As I write this blog about being pregnant, it still feels so surreal! My dream was always to be a young mom and have a large family. I remember when I was 10 years old, I shared with my 5th grade class that I longed to have 5 Bernese mountain dogs and 5 children. I envisioned them each riding a dog to school, and then the dogs would pick them up and bring them home! LOL! I mean.. I think that is still a dream of mine today honestly. It’s almost comical that my husband Scott is one of five kids and his first dog was a Bernese! Lets just say it was destiny to be together.
I found out I was pregnant when I was about 3 weeks along. I was absolutely exhausted.. Longing for daily naps, I knew something was going on. When we found out, we were both in complete shock with how fast it all happened. In awe of this amazing blessing I couldn’t wait to tell everyone in sight. Before being pregnant, I didn’t know much about the symptoms of pregnancy and “rules” that were socially acceptable. I immediately started listening to podcasts and asking loved ones all sorts of questions.
I quickly learned that the first trimester is hard. I was very tired and often nauseous. I think the hardest part was not telling all of my clients. I get up at 5am to teach most mornings and the thought of coffee made me feel sick to my stomach. I also had a few nightmares of miscarrying. I quickly learned that all of these things are very common but often not talked about. I am so grateful that I have so many amazing women in my life that I could count on for support and encouragement during that time. The first ultrasound was unbelievable. Seeing that little body, I could just cry. With each appointment and ultrasound, I felt more and more connected to the little miracle that was growing inside of me. Soon I didn’t care about the nausea or exhaustion because it just reminded me of the huge blessing inside my growing belly!
We had a goal to start FITXSYD soon and once we found out we were pregnant, we had to start filming ASAP before I started showing. It was a little hard to film the workouts during my first trimester since I wasn’t feeling 100% but I’m so glad we did! I can’t wait until I can start filming again for you guys after the baby arrives!! I will do a whole postnatal section then lots more regular videos to follow!
At 12 weeks we found out we were having a little boy!! I was ecstatic because I have nannied mostly boys and have always dreamed of having my own. I immediately felt so connected to him and couldn’t wait to brainstorm names. At 17 weeks I felt him kick for the first time. It was such a special moment I will never forget. All I wanted to eat was toast, raw veggies, and pickles lol! The second trimester was as amazing as they all say! I had way more energy and the nausea was gone. I felt more like myself and it was so fun to share my news with everyone! At my 20 week ultrasound the gender was officially confirmed and we finally could announce to the world that we were having a boy! Towards the end of my 2nd trimester I started to experience intense acid reflux. As our baby boy was growing, he was pushing all my organs up and it was getting harder to breathe. Since there was less room in there, I had to start eating smaller meals so I wouldn’t throw them up or have intense pain in my chest. The only “medicine” I have had to take this whole time is chewable Pepcid tablets.. They have been a life saver!!
As I entered my 3rd trimester and my belly finally started to grow more, It all felt even more real. I pray for him everyday and now just dream of seeing that little face for the first time! At 28 weeks, my belly was “measuring small” at my appointment so we had to schedule a growth ultrasound to make sure he was on track. Thankfully he was! My belly was just tight and compact. At 30 weeks is when I finally “popped” and was measuring back on track again. Everyday I feel so blessed with a healthy baby growing strong inside of me.
Scott and I were grateful to have a baby moon in Byron Bay, AUS, following a work trip. We went to Byron on our honeymoon so it was so wonderful to go back and visit all the amazing spots where we had the best time of our lives. It is the perfect little beach town to relax and explore.The water is crystal clear and the weather is perfect. Scott spent a lot of time surfing while I got to relax on the beach. We hadn’t had this type of quality time since our honeymoon, and it was a week I will cherish forever. It felt amazing to slow down and just enjoy each other’s presence, just the two of us.
When we got back from our babymoon, that is when everything started to get crazy with the CoronaVirus. I am so thankful we still got to have that trip before everything got really serious. Baby boy started to grow more and It was getting a little harder to wake up at 5am to teach my group fitness classes. I was determined to teach my whole pregnancy, even if that meant mostly verbal cueing towards the end. When we had to close the studio I work at, it was devastating that I wasn’t going to be able to see all my clients everyday. We started to do Zoom classes instead, so at least that was a great alternative! I went from teaching 10 classes a week to 2.. But I think my body was grateful that I was forced to slow down. I still felt amazing when I taught, and just modified when needed. I am currently 38 weeks along, and I taught my last class this week. I am still staying active and walk about 6 miles a day and swim 10-20 laps. I love moving my body because it gives me more energy and joy! I highly recommend doing my prenatal workouts throughout pregnancy. I feel like it has made a huge impact on my overall pregnancy journey to stay active and strong while growing this little babe!
I have really enjoyed my growing belly, and I’m so grateful that I have fully embraced the changes my body has gone through. I have gained 30lbs, and feel so strong and healthy! Scottie jokes and calls me Santa now LOL. It is so fun to feel this baby boy rolling around in there.. I just love it when he pushes his little feet out! He gets hiccups about three times a day now which is just the craziest thing to me!! I just went in for my 38 week check up and was measuring small…again. Immediately after my appointment I got another growth ultrasound to see how he was doing. Usually you don’t get to have anymore ultrasounds after 20 weeks so I was so excited I had a chance to see his little face again! Thankfully, he was totally perfect and on track… I guess it’s just the way my body carries. He must be pretty squished in there lol!
I can’t believe he will arrive any day now!! I am so excited to give birth!! What an unique and indescribable experience. Everyday I feel so much joy to meet him and pray for a safe delivery and a healthy baby boy. Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and can’t wait for the day where I don’t have to get up five times a night to pee!! I promise I will do a little blog post about my labor and delivery and tell you all about the new little babe.