Monday, May 5, 2014

A Little Sunshine & A Lot of Bathing Suit Material

Praise God, the sunshine is making a more consistent appearance. We've been blessed with sunny 80's the past couple weeks, and today it will hit 90! YESSSS!

I realized that I have only one month's time to enjoy the quiet solitude of our community pool before it becomes infiltrated by kids blowing off steam from the school year. I've been taking full advantage of this little slice of (quiet) heaven while I can...



Have you ever seen yourself in a picture or looked in the mirror and had to do a double take, like WHO is that person?! I must admit, I looked down one day at the obscene view of someone much too large to be stuffing herself into a bikini, and realized it was yours truly. Gasp! As much as I love the warmth of the sun on my belly, and the fact that a little sun has lessened the appearance of the lovely Lovenox bruises still making a daily appearance on my tummy, I decided it was high time to cover it up already!

Just the thought of trying to find a maternity bathing suit made me want to curl up on the couch and read a book instead. However, low and behold Target saved the day yet again. Actually, this was not a "maternity" bathing suit, but many other clothes I've bought recently aren't either. It just happened to cover my rump and my bump with enough square footage of cloth, and for only $40 total SOLD...

$25 for top & $15 for bottom @ Target

I happen to love this shade of blue and not because my hubby is a FL Gator. This is the 3rd bathing suit I've owned in this color. When I got home, I realized I must document this momentous occasion by making a "before and after" pic, because it's just too perfect an opportunity not to.  If there is one thing I can do well, it's make fun of myself, and I'm brazen enough to share if it can bring a chuckle to someone else's day...

After @ 24 Weeks

HA! If that isn't a reality check, I don't know what is! Someday in the far far away future, I will hopefully have some semblance of the ole bod back, but for now it's worth every sacrifice in the world to be topping a record scale weight and sporting a "mom suit."

Then came the reality check that laying out is not such an easy task anymore either. Not allowed to lay on my back for an extended time, and there is no way I can lay on the belly either. After trying the whole laying out on my side thing (sans pillow between knees...big mistake), and then not being able to walk for 24 hours afterwards, I sought out a better option and found this...

$17 @ WalMart

I highly recommend one of these spring rafts w/mesh hammocks to float in. It's super lightweight, only requires a few seconds to blow up the outer ring & pillow, and folds up into this handy little bag. You can lay face down with your tummy on the mesh hammock immersed into water. There is zero resistance and you can finally get some sun on your backside. Score!

OB has assured me I can swim safely the entire pregnancy, and there are no restrictions as far as laying in cold water or sunning myself. Both he and my dermatologist have also told me there are no specific ingredients or chemicals to avoid in sunscreens either, although I take that sort of advice with a grain of salt and try to make the best choices I can, despite their lackadaisical approach to consumer products.

Obviously, the best choice for sunscreen would probably be slathering ourselves with mud, but that's no fun to lay out in. And because I'm not appearing on an episode of Naked and Afraid anytime soon, I highly doubt you'll see me sporting mud head to toe. The other option is a 100% mineral sunscreen, but unfortunately most I've used are thick and pasty, and I'm not even going to try applying that mess on my back. So, I decided I'm not fixated on being "perfect" in regards to a sunscreen choice, but will be "better" where I can. I found this sunscreen spray, which I LOVE! Although it's not perfect, it doesn't contain oxybenzone or nanoparticles, and it's a brand name I trust more than others.

$10/bottle @ Sprouts

Looooove this stuff. Check it out if you are looking for a sunscreen that feels soft (like a very light oil), smells fabulous (like a dreamscicle), sprays upside down, and prevents burning while still leaving you with a nice even tan. If you have a Sprouts nearby, they are having a 25% off sale on all body products this month, and there is a $2 coupon on each bottle on top of their store discount. If you are a fellow fan of the EWG website, they have a pretty handy page with other options in their Guide to Sunscreens you can check out as well.

Changing gears and speaking of exciting new products, we received our first registry gifts from some sweet friends recently (Thanks Tim & Kristin!).
It was a sweet moment to open up those gifts. Everything makes me cry these days, and of course that brought a couple happy tears. People are so generous, and I'm very thankful to those reaching out with love and support and celebrating right along with us. Still pinching myself that this is actually happening, and that we are getting to experience some fun milestones of pregnancy like other "normal people." :)

We had our 24 week apt. with our OB on Friday, and although we didn't get an u/s we weren't disappointed.  Preston has been throwing some major kicks and jabs and doing well at reminding me that he's alive and well in there. His kicks are definitely up a notch from what they first were at 17.5 weeks, when movement was first evident. The TV remote, which was resting on my side the other day, actually jumped from his kicks. So wild. Hopefully hubby won't get too sick of me remarking about the movement, because it's just so cool to feel, and I don't think I'll ever lose my fascination with the whole thing.

Preston's heartbeat was strong @ 151 bpm, and I still get all giddy every time I hear it, especially since I don't use an at home doppler and am resolved not to buy one. Not being a control freak with at home monitoring is helping me strengthen my "faith muscle, " and waiting for doctor's apts. to hear the heartbeat makes it that much more special each time.

All in all, things couldn't be any better. A happy wife is a happy life. We've gotten quite a bit done with the nursery, but still aren't completely finished. Will post an update on that once it's complete. Right now, the sun is calling my name. :)

34 comments:

  1. Love all of the updates and product recommendations (good to know!) I'm especially glad to know about the cold water because we're hoping to go to the mountains for a mini-baby-moon and are considering doing some rock water slides...ito cold water :o)

    Don't you just love the little kicks!

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    1. I'm sure my docs think I'm crazy asking ?'s about hot and cold. They are like, "Why wouldn't it be ok to swim in cold water?" I wasn't about to get into the whole Eastern medicine approach to keeping the uterus warm. lol I'm sure we're past that phase, but never hurts to ask just in case! I do notice he kicks more once hitting the cold water, and probably because I'm changing positions onto tummy too. Yes, the kicks are totally awesome.

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  2. You look gorgeous! Enjoy the sunshine and stay cool this summer. I can't imagine the heat with a 24-week bump. I'm already sweating lol ...

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    1. I am so cold natured, I was still shivering walking around in my house until only a month ago, so I'm soaking up that heat! Of course, the thermostat is on 69 now at night while sleeping. Being careful for sure though....lots of water, face in shade, and dips in the cool pool frequently. I limit it to 2 hours max outdoors, even if I don't want to come in.

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  3. You have never looked more beautiful! I can't believe you're already 24 weeks! SO amazing! Much love to you and Preston!

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    1. Thanks sweetie pie! It's going by fast for sure.

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  4. I love this update. One more reason I love you - your love for the sun and the pool!!!! First of all your body is RIDICULOUS omg - seriously - hottest fitness model ever!!! What do I have to do to get those abs, haha Second, you still look ridiculously good now - with baby in tow! Just amazes me. Gorgeous.................. so glad the appointment went well and I love that you received your first baby gift - yahoo!!! xoxo

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    1. That is why we live in Texas right?! Thanks for the compliments. Abs are made in the kitchen girlfriend....but definitely not in my kitchen these days. ha!

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  5. Great update! Glad everything is going well! Holy crap, those abs! Mine weren't as defined as that but i miss mine too, though gladly trading them in for this bump (well beginning of one at least!) Can't wait to see nursery pics!

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    1. Yay for your pregnancy and impending bump. I just added you to my blog list so I can follow your pregnancy journey as well. :)

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  6. Um, you have a rockin' bod girl! I will say I love the baby bump more though ;) Enjoy that sunshin, it's pouring rain here, and I am oh so jealous of you and that sunshine!

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    1. Thanks Morgan! I hope you get some sun where you're at. Seems I got out on the right day earlier this week, because it's all doom and gloom rest of this week now. Booooo

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  7. Yes kiss my face! I love their products. I use their soap and body scrub so I'm excited to see they make sunscreen. We have a pool in our backyard and that is how I plan on surviving my summer. You look great! Congrats on viability!!

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    1. Do let me know how you like the sunscreen, especially if you try the one I posted. The smell....oh the smell is heavenly. So lucky you have your very own pool!

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  8. So jealous of your gorgeous weather!!! And you look amazing mama!!!! Love the suit :)

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    1. Hope you get some warmth soon my dear, although you are probably running fairly hot these days I'm guessing. ;)

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  9. OMG- u look amazing. Before and After. Ur pregnancy glow just intensifies as u get further along. Enjoy that pool while u can!

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    1. Thanks Jo Jo. I have been getting compliments on this glow, but I've gotta confess it might just be the Bare Minerals foundation. hehe

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  10. You're rocking that bikini like no one's business, but I think the bump looks much better!

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    1. The crazy thing is I was so self conscious, basically my whole life, and I'm more confident now than ever. Go figure.

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  11. You look absolutely radiant. It warms my heart to see you this happy. xoxo

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  12. Wow you look so great! I love that colour blue too :) I am so glad you are enjoying the beautiful weather and of course, your pregnancy!

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    1. At some point I really need to change it up, but for now the blue is here to stay...esp since we're Team Blue. Gotta represent!

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  13. Oh my word.... you are just stunning at 24 weeks pregnant! Holy cow, I cannot believe you're already 24 weeks! Isn't it crazy to compare before and after pictures??? I look at my pre-pregnancy pictures and think "and I thought I was fat??!?!" LOL. But, in all honesty, I LOVE my pregnant body! I wouldn't change it for the best pack of abs and bikini bum. No way!

    Good for you for taking advantage of that quiet, serene pool. It looks amazing!

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    1. Isn't that nuts? I do the same....look back at pics and realize how crazy I was for focusing on small imperfections. What were we thinking?? Thanks for the love. Excited for you to deliver soon!

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  14. I'm jealous! But also happy for you, of course. That bathing suit is adorable, and so are you.

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  15. yep! I want your abs too, but I'm TERRIBLE at eating right! I don't think it'll ever be something I have :) LOVE the blue color for your swimsuit too! I'm totally sporting the bikini top at our pool. People can stare all they want, but this belly needs some fun! Ha! :)

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  16. You look amazing in both shots. I bet your look great in a bikini now. Glad to hear all is well with baby P. I also love what you said about exercising your faith muscle. I'm in that zone trying to stay away from Doppler buying and anything else that would cause me to not rely on God.

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  17. Um yah, girl! You look awesome in both shots. So glad you and Preston are enjoying the nice sunny weather!

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  18. You look so freaking amazing!!! I love BOTH the before and after pictures and am very envious of both (in a good way!). I am so glad that you are both doing so well and you are absolutely radiant. I am right there with ya on being cold natured and am beyond ready for some good ol' Texas heat. Thankfully we're supposed to be up to 90 this weekend too, couldn't be happier! My hubby is a freak for cold and during the day our house is 69 and at night 64, so I may just come move in with you guys to stay warm lol. His family always makes fun of me because even in the summer I have to wear sweats, but our house is a freezer! Anyway I'm rambling lol. I am so, so glad that everything is going to smoothly. I can't wait to hear more updates soon!

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  19. Emily you do pregnant very very well! And I have to tell you, many posts ago you told us about a cd of spa music and I downloaded it and since have had my miracle baby and the nicest part of my day? Breastfeeding my gorgeous son in the bath while listening to that cd! So thank you! I think you might do the same and find it equally precious!! Love all the way from Australia x

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  20. Happy Mother's Day to you! You look fabulous in both swim suit pictures!! Hope you got to enjoy the sun :)

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  21. Thank you so much for the sweet comments ladies!

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