Gender Reveal featuring Pink Blush Maternity

 

 What a more appropriate day to celebrate the little life growing inside me...  We're having a BOY!!

I had an amazing day today celebrating Mother's Day with my family.  Yesterday I was surprised with a massage, brunch this morning, a walk to the park, naps taken by all, and a fun photo shoot at Gilbert's Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch taken by the hubby.

This dress wasn't only the perfect pick for our mini photo shoot, I wore it last night to a beautiful friend's wedding, and I'm sure it will be worn again and again before Baby Boy Rials makes his appearance. 

I'll be honest, I'm not big on boutique clothing.  On my petite frame they usually run big and are ill fitting.  So I was hesitant to look through their maternity clothing selection.  But once I spotted this dress I knew it would be perfect!

As soon as it arrived I threw it on and was SHOCKED by how soft it was and the fit was PERFECT!  The lace isn't itchy at all and I honestly could sleep in this dress the material is that comfortable.  I love the peak-a-boo sweetheart neckline, and the length was perfect too. Even at 27 weeks pregnant and a seriously growing belly, I felt truly beautiful in this dress.

I love that Pink Blush has a clothing line that is stylish and functional from a pregnancy standpoint, but also post-baby, and even non-maternity!  Not to mention ... very on trend and REASONABLY PRICED!  For this budget friendly mama that was a HUGE plus!

Thank you to Pink Blush Maternity for the opportunity to feature this beautiful dress, and with more weddings, celebrations, and babymoon's in our future, you better believe I'll be adding to more of their line to my wardrobe.  

25 weeks Baby Rials 2.0

Maternity outfit: Top - Liz Lang Maternity from Target, Shorts- Gap Maternity

Today I turned 26 weeks, so I'll be discussing our 25th week with this babe! 

Baby: Size of cauliflower, weighing in at 1.5 pounds and 13.5 inches!  Baby is enjoying a new sense of equilibrium - and now knows which way is up and which is down.  Baby is plumping up and growing hair (no heartburn, so it'll be interesting to see if this is really true)

Mama: This has been a tough month for us, hence the minimal updates here on the blog.  I was sick, then Charlotte got a stomach bug ON HER BIRTHDAY, poor girl.  We had to cancel her party which we were thankfully able to rescheduled to this weekend.  

I've been having stomach pains.  Not like my skin stretching, but my muscles... really uncomfortable.  In fact they were so bad Friday night I called the nursing off-hours line as I was tearing up and doubled over in pain. 

Turns out, I'm actually having contractions!  They think it's from dehydration, and although I'm drinking the same amount of water I usually do, since it's already starting to get warmer here in AZ and I've increased my activity, I should also be increasing my water intake to 120 oz per day!  

Needless to say the bathroom and I are best friends.  Since I started drinking more water and taking it a bit easier, the painful contractions have gone away.  The did advise if I had 4-6 that painful in one hour to head to the hospital as it might be pre-term labor. 

A little comparison of me pregnant with Charlotte on the left and new babe on the right

Friday we headed out on a family date night to the Diamondback baseball game.  Charlotte did REALLY well and loved seeing the team's mascot and dancing to the songs in between innings. 

The best way to watch any sporting event in my opinion!

Physical Health: Non-existent this week, although I worked out 5 out of 7 days last week. With my belly pain I'm taking a bit of a break to listen to my body.  I plan on incorporating some gentle prenatal yoga this week.

Maternity outfit: Top - borrowed Motherhood Maternity, Shorts - Gap Materntiy

My normal day to day look - leggings and a tank.  Tank - Liz Lang Maternity from Target

Charlotte and I also took a trip to the Phoenix Zoo.  She had some birthday money left and we decided to feed the giraffe's, she LOVED it!

Mental/Emotional Health: Yet again, this week has forced me to SLOOOOOWWWWW down, listen to my body, and thank my lucky stars for an amazing husband. He has been absolutely amazing helping out, especially with dinners and prepping and planning for Charlotte's party.

I had a real scare Friday night with the pain I was in.  I've talked to quite a few other moms and contractions are in fact normal if you're dehydrated, which makes me feel a bit better.  I'm nearly 3 years older than I was when I was pregnant with Charlotte, and although I'm in better shape, eating better, and exercising, each pregnancy is different and I need to keep that in mind.

I've also started to get a bit anxious again about delivery but trying to keep in mind that I really need to focus on the NOW and be patient with the process.  Accept that whatever is going to happen will happen when it comes to delivery.

Maternity Swimwear

Swimsuit season is upon us here in Arizona!  I know... ALREADY?!  

I was not looking forward to this day at all!  In fact I went to Target about a month ago to try on swimsuits and it was an absolute disaster: toddler meltdown in the fitting room, ended up buying 3 and returned 2 of them. I had little faith ordering online would be any better.

I searched and searched and ended up buying this first one from Ebay.  I LOVE Ann Taylor LOFT, but wasn't liking any of their current option for this season.  So I hopped on Ebay, found this one for $13 and ordered immediately!

Ebay: Ann Taylor LOFT Maternity $13 Brand new with tags

This is a one piece suit that I purchased before getting input from other mama's.  Here are the possible problems with this option: strapless (although it did come with a strap I can attach).  With a toddler who's constantly pulling at my clothes I don't know why I didn't think of that before ordering.

Problem 2: It's a one piece and some mom's said it was a pain to pull a wet bathing suit over the baby belly after swimming.  Would have never thought of that!  I'll be updating both of these issues once I actually get in the water ;)

Next up is a suit I posted a few weeks back.  It was the most popular and the style I liked the most as well.  Again, I checked Motherhood Maternity and Pea In The Pod but didn't like any of their current styles plus they were MUCH more than I wanted to spend.  

So I headed to Amazon and found this one for a reasonable price:

Amazon: Jessica Simpson by Motherhood Maternity $40

This option is a halter tankini addressing both of the issues mentioned above.  The only possible problem I see with this option is that it is white and chlorine can discolor white swimsuits if not rinsed/washed after swimming. 

I'd love to see some of your maternity swimwear that you loved or that you've currently purchased as we'll be in the pool multiple times during the day this summer and could use one more (don't tell the hubby though haha).

22 Weeks Baby Rials 2.0

Maternity outfit: Top Old Navy Maternity, Shorts Gap Maternity (both on sale)

Today I turned 22 weeks, so I'll be discussing our 21st week with this babe! 

Baby: Size of a papaya, weighing in at one whole pound and almost a foot long!  Baby is sleeping in cycles - about 12 to 14 hours per day.  Baby is kicking like CRAZY!  When Jeremy was little he was in Karate, so I told him this little one is practicing karate ALL day long in there.  In fact, I even got a little video of it, head over to my Instagram page to check it out {IG: tessrials}.

Mama:I have been TERRIBLY sick ALL WEEK!  Being sick is one thing, but add on to that pregnancy and a constantly on the move toddler... it has been a test in patience for sure! I started with a tickle in my throat Friday night on my way to an event, I even said to my friend, "I bet I'm going to get laryngitis this weekend." Well, I got an upper respiratory and sinus infection instead.  I'm FINALLY feeling like a normal human being again!

On a different note, my in-laws were in town this past weekend so we held an early celebration for Charlotte.  She LOVED her chocolate cake and being sang to.  One of her favorite gifts was this too-cute-for-words Mini Cooper car that we take to the park daily.

Physical Health: Non-existent this week. I have been focusing on my nutrition as I wanted to start a round of my favorite fitness and nutrition program 21 Day Fix.  So, why am I following a diet if I'm pregnant?

I've been asked this quite a bit lately! It's actually NOT a diet. I suck at diets ;) this has been a lifestyle change not just for me, but our entire family.  21 Day Fix has a portion control nutrition plan to ensure I'm eating the RIGHT foods and the right AMOUNT of foods.  My doctor has suggested I eat in a certain calorie bracket, BUT this doesn't mean I have to count calories. It just means I get to add a few more containers to my normal eating plan.

Part of my nutrition plan is this nutrient dense super food shake.  It has helped both Jeremy and I lose and maintain our current weight, has replaced ALL of our other vitamins and supplements (I am taking Folate, but not a prenatal vitamin as this has everything a prenatal has and so much MORE), and definitely given me my energy back.  Check out more on this chocolate milkshake I have for breakfast every morning here: Shakeology

If you'd like more info on this program, please email me at raisingrials@gmail.com

PB&J Chocolate Vegan Shakeology with Power Greens Boost

Mental/Emotional Health: This week has forced me to SLOOOOOWWWWW down, look for patience where ever it may be, and thank my lucky stars for an amazing husband.  Being a stay at home/work at home mom means that when you get sick you DO NOT get sick days.  That is a TOUGH pill to swallow.  So I have definitely had to rely on my support system this week.

I've also REALLY started to think about my birth plan, and it's not what I expected AT ALL!  I kinda want to try going all natural again.  If you haven't read Charlotte's birth story, you can check it out HERE.  I wanted to go all natural with her and we had been focusing on Hypnobirthing, and it was such a long and painful process I thought there would be NO WAY I would want to relive that.  BUT....I also HATED the after effects of the epidural/IV.  So, I'm exploring the ideas right now...it'll probably be a game time decision :)

20 Weeks Baby Rials 2.0

Happy Easter!  Dress: Old Navy Maternity

Today I turned 21 weeks, so I'll be discussing our 20th week with this babe! 

Baby: Size of a banana, weighing in at 10.2 oz and 6.5 inches long.  Baby has gained almost 2 ounces again this past week, putting on some much needed fat!  Taste buds are fully formed and baby is gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day.

This week we had a regular OB appointment where Charlotte and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat.  Everything is looking good!

Mama: Feeling okay.  Back is sore but might be due to my weightlifting workouts this week. Maternity clothes have officially taken over the closet and my drawers, and although there's a few elastic waist pre-pregnancy pieces I can still squeeze into, I'm sticking to the comforts these days.

Craving fruit and salads again this week.  Trying VERY hard not to buy the on-sale Ben & Jerry's at Target each week!  I've also been experienceing some nausea this week.  I started taking my prenatal (I'm out of my folate supplement) and fish oil supplements again, so I'm not sure if that's the culprite or not. 

Non-maternity shorts: Kohl's, shirt: Liz Lang Maternity from Target

Non-maternity shorts: Forever 21; tank: Old Navy Maternity

New order of maternity clothes from Gap and Old Navy!

Physical Health: I have only worked out a few days this week, not part of my goal so I'm a bit disappointing in this number. I did try a new 22 minute workout from Beachbody that I LOVED! Here's a quick little video all about 22 Minute Hard Corps from P90X trainer Tony Horton.  Also check out my FB page Raising Rials Health and Wellness for my own video of this quick cardio sesh.

We also met up with a few friends to celebrate Easter on Friday.  It was a beautiful day to be outside and get some vitamin D.

Mental/Emotional Health: An emotion I have been trying VERY hard to avoid this pregnancy: ENVY.  I wouldn't say I'm jealous, but more envious of my fit friends.  I miss my pre-pregnancy body (when I was in the best shape of my life).

My private challenge group on Facebook was asked to compliment ourselves on the progress we've made thus far in our fitness/healthy living journey.  I had SUCH a hard time with this.  My body is CONSTANTLY changing, nothing is getting smaller, I'm having to wear all bigger clothes.  Yes, I get it, I'm pregnant.  This is what's supposed to happen.  It's just a tough week for my self image I guess.

Goals for next week: work out 4 days this week, daily mantra: I am beautiful, I am enough.  Lead with my best qualities.  What are your goals for the week ahead?

19 weeks Baby Rials 2.0

Today I turned 20 weeks, so I'll be discussing our 19th week with this babe! 

Baby: Size of a mango, weighing in at 8.5 oz and 6 inches long.  Baby has gained almost 2 ounces this past week, big gains!  Baby is developing the vernix caseosa which is a waxy coating covering the baby's skin protecting it from the surrounding amniotic fluid.. Baby's 5 senses are forming: never cells for taste, hearing, sight, and smell are developing in baby's brain.

This week we had a regular OB appointment where Charlotte and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat.  Everything is looking good!

Mama: Feeling great!  No back or hip pain. Wearing more and more maternity clothes. Craving fruit again this week, can't get enough. And an occasional pint of Ben & Jerry's (chocolate fudge brownie, YUM!)

Attended The Mom Made Market in Scottsdale, AZ.  Dress from Forever 21

Physical Health: I have worked out 5 days this week!  4 workouts at home and walked the zoo on Friday.  It was so CRAZY busy at the zoo we had to park across the street which increased my overall mileage which was a bit of a challenge.

This week I focused on an amazing Beachbody program called PiYo.  It's perfect for where I am in my pregnancy as it allows me to get in a high intensity workout with low impact.  It's also on SALE this month! So if you're interested in starting a new workout routine at home please feel free to email me at raisingrials@gmail.com.

I also added in some weightlifting with Beachbody's Active Maternity workout for the second trimester.  It's with the 21 Day Fix trainer Autumn Calabrese and is a great workout for maintaining and improving the strength you need get through the rest of your pregnancy as well as after baby comes.  If you're an expectant mommy and would like more info on this program please email me at raisingrials@gmail.com

Last but not least we headed to the mountains for a weekend hike.

St. Patty's Day workout: PiYo. 

Hike at San Tan Mountain, AZ.  Top: Lululemon

Top: Liz Lang Maternity - Target; Shorts: Ann Taylor Loft

Dress: Forever 21; Cartigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Mental/Emotional Health: Another emotional week that I wasn't expecting!  Actually the week was good, but then Friday I had a fellow Beachbody coach and expectant mom tag me in a post about saying goodbye to your only child before leaving to go to the hospital to have your second child.  I thought that was a tough one, but then another mom posted a link to this article that I have saved in my phone and read frequently (although I cry almost every time I read it).

Let me know what you think! You Won't Remember But I Will

18 Weeks Baby Rials 2.0

Today I turned 19 weeks, so I'll be discussing our 18th week with this babe! 

Baby: Size of a pear or large tomato, weighing in at 6.7 ounces, and 5.6 inches long.  Baby is yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing. I remember being pregnant with Charlotte and feeling her have the hiccups ALL THE TIME!

I'm feeling so much movement from this active babe twisting, rolling, punching and kicking. Fingerprints are forming too!

Mama: Feeling good!  Back and hip pain is almost non-existent. Wearing more and more maternity clothes. Craving salad this week which is odd because I am NOT a salad person.

Physical Health: I have been SO LAZY this week! Since getting back from San Diego I haven't put my workouts first and it is definitely showing. 

I've had one of my besties visiting from out of town and we've had LOTS of catching up to do. Isn't she beautiful? And to top it off we're BOTH pregnant and due 1 day apart!

Mental/Emotional Health: Very emotional this week! Everything is making me tear up and cry... Not in a bad way though, I completely understand it's the hormones at this point. 

An old friend from high school posted an open letter to her son who just came home from the NICU within the last month. 

The way she described his entrance into the world, how it turned everything upside down, yet completed their family so perfectly said exactly what I needed to hear. 

I reached out to her and she had some great advice on including Charlotte in the every day process. That this is "our" baby, the family's baby, not just mamas.  I loved hearing that. 

Here are a few of the ultrasound pics from this week. Everything looked "perfect" in her words. 

Baby's heart actually looks like a heart! I absolutely love this pic ❤️

Baby's feet

Baby's hand near face.

Now ... Onto the news I'm sure EVERYONE has been anxiously awaiting.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 

We are actually going to hold out on all of you a few more weeks!!  I'm sorry!!!

We have family coming into town the last weekend of March and the first weekend of April and want to share this news with them first. 

Baby isn't going anywhere, promise! You just have to be patient 😉