Pregnancy Update: 25 Weeks

I haven't written much about my pregnancy here, so I figured I'd offer a quick update and a couple of...gulp...photos.

I NEVER share pregnancy photos.

It's probably because I was so big and puffy in my first two pregnancies that A) I didn't want photos taken and B) If I didn't see puffy photos of me it helped to keep me in denial that I was in fact big and puffy.

I had women stop me in grocery store and doctor's offices when I was 6 and 7 months pregnant and say, "Any day now, huh?" or "Wow! Are you carrying twins?" My favorite was the lady in the ob/gyn's office who looked at my belly and said, "Ha! Good luck with that delivery!"

And how about the man in the grocery store that offered to carry my groceries 4 weeks AFTER giving birth to Ella because he thought I was STILL very pregnant.

Now I can't promise that none of that is in my near future...we're just at the beginning of the sixth month now and I felt that belly a-stretchin' after dinner tonight (remember that feeling?!).  However, for the most part I have felt really great up to this point, so I'm thankful for that! And please don't hate me when I tell you this, but to date this has been my best and easiest pregnancy. Praise God. Truly.

I share that in part to encourage any of you who are on the fence about being pregnant ONE. MORE. TIME (like I was!). It's been fun to watch the girls react to my expanding belly...Ava LOVES to hug it and say "Hi Baby!" and so far  it's been pretty manageable even with two other kiddos at home.

Ella got to feel the baby kick on Friday morning...that was probably one of the highlights of my week. The look on her face was priceless!

So as for trying to stay healthy and fend off pregnancy pounds that I always have a terrible time shedding afterwards, I have been doing my very, very best. Lots and LOTs of good stuff (fruit, veggies and lean meat) much, MUCH less of the not so good stuff is really what it comes down to.

I should add that prior to this pregnancy I did a lot of work in regards to changing my diet around to be much more healthy-- I was in decent shape (running or going to the gym 3-4 days a week), I was seeing a homeopathic practitioner who has helped boost my immune system and "reboot/rebalance" my other "systems" (digestive, hormonal, etc.). I feel like all of that has really been a key component to me feeling as healthy as I do right now...I'm very, very grateful because I know a lot of women have very difficult pregnancies.

The biggest difference for me this time around...

I'm eating better....When I tell you I used to consume carbohydrates in large quantities, I would not be exaggerating. Mac n' cheese, pasta casseroles, rice, enchiladas, massive bagels with cream cheese (oh yum!), white potatoes, big sandwiches and LOTS  of milk and milk products were all quite typical for me. I did eat a LOT of salads and veggies as well, but there was too much of the other stuff to be healthy.

I feel like I've found a way of eating that is much more balanced for me now. I will still eat all of that stuff occasionally, but when I do it is in much smaller portions (I might have 1/2 a bagel, or a small bite of the girls macaroni and cheese). I've also significantly increased my raw fruit and veggie consumption...instead of fruits and veggies being an after thought or side dish in many meals I now load up on them first and then eat the other stuff. Also more brown rice, Ezekiel bread, small whole wheat wraps and pitas.

I've significantly decreased my milk consumption...there is a lot of controversy about this, but I don't miss it, my homeopathic lady tells me it's bad for me and honestly my tummy has felt much better since reducing the amount of wheat and dairy I eat. I still have a latte, some yogurt or cheese if I want it, but it's not daily like it used to be. I use Almond Milk in my shakes and on cereals and my belly is happier for it!

In all honestly, I feel like my diet has been a more significant piece in my health than ANYTHING else. I'm still going to the gym 3 days a week...yes, with my big ole belly...and yes, some people smile (the women) and some give me funny looks (some of the men!), but things are significantly slower there...I'm down to 15 minutes on the elliptical and another 15 on the bike and then some VERY light weights for toning. I'm a big advocate of listening to your body and so far so good...I slow down when my body says slow down (giving up Zumba, for example and I haven't run since September) and all seems good.

So that's about it!

Here are the promised photos...

Front Shot

Side Shot

Just to prove I am actually still dragging my pregnant behind to the gym! 

These were all taken earlier this week and I swear my belly has grown several inches since then! According to one source, the baby is about the size of an eggplant right now.

I would love your prayers for continued health, a healthy baby and delivery...If you're lucky I'll post one or two more pictures of my belly (it's sure to be quite large by the end...I always tell people, "I'm short...where else is the baby supposed to go but out!") in the next couple of months.

Due date is April 27th!!

I'm taking girl name suggestions too!!!

P.S. I almost didn't post this because a)I'm not a fan of posting pictures of myself and b) I'm not usually a fan of sharing boring details about my food consumption...However, I do feel healthier and am excited about that so thanks for listening!