24 and 25 Weeks

I'm feeling great! I'm kind of counting the days until I get to hold this little one in my arms, but at the same time, days are just passing by so quick without me even realizing it. Crazy busy! I think this is my "fastest" pregnancy so far, and I think it has something to do with having a busy household. I can't really sit down and think about the pregnancy or birth too much. The times, I get to sit down, I'm usually horizontal and asleep. 

But the little I have been able to plan and prep for are...

• Ordering a BellyBandit. 

I've had this band before and I must say I've liked it, however, I think I've had the wrong size and never got the optimum support or results. Now I've ordered a smaller size, which I think will be perfect.

• Home Made Kale Powder. 

I have got a garden full of kale, a super dehydrator and great ideas for it.

• Christ Centered Childbirth book. 

This book is amazing. Not only  does it give you a great insight on the physical area; pregnancy, birth and anatomy -it covers the emotional and spiritual areas as well. Love it! Even though I've read it 3 + times, I still get so much out of it, and new things keep popping up each read.

• Talking to my Doula. 

Going over some of my hopes for the birth. She has been my doula before, so she knows me and is really well equipped for this one. She is so busy with being a doula, I am so thankful that she is going to be there for us.

• Nesting.

Need I say more? Yes, nesting organizing, de-itemizing, de-cluttering, cleaning, scrubbing.... 

• Homeschooling through the summer.  

We're focusing on the "harder" topics this summer, so that when the baby comes we can take it a little easier and do the more self directed and more fun subjects.

I've also been enjoying the different flavoured homemade vitamin waters. My favourite is Cherry-Lime-ade.

Cherry Lime-ade

6 thin slices of lemon
10 thin slices of key lime
6 pitted black cherries
1 sprig of fresh mint (optional)
500 ml of sparkling water/ plain water

Muddle lemon, lime and mint in the bottom of a pitcher. Add cherries, sparkling water, and fill remaining with cold water. Cover and chill in the fridge for a few hours. Serve over ice.

My diet has been good, it could always be better, and I'm working towards that. I try to eat as much vegg throughout the weeks so that when that special treat comes along, it won't break the scale, my health or my heart.

Speaking of my heart. I am so so excited to see this little one... not long now, not long at all! The last month will always feel like the slowest, but I'm hoping to keep busy so that it will just creep up on me, in a good way! 

P.S check out Plain Plantain! I have been using her balms on my belly and I love it! So easy to apply and doesn't leave a greasy after feeling.

The Everything Salad

• lettuce
• spinach
• olives
• grapes
• tomatoes
• corn
• chickpeas 
• bacon bits
• chicken
• cucumber
• feta
• homemade bluecheese dressing

See you guys next week!

Physio Update

A few weeks ago I wrote this 

..."I've been to see a physio, who specializes in women's pelvic floor (pre- and postnatal). I have homework I need to do daily to strengthen/maintain my pelvic floor during the rapid growth of the baby, help in birth and fast healing post birth. But mostly, I am doing them so I stop peeing myself every time a sneeze or have a coughing fit! I know, too much info, but I know -you know what I mean!

Daily Kegels workout:

30 x 5+sec squeezes with 10sec break in between. This takes about 8 minutes to do. 

30 x quick squeezes with 10sec break in between.

I've been trying to remember to do this everyday for two weeks, and so far I have already seen felt an improvement. I have got two more weeks to do these exercises until my next appointment.."...

Today I saw my physio for a quick follow up appointment, to see how things have progressed with my 'dilemma'.

Two weeks ago, I couldn't cough, sneeze or laugh (and at times with no reason) without "leakage". I was wearing a thin liner and had to change it 2-3 x a day. I know I was 22 weeks pregnant, but this was alarming and I needed to seek professional help. 

There was no way that I, age 31 (or ever) had to be in such a weak state, where there was no connection with my mind and body, in such a way. All I can say that I am happy that I went and paid that money to see the specialist physio.

Here is where I was

• leakage, pad change 2-3 x a day
• pregnancy week 22
• waking up at night to visit the wc
• couldn't laugh, sneeze, or cough without leakage
• couldn't hold a kegel for more than 4 seconds

2 weeks later with these exercises

Here I am today

• No leakage, haven't worn a pad for 1 1/2 weeks
• pregnancy week 24
• no night time bathroom visits
• laughing, sneezing and coughing without leakage
• I can hold a kegel for more than 10 seconds

I cannot believe how fast this change took place and that it's not rocket science, as my physio puts it! Simple, simple exercises that don't make you sweat, don't take up too much time, can be done anytime and anywhere -has done so much in such little time frame.

My exercises have moved on to new ones, which I will be doing throughout my pregnancy and also after birth. I have a follow up appointment 2 months after birth to see what needs doing regarding my pelvis alignment etc.

Ladies, I urge you! Get sorted before it's super hard or too late!

Mini testimonials welcome, leave a comment!

Vitamin Water -Homemade- Raspberry Mojito

Yuuuummy! Not only can I believe that this actually tastes like vitamin water, but it tastes even better!

I have a list of ideas for what kinds of waters I'll be drinking this summer!

Yesterday and today, I enjoyed 

Raspberry Mojito

• 10 thin slices of key lime/lime
• 1/2 pint of raspberries
• spring of mint
• 1T stevia (optional)
• 2L water
• a ton of ice

Place the mint and raspberries in the pitcher, mush them up good, add the lime, stevia, ice and water, give it a good mix! Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. I drank mine immediately but enjoyed it the next day too!

Do you have any good vitamin water recipes to share?

21 Weeks

How I feel? I feel better than last week. I've been super busy with family life and getting things "organized" so that I can feel, and be better. I feel the baby move too! I love to feel him/her move, it's always a sweet feeling...



What's new? The Scan!

 There's a baby in there, really!!!

 (not the best pictures of the scan)

 Sweet baby!!! During the scan, I was lying on my back with my arms behind my neck, and it just happened to be that so was this baby!! Like mother like child!

My supplements? I'm switching to 'drinkable' vitamins. I am getting bored of swallowing capsules, and many of them. One night, I was like "hey! When I run out on the pills, I'll just buy liquid ones instead!" So these are the vitamins that are now in liquid form :)

 (More reviews on these later!)

 (mmm.... pinacolada!)

My dreams? To have a good pregnancy to the end, another great birth experience, healthy baby, and my parent(s) by our side after we come home from the hospital. Hint hint, nudge nudge lol!

My husband and I are also planning on him delivering the baby. I've had him in a head lock for the past 3 births, he usually doesn't get to see much except my right ear, so this would be exciting!

My Fears? I have fears at times, like when I don't feel the baby move or about the birth etc. I am happy that I serve a GOOD God and that he has blessed me with a wonderful husband and for the birth, a terrific doula! I just ordered my favourite birthing book Christ Centered Childbirth, and I am awaiting it's arrival. I get a ton of encouragement and refocusing from reading it.

My hope? Is in Christ. Pray for me and my pregnancy.

Grace & Peace

p.s. I'll post some new raw food recipes soon, I promise!

18 Weeks +

This juice was a sweet pick-me-upper for a hot summer day. My sweet husband made it for me. I asked him what was in it, and he said...

• apples
• ginger
• spinach
• fennel 

I try to spend a lot of time outside, especially since I've been sick on and off for a few weeks now. At the moment I am on antibiotics :( for a sinus infection. No worries, I'm topping up my probiotic intake in between the doses, I should feel fine. 

I've been investing in my vegetable and herb garden, I'm really looking forward to eating the first fruits.

I've spent some time menu planning for the next two weeks. Some things are given in our diets that I do not write down, i.e vegetables, super foods, salads, hemp hearts etc. This menu is more for the kids, as you know, I am not a big fan of hot dogs... I guess I'll be adjusting the menu a few times this week, making delicious dishes to post on here for you! Stay tuned!

I love the greens, to me it's the colour of life :) When I'm rushing, I drink Greens+, 3t in a bottle of ice water, throughout the day. I have the berry flavoured kind, I am getting used to it. I still LOVE PhytoFUEL -Look into that! That'll be my next purchase, that product amazes me! More on PhytoFUEL HERE.

Update on Carlson Fish Oil post HERE, I had to discontinue the use since I began to feel very nauseous in the mornings. I went back to gagging on my thumb sized fish oil capsules for now, but I will give the Carlson Fish Oil another try later on my pregnancy. I still believe it's quality stuff, just wrong timing.

I can feel the baby move a little. I still long for proper roly-polys and kicks. I know, I will... I am really looking forward to holding this little bundle. Everyday, I thank God for this miracle. I am so blessed. 

Unfortunately I had my detailed scan postponed. Two more weeks until I post some cute scan pics... you gotta wait!!! They are also putting me through some serial scans throughout the pregnancy, I take this as a pampering. I get to see that little baby more than once, before I get to see her/him face to face. Yay!

I'm thinking about baby names, any suggestions? Please share!

For The Love of Greek Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 1C Greek yogurt
• 2T gluten free oats/buckwheat groats/hemp hearts
• 1T sunflower seeds
•  cinnamon and stevia for taste
• handful of frozen or fresh berries

Week 17

Vitamins! This is what I take at nights just before I go to sleep. The reason I take them at night, all at once, is because I tend to get nauseous during the day. At night, I am asleep and I sleep through whatever nausea these give me.

Left to Right:

• Diclectin. I'm on one Diclectin a day. By the end of this week, I'll be down to NONE!
• Probiotic
• Vitamin D, small round ones
• Milk Thistle
• B Complex
• B6
• Folic Acid
• Omegas

I don't digest iron well when I am pregnant, but I get plenty through my iron rich diet. Also Vitamin C is in powdered form, which I add into my juices or smoothies.

I have been pretty sick for more than a week. I caught some sort of adult version of croup, thanks to my kids -thanks to the gym daycare cooties- followed by an aftershock -a cold.  Boo! I haven't been to the gym for a few weeks and I can't wait to start again!

In the midst of my sick week, I got to enjoy a night out with my hubby ! We went to my favourite Hot pot restaurant and I got to enjoy some food for my soul - yummy!!! One reason I like hot pot is that it's clean and I can decide how or if I want my veggies cooked. I love love love all of the flavours!

I think I need a little more of THIS! WATER!

 I like to flavour my water with fruits, herbs and berries.

 This is what I looked like between week 17 and 18... it's growing...

I wish I could feel my baby move more. With all of my other pregnancies, I felt them move at 16 weeks, and well. Sometimes I worry, but I try to snap out of it. It's out of my control. Instead of worrying, I praise God for this miracle growing inside of me. I can't believe how blessed we are! What a wonderful addition to our family and once again, a MIRACLE from God. May she/he be a blessing to everybody. Thank you for letting me be his/her mum. I am honoured.

A little note to my little one:

I often wonder what you will look like, who you are and how you will enrich our lives. I dream of the day I can hold you in my arms and kiss your little forehead and finger tips. I love you so much already. -Mami xx

Green Life Juice

 Ingredients:

• lemon, thick slice
• 1/3rd cored fennel
• 1/2 sour green apple
• 1 head of romaine lettuce
• 3 stalks of celery
• 2/3 cucumber
• 3 handfuls of spinach
• 1" ginger
• 1/4 ts vitamin C powder

The taste is amazing and I'm not just saying that! Try it for yourself!!

 such richness!

 Green Delight, super power juice! Oh you'll feel the difference!!!

 enzymes!

Do you have a recipe for your favourite juice? Please share it with us!

More recipes on Live/Raw foods HERE

Week 16

How do I feel? I've had two off days, when I've felt quite back. I had to increase my Diclectin dosage for those days. At first I thought maybe it had something to do with my switching my vitamins to a different brand and form, but that surely that wasn't the case. I had a good look at what I was eating and I'm 99% sure that, that was the cause! It wasn't hard to figure out what I was doing wrong.

What did I eat? I am emberrassed to admit this but, I had ice coffee from Mc Cafe two days in a row and twice!! Also, I did something even more stupid. I purchased and Arizona iced tea (we all know that's full of sugar!!!!) and I did that two days in a row as well. On top of this, since I thought I was feeling a lot better, and I was craving for a decaf hazelnut flavoured coffee... oh you guessed it! I am so dumb.

Well no wonder my body went a bit loopy and was like "hey!! what's going on?!" I felt so awful, I could hardly get out of bed.

There is something I didn't do for a few days, which was juicing. I guess, having S away for a few days put me on survival mode for a second, and honestly I just forgot to. Howeverm I put it to the test, and juiced today and I INSTANTLY felt my nausea had subside and, I have not even taken Diclectin today! I am now, again, a true believer in juicing my vegetables. If you cannot consume them in large quantities, then juice them!!! 

I am back to "normal" :)

Here are my top #5 snack ideas for in between meals

• Greek Yogurt with berries, nuts and stevia. I sometimes substitute almonds to a handful of oats or 1T hemp hearts.
• Protein smoothie. Basicall any kind of vegetable and fruit, yogurt based smoothie with a scoop of hemp protein or whey protein.
• Hummus and Peppers. I love red pepper boats filled with hummus. It's pretty much the only way I eat red peppers.
• Apples and nut butter. I love organic peanut butter. I know almond butter is better for you, but peanut butter tastes best!
• Cheese and grapes.

What are your favourite snacks?

Raw Foods Recipes

Since this blog is still new,  and I have not yet had the opportunity to post too many raw foods recipes here, buuut I got plenty of recipes on my 'holy temple blog'. Feel free to visit this blog :) hope you enjoy it!

Www.holytempleunderrenovation.blogspot.com

Also, let me know you were here, I would love to hear from you!

C

Fish Oil

I have a hard time swallowing the large omega gel capsules. I gag. So, I've been experimenting with a few brands.

I'm currently taking this liquid form of fish oil. I must say that the tea spoon is short and sweet, but it does have a "fishy oily" after taste to it, regardless of being "lemon flavoured". The lemon flavour isn't very strong at all,  which is fine,  I don't mind it.

The quality and dosage is strong. Yes, this is my own option and I do not get paid for saying that :)

I recommend it!

I'm going to give it 30 days:) to see how it makes me feel.

Cucumber - Carrot Delight Juice

1 large cucumber
2 small carrots
3 celery stalks
Slice of lemon
1" ginger
1/3 fennel
1/2 sour green apple
1/3 red pepper

Energy Juice

Juice:
2 carrots
1/2 red pepper
1" ginger
Slice of lemon
1/3 large fennel
2 celery stalks
2 handfuls of tightly squeezed kale
1/2 sour green apple

Serve over ice,  drink immediately :)!  Yum!

My Daily Juice

My Daily juice different from day to day. But one thing is consistent, I have it. Sometimes I lean towards a more green juice,  and other days more towards a berry juice. I still add in several handfuls of spinach/kale /combination of both.

Week 15 -Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling, my new thing.  

Yes it's weird, but yes it seems to be working. For those who don't know what it is, click HERE.

I've actually tried it before, but for some reason never kept going. Now, I've even tested a few oils. And my opinions are:

Coconut Oil: tasteless (if you get the taste free one) and easy enough to swoosh around. 

Sesame seed oil: Heavy to swoosh around. If you like Asian foods, you might enjoy the taste as well. Kind of leaves and oily residue on my teeth. Not my favourite.

Hemp oil: cool, refreshing and easy to swoosh around. The after taste is nutty, and leaves a clean feel.

I'm going to alternate with coconut and hemp oil. I am eager to try out almond oil, avocado oil and grape .seed oil

Week 14

Unfortunately, I don't have much to blog about this week. We took the RV and drove hours upon hours sightseeing this beautiful British Columbia. I took my Juicer and my Nutri bullet with me! We ate out most of the time, so I made the best choices I could, just making sure I was getting enough nutrients. Sometimes I bought ready made green smoothies and other types of smoothies. I haven't mastered being enough "raw" on the road yet. I'm hoping we'll go on another road trip soon, and then I'll plan it better.

How am I feeling? -Good, I could feel better. Looking forward to week 15, back to a rhythm.

Baby is the size of a small avocado. Sweet baby!

Pregnancy Week 13

I'm feeling a lot better now that my diet has been altered. I had an appointment with the midwife yesterday and she also happens to be a Naturopath. We went through my 5 day food log, to see if there was a reason for my drastic "up and downs". It seems that my body behaves like a diabetic (even though I am not) while pregnant, so we're trying out a new regime. So far so good. Low Glysemic is the new word this week.

This weeks key word: JUICING

I have been juicing most of my vegetables this week, since I haven't had the appetite to chew them. The juices have been so yummy!

This week I have taken away: SUGAR in almost every form. 

I'm eating less dried fruit and high fructose fruits just to see how my body reacts to it.

I'm feeling: BETTER. I am cutting out the Diclectin nausea meds slowly. Let's hope the nausea stays away.

I'm adding: EXERCISE and HEMP PROTEIN.

Since I'm not feeling that nauseous, dumbells are on the horizon. Soon. Because of my meat aversions, I will add the hemp protein to my smoothies.

Recipe of the week: 

PICK-ME-UPPER POWER JUICE

In a juicer, juice:

• 1/3 large fennel
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 small sour green apple
• 1" ginger
• handful of spinach/kale, washed and rolled up tightly
• slice of lemon
• 1 carrot 

serve with ice!