Self care is so important for special needs parents. Over the last two years, I have very much evolved in how I have accomplished self care in my life. Below are my top must-haves for my personal self care. I say no to everything unnecessary, and I constantly evaluate and re-evaluate the definition of “necessary.” … [Read more…]
I knew going into this pregnancy that one big thing I wanted to be different between this pregnancy and my first pregnancy was that I wanted the third trimester to be much more relaxing. With Ezra’s pregnancy, there were many things that contributed to stress in the final weeks leading up to his birth: The assumption that … [Read more…]
As I write this I am one day short of 23 weeks pregnant. Over the past three weeks I’ve felt very discouraged. I’m already dealing with so many pregnancy nuisances – heartburn, rib pain, indigestion, constipation, lower back pain, symphysis pubis pain, and fatigue. I was really hoping I would get further into pregnancy before hitting the … [Read more…]
I’ve officially made it to (and past) my due date. I’m thrilled, honestly. This has been a great pregnancy. Such a night and day difference from Ezra’s pregnancy. I look back over my pregnancy photos (which there have been many…not sorry at all!), and see how much I’ve accomplished. Stuff like climbing to the top … [Read more…]
How are you feeling?!?! The question comes frequently. And at 31 weeks now, I’m slightly surprised when I hear myself say, “Pretty good!” On Sunday, when someone asked me, “So are you ready to have that baby? Are you ready for it to be over?” again, I was surprised that my immediate answer wasn’t to … [Read more…]
This pregnancy is starting to slow down a bit for me. I think that just comes with the territory the bigger you get! Over the last four weeks, I’ve struggled with some discouragement over the discomforts and the extra weight I’m holding onto. But, I’m still maintaining a positive outlook and not giving up. (Belly … [Read more…]
This series is not about comparison or making moms feel guilty for not overcoming the “excuses” that keep them from maintaining a more healthy lifestyle. Our only goal is encouragement and rejoicing in the fact that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God – flaws, life circumstances, health problems, and all.
Thank you so much for your outpouring of heartfelt comments on my last post. It was so nice to feel less alone – and I was reminded yet again of the power of vulnerability and how it can touch the hearts of others when I least expect it. Now, it’s that time when I share … [Read more…]
Two weeks ago, I learned about a local opportunity for a “Mommy and Me Bootcamp” at the lake, an exercise program designed with busy moms in mind that involves exercising with your children. I was ecstatic. Ezra LOVES exercising with me at home, often counting for me or getting on my back/tummy while I do … [Read more…]
When Russ deployed to Afghanistan (the second time), one of my goals for the deployment was to lose more of that stubborn baby weight. I blogged about my weight-loss journey and had made a lot of progress in the first four months of Ezra’s life. But that baby weight was as strong-willed as the baby … [Read more…]