The Wait is Over!

True Morris Beaudoin 4-22-16

Finally in week 39, our son, True Morris Beaudoin, decided it was time to make his appearance. The whole week I was just feeling done with pregnancy. I managed to fit in 2 crossfit workouts early in the week and plenty of walking with my dog. However, when Thursday 4/21 arrived, I felt exhausted and opted to pass on crossfit. I walked my dog several times. On the second walk on Thursday night, I noticed my dog was sticking really close to me even off leash. I had been told my dog might know about labor signs before I did. I had minor cramping throughout the day, but nothing that would have tipped me off on what was to come. Sure enough, when we returned home from our walk, I had my first noticeable contraction. I still was not sure if it was the real deal, but I told my husband I no longer felt up to meeting him in Concord for frozen yogurt. I suppose this should have been enough of a sign for me! After that, things kind of blurred together.

After 16 hours of labor, True was born in the water--I was so tired! This is about 5 hours later...

First family photo a few days later

The short version of my labor story: I labored at home from about 7 PM Thursday until 7AM on Friday as I could not go to the birth center until my contractions were spaced to a certain amount. It was the most excruciating pain possible. I also had back labor which is really brutal. I did all of this with not one bit of pain medication. In the morning, Mark drove me to the birth center. There, I labored for about 1 hour out of the birthing pool and was 5cm dilated when we arrived there. Finally, when the pain was too much, I transitioned to the birth pool where I labored until 11:02. True was born in his amniotic sac (my water never broke) on Friday, 4/22 which happened to be a full moon day. He weighed 7lbs 6 oz and was 21 inches long. I was able to stick with our plan for a natural birth and had no complications. Oh, and I should mention, we were discharged from the birth center at 4:00 PM on the same day! I attribute much of this to the excellent care we received through the Concord Birth Center as well as my own commitment to working out throughout the pregnancy. I also should mention my awesome prenatal yoga class that I took at Ohana Yoga for the second and third trimester. It was a great opportunity to get breathing techniques and for positive camaraderie with other pregnant women. I think there was only one week in 39 weeks that I missed a few workouts (due to a cold/flu). While my food choices certainly left much to be desired during pregnancy, my healthy habits prior to conception helped set me up for a complication free pregnancy and delivery.

Babywearing has been a must during the first few weeks at home!

One month later, I am finally starting to resume working out. I walked a bit with the baby carrier post- baby, but it is now time to focus on building back my strength and endurance. This was my longest break from exercise in 4 years, so I am eager to get back into a routine. However, it will be different with the baby as getting to a gym is basically impossible until he starts daycare in August. With that said, I decided to join my friend Aimee’s accountability group and complete the 21 Day Fix starting on 5/30. I can do the workouts at home and shakes are an easy option to prepare when I have limited time during True’s naps. I have already tested out some of the workouts and it is a terrific option while True peacefully swings in the Mamaroo next to me. I feel better knowing I have done something for myself while still making sure my son is cared for.  I can’t determine a set workout schedule as I fit in what I can when he decides it is time to sleep—so home workouts are perfect right now. I am VERY eager to get back to Crossfit Ironborn and my friends at the gym, but until then, I have found a solution that works for our family. Stay tuned in June for my results. I should note that I am feeling pretty good already as I lost the bulk of the baby weight in the first three weeks after True’s arrival while not doing anything (besides not sleeping and constantly caring for a newborn)! Now, I am tackling those extra lbs I put on in the first trimester due to drastically shifting my diet at that time. It will take some effort, but I am confident I can get back to where I want to be and perhaps surpass those goals. I also am planning on getting a new wardrobe once I reach my goals as I am so tired of my maternity clothes and everything I wore before getting pregnant. It is just time to reset!

2016 is all about fitting my workouts and lifestyle choices into my new role as a mom. Yesterday, I popped True in the infant seat option with the BOB stroller and leashed Penny. We went for a 2 mile walk and that jogging stroller certainly adds an element of strength to our walks! It is imperative that my husband and I demonstrate healthy choices for our son as soon as possible. I hope True will enjoy working out as much as I do!

Week 38 & Week 39 Workout Recap

A few final maternity photos:

Sunday- Walk w/Penny

Monday- Crossfit & Prenatal Yoga

Tuesday- Prenatal Pilates

Wednesday- AM Elliptical  & Walk w/Penny X 2

Thursday- Crossfit & Prenatal Yoga

Friday- Crossfit & Walk w/Penny

Saturday- Prenatal Pilates & Elliptical

Sunday- Prenatal Yoga & Walk w/Penny

Monday- Crossfit & Walk w/Penny & Prenatal Yoga

Tuesday- Crossfit

Wednesday- Walk w/Penny X 2 & Prenatal Pilates

Thursday- Walk w/Penny X 2

Friday- Baby True is born!

Saturday- REST

~Laura