Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  We spent Saturday watching college football with friends and eating completely unhealthy (but completely delicious) game day foods (including Buffalo Chicken Dip … yum!)

(P.S. If you mention the Gator game to me, we might not be friends anymore.  Just kidding.  Kind of.)

And now, for a pregnancy update!

Believe it or not, I’m already at 17 weeks.  I can’t believe that in 3 weeks, I will be half way through this pregnancy.  Unbelievable.

Symptoms: I’ve still been having headaches, but not as often.  And then on Friday, out of blue, I started having pain in my … ahem … left “cheek,” if you will (and no, I’m not talking about my face).  

I did a Google search, and it looks like it’s most likely “posterior pelvic pain” or “pelvic girdle pain” (it sounds a lot funnier than it feels).  I had some friends mention that a chiropractor could help, but it’s nothing major right now, so I’m just hoping it will go away with a little exercise and stretching!

Weight gained: My bump is still pretty small, but I’ve given up hiding it.  It seems like I’m gaining right around a pound a week, which is supposedly the norm. 

I’m still able to fit into most of my pants, with the help of a “Bellaband.”  It’s a piece of material that allows me to unbutton my pants but still keep them firmly in place.  Genius.

Food cravings/aversions: No aversions right now, thank goodness! 

But after seeing several Pinterest pictures of fried pickles last week, I decided I needed to try them for myself.

(Not my pic, because I forgot my camera.  Picture courtesy of this source via Google images.)

After church on Sunday, we went to Smash Burger, and I tried fried pickles for the first time in my life.

I have no idea why it’s taken me so long to try fried pickles.  As a pickle-enthusiast (yes, that’s right), I am shocked that it has taken me 29 years to eat a fried pickle. 

I am happy to say that they did not disappoint.  They were a bit heavy (as most fried foods are), but they were salty and briny (is that a word?) and even better dipped in buttermilk ranch dressing.  Yum.

Fun events: Nothing much this week, but in three short weeks, we get to find out the baby’s gender!!  Start sharing your guesses now!

———

I’ve been meaning to talk about pregnancy and working out for a while now.

Here’s my thoughts in a nut shell: It ain’t always pretty.

First of all, running is no longer comfortable for me.  Things move that didn’t use to move.  Clothing rides up.  It’s just … trickier.

I also get out of breath much easier.  The books say this is normal, but it’s still an odd feeling, to get winded walking up a short flight of stairs.

Also, I’m just going to be honest.  Out of all of the clothing I own, my work out clothes currently make me feel the worst.  They just cut in such a way that makes me feel like a stuffed sausage.  I’m not trying to complain, but I like to keep it real with you guys.

I know what you’re going to say … go out and buy new clothes.  Well, I did that.  6 weeks ago.  And guess what?  Now none of it fits.   And I’m too cheap to keep buying more clothes!

But I have found that Brandon’s t-shirts are quite comfortable workout attire.  I don’t know how thrilled he is with my new solution, but he’s smart enough to keep away from this topic.

My new game plan is to walk around my neighborhood once a day.  It only takes 20 minutes, but I figure doing that walk 6-7 times a week is pretty good.  I’m also trying to be better about weight lifting.  My doctor said it is completely fine to lift weights, as long as I don’t lay on my stomach while doing so.  And I know that the stronger I am, the easier my pregnancy, delivery, and recovery will be.  But I’m not a fan of weight lifting, so I’m not always as consistent as I should be!

So that’s my latest pregnancy recap!  As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Brandon and I appreciate them more than words can say!!

———

And finally, if any of my friends out there battle with anxiety or fear (I’m right there with you!), I would strongly, strongly encourage you to take some time and watch this video:

http://www.passioncitychurch.com/watch#PCC-102112-V2

I promise it won’t be a waste of your time.  And if you like that one, go check out the website again on Wednesday, because another powerful message with be posted. 

Have a wonderful day, my friends!

Question for ya …

What did you do this weekend?

Ever tried fried pickles?  Fan or foe?

If you are or have been pregnant before, what type of workouts did you do?

Any current food cravings?