Bye Bye 33

Today is my Birthday and I am not 34!!  For those who have been reading long you know that 33 is my favorite number.  33 has been a stellar year for me and I cant wait to see what 34 brings.

 

33 things/thoughts/facts as I enter 34:

1.  I love Ice-cream

2.      I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up

3.      My husband is the BEST, I am reminded of that fact daily

4.      I am most happy when I am out in nature with me family

5.      Time with my girlfriends is cherished and necessary

6.      Our oldest son is amazing, I know that he has a BIG future ahead of him

7.      I love that our 5 ½ year old still wants to cuddle with me and has a sweet little voice

8.      There are so many things I would buy and do if I had endless funds, it is fun to dream

9.      My height makes me happy, I have always loved being tall

10.  It makes me sad that our little girl won’t get to meet my Dad, he was an AMAZING Dad and Grandpa

11.  I believe that a good quote can lift your mood

12.  I will always take the time to hold a door open and smile at passers by

13.  I have regrets in my life, but I would never let them hold me back

14.  Pandora.com SAVES me on a daily basis

15.  Working while pregnant is HARD!!!

16.  Flowering trees are among the most beautiful of Mother Nature’s creations

17.  A good umbrella is necessary living in Washington State

18.  I am not patient

19.  I have no respect for people who take other’s ideas/work and don’t give them credit

20.  Most technology confuses me, I am NOT up to speed at all

21.  Getting a card in the mail is a special treat, I need to send more cards

22.  8 hours of sleep is pretty essential for me and not often found

23.  Hershey Kisses make me smile and taste oh so good

24.  Family traditions should be upheld whenever possible

25.  Mean people suck!

26.  I have always loved fruits and veggies but I doubt I could got vegetarian

27.  Doing the little things makes all the difference

28.  Running is often hard but always worth the effort

29.  If you have a bad pair of scissors toss them away and get a new pair

30.  Summer Break takes on a new meaning now that my boys are in school

31.  Giving a compliment is important, so is being able to accept a compliment

32.  You are never too old for a Slumber Party, and cupcake tasting

33.  Every year of life is a blessing, I will never ever complain about getting older.

34 Weeks Pregnant

39 days left!!  Feels really good when people ask when I am due to say "Next month."  Official due date is July 22nd, so will see when she decides to make her grand entrance.  Tall Grandma's birthday is July 20th, so possible she will share. 

This has been my best pregnancy of the 3, she seems to be smaller than her brothers who weighed in at 9'10 and 9'1 at birth.  I truly believe that keeping active and focussing on "Eating For Two" by eating healthier has made a huge difference.  I still crave icecream constantly, but am sure to get in my full serving or fruits and veggies every day.

The other night I had a dream that I was fit, fast and running across all sort of terrain....I awoke feeling amazing!  I look forward to pushing my body to my limits again when I am cleared to run. I feel positive that I will be able to get back to running quickly, slowish 5K's anyway :)  We purchased a used Jeep single stroller for $40 for baby girl, countless family miles ahead for sure.

Currently I am really slowing down and have to pace myself throughout the day, which is difficult!  I am often in bed by 8:15pm, lame but necessary when I wake at 5:15am for work.  Baby girl is generally predictable, moving mostly after I eat and around 8:30 at night.  Today she was BONKERS and kept rolling around from 6am to about noon!!  Not sure what that was about, but it made for an interesting and breathless day at work.

I am tempted to sign up for my first post-baby race...but I don't want to rush away the precious 8 weeks of maternity leave.  All will depend on her, my recovery and our family plans.  Since MM is a stay-at-home Dad and our boys will be out of school thie Summer is going to be the perfect time to welcome this little lady.

Am I uncomfortable?  Of course, but all is worth it!!  I cherish the miracle I am growing and can already tell that she will complete our family perfectly.

Catching up to 33 weeks

Wow I have not blogged in over a month, life is speeding by these days and I barely have the energy to keep up.  Special THANK YOU to Running Skirts for helping this growing Mamma feel cute during my workout today.  I love their maternity line, so comfortable and pretty, check it out, you will not regret it! Link HERE

29 Weeks

Documenting on of my last runs while prego

Catching up WOW so much has been going on these days..  First Weekend in May we headed to Oregon Coast, we lucked out with an AMAZING weekend with temps in the 80's, rare for beaches around here.

Although I am not running much I try to fit in walks 3-4 times a week.  The extra weight has caused some pain, making it harder to stick with it but I love to get out and enjoy the trail.  Lately we have been supporting Muscle Man as he preps for the Seattle Rock N Roll Half, we drop him off, drive ahead, walk a few miles, stop at the bakery, and meet Daddy 10 miles down the road.

30 weeks I love my posing boys in the background

A few days ago, nearly 32 weeks, fast walk family 5K

 Work is getting harder as hormones take over and my focus is tested.  I always seem to remember to take bump shots at work... so here is me from 28 weeks to today..

28 Weeks- Just after belly popped BIG

29 weeks Not sure why I changed my normal photo??

30 weeks looking BIGGER!!!

31 Weeks

32 Weeks- Slowing DOWN!!

33 weeks- This morning wearing my old XL maternity shirt which was too big!!

Update on Tall Mom:

Running: Stopped running a few weeks back having logged 224.5 miles while prego, I plan to get in a couple laps to get to an even 225.  Speed walking has been great so I will stick with that.

Weight Gain: I have gained 27 pounds so far and holding since my 30 week apt.  I am happy with this and think I will be able to stay under 35 for the pregnancy which is GREAT!  I gained 50 and 65 with the boys so I am very happy and I don't feel like it will take much to get it back off.

Cravings: I craved macaroni salad yesterday, WEIRD!!  Mostly I want fruit and ice cream.  I try not to indulge too much but I do love the new frosty waffle cone at Wendy's.

Excitement: Feeling her move makes me so happy!!  I was blessed with a couple amazing showers and we now have nearly everything we need.  Her nursery is done, closet is full and hospital pile is starting to accumulate in the corner.

Gripes: Hormones!!  I am having a hard time keeping it in check :(  Also suffering from major fatigue and heartburn.

Items Needed: We are on the hunt for gently used baby swing, single and double jogging strollers...then I think we are set for now :)  I am stalking craigslist and garage sales to save some $$. 

Her Name?:  I don't generally share my kiddos names on the Blog so I will call her Baby Q, her initials are QW, so guess if you like I will reply via email if you are correct :)

Fun things: Little Stud #1 ran his first race, a 1K...it was WAY TOO EASY for him and he wants to do another.  I think he will be ready for a 5K soon but I dont want to push it.  MM ran a 5K and got a PR.  I went to cheer on my team at the Rainier to Ruston Relay this weekend.  It was HARD not being able to run, but I truly enjoyed my time with my pals cheering and taking photos.. I leave you with one more photo, running friends are the BEST!

How are things in your world??  Catching up...

Pregnant Running Must Have and Tips

Although this is our 3^rd child this is the first time that I have run while pregnant.  When I first found out I was pregnant I searched the web for “Pregnancy running gear”, “Pregnancy running clothes”, followed by “Cheap maternity running clothing”,  “Pregnancy running tips”, etc.. I wanted to find out what I could to set myself up for success.  As helpful as the information was each pregnancy is different and I soon realized that I would be learning as I went.  I am 28 weeks along in the start of 3^rd trimester and I ran 4 HILLY miles yesterday.  This is SUCCESS in my mind.  I am not comparing myself to anyone.  I am celebrating each day that I am able to train in the sport I love.  Along the way I have come across what I am calling Pregnancy Must-Haves.  This is my short list; if something on it helps you while running pregnant it was worth posting. 

Pregnant Running Must Haves:

Support for the Girls:

Moving Comfort has SAVED me.  Having never been a big girl in the upper region I did not know what to do with my new assets.  Moving comfort had the solutions.  I wear my Juno and Fiona bras for all my runs, so much better than doubling up on constricting sports bras.  The hooks in the back make the bras much easier to get in and out of as the bump grows.  And they have SALES online HERE .

Comfortable pants:

I know many women are resistant to convert to maternity pants, if you can fit in your regular workout gear more power to you.  I have not been that lucky.  I also do not have the budget for high priced gear.  I was lucky to find pants I love at Old Navy and Motherhood Maternity.  I think 2-3 pairs is enough, but I am only running about 2-3 times weekly.

LONG tops:

Tugging to keep a top down is the WORST!  Thankfully the styles right now seem to be headed toward longer lengths.  I have had success going up a size at TJMaxx, Ross, Marshalls, and the like.  Clearance racks are great.  My worst fear is ruining my favorite tops because I try to stretch myself into them. 

I am in love with my t-shirt from Run Like a Mother BUY HERE, the top that my buddy Zoe made for me and the decals sent by my friend Mandy to add to a clearance top I found.  It is FUN to wear something that lets the world know you are bumping.

"This is not a speed bump, and I am not slowing down."

Tall Baby Runner On Board

Sweating for Two

Compression socks:

As I gain weight I notice the stress on my calves and feet.  Compression socks have kept me from mid-run cramping and aided in recovery after runs.  It is getting hotter which makes me a bit nervous, but I may need to keep wearing the tall socks for the support.  My favorite compression socks are sold by The Recovery Sock

Support Belt:

I bought mine at a consignment shop for $12, since it does not go directly on my skin I was not worried about second hand.  I highly recommend scoping out local consignment shops and sales for items like this to save some $$.  The style I got was similar to the Motherhood Maternity style.   

I don’t wear the top strap.  What I LOVE it the back-support, the breathable fabric on the back and the easily adjustable waist.  I don’t love how it makes mid-run bump photos look, but I feel like the extra support has kept baby girl off my bladder.  Also the belt keeps my under tank top down and pants up, double bonus!!

Running Buddy Support:

As you get slower you may feel like you are holding back your partner. DON’T!  That person agreed to run with you and is there for YOU!  Having someone there is important (especially as you enter 3rd trimester), don’t feel guilty, enjoy the company it will keep you from solely-focusing on your ever-present bundle of joy bouncing on your front-side (and your bladder).

I slow him down and he supports me.... TRUE LOVE!!

Good Shoes:

Pregnancy is not the time to test new shoes.  If you have a brand/style that is your old faithful keep with it.  I love my Brooks Adrenalines, I have not even thought about putting on any minimal support shoes since I have been pregnant.  My feet are flattening and widening as the weight increases making supportive shoes all the more crucial.

Tall Mom Pregnant Running Tips:

• 1.      Take credit for every movement.  I run, jog, walk, etc. I keep my Garmin on and record the final mileage and finish time regardless because I am proud of what I have done!!

• 2.      Pace does not matter.  As a competitive person I find myself fixating on my Garmin at time, willing it to move back to a lower pace….but now is not the time for that.  No one cares how fast I am running.  I am running for myself and my baby not to set any speed goals. 

• 3.      Set yourself a goal of time/distance/etc. going in, but be prepared to through that goal out if your body does not respond.  This is NOT the time to push through the pain.

• 4.      Give yourself a BREAK.  If there is anything I have learned while running during pregnancy it is that my body is very fickle.  I can set out with the best of intentions and quickly realize that it is not going to work that day.  Running 2 days in a row does not work for me and that is OK.  There will be days I think I am DONE running, then follow it up with an amazing 5 miler a couple days later. 

• 5.      Use Bodyglide everywhere!

• 6.      Drink water, then more water, and more water. This will help with cramping and keep you moving on your runs.  I will drop in a Nuun tab every once in a while for some added electrolytes.

• 7.      Start and end your runs at a bathroom and use it before and after.  The unpredictability of internal NEEDS has been a tough adjustment for me.  When nature calls I want to know how far I am from the nearest facility (or bush if in dire need). 

• 8.      Take photos of your pregnant running.  I have really enjoyed looking back at my mid-run bump shots.  Maybe it is vain, I do love having my photo taken, but I think of it as an addition to my pregnant running journal.

• 9.      Keep a record of your workouts.  I love using DailyMile (find me HERE) it helps me keep track of walking, hiking, running, etc. and is also a very supportive community.  The comments that people leave on my runs make me smile and remind me that what I am doing is “inspiring.”  I also have a simple week by week spreadsheet for the 40 weeks of my pregnancy where I record my mileage and little notes about the week.

• 10.  Take care of yourself and your little one!  That is the most important tip I can give you. 

I am sure there are plenty of things I have missed.  So drop additional tips in the comments.  Sending Positive Vibes your way!!  Pregnancy update and more photos coming soon!!

Seahawks 5K and 27 weeks

This week has been tough for the running community and the world.  I am blessed to have a friend in Boston who I could connect with and focus my love toward..  This week my runs were dedicated to all those impacted by the tragedy.

2.62 miles run at 26.2 weeks pregnant..

When I picked out my outfit for the SeaHawks Glow 5K I did not have too many options, imagine my surprise when the Nike top I wore after I finished Boston in 2011 fit and covered my ample 27 week bump.. I wore my Boston 26.2 necklace under the top and spent most of the run people watching and relishing being a part of such an amazing community..



The BONUS was running the 5K with Tall Sister.  We were supposed to run the St. Paddys 5K together in March but I came down with a horrible cold.  Today we chatted through the whole race and had a great time... I counted 5 dogs, 4 jogging strollers and a handful of tiny boys smaller than LS #1 passing us.. I was not worried about pace...this race was to be with my sister, get a workout and have fun. We Finished at 33:31 which is about 10:40 pace which we were both happy with!!

Before the race, baby Q even made the photo..

It rained a bit but I felt comfortable..  After the race I felt my little lady jumping on my bladder so we took a pit stop, went to get coffee to warm up, then went shopping for a bit in nearby stores.  I really liked the location and the overall logistics of the race.. and the course was FLAT which was great!

After the race.. It rained a little and we were getting chilly..

Funny the last time Tall Sister and I ran a 5K race we ended up posing in front of the same backdrop..

Hoping I can get this shape back by next Fall.

To follow with my Tall Baby growth journal I will be 27 weeks tomorrow.

 

Cravings: Waffles with whipped cream and berries, Ice Cream and tater tots....not great for weight gain.  Really trying to keep my diet in check but the HUNGER is extreme.  I eat a lot of fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, etc. to keep me satisfied.

 

Running: I ran 3 times this week and felt GREAT!!  My support belt has been a great help and keeping the distance low makes for easier recovery.  I am still around 10:15-10:45 pace, although I don't obsess if I need to walk.

 

Sleep: Overall sleep is good, I am cherishing it as I know what having a newborn can bring.  I could do without the creepy and vivid dreams which are a result of interrupted sleep.  The fatigue throughout the day is very draining wishing that corporate America would bring back the nap.

 

Purchases: Dresser, paint (pink and white), chair rail and supplies to transform her room, hot pink converse from a consignment store...and more.. 

 

Growth: The BUMP is fully sprouted. Hoped that I would be smaller this pregnancy but with the rapid growth I am doubtful.  I went through my clothes and arranged so that I only have to look at items that fit me. I still have an inny belly button and have no swelling.

 

Baby Movements: This little lady likes to do her pilates!!  She is very active after meals and at bedtime.  Really cherishing this time...while a bit nervous how these movements will feel when she is bigger.

 

That is about all I have for now..  Wishing you all clear pavement and loads of energy!!