172 lbs and counting...

Okay, so I got weighed at the OB last Friday...172. That's up 42 lbs, and believe me I'm starting to feel it. I'm still trying to be active (going to the gym at least 3 times a week) but my workouts are definitely becoming somewhat half-hearted. At boot camp class yesterday, I was trying to do some ab stuff but let's face it -- the belly is getting in the way! And forget about lunges with weights! I already have an extra 42 lbs I'm "lunging" up thank you very much!

I still don't understand how women are only supposed to gain 35 lbs max. I mean I *really* don't get it. Maybe I should just stop looking at the scale. Especially since this time last pregnancy I started getting a lot of swelling and my blood pressure started going up. However, I'm determined to stay active as long as possible so maybe that will help a lot.

While at the hospital for my OB appointment, I popped in to visit a friend who had just given birth to twins a couple of days prior. I got to hold her beautiful baby girl who was only about 4.5 lbs. I started to get baby pangs thinking, "Aw, I want one of these..." and then I realized, holy sh*t, I'll have one of these in a couple of months!!!! Seriously, I think I'm in denial about this pregnancy most of the time. There have been many, many instances when I feel a kick or I see my belly move and I literally think for a moment, What the heck is that...??? Oh yeah, there's a BABY in there...

Today is my wedding anniversary. My husband and I have been married for 13 years. I certainly never thought we'd be having a baby after 13 years. Our original "plan" was to have two (maybe three) kids in our late 20s...guess you "never know what you're gonna get..."

"Everything in Moderation"...am I finally getting it?

When I'm not pregnant, I'm usually either 'on the wagon' or 'off the wagon.' I'm a bit of a binge-eater, I will confess...when I get stressed I am much more likely to polish off a bag of oreos than have a drink or two...I'll often use any excuse to eat because, quite honestly, I really love food! I love celebrating with friends and family. I love to cook, trying new recipes out on everyone. There is a wonderful feeling in providing my family with a "home-cooked" meal and knowing my kids are well-fed and nourished, both with food and love...

When I'm not pregnant, I'm often on a "diet" -- you know, South Beach (or "South Bitch" as a friend calls it!), food journals, exercise, etc. Problem is, when I "cheat" I realllllly cheat. Sometimes, depending on social functions, my 'cheating' lasts the whole weekend. In the case of my last pregnancy, the 'cheating' went on for 9 months and look where that ended up - 80 lbs gained and a gall bladder that had to be removed!

The thing is, for the first time in a long time I find myself with a really balanced approach to food these days. I eat healthy for the most part, but I don't deny myself treats. I'll have a cookie here or a small piece of cake there....and I don't feel guilty about it one bit. I'm not fixated on food to relieve stress. Generally, I'll eat a very high fibre cereal for breakfast, a homemade energy bar late morning, a salad with protein for lunch, some kind of snack in the afternoon and then a 'normal' dinner with a small dessert. It seems strange to be eating everything "in moderation" which is really I think the key, isn't it?

There are people in my life who seem to have this balanced, healthy attitude towards food and exercise it certainly inspires me to continue this path of living...

I am happy to report that my weight is still 167lbs which means that my exercising and balanced eating is paying off! I really hope that I can continue physical activity up until the 9th month!