*Getting Healthy for Baby* July

[Nik]

Let's make July our healthiest month yet! Here's to a new crop of BFP's on our board, and lots of pounds dropped by those still working on it!

[AsmallerME]

Thanks for starting the thread Nik! So where's the weight update? I just noticed you haven't posted anything in a few weeks. Oh, and I so don't blame you for what you might have said to DH. Making a baby is definitely not a passive activity. If anything, it takes every part of you - more than anything any of us are doing.

Not much going on with me. Just working too much. I did restart temping this week so that's in progress and I'm going to start using the OPKs tomorrow (CD14). I'm focused right now on making sure to be strict with my diet. I'm concentrating on the 240s. Here's today's JC menu:
B: french toast
L: mac and cheese
D: turkey burger
S: chocolate cake

Uhmm....I couldn't possibily of had a more delicious day. Oh, and the best part of today is that DH said my pants are too baggy on me. I told him that I don't have many work pants in smaller sizes (I have plenty of casual clothes and tops) since I wasn't this small since entering the workforce. He said that I should get new things then since I'm doing so well. Most of my dress slacks are size 22-24 and I'm in a 20 now and probably on the cusp of getting into a 18.

Okay, enough about me....where is everyone today? Do you ladies have weekend plans? We don't but I'm excited about doing nothing...

[Nik]

Oh, hubby was just joking with me!
I haven't weighed in awhile because when I wake up, my first thought is how to get food ASAP! By the time I remember to weigh, I've already eaten something. I actually think that my weight gain has slowed down now that I've adjusted to the new diet. I'm certainly not eating anywhere NEAR the number of calories I was on Atkins. I'm just not that hungry... I know I should eat more, and make better choices, but I just want to feel good right now. I'll try to pack on the nutrients in the second trimester, when I'm out of the grips of morning sickness.

[AsmallerME]

Oh, I know your husband was joking. I assumed so anyway based on your response. haha I'm glad the weight gain is slowing down. I don't really think 3 pounds in 3 weeks is too bad though especially since you switched from ketosis and low carb to a more "regular" diet full of carbs. Do you have any more girl names that you're thinking about?

[AsmallerME]

Oh, one more question. Did your doctor say what you should gain? Or how much you should eat? I've read that when pregnant you should eat about 300 more calories a day. But 300 more than what? Cause right now I'm eating 1700 and losing. Would I be able to stay at 1700 and keep losing? It seems like it would be okay since I'd be taking in plenty of calories. Obviously I know that when pregnant it may be easier said than done to eat healthy, balanced, blah blah blah. But in a perfect world...

[Nik]

Amber:
I've heard that you should get 100 extra calories at the start. Maybe the 300 is later in pregnancy? It's common for people to lose weight early in pregnancy, especially heavier people. I've read somewhere that 15 pounds is a good pregnancy weight gain if you're overweight to begin with. I gained 17 with DS, until I got sick. Then, I retained water and gained an additional 20 pounds in ONE WEEK! WOW!

My doctor has not mentioned diet, exercise, or weight gain. I'm sure he'll address it at my first "official" appointment on Tuesday, but I don't really care what he has to say, frankly. I'm just going to try to eat intuitively. That's really the ultimate goal in dieting, too, right? To retrain our bodies to eat healthy foods that nourish us and to eat until we're satisfied is my goal. Unfortunately, with this pregnancy, I have been averse to meats and veggies, unless they're starchy. It may be a combo of hormones and my sugar addiction. On the other hand, meats do give me worse nausea and heartburn. I just read today that morning sickness may be a function of our bodies keeping foods that are prone to food-bourne illnesses out of our stomaches. Who knows?

I did get around to unpacking two boxes this evening. It did feel nice to be that much closer to having the house in order. I figure that during my nesting stage, I'll have plenty to do!

I didn't say earlier: Congrats on moving into a size 18! You'll be there before you know it! You're plowing right into those lower sizes; keep it up!

[amm]

Hey girls... I'm around today. I'm still spotting, which is frustrating. It isn't enough to even stain my pantyliner... it's just there when I wipe. Since there hasn't been any flow, I can't call it my period, right? My temp was down slightly again this morning, so I'm thinking it's AF starting. But I never spot like this... I might spot for half a day but by the end of the day, it's red flow. And I usually have killer cramps when AF is starting... and today I actually haven't had cramps at all. I just don't get it.

[Potaty]

Nik~Thanks for starting the thread! I can't believe July is here!!!

Amber~Congrats on you losses! You are doing so great and I am way jealous of your JC french toast this morning!

Andrea~As they say, it ain't over until the witch arrives! Since this is your first month testing, do you know how long your luteal phase normally is?

[amm]

Katy, I'm not sure how long my luteal phase is... but my cycles have been 28-29 days long for the last 6-7 months. Today is cycle day 32.

[Potaty]

Originally Posted by amm

Katy, I'm not sure how long my luteal phase is... but my cycles have been 28-29 days long for the last 6-7 months. Today is cycle day 32.

Have you added any new supplements this month? I added progesterone cream one month after reading about how it can help ttc and it did that to me. I am still hopeful for you!

[obraxton]

Andrea, why not get a blood test to be sure?

I had a "surprise" baby shower at work today...I say "surprise" b/c I knew it had to be this week, and people were acting funning, not to mention, I saw an up-side down paper that appeared to have my name written in cursive....I got a LOT of stuff, I was like, wow you guys really like me!

[Potaty]

Originally Posted by obraxton

I had a "surprise" baby shower at work today...I say "surprise" b/c I knew it had to be this week, and people were acting funning, not to mention, I saw an up-side down paper that appeared to have my name written in cursive....I got a LOT of stuff, I was like, wow you guys really like me!

That's awesome! Do you have a nursery theme?

[ArmyWife88]

Hey Ladies!!! I'm officially back. Our unaccompanied baggage got here and the first thing I did was connect the computer and get on here! HAHA

I hope everyone is doing well. We're not TTC anymore because of the upcoming deployment but I'm taking this time to loose everything I can. Lately I've been focusing on lowering my carbs and using portion control. I was going to wait to start Induction until DH went to training but I might just start tomorrow. I really miss LCing and watching the lbs drop off. We've got a water machine and they deliver water every two weeks so I know I'll be getting my water intake back up.

As for Germany in general. I LOVE IT!!!! It's so beautiful here, If I hadn't lost my digital camera I would have uploaded pics for ya'll.

[Nik]

Christina: SO SORRY! That you lost your digital camera! What a pain! I'm glad you're getting settled. I hope you'll stick around, even thought you're not actively TTC. You know you're still "Getting Healthy for Baby!" Plus, we love to see the pounds drop off, too! Welcome home, girl!

Dessa: OF COURSE people really like you! You're awesome, and I'm sure I'd flock to you in real life, too. I'm so excited about your shower. Are you going to list some of your favorite items? I second Katy's question-do you have a nursery theme? When's your last day of work?

Andrea: Hang in there. This could be it for you. How many people do you know of who have said, "Well, I knew I couldn't be pregnant because I had a period. It was late, and it was really, really light, but it was a period!" Then, nine months later-TA DA! As weird as it sounds, the spotting is really encouraging me. See if you can wait until Sunday to test again. That should be enough time to build up HCG levels. If it's negative (which I doubt), I would call the dr. on Monday. Good luck, lady!

Katy: How's that little prince? I've missed you all lately.

I guess I'm getting a little cabin fever. Today, I'm driving down to Indianapolis to pick up my DS from visiting his grandparents. That should help ease the boredom a little. Last night, I unpacked TWO boxes and put stuff away, so I'm feeling a bit more productive. I leave for vacation in two weeks, and it's all downhill from there (the summer disappears). I hope I can get lots done in the next two weeks. Wish me luck!

[AsmallerME]

Hey ladies! Happy Thursday.

Nik - thanks for the congrats! Good job at unpacking 2 boxes. It's never a fun task. Hopefully the summer passes by slowly for you so you can enjoy the time off. Have you given much thought to maternity leave or anything like that?

Christina - I'm glad you're back with us now. Do you guys have other TTC dates in mind or you're just going to wait and see? Either way you definitely must stay with our group. Hopefully you find that camera 'cause I want to see pictures!

Dessa - I too want to know if you have a nursery or theme picked out. What good gifts did you get? Do you have a lot of shopping left to do or are you ready?

Katy - haha, I know you're jealous of the JC. But not the cat food items!

Kat - come back soon. I miss seeing you here.

Belle - I hope you're doing okay. Last weekend was the big soccer weekend so I hope that worked out well for you.

Mel - sending you happy pregnancy vibes.

Andrea - Charting definitely introduces us to tons about our cycles we didn't know before. I'm a firm believer that our bodies purposefuly get weird when we start paying attention just to mess with us. At least mine seems to...

I ate a wonderful grilled chicken sandwich at Chilis today for lunch. It was w/in my calorie allotment and completely delicious. I begin my peeing on the OPK obsessing this evening.

[amm]

Thanks for all of the encouragement this month, ladies. But, AF is here and she isn't messing around. I was up from 4:30-5:30 this morning with cramps.

So, it's back to the drawing board for me!

[AsmallerME]

Andrea - I'm so sorry. At least you know it wasn't for lack of effort. Every month that you hit the target so to speak you are one month closer to get your BFP. I pray that we both get ours this cycle. Since you O around day 15, we'll probably be in our 2ww together. Grr....I hate my long cycles.

I'm cleaning the house now. I luckily snuck out early from work today so I have time to get some things done. I'm going to do some laundrey in a bit too. I'm trying to run smaller loads more often so it doesn't pile up on me.

[Nik]

ICK! Laundry, cleaning-gross!

Andrea: Sorry about the witch coming to town. I really thought you had it this time. Alas, there's always next month!

OH! I remembered to weigh myself this morning. It was after breakfast, but I bit the bullet anyway. Not too bad; at 211.8, I've only gained 1.4 pounds in about two weeks.

[obraxton]

Sorry, Andrea, I thought it was your month too. Keep holding on to hope! I'll be praying for you and Amm with all my might this month! Keep up posted on your "O" time, please!

Nik, I wish I was 211!

Last day of work, I am still here tying up loose ends! Everyone's gone but me...I feel like it's possible I won't come back. I"ve never had a job where I left as sighted on my resignation letter. My last job, I left in the middle of the day b/c the State needed me to come and fill out paperwork, the previous one before that the manager got upset even thought i have her 30 days notice b/c she thought I betrayed the organization. So I won't be surprised if I find a better job while I'm out.

Oh, for my shower, I got things like a car seat, baby monitor, saftely gate, diaper genie, baby wash, lotions, etc, lots of it, large boxes of diapers and wipes, lots of outfits, washclothes, blankets, bottles, baby books, socks, just a whole lot of stuff!

[AsmallerME]

I wish I was 211 too!

[ArmyWife88]

you and me both Amber LOL

Starting Induction this morning. I'll post my menu later or tomorrow morning.

[AsmallerME]

Happy 4th ladies!!

Today I woke up and saw 249.5. Woo Hoo! I'm claiming it with a huge smile today! For some reason this weight is one that I've been focusing on getting to for what seems like forever. Yeah!!

OPK yesterday was negative, temps are still low. Just waiting now...

[Nik]

OMG AMBER! What a huge accomplishment! Now, you weigh closer to 200 than to 300. That is a HUGE milestone, and I can totally relate. I absolutely understand the joy you must be feeling. You're doing such a good job, and I'm so proud of you.

In my size news, of course I've been feeling fat lately. I have put on a lot of water weight, and I seem flabbier in general, even though I've only gained five pounds. I've been looking through the pics of me at the Taste of Chicago, and there are no good baby bump pictures. Mostly because I don't have a baby bump. I have a muffin top, but it's not quite as cute...

OTOH, my face looks pretty thin. It's hard for me to see in the mirror, but in pictures, I can appreciate how far I've come. This is me, pregnant, with my friends Cecile and Gayla at the free Josh Kelly Concert at the Taste of Chicago on Sunday.

[AsmallerME]

WOW Nik! Your face and neck look so thin! You look so happy - maybe it's the pregnancy glow?

[AsmallerME]

Where is everyone today? Out having 4th of July celebrations? Darn you people for having lives and having fun today. Come and entertain me...

[AsmallerME]

Oh, so I took 4 pairs of size 24 pants and a suit jacket in size 26 and 2 pairs of jeans in 24 to goodwill today. I was sad to see them go and happy to see them go. I'm keeping one pair of 24s so they can be my "before" pants. I'm now comfortably in a 20 and a few 22s still seem to fit well. I have 1 18 that also fits. I went through my closet and moved things around so that I will remember to wear the things that I haven't been able to wear in a long time.

We have absolutely nothing planned for today other than shopping later and some yard work when it cools off. We were invited to a margharita and chips/queso party this afternoon which we turned down. I really don't know if I would of been able to resist those temptations.

What is everyone else up to today?