High Five for Friday and 29 Week Pregnancy Update
Happy Friday!
1. So, our church had a visiting pastoral couple in from Nairobi, Kenya this week. Since my husband and I have such a huge heart and a huge love for Kenya, our church asked us to take the couple out one evening. It was Pastor Joshua’s first time out of Kenya and Pastor Gloria’s second. We took them to dinner, then took them to KRISPY KREME and had them taste a warm doughnut (they LOVED it), we gave them a tour of the UNC campus and then we even got to catch the end of a baseball game at UNC complete with post-game fireworks. Truly an American evening. 🙂 But in all seriousness, it was such a blessing to be able to hang out with them for an evening! Loved them and their hearts!
2. I have been to the gym EVERY day this week (more on this below). I know it’s only a week, but I am REALLY trying. I want to stay as active as I possibly can throughout the rest of this pregnancy – I don’t care what it takes – I can do it! I know gym instagrams can be boring, but it honestly helps me hold myself accountable to do “check-ins” and whatnot (when I remember).
3. Since I went to the gym every day, I thought that warranted an ice dream cup from Chick-fil-a… no?
4. I am a HUGE Dan Brown fan and I finally picked up a copy of his new book. I’ve been so busy with work that I’ve really only had time to read it at the gym this week, but it’s definitely suspenseful so far.
5. Uhhh, in a nutshell, the people at TOMS are awesome. They sent me a note on their Facebook page thanking me for incorporating my TOMS into my maternity style (y’all know how much I love my TOMS) – and well, so they asked for my address and I had no idea why. Well, they sent me a BRAND NEW pair of super nice TOMS sunglasses with a handwritten thank you note. I mean, for real? I am just one person and the fact that they took the time to do that reminded me of why I love them so much!
What are you celebrating this week?
How far along: 29 weeks
How big is baby: About 2.75 pounds and about 17 inches long. My baby app says “acorn squash” but honestly, I have no idea how big an acorn squash is… so tougher for me to picture.
Weight gain: Okay. In the interest of being transparent and real, I’m putting this out there. I’ve gained 35 pounds. I’m not happy about this at all. My goal was to gain 35-40 pounds max. for the whole pregnancy and I’ve basically reached that and I have two months to go. While my midwife isn’t SO overly concerned about it, I don’t like it. At all. I am working on cutting back (heavily) on my carb intake (which is so hard, but I really am trying) and I have been the gym 5 out of the last 7 days (I went EVERY day during the week this week!) I am really staying motivated and staying active and cutting out things I can cut out.
The thing that frustrates me is while I’ve certainly given in to some of my cravings, overall I have been really proud of how well I’ve been eating. I’ve been eating what I think is healthy (whole grains, cereal, LOTS of fruits, veggies, and so much skim milk) – but the thing is apparently a lot of what I’m eating, while filled with a ton of nutrients, are also filled with carbs. So, I’ve gotta not CUT them, but watch them. I didn’t gain ANY weight from last week to this week which is, in fact, a start. But I would actually, ironically, like to see the scale go down a little bit (my midwife says that would be okay – I am not doing ANYTHING my midwife says is not okay).
Sleeping: Still not great, but honestly better this week. I think forcing myself to go to the bathroom like 20 times before I get in bed coupled with going to the gym more is helping me sleep a little better.
Food cravings: Cheerios and mandarin oranges. I love those little things!
Food aversions: Nothing out of the ordinary.
Symptoms: Restless leg syndrome (so annoying, but exercise is helping to curb it), back pain, and now I have like pelvic bone pain (TMI?) – no but for real, it hurts!
Miss Anything?: Sleep!
Doctor’s appointment: I have one next Friday – I am really hoping I can keep my weight under control between now and then!
Wedding Rings: Still on!
Clothes: Even some of the maternity clothes that fit me early on are starting to get snug, but I’m making it work!
Movement: As soon as I sit down or lay down this kid is all over the place. I love sitting at my desk, looking down and just watching the baby move in my stomach. While it is totally weird, it is also totally awesome.
Best moment of the week: My amazing husband and my father-in-law spent all last Saturday putting the flooring in the nursery. It is really coming along and looking amazing. I can’t wait to share pictures with you!
What I’m looking forward to: Memorial Day Weekend – huzzah!
What I did / Got for baby: My AMAZING sister took us to Babies R Us on Sunday and really helped us break down the store and show us what EXACTLY we need to be registering for. I still have to go back and edit our different registries and figure out what we need / don’t need, etc., but it felt so good to check that off the to-do list.
What I learned this week: It’s more than likely that the baby is moving into “head down” position – which is crazy. We’re still 10-11 weeks away from delivering this thing and yet baby is already getting into place. AHHH.
Prayer requests: Just continuing to pray for the health and growth of the baby. Also, I’m starting to personally, feel the weight and stress of life and pregnancy. I have done a good job dealing with it and staying active in prayer, but it couldn’t hurt to get a little extra prayer in there. 🙂
How wonderful of TOMS to send you the sunglasses! That really does show great customer service! And as far as the weight gain, I think you do what you can. I’ve learned from all of my friends who have had babies that basically you plan one thing and it goes a whole different way, so it seems you’re getting an early start on that. I don’t think it’s a big deal! It’s just a blessing that you have a healthy baby! And that’s so nice that you had someone help you through the baby registry. I’m sure that’s an overwhelming experience.
yeah absolutely – i’ve learned that trying to make “plans” just means it’s going to go exactly how you DIDN’T plan for it to go!
That makes me love Toms even more because they reached out to you and sent you a present. And, as always, I love your 29 week picture. Beautiful. I know it’s hard not to fret over weight gain, but I am pretty sure some of it is not up to us. I’ve had two kids and with one of them, no matter how healthy I ate, I still packed on more pounds. It was depressing. I began despising going to my appointments and being weighed. Try to remember that you will get a beautiful baby out of this. Try not to stress too much about it now. You can focus on loosing the weight later.
i’m so glad i’m not alone in this, jessica!! thank you!!
that is so cool about the TOMS sunglasses!! how fun! and i am SO proud of your for working out!! I feel like i’m learning that sometimes it doesn’t even make a difference what you eat when you’re pregnant, your body is going to do what it has to do. which unfortunately means gaining weight! i’m sure the eating and working out will help, but I also think there is a huge part we can’t control. just like i can’t control that my boobs, butt and thighs are also getting bigger with my belly!
yeah that’s what i’m coming to accept…. the body is going to do what it wants to do when we are pregnant!
Oh Molly – while I think you look lovely, I totally understand your anxiety surrounding the weight gain. I’m struggling with the same thing myself. It’s not an easy thing to handle in our culture, where everyone’s always comparing themselves to someone else. I really believe that the beauty of who you are, and your confidence in yourself, will only increase through this experience as God leads you through it. What a wonderful momma you will be!!
thank you so much for your encouragement, katie <3
I think it is FABULOUS that you are working out! I have been praying for the last year that I can stay significantly active throughout pregnancy. I’ve read it helps keep you feeling less tired as well. So proud of you. Keep it up! xoxo
oh girl i KNOW you could do it!! you are an inspiration to me now as it is 🙂
I don’t have any wonderful pregnancy/weight advice, because I’ve never been pregnant, but I can imagine how I would feel if I were in your shoes. You look beautiful. That is all.
thank you so much, lacey!
Gaining weight in pregnancy is NO fun for anyone, no matter how much weight you gain. I ended up gaining 55 pounds because I swelled up a lot towards the end, and I remember how discouraging it was because it seemed like no matter what I ate, I would still gain like 4 lbs/week. I’d agree that if your midwife isn’t concerned then you don’t need to be either. Added stress only increases your cortisol levels and mess up your hormones even more. Your body will do what it wants to do in pregnancy, ESPECIALLY since weight gain is so hormonal and your hormones are going crazy right now. Weight gain is so much more complicated than calories in and calories out through exercising. So try not to get too discouraged and just focus on staying active and making sure your baby gets some healthy nutrients.
If after the baby comes you’re still having trouble losing the weight, then you should look into the Paleo lifestyle. It has changed my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. But until then, just focus on taking care of that little one, and soon enough that weight will come off!
thank you so much for the support, solidarity, and encouragement angela!! i don’t know if i could go Paleo – but it’s something i might try after baby is born to help with the weight loss
hey Molly! Don’t beat yourself too much over your pregnancy weight gain. I was so glad when I was pregnant that I gained 28 pounds. But 15 of those just won’t budge no matter WHAT I do. Then on the other hand, my friend gained 40 pounds and 6 weeks after having a baby, she is back to her pre-pregnancy weight. And my sister, who gained 60 pounds with her first now weighs less than she did before having a baby. All that to say that it’s just a numbers game. Everyone gains weight in different amounts and for different reasons when they are pregnant, so and if your midwife isn’t too concerned, try to follow her lead (even though it might be hard). Enjoy this time with your new curves while you have them!
thank you so much, julie! it’s so encouraging to hear from other women who have gone through the same thing and felt the same struggles!!
I think it’s awesome that you’ve gotten yourself to the gym every day! It will probably make a huge difference in the weight gain. Enjoy your new sunnies and have a great weekend, Molly!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Group Giveaway!
thank you so much, sharon! you are always so encouraging <3
I know we’ve only met a couple of times, but I’m so proud of you for staying active while pregnant! Seriously, you worked out more than me and I’m not even pregnant. I guess if you can do it, then I have no excuse! I believe that you will be so happy that you were diligent about your weight gain once it’s all said and done. Thanks for sharing that personal information!
crystal thank you so much for your encouraging words!!!