Stroller Striders... What a workout!

Eh, I am sooooooo sore! I don't think I realized how out of shape I was until today. Alexa and I got up early and headed to White Flint mall to check out Stroller Striders, a mommy-friendly group that does one-hour workouts with babies in tow. First class is free, so we met up with three other women from my mom's group, all of us eager to see what this class had to offer.

The whole class took place on the 3rd floor of White Flint mall, near the movie theaters. It started off with some low-impact, in-place cardio moves to get our heart rates up. Then we marched our strollers to Bloomingdales (pictured below) and lined the strollers up against the store while we used resistance cords around the railings to do an arm workout.

We then pushed our strollers while doing lunges down this hallway (pictured below). The last person had to run to the front while everyone else did lunges, and so on.

The class ended with all the strollers lined up and the mom's standing on the cords to do more arm exercises and standing crunches. To keep the babies' attention, we sang them songs! Alexa was awake the whole time. She loved it! And I got a great workout!

After the class, Alexa and I went to get coffee with our mom friends and their babies. That is when Alexa finally fell asleep and took her morning nap, which gave me some time to check out the baby section of Bloomingdale's and take these pictures!

Then, since it was SUCH a great day, we all met up later that afternoon for a walk down the Capitol Crescent trail. What a great day! And what a great way to kick off getting back into shape!

Adorable Alexa Day!

OK, get ready, because we have some adorable Alexa photos to share with you today! First, here is Alexa exercising with Daddy for the first time! Looks like she likes Mommy's pink exercise ball!

Next up is this adorable video of Alexa kicking on her activity mat! Look at her go! What a work out! If you listen closely, you can hear that she has the hiccups... Click HERE to watch.

Finally, here are some over the top adorable photos of Alexa hanging with Daddy, then sleeping, on Sunday. We had a nice day grilling out with some friends who stopped by to meet Alexa. Check out her adorable Baby Legs, is she cute or what?!?!

I am cleared to exercise!

Today was a big day! Today, Alexa turned 6 weeks old. And today, I went in to see my doctor for my post-delivery check-up. I was given the thumbs up to exercise and promptly laced up my running shoes and went for a long walk!

I met up with my college friend Julia and her adorable baby girl to walk along the Capitol Crescent Trail. Once we started talking, we lost track of time and ended up walking about 3-4 miles roundtrip. It was such a beautiful day!

Let's talk details!

How far along: 36 weeks/1 day

Total weight gain: 31 pounds

Maternity clothes: Dresses & skirts for work, yoga pants with comfy tops on weekends! I also recently made a stop at Motherhood Maternity to pick up some nursing nightgowns and tops. Got a great selection of comfy clothes for the hospital and afterward. Plus, I spoiled myself a little by getting some really soft cashmere house shoes from the Restoration Hardware outlet!

Main symptoms: My ever protruding belly continues to be my biggest symptom! I have occasional back pain, but it's not bad. I forget things and am clumsy. I waddle. It's hard to bend over to pick up things on the ground. I am HEAVY! Still sleeping through the night and still no Braxton Hicks contractions or swelling. So... So far so good!

Exercise: Do Kegels count?

Best moment: Relaxing in our amazingly comfortable glider rocker chair in the newly painted nursery, surverying how the room looks and how soon it'll be filled with the sounds of a baby!

Movement: Baby Bean is very active! She thinks she is a gymnist like her Aunt Jen. Because she moves constantly! Sitting at work, she moves around. When I lay down to read at night, she moves some more. And you can SEE her move too! My belly undulates in waves. It's pretty funny to watch!

Food cravings: Popsicles. Fajitas. Bagels. Chocolate-covered toffee mac nuts. Strawberry-banana smoothies. Cereal. Did I mention chocolate?

Gender: Still going on the assumption that we've got a little girl on her way... But now I am starting to second guess it again! What if we get a surprise boy in the delivery room? Well I did an assessment of all the stuff we have and most things are gender neutral... Just the clothes and pink accents that would have to be replaced! But, what an ordeal that would be!

Labor signs: Still none. And at my doctor appointment yesterday, I was told no progress. So that is good. All is well in pregnancy land for now!

Belly button in or out? Still in, but it does show through my clothes a little, which is weird. Is it supposed to actually POP out? Because that would be weird. I'm thinking it's not going to if it hasn't by now?

What I miss: M-A-R-G-A-R-I-T-A-S!!!!!!!!!

What I am looking forward to: Having our crib delivered! Putting up the art on the walls of the nursery... And curtains! The nursery is coming along, just a few more touches and it'll be ready! Excited to finish...

Weekly wisdom: Check out the right side of this blog. I discovered this past week three different sites where you can sign up for daily e-mails alerting you to DEALS on baby stuff! Another way to get good deals is to visit the outlets!

Milestones: Nursery and several other rooms in our house have been cleared of wallpaper and painted! We have our dining room table and chairs! Got a great patio table and umbrella! We have chosen our pediatrician practice! Almost ready...

Let's talk details!

How far along: 28 weeks/1 day

Total weight gain: 21 pounds

Maternity clothes: Skirts! Dresses! Yoga pants! Anything loose and comfortable.

Main symptoms: One pregnancy-related symptom that I have been experiencing is that my gums have been very tender (bleed when I brush). So I went to the dentist this week and got a good thorough cleaning! They have been much better when I brush lately! I go back next week for a follow-up visit with the dentist.

Exercise: Prenatal yoga last Sunday! Then long walk with Papa Bean and Ruben the Dog!

Best moment: Earlier today, Papa Bean got to use the fetal monitor on my belly to hear Lima Bean's heartbeat! It was so funny. The nurse let him hold the wand and showed him how to hold it on my belly. He found her strong heartbeat on his first try!

Movement: Lots of it! She kicks. She twitches. She sticks her butt up so that one side of my belly sticks up and I look lopsided. Also, I think she also gets the hiccups sometimes!

Food cravings: A new gelato/sorbet store opened up across the street from us and we have become regulars!

Gender: GIRL! Unless the sono technician is wrong... I might ask her at our next sonogram to check again! FYI, our next sonogram is in two weeks, on June 25.

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in, but getting very very very shallow! Eeek! Stay in. Stay in. Stay in.

What I miss: Running. Being skinny!

What I am looking forward to: Moving into our new home! And, my baby shower!

Weekly wisdom: Exercise balls are supposed to be great for labor (bring your own to the hospital) and rocking the baby. So I just ordered one!

Milestones: So many! Since my last update, we have closed on selling our condo. We have closed on buying our house. We have bought a car! I have registered. I have ordered the crib & glider rocker chair. And we attended our birth class at Sibley Memorial Hospital last weekend! Plus, we had a doctor's appointment today during which I took the glucose test to see if I have gestational diabetes. More on the registry and birth class to come in future posts... And I find out the results of the glucose test on Monday!

Let's talk details!

How far along: 26 weeks/1 day

Total weight gain: 16 pounds

Maternity clothes: Oh yes, daily. My pre-pregnancy pants absolutely do NOT fit. Sad! But the day I went to the White House last week, I wore the maternity black top with a tan pre-pregnancy pencil skirt and a bella band. Slowly, however, even my maternity pants are starting to get tight... I fear I might have to buy another round of maternity clothing. Uggg.

Main symptoms: Huge belly. Absentmindedness. Gassy. Lots of bathroom trips.

Exercise: Walking. Have been taking it easy, on doctor's orders. Just walking tires me out now!

Best moment: Seeing Lima Bean on the ultrasound last week! She is as cute as ever!

Movement: All the time. She kicks, rolls over, everything. The movement is different now, more jerky than before. My doctor said it's because she's running out of space to jump around in there.

Food cravings: Banana smoothies! PB&J sandwiches. Chocolate.

Gender: Expecting a little lady!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in. Praying it stays in...

What I miss: I got a brief reprive this past weekend in Vegas! My doctor told me that being as far along as I am, it would be OK to have a glass of wine and a couple pieces of sushi! Yum! I'm not making this a habit, but it sure was nice to enjoy one night. :-)

What I am looking forward to: Buying a car! We are going to test drive some models we like this weekend. We are also planning to stop by a couple baby stores so we can get ready to decorate the nursery!

Weekly wisdom: For the airplane this past weekend, I picked up copies of Fit Pregnancy and Parents magazines... Great articles with lots of great tips!

Milestones: We're now in double digits - only 97 days to go! Also, our baby is now viable, meaning that she could survive if born premature.

Let's talk Details!

How far along: 24 weeks/1 day

Total weight gain: 13 pounds (That's down a pound. Weighed at my doctor's office on Wednesday. Hmmm.)

Maternity clothes: Oh yes, daily. Although I did wear one outfit last week that was made up of completely non-maternity clothing and was very proud.

Stretch marks: No.

Main symptoms: Forgetful. Big belly. In this past week, discomfort and backache from fibroids.

Exercise: Prenatal yoga and walk with Papa Bean and Ruben the Dog on Sunday; did an hour on the ellypitcal machine last week during American Idol.

Best moment: We bought a house! Yay!

Movement: Lima has been moving daily, kicking or turning over or just doing something that makes my belly jump and shift. It's fun to feel, watch and let Papa Bean feel too!

Food cravings: Frozen yogurt, smoothies, fruit popsicles, bagles, pita and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Gender: Es una seniorita!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Soft cheese! Love goat cheese on my salad and brie at events like the White House Correspondent's Dinner!

What I am looking forward to: So many things... Bruce concert on Monday! Seeing Lima Bean during another ultrasound on Wednesday! Buying a car! Moving into our house so I can decorate the nursery!

Weekly wisdom: Check out Nymbler, an amazing baby naming tool that suggests names based on other names you like!

Milestones: Bought a house! That is HUGE! We also have started asking around and looking into pediatricians! Now that we have a house, we can focus on finding doctors who are nearby.

Let's talk Details!

How far along: 21 weeks/2 days

Total weight gain: 12 pounds (up 1 pound since last week!)

Maternity clothes: Finally, we have some warm weather in Washington! So I am wearing today this totally cute maternity dress from Target. I am waiting to wear a black maternity skirt I got on clearance from Target and this cute J Crew skirt/dress from Hawaii Grandma Bean!

Stretch marks: No.

Main symptoms: Sort of tired a lot. Frequent bathroom breaks. Bigger. Harder to lean over and tie my shoes. Dry skin. Getting kicked in the abs a lot!

Exercise: Walked to the Lupus Walk last weekend.

Best moment of the week: We just got our wedding DVD in the mail! So we watched it last night... Amazing. Can't believe I was that skinny. The ceremony was great. We both got emotional watching it and Little Lima kicked me so I think she wants to see it someday!

Movement: Yes! Feeling Little Lima daily now! Mostly in the evenings, but also during the day when I am sitting at the computer and typing. Wonder what she thinks of the sound of me typing. Any time I eat, she starts Usually after I eat or when I am still, like sitting at my desk or reading in bed at night. It's great!

Food cravings: Bagels. Decaf Lattes. Virgin margaritas (might have to get this book!)

Gender: Papa Bean's little princess is on her way!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Being able to tie my shoes and walk around without waddling.

What I am looking forward to: Having Papa Bean tie my shoes for me. Hee!

Weekly wisdom: Pregnancy pillows are the bomb.

Milestones: Put an offer in on a house! Waiting to see if it's accepted. Researched cribs, mattresses, bedding and glider rockers! Planning to visit Great Beginnings this weekend. More to come on the nursury purchases I am planning to make!

Let's talk Details!

How far along: 20 weeks/3 days

Total weight gain: 11 pounds (up 1 pound since last week!)

Maternity clothes: Oh yeeeeeah. Got the GAP maternity pants but only like one pair, so am returning the other. It's really hard to find comfy work pants! So far my Target and Ann Taylor LOFT pants are my faves! I also just ordered a bunch of maternity tops from Target that were on clearance, free shipping and buy 2 get 1 free! I got 13 tops for $100! Go me..... Plus, I go this totally cute top that I am wearing today! Love it!

Stretch marks: No.

Main symptoms: Bigger belly. Still sort of tired. Bathroom trips have picked up again! Arg!

Exercise: Prenatal yoga on Sunday.

Best moment of the week: Finding out that we have a little princess on her way! And seeing her on the sonogram screen. She's already soooo cute!

Movement: Definitely feeling baby Lima! Usually after I eat or when I am still, like sitting at my desk or reading in bed at night. It's great!

Food cravings: Frozen fruit bars! Cookies! More cereal!

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Being skinny! Hahaha. Maybe I'll get this T-shirt!

What I am looking forward to: Being really, really big and pregnant!

Weekly wisdom: Target is the way to go on maternity clothes!

Milestones: Found out that Lima is a girl! Had our Week 20 sonogram and appointment. Finally caved in and got some pregnancy pillows. Also purchased two new books, Baby Bargains and The Happiest Baby on the Block. Reviews to come!

Let's talk Details!

How far along: 19 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: 10-13 pounds (up 2 1/2 pounds since last week! Eeeek!)

Maternity clothes: Maternity pants and tops are becoming more and more comfortable and a necessity. I just ordered two new maternity pants from GAP. Hope they fit!

Stretch marks: No.

Main symptoms: Tired. Spacey. A protruding belly.

Exercise: Ran the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler on Sunday and then did prenatal yoga.

Best moment of the week: So many! Attending a good friend's wedding, taking Lima Bean on the Cherry Blossom run, and enjoying a great Passover seder with good friends.

Movement: Feeling small "flutters" of movement but still not sure what it is!

Food cravings: Cereal, almonds, chocolate, red meat (had to have fajitas last Friday!)

Gender: You all are pretty split on whether Lima Bean is a boy or a girl! Interesting. Less than a week until we find out!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Being able to wear more clothes in my closet and my cute dresses.

What I am looking forward to: Being able to take Lima Bean out in a jogging stroller!

Weekly wisdom: Enjoy every day because this pregnancy is going by so quickly! Let's see if I still think that at 30 weeks...

Milestones: Our condo is under contract and has passed inspection! Now, we just gotta buy a house... and a car... and a crib. But one thing at a time!

Running with Lima Bean!

Sunday was a beautiful day in Washington. The sun was out, the cherry blossoms were abloom. It was a perfect day for a long walk (er, jog) around the city!

So with Lima Bean safely packed away in my snug yoga pants, I donned my cutest Lululemon gear and took off for the National Mall for the annual Cherry Blossom Ten Mile race.

I met my co-worker at the start and we took off around 8 a.m., running what my Garmin watch said was a solid 10:50 minutes-per-mile pace.

To put that in perspective, that pace is slower than my personal best 9:36 min/mile pace that I set for the Army Ten-Miler last year and even slower than the 10:08 min/mile pace that I ran on my first Cherry Blossom Ten Miler in 2007.

Still, I wasn't shooting for a 10:50 min/mile finish. So after two miles, I told my friend to go on without me. I was going to take it slower. She surged ahead and ended up making her goal of maintaining a 10:30 pace and finishing under two hours!

Not me. Not this year. I was not running for time. I was running to enjoy the day and show Lima Bean the joys of running. I have heard that babies fall asleep to the rhythmetic motion of your gate and that the motion can be soothing to them.

Of course, I checked with my doctor before running. She said that as long as I was a runner before I became pregnant, I could safely continue. She warned that my joints might be looser and I might get to a point when it would be too uncomfortable for me to run. But until then, it's healthy for me and the baby to get regular exercise.

There are many articles out there about running while pregnant. Here are a few that I would recommend: Runner's World, Running and Pregnancy, BabyFit.com article, and BabyCener.com piece.

Back to the race at hand.

I knew that runners had 2 hours and 20 minutes to finish the race. That means that as long as you maintain a pace better than 14 minutes a mile, you're golden. Walking usually takes about 15 minutes per mile, so I knew that I couldn't walk the whole thing. But I could run very, very slowly and take frequent breaks and still finish before the cut-off.

And if I didn't feel like finishing? Well, I had $20 in my pocket to pay for a cab. And I carried my cell phone with me too (at Papa Bean's request).

So I took my time and plodded along. I stopped at all the water stops to make sure I was properly hydrated. I even stopped around Mile 7 to dart into a porta potty! I walked some. I jogged some. I found myself "running" with a back-of-the-pack crew that I don't usually see in races.

In the end, I finished the race in 2:04:31 with an average pace of 12:28 minutes/mile. I met up with my co-workers afterward and one of them teased me that I had not even broken a sweat! It was true. I was running so slowly that my cheeks weren't even red!

I am looking forward to running this race next year, or maybe doing another marathon - at a faster pace. I hope running will help me get back into shape after Lima Bean arrives. I especially can't wait to get a jogging stroller so Lima Bean can come with me on training runs!

But, as with everything, Lima Bean does change things.

As I ran, I saw two little boys along the route holding up a homemade sign that said "Run, Mommy, Run." I couldn't help smiling. I hope someday Lima Bean will look forward to coming out to cheer me on.

I also saw a woman running with her young daughter. It reminded me of the 8-mile Great Aloha Run/Walk that my dad took me on when I was seven years old. As I ran past them, I smiled to myself wondering if Lima Bean will one day run a race with me.

Because in the end, running a race, like life, is more about the experience along the way than the finish. I hope Lima Bean can someday enjoy and appreciate both!

Let's talk Details!

How far along: 18 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: 7 1/2 to 10 1/2 pounds (+ 1/2 pounds since last week)

Maternity clothes: Still wearing bella bands over my existing jeans and two pairs of work pants. Now wearing my Ann Taylor LOFT maternity pangs often. Also, wearing my new black dress maternity pants, yoga pants and casual khaki capri pants from Target. I need to get more maternity pants, they are MUCH more comfortable!

Stretch marks: Nope.

Main symptoms: Having to go to the bathroom all the time is back. Hair is soooo long. Belly continues to grow, little by little!

Exercise: Ran 5 miles and did prenatal yoga on Sunday!

Best moment of the week: Our fabulous dinner with Papa Bean and Grandma Bean at Obelisk. A night to remember!

Movement: Still feeling air bubbles and other weird things in my belly but not sure yet if it's Lima Bean or not.

Food cravings: CHOCOLATE! Thank you to everyone who sent chocolate-covered mac nut candies. YUM!

Gender: Wow, we now have 13 votes! Only 13 days left before we find out! For those of you who are of the betting kind, you should leave a comment below with your guess so that you are on record with it and can earn bragging rights if you guess correctly!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in!

What I miss: Not being able to eat goat cheese and pigs in a blanket apps at events.

What I am looking forward to: BOY or GIRL? I can't WAIT to find out!

Weekly wisdom: Have heard about a book called Baby Bargains that is supposed to be GREAT for when you are making purchases... Almost at that point! (Note that the 8th Edition JUST came out with updates for 2009.)

Milestones: Put our condo on the market, held our open houses and are now considering TWO offers! Updates to come... Cross your fingers!

Let's talk Details!

How far along: 17 weeks/ 2 days

Total weight gain: + 7-10 pounds (up 1 pound from last week!)

Maternity Clothes: STILL wearing bella bands over my existing pants, which are totally unzipped. Eeeek! My Ann Taylor LOFT maternity pants have become a twice-weekly favorite... NEED more maternity pants ASAP! Still doing OK with regular tops and sweaters.

Stretch marks? Nope

Main symptoms: My co-worker shrieked this week that I "popped." Not sure if I have, but my belly is getting more noticeable. Having WEIRD dreams. Still pretty forgetful. Bouts of being emotional. Hair and nails growing very fast, strong.

Exercise: Barre Technique class with weights and leg lifts on Thursday! Prenatal yoga on Sunday.

Best moment of the week: Hearing Lima Bean's heartbeat at our doctor's appointment yesterday! It was strong and loud and made us proud!

Movement: Maybe, but not sure. Have felt weird feelings in my tummy that remind me of being on a roller coaster...

Food cravings: Still frozen yogurt and ice cream. And almonds. Apple sauce. Cereal. Rice with tomato sauce. Have I mentioned frozen yogurt?

Gender: We find out on APRIL 15th! So get your vote in early... :-)

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Running hard and racing in races. Passed on running in the National Half Marathon last weekend and was sad to miss the fun, especially since my friend Judes came down from Boston to run the race with me!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out if Lima Bean is a boy or a girl!

Weekly wisdom: Discovered The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, which offers FREE breastfeeding classes to expecting moms!

Milestones: Sent in our check and registration form to sign up for the July 12 Childbirth Education class at Sibley Hospital!

Let's Talk Details!

How far along: 16 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: + 6-9 pounds (up 2 pounds from last week. eeeek!)

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing bella bands over my existing pants, although they are now completely unzipped. My Ann Taylor maternity pants are quickly becoming a favorite... Might need a few more maternity pants soon!

Stretch marks? Still in the clear.

Main symptoms: My slowly growing belly is pretty much it. And I can be terribly forgetful sometimes. Post-its have become my new best friend.

Exercise: Prenatal yoga on Sunday.

Best moment of the week: Telling my friend since preschool, Tina Bean, about our news!

Movement: Is it gas or is it Lima Bean? That is the question...

Food cravings: Yogurt. Ice cream. Almonds. Chocolate. Specifically, chocolate and toffee covered macadamia nut candies from Hawaii. (Hint! Hint!)

Gender: Only FIVE people have voted in the poll?!?! Come on guys... You are running out of time!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Soft cheeses like gorgonzola or goat cheese or brie... Yum!

What I am looking forward to: Our next prenatal appointment next week, on March 25th!

Weekly wisdom: Chewing gum, especialy tropical flavors, is great for inbetween meals.

Milestones: Signed up for a 6-week prenatal yoga class.

More prenatal yoga

I didn't decide until the very last minute (6:20 p.m.) whether to sign up for the Candlelight Prenatal Yoga Series, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. every Sunday.

But I'm so glad I did! 

Here is the description of the class: This 6-week series will nurture expectant mothers during their magical journey. In class, you will learn to use yoga's mind/body awareness to connect with your own innate wisdom, body and your growing baby. Our warm and supportive community will allow you to freely discuss any issues, from discomforts and concerns to the wonderful new changes your body and baby are experiencing. 

I really enjoyed this class! It was taught by a different teacher than last week and I definitely felt like it was more focused and challenging, while also very educational. The teacher explained what poses we could do and ways to modify traditional poses to make them pregnant-friendly.

Also, at the end of the class, one question from another women in the class about signing up for daycare led to an impromptu discussion with all the other pregnant yoginis, most of which live nearby. It was really nice to meet and talk with other women who are also going through the same things I am! We plan to exchange e-mails so we can keep in touch throughout the week.

There were seven of us in class, ranging in progress: one is 15 weeks, then me at 15 1/2 weeks, then one is 17 weeks, one is 18 weeks, one is 23 weeks, one is 27 weeks and one is 32 weeks. At least two of them are also planning to deliver at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Looking forward to next Sunday!

Let's Talk Details

How far along: 15 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: +4-7 pounds (no change from last week because I lost 3 pounds from a nasty stomach flu on Friday, then promptly gained 3 pounds back a few days later.)

Maternity Clothes: Just wore my new Ann Taylor Loft maternity pants and although they are a little loose, they are super comfy! I also wore my new v-neck red top from A Pea in a Pod over the weekend because it's long enough to cover my unzipped jeans. Most days, I wear bella bands over my regular pants though. 

Stretch marks? Nope. Nada. None.

Main symptoms: I'm starting to love the 2nd Trimester! Not as many bathroom trips, not as tired, no more heartburn or dizzy spells and less nausea! Hurray! 

Exercise: An hour on the elliptical machine last Wednesday, prenatal yoga on Sunday and an hour of running/walking on the treadmill on Tuesday. Plus, we walked from our place to Georgetown and back (4 miles) on Saturday while the painter was at our place.

Best moment of the week: Papa Bean singing Roy Orbison's "Anything you want, you got it, baaaaaby!" to my tummy. So cute!

Movement: Tons, but unfortunately I'm not feeling anything yet! 

Food cravings: I have been loving toasted pita with cheddar cheese, just like when I was a kid.

Gender: Still no idea, but I have a feeling...

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in, but I noticed this week to my amazement that it's not as DEEP as it used to be. Hmmm.

What I miss: OK, fine, I'd sure like a margarita! 

What I am looking forward to: Having enough of a belly that people get out of my way and offer me a seat when I get on a crowded bus. Hee hee.

Weekly wisdom: Ice cream or frozen yogurt can solve just about any problem!

Milestones: Got information on a labor class at the JCC in June and a childbirth classes at Sibley Hospital in July, both of which we are planning to sign up for; tried my first prenatal yoga class on Sunday.

Took my first prenatal yoga class

This afternoon, I finally worked up the courage to check out the prenatal yoga class at Flow Yoga Center, the studio across the street from our condo. I have been practicing yoga there for about four years, so I was curious if I would get any looks walking into class with my little pooch of a belly hanging over my cute Lululemon yoga pants.

To my surprise, my "pooch" was NOTHING compared to what most of the other women in class were showing off! There were 10 of us and -- other than one woman who was 11 Weeks along and not showing yet -- everyone else looked pretty close to popping.

So, needless to say, the class moved a bit slow. It was kind of like a stretch class. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. It might be great when I'm a little farther along and having trouble doing much else? Still, there were some very cool elements to the class.

I liked how at the start of the class our instructor told everyone to put one hand on our heart and one hand on our belly to connect our beating heart with that of our baby's.

And it was interesting how at the end of class we did some chants because supposedly the vibrations are soothing to the baby. I wonder if any of the ladies who were father along felt any movement or kicks when we did that?

The class meets every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. I'd like to try it again with the regular instructor (today we had a sub) and see what she's like.

Another option is to sign up for a 6-week candlelight pre-natal yoga series (with the regular instructor) that will meet every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. (Cost $108)

Considering that we're pretty busy on most Sundays going to open houses, this might be a nice option. I also like how it would be the same group of women each week so that you are practicing with more of a community than on a drop-in basis.

As always, let me know what everyone thinks! As you were.

Let's talk Details

Below is a list that I hope will become somewhat of a weekly check-in on my symptoms and details. You know, because I know you re all on the edge of your seat to find out the status of my belly button. Here goes...

How far along: 14 weeks/ 1 day

Total weight gain: + 4-7 pounds

Maternity clothes? Still using Bella Bands on pants but just purchased a few tops. Also, just yesterday ordered a pair of black maternity pants from Ann Taylor Loft.

Stretch marks? Nope, but I'm itchy all over. Will be going through my Arbonne lotion in no time!

Main symptoms: Still going to the bathroom a lot and very burpy, but not as tired, and not as much heartburn or dizzy spells. Slight nausea in the mornings before I get food in my belly.

Exercise: Ran a slow and easy 6 miles on Sunday.

Best moment this week: Hearing Lima Bean's heartbeat via doppler at my doctor's office. Last visit was on Feb. 25, so exactly a week ago.

Movement: Not yet.

Food cravings: Frozen yogurt from Yogato!

Gender: We have no clue... But we have our guesses! Our family members do too!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: This is unbelievable but I have lost my appetite for sushi or wine, so I am not missing much right now!

What I am looking forward to: Having a cute obviously pregnant belly so that people don't look at me like I am a cow when I go to the gym!

Weekly wisdom: Take it one day at a time...

Milestones: Put Lima Bean on the waiting list for daycare and started this blog!