October Fitness

Note to Readers:  This post is probably going to sound like I am bragging.  So if you don't want to read while I "atta-girl" myself, feel free to close the browser.

October is a beautiful month.  The weather is still warm, but you also get those crisp days mixed in.  Fall fashion is so cute, and it's finally hoodie weather again!  It's also when I start dreading running outside.  I LOVE running in the heat.  Give me 90 degrees and sunny over 45 degrees and cloudy any day!  My favorite running temperature is probably in the 70's, but I definitely prefer the warmth than cool air.

This October, I ran my very first half marathon.  I've run a full marathon before, but never a half.  I was really excited to get in my first race post pregnancy.  I did a free 5k back in September, but I don't really count that.  When all of your training runs are longer than your race, it doesn't seem as fun or challenging.  The half marathon was what I had my goal set on before I even had Eva.  I knew that as long as I didn't have a C-section, I would have no problem getting enough training in before the race.  Since I had run my whole pregnancy, up until the day my water broke, I knew getting back into running would be no problem.  In fact, 15 days after Eva was born, I went on my first 3 miler. Let me tell you, it was so much EASIER running postpartum than it was 9 months pregnant.  I seriously felt so fast.  Therefore, I set a time goal for myself.  I wanted to run a sub 2 hour half marathon.  Definitely doable pre-pregnancy, but I had been running a lot slower during my pregnancy, so I prayed I hadn't lost whatever speed I used to have.  I did a lot of intervals, tempo runs, and a couple track workouts in order to get my speed back.  A lot of HARD work went into getting back to pre-pregnancy shape, but I was able to exceed my goal of a sub 2 hour half marathon by several minutes.

I am still working on some muscular strength that I lost during my pregnancy, but otherwise I feel back to my normal self.  It's amazing how your body can bounce back after going through 9 months of stretching and supporting life of another human being.  Fact is, I am proud of myself and my accomplishment.  I put a lot of hard work into my health and fitness and am getting results.  Feel free to judge me and say I just have good genes or whatever other excuse you want, but truthfully it all comes down to hard work.  I gained 24 pounds during my pregnancy by the time I checked into the hospital in labor.  By the time I left, I had only lost 8 lbs.  To be fair, I stuffed my face during my stay at the hospital after not eating for over 30 hours... but still.  So basically, I had 16 POUNDS OF FAT to lose.  The weight didn't just fall off...  it took 3 months of sweat and blisters.  While I still feel like my mid section could use a little tightening up, I actually weigh less now than I did pre-pregnancy.  I'm back into my "skinniest" jeans and feel confident in a swim suit once again.  If only my linea nigra would continue to fade, I would have no complaints!  Apparently, it takes a lot longer to disappear if you are nursing :(

If I could do this last pregnancy over again, I wouldn't change much to my fitness regimen.  I am so glad I was able to continue running throughout my pregnancy!  I know not many people are able to continue due to certain risks or discomforts it causes them.  I feel lucky, and it definitely kept me sane.  I'm glad I kept up with core work as well, because I think it really helped my back stay strong enough to counteract the baby bump during pregnancy.  Also, I believe it helped me shrink a lot quicker back to my normal size.  I was so thankful I did not have to buy new clothes to fit into before I lost all the weight I gained during pregnancy.  Perhaps I wish I had done some speed work or heavier upper body lifting, but after my initial miscarriage scare, I am glad I took that first trimester easier.

I now have other goals in mind.  I've always wanted to be a fit mom.  But I want to push myself to a better, stronger, faster limit.  I want a firmer butt, leaner legs, stronger arms, a tighter core.  Even though I'm transitioning into the healthcare field and leaving behind my career as a fitness coach, I don't want to forget something I am passionate about.  I would still like to feel confident in my body when people ask me fitness related questions.  I still want to encourage people to set healthy goals and see them attain them.  I hope to never lose the side of me that craves to be healthy and fit.

Nursery Tour

I just realized I never posted completed pictures of Eva's nursery!  I still want to get some canvas photos printed from her newborn session and put them up, but I am in no rush to do that.  I am kind of enjoying the simplicity of it.  Also, I can't wait to start decorating her nursery for Christmas!  I am counting down the days!

Brag note: my mom made that adorable bedskirt for her crib! I made the pennant banners, but let's get real.... the skirt was MUCH harder to make!

Did I mention that she also made the curtains?

That armoire is the one I painted that used to be in my old nursery!

Spoiled little baby gets her own bathroom!

Tada....Eva's bright and cheerful nursery :)

3 month update

Life has been seemingly busier than usual, so I haven't had the time to update as often as I would like.  My last post was right before her 2 month appointment, where she did end up having to get some shots.  I thought ahead and brought her Vitamin D drops with us, in order to help soothe her after the shots.  She LOVES the fruity D drops, and so I thought it might be a nice distraction from the pain.  Luckily, she ended up being so brave during the shots, and only cried until I picked her up.  We gave her the D drops anyway, just for being such a good girl :)  At her 2 month appointment, she was up to a whoppin' 10 pounds 10 ounces! She has also grown to be 22.5 inches long.  I can't believe how big she is getting!

The month of September was so great.  September is definitely my favorite month.  It's still warm out, but fall is in the air and Pumpkin Spice lattes begin to grace the Starbucks menu.  I had my first coffee since before I was pregnant last week (granted it was decaff) We got to take Eva to the Du Quoin State Fair in Illinois.  It was a first for both of us!  Also, Eva has gotten on somewhat of a schedule, so it has made our lives a little less hectic and sporadic.  Andy and I got to celebrate our 2 year anniversary as well.  He was off that day, so we slept in, went out to lunch, cooked a great dinner, and relaxed at home.  To continue on with our tradition, we also moved our bed down to our living room to sleep.  Back when we first moved into our condo, we were getting new carpet upstairs so we couldn't move any furniture up there until it was installed.  Thus, we spent the first few weeks of our marriage sleeping in the living room :) It has become a tradition that every year on our anniversary night, we move our bed downstairs to go to bed.  It was all the more fun this year with our added bundle of joy! 

Now, at 3 months she is as cute as ever.  Her cheeks seem to get bigger and bigger!  No doctor's appointment this month, so that means no shots either!  She has started to enjoy tummy time a lot more because she can push herself up with her arms a lot higher for a lot longer.  I think she thinks she is cool because she can look around while being independent.  Speaking of looking around, this little girl LOVES to look around!  She hates the cradle hold now, and pretty much only wants to be held facing out.  Also, she seems to know when you are sitting or standing, and definitely wants you to be standing while you are holding her.  She is such a little stinker! 

Another noteworthy thing she has done this past month is drooling excessively!  I started putting a bib on her sometimes so she doesn't get her clothes all wet.  Also, she is getting stronger physically!  She has increased head control and can stand up while we are holding onto her hands.  Andy likes to hold her over his head with one arm under her tummy.  She loves it, and looks like superwoman!  Her favorite song is the alphabet song, but I still try to sing her the "Presidents" song and "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad" a couple times a week.  She has also started enjoying books, and we read a Dr. Seuss ABC book or my cookbooks with pictures.  She seems to enjoy looking at the food as much as I do!  One of her favorite past times is bath time.  She loves to kick and splash in the water.  She also seems to enjoy getting her diaper changed.  Maybe she just likes feeling naked! 

I will try to post pictures and update as often as I can, but I can guarantee it won't be weekly like before. I try to use every free minute to clean, eat, shower, exercise, or run errands.  Blogging is definitely not high on my priority list.  However, stay tuned for a festive update :  Eva's first Halloween!

FYI, it's extremely hard to get a non blurry picture of babies' hands while they flail around! These are the best I got of our little nugget

2 Months!

Our little baby Eva Charlotte is 2 months old today!  She has her next appointment on Friday, so I am excited to see how much she has grown.  At her one month appointment, she was up to 21 inches long and 8 lbs. 13 ounces!  I'm pretty sure she has to get some shots this time around though, so I am a little sad about that.  I don't want her to be sick or fussy from them.  Luckily, Andy is off this weekend, so he will be around to help out in case she does react badly to the vaccines.

I think we have hit "wonder week 8" here in the Ingrassia household.  If you don't already know, a wonder week is when the baby goes through mental growth that makes them more aware of their surroundings.  Also, they will able to do more physically and mentally after this period passes.  During this week, the baby can seem more fussy and clingy than usual.  Eva has been much more clingy than usual.  The past week, she only wanted to be held by me.  It was endearing and overwhelming at the same time.  I love that she knows who I am and loves me, but it was difficult to get things done around the house!  Little nugget didn't want to be put down for a second!     

Here we are at 2 months old:

 First picture was taken right before her nap

Second picture taken right after her nap! Much happier!

Some of my favorite things Eva does:
   1.  When she sticks her lower lip out to pout right before she starts to cry
   2.  The way she stretches her arms and neck when I take her out of her carseat
   3.  How she pulls her feet back whenever I touch them with something cold
   4.  The way she loves standing up while you support her under her armpits... she thinks she is sooooo cool!
   5.  When she chuckles in her sleep... it's definitely the cutest thing ever!
   6.  How she enjoys sitting propped up in the corner of the couch.  She gives you the biggest smile!
   7.  Speaking of smiling, her smile melts my heart.

Eva's Newborn Photos

I really don't have much to say in this post except for a big thank you to Glory Photography for taking such AMAZING newborn photos of Eva.  I am in love with them, and wanted to share some of them for your viewing pleasure as well!   

Eva Charlotte Ingrassia : 13 days new

(photos taken on her due date)

My little angel

Bunny hat made by Landy Knits

Cutest little bottom ever!

Eva with the felt headband I made

Family pod

1 Month

My baby is 1 month old today.  She also rolled over to her back during tummy time for the first time today.  I'm trying not to be too sad, but I am.  To celebrate, we went for our very first run around Creve Coeur Lake.  She slept the entire time!  What a great way for me to get my exercise in, while she gets her nap in.  Must remember this for future reference :)

Happy 1 month, Eva Charlotte! You are SO loved!

3 and 4 Weeks Old.

My sweet baby is 4 weeks old.  The weeks really are flying by, just like when I was pregnant!  Each day, she seems to grow.  I wish time would slow down just a little bit. I'm trying to enjoy each moment I get to spend with her as she grows, but being a busy first time mom sometimes keeps me from savoring every second.

I think I'm finally learning to balance the rest of my life while taking care of her needs as well.  I make time every day to work out, shower, and eat and drink plenty in order to be my best for her.  Otherwise, I could see myself being frustrated and not being at 100 percent.

My puppy dog on the other hand is feeling a little blue.  I don't blame him.  He went from getting all the attention to a lot less.  Plus, there's new rules and schedules he has to follow.  Needless to say, he has been a little mopey lately.  The first 2 weeks, he sulked around and acted sad.  Plus, when we would leave him alone, he would become destructive.  He shredded several post-it pads, pencils, and notebooks.  At least it wasn't expensive, however he did shred my baby journal that I have been writing to Eva in since I found out I was pregnant.  I was so upset at him, and I called Andy at work and cried.  He must've thought I was crazy.  Oh well, postpartum emotions are wild!  During my pregnancy, I don't feel like my emotions really changed.  I didn't feel like a crazy pregnant woman.  So I really wasn't expecting the mess of emotions postpartum.  I figured I'd be immune :) Not true!  Every little thing, happy or sad brings tears to my eyes.  I have been steering clear of sappy youtube videos as of late, and have switched to looking at comics on roflzone.com.

My puppy after destroying my journal to Eva.

I am looking forward to Eva's 1 month appointment next week.  It will be fun to see how much she has grown! I can tell just by looking at her ( and holding her ) that she has gotten bigger.  She is sprouting up like a little weed!  She has started tracking things with her eyes now, and recognizes my face and voice.  When she hears me call her name, she will look towards the sound and find my face.  I love it so much!  Her favorite song is "I've been workin' on a Railroad." And she loves to make cooing noises when she has her pacifier in.  Unfortunately, it's hard for me to give her the pacifier, and she tends to only take it from other people.  I guess she can smell me and tell when I'm trying to trick her! 

I will try to keep my blog updated with news and pictures as best as I can, but it may not be weekly like I did with my pregnancy.  I will definitely be sharing Eva's newborn pictures soon!  I am so in love with them!  Get ready to "aw" over the cuteness of her perfect skin and chubby cheeks.  For now, I leave you with a 3 and 4 week old picture.

3 weeks after her bath.

 4 weeks watching TV with us after dinner.