Better Late Than Never

So I’ve done a fairly good job of documenting my pregnancy – keeping a baby book / journal and posting weekly bump photos via Instagram and Facebook. But I’ve decided to branch out and keep a blog as well. Another space to document my journey to mommy-hood!

I’ve hit week 23. I can feel baby boy move which is such a neat feeling and really hard to describe to my husband. I’m hoping within the next few weeks he’ll be able to feel baby move too. I’m definitely feeling large these days and I know I’m only going to get bigger. So far, I’m on track and I’ve gained 10lbs. I’m still running and this weekend marks my second half marathon with pregnant. I’m running the Capital City River Run inLansing, but when I say “I’m running” it’s more like a jog / walk. I’ve been noticing some pain and I hope it’s not sciatica.

We painted Baby G’s bedroom last weekend. It’s quite GREEN. I love the color, but right now it is a bit much. Once we get décor and furniture, I think I’ll like it better. I ordered a cute bedding set from Target – bears, moose, and acorns! J I also starting the registering process. I’ve read numerous blogs and talked to friends about their recommendations. There is SO MUCH stuff for babies – it’s slightly overwhelming. 

Regardless, Baby G is going to be one spoiled little guy!

Slacking off..seriously

Oh boy, it's almost been a month since my last post. I really need to step up my game! (I think that's the first time I've ever used that phrase). I have so much going on, and I've really let me writing slide right off the boat. Well, stay tuned! I hope to post my photography class portfolio and my "wear a new outfit each day" post this weekend! It's on my to-do list - I promise!

Recovery

So I was a good girl and stayed off my leg all last week and weekend. Meaning I did zero, zip, zilch regarding exercise. I sat on my rump. And it was actually pretty enjoyable. I took time to work on my photography projects, catch up on reading, and just do things I’d been putting off.

With the rest came improvement. My leg doesn’t bother nearly as much as it did. I went to the PT on Monday and was given a recovery strengthening program. Ouch. I didn’t realize how weak my hips are…and yes, it did bother my calves some. I was also told to get a massage. I think I can handle that.

So, here’s to attempting a 6-miler this weekend. It’s going to be slow and I will probably feel so out of shape! Oh well, going to attempt it anyway!

On the mend

Yesterday I had appointment with the Doc to get the 411 on my leg injury. As predicted, it’s a soleus train. Woot. What does that mean? Well I’m not running for another couple of weeks. I can do whatever activity doesn’t aggravate it, but no running. Sad face.  Pout. There goes my chance to run an Ultra Marathon in a few weeks. Looks like that will be next year’s goal. For now, I’m heading to PT (physical therapy) on Monday to start a plan to get “back into running.” Sigh.

In other news, I’ve finally figured out how to manipulate my blogger account to look more the way I want it. Yay! I still need to figure out my “buttons” and create a prettier “About Me” section. I need to snap a new pic this week too, since I’m not rocking the bangs anymore.  (I liked the bangs for about a month, and now  I’m totally over them.) I’m also lamenting my decision to chop my locks this past October. Why did I do that?! Roar. Attempting to grow out my flowing mane again. No, choppy! Oops – got off on a tangent!

So yes, back to working on my little bloggy blog. I really need to get into a writing grove. So I hope to post more than once a week. And I also want to start “advertising” more which means I need to post to Facebook / Twitter when I add new content. Scary. I follow so many awesome blogs, I want to be able to share content with…so I guess I need to start somewhere! Feel pity and follow me. Just kidding.

Have a wonder-ific day!

Woe is Me – Saga of a Marathon Runner

Well if you didn’t know already, now you know that I’m a marathon runner. Yes, you heard me right. I run marathons – FOR FUN! I get up early on Saturday mornings to run lots and lots of miles. I run at least 2 days during the week and cross train all the other days. I am a happy runner. I love to socialize while running and I get excited to see my running buddies at early morning track workouts. Am I certifiably insane? Maybe.  I chock up my running addiction to the runner’s high and my fantastic runner friends. It’s a fabulous running world.

Until you injure yourself. Then it’s a dark, depressing cry-athon. Woe is me. I am now living the injured person’s life.  All I want to do is eat brownies and drinks wine, lots of wine. And pout.

How did I injure myself? Well I was out running a mid-week run when the tragedy occurred. At about mile 5, I could feel my calf getting tight. I stretched it out and kept going – no big deal. At about mile 7, I could really feel it, so I slowed down. When I hit mile 7.5, my calf "popped" and boy, did it hurt. I limped off to the side and couldn't run or walk. I limped back to my car. When I got home, I RICE'd (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and took ibuprofen. And cried. And got hungry and ate homemade fetticini alfredo – at 9:30 at night to make myself feel better. And then went to bed.

This morning I woke up and the pain has lessened. It’s definitely still there and there is no way I can run. So, I’m just bummed and hoping that with rest this weekend, it will start to heal. I have a doctor’s appointment on Monday, and hopefully that will bring good news and a recovery plan. Stay tuned. 

Day of Love – Day of Remembrance

Happy Valentine’s Day readers! I’m celebrating with a day full of work and class tonight. Wahoo! I am, however, excited and nervous to go to class tonight. We’re critiquing our natural light photographs. Eek! I think it turned out nice, but we’ll see what the teacher and class has to say. Stay tuned. I’m hoping to create a portfolio of all the photos I take this semester and share it with you.

So back to Valentine’s Day. I got Nick a small gift with one of his favorite candies – Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts. I might have to steal one! HA!

Today I’m thinking about my grandmother who passed away the day before Valentine’s Day last year. She was my fashion role model (Grandma always had her hair and makeup done), she also grew my love of jewelry (costume and fancy) and, of course, she loved to read! I definitely inherited all those traits from her. I miss her quite often, especially after I read a good book that I know she would have enjoyed reading. I’m at peace knowing she’s spending this Valentine’s Day up in heaven with my Grandpa. Miss you lots, Grandma!

So yea, today isn't that extravagant, but it is fun to dress in pink or red and eat yummy candy! Perhaps I’ll get a special treat from Nick.

 I hope you get to spend time with the ones you love today!

Is it really only Wednesday?!

Hello beautiful people!

It's Wednesday, but totally feels like a Friday to me. Ugh, I'm going to be so disappointed when I wake up tomorrow. I am, however, pumped that it's my long run night. Finally after two weeks of "dreadmill" running, the weather will be decent enough to run outside after work. Wahoo! Bring it 8-mile, hilly course. I also look forward to the pizza I'm going to indulge in after the run.

On another note... I posted this fantastic quote by Albert Einstein to my Facebook wall yesterday: “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”  It just fits my life. I used to be afraid of making mistakes or not doing the right thing. Always thinking that I needed a plan before I tried something for the first time. So, I hesitated when it came to trying something new or not in my comfort zone. Well, one of my personal goals this year is to just do what I want to do and not worry about it turning out perfectly or if it was the right thing to do. Just go for it! So far, I've been meeting my goal and this quote just reinforces it for me.

Have a wonderful day!