Dare You to Move.
A song title of course, but also how I've been striving to live my life these past 9 months (hell - the past 18 months). And how I choose to welcome my child into the world.
I hope that my motivation continues into parenthood as I work to get back into shape post delivery, and to simply be a healthy and active mom. I don't think the baby will care how I look in a bikini! But it will care that I can chase it around the yard. In return, I challenge my child and my husband to stay active with me, as a family. Very different than perhaps the examples we had / have around us.
While my final weeks of symptoms have increased, my activity level has surprisingly been reasonable. My feet are very swollen (which sucks - sneakers don't really fit). The only thing that helps the swelling go down is exercise (probably blood flow), but then it returns fairly quickly. I've had "fake" contractions every other day which are sort of like sharp pains in your lower abdomen. Sometimes they make me stop in my tracks, while other times it's more of an annoyance. I've also experienced lots of baby movement (kicks) and shifts in weight (like the baby rolling over side to side) which I can visually see and feel (weird). Lastly - pressure on my pelvic floor has caused pain and discomfort (as the baby gets more into delivery position). It feels like you have to pee/poop but you actually do not.
For exercise, I've been boogy-ing at dance class (even learned a new routine which I'm hoping to perfect in my last few weeks!). Though spinning /turning is off limits now because my center of gravity is so crazy with the belly. I don't want to fall and hurt myself and the baby.
CrossFit has been going great! I've introduced short running into my work-outs (which makes absolutely no sense....but for some reason, I can run again). I find that running short distances is particularly helpful when the baby is pushing down on my pelvic floor - to relieve that pressure.
Overall the weights I'm lifting have continued to decrease, but my stamina has stayed the same (totally reasonable).
In the photo above, I'm doing Power Cleans with 65 lbs. That was an awesome day mentally and physically.
The Fourth of July was challenging both culturally and socially without being able to drink. It's so common to have a drink during music festivals, BBQs, meeting up with old friends (same as Christmas time). It was really frustrating to be left out. Especially since I enjoy the taste/experience so much (no shame).
*Note to self: plan the next pregnancy NOT during summer months.
Hoping to post simple updates through this blog from the hospital when D-Day arrives.
Stay tuned for details!
 |
| 37 weeks - about to go for a short run #whalerunning |
 |
| 36 weeks #babywhale |
 |
| Healthy food from my CSA delivery |
