Baby Wilson: 22 Weeks

How far along? 22 weeks
Baby’s size/development this week: weighs about 1 pound and measures 11 inches long; about the size of a spaghetti squash
Maternity clothes: wearing them? Yes. I made a few Loft purchases last week. Once I’m more towards the end of my pregnancy, I’ll give my thoughts on maternity clothes.
Miss anything? Sushi, it really is refreshing in the summer.
Food cravings? Nothing really. Lemonade has been my preferred drink of choice so we have it at home and now I have some at work.
Anything making you queasy or sick? The same old Starbucks coffee and cigarette smoke. Nothing new here.
Sleep: Baby’s kicks have been getting stronger and Baby is usually active right as I’m about to fall asleep. The hubs will ask me what I’m giggling about; Baby’s kicks sometimes tickle!
Best moment of the week: Having the hubs finally get to feel some strong kicks. My MIL even got to feel a few too. Some kicks are stronger than others but it is not yet getting old! (I don’t know if it ever will)
Nursery: Nothing yet. The dresser that the hubs bought is still in its box from Ikea. With Memorial Day coming up, I imagine we’ll get started on it after the holiday weekend.
Wedding rings on or off? on
Movement? As mentioned before, Baby’s kicks are getting stronger and stronger. I feel them several times a day and it is still pretty cool. At some point between this week and next, Baby learns how to swallow and hiccups come soon after. I can only imagine what that will feel like.
Weird pregnancy thing of the week: Nothing really new or strange here. Skin is still awfully dry (as if we are in the dead of winter). I still fit into all my normal shoes so that is still a good sign (this is usually a point in the pregnancy when the feet start to swell).
Daddy is feeling: happy about getting to feel the kicks. This whole baby thing is starting to seem more real.
Mommy is feeling: good! I do have to get a bathing suit for this summer as there is no way I’m fitting into my old one. When I went to try them on, I had no idea of my size which led to some pretty sad images in the dressing room. Lol. I’m still undecided if I want to go with a maternity tankini or flaunt the bump in a two piece. TBD
Workouts this week: I did 1.5 mile run on Tuesday and did lots of walking the rest of the week. It was a fairly busy week where I didn't make much time for workouts. That seems to be the general theme so far so hopefully that changes!
Looking forward to: a nice long holiday weekend! It will be nice to relax and be around the hubs’ family. Although, not being able to have a beer or two will be a different kind of Memorial Day Weekend experience.

Running While Pregnant: My Thoughts and Feelings

I know I've talked a bit about this here and there, but I thought I would be fitting to put together a summary post on how I've been feeling about running since this whole "being pregnant" thing started.

Being a blogger, it is very easy to compare yourself to other bloggers. I read lots of blogs where women ran throughout their entire pregnancy. I figured that if they can do it, I can too. Why not, right? Well when it actually came to it, my body and my mind weren't really on the same page. During the first trimester (the first 13 weeks of pregnancy), I was EXHAUSTED ALL. THE. TIME. I could get 8-9 hours of sleep and still be ready for a nap at any time. I felt like garbage and was really nauseous for about 5 weeks. Then, to top it all off, I was working long hours at the office including a few business trips along the way (all while keeping my big secret). Honestly, I don't know how some women can run despite all of that going on. I know I had to choose my priorities wisely. Running or sleep? Sleep won every time.

Then, when I was feeling a bit better and starting to run again (during that same first trimester period), I would get an occasional cramp in my stomach. Being so early in my first pregnancy, these small cramps completely freaked me out, and I would stop running immediately. Turns out, when I got to that section of the baby book, minor cramping that early in pregnancy is totally normal. Your body is adjusting and stretching, making room for the baby to grow. This is not a seamless process after all.

When I got to the later part of my first trimester and started my second trimester, I was feeling good, wasn't really showing, got my energy back and running became easier again. There was no small cramping, I could maneuver around comfortably, and things were going great.

At the gym with my mini bump at 18.5 weeks

Not to mention, all my running clothes still fit. :)

Quarryman 5k with Pepper

Now that I'm in the middle/end of my second trimester (wow, time is flying by), the bump is starting to grow more. I'm starting to feel sore after too much activity (not pain, just general tiredness). The temps are starting to warm up... I can't go as far as I once could and I can't go as fast as I once could. That is something I've come to the realization on. However, these things can make it really unmotivating to get my butt out the door. I'm not training for anything, group runs are fun but not always convenient, I have lots of run envy out there on the internets, and sitting on the couch just sounds like more fun.

After a Tuesday night run with the FNRC at 21 weeks

I'm thinking that my days of running while pregnant are numbered and I'm okay with that!

Like I said before, I had all these ideas of how I would be this awesome pregnant mother runner! Well, I came, I saw, I did what worked for me, and its time to call it a night. I have a 5k that I plan on run/walking over Memorial Day weekend, and that will probably be my last run that I complete while pregnant. Which is a decision I'm completely happy with. I know this is right decision for me and Baby Wilson. It was fun while it lasted and maybe during my next pregnancy, things will be different.

I'll still be doing physical activity, don't get me wrong, just more cross training type stuff and lots of walking.

I feel like there is lots of info out there on women who breezed through running while pregnant. It is really hard! And during those early weeks, very nerve-wracking (maybe just for me). Either way, I'm glad I did it for as long as I did, but I wanted to share my honest experience with all of you!

AND, I registered for a jogging stroller and plan to be back out there as soon as my doctor gives me approval post-birth. Perhaps I'll be ready to race for Turkey Trot season? Only time will tell.

P.S. If anyone would like to join me for prenatal yoga or prenatal pilates, I'm game any time! 

Run for Boston 5k

When the events in Boston in April 2013 took place, I don't think a single runner in the U.S. could peel their eyes away from social media. We all know people that ran the race, we ran the race, and/or we aspire to run the race some day. When I heard what happened, I couldn't believe it. The question I kept asking myself was why? Why would someone do this? There really is no answer.

But, the CRB community wanted to do something about it. Katie at Live Half Full spear headed the initiative and the Run For Boston 5k was born. From the race website:

Together, our goal is to raise funds from our generous sponsors so that 100 percent of race entries benefits the Who Says I Can’t Foundation and directly to support the rehabilitation of those who lost limbs as a result of the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon.

For those of you in the local Chicago area, the run will take place on Saturday, June 15 at the Independence Grove forest preserve in Libertyville, IL. For more information on the actual event, check out the race website here. 

If you don't feel like running but still want to help, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer! Please fill out this form if you're interested.

If you don't live in the Chicago area and still want to participate, never fear! CRB has also orchestrated a virtual race with some pretty cool giveaways for virtual participants. For more details on the virtual event, check out the race website and Marcia's Healthy Slice for more details on the prize lineup.

I'm lucky to be a part of such a wonderful running community that is doing what we can for the victims from the senseless violence during the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Another Chicago Blogger Visits Girl & The Goat

Many months ago, I made reservations for dinner at Girl & The Goat (like, back in February). I wanted to go before Baby Wilson arrived and I figured it wouldn't be a very fun culinary experience for my vegetarian husband. So, Maggie agreed to go with me and I made our 5:15pm dinner reservations. We had talked about it often, leading up to the day and we were super pumped about going. Unfortunately, Maggie came down with a nasty stomach bug a few days before our reservations so she decided it would be best if she didn't go. :( I was able to snag my friend Steph to go with me at the last minute and we had a nice time.

We were seated right away which was nice, considering we were right on time for our reservations. When ordering, I told my waitress I was pregnant and she offered up a drink called "Happy Juice" that is ginger ale and fruit juice. Naturally, I obliged and it was amazing.

We started off with the Fat Bread. Anything with the word "fat" in the title is destined to be amazing. And it was... A fresh mini loaf of bread with caramelized onions and goat cheese to spread on top. I could have eaten just that, seriously.

Next, based on Katie's recommendation, we ordered the chickpea fritters. They appeared different than I envisioned, but oh so tasty!! We also ordered tempura fish (I forgot its fancy French actual name), scallops, and the pork belly. I forgot to take a photo of the pork belly, but it was my least favorite of the dishes so I'm not too upset.

Left: Happy Juice; Right: fat bread, chickpea fritters, tempura fish, scallops

Thanks to my pregnancy dietary restrictions, we needed all sauces on the side (since they are made with raw egg) and we couldn't get any raw fish dishes. Our waitress was very knowledgeable on the different ingredients and where they came from so she was really helpful! She answered all my pregnancy questions before I even had the chance to ask them. (Is the cheese pasteurized? Can you cook the scallops all the way through? Can we have the raw egg aiolis on the side?) It was really nice to be accommodated and I imagine they would be the same way with anyone else with any food allergies or aversions.

We cleared all of our delicious plates and thought "When in Rome..." when it was time for desserts. We couldn't decide between two so we ordered them both. I liked one more (the grapefruit one) and she liked the other more (the date cake), so it was a perfect combination.

Left: sticky date cake with ice cream; Right: something grapefruit

All in all, this was a wonderful culinary experience that I would highly recommend. It is on the pricier side, and the portions are good for sharing. The wait staff was super helpful and the food was delicious so you definitely get what you pay for! It was really fun to go there with one of my gal pals, but I don't think I would have had very much fun there with the hubs. (It was kind of tapas style-ish, without the Spanish influenced food.)

This wannabe foodie gives Girl and the Goat a big smile and a thumbs up (these are technical rating techniques). Have you been to this restaurant before? What was your favorite dish? I think mine was the bread and the chickpea fritters.

Baby Wilson: 21 Weeks

How far along? 21 weeks
Baby’s size/development this week: weighs about 12 1/2 ounces and measures 10 1/2 inches long; about the size of a pomegranate or a carrot
Maternity clothes: wearing them? Yes. I made a few impulse baby clothing purchases. But, that just means I have one less thing to register for!
Miss anything? My long runs. I miss being able to easily log 6-9 miles on any random weekend, depending what my heart felt like doing. Now, I’m lucky if I have the energy for 2 miles. I know it’s alright and I’ll be back to my long runs soon enough (with a jogging stroller in tow)
Food cravings? I forgot to get some fresh fruit at the grocery store last weekend so I’ve really wanted some apples. Thankfully I remedied that by going to the store this weekend.
Anything making you queasy or sick? The same old Starbucks coffee and cigarette smoke. Nothing new here.
Sleep: Baby’s kicks have been getting stronger but they have yet to wake me up in the middle of the night. I’d like to think that Baby and I are on the same sleep schedule, but I’m sure that is just in my head.
Best moment of the week: Hearing the baby’s heartbeat at the doctor’s appointment. We got the results from the ultrasound and everything is developing well and as expected. Baby Wilson is in the 50th percentile with all of the things they were able to check. Things are looking good!  Also, I got to celebrate my first Mother's Day (well, mother-to-be) where the hubs made me breakfast and we went on a nature hike. It was a really fun day.
Nursery: I received a pregnancy book as a Mother’s Day gift and they have a spot to take a before and after photo of the nursery. Right now, things are in shambles in there. Pretty perfect for a “before” photo, I must say.
Wedding rings on or off? on
Movement? Some days Baby is more active than others. I was nervous when I didn’t feel a lot of kicks on Sunday, but I felt lots of kicks throughout the day on Monday. I love being able to feel Baby after waiting so long to do so. It really is comforting to know that there really is something in there! I don’t think it will ever stop being surreal. Maybe once the baby is delivered?
Weird pregnancy thing of the week: It is humid outside and my skin is still SO DRY. You’d think it was winter! They itch and hurt on a regular basis. I keep putting lots of lotion on but it is still annoying
Daddy is feeling: “happy pappy”
Mommy is feeling: good and wants to get rolling on lots of things while I still have the energy to do so!
Workouts this week: I did 1 run this week and rode the bike once this week. Daily Mile is not impressed with my workouts. I haven’t gotten one of those “Kelly, what an epic week!” (insert other adjective instead of epic) emails in a while. Instead they are just like “Here is your workout summary.” I want to tell those emails “Lay off me, I’m pregnant! Give me some encouragement you jerks!”
Looking forward to: Finish registering. I had no idea that registering for baby stuff would be such hard work! I’ve been going over these lists for over a month and I’m still not done! Baby registries are way more complicated than wedding registries… And the decisions lead to a much bigger impact. What happens if I don’t pick a good toaster? I get frustrated on a Saturday morning when making breakfast. What happens if I don’t pick a good car seat? I don’t want to know.