Favorite Mommy Things

This is a quick list of some of my favorite baby investments. I've meant to do this for some time but I suppose late is better than never. Oh and I've had a year to let my opinions on the purchases "marinate" so perhaps they can be of help to others:

1. Storksak Gigi Diaper Bag- I'd had another bag for months, but realized that I don't really like the "baby looking" diaper bags and preferred something more discreet and with more pockets and dividers for organization. This bag is beautiful, the handles adjust for a stroller accordingly and the only negative is that my small infant child chewed on the straps and there's a mark on one of them.2. Pottery Barn Bassinet- This was a sizable splurge. And Mason only slept in it for maybe the first 2 or 3 months of his life. But I don't regret it one bit. It's still an heirloom piece that I've aesthetically enjoyed more than any other bassinet I've seen. 3. Polo Ralph Lauren Clothes- An infant hits growth spurts and will shoot out of his clothes in no time, but I've had too much fun playing dress up to notice. And admittedly, I've made horrible clothes choices probably spending somewhere close to $300 on smocked clothes; with at least half of those that will end up never being worn {wrong size for the season or I just decided it was too frilly} or that will only be worn once. Bad, bad investments...must RESELL!

But I waited and purchased all of his Polo RL clothes on clearance so there's not been one complaint from me. Mason is petite so he was able to stay in the infant sizes all year; although Polo RL runs small {well, I like to say it runs "true to size"...potatoes...potahhtoes"}. But his 12-month outfits are starting to fit snuggly. Thankfully the great thing about button-down shirts is that you can roll the sleeves up when they're too large and do the same thing again when it's too small for a preppy casual look.

4. CatBird Baby Pikkolo Carrier- I have 3 different baby carriers, and babywearing is something I support...particularly for nursing newborns. My all-time favorite is still the Pikkolo. I rave about it {HERE}. Oh and I can still carry Mason comfortably, only now he's worn like a backpack.

5. Pedipeds- These shoes are the bomb! They have a flexible leather sole that's durable enough for outdoor wear, but it ingeniously allows for movement...considered "the next best thing to being barefoot." I'm still sick over the fact that I lost one of the shoes. Mason is walking in stiff-soled shoes, but something I think around the house it'd be better for him to wear these rather than just his socks {which can sometimes bunch up and trip him}. 6. Boon Squirt Feeding Spoon- I cannot count the number of times that people have stopped us in restaurants after they're in awe of this cool contraption. It's a huge lifesaver when feeding on-the-go. The squeezable rubber compartment acts as an insulator for the baby food and you can actually fit about 6 oz of baby food inside. I've learned however to make sure that I only use Stage 1 or very pureed Stage 2 foods because anything with lumps will not squirt correctly.

7. Boon Flair High Chair- Wow! Can I just add that this high chair may be my all-time favorite purchase PERIOD. It's extraordinarily easy to clean up, I roll Mace around the floor like he's on an amusement park ride, it's a sleek and non-invasive design, and I really like that it easily adjusts heights so I can sit him at the kitchen island, the table, or even wheel him in front of me while I'm on the sofa. Amazing!

8. BOB Sport Utility Jogging Stroller- I use my Chicco travel system stroller for store trips, but there's no way that I'd be able to run without this jogger. The BOB was graciously gifted to us from Gigi and Grandadder before Mason was even born. It's been a life saver. I've kept sane by being able to exercise with Mason and right now I'm just itching for it to get warm again so we can go back out to the park for a jog. It's also the best BOB for us because of the natural park trails where we run; the suspension is a great feature!

Off to the Races

Mason and I ran in a 5K race today (first race together). We joined 14,000 other participants for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and while the morning was rainy and muddy, we were troopers. It was actually a nice respite to have a constant drizzly mist. The main drawback of the race was that it was very crowded despite the weather. It was also pretty tough to navigate a stroller through the mess of runners and walkers. I really wish it was organized so that the walkers were positioned in the back OR they stayed to one side of the road...it'd just be safer for all parties.

I think most everyone has a direct connection to someone who has been affected by breast cancer (or they have dealt with it themselves). My Mamy-Kay is a survivor and so we ran in her honor this year. Mason even sported a cool onesie that had the pink ribbon and read, "a cause i can latch on to."

I was so proud of my guy for staying happy and alert. He no longer falls asleep during our runs. I had the rain canopy covering most of his vision but at least he kept dry for during the race. He even sported his New Balance running shoes and running shorts for the occasion.

I think next year Mason will want to forego the stroller so he can run on his own...whatcha think?

To Market, To Market

To market, to market, 'cause baby is big.
Home again, home again, jiggety jig.
To market, to market, and then for a jog.
Home again, Home again, diggety dog.
To market, to market, clothes don't cost a ton.
Home again, home again, market is done.

We had a fun, busy weekend and made it to Kids Market both Friday and Saturday (thank you Haley!) and found some great deals. Then, since it was a gorgeous day, we went for another jog at the park. I decided to invest in the BOB infant seat adapter so that we didn't have to wait to make use of our fancy stroller (otherwise we're not supposed to use it until 6-8 months for jogging). And we both win: Mason falls asleep and I use muscles that haven't been worked in months!

He's growing so fast...already wearing his 3-mo outfits.

Our Market finds...all for $15.
Sound asleep everytime.

Another Duh Moment

Last night, I had another pregnancy goof. Nothing serious, but it was just another incident to remind me of how the baby is stealing all my precious resources...first my iron, then my blood pressure and weight, and now all my brain cells--- sheesh!

Well I was at the gym and before I began working out, I realized my iPod battery was out. I thought I'd better put it in the locker until after my workout was complete.

And that would have been a fine plan except I forgot my Masterlock combination. This was a 3-code thing...not anything fancy or difficult and I'd had the lock for at least 4 years and used it regularly. Somehow I randomly forgot all 3 numbers and felt like a complete idiot. Pregnancy Brain!

I asked the guys at the Gym's front desk if they could cut it off with some bolt cutters and they suggested I finish my workout and they'd find the cutters afterwards (I think they secretly thought I'd just remember the code while sweating...yeah right!). In the meantime, they offered to hold my iPod at the front desk until I was finished working out.

I ran what I could (a measly 1/2 mile) and worked out a little on the Elliptical ("a little" as in only 15 minutes) and then did my arms and shoulders on the weight machines. A decent little workout considering I'd slacked the week of Christmas and was now carrying 45 lbs extra.

So off to the desk for my front desk Buddies to bail me out of this mess I'd caused. Unfortunately, they had banked on me remembering my combo while working out and during that time they realized that the bolt cutters were at another gym location. But I wasn't in any hurry so I sat down at the front and just waited for them to return with the delivery of my own Bail Out.

Buddy drove off. Buddy returned. Buddy had the bolt cutters and was deemed a hero.

I was happy to have access to my things (keys, wallet, phone, bag...everything) and walked out of there very appreciative of everyone's kindness and helpful attitudes. The upside to things was I learned the gym's childcare is only an additional $10 a month and that's with unlimited access (so I could workout all 30-31 days a month and bring Mason in each time), and they begin childcare at 6 weeks old. Also, they will freeze my gym membership for 2 months while I'm recovering from the delivery so that I'm not charged during that time...NICE!

So I felt very Edumacated about the gym-childcare-policy, and was so pleased to have my stuff back. But have you caught what else it was that I forgot?

My iPod.

Yes, the DUHminess cycle continues on!

Holiday Update 1 of 3

I have lots of updates to share:

First of all, Christmas was awesome! Getting the family together can be a little overwhelming (we do have a large Smithbunch) but our crew has always been full of life and no one could ever accuse us of being boring. It was special thinking about how next year we'll have a tiny little guy to add to our crew and he'll get to experience celebrating with everyone too. Mason will be ~10 months Christamastime 2009. But even for Christmas 2008, Mason received more gifts than anyone else; and I'm guessing that since he's still in the womb and already getting spoiled, that he'll be spoiled rotten once he's out!

Oh and guess what Santa brought me this year...

The BOB Sport Utility Stroller This jogging stroller has the works {sun canopy; BOB suspension; safety harness; rear foot brake; seat recline, etc.}...I'm not supposed to say this, but it's my favorite Christmas gift =)

Running For Mommy Rocking For Baby

article from runningskirts.com

Benefits of Pregnancy Fitness

There is a lot of recent research about the safety and benefits of running during pregnancy for both mom and baby, some of these include:

Healthier Moms

• regular exercise during pregnancy builds stamina and prepares & strengthens muscles and body for delivery
• running during pregnancy reduces fatigue, nausea and constipation
• maternity exercise has been proven to help prevent gestational diabetes
• maternity fitness contributes to shorter labor & less delivery complications
• fit mommies have fewer c-sections
• running moms also experience less lower back pain
• moms to be who exercise also have less swelling of extremities
  

Happier Moms

• regular exercise and/or running promotes well being and less postpartum depression
• pregnancy fitness regimens lead to quick recoveries & return to pre-pregnancy weight
• a fit mom has less anxiety & stress related to pregnancy
• better sleep, less insomnia
  

Yummy Mummies

• running during pregnancy prevents excessive weight gain
• cardio exercise during pregnancy increases blood flow to skin = healthy glow
• pregnant running improves posture & appearance
• It's just makes you look & feel better!
• a regular moderate running program leads to increased energy in first and second trimesters
• maintaining fitness during pregnancy helps moms regain pre-pregnancy body quicker
• running and other moderate impact exercise leads to less development of varicose veins

Happier Babies

• a regular pregnancy fitness regimen better prepares baby for transition from womb
• Pregnancy Running increases blood circulation & placental efficiency
• running while pregnant also increases newborn baby's capacity to self calm & self quiet

Healthier Babies

• regular exercise decreases baby fat without decreasing normal growth
• cardio fitness leads to increased blood flow from placenta which supplies nutrition & oxygen to the fetus

Smarter Babies

• mommies who run have increased fetal movements, which studies have shown leads to quicker development of oral language skills
  

Most experts recommend continuing any fitness activities and moderate exercise you participated in prior to becoming pregnant, but scaling back the intensity and duration of your workouts. Of course, you should avoid any activities that present elevated risk of falling or injury such as ice skating, roller blading, downhill skiing, snowboarding, downhill cycling, water skiing, etc. Be sure to stay cool & adequately hydrated, especially during warm days and summer months.

Again, be sure to discuss your fitness & running plans with your physician and midwife to be sure they are safe for your pregnancy. Always stop running and call your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, uterine contractions, back pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, bleeding, etc.

Barely Running, But I Could Bowl My Belly

I realized last night that I'm struggling to run at a 10'30" pace- that's 5.7 mph on the treadmill...uggggghhhh so slow for even me! I even missed the Komen Race for the Cure last Saturday, which I really wanted to run so I could at least say I ran a race while pregnant...

And well, the next race, the 10K Vulcan Run is definitely out of the question. I was just happy to run 5 miles on the indoor track last night (with a break inbetween), much less 6.2 miles on a course that kicked my butt when I was in top shape 4 years ago.

But of course, to put things in perspective, I've gained a great deal of weight (again, hopefully all in my belly) and it's been like running with a bowling ball strapped to my abdomen. Literally.

Belly in a Bikini

I can really tell that my belly is beginning to take it's toll on my running schedule. I only logged 15 miles last week and probably about the same the week before. So I've decided I need to supplement my exercise by joining the water aerobics group at the gym. Problem: will I actually feel comfortable enough to sport my conservative swimsuit bikini in front of the group? One-pieces are out the window...it just ain't gonna fit.

PLUS, I really would like to go to the beach sometime before the end of the year.

YES!

I can still fit in it! I have a matching swimskirt to cover my bum if I were at the beach too. Nice =) And if I can post a picture, surely I can brave the aerobics group...right?

P.S. This is Sunday, 9/21/08, basically 18.5 wks, but at the end of the day. The bump grows considerably from morning to evening due to fluid retention and much slower digestion. Aren't my gladiolas pretty?

Running for Two

A 2008 resolution was to get back into running regularly. Little did I know, this was the best time in my life to begin a fitness program to keep my body healthy and in top condition.

Since I've been pregnant, I've run the furthest ever in my life. July 26, 2008 at 10 weeks pregnant, I ran 9.14 miles with a 9'02" split...not half bad for a pregger.

Last night I hit the gym with a visible belly. It was visible because I wore a tighter fitting t-shirt and didnt' try to suck in my stomach the entire run (which actually helped as I didn't have to stop for a bathroom break all 6 miles). So in honor of running for 2, I revamped my Nike Runner logo to this chick: