Thursday, December 31, 2009

26 weeks belly shot and update...


Today I am officially 26 weeks or 6.5 months along! I cannot tell you how fast this time has gone by. It literally seems like yesterday I found out I was pregnant and now I am almost entering the 3rd trimester!!!

I have had several request for a belly shot so I figured now is a good time to start doing those every couple of weeks or so. I have so many photos of me during my pregnancy so far, but I wanted a close up of my ever growing belly!

I feel really good this morning in terms of my energy. I am heading out for a 3 mile walk in just a bit. I know it is not the long walks I have done in the past but at least it is something. My next apt is in 2 weeks and I am hoping for another good report from my doctor. I may have to lower my calories a bit if I am not walking so much in the third trimester but we will see what he says.

Now for the beloved weigh in! I am now showing a 15.6 pound gain! I am GROWING! I have gained 1.8 pounds in the past two weeks and I am perfectly happy with this. First of all, I am in that big growth phase where I am supposed to be packing on a pound a week. Then you add in Christmas and our anniversary trip and I have only gained .9 pounds each week, therefore I am right on track! Thank goodness the holidays did not put me over. If it did, it would not be the end of the world, but it does feel good to still be on track!

I found a good chart to track my weight gain. It shows you the high end and low end of typical pregnancy gains, then of course the average or middle ground where you should be. I am right in the dead center for 26 weeks! Yea! Would I like to be towards the bottom or the low end, well sure, who wouldn't, but I happy with where I am. I just need to keep going strong with my goals and stay on track, so far so good! I really do think I can stay within my range of 25 - 30 pounds.

Click HERE for a link to the chart for those who are pregnant and would like to use it!

Only 98 days left to go until my due date of April 8th! As I am writing this blog, my little girl is moving and kicking around, her usual morning exercise routine! She is saying a BIG hello to all of you!

I am now off to finish 2009 STRONG! A good 3 mile walk for me and my baby, drinking all my water, getting my fiber in and staying on track with my calories!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Rest day but still have goals to reach...

I am taking today off. Why? Well because I feel tried and it is a cold, rainy day here and it just feels right. I am going into town to run some errands and sit at Starbucks to read one of my baby books then try to get an appointment for a prenatal massage later before my husband comes home to paint. My husband told me to take it easy today and well if I am a good wife I need to do what he says, right?!?

Even though I will not be walking today, I still have goals I need to reach. Staying on track with my water, foods and so on are just as important as fitness, even more now so that I am feeding my little angel!

Goals for today 12/30 -

1. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies
2. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber
3. Consume at least 90 grams of protein
4. Drink at least 128 oz of water (1 gallon)
5. Log all foods and stay with in calories - 1,600 - 1,800

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Workout results 12/29

Today was wonderful. I was able to get in my 5 miles despite the bad weather here. I do think I am going to take tomorrow off, rest and take it easy. Tonight I am feeling tired and with all the errands I have to do around town tomorrow, I think that will be enough work. Then I can come back Thursday for another strong day. I am also going to get another massage tomorrow, I am due for another and those are just the BEST!!

Hope everyone has a lovely night! Thank you for your very sweet comments on my blog regarding our anniversary. It meant allot to me. You guys never cease to amaze me with your outpouring of support for every aspect of my life!

Total time and calories for the day -
Time - 99 mins - 5.12 mile walk
Calories burned - 462
Miles for the week - 13.12/30

Goals for today 12/28 -

1. Walk 4 miles - 5.12 miles DONE for today!!!
2. Eat at least 6 servings of fruits and veggies - Did not do only 2 servings today
3. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber - 56 grams DONE!
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein - 146 grams DONE!
5. Drink at least 128 oz of water (1 gallon) - DONE!
6. Log all foods and stay with in calories - 1,800 - 2,000 - Just under range - 1,678 Calories consumed.

10 year anniversary trip!!

This is a VERY long blog so forgive me but I am just so excited! I think love should be celebrated! As I look back on our 10 years of marriage I cannot express enough the joy these years have brought me. Fairy tales do come true!



Our anniversary celebration started a few days before the actual date. My husband told me we were going on a trip to celebrate. He said it was close, about a 3 1/2 our drive and it was a romantic place with Christmas lights somewhere in Texas. I had no idea where we were going and my mind was going crazy with ideas. By telling me about the trip ahead of time I was thinking this would be my 10 year anniversary present, well he is sneaky and had another plan! He surprised me with a new diamond anniversary band!!! It is so beautiful, I just love it! The best part is there are 10 princess cut diamonds across the top to represent 10 years of marriage! I was crying so hard when he was putting it on my hand, it felt like 10 years ago when we first said "I do". It was a very special and intimate moment that I will treasure always.

The morning we were supposed to leave, I woke up thinking I was getting ready to go somewhere close, in Texas about 3 1/2 hours away. We sat by the fireplace and he handed me a black book and he simply said to me,"Life is short". When I opened the book there were 10 envelopes numbered 1 - 10 representing our 10 years together. I was only allowed to open one at a time because each envelop would revel what he had planned for each day and night of our trip. As I opened the first envelop and read the card I was in shock! It was a photo of the White House and it said Washington, District of Columbia, December 19 -22, 2009. Below this he wrote, " On this journey that is life, I can think of no better companion to accompany me than you. The wonderment that I see in your eyes as we travel the world together is one of the many things that set you apart from everyone else - and draws me closer to you."

He then told me that our flight was leaving in a few hours and we were heading to Washington DC for our anniversary which is somewhere I have always wanted to visit at Christmas! He thought of anything for this trip from afternoon tea at the Oriental to seeing Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center. We headed off to the airport, our luggage packed with snow boots and jackets ready for the snow that was awaiting us! Our flight was pushed back by a few hours but that was ok, we were on our way to D.C. and I was just so excited!

When we arrived at the airport we were told the flight was leaving the next day because of the snow storms hitting the East Coast. They looked for another option such as flying into New Jersey or even New York but all flights were canceled. We had a choice to try and fly in somewhere close or wait and have the trip postponed. I was crushed seeing the look on my husband's face who planned everything so beautifully. We had to make a choice and so we did. The airlines could get us on a flight to Boston and that was as close as we could get. So we went to get on the plane headed for Boston and once again, it was delayed, then delayed again....and again. Now we were loosing time and concerned about arriving in such a storm especially with me being pregnant. We were watching CNN and the reports from the roads were a disaster, the train service shut down and so were many of the attractions in D.C that we were heading to see.

We once again had to make a choice. So my husband called the airlines and said we wanted to change due to the weather then looked at me and said "Where would you like to go?" I said somewhere warm, and next thing I knew we were heading to California!!! They quickly pulled out our luggage and we were re-checked in for a flight to L.A. Our suitcase was filled with cold weather clothes so we drove back home from the airport, took out the boots and replaced them with a pair of sandals and we were on our way!

We arrived in LA and went straight to the rental car place hoping there was a car for us. We were able to get a car, a bright green convertible VW Bug! We were laughing SO hard! It was PERFECT! We wanted to drive up the cost of California in a convertible and what better way to do that in the middle of December than a bright green VW Bug! The first night we stayed in the Hollywood Hills and drove through West Hollywood with the top down taking in the sites. The next morning we started early driving up the Pacific Cost Hwy towards our next destination.

The night before, my husband had called The Four Seasons Biltmore resort in Santa Barbara and told them about our anniversary and the airport adventure, and then surprised me that we were on our way to Santa Barbara! A women on the plane to California told us about this resort and how romantic it was and now we were on our way!! The drive to Santa Barbara was beautiful. With the top down we listened to a mixed CD I made him of all our special love songs throughout the years. It was funny how something so completely unplanned turned out to be SO VERY romantic.

We arrived at the resort and it was a stunning! It was right off of the ocean in a small area, called Montecito that proved to be our favorite part of Santa Barbara. There were so many little shops and restaurants all decorated with lights and it had a very small town feel which we loved. For our stay, the resort provided us with a beautiful room in one of the villas, sparkling cider and chocolate covered strawberries along with a card wishing us a great stay and happy anniversary. During our stay at the resort we were able to see Kevin Costner, and Jeff Bridges was doing a 10 at 10 spot from the resort for the Jay Leno show on our anniversary so that was kind of cool, but hey, it is California right!

The stay in Santa Barbabra was perfect! It was relaxing and VERY romantic! We strolled around town, relaxed along the beach, mostly staying around the resort. We also took a drive up into the mountains behind the resort the morning of our anniversary that again proved to be one of those spontaneous adventures that ended up being priceless memory.

After the most amazing stay in Santa Barbara we headed south to Santa Monica where we stayed for a couple of nights in an old historic hotel right down from the Santa Monica pier overlooking the ocean. We where only staying in Santa Monica at night as during the day was spent driving out to other locations. Rodeo drive was definitely a highlight as it looked so lovely decorated for Christmas. We shopped and had a dessert at The Beverly Wilshire which overlooks the big Christmas tree off of Rodeo. It was nice sitting outside watching everyone pass by while at the same time, we were lost in each other in our own little world. I treated myself to a Brioche Bread pudding and oh my mercy me it was good! But hey, it was my anniversary trip after all!

While in Southern California visited Newport and Laguna Beach along with an amazing day trip to Palm Springs and Big Bear. This was a day to remember for sure. We arrived in the morning to the Palm Springs tram and much to our surprise there was snow at the top of all the mountains. That morning there was a windy advisory for the area and once we arrived I could see why. I have NEVER been in wind like this in my life, it was crazy! So one moment we were in a sand storm in the dessert of Palm Springs, then a few minutes later we were high above the mountains in the snow, then back down in the sand. It was incredible....only in California!

After a lunch in Palm Springs we headed to Big Bear. Once we had passed the wind and sand storms we put the top down and traveled up to Big Bear where it was COLD! There was snow all around and we started noticing cars pulling off to the side to put on snow chains. As I said before, we were in a convertible VW Bug so needless to say we did not have any chains. We kept going up and up but finally stopped as we were seeing too many people turning around. The California Highway Patrol was up ahead turning everyone away who did not have snow chains on because the ice was so bad further ahead. So we took some photos of us in the snow and headed back down. We then proceeded south and made it back to Laguna Beach for a beautiful sunset and what proved to be one of the most romantic nights of our trip.

While in the LA area we did see the standard sites of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but we were mostly focused on slow walks, romantic drives up the coast with the top down at night and most of all, being with one another. I will forever hold in my heart the memories of this trip!

I cannot think of a better way to end this special blog than by sharing the tenth and final card my husband gave me. Inside the card was a photo of us from our wedding day and below were a few words he wrote from his heart and I will treasure always..."Time moves too fast, and before we knew it 10 years have somehow gone by. But when I look back at how we spent that time, I truly feel that we have seized the life God blessed us with and embraced it head on. We did it together, with you by my side, in my arms, and in my heart."

A few memories from our trip



































Monday, December 28, 2009

Workout results 12/28

Today was wonderful. My energy was high and I felt fantastic! During my walk I was doing SO great in the beginning. For a few minutes I walked a 12:01 pace UPHILL! It was amazing. Then of course I started getting super tired and I had to drop my pace down big time to a 15 mm. But it was wonderful while it lasted! I was missing my runs today seeing people out running and training for the upcoming marathons here. But I will have my turn soon, for now, I am walking for my baby and I which is far more important to me!

I had another great day in terms of my nutrition and when I finish dinner my fiber intake will be a whopping 88 grams for today! GOODNESS!! My calories are on track and so is my protein intake. I am having cravings though. BIG TIME! There are times where these commercials come on for pizza or something and my mouth starts to water. But I am staying strong and if it is not in the house, I am fine. That is key for me.

I hope to have another strong day tomorrow and end 2009 with a bang! Now after walking 8 miles today, doing 3 loads of laundry, a load of dishes plus raking leaves outside, I am zapped!

Workout for today - 8 mile walk

Morning walk - 5 miles
Time - 80 mins
Calories - 499

Evening walk - 3 miles
Time - 54 mins
Calories burned - 283

Total time and calories for the day -
Time - 134 mins
Calories burned - 782

Goals for today 12/28 - ALL GOALS REACHED!!!

1. Walk 6 miles - 8 miles DONE for today!!!
2. Eat at least 6 servings of fruits and veggies - 6 servings DONE!
3. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber - 88 grams DONE! WOW!
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein - 125 grams DONE!
5. Drink at least 128 oz of water (1 gallon) - 1 gallon DONE but hoping to get in another 64 oz before bed time for a total of 1.5 gallons.
6. Log all foods and stay with in calories - 1,800 - 2,000 - DONE! 1,815 Calories consumed.

Goals for today...

I love writing my morning goals out for each day and posting them. During the day if I am slacking I hear this little voice that tells me I have announced what it is that I want to accomplish and I better stop procrastinating and GET IT DONE! It really helps me not only with my workouts but with my foods as well. We all have different things that motivate us but for me, blogging and being accountable does it!

Goals for today 12/28 -
1. Walk 6 miles - Morning walk 3 miles/ Post lunch walk 3 miles
2. Eat at least 6 servings of fruits and veggies
3. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein
5. Drink at least 128 oz of water (1 gallon)
6. Log all foods and stay with in calories - 1,800 - 2,000

Sunday, December 27, 2009

My goals for 2010!

"I shall shape my future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me. Or I can be lost in the maze. My choice. My responsibility. Win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny." - Og Mandino

I am getting a jump start on my 2010 goals! This next year is a HUGE one for me in many ways. First of all my life is about to change in the most amazing way!! We are excepting our little girl April 8th. Our life will never be the same and we cannot wait to meet her!

I have so many goals that I want to accomplish in 2010 and it will require a great deal of planning, patience and consistency on my part. It will not be easy to workout in the beginning as I will have to plan out my runs, swims and bike rides far more than before...BUT, it can be done! I have a gym here in my house with a treadmill so on days when I cannot get out with my baby jogger, I can hit the treadmill for a few miles. My husband has told me on weekends he can take our little girl for a walk in the stroller while I get some miles in outside either through running or biking. For my swims, I will have to hit the pools while she is in day care or my husband is watching her at night or on the weekends. The gyms here have a great day care center so that may be my best option once she is at least 4 months old or so.

Well, here it goes. I am stating it here as you know how accountability motivates me!!! My big goal for 2010 is to swim, bike and run/walk 2,010 miles!! That is right, I am reaching for 2,010 in 2010!! I CAN DO THIS!!!! Starting January 1st, my miles will begin. I will not be able to bike and run until after I give birth early April/late March but for now I can walk!

In terms of my weight training I am going back to what worked so well for me back in Russia where I lost all my weight...CATHE and P90X!!!! Both dvds were extremely helpful to me and it is time to start them again! Cathe's Butts and Guts and Drill Max are some of the best dvds I have used and let's face it, they are just so much FUN! I also have her STS series which is a very intense weight training program sure to get me back on track. P90x is just the best and results WILL HAPPEN with this program, trust me! I just love it!! So while my sweetie is napping or sitting with me in her swing or bouncer, I will be doing plyo and pushups . I am sure she is going to look at me like I am crazy but someday she will understand!

So here it goes! Here's to a year of amazing blessings, loosing weight and reaching goals!

Personal Goals for 2010 -
1. Do everything I can to be the best Mother and Wife I can be.
2. Focus on keeping a strong relationship with God and to read the Bible more
3. Continue to keep in touch with my family. Write more and call often.
4. Try every day to make a difference in a someones life.


Weight Loss and Fitness Goals for 2010 -
1. Swim, Bike and Run/Walk 2,010 miles in 2010!!
2. Complete at least 2 sprint triathlons
3. Return back to pre baby weight and loose an additional 10 pounds
4. Run the Dallas White Rock Half December 2010

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Fitness schedule for the week

We are back from vacation. It was a dream! I will write a blog all about it along with photos this week but for now I want to get back on track with my walking and fitness schedule....

Goals for this week -
1. Walk 30 miles
2. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber each day
3. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day
4. Burn 2,500 calories
5. Log and stay within calories each day

Sunday - 3 miles
Monday - 6 miles
Tuesday - 4 miles
Wednesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 4 miles
Friday - 6 miles
Saturday - 3 miles

Thursday, December 17, 2009

6 month checkup....

Today was my 6 month doctors appointment and it went very well. The appointment was like others where they begin with checking the heartbeat with the Doppler. Well as usual our little angel was kicking up a storm! They were having a hard time getting a reading as she was moving so much, this lasted SO LONG! She would not stay still. Then they found a steady reading to get her heart rate recorded and she started kicking the Doppler! LOL The nurse would press down and she would kick back! Needless to say her reflexes and movements are great! I do think she will come out running! I better start shopping for a little pair of Nike's and a Just Do It T-shirt!

My uterus is measuring perfectly and they are keeping the due date as of now for April 8th. So only 112 days so go!!! I am officially 6 months pregnant today! My weight is also going well. This morning I weighed in and I was SOOO happy to see a total gain of 13.8 lbs! Which was a bit lower than my goal! I have really been watching my sodium levels and increasing my fiber and it seems to be helping.

My doctor gave me the biggest compliment when we were talking about weight gain and all my walking. He said I should teach a class to pregnant ladies on how to have a healthy pregnancy! WOW! I was so honored! He complimented me on my motivation and said to stay the course and keep doing the same thing I have been doing. I may need to lower my miles from week to week depending on how I feel but, I can continue walking as much as I am able to.

This week is an easy one for sure as my energy has been off. I am wondering if I was fighting off a bug or something. Regardless, my miles are FAR off track for this week but I will come back next week swinging I promise! I do not want to get sick for our weekend getaway we have planned for our 10th wedding anniversary. I need to just watch my foods this weekend while we are away and not go crazy! Treats are fine, great in fact but I have to watch my portions and just remember my little princess needs good nutrition....with a few treats here and there for our anniversary!

My next appointment is January 14th, when I will be 28 weeks/7 months. My goal is to weigh in and show a gain of 16.5 - 17 pounds at 7 months.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Workout results 12/15

Goals achieved 12/15 -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day - 128 oz DONE!
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day - Did not do
3. Log all foods and stay within range - DONE! 1,759 calories consumed
4. Consume 35 grams of fiber a day - DONE! 47 grams consumed
5. Consume 80 grams of protein a day - DONE! 129 grams consumed

After posting my blog from yesterday I took a bath and went to bed, so I did not get my workout in after all. I needed the rest and I have to listen to my body. Today I am doing the same. My goal is to walk 3 miles, nothing more. I will not meet 30 miles for this week and I am ok with that. So here is the new schedule for the week....

Sunday - Rest
Monday - 5.31 miles - DONE
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - 3 miles
Thursday - 6 miles
Friday - 6 miles
Saturday - leaving for a weekend getaway for our 10th wedding anniversary - Rest

New Goal for this week - 20 miles

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Super sleepy day for me but my little girl was VERY active!

This morning I had a doctors apt, nothing major just my normal checkup at the dermatologist. After for some reason my energy started going down hill fast. I came home and was exhausted as if it was night or something. I crashed and woke up this evening around 5:00 and now nothing has been done for the day! I drank most of my gallon of water because I started it early, but my walk, well, that did NOT happen. I am going to go out for a few miles tonight with my husband but it will not be the 6 miles I was hoping for. That is ok, tomorrow is a new day and obviously my body was tired and needed rest for some reason. Yes, I know I am pregnant but this was very out of the blue for me. I have had periods of fatigue but nothing like this. So now after sleeping the whole day I feel good but really I could lay down and sleep through the night, but I do need to get up so I can eat. This was just one really hard day for me.

On a lighter side my little girl was so active this morning and I felt her body move on the surface of my belly for the first time! I have been feeling surface kicks for weeks now but I have never felt with my hands on my belly her squirming and total body movements, if that makes sense. I was amazing, I wanted to both laugh and cry and the same time I could not believe it! It was as if I was feeling her rub up against my hands which were on my belly. It was a feeling that is hard to describe! I love her so much and we have not even met yet and every day she grows inside of me, I feel I grow to love her more.

I am off to get some food for my little angel. I promise to log my calories, walking and so on as I do everyday tomorrow morning. Despite being a total sleepy head today I will accomplish something! Well, really I think I already have. I have given my body rest and when pregnant, that is an important thing!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Workout results 12/14

Short blog tonight, getting ready to eat dinner then take a bath and rest. I am once again totally exhausted in a good way! I pre-logged my dinner and dessert for tonight to stay on track with my calories.

Dinner - Cranberry beans, 1 high fiber whole wheat wrap with 1 cup of chicken shredded over pico de gallo and sour cream.
Dessert - 1/2 large apple with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt and Bob's Red Mill high fiber cereal on top.

Goals for today -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day - 128 oz DONE!
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day - 5.31 miles DONE!
3. Log all foods and stay within range - DONE! 1,825 calories consumed
4. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber a day - DONE! 62 grams consumed....WOW!
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein a day - DONE! 125 grams consumed

Workout for today - Walked 5.31 miles
Time - 94 mins
Calories burned - 549

Weekend report and next weeks schedule...

This weekend was wonderful, my father and husband worked on the nursery and bathroom and the room is officially PINK! We used a soft pink, very light and it looks fantastic! We moved the recliner, ottoman, crib and changing table into the room and it transformed instantly into a little girls room! So cute! We still have work to do on the room but the good news is that we are ahead of schedule and everything will be complete by the time our angel arrives.

I was able to reach my 30 mile mark for last week despite terrible weather this weekend. I did not walk as long as I would have liked but my mom and I had a wonderful time together. It was cold and rainy here and I wanted to limit my time outside so that I would not get sick. Here is the breakdown of my stats from this weekend and my totals from last week -

Friday - Slow 2.5 mile walk
Time - 47 mins
Calories burned - 246

Saturday - 2.03 mile walk
Time - 37 mins
Calories burned - 194

Totals for the week -
Miles - 30.31
Time - 522 mins
Calories burned - 3,090! Yea!

Now I am once again looking ahead to this week. Thursday is my 6 month checkup at the doctors. I was pleased to see a drop in the scale this morning. Maybe it is from sodium or just normal bloating during pregnancy that made my weight higher on Friday, but my weight dropped back this morning to where I wanted it to be this week, a total gain of 14.6 pounds. I was VERY happy with this! I wanted to be at 14.5 for this week so I am almost right now track.

For my Thursday weigh in I would really like to keep it at 15 - 15.5 pounds. I think if I continue to walk and eat well this week I should be ok but then again I am in the big growth period so I may see I a gain of a pound this week, we will just have to wait and see. All I can do is my best. I have increased my fiber count and it really has helped. I have always consumed a great amount of fiber but I need even more. I started using a high fiber raw cereal from Bob's Red Mill. That is basically different wheat germs, oat bran and flaxseed together for a massive 10 grams of fiber for only 1/3 cup! I also discovered Cranberry beans. They are like pinto beans except they contain 9 grams of fiber for only a 1/4 cup serving! They taste fantastic. We are having them tonight along with brown rice.

For this week my goal is once again to reach 30 miles. I am trying to get in as many miles while I can. I know that during my 8th month I will probably NOT feel like walking 6 miles so the more I can do now while I can the better. I wish I started logging my miles when I first became pregnant but I only started logging at 4 months. It has made the biggest difference for me. I am one who is driven by setting goals. Doing this gave me something to reach for each week and while I cannot exercise to the level that I once did, it gives me a goal to strive for each day. To me, that is what making the most of out life is all about. Goals can be whatever we make them, the key is doing what we can each day to reach them! I am dealing with another stormy day today as well as more rain tomorrow so I may have to take my walking inside. Whether on the treadmill or the trails outside, I will make it happen!

Goals for today -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water
2. Complete scheduled workout
3. Log all foods and stay within range
4. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein

Schedule for the week - 12/13 - 12/19
Sunday - Rest
Monday - 4 miles
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 6 miles
Friday - 6 miles
Saturday - 3 miles
Total miles for the week - 30

Friday, December 11, 2009

Weekend schedule and 23 week update...

My parents are coming to see us in a few hours. Here is the schedule for this weekend. I will report back on Monday my stats for the week as well as next weeks fitness schedule. My 6 month doctors appointment is next Thursday!! Praying for another good report. I have been trying so hard to stay on track with my eating and my exercise, so I hope it pays off! My weight continues to grow at a steady rate, now about 1 pound a week, despite all of my activity and efforts. Looking at all I have done, I am perfectly happy with this, my baby is healthy and growing...and so am I! It is just so important for me to stay on course! I have been walking, staying active and eating very well so if I look at all areas of my life, I really do feel that I am doing all I can. I am 23 weeks pregnant and this morning I weighed in showing a 15 pound gain. My goal is to be at 15.5 - 16 pounds for my weigh in next week.

I have now walked almost 26 miles this week. My goal is to reach 30 miles by Saturday. Today my goal is to walk another 4, then on Saturday walk at least 3 miles. I will surpass my goal if I do this!

Again, I will report back on Monday how the weekend went. For now, I am off to walk more and do that last bit of shopping before my parents arrive.

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

Weekend Fitness Schedule -
Friday - walk 4 miles
Saturday - walk 3 miles
Sunday - walk 2 miles

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Workout results 12/10

Short blog today. My parents are coming tomorrow to see us and the baby! I worked hard to get done everything I needed to do for their visit along with walking my miles and now I am truly zapped and ready for bed! It is only 6:15! Ha! It feels good to have done so much in a day.

Goals for today -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day - 128 oz DONE!
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day - 7.53 miles DONE!
3. Log all foods and stay within range - DONE! 1,837 calories consumed
4. Consume at least 30 grams of fiber a day - DONE! 48 grams consumed
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein a day - DONE! 114 grams consumed

Workout for today - Walked 7.53 miles
Time - 127 mins
Calories burned - 780

Breakdown of miles -
Morning walk - 4.01 miles
Post lunch walk - 1.27 miles
Evening walk before dinner - 2.25 miles
Total - 7.53 miles

Totals for the week so far -
Miles - 25.78/30
Time - 428 mins
Calories burned - 2,650

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Workout results 12/9

Wonderful day, but I am so tired and ready for bed! I woke up this morning with a ton of energy and I did not let it go to waste. I walked 5 miles this morning, then went for a prenatal massage (which was amazing!) and by the time I came back to the house, I was totally exhausted. I wanted to go out for another 2 miles tonight after dinner but my body was telling me to stop. I listened and now I am resting. Tomorrow is a new day with new goals to reach, but for now I am proud of how well I have done.

Goals for today -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day - 128 oz DONE!
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day - 5 miles DONE!
3. Log all foods and stay within range - DONE! 1,826 calories consumed
4. Consume at least 30 grams of fiber a day - DONE! 30 grams consumed
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein a day - DONE! 130 grams consumed

Workout for today - 5 mile morning walk
Time - 84 mins
Calories burned - 507

Totals for the week so far -
Miles - 18.25/30
Time - 311 mins
Calories burned - 1,870

Goals for today...

Last night we did in fact go to dinner, see I told you I know my husband! We picked up the crib then went to the Macaroni Grill. I was bound and determined to be good and so I ordered the Honey Balsamic Chicken and along with half of a house salad. Then we came home and I started to log my dinner and was in shock, that dish has over 1,000 calories!!! I did not eat all of it but still I consumed 1,175 calories for dinner when you include the bread and salad. WOW! I am so happy I walked those 8 miles! I was not expecting that big of a dinner. I am so happy that I did not get one of the many cheesy, yummy pastas they have there I have no idea how many calories that would have been!

Anyways, I promised last night on my blog I would update my stats after dinner as so here are the final day totals from yesterday....

Daily Goals from 12/7 -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day - 128 oz DONE!
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day - 8.2 miles DONE!
3. Log all foods and stay within range - (1,800 - 2,000) - Did not do - 2,287 calories consumed
4. Consume at least 30 grams of fiber a day - Only 25 grams consumed
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein a day - DONE! 127 grams consumed

Goals for today!
1. Walk 4 miles this morning then another 2 miles tonight for a total of 6 miles!
2. Make sure I get all my water in - 128 oz at least
3. Stay on track with my calories, NO macaroni grill...LOL

Reach high today!! Blessings to you all. I am off to walk my 4 miles and start reaching these goals! This day will only pass me by once, I intend to make the most of it! Whatever your goals are....GO FOR IT TODAY!!!

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Workout results 12/8

I did really well today but I will tell you this, I am TIRED! I mean totally exhausted, but in the best way you can imagine! I feel like I really pushed it and worked hard, reached my goals and now I can rest in knowing that I did my best! I love that feeling. I walked 8.2 miles today!

It is crunch time for me in many ways. First the holidays are here and I need to continue to watch my foods and stay active or I can see my weight gain getting out of control VERY easily. Second, this weight gain time for the baby. This morning I received 2 emails, one from What to Expect and the other was from Fit Pregnancy. It was a email regarding my 23rd week which is this week, here is what it said.....

From Fit Pregnancy, "Weighing in at a pound, and at eight inches long, your baby is starting to really look like a baby! You can compare her size to a box of sugar or a bag of coffee beans. Her skin is filling out as the first layers of fat are deposited and her muscles grow. During the next month, her weight may almost double."

What to Expect, "At eight inches and slightly over a pound, your baby is the size and shape of a small doll when you are 23 weeks pregnant. (But then, you already knew that you were carrying a living doll, didn't you?) This week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain. Your baby's weight in the next four weeks alone should double (and you may feel as though yours is too)."

Ok, so I knew this was coming, and I love that fact that my baby girl is going to grow so much over the next 4 weeks. Now, if I continue walking and eating well I can easily handle the one pound a week suggested weight gain at this point. However if I give into holiday treats too much and get lazy, that one pound a week could easily turn into a 2 pound a week gain. My overall goal has always been to gain 25 - 35 pounds during this pregnancy, as of now I am on track to gain 25 or so but that is if I continue to stay on track! I have to treat this as if I was training for one of my triathlons. I make goals, I follow a specific plan and I work hard to do my best.

Now having said this, I am resting tonight after my walk today and tomorrow I am treating myself to another prenatal massage! I deserve it!

We are going tonight to pick up our crib! They called yesterday and said it was in. Here is a picture of it along with the color of pink we are doing for her walls!



Now, if I know my husband he will want to go out and celebrate after we pick up the crib! He celebrates every moment, I love it! So I will have to come back later and edit my calories as I have not logged dinner. Calories posted are those consumed before 4:38 pm....

Daily Goals from 12/7 -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day - 128 oz DONE!
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day - 8.2 miles DONE!
3. Log all foods and stay within range - (1,800 - 2,000)- 1,155 calories consumed so far...
4. Consume at least 30 grams of fiber a day - will report back after dinner
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein a day - will report back after dinner

Today's workout - 8.2 mile walk!!!
Time - 139 mins
Calories burned - 840

Breakdown of walk - I had to take water and bathroom breaks! What can I say, I am almost 6 months pregnant and I drink a ton of water! Ha!
AM walk - 2.3 miles
Lunch
Afternoon walk - 2.08 then water break followed by another 2.2 miles
Late Afternoon walk - 1.6 miles for a total of 8.2 miles

Workout results 12/7

Yesterday was a busy day for me and today is no exception. We have company coming over for dinner tomorrow night and then family coming to stay for the weekend. In addition to preparing for guest, I was out Christmas shopping yesterday. Between trying to find parking, the long lines and time searching for the perfect gift, my day started slipping away. I was able to get in a good 5 mile walk. I did 1 mile early in the morning and finished my miles with a good 4.05 mile walk mid afternoon. I did however fall short of reaching my 6 mile goal. I do wish that I could count all my walking around the mall towards my miles but that is just normal daily activity that we all need. My miles are EXTRA as they should be, so I did not reach my goal for yesterday but I was VERY active!

Today I am going to try my best to make up the miles and get in a good 7-8 miles if possible! I still have to head out to do some shopping as well as start cooking for tomorrows dinner but I think I can squeeze in a good long walk. I am planning my day right now and I think it helps with managing time. Making a to do list and planning is key for me and something I enjoy doing each morning. I am now off to do the first 3 miles or so of my walk, then off to Walmart, then back home for round 2 of walking!


Daily Goals from 12/7 -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day - 90 oz done
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day - 5.05 miles done
3. Log all foods and stay within range - (1,800 - 2,000)- 1,877 calories consumed - DONE!!
4. Consume at least 30 grams of fiber a day - only 20 grams consumed
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein a day - 99 grams consumed

Workout for the day 12/7 -
5.05 mile walk (in the rain!)
Time - 88 mins
Calories burned - 523

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Workout results 12/4 and 12/5 along with this week's goals...

I reached my goal for this past week! I feel fantastic and my baby girl is kicking like crazy this morning, telling me she is ready to join me on a run really soon!

Here are my totals from this past week -

Miles - 30.18 - DONE!
Time - 521 mins - DONE!
Calories burned - 3,078 - DONE!

Workout results - 12/4
3.6 mile walk - 15:41 mm pace
Time - 56 mins
Calories burned - 351

Workout results 12/5 -
Easy slow 2 mile walk
Time - 35 mins
Calories burned - 183

Goals for this week - 12/6 - 12/12
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water a day
2. Complete scheduled workout for each day
3. Log all foods and stay within range - (1,800 - 2,000)
4. Consume at least 30 grams of fiber a day
5. Consume at least 80 grams of protein a day

Fitness schedule for this week - Goal of 30 miles
Sunday - Rest or light 2 miles
Monday - 6 miles
Tuesday - 6 miles
Wednesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 4 miles
Friday - 4 miles
Saturday - 4 miles

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Workout results 12/3

I am posting my results super early today as I have to get started on hanging the garland outside in preparation for my husband coming home to help with the rest of the lights. Finally, the front yard will be done! Yea! Then we are heading out to get the last tree! A live Douglas fir for the living room. I am excited about this because while we were living in Russia we only had a fake tree! I now have 2 trees up so far but need to get the final 2 up and decorated as I am running late this season.

My day was a good one. Great in fact! I am really excited as it seems we are going to have SNOW here tomorrow! Yes, snow in Texas! We live north of Houston in a city called The Woodlands. For the northern counties, including us, they were saying there is a possibility for up to 2 inches of snow! I am just so excited you have no idea! You would think after living in Siberia for 3 years I would have had my fill of snow but NO! I just love it!

I am going to work on my garland now but I wanted to say another BIG thank you for all your comments on my blogs. I try and reply to them but if I miss you know that I read each and every comment. It makes my day!

I have prelogged my dinner for tonight so I can stay on track with my calories. I am craving a weird combo for dinner but what can I say, I am pregnant! So we are having Hodgson Mill's Whole Wheat pancakes with a side of scrambled egg whites with one egg yolk. Basically breakfast for dinner!

Goals for today -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water - 132 oz so far this afternoon....DONE!
2. Stay within calorie range - DONE! 1,756 calories consumed.
3. Walk 6 miles - DONE! I did 7.03!!!!
4. Consume at least 70 grams of protein - 87 grams DONE!
5. Consume 35 grams of fiber - 43 grams DONE!

Workout for the day - 7.03 mile walk
Time - 116 mins
Calories burned - 712
Calories consumed - 1,756

Totals for the week -
Time - 430 mins
Calories burned - 2,544
Miles - 24.58/30

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Workout results 12/2

Goals for today -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water - 162 oz DONE!
2. Stay within calorie range - DONE! 1,854 calories consumed.
3. Walk 6 miles - Did not do, only walked 4.05
4. Consume at least 70 grams of protein - 104 grams DONE!
5. Consume 35 grams of fiber - 44 grams DONE!

Workout for the day - A slow 4.05 mile walk
Time - 74 mins / 18:23 mm avg pace
Calories burned - 442

Where on earth was my energy today? It just disappeared! I am doing well this week but for some reason today was just not my day. I was set to do 6 miles but I only managed to get in just over 4 miles. I gave it my best effort but between the cold and how I felt, I just could not reach my goal for today. The good news is that I ate very well and got in all my water, so it was a successful day overall. I am now heading to bed and hopefully tomorrow will be better! Here are my stats for the week so far....

Totals for the week -
Time - 314
Miles - 17.55/30
Calories burned - 1,832

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Workout results 12/1

Goals for today -
1. Water - Drink at least 128 oz - 135 oz DONE!
2. Fitness - Walk 6 miles - DONE!
3. Food - Intake 1,800 - 2,00 calories - 1,906 DONE!
4. Fiber - at least 35 grams - 30 grams DONE!
5. Protein - at least 70 grams - 110 grams DONE!

Daily results -
Time - 104 mins
Miles - 6.03 / 17:15 mm avg. pace
Calories burned - 614
Calories consumed - 1,906

Totals for the week -
Time - 240
Miles - 13.55/30
Calories burned - 1,390

Goals for today...

Yesterday was wonderful, SO happy I worked hard and got in my 7 miles!!! Now for today I am set for 6 miles, I CAN DO THIS!!!!! I just need to focus and not get sidetracked with Christmas decorating and so on....

I am off to walk this morning! Hope everyone has a blessed day! Here is what I am aiming for today....

Goals for today -
1. Drink at least 128 oz of water, but aim for 192 oz - 1.5 gallons.
2. Stay within calorie range - (1,800 - 2,000) and log all foods
3. Walk 6 miles
4. Consume at least 70 grams of protein
5. Consume 35 grams of fiber