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CONGRATULATIONS JENN ON SUCH GREAT NEWS! WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS MOTHERHOOD... HOW EXCITING AND WHAT A FUN JOURNEY TO FOLLOW... XOXO
Jenn's Journey towards motherhood
(57 posts) (16 voices)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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jenniferg
MemberOh Gina - you have such a way of making all of us feel so special! Thank you so much! I just posted a quick note on another page. I am so excited to share this journey with everyone! and I can't wait to learn from all of you - I feel like there is so much love in the air! I wore my "own it" tank to the gym today - well I am ready to own this journey and bring our new addition into this healthy lifestyle!
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberWell this is the beginning of my journey to becoming a mother! I hope to share my experience with all of you, including the ups and downs! I must say this past month has been a whirlwind – from finding out that I was pregnant, to searching for a new job, to having every weekend taken up by bachelorette parties, weekends away, and weddings, oh yeah and getting a new car.
I am relieved that October is done, as great as it was. I am ready to nestle in for the holidays and to “just be.” I feel like with all this behind me I can finally relax and enjoy the pregnancy. I am in a good happy place and hope to keep up this momentum.
I am currently 9 weeks and have about 7 months to go – my due date is June 9th!
Let me start with the positives.
1. I feel great! With the exception of a couple weeks of feeling nauseous and extremely tired, overall, I feel really good and the past week has been great.
2. I have continued to workout – my goal has been 5 days a week. This is going to be the key to my success – mentally and physically it just makes me feel better. It feels good that I am taking care of my body and my little peanut inside. (actually it’s the size of a small green olive right now!)
3. Eating a lot is not easy – I get full really fast – so over consuming is not an option.
4. I have the best husband! – he is so excited for our new arrival and he just treats me with extra special care – you know doing the little things that I can still do but he just doesn’t want me to over-exert myselfNow the challenges.
1. Food aversions! Eating healthy (the way that I was eating before) is becoming a challenge. Many of the foods that I would eat on a daily basis just sound awful. I know this sounds crazy but it’s true. For example, every day for lunch I would eat a salad, with chicken, tons of veggies and brown rice – this just does not appeal to me right now. I can still eat salads but more like a side salad. Fish just sounds awful – I forced some salmon down last night but it was hard. And veggies just don’t sound as good as they used to. I am forcing myself to eat some of these things because I know they are good for me and THE BABY!
2. Carbs – carbs are what sound good – they help settle my nauseous feeling – This has been really hard for me because I would always taper my carbs – I would never buy bread, etc. The biggest diet challenge for me has been consuming carbs. It’s mentally harder for me to handle. Weight wise if feel ok
3. Cardio – I was busting the cardio before my pregnancy and I am still incorporating cardio but man it is hard. It feels like I took a month off! running is hard – I have decreased my run to a lower pace just to be able to do it – I want to run as long as possible. I have also started using the stairmill for a change – this has made cardio less boring for me. When you go from high intensity cardio to just “normal” cardio – it becomes quite boring. My goal is to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio at each sessionSorry for the long introduction but wanted to bring you up to speed.
Here was my W.O.D
25 minutes cardio – walk 4.4mph for 1/2 mile 15% incline, run 7.0 for 1/2 mile, repeat
3 sets of 15 of the following
Assisted pull-ups
Squats (30 lb ez bar)
Deadlifts (30 lb ez bar)
One arm rows (15 lbs each side)
Plie squats (15 lb dumbbell)
Jump squats
Alternating bicep curls (15 lbs)In and out in 45 minutes
Diet so far
Meal 1 - Bran cereal with banana and protein shake as milk
Meal 2 – greek yogurt with ½ apple (oh yeah and I’m being honest here – I had small pack of sweat tarts (leftover Halloween candy))
Meal 3 – going out to lunch with colleague?
Meal 4 – leftover chili (gina approved)
Meal 5 – rice cake with pb or some unsalted cashews
Meal 6 – We are going to make chicken with acorn squash and side saladHave a great day ladies!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn....you are AWESOME!! So glad you're going to let us follow along on your journey. You have got to be the most concise and precise writer. I LOVE it. I love reading your posts and just seeing what Lifestyle Jenn is doing. And now what Baby-growin' Jenn is up to!! It's so fantastic. Sounds like you had a kind of crazy October but I'm glad you can "nestle" in now and get ready for the holidays...and MONKEY BREAD!!! Hee hee!
It's great to read about your ups and downs. As for the carb cravings, I say go for it and enjoy!! Your body always tells you what it needs, right? So you have to listen. Boy, for me the problem would be knowing when to stop! Maybe I've been feeling your craving and trying to help you out by eating an entire loaf of olive bread in 2 days!!! LOL! Just doing my part. ;-)
Love that you're doing this journal!! THANKS so much!
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberErin - you crack me up! for some reason your eating an entire loaf of olive bread made me feel better - considering i just unbuttoned the top of my pants! lol!
Hey I'm here to share! glad you are enjoying! and yes i love monkey bread and can't wait - I make the sweet kind - never knew of the potato kind - hmmm interesting - going to look that one up!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Traci
MemberJenn this is going to be such a fun journey to follow!! Cant wait! Erin hahahaa you crack me up too! :) Jenn so I have to tell you this.. My friend Devra has always been a healthy eater, very clean.. she is also pregnant and said the same thing! She had NO appetite for anything healthy! So funny, she was coming into work with all kinds of crazy stuff, she was craving lots of carbs too, bean burritos, pizza, bread, salami.. haha all sorts of stuff she normally doesnt eat. She said for about the first 3 months. Now shes shes back to healthy but she went with it because it made her feel better too :) You do just have to go with what your body wants, it wont be forever. You are going to do great and look so cute as your belly grows! How exciting!! :)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, SO great you have started to keep us posted. I am so excited for you and your little peanut! I hear you on how hard it is to switch from high intensity workouts and runs to lower intensity... it is quite a change but remember, we tend to get stuck in our ruts of the same things so before you know it, the longer duration, lighter intensity will seem like a breeze. Traci is right, you do have to go with how your body feels and what you are wanting. Hormones are a crazy thing. Wow, I couldn't imagine not wanting my veggies, that would be the day! ;) As long as you know the difference between what your body wants and needs and what you want and need, mentally and emotionally. The biggest thing is deciphering between the two... Want vs. need??? You are doing awesome and thank you for keeping us posted. This is going to be a fun journey to follow! hugs,
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberTraci- thanks so much for your post! It’s always nice to hear that I am not alone and that other people go thru the same challenges, whatever they me be.
I agree with everyone that I need to listen to my body but I am having such a hard time mentally with this because of what Gina said. It is important to listen to my body and to what it needs, but is it my body or my mind telling me? I know I am struggling because some of my decisions are definitely my mind telling me and not my body. Gina – thanks for the words of wisdom – and you made me laugh-seriously! When you are expecting it would definitely be crazy if you of all people don’t want veggies! For some reason – I think you will be different
On a positive note – I wanted my oatmeal for both breakfast meals today and I am actually looking forward to eating a big salad at one of our favorite restaurants tomorrow!
I love the video Gina posted of Traci running – it got me really motivated – one step at a time – one meal at a time – I will do this. My goal to live a fit pregnancy is in my hands - one day at a time.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, Glad you are taking it one day at a time. I know there are going to be challenges along the way but they are only going to make your precious little one that much more special!
I was at my sister in laws house this past weekend and she just found out she is pregnant. Shuuuu not too many people know yet... ;) Anyways, she is just learning all the ins and outs of what to eat, what not to eat, what to do, what not to do, etc. I am familiar with so many but I have to say, I was caught off guard when I found out that she brought up the kitty litter issue... I am not sure if you have a kitty, Jenn, but I didn't know you couldn't clean the litter or at least you had a "short window" of when to clean the litter... So I learned something new this weekend and wanted to share it with you. Here are 10 things you should avoid while pregnant... Most we know but the Kitty Litter one caught me off guard...
1. Alcohol-
*My sister in law already is finding that is is difficult to be around others that are drinking while she is sipping on "cranberry soda" pretending to be drinking, since nobody knows yet, lol.2. Smoke- OF COURSE! ;)
3. HERE IS THE ONE I WAS UNAWARE OF... CATS-In particular, KITTY LITTER. A cat's feces is a carrier of a parasite which causes toxoplasmosis. This can cause still birth, ectopic pregnancy, and birth defects. If you have had a cat for a long time before getting pregnant you may already have built up an immunity to toxoplasmosis, but be cautious. Your veterinarian can perform a test to see if your cat is a carrier of the disease.
4. Fish (with mercury)-You should avoid fish that are known to have high concentrations of mercury such as shark, swordfish, and some tuna.
5. Raw Meats (and seafood)-uncooked or undercooked meats.
6. Soft Cheeses-Any soft cheese such as brie, feta, blue cheese or queso blanco may be a carrier for a bacteria called listeria.
7. Pesticides-Make sure you thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before you consume them.
8. Hot Tubs-or anything that could potentially raise your body temperature over 102'F. Interesting because I know some people who have done Hot Yoga all the way through their pregnancy!
9. Electric Blankets-Studies have shown even low level exposure to electro-magnetic fields can cause cell damage.
10. High Risk Sports-such as downhill skiing, basketball, or hockey.
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberOh Gina – thanks so much for the tips! Yes, I do have a cat and I was aware of the cat litter but I was not aware that I could not eat feta! I had a greek salad this weekend (with feta) – well won’t be doing that again – Thanks!
Well I started off this week with a great workout yesterday and woke up this morning feeling a little under the weather. – I went to the gym this morning and did light cardio but man I am feeling it. One thing that is no fun is the fact that you really can’t take any medicine while pregnant – pretty much stuck to Tylenol and cough drops.
Just planning on resting up, which will be no problem, - I easily get 9 hours of sleep a night now – well when you fall asleep at 8 on the couch – it’s pretty easy to get in 9 hours!
Greg and I are going to Chicago this weekend with my sister in law and her boyfriend. I am really looking forward to it! This past weekend I went out and bought a couple of cute comfy sweaters and a cute pair of leggings that sits below the waist. #1 on my priority list during this pregnancy is being comfortable! My belly is getting a little bigger and I hate any feeling of restriction – so the new clothes will make this weekend that much more fun!
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Posted 2 years ago # -
I'm with ya Jenn, about the feta! No idea! Of course since I'm not pregnant it's not something I need to worry about but still, didn't know! I hope you feel better as the day goes on. Just rest up as I'm sure you will. Sleeping at 8! In my dreams! LOL!
Love your #1 on your pregnancy priority list! Being comfortable! I think that's #1 in my life! Sounds like you have a great weekend planned. I love Chicago and haven't been for a while. Have a FANTASTIC time in your cute and comfortable new clothes! ;-)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Megan
MemberCongratulations Jenn! What a very special time for you and thanks for sharing your journey with us...how special. I am a labor and delivery nurse, so just let me know if you have any questions about the "big day"!! Have a fun & safe trip :)
And one more thing to add to Gina's list (not that you would), but...no PROCESSED meats!!!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Randi
MemberI have a deep respect for any pregnant lady I see at the gym - you know that she is hardworking soon to be momma who understands the importance of health for her and her baby. You sound like you have your priorities in line. A good thing to look into is yoga or pilates - they might help with uncomfortable bloating feeling you have and will help ease stress along the way - and don't be fulled most don't think of yoga as an intense hard workout but it is - it is one of the relaxing, destressing, and energizing low impact workouts
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, How are you feeling and how was your trip to Chicago?! Just checking in on and thinking about you! I am right there with Randi, I have so much respect for those that are pregnant and still hitting it hard in the gym, no excuses. Not to mention, they look so cute working out and being pregnant! ;) I agree with Randi, Yoga is amazing to practice, while you are pregnant. I just ran into a woman the other day and was talking to her about how I have watched her through her pregnancies and have been so amazed with how great she kept her body while pregnant and then how quickly she recovered. Here is a woman that was literally on the step-mill the week she had her baby! She told me that aside from the lifting, YOGA really helped her. Not only with the relaxation part of it but the fact that all the poses helped her with her labor. She said her labor was a breeze. Yoga would be a great thing to incorporate throughout your pregnancy... Oh yes, it eases the mind too, enabling you to have a deeper connection with yourself!
I have heard that hot yoga is not great while you are pregnant but when asking her, she said, as long as you sit by the door, the room is cooler and you are fine. Kind of funny because you will read so many things but I think you gain a better understanding of the "to dos" and "Not to dos" from talking to people... Keep us posted!
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberHello ladies!
So sorry for the delayed post! We had such a wonderful time in Chicago – good food and good company. I just love Chicago - it's a great city. My leggings and comfy sweater wash just perfect for the occasion – thank goodness leggings are in style – they are my new best friend! Along with my g-fit pants!
Things are going great over here! Starting to get my mojo back. Some foods (healthy foods) are sounding better to me and I have started to eat more normal. I also got a burst of energy and my cardio sessions have been very enjoyable. I have been incorporating the walk/run combo and it is not as hard as it was a few weeks ago. I must admit I am still very tired.
Randi and Gina thank you so much for your post – I must say I agree with the yoga recommendation – I should definitely give this a try!
As far as looking pregnant in the gym – not sure if anyone can tell yet. My belly is starting to get bigger but it just looks like I ate too much or maybe I should say I feel like a “water buffalo”
All in all I have been very lucky so far – I have felt pretty good and I have no complaints. Next week I have my first ultrasound! Ohh I can’t wait! It will be a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving weekend. and can I just say – I have been looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner for the past month!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, so glad to hear you had a fantastic time in Chicago. I love that city and haven't been for quite a while. How fun! So glad you went and enjoyed in your leggings and comfy sweater!
I'm glad to hear you are getting your mojo back. That's great. And some healthy foods are sounding good. Even better! Can't wait to hear about the ultrasound. So exciting! And Thanksgiving too! Well, what can we say here? It's going to be a phenomenal week for you! Thanks for keeping us posted!!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, Glad you had fun in Chicago. I have yet to visit but it is on my list... All in time. Yes, good thing leggings are in right... You lucked out but girlie if they weren't in, you would rock them and bring them back! :) I am glad you've got your mojo back and have the healthy food bug back in you! Jenn went to Chicago and got her mojo back... watch out. :)
It is normal to be tired. My sister in law is complaining of the same thing... You literally have something taking energy from you... She also mentioned just feeling bloated. That must be such a weird feeling. You know how you could have gone to bed bloated, a few weeks back, but then you wake up back to your old self... We'll to have the perma bloat, oh I could only imagine! I am excited to hear about your ultrasound! Keep us posted! Love hearing about your journey towards motherhood!
comfy sweater!Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, Just thinking about you! Hope you are doing well and had a Happy Thanksgiving! I am just so darn excited for you! So fun to have this different kind of journey on the site and so fun to have been a part of your success and now to see you switch gears and focus on your fitness goals but now with a twist on them... Have a great day! hugs
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberGood morning ladies! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My Thanksgiving weekend started out with the best gift ever – a picture of our new little baby! At 12 weeks the baby looks so beautiful – cute little arms, legs, nose, etc! Measuring at just 2.5 inches – it’s hard to believe that something so brand new can be so developed – it truly is a miracle! I had a great checkup and everything is going just perfect according to the doctor!
Did you know that there have been studies that have shown that a childs IQ is higher if the mom worksout pre pregnancy! Well lets make this baby a little genius by keeping up the exercise!
The doctor says my target weight gain is 25-35 lbs – he said has long as I eat well, exercise, and sleep well then my weight gain should be right at 30, according to his past experience, – so this is my goal. With my first trimester coming to an end I am right where I need to be – I have gained 4 lbs and am feeling really good. It was hard for me to get used to the idea of gaining weight when all I have tried to do is lose weight the past couple years. But it is essential to gain some weight and I want to do what is healthy for me and the baby. So I am being very cautious of my weight, exercising and eating - trying to stay close to my new "goal weight"
My energy is back, which means my workouts are getting better! This morning I did 30 minutes – alternating a run/walk every ¼ mile – kept me entertained and kept the heart rate up! following cardio - i did a quick circuit workout with chest, tris, bis, and shoulders - focusing on light weight and using bands.
Now I am starting the daunting task of searching for a daycare – this is not going to be easy! but i need to start looking now! yikes -
I think about you all daily - wishing you happy thoughts!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Ooh, Jenn, how exciting!!! It sounds like everything is going along very smoothly, just as I would expect from you. So great that you're just where you're supposed to be and right on track. Glad you're feeling better and your workouts are better too. You sound great!!
Good luck with the daycare search. That does sound daunting for sure!! I was a nanny for a long time and I can only imagine being on the other side of that. You'll find a great one though. I have all faith that some fantastic daycare is just waiting for a Baby Jenn G!! LOL!!
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberOh ladies – I don’t even know where to begin. I don’t know why I haven’t been on this site the past two weeks – just getting hung up on the holidays, works been busy, and when I get home I instantly fall asleep.
All I can say is that the second I logged in this afternoon and saw ginas amazing daily posts – it reminded me of what I have been missing – I really haven’t been too involved on the site and my fear is that it’s just gonna get worse with this tax season approaching but I must make an effort to come on here daily – I miss it. just like brushing my teeth – I must come here everyday – its so good for the body, mind and soul
Well I must say – I have officially popped! – my stomach no longer fits in my work pants (at least my legs still do) – but I must get some maternity work pants asap – because it’s no fun walking around with your pants unbuttoned. (well secretly it is because when else can you get away with it!)
I feel great per usual – not gonna lie – struggling with the feeling of weight gain and of course holiday temptations – but I have made it to the gym consistently. Weight gain is normal and Cardio workouts are great – but moving around is getting a little bit tougher – just doesn’t seem like I am as agile as I was before – I just can’t wait for this summer – to be on maternity leave and take the baby on walks! – it’s what pushes me through. Not to mention my sister in law is getting married in august – so I will have a mini goal of fitting in a bridesmaids dress 2 months after delivering – nothing like those mini goals!
I need to take a picture of what I look like at 15 weeks pregnant! – once I do – I will post for all to see.
In the meantime – I wish everyone well – I miss you!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, you have me cracking up with the "fun of walking around with your pants unbuttoned because you CAN"!!! Hahahaha!! Too funny! How exciting for you!!!!! I'm so happy to hear that you're happy and enjoying your pregnancy so far. I'm sure there's a little mental struggle there as well. I don't really know many women that haven't struggled with that. Great work on still making it to the gym consistently. Ooh, that's right, I forgot you have tax season coming up. You'll be fine I'm sure. You're such a balanced person that even though it may be challenging I know you'll find a way to make the best of it and still come out ahead. Love your mini goals. I can just see our cute little Jenn walking her baby around, bonding with that little person. SOOOOOO excited for you!
Can't wait for 15 week pregnancy pics!!! Yes, please take and share! Hope to see you on here more often! Have a great week and keep up your amazing work!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jenn, It is so great to hear from you and thank you for your update! I have been wondering how you are doing. You are a busy busy girl, I guess it is that time of the year! I am glad you found a second to log on, check in and get your daily dose ;)
I cannot wait to see your photos! It is official, huh. Officially popped!? ;) How cute!!
Sounds like you are "popping" in all the right places and good for you for staying up on your consistency in the gym! I could only imagine the feelings you are going through and the acceptance of letting life take its course. Also, with the holidays in full swing, I am sure that makes things a little more challenging. It is a matter of avoiding temptations even more, I am sure, so you don't feel extra "popped". I love hearing your updates and how you are doing on this amazing journey! A different journey and our first Pregnant journey so it is so fun to follow! --the first of many.... ;)Look at you, already planning your mini goals, good for you! I cannot wait to see your photos. I know you are just the cutest thing ever!! Please continue to keep us posted, we are so excited for you!! ;) hugs
Posted 2 years ago # -
jessburgio
MemberHi Jenn- Love following your motherhood journey!! can't wait to see pics! I have 3 best girlfriends that are prego right now!! Just crazy!!! So awesome that you are still getting your workouts in!! That is so key to a quick bounce back after delivery!! Plus you will be in great shape to actually give birth!!! All of my friends stopped working out when they were prego and I think thats why they had such a hard time getting their bodies back!! PLease continue to keep us in the loop!!
Happy Holidays!!Posted 2 years ago # -
jenniferg
MemberI will try to get greg to take a photo of me this weekend!
Erin, Traci, Gina, Jess- thanks so much for your support and enthusiasm! i love being able to share this journey with all of you.
The question i hear everyday - "so how are you feeling" - isn't it crazy that evertyime - i say "great!"
I know why - it's because of the lifestyle that we are living! every time i see the doctor they comment on how they are so happy to see that i always carry a water bottle - i mean really - doesn't everyone do this?
it's amazing how the excercise and diet play such a crucial role in not only how my body feels but also my mood! The doctor can't stress enough how important exercise is before and during the pregnancy! and i know it will make the delivery so much smoother.
Traci - i did part of the circuit workout today - that was brutal - i only did 1/2 can't imagine the full 20 minutes!
I had a nice chat with my employer today - she's going to basically let me take as much time as i need for maternity leave and work part-time/full-time/no summers - basically whatever I want after the bab arrives - which means that if i choose less hours at my tax job, then i can spend more time with the baby and really focus on taking my financial planning business to the next level - I am just so excited - and need to sit down and work on my goals for this next year!
talk to you soon!
Posted 2 years ago #
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