A little over 2 weeks ago, we found out we were expecting our 2nd child. Although surprised (we weren't planning on getting pregnant for another few months),we were SO excited! One thing I was not excited about, however, was the fact that I had really wanted to get in shape this summer.
Now I am not big. I am not heavy. But before anyone throws stones... I want to say that this was not about losing weight or feeling smaller. It was about feeling BETTER and about being happy with where I was. When we found out we were pregnant, I was not happy with where I was personally.
And there's a lot of things that play into that. I have not actively worked out in probably 4 years. I have not frequented the gym since I was pregnant with our first child,Abbie, over 5 years ago. For the last 2 years, I have struggled with health issues that take a toll on my weight and my body, particularly
my belly (one side effect of my health issue is that you can tend to hold a lot of extra weight in your mid-section).
And since I started teaching again about 6 months ago, it has taken more of a toll on my body. (That'll happen when you don't ever say "no" to the mass quantities of cookies, cupcakes, donuts, and other things that are constantly brought your way.) And while I'm grateful to have such sweet parents and
coworkers who constantly provide those things, it does not do much for my fitness goals.
Add that to the fact that, while on my feet all day, the extent of my walking is limited to my small classroom and you've got a combination that is determined to spell weight-gain.
So I wasn't really surprised when I stepped on the scale for my first prenatal appointment and I was almost 15 pounds heavier than I was when I got pregnant with Abbie.
And it really got me thinking.... how do I keep this pregnancy from taking the minor problems I already have and making them major ones? I don't feel comfortable going out and getting a gym membership. I'm not going to start running 5 miles a day. Obviously, I won't be going on a crazy diet.
So my dilemma was... how do I at least somewhat meet my fitness goals and get to a healthier place WHILE growing a person inside of me?
I won't tell you I came up with some genius idea. I didn't. But I did vow to make this pregnancy a healthy and happy one.

The last two weeks have felt like 2 months. I have felt like I have car or motion sickness a good part of the day. I have had horrible headaches. I have been starving half the time and disgusted by food the other half. And it has been an adjustment for me because I never really felt like this with Abbie.
My health issues have made me even MORE tired, so much so that there have been days where I couldn't even completely finish my work day.
But on top of all that, there has been a voice in the back of my head telling me to not lose touch of my health goals.
So I started prenatal yoga. And I didn't let myself eat twice as much dessert just because "I'm pregnant". I remembered to take the herbs I take to stay on top of my health issues. I kept walking at least a couple of times a week even though I didn't feel up to it. I consciously remembered to eat enough vegetables (this is a problem for me as a picky eater, but veggies are also very important to my health issues). I've vaguely paying attention to calories, although I'm not counting. And I plan on doing all of that throughout this pregnancy.
I'll blog about work out routines, recipes, and any exciting things this pregnancy brings! I hope that sharing this awesome journey will hold me accountable and also be a little entertaining at the same time! ;-)

Melissa