Eat, Sleep, and Fuss

So apparently I gotta act like a baby to have a baby. All I've been doing these days is eating, sleeping, and fussing. I thought I was in the clear, but 5 days ago I woke up feeling miserably nauseous. I stood in the kitchen staring at the counter thinking, "This cannot be happening to me!" I felt like I was going to vomit and had that heart burn feeling that mimics hunger pangs. I knew eating something would appease the heart burn, but it would aggravate the nausea. As I got sicker and sicker, I couldn't think of ANYTHING that sounded appealing because I had no appetite. Then I got to where I almost threw up, (but I'd rather shoot myself than throw up) so I just laid down in the middle of the floor and did deep breathing exercises until the nausea passed. I ate some peanut butter cookies, felt better for 10 mins and then the feeling returned. This has been happening non stop since Friday morning. I am achy and I just want to sleep. 

Now, imagine this........getting up and having to go teach a hard core class every day. These are classes which not only require vigorous exercise, but even worse a peppy "can do" attitude. Oh wait even WORSE brain cells that function. My pregnant brain is eating me ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

All I can say is so far, so good. I don't know what it is about exercise but it just sets my body in rhythm. With the exception of several times in the past where I haven't been able to rise above certain ailments or attitudes, I am usually able to let everything go and allow exercise to heal me. I am desperately hoping that morning sickness doesn't get in the way of doing what I love...teaching fitness. Like I said earlier, I'm pretty stubborn so even if I do vomit on the aerobics floor maybe it'll give me a few extra minutes to feel good and keep going. ;)

My POOR husband. I have no patience when I don't feel good. I've been barking orders at him ever since this all started, but I keep reminding him that I'm not being a B*#!^, I'm just too queasy to be polite. hehe. Fortunately, I have a husband who is not only the most patient man in the world, but he's also been with me through 2 pregnancies and knows I'm at my best in my 2nd trimester.

It is a miracle I am writing this right now. I am nothing short of useless these days. I sleep and eat so I have enough energy to teach classes and then I peter out the rest of the day. All this to say that blog posts will be few and far between until I get into my 2nd trimester. I'm just not real sure when that is though. I'll find out next week at my first real appointment. All I know is I'm HUGE and everyone's rubbing my belly and suggesting I'm at least four months. I think I'm barely 9 weeks. haha! We got a LONG way to go!!

Until I have the energy and brain function to continue blogging about meaningful things, I may take a blogging hiatus. So, if I go M.I.A for the next few weeks, you know why. I'm either eating, sleeping, or fussing. Keeping my fingers crossed this nasty feeling goes away sooner than later!! 

PUFF the Magic Preggo

So, I'm bound and determined not to become Jabba the Hut since 3rd times a charm, but much to my dismay, it seems I'm already resembling the shape of a triangle. The second I found out I was pregnant, I cleaned up my diet to a T. I'm not eating more than I was and I'm still working out at LEAST every day. I teach Combat and Total body Conditioning classes, which are fat torching exercises. And yet....I'm turning into a soft round little lump of puff!! BUT, ya know what Bring it ON! I am taking great care of myself. I feel great when I'm pregnant. My nose gets big but it glows too and it's the right time of year for that. Watch out Rudolf! :) 

It's hard to be in the spotlight when you are supposed to be a model of fitness because people can be critical. But I embrace the spotlight as an opportunity to model HEALTH, not a size 2. I embrace being a model of fitness during pregnancy. I embrace being someone who can encourage others to be the best versions of themselves....not anyone else. 

I LOVE MY JOB. I recently took on the Group Fitness Coordinator position at Lacey Ultimate Fitness Center. I am in such an amazing environment and I work with incredible people. The group fitness team is such a solid group of people who do what they do solely for the love of their participants. It shows and we are getting so much positive feedback from the members. I love being in a place where people come seeking better well-being. I love being connected to people whose lives are changing. Exercise doesn't just change our shape. It changes our minds, our hearts, our esteems, our drive, our confidence, our relationships, our mood. It impacts everything we do. I am so blessed to wake up every day and get to do what I LOVE. 

My challenge to everyone is to assess how you feel not how you look. Make health a goal. Not weight loss. You will feel freer to take your time and not beat yourself up about pounds. Make healthy choices. Educate yourself and TAKE YOUR TIME. There is no rush. It's taken me 2 yrs to even scratch the surface of holistic health and it's been a wonderful journey. 

You are who you are. You are the only person that gets to be you. Be the best version of who God made you. You can only do that when you stop comparing yourself to something or someone you'll never be. If you do that, you'll always live underneath the bar. Love who you are and love what you love and let other people love you for it. Don't surround yourself with others who want to make you believe you should be anything other than who you are. It's a waste of life. 

Make a choice to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It will change your life and you won't have time to think about yourself because you are too busy serving others. That will bring you your esteem and your peace. Put the food journal down and go to a food bank. Put your size 8's on and take your size 2's that you'll never get back into to Good Will. You will start to lose weight or at least be content with your size when you stop obsessing about it. There are so many other important things to do. Life is SHORT....what legacy will you leave. Think about that??? 

XOXO

Just Say NO! to GMOs!

What is a GMO? It is a genetically modified organism. Big corporations such as Mansanto have literally taken over corn and soy because they have genetically modified them to be resistant to Roud UP fertilizer. Because they have genetically modified it, they were able to patent it and they now OWN it. What does this mean? Please watch The Future of Food to understand the ins and outs of it, but in short...it means that pretty much every darn thing you eat has genetically modified corn and soy in it. This is NOT good. There is no regulation of GMOs impact on long term health, but I think we are seeing some effects already. Look at all the chronic childhood disorders out there. Coincidence. I think not. It's in GERBER BABY FOOD!

Well, guess what else? Even if you wanted to say no to GMO, you wouldn't know what to say no to. There is no national policy that requires the labeling of GMOs on our food products. 

Here's what I can tell you. If you buy organic, You can guarantee there are no GMOs. I fed my first child Soy Infant Formula for her first year. Who knows how this impacted her dna. Sheesh!

Now, I would like to quote Mansanto, 

"Mansanto should not have to vouchesafe the safety of biotech food, our interest is in selling as much of it as possible. Assuring its safety is the FDA's job"

-Phil Angel,

Director of Communications for Mansanto.

Well, too bad the FDA ain't doing a darn thing to regulate it!!!! If someone has a reaction to a genetically modified food, but it is not on the label then there is no way to trace it. 

Regulation is in your hands!!!
Just Say NO to GMOs! Buy Organic or from your local farmers!

If You Believe Life Begins at Conception, The IUD May Not be Right for You.

I believe life begins at conception. What's the point in conception if it's not the beginning of life? Hmmm. Haven't figured that one out yet. Please don't assume my political stance because of this. Ok? Thanks! I just believe in the sanctity of life. I believe in this for VERY VERY personal reasons. That's all. Moving on...........

I almost got an IUD not understanding that fertilization can actually happen with an IUD. I won't give the science of it. Just read what I posted below. If you don't have a problem with this, that's cool. I'm not here to say what's right or wrong in this case because I don't know enough. But if you DO have a problem with this, then you have a right to know the science of what happens. 

BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER!! I was not in this case. I figured it worked as a barrier. Guess not. 

The IUD

The Intrauterine Device, or IUD is not a contraceptive. That is, it does not prevent fertilization, the joining of an egg and sperm, from occurring (conception). It does nothing to disrupt ovulation, the menstrual cycle, or to thicken the cervical mucous.

The IUD is a device which is inserted into the womb and which creates a hostile environment by irritating and thinning the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Such a state of irritation leaves the uterine wall unprepared for the process of implantation when a newly conceived baby attempts to cleave to the wall of the uterus.

Though literature on the IUD suggests that perhaps fertilization may be prevented; that perhaps copper in the IUD kills sperm, there is no evidence to support the hypothesis that sperm are killed or that fertilization is prevented at all. In fact, G.D. Searle, one company which produces the IUD, conceded early on that the device does nothing more than prevent the unborn child from attaching to the wall of the uterus:

"The action of the IUDs would seem to be a simple local phenomenon. That these devices prevent nidation [implantation] of an already fertilized ovum has been accepted as the most likely mechanism of action." 1 

So, when the conceived child, driven by nature, seeks out the warmth, nutrition, and comfort of the mother's womb, the IUD has essentially put out an "Unwelcome" mat.

Understanding that human life begins at conception, this intentional disruption of the uterine environment produces an early abortion. The unborn child, unable to implant, starves for lack of nutrition, dies, and is sloughed off during the next menstrual cycle.

What's Your Favorite Shade of Prenatal?

How did I know I was pregnant for certain? Quite a funny story...

Well, I went to the doctor to get some follow up blood work done to get a final diagnosis for some ongoing health issues I'd been having. It was also at this appointment that I was going to finally make it a point to get and iud and stop "risking it." Well, I already had my suspicions of pregnancy for obvious reasons and sure enough...tada! A positive pregnancy test. So, instead of going home with an iud, I went home with a prescription for prenatals and two whiney toddlers in my backseat. Oh how lovely.

On my way to the pharmacy, I determined that I would do everything in my power to make this the healthiest pregnancy possible. Too bad I had too much fun at a Halloween party a couple weeks before. Oh well, I can only move forward from this point and pray my crazy "who knows how many weeks" of pregnancy hasn't done too much damage. When I say crazy....I just mean unaware. I put my body through a lot. I like to think I sacrifice it every day for the sake of others since I teach fitness every day sometimes multiple times. ;) I know...I'm such a martyr. hehe

ANYWAY, I got to Fred Meyer, dropped off my prescription at the pharmacy, dropped off my kids in the kids playcenter (LOVE THAT) and strolled my way over to the health food section of the store. I was looking through the whole food prenatals and checking out the ingredients. Not a long list. That's always a positive sign. Oh well, too bad I don't have 20 bucks and I knew my script would cost me only 3.

So, I go to pick up my prescription. I asked the pharmacist if the ingredient list was on the insert. She said, "No." Fancy That! So, I asked if she'd mind showing me the ingredients from the bottle. When she returned, she handed me the huge container that they all get stored in, and I kid you not.......the ingredient list filled the entire length of the bottle. I don't remember all the big names, but I recall them being NOT good. The few I do remember are Blue #2, Red #40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6. Upon seeing these, I recall many medical professionals advising us not to give our kids these dyes, SO WHY THE HECK ARE THEY IN A PRENATAL????!!!!  And don't think I didn't ask. The head honcho pharmacist comes and explains to me that it gives the vitamin its color. I asked if I could see the pretty (hopefully purple) vitamins and when he opened the bottle guess what color they were?

YEP, you guessed it! POTATO BROWN. I guess if I knew any better, I might remember that when you mix blue, red, and yellow it makes a nice shade of disgusting brown (unless it's from the earth). The pharmacist and I just looked at each other wide eyed and busted out laughing. Honcho man, cleared his throat and goes, "I'll just put these back for you ma'am." I respectfully declined to purchase them and went to get the kiddos.

Many of you may think I am overreacting and too "into" health, but I only speak from experience that making the best decisions for your mind and body can change your life. I smoked for a long time. I drank a lot. I took meds and ended up on a lot because I would take another med to curb the side effect of another med. The day I found out I was pregnant with my first, I quit everything cold turkey and made dramatic changes in my life. I became a different person. It wasn't until after Lily that I began learning about organic living, but changing my lifestyle has changed my life.

I had an underlying illness for a while that I believe was an autoimmune issue aggravated my extreme stress. (Deployed husband, terrible surgery, sensory disordered kid, buying new house, sleep deprivation, certifications, being in the spot light of ridicule, etc). I honestly believe that if it were not for my nutritious foods and supplements, I'd be one sick puppy right now. I also believe that God used this pregnancy to heal my body. He is very good to me and I feel amazing. I am so happy and full of life right now (literally). :)-

Here's the deal, you may associate being "green" and being organic with being liberal, self-centered, or whatever. WHAT is self-centered about not putting toxins into your body and your children's bodies and into the earth? Please someone explain this to me. Why is there such a negative connotation with the words green and organic? I come from the Bible Belt of the South and many people shudder when I mention being "Green." Let's throw off our preconceptions and our associations and get to the basics of what it means. It means taking care of our bodies which are temples and our earth of which we are stewards by not filling them with toxins and by feeding them naturally.

How can we be who we are called to be if we are sick? There is nothing like having a clear focused mind and energy to accomplish the things we are wired to be passionate about. Let's take care of ourselves and our families and our earth by making wise choices no matter our religion or our politics. Let's raise our children to be warriors and pioneers of health. Their bodies are vulnerable. Don't be afraid to make the switch. I want to help. I've listed a lot of links where you can educate yourselves. Our cosmetics are nothing short of arsenic. We wonder why 20 yr olds are getting breast cancer. It's because they've probably rubbed lotions cotaining parabens (known carcinogen found in breast cancer tumors) since they were born. Go to safecosmetics.org and type in the products you use. It's scary, but don't be afraid. Be enlightened.

Please watch the video I attached.

Cheers to raising healthy families!!!

The Power of a Patent Over Farmers Rights is Outrageous!

Ever had the wind knocked out of you for an hour and a half straight? Well grab a bag of genetically modified popcorn, sit down with your loved ones and watch this movie to experience the feeling. You can watch it for free at thefutureoffood.com. ENJOY!

The Future of Food

A Wake-Up Story, by Healthy Child Healthy World

A Wake-Up Story, by Healthy Child Healthy World

Please watch if you have 3 mins. Very moving. 

A Crazy Arrogant Hippie

Yes, I have become "that" Mom...the mom who is going all out NATURAL. Although, this was yet again another unplanned pregnancy, I am thrilled to know that I have another shot at creating the healthiest environment possible for my new little bean and bringing life into this world that is strong and prepared. 

Organic. Midwife. Natural Labor. Water Birth. These words used to make me very uncomfortable and even defensive. I hang my head in shame to admit that a few short years ago, I viewed those moms who went all natural as either arrogant, hippie, or crazy. Now I know that I probably just felt threatened because the truth is that I didn't know a darn thing about how to have a healthy pregnancy. I didn't really educate myself on anything deeper than the basics. For the most part, through the first 2, I was just trying to survive. Well, I am making the choice during this pregnancy to thrive! I can proudly say that I am now that "crazy arrogant hippie" mom.

I believe that life begins in the womb. I believe that every choice we make as mothers from the moment of conception impacts the life inside of us for the rest of his or her existence. I know this now all too well. With my first pregnancy I was stressed, I lived on double-stacks and McFlurries, I gained 60 lbs, I never exercised, I was induced 2 weeks early, I was pumped full of medication during my 30 hr labor, I had a uterine infection, and when my child was born, I was too weak to hold her, she was taken away, pumped full of antibiotics, vaccinated, and then returned to me a broken baby. I blame no one but myself for this because had I known any better, I wouldn't have made ANY of those decisions. 

God gave me the most beautiful little girl with the sweetest spirit who doesn't have a harsh bone in her body. She is full of life and love for others, but she has been tormented by sensory integration dysfunction which is a nervous system disorder and I believe it is a directly related to a toxic womb. My husband and I have been able to bring healing to her all naturally through healthy diet, exercise, and prayer, and she is truly a different child, but there are certain demons she will face forever. 

She has turned me into a warrior as a mother. My children are totally dependent on me for life. I can't go back and change things but I can do the very best I know how each day. I realize I may be jumping the gun. Apparently I haven't known I was pregnant for quite a while and DEFINITELY would have made better decisions had I known....like SLEEP for instance and not Teach 12 aerobics classes a day! Sheesh. But, we will see in 3 weeks if all is well within the womb. If not, that's ok. I believe God knows what he's doing. Nothing in life happens without reason. For those of you who know me well, you know I learn lessons the hard way, but it has made me resilient, wiser, and stronger as a woman. 

I look forward to going through this pregnancy applying all that I've learned and will learn to maximize the health of my womb and my green little been. Yes, I've thrown out all the toxic things in my house. I have two temples to care for now. I'm excited to begin this journey and meet new life at the end!!