I haven't given a running update recently, but I've actually been running about once a week still. Because I can't push the stroller anymore, (while running) I just haven't been out much more than that. I've also been continuing yoga once a week, and other than that just walking and playing with Avery to stay active.
Last night Travis actually came on a run with me for the first time in months!! I told him I've slowed down significantly, but he decided to stay with me anyway (since it was our date night activity haha.) I think he wanted to see if I've actually been running all the times I said I was, or just walking haha. We went to my favorite trail and ran just shy of 4 miles. I ran all of it except for a few short, steep hills. I timed myself because I wanted to compare it to my last significant run while I was pregnant with Avery - the Thanksgiving Day Turkey trot in 2011 at exactly 27 weeks - which I blogged about here. For yesterday's run I was 26 weeks and 4 days (close enough haha.) I set my iPod and didn't check the time until I was at 5K - and my time was 39:53, almost 5 minutes faster than where I was in my last pregnancy!! I obviously kept running for another mile too, so I am super happy about that! I finished with about a 12:30 pace/mile, which I normally wouldn't be happy about, but honestly, at this point I'm thrilled! I know I may continue to slow, but I think I'll be able to run for at least another month or so on the trail.
For me, running during pregnancy has been some of the most challenging running I've ever done. I think there are a few reasons that I've been running better during the second trimester of this pregnancy versus my last. Some is just luck - I looked at pictures of myself with Avery, and I carried her much higher than I am carrying this baby. I had more trouble breathing, and taking deep breaths, and therefore I think my muscles weren't getting as much oxygen while running. Now, my legs (especially my calves) burn for the first half mile or so, and then on and off for the rest of the run - but not to the point where I can't continue. Another reason is that everything moves (or jiggles haha) in a way that is not normal for me, but I have found a sports bra and compression tank that really fit me right now, and my top somehow doesn't ride up to expose my belly. I never found the right clothing to run in last time, and I don't think I knew what a difference it would make. Additionally, because my bladder is being squeezed by the baby, I try to pee immediately before my run (and sometimes during) because that is an issue, but I've also just become used to the feeling of feeling like I have to pee while running, haha.
Running during pregnancy gives me a different perspective for people who have never run before and what it might feel like. For me, it's definitely NOT easy, but I still love it and hope that the longer I can run now, the easier it will be to come back after the baby. I absolutely love running in the fall, so that's also an extra incentive to keep going. I'm already thinking about some races I can sign up for in the spring, and planning a half marathon around May (and maybe a triathlon in June.) I know that I'll be racing again before I know it! In the meantime, I'll stick with my "non-paced" running for awhile longer.
August 28, 2014
August 27, 2014
Pool Day
This summer has been so different than normal...so much cooler! To be honest, it's been great for playing outside on the swing set, but not great for being in water that much. It's been mostly in the 70's, and lots of rain! Since yesterday was sunny and in the mid-80's, I decided to get out our baby pool and some bath toys and Avery had a blast!! I somehow don't know why I haven't had it out more, but we've still got a few more weeks of warm weather hopefully. Since we were in the backyard, I even put on my bikini to let my tummy get some sun, haha. Don't worry though, I only took some pictures of Avery in the pool. She loved every second, including using the hose to fill it up!
As you can see, she also really enjoyed getting in and out.
While we were in Florida, Travis picked her out the cutest little tennis dress. In honor of the U.S. Open going on right now, I put it on her as a cover-up yesterday, and she looked so cute. I almost considered signing her up for tennis lessons just for the dress! She may just be a little young, but soon enough she'll be in lots of activities I hope!
August 25, 2014
Marco Island
Travis and I just got back from a weekend wedding on Marco Island, FL. It turned out to be a great little getaway! We went back and forth about bringing Avery, and we decided to leave her in Ohio with Travis's parents at our house.
We flew down early Thursday morning to Ft. Myers, where we stayed in my parents' condo for the trip. We were really lucky to have a free place to stay, and it was super relaxing. After grabbing a quick lunch, we headed straight for the pool, where we swam and relaxed for several hours. It was really hot outside (like 95 degrees) but it actually felt good to me since it hasn't been a super hot August in Ohio. It's totally different going to the pool kid-free now, so I enjoyed every second. After pool-time, we went out for a little shopping and dinner. Travis loves Bass Pro Shops, so we went there and shopped and had dinner, and then went to Miromar Shopping outlets down the road. It was great to just walk around and enjoy. We had some gelato for dessert and stayed out until it was dark! Now that we have a 2-year old, and another on the way, I really enjoy little things like staying out past 8 pm!!
Friday was the day of the wedding, but we got up early and walked and went to the pool again. Around lunchtime we headed out and had lunch at Five Guys. Somehow, even though I am a total burger girl, this was my first time there, and it was as amazing as everyone says. Then we headed down to Marco Island a little early so that we could drive around and check it out before the wedding. It was about a 50 minute drive from Ft. Myers to Marco. My parents took me to Marco Island when I was 3, but I haven't been back since they bought a time share on Sanibel Island (a little farther north.) Marco is a little more commercialized with large hotels right on the beach and lots of chain restaurants, but it was a great setting for the wedding.
We headed to the hotel around 3:00 pm, and the wedding wasn't until 4:30, so we met some friends at the outdoor bar (and I enjoyed a virgin strawberry daquiri.) It was great to see some friends that we haven't seen for years since we're all spread across the country. The wedding was for a fraternity brother of Travis's from Allegheny.
It was very hot, and the ceremony was outdoor on the beach. Luckily it rained a few minutes before it started, which cooled off the temperature from 95 to 85 haha. The ceremony was quick, and we were able to have our drinks on the beach with us (lots of water for me...lots of beer for the guys.)
The cocktail hour was also inside, but the reception went into the air-conditioned hotel. Several of our friends have had children recently, and it was great to find out how they are all doing. The wedding was a ton a of fun, with lots of dancing involved. I even had my one small glass of champagne!
At the end, we went back outside where we were all given sparklers to wish the happy couple well. I'm not sure how smart it was to give them out to everyone who had drunk so much for about 6-8 hours, but it turned out ok haha. We stayed for a bit longer with everyone at the bar, and then I drove us back to Ft. Myers, where we got in around 1 am (late night for us!!)
Saturday we headed back down to Naples to have lunch with Travis's uncle, aunt, and cousins who live there. His cousins are only 4 and 5 years old, closer to Avery's age. We caught up with them, and made plans to see them again with Avery and the new baby when we go back in March.
Then we went back to the beach at Marco Island where all of our friends rented a cabana for the day. We got to meet our friends' kids - both boys - a 13 month old, and 8 week old. It was great holding the baby, but it was also so relaxing watching them and being kid-free haha. I know in a few months I'll be trying to remember that moment when I'm frazzled with a newborn and 2-year old.
Travis and I left around dinner time and went to a crab place in Naples. It stormed while we were there, so we walked around some tourist shops until it stopped. While we were in one of the stores, the owner asked me how far along I was (26 weeks) and gave me a little bag of free scented soap, which was so nice. He and Travis also had a spirited talk about politics and gun control...haha...don't ask me how that happens.
On Sunday morning we headed back to the airport and were home to see our little Avery in the afternoon! It was a fabulous trip, and now I'm ready to start working on nursery details and Avery's big-girl room very soon!
We flew down early Thursday morning to Ft. Myers, where we stayed in my parents' condo for the trip. We were really lucky to have a free place to stay, and it was super relaxing. After grabbing a quick lunch, we headed straight for the pool, where we swam and relaxed for several hours. It was really hot outside (like 95 degrees) but it actually felt good to me since it hasn't been a super hot August in Ohio. It's totally different going to the pool kid-free now, so I enjoyed every second. After pool-time, we went out for a little shopping and dinner. Travis loves Bass Pro Shops, so we went there and shopped and had dinner, and then went to Miromar Shopping outlets down the road. It was great to just walk around and enjoy. We had some gelato for dessert and stayed out until it was dark! Now that we have a 2-year old, and another on the way, I really enjoy little things like staying out past 8 pm!!
Friday was the day of the wedding, but we got up early and walked and went to the pool again. Around lunchtime we headed out and had lunch at Five Guys. Somehow, even though I am a total burger girl, this was my first time there, and it was as amazing as everyone says. Then we headed down to Marco Island a little early so that we could drive around and check it out before the wedding. It was about a 50 minute drive from Ft. Myers to Marco. My parents took me to Marco Island when I was 3, but I haven't been back since they bought a time share on Sanibel Island (a little farther north.) Marco is a little more commercialized with large hotels right on the beach and lots of chain restaurants, but it was a great setting for the wedding.
We headed to the hotel around 3:00 pm, and the wedding wasn't until 4:30, so we met some friends at the outdoor bar (and I enjoyed a virgin strawberry daquiri.) It was great to see some friends that we haven't seen for years since we're all spread across the country. The wedding was for a fraternity brother of Travis's from Allegheny.
Aaron, John (groom), Dan, and Travis
It was very hot, and the ceremony was outdoor on the beach. Luckily it rained a few minutes before it started, which cooled off the temperature from 95 to 85 haha. The ceremony was quick, and we were able to have our drinks on the beach with us (lots of water for me...lots of beer for the guys.)
Lindsay and me
Travis, Dan, Aaron, and Marc
The cocktail hour was also inside, but the reception went into the air-conditioned hotel. Several of our friends have had children recently, and it was great to find out how they are all doing. The wedding was a ton a of fun, with lots of dancing involved. I even had my one small glass of champagne!
At the end, we went back outside where we were all given sparklers to wish the happy couple well. I'm not sure how smart it was to give them out to everyone who had drunk so much for about 6-8 hours, but it turned out ok haha. We stayed for a bit longer with everyone at the bar, and then I drove us back to Ft. Myers, where we got in around 1 am (late night for us!!)
Saturday we headed back down to Naples to have lunch with Travis's uncle, aunt, and cousins who live there. His cousins are only 4 and 5 years old, closer to Avery's age. We caught up with them, and made plans to see them again with Avery and the new baby when we go back in March.
Then we went back to the beach at Marco Island where all of our friends rented a cabana for the day. We got to meet our friends' kids - both boys - a 13 month old, and 8 week old. It was great holding the baby, but it was also so relaxing watching them and being kid-free haha. I know in a few months I'll be trying to remember that moment when I'm frazzled with a newborn and 2-year old.
Travis and I left around dinner time and went to a crab place in Naples. It stormed while we were there, so we walked around some tourist shops until it stopped. While we were in one of the stores, the owner asked me how far along I was (26 weeks) and gave me a little bag of free scented soap, which was so nice. He and Travis also had a spirited talk about politics and gun control...haha...don't ask me how that happens.
On Sunday morning we headed back to the airport and were home to see our little Avery in the afternoon! It was a fabulous trip, and now I'm ready to start working on nursery details and Avery's big-girl room very soon!
August 17, 2014
Triathlon Weekend
Travis did his first (and maybe only) triathlon of the season today at Lake Milton, which is about 25 minutes from our house. He completed the sprint distance which was 750 meter swim, 16 mile bike, and 5K run. He did really great and placed second in his age group! The race was really nice and we were able to see him at lots of different points. Avery had lots of energy this morning and didn't even ride in the stroller - we used it mostly to just carry our stuff. I really enjoyed watching the race and am already thinking about doing this race next year!
Yesterday we had a nice relaxing day. We had breakfast and then I went for a run/walk. I ran a trail just over two miles and then did some walking. I didn't bring my iPod to pace myself, which is probably better because I feel like this run was much slower than even last week and two weeks ago. However, I'm happy to just be able to run that far, no matter what the pace. It was a beautiful morning to run and enjoy the wooded trail. At the race this morning I also did a short run because Travis forgot his sunglasses at the car, which parked kind of far away. I offered to get them and ran about a mile. It was a good workout for me haha.
I also had Travis take a picture before my run yesterday at 25 weeks! This pregnancy is flying by!!
August 11, 2014
A Lot Going On at 24 Weeks
I just got home from my doctor appointment, which went very well actually. I had the glucose screen for gestational diabetes today, and I was really nervous about it. With Avery, the drink made me nauseous and I didn't feel well for several hours afterward. Today, I felt fine! Hopefully this is still a good sign? I really don't want to take the 3-hour longer test.
Avery and Travis came with me to my appointment, and my doctor actually wasn't there, but I was still able to see a nurse practitioner. They gave me the option to reschedule, but since I'm not having any concerns, I thought it would be fine. I've gained another 6 lbs, but I think one or two pounds was water weight from the water I drank right before the appointment, and from the sugary beverage they gave me. My blood pressure was good, and the baby's heart rate was in the 140's. After the nurse left and we were waiting for the nurse practitioner, Avery wanted to get on the table like I did. We set her up there, and she lay down and lifted her shirt right away just like I do to get the heartbeat. It is so cute how she wants to do everything like me right now :)
Yesterday, Avery and I attended my friend Marisa's baby shower. She's due with a little girl in September - her first baby. We sat with another mom who has a two-year old named Kendall very close to Avery's age. She also just had a little baby boy 4 months ago so she was letting me know how (tough and amazing) life with two kids is. Kendall and Avery enjoyed coloring and helping us decorate onesies for Marisa's daughter. Marisa got lots of good things, and I told her there are a few items I'll be interested in hearing about such as the Aden and Anais swaddles (with snaps not Velcro) and a little baby chair/wedge that is similar to the Nap Nanny. We got this picture at the end...Avery wasn't too sure about it haha.
Avery and Travis came with me to my appointment, and my doctor actually wasn't there, but I was still able to see a nurse practitioner. They gave me the option to reschedule, but since I'm not having any concerns, I thought it would be fine. I've gained another 6 lbs, but I think one or two pounds was water weight from the water I drank right before the appointment, and from the sugary beverage they gave me. My blood pressure was good, and the baby's heart rate was in the 140's. After the nurse left and we were waiting for the nurse practitioner, Avery wanted to get on the table like I did. We set her up there, and she lay down and lifted her shirt right away just like I do to get the heartbeat. It is so cute how she wants to do everything like me right now :)
Yesterday, Avery and I attended my friend Marisa's baby shower. She's due with a little girl in September - her first baby. We sat with another mom who has a two-year old named Kendall very close to Avery's age. She also just had a little baby boy 4 months ago so she was letting me know how (tough and amazing) life with two kids is. Kendall and Avery enjoyed coloring and helping us decorate onesies for Marisa's daughter. Marisa got lots of good things, and I told her there are a few items I'll be interested in hearing about such as the Aden and Anais swaddles (with snaps not Velcro) and a little baby chair/wedge that is similar to the Nap Nanny. We got this picture at the end...Avery wasn't too sure about it haha.
Last week, I decided on a color scheme for baby girl's nursery. I want it to be different than Avery's, but still girly. We are going with coral, teal, and light pink. I'm not sure exactly which of those colors we'll paint the room yet, but I'm considering a combo...like maybe an accent wall or something. We're also doing a theme of hot air balloons I think. I don't want it to be over the top, but I like the idea because we have hot air balloons that go over our house all summer, and they are so pretty. I got inspired by Pinterest, and started on a homemade hot air balloon mobile. It was fun to do a craft project last week and Avery like coloring with the scrap paper. Here is what I have so far:
Top view
Close up
They turned out pretty good and I'm loving the colors so far! The tutorial I used to make the balloons is here. Now I just have to figure out how to make the actual mobile and hang them. I also found this picture at Hobby Lobby and it will look great in the nursery with all the right colors.
I'm getting excited to continue working on nursery ideas and decorate for another little girl!
To see how I compare at 24 weeks in my last pregnancy click here.
August 8, 2014
New Stroller
I had been considering purchasing a new stroller since we another baby on the way. I finally registered for the Babies R Us Zobo, and Travis bought it for me as a surprise on Wednesday!!
I currently have a BOB jogging stroller, which I love for running and walking (for exercise) and it's also great when I know I might be taking it somewhere with rough terrain (such as the golf tournament this past weekend at Firestone.) However, it's big and bulky, and heavy to lift (not to push though.) It's honestly not the best stroller for shopping, so I typically use my umbrella stroller for that because it's much lighter and much more maneuverable. However, we essentially have the cheapest umbrella stroller from Babies R Us. It actually has done pretty well considering how much we've used it, and if Avery was our only child, I wouldn't really need a new stroller. The wheels are squeaky now though, and it's not that comfortable to push. The handles are low - even for me (and I'm only 5'3".) There's also very little storage, so I never really bring my diaper bag with me when I use it, because it's just more to carry.
I decided that I still wanted a lightweight umbrella-type stroller, one that would be super easy to throw in the car and easy to fold and unfold. I looked at tons of different brands, and was pretty much sold on the Uppababy G-Luxe, but wasn't totally sold on the $220 price tag. I really wanted the following things for my stroller:
- Lightweight
- Storage basket underneath
- Reclining feature
- Adjustable Leg rest
- High handle bars
- Bigger wheels (for easier pushing)
- Standing feature when folded (so it doesn't tip over or have to lean against something)
- Pretty color - This might seem shallow but my BOB is black, and my cheap umbrella stroller is blue and not very girly. Since I know I'm having another girl now, why not go girly and pretty!!
A few people mentioned that I should look at Babies R Us brand, so I went there and checked out the Babies R Us Zobo, and loved it! It has all of the features I wanted, and it comes in Magenta (pink haha.) It also was less than half the price of the G-luxe at only $99. Win-win.
I took Travis with me to check it out Wednesday at lunchtime, and we decided that we would add it to my registry. I was totally shocked when he came home from work Wednesday with it!! Since we'll be using it for Avery for now, and not with the new baby until the spring, he figured why wait, and it was such a great surprise!! I put it together and took Avery for a walk in it that night! I love it so far and can't wait to get lots of use out of it!!
August 4, 2014
Potty Training Again...
So here we go...I had 4 days last weeks of what I would call Intensive Potty Training. How is it going? Honestly....I'm not sure.
I am at the point in my pregnancy (23 weeks) where I feel great and have tons of energy. I figured this would be the best time to attempt potty training again if I want it to happen before the baby comes. I've done tons of reading on what to do, but honestly I still don't feel like I have any idea what I'm doing haha.
On Tuesday morning, Avery showed interest on going on the potty after breakfast. I decided to capitalize on the moment and go for it. After going on and off the potty for about 2 hours, she finally peed on the potty! I was giving her salty foods to make her thirsty, and she was drinking lots of water and some juice. We spent lots of time reading potty books and big sister books, and a few about hippos (because she wanted to.)
After she went, I gave her some chocolate chips, lots of praise, and thought she'd be good for at least 20 minutes or so. However, I was wrong. I guess after holding it that long and drinking lots of liquids she still had to go. She had about 6 accidents in the next hour. It was like every time I got done cleaning one up, she'd go again. I kept thinking that was it, so I wasn't making her go back on the potty (my fault.) This was my learning curve. However, I didn't put her back in diapers. Since this was kind of spur of the moment, I put her in some bloomers/diaper covers that sometimes go under dresses, and then some bathing suit bottoms haha. The good thing about all the accidents was that she didn't like having them, and was very upset every time. I read that it's a good sign if they are visibly upset about having accidents as opposed to not caring.
During her nap and bedtime, I am still going to use diapers and/or pull-ups. After her nap we tried again, but I was out of options as far as underwear, so I just had her in a little dress with nothing underneath. She went one more time on the potty, and had a few more accidents. Travis came home around 7, and we decided that was enough for the day, and I put a pull-up on her and we went for ice cream, and stopped at Walmart to get her some real underwear.
On Wednesday (Day 2) I woke up ready to go! I had her big girl undies ready, and I was pumped! I put her in some new underwear, and by lunch we had gone through about 6-7 pairs, and she had only gone twice on the potty. After her nap, she had a few more accidents, and didn't go on the potty at all. I was discouraged, but ready to try again the next day.
Thursday was pretty tough. She went through another 6-7 pairs by about 11:30, and I was ready to give up. Every time I put her on the potty nothing would happen, and as soon as she'd get off, she have an accident. She also spilled her apple juice on the carpet...since I hadn't cleaned up enough yet. We decided to go outside, and I took her potty with me. While we were out there, she asked to go on it, and then actually went! Finally some progress. She went a total of 3 times on the potty Thursday, but I discovered that I had better luck with her in a dress with no bottoms. It was like she thought the underwear was the same as a diaper, and she could pee in it, but with nothing, she didn't want to have an accident.
On Friday, she went about 7 times on the potty and only a few accidents! We were making real progress, but unfortunately, I didn't time this very well. We decided to "take a break" Saturday and Sunday because Travis was working a big professional golf tournament, and I wanted to take Avery to it on Saturday. The only bathroom option was a porta-potty, and I'm not ready for Avery to go in there yet. Then we had an outdoor wedding reception Saturday night, with the same thing (porta-potty only.)
On Sunday, Travis and I went to the golf tournament, while Travis's mom watched Avery, and so we lost another day. This week, I was going to try again, but I'm dog-sitting my sister's dog, and I think it would just be a lot of extra work having the potty out and trying to teach Olga (the dog) to stay away. For this week, I am just going to keep her in pull-ups, ask her if she wants to sit on the potty occasionally, and definitely take her of she wants to go. Then we will start more intense potty training again next week! Hopefully she won't lose everything she's learned, but honestly, I can only stop life for a few days before we both get a little crazy and frustrated haha. More to come on this topic soon!
I am at the point in my pregnancy (23 weeks) where I feel great and have tons of energy. I figured this would be the best time to attempt potty training again if I want it to happen before the baby comes. I've done tons of reading on what to do, but honestly I still don't feel like I have any idea what I'm doing haha.
On Tuesday morning, Avery showed interest on going on the potty after breakfast. I decided to capitalize on the moment and go for it. After going on and off the potty for about 2 hours, she finally peed on the potty! I was giving her salty foods to make her thirsty, and she was drinking lots of water and some juice. We spent lots of time reading potty books and big sister books, and a few about hippos (because she wanted to.)
After she went, I gave her some chocolate chips, lots of praise, and thought she'd be good for at least 20 minutes or so. However, I was wrong. I guess after holding it that long and drinking lots of liquids she still had to go. She had about 6 accidents in the next hour. It was like every time I got done cleaning one up, she'd go again. I kept thinking that was it, so I wasn't making her go back on the potty (my fault.) This was my learning curve. However, I didn't put her back in diapers. Since this was kind of spur of the moment, I put her in some bloomers/diaper covers that sometimes go under dresses, and then some bathing suit bottoms haha. The good thing about all the accidents was that she didn't like having them, and was very upset every time. I read that it's a good sign if they are visibly upset about having accidents as opposed to not caring.
During her nap and bedtime, I am still going to use diapers and/or pull-ups. After her nap we tried again, but I was out of options as far as underwear, so I just had her in a little dress with nothing underneath. She went one more time on the potty, and had a few more accidents. Travis came home around 7, and we decided that was enough for the day, and I put a pull-up on her and we went for ice cream, and stopped at Walmart to get her some real underwear.
On Wednesday (Day 2) I woke up ready to go! I had her big girl undies ready, and I was pumped! I put her in some new underwear, and by lunch we had gone through about 6-7 pairs, and she had only gone twice on the potty. After her nap, she had a few more accidents, and didn't go on the potty at all. I was discouraged, but ready to try again the next day.
Thursday was pretty tough. She went through another 6-7 pairs by about 11:30, and I was ready to give up. Every time I put her on the potty nothing would happen, and as soon as she'd get off, she have an accident. She also spilled her apple juice on the carpet...since I hadn't cleaned up enough yet. We decided to go outside, and I took her potty with me. While we were out there, she asked to go on it, and then actually went! Finally some progress. She went a total of 3 times on the potty Thursday, but I discovered that I had better luck with her in a dress with no bottoms. It was like she thought the underwear was the same as a diaper, and she could pee in it, but with nothing, she didn't want to have an accident.
On Friday, she went about 7 times on the potty and only a few accidents! We were making real progress, but unfortunately, I didn't time this very well. We decided to "take a break" Saturday and Sunday because Travis was working a big professional golf tournament, and I wanted to take Avery to it on Saturday. The only bathroom option was a porta-potty, and I'm not ready for Avery to go in there yet. Then we had an outdoor wedding reception Saturday night, with the same thing (porta-potty only.)
On Sunday, Travis and I went to the golf tournament, while Travis's mom watched Avery, and so we lost another day. This week, I was going to try again, but I'm dog-sitting my sister's dog, and I think it would just be a lot of extra work having the potty out and trying to teach Olga (the dog) to stay away. For this week, I am just going to keep her in pull-ups, ask her if she wants to sit on the potty occasionally, and definitely take her of she wants to go. Then we will start more intense potty training again next week! Hopefully she won't lose everything she's learned, but honestly, I can only stop life for a few days before we both get a little crazy and frustrated haha. More to come on this topic soon!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)