19 weeks pregnant / Pictures!

So I have been feeling our little Jelly Bean move around more and more. Last night I got my FIRST painful Braxton Hicks Contraction. I also started practicing my Hypnobirthing.

I am very determined to give birth as drug free as possible. It was good when I had Kal (Epidural) but I now have back pain, especially now that I am pregnant and my body is changing with the weight of my baby and bump etc.

So I looked In to Hypnobirthing and it sounds FANTASTIC! I love meditating and the programme I am on is amazingly similar to the Inner Alchemy series. I also feel more confident and strong with this pregnancy. I feel more prepared!

Apart from having a sinus infection I feel great! I am so excited to see our Jelly Bean again in one week! then we will be able to call him or her by their actual name,

DVD Review: Jillian Michaels Killer Abs

Reblogged from Joy, Fitness, & Style:

• 
• 

Jillian Michaels Killer Abs is a new core training DVD release from a few months ago.

I've been in the fitness industry for 20 years, and when it comes to abdominals, I've pretty much seen it all.  It's rare that I come across new exercises.  Well, I was shocked - this workout actually has new/innovative exercises that are really fun and challenging. 

Read more… 215 more words

Love this!

18 week pregnant (Info)

Sliding into being 18 weeks pregnant!

You’re now 18 weeks pregnant and changes in your body are becoming more apparent. At this stage in your pregnancy you’ll be gaining more weight and feeling an increase in your appetite. These pregnancy symptoms are perfectly natural and to be expected when you’re 18 weeks pregnant. When it comes to your increased appetite the important thing to remember is that even though you’re eating for two, you still have to watch your calorie intake!

Keep up the fitness!

At this point in your pregnancy you’ve most likely come up with the ideal fitness plan for you and your lifestyle. Being 18 weeks pregnant means that it’s more important than ever to keep up with your fitness. Remember…keeping fit can alleviate many of those unpleasant pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing.

Feel like you’re living in the bathroom?

Now that you’re 18 weeks pregnant you might feel as though you’re always spending a lot time in the bathroom. Nausea and an over-active bladder are two unpleasant pregnancy symptoms behind these frequent bathroom visits. At this stage in your pregnancy your uterus is getting bigger and bigger, putting a lot of pressure on your bladder. Even though these pregnancy symptoms are frustrating and annoying they’re something most pregnant women experience during their pregnancy. Smile and know you’re not alone! Most other women who are 18 weeks pregnant are in the bathroom just as often as you are!

Feeling over sensitive

No doubt about it, there are times when you’re going to feel overly sensitive and frustrated with all these pregnancy symptoms you have to deal with. As you make your way through your pregnancy take some time to acknowledge your sensitivity as you deal with your changing body. After all, with so many things happening at once, what woman isn’t going to be a little sensitive now and then? To deal with these emotions now that you’re 18 weeks pregnant it’s important that you talk to your partner about how you’re feeling. Asking for a hug now and then can go a long way!

Is your baby making you forgetful?

Do you feel that now you’ve reached 18 weeks that you’re becoming more and more forgetful? Forgetfulness, also known as “pregnancy brain”, is one of those pregnancy symptoms that most women will experience at some point in their pregnancy and is perfectly normal. Just think of all the changes that are taking place in your body. Not only are your hormones changing, there are so many things on your mind. These distractions can lead to forgetfulness and feelings of inadequacy. Instead of letting these pregnancy symptoms get you down why not come up with tools to help you cope. Write down things as you think of them. Make notes about things you want to do in the coming weeks of your pregnancy. Being pregnant should be a fun and exciting time so don’t let any annoying pregnancy symptoms get you down, especially not a little forgetfulness now and then!

Start thinking of prenatal classes

Now is the time to start thinking about signing up for prenatal classes. While most women attend prenatal classes during their sixth or seventh month of being pregnant, these types of classes fill up fast. You want to make sure you get signed up and don’t end up on a waiting list! Not only will you learn more about being pregnant in these classes, you’ll most likely make some new friends. While 18 weeks pregnant you’re most likely starting to feel a little anxious about the upcoming birth of your baby. Prenatal classes will teach you ways to relax in the weeks to come as well as prepare you for what to expect as your due date approaches.

Slide into comfort!

Day by day there are more annoying symptoms that seem to pop up. This is the time when your comfort is of the utmost importance. Hopefully by now you’ve realized that wearing comfortable clothing is a must at this stage in your pregnancy. Wearing clothing that is tight and restricted is going to hinder your movements, whether you’re at work or lounging around at home. The more comfortable you are the better able you’re going to be deal not only with pregnancy symptoms such as sore feet but also with your changing emotions. And don’t forget how important sleep is when it comes to your comfort. While 18 weeks pregnant you need to be getting as much “good” rest as you can. Add an extra pillow or two to your bed to get as comfortable as possible and ease some of those symptoms such as a sore back! After all, the more relaxed you are the more calm, cool, and collected you’ll be throughout this wonderful time in your life!

(all information taken from www.yourbabylibrary.com )

18 weeks pregnant!

So now I am at 18 weeks.

- Am feeling the baby move every day and is most active in the afteroon to late night.- My belly has grown rapidly!
- Got to see Jelly Bean on ultrasound at the ER when I went a week ago. We are sure we saw a penis! but this will be confirmed at my Anatomy scan at 20 weeks.
-Heart burn has started
-cravings are all over the place but for nothing too unhealthy!
-I havent gained anything to the point of 15 weeks. I weighed in a week ago at home and to what I can see I have a half kg weight gain. I also lost some weight during those first 15 weeks so I am very pleased with that!

MY GROWING BUMP!

12 weeks

14 weeks

14 weeks and 4 days

17 weeks

17 weeks and 5 days

So I am getting biger and bigger and from 4 weeks by bump has rounded and pushed up. I love my bump. I cant wait for my scan in 2 weeks!! At my 9 week dating scan the baby was just a little blob.. with limb buds. Now the baby looks like a tiny little person in there and I cant wait!!! I will be posting pictures right after!

Stay safe and stay sane,

Laura

Update. NEW MEMBER ON THE WAY!

So I haven’t been on as much the last few weeks… as I found out a month and a half ago we are expecting another little bundle of joy!

That’s right! I am 12 weeks pregnant (due 9th September) and we couldn’t be happier!

I have been so tired the last few weeks and even more the last few days that all I have done is clean, eat, sleep and shower.. and pretty much in that order!

so far the baby (Jelly Bean) is looking healthy! we cant wait to see our new child! Kal (nearly 2) is happy to be a big brother and has been showering my belly with hugs and kisses.. and my forehead with stickers while I’ve been sleeping.. He seems to understands that there is a baby in his mummy’s tummy.

The worst part so far was my freak out at 10 weeks when I started bleeding a little and had to go to the doctors. The good thing is that I got to hear the baby’s heart beat. It was strong and this was on the Doppler! sometimes you cant hear it on the Doppler at 10 weeks but we were lucky! after I knew everything was OK I broke down on my doctor. I honestly thought I had lost another baby. But no! this one is a fighter and so far so good! we seem to be enjoying the pregnancy this time because we know we can get by and do not have to rush around and organize things. If the baby is a boy we have everything! and if our Jelly bean is a girl all we need is clothes and blankets and little things to call her own.

So that’s all for now!

We are thrilled!                                                 (SCAN PICTURE- 9wks 0 dys gestation)

Laura

Scorpio

Scorpio – October 23rd – November 21st

Your element: Water

Your ruling planets: Pluto

Symbol: The Scorpion

Your stone: Topaz

Life Pursuit: To survive against all opposition

Vibration: Resilient

Scorpio’s Secret Desire: To triumph

-Description:

Reputed to be the “most powerful” sign of the zodiac, Scorpios lead fate filled lives and have intense and dramatic personal relationships. Even as children Scorpios are often found to be wise beyond their years. Many astrologers call this the sign of the “oldest souls”. Old and wise beyond the average, Scorpios often know all the answers, except sometimes; they too often have difficulty finding what they need to develop their own happiness.

Passion, desire and power go hand in hand for Scorpios. Their biggest challenge and test in life is choosing between the power of love and the love of power. Coming to grips with their extraordinary emotional depths and sensitivity isn’t easy for those around them. They are different from all other zodiac signs and this difference has them walking, working and loving to a different beat. Others can often live with a Scorpio partner for years, but not really know them. Much to do with a Scorpio remains ever secret. Their eyes often blaze with feelings that words never express, and beware on the days or nights they hide their feelings behind dark glasses, there is likely to be a storm of some kind brewing. When you deal with a Scorpio you have to always deal with them on a psychic intuitive level. They often wear a mask. Too often they say “no” when they really mean “yes”. They have contrary natures. Once they find true love they can be the most faithful dedicated of all partners but fall out badly with a Scorpio and you are likely to find they will never forget or forgive.

How To Burn More Calories While Walking!

Walking On An Incline-

Think ramps, hills, stairs.. anything with a slope. You have to work harder and can burn up to 50% more calories!

Swing Your Arms -

Keep your elbows at 90-degree angles and pump your arms with each step. You’ll end up burning 15 percent more calories.

Walk Faster -

Walking at a speed of three miles per hour (20 minutes per mile) will burn 103 calories in 30 minutes, but if you pick up the pace a little and walk at a more brisk speed of four miles per hour (15 minutes per mile), you’ll end up burning 118 calories. It’s not a huge difference per workout, but over the course of five workouts, you’ll end up burning an extra 75 calories. It’ll really start to add up over time.

Add Intervals -

Just as you can do with any form of cardio exercise, you can add intervals to your walking exercise. Change your speed every couple of minutes. For the first three to five minutes walk at a warm-up pace. Then, pick up your pace for five to eight minutes. After that, feel free to speed it up. You should feel like you’re almost jogging. From there, slow it back down. Switch between a very fast pace and a moderate pace for the remainder of your workout. You’ll scorch calories this way.

Laura

The Best Tips from Health’s 2012 Cover Models

I have grabbed these from Health.com.

Eva Longoria (January/February)

Q: What’s your go-to for healthy eating?

I love to cook. But when I’m on set, I have food delivery sent there. Before I could afford a food delivery system, I would make my breakfast and lunch, I’d pack some snacks, and put almonds in my purse. I was always prepared because I was always hungry. It’s funny, I would be like, “Nuts anyone?” And they’d say, “What is in your purse?” … I soak raw almonds in water overnight. It makes them plump, and they pop in your mouth.

Jillian Michaels (March)

Q: What tips do you have for staying motivated?

When it comes to your “why,” write it down and put it everywhere—in your car, on your phone. Remind yourself constantly why you’re doing what you’re doing. Then remove any sort of temptation. Build a support system, whether it’s a workout buddy or a mom from day care, so you have that person to call when you have a moment of weakness.

Christina Applegate (April)

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten on how to live well?

[Whispers] My friends don’t give good advice. Just kidding! Gratitude is something that creates a great space to live from. Just saying, “I’m grateful for today; I’m grateful for the person that I am.” It’s incredibly healing.

Giada De Laurentiis (May)

Q: I bet the number-one question you get is: How do you eat all that great food and stay so slim?

That is the number-one question, and the answer is I eat a little bit of everything and not a lot of anything. Everything in moderation. I know that’s really hard for people to understand, but I grew up in an Italian family where we didn’t overdo anything. We ate pasta, yes, but not a lot of it. Pasta doesn’t make you fat. How much pasta you eat makes you fat.

Dara Torres (June)

Q: The entire nation is obsessed with your abs. We want to know your secrets.

OK, the first thing is genetics. My brother and I, our body types are exactly the same: ripped abs, big arms, skinny legs. And the second thing is my training. As far as ab sets, the most I do is maybe 30 reps, but there are always some kind of rotational movements using my core while I’m working out. And I train extremely hard, so that’s why my abs are so strong—I use my core in almost every exercise I do.

Rebecca Romijn (July/August)

Q: How do you beat cravings?

I use the apple trick. If you’re sitting in front of the TV and just want something to munch on, I’ll go for an apple. Refrigerated Fuji apples, nice, crisp, sweet. Man I love ‘em. Eating apples is good on so many levels. There’s fiber in the skin that’s really good for you. It helps with digestion and helps you absorb all the nutrients of everything you’ve eaten that day. Apples are a really good thing.

Alison Sweeney (September)

Q: What’s your secret for healthy eating?

Have the same breakfast every day. I eat oatmeal six days a week. It’s not that I don’t like variety—if I have time, I love to make an omelet—but I’m always in a hurry in the morning and steel-cut oatmeal with agave and cinnamon allows me to go through my day without thinking about it. And then if I’m going out to dinner or a special opportunity comes up—for instance, my husband and I went wine-tasting in Napa—I can spend those calories on something special, rather than waffles for breakfast.

Julie Bowen (October)

Q: What’s your feel-good cocktail?

I’ve recently discovered tequila, thanks to my friends who are north of 35. Good tequila makes you feel different. According to Doctor Google, my favorite doctor, it acts in your central nervous system in a different way [than other forms of alcohol]. If I have a glass of wine, and I’m a little bit tired, I’m ready to go to bed. But if I have a little tequila on the rocks, and I’m a little tired, I’m not more tired. I’m kind of thinking, maybe we should go do something….

Giuliana Rancic (November)

Q: How can you best help a friend who has cancer?

If you call and say, “Can I do anything for you?” nine out of 10 times, do you know what they’re going to say? “No, no, I’m OK.” When you are going through cancer, you feel out of control, so you overcompensate. So basically, you insist. Call and say, “While you have your doctor’s appointment, do you mind if I come watch your kids?” Or, “I’m just going to drop off groceries; you don’t even have to come to the door.”

Bethenny Frankel (December)

Q: How do you slip in ‘me’ time?

I have one of those neck pillows with beads in it that you stick in the microwave and put around your neck. There are probably rats in there because I’ve had it for a decade. But it’s amazing and smells like chamomile and calms me down.

Fat Fighting Foods!

Add these to your shopping list to help you make super fat fighting meals!

Kidney Beans – Can replace your Beef in spaghetti or add it to your salads. yum!
Oats – Make a bowl of oats for breakfast or to stop your 3pm binge.
Broccoli – Wash and cut in to slices to dip in a yummy low fat dip as a snack or steamed
Almonds – Add to salads or have as a snack.
Green Tea – better then coffee and speeds up your metabolism
Avocado – Great on wholemeal toast for breakfast or in salads.
Banana – In cereal with skim milk or on its own
Eggs – What cant you do with eggs?
Dark Chocolate – 70% is the best for you.
Oranges – Great snack or even sliced in salads or fruit salad

So grab these super fat fighting foods and give it a go.

Laura

Would Your 8 Year Old Self Be Proud Of You Today?

I was thinking about this just now.

When I was 8 my goals in life was to be a mother and a wife and possibly a singer. The thing is, yes She would be proud of me. I am what I wanted to be. What now? What else is left to do?

I know that I need to work on myself. I need to feel comfortable in my skin like I did when I was unaware of other people and how they judge (if it is possible) and be happy. I want to be a great influence on my son and future children and grand children. I want to be seen as amazing and see how far I came.

If it is not too much to ask.

Laura