33 Weeks - And Counting!

It's been a while since I've updated you on our pregnancy progress.  These last couple weeks, to me, is the hardest part because there is so much waiting.  And so much to do.  And you're so tired.  And large as a barge...

Using her little brother as a snack tray...

But the good thing is that the end is in sight and soon, we'll get to meet this little guy and that's all that really matters.

I feel good but am noticeably more tired and moving slower sooner than with the other two.  My doctor says that this isn't all that unusual with three pregnancies this close together, although it's not ideal with the two rugrats at my heels.

So if you have wondered where I am and why my posts have decreased, it's because I can't keep my eyes open.  Most afternoons, I make Elizabeth lay down with me to watch a movie during Rachel's nap so I can get 30 minutes in.  And that was the previous 30 minutes that I would spend writing to you, my dear friends. 

Working out has changed considerably in the past 3 weeks or so.  My hips hurt more to work at any kind of an incline, so the stairstepper is officially out.  Most of the time, I'll walk (about a 3.5-3.7 pace) or do the elliptical at a 1 intensity and incline.  I'm still trying to lift about three days a week, although my workouts are very basic - mainly trying to hit each muscle group once. 

I keep my reps high (3x20 on most exercises) because my weights are so light.  And I always feel better after I lift, although I have to make myself get started.  Today, this was my routine:

30 minutes walk on treadmill-zero incline.  3.7 pace

3x20 squats with large ball on the wall

3x20 lateral raises (5 lbs)

3x15 cable flies (10 lbs)

3x15 lat pull downs (35 lbs)

3x20 kettlebell swings (10 lbs)

3x 20 bodyweight tricep dips

Every other day, I do cardio for an hour and then mix it up with light routines like this.  

As I was walking out today, a guy commented that I was his hero and I laughed and said that it was all about survival for me at this point and that I certainly didn't feel inspirational.  I think it would be easy to put my workouts on the backburner at this point, and probably no one would blame me, but I really think it would make things so much harder.  

When I was pregnant with Elizabeth, I stopped working out about now and my recovery was a lot worse.  Now granted, it was my first baby and I'm sure there are not many first-time moms who are in top shape coming out of the hospital, but I really had a hard time for about a week.  With Rachel, I never stopped going to the Y and never stopped walking or lifting (mostly because I had a wild Elizabeth who needed the play time in the nursery!) and I felt noticeably better through my delivery and recovery.

My weight gain has been pretty steady - I am officially at the 30 lbs mark, which exceeds my goal, but is about 10 lbs less than my pace of gain with the other two.  About the middle of my pregnancy, it really got to me - simply because I had hoped to only gain 15-20 lbs. and when it was clear that wasn't going to happen, I got pretty down.  Luckily, my husband hasn't reminded me of that goal (another sign of a happy marriage maybe?!) and I'm almost over the fact that I didn't reach it.  Plus, I know that he'll be in my corner to get back in shape.  

Cravings-wise, I've stayed pretty consistent with my diet.  Early on, I wanted sandwiches and chips and now have ventured back into my steady need for chocolate.  Consistent in all three pregnancies though is my craving for ice.

I need it.  

I know, weirdo.

And normally, I will fix the biggest cup I can find of ice water and crunch on it so I'm sure it annoys the heck out of everyone around me.  Just thank goodness, it's calorie free!  

Other than that, I am simply trying to keep a handle on this house while nesting and getting ready for him to get here.  I've done a lot of cooking and stocking the freezer - in fact, last night we had a power outage and I tried to go to bed early, but just laid there thinking about all the food in my freezer and praying the lights would come back on.  And they did.  And everything was fine.  But seriously, this is where my mind goes!

That is my 33 week update...thank you for coming along for the ride and I appreciate you being patient through my lapses in writing!