STATUS: 40 wks, 3 days
Well, we have been nested + physically/mentally prepared for the lady since April and now that we have some kind of a gameplan with Olivia's birth I have started preparing to regain my own health + stamina for motherhood. For those who knew me before pregnancy, I worked out 5 days a week for an hour and a half (an alternating mix: of yoga/pilates, cardio, and strengthening - all at home), weighed 105 lbs, and was a size 0. [NOTE: this was post-college; after my 3 year stint at 160 lbs and a size 14/16. It took me approximately two years to lose this weight. Thankfully, I have not come close to this size while pregnant.]. Now, I know I may or may not have that kind of time to workout once the baby comes; however, I have begun doing research on smaller ways to fit in an exercise regimen and ways of eating healthier and burning calories while still breastfeeding (especially since I can't jump into a real regimen until 6-8 weeks postpartum...I want to ease myself and my body back into that state of mind).
To begin, I am going to re-subscribe to my three magazines that I let run-out since pregnant for motivation - they are: NYLON, WOMEN'S HEALTH, + SELF. We have already started our organic/more earth-friendly way of life in the household with cleaners, bags, bulbs and food. We only eat red meat, at best, once or twice a week - and all whites have remained browns (ie, pasta, bread, rice, etc.). We don't eat dinner any later than 7:00 PM and I have always eaten at a slow pace, not allowed myself to get hungry, and to cease when I am full. I have eaten well ATLEAST 4 days of the week while pregnant and didn't allow myself small indulgences as to not end up binging. I always watch portion control (namely; 1/4 protein, 1/4 starch/carb, 1/2 veggies) and watch caloric intake from 1300-1800 a day (making sure most of them stem from fruits, veggies, and proteins with omega-3s).
Luckily, once I return to work in October, as mentioned before, I get to leave two hours early to allow for breastfeeding for the first year of birth. During this time it will allow me a little extra time to either take her out in a jogging stroller or else myself some time to workout (since this means Jason and I will both be off of work by 2 or 3!).
So, here I am....ready + motivated. Yesterday at the doctor's appointment the doctor said I was a little swollen; however, I SWORE I was having a good day because I was still wearing my Converse and could see my ankle bones and veins in my hands and feet. This was SUCH a treat and ray of light...means I am really holding a bunch of water weight which will go away in a week or two after birth (along with the extra weight of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and, of course, THE BABY!). A number of people have told me that I don't even look pregnant except for the watermelon/basketball protruding from my belly (and the, oh, 34Ds of milk I'm sporting!)...so this has also reassured me to some extent that I have done my very best for the health of myself and the baby.
I know to some this preparation seems so vain; however, I really feel that parents should set an example to your children in eating habits and personal health. This is one of the reason why America is so obese and is considered the richest third world country in the world (because we do not make health a priority and make the health system such a difficult, money-hungry crock). I have seen this reflection in other families who do or do not eat well and the repurcussions of their eating habits. I mean, if you don't have your health - what do you really have?
Besides, I love the extra energy, stamina, adrenaline, and discipline I receive from working out and eating healthy!
Anyway, today Karen and I are going to attempt to walk around the main drag, grab some lunch, pedicures, and some light shopping by the baby/dog park that's two blocks from our house. The weather is beautiful + hopefully my energy and Olivia will let me enjoy the day.
Hopefully this will all keep me calm for tomorrow's nerve-wrecking tests!
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