23 weeks pregnant and a recap!!

I am 23 weeks pregnant today....

with a baby BOY!! 

We are very excited to have one of each :) 

So far I have gained 11 lbs. which according to the charts is right on track for my weight gain goal of 25-30  lbs.

With Baby A I had gained 42 lbs. which was definitely over what was necessary. I ate healthy, but not as healthy as I do now, and I didn't really work out all that much....just yoga and light weights here and there.

not my photo. googled image from web.

This time I have kept up with regular workouts. I took a month off when we moved ( our move was hectic and crazy and there is STILL work being done on the house).

My workouts consist of weight training, cardio, and yoga! I have been managing to do all 3. My current workout routine is 5-6 days a week, with either Saturday or Sunday off....and sometimes we go for long walks on those days!

I feel best when I am active.

( a couple of this weeks workouts)

5 min treadmill warm up/5 min cool down, 40 min weight lifting,

10 min stretching. Did lateral

band walking to help with core strength.  Yoga in the evening.

1.22 mile jog during day. yoga in the evening.

Since starting back after the move I have experience a lot of soreness from the weight training, but it was totally expected despite having trained before. Any time I take a break I am always sore for a little while.

I have been doing well with school! I should finish up in August! I am very excited. I so far have completed my personal training certification and 2 other certifications, I now have 2 certifications and 1 final project left before I achieve the Master Personal Fitnesss Trainer title. I am very excited about this.

After that I will take a break for Baby B to be born and for bonding time.

Then I will hit the books for nutrition and I am thinking fitness chef too!

I have goals of a Masters degree in sight as well. I am hoping to complete all of this very quickly :) 

not my photo. image googled from the web.

It feels good to be following my passion. What are you passionate about? What are you doing to pursue your passion?

I personally wish I had pursued education for my passion about 5 years or so ago, but I wasn't mentally ready then for all that I decided to take on now.

It is interesting juggling school, pregnancy, a move, and a 2 1/2 year old! In addition Hubby works and is in school too, so we both have a lot on our plate! 

We wouldn't have it any other way though. Our lives are full and happy.

Oh and one thing I am super excited about....

I made tortillas successfully for the first time yesterday! 

YAY!

Have you tried anything new lately?

I would love to hear from you.

MIA but for Good Reason :)

I apologize for being MIA lately. It has been extremely busy around the ReInvented Household. We literally just finished moving into a HOUSE this weekend. So happy to be out of apartments!
It was a long move and with a 2 year old, well, you know that can be both fun and challenging. 

On top of that I have been studying for school and getting ready for a big test, so that has been time consuming as well.

I am 15 1/2 weeks pregnant with Baby B now. It is amazing how much more I feel Baby B early on than I felt Baby A! Also my tummy is much smaller than last time! I haven't  even hit maternity clothes yet.

We have a birth center orientation this week. We are very excited! A new one opened up last year, and a friend told me about it, so we are checking it out. A birth center and home birth weren't an option with Baby A, but both are options with Baby B! 

So many differences, yet so many similarities.

I ended up with a PUPPP rash at 12 weeks with Baby B, but with Baby A I didn't get it until 34 weeks. I have been using natural remedies and THE RASH IS ALMOST GONE! The itch is very minimal. I am so grateful for essential oils.

We have been shopping for cloth diapers, we recently bough some diapers for  Baby B...some Kawaii's and Diaper Safari's. We love them...

Then in a cloth diaper group on facebook I met a really nice woman who just opened an Etsy shop! She sent me a diaper to review!! 

I cannot wait to share my review with you! It is a newborn size diaper, and the quality is incredible. Keep a look out in the next week for a review on Cutie Doodie Diapers!! 

Here is her etsy link the in the meantime so you can check her diapers out:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CutieDoodieDiapers

I am very excited to bring this review to you!

Back to unpacking! We are setting up Baby A's room in the new house, and then tackling the rest of the kitchen! The kitchen here is huge, I feel so spoiled!

11 weeks today! Excited to be a mommy of 2!

Today marks 11 weeks pregnant with Baby B! We are super excited and this pregnancy seems to be going fast.

Thankfully I have not had a ton of morning sickness, but let me explain.

Although I did not have morning sickness for more than 3 weeks, it was REALLY bad. I was sick all day every day and couldn't stand  the smell of anything. I am so happy to not have a puke bucket anymore, haha.

I have kept up with my workouts, with an exception of the couple of weeks I had the morning sickness. It feels good to be jump roping, doing HIIT, weight training, and doing prenatal yoga. I love being active and I feel like this has helped me this pregnancy.

As for weight gain, I haven't really gained any. I gained a couple pounds in the beginning, but then lost it immediately with the morning sickness, and haven't gained since. 

My bra size on the other hand has grown like crazy. Forget wearing the same shirts, but at least I am not in maternity clothes yet, LOL. With Baby A I would have been in maternity clothes already.

I still have food aversions this pregnancy, even though the sickness is past. However, I really do enjoy all kinds of fruit, as well as chicken, and turkey. I have found ways of sneaking spinach ( one of my faves) back into my diet, as I think the baby needs more green stuff. Avocado has been a staple as well.

The picture above is from last week, but I haven't grown any, and since I have been slacking at blogging, here is a glimpse into my pregnancy.

There is also a comparison to  my pregnancy with Baby A.

My lines have softened and my muscles aren't as big as they were, but that is due to all the wonderful baby making hormones in my body!

I feel like even though I was healthier than a lot of people when I was pregnant with Baby A, I am doing even better this pregnancy.

I still consumed some sugar  while pregnant with Baby A, I also allowed myself a coconut ice cream treat at night when pregnant with her.

I have not consumed sugar at all since Avani was a couple of months old, and I no longer allow any cheats to my diet at all, and I am happy about it.

I also did prenatal yoga and very rarely light weight lifting while pregnant with Baby A, and a lot of walks with Hubby. This time around though I am working out 5-6 days a week, with my normal workout regimen. 

I was in better shape before pregnancy this time around, so I have stronger abs ( even despite an umbilical hernia from my 1st pregnancy).

All these things account for why I am so different this pregnancy than last pregnancy.

But what is the same, is I love both of my babies with my whole heart!  In addition, with Baby A I was healthy to the very extent of my knowledge at the time, and did my 100% best, and I am also doing my 100% best this time around with Baby B....the only difference is a few more years, and a little more knowledge.

I am so happy to be a mommy of 2.

I can't wait to meet Baby B in September.

Mission: Getting My Body Back After Baby (13)

Baby A is 20 weeks old!! Time is flying, and progress is slowing. This can be discouraging at times as I would just like my pre-baby body back. People keep reminding me it hasn't been long, but patience definitely isn't easy.

(To read her birth story, click on the Pregnancy & Parenting tab)

Check my previous posts for week 8 through 12 weigh ins!

Week 13 I weighed in at 110.2 and 28 inch waist

Week 14 I weighed in at 107.8 lbs. and 27 1/4 inch waist

Week 15 I weighed in at 107.2 lbs and 27 inch waist

Week 16 I weighed in at 106.4 ;bs. and 27 inch waist

Week 17 I weighed in at 105.4 lbs. and 26 1/2 inch waist

Week 18 I weighed  in a  105.4 lbs.and 26 1/8 inch waist
Week 19 I weighed in at 104.4 lbs. and 26 inch waist


Week 20 Weigh in: 


103.4 lbs.
26 in. waist ( same)

I am really happy about the 1 lb. loss, although I have to admit I would have been happier if I lost some inches! But a loss is a loss!

Here are this weeks progress pictures:  

Thank you for following me on my journey to getting my body back!

❤

 Lolli

______________________________________________________

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Vote for me by clicking on this button!

Want to read parts 1 through 12 of my journey?  Go to the Health & Fitness tab to find them!

Mission: Getting My Body Back After Baby (12)

19 weeks ago I gave birth to Baby A. Which means for 19 weeks I've been 

wanting to lose this belly! 

Some people say it's been a short time,  but to me it feels like forever.

(To read her birth story, click on the Pregnancy & Parenting tab)

Thankfully I have gotten the rest of my body into shape, it just seems as though my lower belly isn't "snapping back" 

like people have told me. Thank goodness for a few honest mom friends of mine, I found out that no one "snaps back" right away. I decided it was a cruel joke for anyone to say that your body will " snap right back in no time". 

They are lying.

It takes a ton of hard work and patience, that is what I have figured out over the past 4 months. 

So now that my rant is done, on to the weigh ins!

Check my previous posts for week 8 through 12 weigh ins!

Week 13 I weighed in at 110.2 and 28 inch waist

Week 14 I weighed in at 107.8 lbs. and 27 1/4 inch waist

Week 15 I weighed in at 107.2 lbs and 27 inch waist

Week 16 I weighed in at 106.4 ;bs. and 27 inch waist

Week 17 I weighed in at 105.4 lbs. and 26 1/2 inch waist

Week 18 I weighed  in at : 105.4 lbs. (Stayed the same) and 26 1/8 inch waist

Week 19:

104.4 lbs.

26 inches

I have reached the high end of my weight goal at  between the 101-105 lbs. and I have an inch left in my waist. 

I am very happy at having progress this week, as last week was a little discouraging.

I am hoping the skin on the lower part of my tummy starts to catch up to the progress I have made. It's not fun having wrinkles on 

my tummy. 

Here are this weeks progress pictures:  

click on pictures to view larger

Thank you for following me on my journey to getting my body back!

❤

 Lolli

______________________________________________________

Like what you read? 

Vote for me by clicking on this button!

Want to read parts 1 through 10 of my journey?  Go to the Health & Fitness tab to find them!

Mission: Getting My Body Back After Baby (11)

Baby A was born 18 weeks ago. She is growing fast! Happy news is she had her well visit and Dr. said she is perfectly healthy :) Great news for a new mommy to hear!

(To read her birth story, click on the Pregnancy & Parenting tab)

Check my previous posts for week 8 through 12 weigh ins!

Week 13 I weighed in at 110.2 and 28 inch waist

Week 14 I weighed in at 107.8 lbs. and 27 1/4 inch waist

Week 15 I weighed in at 107.2 lbs and 27 inch waist

Week 16 I weighed in at 106.4 ;bs. and 27 inch waist

Week 17 I weighed in at 105.4 lbs. and 26 1/2 inch waist

Week 18 weigh in: 

105.4 lbs. (Stayed the same)

26 1/8 inches on waist

So I didn't lose any lbs. this week, I did lose a little in inches which is good. I was kind of expecting this because I have known that I had a lot of larger losses recently, and I have been feeling my body building muscle all over. Muscle will make me weigh more for a bit before I lose again. But I do feel my body tightening and am seeing definition in legs, arms, etc. This is good!

Another great thing about this week is I fit into a smaller pair of my jeans! They were size 1! I was soooooo happy about this, this means that my lower body is back to the size it was before Baby A. Although my hips aren't entirely back, they are a little snug on my hip bones. But that is okay!!

I really worked out hard this week like always. In fact I worked out a little harder in the past week than I probably should have. I was sore most of the week. I kept going back to the gym and I am happy about it! My body is really shaping up! Now if only I could get rid of this loose skin.....grrrr.

I am still  working on a goal range of 101-105 lbs. and 24-25 inch waist. I really really hope to be looking good enough for a bikini this summer! What do you think, can I do it?

Here are this weeks progress pictures:  

click on pictures to view larger

Haha don't mind the advertisement on the t-shirt! This is a t-shirt from the Arnold 2012 EXPO that hubby and I went to this year. He absolutely loves his Gaspari protein! They are one of the best supplement companies! If they were more allergy friendly, I too would take their products!

Thank you for following me on my journey to getting my body back!

❤

 Lolli

______________________________________________________

Like what you read? 

Vote for me by clicking on this button!

Want to read parts 1 through 10 of my journey?  Go to the Health & Fitness tab to find them!

New Baby Checklist: Are you ready for baby?

When I was pregnant, I scoured the internet for the perfect new baby checklist. 

But I couldn't find just one that worked for me. So I compiled several lists together to make the "perfect" list for Baby A. 

I  hope this list helps some soon-to-be new mama's.

If you are already a mama, what was your must have item/ what is your most used baby item?

•   Cloth Diapers
•   Diaper Sprayer
•   Diaper wetbags (2)
•   Pail liner
•   Burp cloths 
•   Disposable wipes. 
•   Diaper rash cream ( I love California Baby!)
•   Diaper pail ( I like the Diaper Dekor Plus)
•   Diaper bag ( We have a few, one for daddy, one for mommy, and a mini one)
•   Baby monitor
•   1 or 2 pacifiers
•   Pacifier clip
•   Pack 'n Play
•   At least 6 bottles, including nipples
•   Bottle brush
•   Bottle Warmer
•   Steam Microwave Sterilizer
•   Bottle drying rack
•   Breast pump ( I have a manual & an electric)
•   Boppy breastfeeding pillow
•   Nursing pads
•   Nipple Cream
•   Breast milk storage bags (lots of them!)
•   Thermometer
•   Baby first aid kit
•   Baby hair brush
•   Baby nail clippers
•   Baby  Saline
•   Infant bath tub 
•   Baby shampoo /body wash
•   Baby lotion
•   4-5 hooded  bath towels
•   10-12Baby Washclothes
•   Crib
•   Changing table 
•   Changing pad
•   Glider
•   Bouncer
•   Swing. 
•   Activity mat
•   Crib mobile
•   Crib bumpers
•   2 fitted crib sheets
•   A rear-facing infant car seat (w/ base)
•   Baby carrier /Moby wrap
•   Stroller
•   A weather appropriate take home outfit
•   At least 8-10 onesies, some long sleeve & some short sleeved 
•   At least 5 pairs of pants
•   6 or more sleepers
•   Baby mittens to keep baby from scratching themselves
•   A few hoodies or sweaters
• · 1 snowsuit
• · 1 to 2 pairs of mittens 
• · At least  8 pairs of socks
• · 1 sun hat
•   1 pair of baby sunglasses
•   Baby sunscreen
•   3-4 baby hats of various styles for different weather
•   4 to 6 blankets. 
•   At least 4 bibs
•   Halo Sleep sack

This is the check list that hubby and I used for Baby A, this really helped me out a lot when we were preparing for her. The pack n play with the newborn bassinet in it and the bouncer have been our most used items! The second most used item has been the baby carrier.

♥

Lolli

Sh*t People Say to Pregnant Women (video)

Ahhh, I heard a LOT of these when I was pregnant.

Don't say these to a pregnant woman, it's just not cool.

Enjoy this funny video!

Happy Friday!

♥ 

Lolli

Mission: Getting My Body Back After Baby! (10)

Wow~! Baby A is 4 months old today! Happy 4 month Birthday Baby A!

I cannot believe that it has been 17 weeks since I gave birth to her.  She has been doing so many cool things, not little baby things..like trying to talk and she even wanted to crawl yesterday...although that is still a ways away, she still made the attempt! 

(To read her birth story, click on the Pregnancy & Parenting tab)

Check my previous posts for week 8 through 12 weigh ins!

Week 13 I weighed in at 110.2 and 28 inch waist

Week 14 I weighed in at 107.8 lbs. and 27 1/4 inch waist

Week 15 I weighed in at 107.2 lbs and 27 inch waist

Week 16 I weighed in at 106.4 ;bs. and 27 inch waist

Week 17 weigh in: 
105.4 lbs.
26 1/2 inch waist

I lost 1 lb. and 1/2 an inch! YAY!

I really busted my butt at the gym this week. Like pretty much any week, I always try to go my hardest, even when I am tired. It was hard to drag myself to the gym yesterday, but I did and it was wonderful. The reason it was so hard was because Mondays workout truly kicked my butt. I am STILL sore.

I did my whole normal workout, but upped the intensity. Added my cable kick backs and crunches upside down on an incline bench. Those crunches really made me feel my abs.

I was able to get into a mini skirt this week.
The jeans I wore last week in my progress picture were size 2 and they are baggy now.
Hopefully I will be a size 1 by next week :)

1 1/2 inches to go!

I am still  working on a goal range of 101-105 lbs. and 24-25 inch waist. Can't wait to get there. Maybe in time for bikini season?


What do you all think? Can you see a difference?
Haha, I am getting impatient, but anything good takes effort and time.

Here are this weeks progress pictures:  

click on pictures to view larger

Thank you for following me on my journey to getting my body back!

❤

 Lolli

______________________________________________________

Like what you read? 

Vote for me by clicking on this button!

Want to read parts 1 through 9 of my journey?  Go to the Health & Fitness tab to find them!

Mission: Getting My Body Back After Baby! (5)

It has been 12 weeks since I gave birth to Baby A!

The time is flying by!

Week 8 I weighed in at 113 lbs, down from 118 lbs.

Week 9 I weighed in at 112 lbs. and 29 1/2 inches waist measurement.

Week 10 I weighed in at 110 lbs. and 29 inches in my waist.

Week 11 I weighed in at 111 lbs. and 29 inch waist.

My stats this week:

110.5 lbs

28 1/2 inch waist

I am so happy that I lost 1/2 and inch & 1/2 a pound this week. I am making progress! It is slow, but it is progress!

I have been working really hard and sticking to my routine! Today is weight training at home.

Check out last weeks post to see my workout schedule!

Hubby and I joined a gym a couple of days ago! I am very excited about this as now I can use a treadmill and machines! Up until this point I have been doing workouts at home with videos & on my own, with free weights. So now I can do both home & gym workouts. I am very excited about this! 

Here are this weeks progress pictures:

Thanks for following me on my journey to getting my body back!

❤

 Lolli

______________________________________________________

Like what you read? 

Vote for me by clicking on this button!

Want to read parts 1 through 4 of my journey?  Go to the Health & Fitness tab to find them!

What To Pack For The Hospital.

I planned ( and successfully had ) a 100% natural & med free birth with Baby A. My list for the hospital reflects that.

Hopefully this  helps some soon to be mommies!

Here's my list:

1. Copies of my birth plan
2. Birthing ball & air pump
3. Onesies for Baby A
4. Diaper Covers & Inserts
5. Wet bag
6. Pads ( most hospitals provide these too )
7. Nightgowns (2)
8. Take home outfit for Baby A
9. Make up 
10. Shampoo/Conditioner
11. Bodywash
12. Vitamins
13. Gluten Free Food ( our hospital didn't cater to the gluten free allergies of mine so I had to pack all my own food )
14. Coconut Oil ( instead of Lanolin for breastfeeding)
15. What To Expect & Hypnobirthing books
16. Carseat
17. Nursing Pillow
18. Breast pump ( the lactation consultant showed me how to use it!)
19. My going home outfit
20. Hubby's clothes
21. Baby bath stuff
22. Baby grooming kit
23. Tennis balls for labor 
24. Back massager for labor
25. Nursing pads
26. Underwear/ Nursing bras
27. Camera
28. Baby Journal 
29. Full water bottle for car ride to hospital

♥

Lolli

Baby A will be here soon!

I cannot believe that 39 weeks have flown by so quickly! Baby A will be here soon!

We finished our checklist and the nursery is ready! Complete with a really cool Dali Decal! 

Here's the decal we chose ( obviously personalized with Baby A's name instead of Grace):

We cannot wait for Baby A to be here. Just in time for the holiday season, what could make the season any brighter than becoming parents for the first time?!

What's new with you? Is there anything you are looking forward to this holiday season?

I love to hear from my readers.

❤

Lolli

20 kids and counting?

I have nothing against large families or people who want to have a lot of children.

I do however worry about the Duggars with so many children. Especially with the health issues of both mom Duggar and baby in her last pregnacy (#19).... now the Duggars are having another baby?!

My personal thoughts: How many will be enough? What about the mom's health and the health of the baby she is carrying?

What are your thoughts?

The Duggars seem like a wonderful family & have a great TV show. They seem to have plenty of love to go around for all their children.

My thoughts don't matter in this of course, as it is their decision. I wish them the best and many blessings.

An article:  http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-duggars-pregnant-baby-health-20111108,0,6932968.story

A video: http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/07/8684372-20-kids-and-counting-michelle-duggar-announces-shes-pregnant-again

♥
Lolli