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How is it Monday already? We had such a busy weekend that I could use another day just to sit around and do nothing!
Friday we had our midwife appointment in the morning and then headed off to our designated jobs before meeting back up for dinner at American Flatbread. After dinner we headed to Neil’s Studio 54 themed work party for a short time but ended up leaving after being evacuated from the party tent due to severe thunderstorms. We managed to get a little bit of socializing in and a session in the photo booth but unfortunately a certain soaking wet pregnant lady did not want to stand around the safety shelter and wait for the storm to pass so we didn’t end up returning to the party and missed The Village People (yes the REAL Village People), oh well!
Saturday we woke up early and made our way down to the farmers market where we made our first stop at the juice bar, which is new this summer and is our new addiction. We decided to go with two different juices to share, the minty lemonade and the strawberry rhubarb, both of which were really delicious. We also picked up a load of veggies for the week including garlic scapes, greens, strawberries, herbs and radishes.
After the market it was time to head home and get ready for our baby shower!
After the shower we headed home to re-open all of our gifts and get them somewhat organized in the nursery. After that we decided to have a date night out at Babies’R’Us and dinner.
Sunday we headed out to another market which wasn’t great but we did end up seeing our juice bar friends again and this time I ordered up a Green Energy and Neil a Runners Remedy. After the market we picked up a few groceries and headed home for lunch before walking down to the beach, where we spent most of the early afternoon.
After spending a few hours at the beach we walked home and decided to use our free passes to the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. We decided to pay the extra and visit the special Our Body exhibit that is going on until September. Our friends raved about it and it was pretty amazing.
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After ECHO we weren’t ready to head home yet so we stopped down by the waterfront to sit and have a drink and a snack before heading home to relax on the couch and eat strawberry-rhubarb crisp.
How was your weekend?
35 Weeks 2 Days
How big is the baby: Your baby doesn’t have much room to maneuver now that he’s over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it’s so snug in your womb, he isn’t likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he’ll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. (source)
Baby’s Gender: We both think it’s a boy (most of the time although this week I think it’s a girl).
Baby’s Name: We have a name for a boy or a girl–> we actually are stuck on two different girl names, decisions, decisions.
Weight Gained: 25 lbs
Clothes: Shirts are getting shorter. Pants are getting more uncomfortable. Mostly wearing dresses.
How are you feeling: I am feeling pretty good. A little tired. A little cranky. A little hot (it’s been 70-80’s).
What do you miss: I miss sleeping comfortably. Beer. Running.
Symptoms: ,
Cravings: Extra large salads.
How are you sleeping: Sleeping was going pretty well but this week not as good. I am up more often and I have been waking up in the middle of the night or super early.
Workouts: This week I went to yoga Tuesday and have been doing lots of walking!
Things I’m looking forward to: Our baby shower which is tomorrow! Finishing up at my office job (only 15 more working days). Post-baby shower shopping for the things we want to get before the baby arrives.
In other news:
We are still on track to launch Naturally Family on June 4th JUNE 11TH but until then check us out of Facebook and Twitter.
We still haven’t been able to tour our birthing center which is making me pretty nervous. I called yesterday about touring but it wasn’t a good day for them. Hopefully next Friday when we go down for our appointment we will be able to. Update: We still haven’t been able to tour the birthing center. At our appointment this morning the entire birthing center was full!!
Also at our appointment this morning we discussed the worst case scenarios for two different reasons I might have to have a c-section. The first of which is the emergency c-section, which after hearing their protocol/procedures around this left me feeling a little traumatized and I burst into tears (I blame the pregnancy hormones- I just couldn’t stop myself!). The second was the “we’ve tired absolutely everything but you aren’t progressing” scenario which results in a much more calm transition to c-section than the emergency. I already knew the reasons for a c-section, that there is always a possibility and the general info on how it works but it was really overwhelming to hear what could happen to ME. Luckily our birthing center/hospital as a 16% cesarean rate which is half of what the national average for c-sections.
Next week is my Strep-B test which I am nervous about since 25% of women have Strep-B and if you do it is highly recommended that you be on antibiotics during labor and birth. Did you pass your Strep-B test? If you didn’t did you have the antibiotics or take the risk?
photo 33.5 weeks
How big is the baby: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she’s born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you’ve been nervous about preterm labor, you’ll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. (source)
Baby’s Gender: We both think it’s a boy (most of the time).
Baby’s Name: We have a name for a boy or a girl–> we actually are stuck on two different girl names, decisions, decisions.
Weight Gained: 24 lbs
Clothes: I bought myself another dress. It’s not maternity but the style works well with my belly and should be flattering for the remainder of the summer.
How are you feeling: I am feeling pretty god. I am getting tired out pretty easily during the week but am making time to rest and sleep as needed. Friday I got home from work and took a two hour nap before our couples yoga class.
What do you miss: I miss sleeping comfortably. Beer. Running.
Symptoms: Heartburn, pressure down lower in my pelvis, and even more frequent peeing.
Cravings: tempeh sandwiches. popsicles. berries. salad.
How are you sleeping: Sleeping is going alright. This week I have been having a lot of hip pain and it’s hard to get comfortable.
Workouts: This week I went to yoga Tuesday, couples yoga Friday and went for a number of walks.
Things I’m looking forward to: Our baby shower! Finishing work (only 4 more weeks!!!)
In other news:
We are still on track to launch Naturally Family on June 4th but until then check us out of Facebook and Twitter.
We still haven’t been able to tour our birthing center which is making me pretty nervous. I called yesterday about touring but it wasn’t a good day for them. Hopefully next Friday when we go down for our appointment we will be able to.
This week we took our Couples Yoga for Labor and Birth and next week we take our breastfeeding class which I am looking forward to.
There are a number of prenatal and postnatal beauty products out there today and it can be a real challenge to figure out which ones you should try and which ones you should just pass on. I recently received a package from Belli Skincare containing their Your Best Baby Bump Duo and their Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen. Although all three items had their pros and cons, I absolutely loved them all and would recommend everything. I really look forward to trying products from Belli’s Motherhood Line and maybe even their Baby Line. Check out my review of each product below:
I received the “Your Best Baby Bump Duo” which includes the Elasticity Belly Oil and the All Day Moisture Body Lotion
Elasticity Belly Oil (regularly $39)
Maintains the look of smooth, healthy skin with scientifically researched* ingredients that help prepare skin for stretching during pregnancy.
- A luxurious blend of pure plant extracts to nourish and moisturize the skin
- The aromatherapy benefit of lavender soothes and calms the senses
- Contains Vitamin E and grapeseed oil, both are rich in antioxidants
- Used in fine spas as a pre-natal massage oil
Pro: I love the smell! It is really wonderful and I am looking forward to packing it up and taking it to the birthing center with us so that Neil can use it to massage my back. I also love how it sprays on so easily and isn’t too greasy feeling. Neil also loves the smell of this oil.
Con: The spray is nice but sometimes it goes on a little wild- I have learned to remove my shirt before putting it on now so it won’t get all over my clothes. The other con is the price- it is a little expensive at $39.
Would I recommend? I would and I AM recommending it to moms-to-be. I would recommend getting the Your Best Baby Bump Duo because it is a good deal and has both the oil and the lotion.
All Day Moisture Body Lotion (regularly $19)
Deeply moisturizes, soothes and comforts dry skin.
- Features lemon oil which is known for its uplifting qualities
- Chamomile soothes and refreshes
- Shea butter moisturizes and smooths
Pro: Smells like lemon cookies! I absolutely love this lotion and so does Neil. We both used it after spending too much time in the sun and it did a good job at soothing our burnt skin. It also really does a great job at moisturizing. I also love that it smells like lemon cookies but the smell isn’t over powering and really mellows out shortly after applying.
Cons: I really can’t think of any cons! It is a little on the more expensive side for some but honestly I think the price is pretty competitive for the quality.
Would I recommend? I would definitely recommended this to anyone regardless of whether you are pregnant or not.
- Features zinc oxide & titanium dioxide– minerals that act as physical sunscreen filters
- Sun exposure during pregnancy can result in chloasma– dark brown spots that 70% of pregnant women experience
- Lightly tinted to blend in with all skin types
- Oil-free
- May be worn alone or under makeup
Pro: It doesn’t have the normal sunscreen smell (which I hate). Although it is tinted it blends right in and I find it evens my skin tone out just a bit (maybe I’m the only one who notices though). It isn’t heavy on the skin and it works really well with my makeup. I usually wear a tinted moisturizer and lately I have just been wearing the Belli sunscreen instead.
Con: It is a little expensive, especially if you plan to reapply frequently or if you are a little heavy handed with it. I wouldn’t wear this as my go to sunscreen if I were heading to the pool or the beach but it is good for everyday wear.
Would I recommend? I would recommend this, however, if you know you really need a lot of sunscreen in the summer and/or spend a lot of time lounging on the beach I would also have another facial sunscreen for that and use this as more everyday use.
Winner: 
One lucky reader will win both the Your Best Baby Bump Duo and the Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen. This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Giveaway is open until June 8, 2012 at 6pm EST.
To Enter:
Mandatory: Visit the Belli Skincare site and tell me something you learned or a about a product that interest you.
Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):
- Follow @Belliskincare on Twitter
- Tweet about this giveaway: “I want to win @runwithtongs @BelliSkincare giveaway http://wp.me/pFVWo-3jU”
Disclaimer: Belli Skincare provided me with these products at no cost. I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway.
Did you know? You can take advantage of savings on Belli products by clicking on the bright pink Share & Save button that appears on the far right-hand side of belliskincare.com. When they click the button and share Belli with at least 3 of their friends via email, Facebook or Twitter, they and their friends can receive an exclusive promo code good for 20% off their purchase at belliskincare.com.
Today is the last day of my 6 day vacation and I’m sad for it to be over. Neil and I have been super busy every day of this vacation and I am using today to relax and get ready for the short but surely busy work week.
Thursday I spent most of the day trying to get some work done around the house, I took a nap and then headed out to watch Neil’s softball game. After his game, we went to American Flatbread for our traditional post-midwife appointment flatbread date a day early since we had made different plans for after our Friday midwife appointment.
Friday Neil and I woke up early and headed out to an early morning midwife appointment at their main office 75 minutes away. We usually go to the satellite office that is only 45 minutes away but we had hoped that we would be able to tour the birth center but unfortunately all the birthing suites were full when we arrived so we couldn’t tour. On the upside we found out that the baby turned and that now there is a 98% chance they will stay head down!!
After our appointment we headed to Hill Farmstead Brewery so Neil could sample a few beers and pick up a stock (you can only buy bottles at the brewery). On our way there, we stopped in Hardwick at the Buffalo Mountain Co-op for lunch where we both got veggie and tempeh bowls with brown rice for me and quinoa for him. After we finally made it to the brewery (after getting lost, asking for directions, learning we needed cash, getting cash and returning) we finally headed to Little River State Park in Waterbury (where my parents were camping) for dinner. Neil helped them set up camp and then we ate tons of raw veggies with dip, Field Roast Sausages and potatoes, then Neil and I finally packed up and headed home.
Saturday we stopped into the VCM Race Expo, ran a bunch of errands and then relaxed. Since Neil was running Sunday we didn’t want to over do it and spent all afternoon/evening relaxing on the couch.
Sunday = RACE DAY! Neil and I both woke up bright and early to get ready for the Vermont City Marathon. I spent the day as a spectator and Neil ran his very first half marathon! We dropped Neil off at the starting line and then we headed to our planned viewing spot, just after mile 10. Since we were going to have a few hours to wait before Neil passed through we headed up the hill to cheer him on just pass the 2-mile marker.
Just Pass 2-Mile Mark (Neil with yellow hat)
After we cheered on Neil and his fellow runners we headed back down the hill to our spots and set up camp to cheer on runners as they passed by.
Finally we spotted Neil with the 4:15 pace group and gave him a big cheer as he passed.
We stayed and cheered on all the runners up until the very last one passed us by and then packed things up and walked down to the waterfront to meet official Half-Marathoner Neil (his unofficial time is 2:20!)
Monday after spending the day in the hot sun and running Sunday, Neil and I were both ready for our anniversary massages at The Essex Resort and Spa. About a month ago I scheduled appointments for a sports-specific massage for Neil and a prenatal massage for myself for our anniversary which is May 31st, BEST IDEA EVER.
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We arrived a bit early, checked into the spa and then went the relaxation lounge to relax, sip green juice and water before our massages. We ended up having our massages in the same room together which was really nice and they were honestly some of the best massages either of us have had. We had the same massages about 3 months ago in Boston and although they were good these were amazing. The best part was I could lay on my stomach thanks to the special pregnancy belly pillow they had for prenatal massages.
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After our massages we decided to take advantage of the facilities (you have access to the pool, gym, sauna, steam room and relaxation lounges) and we headed to the indoor pool for a swim. It was so nice to get in the water and swim around, I wish I had been doing this throughout all of my pregnancy! Walking has becoming more challenging but swimming yesterday I was able to do 300 yards with no problem!
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After the pool, we headed back to our designated (men/women) spa changing rooms so that Neil could use the steam room and I took the time to put my feet up and enjoy a cup of tea, a cup of water and a trashy magazine since neither the sauna nor the steam room were options for me. We both showered and got ourselves ready for the day and then headed out to pick up a picnic lunch and run a few errands before settling in at home.
We ended our night with this delicious homemade flatbread and caught up on a few shows.
How big is the baby: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He’s rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren’t fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don’t entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. (source)
Baby’s Gender: We both think it’s a boy (most of the time).
Baby’s Name: We have a name for a boy or a girl
Weight Gained: 22-23 lbs
Clothes: My tops are getting shorter and for bottoms I’m pretty much down to leggings. Luckily, I have a few dresses that still work, although I was disappointed to find that two dresses that worked for me before are now WAY too short to be worn in public. I also am on a mission to find a bathing suit this weekend so that I can hopefully get in some swim time at the tennis club (husband gets in free – work perk!). I plan on only buying a top because my regular bottoms seem to still fit okay and I have little swim skirts I can wear with them so I’d rather not take on the expense of a full tankini and one pieces just look ridiculous on me.
How are you feeling: I am getting tired out really easily now but I am otherwise feeling pretty good. I have been napping in the afternoon which has really been helping my energy levels and still making sure to get lots of walks in. We have had some crazy heat lately though which really hasn’t helped when I am already tired out though.
What do you miss: I miss running still but what I really miss this week is having my girlfriends around. My two BFF’s live 5-9 hours away (Toronto and NYC) and right now it would be so nice to have them around while I finish my last trimester and get ready for this baby to come.
Symptoms: Forgetfulness and clumsiness, also known as baby brain, frequent urination, Braxton Hicks contractions (just on long walks when I am slightly dehydrated), dry, brittle nails and due to the heat I have been feeling overheated.
Cravings: WATERMELON. I have eaten so much watermelon in the last week, I just can’t get enough. Also ranch dip which I am waiting on my order of vegan ranch packets from Kaycee.
How are you sleeping: Sleeping is going fairly well, I get up 4-5 times a night to pee but otherwise doing pretty well.
Workouts: This week I skipped yoga for a much needed nap after a ridiculously busy weekend but I have made sure to get in a number of walks.
Things I’m looking forward to: Our baby shower! Finishing work (only 5 more weeks!!!)
In other news:
I am ready to go shopping for baby but I’m trying to hold off on buying anything off our two registries until the shower.
It finally hit me hard this week that we are having a baby and I need to finish my pre-baby projects because they could be here in as few as four weeks <– my husband keeps reminding me of his because a guy he works with wife just had their first at 36.5 weeks.
We are still on track to launch Naturally Family on June 4th but until then check us out of Facebook and Twitter.
