. I was very fortunate that Garrett and I had such an easy transition into breastfeeding. He latched right away and nursed like a champ for several months. He had surpassed his birth weight by 4 days after he was born and he continued to thrive, and didn’t have so much as a stuffy nose the entire time I breastfed. But he was an early teether, which made it somewhat painful to nurse during the day once those chompers came in. He also started to get pretty distracted while nursing around 6.5 months which made it difficult and frustrating for both of us, so I was only able to nurse him when he was sleepy which was at his nighttime or early morning feedings. I continued to pump throughout the day until G was 8.5 months but I HATED pumping and my supply started to deplete a little bit so we had to start supplementing with formula and eventually transitioned him to all formula until he was about 11.5 months which is when we started whole milk. I guess when it comes down to it, we kind of both(meaning G and I) decided to wean, and I am happy that I was able to provide him with breast milk for as long as I did, but I think I would really like to nurse for a full year this time around.

Along with these 3 things, I want to snuggle whenever he/she will let me, take lots of pictures and continue to create tons of great memories with our family. I also really hope I am able to divide my attention equally between the 2 kids and that they will never ever go a day without knowing just how much their Dad and I love and cherish them.

What about you??

Whether you are expecting again or just thinking about the future what is one thing you would like to do differently your second time around?

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by Jenny on July 27, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby Cakes, Exercise, Life, Uncategorized
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Posted by Jenny on July 27, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/07/27/3-things-i-would-like-to-do-differently-this-time-around/

16 Weeks…Baby #2

16 weeks with Baby #2

I am just over 16 weeks pregnant with Baby #2!  Hard to believe that in 2 short weeks we will find out whether G will have a Baby Brother or a Baby Sister!  I cannot wait!

Dan still thinks we’ll have a girl (I think he’s sort of hoping for a girl because that way he thinks he may be able to talk me into being done 🙂  But I still really don’t have a strong feeling either way.  I’ve always said that I want 3-4 kids, and I’ve made it pretty clear that I will not stop until I have at least one girl, so we shall see.

So far, this pregnancy has been pretty similar to my first, but some of my symptoms seem to be a little more exaggerated than they were before.  I’ve felt more nauseous this time, though thankfully I haven’t been sick at all, and I’m super tired, however, now that I’m into my second trimester, the fatigue has started to subside a bit.  I’ve had quite a few headaches as well, but I had them with Garrett too.  Other than showing much more at 16 weeks this time around than with my first pregnancy, I’m feeling pretty good!

16 weeks with Baby #1

I’m still trying to walk every morning for a little over an hour and I’ve finally, after a few weeks of family in town, and a gym hiatus gotten back to working out.  My goal is to walk 5-6 days a week for an hour each time and to take at least 3 spinning/strength classes a week at my gym.  I bought an unlimited month pass at a yoga studio for half price and I’m really looking forward to using that for some prenatal classes, although I’m still trying to figure out which month I will get the most use out of it.  I go back to the Dr. on Friday for my 16 week check up, but it’s just a listen to the heartbeat and weight/blood pressure check so nothing too exciting.  Happily, I’ve been able to pick up the baby’s heartbeat on the doppler device I have at home and it is consistently higher than G’s was.  It continues to be in the upper 160’s to low 170’s so if the wives tales are correct, than maybe we will have a little girl!  Only 2 more weeks til we will know for sure!

I probably won’t post as much with this pregnancy, because I have a 1 year old who likes to have my undivided attention 🙂 though I am enjoying comparing the two, and I do like to keep my out of town family informed, so look for a Baby #2 update every few weeks, unless I have some  exciting news to share!

Until then…

How far along?  16 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain: 7 lbs from first appointment

Symptoms:  Pretty frequent headaches, a little fatigue, and starting to get lower belly pains after working out specifically

Maternity Clothes:  Mostly, yes….have been since about 13 weeks, but still wear some shirts, and can wear 1 pair of pre-pregnancy shorts with my bella band

Food Cravings of the week:  Nothing too crazy…peanut butter, fresh fruit specifically watermelon, still have an aversion to ground beef, loving these  granola energy balls, and have already made 2 batches!!

Sleep:  Not so great….had to break out my pregnancy pillow again…hubby hates it!

Best Moment this week:  Garrett finally took his first unassisted steps!!!!!

Movement: Flutters and bubbles are becoming more obvious

Belly Button:  Innie, but it’s more stretched from last time

What I miss:  Sleeping on my stomach and abdominal exercises

What I am looking forward to:  Anatomy Scan in 2 weeks!

Milestones: 16 weeks, happy and healthy!

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by Jenny on July 17, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby Cakes, Exercise, Family, Life, Pregnancy
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Posted by Jenny on July 17, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/07/17/16-weeks-baby-2/

Huntersville Sprint Re-cap

1:27:46 🙂

That was my overall race time and I couldn’t be happier with it!!!  My goal was to finish in under 1:40:00 and I was able to do it much easier than I thought, I didn’t even have to walk one single second of the entire race and for that I am very pleased!  The hardest part for me was the beginning of my run.  My legs felt like bricks after transitioning from my bike and I felt that my pace was comparable to that of a snail, but to my surprise, my legs felt stronger as my run went on and I actually PR’d in my 5K!

This is what my overall race looked like:

(Rank)Swim: (3)8:07

(Rank)T1: (10) 1:34

(Rank)Bike: (21) 49:45

(Rank)T2: (5) 0:58

TAround: 12:55

(Rank)Run: (15) 27:24

Overall Time:  1:27:46

I placed 18th in my age group and 67th of 130 total women

I PR’d in my run

and although I’ve never actually raced on a bike before, I finished in the best time of all my training rides

and I was the 3rd fastest swimmer in my age group!!!

The Huntersville Sprint Tri was set-up and run very well (possibly because my trainer was the race director 🙂 and because I was fortunate enough to train with her, she was able to fully prepare me for what was to come and made me feel at ease with the entire process.  I thought I was going to be much more nervous than I was and I didn’t expect my times to be what they were either.  If you’re interested in doing a Triathlon, and you have no experience, I highly recommend training with a group…..I think it helped immensely, and I am so glad I did it!  I now see why people who do Triathlon’s say they get addicted to them.  It was so much Fun, I’m already looking into another one in June!!

Despite my poor sick baby who was running a fever all day Saturday, not eating and was up numerous times throughout the night, (he was feeling a bit better on Sunday so)Dan packed him up and brought him to my race to cheer me on and they were just what I needed to keep me going.  I saw them for the first time when I was finishing my bike ride, and then again as I was beginning my run and at the finish line.  My brothers Jeff and Tim were also there to see my finish and that was pretty special to me!  I Loved it and seriously had so much fun doing it, even if I didn’t win 😉

Besides…who needs a trophy when you have this waiting for you at the finish line

Best. Prize. Ever. ❤

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by Jenny on May 1, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jenny on May 1, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/05/01/huntersville-sprint-re-cap/

Tri-Training/Race and Best Body Bootcamp Update

My triathlon is 6 days away!!!!!  I can’t believe my training is just about over, and even though the distances on their own may not seem too daunting to some people out there…..(myself included) it’s the actual sequence of a 500 meter swim,(which even though my idea of a sprint is a 50 meter swim 😉 is still somewhat considered a sprint followed by a 12 mile bike ride(which again may sound easy to some, but for me, given that it’s a moderately hilly course, and that I’ve ridden it a few times and my legs are TIRED when I finish and that I’m expected to transition directly into a 5K run (which is probably my weakest of the 3 sports, and of course it’s the last one) I’m excited, but a little nervous at the same time.

As most of you know, I grew up swimming, and running track so you would think that this would be a no brainer for me, but I was a true sprinter in these sports.  I mean like 50’s or 100’s in the pool, and 100, 200, 4×1’s and 4×2’s on the track so the goal was to go as fast as I could and in under a minute or so my race would be complete.  So…even though this is a Sprint triathlon, completing a 500 in the water, then biking 12 miles and then running 3 miles I’ve had to train my body differently.  I’ve learned to pace myself, rather than going all out which is great(albeit challenging) and I’m happy to oblige, especially now that I’m not a teenager anymore and my body has drastically changed in the last 12 years.  My goal is to finish the race in under 1hr40min.  I’d like to finish my swim in under 8 minutes, my bike in under 55 and my run in under 30 minutes + time for my transitions.  However, I will PR regardless of my race time and for that I am pleased!

On top of the workouts my trainer has set up for me(which have been great), I have been doing Tina’s Best Body Bootcamp to supplement my strength training and so far I’ve been happy with the results.  My weeks have mostly been looking something like this

Monday-Best Body Bootcamp workout A

Tuesday-Swimming for 45 minutes

Wednesday-Training (Swimming, Biking, Running) depending on the week

Thursday-Workout B-Best Body Bootcamp

Friday- Workout C-Best Body Bootcamp

Saturday-Off

Sunday-Brick workouts (Biking 12+ miles followed by a 2-3 mile run)

I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of putting the two together, and will be sad to see both of them come to an end after Sunday, but I now have a lot more knowledge about all aspects of the Tri-sport, along with strength training, and I’m looking forward to keeping up my workout regime with my own training 🙂

This is supposed to be a taper week for me due to my race on Sunday but I’m still planning on completing my workouts just a modified version of them…Other than that…

I’m as ready as I’m going to be, race gear and all!

And I’ll be sure to update everyone after my race!

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by Jenny on April 23, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jenny on April 23, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/04/23/tri-trainingrace-and-best-body-bootcamp-update/

Get in Shape Girl

Are there any other 80’s babies out there who remember this??

I definitely had the cassette and video as a little girl growing up and remember wanting to be just like the girls on TV.  However, my personal favorite piece of workout equipment was my ballet bar.  I started taking dance classes when I turned 3 and contiuned with Ms. Fordu until I was 18.  I still to this day have no idea how she was able to choreograph so many numbers for so many years.  She was Amazing!

Oh…and I LOVED the water!  Swimming has always been a big deal in my family.  My brothers and I were introduced to the water at a very young age.  We all took lessons until we were old enough to be on the swim team and I continuted to do that competitively until I was 18.  I loved swimming and I was pretty good at it 🙂  The pool was and still is….My Happy Place.

I remained active and still had a speedy metabolism through college so I stayed relatively fit.  Then my mid twenties hit and everything slowed down.  I no longer had that speedy metabolism, and if I went too long without working out, my body showed it.  Then I got pregnant

and had my Beautiful Baby Boy

and for the best reason possible….my entire body transformed

I know it’s a fact of life, that as you age your body changes (especially after carrying and birthing a baby)  and I’m sure I will never have my 18 year old body again, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have some semblance of it.  And because I am one of those people who does better when given a plan to follow, and someone to help hold me accountable for my workouts I have decided to take on two challenges.

First…I signed up for a training group to help prepare me for the Huntersville Sprint Triathlon on April 29th.

It’s a 500M Swim, a 20K (12mi) Bike Ride, and a 5K(3.1mi) Run.  I’m in a group of 6 women that meets once a week with our trainer (The Race Director) for a group workout, but we have also been given a workout plan to follow for 6 days of the week which is great for me because I don’t have to think about what workout I will do for the day.  It’s all laid out for me!  I started my training back in January and it consists of 2 swimming workouts, 2 biking workouts, and 2 running workouts per week.  I did my first sprint triathlon back in 2008, so this is not my first, however, the distances are a bit longer and this one is much bigger so I think the training will really benefit me come race day.  After getting back into the water and swimming laps I realized just how much I missed it, and eventhough I am not nearly as fast as I once was, I have already noticed my times improving, and for that I am pleased.

The second thing that I just recently started is Tina’s Best Body Bootcamp.  Again it’s great because it is a workout plan that is laid out for me with specific circuit training workouts and cardio options, for 5 days out of the week.  It works perfectly with my Triathlon Training, as I am able to coordinate both for a complete body workout.   Add in some healthier eating habits and I am determined to feel good about my Mom Body come Boat Season!!  I have never let the numbers on the scale dictate my happiness with my body, because I’m not in any way shape or form petite, and I will never weigh 120 lbs because  that is not a healthy weight for me, rather, I will know I reached my goals by the way my clothes feel on me, and the way I feel when I look at myself in the mirror.

I enjoy working out, and I love the way it makes me feel when I’ve completed something that has pushed my body to a certain limit so I am excited, and determined to Live my Best Life, and part of that means rocking my Best Mom Body before I get pregnant with Baby #2!

 Do you have workout that takes you to your happy place??

3 Comments
by Jenny on March 9, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jenny on March 9, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/03/09/get-in-shape-girl-2/