23w4d: Progresssss

Nutrition has been pretty good the last couple of days. And I've gone for a lunchtime walk on the seawall all three days. I haven't felt like doing much after work other than lying on the couch and watching a movie. If it wasn't for those walks, I'd not be doing much exercise. I want to start my Pilates again. I've been using the heat as an excuse, but it's cooler now. I've also been using my sore back as an excuse, but exercise would probably be good for it. I went to a prenatal chiro today to get readjusted. Just as I'd suspected, L4 & L5 were out - the same two I've always had issues with. I have to keep on top of that. Being all twisted up is going to make for an uncomfortable pregnancy and labour. I have another appointment with a different chiro in 2 weeks. I wasn't sure if I should keep it or not, but I think I will. I'll probably have to go fairly often. I should go get another massage soon, too. I also bought some Birkenstocks today. I've had it with my flip flops. I am really starting to notice how jarring they are to wear since my back's been out. There's not much time left for sandal wearing, but I figure I'll stretch it out for as long as I can and everyday I save my body from unhealthy foot wear is worth it. It's expensive being pregnant!

I wanted to record my food intake, but I don't think I'll bother. I eat pretty much the same thing everyday with slight variations. Tuesday, I came home feeling sorry for myself and ate some chocolate. I still have a little left in the fridge and will probably finish it off right now...I felt guilty on Tuesday and probably will again, but I've been otherwise very good!

I bought some magnesium citrate powder today, too. I've read great things about it, so I'm hoping that will help ease some discomforts like the headaches and help keep the weight gain at bay. Apparently, it helps metabolize fats, carbs and proteins and loosens things up.

So, I'd say I've done a few good things so far this week. Tomorrow, the goal is to do Pilates after work as well as my usual walk at lunchtime. I'll be looking after Ruby starting Saturday, so she will need to be walked everyday after work as well. Good motivation to ramp up the exercise and get some hill walking in.

My weight this morning was back down to 162.6, which sadly relieved me. Two pounds since Friday seemed like too much. My chiro today said she could tell I hadn't gained much weight, yet. She said I looked good for 24 weeks. That was so nice to hear. I want to look and feel good (and healthy, of course) preggo, not like a swollen, fat whale which I fear is inevitable eventually. Must enjoy these looking good days while they last. The timing is good as far as seasons go!

I must also mention that M brought me home 4 different kinds of bubble bath yesterday! After my breakdown on Sunday about feeling like I was going through this pregnancy alone, he wanted to do something nice and let me know that's he's thinking of me. He doesn't always do the right thing, but every once in awhile, he does something really great. Something as simple as bubble bath means a lot to an emotional pregnant lady, this one anyways.

23 weeks 1 day

Ok, so I'm not technically a momma yet, but I am well on my way. Baby in utero? Check. Swollen, sore breasts? Check. Expanding belly? Check. Irrational mood swings? Check. Definitely on my way to mommahood. And I'm not nearly as mindful as I should be or could be, but that is a never-ending journey. There have been times I've made great strides, others where I've fallen into deep, dark holes having to crawl my way back out. I've lost my way many times, but I will never stop trying to get there. Striving to be better. Mindful that I want to be more mindful.

No time like the present. Especially now that the stakes have been raised. Time to get back on the mindful path. If there were ever a good time, it would be now. It's not just about me anymore. Hence the blog. I always find it healing, helpful, and healthy to write about my journey in life. Keeps me accountable. Forces me to take the good and the bad out of the secret hiding places of my mind and either give the good more power or take the power away from the bad. Acknowledge what I'm doing that feels right and examine where I need to improve. In particular, I want to focus on my nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being.

First step: Inventory - Where am I now?

Nutrition is not too bad, but there is room for improvement. Protein, fruit and dairy are all adequate. Vegetables could increase. I generally eat a salad on weekdays for work, but I need more variety. I want to make more of an effort to eat vegetables with dinner, which is usually just whatever meat M feels like barbecuing. Sugar intake is not terribly high, but still too high for my liking, as is salty, fried foods like potato chips. I have good days and bad days. More good than bad, but the bad should still be fewer.

Exercise needs improvement. Besides my regular gym-going for the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, before I knew, I've been to the gym 3 times, plus one workout at home. More recently, I've followed a Prenatal Pilates video, but not consistently. Before it got too hot, I was hiking the trails around here a couple of times per week, but that has dwindled for various reasons. I have been walking on the seawall at lunch (30-50 minutes) most weekdays, which is great, but I think I need to do more that involves helping prepare my body for birth.

Meditation also needs improvement. I was listening to Holosync every night before going to sleep, but it's been awhile since I've done that, I think simply because I took my earphones away from my bedside. I would like to find some meditations that are more specific to pregnancy to prepare me for visualization and relaxation.

I'm currently reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. That book is putting me in a really good headspace as far as the birthing experience. I've decided to switch from my doctor to a midwife so that I can have the best experience possible without any medical intervention. I'm feeling so much better about my decision. The doctor route was making me slightly uneasy as much as I tried to tell myself that a safe and healthy delivery was all that mattered. That's not true. I want to begin my life as a Mindful Momma with the a beautiful, natural experience right from the get-go and I believe I can.

I've also signed up for Prenatal Yoga at the rec-centre, starting September 11. It's on Tuesday night at 7:30. I wish it was earlier. It will be a challenge to venture out that late, but it's important. And I've pre-paid. So I'm determined to stick with it.

I'm on track I think. I plan to improve my nutrition, increase my exercise, resume meditation and start taking control of my birthing experience. All positive, mindful plans. Now to put the plans into action.

Until tomorrow. Good night. Sweet dreams!