On Working Out and Pregnancy

Can we talk about something for a minute? I want to share my thoughts on working out while pregnant. I know nobody likes to even talk about working out normally let alone while pregnant but I have some things to discuss.

First of all I feel like pregnancy is this giant science experiment. And if you experience it more than once it's an even bigger experiment because you can compare and contrast one pregnancy to the other.

Or maybe that's just me and my crazy over analytical brain.

So here we go with my experiment...

First pregnancy. I did nothing. Like literally you couldn't have paid me to work out. At the time I had an office job where I sat at a computer all day and I remember complaining about how hard that was.

I'm sorry what? First pregnancy Megan was a bit out of touch.

Don't you know seasoned moms around me secretly laughed at me and silently threw up prayers for the naive mom who had no idea what was ahead. First time moms really are a special treat. But every mom needs to go through those first time mom emotions. It's just the rite of passage to think you need to have the nursery fully stocked ready to go 4 months before your due date, stress about what to take with you to the hospital and think that life is so hard when you have one newborn who sleeps 92% of the time.

Back to my experiment first pregnancy Megan sat and ate and ate and drank Coke like it was water.

And then I gained roughly 45-50 pounds.

Second pregnancy: I was a changed Megan. I had seen the error of my ways and decided while pregnant this second time I wouldn't consider a dozen chocolate donuts a well-rounded meal. I was going to maintain normal eating BUT with an added bonus I would factor in some physical movement. Something which seemed too daunting the first go round.

So I sort of watched what I ate and literally walked 2 miles on the treadmill everyday.
On an incline. I feel like the "on an incline" gives me bonus points so this is where you "ohhhh and ahhhh"

And what do ya know, I gained roughly around 45-50 pounds.

There's a theme in my experiment.

And now here we are 3rd pregnancy. Which could go one of two ways:

1. I could see how my lifestyle the first pregnancy was not healthy or productive and it's a part of my history that doesn't need to be repeated.

2. I could see how my lifestyle the second pregnancy did nothing to produce different results so instead of living that way again I'm going to eat what I want and do what I want and say screw it.

I'm gentle with my words I know.

I opted for a little of both. I've maintained a pretty consistent workout schedule this time. Going to bootcamp throughout the week and walking some on the treadmill.

I still have moments where I don't eat the best but for the most part I eat well.

This pregnancy has been a bit different from the others in the fact that I was so sick at the beginning I lost weight before I started going up (and up).

And now at 24 weeks I've gained the same amount I did with both pregnancies. The same exact amount.

So here's my theory.......

Your body does whatever the heck it wants when you're pregnant.

In fact I think God is like whoa, I've given you a free pass. Your body has one job right now, to grow, support, and foster a home for a growing person.

Enjoy.

Kick your feet up.

Take a break.

Ear four s'mores pop tarts a day.

Ok maybe not the last one - but you get the general idea.

And this is not theologically based, please don't be confused about that part.

And maybe this is only coming from a place of guilt because, just today in the wee hours of the morning when my alarm clock went off I opted to hit snooze three times before ultimately deciding my body was a wonderland that didn't need to be put through a rigorous workout and rolled over and enjoyed more time in the comfort of my very soft and warm bed.

So as for my resolution with my experiment I'm going to do what I feel. If I feel like working out I'm going to do it, if I don't then I'm not going to stress about what a slacker I am.

And still try, just try to do a little more jumping jacks and a little less nutella. We'll see...

Getting ready for Three

Two years ago I wrote a post for What to Expect regarding my thoughts on becoming a mom of two.

And now here we are, 24 months later two kids under my belt and one in my belly, getting ready to meet us here in a few months and I'm going through some of those same thoughts.

Some of them. Not all. In ways I'm wiser. It's been two years since that post, almost two years since we added another child to our family and I've learned a lot in those two years.

So in some ways I'm prepared this time. I'm not concerned about our routine getting messed up, because we will find a new routine with our new baby brother. I'm not concerned about Eli and Annie adjusting because they will adjust. And just as it happens to me and Luke every time they will find themselves more in love with this new baby than they ever thought possible.

Sure he will annoy them at times, and they might be upset because life will be a little different at first and they will now share me with another sibling, which could take a bit to get used to, but it will happen. They will get used to it, and they will forget what life was like before. A new baby does that, it takes you by surprise in every way, the amount of love you feel and the way it takes history and almost erases it. The worries and concerns and fears you had before this baby come seem to disappear the moment that baby rests in your arms. It's like the magic of a new baby.

And after five years of being a mom I know I still have a lot (A LOT) to learn but I've also learned a lot through these last years.

I've learned not to stress about what life will be like after the baby gets here. We will find our groove like we always do. Up and downs, highs and lows, together we weather it all.

I've learned to not obsess about my weight. I will lose it....eventually. And if it doesn't come off right away well I have the rest of my life to get it off. Right now I have babies that need a mama who loves herself for who she is - not one consumed with her appearance and how she "feels" in clothes.

I've learned that I don't need a fully stocked, picture perfect nursery. Give me a cradle next to my bed, some diapers & wipes, a couple of baby gowns and good breast pads and we're good to go.

I've learned to not say things like "I will look cute when I deliver my baby" because then they come at the oddest times and I look like a hot mess.

I know I will sleep again.

And I will live outside of the "eats every 3 hours" increments again.

And most importantly I've learned that my heart can and will stretch, and when it seems I can't possibly love somebody else as much as I love Eli and Anniston I will find room in my heart and that love that caught me off guard the first two times will again find it's place. How is it possible to love another being so much? I have no idea but a mom's heart knows.  

Housekeeping...

I am truly disappointed in myself that my blog has gone to the way-side. I've always enjoyed writing and storytelling and memory journaling so I thought for sure I would keep up with my blog, but alas Life took over and it got pushed aside.

And I would be lying a little if I said I just got too "busy" for blogging, because really I make sure that I don't get too busy. But blogging just became….well almost complicated. I became unsure of how much I should post about my kids and our lives and I let other worries about "blogging" bog me down and I quit doing what I love, and that is simply sharing my heart.

I'm a story teller by nature though so the "notes" section in my phone is FULL of stories I feel prompted to write about, or journals of experiences I'm going through in the moment or ways in which I feel God is teaching me something and I must write it out. Writing just comes natural to me. If I feel God is teaching me something I want to share it from the rooftops because I want to live an authentic life. A life changed by Him and I want Him to use me to help change others. So instead of shouting it from the rooftops I add it to the notes section in my phone. Equally as effective.

When I was younger I would stay with my grandparents and I would sit next to my grandpa and type on the typewriter he set up for me. I would type poems, short stories, and anything that came to my mind. It wasn't profound, and like now, my grammar wasn't always on par and sometimes I need to do a better job of proofreading but it was a way for me to express myself. I love to share, and sometimes I over-share, but writing is a way I do that.

So I'm excited to announce that I have teamed up with a group of women who are all incredible writers to form a blog for women called Presence Woman. It's still in the early stages, but I will be writing over there come January, so stay tuned for more details and links! I am honored to have been chosen and am hoping this gives me the kick in the rear I need to sit down and do what I love - story tell.

Switching gears….COMPLETELY,
But I know a lot of my Scentsy customers read my blog, my Scentsy business is very much still up and going and thriving. I say it often, so much that it has become cliche and redundant but I can't believe what a blessing this business has been.

I send a a personal newsletter each month to all my customers with news and personal specials. These personal specials are only available through me and usually the only way to find out about them is through my newsletter. If you want to receive these newsletters please email me at MeganTree84{at}gmail{dot}com and I will add you. Make the subject line NEWSLETTER so that I will be sure and see it.

ALso, for the next 3 days there are going to be some amazing specials on my webiste www.megantree.scentsy.us

Here’s a sneak peek at the daily deals:
Dec. 2: Scentsy Warmers (including limited-edition Warmers of the Month!)
Dec. 3: Scentsy Bars
Dec. 4: On the Go (Scent Circles, Travel Tins and Scent Paks)

If you've ever wanted to try Scentsy or need a gift now would be a good time! Take advantage of these deals! 

So there's an update from me about two of my "work" areas right now in this season of life; writing and Scentsy. I'm excited to be writing more in the new year and I would love for you to follow along!