Run baby, run!

And here we are in week 3 of baby adventures - the sequel!  We are staring to settle into a routine, whatever the hell that means at this stage of a newborns life - basically goes something like this:  get up at 6, do kids breakfasts, changing, take to daycare or stay home, rando store trip, cry, eat, snuggle, change x 40, mom squeezes in food and a workout and whatever she can do one handed, Dad comes home, repeat above, crash, do it again.  I know a few things - there is never more than an hour and a half span where I don't change a diaper, become a cow, or wish I could shower.  But we are happy, and healthy, and no one has been thrown out the window.  Including me or Greg.  So there's progress.

In all seriousness, we are having a sleep deprived ball.  There are ups and downs but I am trying to soak in the most I can with Miss Biz and Rob while I am home - the days are long but the weeks, months and years are short, as they say.  And in about 18 years when Greg and I are looking at each other in a quiet house, I don't want to say "I wish I would have..."  (Oh who am I kidding.  We'll be doing Ironmans in 2033, lol).  But I digress.  And while there aren't any 140.6's in my immediate future, I've made sure that in addition to caring and loving Biz and Rob, that I also take some time for me....even though it's somewhat hard to come by, Greg and I have the firm belief that having some "me" time makes us better parents and partners - we have no desire to be "mommy and daddy martyrs" - in our experience, those parents end up resenting their spouses and kids, which isn't healthy.

Yeah, I used this with Rob.  I still can't resist!

Ergo, my "me" time is usually spent on a bike or in sneakers or a swimsuit - hey, everyone has their thing, right?  And while I might get a few raised eyebrows, I was out for a walk two days after having Biz and on my bike 5 days after.  Honestly, it has nothing to do with "losing the weight" - it's my me place, my sanctuary, my time to recharge and come back stronger. Well, on Sunday I put it to the real test - what about running??  As all runners know in NY - fall is hands down the best time to run.  The weather is usually perfect - perfect temp, low humidity, and the foliage is frickin gorgeous.  Happy to be alive and moving weather, if you will!!  Well, running is probably a big no no this soon, but I figured what the hey.  Worst case I would turn back after 5 minutes in tears, pain, or having completely peed my pants.  Best case - 3 miles and license to sign up for a 5k before the season is over!

45 (ok 46) minutes later, I returned home with a big ole smile on my face - 5 miles down with no pain except the knowledge that I haven't run hills in a long, long time.  I ran my old 5 mile loop around our neighborhood - taking in the farms (yes, we live in cow town), fall festivals, and the amazing smell of a perfect September day, laced with leaves and freshly mowed lawns.  Perfection.  And complete zen.

Let's race, baby!

Now comes the fun part - for the last year I've been on hiatus - last "race" was OBX marathon in November....and I can finally plan out my races.  WOOT!  The break was 110%  worth it (duh) but I am just itching to go!!  I signed up for a fast, flat 5k on October 10, and am debating a 20k on November 7.  No illusions of any PR's, but some good ole fashioned running and fun.  And 2016....well, so far I have a rough plan (Hey, I have alot of time on the couch with a newborn, people, and the internets are a persuasive beast when you belong to running pages!) here goes:

*  4 seasons challenge (4 half marathons in a year)
* Hudson Valley marathon (February Albany marathon - hope to connect this to a work visit)
* Mind the Ducks Ultra Marathon (goal = 100k)

and a few tris sprinkled in - some sprints and an Olympic, no Irons next year.  I hope to PR in the half marathon (need to break 1:50) and best my ultra run distance (54 miles).  I am so stoked!  How will I get it done?  I have some ideas....stay tuned for the first training plan, to commence November 1 (yep, I'm a dork.  I need a goal, dammit).  Till then it's a little biking, a little running, weights and a good ole 33 mile challenge on Friday (combo of run and bike) hey - to each his or her own on your birthday - I like to celebrate each year with a mile :-)

If you're runner, you get it.  If not, I'm sorry for the zzzz.......post.

But at least there was some baby cuteness in there :-)

Body After baby - 10 days PP

Hey hey!

First and most importantly - family update!  We are settling in nicely as a happy family of 4...there is less sleep for sure, and an adjustment of "routines" but we seem to be working through it.  Rob is definitely spending more QT ith Daddy and Mommy the milk machine gets Biz most of the time, but we seem to be sticking to the important constants....dinner as a family (including biz), story time, tucking in bed at night and morning snuggles and huggles with my ro-bear.  Greg and I are super tired but hanging together ith a sense of humor and love for our little family!  He went back to work this week which means I have both kids 1-2 days a week on Rob's non daycare days - the first of which is tomorrow (wish me luck!)  I have been doing all nighttime wakings for Biz, which is only fair because I can take a nap ith her during the day (unless Daddy beats me to it on the weekend!!)

So, it's time for a bit of obligatory navel gazing....I promise this is the last time you get to hear about me and a baby update, but I figured since this is a healthy living blog (YES, I ill get back to it!) and I kept you guys in the loop for the last 38 eeks, so here's my rap up from #2.

First of all, let me say that while Miss Biz was a pain in the tushie for the first few months (I as SO SICK)  she ended up being pretty much a dream pregnancy and delivery (Though I doubt I would have really asked for a bathroom birth, it as so speedy and easy I couldn't complain!)  I posted alot more with Rob, but the overall experience body wise was the same...all in the belly, and aside from morning sickness, ran, swam, and biked through my pregnancy.  I actually rode 15 miles the day before she was born...aside from some swelling in the 9th month, my body treated me well!  I ended up gaining 27 pounds with her, 22 after I "found out" and the other 5 as Christmas yummies (no complaints, it really helped in trimester 1!)  My waist got up to 44 inches, from 27 normally.

2 days PP I had lost 18 pounds and 14 inches (best crash dieting EVER!) and 10 days PP I'm down 22 pounds and my waist is 28 inches.  Yep, my pants fit.  Please don't hate.  I am NOT dieting - as a moo cow momma, I eat ALL of the things, trust me (and can eat yogurt and chocolate again freely, yay!!).  I had the same thing happen with Rob - the biggest PP changes are a bit of a loose belly (ell duh) and Pam Anderson cup size (double duh).  Not a big fan of either, but I'll shelve any complaints....my body did well and Biz treated me well!!

As for the other?  ell, yeah, you all know I'm an idiot.  I tried to get back on the bike 4 days PP and Greg yelled at me....and the next day he acquiesced and let me go.  Right now I am biking, kickboxing, and walking for about 30 minutes a day - nothing super crazy.  It gets me some "me" time and some much needed movement, as life with a newborn is mostly couch bound or baby wearing!!  No running or swimming yet....I ill probably try both next week.  My mother jokingly asked why I didn't run the ROC marathon this past weekend.....sadly, I bet I could have done the half slowly - but I'm not that cracked!!  Looking at a 5k or a 10k for next month, some nice winter training, and then maybe an early

marathon in 2016 and Mind teh Ducks Ultra.  Next year will be mostly running centered (no Ironmans for a few years!) and I'm really looking forward to being able to train and race again!!

But for now?  My world is about my kids....snuggling and loving Miss Biz, and enjoying the time I get with Rob, the amazing big brother!!  I am loving all of falls produce (ratatouille in the crock pot, will post recipe soon!) and the gorgeous weather to take my kids to the park and on walks.  Life is good, and I feel so lucky to have a happy, healthy family.

To My Sweet Daughter

Hi there kiddo,

What a week.  It's surreal to think that just 10 days ago, you were still hanging out, waiting to surprise us, and now here you are!  As it was with your brother, our lives have totally changed in the last week and a half....there is no routine, we are up at all hours, and a sense of humor and stronger sense of love is keeping us all together, especially at 3am when no one has slept for more than an hour.

Speaking of love...I have to tell you something.  You might roll your eyes at me and think I'm wacko (you're right, I am) but princessa, I love you to bits.  From the moment they put you on my chest in the hospital and you looked up at me with those big blue eyes as if to say "Hey Mom, here I am!"  I was totally and irrevocably wrapped around your tiny finger (Daddy too, of course - he gets very silly and sappy around you and I don't blame him!)

You are the best girlfriend a mother could ask for.  You are an awesome eater, and gained back your birth weight in just 6 days!  (NO, you don't need a diet.  Good food is so so important and you get it!).  You are a pretty good sleeper - you don't mind your crib during the day, but you also are a snug a bunny and love sleeping on mommy or daddy - which is always fine by us!!  Nighttime is a bit rougher, and we aren't surprised - it's a big crib in the dark!  We have been working with your bassinet, swing, and of course some middle of the night couch snuggles.....hey, you do what you can, right?

You could probably sleep through a tornado during the day, which is good because your brother can sound like one!!  But you are a pretty laid back kid.  You have some definite ideas about the world, but you are super happy to go along for the ride - we have already adventured to Tops, Wegs, Kohls and even daycare to drop off Rob!  Everyone thinks you are such a cutie and can't believe how amazing you are for a newborn.  Duh.  I could have told them that!!

Can I just tell you how excited I am to be your mommy?  I am sure it will be different from your brother - I don't expect you'll be a girly girl but I am so very excited to do your hair, paint your toenails, and hopefully enroll you in a dance class!  That ism, provided you splash in the mud with the rest of us, make silly fart noises, and blow bubbles into your milk.  I can't wait to teach you the ways of the world and snuggle you in my lap when you have a boo boo and you need smooches to fix it.  I can't fix every little or big boo boo, girlio, but I promise that as your mommy I will do my very best to help you navigate and kick butt in the big world - it's sometimes scary, but it's such a fun ride.  And as you are learning from me, I will be learning from you - every single day!!

I love you so much.  And the next 18 plus years are going to be so much fun - every day is such a gift that I have you, your brother, your daddy and our wonderful life.  And I know we are so blessed.  Never forget that - we are all so very lucky to have each other and our amazing family!

Love always,

Your Mommy

l y

Here she comes! No really, I'm not kidding!!

Well, here we are for real now - a bonafied family of 4.  Miss Elisabeth (Or, as Rob calls her "Biz a biz" - which has stuck.  Sorry, girlfriend) is officially 5 days old and is just melting our hears with her perfection.  We always had the feeling that she would be coming early...her brother was gestation ally 36.5 weeks when he made his grand debut, and lil Miss saw fit to bake for another two weeks but then proved her flair for drama with the "near bathroom" birth story!!

On Friday, September 11, I finished up my projects for work and logged off about 5ish.  My super awesome boss let me work from home for the past few days, so wrapping up was a ton easier.  I planned to work until I gave birth or my OB took me out, but every day I would give updates as to where I was with certain projects.  I remember logging off that day thinking, "this is it!" and I even sent Greg an email telling him to wrap things up at work because I thought this would be the weekend.  That night, he told me that I just looked different and I said" Get some sleep tonight.  I just have a feeling".  So we rested a bit and had a nice relaxing night.  I passed out on the couch and woke up about midnight to some cramps and...well, lets just say I thought my water was breaking.  I went upstairs to change and warned Greg what was up, then came back downstairs so he could get some sleep.  The contractions were about 15 minutes a[art, so I grabbed a few popsicles and got as

comfortable as I could in that state!  About 6am, I had enough and came upstairs to take a bath...seems its about the only thing that ever has helped.  By 8, the contractions were about 6-8 minutes apart and getting stronger.  Greg really wanted to call the doc, and I was more interested in doing laundry and changing sheets (lol).  Since he is smarter than I am (yes, I said it!) he packed the car and I finally called my ob.  The doc on duty (not my doctor) advised me to come in, so we dropped Rob with gramma after taking our one last family of 3 photo!  (yes, sporting the same shirt - which was much less cute sans toddler at the hospital!!)

We arrived at highland about 10, and of course they didn't have my paperwork (that I submitted 12 weeks ago!) so we had to fill out forms.  I really enjoyed the lady in front of us taking her sweet time arguing with the nurse as I was contracting behind her...people amaze me. )  FINALLY, we got to triage, and they examined me - 4 centimeters.  The nurse went to go get the doc to admit me, and I promptly threw up.  Awesome.  The doc came to see me, and told me he wanted to wait an hour to re-examine me before admitting me, as he felt I might be in false labor and didn't think my water had fully broken yet.  I wanted to hit him, but Greg wouldn't lift my hand to do it and I had no energy to argue (lame, babe, lame). He also asked me about pain meds (no thank you) an epidural (double no thank you) and my previous C section.  Um, what??  At this point, I started to hate this man.  But he took it to another level and asked about post birth birth control, and as I hit another contraction I told him "Abstinence" firmly.  He saw no humor in it, Greg laughed, and he mercifully went away.

About 11:30 the contractions got super strong and I wasn't joking any more.  Poor Greg went from half assed cracks to having his hand swatted away whenever he tried to touch me and when he reminded me to breath I kindly told him to shut up.  Oops.  The only way I could deal was to talk around during the pain and pretty much bang my head against the bathroom wall while he made sure lol).

I didn't fall over (no food since dinner the night before....oops).  At 11:50 I had enough and called a nurse in.  I asked to see the doctor ASAP and she told me he would be in at 12:15.  I told her...these are pretty bad....now would be good, so she set off.  At 11:55, I started a rough contraction and went into the bathroom to grab the grab bar (better than Greg's hand!) and my water fully broke.  Greg ran to get a nurse to clean up and at that point, I really needed to push.  I told Greg and the nurse and they both shouted NO! (seriously, did they think I was giving them an option?) and at that point, they pressed the red alert button and shouted "WE NEED A GURNEY!" and in came 4 nurses and a midwife who grabbed me and got me to the bed....in just the nick of time.  I screamed, pushed, and with the second push, out came the head, and the third push, our baby girl was born at 12:01pm!  Greg told me it was
a girl, and they placed my beautiful Elisabeth in my arms....while they finally wheeled me to Labor and Delivery.  (Bit late to the party,

She was 7 pounds, 7 ounces of perfection, and started up at me with the most beautiful blue gray eyes and intense look.  And nothing else in the world mattered.

Except when that crazy doctor formally came back to apologize for not taking me seriously.  And told me that in 20 years, my delivery was the first he missed.  Hah.  Well, jokes on him.  The most awesome midwife delivered my baby girl, and I was so glad of it!!  Of course, I did acquiesce a bit...I suppose when the pain on scale of 1-10 question is asked, I shouldn't wait till the pushing starts to call it a 10 :-P

Elisabeth passed all her tests with flying colors, Greg got to hold her, and I requested a shower and to walk to recovery (both of which were denied- I don;t think they knew what to do with me...).  My requests for the birth were as follows - a healthy baby (most important - check!), having her in my arms as soon as she was born, and no pain meds of any kind....and a bonus for a quick delivery!  While I didn't think to specify "no bathroom births" I never in my wildest dreams expected a 2 hour active labor and 30 seconds of pushing...without even an ibuprofen during the whole hospital stay.  Score.  (yeah, I'll admit I feel kinda bada$$ about that,
even if it's silly).

Big bro came to meet his little sister (BIZ A BIZ!) and we had some awesome family members come to see us - and 24 hours post birth, we were on our way home to start our family of 4.  Two parents, one boy, one girl, and two cats.  We are the Cleaver's of this millennium.  And I wouldn't have it any other way :-P

Welcome, Miss Elisabeth!

The Glaser family is now a happy family of four...

we are so excited to announce the birth of our little "nugget'

 Miss Elisabeth Jennifer Glaser!

Born September 12, 2015

12:01pm

7 pounds, 7 ounces

We are so in love with "Biz a biz" as Rob has named her!

To my big boy.

Hey there kiddo,

Today, Mommy is working from home and had a few minutes....I've been meaning to share some thoughts I have with you....shhhhh, dont tell my boss!

It's a rainy day here- right now you are probably a snoozin at daycare, which makes me a bit jealous!  I wish youw ere home with me and we could play hooky - just hang out on the couch, watch Mickey Mouse or "poohpie" (that would be Winnie the pooh, you love him) and do some snuggles.  Buddy, you do the best snugs.  I seriously hope you never grow out of it - even when snuggling or hugging or giving "mooches" to your mommy gets old (ahem, it DOESNT) you will be the best snuggler to some lucky other half.

As you know, kiddo, it's almost B - day...that would be, baby day.  Dad and I have tried to keep you in the loop on everything for little nugget - its awesome how you seem to just know whats happening.  We've been reading alot about new babies, you've been helping with Nugget's room, and also giving nugget "mooches" every night - which I am sure he or she loves!  Budyy, you are going to be the best big brother.  I do have to say though, things will be a changin a little bit.  But you know what?  Even though people think change is some big scary thing, it really can be good.  And even though our little family of 3 won't be any more, a family of 4 is so awesome and will be great in so many ways...after all, you will need a partner in crime to drive mom and dad crazy with, right?  Right!  So - in the next few months, or years....or however long, if you ever feel sad or lonely or miss being the "only child", just remember these few things....

1.  Mommy and Daddy love you times a million billion trillion.  Always will.  When nugget first gets here, we might be relying on you to be a "big boy" and help us out, and sometimes you might not always get our undivided attention.  Just because we will now have another little one to love does NOT mean that we love you any less or that you are any less important to us.  Ever.  We love you in a special way that is reserved just for you and you only.  And you can ALWAYS come to us for hugs, snuggles, and love.  

2.  Its ok to need snuggles or to be held....like I said before.  Just because you are the "big brother" does NOT mean that you aren't "my baby" any more.  Yes, you are a big boy.  But even big boys need to be held and cuddled and loved my their moms and dads.  And we will never be too busy to give you a smooch, a hug, and make some time for Ro-Bear snuggles.  Those things are about the most important things in the world, kiddo.

3.  You WILL have Mommy time.  And Daddy time.  And Mommy Daddy Rob time.  Don't think that's ending just because Nugget is coming!  We have already planned some fun things for you this fall and winter...soccer, apple picking, disney on ice, football with daddy, and plenty of 1:1 rob parent time at the playground.  We love you buddy, and we want you to have your special time.  Cause you are awesome enough to share it with Nugget the rest of the time, and we see that!

4.  You will ALWAYS be my first born.  Kiddo, you taught me so many things.  You taught me how to hold you, how to feed you, how to snuggle you, how to be a comfort to you, and how to be a mommy.  I will never forget that.  This time around, it will be different, cause every person is different, and Nugget will teach me other things, I have no doubt. But....you were my first.  I never knew exactly what love meant until you arrived in your 6 pound 2 ounce glory and gave me that first look that hooked me for life.  That's can't be taught....just is.  You are my ro-bear and I am your momma bear and i would do ANYTHING to keep you safe and protected and loved.  Promise.

Love and 'mooches,

Mommy

Week 37: The final Countdown..

Go Nugget!  We have officially baked longer than your impatient brother did, which makes your momma happy.  We love Rob TONS of bunches, but he is a crazy on the go dude, and it seems that (at least in my tummy) you are ready to wait a bit.  Whew.  (You do have a 2 week shelf life on that though babe, none of this overdue stuff, kay?) I am 38 weeks today....lets take a look at week 37 and what lil Nugs was up to....

Week 37

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Last bathroom selfie!

Total Weight Gain: Up 25 pounds.  Starting to get into the whole eating because I have to mode.  It's hot.  And my tummy gets full super quick.  But I'm workin on it!  Of course, the heat has made me retain water like a boss....NOT a fan!

Cravings: Cheese.  Again.  Which is good, because Tops had a super sale I paired with gas points and Savingstar rebates and got 28 sargento tastings wedges for $3 after rebates and coupons.  No, I didn't stutter.  Yes, I can bring back couponing and frugality tips post Nugget if you guys want :-)

Aversions: Relaxing.  Greg and I were totally set to just chill yesterday and some massive nesting took over my husband, lol.  What could I do?  I joined in!  About 5:30, I seriously thought I had some labor going on after the nest fest...nah.  Just over tired.  Doc confirmed today, still 1cm and now 50% effaced = tomorrow or two weeks.  We shall see!

Sleep: There aren't enough pillows in the world to make me comfortable.  Or enough air conditioning.  I'll be relocating to an iceberg on the north pole until further notice :-P

Baby Items Bought/Received: Another newborn outfit - for a while $1.25 at kohls.  Pants, a cardigan, and a onesie for "Captain Adorable"! How can you beat it?

Best Baby Moment: Kiddo is still baking.  Really, that's the best news in the world.  If it helps us have a healthy kid right off the bat, it's all I can ask for! :-)

Goals: To try to relax a bit before the big debut.  Just a bit.  If I can figure that word out, of course!

 Worries: Are pointless.

This Week:

source

Run: nada.  Think we are done till post baby

Bike: 64 miles
Swim: 6 miles
Total: 70  miles

To Date:
Run: 355.3 miles
Bike: 2414 miles
Swim: 96 miles
Total: 2819.3 miles...or, the distance from Rochester, NY to Alaska.  Have we reached the "final frontier"?  Or maybe just the final countdown :-D

40 weeks is about all that's the same.

So....D day is almost here.  I went to the doctor's yesterday for my 37 week check up - we are officially on the way!  Baby is measuring perfectly, heart rate looks good, Momma is officially up 24 pounds (good to know the scales match) and I am officially dilated 1 cm (which could mean I go tomorrow or in two weeks = not much in the way of news:-P)  My OB is just the best ever...she totally knows what to tell a preggo.  She said I look great, am not swollen (lies) and to keep up the swimming and biking as long as I could coupled with, of course, icees and keeping my feet up when I get tired.  Yes ma'am!   I've been getting quite a bit accomplished the last few days - still feel like nugget can PLEASE KEEP BAKING, but at least am making baby (har har) steps toward being ready.  I've been training at work (that's been hilarious) and I am hoping against hope that next week will slow the hell down.  Of course, the last time I said that, I gave birth....so maybe I don't want that!  But, thinking about the last 37 weeks....aside from the beach ball tummy, there isn't much in common with baby #2 and baby #1....amazing how different it can be....

Pregnancy with #2....you just aren't special.

 When you are pregnant with your first baby, you are amazing.  You glow.  You are the miracle creator of life.  Everyone tells you to relax, to take it easy, and how OMG special you are. You navel gaze....alot.  With #2....get over it baby.  You did this once.  You were dumb enough to do it again.  Don't inconvenience us with your super special baby.  And we probably will forget that you're even pregnant halfway through.  You still can navel gaze...when you remember that you have one :-P

1st pregnancy - You know, down to the day, exactly how pregnant you are, and which corresponding fruit your baby aligns with.
2nd pregnancy - How far along am I?  I know when I'm due, but....

1st pregnancy - You get to relax.  And put your feet up.  And have them rubbed.  With naps.
2nd pregnancy - You get to relax.  While watching mickey mouse. And accepting that you really just are a human jungle gym for your 2 year old.  With a super cool bump to slide over.  Until he spills juice on you....then you are a slip and slide!

1st pregnancy - Super cool baby shower(s) with yummy goodies, tons of baby supplies (including an overwhelming assortment of things you didn't even know you needed...or what they are!
2nd pregnancy - Thank god I kept all those baby clothes.  Does my boppy and bottles from #1 pass the sniff test?  Debate.

1st pregnancy - Lots of reading on Bradley method.  Birthing classes.  Prenatal vitamins.  Reading tons of baby books - baby names, how to feed, sleep, and create the perfect human being.
 2nd pregnancy - Well, I started with 300 prenatals.  I still have 250 left.  That can't be good.
Um....do I need to remember how to breathe?  Nah.  I think I'll catch up on some soaps for 10 minutes.  Derive baby names from Genoa City.

1st pregnancy - Spend hours creating the perfect baby registry and nursery.
2nd Pregnancy - Spend hours clipping coupons for diapers.  Hey, every baby craps.  Alot.

1st pregnancy - Plan the perfect maternity wardrobe to showcase your bump
2nd pregnancy - Maxi skirts fit for 9 months.  Sweet.


1st pregnancy - marvel in the fact that you are creating the most perfect human being that you are amazed that someone up there trusts you to love, nurture, and not screw up too terribly for the rest of your life.
2nd pregnancy - Nope, some things are the same as with #1.

And then you remember how very lucky you are to be a mommy :-)

Week 36: Comfy cozy

Week 37 is here (as of today)!  Which means Nugget is in theory fully baked.  Yay nugget!!  (assuming they dated this pregnancy right, which wasnt the case with Rob :-P)  Needless to say, I'm pretty freaking tired at this point.  I'm so cool with a few more weeks (no way in hell am I ready for this kiddo yet) but I definitely see myself slowing down...alot.  I haven't been able to swim for a week or so and it's super frustrating....I know why I never got swollen with Rob and the answer was = pool.  Thank goodness for compression sleeves and keeping your feet up..when you can!  I finally broke down and told my boss yesterday that I was done being superwoman and we put an end date on my coming into the office (I can pretty well work form home, which is so wonderful to ice and put your feet up when you need to.)  Of course, I seem to remember the last time I said that and the next day.....yikes!  Hopefully I won't be a hot mess when it's go time this way....but are you ever really ready? :-P

But let's talk about the bambino....

Week 36

Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of romaine lettuce). She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position, but if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

Total Weight Gain: Up 24 pounds. I think some of this is water weight - been battling some swelling.  Thankfully ice baths and compression help....probably not so much my stubbornness to continue riding, running and kickboxing.

Cravings: Cookies and creme pop tarts, hot fudge, almonds, and iced tea.  WTF.  You're only preggo for so long, and they sound good.  I'll thank myself when I'm training for my next ultra :-P  (yes, I have one planned for 2016.  Don't judge.)

Aversions: Anything work.  Will I ever get it done?  NO!  Why am I worried?  Also, sleep.  Having to pee every 5 minutes (this literally happened last night - Greg said...didn't you go downstairs 5 minutes ago?  Babe.  Just. No). People telling me i 1) look HUGE! and 2) am carrying high.  I know my tummy looks ready to pop, I live with it and last time I was told it would be forever because i was carrying high, I delivered 5 days later.  So :-P  pffft.

Sleep: Are you joking me?  That's just mean.  I don't want to talk about it.

Baby Items Bought/Received: Our first baby gift!  A really cute animal outfit with a giraffe on the tushie :-)  Thanks Norbert and Lorena!

Best Baby Moment: My awesome husband has started to do the cocoa butter belly rub.  No stretch marks that I can see of but it makes my tummy feel so good.  He's a keeper :-)

Goals: Just keep swimming....oh wait.  Hopefully the pool is open tomorrow and I can do that :-P

 Worries: I'm done with it.  I did what I needed to and got to September.  Keep baking kiddo, but I won't stress.  Much.

Running feet....with a big ole belly #preggorunnerproblems

This Week:

Run: 2 miles

Bike: 90 miles
Swim: 0 miles
Total: 92 miles

To Date:
Run: 355.3 miles
Bike: 2350 miles
Swim: 90 miles
Total: 2749.3 miles...or, the distance from Rochester, NY to Georgetown.  Hey, whatever works.