Spidey Sense

Well, hello to Spring, Rochester!  and thanks for playing!  Aside from a few showers yesterday morning, the forecast for the next week is sunny and 70s.  Sweet.  And a great week it is-I love the month of May :-)  My baby shower is coming up this Saturday, which should be a blast (ask Greg about it, he might feel differently!...yeah, I'm dragging him along!!) and aside from the dreaded 28 week Glucose test I have to go take, it's all good. 
Plus, we have a famous town this week.  Oh yeah, you heard me right.  This week, filming for "The Amazing Spiderman 2" is taking place about 500 yards from where I work.  I realize this is no big deal for peeps in NYC or LA, but for our little town, it's pretty sweet.  I keep peeking out to catch some action and have a gym route planned to maximize my chances of seeing Martin Sheen, Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield or Sally Field (though I doubt Aunt Mae would be part of the chase scenes!)....no luck so far, but it's only day one of filming, so the time is young.

Source

What's the movie about?  Well, I have no clue.  I watched all of the Spiderman series that came out about 10 years ago-love me some Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.  I adored part 1, tolerated part 2, and got tired by part 3. 

So the fact that they made another damn movie out of what, Peter Parker looking into his past?  is just weird.  But typical Hollywood.  And then they made a sequel off of that???  Don't get me started on sequels...I've thought they were a rip off and pointless since I was a teenager (yeah yeah, off soapbox).  So....it's not the great American movie.  But apparently Rochester has some cool scenery that passes for NYC (yep, still don't get that one) so that's why the filming is here.  All I know is...we're famous for a few weeks.  And I've got my star-glasses on.  And...well....I'll probably go see the silly movie.  I'm a sucker.
And that's all.  Just cool stuff to broadcast.
Have you ever had a movie shot in your hometown?  Ever run into a star?  Greg and I saw one of the cast members from Heroes back in it's hey day going through Central Park, but that's about it for me.  Still, I'll take any brush with celebresizing I can get....you couldn't pay me enough to be in the media, but rubbing elbows is totally acceptable!

A house of Cards

Sunny, beautiful weekend. 

Family fun.

A nice game of cards (friendly competition, of course...right?)

Action shot.

 Grandma, Dad and Mom....and baby (bump!)

 

 

 Cousins :-)

 

And then we crashed.

Love fun activity filled weekends, but boy it catches up to you on Monday!  Working 3/4 of a day today, then doing some girl time shopping with Jen (our cousin)....will we finally find a maternity dress that isn't black for my shower this weekend?  Oh, the Monday drama :-)

How was your weekend?

Can Can

Well, here we are again kids.  Another week down, another weekend upon us.  As luck would have it, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous this weekend, plus Greg and I have some fun company to boot!  Gregs Cousin Jennifer is over from Germany for a combined NYC and Rochester trip, so we get to hang out until Tuesday-woohoo!  Tomorrow is a Family picnic days and Monday we'll do some sight seeing (help me out, locals, where should we go?) but for tonight....well, it was a pizza and movie type of night.  Turkey sausage, onion, and broccoli on ww homemade pizza dough.  And jammies.  And a movie.  Cause that's what makes a Friday good (in my old lady humble opinion, anywhos).
Oddly enough, though, I want to talk about the week.  Yep, I went there.  As this lovely 40 week "condition" progresses, I'm trying to cover more at work for when I leave, and also in the mix, getting a ton more tired as time goes on.  It's not really a good combination.  As a result, I end up exhausted by 8pm and crash on the couch.  So, needless to say, my dinners are getting a ton less creative, and relying a bit more on convenience foods.  My latest obsession?  Soup.  But there's only so many nights you can have soup and grilled cheese for dinner.  So we're getting inventive.  Here's a few low cost, super easy dinners I've managed to finagle over the past few weeks using this simple staple.

1.  Stir Fry with bean soup and beef- Delicious, simple, and healthy.  I drain a can of black bean soup, and dice up some veggies to steam in the liquid, along with beef tenderloin strips.  Cook on medium for 10 minutes or so, add in beans, garlic, soy sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes.  Serve over brown rice.  Delicious and ready in under 30 minutes = my kind of meal. 

2.  Beef soup over rice = another simple meal.  Beef and vegetable stew (chunky Campbell's is the best here.)  Add in 1 tsp of flour, heat to a boil, then simmer. Serve over rice or noodles. 

3.  Chicken soup with biscuit = chicken pot pie.  This is a decent family meal-I use two cans of chicken and veggie soup, thicken with cornstarch, and pour into a 9x13 pan. Add in half a bag of frozen mixed veggies. Top with one can of 10 buttermilk biscuits, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Simple chicken pot pie. 

4.  Onion soup used to flavor a roast- my best crock pot easiness.  Add one can of french onion soup to a chuck roast, stick it in the crockpot, then let cook on low for 8 hours or so.  Perfect dinner after work, barely any prep.  Serve alongside a green salad and you're good to go.

And that's been my love affair with soup lately.  When soup goes on sale 10/10 at the store and you have double coupons, you look at the 10 cans of soup you procured for a measly 6 bucks and go....what's for dinner?  What's quick, but not boring?  And what can I tolerate in terms of creativity on a Wednesday night after a 13 hour day?

Yeah,  that's what I thought.  Do you use soup in any recipes other than just plain ole cuppa?  Share!
 

Week 27: Tae Bo practicum

Here we go, onto trimester 3!  I can't believe how fast this is going...and at the same time, I feel like I've been pregnant damn near forever.  Make sense of that one, why don't ya.  Or....not.  Let's just talk about baby cuteness some more, shall we?

Your Pregnancy:  Week 27

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Momma: Week 27

Body: Up 13.5 pounds-I expected a bit more, as the baby seems to expanded my tummy quite a bit this week, but apparently we are at a bit of a lull.  I'm sure this will pick up-with my new maternity clothes, I've had tons of people comment on my belly, as the clothes showcase the baby.  So cool.  Yep, I promise I am pregnant-I didn't lie.  Evidence finally!!  With that being said, even though I'm not uber big yet, I'm definitely feeling it when I try to get up off the couch....there may be some high class grunting sounds coming from Momma to Be lately. 
Cravings: None.  None at all.  I've been having a few tummy problems this week with lil guy...it seems as if the in utero acrobatics really aren't working well with my digestive system.  If I eat too much, or certain things, I feel awful and listless or layed out on the couch for hours.  It sucks.  But growing pains happen, and I'm super glad my kiddo is as active as s/he is-that's gotta be a good sign!!

Aversions – Not really anything in specific, but just a general lack of "plant me in the nearest cheese pizza please" type of feeling.  Tell me, who enjoyed shoveling food in their mouths while preggo?  I'm admittedly a bit jealous!!

Sleep: Meh, just meh this week.  Getting a decent amount of night kicks.  Good for baby, pooey for Mama.  Naps, when I can get them, are simply divine.

Fears: Do I really have to stay pregnant for the next 13 weeks?  Really?  This belly isn't removable?  DAMMIT!
Best Baby Moment: Lil Pele (yeah, that's a new nickname) was kicking up a storm after dinner the other night, and you could see the little kicks on the right side of my tummy.  I showed my belly to Greg and lifted my top a bit so he could see the movement, and he began blowing raspberries on my tummy to say hey to Baby G.  Whenever her would blow a raspberry, 2 seconds later, a foot would kick out as if to say "Hey Dad!" and Greg tickled it and then blew another raspberry.  This game went on for a good 5 minutes, and was absolutely precious to watch.  Super Dad in training!!
Items Bought/Received: Hiatus this week-more focus on organizing!  I got a few cases of wipes on clearance, but other than that, we're organizing and wiping down our furniture and trying to figure out what we still need. 

IRON BABY: Week 26!

Swimming: 4 miles
Biking: 80 miles
Running: 8 miles
Total: 92 miles

Iron Baby’s Travels to date….787.8 miles- That's the distance between Rochester NY and Nashville Tenessee....baby gettin' their country on, yeeee haaww!

Fuzzy kid :-)

Work it Mama: Trimester 2

Happy Sunny Monday to you!  Hows life treating you?  Aside from an overly active child that is starting to enjoy being a night owl a bit too much (yes, yes I know, I'll get used to it!!), I'm doing well.  A bit tired, but nothing to sneesze at, especially when it seems spring has sprung it's little head (let's hope it sticks, right??) 
Today is also a pretty awesome day - in 3 months, yep, 90 short days, our little bundle of joy is due.  Wooohoo!  We know that they come whenever they would like, but the general guideline makes me feel good....
You know what that means, right?  It's officially my third trimester!  Home stretch!  I can't believe how fast it's gone, but at the same time, I for sure feel I've been pregnant forever.  And with that being said, it's time for a look back onto the second trimester in my active momma to be view.  It was a whole different ball game staying "fit" in Trimester 2.....

Staying active in Trimester 2: Tools for Success

Again, this is all based on my experience, which of course is minimal.  But there are a few sport specific things I found that helped out quite a bit during these three months, as well as a few general pointers (some I stumbled upon, some I got some help figuring out) that made staying in motion possible!

1.  A sense of humor and flexibility!  This is, of course, applicable during the entire 9 months, but worth repeating every time.  If you feel tired, rest.  If you can't run, walk.  If you used to dead lift 100 pounds....go for 70 (or less).  Remember, you're supporting an adorable little parasite that will take what it needs and leave you...the leftovers. As wonderful as it is, that's the truth!

My hot maternity suit

2.  Prenatal Yoga is amazing.  It helps achy backs, legs, and reduces swelling.  I'm super happy to say that I haven't really had any water retention, and with my higher sodium intake, that's impressive.  I've heard that it helps with labor breathing and delivery, but I have to withhold judgement on that one obviously until July!  I've found a few cool prenatal yoga DVDs and also have done a few youtube searches to get some good routines.

3.  Swimming is equally amazing.  I don't race or do speed sets any more, but I do a nice mix of freestyle (usually a mile) and about 600 yards of kicking and backstroke to round out the workout.  I grab bag splish suit in one size up for $15.  It's slightly roomy, but I alternate between my regular stretched out suit and the new one, depending on fuller tummy days.  It works.  And my body feels amazing after a swim workout-rejuvenated and weightless (which is priceless these days!!)
think maternity suits are a ridiculous waste of money, so I purchased a

4.  Biking still works well, with some adjustments.  I can no longer hang out in aero, but I can cycle in the drop bars okay.  I might need a few extra spacers as my tummy gets bigger, and I stick to flatter courses on the trainer.  As the weather gets nicer, I have the green light to hit the canal on my mountain bike, but we'll see how that one goes.  Since I go much slower on the trails, I might be okay with it.  I know women that go both ways....once it gets warmer, Ill decide :-)

Ready to run!

5.  Running....is my fair weathered friend.  I have to feel pretty awesome to want to do it, which means I'm running 1-2 times a week, max.  And by running, I mean a healthy mix of running and walking.  I'm still able to stay under 10 minute miles for up to 5-6 miles, which I will take all day long!  The belly doesn't bother me at all, but let me tell you about needing to pee all the damn time when I run.  Needless to say, I run loops or I run inside.  Hoping I can get a few races in in May....I had to sandbag this past weekend because I was just not feeling it.  Oh, also....let me tell you about normal sports bras.  They flat out don't work anymore.  At all.  I need to either double up or don my new uber compressive C9 bra.  Hey, whatever it takes.  And don't forget the....ahem, Vaseline.  Yeah.  It's like that.  Who said working out was glamorous?  And why do you think I was okay to marry my husband?  He's seen me after enough 4-6 hour races pre wedding to know what her was in store for.  Mwahaha.

So there ya go.  27 weeks and still chugging along, about 45-60 minutes a day.  Some days are 20 milers on the bike, some days are 5 milers on the roads, and some days are a nice brisk walk and some yoga.  It all adds up to one healthy momma and baby.  With the doctor's blessing and encouragement, of course!

(Note-if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, make sure you talk to your doc about exercising and what is right for you and your baby-I'm no expert!!)

Comedy Break

After a week like we've all had...I think we need a bit of comedy, no?  I thought so.  It's a gray day in Rochester....snow flurries (for real) and mostly a couch day for this tired momma to be.  I managed a respectable 4 mile run, but other than that...we've been sorting out baby clothes, getting the gust room ready for our guest next weekend, and....chilling.  Much needed chilling after a crazy week!
With that said, that's my life in a nutshell right now.  So let's not linger on me...let's boot up some laughs.  You might have seen some of these clips, you might not have.  All are ridiculous.  Ergo, perfect for a silly weekend laugh.  Enjoy!

This one went viral a few weeks ago....and still has me in stitches.  Literally.

Another goody...who knows why the hell we are obsessed with T Rexes.  But such is life!

And an oldie but goodie....brought back to life by the Dr. Pepper 10 commercials...

Part 2...

There's a few more parts, but they become a bit redundant.  Don't even get me started on the movie they made....(No lie)

And because we haven't really done this one yet, some JT love....

There are also 4 videos to this one.  If you're a child of the 80s or 90s...you want to google these :-P

And with that, time for some Saturday night fun.  With a DVR.  And popcorn.  And husband and kiddo snuggles.  Who cares if I'm old before my time....it's perfect :-)

Week 26: Time for some Ultra

Well, here we are-week 26. And unlike my favorite running distance, there’s more than .2 weeks left until Baby G finishes the race. Bummer. Well, on one hand…on the other hand….bake baby, bake! It’s been an eventful week so far…for the first time, I actually feel that I look pregnant! Wooohooo!! Someday, people on the streets will realize it too….instead of that “ate too much pasta” look I’m still sporting . But let’s talk about the star of the show, shall we?
Your Baby: Week 26
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

2 pounds? 2 pounds?? Woah! Also of note, no cucumbers on my subs this week. Call me nuts, but it makes me squidgy to nosh on something that was just classified as my baby. I know, I know…
So whats up with me? Here we go!

Momma: Week 26

Body: Up 13 pounds this week. If we stay at this nice steady pace, I think it will be a perfect baby weight

gain. Yay! Of course, we take it week by week. Nothing nuts here, easting an extra snack or two a day, plenty of healthy fare and some treats, too!

Cravings: Totally been craving pickles this week. Not ice cream. And not together. Blech. This one bit me a bit, as I put extra pickles on all my sammies, including tuna….which Baby G firmly rejects right now. Lame-O, baby. Lame-o. Oh wells….maybe next week!

Aversions – See above. Hoping this one doesn’t stick around-I’m enjoying my Omega-3 fix a few times a week, but we can always figure out another way to get ‘em. The things I do for this kiddo….(and loving every minute of it!)

Sleep: Starting to do the ole heave ho to turn over in bed nowadays. I get upstairs, get into bed, try to get comfy, and am out of breath with effort. Yep, that’s your Ironman athlete, folks. (rolls eyes). Once I get there, though, I’m good….pillow under my knees, left side sleeper, boo ya. Until I have to pee. Repeat steps 1-3….
Fears: Took out my first Bradley Book this week. Do I really want to give birth? What did I get myself into? Just teasing (90% !). After all, women have been doing this for eons. It’s a real fear though, and I know I’m not alone!
Best Baby Moment: Greg say my tummy move! Little Karate kid is rockin and rollin and is SO STRONG that now I get to see the movement, too! So exciting. I can’t believe how every tiny little thing just makes me smile like a goofball, but it’s true. I just can’t wait to meet the little one!!
Items Bought/Received: I got a few new clothes from a co-worker (this baby will be rollin in the threads-so awesome!) and Greg and I picked up my old dresser from my Moms. With a new stain coat, it will fit perfectly into the nursery. Checking off those items one by one!

IRON BABY: Week 26!
Swimming: 5 miles (felt sooo good this week!)
Biking: 82 miles….starting to struggle with my set up- I think I need more spacers to accommodate for my tummy!
Running: 6 miles
Slacking off on running a bit….trying to get used to my extra baggage and weight distribution. It’s a slow go, but like most things, worth the effort you put into it. I spoke with my doc, who told me that working out right now is the best thing I can do for Little G, as it helps with sleep patterns (the movement rocks him/her). Hey, as if I needed someone to tell me to work out…it’s awesome to have the support, though!

Iron Baby’s Travels to date….695.8 miles-that's the distance between Rochester. NY and Charlotte, NC, where my BFF hails-Hi Rach!!

And so we have another eventful week. OH! I also forgot…in case you missed my “Pants Dance” post….guess who’s rockin the maternity pants? ME! I suppose the 6 month mark is good enough to finally pull out those comfy pants….SO SO COMFY. I’m fully in expectant Mama mode….14 weeks to go!  woohooo!!!

The Heart of the Running Community

Hey all.  I was planning on posting my pregnancy week 26 update, but with the news that hit Boston yesterday, I feel like I need to acknowledge it and give my thoughts and prayers to those affected by this tragedy.
I'm a runner.  And a proud member of the Rochester Running Community-through tri groups, running groups, and so many friends that love the sport as much as I do.  I had several friends running the marathon yesterday, and someday aspire to join them, running through heartbreak hill on my way to a wonderful experience in Boston.
For so many, that didn't happen yesterday.
There are the obvious victims-those that lost their lives, their limbs, and were otherwise severely physically injured.  There were those that lost loved ones.  There were those that were scarred beyond any physical injury-they will carry those emotional scars for quite a while, if not forever.
Luckily, all of my friends made it through safely.
Not every one can tell that story.
I would like to say....that wishing for the good old days would make us reflect on what we've become as a society.
But...so much of our history tells the same story-of people and groups that have hate in their hearts and a disregard for the human population.
It's too much to ask that something like this won't happen again.
So, instead, we focus on the positive.
On the fact that hundreds of runners who had just slogged through 26.2 miles that turned right around to help.  In any way they could.  They assisted the victims, gave blood (not the best for a depleted body, but the thought is there, and that's what counts). 
They rallied together to show support, as runners do.
Which is why I love runners.
 I feel sad for those that were affected...to a lesser degree in yesterdays event as well.  They won't get the press, but lets just consider for a minute....yesterdays winners.  What sort of excitement can they walk away with?
Or the 5,000 runners that didn't finish?  (Race was called at 4:03....and all other runners on the course couldn't finish.  For good reason, of course, but all runners that dedicated time, sweat and tears to be there).  About those that qualified to run the race through hard work and sacrifice...whether it was their first Boston or their dozenth race.
They all lost yesterday as well.  And it makes me sad to know that.
But, as I said....that's behind us.  Hopefully, we can get some answers to this tragedy.  Hopefully, (the eternal optimist) something like this will not happen again.  Hopefully.
But, until then, we band together.  As runners, as a community, and as human beings.
Want to remember Boston 2013?  There is a virtual race taking place on May 4th to support those affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy.  It's not a fundraiser.  It's a remembrance run.  We won't be scared to do what we love-we won't slink away from it.  We will stand up, together, and move forward to something better.  One step at a time.  For more information, check out this website and print out a race bib-log your stats on facebook with a picture, and remember why you LOVE TO RUN.  That can't be taken away. 
And neither will our "Boston" dreams. 

Redefining Moments

Hey there and happy weekend to you all!  It's been an up down weekend in my world-the perfect mix of busy, getting it done, and quiet.  Just the way I like it (countdown to 13 (or so) more weekends where we decide how they go!! Ha!)
Yesterday was all about business.  We ran some errands, including some birthday shopping for my little "niece" who turns one on Tuesday, some baby shopping, a dresser pickup for the nursery (yay!-Just needs a little cleaning, but the price was right!), and some grocery shopping.
And just to show you that I haven't lost my deal edge....here's the loot: (coupon and deal shopping only, of course).  Store of Choice-Tops.  Always.

We have- 6 navel oranges, 4 Gala apples, 5 boxes of cereal, one Healthy Choice Dinner, two boxes of pasta, crackers, chips, 2 boxes of light popcorn-bowl pop ups, 4 cans of soup, cooking wine, and 4 organic yogurts.
Original price:  $65
Out of pocket: $16.53, with tax.  Plus 116 gas points = $1.50 off in gas.
Sweet.  I'm still learning the fine art of diaper deals (seriously overwhelming) bu if I can coupon and bargain shop the way I know best on groceries and toiletries, I think we'll make it through just fine :-)
After a zillion hours of running around, I came home and rode my bike - 20 miles on the trainer...which....is getting to be a bit harder these days :-)  I'm officially 6 months in this weekend-and I've given up aero for good (belly is in the way) and starting to shift my position quite a bit on the bike to find a not belly in the way spot.  All for good reasons, of course, we're just adjusting!

Today was housecleaning, laundry, baby clothes sorting, and run day!  I've signed up for a 5k next weekend (my quest to run each month with baby g!) and a duathlon next month with my father in law, so I just want to make sure that I can still run around with this belly cargo each week-I take nothing for granted.  4 nice easy miles with my heart rate at 130 in 37:55.  Sweet.
I might be slowing down a bit, but I'm still unstoppable!  (my new motto!).  It's so wonderful to be able to still run at 26 weeks, but sometimes I see people talking about racing and tri's and blitzing by my huffing behind (yeah, I breath a bit heavier-blame my rib crushing bebe!)...I remember the days of ticking off miles at a sub 8 pace and feel... out of shape.  And lumpy.  And not inspired.  But then I remember how very lucky I am to be able to put on my shoes and enjoy the beautiful thing that is my life....and the new life creating inside of me...and I smile.  And know that even before our baby is born, s/he and I are creating a wonderful mommy and baby bonding time through running.  When I'm not getting kicked, that is :-)

Pants Dance

Since it's Friday-let's do a little dance!  Most of you might be doing the Friday Happy Weekend Dance....and I respect that.  But today, I'm doing a new kind of dance.

The Pants Dance.

It's not a new concept.  My ever brilliant Father in law dubbed this one before I was on the scene....some kind of crazy dance involving sweatpants and how they stretch.  It's goofy.  And fun.  And worth your time to see really how far those damn pants stretch.  But it also works with different kind of pants.  Like Race pants.....

Yeah, that's the trifecta of Glaser pants dance.

But today, I'm pants dancin'.  Just in my big girl pants.

That's right.

Bring on the maternity clothes!  Pregnancy time clock :  25 weeks and 5 days. 

I can handle that one.

Just one question.....

WHY IN THE HECK DID I STAY IN NORMAL PANTS THIS LONG?

Comfy. beyond.belief.  Just a bit saggy (I'm not that big yet!)
If you've been preggo, when did you bite the bullet and pull out the elasti-pants?

Now if you'll excuse me, me and my comfy pants have a date with some pizza.  And a husband.  And a cat.  And Les Mis.  Yeah, I know how to rock the Friday night.  Any fun plans out there this weekend?  We actually have a weekend that's pretty open!  (Pending one plan for tomorrow...we'll see how I'm feeling).  Sometimes, "down" weekends are good for the soul.  With me on this one?

Week 25: Invasion of the udder snatchers

Halfway through the '20's....is there really only 3ish months left?  Yikes!

Your Pregnancy: Week 25
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

I can't even believe the lil one is already a pound and a half-up from a milli-ounce in week 3.....so amazing how they grow!  (I have a feeling I will be saying that for the next 18 years, getting my practice in :-P)

Who else is growing this week?  Me!
Momma's Stats-Week 25
My Body: Up 12 pounds- steady as she goes, one pound a week!  I suspect the salty foods have really helped this one-I haven't been eating a huge amount, but plenty of salty, starchy foods and protein. 
Cravings:  Do I get kicked out of Mommy club if I don't really have any this week?  Still enjoying

my potatoes, chicken/cabbage and pizza, but no real new "gotta have it now" stuffs.  I have to admit, this was a shocker for being preggo-I pretty much assumed that I would want to eat everything, and have a great time doing it.  Erm.....not so much.  Ahhh wells.  Chalk that one up to another sordid pregnancy myth in my case!
Aversions: Greek Yogurt back with a vengeance.  I see the stuff and gag.  Literally.  They showed a TV commercial the other night featuring oikos and bananas, and I almost lost my dinner.  Greg laughed about it, the little jerk.  (Love you, babe).
Sleep: A little less soundly on that front this week.  Not sure if it's the extra water I've been craving to compensate for the pretzels and fries, but I am really taking a decent amount of potty breaks this week.  I've also had some soreness in my milk udders (hows that for PC?)...okay...alot of soreness.  The skinny?  It's time for colostrum production, so I'm all ready to feed lil bit in a few months!  Sucky, yes, but kind of neat how the body adapts to get ready for mommy-hood.  I just hope I can still get around and be active without cutting 'em off :-P
Best Baby Moment: We're getting kicks round the clock lately-it's so amazing to get a lil good morning, afternoon holler and PM tickles from baby g.  I might be singing a different tune when I get hard kicks, but for now, it's simply awesome!
Baby Items Bought/Received: My sister in law gave us a nice mattress pad, along with some nice baby clothes.  Hubs also cleaned out a few old toys from his house and brough home a baby pool and a few kiddo toys to grow into-yeah, I'm looking forward to being a kid again myself and playing with fisher price bowling!
Aside from kicks, we were in motion last week....here's Iron baby!: In utero travels for week 24...
Swimming: 4 miles
Biking: 96 miles
Running: 5 miles
Total =105 miles


Cumulative Total (week 19 on) = 602.8 miles...that's about the distance from Rochester to Virginia Beach, VA.  Spring Break Baby!

In the latest news...even though my belly has gornw 11 inches!! .....yes, I somehow still it into my pants.  I know I keep saying it, but I'm pretty sure by the end of this week we will be doin the maternity pants dance.  Crazy!  Amen to low rise pants!

Pizza Puffers

Ugh, Monday.  Like a bad penny, you always turn up.  Luckily, only once a week though :-P  Let's not delay on Monday though...let's talk about fun things!  How was your weekend?  Another slammer at casa Glaser-we're trying to pack em in before baby g shows up, so we are wining (okay juicing) and dining and hanging out with as many friends and family as possible. Hey, whatever works, right?  So if you wanna hang out....give us a shout!  If you have cooler people to hang out with, we understand that too :-P
So, over the weekend we hosted a game night-everyone brings a dish to pass and you spend the night playing old board games that never go out of style.  Of course, we laughed, joked, and in general, had a flurch* full o fun (those present get that one).  What to serve for family game night (besides yummy chocolate cake, salads, bean tosses and fab apps?)

Pizza Puffs!  I saw this guy on Pinterest, made some changes, and served em up - 15 minutes with prep.  And Less than $5 for  over two dozen.  They made a yummy snack, but would also make a great weeknight quick dinner.  Idiot Proof recipe:

Pizza Puffs (makes 30)

3 cans mini buttermilk biscuits
2/3 cup pizza sauce
2/3 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup broccoli (optional)
4 oz. sausage crumbles (optional)
garlic powder for dusting

Get out 2 mini muffin tins (mine hold 15-you might need 3 if yours hold 12), spray with cooking spray.  Press one biscuit in each muffin hole,  press to form indentation.  add in 1/2 tsp of either broccoli or sausage (I did half and half).  Spoon 1 tsp. sauce over topping, and sprinkle cheese to cover.  Dust muffins with garlic powder.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, broil to brown for 2 if desired.  Let cool for a few minutes then....nom nom nom.

Board games optional, but highly suggested.

Do you do family game night or just ole weekend friend game night?  If not, I highly suggest it....it's highly underrated and such a blast!  Next time we'll bust out Twister....muahahahaha.

Week 24: Belly Movin'

Another week, another growing baby post :-)

Your Pregnancy: Week 24


Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

We now have taste buds....better watch out what I feed this kid, right?  Never to early to grow the pizza taste bud, I hope! :-P

Momma's Stats-Week 24

My Body: Up 11 pounds-my belly is expanding at a monumental rate.  Somehow, I can still button my pants.  I don't know how.  It's a mystery.  But I'm not complaining. 

Cravings: Still on the chicken and cabbage kick.  Not much else.  It's been a stressful week in my world, which is affecting my body for sure.  I have my eye on Sunday-a day of rest.  Ahhh. :-)
Aversions: Still not too sure about peanut butter, and I'm not really a fan of sugar.  Same story of the pregnancy, rinse, recycle, repeat.  I'm not too worried about it-just not one of those women who can have their cake and eat it too while pregnant.  And that's not entirely a bad thing now, is it?
Sleep: Can't get enough.  Really can't.  I'm dead in the water by 8pm, without a doubt.  But I seem to be sleeping pretty well, aside from a screwy incident on Monday night that scared the crap out of us.  I woke up and felt horrible, but was super thirsty, so I went downstairs to get water.  Well, somewhere between the fridge and bathroom, I fainted....yikes!  Greg rescued me, and I'm fine save for a bruise on my elbow.  My doc told me my blood pressure is low...and prescribed more salt and smaller, more frequent meals.  I typically have BP on the lower end, so that makes sense to me....and if my doc tells me to eat more fries, I'll eat more fries!!
Best Baby Moment: My awesome co-workers threw me a baby shower on Tuesday, AND one of my old besties surprised me with an awesome baby car seat!  I've felt so loved this week....both me and baby g :-)
Baby Items Bought/Received: Tons of shower love, along with a dresser for baby g's room from my mother.  Slowly but surely, we are accumulating a nice stockpile!
Iron baby!: In utero travels for week 23...
Swimming: 3 miles
Biking: 85 miles
Running: 7 miles
Total =95 miles

Cumulative Total (week 19 on) = 497.8 miles...that's about the distance from Rochester to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my cousins grew up (almost to Lake Michigan)....hey guys!!


And that about wraps up week 24.....watch out for week 25....pretty sure I've been going through my big pop!!

April Shower

And sometimes....staff meetings at noon are NOT, in fact, staff meetings!

They turn out to be baby showers!!  My wonderful team got together and decided to throw me and baby g a little party....such a wonderful mid week surprise!  Complete with "surprise" face.....

A cake (it was delish!!)

 

Co-workers (and my belly!)

 

And some awesome gifts for baby g!!  (okay, and Mom too....)

 

 What a great day at work!!  Thank you so much to everyone who was in on the baby party....we really enjoyed it, and I feel so spoiled and loved :-)  But the showers weren't over......when I got home from work, I had ANOTHER surprise waiting for me on my porch.....

 A wonderful car seat from my best friend from middle school, Amy!  I was completely floored-aside from some facebook-ness, we haven't seen each other in years (and really need to fix that).  Such a sweet, thoughtful gift and it totally made my day!  Amy, you are awesome!!!

Just when I thought I couldn't feel any more loved.....people really amaze me.  Thank you everyone for such a spectacular day.....me and my little sugar coma-ed (and divinely future dressed) baby are so grateful for such wonderful people in our lives!

48

Again, sometimes saying less is more :-)  Here's a weekend peek at Easter 2013 at casa Glaser....

Makin the cookies...

 Bump cookie!

Egg Hunt/present time

Easter Bunny brought goggles and a swimsuit-yay!

Brunch sweets

Easter #2....Glaser time!

Cute Couple :-)

Too funny not to capture :-P

 Awesome weekend.....full of family, friends, laughter, love and of course....food!!  Today is a veggie filled reset day and a relaxing day.....with the lil guy, my hubs...and most importantly, our fur child Summer!  She turns 16 today....hard to believe I got her when I was a lil freshman back in high school!!

To my baby 'roo- I love you so much.....you are the best snuggler, cuddler, wet food inhaler, talker, and flirt that any family could ask for!  We love you so much!!