Everything happens for a REASON!

"Everything happens for a reason, even if the reason isn't clear at the time."

I can finally share something I've been going through for the last several months, but just didn't know where to begin until now...

LETS START FROM THE BEGINNING...

Early in my pregnancy my life came to a complete STOP when I passed out in my bathroom one morning causing me to go to the hospital and undergo a series of testing until they could figure out what the cause was... not only did I have to do months of testing but they also revoked my driving privileges during this time "just to be safe", and after all that time (more than 6 months) the cause is still "undetermined". Well needless to say this caused extremely tough circumstances on our little family... since I was not able to work (because of having my license revoked temporarily) we were barely making ends meet, barely affording to buy groceries, and to top it off having a baby on the way and trying save as much as we could for her just created more stress and pressure. Needless to say I began feeling down, sad, and just plain sorry for myself yet never showing or talking about it to anyone including my husband because I was just so beyond thankful and appreciative of everything he was doing for me that I didn't want to burden him or anyone else with how I feeling. Instead of letting these feelings get the best of me I decided I needed to channel them in different directions and make the best out of the situation that was handed to me. I just kept telling myself "everything happens for a reason". At the time I didn't understand how right I was and honestly some days I didn't believe it myself, but I kept going! Each day I would make a to do list and I would make sure I completed it by a certain time. I focused on my fitness career, cleaning the house, making the grocery list from the weekly ads and coupons, decorating our baby's room on a budget which caused me to become very creative (but hey! I had the time). Not being able to drive hindered me from doing A LOT of things I would normally do myself... drive to... the gym, the grocery store, the post office, visit friends and family, the doctors offices...

I realized quickly that this was a test from God and I was going to pass no matter what it took...

NO gym, NO problem! - I did/created at home workouts that I truly enjoyed and would be great not only for now but also post baby when I time is limited. Plus it was FREE!

Grocery Shopping - I found that shopping on a budget is very simple and super beneficial! 

Having to count on others to drive me places - I am so BLESSED to have the SUPPORT system I do!

After the neurologist finally cleared me to drive again and cleared me medically, I immediately I began applying for every open job position I could do while being pregnant, after MANY job interviews and receiving many "regretful letters" I became discouraged but I NEVER GAVE UP... I continued my search each day!

FAST FORWARD TO...

A few weeks ago, I walked to our apartment mailbox like I do every day and there stood an elderly woman whom I had never seen or spoke with before.... she was super sweet and started the conversation by saying "Darling, how many weeks along are you? You have such a beautiful glow!" I simply replied answering her question and saying thank you! She then reached out for my hand and said " You may be having a rough patch right now, but it won't last much longer. I can tell you, you have big things ahead of you and everything will be falling into place very soon." I stood there very puzzled and in disbelief. I again replied Thank you not knowing what to say honestly... she then said walking to her car "Have a great evening!" and I said you as well! Still very much in shock!

As I walked back to my apartment I couldn't help but think was all my trouble written on my face or does she know something I don't, hahaha!

PRESENT...

Since my encounter with the elderly woman, whom I've not seen since... I can't even begin to tell you how right she was... So many blessing and great things started coming into our lives...

My husband was promoted to Staff Sergeant, 3 of my BIGGEST fitness goals will be happening over the next few months (May - July), Our baby girl will be arriving in less than 10 weeks and Oh yes, I begin my new job on Monday with an amazing chiropractor office who I have so many things in common with and they are super supportive of my pregnancy considering I am 29 weeks.

WHAT I LEARNED...

All the struggles, hard work, determination make all the victories so much sweeter! Plus no matter how hard life is... I am truly one blessed woman to have so many people in my life that love me, support me, and are there for me when I need them the most! And I know that my husband and I can make it through anything and everything together regardless which curve balls life throws at us!

Its not the situation that defines you, its how you handle it! - Andrea Smith

Our Hospital Packing List

I've spent hours reading must pack hospital lists on pinterest and on mommy blogs, some give huge lists and others say "don't even bother with a list because you won't use half the things you bring." Well I am a list person and I will feel much better having it so I decided to create my own.

So yeah.. As we are getting ready for our travels south for our first baby shower, I decided I needed to go ahead and pack mine & baby Charlotte's hospital bag to take with us, just in case. Even though I will only be 33 weeks and the chances of going into labor are slim. What can I say I like to be prepared in almost every situation and although in my ideal world I will be at home when I go into labor where we can leisurely grab our stuff on the way out of the door after I've done my hair and makeup, but nobody can predict the future or plan for her arrival . . I'd like to note that Andrew isn't as OCD about this stuff as I am or as he says, "It will only take me a second to throw everything together." hmmm ok! However I still wrote up his list ;)

So, here's my pack list for myself, Andrew, & for baby...

My Bag Includes...

 Clothing:

•A button-down nightgown (I'm not a fan of those hospital gowns, I mean who is?)

•(2) pairs of yoga pants ( These are for comfort and from what I've heard & read the tighter, stretchy material helps hold those humongo pads in place).

•2 nursing tanks

•2 nursing bras

•maternity zip-front hoodie

•4 pairs of larger size, stretchy boy short style underwear (my hospital provides the mesh undies but not sure how many pairs they will give).

• A pair of flip flops for walking around

•"Coming home outfit" - a tunic & maternity leggings.

Toiletries (all travel sized): *Target & Five Below have great travel size sections.

•Shampoo/Conditioner

•Hairspray

•Mouthwash

•Floss

•Toothbrush/Toothpaste

•Body Wash

•Face Wash

•Wet Facial Wipes

•Deodorant

These will be last minute adds:

•Make Up

•Hair Dryer

•Flat iron

•Round brush (I have to have one when blowdrying my hair)

Miscellaneous:

•Nursing pads (your hospital may provide these, ours didn't mention them)

•Lansinoh HPA Lanolin & Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads

•Vitamins

•Phone/ Charger

•Pillow with colored case and my blanket

•Towel (colored) for shower

•Belly Bandit : I've heard from a friend and from what I've read this is the BOOM.COM! So while some may think this is vain, I am buying and packing it (however I won't be purchasing until I am in my 8th month which is recommended for sizing purposes.)  Interested : go here to read the benefits for yourself!

Daddy Pack List includes...

•Pajamas (shorts/T-shirts)

•Change of clothes

• Flip flops

•Travel size toiletries: shaving cream, razor, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, body wash

•Pillow with colored pillow case

•Blanket

•Towel (colored) for shower

•Protein bars

Baby Charlotte Packing List Includes:

•Carseat

•Blanket for the ride home

•Boppy nursing pillow

•Pacifiers (our hospital provides these but I am still taking 2)

•(2) hats

•(2) infant gowns

•(2) pairs of scratch mittens

•(2) pairs of socks

•(2) "Coming Home" oufits. Packing two outfits in case the one special outfit gets thrown up/pooped on.

•Aden + Anais swaddle blanket

•Headbands (for pictures)

28 Weeks, Welcome to the THIRD Trimester!

How Far Along: 28 weeks! THIRD TRIMESTER is officially here. This week, baby girl should be somewhere around 2.5-3 pounds and somewhere around 15 inches long. She is now capable of dreaming & blinking!

Reading my pregnancy "bible" :)

How I'm Feeling: Emotionally, I am somewhere between we have plenty of time until she arrives and oh my gosh, she could be here in as little as 9 weeks... needless to say my anxiety has hit an all time high, don't get my wrong Andrew and I couldn't be more excited to meet our little girl.

Physically, I am beginning to understand the 3rd trimester "uncomfortable" moments everyone seems to speaks of. Having a pretty "pain-free" pregnancy thus far, I have nothing to complain about. However it is getting pretty hard to sit up when I'm laying down, I literally roll to my side and swing my legs off the bed or if I'm on the couch my husband sometimes has to give me a boost (I really dislike this). The braxton hicks have been continuing.

Weight Loss/Gain: I've gained a total of 10lbs, which puts me right now track where I need to be!

Cravings: My cravings are : peppermint, greek yogurt with fruit, strawberries, milk, and gummies.

Gender: Little Girl!

What I Miss: Honestly, nothing!

What I Am Looking Forward To: Our baby showers and traveling south to see family and friends!

Mavey and Charlotte's morning routine, he always puts his paws on my belly until she kicks him back. Its so cute and honestly pretty awesome that they already have a connection and bond! I just had to capture it!

Weekly Workout : 30 Minute Workout

This workout will take 30 minutes if performed correctly. Its a great traveling and at home workout routine.

 

If your pregnant : Be sure to use to modifications where you need. I am currently 28 weeks and I have modified my burpees, I do push ups on my knees, I do mountain climbers standing adjust a bench verses on the floor, and I don't do jump squats, I do regular deeper squats instead.

 

 

Week 27

How Far Along: 27 weeks. This week marks the last of my 2nd! Woo hoo! All of my update emails mention the "final stretch" and "almost there" and everyone keeps telling me "She will be here before you know it!" but I feel like June is so far away.

27 weeks and 6 days!

How I'm Feeling: I feel great! I've noticed that my belly is growing by the day or so it seems. My growing belly is causing slight of back pain if I stand or walk for long period of time (which is normal according to my doctor), but yoga and stretching helps that A LOT!

Charlotte has been SUPER active during the day and at night lately... and of course at 4:30am when she decides "Mom, Its time to wakey, wakey!" hahaha, but I love it!! She starting responding to Andrew's voice this week. She makes it a point to kick a few times when he starts talking to her (as he does almost every night) to show him she's listening. So cute!

Braxton Hicks have started this week which in my case are completely painless and very sporadic...all I really feel is my belly become extremely tight then it releases and also she started having the hiccups, when I eat anything with a little kick to hit :)



 

Weight Gain/Loss: Gain of 10lbs so far, which my doctor told me was great! We are aiming to gain 10 more pounds over the next 11 weeks, so a pound a week. (Not gonna lie, that scares me a lot but I want a healthy baby! ) Since I can already see my double chin starting :(

Cravings: SWEETS and any type of fruit! Since I decided to make the simple sugars disappear from my meal plan I've found new fun ways to get my sweet tooth fix. Although one treat I am not giving up is my Luna Chocolate Peppermint Stick Bars.

Gender: Girl & I couldn't be more excited to start dressing her in clothes and headbands. I just ordered some adorable headbands on etsy and once I receive them I'll share some
pictures.

She's already rocking a bow :)

What I Miss: Certain workouts that I decided to stop doing until post baby, such as leg press, weighed squats, overhead anything (due to the doctor not wanting me reaching above my head).

What I'm Looking Forward To: Our trip south to see our friends and family for our first baby shower :)

Transformation Tuesday

Its Transformation Tuesday!
I'm feeling extremely brave and bold today so I am sharing something a little different with you all, my transformation from May 2013 until today, wearing the same exact outfit in both photos.

I've had a lot of emails and messages asking various questions about my pregnancy so I wanted to share some facts about my pregnancy and helpful tips that have helped me so far throughout my pregnancy.

Left : May 2013
Right: March 2014 - 27 Week & 6 Day Pregnant

• May 2013 pre-pregnancy I weighed in at 135.
• Today (27 weeks and 6 days pregnant) I weigh 142.
• During the 1st trimester I wasn't able to workout very much, due to morning sickness.
• In the beginning of 2nd trimester when I felt better (the quicker you get back to your routine the better you feel and have a better chance of continuing throughout your pregnancy) and was released by my doctor I picked the weights back up and continued my normal routine, with mild modifications. Make sure you always speak with your doctor before starting a workout routine and ask about modification they recommend.
• I've eaten clean, with 2-3 treat meals a week throughout my pregnancy, 6 small meals daily.
• Example of my meals :
  Meal 1:  4 egg whites with 1 whole egg and oatmeal sweetened with stevia and almond milk
  Meal 2: Carrots & Bell peppers sliced with hummus.
  Meal 3: 4 oz. of grilled chicken on top of lettuce and spinach, cucumbers, peppers, cheese with a dressing.
  Meal 4: 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1/2 cup frozen fruit mix
  Meal 5: Post workout protein shake (1 scoop About Time Protein) mixed with 8 oz water and 1 apple
  Meal 6: DINNER (which changes daily)
  Meal 7: This is usually when I want something sweet, so I usually choose between 1 cup of strawberries with vanilla greek yogurt topped with coco baking powder to give it a chocolate flavor or I will eat a chocolate peppermint luna bar (yes not the healthiest option but its better than a candy bar.)
• During 1st trimester I ate what I could. During the 2nd trimester I increased my calories by 200 - 300 a day. 
• When I need a rest day, I take the rest day! I don't lay around on the couch all night (every rest day lol), most times I will do yoga or just take a walk.
• I've really focused on TRYING my best to find healthy alternatives to those naughty cravings.
• This is my weekly routine
  Mon: Legs & glutes
  Tue: Shoulders and Abs
  Wed: Full Body Circuit
  Thurs: Chest & triceps
  Fri: Back & biceps
  Sat: Yoga
   
  On the lower body, I typically do 4 sets of 12-15. On the upper body, 4 sets of 8-12.
  Along with morning cardio 4- 5 times a week, I do yoga 2 times  a week currently.

 

Hopefully this post is helpful for some of you ladies out there. If you have any questions please feel free to message me!

XO - Andrea

Weekly Workout : {Booty Blast}

 

When I wrote up this workout I wanted something to target my glutes, hips, thighs, and core so I pieced together some of my favorite workout moves and TA-DA! I may be biased but I love this booty blast workout, because within the first round you can feel those glutes burning and personally I love that!

 

Be sure to try it out and leave me feed back!

 

Also don't forget to try my other workouts {Fat Blasting & 20X4}

 

Week 26

How Far Along: 26 Weeks! Sorry for posting VERY late since I just turned 27 weeks today. Next week (Week 27) is my last week in second trimester, so hard to believe that our little one will be here very soon! This week for baby, she is able to open her eyes and all her senses are now fully developed.


Only 3 months to go! OH MY! <3



Do you all spot a little puppy?

How am I feeling: Physically, I'm becoming more and more tired lately. Sleeping is becoming a challenging task with all the switching from side to side and those lovely bathroom runs between midnight and morning.  Emotionally, the first time mommas anxiety has officially set, I've started writing check lists so we are prepared that will we have everything we need for her when she arrives... I know that we will be ready and everything always comes together.

Weight Gain/Loss: I've put my scale away at home and decided its best to just wait until each doctors appointment to see the verdict since I've been so worried about not gaining enough throughout this pregnancy...I was becoming too obsessed. Next week, we will see. 

Cravings: Although I tend to keep all my meals and snack very clean, my one non-healthy pregnancy want is gummy (worms or bears) but once I eat some of them baby must be satisfied for a while because the "craving" for them comes and goes that quick... so all things considered I'll take it! Because MODERATION is KEY. However this week I decided to ditch the extra simple sugars I've been consuming since becoming pregnant (aka: gummies, haha) and while I replace most of  them with healthier alternatives, I feel I could do better... because lets face it simple sugars aren't good for your health, your body, and so much more... I'm just really determined to stay on track!

Why I'm giving up simple sugars...

• Usually HIGH in calories. (No, I don't count calories, but if you do these are what I call EMPTY calories) which makes it very easy to OVER -consume them.
• Sugar suppresses the immune system. When you eat a big dose of sugar, like a bottle of Coke or a candy bar, you temporarily tamp down your immune system’s ability to respond to challenges. The effect lasts for several hours, so if you eat sweets several times a day, your immune system may be perpetually operating at a distinct disadvantage.
• Sugar promotes inflammation. Inflammation, which is part of the immune response, is not always a bad thing. But eating sugar foods can fuel excessive, inappropriate inflammation that serves no useful purpose and actually promotes aging and disease.
• Fat Storage. When you eat simple sugars, like the ones found in candy, soda, many juice concentrates, and baked goods. The sugar is converted to glucose which enters the bloodstream pretty quickly the body releases increased levels of insulin so the body can attempt to regulate the blood sugar levels but if it can't it leads to increase production of fat which is pushed into the cells as storage for later use.

Gender: Girl.  And an active little girl for sure. According to all my readings she should be starting to position herself (head - down) for the big arrival, and I try to feel around to see if I can distinguish between her head and her butt... But truthfully I can't tell yet! Hopefully our next ultrasound will give us a better idea.  

What I miss: Honestly nothing really.

What I'm looking forward too: A LOT! Let's see... Our doctors appointment next week, Hubby and I's birthday's coming up, The baby shower in Georgia in 1 month, Ericka's visit and the baby shower in Pennsylvania. Its a BUSY next 3 months until she arrives.

In other news this week: Andrew got promoted to Staff Sergeant, Baby Charlotte and I couldn't be more proud and excited for him! He has definitely worked extremely hard and deserves this!

Also we've been working very hard on Charlotte's room and its all coming together so nicely! I can't wait to share so pictures soon!

 

Weekly Workout : Fat Blasting

Let's go, its FIT Friday so why not make it FAT BLASTING Friday?

 

 

This workout will make you blast some fat and sweat BUT one of the best things about this workout is that you can do it ANYWHERE!! So what's your excuse to workout today? I promise once you do this you won't regret it!!

 

Week 25

How Far Along: 25.5 weeks - baby girl is the size of an eggplant.

25 Weeks :) I changed the sign after I took this photo...
I decide instead of Andrew it should say Daddy!

How I'm Feeling: Definitely pregnant! I think that she is moving up higher and my belly is taking on a new shape and so is my belly button (super weird!). She's no longer cramped into a small space, she actually has room to continue to grow and stretch out her legs. It's official I bought my first pair of maternity jeans and is it wrong to say I kind of love them... although maybe its because in the past week with her growing so much my regular jeans have been so uncomfortable so its more so a relief to wear a pair that fit.
 

Weight Gain/Loss:  Working on gaining so fingers crossed I'll put on a few before my next appointment.

Cravings: Sweets are want I crave the most but thankfully I have found healthy alternatives for almost everything I've wanted. Fruit is my favorite go to sweet snack, I usually mix up a fruit salad consisting of watermelon, bananas, kiwi, coconut flakes, and dried fruit! DELISH!

Here's one of my favorite things Andrew and I both enjoy indulging in : Not one of my cravings but a tip for those who LOVE ice cream and are looking for a healthier alternative, Talenti gelato is amazing. Their caramel cookie crunch is insane. And for those who love mint, Andrew loves the mediterranean mint.

"Our gelato is made with fresh, hormone-free milk and only pure cane sugar. Not only is it delicious, but with 30% less fat than regular ice cream, it’s also a healthier alternative."

 

Gender: Girl. Having a girl is so FUN because ---> shopping for accessories and clothes to dress her up in! I can't wait to receive my orders from Etsy (love shopping on there, I've yet to be disappointed with any products).

 

Sleep: Sleeping is good, the boppy body pillow makes sleeping on my side a lot easier the further along I am getting (aka: the belly is getting bigger) even though I am naturally a side sleeper.

"Sleeping on your side is best while you're pregnant. In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands."

What I Miss: Really not missing anything.

 

Movement: EXCITING NEWS! Andrew finally felt her move for the 1st time this week! I can feel her move around more and more each day, I find it very cool that I can tell when she is sleeping and when she is awake.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Setting up the crib. So excited to see it in the room! Also I am excited to start putting things in their place, as soon as I begin I will be taking so many pictures.

 

 

Do you all see the soccer ball I'm hiding under my belly? hahaha.

My belly is really starting to take form though!

 

Weekly Workout

 

After countless requests the time has come to share some of my favorite at home workouts.

This is the first of many to come that I will be sharing over the next couple weeks. This workout below is one of my favorites and a total sweat session.

 

Tidbit: I use 10lb weights for both the bicep curls and the shoulder press, but feel free to use any weight that is right for you.

 

 

 

Now go get your sweat on!

OhYeah! Product Review

 

 

 

Thank you OhYeah! Nutrition for the opportunity to sample and review your products for myself and my followers! Ohyeah! Nutrition is a terrific company, great for athletes who are training/lifting weights that are looking to build muscle and replenish their muscles with great tasting, high protein packed, nutritional valued proteins and bars!


As many of you know I am Andrea Smith from Andrea Smith Fitness. I changed my life 2 years ago and since then I have successfully lost 50lbs and have become a clean eater advocate, a fitness enthusiast, and currently am expecting my first child in June (25 weeks along now) which all causes me to be very particular about what is not only in my food but also in protein bars and powders...


I've had the privledge to review a few different OhYeah! Nutrition products, and I am going to share their product photos below that I've personally used and then under each one I will list my review on each item.

Firstly, OhYeah! Nutrition really does deliver great tasting products that are high in protein! Which is a very hard aspect to find in supplement companies.

OhYeah! Trail Mix



 

 

Overall the taste is great and its an awesome product that I could see using if you are looking for an alternative to help with sweet cravings. Because these bars are pretty small, I would not recommend using this as a meal replacement.

 

Pros : Tastes delicious, high protein, fairly small in size.

Cons : Uses sucralose and other artificial sugars, natural and artificial flavors added.

 

Rating :  2 of 5 stars

OhYeah! Victory Bar

 



This bar is by far my favorite products! Great taste and filling! I even used this as a meal replacement while on our cruise after hiking the Mayan ruins in Belize! This is truly as great bar if you are on the go and forget your meals! Plus if you cut the bar into sections and bake them for a few minutes they make delicious cookies for those sweet cravings!

Pros : High Protein, No sugar alcohols used, Gluten free, and High in fiber.

Cons : None!

 

 Rating : 5 of 5 Stars

 

Enjoying my victory bar after hiking the Mayan ruins in Belize!

OhYeah! Isolate Protein Powder

 

 

 

I love that this protein is rich in BCAA's and HIGH in protein with low carbs.  I did personally I enjoyed the taste of this product very much however I wasn't thrilled the use of  sucralose.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener. The majority of ingested sucralose is not broken down by the body, so it is noncaloric.

Pros : High in protein, No fats, and low in sodium and carbs.

Cons : Artificial flavors and use of sucralose.   

 

Rating : 3 of 5 Stars



 

 

Thank you again, OhYeah Nutrition!

and Thank you all for reading!

 

 

Note : My review is based of my personal opinion.

 

 

 

 

24 Weeks

How Far Along: 24 weeks. Officially 6 months pregnant! Size of an ear of corn.

24 weeks, Fitness Maternity Photo Shoot with Lyssa Ann Photography
www.lyssaannportraits.com and www.lyssaannportraits.com/blog - Be sure to check her out!!  

How I'm Feeling: Finally feeling pregnant and enjoying each moment with Andrew before our beautiful new baby arrives. I had my 24 week doctor appointment and glucose test this week! Passed the glucose test with flying colors. Minor thing : I am now on an iron medication to help increase my iron levels due to my blood results being extremely low and I am also increases my iron natural food sources!

"Why the sudden need to pump it up? By week 20 in your pregnancy, your stored iron supply (the one you saved up when your periods stopped) is just about depleted — right at the time that your growing baby is most in the market for new red blood cells. This puts you at risk for anemia during pregnancy, or low iron levels. Although all pregnant women are susceptible to anemia, those who have had other recent pregnancies, are carrying more than one fetus, or have been undernourished at any point during their pregnancies have an even greater risk.
Anemia is never fun — it takes away your lovely pregnancy glow, making you pale, extremely weak, easily tired or breathless, and can sometimes even lead to fainting."

 

 

Weight Gain/Loss: At my 24 week appointment, I am still under my pre-pregnancy weight by 3lbs however I feel like I've gained all over but they assured me that I'm not, I'm all BABY!

 

 

Sleep: Sleeping is good... my dreams are pretty vivid and the restless legs have started!

 

Cravings: Easter Candy! Ha. I'm balancing out my candy consumption with lots of vegetables. My appetite is never ending. I think I'm in trouble with all of the Easter basket candy out on the store selves considering they consist of gummies, jelly beans, and of course peanut butter eggs (AGAIN! Who am I?) hahaha...I have a feeling I'll be whale status in no time!

Gender: Girl. Its finally getting really exciting and fun for me, I am hitting up the local flea markets and thrift stores to search for so awesome gems to add to her room!

What I Miss: Not missing a whole lots, maybe drinking wine while my hubby enjoys his beer but I can do without a bit longer!

What I'm Looking Forward To: Finally getting the crib set up & moved into her room, then adding pieces each week before we head to GA for our first baby shower. Which is less than a month away!