Tag Archives: mamavation

#Mamavation Monday: First Family Outing

I was extremely blessed to have Hubster home with C, Baby Jo and me for three weeks. We did our best not to get cabin fever by heading out on little errands; but on Saturday we went on our first major family outing.

The sun was out, a cool breeze was in the air, and I was feeling like I could be on my feet for a few hours. We headed to the railroad museum for the first time, and we had a fantastic time!

C absolutely loved it! He doesn’t get super excited about most things that we take him to. When we go to the zoo, he’s more interested in running around and pushing buttons on random soda machines than seeing the animals. The trains, however, were a different story. He had a fantastic time checking out the train displays that were designed specifically for young children.

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We got to walk through some old trains. He had a great time running next to them and pointing at various wheels and gears.

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And then there was the last thing we did before we left – the train ride. He loved it so much that when we disembarked, he kept saying, “Thank you! Thank you, choo choo!” When we got to the car and pulled away from the museum, he said, “Have fun!” It was so adorable.

We all had a great time! That was the most active I’ve been since having Baby Jo, and it felt fantastic.

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This post is sponsored by Simple Self Defense for Women and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: Two Weeks Postpartum

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Two Weeks Postpartum

It’s hard to believe that two weeks have passed since Baby Jo was born. In some ways, it seems like the time has flown by; but in others, it’s like she’s been with us forever.

Things are going quite well for me. In fact, I find that I need to remind myself that I’m recovering from a c-section and need to slow down. I’ve now lost 20 pounds, so I’m 2 pounds lighter than when I got pregnant! I’m thrilled with the weight loss thus far and I’m so eager for the weather to get a little warmer so that we can start going on family walks. I think the sunshine and fresh air will be helpful for my mood, and I know that C will really enjoy it, too.

What are you looking forward to this week?

This post is sponsored by Noelle Katai and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: One Week Postpartum!

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I’m baaaack! I haven’t posted a Mamavation Monday update in a few weeks, because there wasn’t much to report. I was very pregnant, very uncomfortable, and very sedentary. Baby Jo surprised us last Sunday when she decided to arrive early!

I have to admit, for the first time since September, I’m starting to feel like myself again. I am able to eat vegetables, things smell and taste normal again – no more sickness, no more pain. It’s fantastic. Plus, we have this sweet baby girl!

C was focused more on his snack than on picture taking.

My recovery process is going so much better after this c-section compared to the one I had with C. I am on pain meds, but I’m feeling great. I gained 18 pounds with this pregnancy, and in one week I’ve lost 13 pounds. I’m wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans (unzipped, of course, due to c-section incision and loose skin). But I’m wearing them! It took me SIX MONTHS after I had C to get my pre-pregnancy jeans on. I guess this is the upside to being sick for my entire pregnancy.

one week postpartum

One week postpartum, I’m loving our new family of four and getting so excited for walks outside together.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ken and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

35 Weeks: Contractions, Preparations and C’s Ear Infection

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Oops, I forgot to take a picture for this week! The past week has been pretty interesting. I’m starting to wonder if Baby Deuce will be ready earlier than her scheduled date of arrival…

Anyway, this week we get to meet the finalists for the next Mamavation Mom campaign, and I can’t wait to see who they are! Good luck to all of the applicants!

Here’s my update, as I’m now in my 35th week with Baby Deuce:

How far along? 35 weeks

Cravings: Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked Ice Cream

Aversions: All vegetables, eggs, beef

Feeling? On Thursday morning, I experienced two hours of regular contractions that were 4-5 minutes apart and took my breath away. My doctor told me to come in and shortly after I got hooked up to the monitor, the contractions became irregular. At 34.5 weeks, I was happy they became irregular…but at the same time, that always makes me feel a little bit silly when the contractions stop being regular as soon as I get to the doctor! It happened twice with C, but much later (including two days before he was finally born – at 40+ weeks). I continue to have strong, irregular contractions that take my breath away, as well as loads of mild ones.

What I’m looking forward to: Having this baby! I hope she stays put for a couple more weeks, but would welcome her gladly if she wants to come before May 6!

What I miss: Being active in any way without contractions. I can’t even walk to the parking lot without having contractions anymore.

What was the BEST part of last week? Honestly, I don’t know. Last week was kind of rough (see next question).

What was the WORST part of last week? Hubster worked long hours last week while interviewing job candidates, which made it difficult for me to “take it easy,” like the doctor told me to do. C’s been sick for over two weeks and it turns out he has an ear infection. Poor kiddo!

Milestones: There are only four weeks left until my scheduled c-section. I’m working on getting all of the last-minute preparations done for Baby Deuce’s arrival, considering all of the contractions I’m already experiencing.

This post is sponsored by Color Maker & Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: It’s Time for Squats!

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I haven’t had energy to work out since a week after finding out I was pregnant. At 31 weeks, I’m starting to notice the results of that lack of energy. Namely, in my thighs. Ladies, it’s time for squats!

I need to whip these thighs back in shape, and I think squats are the one thing I’ll have energy for. Also, it’s time for some light weight lifting for the ol’ arms.

But first, a cup of coffee…

Happy Monday!

This post is sponsored by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: I Made Dinner All Week!

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You guys, I have a major accomplishment to report for the past week. I cooked dinner all week!

To be honest, most days I used the slow cooker. I was able to throw some ingredients in there and then not deal with it for the rest of the day. That was pretty awesome.

Okay, okay, so typically this would not be a big deal; but since September, I have not been able to make dinner every night for a whole week. My hyperemesis and food preparation typically do not mix – at all. I’m pretty excited, and hoping this trend will continue.

What are your favorite slow cooked meals?

This post is sponsored by Roni Noone and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: Our First Walk in a Long Time!

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First Winter Walk in Months

It was warm enough – and I had enough energy – to go for an outdoor walk! I am getting so sick of winter. I think we’ve had snow every few days this month, and I’m antsy for sunshine, going outside without bundling up, and wearing shoes instead of boots. It may only have been 31 degrees yesterday, but it was sunny and felt warm!

C was super excited to get outside for a ride. I had to slow down a few times for some painful Braxton Hicks contractions to pass, but other than that we had a great time. It made me super excited for spring walks!

This post is sponsored by Touch Within Coaching and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: They Still Fit!

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I’m now 27 weeks with Baby Deuce and I’m still rocking my pre-pregnancy jeans! This is seriously the only upside to having hyperemesis gravidarum for my entire pregnancy, but I will take it!

I almost can’t believe that I can still squeeze my ass into these. When I was pregnant with C, my butt and thighs grew…a lot.

For full disclosure, I can button these but it is more comfortable on my low baby bump if I don’t. In this pic, I’m rocking a bella band to keep these up.

An update for all who gave me awesome healthy snack ideas: I have been craving fruit lately (yay!), but I tried vegetables one more time and got sick. Baby Deuce has officially won the vegetable war.

Happy Monday to all my Mamavation Sistas! Hope you all have a wonderful week.

This post is sponsored by Touch Within Coaching and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

Baby Deuce: 26 Week Update

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C running out of the picture and me laughing at the impossibility of a posed picture. Typical!

It’s been kind of a rough week/weekend here, so I’m combining a pregnancy update with my Mamavation Monday post today. This update includes how I’m doing with eating (healthy cravings for the win!) as well as my lack of exercise (boo for exhaustion from calorie deficits!).

How far along? 26 weeks, 1 day

Cravings: Strawberries and grapes. Hooray for a healthy craving!

Aversions: Where do I begin?

Feeling? Super hormonal. I almost cried at my sister-in-law’s during a conversation some ladies were having about their vaginal births and getting to see their babies faces as they were born. As many of you know, that’s an experience I’ll never have. Apparently I’m really sensitive about it these days. Also nearly cried at church yesterday when I saw a mom looking down and smiling at the baby in her arms. I think I’m scared of PPD part deuce (see what I did there? hehe).

What I’m looking forward to: Let’s get this baby OUT! I want to eat healthy food again without vomiting. I WANT A SALAD!

What I miss: SALAD!!!

What was the BEST part of last week? Well…it’s been one of those not-so-great weeks here. Hubster had to stay in the hospital overnight last night because he seems to be having complications from the gallbladder surgery he had in December. We don’t really know what’s happening yet, but they’ll be running more tests today. One of his gallstones may have escaped into his bile duct before his gallbladder was removed.

What was the WORST part of last week? haha, see above!

Milestones: I have less than 100 days of pregnancy left now! HOORAY!

This post is sponsored by Jessica – the Healthy Hip Chick and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: I Miss Eating Healthy

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I’m now 25 weeks pregnant, and for the past 25 weeks I have had HUGE aversions to vegetables. As in, they don’t just “sound” or “look” bad, they taste horrendous to me. With my hyperemesis (HG), it seems like I can only eat simple carbs and fruit. Protein is generally an aversion, too. I still have 14ish weeks to go (scheduled c-section in week 39). I’m hoping that vitamins will help supplement the nutrients I’m missing out on.

I really miss eating healthy!! What are some healthy snacks that you enjoy that don’t seem healthy? Maybe I can find a way to trick my HG somehow…

This post is sponsored by Beanitos and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday: Campaign 15 is Here!

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Come join the #Mamavation community tonight for a Twitter launch party of Campaign 15, 8-10pm EST! There are six fantastic Mamavation Mom finalists who have already been working their booties off (quite literally!) during the “hazing” period.

To the finalists, I’m so proud of you! I haven’t been as active on Twitter as I usually like to be the past couple of weeks, but I have been keeping up with your progress. You are rockstars and are already instituting huge lifestyle changes. I know that you can keep it up even if you’re not chosen as a Mamavation Mom tonight. You are awesome and you deserve every bit of progress you’ve already made!

Good luck to the finalists, and I’ll “see” the rest of you tonight at the Twitter party!

#Mamavation Monday: Another Stomach Bug, Some More Weight Gone

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We’ve been having some pretty bad luck in our household lately as far as viruses go. A few days ago, I came down with yet another stomach bug. As if I don’t have a hard enough time eating due to HG, that made me lose a little bit more weight.

Out of curiosity, I looked back at my records from when I was pregnant with C and realized that I’m 12 pounds lighter at this point. I’d typically celebrate that, but I feel guilty that I’m not able to eat adequately for Baby Deuce.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed this week that I’ll be able to nourish myself and the baby, and stay healthy through our weekend of holiday celebrations with family.

Wishing you a healthy, wonderful week!

This post is sponsored Dole and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.