Welcome to the World, Baby Pep!

Baby Pep, also known as Charles "Charlie" Davis Stuckert, was born at 2:22 AM on December 26, 2014. I labored all Christmas day and late into the night a 6 lb 7 oz pipsqueek joined our family.

Motherhood is no joke, but I'm completely amazed by how much I love this little one already.

Ford's Birth Story | The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart

While I settle into this whole motherhood thing, I've asked some of my favorite Mama bloggers if they might be willing to share their personal stories, tips for new moms and parenting wisdom. First up, is Ruthie from The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart. Take it away, Ruthie!

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I wasn't sure if I wanted to share his birth story and contemplated writing it but I am constantly reminded that when I share certain things about my life, I could be blessing someone else with my story. It was emotional, intense, and not what we would have ever imagined but our Ford is here, beautiful, and worth everything.
Being overdue was hard. The week after my due date we went to the doctor 4 times, had my membranes stripped 4 times, and waited. We spent lots of time with my family to take our minds off of waiting for baby and it was such a great time. Honestly if laughing could put you into labor, I would have had Ford long before! Friday morning we had an appointment and I still hadn't progressed from 3cm and 75% effaced but was having some good contractions on the NST. The nurses told me to go walk for an hour or two and come back to be checked that afternoon. Operation walk the baby out started and we walked the neighborhood and every square inch of Costco. No progress. My doctor could sense how uncomfortable and ready I was and told me that she was on call all weekend and that I could come up at anytime for a "secret date" and she would break my water. The hospital was so busy and didn't have any induction dates until the 15th but there was no way I wanted to wait that long. We spent Saturday with family and prayed for direction on what to do. I didn't want to be in the position to choose when I had my son, I wanted it to happen on it's own but it just wasn't happening. Sunday morning we woke up and walked for an hour in our hilly neighborhood and timed contractions 4 minutes apart for an hour! This is when they tell you to go into the hospital so we did! I was able to shower, pack and relax before we left and I was incredibly excited. I was hooked up to the NST and unfortunately I wasn't in  active labor. We met with the doctor who said we could go ahead and admit me, start me on pitocin and get the show on the road. We were game! 

We settled into our L&D room I think about 2pm and started a low dose of pitocin (2). The doctor wanted to wait to see if Ford would drop a bit before breaking my water because he was still at a -2 station. I could feel the contractions a bit stronger but totally managed. My family came to hang out and I labored on the yoga ball pretty much the whole time. I wasn't progressing so they broke my water which was the weirdest sensation! They upped my pitocin and things got real. I think this was around 7pm because my family left to go get dinner. Contractions were coming on stronger and more frequent and I started to feel tons of pain. I held on as long as I could before asking for an epidural. I had labored for 5 hours on pitocin on my own which was enough for me. I went into labor knowing I wanted to have an epidural but wanted to experience some labor beforehand. I was ready to relax, possibly get some rest, and get some relief. I was 4cm dilated and 95% effaced. Before you are given an epidural, they pump you with 800ml of fluids so as I was being pumped full of the cold liquids, the anesthesiologist came in with the bad news. My blood platelet count was too low and I couldn't receive an epidural. I lost it. I remember shrieking, "so you're saying I am going to feel my son rip through my vagina? Like I am going to feel it all?!" Less than 2% of women have this gestational condition, Thrombocytopenia, and I was a part of that 2%. Pitocin contractions are so much more intense than naturally occurring contractions and I was devastated knowing there wasn't a way to alleviate the pain. I was hysterical for a few minutes and finally calmed down knowing crying and questioning wouldn't fix the situation. I had been healthy my entire pregnancy and never showed signs of high blood counts(doctor said it was gestational and my counts are down so nothing to worry about now). Getting an epidural increased my chances of a blood clot which is deadly and dangerous. There was no way we would risk it. Jon and I were alone and he prayed over me, asking God for guidance in this scary situation and for us to stay calm and embrace the incredible thing that was about to happen. I was given stadol through an IV to attempt to take some pain away and honestly it did nothing but mess with my mind (I do NOT recommend that drug at all but I was willing to try anything at that point). I've never been on drugs but I imagine this is what it would be like. My physical pain was intensified but my mind was far far away. Contractions were coming a minute apart and my whole body would shake in pain. I honestly felt like I was about to lose the battle of life and cried out in pain. I start crying thinking about the pain and looking through pictures, I am so glad we documented it but it just kills me to see everyone around me watching me in pain. The doctor checked me around 11pm and I had made no progress. 9 hours of intense pitocin and I was still stuck at 4 cm dilated. This is when I looked at Jon and said I needed to get the baby out, I needed a C-section. It was such an out of body experience. With tear filled eyes Jon told me he had been waiting for me to ask. And within 20 minutes, my son was born.

Unfortunately I couldn't be put under "normal" C section anesthesia (spinal block) because of my low blood platelets and had to have a full on surgery meaning Jon couldn't be in the room with me. We knew this would be the case if we went for a C section so I had already cried those tears but it was such a blessing. I remember being moved from the hospital bed to the surgical table in the bright, cold, OR, having a contraction, being tied down and crying out in pain clinging to the anesthesiologists' arm. And then I went to sleep. They held off on anesthesia until right before the cut as to not pass on drugs to the baby. Of course I was sad Jon wasn't able to see our son being born but this is our story and there was nothing we could do about it. 

Jon and my family waited anxiously outside the OR and met Ford at just minutes old. We got the whole meeting on film, another thing that wouldn't have normally happened so it was a God thing. The nurses came out and told Jon he was pink, crying, and already peed on 2 nurses! Ford was even opening up his eyes within his first minutes. Proud daddy got to wheel him to the nursery for a bath and my family watched through the glass. I am so lucky they documented it for me!

I got to meet Ford about an hour after he was born and I was able to wake up from the drugs. I was still woozy from the surgery but got to breastfeed him right away. Jon was with me the whole time and my family took turns coming in as I recovered. They told me I kept asking, "do you think he's cute? Does Dr. Wang thing he's cute? Does Ernie think he's cute?". Well that's a no brainer!

We settled in to our postpartum room and the rest of the night was a blur. I remember the doctor coming in and telling me what a great job I did and also that she highly doubted I would have been able to birth Ford vaginally since he was so large. Again, God redeems. I think how hard it would have been to have gotten the epidural, labored another 24 hours then to have a C section. Was it the birth I always dreamed of? No. It was the most emotional, painful, thrilling, amazing day of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat for sweet Ford Nehemiah.

Top 10 Favorite Reads in 2014

It's hard to believe the new year is almost upon us! Every year, I set a Reading Challenge for myself through GoodReads. After beating my goal in 2013 of  25 books, I decided to up the ante and commit to reading 30 books in 2014. Not only did I meet my goal this year, but I exceeded it like crazy! Currently, I've finished 45 books with hopes of finishing at least one more before the year is out.

So with 45+ books under my belt, I decided to share my...

10. Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World than Actually Changing the World? by Eugene Cho

Every once in awhile I need to read a book that convicts me and causes me to do some serious self-reflection. This book about growing up in an "overrated" generation was exactly what I needed to examine my heart and evaluate my good intentions for saving the world. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to be challenged to grow in their faith. [My review here].

9. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

I know not everyone is in love with Elizabeth Gilbert as I am, and to those people I say, you are wrong. She is such a fantastic writer and this story set in the 18th and 19th centuries follows the Whittaker family as they take the world of botany by storm. If that sounds like a recipe for an extremely boring book, I don't blame you. I didn't think botany could be very interesting either, but trust me when I say, Gilbert's writing will keep you enthralled.

8. Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom

This book, written by the same author of Tuesdays with Morrie, was a memoir of sorts as a man is asked to write the obituary for his rabbi. Having strayed from his synagogue and not being very close to the rabbi, the request throws him off a bit. But over the course of the next 8 years, Albom and his rabbi form an extremely close bond and it shapes the way he looks at his faith. 

This is a quick, light-hearted read. Perfect for those days when you need your faith in humanity restored.

7. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

For those who don't know, Ina May Gaskin is kind of a celebrity in the natural parenting world. This book introduces concepts surrounding midwifery and natural childbirth in a fascinating and un-overwhelming manner. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, this is a must-read. It is a wealth of information and helped me to feel so much more informed and empowered about the birthing process. It helped me to know what I did and didn't want out of my birth experience and what questions to ask my midwife. All in all, a five star read!

6. Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table by Shauna Niequist

Some of you may not know this about me, but I love food. I mean, for goodness sakes', I went to grad school for food. I also love the role food plays in fellowship, the way food can signify caring and love. The way it can symbolize celebration or grieving. Basically, Shauna and I are very much on the same page and this book is her testament to "life around the table." If you are looking to be uplifted and inspired, as well as getting some baller recipes, this is an awesome read.

5. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

I mean, honestly, who doesn't love Amy Poehler? I knew it was a guarantee that I would like this book because, duh. But guys, I loved this book. It was so funny, clever and well-written. I can't say enough good things about it!

4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell quickly became one of my favorite authors in 2014. I had a difficult time deciding between my two favorite reads of hers, but I think I made the right choice. Basically, I love Rowell's YA stuff and I loved the protagonist in this book. While the book was centered around a teen romance, it was anything but cliche. I loved that Cath (the main character) was an introvert who would rather spend her college days writing fan fiction than out partying late into the evening. Not only that, but I loved the role Cath's family played in her story.

3. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Another amazing Rowell read. This is another totally non-cliche teen romance where I felt particularly invested in the story. Not to give anything away, but abuse does play a role in this story of love between two night-and-day different teenagers and having some experience in that arena, I was totally impressed with how Rowell handled such a sensitive topic. You should absolutely read this book.

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

If you haven't heard of this book-turned-movie, you've clearly been living under a rock. This love story between two terminally ill teenagers is amazing. You will cry. A lot. But it is so, so worth it.

1. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

This book was recommended to me by a friend, so I put it on my "to-read shelf" where it patiently waited for me to get around to it. I can't believe I put it off as long as I did, because this is one of the best books I've ever read. The character development is truly divine and the twist at the end will stun and captivate you. If you read nothing else on this list, please read this one.

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Do you have any recommendations for my 2015 Reading Challenge?

39/40 Weeks (Yep, Still Pregnant)

Baby Pep,

Well, I had every intention of posting this shortly after my last midwife's appointment with any important updates. However, on your Mama's way home, she got into a little fender-bender which pretty much nullified those plans. I am one part furious at myself for getting into an accident when your Daddy and I were already strapped for cash while I went on maternity leave. But I am two parts relieved that both you and I are okay. For the first 10 minutes after impact, you didn't move and I was terrified. I poked and prodded at you pleading for you to move as hysterical tears ran down my face. The very kind police officer who responded was so concerned about you and offered to call us a medic, but after a few more nudges from Mama, I felt your little kicks and you've been moving around ever since.

I can't begin to explain how thankful I was for the kind people I interacted with last night. The police officer who reported, the volunteer policemen who gave me a ride to a nearby Big Boy restaurant so I could wait for your Daddy to come pick me up. Even the other driver involved was a lady who was so sweet and understanding, given the circumstances. Most of all, I am so thankful that you were safe and sound in my belly.

Your due date passed on Saturday and though this is a scheduled post, I'm going to go ahead and guess that you're not here yet. At my last appointment, the midwife said she could feel that your head had dropped, but Mama's body hasn't seemed to make much progress in getting you out. It looks like we may have a Christmas baby on our hands at this point!

Regardless of when you show up, it's going to be a great Christmas this year because...your Grandma and Aunt Kelly are here (as demonstrated below). See all those presents? They're for you, little man! We've got a week full of Christmas movies, shopping and little walks around the various fun tourist traps in Ohio. But if you do decide to come earlier, well, it wouldn't be the worst thing.

See you soon, Baby Pep (hopefully sooner, than later!)

Love,
Mommy

Four Years

This year was nearly overshadowed by our soon-to-be arrival, but I could hardly let the fact that today is four years from the day Chuck and I met slip by without notice. (I also have to mention that this post will be pre-scheduled as I have this wildly optimistic fantasy that Baby Pep will be born on the day his Daddy and I first found each other. A Mama can dream, can't she?)

Anywho, once upon a time...err...a time four years ago...I was a young, broke recent college grad who had up and moved to a small-town in Ohio to volunteer for a year through the AmeriCorps program. I had a second-story, rundown apartment that I shared with a handful of friendly cockroaches, I was in better shape than I'd been my entire life (going to the gym nightly to avoid being home alone can have that effect), but few to no real friends, and certainly no romantic prospects to speak of.

Thankfully, a co-worker/fellow AmeriCorps member who was born on December 19 invited me to her annual epic birthday blowout. It was a night of shenanigans and giving the middle finger to the holiday that had always managed to overshadow her birthday. I think it was likely a pity invite because I was the new kid in town. And because of my severe social awkwardness, I almost didn't go. But I was just desperate enough for a social life that I made my mind up and chanted the mantra, "What's the worst that can happen?" as I straightened my hair and donned my ugly Christmas sweater for the shindig.

Ugly Christmas Sweater pictured here.

What wound up happening was that I had an absolute blast. I met a ton of great people I am now so freaking blessed to call my friends and family. And I met a boy. Now, if I was interested in telling the fairy tale reenactment of this night and not what actually happened, I might neglect to mention that Chuck and I both spent the first part of the night flirting with two entirely different people (my bad). But as the party wound down, we found ourselves in conversation and it took me all of 30 minutes to realize I was really interested in this guy.

There was nothing fake about him. I could tell he wasn't playing any games or trying to impress me. He was 100% genuine. It was so dang refreshing.

Around 2am as people began trickling out, I was so ready to keep the night going as I hoped to get to know this cute, blonde stud better. We wound up joining a small group for an after party at another friend of his, where we cuddled and continued to converse on the couch and he eventually walked me home.

As we approached the landing of the outdoor stairs that would lead to the aforementioned slum I called my abode, he leaned in for a kiss as the snow fell around us. You couldn't have scripted a better first kiss. 

I awoke the next morning, hungover as could be and promptly texted a friend that I would not be able to join him for the breakfast we had planned. Not even 10 minutes later, that cute, sweet guy from the night before texted to invite me out for coffee. Being the good friend that I am (*sarcasm*), I of course, said yes. Just five hours after he had kissed me goodnight, he asked me out on our first date.

And the rest, as they say, is history...

Happy Four Year Date-a-versary, my love. 

I am so thankful to have met you.

A Christmas Hot Cocoa Date

Today, I'm taking a suggestion out of Amber's 25 Absolutely Awesome Christmas Post ideas and inviting you in for a warm, cozy hot cocoa date.

If we were on a hot cocoa date, I'd apologize profusely for the state my house has found itself in. Rugs needing vacuumed, dishes needing done and laundry to be folded and put away.

If we were on a hot cocoa date, I would likely hand you a chipped mug filled to the brim with whatever concoction I found in the K-Cup section of Kroger. I would confess that our Keurig is a godsend for my lazy soul.

If we were on a hot cocoa date, I would insist that we curl up on my couch with warm, puffy blankets and watch Elf or Love Actually for the umpteenth time. Christmas movies fill me with a childlike joy and I nearly always have one playing in the background for the entirety of December (...and November, if we're being honest).

If we were on a hot cocoa date, I'm guessing you would ask me about how I'm feeling and whether I thought I'd be having this baby any time soon. I would answer that I'm feeling more "labor-y," but think it could still be a good, long while before we see this baby's face. I would tell you about my midwife appointment on Thursday and how I am praying for any mention of progress.

If we were on a hot cocoa date, I would also proceed to tell you everything I've been doing to try and induce labor. Going for a long walk on my lunch break, perineal massage and giving Chuck more ahem, physical attention than he's received in a long time.

If we were on a hot cocoa date, I might tell you that Chuck and I got into a spat a couple days ago. I would admit that at times, when he opts to spend time with his family over me or doesn't come home when he says he's going to, I become agitated. Then I would follow this up with the recent realization I've come to that pregnancy doesn't just affect the Mommy. I tend to forget that Chuck is about to have a baby, too. He's scared, too. He's anxious, too. I need to remember this and remember that we are both different people who handle our fears and anxieties differently.

If we were on a hot cocoa date, I might bid you adieu with apologies for dominating your time with all of my baby talk, but ask that you pray for me as "labor day" draws closer and closer. I would leave you with a long hug and promises of baby snuggles in the near future.

On Hand-Me-Downs

Last week I read this absolutely beautiful post over at Coffee + Crumbs about hand-me-downs. It brought me to tears as I reflected on all the hand-me-downs I've received with Pep's due date just days away.

I'm thankful for the hand-me-downs of a car seat so that we may have one for each of our cars when we both resume working full-time.

I'm thankful for the hand-me-downs of a family friend telling me as she was leaving my baby shower, "You'll be fine [in labor]. Honestly, I thought zip-lining was much more challenging!"

I'm thankful for the hand-me-downs of a crib mattress and the real Mom talk of a friend who just became a Mama in July.

I'm thankful for the friend who dropped by yesterday with a freezer meal in hand, and proceeded to tell me that the pan was a magical pan that would come back with another meal for the next 365 days whenever it was returned because she recognized that "it takes more than 6 weeks to figure all this out."

I'm thankful for the hand-me-downs of baby boy clothes and a "safe word" for whenever I just need to drop the baby off and take a break, courtesy of my absolutely amazing sister-in-law.

For all the offers of comfort food, of free babysitting, of compliments when I feel less than myself, 

I am so thankful for the women in my life.

A belly comparison shot for good measure: 19 Weeks // 29 Weeks // 39 Weeks
Follow me on Instagram here.

Another Winter Book Challenge (Can I Do It?!)

Call me crazy, but despite my participation in the Semi-Charmed Winter Book Challenge, I have stumbled upon another challenge that just seems too fun to pass up. I read about the Book Challenge by Erin on another blog (kicking myself for not remembering whose) and loved what I saw, so I'm hoping the fact that it runs from January-April will allow me to try my hand at completing both!

Here are the categories and the books I've chosen for each (and if you're interested in playing along too, here's the Facebook page for the challenge):

5 points: Read a book, any book that is at least 200 pages long. | TBA

10 points: Read a book that begins with the “A”, “An”, or “The”. | The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

10 points: Read a book with a two word title. | Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

p/c

15 points: Read a book with an animal in the title. (Examples: Animal Farm by George Orwell, Dog on It by Spencer Quinn, The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans) | The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

20 points: Take the first letter of your first name…Read a book that the title begins with that letter. (Examples: Erin – title should begin with ; Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer or The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld will count too) | The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet by Alicia Silverstone

20 points: Read a book set in any country in Europe. | All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

25 points: Read a book from the NPR’s guide of great books from 2014. (There are so many books from a variety of genres in this list; good luck choosing!) http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2014 | Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

30 points: Read a book by a favourite author that is not a re-read. | The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

30 points: Read a book by a comedian or comedic actor. | I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert

35 points: Read a book about science, discovery, or a scientific process – non-fiction only. (This list should help: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/692.Best_Science_Books_Non_Fiction_Only) | The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan

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Have you read any of these books?

Top 10 Favorite Posts in 2014

When I started drafting this post, I thought I would share my 10 top read posts in 2014. But as it turns out, the posts that were most popular were mostly, not some of the ones I was most proud to have written. Soon after making this discovery, I decided to scrap what posts came up most frequently in Google searches in place of the posts that were near and dear to my heart this year.

Without further ado, here are my...

10. The Mixed Tape

August 29, 2014

A look back on Chuck and my relationship through the lens of our favorite music and mix CDs.

9. Love is Hard to Do

March 24, 2014

A post about struggling to love those in our lives who are hard to love.

8. Two Years as Mrs.

September 2, 2014

A celebration of our second wedding anniversary.

7. I'd Be Okay with No Babies

February 14, 2014

A little over a month before we conceived Baby Pep, I talked about how I felt about never having children.

6. Five Years Later

January 7, 2014

A reflection on my time in Uganda, five years later.

5. Never Throw Out the Instructions for a Pregnancy Test

July 3, 2014

A post about finding out we were expecting.

4. Guest Post: Uganda Studies Program Alum Spotlight

March 4, 2014

 A guest post on my study abroad program's blog on how my semester in Uganda shaped my personal and professional development.

3. I Was a Victim of Domestic Violence

February 20, 2014

I shared the truth about being a survivor of domestic violence.

2. Being a Boy Mom

August 6, 2014

I realized the reality of what having a little boy meant to me.

1. Grandma

September 22, 2014

A dedication to my life's greatest role model.

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What posts were your favorites of the year?

38 Weeks

Baby Pep,

Last week your Mom got the news that her test results came back positive for Group B strep. I know that there are far worse scenarios we could be facing as we rapidly approach your birthday, but it was still unsettling news to say the least. At our 38-week appointment on Monday, I received a little reassurance. Although your Mom will have to get an IV (Boo!), as long as I get my medicine, you should be safe! Mommy's midwife also filled her in that we haven't made any progress since my last appointment. To which I say, "DROP, BABY! DROP!"

I'm still 1cm dilated and my cervix is apparently miles away. Although I've had some not-so-fun days, physically I'm still feeling really good. The last week or so have made me so crazy thankful for my employer. I have such a kind and understanding team working alongside me and I feel so happy and fulfilled doing my job that there's a small part of me that feels sad that next week will be my last time working there for awhile. (I told your Daddy to record me saying that so I can't play it over to myself when I have to go back after my maternity leave is up).

I hope one day you find what you're truly passionate about, Pep. It is the hugest blessing in the world to love what you do. I can't wait to be the one to support and encourage you as you embark on your journey to find out.

Although, both Daddy and I are feeling anxious and impatient, you come when you're ready, Pep. We'll be ready to catch you in our loving arms whenever you decide it's time.

All my love,
Mommy

Pregnancy Truths: Round 3

At 38 weeks, the end is in sight and though the first 8 months of my pregnancy were incredibly good to me, shit is getting real, y'all. 

Check out Round 1 and Round 2 of my Pregnancy Truths.

Pregnancy Truth #1:
Your nipples will become unrecognizable.
Guys, this is not an exaggeration. I read that your nipples become darker to help the baby locate the breast while nursing, but I was totally unprepared for what can only be described as Godzilla nips. Seriously, they are 3 times their normal size. It's not cute.

Pregnancy Truth #2:
You might will pee your pants.
Once the baby starts running out of real estate, your stomach, lungs and bladder will all start getting squished. This means that you will have the appetite of a mouse, walking across a room will leave you winded and oh yeah, sneezing and laughing will become very risky behaviors. There have been numerous occasions when Chuck and I have been goofing off only for me to let out a huge burst of laughter followed by a mad dash to the bathroom.

Pregnancy Truth #3:

You probably won't be sleeping.
I've somehow been fortunate enough to not be among the ranks of pregant ladies who get up every hour to go pee. That being said, insomnia has not alluded me. Between heartburn, backaches and the complete inability to turn off the constant baby to-do list in my brain, sleep hasn't been great.

Pregnancy Truth #4:

You might fall even more in love with your partner.
Chuck and I both remarked how uncharacteristically affectionate and clingy I've been lately (in a good way, of course). I'm not a super physical person, by any means, but Chuck has been so great to me as of late that I can't help but shower him in kisses! He continues to go beyond the call of duty and would drop everything for me if I asked him to. He is such a wonderful husband and is going to be a fantastic father. I can't help, but fall deeper in love with him each day :)

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What are your pregnancy truths?

Secrets to a Healthy Pregnancy

As of my 37-week appointment, I have put on approximately 20 lbs, up from my pre-pregnancy weight. The recommended amount of weight gain for someone with a normal range BMI is 25-35 lbs. So how I have kept a healthy weight throughout my pregnancy?

1. Genetics

I wish that I could boast about how I'm a healthy-eating, exercising machine and that is the sole reason for my less-than-excessive weight gain, but alas, I have mostly genetics to thank. Every woman's body is different and reacts to pregnancy differently. For me, I was blessed with a mother who weighs about 100 lbs soaking wet. I won't for a second pretend that this has nothing to do with my success in putting on a healthy weight.

My Grandma and super cute, pregnant Mama (with me in her belly!)

2. Healthy Snacking

From day one, my appetite has been thrown off so much by this pregnancy. I'm a pretty healthy person, but I do struggle to get enough protein in my diet because I just don't like meat, beans or dairy very much. Well, my body knew what I needed and all I want to eat these days is MEAT. Not only that, but my taste buds have effectively rejected anything remotely healthy throughout the last 9 months. I brought a salad to lunch one day and gagged through eating it. Not pleasant.

My key to ensuring that I'm still getting the fruits and veggies I need has been healthy snacking. Especially toward the end, I haven't been able to eat big meals anyway, so I throw a handful of snacks into my work bag and just munch throughout the day. 

Some of my favorites are: yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, Fiber bars, and bananas.

3. Maintaining my Pre-Pregnancy Activity Level

I admit, after I ran my Quarter Marathon at 7 weeks, I totally stopped running. I wasn't feeling super fantastic and I had achieved my goal of finishing the race, so the motivation to continue just wasn't there. That being said, I also didn't immediately plop my butt on the couch for the next 7ish months. Throughout my pregnancy, while I haven't followed any particular exercise regimen, I've maintained my pre-pregnancy activity level. 

I continued working in my employer's community garden through November. I always opt to take the stairs versus the elevator and if I have the option, I always choose to walk rather than drive. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to make the 1+ mile walk into town and pay a visit to the library, farmers market or our local candy shop (remind me what I said about healthy snacking???). My in-laws also live about a mile away, so on warm nights, I would sometimes opt to pay them a visit for the sake of getting some physical activity in.

After finishing my first Quarter Marathon at 7 weeks pregnant.

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I realize that none of my tips are particularly exciting. However, I feel like a lot of women use pregnancy as an excuse to lay on the couch and indulge their inner junk food demons. Labor is an intense physical process and I've tried to make sure I didn't slack off too much and make delivery any more difficult than it already is. A healthy Mama makes for a healthy baby and my experience has taught me, when it comes to pregnancy weight gain, it's simple: eat your veggies and get off your butt!

How did you stay healthy through pregnancy?