Confessions of a Pregnant Drama Queen

I've noticed that I haven't publicly talked about my pregnancy much or posted many pictures. I think it's about time that I share with you some of the many thoughts that have run through my mind these past 8 months in hopes that this will help me release some of those pre-baby jitters that have been keeping me up at night.

Have you ever sat down and talked to a pregnant woman for more than an hour? Well, who wants to do that right? Sometimes I feel like I need a psychiatrist just to help me sort out all my thoughts. On the outside, pregnancy looks like such a happy time and all people really see is your growing belly and newly glowing skin, but oh my gosh, there is so much more than that! Ever since I was a kid I always wondered what it was like to be pregnant. I was always so fascinated by the possibility of my body doing all those things that you see in movies and read about in books and now my turn is finally here! No words can describe the whirlwind of emotions that you feel throughout your pregnancy, and if your a natural worrier like me, then you're in for a treat.

So let's rewind back to June. 3 weeks after our Maui Honeymoon, I could not bear to  eat or even smell fish, which usually was one of my favorite dishes. I just figured that after eating so much of it in Hawaii, my body was done with it. You know how they say when you're pregnant, you'll just know? Well, the night we went out to an all you can eat Korean barbeque restaurant and the smell of the smoke made me gag, well, that's when I knew that something was up. Who gags at the smell of Korean bbq? Seriously! I called my sister who came over right away, pregnancy tests in hand, and giggling at the possibility that she might be getting a niece/nephew soon. After the first initial test which lightly revealed that second line, I felt a sense of denial and panic because all of it was just happening so fast. Those 2 line tests are never clear anyway, right? But when we came back to take the digital one which we scrambled to buy and it clearly read "PREGNANT", my whole life changed.

Anthony came home from work a couple hours later to find the positive tests sitting on our coffee table. "Babe.What's all this?" I stayed in the room holding my breath so that he could process what he just found in front of him. Then it hit him. Probably like a ton of bricks because he got up and started pacing back and forth, talking to himself. Saying what? Who knows! So finally, when I sat down and we actually got a chance to talk about it and get past all the "how did this happen" questions, we smiled and shared a reassuring hug that we were chosen by God to become parents at this exact moment in our lives. What a blessing! And now, let all the baby excitement begin!

10 Weeks

The first few months of pregnancy was just us adjusting to this new "challenge" in our life. We had just finished saving for a wedding, and now was the time to start putting money away again. No more expensive vacations or splurging at the malls. And that's when all these new worries started invading my mind. What if I miscarry? What if it was a false alarm? How many babies are in there? But when I saw that first image of our little "peanut" on the ultrasound screen, only 10 weeks old, and already having a strong heartbeat, all those worries melted away for a moment, only to come back about a week later when I started googling things and reading forums. Seriously, stay away from those things! They can really come back to haunt you.

8 Months down the road, I'd have to say that I've had a fairly easy pregnancy thus far. No morning sickness. No unusual health complications. No worrisome test results. And luckily for me, I've been pretty energetic and was quite motivated to continue working out in the early months. Not so much now in my third trimester since I've gained about 20 pounds now. But I'd definitely have to say that getting in shape before the wedding has really helped me out in preparing my body for pregnancy. I feel great most of the time. As for my hormones, I wouldn't say that my emotions are running TOO wild, but my fuse is much shorter now. Anthony has been very supportive and helpful, massaging me and picking up things that I drop. He has even picked up some of the slack with chores especially now that I'm feeling lazy nowadays. I'm trying to teach him how to cook so we'll still be able to eat once I'm out of commision but that's still a work in progress.

15 Weeks

As we reach this final stretch of the last 6 weeks, I've found that my pre-baby jitters are now starting to get the best of me: I get worried when I don't feel her kick. Every ache and pain could be a contraction..or could it? When will she finally be here? I want to see her face so badly! I just want to make sure she makes it out okay. I hope that she is healthy and beautiful. Will I be able to breastfeed? What will my delivery be like? What kind of parents are we going to be?
....Can someone say emotional overload? It gets hard to concentrate on other things. Maybe it's my maternal instinct kicking in? It's one of the coolest feelings when all the things I've been reading about in my baby books start happening to me. I waited and waited for my belly to finally "pop" and now, I just can't wait to get this extra weight out so that I can have a good night's rest without having to make a trip to the bathroom every 2 hours.  Work is getting harder and harder to wake up for, but I am officially on leave on December 23rd, and believe me, I am counting down the days!

30 Weeks - 3D Ultrasound

All I know is, I love her already. I love her deeply and I am so thankful that she is in there. After every feat in my life and every accomplishment, getting this far in my pregnancy with her still thriving is what I am proudest of so far. I am savoring the last few weeks that we will physically be together because before I know it, she won't be safe and warm in my womb anymore and I'll have other things to worry about. I never thought that the day would finally come when I'd be a mom, but let me tell you, it's been quite an interesting journey. The miracle of pregnancy and how your body changes proves that God does indeed exist. It is truly just amazing  how a person so far from what you think a mom is or should be all of a sudden transforms naturally into a nurturing, self-sacrificing human being all for the sake of the baby she has yet to meet. Now tell me, that can't all be hormones can it?

Easy, breezy, beautiful.....SPAGHETTI!

This is a very special spaghetti with meat sauce recipe that my dad taught me....He's been making it since we were kids and I love it! Everyone I make it for now loves it as well. You can try your own variations..but this is a very basic spaghetti recipe that is just as yummy as it is easy.


Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 large white Onion (Cut into strips)
1 tbsp Minced Garlic
1 LARGE jar of Spaghetti Sauce of your choice (I use Prego Fresh Mushroom in the 67 oz jar)
2 boxes of what or white spaghetti
Sugar (Optional)

Steps 1-3 Pictured Above

Directions:
-Sautee the garlic and onions in 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil until light brown in a large pot.
-Add the ground beef, stirring constantly. Cook thoroughly. (Meaning you should find NO pink left if you sift through the meat!)
-Add the entire jar of spaghetti sauce and stir occassionally
-Bring to a simmer. (Be careful not to splatter!)
-Add sugar to taste and simmer again <--For all those Filipino spaghetti lovers
- Serve with cooked spaghetti pasta

I like to eat mine with whole wheat pasta..not just for the health benefits, but it's oh-so-flavorful as well. I highly encourage you to make the switch!

This takes about 20-30 minutes to make..perfect for a quick meal that will serve 4-6 people if you're having guests over or want to save some for later. I know that before the baby comes, I'm gonna make myself a pot of this to store in my fridge and heat up for myself because it's THAT easy...So, enjoy!!

Ode to my pre-pregnancy body

One of the hardest things for some women is accepting their new motherly bodies. I admit, I've been obsessing over the changes that have taken place over the last 7 months: Constantly looking in the mirror and inspecting every part of my body for that first sign of stretchmarks. Staring at myself in profile view thinking "Wow I'm getting huge!" And scrutinizing myself in pictures because my face is getting rounder. Will I ever look the same again? Is the body that I worked so hard for before my wedding lost forever? My likely, yes. I've come to accept the fact that my bodyframe and skin will never quite be the same and that no matter how hard I fight it, the change is inevitable. The only thing that comforts me is that I am sacrificing myself and my body to bring a baby into this world. My baby.  So with that in mind, I say goodbye to my former self and will happily let go of my stretchmark free stomach, breasts, and buns and trade them in for a body that has experienced the miracle of birth and nursing..No matter what it might look like.

Left: 17 Weeks Pregnant - Right: 30 Weeks Pregnant

During my first two trimesters, it was easy for me to take long walks and continue doing light exercise video routines, but this past month, it has been really difficult for me to remain standing for long periods of time because of the baby sitting on my sciatic nerve (my lower tailbone area). I hope I've prepared myself enough to be in good enough shape for a fairly "easy" labor, but I can only keep my fingers crossed that timing and luck are on my side! With the lack of exercise and the all the cravings I've been giving into (In N Out, WingStop, Ice cream!!), I see the pounds packing on faster and I feel guiltier and guiltier every day that I'm not giving my baby the proper nutrition and activity that she needs. I really have to try and stay focused on remaining fit and healthy, but it's so so hard! I just have to keep telling myself "Healthy Mama=Healthy Baby". Hopefully during my maternity leave, I'll have more time to walk before the sun goes down and will be bored enough to fit in more exercise videos.


I can only imagine what I will look like postpartum. Legs and butt a little more plump. Extra skin on my abdomen. Oh man. I hope I still have the time and determination to fight to remain healthy and fit. As soon as I am given the OK to start exercising again, I plan on getting active, baby in tow, and as in shape as possible before next summer (easier said than done!). I will document my weight loss journey in hopes that it will motivate me to have some kind of progress to share with everyone.


But until then, here's an ode to my pre-pregnancy body. You've been good to me but I'm trading you in for something....better. 

Me at our Honeymoon in Maui May 10, 2010

Easy Chicken with Mushroom Gravy Sauce

This is one of the quickest and easiest recipes that I know. I happened to stumble across this amazing dish one day when I was experimenting with my crock pot and we ended up loving it.
Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:
1 lb of chicken pieces (Whatever part of the chicken you like. I like legs and breasts. With or without skin is up to you)
2 Cans of Cream of mushroom
1 Onion. (Cut into rings)

Throw everything into the crock pot before you leave for work and set it on low for 8 hours.
It'll be good to go when you get home! Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve over mashed potatoes. (Homemade ones if you have time!)

So easy! Enjoy!

Feeding the Family

When you have an 8-5 work schedule, it isn't always easy finding the time to put a hearty meal on the table that you didn't have to phone for. If your husband or significant other is anything like mine, he loves to eat but has no idea how to cook! Anthony always says he looks forward to coming home and seeing what's for dinner so I have to come up with new things all the time to make sure that he's getting the home cooked food that he always longs for.

One of the main reasons I started this blog is to share some of my quick and easy meal recipes that have evolved over time to adjust to my time constraints. Don't have a crock pot? GET ONE. Seriously...It can save lives! I love love LOVE my crock pot and it is so convenient for women like me who don't have time to sit around and watch water boil. I'll be posting more of my Crock Pot favorites later on but this first one is a Filipino recipe that my dad taught me and it is sure to please many.

Pork Sinigang (Crock Pot Style!)
Ingredients needed:1 Lb of Pork Spare Ribs
1 White Onion
1 Tomato
2 Packets of Mama Sita's Sinigang sa Sampalok Mix (Found at any 99 Ranch Market or asian foods store)
1 Bunch of Spinach
1 Banana Pepper (Optional)

PREPARATION:
I like to do this the night before or in the morning before I leave for work.
Chop up the Tomatoes and the Onions in circular shapes. and put them in your crock pot. Add the meat (thawed).
Add just enough water to cover the meat the the veggies. This shouldn't fill up more than half the crock pot.
Set the crock pot to Low for 8 hours and you're good to go!
After 8 hours or when you get home from work:The meat and the veggies should be cooked and very tender.
Transfer everything into a big pot and put it on the stove. Add more water if you'd like more soup in the end. Make sure your pot is not overflowing. It should be no more than 1/2 full.
Let it come to a boil then add ONE packet of the Mama Sita's sauce mix. Add more to taste if needed and stir well. (I usually end up using 1 1/2 packets)
Add the spinach last when your mixture is almost done cooking. (Make sure to wash the spinach really well before you use it).
Throw in a banana pepper for a little bit of a kick.
Serve with rice (preferably brown if you're trying to lose weight!)

And there you have it! The prep is no more than 5 minutes and the final touches should take no more than 15 minutes. The meat should be so tender that it's practically melting off of the bone., That's my favorite part about using a crock pot vs. a pressure cooker. Easy Filipino home cooking!

If anyone tries it, let me know what you think!

Finished Product

Making the decison to lose weight

February 2009 - Before the weight Loss

One of the things that I am constantly asked is how I lost weight before my wedding and how I've managed to stay in shape throughout pregnancy. First of all, I am FAR from being a textbook "fit mommy". In fact, I'm eating a bag of Cheetoes right now as I type! But before we get to talking about me in present day, let's talk about me 1 1/2 years ago when I first got engaged in April of 2009.

I was not overweight, but after graduating from college and having a very poor diet limited to fast food and all you can eat buffets, it was probably the heaviest I've ever been. I normally have an average frame that is not too skinny but not on the heavyset side either but at that time I was 5'1" at 126 lbs and wearing a size 8. Not only that, but I was extremely out of shape! After Anthony popped the question, I made it my personal goal to get back to my pre-college weight of 115 and I had 13 months to do it. 11 pounds may not seem like a lot, but it is definitely not easy coming to the realization that you can't just eat whatever you want anymore and stay skinny.

One of the things that I learned throughout the process is that weight loss is a progression through better food choices and a more active lifestyle. Some of the first decisions that I made were to incorporate at least 30 minutes of daily exercise into my life and to start consuming less than 1,800 calories a day. One of the things that helped me with my calorie goals is the Lose It! App on iPhone. You can't expect to stay under your limits if you don't keep track of what you eat so if you don't have access to something like this, I highly recommend to keep some kind of a food journal. For foods that I didn't necessarily know the calories for, I'd would just estimate but always on the higher side to be safe (this goes especially for Filipino food!) I also bought myself a "Calorie King" Book that listed the calories for popular restaurants. I was shocked to find that some of my favorite dishes were over 2,000 calories!! Needless to say, those were some of the sacrifices I had to make.

I can say that reducing my calorie intake during meals made me quite hungry all the time so I began to snack on fruits, yogurt, and nuts at least every 3 hours. It definitely helped with my metabolism and I have continued this routine til this day throughout pregnancy. Another key thing was drinking A LOT of water! I tried to consume about 3-4 16 oz bottles a day on top of cutting out all other beverages from my diet. By doing just this alone I lost about 3 lbs in the first month. Alcohol is definitely a setback for any diet so try to avoid it if possible.

As for exercise, I was extremely out of shape so I had to work myself up to a good place. It's really discouraging to try and do something that you know your body can't handle so it's always a good idea to start somewhere (anywhere!) and condition your body as time goes on. I started taking my dog on a walk everyday. I'd do it right when I got home so I didn't have time to plop down on the couch and get stuck there (which I know happens to many of us!). I'd walk at my own pace for about 30 minutes and call it a day. It worked out to be at least one mile a day.Soon enough, my walking turned into jogging and before I knew it, we were jogging about 2 miles a day. I was not losing weight drastically yet at this point, so after 2 months of walking and jogging, I started to work new things into my exercise routine.

If you hate the gym like me, try home exercise DVD's. It's easy to just get home, change, pop in the dvd and get moving. And, you don't have to embarrass yourself if you're not comfortable driving to the gym and working out with a bunch of people who are more fit than you. I started with Hip Hop Abs because my mother in law lent to to me so I figured, why not give it a try. It turned out to be a really good core workout that was fun to do! It was definitely a good place for me to start. When that started getting easy and I wasn't sore anymore, I started to do Tae Bo videos that were a little more strenuous, but still good for beginners. Pretty soon, working out everyday was a must in my life. My day would feel incomplete without it because I just loved the feeling that I'd get after I finished a video. If I wasn't feeling up to doing a video one day, I'd just casually walk my dog to get my exercise for the day in. By summer of 2009, I had lost about 6 lbs. The weight didn't come off right away, it took months to get where I was. I had to just be patient and continue eating healthy and staying active. Weight loss doesn't happen overnight but I was VERY determined to lose the weight..To really push myself, I even ordered my wedding dress in a size 4 even though I wasn't quite there yet.

Finally, I started doing the Insanity workout routine probably by August of 2009. This is definitely for more advanced exercisers but after 1 month of doing it, I really started dropping the weight. I think by Christmas I was actually below my goal weight of 115 and was now tipping the scale in at 112 lbs and fitting back into a size 4. With the wedding still 5 months away, the important thing was just to maintain my new figure and not to go back to my old eating habits just because I had finally reached my goals.

April 2010 - After Weight Loss

Eventually, with the holidays and all the stresses of the wedding planning and our busy schedule, I did get a bit off track with the exercise routine and diet routine in those last few months, but still tried to fit in an Insanity video or a jog at least 4 times a week. By the wedding, I was a healthy 115 lbs and was able to fit perfectly into my size 4 dress!

The importance of being healthy has never left my mind. Now that I'm pregnant, I am once again determined to stay fit and healthy. With all my cravings, it's been impossible to stay away from sweets and some french fries, but I've managed to continue staying active. It's been a little harder now that I'm in my third trimester and my lower back is not cooperating with me, but I'm proud to say that up until now, I've managed to continue doing workout videos and walking my dog at least 3 times a week. I am currently at 138 lbs (I was 120 during my first prenatal appointment in July 2010) and feeling great! I have not seen any signs of stretchmarks yet or noticed a major drop in energy...But I'll save all THAT stuff for a later time.

A Blank Canvas

One of my favorite pictures. So candid!
Watch our wedding video here!

Around the time of my wedding, I wanted to start writing down my thoughts and my feelings because I thought for sure that if I didn't, I would forget.
I would forget how excited I was to finally slip on the long awaited ring that sat in a black box hidden away for all those months. I'd forget the sense of calm I felt as I finally reached my smiling husband-to-be at the altar. How it felt to finally hold his hands and know that they were mine..forever. Sure enough, my accounts probably aren't as accurate as they would've been if I had done this sooner, but I know that all the events in my life could never make me forget the feeling I had that day when I officially became a wife.

Here I am 6 1/2 months later finally taking the time to not only look back at my emotional journey through marriage, but the changes that happened to me physically and psychologically as well. You never really realize how much you've changed until you take the time to stop and look back at how your life has evolved: How your thoughts have changed, how your daily routine consists of caring for yourself and your husband, and knowing that every decision that you make affects another life. It's a lot to to think about!

As we near the holidays, I have an overwhelming feeling that this amazing, life changing year is going to be over and I'm going to embark on a new journey...motherhood! At 32 weeks pregnant, I find that it hasn't entirely hit me yet that I will have another life to be responsible for and that my life will change AGAIN in a forever kind of way.

You see women everywhere, some of them wives and mommies just like yourself, and you wonder..."HOW DO THEY DO IT?" Not everyone has the same story as you, but for me, I'm a young, full-time working professional, with an average life and an average salary. I don't have the luxuries of always being able to eat out or live in a huge house big enough to house a nanny, chef, housekeeper and personal trainer. I'm learning to juggle it all on my own.
Everyone has their own way to adapt to this lifestyle and this blog isn't meant to be corny or cheesy, but it's a documentation of my own journey into becoming the woman that my family needs me to be and keeping myself happy and healthy at the same time. For all the women out there that are adapting to their new motherly body or as found themselves scrambling for meals to put on the table, I hope that my experiences can be beneficial to you.

Thus begins the birth of my new blog..Happy reading!