Post #3 Baby Update

Here I am with just over three weeks left!  I have been doing well, although starting to feel the effects of the pregnancy.  This past week, I had a few rough days with very little energy and breath left.  It is amazing how much a baby can suck out of you.  I am usually full of energy and have found myself just needing to sit down.  I definitely am struggling with what I would like to get done and with what I can actually get done.

37.5 weeks

I am just waiting on some blood work to see my iron levels.  If they are too low we will not be given the option of a home birth which will be disappointing.  Our two girls were hospital births with the midwives but we were hoping to try to stay home this time.  I guess we leave it on God's hands and pray only for a safe delivery.  Thankfully our baby is doing well.  He continually reminds me of his presence and I am anxious to meet him.  He is measuring on track and giving me lots of Braxton Hicks ;)

So what is left to be done around here,...well a nursery for one!  Here it is right now!

Yup it is still Dan's office.  Although here is Dan busy working on his new office in the basement.

What a handsome man!

He assures me that we can set up the nursery next week even if he has to temporarily use the spare room for work.  I really can't complain, he works hard and well a baby doesn't really use a nursery for awhile.  I just need to remind my nesting/organized self to just relax a little.    

In the meantime I have created some diaper cream, sewed a wet diaper bag and organized some clothes.  I am enjoying the change from all the pink and welcoming these blues, reds, greys and browns.

In the meantime, here is our current "baby" who doesn't look much like a puppy anymore but definitely still acts as one.  We read the Bible story the other day of Samson and laughed as it stated, "his wisdom did not match his muscle."  Well that pretty much sums up our dog.  He is mighty and stupid but I love him!  

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Breakfast Cookies (Dairy, Egg, Gluten, Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

I love protein for breakfast and sometimes actually get tired of drinking a protein shake.  These cookies are a great alternative.  They are hearty and give you lots of energy for the day.  Filled with protein, iron, fibre and omegas they will give you the boost you need to get going.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons ground flax 
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup if vegan
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds ground up
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1 1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1/3 cup hemp hearts
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and prepare cookie sheet.
2. In a small dish combine flax and water.  Set aside.
3. In a large bowl combine all ingredients then add the flax/water.
4. Stir until fully combined.
5. Scoop onto baking sheet.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes until cookies appear set.
7. Let cookies rest on the cookie set for 2 minutes then transfer onto a wire rack.
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Fitness Takes Discipline

Discipline can feel like a negative word. Remember when we were disciplined as kids? It felt horrible at the time. However, if done out of love, discipline can provide structure and a healthy lifestyle. In fact, I would say I live a pretty disciplined life when it comes to health and fitness. Discipline has helped mold me into the woman I am today.

Discipline has made the ranks of being a positive part of fitness success. It provides the drive to pursue my goals even on days where I don't feel like it. Without discipline, I think my life would be completely different. Without this structure, I wouldn't have the discipline to work out, eat the way I do, or take care of myself overall. 

Discipline includes keeping workout appointments with myself without excuses. Preparing meals ahead of time to stay accountable to eating right also takes discipline. Remaining true to fitness philosophies also takes a disciplined attitude. It could be easy to get off track, but a disciplined mind provides the strength to stay the course. 

Discipline takes on a whole new wow factor of this is a good thing for me. Maintaining fitness is our individual responsibility and the choices we make each day determine how that turns out for us. This is all about the discipline to do it and making fit happen. 

Sometimes there are bumps in the road, but it shouldn't sabotage our goals. It takes discipline to shake it off and get back to fitness business. If you happened to skip your morning workout, just push it to the afternoon or evening for example. Never throw in the towel and forget it. Being disciplined will help you find a way to be successful.  

Enjoy a sample workout video!

Sample workout program


Set 1 – demo on video
Negative pull-ups 5 reps x 4 sets
Jump rope interval: 100 reps
Set 2
Low rows 45lbs @ 25 reps
Modified burpees @ 30 reps
Set 3
Leg extensions 35lbs @ 25 reps
Hamstring curls 25lbs @ 25 reps
Lung back kick fronts @ 25 reps
Set 4
Modified french press 10lbs on bar @ 25 reps
Triceps push downs – 20lbs on cable @ 20 reps
Jump rope interval – 50 reps

Sample Meal Plan
Coffee (one cup with vanilla creamer)

Meal 1- Powered up steel cut oats   
Meal 2 – Post workout shake
Meal 3 – Leftover spaghetti squash with lean turkey pasta sauce
Meal 4 – Sweet potato with 2 energy bites
Meal 5 – Grilled shrimp/chicken with steamed green beans/broccoli
Meal 6 –Protein pudding

grilled shrimp

spaghetti squash

pasta sauce

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Be well and Stay Healthy!

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