Family: Weeks 35-37

A little trip down belly memory lane:

8 weeks (when I thought I was totally showing already)

8 weeks 1 of 1 3

17 weeks:

17 weeks

and now, 37 weeks and feeling….

37 weeks

Ready! Even though I think I still have at least another 1 1/2 to 2 weeks left. 

37 weeks 2

Random thoughts/things that I’ve noticed:

-I’ve been having Braxton Hicks contractions almost every night for the past couple of weeks. They’ll feel like tiny cramps and then I’ll get a zinger, but I can’t really tell if it’s the Braxton Hicks or little miss trying to make an escape. I joke that she’s trying to come out my belly button Alien-style because her movements are so extreme. We felt Liv move quite a bit in my belly, and could certainly see it, but with this one, the movements are enormous and you’ll often see an appendage sticking out. I’m definitely going to film it. (<— edited to say: I did film it and will post it on the blog next week!) While I was getting my teeth cleaned last week, one of the techs said she’d be creeping by because she loved watching my belly move so much. It was really cute.

-I told you guys about our last ultrasound, and how apparently little miss is supposed to be a big baby (10+ lbs). Thank you so much for the reassurance and your stories about babies of all different sizes, and how third trimester ultrasounds are usually inaccurate. When I had my midwife appointment on Monday, and talked to her about the ultrasound, she basically laughed it off. She said that I shouldn’t worry about it AT ALL, and that a skilled midwife or OB/GYN is way better at estimating size than a third trimester ultrasound measurement. She said I have a proven capable pelvis, since I’ve given birth before, and has no doubt I’ll be able to do it again. It was nice that she was so chill about it, and the midwives have no plans to induce me, unless I go to 41 weeks. If I make it to 41 weeks, I will be a cranky human.

-it’s amazing how a little bit of kindness or reassurance can put some pep in your step. While I was crawling on the treadmill (during the heat wave, so I had a wet cold towel around my neck) one of the guys who frequently works out at the club told me I was inspiring, and to “keep crushing it.” I didn’t feel like I was crushing it at all (I never thought I’d say I look forward to burpees again), but I felt proud of myself for sticking with it even though movement is pretty limited right now. Sill rocking the barre, walking, TRX, and modified 21dayfix combo.

-I officially ran out of clothes that fit me and look appropriate (<— the last part is key haha). I’m so glad I went to Pea in a Pod and Motherhood, and grabbed a couple of essentials that will last me for the rest of the pregnancy. It’s amazing how much better you feel when clothes fit they way they’re intended. 😉  

Weight gain:

33 lbs. It snowballed on at first, but seems to have tapered down. 

Cravings:

-Goat’s milk Greek yogurt. I could eat it all day, but still have only seen it at Whole Foods

-Soft pretzels and pie (always)

-Giant bowls of fruit

-PIZZA

Aversions:

-Most raw veggies. I still love salad (because dressing) but if we’re having veggies, lightly sautéing them makes a huge different

-Hot food, unless it’s dinner time, just because I’m sweating my face off all day 

Baby purchases:

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve picked up some nursing bras and nursing tank tops, along with a couple of items we were missing from our hospital bag (like burp cloths). We also got a couple of things from IKEA to complete her room, and the mobile should be here this weekend! When it’s all finished, I’ll definitely post everything. Hopefully everything will be ready to go by next week. 
For my friends who are following along with name clues, here are all of the letter so far + a new one:

L  E  E  N   

Currently reading:

I think I’ve had my fill of birth books, so I’d love any recommendations for books about the postpartum period and introducing a new sibling into the house. This week, I started No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury and am loving it so far (it’s about toddler discipline). 

Skimming our Bradley Method course book

Who knows? Maybe this will be the last belly update?!

xoxo

Gina

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66 Comments

  1. Cindy on September 24, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    I’m due 10/8 and I’m willing to bet money we have the same name picked out for our girls!

    • Fitnessista on September 24, 2015 at 3:03 pm

      ahhhhh! that is so awesome 🙂

      • Cindy on September 24, 2015 at 3:05 pm

        Great minds

    • Eli on September 25, 2015 at 12:57 pm

      Evelyn? NN Evie? lol

  2. Kailey on September 24, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    Emeline, Adeline, Evelyn, Penelope, Annabelle, Madeline…I was able to guess Olivia’s and I just don’t know about this one! Excited for the little miss to make her arrival, and especially excited for you and the family! Thanks for always being an inspiration!

  3. Di on September 24, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    Go Gina!! You really are crushing it! It’s so motivating to see you hitting the gym, going to barre and eating right. Best wishes!!

    • Rebecca A Meier on September 25, 2015 at 9:33 am

      I second that! For a second pregnancy, you look UHmazing! Keep rocking it mama! 🙂 <3

  4. Caryln on September 24, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    Evelyn!

  5. Holly on September 24, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    I’m still guessing Penelope (my daughter’s name) but Madeline is such a cute name too. You look great! I miss my preg belly sometimes 🙂

  6. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on September 24, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    I’m so excited for you!! I can’t wait to find out what baby girl will be named! 😀

  7. Andrea on September 24, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    You look fantastic! Love the belly. I’m 16 weeks along with my first and have a feeling I’ll be all belly like you! I started to show reallyy early, to the point where strangers were noticing at like 10 weeks. And it’s not slowing down yet! Can’t wait to see pictures of the newest family member when she arrives. My guess for the name is Leanne.

  8. Kristen on September 24, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    You’re so close to the finish line. You look fabulous! I’m loving all the name guesses.
    I’d love to hear some things you’ve done or plan to do to help Liv adjust to her new sis or if you’re just gonna wing it and see how things evolve. I often think about how my son will be if he gets a sibling. He has such a sensitive, very caring, sweet personality. I wonder if he’ll be loving and nurturing or if he’ll be like, “screw mister nice guy. I want my mama back!” Haha

  9. Katie on September 24, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    Is it Elena?!

    • Andrea on September 24, 2015 at 4:17 pm

      That’s what I was thinking!

    • Cate on September 24, 2015 at 7:04 pm

      I third that guess! Or it could be Eleanor, but I think I’ll stick with Elena. Pretty name.

  10. Louise on September 24, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    Well that rules out my suspicion the name would be EEL Annabelle or Emmeline are my guesses. I have a 6 month old Harper and those were other names I loved so I may just be projecting On the other hand Leen would be a hilariously controversial name for a fitness blogger’s daughter You are still glowing! I am sending good labour vibes your way from Australia

  11. Kimberly @ Healthy Strides on September 24, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    Best wishes! I had an inaccurate ultrasound at 39 weeks in which they underestimated his weight by more than a pound, leading to a failed induction and C-section. Your midwife is so right.

    I read ‘Light Between Oceans’ on maternity eave and l

  12. Shara on September 24, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    I’m guessing Evelyn and call her Evie for short!

  13. Julia on September 24, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    Am I wrong that you’ve mentioned before that you are a lover of ‘Come On, Eileen’?? That’s my guess! Although Evelyn is a lovely name, it was on our short list… We went with Maren instead.

    • Mona on September 25, 2015 at 4:47 am

      Awww, Eileen would be sooooo cute! Olivia and Eileen. Sounds good together!

  14. Emily on September 24, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    You’re looking beautiful! And I’m definitely guessing Evelyn for the name! Good luck!

  15. Anne on September 24, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Elena? Leena?

  16. Kristen on September 24, 2015 at 5:36 pm

    My official guess is Noelle!!

  17. Naomi on September 24, 2015 at 5:38 pm

    I’m guessing Eleanor!

    • Ashley on September 25, 2015 at 6:53 am

      That was my guess too! That’s my BFF’s name. It’s a good one! 🙂

  18. Jessie on September 24, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Congrats!! You look great and hope the little one makes her entrance soon:) I was in OB recently when I was visiting and tried OB noodle house, and it was really good! And my husband and I have had a lot of Pho from all over:) we walked over to the dog beach, not prepared for the beach, and my 4 yr old was in the ocean in just his underwear haha. He’s such a beach kid. Take care!

  19. kayla on September 24, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    Colleen? Eleanor?

  20. Alexandra on September 24, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    You’re looking fabulous! So close!! I’m guessing Eleanor (Ellie for short) or Madeline!

  21. Kelly S on September 24, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    Evelyn, Elena, Penelope or Noelle are my guesses!

    You look great & definitely are crushing it! 🙂

  22. Catherine on September 24, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    Hmm I am going to guess Leanne or Madeline. If you have a Madeline you’ll then have two great children’s book characters :)!

  23. Maria on September 24, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    Elena & Olivia. ‘lena & Liv 🙂 Or Madeline and Olivia. Those are my guesses! I had to pair it with the sibling name because they obviously have to go together 🙂

  24. Julie on September 24, 2015 at 6:28 pm

    I’m guessing Noelle now 🙂 You’re so close! And I remember those random compliments that just helped so much when you’re that close to the end (and movement is just so unappealing!) You’re doing great- good luck on the big day whenever it is!

  25. Cheri @ Overactive Blogger on September 24, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    AHHH you look great! Cannot wait to hear your good news!

  26. Crystal on September 24, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    I was just talking to my friend Colleen so that’s the first name that popped into my head 🙂

    You look great!

  27. Coleen on September 24, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Of course I have to guess Colleen. I have always loved my name and there are not too many of us out there.

  28. Amy S on September 24, 2015 at 9:33 pm

    Eileen, Elena, Madeline, Penelope? 🙂 No matter what, I’m sure she’ll be a sweet and beautiful baby!

  29. Julia@yogawinehappiness.com on September 25, 2015 at 3:47 am

    Congrats!! You’re soo close!!

  30. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood on September 25, 2015 at 6:19 am

    I never trust the ultrasound. A friend of mine was “supposed” to have a 10 pounder, and had a 7, and I was “supposed” to have a small 8, big 7 pound baby, and he was barely 6 pounds! I definitely wouldn’t stress too much about it! Go you for already knowing the name!! We didn’t have our son’s name until a few days before D day!! Though, I truly think that boys names a billion times harder – we had SO many cute girl’s names before finding out he was a boy.

    • Fitnessista on September 25, 2015 at 11:16 am

      i totally agree- boys names are tough!

  31. Amy on September 25, 2015 at 6:25 am

    You look amazing! Good luck!!

  32. Heather Toombs@ The Rocky Road on September 25, 2015 at 7:28 am

    You are a trooper for sure! So happy for you, and can’t wait for your new addition to arrive 🙂

  33. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on September 25, 2015 at 8:38 am

    You look gorgeous, my friend! You’re ALL belly! I can relate to so many of your thoughts here. I had a 3rd tri ultrasound last week, and they told me the same thing…that my baby was going to be huge. I kind of freaked, but have heard the same from others and my midwife that those ultrasounds can be off. And yes to so much of my clothing being too small and/or inappropriate these days. This belly is HUGE! Haha. We’re almost there!!

    • Fitnessista on September 25, 2015 at 11:14 am

      yay! i can’t wait to see pics of your beeb!

  34. maggie airee on September 25, 2015 at 8:42 am

    I’m reaffirming my last guess- Eleanor.

  35. Joanna on September 25, 2015 at 8:45 am

    I’m the opposite with veggies right now @ 14 weeks. If they aren’t raw I’m not interested (except potatoes).

    • Fitnessista on September 25, 2015 at 11:14 am

      cravings are so interesting to me!

  36. Sharon T on September 25, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Congrats on sobering news from your midwives. :). It’s not a direct hit on the topic, but I found the book Simplicity Parenting very helpful soon after our first was born. Good luck!

    • Fitnessista on September 25, 2015 at 11:14 am

      i will check it out! thank you 🙂

  37. Mallory on September 25, 2015 at 9:01 am

    aww, Eleanor?!?!?!!! Great pick.

  38. Helen on September 25, 2015 at 9:38 am

    I’m still hoping for Helen! 😉

    You look beautiful! Keep hanging on, you’re almost there!

    • Fitnessista on September 25, 2015 at 11:13 am

      thank you! <3

  39. Kel on September 25, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Is the name Ellen or Nellie? Congrats on your new baby girl.

  40. queenoffitness on September 25, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    Your soft pretzel cravings reminds me of a quote from new girl when she is talking about PMS, ” It hurts, I feel like I’ve laid a million eggs and they’re all hatching. i feel like i wanna murder someone right now and also i want soft pretzels.” they always play it on cosmo’s wake up with taylor on sirius.
    also, my money is still on chalene!

  41. Jess on September 25, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    Dr Laura Markham has a blog, website and two books. She is awesome (I think). All for positive parenting which was really effective for my kids. My guesses Evelyn, Eleanor, Ellen. E names are really popular in Australia my girls have 8/20 kids in their class with E names!

  42. Shaina on September 27, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Elena!

    • Shaina on September 27, 2015 at 9:18 am

      Also, you are absolutely stunning rocking that bump. I know you don’t feel like it, so just a friendly reminder. ??

  43. Carrie on September 28, 2015 at 6:57 am

    And now for something completely out of left field, but you are getting awfully close, so it needs to be said 🙂 I know this goes against all things blogging, but if you posted a pic of the new babe, then said, “I’m out. See you guys in two weeks!” I would be sitting at my computer doing my best golf clap. And if you took a four week maternity leave, all the better. FMLA gives us folks with a regular 9-5 the right to check out for 12 weeks and still have our jobs be here for us when we return. And personally, as a non-blogger, I think it’s a bit crazy that women feel compelled to continue posting immediately after giving birth. I wish you a wonderful birth, a healthy baby, and a full-maternity leave (whatever that means to you). I will now get off my soap box. 🙂 Absolutely love the blog, you inspire me greatly!

  44. Kelly on September 28, 2015 at 8:32 am

    I remember you posted about two abdominal binders post pregnancy, but can’t find that post. Which ones did you use and which would you prefer? THANKS!!

    I’m due in December – my first!

    • Fitnessista on September 28, 2015 at 9:35 am

      yay, congratulations!! i used the belly bandit (the bamboo one: http://bit.ly/1KKENhj) and the hip shrinxx hip shrinker (http://bit.ly/1FDqbEx). got new ones for round 2 🙂

      • Kelly on September 28, 2015 at 9:44 am

        Thank you!!

  45. Jeanne W on September 28, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I’m thinking “Colleen”

  46. Tracy on September 28, 2015 at 11:12 am

    You look so beautiful! Love the bump and you’re rocking it! Your hair? Gorgeous.

    I’m loving this game guessing name. It reminds me of Wheel of Fortune or Jumble puzzles, which I love! I’m out of ideas though! Can’t wait to hear the name.

    Keep feeling great and growing that baby girl like a boss 🙂

  47. Jacquelyn @justjacq on September 28, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    Jacqueline? although I obviously prefer the Jacquelyn spelling 😉 (actually, I kind of don’t prefer it because it always gets spelled wrong!)

  48. goldie on September 29, 2015 at 5:05 am

    Don’t grt me started on weight predictions!

    I’m type 1 diabetic and was being monitored very closely. At 36 weeks they thought from the ultrasound that the baby was nearing 9lbs. They rushed me to be Induced the following week. It took a further week for the Iinduction to actually work. So i was just shy of 38 weeks when baby arrived and I was expecting a whopper. The poor little guy was 7lb6oz! Had he been earlier he would have been 6lbs.

    I really wouldn’t worry 🙂

    • Fitnessista on September 29, 2015 at 10:30 pm

      wow that is crazy! good to know. happy he’s here safely <3

  49. Liesl on October 1, 2015 at 12:55 pm

    Gina, I think you look amazing and actually a bit smaller than when you were pregnant with Livi. So…10lb baby…I doubt it. I’ve heard you can never tell with ultrasounds and have friends who have had their babies’ weight grossly over/under estimated by an ultrasound tech. Your midwife sounds like a rockstar they way she blew it off. Gotta love midwives!!
    Can’t wait to see pics of the new little one, and hear the birth story. You are going to rock it! Thanks for being such a great, fit, inspiration to us Mom’s trying to keep healthy an active with little ones, or pregnant.

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