tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48349313955265401982024-03-12T20:35:18.956-05:00Staying StrongA record of experiences, thoughts, ideas, and images on staying strong in all aspects of life-faith, family, fitness, and food.Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-60542019239125369642013-07-27T06:05:00.001-05:002013-07-27T06:05:51.843-05:00Heavy heart.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oIAHbV3PdNk/UfOpfUQN0oI/AAAAAAAAAOw/fOuV3YMV0c8/s640/blogger-image--314473859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oIAHbV3PdNk/UfOpfUQN0oI/AAAAAAAAAOw/fOuV3YMV0c8/s640/blogger-image--314473859.jpg"></a></div>In the past week, I have heard of TWO young daddies who have passed away from stage 4 cancer. Healthy, young, vibrant lives, ripped from earth by this evil monster. Both were Christian men, both are in heaven with their creator, no more suffering, no more pain. In this, there is peace. However, my heart aches for the wives and babies they are leaving behind. <div><br></div><div>When I imagine myself in this situation, I am racked with fear. Would I have what it takes to get through it? Would I be smart enough or strong enough to get through one day, one week, one lifetime without my husband? Would I hold on to Jesus or would I back away from Him in anger? I know the answer- God would see me through. He would not forsake me. However, there is the voice in the back of my head that implores with God, "Please, don't allow me to go through that. Please, not me." I know these wives prayed the same prayer. Which is even more terrifying to me. </div><div><br></div><div>I am brought to my knees by the graciousness of God. Fully aware that earth is fallen, and life here will always be messy, until Jesus comes back. People ask, "Why would God allow such suffering to good people." I don't struggle with that. I know that suffering here is a result of man's sin. The goodness of God is through imputed righteousness and eternal life. We are not guaranteed health and happiness here on earth. I KNOW THAT. Yet, I still beg God not to give me scary circumstances, to not make me suffer. I am certainly NOT with Paul as he says, "For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him." (Philippians 1:29 NLT) I guess the best I can do is acknowledge that I am not in control and be thankful for what I have been given, for every good thing is a gift. I will hold my little family close to me and cherish them, holding them with open hands, knowing that it is all temporary. Whatever happens, I WILL emerge, I WILL survive, because of Him and His grace. I don't deserve any of this. ANY of it. Thank you, Jesus. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K-8UGMucLzM/UfOpguuTzpI/AAAAAAAAAO4/AXllIHQD72M/s640/blogger-image--1422263793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K-8UGMucLzM/UfOpguuTzpI/AAAAAAAAAO4/AXllIHQD72M/s640/blogger-image--1422263793.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><i>"For everything there is a season, a time</i> <i>for</i> <i>every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from</i> <i>beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 NLT)</i></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-74738855859031088492013-05-29T04:59:00.001-05:002013-05-29T14:22:06.246-05:00Olivia's birth: in pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CXTrhTliXe4/UaZR2LB1IvI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/rxmjBwXpw04/s640/blogger-image--536523345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CXTrhTliXe4/UaZR2LB1IvI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/rxmjBwXpw04/s640/blogger-image--536523345.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iS09uwcr6xo/UaZR0Cif62I/AAAAAAAAAKA/UdFURBCveis/s640/blogger-image-1155324623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iS09uwcr6xo/UaZR0Cif62I/AAAAAAAAAKA/UdFURBCveis/s640/blogger-image-1155324623.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iS09uwcr6xo/UaZR0Cif62I/AAAAAAAAAKA/UdFURBCveis/s640/blogger-image-1155324623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7uEo4-HjdZg/UaZR3WHOkPI/AAAAAAAAAKY/hSHLBU_2vjE/s640/blogger-image-2098712974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7uEo4-HjdZg/UaZR3WHOkPI/AAAAAAAAAKY/hSHLBU_2vjE/s640/blogger-image-2098712974.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7uEo4-HjdZg/UaZR3WHOkPI/AAAAAAAAAKY/hSHLBU_2vjE/s640/blogger-image-2098712974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-356aNQtYs3A/UaZSGTSsOjI/AAAAAAAAAMA/0uVwN3e_CBU/s640/blogger-image--1393660517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-356aNQtYs3A/UaZSGTSsOjI/AAAAAAAAAMA/0uVwN3e_CBU/s640/blogger-image--1393660517.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s34ZV0tIXD4/UaZR-8sMLRI/AAAAAAAAALY/j-qG8G9IaZs/s640/blogger-image--529952511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s34ZV0tIXD4/UaZR-8sMLRI/AAAAAAAAALY/j-qG8G9IaZs/s640/blogger-image--529952511.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nbyxsc9XZLs/UaZR8A4e6oI/AAAAAAAAALA/T1g-zXrXX48/s640/blogger-image--1052455967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nbyxsc9XZLs/UaZR8A4e6oI/AAAAAAAAALA/T1g-zXrXX48/s640/blogger-image--1052455967.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WJtan45rxUw/UaZR6EjY9SI/AAAAAAAAAKw/viDEiNGKRno/s640/blogger-image--2075636451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WJtan45rxUw/UaZR6EjY9SI/AAAAAAAAAKw/viDEiNGKRno/s640/blogger-image--2075636451.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KFBKtLjyAWY/UaZR5Ggw_cI/AAAAAAAAAKo/rUWO7JsOC80/s640/blogger-image-1012053859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KFBKtLjyAWY/UaZR5Ggw_cI/AAAAAAAAAKo/rUWO7JsOC80/s640/blogger-image-1012053859.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5Zmkta9gS0c/UaZSCbMBYQI/AAAAAAAAALo/XBHNxCWBpoI/s640/blogger-image-1107399765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5Zmkta9gS0c/UaZSCbMBYQI/AAAAAAAAALo/XBHNxCWBpoI/s640/blogger-image-1107399765.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9mDr-5AEG6A/UaZSFZvRjwI/AAAAAAAAAL4/m17VJzrOvB8/s640/blogger-image--1970605599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9mDr-5AEG6A/UaZSFZvRjwI/AAAAAAAAAL4/m17VJzrOvB8/s640/blogger-image--1970605599.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2HW5Hmppvmk/UaZSIt-Xi9I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/cA4-s9lu3WQ/s640/blogger-image-416086307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2HW5Hmppvmk/UaZSIt-Xi9I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/cA4-s9lu3WQ/s640/blogger-image-416086307.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u62qLz9brvk/UaZRzEjPqHI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/t0aWVAguJbc/s640/blogger-image-36136644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u62qLz9brvk/UaZRzEjPqHI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/t0aWVAguJbc/s640/blogger-image-36136644.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wPViN-8IMOA/UaZSEA4A4PI/AAAAAAAAALw/o23BnuUWoss/s640/blogger-image-1629613510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wPViN-8IMOA/UaZSEA4A4PI/AAAAAAAAALw/o23BnuUWoss/s640/blogger-image-1629613510.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zbB3FuFbpsE/UaZR4JBeQBI/AAAAAAAAAKg/j_BsQi-4dks/s640/blogger-image--2032014024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zbB3FuFbpsE/UaZR4JBeQBI/AAAAAAAAAKg/j_BsQi-4dks/s640/blogger-image--2032014024.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B4gZ_OK0zf4/UaZSAJYGp2I/AAAAAAAAALg/bAi8OkzoT8c/s640/blogger-image-382074556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B4gZ_OK0zf4/UaZSAJYGp2I/AAAAAAAAALg/bAi8OkzoT8c/s640/blogger-image-382074556.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GXtKx4ILcdg/UaZR9DNhXBI/AAAAAAAAALI/oW1ExxcJGFU/s640/blogger-image-196472310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GXtKx4ILcdg/UaZR9DNhXBI/AAAAAAAAALI/oW1ExxcJGFU/s640/blogger-image-196472310.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ds0yclAxBG0/UaZR7HY7IfI/AAAAAAAAAK4/WxSL2_BTcAs/s640/blogger-image-1302840760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ds0yclAxBG0/UaZR7HY7IfI/AAAAAAAAAK4/WxSL2_BTcAs/s640/blogger-image-1302840760.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6ZjaR3D1d8o/UaZSHWKCY5I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Wwx8RHGRBcA/s640/blogger-image-1366537301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6ZjaR3D1d8o/UaZSHWKCY5I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Wwx8RHGRBcA/s640/blogger-image-1366537301.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VqChmSnBVO8/UaZR1DoJouI/AAAAAAAAAKI/L2w3YRx8O8I/s640/blogger-image-1357138530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VqChmSnBVO8/UaZR1DoJouI/AAAAAAAAAKI/L2w3YRx8O8I/s640/blogger-image-1357138530.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4GQTV5moaGw/UaZR-B9oRSI/AAAAAAAAALQ/IOq7Ff5EzFo/s640/blogger-image-388230883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4GQTV5moaGw/UaZR-B9oRSI/AAAAAAAAALQ/IOq7Ff5EzFo/s640/blogger-image-388230883.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div></div></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-18082549528351502282013-05-25T04:38:00.003-05:002013-06-28T18:09:24.159-05:00Getting strong(er)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JyNHKyhW4PU/Uc4Nf-_0UDI/AAAAAAAAAOM/ZCdDssgzEGY/s640/blogger-image-1872362903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JyNHKyhW4PU/Uc4Nf-_0UDI/AAAAAAAAAOM/ZCdDssgzEGY/s640/blogger-image-1872362903.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, I've been truly "back at it" for about 3 weeks now. It's been really hard. I'm actually not in that bad of shape, all things considered, BUT my mind is way ahead of where my body is. I KNEW it was not going to be like I was immediately going to bounce back to where I was pre-pregnancy but it is hard to convince yourself of this. Or maybe it is just hard admitting that you aren't the same person or body you were then. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's funny, when I first started Crossfit, it was all about getting my mind to push my body harder. Now, my mind is much tougher but my body isn't there. And I really need to respect my body and all it has gone through rather than run it into the ground. It is a fine line deciding how hard I should push to improve fitness, but still respect the post-natal healing process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And eating is hard. I'm just really hungry. And I'm super scared of eating too little calories and affecting my milk supply. And honestly, alot of paleo meals are not as easy and when you have a sleeping infant (aka ticking time bomb) sometimes you gotta eat just to get calories because it may not happen otherwise. But we are sloooowly getting much better. I found some nitrate free deli meat and I can almost always make a great lunch of that, half a LARGE avocado and a big serving of fruit. We make breakfast at night (eggs mixed with potatoes, sausage, or bacon) so I can easily heat it up in the morning. Dinner I can usually manage to cook. The slow cooker is my friend. Usually slow cooker or grilled meat, either sautéed greens or a salad, and roasted veggies. Easy peasy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This post by Lisa Thiel (crazy amazing crossfit athlete and coach who recently had a baby) has helped my mindset. Basically she says you have to rid your thinking about getting back to the old you and embrace your new self, and look at each day as a PR. Here's to the new me!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://www.lisabenderthiel.com/2013/04/after</span><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">-jacob-was-born-end-of-september-i.html?m=1</span></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-20128391626382409542013-05-25T04:38:00.001-05:002013-05-29T14:21:58.863-05:00Birth storyLittle did I know that when I posted on WEDNESDAY, I would be going into labor just two days later! <div><br></div><div>Olivia's birth was the most intense, powerful, utterly human, experience I've ever had in my life. I am SO THANKFUL for a safe, relatively complication-free childbirth. </div><div><br></div><div>Let me just say, although we chose to have a natural childbirth, I have <i>no judgement</i> towards different birth experiences. Every person is different, every birth is different, and I am well aware that under different circumstances, our story could look a whole lot different. Childbearing and childbirth is this wonderful thing that MAKES US WOMEN. No matter how your children entered the world, we as women are all connected by this truly human quality. </div><div><br></div><div>The one thing that really resonated in the process of our childbirth education was the importance of taking charge of your birth experience. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. Even in the most dire of circumstances, we have CHOICES! No matter which path you choose, or what complications arise, you can still have a meaningful birth experience without feeling like you had no say in the matter. When educating yourself on your options, I highly recommend the following resources: the books, <u>Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way</u> and <u>The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth</u>, and the documentary, The Business of Being Born. </div><div><br></div><div>So, Olivia's birth-since this is a public blog, this will be the less explicit version. Ask me in person if you want to know some more of the gory details ;)</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I had been having pretty serious practice contractions all week. I went to the dr at 4:30 on Thursday (3/28). No change from the week before. In my mind, I thought for sure we at least had the weekend. I cooked dinner Thursday night, did some laundry, all the normal stuff. Went to bed around 10 and at 2:30am </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">woke up to use the restroom and felt vaguely cramp-y. These "cramps" felt very different than my Braxton Hicks.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> I tried to stay in bed and let Tommy and I sleep a bit more. I wasn't successful at falling back asleep but I stayed in bed until around 5am. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Tommy and I had a conversation in which he said he was going into work for a little while to which I promptly responded, "no you are not". So I think that gave him the hint that this might be the real deal. I labored around the house for a while, timing contractions. I anticipated having to do this most of the day. However, by 9 am, we were in the car going to the hospital. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>When I got to the hospital, my first exam indicated 4cm dilated which meant I had done quite a bit of work at home. Things were progressing, now I just had to finish! <br><br>Contractions were very painful, not going to lie. I got tired pretty quickly because my contractions were very long in duration with very little break in between. I definitely couldn't have lasted without my wonderful coach-my husband. He said everything I needed to hear to keep my head on and push through. By the time I got to 7cm I was exhausted and at the hardest point of labor. Tommy was exhausted too! The best way for me to work through the contractions was on my feet, walking, swaying, or squatting. My sweet hubs physically supported me, holding me up with my arms around his neck THE. WHOLE. TIME. It was around this time that I started to really doubt myself and wanted to give up. Tommy's words of affirmation helped me to hang on! Eventually, I got through those feelings and moved to "go mode"- I was ready to get this job done! <br><br>At 7cm, my water had not broken which was stalling things out a little. The Dr mentioned the option of having her break my water. We chose to give it another hour and check back. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>At 8cm, the dr asked again if I would like to consider to have her break the bag of waters. Since I was having pushing urges and baby was so low she felt that once the waters were broken, we would move to pushing very quickly. At this point (4pm) I was exhausted. Though I had snacked some throughout I really wasn't able to get good calories in with so few breaks in labor. So, we decided to go ahead and have her break the water. This was around 4pm. At 4:30pm, it was time to push. Pushed for 30 min- she showed up at 4:59pm! She was perfect and I got to pull her straight up on my chest! <br></span></div><div><br></div><div>All of her tests were great and her jaundice levels were really low. All the nurses kept commenting on how alert she was. She caught on to nursing like a champ. I was pretty good too, excepting some low blood pressure due to blood loss. Nothing a few bags of IV fluid couldn't fix. </div><div><br></div><div>She was born on Good Friday and we went home Easter Sunday. Her popi and Lita (my parents), Grammy and Papa Byrd (his name is still TBD), uncle Greg, aunt Jen, and cousin Austin, Uncle Allen, and Aunt Allison were all there to welcome her to the world. </div><div><br></div><div>So blessed! </div><div><br></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-81445857974625361112013-05-25T04:23:00.001-05:002013-05-25T04:23:29.789-05:00Here.Olivia Rae Byrd<div>3/29/13, 4:59am</div><div>6lbs 10oz, 18.5 in long </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g8pP7jwD50M/UaCDDZThyRI/AAAAAAAAAJg/SpLDXo_1NIU/s640/blogger-image--1623969444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g8pP7jwD50M/UaCDDZThyRI/AAAAAAAAAJg/SpLDXo_1NIU/s640/blogger-image--1623969444.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UpEqLgLYzyU/UaCDEPigdQI/AAAAAAAAAJo/wqoCc48UVEE/s640/blogger-image--1118048344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UpEqLgLYzyU/UaCDEPigdQI/AAAAAAAAAJo/wqoCc48UVEE/s640/blogger-image--1118048344.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-71462693556267017342013-03-27T12:46:00.000-05:002013-06-28T17:13:09.059-05:0012 weeksI did this great 10 week post with pictures and was just waiting to add her height/weight stats. I come back and the draft is GONE. :( I'm sad because I wrote some really fun things too. <div><br></div><div>Well, at TWELVE weeks this is Miss Olivia Rae:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FTIA1Tc7Z-o/Ucm7VQ_X2BI/AAAAAAAAAMo/__8t-tYo28U/s640/blogger-image-1566772054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FTIA1Tc7Z-o/Ucm7VQ_X2BI/AAAAAAAAAMo/__8t-tYo28U/s640/blogger-image-1566772054.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Current stats: at 2 month check up you were 21.25 in tall (8th percentile), 9 lbs 3 oz (9th percentile). You are a petite little thing!</div><div><br></div><div>-Her personality is all girl. Very emotional, either very UP or very DOWN. It's funny because sometimes just fixing the problem (diaper, hunger, hot, etc) doesn't calm her down. Sometimes she just really needs to be comforted through it. Like I said, ALL GIRL. I kinda love her for that though.</div><div><br></div><div>-Loves to "talk" and interact. She smiles and has laughed a few times. Daddy got the first smile and first laugh so that was pretty special.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvkRbrj9doc/Uc4JVVNjMcI/AAAAAAAAANc/vNcCXglB_jE/s640/blogger-image-1090211664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvkRbrj9doc/Uc4JVVNjMcI/AAAAAAAAANc/vNcCXglB_jE/s640/blogger-image-1090211664.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>-Sleeps GREAT. We put her in her room on her 12 week birthday and it was a pretty seamless transition. She is about 1/2 and 1/2 on sleeping all night (8 or 9ish to 6 or 7ish) and needing one nighttime nursing (somewhere between 3 and 5). No complaints on sleep for these parents. </div><div><br></div><div>-Usually naps about 3 times a day. A short 30-45 min nap (usually at the gym with me), a long 1-2 hour midday nap, and another short nap around 5 or 6. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-doKuxgIFIzU/Uc4JTlKlYAI/AAAAAAAAANM/UpD6D9AjPyM/s640/blogger-image--615805729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-doKuxgIFIzU/Uc4JTlKlYAI/AAAAAAAAANM/UpD6D9AjPyM/s640/blogger-image--615805729.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>-Loves trees and being outside BUT hates being hot. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zR3QPRaerNY/Uc4JRiCqojI/AAAAAAAAAM8/EYcdDeWalm4/s640/blogger-image-1207140347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zR3QPRaerNY/Uc4JRiCqojI/AAAAAAAAAM8/EYcdDeWalm4/s640/blogger-image-1207140347.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>-Loves her daddy so much! She smiles as soon as he walks in the door. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZsYmQhUQ54/Uc4JShAKlWI/AAAAAAAAANE/dRQpYCvxnzI/s640/blogger-image--1397595376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZsYmQhUQ54/Uc4JShAKlWI/AAAAAAAAANE/dRQpYCvxnzI/s640/blogger-image--1397595376.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>-She definitely tracks with her eyes, knows who mom and dad are, can grasp stuff (by accident though not grabbing on purpose), and loves to stand up. She is tolerating tummy time more and more. Still not her favorite. </div><div><br></div><div>-We are FINALLY fully in 0-3 month clothes and out of newborn stuff. Now she has much cuter clothes! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_gs0uPokc7k/Uc4JWBwteGI/AAAAAAAAANk/Lugu9KO7F2g/s640/blogger-image-426912575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_gs0uPokc7k/Uc4JWBwteGI/AAAAAAAAANk/Lugu9KO7F2g/s640/blogger-image-426912575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m9XZWelueG0/Uc4JUTTR-bI/AAAAAAAAANU/bU9nZlif-DM/s640/blogger-image-24594090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m9XZWelueG0/Uc4JUTTR-bI/AAAAAAAAANU/bU9nZlif-DM/s640/blogger-image-24594090.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_gs0uPokc7k/Uc4JWBwteGI/AAAAAAAAANk/Lugu9KO7F2g/s640/blogger-image-426912575.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>-This also means...we are big enough for cloth diapers! So excited about this! </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ozQ97Wkw-74/Uc4JXO5-R-I/AAAAAAAAANs/-caeJ-MTpL8/s640/blogger-image--447728658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ozQ97Wkw-74/Uc4JXO5-R-I/AAAAAAAAANs/-caeJ-MTpL8/s640/blogger-image--447728658.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-Another biggie is that she had her first babysitters, Lita and Popi, while Mom and Dad had a nice date day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LdyOahyUrxE/Uc4KcktvaJI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Wjs7OApGb48/s640/blogger-image-1427880383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LdyOahyUrxE/Uc4KcktvaJI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Wjs7OApGb48/s640/blogger-image-1427880383.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's all I can think of right now. She goes for a 3 month weight check on the 11th. But she's definitely growing, happy, and being such a little personality! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She's so fun! </div><br></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-80453821083927023342013-03-27T12:45:00.002-05:002013-03-27T12:45:39.308-05:0039 weeksNursery is done.<br />
Laundry is done.<br />
House is clean.<br />
Last day of work is Thursday (tomorrow!). <br />
Car seat is in the car.<br />
Dog sitter is on-call. <br />
Bags are packed. <br />
<br />
Everything is ready for her to arrive. <br />
<br />
This has been an interesting week for me. I have had some moments where I am Ms. Grumpy-pants. I like to be in control and to have things "just-so". Not knowing when she will get here drives me crazy and I'm getting impatient! <br />
<br />
I've had non-grumpy moments this week too. Excited, about meeting her so soon. Thankful, that we are both so healthy, thankful, for a supportive, loving husband who is probably more excited than I am, thankful, for God's provision and feeling so "ready". Melancholy, because I have to acknowledge that the days of it just being Tommy and I are drawing to a close. <br />
<br />
The past four years have been truly incredible. As I look back, I am so grateful for the journey Tommy and I have had as a married couple thus far. If I had to characterize our relationship right now, I might say <u><em>EASY</em>.</u> This may sound strange, and I don't mean LAZY or that it requires no work, but that we have grown into a place where being intentional with our relationship comes naturally and doesn't feel like WORK, but a JOY. The effort we have continually placed at spending time with one another, communicating well, and learning each other fully, has created this EASE at being one in marriage. We know each other SO well. Conflicts happen but they are just easier- it is easier to be unselfish and apologize when we have wronged each other. And actually, because we know each other, conflicts are easily avoided because we know what the other needs (or doesn't need) at any particular moment. We have found that when we know each other so deeply, we are more confident to serve one another unselfishly. When we are focused on serving each other more than serving ourselves, things work right. And we are free to focus on each other because we TRUST that our needs will be met- because I know that he knows what I need, and he knows that I know what he needs. <br />
<br />
I am so, so thankful for the time that we have had. My prayer for the next week (or however long!) is that we relish and linger in our last moments as just husband and wife. I don't want to wish the time away (although I'm so excited to meet Olivia). I have treasured the past four years with my husband and I want to treasure every moment we have together until our family grows. <br />
<br />
By the way, things are progressing (I guess). Nothing crazy yet though. Lots of practice contractions which can be kind of annoying at times but not really painful. They are getting stronger- I've started timing them a few times but they don't continue to progress. Sleep has moved from great to just ok. I'm waking up alot more for potty breaks as she continues to move down. And sometimes her moving or contractions keep me up. But it isn't horrible. Not very hungry anymore. More tired (probably b/c I'm not sleeping as well). Haven't been to the gym since Thursday (3/21). I'm ok with it. I've lasted a long time and I just haven't felt up to it this week. She measured small at our sonogram on Friday (3/22). But not dangerously or disproportionately so. She's just little. Neither Tommy or I are huge people so that makes sense. Pics are actually 38 weeks preggers. Any day now!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9dzrQQIUIQ/UVMtqf2EpJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/lbO9GNk9FrE/s1600/38+weeks2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9dzrQQIUIQ/UVMtqf2EpJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/lbO9GNk9FrE/s320/38+weeks2.JPG" usa="true" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05IiR-mOKbc/UVMtq4AmllI/AAAAAAAAAJI/oy6iAGk_QcQ/s1600/38+weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05IiR-mOKbc/UVMtq4AmllI/AAAAAAAAAJI/oy6iAGk_QcQ/s320/38+weeks.JPG" usa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-54054964917928269652013-03-27T11:56:00.001-05:002013-03-27T11:56:54.913-05:00Her name.Just realized I needed to record this somewhere other than my iphone notepad :)<br />
<br />
Olivia Rae. <br />
<br />
Before we even knew we were having a girl, we had quite a long list of girl names. They were just easier to think of than boy names for us. Also, I was really set on naming a firstborn son after Tommy so I didn't really get into other boy names. (He still isn't sold on it)<br />
<br />
Our one commonality for girl names was that they were (somewhat) of the Latin/Hispanic origin. We love the exotic, beautiful sound of these names and wanted a way to carry a little piece of my heritage into her name (since baby would forever be a "Byrd"). Olivia wasn't even on the list at first (and no, I'm not divulging the other names). Tommy suggested it one day though and it quickly climbed the top of our list. <br />
<br />
When we found out the baby was officially a girl, Olivia and another name were our top 2. The other name was a little less traditional and uncommon. After mulling it over for a week or so, looking up the meaning, and finding affirming scripture, we just "felt" this baby was Olivia. <br />
<br />
Rae is my sister's middle name. She is my only sister and we are very close. I think Rae is a beautiful middle name, loved the way it sounded with Olivia, and love that we can honor my sister with giving her a namesake. Additionally, after researching the meaning and landing on more affirming scripture, it was meant to be. <br />
<br />
"Olivia" basically means olive. Biblically, the "olive branch" was a sign to Noah that flood waters were receding. Historically, it became a symbol of peace both in early Christianity and ancient Mediterranean culture. Tommy and I's prayer for our daughter is that she would walk in the peace and promise of God and would carry this peace before and behind her as a light to everyone around her. We pray that this peace will guard her heart and mind as she lives life here on earrth. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>"And the PEACE of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."</em></strong> Philippians 4:7 NIV<br />
<br />
"Rae" comes from the Hebrew "Rachel" meaning sheep. Sheep/shepherd analogies are all over the Bible. Our prayer for our little one is that she would simply know and follow her Shepherd.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."</em></strong> John 10:14 NIV<br />
<br />
So, little Olivia Rae, may you be a woman of God who is guarded by the peace of God, knows, and follows Him all the days of your life. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSCwiJNHWIQ/UVMkyMQgVMI/AAAAAAAAAI8/vgDFgmaHdv4/s1600/monogram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSCwiJNHWIQ/UVMkyMQgVMI/AAAAAAAAAI8/vgDFgmaHdv4/s320/monogram.JPG" usa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-84137485598926938022013-03-06T15:13:00.002-06:002013-03-06T15:13:20.298-06:0036 weeksLooking forward to SPRING BREAK!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
And some more of this sweetness. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3vahb8pUV0/UTewrQMwYnI/AAAAAAAAAIs/DnnrDeSRNII/s1600/crib.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3vahb8pUV0/UTewrQMwYnI/AAAAAAAAAIs/DnnrDeSRNII/s400/crib.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I finally finished her dresser!! I will post some before, along-the-way, and after photos. I have to say-I'm SOLD on Annie Sloan Paint products. Totally worth the price. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Prayers for our little family:</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-that baby girl stays healthy</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-that I stay healthy and feeling well</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-grace and energy as Tommy works hard through busy season</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-grace and energy as I work hard to wrap things up in preparation for my leave</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-praises for a God who has provided above and beyond- health, finances, peace, excitement. so floored by the unmerited favor of a God who cares for us more than we can fathom. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
So looking forward to Friday and the coming week. My MIL and SIL are here this weekend for a wedding dress fitting (for my SIL). My sis and her family will be here this weekend as well. Excited to have my mommy come help me wash/clean/organize/decorate on our Spring Break- all the things she is good at! I'm giddy with excitement about Olivia's pending arrival!!!!!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-65576148307737488402013-03-06T15:00:00.001-06:002013-03-06T15:00:12.472-06:00Anticipation.<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
31 weeks pregnant. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Images courtesy of Jim Herndon at <a href="http://www.onlocationportraiture.com/">On Location Portraiture</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1wiZCtkAwXU/UTeq2jxsVPI/AAAAAAAAAF8/km7pDqUOfUc/s1600/byrd011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1wiZCtkAwXU/UTeq2jxsVPI/AAAAAAAAAF8/km7pDqUOfUc/s400/byrd011.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-os0sG6Lhu8o/UTerRzHJKxI/AAAAAAAAAHU/KaN6dA4xFcU/s1600/byrd058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-os0sG6Lhu8o/UTerRzHJKxI/AAAAAAAAAHU/KaN6dA4xFcU/s400/byrd058.jpg" width="266" /></a> </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ-R5xX5KJM/UTeq-n1LYzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/DBi9ImE6iWQ/s1600/byrd022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ-R5xX5KJM/UTeq-n1LYzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/DBi9ImE6iWQ/s400/byrd022.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 473px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 353px; visibility: hidden;" width="63" /></a> </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EViH_qPpKfE/UTerBA-bk5I/AAAAAAAAAGc/VevXhHbSASE/s1600/byrd029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" jsa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EViH_qPpKfE/UTerBA-bk5I/AAAAAAAAAGc/VevXhHbSASE/s640/byrd029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiS0Nrwm-Uc/UTerKPOx-1I/AAAAAAAAAG0/BU2y3t2PRMo/s1600/byrd038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiS0Nrwm-Uc/UTerKPOx-1I/AAAAAAAAAG0/BU2y3t2PRMo/s400/byrd038.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8KoTOEol4o/UTergWQ6kyI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8GJNCIgHUEQ/s1600/byrd078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" jsa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8KoTOEol4o/UTergWQ6kyI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8GJNCIgHUEQ/s640/byrd078.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHePUnsljnQ/UTerXAR5DKI/AAAAAAAAAHk/dD4NdjEU-B0/s1600/byrd064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHePUnsljnQ/UTerXAR5DKI/AAAAAAAAAHk/dD4NdjEU-B0/s400/byrd064.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blWde2wDgB0/UTerl1wvDBI/AAAAAAAAAIM/5GKjpsAZvk0/s1600/byrd093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blWde2wDgB0/UTerl1wvDBI/AAAAAAAAAIM/5GKjpsAZvk0/s400/byrd093.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ-R5xX5KJM/UTeq-n1LYzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/DBi9ImE6iWQ/s1600/byrd022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ-R5xX5KJM/UTeq-n1LYzI/AAAAAAAAAGU/DBi9ImE6iWQ/s400/byrd022.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91ZPuuL_WV4/UTerjjN_DAI/AAAAAAAAAIE/tsq4k9AwgnU/s1600/byrd086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" jsa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91ZPuuL_WV4/UTerjjN_DAI/AAAAAAAAAIE/tsq4k9AwgnU/s640/byrd086.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-i7fY_PhCk/UTercU1d4tI/AAAAAAAAAH0/EShLKSEemEA/s1600/byrd071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-i7fY_PhCk/UTercU1d4tI/AAAAAAAAAH0/EShLKSEemEA/s400/byrd071.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJlRCUNtEn8/UTeq52PjNhI/AAAAAAAAAGE/1IN9HDaojXk/s1600/byrd014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" jsa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJlRCUNtEn8/UTeq52PjNhI/AAAAAAAAAGE/1IN9HDaojXk/s400/byrd014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-13774827683728890172013-02-20T14:42:00.000-06:002013-03-06T15:18:12.170-06:0034 weeks6 more weeks to go.<br />
<br />
Discomfort level is WAY up, but so is my EXCITEMENT and JOY at knowing she's just working in there to finish cooking so she can come out and meet us. <br />
<br />
Head down, strong heartbeat= good girl!<br />
<br />
Normal BP, no cramping or "leaks" = no restrictions for mom- Praise Jesus!<br />
<br />
Busy busy at work and home. Trying to prep a whole department for my absence is quite the undertaking! Especially since I will be out for most of state testing. <br />
<br />
Hungry all the time. Can't eat alot b/c of limited room in tummy. Plus almost everything I put in my mouth gives me heartburn. Probably has something to do with the fact that my stomach is essentially in my throat (at least that is what it feels like). So eating is a constant conundrum. <br />
<br />
Gained 2 lbs in the past 4 weeks- although it feels as though my belly has gotten much bigger. My theory is that she is stealing weight from elsewhere. I have had several people tell me my face looks thinner so that might be the case. <br />
<br />
Just have to finish waxing the dresser for her room. We are being given a crib mattress. Once we have the mattress and I get the dresser done, I can start putting her room together. Right now it is a big pile of gifts and an empty crib frame. <br />
<br />
Olivia, your daddy is SO EXCITED for you. He is definitely ready to meet you. He is going through his own version of "nesting". It is funny to see what is important to him to get ready. <br />
<br />
Finished writing and gave the Dr our birth plan. She didn't have any problems with it! Now, lets just pray that everything works as nature intended and we can actually experience the kind of birth we are hoping for- ultimately, we just want her here and healthy!<br />
<br />
6 MORE WEEKS. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!!Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-50715205109747910312013-02-11T11:29:00.003-06:002013-02-11T11:29:24.537-06:00Getting close!Well, oops.<br />
<br />
I have kinda slacked off in the documenting department. I think mostly because I'm so ready for her to just BE HERE ALREADY that I am not thinking about basking in the glory of pregnancy and everything involved (*this should be read with a slightly sarcastic tone...). <br />
<br />
I'm 33 weeks and really, things are just fine. We are plugging along, slowly getting things ready for our gal. "Things" are not fully ready yet- I have 2 more showers, I'm in the middle of repainting her dresser, gifts are still in bags and boxes, we have 2 more birthing classes to finish up, etc. Emotionally, mentally though, we want her here so badly. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
It's pretty amazing how the Lord prepares your heart to be a mama and daddy. I can honestly say that we are not really fearful at all for her arrival. I have been amazed at Tommy's excitement and anticipation. I am actually looking forward to the birthing process. I think alot of this I owe to our amazing birthing classes. We are preparing using <a href="http://www.bradleybirth.com/">The Bradley Method</a>. Everyone is different and their choices about birthing are different, which is TOTALLY OK, but I. love. these. classes. The nicest thing is that I feel like I am SO informed about what my choices really are. I know we will enter the birthing process empowered to make choices so that our experience is everything we want it to be. I know that no matter what happens, or if we totally have to chunk our birth plan out the window, we will truly have been a part of the decision making process, so we will be ok with whatever decisions are made, knowing it was all a part of ending up with a healthy mom and healthy baby. The other great thing is how focused it is on educating the husband. Prior to these classes, Tommy's birthing knowledge was....limited. He is basically an expert now. He will be my birth coach and I feel so fortunate to have the person I trust most not just by my side, but <em>LEADING</em> me through the whole journey. If you are a preggo out there and are looking for a good way to prepare for childbirth- I highly recommend finding a Bradley instructor in your area. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
All that to say...WE ARE SO READY FOR YOU, OLIVIA!!!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
Current stats:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I went to the Dr on Thursday (2/7). I didn't gain any weight in the past 2 weeks, but my belly has grown. We had a quick sono and she is measuring at 4.5 lbs which is basically perfectly average, around the 50th percentile. She is head down also, which is GOOD NEWS!! Dr says at this point she should remain head down until D-day. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
In terms of movement, not so much kicking, but more just like a lot of shifting and stretching. My tummy will take on some weird shapes throughout the course of the day. Now that I know how she is laying, I can pretty much tell what I'm feeling when she moves. A foot or leg, or her rounded back. </div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
And I'm still working out, albeit, moving ALOT more sloooowly. Most of our regular gym friends who knew me pre-pregnancy are used to it and know that I am working at a much lower level of intensity, but I do get some funny looks and questions from some of our newer members occasionally. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
27 weeks</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJRak7jz3UI/URkpoPr5PEI/AAAAAAAAAFY/4zXigr4iIA0/s1600/27+weeks+b&w+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJRak7jz3UI/URkpoPr5PEI/AAAAAAAAAFY/4zXigr4iIA0/s320/27+weeks+b&w+.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
A little comparison- 12, 22, and 27 weeks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vEWE5xlJBU/URkphsTyc9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/r4lfvmG4gC4/s1600/12-17+weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vEWE5xlJBU/URkphsTyc9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/r4lfvmG4gC4/s320/12-17+weeks.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daddy painted the nursery! We have some furniture in there although I am currently in the process of painting that dresser. I will do before and after photos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU8LKt18suw/URkpfClyUnI/AAAAAAAAAFA/hZWNRnK_fA0/s1600/painted+nursery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU8LKt18suw/URkpfClyUnI/AAAAAAAAAFA/hZWNRnK_fA0/s320/painted+nursery.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sweet baby showers. So loved. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XAO05ALMI8/URkppk5YRQI/AAAAAAAAAFg/e5bfLPKsbB4/s1600/showers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XAO05ALMI8/URkppk5YRQI/AAAAAAAAAFg/e5bfLPKsbB4/s320/showers.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-55803633135177056202013-02-11T10:23:00.001-06:002013-02-11T10:23:21.200-06:00Random thoughts.Here we are at 30 weeks. Thought I would do this fun little questionnaire thing.<br />
<br />
How far along: 30 weeks (3rd trimester)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Size of baby: "What to expect" tells me a butternut squash, around 3 pounds. Who actually knows? I haven't had a sono since 18 weeks. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Total Weight Gain/Loss: Healthy. Mostly "useful" weight. I'm not advertising a number because everyone is different and there is no need to put something out there for other pregnant mommies to compare themselves to. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Maternity clothes: Mostly maternity excepting layering pieces and some dresses. I love maternity clothes! So comfy!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Gender: Girl </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Movement: Week 29, she all of a sudden went from a gentle mover to a crazy-lets-have-a-party-punch-mom-in-the-ribs-and-bladder mover. It has continued into this week. I hear that she will be crazy for a while and then closer to d-day, she will slow down again because she will start running out of room. Weird thing, I usually NEVER felt movement while working out. Saturday I was doing a little jog during a workout and I stopped b/c I thought I was cramping. Nope-baby girl was just doing a jig! She's been continuing to move around during and after workouts now which I take as a good sign. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Sleep: Pretty good. Usually I go to sleep fine, have to get up once to use the restroom, and go back to sleep just fine again. I've been doing some good exercises to stretch my back and pelvis before bed and my awesome hubs will usually give me a little back rub as well as work on some pressure points in my pelvis. If it is really bad, I will foam roll or work out tight spots with a lacrosse ball. This helps keep me comfortable. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">What I miss: Sleeping on my belly. Going 100% during a workout. Honestly, I haven't really minded being pregnant, and I'm in total awe and appreciation at what my body is doing and will do...but I won't say that I LOOOVE being pregnant. It has been an easy pregnancy, comparatively, but I am definitely ready to have this little gal OUTSIDE of me rather than INSIDE of me. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Cravings: Not really anything weird or unusual. I get hungry and really can't skip or go too long between meals but that is my body giving me natural cues to keep me healthy for baby. I don't know if maybe I'm weird and am just not getting cravings or maybe I've established a healthy enough relationship with food to determine that a DESIRE does not require you to give in to it. Sure, there are times I think, "oh man, _________ sounds REALLY good right now." But I won't go get it or make my husband get it. And we don't keep unhealthy stuff in the house so it isn't an option. I do have a hard time passing up free food if offered to me though :) But I feel like that's ok. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e0000; line-height: 22px;">Symptoms: Some heartburn (mostly with citrus), lots of pressure on my bladder. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-66141519842250892872012-11-27T17:10:00.000-06:002012-11-27T17:10:10.948-06:00Miracle.Olivia Rae,<br />
<br />
(that's her name)<br />
<br />
You are a miracle. I'm 22 weeks pregnant and feeling so wonderfully joyful about it all. I felt you move inside me for the first time on Saturday (11/24/12). It was a peaceful morning. Your dad and I slept in and were just enjoying our comfy bed, relaxing, with nothing much on our agenda for the day. All of a sudden, there you were! If I had to describe what it feels like, it really just feels like something is moving around inside you. It wasn't fluttery or popcorn-ish to me. This may be because I'm feeling you so much later in my pregnancy (due to an anterior placenta- look it up if you care). I felt you all morning and later that night and pretty much every day since. The past 2 days at work, you tend to get feisty during my 2nd period conference, around 10:30 am. It may be because I am usually sitting still at my desk at that time, or maybe because you are getting hungry (I assume you are hungry when I'm hungry). <br />
<br />
Honestly, it kinda creeped me out at first to feel you move. It is just very bizarre. But it is reassuring to know you are there and doing ok! Your daddy and I are getting SO excited to meet you! Now that you have a name, we've picked out what your room is going to look like, and you have gotten a few gifts, it feels like you are a real person (which you are!). <br />
<br />
You are loved by so many people. Your cousin Austin knows you are in my belly and lifts up my shirt to tell my belly "Hi, Baby Olivia!" You guys are going to be fun friends. Your grandparents (both sides) are overjoyed to have you join our family. It's a crazy family, but so full of love, joy, and life. The best part is that you are joining a family full of people who love Jesus. If we only teach you one thing while we have you, I hope you learn to love Jesus with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. <br />
<br />
Stay put for a while, Olivia, but I am so looking forward to meeting you!<br />
<br />
My 22 week belly- you are moving around in there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLSlSOcDuwQ/ULVHF55fjkI/AAAAAAAAAEI/v8lfa2JuInQ/s1600/22+wks+smile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLSlSOcDuwQ/ULVHF55fjkI/AAAAAAAAAEI/v8lfa2JuInQ/s400/22+wks+smile.JPG" tea="true" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Judge was bored of picture-taking... </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTWEeLr7410/ULVHIQE5sQI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/UnbmmNPysqM/s1600/22+wks+yawn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTWEeLr7410/ULVHIQE5sQI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/UnbmmNPysqM/s400/22+wks+yawn.JPG" tea="true" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lita (my mom) took us shopping!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOH4955UozI/ULVHPseh63I/AAAAAAAAAEg/6UVJiSk0Kr8/s1600/baby+clothes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOH4955UozI/ULVHPseh63I/AAAAAAAAAEg/6UVJiSk0Kr8/s400/baby+clothes.JPG" tea="true" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kycsT83OV38/ULVHSA8KRGI/AAAAAAAAAEo/jVuv-5laY1Q/s1600/pinkshoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kycsT83OV38/ULVHSA8KRGI/AAAAAAAAAEo/jVuv-5laY1Q/s320/pinkshoes.JPG" tea="true" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our friend Nancy at the gym gave us these cute shoes! You are gonna be GIRLY. Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-14298980266518331892012-11-27T16:50:00.003-06:002012-11-27T16:50:41.628-06:00Bliss.Up until a couple of weeks ago, I would have told you that I was NOT going to be one of those women who just loooooved pregnancy. Honestly, a whole lot of the time, you feel like poo and definitely not like yourself. <br />
<br />
These past couple weeks, however, I am LOVING it!. I feel much more like my normal self, plus we have a little gal to be excited about. It is really neat to see my husband get so excited and start "preparing" in his own way. He has really blown me away with how he is preparing to be an excellent father, husband and head of the household. He has initiated some "family rules" so to speak- things he wants us to start NOW, so that they will remain foundations for our family as we grow. He has also been very "into" making sure I am eating well, continuing to exercise, and get my rest. I am proud of him and so confident in his leadership for our family. <br />
<br />
Energy: Awesome! Like pre-preggo normal, plus very motivated to "do" things. I guess it's that "nesting" instinct. <br />
<br />
Diet: Better than ever. I have a great appetite and am back to eating our "normal" foods. I think that cleaning up my diet has probably played the biggest role in getting some of my energy back. And I'm back on eggs in the morning! I have to eat a huge breakfast in order to stay satiated throughout the day-especially after a morning workout! For dinner and lunch I am loading up on the lean meats and greens and snacks usually consist of fruit, nut butter, or nuts. I usually have to have a snack RIGHT before bed or I wake up STARVING in the middle of the night. <br />
<br />
Exercise: Feeling good! Jumping still feels fine-but I'm not getting very high off the ground! Those extra pounds make me a little less springy :) I'm no longer doing any prone (on my back or tummy) exercises- burpees are now "squat thrusts", sit-ups are knees-to-elbows, etc. I'm still doing light bar work although less explosive than normal- from hang position instead of the floor, power clean and doing a front squat rather than doing a full squat clean. I increase weights for comfort. Some days I feel really strong and stable and can handle heavier weights than other days. If I'm feeling good, I increase. If not, I back off. And I can still do pull ups! We will see how long that lasts! <br />
<br />
Body: I feel like my tummy is less pudgy looking and more pregnant looking. Strangers can tell that I'm pregnant. I haven't had any random tummy touches yet! I hope I never do...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9f_Yvksd1k/ULVDhfXrgVI/AAAAAAAAAD0/zhR1axEpUwk/s1600/20+wks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9f_Yvksd1k/ULVDhfXrgVI/AAAAAAAAAD0/zhR1axEpUwk/s320/20+wks.JPG" tea="true" width="240" /></a>Here we are at 20 weeks. This is post workout so that's why my hair is a crazy mess. </div>
<br />Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-3263951596147157072012-11-27T12:34:00.003-06:002012-11-27T12:34:50.058-06:00It's a...GIRL!!<br />
<br />
So we went for our anatomy scan (the long ultrasound) on November 6. I hadn't had any "feelings" about gender one way or another, but the morning of the 6th, I was CONVINCED it was a boy. <br />
<br />
Tommy and my mom were able to attend the appointment with me. We got to see everything- fingers, toes, nose, spine, blood flow to the heart and through the umbilical cord, the four chambers of the heart, etc. Everything looked GREAT and she was at a great percentile for height and weight, actually measuring about 3 days bigger. She wasn't moving around very much but the technician was able to give us some pretty good shots of her. Since I was convinced it was a boy, I was shocked when she said "It's a little girl!"<br />
<br />
Tommy didn't really say much but he smiled. I think we were both so relieved that everything was healthy that the gender news was really secondary to us at that point. We hadn't seen her since 8 weeks-when she still looked like a blob!<br />
<br />
We are SO excited for our sweet daughter. The task of mothering a little woman can be intimidating, but one I feel so privileged and honored that I get to experience. Our prayer is that she will love her Maker and King and delight in being His creation. <br />
<br />
Below are some sweet images of our little girl. In the last one, you can see that she was sucking her thumb. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3YLQUqCho4/ULT2BlmmmZI/AAAAAAAAACo/gAyaGrneTI4/s1600/Ultra1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3YLQUqCho4/ULT2BlmmmZI/AAAAAAAAACo/gAyaGrneTI4/s320/Ultra1.JPG" tea="true" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBa9cF5tr7Y/ULUHeT_dPqI/AAAAAAAAAC4/BfDoqixaMBE/s1600/Ultra2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBa9cF5tr7Y/ULUHeT_dPqI/AAAAAAAAAC4/BfDoqixaMBE/s320/Ultra2.JPG" tea="true" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok-DcBKSyDM/ULUHf3GG_7I/AAAAAAAAADA/MnfJfrf-4ho/s1600/Ultra3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok-DcBKSyDM/ULUHf3GG_7I/AAAAAAAAADA/MnfJfrf-4ho/s320/Ultra3.JPG" tea="true" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35k-Pz8Orvk/ULUHhSJB5lI/AAAAAAAAADI/gDi0vr7UAbQ/s1600/Ultra+thumb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35k-Pz8Orvk/ULUHhSJB5lI/AAAAAAAAADI/gDi0vr7UAbQ/s320/Ultra+thumb.JPG" tea="true" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-80984147760834549592012-11-27T11:04:00.003-06:002012-11-27T11:04:41.896-06:00Strong Second<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Oh my, the 2nd trimester is a RELIEF. Besides not fitting into my pants, I finally feel somewhat NORMAL. </div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Energy: As long as I'm getting a good amount of sleep at night, I am good to go during the day! There is the occasional unexpected nap on Sunday afternoon, or occasional morning that I just can't make it out of bed to the gym, but generally, I'm feeling pretty peppy!</div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Diet: SO MUCH BETTER. Hungry all the time. I can eat veggies again! Steak, eggs, and grilled flavor in general I'm still kinda iffy about. But I'm back to making our yummy paleo dinners and loading up on the fresh fruits and veggies during the daytime. I'm still doing the greek yogurt in the morning and that is still working well for me. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Exercise: Feeling good. Just slower. Jumping movements or "ab" type exercises (like sit-ups or toes-to-bar) haven't bothered me yet. When they do, I will stop. Coaches have been so great and attentive.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Body: Hey belly! I'm up a few pounds and down a few outfit options. It's not looking like a "bump" yet, more like I went to the State Fair and went to town on a few Fletcher's corny dogs. To any outsider, I probably don't look pregnant AT ALL, but to me and people like my husband and my mom, it feels like a huge difference. I'm already uncomfortable at times which makes me a little nervous for what's to come!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
This is at 16 weeks- I can't figure out how to turn the image...it isn't saved this way!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unznhXe7CrA/ULTx2dBw-uI/AAAAAAAAABk/lNQDA0_GZ1k/s1600/16+wks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unznhXe7CrA/ULTx2dBw-uI/AAAAAAAAABk/lNQDA0_GZ1k/s320/16+wks.JPG" tea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
17 weeks-pre-Sat morn workout</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ8pOTnHJRI/ULTx446kI0I/AAAAAAAAABs/uikotT4N3vQ/s1600/17wks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ8pOTnHJRI/ULTx446kI0I/AAAAAAAAABs/uikotT4N3vQ/s320/17wks.JPG" tea="true" width="240" /></a></div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-89274739167838611262012-10-14T15:05:00.003-05:002012-10-14T15:05:28.590-05:00Telling the family!We told my parents after our first OB appointment when it was clear there was a little baby brewing. They had just completed the Whole 30 at our encouragement (see <a href="http://tommyandcelina.blogspot.com/2011/08/things-i-learned-in-30-days.html">here</a> for previous post about that) so we were planning on going to dinner together for their first meal "off" the plan. I bought a few jars of baby food and stacked them in a gift bag. On the bottom of the very last jar, I taped a photo of our ultrasound. When we got to their house, we gave them the gift saying, "This is a little something to show you how proud we are of your success with the Whole 30- and a little encouragement to continue to stay strong." Mom opened the bag and started pulling out jars of baby food. They were bewildered. Then she got to the last one and turned it over. Cue gasps and waterworks and that look that says "really? you are?" My dad got a small, sly smile on his face and just said "Celina..." like I was in trouble or something. It was funny. They were very excited and we shared with my grandparents as well. <br />
<br />
We already had plans to go to Grand Cayman with Tommy's family in early August. Since we really wanted to tell them in person, we waited until they came to Dallas to fly out for our trip. They got in late at night and we planned to tell them in the morning before we flew out. I think I was around 7 weeks at this point. We had purchased coffee cups that said "Great Dads/Moms get promoted to Grandpa/Grandma". That morning, Tommy made coffee and served up their coffee in these mugs. They were SO tired that they didn't even pay attention to what they were using. It was really funny because both of them were standing side by side at the kitchen counter with their mugs in their hands with the quotes facing out, totally oblivious. Tommy finally asked them if they liked their coffee cups. Both of them slowly turned them around to look at them and you could see their faces as they figured out what they meant. Again, that look of "really? you are?" So we nod and smile our affirmation and again, gasps and waterworks from Mom. Dad gets really big grin and shakes T's hand. Little sis is equally really excited. This being grandchild #1, they are beyond stoked!<br />
<br />
I told my sister the weekend before telling Tommy's parents. Again, I really wanted to tell her in person and she happened to be in town that weekend. We were going over to my parents house to visit my nephew and her. The perfect moment arose when my 2 year old nephew, Austin needed to go potty. I quickly volunteered to take him. While we were taking care of business I coached him: "Austin, I need you to go tell Mommy- 'I'm going to have a cousin!" We worked on it and it was slightly intelligable. He was pretty awesome because he immediately beelined it for mom and said "Mommy, I gahihaa COUSIN!" "Um, what, Austin?" "I gahihaa COUSIN!" "You have a cousin?" "I gahihaa COUSIN!" "You're gonna have a cousin? WHAT?" Cue screaming and excitement. :) She has been great and it's cool that we are going to share the bond of motherhood together and that our kiddos will be so close in age. <br />
<br />
After that, we started the looooong wait till 12 weeks when we felt we could tell people more openly. There were a few others along the way that we shared it with. It is so neat to see how excited people get! One thing we are super-fortunate about is that a large portion of our lifegroup friends are also in the baby/pregnancy phase as well. By next summer, our lifegroup will have 8 babies under 1 year (2 sets of twins!). It has been fun and encouraging to get to walk the pregnancy journey so closely with others who are going through it right there with me. It is a really sweet time for our group because we have had some infertility issues as well (not for us, but for others). <br />
<br />
I think that about wraps up documenting the first trimester. Next posts will be about what is happening NOW!Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-61787997728430197282012-10-08T21:20:00.002-05:002012-10-08T21:20:43.923-05:00Finding outWe have had people ask if we were "trying" for this baby. First of all, none of your business! Second of all, I hate that whole idea. Under the sovereignty of God, we really don't have much control over these things, do we? And I think it makes the whole process task-driven which is isn't how it should be either. So, while we weren't engaging in any kind of birth control and definitely felt "ready" to start a family, we approached it in a really relaxed way. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I knew pretty early on that I was probably pregnant. I waited till I was a few days late and took a test. Negative. We were disappointed but not seriously bummed or anything. About 10 more days went by and I was still a no-show. I bought another test. The night before I took it, I had a serious meltdown- I think Judge had done something destructive and I seriously broke down about it in a really out of character way. Plus, I had been really sleepy that whole week. After my emotional escapade, I was pretty sure-something was different. Took the test the next morning, July 27- POSITIVE!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think we were pretty much in shock that day. Didn't tell anyone, just kinda spent the day in a haze. I was pretty sure about our conception date but I called the doctor and they got me in for an "8 week" appointment. But they measure that based on the date of your last period. We went to the doctor on August 8 and surprise, surprise, turns out I was measuring closer to 5 weeks (which I could have told them). Everything looked good and healthy and I ws cleared to travel and exercise. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next up, telling the family!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-73308097680508892062012-10-02T16:34:00.004-05:002012-10-02T16:34:51.386-05:00Strong for Two<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
So I am making a blogging comeback (maybe) to help document the next chapter of our lives. Nobody probably even follows this blog any longer so this is probably just for me but that's ok. I like the idea of having our journey "saved" or "published" in some way. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdVwyytY4ag/UGtb7Y_Pr1I/AAAAAAAAABE/86RhsnbzW5Q/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdVwyytY4ag/UGtb7Y_Pr1I/AAAAAAAAABE/86RhsnbzW5Q/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
So yes, I am pregnant! 14 weeks to be exact. Feeling pretty good, everything is looking awesome. We are excited that I'm on my way out of the first trimester. Hoping that things start looking up!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Here is a little first trimester recap:</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Baby Byrd at 8 weeks</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_nz_bE8FlQ/UGtb809leQI/AAAAAAAAABM/Vu3ngT9OVT4/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_nz_bE8FlQ/UGtb809leQI/AAAAAAAAABM/Vu3ngT9OVT4/s320/photo2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<u><strong>Energy:</strong></u> Super low-energy, lots of fatigue. Prior to school starting I got in a terrible habit of taking a nap everyday. Now that school is swinging, I come home totally wiped out and am pretty worthless at least until I get some food in me. It isn't uncommon for me to "nap" at 5pm when I get home. Previous to pregnancy, I did pretty well with about 7 hours of sleep at night. Now, I need about 9 to be functional. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong><u>Diet</u>:</strong> This was hard. I wish I could say I ate so cleanly and perfectly for my little growing baby. I didn't. I did not ever get sick (throwing up) but I had some pretty severe food aversions. It took me a LOOOONG time to figure it all out but here is what I figured out: </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-cooked veggies gross me out and give me heartburn</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-grilled food has very little appeal</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-I can handle meat that is "hidden" in other foods like soup or something, or in very small pieces (like shredded chicken)</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-eggs are not happening</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-I can't let myself get too hungry or I start to feel nauseous</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-all I want are refined, simple carbs. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Here was my catch 22- we have been eating clean/paleo for long enough that I experience digestive distress when eating grains (mostly gluten/wheat). This translates to crampy, bloated, indigestion. BUT I would have such a hard time with eating large portions of meat and veggies that it would usually take grains to fill me up so I wasn't nauseous and wasn't gagging up my food (this happened with some steak). So it was either eat the filling, grain-y foods and not deal with nausea/hunger but deal with the digestive distress later OR deal with the nausea/hunger but not deal with any digestive distress. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Here was my happy place (it took me until 12 weeks to get here though): I added in greek yogurt, some potatoes and white rice, and corn tortillas here and there. Mostly, I just needed something starchy to act as a vehicle for my protein. I could handle fats pretty well-olives, coconut flakes, nuts and seeds. I ate alot of fruit. I figured that I could handle the extra sugar especially if vegetables weren't happening (at least I was getting some vitamins and fiber from somewhere) and ESPECIALLY if eating fruit kept me from eating other crap. I also discovered that RAW veggies I tolerated really well. So I added back in salads, cucumbers, carrots, etc. The best meals for me were some spicy ground beef lettuce wraps with raw veggies and sunbutter sauce, crockpot chili, and this salad topped with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. And then I didn't stress out- I just made sure I ate and made the best choices I could. If the only thing that sounded good was some white rice, then that's what I ate, and just made sure I topped it with some healthy fat to keep me full. NOW, however, I am *ALMOST* back in the swing of our normal diet. Except I live in starvation mode-hungry all the time!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong><u>Exercise:</u></strong> This was mostly dependent on sleep. If I got enough sleep, I went to crossfit. If I didn't, I kept sleeping. We also tweaked our schedule a bit so we are only waking up for the 5:30 am class 2 to 3 mornings a week. Yes, I'm continuing crossfit. Yes, I'm lifting heavy weights. Yes, I would work out even when feeling like crap (exception being tired: I did NOT work out if I was tired). There were a few mornings I was nauseous the whole time and nearly lost it. But I always felt better on days that I exercised. I am NOT working out at the same intensity I always have. I am NOT trying to PR on every single lift and workout. I keep track of my heart rate but I'm not a Nazi about it. I'm well enough aware of my body mechanisms to not freak out if my heart rate goes above _____ (I have had SO many opinions on the magic heart rate number, varying from 140 to 180- for me, my "too much" number ends up being around 170). If I feel great, can breathe and talk to my neighbor, I keep going. If my heart is pounding and I'm too much out of breath, I take a break. Certain exercises spike my heart rate like crazy, most notably, snatches, thrusters, rowing, pull ups, jump rope, and wall balls. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
My little belly at 12 weeks. and Judge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDaJ0YVITq0/UGtb-sQbedI/AAAAAAAAABU/5rtnOywHxa0/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDaJ0YVITq0/UGtb-sQbedI/AAAAAAAAABU/5rtnOywHxa0/s320/photo3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong><u>Hubs:</u></strong> He has been a rock star. He never chastised me about my food choices (except for that one wretched day I felt I had to get WHATABURGER- he wasn't happy about that choice, and for good reason) and would sweetly eat his salad or whatever as I ate my white rice and oranges. He never accused me of being lazy or got upset when the laundry pile got a little high and I didn't swiffer the dog hair every day. He did alot of cooking and dishes and playing with the dog while I laid around. And he has been SUCH a great leader for our family in working out our finances for the next 9 months and beyond. Love him!</div>
<br />
This is long so we will be done for now.Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-30403347042967408772011-09-12T12:07:00.000-05:002011-09-12T12:07:50.938-05:00Nutrition in 60 seconds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYx5QrLcja0/Tm47aruuVUI/AAAAAAAAAA4/YpEQfkqikJ8/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYx5QrLcja0/Tm47aruuVUI/AAAAAAAAAA4/YpEQfkqikJ8/s640/untitled.bmp" width="640" /></a></div>Or the answer to "why I eat the way I eat":<br />
<blockquote>"I eat real food – fresh, natural food like meat, vegetables and fruit. I choose foods that are nutrient-dense, with lots of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, over foods that have more calories but less nutrition. And food quality is important – I’m careful about where my meat, seafood and eggs come from, and buy organic local produce as often as possible.<br />
This is not a “diet” – I eat as much as I need to maintain strength, energy, activity levels and a healthy body weight. I aim for well-balanced nutrition, so I eat both animals and a significant amounts of plants. I’m not lacking carbohydrates – I just get them from vegetables and fruits instead of bread, cereal or pasta. And my meals are probably higher in fat than you’d imagine, but fat is a healthy source of energy when it comes from high-quality foods like avocado, coconut and grass-fed beef.<br />
Eating like this is ideal for maintaining a healthy metabolism and reducing inflammation within the body. It’s good for body composition, energy levels, sleep quality, mental attitude and quality of life. It helps eliminate sugar cravings and reestablishes a healthy relationship with food. It also works to minimize your risk for a whole host of lifestyle diseases and conditions, like diabetes, heart attack, stroke and autoimmune."</blockquote>from <a href="http://whole9life.com/2011/09/nutrition-in-60-seconds/"><here></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM-Lfv4xmow/Tm48JBOG8bI/AAAAAAAAABA/pBN3tXZ0DLU/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM-Lfv4xmow/Tm48JBOG8bI/AAAAAAAAABA/pBN3tXZ0DLU/s320/untitled.JPG" width="182" /></a></div>this is me with a big goober face during our Labor Day workout at the <a href="http://www.crossfitstrong.com/">gym</a>. I was mid-lunge and apparently pretty happy about it. Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-63814612877068124032011-08-24T11:27:00.000-05:002011-08-24T11:27:04.396-05:00Things I learned in 30 daysSo remember on the old blog when Hubs and I (unsuccessfully) went on something called "<a href="http://whole9life.com/2010/12/whole30-2011/">Whole 30</a>"? Well, we went at it again, this time SUCCESSFULLY!! We did this challenge with our gym, <a href="http://www.crossfitstrong.com/">Crossfit Strong</a> so there was some buy-in like a contest, body weight and fat measurements, and muscle mass scans and we had the accountability of our gym-mates and each other. Yesterday was day 30 and it feels so good to have reached this goal. In a nutshell, we eat <strong>real food – meat, fish, eggs, tons of vegetables, some fruit, and plenty of good fats. </strong>No grains, dairy, legumes (including soy and soy products), and no sugar (real or artificial). If you want to know more and the WHY behind it, visit the website. <br />
<br />
What I've learned in the past 30 days:<br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: purple;">1.<span style="font-size: large;"> I am more powerful than the food that I eat</span>.</span></u><br />
2. EVERYTHING that I eat is a CHOICE.<br />
3. Eating well takes preparation. ALOT of it.<br />
4. It is not more expensive to eat "healthy". <em> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(When there are only like 3 restaurants you can eat at, eating at home becomes alot more exciting)</span></em><br />
5. Fruit is sweet enough for me. I don't need added sugar.<br />
6. <span style="font-size: large;">Food fuels my body, <em>it does not heal my emotions</em>. </span><br />
7. However, when I eat well, my emotions/mood are more balanced. <br />
8. Coconut products<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <em>(oil, butter, milk, flakes)</em></span> are my best friend.<br />
9. I now like PLAIN scrambled eggs. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(I didn't 30 days ago)</em></span><br />
10. I have gotten stronger. <br />
11. It shows. <br />
12. I approach a workout with more confidence because I know I am fueled properly.<br />
13. Read read read your labels. Sugar is sneaky!<br />
14. <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">I don't feel deprived, I feel liberated.</span><br />
15. Mid-day slump? What mid-day slump?<br />
16. <strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Kale</span></strong> is our new favorite vegetable. <br />
17. My recovery (after workouts) is SO much better. I am not as sore and the soreness goes away more quickly. <br />
18. I don't feel like my workouts are "making up" for my nutrition. In other words, my workouts actually count for something~hence, stronger!<br />
19. It really isn't that hard to make good choices.<br />
20. I want to keep going.<br />
<br />
So now, day 31. Still going. Friday we have a plan for our first "cheat" meal that includes queso, pizza, and ice cream, but we are going strong until then. And will pick it right back up after that meal. <br />
<br />
Yay!Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-55730489244387988052011-07-25T18:37:00.000-05:002011-07-25T18:37:44.405-05:00the importance of taking it easy...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYOO4Fj-lNQ/Ti37jJ5NVtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/iPKWHGbkjD0/s1600/flo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYOO4Fj-lNQ/Ti37jJ5NVtI/AAAAAAAAAAU/iPKWHGbkjD0/s1600/flo1.JPG" t$="true" /></a></div>I think it is funny that one of my first posts will NOT be about nutrition or working out. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tommy and I just returned from a week in Seaside, FL. It was wonderful, beautiful, relaxing...we had one little mishap in which Tommy dropped a knife on his foot. Long story short, we were really concerned that he had cut his tendon so we ended up going to two doctors, he had to get 3 stitches, and an antibiotic prescription, but the tendon is ok. We came up with a really creative contraption to get him down to the beach and in the water, so our week was not a loss (he did it on the first day!). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmT25rfuH4o/Ti37h4h7LGI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/4Urt5zvnow8/s1600/flo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmT25rfuH4o/Ti37h4h7LGI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/4Urt5zvnow8/s1600/flo2.JPG" t$="true" /></a></div>Because of the accident, we were alot less active than we anticipated. I worked out once at a local crossfit gym, <a href="http://www.30acrossfit.com/">30a Crossfit</a>, and then did nothing else. We had plans to ride bikes, play tennis, etc, but none of that ended up happening. And that was ok. In a way, maybe we NEEDED not to be active. <br />
<br />
Being super focused and intentional with the way you live is WONDERFUL, but can take alot of energy, especially when you are creating the habits That's why so many diets fail, so many workout resolutions go unfulfilled, those quiet times with God get skipped. It's hard to be disciplined. This week, Tommy and I rested, ate whatever we want (ice cream EVERY night!), stared out into the ocean, read, napped, and just enjoyed one another. It was so refreshing. Our time with God was refreshing, wasn't PLANNED, it just happened and the conversations about Him came naturally. And it was GOOD. <br />
<br />
Being disciplined is essential to growing and achieving goals--but taking it easy is VITAL to not going bonkers!!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Be aggressive and passionate and disciplined with how you live. BUT take time to be refreshed, rest, play, drink, and THEN get right back into your routine. Don't mindlessly eat whatever, watch whatever, do whatever. If you are going to take time for yourself, do it WELL. Eat REALLY REALLY yummy stuff. Do things that are WORTH it. Have FUN. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yj-rIYj97Oo/Ti37gY3Yy4I/AAAAAAAAAAM/JGPJ1uHLmlk/s1600/flo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yj-rIYj97Oo/Ti37gY3Yy4I/AAAAAAAAAAM/JGPJ1uHLmlk/s1600/flo3.JPG" t$="true" /></a></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834931395526540198.post-16918575697649753332011-07-12T22:52:00.001-05:002011-07-12T22:59:21.842-05:00Staying StrongWelcome to the Byrd family's new blog.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"></span>My hopes for this blog are to share inspiring experiences, thoughts, etc on the Byrd's journey of staying strong. The Byrd family has really committed to the idea of "staying strong" in all aspects of our lives. <br />
<br />
This blog will cover three specific aspects of strength and how they exist and coexist.<br />
1. Faith<br />
2. Nutrition<br />
3. Physical fitness<br />
<br />
While all three are important, Tommy and I have found such a dynamic relationship between the three. The ideas of endurance, discipline, self-control, contentment, leaning on the true source of strength, all play a part in each of these areas. Just a quick thought- we can (on our own) achieve such strength in certain areas of our lives. We can get really fit, eat really well, work really hard...but how much STRONGER will all those areas be when we learn to find and rely on the TRUE source of strength? How many better food choices can I make on a daily basis when I lean on HIM for comfort, and not my favorite foods? How much more motivated am I to staying fit when I look at it in the context of viewing my body as a vessel to be used by HIM? We will expand on this and more in future posts. <br />
<br />
Look forward to more from "Staying Strong"! (And don't worry, we will add in some fun, random, life-updating posts as well!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><img alt="5.jpg" src="webkit-fake-url://912DAC82-9924-447A-956F-2BFC5503EF63/5.jpg" /></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1:9&version=NIV" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;">Joshua 1:9</a></strong><br />
Have I not commanded you? Be <b>strong</b> and <b>courageous</b>. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+18:32&version=31" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 18:32</a></strong><br />
It is God who arms me with <b>strength</b> and keeps <b>my</b> way secure.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:13&version=31" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;">Philippians 4:13</a></strong><br />
I can do all this through him who gives me <b>strength</b>.</span></span></div>Celinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15467751312046291472noreply@blogger.com0