Week 23

Only 17 more weeks until we meet our baby valentine!!

 

Maverick loves joining me in my weekly photos :) He sure has a personality like no other, but I would trade him for the world!

How far along? 23 weeks! (sorry this blog is being posted extremely late)

 

Total weight gain/loss: 6lbs total gain thus far…

 

Maternity clothes? Making my normal clothes work still! Which is getting difficult I won’t lie, I’ve finally add the hair tie to my jeans and oh yoga pants are AMAZING ;)

 

Stretch marks? Nope!

 

Sleep: Insomnia has finally set in… I sleep very good from 9pm – 2am but then I probably should just get up and get the day started…

 

Best moment this week: A few awesome moments this week, 1. I was finally able to feel Charlotte move on the outside of my belly. 2. I was released from the neurologist until post baby when they will do further testing. 3. Baby showers are scheduled!!

 

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

 

Miss Anything? No… I am content J  

 

Movement: Yes! She is a baby aerobic instructor in there, I guess she is gonna come out with muscles J   

 

Food cravings: Yes, boo! Dang FRUIT GUSHERS! lol

 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.

 

Have you started to show yet: Yes, my bump is growing! According to my book and app my belly should look like a soccer ball this week HAHAHA!

 

Workouts: Sweating successfully for TWO! hehehe I am really happy about how yoga has increased my flexibility!

 

Labor Signs: No.

 

Belly Button in or out? In, but slowing its pushing its way out which is so weird lol.

 

Wedding rings on or off? On, actually very big.

 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

 

Looking forward to: Of course, our next appointment in March. Starting to decorate Charlotte’s room and traveling to Georgia for the baby shower J

What does "Eating for TWO" really mean?!

I'm sure you've all heard “I’m pregnant.  I can eat whatever I want.” or "I'm eating for two now, so its ok to have whatever I want." - Sayings like this seriously make me cringe!

Trust me, I get that its MUCH easier to justify eating poorly when you can say, “the baby wanted it” well lets get real here... now, more than ever, is a vital time to eat as healthy as possible for the proper development of your growing baby.

Everyone knows these two basic nutritional rules that you're suppose to do when you find out your pregnant  1. prenatal vitamins are necessary EVERYDAY and 2. WATER, DRINK UP! (I usually aim for 80 ounces - 1 gallon daily) I just carry my water with me EVERYWHERE!

Now lets discuss nutrition : If you are eating clean and avoiding processed foods your eating while you're pregnant shouldn't be much different than your normal meal plan. However I am fully aware that most Americans aren't eating clean and staying clear of those processed foods so I thought providing you with some nutritional facts may help. A diet high in protein is essential (70 g per day), especially in the third trimester for your baby’s brain, which is rapidly developing at this point.  An abundance of fruits and vegetables are necessary to nourish you and your baby with vitamins and minerals.  Dairy is key in providing calcium and Vitamin D for healthy bone, muscle and heart growth in your baby.  Whole grains are sources of iron, magnesium and Vitamin B that provide energy for your baby’s development and helps build the placenta. As for how many additional calories you should eat, most resources say 300-400 additional calories per day depending on how far along you are and if you were underweight or overweight to begin with.  However, my rule of thumb is to listen to my body and to eat when I’m hungry – but nutritious food that is.

Before we move into meal and snack options that may help you get started, lets discuss those obstacles to eating a well-balanced diet when pregnant. During the first trimester 2/3 of women experience nausea and vomiting, along with food aversions. When this occurs never mind trying to eat a balanced meal plan and eat what you can, when you can, and most importantly STAY HYDRATED!

Lets not forget ....pregnancy cravings.  And before you say I don't understand, remember I am pregnant with you, so I get it!  What I try to do to fulfill my craving is to replace it with a similar but healthier option just like I have done over the last two years which helped me achieve my 50lb weight loss.  I list my craving alternatives below. Now don’t get me wrong, occasionally I will cheat and have what I really want but only a small amount, because I believe in indulgence just not overindulgence.

Want this vs Have this

Want Chocolate.... I have kiwi, strawberries, banana, and coconut flakes drizzled with chocolate protein :)

Want Salty.... I have nuts and dried fruit

Want that "CRUNCH" from say potato chips... I eat carrot or green peppers

I have so many other alternatives so if you have something specific you are looking to switch it out for, feel free to ask :)


As promised, Here are a few meal and snack options to get you started.

Breakfast:

• Oatmeal with cinnamon and fresh mixed berries with egg whites.
• 2 whole grain waffles with sliced banana and strawberries
• Scrambled eggs (1 whole egg and 2 egg whites) with 2 slices of Ezekiel bread 
• Non-fat Greek yogurt with low fat granola and half a banana
• No Bake : Quick Oat Protein Bars with Non-fat Greek Yogurt

Lunch:

• Salad with chicken breast ( cucumber, green pepper, and whatever cheese I have in the house) and apple slices with peanut butter)
• Turkey Meatloaf Muffins with a small salad
• Shrimp or Chicken Stir Fry

Dinner:

*Since there are so many options you can mix and match one choice from each category.
Protein:
-       Chicken breast
-       Tilapia/cod/haddock
-       Shrimp
-       Ground turkey
-       Lean Beef
Grain/Starch:
-       Sweet potato
-       Quinoa
-       Brown rice
-       Whole grain/gluten-free pasta
-       Butternut squash
Vegetables
-       Spinach
-       Kale
-       Green beans
-       Broccoli
-       Brussel sprouts
-       Carrots

Snacks:

• Hummus with veggies
• Dry fruit, nut, and dark chocolate mix
• Cheese and whole wheat crackers
• Apple slices with natural peanut or almond butter
• Fresh fruit and spinach smoothie
• Protein Shake
• Fat free cottage cheese with peaches or any fruit

Proper nutrition is so important for a healthy pregnancy and baby, and that’s what eating for two really means :)

*Please keep in mind that I’m not a nutritionist! However I am having a healthy pregnancy with no complications. But keep in mind to always listen to your doctor who might recommend a better diet for your specific situation.

NO BAKE : Quick Oat Protein Bars

Are you looking for a quick, easy to grab N go breakfast?! or Just a great healthy snack?! Well I promise you won't be disappointed with the NO BAKE Quick Oat Protein Bars!  Not only are they tasty but they are super simple to make.


Ingredients :

2 Cups of Quick Oats
1/2 Cup of Dried Cranberries
3 Scoops of Vanilla Protein Powder  (I use Chocolate Protein, sometimes)
1/2 Cup of Natural Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup of Water

Directions :

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl, by hand or with a spatula.
2. Use wax paper to line a 8x8 pan and Press mixture firmly into the pan.
3. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to 60 minutes, removed and cut.

Keep refrigerated!

Recipe adapted from The Joy of Everyday Cooking.

Tutorial : Tissue Paper Pom - Poms

You’ll need tissue paper and 24-gauge white cloth-covered floral wire.

Hanging Pom-Poms

 1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inchwide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.

2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.

3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.

4. Tie a length of monofilament to floral wire for hanging.

The finished product

 

These beauties will be hanging in Charlotte's nursery!

One Baby Bump Isn't Like Another

I started my facebook page this page a little over two years ago to help inspire others with my knowledge on fitness and healthy eating habits. Never did I expect to meet so many amazing people along the way especially gain a little fitness family. Shortly after I started following Suzanne McCurdy on her business page (Nutrition Snob Clothing) and we instantly connected. I love her dedication to a healthy lifestyle, her willingness to help others, and of course her adorable clothes ;) . Suzanne and I announced we were expecting at the same time and immediately started connecting even more.  We began sharing and opening up about our pregnancies good, bad, and everything in between… We even started a private facebook group together for all the latest on a fit and healthy pregnancy PLUS provides a great support system! I honestly feel like I made a lifelong friend in which I get to share the journey of pregnancy with. Suzanne and I are 2 weeks apart but here is a side by side of us both at 21 weeks.

 

Suzanne has this tiny and perfect looking belly here at 21 weeks (you can still see her ABS and yes I’m a tad jealous) and I'm in that stage where I finally started to POP out! In case you are curious, Suzanne has gained 12 pounds and I’ve gained 6 pounds (at 21 weeks along). Just want to add that we are both expecting GIRLS.

Anyway, after many conversations we decided that we just want to show you guys that EVERYONE is different, everyone gains and carries differently during their pregnancies so please don't compare yourself to others!!

XO - Much Love

Suzanne and Andrea

My Favorite : Meal and Snacks

I've had a ton a requests on my what my meals look like via my facebook, so instead of listing everything I decided to share my favorites with you all. Since becoming pregnant my tastes have changed a lot. For example I lean more towards fruits (that what I crave), where as before being pregnant I would eat a ton of veggies so just keep in mind that normally I would be eating MORE GREEN VEGGIES :)

 

I eat 4-6 clean meals daily, spaced out every 3 - 4 hours apart. (which helps keep that blood sugar level) I have 2-3 treat meals a week (BALANCE). I try to make sure my meals always consist of a lean protein, complex carb, and veggies/fruit.

 

Eating clean and this way allows me to keep my energy up, blood sugars level, maintaining a healthy/safe weight during pregnancy, and most importantly it allows me provide the healthiest nutrients for baby and myself.

 

 

 

 

Sorry about the word cut off on Clean French Toast.

 

I hope you all enjoy these and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like recipe locations :)

Week 22

Happy Week 22 and Happy Valentines Day (Friday)!

Mavey decided he wanted to be in the pictures this week ;)

 

How far along? 22 weeks, the baby is the size of a papaya!

Total weight gain/loss: Will know this week J

Maternity clothes? Nope! Still rocking my jeans (buttoned even) I know this wont last much longer but I am still excited!

Stretch marks? Nope!

Sleep: Good

Best moment this week: Having a successful week without headaches!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Nope!

Movement: Yes, Its really cool she moves a lot when she hears music, when I do yoga, and when she hears Andrew talk loudly.

Food cravings: Honestly no.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.

Have you started to show yet: Yes I actually look pregnant this week instead of looking as if I consumed 2 dozen doughnuts, hahaha

Workouts: Sweating successfully for TWO!  

Labor Signs: No.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On, actually very big.

 Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Our next checkup and getting released to drive again!


In other news this week...

 

My baby bump is finally POPPING OUT!

 

 

Andrew and I finished up our baby registries.. Yay! That means the baby showers and Baby Charlotte's arrival is getting closer. We registered in 3 different locations to give our friends and family options due to how everyone living in different areas/states. Our registries are at Target, Babies R Us, and Amazon

I decided to get fancy this past weekend and bake up these yummy strawberry cupcakes for hubby for valentines day!  CLICK HERE for recipe.

 

Hubby Approved Strawberry Cupcakes

 

Prep time:  10 mins

Cook time:  20 mins

Total time:  30 mins

Serves: 12

 

 

Ingredients

•1 and ⅔ cup oat flour & 1 scoop of About Time Protein Strawberry powder.

•½ teaspoon baking powder

•¼ teaspoon baking soda

•½ teaspoon salt

•1 cup granulated sugar (I use stevia)

•½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

•2 large eggs or 4 egg whites

•¼ cup greek yogurt (I like Fage to cook with)

•½ cup 1% milk or almond milk

•¼ cup homemade strawberry ice cream topping

How to make the homemade strawberry ice cream topping :

1.Wash strawberries and remove stems; cut large berries in half or roughly chop them.

2.Combine strawberries, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. The mixture will sizzle for a while, but then juice will begin to form. Continue stirring; mash a few strawberries with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula to help produce the syrup. Cook until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.

3.Remove from heat. In a blender, puree about 1/3 of the sauce, then mix back into remaining topping. Store in refrigerator.

•1 tablespoon sugar free strawberry jello powder (If you use regular jello powder, you will probably need to double the amount.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2.Combine flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl or on a piece of parchment and combine.

3.Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and combine well.

4.Add the eggs, greek yogurt, milk, homemade strawberry ice cream topping and strawberry jello powder to the sugar and butter mixture and combine well using a whisk.

5.Add in your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, slowly, until you have a very thick and creamy batter and all ingredients are well combined.

6.Fill prepared cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into cupcake comes out clean.

7.Remove from oven and cool in muffin tin for 5 minutes.

8.Remove from muffin tin and cool on a wire rack until completely cool.

9.Top with strawberry creamy frosting (see below) and enjoy!

 

WARNING : ICING IS NOT SO CLEAN

Strawberry Creamy Frosting

•1/2 cup butter (1 stick) softened to room temp

•3 cups powdered sugar

•2 tablespoons homemade strawberry ice cream topping, pureed

Instructions:

1.Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until fluffy.

2.Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon homemade strawberry ice cream topping and beat quickly until well incorporated.

3.Add another cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon homemade strawberry ice cream topping and again beat quickly until well incorporated.

4.Add last cup of powdered sugar and beat well until fluffy and thick.

5.Can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.  To use, allow to come to room temp and re-whip.

 

Recipes are adapted from a clean baking cookbook I own.

Nursery Inspiration

{Inspiration for Baby Charlotte's Room}

 

Color Scheme: Cream, Grey, Coral {Main Colors} Teal & Gold {To add some POP! to the room}

 

Theme : African Safari Animals {Real Animals, No Animation} with Chevron and Polka dot patterns Andrew and I love the idea of real animals verses animation...

 

Crib : White/Cream

 

Shelf with old door knobs (Pictured below, right) : I am absolutely IN LOVE with this gem and the outfit too!

 

Poms: I love POMS! They add such a classic and yet charter to the room. I decided to go with Cream/Coral/Grey for the colors. 

 

Signs : "C" in gold for Charlotte {I am making this, tutorial to come later}and I love the ABC & Dream Big Little One photos to go above her book stand.

 

 

Week 21

 

 

How far along? 21 weeks and 6 days, the baby is the size of the spaghetti squash!

Total weight gain/loss: Unsure, will find out at my next appointment.

Maternity clothes? Nope! However I did say “see you later” to a pair of my size 4 shorts because I was unable to button them L

 

Stretch marks? Nope!

Sleep: Sleeping very well again! One happy momma to be!

 

Best moment this week:  There is a few moments:  Having a successful week without headaches, Finally choosing our daughters name, and of course having an AMAZING vacation!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Nah! J

Movement: I've been feeling her move A LOT more this week than any other.

 
Food cravings: Honestly no.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.

 

Have you started to show yet: Oh yes!

 

Workouts: Sweating successfully for TWO! hehehe   

Labor Signs: No.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On, actually very big.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy J

Looking forward to: Our next checkup, next week!

 

 

A quick glace at our vacation photos...

 

 

 

 

{On the ship overlooking Cozumel, Mexico}

 

 

 

{AHH! Fresh Fruit, I had it EVERYDAY}

 

 

 

{We finally decided on Baby Smith's name, CHARLOTTE. Her middle name is still undecided}

 

 

 

{In Honduras there was a restaurant on the beach that served FREE PICKLES to PREGNANT women, hehehe}

 

 

 

{My favorite type of water is Dasani so I was so excited when I found this gem!}

 

 

 

{My handsome husband, Andrew and I swimming in Honduras}