My Maternity Photos

It’s been interesting celebrating the growth of my belly, especially since this blog started as a place for me to document my workouts and weight loss. I will admit that I’ve rather enjoyed watching my bump get bigger each week as it means that my baby is healthy and growing.

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When I was back at Fort Bliss in January a fellow Army wife offered to snap some maternity photos for me for free as a way to build up her portfolio. Any Fort Bliss/El Paso area folks can check out the Photographic Sass  facebook.

Here are a few of my favorites that she snapped of me at 28 weeks.

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Since my return back to Boise, Idaho my brother also offered to snap a few photos of me as well, just for fun. He does his natural style photography as a hobby and absolutely loves it. If you are in the Boise area and want some photos taken he told me that you can message me for his info and he will give you a good deal.

I know the bump isn’t that much bigger at 32 weeks, but it was cool to have some photos taken in Boise too.

Sassy Mama! LOL!

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Having maternity photos taken was a lot of fun!  Obviously I didn’t post all the photos, but at least you can see a few of my favorites from each photo shoot.

Bump-date: Week 33

Exercise this week:

Who’s that girl who was complaining about not having workout mojo? Sheesh! Apparently I found my second wind last week and mainly in the form of YOGA. It’s about the only thing that my body can do these days, and probably the best thing to prep me for delivery!

1. 1 hour water aerobics class
2. 1 hour prenatal yoga class
3. 45 min walk with my blogger friend Cynthia
4. 1 hour yoga class
5. 30 min yoga session

Weight gain:

I weighed in at my appointment last week and was so ecstatic to see I had only gained 1.3 pounds in 2 weeks. I now have a total weight gain of 33.3 pounds. It appears that I’m slowing down just a little bit, which is fine by me. My biggest growth spurt was 10lbs in the month of November, which I blame on pre-deployment snacking/anxiety.

It’s a little hard to see the difference with the stripes, but when I look back at my 24 week post it’s hugely obvious that the bump is now large and in charge!

Maternity Buys:

Well as we are getting closer to the big day I have to start thinking about post baby as well as prepping my hospital bags. So this week I ended up buying a few cheap nursing tank tops to have at the hospital and afterwards, as well as a few more nursing bras. The ones I bought back in September just aren’t fitting anymore.

But speaking of packing my hospital bags…oh man I need to get on that! I’ve been sort of stashing stuff away in a suitcase, but I really need to get a checklist going and finish so I can be done with it.

What I’m looking forward to:

My baby shower!! I am so excited to see all my friends and family this weekend and celebrate our little guy. I am ready to get my “ooooh & awwww” on!

How I’m feeling:

This last week brought back the heartburn with a vengeance, though I’ve been taking Papaya Enzymes after dinner and that seems to be helping.

I’ve also just been dragging a bit. I’m perfectly content not even leaving the house these days, probably because all my clothes are fitting too tight and I’m embarrassed to wear my workout clothes as a daily outfit. Though, I’m pretty sure that is all I will be wearing over the next few weeks since it’s comfy.

What I’m missing:

Ugh, I’ve been doing so well during this pregnancy in regards to the fact that my husband is currently overseas, but these past few weeks have been the hardest.

I’m so unbelievably blessed that my Mom has been such an active part in the pregnancy (attending all my doc appointments, going to birth classes with me, and even rubbing my swollen feet when I need it), but when I see all the husbands at all these things it’s hard not to get emotional. I just miss my best friend, a lot.

Overall:

Baby boy and I have a little ways left to go, though I feel like I’m more ready than him for him to come out. I haven’t even really felt any braxton hick contractions yet, which makes me think he might be in here for awhile.

We are both doing well and I’m excited to count down the next few weeks until his arrival. It really will be here before we know it!

Bump-date: 32 Weeks

Happy 32 weeks or 8 months!

Had my Aunt not brought up the fact that I was now officially in my 8th month, I probably would have sailed right on through a few more weeks until it hit me.

Being in my 8th month is kind of an awesome feeling, as we are getting closer to the homestretch. Our little one still has a little more growing to do, and I’m just patiently awaiting for him when he decides that that he is ready.

Exercise this week:

I know we are getting closer to the end because as I mentioned last week I don’t seem to get as excited about workouts these days. I do them now because I feel like it will be helpful during delivery and post baby more than anything, but it’s still a major struggle every time to even think about dragging myself to the gym.

• 1 hour water aerobics class
• 1 hour yoga class
• 30 min yoga session

Cravings:

I haven’t touched on this much lately, but I had a major urge for Greek food! We cooked up some falafel from scratch and a batch of homemade hummus and it was honestly amazzzzing!

Oh and there were a couple days that I had to have a peanut butter, jelly and potato chip sandwich for lunch. It HAD to happen!!

Comparison:

I think it’s fun to look back and see how much we’ve grown.

It’s funny how at 17 weeks I thought I was “soooo pregnant”. And now that I see my current state it just makes me laugh.

What I’m looking forward to:

I have my 32 week check-up this week which I’m looking forward to. It’s always nice to get an update on what lil man is up to.

I will also be doing a tour of the hospital and labor and delivery area next Tuesday! It will be a nice peace of mind to see where all the magic is going to happen.

How I’m feeling:

I did a lot of complaining last week about cramps, pains, and just plain being uncomfortable. Obviously that stuff is probably here to stay until the end and I’m starting to come to terms with it.

Though it’s not say I don’t look forward to the day in which I can roll over onto my belly or walk without pain or waddling.

A really good friend of mine had her baby last week and had a great birthing experience. It gets me more excited about my birth experience to come now that I’ve talked to her. I have no idea if we’ll even have anywhere near the same experience (hers was quick and drug-free) but I’m looking forward to it more now after hearing about hers.

What I’m missing:

I miss sushi…like a lot. I’ve already warned my parents that sushi takeout shall be happening shortly after I take my baby home from the hospital.

Overall:

I felt really good this past week. My emotions seemed to be in check, and I honestly didn’t feel quite as tired as I had in weeks past. I think my body gives me a break every other week which I am thankful for.

Our little guy is still as active as ever. I’ve been playing little tricks with him like balancing a cold bowl ice cream on my belly and then I wait for him to kick me because he’s probably freezing. LOL. Okay, so I only did it once but it was quite funny. I also think it’s funny that I can now successfully balance a bowl of ice cream or even a cup of coffee on my belly while sitting down.

Everything seems to be just peachy in pregnancy land, and I’m hoping it stays that way for the next 8 weeks!

Bump-date: Week 31

I feel like the title of this post should be “Ready to Pop”.  Lol! At least that is what I felt like while taking this weeks photo.

That’s probably not a good way to feel when I know I still have 9 weeks or less to go.

Exercise this week:

My enthusiasm towards working out these days has dropped immensely. I always feel better afterwards, but getting my tired body out the door is becoming harder each and every day.

• 1 hour water aerobics class
• 1 hour prenatal yoga class
• 1 hour yoga session

My goal for working out over the next two months is to just do what I can when I feel like it. No pressure!

Baby Development:

It looks like baby is slowing down just a wee bit. As of my last appointment this past Friday he is now only measuring 1.5 weeks big.  He is healthy and growing which makes me one happy mama!

Also I will start seeing the Dr. every two weeks now. And once we get close enough, it will turn into weekly visits.

What I’m looking forward to:

I start my baby preparation classes tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited! I signed up for a four week class called Intuitive Birth.

A unique approach to prepare for childbirth blending components of the ancient practices of yoga and meditation with contemporary childbirth education models. This unique class series will help you cultivate a closer connection to your body and your growing baby. You will learn about the anatomy and physiology of normal birth, how to support the vision of your own childbirth experience, and techniques that will not only help you through labor, but will help reduce the effects of stress on the body to provide an optimal growing environment for your baby.
Learn to create your own positive powerful birth experience by cultivating awareness of your body’s amazing innate ability!

It sounds like it will be the perfect blend of birth education, yoga, and even some spiritual work. I’ll be sure to report how it goes.

How I’m feeling:

I’m starting to notice some swelling in my legs and feet a bit. I could really tell when I was trying on some of my favorite comfy shoes and they fit a bit too tight. Looks like I need to go shopping, because as I’ve heard, your feet can grow during pregnancy.

My emotions have been a bit higher this week than usual. A few random cry fests, but those are typical after hearing the sound of J. Alabama’s voice after it’s been while from hearing from him.

Also I’ve started to have real trouble flipping over from side to side at night. I get stuck on my back and feel like a turtle stuck on it’s back. Which actually makes me laugh to think about that visual. Then I want to cry because it takes all my ab muscles to flip over which is pretty painful.

What I’m missing:

Though I’ve lost a lot of my exercise mojo, I still miss running and cross fitting so much. A friend told me about a great program in the Boise area called Stroller Strides which is a program that incorporates working out/running/walking etc with your baby in the stroller. Hearing about this program has calmed my exercise blues a bit, as it gives me something to look forward to post baby.

Also, I just miss J. Alabama. 😦  It’s not going to work out for him to be here for the birth, which breaks me heart, but I kind of knew that all along. Though he will be getting one awesome welcome home present when all is said and done…a son!

Overall:

Baby and I are sharing a room at my parent’s house while I’m in Idaho, and I’ve been busy busy get our stuff situated.

I’m keeping myself super busy, which results in one tired Linzi by the end of the day. I’ve noticed a lot more random aches, pains, leg cramps in the middle of the night and the waddling is as it good as it gets in the walking department.

Of all the trimesters, this one is definitely wearing me down a bit. My  spirits are still good and I remind myself that each day that passes is one more day closer to the day I get to meet the little guy. Which makes it all worth it in the end!

Bump-date: Week 30

10 weeks or less…what?!!!

I know, I know…every week it seems I’m in shock of how time flies, but seriously friends I am under the 3 month mark. I mean last I heard baby boy was measuring 2 weeks ahead, so he could be here in 2 months for all I know!

Exercise this week:

Ahh! The weather gods were smiling down on me when I got back to Boise this past weekend. We had temps reaching almost 60 degrees which was perfect for a hike that my bro and I ventured out on.

It was so nice to get lost in the foothills for almost two hours taking in the fresh Boise air and warm sunshine after being in the car for four long days driving from Texas to Idaho!

• 1 hr 45 min hike through the Boise foothills [GLORIOUS!]
• 1 hour yoga session

Weight Gain:

Well it’s obvious that some changes are going on. I almost don’t even recognize myself.

I hit the 30 lb mark last time I checked, which seems a bit high knowing I have a few months left. I think it’s going straight to my belly and face…eeek! But it’s fun to see the difference between the 15 week bump and the 30 week bump and good to know that the lil one is growing (he weighs almost 3 pounds himself).

Best Moment This Week:

Non-pregnancy related but still awesome! Awww….. J. Alabama had these delivered on Saturday in honor of Valentine’s day. He knew I would be on the road during the week, so they were waiting for me when I got home from my hike.  ❤

What I’m looking forward to:

Next week I’m starting a 4 week yoga/meditation course that my mom is teaching! It’s going to be heavy on the prenatal yoga and relaxation which sounds just perfect right now.

How I’m feeling:

I was so worried about all the hours driving in the car last week, but our 4 day road trip treated me pretty well. We took lots of breaks, and split the 24 hour drive into 4 days which also helped.

And the best tips of all for any pregnant ladies that are going to be in a car for a long period of time are these…

1. wear compression socks
2. bring a small pillow for your back
3. wear a belly band along with your maternity ware as it provides extra support for the belly

These three things saved my life! I was not swollen, I didn’t suffer from ligament pain like I thought I would, and that pillow saved my back!

And I thought I would be exhausted from all the traveling, but honestly it didn’t wear me out too much. It helped that I had an awesome travel companion [my mom]!

Overall:

I’ve been transitioning back to Idaho pretty well! As I mentioned the nice warm weather was huge surprise considering when I left in Jan it was snowy, grey and freeezing.

Now it’s time to really get into nesting mode over here. I’ve got a lot of stuff to organize and buy in preparation for our little guy.

My energy levels are great and besides some sporadic back pain after sitting for too long I feel pretty good.

It feels good to be back here in the land of potatoes and to begin getting settled again. As I mentioned before I will have the baby in Boise and stay here for the remainder of the deployment. We are already a good bit of the way through, so I know that this trip home is going to feel like it flew right on by.

Baby Boy Nursery

I’m super excited to share with you the most up to date version of our little guy’s nursery!

I’ve been working on it over the last few weeks, and though I can’t say that it is completely done (we still need a glider, a crib skirt, and I hope to fill in some of the blank wall above the crib with a few newborn photos), it’s as done as it’s going to be for awhile.

I am so happy with how all the colors (dark blue, grey, and gold) and stripes and chevron patterns have come together – especially with that striped wall!

I’ve seriously had a blast working on the baby nursery over the last few weeks. I think the best feeling is that I was able to incorporate a lot of DIY projects inspired from pinterest of course. Tomorrow you will get a post highlighting all the DIY projects from this room!

Also, this nursery has not cost me a whole lot of money either. I’ve been very conscious of things we already had around the house and ways to do this room on the cheap and I’m happy with the results!

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Crib: Million Dollar Baby 4-in-1 Crib (Post Exchange)

Since we already owned a dresser in natural wood that would work perfectly as a dresser/changing table I knew that getting a natural crib was what I wanted. I was happy to find this crib at the PX and it also has a drawer on wheels underneath for added storage!

Curtains: Blue burlap chevron curtains (Hobby Lobby)

I was instantly in love with these curtains partially because of the chevron print, but I also liked the rustic burlap material. It seems to go well with the room. And I scored by using a 40% hobby lobby coupon per panel which saved me $26!

Dresser/Changing table:  We already owned this

Chevron night stand: A yard sale find…a little paint and contact paper love was all it needed

Striped lamp: Another previously owned item that received a little face lift

Blue chicken wire frame: A broken mirror turned into a chicken wire bulletin board!

Natural wood floating shelves: Target

Giraffe: Marshall’s clearance rack. This little guy stole my heart and I knew his crazy blue stripes would be a fun addition to the room.

Wood Letters: Hobby Lobby. I purchased the J-A-Y letters and used spray paint to give them a little color.

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At first I was very overwhelmed with baby boy’s room being pinterest perfect. Since I slowly started to piece the room together I realized it could still fit my vision without all the frills.

And as you can see, besides the paint for the room, the crib, curtains and a few decorative pieces I was able to really pull this room together and on a budget! WIN-WIN!

The biggest thing I got out of this project was a sense of accomplishment, a lot of crafting skills I never knew I possessed, and a fun time.

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I intend to add more photos of J. Alabama, the baby once he is born and other fun keepsakes to the chickenwire bulletin board. But for now it remains a bit bare.

Bump-date: Week 29

Well tomorrow is Valentine’s day after all, and I have nothing but love for this little guy in my belly!

He’s getting bigger and bigger everyday and so am I! This week has been a little better in the discomfort department, but I’m sure I will have lots to report next week after four days of riding in a car.

Exercise:

I was in desperate need of yoga in my life, and was able to squeeze in two yoga sessions before I left El Paso on the great move back to Idaho.

Baby Development:

I hit up my last baby appointment at the Fort Bliss hospital on Wednesday.  Baby Boy’s heartbeat is good, and no surprise he’s still measuring BIG!

Best Moments This Week:

I mentioned last week that I was looking forward to a special visitor.

I’ve had an absolute blast all weekend showing my mom around Fort Bliss and the El Paso area. She flew down to help drive with me back to Idaho for the remainder of the deployment.

We explored the El Paso Saturday Artist’s Market, hit up a play at the El Paso Play House, ate lunch at the Hoppy Monk, checked out Fort Bliss and the Old Fort Bliss Replica and even had time to do some art projects for the baby’s nursery.

I also mentioned last week that I was going to my first prenatal massage! Oh my gosh, best thing ever! It wasn’t the kind where they have the belly hole in the table, but it was 1.5 hours of relaxation and pure awesomeness. I recommend prenatal massage to any of my pregnant friends out there. It was so fabulous!

What I’m looking forward to:

As I mentioned I am moving back to Idaho, and as we speak am on the road. I’m looking forward to getting back settled in Idaho. There is still lots to do since I’ve kind of been in transition between there and here. So once I get back to Idaho, I can start in my the Idaho nesting mode!

Overall:

It’s been a bit of a crazy week packing up and getting things squared away for the move. I have been hard at work getting our nursery as done as it can be, so when I do come back it will be ready for the baby and I.

Tomorrow will be the photo reveal of what I’ve done!

I’m still feeling relatively well, just having more back pain and soreness that all comes with pregnancy. I’m excited to get back to Boise though and get on a more consistent workout schedule (water aerobics and yoga) as I know those two exercises have done wonders for me thus far.

I hope you all enjoy the Texas Nursery reveal tomorrow as well as post that will follow on some of the DIY projects I have been working on. It’s been a lot of fun, and definitely kept me busy over the last few weeks.

Bump-date: Week 28

Third trimester and the 7th month, woo hoo!

It feels like almost as quickly as we hit this new trimester I’ve instantly started feeling every ache, pain, and cramp that comes along with it. I’m not complaining [okay maybe a little bit], but things are seriously getting to the point of discomfort in the belly area. Discomfort as in it hurts to sit, stand, lay on my side for too long etc. Oy, if it’s bad now I’m in for a ride!

Exercise:

I’m guessing my belly growth and the lack of consistent workouts over the last few weeks have contributed to some of my discomfort. I’m hoping to get my workout mojo back soon.

1. 1 hour walk/hike (Scenic View Park El Paso)

Baby Development:

I’m heading to my 28 week appointment this morning, so I should have more information by next week on how baby boy is measuring up. I’m guessing still big. LOL!

Best Moment This Week:

Well besides all the gymnastics that are constantly going on in my belly, I was able to get my maternity photos done yesterday!

Sneak peek!

I met an Army wife here on Fort Bliss who is just getting her photography business started up and did my photos for free to be able to use them in her portfolio. She is still editing them, but here is one of my favs so far. So fun!

Baby Buys:

Of course it’s camo!

It’s been really hard not to buy loads and loads of cute little baby ware, but I’m resisting big time. My sister in law has sent me boxes of newborn clothes that her twin boys have already grown out of, so for the most part I’m not buying boy clothes. Though this little camo outfit was only $5 and it was 6 months size, so I figured it would give us something to look forward too.

What I’m looking forward to:

I’m signed up for my first prenatal massage this week! I have no idea how this works, but I’m excited. I’ll be sure to report back.

And….I’m going to have a special visitor this weekend…seriously cannot wait! Also I will have a lot more life news as well as the final nursery photos to share next week. So stay tuned!

Overall:

As I mentioned in the opening of this post I’m starting to really feel the symptoms of pregnancy. Even just getting out of bed has been tough, but I’m rolling with the punches –as me and the lil guy still have many a weeks ahead of us.

I seriously still have not slowed down in the last week, and am sure that is probably part of why I feel so tired. But it seems with a baby on the way you can’t over prepare, so that’s just what I’m doing…anything and everything I can before he gets here.

Overall though, I’m doing great. I really am happy we are in our third trimester and look forward to another great week!

Bump-date: Week 27/ 2nd Trimester

Twenty-seven weeks marks the end of the second trimester…I’m kind of in shock that I’m 2/3rds of the way done with this whole pregnancy thing!

This bump-date will reflect over the entire second trimester.

In so many ways this trimester has been great, and in others it’s been very very hard.  I hear the third trimester can either go by real fast or real s-l-o-w…I’m thinking for me it’s going to FLY! Here’s hoping!

Symptoms: More than anything else, the second trimester brought on a whole lot of round ligament pain. Over the last weeks it’s been on & off manageable, but at the beginning of the second trimester it was unbearable. I’ve also noticed a lot more heartburn recently, which I hope doesn’t stick around.

Sleep: Compared to the first trimester I’ve been able to sleep a little bit better. I still wake up several times during the night (usually to flip over to my other side or to pee). The midnight cravings only lasted a few weeks, thank goodness!

Gender:  Oh Boy! The day that J. Alabama & I sat in the ultrasound and heard we were having a son was probably one of the greatest moments of this whole pregnancy. It brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart to be able to share such a moment with my husband. Due to his military obligations this was and will be the only dr appointment he is able to attend, making it all the more special for us.

Emotionally:

It’s been a little different this trimester compared to the first. I’ve had a lot on my plate with buying the house, moving, dealing with deployment, and figuring things out for my life over the next months. I’m pretty proud of myself for how strong I’ve been and I honestly think this baby has been helping me keep it together, as well as providing a lovely distraction to all the other crazy that is happening in my life.

Cravings: My cravings over the second trimester have mainly been pizza, chocolate and peanut butter anything!

What I’m missing: I’ve missed silly things like eating cold turkey sandwiches, drinking wine, running, laying on my back, and generally just the feeling of being comfortable. I’ve been in major nesting mode and wanting to move furniture and things, and really have had to take it easier and ask for help which has been hard.

The Bumps:

     

It’s been fun watching it grow, as well as terrifying at times. LOL!

Exercise:

This is one department that I’ve been doing pretty awesome at. I hardly worked out the first trimester because I was just feeling tired and off. I did get a surge of energy at the beginning of the second trimester and have been trying to ride that wave through. I think it worked, because I’ve managed to stay pretty steady with my workouts over the last 13 weeks.

27 weeks workout report:

1. Yoga Class (1 hour)
2. Water Aerobics (1 hour)
3. 30 mins walking on the treadmill (1.50 miles)

Baby Stuff:

I’ve been hard at work on the baby’s room, and seriously can’t wait to show it off! I only have a few small projects that need some finishing touches. Also, I’m going to wait just a little longer to purchase any of the big stuff (car seat, strollers, etc).

What I’m looking forward to:

I signed up for a crap ton of parenting and baby care classes that I will be taking over the course of the third trimester! I feel like I have so much to learn, and am ready to soak up as much information as I can.

Overall:

I have to say that I’ve felt pretty darn good over the second trimester. I had a lot more energy and felt more upbeat than during the first trimester. Though, I can tell that I’m starting to slow down especially in these last few weeks.

I’m feeling uncomfortable in my body, whether I’m standing for too long, or sitting for too long. It’s like everything is starting to hurt, which has only been a new thing as of late.

The second trimester in general though was a positive one pregnancy wise. I felt the baby’s first movements & kicks, and continue to get more and more excited for his arrival.

Bring on the third trimester, I’m ready!

Bump-date: Week 26

We are so close to being done with the second trimester….I can’t even believe it!

This past week has been a lot of fun around these parts. I’ve been meeting new Army wives, taking classes, working on the baby’s room, baking, and crafting! It’s no wonder my exercise goal was not hit this week, there just wasn’t enough hours in the days!

Exercise:

Looks like things are slowing down a bit over here in this department, which is just fine by me! I love a good sweatfest, but doing the things I normally love to do are getting harder and harder these days. Also I’m not going to worry about my low-key workout week last week as I know I’ve been super duper busy. All I can do is try harder this week!

1. 15 minute walk
2. 45 mins walking on the treadmill (2 miles)

Baby Development:

Thanks for all your kind words about the baby measuring big last week. I’m not worried about it all, maybe it will just mean I get to meet the lil guy a little sooner?

I finally heard back from Doc and I PASSED the glucose test! Wooohoo!

Nursery Sneak Peek:

I told you I was busy this week!

I am so appreciative to my in-laws for coming down to help paint and build the baby’s crib this past weekend. It was so fun to be involved in these projects, and I’m so happy with how everything turned out.

The picture above is just a sneak peek of the room, as I’ve added more decor to the walls and am still trying to put some finishing touches on the room before I do the full blown nursery tour.

I also mentioned that I’ve been crafting & DIY-ing my little heart out — thanks to pinterest I’ve been a crafting queen this past week. It’s so much more gratifying to make something yourself and very soon I will be able to share all the little projects I’ve been working on, as they are all part of the nursery reveal.

How I’m feeling:

I’ve had a few days where I’m exhausted, then find myself not being able to sleep at all, but other than that I’m feeling really good. I still have a lot of pep in my waddling step, and I’m just looking forward to the excitement of the third trimester!

What I’m looking forward to:

I’m starting to think about maternity photos! I met a fellow army wife who has offered to take my photos to help build up her portfolio. I’m really excited about this opportunity, and now I have to go shopping for an outfit! We will do our shoot in the coming weeks and I’m really looking forward to it.

Overall:

Wow, just wow! The baby has been a lot more active these past few weeks, which is so much fun. And since he is getting bigger, it’s easier for me to feel him moving around.

Now that the nursery is at least half way finished I can breath a little easier. I also find myself randomly wandering in his room and just staring at the walls with a huge smile on my face. This is really happening people! 🙂

I’m in a really good place right now with my life and the pregnancy. I’m feeling more confident about being a mom, and am look just really looking forward to meeting the lil guy.