Friday, May 20, 2016

Fueling after a workout

One of the hardest things for me since becoming a Mom is finding time for me. Anna Reaves is 15 months old and I am still struggling with this. Before she was born I ate, slept, and breathed running and the sport of triathlon. Now my life revolves around her every need and she comes first in every thought/decision I make. As a working mom, I feel as though I need to spend my entire afternoons after work devoted to her. Mom guilt still sets in if I have to work late or have an activity in the evening after work.

My world revolves around this beautiful, sweet little face. 

I miss this so much but the drive and determination are still there. Ill be back at it sometime soon!
So, early mornings are the only time I have found that works for me. With my work schedule, I have to leave the house by 7:00am for my 30 minute commute to work. This puts me getting up between 4:30 or 5:00 to get in a run or a body weights workout. Although it does help me to feel energized through the work day, once the afternoon hits I am feeling the effects of my early morning wakeups. 

I try to pay special attention to what I am fueling my body in order to make it through my long days.  I often use a variety of nuts to help fuel my body and give me the healthy fat, carbs, and protein needed for refuel and repair. Nuts are such an awesome post workout snack that gives added health benefits as well. Water is also key after a workout to replace fluid lost through perspiration. 

Nuts.com has an awesome selection of nuts as well as other products that will help aid in refueling and recovery. You will find protein powder, dried fruit, coffee (AMEN!), sweet treats, and healthy snacks. Click on over to their website and browse all they have to offer! 

Don't forget refueling properly will lead to a restored, energized, and healthy you!!



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Thursday, May 5, 2016

15 months


My sweet baby girl is now a toddler in every way. Beginning to walk has really led to her acting and looking like a toddler. She is not a baby anymore and I am not sure how that happened. So cliche but so so true. This stage is so much fun but I can tell it is going to be challenging as well. 


As she continues exploring her world, she has also developed habits that arent quite as desireable. For instance, slinging food, temper tantruns, screaming when she wants something, slapping at things, and just a general sassy little attitude. Can we say, "Mom and Dad are in for it!", 

Typical picture these days!

Our huge milestone this month was walking, starting at 14.5 months. I wasn't sure my child would ever walk. She is still walking with one flat foot and one tiptoe, but we are hoping that will straighten out with time.


The child absolutely loves books. If she is fussing or bored I can stick a book in her hands and she is good to go for 5-10 minutes as she "reads".

Her vocabulary amazes me. She tries to repeat any word I say. Well, except "i love you". Of course she wont say that. Her favorite words right now are pup pup, mama, dada, No, book, cookie, car, KaKa, Bubba, milk milk, and many others.

She has all of the sudden let me start rocking her a little bit at night now before I lay her down in her crib. It's been so wonderful for this mamas heart since she has never ever wanted to rock.

She is still sleeping 7:30pm - 6:30am with the exception of the past few days. We are going to chalk that up to two molars and one front tooth cutting the gums all at once. (We loathe teething!!)

I cant wait to watch her personality continue to develop. 
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Friday, January 1, 2016

Christmas Card 2015


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Anna Reaves' Birth Story

Here I am, 11 months after the birth of my first child, and I am just now getting back to this little ole space on the internet I used to call my bog. Ha! Where did the time go? I honestly cannot answer that but I can tell you that the past 11 have been the best and hardest months of my life! 

Anna Reaves was due to be born on January 28, 2015. January 28th came and January 28th went and I was still looking at my rather large pregnant belly in the mirror. She was quite comfy. That week was a tough week. I decided not go back to work the week of my due date so it was a long week of waiting around. 

Early early Saturday morning I woke up with some cramping. They would start and then go away and then start again. It was a weird sensation, very different from period cramps. I knew what it was but was in denial. I showered and headed to lunch that day with my mom, Diane, Kelsey, and Jordan, a friend of mine who was due with her baby girl just a few days after me. 

This continued throughout the day Saturday and into Saturday night. I got absolutely no sleep Saturday night. I called Dr. Stonerock late Saturday evening and told her what I was experiencing. I don't think she believed me given my track record of absolutely no progress at my last few visits. She told me if it would make me feel better, to head on up to the hospital. I was scheduled to go into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:00 anyways to be admitted and to start the cervadil medicine. I opted not to go in and to continue to time the contractions using my app. I got absolutely no sleep Saturday night either. 

Sunday things seemed to have slowed down. Charlie and I cleaned up around the house and spent some time playing and cuddling with the dogs. They were in for seriously life-changing experience so we gave them a few extra treats and lots of love. We ate lunch at home that his mom dropped off from their family lunch and finished putting last minute things in our bags. We fixed some sandwiches for dinner at the hospital since I wasn't able to eat anything after a certain time Sunday night.


I was greeted by my nurse (aka sweet friend of my sisters that my family has known for a long time) in the parking lot. Talk about easing my nerves. She showed us to our room and set out a hospital gown. Talk about a weird experience! I have never been in a hospital before other than to visit. I was a little apprehensive about putting on a gown and climbing into a hospital bed as a healthy individual! That night my parents came by and my sister and her boyfriend brought sweet frog. They visited for a few and then left us alone for the night. It was Superbowl Sunday so we watched the game as we took it all in. Sam, my most wonderful nurse, checked me and I was close to 3cm. No cervadil was needed, yay! Things were happening on their own, just as I had wished!! 

I got absolutely no sleep Sunday night. I was just so nervous and that bed was gosh darn awful! Three nights in row of no sleep is not the way I wanted to start the day of my child's birth! I remember just watching the clock. They started pitocin at 7:00am. It definitely sped the process up and I started having some pretty good contractions. Dr. Stonerock came by and I was happy to see her. She was shocked to see that I had already progressed and was pleasantly surprised! (She really didn't believe me when I called!) 

My parents came to the hospital and my in-laws came but mostly stayed in the waiting room. At about 4 1/2 centimeters, I decided it was time for the epidural. I don't remember it being that bad but I remember sitting on the side of the bed and having to sit still through a seriously big contraction. That was the hardest part.

I had a blood pressure drop shortly after the epidural. I started getting cold, clammy, and very nauseous. It was horrible. They got my blood pressure regulated but the drop caused Anna Reaves' heartrate to drop. Dr. Stonerock was called in. I could tell they were worried but were trying not to show it. They were so wonderful to me. I was scared. Then my worst fear happened. The "C" word was mentioned. I freaked out and started crying. The last thing I wanted to have to go through. I wanted my baby to come into this world the natural way, the way it should be.

Dr. Stonerock spent so much time with me during that last hour. I was at 7cm. She gave me one hour to dilate to 10. If not, they would have to take her. I don't remember anything about that last hour other than Dr. Stonerock's face everytime she watched the baby on the monitor. Surely enough, an hour later, I was still at 7.

She made the final decision and I lost it. She asked me if I wanted her to go get my mom. Of course, I said yes. I got to hug my mom and talk with her for a few minutes. During that time my room was transformed with the anethesist back in and nurses everywhere. They tossed Charlie the sexy hospital outfit and everyone suited up. Then I was wheeled to the OR. I remember everything about laying in that bed as they wheeled me back trying not to cry my eyes out. I tried my hardest to keep my focus on the beautiful child I was about to meet for the first time. They wheeled me in alone as Charlie sat outside by himself. It was pretty scary for both of us. I would not have made it through the process if it hadn't been for my doctor and Sam, the anethesist angel that made sure I knew exactly what was going on and comforted me and Charlie. Once they called Charlie in, things went really fast. They told me I would feel some pressure and I did. They were all pushing on my stomach. After several minutes, I heard a cry.  There she was! All 7 pounds and 13 ounces of her! My first thoughts were as follows: oh my i survived, she's beautiful, i need pepsi, please someone bring me pepsi, ill take water too, or even ice, please i need pepsi, im a mom. Haha! My mouth was so dry it felt like I was swallowing rocks. They of course would not give me pepsi, water, or ice. Jenny cleaned Anna Reaves some and did initial tests and then wrapped her and gave her to Charlie. He brought her to me and we got to see her together for the first time. It was so wonderful to see her but I wasn't feeling so hot and my arms were still strapped down as they completed the surgery. Charlie and Anna Reaves left to go to the nursery for her bath and other tests. The after part of the c-section seemed to take forever! I was so ready to get out of there and get something to drink. I was really feeling terrible and I am so surprised I did not actually throw up everywhere.

I remember them finishing up and giving me my arms back, thank goodness! I remember the process of them moving me to a rolling bed and then wheeling me out and into a tiny recovery room where it was just me and a few nurses. I had started shaking really bad and still feeling nauseaus. My nurse anethesist, Sam, brought me an ice cold pepsi and I am pretty sure I told him exactly how much I loved him and that he was the most awesome person in the world. I still continued to shake profusely and feel sick for a while in recovery. Charlie was with me and Jenny brought Anna Reaves into the recovery room to us so that I could hold her for the first time. To be honest, I was scared to hold her because I was shaking so bad. Charlie stayed right by me as I held her and kissed her cheeks. After I got some pepsi in me, I started feeling a little better. I stayed in recovery for a while I remember, and then they wheeled me to my room. That was when I got to see my parents and my sister and everyone there for the first time. I also got to eat my first meal and it was cold chicken fingers and fries from the hospital cafeteria. It was glorious! The next while was a blur. My hospital room was busy with family, our preachers, friends, hospital staff, Dr. Stonerock, and others coming in and out all day long.


That night after everyone left it was just the three of us. We weren't sure what to do next! We did a lot of loving on our sweet girl and we let her sleep in the nursery while we caught up on some seriously much needed sleep. The days that followed were a bit of a blur. They kind of all ran together and I was in a bit of a fog for a while after she was born. I remember Jenny having to tell me that it was okay to change my babys clothes and put on something we brought. Total newbie mom mistake there. Haha!



Our hospital stay was from Sunday night until Thursday mid morning. We chose to stay one extra night per the suggestion of Dr. Stonerock. I am so thankful for my time at Carolinas Hospital. Even though I went stircrazy and got so tired of looking at those hospital walls, it gave us the opportunity to get all of the help we needed from the nurses. It also gave me an extra day of recovery and rest before going home to be on our own.

One of my favorite pictures from the hospital. My mom and sis looking into the nursery at our new baby girl.

I had some of the best nurses and the best Dr. I could have asked for. Two of the nurses were close friends of ours and we are so thankful for that!

And just like that, I am now thinking about planning a first birthday party. I cannot believe it!
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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Gender Reveal Party

We found out on Tuesday the gender but waited until Friday night to do the gender reveal party. We wanted to make sure everyone could come and Friday just seemed easier! So I got nagged for a few days but I held strong and didn't slip! My mom could hardly stand it but everyone survived the long anticipated wait for Friday night!

I wanted everyone to come to my house and we planned on doing it inside and outside. The weather decided otherwise so we had about 30 people crammed in our house! It works out though, as always! 





And my favorite picture from the evening....


We are so excited and overjoyed for this baby girl to join our family of four (my furry children partied hard with us also ...they were excited about baby girl!).




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20 Weeks - Halfway there

Wow, I cannot believe I have hit the halfway point in this pregnancy! Sometimes it is still unreal that I am even pregnant. To me, I don't think it will be totally real until this little one's birthday! Reality will set in for sure then! 

Week 20 was an exciting week! We had our 20 week appointment and scheduled ultrasound on Tuesday, September 9 at 3:00. The husband worked from home that day and a snickers bar and Mt. Dew waiting for me when I got home. Needless to say, we had no trouble finding out the gender of our little wiggle worm.




How far along: 20 weeks
How big is baby?: Pomegranate
Weight gain: +-12 lbs so far
Symptoms: Fatigue, gas, bloating, cramping, tossing and turning during the night some, getting up 1-2 times to use the bathroom 
Sleeping: Still okay even though I can't get comfortable much anymore 
Food cravings: Bring on the carbs!!!
Food aversions: Chicken..plain ole baked or grilled chicken = YUCKO! , coffee hasn't tasted very good lately
Miss anything?: Still wine and sushi...I doubt that will ever change! Oh, and sleeping on my stomach  
Gender: It's a ......GIRL!
Wedding Rings on or off?: On.
Maternity Clothes?: Still just my Gap maternity pants. Nothing else maternity yet although I've scored a few things on ebay and PinkBlush for a little later on 
Movement: I think I've felt the baby kick. If I am laying still on the couch at night I can feel an occasional flutter or movement.
What I did/got for baby: This past weekend Mom and I and K went back to Baby Furniture Plus in Columbia. We met with their bedding genius and he helped us design my bedding. I also bought the crib and mattress. I also picked out the Nuni Car seat and stroller system that I want to use. It was a very successful weekend for baby girl!
What I’m looking forward to: My husband finishing up redoing the hardwood floors in the nursery and starting on priming and painting the room!
Best moment of the week: Finding out the gender and announcing it at our gender reveal party with close friends and family. It was so much fun!

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Friday, September 5, 2014

Week 19 Pregnancy Update


I have had a busy week this week. Between work, church, and Junior League meetings to prepare for Holiday market, I haven't had much time for anything else. I have felt pretty good this week other than the normal fatigue that I have had all along. 

How far along: 19 weeks
How big is baby?: mango
Weight gain: won't know until I go to the dr. next week. Whose counting though?!
Symptoms: Fatigue, occasional nausea from a smell or food aversion 
Sleeping: occasional restless sleep, peeing 1-2 times almost every night
Food cravings: nothing different from carbs and cheese
Food aversions: Chicken..plain ole baked or grilled chicken = YUCKO!
Miss anything?: Still wine and sushi...I doubt that will ever change! Oh, and sleeping on my stomach  
Gender: Next week is the big week! 
Wedding Rings on or off?: On.
Maternity Clothes?: Still just my Gap maternity pants. Nothing else maternity yet although I've scored a few things on ebay and PinkBlush for a little later on 
Movement: Nothing different. Still not sure if what I am feeling is really the baby
What I did/got for baby: I did purchase a Kate Spade Stevie diaper bag over the Labor Day weekend. It was on major sale and I couldn't resist. It's black and white polka dot and has the perfect spot on the front for a blue or pink monogram. I also bought a yellow sleeper and a pink/blue cute little girlie outfit from the Polo Outlet. If I can't use it, I will give it to a friend! 
What I’m looking forward to: Gender and gender reveal gathering next week
Best moment of the week: Sleeping through the night last night without having to get up and go to the bathroom. Not sure how that happened!!


The babies were feeling photogenic this morning! (actually they weren't cooperating at all and this was the best they could do - ha)



This little rascal has no clue whats coming for her. We are actually a little concerned about how she will handle the changes in our house! She needs lots of love and attention. I know it will take some time but I am hoping my soon to be party of three will be best friends! 

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Weeks 13-18

During weeks 12-18, I had my share of ups and downs. One minute I would feel fine, the next awful. There was never any pattern or reasoning to it. There was no specific time of day. Although, the awful nausea feeling would be especially prevalent as soon as I left my house to go somewhere. Convenient, huh? 

During week 17-18, I finally started feeling somewhat normal again. Well, not normal but as normal as I can feel right now. I accredit that to being in back in a routine with work and on a schedule. I never really felt that energy boost that everyone keeps talking about. I'm not convinced that I will ever get my energy back but my fingers and toes are still crossed. 

My 16 weeks dr. appointment went well and my husband accomponied me. He got to hear the little heartbeat for the first time. It was so neat. The heartbeat was between 150-155, so my husband is convinced we have a little princess. I, on the other hand, feel sure that trains, planes, and trucks are in our near future! 

These pas several weeks:

How far along: 18 weeks
How big is baby?: sweet potato
Weight gain: I am not totally sure at this point but I am thinking 6-7 lbs.
Symptoms: Nausea, fatigue, constipation...you name it, i've probably experienced it! It could always be worse though. 
Sleeping: I am now waking up 1-2 nights to pee. Occasionally, I will sleep through the night and it is glorious! I am moving from one side to the other several times during the night also.
Food cravings: Carbs, Carbs, Carbs! Bread, pasta, and cheese!
Food aversions: Still chicken--unless it is fried on a sandwich from Chick-Fil-A!
Miss anything?: Sushi and wine for sure. 
Gender: Still don't know. I think boy, husband thinks girl. We will soon find out which gender will take over our house!
Wedding Rings on or off?: On.
Maternity Clothes?: Mainly just pants because they are so much more comfortable. I found Gap Maternity dress pants that are ankle length! I fell in love with them and now own 4 pairs. No one would ever know they were maternity and they are so gosh darn comfy. They may even pass the inspection for my normal wardrobe after baby if they still fit! No shame in my game!
Movement: don't know for sure if I have felt the baby move. I have felt different little twinges and gas like bubbles but I can't pinpoint what exactly it is. Hopefully in the next few weeks I will feel one that I will know for sure is the baby moving!
What I did/got for baby: My mom bought a garnet USC gown with a small Carolina logo on it. She had to buy something! Couldn't stand it any longer. Other than that, we still haven't done much shopping. Oh, but it is coming! 
What I’m looking forward to: I am looking forward to finding out the gender of our sweet precious child! I think I will be so excited and so nervous! I don't know why I will be nervous, but I think I will. I am also looking forward to a gender reveal get together with my family and a few close friends.
Best moment of the weeks: Hearing the heartbeat with my husband there! 









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Weeks 8-12

Well, it’s official! I went to the Dr. on June 18 to confirm my pregnancy and I was 8 weeks! The husband and I are due with Baby Y on January 28, 2015. It’s all still a little surreal to me still although I have the sickness, tiredness, ultrasound pictures, and extreme food aversions ( chicken is gross and so is Mexican food!)

My energy has not yet come back yet which has prevented me from doing much exercise. I’ve been running 3/4 miles 2-4 times a week and when I don’t run I walk/jog with the dogs about 30 minutes each time. They are loving it! If they only knew what is happening!

I am going to do this fun survey and combine weeks 8-12!

How far along: 12 weeks (although I’m including the whole beginning of the pregnancy!)
How big is baby?: Plum
Weight gain: I am not totally sure but I think 4 lbs.
Symptoms: I have experienced nausea since about week 8. I also have been super tired.
Sleeping: I have been sleeping so good. I think lately has been some of the best sleep I’ve ever gotten!
Food cravings: Mac and cheese , anything cold….watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese
Food aversions: Chicken..plain ole baked or grilled chicken = YUCKO!
Miss anything?: My glass of moscato d’asti at night on my patio
Gender: ?
Wedding Rings on or off?: On.
Maternity Clothes?: No maternity clothing yet! I will put it off as long as I can but I know I am going to have to get pants for work. I have a good many loose fitting tops that may carry me for the next little while. I dread the lovely maternity clothes shopping time!
Movement: When I had my 12 week ultrasound, the tech said the baby was moving around quite a bit (which might be why my Dr. couldn’t find the heartbeat…talk about a freak out moment). I have not been able to feel any movement just yet.
What I did/got for baby: One pair of neutral canvas baby Tom’s and that’s it!
What I’m looking forward to: I am looking forward to hopefully regaining some of my energy so I can add a few miles to my runs. I am also looking forward to going back to work after summer break and telling my co-workers and friends! I am just now feeling comfortable with telling everyone so that’s on the agenda for the next week or so! Also, finishing up our kitchen renovation so that we can move on to the nursery!!
Best moment: Being able to see the baby on the ultrasound a lot clearer than the 8 week ultrasound. I could actually see a head and a definitive body forming! It was so cool!








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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Race4Taylor 10k Recap

On May 17, I headed to West Florence High School (with my husband!!!!) to run in one of the biggest races in Florence. 

This is a race that is put on in honor of Taylor Elmore, son of Belinda and Greg Elmore, who was killed in car accident at 17 years of age. We did not know Greg and Belinda and Taylor very well at the time of the accident, but since then have gotten to know their family through friends and the running community. 

This year was no different than any of the other years this race has been held. It was an absolutely wonderful day celebrating the life of Taylor! 

Me and Mom

Charlie ran the 5k! He finished with a time of 28:41, the fastest he has ever run! Whoop Whoop! (and he did some training too!) I was a proud runner wife!


So, this race was just ok for me as far as feel. I started out way too fast as usual and then fizzled out at the end. I hate 5k's and 10k's that start together! I always try to start out at 5k pace and it never ends up good.

 
I ended up running a 47:58 (7:44 pace). I was just ok with this, not pleased. It was good enough for 1st place in the 20-29 AG and I also got an award for "beating the pirate" that was on the course. 




Lisa and I with our awards!

This race will likely be my last race in my 20's. I wanted to run another race before I turn 30 in July but I don't think its going to happen. I began my running career when I was 25 so I have been in this one age category the whole time! I am a bit nervous about moving up!!! Girls in their 30's are seriously fit and competitive!!! I'm ready though, bring it on!! 

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