Hello, 2nd Trimester!

14 weeks. Less nausea. More energy.

And a recap of the first trimester:

The Way of the Warrior Woman

(Exercising at 11 weeks pregnant.)

I was struggling with weights and pushups so much that I was just about ready to abandon them. I did not do any strength training at all for almost 2 weeks.
Finally, it occurred to me that in my martial arts training, I always hear the phrase “do something.” Whatever we do, even if we don’t land our techniques perfectly, we must do something; standing still is never an option.
So did something. I decided to do pushups and stop when they became a struggle instead of wearing myself out trying to get to a certain number. I also took 5 lbs off each dumbbell. That felt much better, and I felt great afterward! That's what it's about, right? Instead of whining at how "wimpy" I've become with pregnancy, I'm reminding myself that I've never been able to work this hard while pregnant before.

(And yes, I realize my lunge form is slipping here. I continue to work on that.)

First Midwife Visit

Listening to the baby’s heartbeat at 12 weeks, 5 days. As I predicted, the first thing the midwife asked when measuring my uterus was “Are you sure about your dates?”   I am measuring at 18 weeks.  I’m not worried or alarmed, as the same thing has happened with my past pregnancies. At the same time, it is kind of a bummer to be just a little bit pregnant but look as if I am a lot pregnant. lol

After our visit, we went on an adventure. DaddyBear had spotted a foot bridge crossing the river to a little island on his travels, and we had to go check it out. We saw lots of squirrels and even some deer on a shady path by the river.

Mama turns 39

This is the last year of my 30s, and I plan to make it count.

A good friend  came over to celebrate with me, and my sweetheart put some kabobs on the grill for us. Followed by strawberry ice cream birthday cake.
Life is good!

Gigi’s First Lake Trip

I can’t believe I’m posting a picture of myself in a swimsuit for the world to see. But for the first time in forever, I’ve found a swimsuit that I actually like! Modest AND cute.

Baby #7--Eight Weeks

For those people who are saying “What? Another baby?!”, here ya go…responses to all your questions and comments.  You can just go ahead and assume that the irritated/sarcastic responses are going be the ones that will pop out of my mouth this time around.

Mother’s Day

Celebrating the wonderful woman who raised her son to be an affectionate, loving husband and father. I could not have wished for a better mother-in-law.

My gifts from my children. They bought me this necklace and earrings set with their own money.

Caveman’s First Holy Communion

And My Baby Is All Grown Up

Date Night!

Celebrating the birth of my knight and hero.