33 Weeks - September 9, 2014 - Baby Size of Pineapple

Aren't these Halloween Themed outfits from Gymboree totally adorable?

I love it when time goes fast when you need it to. I will be on official and much needed maternity leave in 5 weeks, yay! The to do lists are piling on and my urge to do something different is really kicking in.

How far along? 33 weeks

Baby's Position: Bum down

Baby Heart Rate: 145

Tummy circumference: 108 cm

Blood Pressure: 108/68

Total weight: 73kg (initial 61kg)

Maternity clothes? Yes, all bottoms and tops. I am so lucky that this September is still warm and I can still wear my maxi dresses and skirts.

Stretch marks? Yep, all over tummy.

Sleep: Very good, given toddler David finally adjusted to his new bed and room and now sleeps well.

Best moment this week:
Not so great moment: When I went to my doctor and he confirmed that baby is positioned bum down. I am doing all kinds of exercises to try and move him, including hands and knees, standing on my head, and lifted hips. 

Miss Anything? A glass of wine

Movement: Yes, every day, and in evenings when I lie down.

Food cravings: Salty chips

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much really.

Gender: It's a Boy!

Belly Button in or out? A little out.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both, although I do feel a little more energized now than a month before.

Looking forward to: Our baby boy flip head down! (and some newborn shopping)

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

To Do Before Baby's Arrival



VIA

As I approach the arrival of Baby #3, lists of things to get done start circulating more rapidly in my head. First of all, we need to book a trip to Paris, France... Just kidding. That will have to wait for another couple of years.

Now to the real list.

Some of our to do's include:

Shared Kids room:
- move Dana and David into the same room
- hang drapes - most likely THESE from IKEA
- hang wall light fixtures - maybe these, again IKEA
- hang shelving and wall hooks

Kids Bathroom:
- install wall hooks for towels

Baby:
- think about names!
- new double stroller
- new infant car seat and install the base
- another monitor?
- humidifier
- green chemical-free diapers - newborn and size 1

General:
- cook and freeze a few meals in advance, I am hoping for 10
- pack hospital bag
- schedule home duct cleaning

26 Weeks - July 22, 2014 - 98 days to go!

It is very obvious that as days got warmer, I got busier and have not updated my pregnancy journal since 21 weeks. But we did quite a few outings in June and July, including farm strawberry picking, Calypso Water Park, Petrie Island trip, and general family trips on bikes, to splash pads, and parks.

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight: 70kg (initial 61kg)

Maternity clothes? Yes, all bottoms and tops. Many of my tops are just a size larger than my regular size. I got really lucky last week when I scored these Thyme maternity jeans on clearance for $12.50 (!), active capri pants ($10), and maternity support belt from Toys R Us store. Even my husband could not believe the deals.

Stretch marks? Yep, on tummy.

Sleep: Still fine. The story of toddler David sleep issues continues. We are blaming the full moon.

Best moment this week: When David kissed my growing tummy.

Not so great moment: Back pain and being tired when Mark is working on weekends and I am with kids.

Miss Anything? Active movement and lifting laundry baskets, believe it or not.

Movement: Yes, every day, and in evenings when I lie down.

Food cravings: Roasted sunflower seeds.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not sure from what, but sometimes I still get nausea.

Gender: It's a Boy!

Belly Button in or out? A little out. My son love to play with it and poke it with his tiny finger. It is very cute.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both

Looking forward to: 14 weeks to go! And maybe picking out a cute newborn Halloween costume.

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

21 Weeks - June 17, 2014- It's a.... Baby Gender Reveal!

My growing belly
Wearing: tank from Winners; convertible skirt/dress Walmart; Necklace - Value Village 

How far along? 21 weeks

Total weight: 65kg (initial 61kg)

Maternity clothes? Yes, all bottoms (except jogging pants). Many of my tops are just a size larger than my regular size. And some cute summer maxi dresses!

Stretch marks? Yep, on tummy.

Sleep: Still fine. But if toddler David did not wake up at 6am some mornings, it would be even better. We switched him to a big boy bed last week, and it has severely affected his mornings (and nights). Oh baby times..

Best moment this week: I was asking everyone to guess before we found out. We had ultrasound (my mom attended for the first time) and found out...

Not so great moment: Severe lower back pain.

Miss Anything? Active movement, cardio at the gym, and beer (it is THE drink of the hot summer). I got some PC Blond Beer from Superstore, it was awesome.

Movement: Yes, every day, and in evenings when I lie down.

Food cravings: Roasted seaweed

Anything making you queasy or sick: Perfumes on people. And smell of sweat, yuk. When did I become so sensitive to smells?

Gender: See above!
Belly Button in or out? A little out. My son love to play with it and poke it with his tiny finger. It is very cute.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both

Looking forward to: A family trip to Calypso Water Park next week and strawberry picking (and eating) at a local farm.

Random shot from last week. Our son David loving his stroller.

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

20 weeks - Boy or Girl?

We may find out this Thursday. So who do you think we will have? Any guesses?

19 Weeks - June 3, 2014 Baby is Size of a Mango

How far along? 19 weeks

Total weight: 63.1 kg at 16 weeks (initial 61kg)

Maternity clothes? Yes, all bottoms (except jogging pants). Many of my tops are just a size larger than my regular size.

Stretch marks? Some on tummy, grr.

Sleep: Still fine. But if toddler David did not wake up at 6am some mornings, it would be even better.

Best moment this week: DIY pedicure with my new
Scholl Velvet Smooth Pedi Electric Hard Skin Remover and CHINA GLAZE Nail Lacquer with Nail Hardner - Heli-Yum.

Not so great moment: Severe lower back pain.

Miss Anything? Active movement, cardio at the gym, and beer (it is THE drink of the hot summer). My husband will be getting some non-alcoholic versions for me.

Movement: Yes, every day, and in evenings when I lie down.

Food cravings: Watermelons

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much any more.

Gender: Too early to know, we have an ultrasound in 2 weeks.

Belly Button in or out? A little out. My son love to play with it and poke it with his tiny finger. it is very cute.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both

Looking forward to: Our next 20 week ultrasound. We may find out who is inside :)

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

And here are some snapshots from the last week. Seriously, this pregnancy is so colourful so far, I got to enjoy our winter trip to Florida, spring season, and now summer ahead!

Recalling childhood, I made this dandelion wreath.

 

My growing bump.

 

Buying my first bike at Bushtukah

 

And here is one mama on her new bike.

 

Stunning crab apple tree blossoms.

 

Crayon drawing I made while playing with kids.

10 Ways to Pamper Yourself During Pregnancy

Show your feet some love. Your tootsies are taking a lot of abuse these days — for one thing, they're supporting your increasing poundage and there's a good chance they're swollen from an increase in fluids. To the rescue: a warm soak, either in the tub or in a foot bath (a layer of smooth stones on the bottom feels amazing on sore soles). Then anoint those puppies with a rich slather of lotion and prop them up for a well-earned rest.

 

Drink from a fancy glass. Whether your drink of choice these days is cranberry juice or pomegranate seltzer, any drink tastes better served in an elegant glass. So on a particularly rough day, take the extra minute to dust off a wine, champagne, or martini glass and fill it with ice and your favourite quencher.
 

Eat decadent. A cheesy slice of pizza? Fries? Cake? Dig in. As long as you're maintaining a healthy diet most of the time, it's okay to indulge a craving every once in a while. But do so without guilt or don't do it at all.
 

Spa yourself. With your body somewhat out of control during pregnancy, it'll do your psyche a world of good to get a grip on grooming. Grab a mani-pedi when you can, especially during the last few months when you can't touch (or even see) your toes.

 

Enjoy a massage. Prenatal massage will reduce tiredness and relieve pregnancy aches, particularly backache and shoulder tension. A licensed therapist specializing in maternal massage can help relieve these conditions, allowing you to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

Wear something absolutely pretty. Been living in your partner's sweatpants and button-downs? That outfit might be comfy, but it sure won't help you channel your inner goddess.

Have fun accessorizing.  Accessorize like there's no tomorrow and it will seem as if you're wearing lots of new outfits, rather than rotating a precious few. For example, nothing cheers up a girl like a statement necklace, an arm-full of bangles, or a great new bag.

Read for fun, not facts. Like any good mommy-to-be, you want all the info you can get: But don't overdo it by spending every free moment boning up on pregnancy books and blogs. Take a break. Instead, pick up a novel or magazine that's just plain fun.

Make it a movie night. As a veteran mom I will tell you: Once the baby comes, it's a lot harder to do nights out. So take advantage of your freedom while you've got it —grab your partner and take in a flick and dinner.

Plan a picnic. A wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful day and spend time with your friends and family, a picnic is an especially good idea if you have other children, as it will keep them entertained and allow them to expend their natural energy! You’ll all benefit from the fresh air and enjoy the break in your usual routine.

 

PS. Ideas adapted from www.whattoexpect.com

16 Weeks - May 13, 2014 Summer Pregnancy Fashion

This is my first summer pregnancy (both my previous kids were due in April). And hence my pregnancy summer wardrobe was very scarce. I have lots of sweaters and pants, but not much else. I decided to bite the bullet and stop wearing my regular leggins that were too tight in the belly area hence making my life miserable. With some store online promos, I spent $230 (omg) at Motherhood Canada and here is what I bought:

Summer Wear to Work or Anywhere Dress

similar - but in blue

 

White Leggins

 

 





 Black Leggins

 

 

 One Piece Maternity Swimsuit (although it is a bit too tight in bust, I may return it)

 Maternity Hip Panties

I also bought a few non-maternity items (in medium, to fit the growing belly), they fit well and the price did not bite. Plus they will be wearable next summer.

One maxi dress

Black And White Stripe Racer Back Maxi Dress (see more black white dresses)

Maxi dress that converts to a skirt, similar to this:

How far along? 16 weeks
Total weight: 63.1 kg (initial 61kg)
Maternity clothes? Yes, jeans, pants, tights, and some tops. I am in desperate need for some maternity office clothes and leggings. This was my previous comment update, see above for some new maternity things!
Stretch marks? Some on tummy, grr.
Sleep: Still fine.
Best moment this week: I felt baby movements at exactly 16 weeks, yay.
Not so great moment: Screaming at my 2 year old David. David, you have to behave when are all trying to get out of the house in the morning. I am very sorry, your bad behaviour is not a valid excuse for me to lose it.
Miss Anything? Active movement and cardio at the gym.
Movement: Yes!! See best moment of the week above ;)
Food cravings: Smoked fish.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much any more.
Gender: Too early to know
Symptoms: The itchiness from the last 1.5 months seems to be also subsiding.
Belly Button in or out? It flattened out and expanded.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Both
Looking forward to: Our next 20 week ultrasound. We may find out who is inside.

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

13 Weeks - April 22, 2014 - Start Noticing 2nd Trimester

So far, we have not been telling about our upcoming bundle of joy to too many people. But now, the growing belly really shows (that's 3rd pregnancy for you, unlike the 1st when you go un-noticed for 4 months). Today, one of my co-workers noticed and asked me. I gladly shared the news with her. Oh boy, now the whole office will know shortly ;)

How far along? 13 weeks
Total weight: 61.6 kg (initial 61kg) My weight seems to fluctuate daily
Maternity clothes? Yes, jeans, pants, tights, and some tops. I am in desperate need for some maternity office clothes and leggings.
Stretch marks? Some on tummy, grr.
Sleep: Still fine.
Best moment this week: The IPS ultrasound. My husband and I got to see our little swimmer doing flips as technician was measuring him/her. And also the birthdays of my children - my daughter Dana turned 7 and my baby David (not so baby any more) turned 2 years old.
Not so great moment: Maybe it is hormones, but sometimes I get moody and irritated for no big deal with my husband or kids. Sorry love! I am trying to be better. And sorry Dana and David, I love you to pieces.  
Miss Anything? Active movement and cardio at the gym.
Movement: I think I feel it sometimes, but I need more movement to be really assured it's the baby.
Food cravings: Savoury and sour things.
Anything making you queasy or sick: The nausea is slowly going away. Yet I developed weird food aversions - shrimp,
Gender: Too early to know
Symptoms: The itchiness from the last 1.5 months seems to be also subsiding.
Belly Button in or out? It flattened out and expanded.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Both
Looking forward to: When I start feeling more movement.

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

11 Weeks - April 8, 2014 - It's an Itchy and Scratchy Show

How far along? 11 weeks
Total weight: 60.2 kg (initial 61kg) - there must be something wrong with my scale 
Maternity clothes? Yes, jeans, pants, tights, and some tops. I did a huge batch of laundry of my stored pregnancy clothes. Unfortunately, most of my pregnancy clothes are winter (my previous 2 were winter months) so I will definitely need to do some shopping for summer maternity fashion.
Stretch marks? Some on tummy, grr.
Sleep: Still ok.
Best moment this week: Telling our kids. My almost 2-year old son did not really understand it. But my almost 7 year old daughter screamed: "I want a sister! Please, please, mom can you make her a sister?!"
Not so great moment: I have been having worries about my baby, not beign able to felel it moving is the most terrifying thing.
Miss Anything? Walking fast up the stairs.
Movement: Not yet.
Food cravings: Salty-salt-salt. Kosher pickles are my faves.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Just smell of any cooked food.
Gender: Too early to know
Symptoms: Holy itchiness! From head to toes, the whole body. I am trying not to scratch during the day, but evenings are the worst.
Belly Button in or out? Still in but a little expanded already, I have very small belly showing so far.
Happy or Moody most of the time: It depends if am tired.
Looking forward to: My second ultrasound next week and when I start feeling the movements.

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

9 Weeks - March 25, 2014

This is an update to my previous post where I had not had my dating ultrasound yet. So today I am 9 weeeks exactly.

How far along? 9 weeks
Total weight: 61.6 kg (initial 61kg) BP 106/70.
Maternity clothes? Not yet
Stretch marks? Not that I noticed, but there are still old ones on my tummy from the second.
Sleep: Okay for now. But feel very sleepy in early evening.
Best moment this week: The ultrasound and seeing my gummy-bear shape like baby on the screen. He or she is already 2cm. Heart rate 179.
Not so great moment: Okay, call me crazy but I signed up for little race at the end of April (it's only 5K). So I went to the gym and jogged about $4K. Oh the pelvic pressure and pain. I may have to take it easier.
Miss Anything? Hmm, sauna.
Movement: Not yet, but I saw the baby move arms and legs during the ultrasound. It was cutest thing ever.
Food cravings: Salty-salt-salt. I bought kosher pickles and indulged into 5 of them. So yummy.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Just smell of any cooked food.
Gender: Too early to know
Symptoms: Diarrhea (excuse me for the details ;), nausea throughout the day, fatigue, enlarged breasts; and cooking/food/fridge aversion.
Belly Button in or out? Still in but a little expanded already, I have very little showing so far.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: The nausea of the 1st trimester to be over.

10 Weeks - April 1, 2014

Here is me at 10 weeks at my office. I would love to take a photo of my ever growing belly. I might post some later.

How far along? 10 weeks
Total weight: 62 kg (initial 61kg)
Maternity clothes? Not yet
Stretch marks? Some on tummy, grr.
Sleep: Still ok.
Best moment this week: Telling our parents. Because this was our 3rd child, we wanted to tell them in a special way and capture this moment. My dad was teh best. I came over to my parents' home (my mom knew already) and told my dad to pose for a photo for me. I pressed Video instead of photo, told him to say "cheese" and then said "we having for a baby". His face was undesribable. And then he screamed "who?!", "are you joking?!", "you are crazy!". And then we just laughed ))
Not so great moment: Pelvic pressure and pain at times when walking. Come on, I am only 10 weeks.
Miss Anything?
Movement: Not yet.
Food cravings: Salty-salt-salt. Brie, cold cuts, smoked salmon have been pretty much my only menu items.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Just smell of any cooked food.
Gender: Too early to know
Symptoms: Holy itchiness! From head to toes, the whole body. And some nausea, still.
Belly Button in or out? Still in but a little expanded already, I have very small belly showing so far.
Happy or Moody most of the time: It depends if am tired.
Looking forward to: The nausea of the 1st trimester to be over.

Check out my previous posts on this pregnancy here.

8 Weeks (?) - March 12, 2014

I thought I would document my pregnancy this time. Maybe it will be interesting to you? And it might be interesting for me  to read a couple years down the road.

The question mark is because I am not completely sure that I am 8 weeks already as my family doctor said. I have not had a dating ultrasound yet (which in theory should be more accurate). He did the calculation based on the standard cycle of 30 days, but mine is a bit longer.

But for now I will just assume 8 weeks, with a due date of October 18, 2014. This is my 3rd(!) pregnancy.

How far along? 8 weeks
Total weight: 62 kg (initial 61kg)
Maternity clothes? Not yet
Stretch marks? Not that I noticed, but there are still old ones on my tummy from the second.
Sleep: Okay for now. But feel very sleepy in early evening.
Best moment this week: A 15cm snowstorm in March?! On a better note. My kids don't know about this baby yet (well, because nobody knows for now), but my daughter Dana was telling she would like to have a bunk bed to share with her brother David, and David's room would be a playroom. Can kids read our minds? This is exactly what we planned, albeit play room = baby room )))
Miss Anything? Bailey's ;)
Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: Salty, sour; cold cut meats, cheese, bread, and fruits.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nausea is my best friend this time around. I took a regular multivitamin instead of prenatal one day and my body inverted itself. No more Kirkland Women's.
Gender: Too early to know
Symptoms: Diarrhea (excuse me for the details ;), nausea throughout the day, fatigue, enlarged breasts; and cooking/food/fridge aversion.
Belly Button in or out? Still in, I have very little showing so far.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: The nausea of 1st trimester to be over.

22 Slimming Superfoods

Right after I decided to lose my pregnancy weight, I casually opened a couple of women's magazines - from both Europe and Canada. And bam! (I am not kidding), two articles about superfoods that are slimming and will help or rather boost metabolism, detoxify, and minimize cravings. I wrote them all on a piece of paper and went straight to my grocery store. I bought ALL of them. They went into delicious meals, salads, or juts on their own. Not sure how much the powers of these specific foods helped, but my scale showed me a reduced number. Yes, my weight started moving down.

Here is the magic list (organized by food category):

Veggies

Avocado

- packed with fiber and healthy fats

Beans

- reduce appetite

Broccoli & Cauliflower

- very low calorie, prevent formation of fats

Carrot

- high in vitamins and very low calorie

Celery

- reduces salt content in the body

Cucumber

- helps to flush out toxins

Peppers (jalapeno, Thai, habanero)

- increase metabolism

Fruits/Berries

Apple

- complements any food; high in vitamins and antioxidants

Grapefruit

- eating a couple of slices before meal reduces appetite

Kiwi

- 1 kiwi fruit has only 46 calories, and combines so many refreshing tastes

Pears

- low calorie, improve digestion

Pineapple

- diet booster known from many Hollywood diets

Raspberry

- low glycemic index, curb appetite

Watermelon

- great for relieving water retention

Other

Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp reduces glucose in blood and lowers production of insulin; also a great mood booster

Corn Cereal (Flakes)
- perfect for breakfast; helps with water retention

Eggs
- 2 boiled eggs for breakfast proven to lead to faster weight loss (high in protein)

Green Tea
- increases body's ability to burn fat

Nuts/Seeds
- very filling, curb appetite for a long period

Shrimp
- each shrimp has 8 calories and high in protein, which boosts metabolism

Tofu
- low fat, but very filling
(here is a link for great Tofu recipes)

Yogurt (but please Plain without sugar)
- high in probiotics - normalizes bacteria balance which helps to reduce weight

What foods did you find help with the weight loss?