Prego update: week 28-34

It’s been awhile! We have been so busy with every life and getting ready for the baby.

 

Things have been going really well, yet super busy for us. It seems like we waited til the last minute to do things until right before the baby arrives. We are taking our Labor & birth class at our local hospital this coming weekend and also a breast feeding class next week. Looking forward to it! My husband, not so sure about that.

 

We are now having our doctor appointments every other week and then every week starting at the end of May. We go in for belly measurements, listen to the heartbeat, and any questions we have. They have been pretty quick appointments. It’s so amazing to hear his heartbeat every time. Oh and he is head down already. I know there is a chance he could flip, but doc said at our last appointment there is a good chance he won’t. Gets me more excited to have him here.

 

Baby shower: 4/26/2015

My mom and sister threw us an amazing baby shower for Baby B. Had about 40 of our friends and family there to help shower our son. The food and the company was great. I get asked what was our favorite gift, honestly, we loved it all and will be put to good use for the baby.

 

How am I staying healthy:

My workouts have been few and far between. Cardio is the thing that makes me feel best. The weights were getting too much for my and bending down in the 21 day fix so I have switched to T25. My back has been hurting a lot while sitting down so any form of cardio has relieved the pressure. Since the weather has gotten a lot nicer and not too hot, we’ve been taking Stella on more walks and I have been doing that instead of my workout. It too hard not to go outside and enjoy it. My feet have started to swell when the temperature hits around 80. Some shoes don’t fint so the wardrobe is getting even SMALLER.  Prop  them up at night and I’m good to go the next morning.

 

Nursery:

It’s coming along!! We put of the crib this past weekend and that’s all that was left. We are going to start hanging stuff and then it will make its debut to you all. Until then, it’s underwraps.

 

I can not believe we have 6 weeks left until he arrives. We are so excited and cant wait to meet him.

XOXO,

SJB

Samoa Girl Scout Cookie Shakeology

So, my favorite Girl Scout cookie ever is the SAMOA! I have been craving themlately, so I decided to put a healthy spin on it. 

Ingredients:

1 scoop of chocolate Shakeology

8 oz unsweetened almond milk

10 oz of water (or ice)

1 tsp coconut extract

1 tsp caramel extract

Blend ingredients well and enjoy!

XOXO, 

SJB

Independent Beachbody Coach 

Prego update: Week 21-27

Can I seriously shed a tear of how quick this pregnancy is going? I was talking to my husband the other night about it and the little guy will be here in 13 weeks!

So much has gone on the past couple of weeks since I last posted an update.

If you read my previous post, we found out Baby B is a BOY!!! We are over the moon and so blessed to be this little guy's parents. After finding out, it really got us excited to start planning the future with him and get the nursery going.

We have some ideas swirling for the nursery. We're going for a more rustic feel & look. Something that is relaxing and brings a sense of peace when we spend time in their with him. We picked up the furniture last weekend from my sister. Passed down from my nephews. Brings back a lot of memories when they were little. We also did pick up the boards for the wall in the nursery. Going with an entire wall of wood boards for the rustic touch. With a semi-plan in order for the nursery, we're moving in the right direction. My husband wants to get the nursery done by the end of April. (He has a feeling the baby will be coming early).

We FINALLY registered!!! Oh my goodness, was that an overwhelming experience. We started at Buy Buy Baby. We had a rep walk around with us to show us what was needed because let's be honest, we have NO IDEA. She was very informative, but choose some very poor words when giving her opinions on specific products. We really wanted to nail down some of the bigger items. We were not able to do that because she was not trained in that department and the individual that was, was already helping someone. Totally fine, we should've started there. We spent about 2 hours in there and once we left my husband said he would not be registering for awhile. He was such a trooper so I've got to give him that. We were both overwhelmed and exhausted. I even needed a couple weeks break to finish up the registering which I am doing with my mom and sister this weekend!

Cravings:  Sweet tooth is on full overload.
Makes me puke: I am having a hard time finding stuff for dinner that is appealing to me. Nothing that would make me sick, appetite is just not there at night except for sweets.

Movements: baby is moving so much! He has been most active at night once I put my feet up he is a little machine. My husband loves feeling the baby move. As the weeks progress, he has become a little more active during the day, but the night is still a dance party for him. I absolutely love feeling him move and watching my stomach move as well.

 Glucola test. YIKESSSSSS. Something I have been dreading for awhile. I survived and made it through and PASSED with flying colors. So happy we don't have to worry about that.



Health & Fitness: I have been doing the best I can to keep my nutrition clean and steady workouts. I finished Insanity Max 30 last week and started on 21 Day Fix. I love the feeling I get from lifting weights and the soreness, so I couldn't pass Autumn up. The days are getting longer and the temperature is getting warmer, so we've be able to take more walks outside with Stella. I am a little slower then normal and the distance may be cut down, but it feels so good to get outside and do stuff we love to do.

Consignment sales: HOLY SMOKES. So I have known about these bad boys through my sister while my nephew's were growing up, but I never saw the value in them until NOW. We went to our first one last weekend and also another one last night. (one more next weekend), I can not believe how many AWESOME deals you can truly snag as these sales. I guess I never realized it before we registered. Our little guy had a wardrobe that is growing rapidly along with some little shoes as well to match mommy that I couldn't pass up. If you are expecting or already a mommy, I highly recommend these types of sales. All of the inventory has been to checked so nothing is broken, worn down, or stained. They usually have a half price sale the very last day that you can snag some really good deals.

Oh and last but not least, we have booked a BABYMOON and can't wait to share with you guys in the next post. Lips are sealed until then :) We fly out on Thursday evening.

Thanks for following me throughout our pregnancy journey.

Until next time.

XOXO,
SJB

Beef Burgers and Healthy Sweet Potato Fries

This is PERFECT for the warmer days ahead!

I love sweet potato fries!  I am still working on the perfect temperature to try and figure out how to get them crispy without frying the sweet potatoes.  So mine were a little soft, but they were still absolutely delicious!  This is a 21 day Fix meal approved!!

Beef Burger

I use organic beef from Costco…pat out the burgers and grill to perfection!  I like to add goat cheese on my burger and I don't add the bun!

Sweet Potato Fries

3 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch long and wide strips

Olive oil for tossing

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

paprika, to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Line sheet tray with parchment paper.  Toss sweet potatoes with enough oil to coat.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika (or any seasoning you like).  Lay potatoes in single layer, do not overcrowd.  Bake until tender and golden brown, turning occasionally about 20 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes.

AND ENJOY!

XOXO,
SJB
Independent Beachbody Coach 

Prego update: Week 17-20

Hey there! Thanks for following my pregnancy!  I really appreciate it!

So, I wanted to stop in and give you a little update on how things have been going. The past couple of weeks have been flying by. I have been feeling great! Exhaustion set in for a couple of days, but caught up on that over the weekend and back to our regular jammed packed schedule.  We did go out with some friends last weekend to St. Louis's Taste of Soulard. It was so nice to get out and enjoy the time with each other with some good food.





Craving: sweets & BBQ chips
Stay away from: Orange chicken is still not my favorite :(

Week 20:
So I went a little crazy at our week 20 because WE ARE HALF WAY. It felt like it was something so special so I wanted to celebrate. (Note to self, never wear strips!)

4th dr appointment w/ gender:
Our ultrasound went good. At first the tech didn't think she would get a picture since baby's legs were closed but after giving my stomach a little push, little one opened up and tech got a great shot. We are not finding out for another 8 days (2/21/15) at our gender reveal party. Baby is a whopping 14 ounces.

Doctor said everything looked great as well and she was very happy with how I looked and the weight gain of 8 pounds. She said I was doing an amazing job and no worries.

Next dr appointment will be at week 26 and doing another ultrasound to get the spine since the tech wasn't able to get that and also the infamous glucose test.

Belly keeps growing and the pants are slowly not fitting.

Until next time!

XOXO,
SJB

Progress update Insanity Max 30: Week 2 & 3

Whew- boy am I glad Superbowl is OVER WITH. I totally over ate and felt miserable last Monday. I know I am not the only one!  I am so excited to be almost done with the first month of Max 30. These past 2 weeks have been a bit of a struggle with wanting to sleep in at least one day and make up on the weekend. Week 2 that make up didn't happen but did with week 3. Week 4 will be different because I will be getting up during the week and getting all my workouts done during the week and saving the weekend to relax. 

I have LOVED this program. I lost some of my upper body strength when I stopped Body Beast and am gaining that back and can tell in the past 2 weeks with my push ups. Once again, I am modifying the moves and substituting any abs workouts for more pushups or squats. These workouts are tough but I am determined to do what I can without pushing myself too hard. My "max out" times are getting better. On some of the workouts, I have gained minutes. I couldn't believe it!  I can not wait to do this program to the MAX once baby comes and I am cleared to workout. 

Week 2 Meal Plan

For the nutrition aspect of it, I am following it as much as I can. I could be doing better.  Just looking to get what I need in each day. I have gained weight so I will be going to increase the containers from the under 150 to over 150 starting next week. 

As you can see I am a creature of habit and love having the same breakfast and snacks each week. I always tell people to find something you love that makes you fee great, and you won't even notice you have it every day.  Staying on track during the work week has been so hard because we have the infamous candy bowl which I sit near. Having my Shakeology for lunch has really curbed my sweet tooth cravings I usually get in the afternoons. If I feel other ones coming on, I just pop sugar free gum in my mouth and I will be good.

Week 3 Meal Plan

As the past 2 weeks have ended, and week 4 begins, I am ready to take it on with better nutrition & workouts Monday through Friday and weekends to relax! Giving myself major props for sticking with this at 20 weeks pregnant! Never would I have imagined I would be doing this type of program, this far into my pregnancy and feeling AMAZING!!! 

See ya next week!

XOXO,

SJB

Independent Beachbody Coach 

Weeks 10-16 PLUS our 2nd & 3rd Dr appointment

We have FINALLY crossed into the 2nd trimester!  WHOOP! I can definitely tell you I am starting to get the hang of this pregnancy thing. I can not believe how fast this is going. It makes me sad honestly. Even though, I have vocally been unsure on every feeling my body given me and a little weirded out by it, I love being pregnant. I have embraced it and still can't believe this is happening.

Guess who's eating for 2?!

Well, we have officially told everyone. We finished up telling out families on Thanksgiving. my husband didn't want to do anything crazy to tell his family. However, I was dying to do something fun  for one of them so it was mine. lol.

10 weeks on Thanksgiving

The feeling of being sick at night has slowly suppressed over the weeks and I have be learning what I can and CAN NOT eat right before bed.

Cravings: I am still having a bowl of cereal every morning before I workout. Besides that, no huge cravings.
Get that away from me: I tried my favoriate  Orange chicken and fried rice from Trader Joe's and wanted nothing to do with it :( . I didn't try no more then 2 bites because I don't want to hate it when i go to try in again.



2nd doctor appointment: December 8, 2014:
Appointment went well. We met with a practitioner in the office that gave us a lot baby information. A bit overwhelming but we've had some time to look over it and digest it.  The practitioner had a little trouble finding the heartbeat so we had another ultrasound and everything was AMAZING. Heartbeat was 173.

Auntie Kelly gave Baby B some new outfits. 

3rd doctor appointment: January 5, 2014:
The doctor had no problem finding the heart beat. Strong at 150. He also said the little ruffles in the sound of the ultrasound meant that baby was kicking. Gosh, I didn't know my heart could grow much bigger. I am so in love with this little one already!

Well we've made it through the Holidays with little exhaustion but it was VERY overwhelming for me this year. We are so busy on Christmas Eve and Day. I couldn't wait for Christmas Night to spend with just Nick and I after all the craziness. With my hormones going crazy, my anxiety through the roof, wrapping paper being thrown every direction. It sad to say this because I am not normally like this at all, but I was ready for this Holiday season to be over with.

This sums up my shopping trips. 

Growing belly....
Nothing is more frustrating then your clothes not fitting and you can not find anything when you go shopping. I am still rocking the hair tie on my button of my pants. Last week, it started to get comfortable, so I have started to look for jeans. I don't have many winter clothes to begin with, so with a growing baby in my belly, is not making this any easier. I can not wait until its warmer out so I can wear my dresses and be way more comfortable.

Names:
We have gotten asked a lot about names. We have a SMALL list of names. Yes, we're keeping them HUSH HUSH right now....sorry. We go back and forth every now and then with names and if we both agree then put it on the list. Once we find out the gender we will go from there. It's so nice to keep something private between my husband and I during the time.

Christmas Eve

Baby was spoiled by Grandma

Do I have a feeling of what were having:
I get asked about this a lot! I have never experienced this before so I have no idea. I can tell you I have dreams about the baby and there are days when I feel stronger about the gender then other days, but we will see NEXT MONTH!

Baby B just had his/her first plane ride to Pittsburgh last weekend! I did surprisingly well. I didn't know what to expect on the plane but all was well. The weekend was jam packed with Beachbody events and long days. Exhaustion caught up to me all last week and was able to sleep in this morning, FINALLY.

Baby popped out! 

We are feeling great and back to normal. My workouts have been great so I have decided I am going to start Insanity Max 30 TOMORROW! I will be doing the modifier so it's not so hard on my body and also altering some of the ab movements as well. It's so important to me to stick with my workouts and nutrition while pregnant. Don't get my wrong, the Baked Lays BBQ were my best friend last week and delicious. I could feel the aftereffects of those though and needed to get back on track. You can follow my Max 30 journey in the upcoming weekly posts I will be doing.

Week 16 

Week 17

Our next doctor appointment is February 9th where we will HOPEFULLY get a good view of the gender. We will be finding out with our families later in the month, so we are looking forward to that!

Time is going by so fast. i can't believe in a couple of weeks we will be half way through with the pregnancy, but we are so excited to meet him or her.



As always, thanks for following my journey!

XOXO,
SJB

Super Friday in Pittsburgh

You guys! I can not seriously begin to tell you about this weekend. As I’m sitting here reflecting on everything, my head is spinning, overwhelmed and excited for 2015.

This weekend was a HUGE celebration for our TOP TEAM. Melanie was officially announced TOP coach out of over 260,000 so this was a “no question about it” were going and hello Carl Diakler and Autumn Calabrese were coming to town.

So, Beachbody has these quarterly events all over the US.  Different locations make it fun for everyone. We learn about the upcoming trips, product announcements, and training as well. Afterwards, most do a live workout.

There's my girl, Autumn

This is the second year we have made it to Pittsburgh for this event. We mainly stick in St. Louis for the rest of the years. We traveled last year because Michael Niemand from beachbody corporate was in town to congratulate Melanie on #2 coach and present her trip to Italy.

Talk about a group workout 

We got into town on Friday settled in, and got a quick Max 30 workout in  The Omni in Pittsburgh is absolutely GORGEOUS. One of THE most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in. We had a “white out” theme on Friday night for the actual event. All the attendees wore white and the Market council (who put the event together) wore black.  There were over 1,000 people at this event. They shared success stories, shared a 45 minute video of a little training, talked about our trip for 2016, and also announced a little secret that Beachbody will be rolling out later this year (stay tuned).  Melanie was presented, by Carl, with a top coach basket and her trip to Paris later this year. Alyssa Schomaker was also presented with a basket for #9 and her trip to Paris. Guys, these numbers are out of 260,000 coaches. How amazing is that? We have some seriously leaders on our team and we get top notch training as well. After the presentation was over the first 500 people who got a ticket, they got their picture with either Carl or Autumn. Such a hard decision but I chose Carl. I figured I had a better chance of meeting Autumn at Summit or another event. We went on to do a LIVE workout with Autumn from the 21 Day Fix EXTREME that will be releasing February 2^nd.  Such an intense workout for baby and I so we did the EXTRA modified version and did what we could. Still got a great sweat on and got to enjoy it.

Group workout with Autumn 

Saturday morning came with a 3 hour training from our top coaches on the Dream team. Here is a run down of what was covered:

Val Bozzo: Creating Killer confidence and inviting people

Marsha Smrcka: keys to setting the stage for success. And inviting

Carl & I

Deidra & Kaileigh

Val Bozzo

Melanie Mitro

Alyssa Schomaker

Katy Ursta

Marsha Smrcka

Alyssa Schomaker: top 10 tips to supercharge our business

Katy Ursta: Sweating for something bigger

Deidra Penrose & Kaileigh Hennessey: Identifying what type of coach you are & success partners

Melanie Mitro: short term sacrifices for long term happiness, developing systems, a recruiting game plan

Ended with a Q & A session from the top leaders on our team. With this it was so intriguing to hear how Beachbody has changed the lives of these coaches and what their best investment has been.

Q&A with the panel

I cannot wait to pass these tips to my coaches!

We grabbed lunch at this cute little place in the city not far from the hotel, but holy smokes this city is cold.

Saturday Night came with a HUGE celebration at Perle Champagne bar with dessert. We danced and mingled with everyone. It was such a great time.

As I am sitting here in the airport, waiting to board our flight to Chicago, I cannot help but to think abut how amazing beachbody has been to myself, mentally and physically. A passion I never I thought I would find with working in the typical 9-5 corporate world.  Knowing that I am helping transform lives is what I LIVE for. Its not about the paycheck it’s about the messages I get from clients and my team that make me tear up and makes everything so real that I am doing what I was suppose to be doing all my life.

I hope that each and everyone of you that read my blog are following your dreams and have been in touch with your passion and what you are suppose to be doing. It’s such a blessing.

XOXO,

SJB