A Fit Journey Thru Motherhood....

Workouts?

2012-02-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

Workouts? What are those? Gosh, I have had every intention of getting in my workouts since I was released @ my 6 week postpartum appt.......however......does carrying around a 12lbs baby count? Because that's the extent of my workouts!!! :)
Once again, this week FLEW by. I have no idea where the time goes. And I only have one baby! Vivian will be 8 weeks on monday and since we are a great routine going, I am going to plan on getting in three workouts. I say great routine, but of course, everyday is a little different, but certainly predictable! Vivi had a great week. She is such a sweetie pie! She's smiling a lot now and more alert throughout the day. I am going to do a "Day in the Life of an 8 week old." Last night she slept for 6.5 hours, fed, then slept for another 3 hours. Glorious doesn't even describe how good that felt! :) It's funny, when she was first born, even though I was utterly exhausted-I had a sort of mommy insomnia-where I was SOOOO so tired, but couldn't fall asleep because I was thinking about her, and wanted to be there right when she needed me. NOW, I'm not nearly exhausted and fall sleep immedietly. Thank Goodness for that! Here are some pix from recently. SHe has already changed so much from her pix 3 weeks ago...:( I also took a belly shot of me at 7 weeks postpartum. I will do a body after baby post sometime soon too, especially since I have every intention of getting some workouts in finally! :)oh, and a pic of the westies sunning out back.

More Photos!!!

2012-02-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Photoshoot!

2012-01-29T19:53:00.000-08:00

A day in the life of a 5 week old...

2012-01-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to do a post on a day in our life-like i mentioned, the days do blend together! I completely understand different events, growthspurts, etc. will affect our schedule; and it's likely as soon as I post this it will change! :)
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345a. Vivian is up after going to bed around 11pm. She doesn't cry but starts to stir and makes grunting noices. I unswaddle her, feed her on the R side for 14 min. Change her wet daiper, reswaddle, then feed her on the L side for 11 mins. Burp & Snug for a few mins. (I play on my kindle fire while she's falling asleep-and I chug water & eat almonds + luna bar. I drink SOO much water to keep up with my breastfeeding-kid you not about 1.5 gallons a day). Back to bed.
7am-She will fall in and out of sleep until I get her. I unswaddle her and she ate on the R side for 12 min. Get up and change a wet diaper. Reswaddle and nurse L side for about 10 mins. I give her a manicure while she's eating :)
Back to bed one more time...
910a: (it's usually closer to 10/1015a) Baby stirs because she had a poopy diaper-a Blow out! Sponge bath and outfit change were necessary.
930a: Viv hangs in her crib with her musical mobile while I mix a quick smoothie for breakfast.
1015a: Time to feed again. R side for 17 mins. Burp and catnap while I watch TV. She wakes up and nurse L side for 20 mins. Change a poopy diaper.
1120a: Play time! We lay a blanket out on nursery floor and turn on some music. She lays on her back and we play with toys and stretch her out. Then we do some tummytime. Vivi is getting very good at holding her head up!
1145a: Crib time again so I can change clothes. Head to the kitchen where Vivi hangs out on the newborn napper on the kitchen table while I make myself lunch and prepare dinner. On the menu is BBQ marinated chicken and sweet potatoes. It's all ready to go in the oven at 615p.
1230p: We play some pattycake before I load her up in her carseat so we can go run some errands. We head to the post office, starbucks and the bank. She falls asleep in the carseat.
130p: Home and it's time to chow! R side for 25 mins. Change a wet/slightly poopy diaper, then nurse L side for 10 mins. Rock and snuggle. Catnap for Vivi.
245p. She starts to root around at so I feed her on the R side for a couple minute and she falls back asleep. I take a nap myself from 245-335p. Get up and change poopy diaper.
345p: Bring V down to kitchen to hang in the Boppy newborn napper so I can eat again.
410p: Playtime! We turn on the Hit List on comcast TV and dance around and bounce on the fitness ball. Tummytime on my lap while singing and waiting for Dad to get home.
430p: Gene gets home and hangs with V for about 10 mins.
445p: Time for her to eat again! She nurses on the R side for 20 mins & L side for 10 mins. then we rock and burp. Catnap on my chest while Dad works out.
530p: After Dad is done-he takes Vivi after we change a poopy diaper. Then I put the dinner in the over and get in a nice hot shower. Vivi and Dad play.
7p: Dinner for V. Nurse on the R side for 16 mins and the L side for 15 mins. Hand her off to Dad while I eat. They bounce on the fitness ball to get out any bubbles or gas.
745p: Change a poopy diaper and rock Vivi to sleep.
1015p: Last feed, change and snuggle for the day...HOPEFULLY sleep until 3ish.
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One month old....

2012-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

HELLO! This past thursday was Vivian's 1 month birthday. It was probably the most challenging and rewarding month of my life! She is such a sweet little baby. Our days are still a blur, I'm lucky if I can guess what day it is--every one is a new surprise!
Here are some notes from her first month:
*Her face has gone from a swollen newborn to a beautiful olive skinned 1 month old.
*I swear we got our first smiles! And not just "gas" smile! Talk about melt your heart!! I can't wait for laughs!
*She really seems to enjoy bathtime...she's so calm during it!
*I look forward to our nursing sessions and I feel blessed I'm able to provide nutrition for her...That being said: she can go from 0-100 when she's hungry. I call it HANGRY! She roots and snorts around for the food!
*She LOVES bouncing on the fitness ball! I sat on the ball a lot during PG. It soothes her almost instantly!
*she loves looking at the lamp and lights
*She's found her tongue and sticks it in and out.
*I think our record for diapers is 3 or 4 in about 30 minutes...go girl. pretty sure daddy was on duty for that episode! HA!
*she likes when dad shakes her rattle
*I tell her she's Healthy, Happy, Strong & Smart about 20x a day. And that I love her. Lord knows I love her to death!
*she loves her zebra and monkey mobile in her crib
*She loves animal print clothes just like mommy :)
*We have taken more pictures on both of our cellphones and cameras then I've ever taken before.
*Today we had pictures at Sears which went relatively good after a few fussy moments!

I survived the first month. We survive the first month! She has exceeded my expectations about life as a momma. She eats well, sleeps well, hold her head up like a champ...she certainly has her moments in fussiness, but nothing a clean diaper, feeding, snugging, or bouncing on the fitness ball can't cure....Also want to note that I did my first weights workout in MONTHS! I lifted triceps and chest and good heavens am I sore!!! I am still waiting until my 6 week appt. to get fully released, but it did feel good to do something!
Until next month...

Growin Girl!

2012-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Picture time!!! Thursday Vivi will be one month....how is that POSSIBLE!?!?!? We're doing so very well. I actually feel rested--Vivi is doing great and we're in a pretty good routine! Here are some recent pix

Vivian's Birth Story

2012-01-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to have a record of her arrival--so if birth stories aren't of interest to you...check back later! :)
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Thursday December 15th:
My last offical appointment. One day shy of my offical due date. No real progress. About 2 centimeters, about 50-60% effacement....Dr. suggested stripping my membranes and I agreed...not the most comfortable, but if it enabled me to go into labor by myself, I wanted to try it. Our next move was scheduling an appoint for Monday Dec. 19th to strip them again if neccesary. Last ditch effort would be scheduling an induction for Thurs. Dec. 22nd. Which was the LAST thing I was hoping for. I really really wanted to go into labor on my own!!!
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Sunday December 18th:
I had contractions (contrx) all night. Enough to wake me up and make me notice, but not enough to make me start timing them. It was finally a pain different from the braxton hicks...which is what everyone said: you will KNOW real contrx pains!!! Hubs and I woke up and did some cardio in schwetty's. I only did about 20 min. walking on the treadmill. I was continually losing my "plug" and felt like I had to pee ALL the time. Got a lot done that day--did laundry, walked the dogs, and took a 2 hour nap on the couch since I didn't sleep well...I had a feeling we were gonna meet this baby girl in a day or two!!! I didn't feel like making dinner, so my in-laws graciously provided dinner for us--as they were hosting a 94th bday party for my M-I-L's mother! (she's in the picture below) WOW! Hubs came home with chicken, potatoes & birthday cake (if that wasn't a sign!) :)
Around 7:30pm I took a shower and felt more moderate contrx. After that I decided to time them while were were winding down for the night. I was pretty tired and ready to rest...again I knew she'd be here in a day or two...
8pm: Called labor and delivery. My contrx were pretty close together, but I also noticed I was 'leaking.' Oh boy! She said since I was a first time mom she would have recommended I wait, but the mention of leaking fluid made her insist we come in and get checked. We had our bags packed and ready to go...and my friend nicole was on puppy duty when we needed her, so if necc. she'd come get the dogs in the morning and take them to the pup sitter...
830pm: Test indicates it indeed is amniotic fluid---time to admit us!!!!!!!!! CUE PANIC MODE! (kidding-we were actually very calm!)
10pm: Got the Epidural. Enough Said....:)
11pm: So bizaree to see the contrx on the monitor and not feel them at all. I felt great-my legs felt tingly like they were asleep, but not too bad. The only downside was the periodic SHAKES! Oh my those sucked.
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MONDAY DECEMBER 19th 2011
1:30am: it's Officially Vivian's BIRTHday! DECEMBER 19th 2011. Was checked and was 4cm and 80% effaced. So far no intervention (pitocin or cervidel) which I was so thrilled about! I tried resting but as you can imagine it was so hard!
2:45am: 5cm and Vivi had decended considerably!
3:30am: 6cm and 0 Station!
4:45am: 8cm
5:50am: COMPLETE! Ready to push, just waiting on doctor. Go figure, since it was technically still the weekend, we had the on-call doc, who was NOT my doctor. (BUT!! he ended up being AMAZING, and we were thrilled with him!)

7:15am: SHE'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1 hour of pushing! 7lbs 14ounces 19 inches long. She's got a head of hair, light eyes, she's Beautiful! Vivi was placed on my chest and I was just in AWE of what just happened! Hubs was amazing. He was holding my right leg and coaching me the WHOLE time-and he cut the cord! Also, sounds crazy, but they had a mirror, so I saw everything! It really helped with the pushing, to actually SEE progress! Everything went so amazingly well, I couldn't believe it! I was utterly exhausted! Pushing was so. freaking. HARD!! Granted, I didn't "FEEL" it, but the action of pushing I cannot compare to anything...It took so much out of me. Amazing what the female body is capable of!
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I can't believe my baby is 3 weeks old tomorrow. We are doing so well. (Thanks for the wonderful comments, by the way!)
My body is feeling good too. I'm still sore after long walks and don't plan on doing much more than that anytime soon. My midback is crazy sore from nursing, so yoga stretching really helps with that. Here's my tummy 3 weeks post pregnancy. I did end up with a couple stretch marks on the lower part of my belly, which hopefully will fade away...if not, honestly who care!!! :) Until next time.....

2 weeks old

2012-01-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

The old cliche rings true: Time FLIES with a new baby! The last two weeks have been so amazing and such a blur at the same time! Vivi is a great baby! She nurses every 2.5-3.5 hours and last night she even went 4.5 hours! Wow! It's crazy how much she has changed already in the last 14 days. We've all had many firsts: 1st bath, 1st walk in the moby (which I LOVE!!!), 1st diaper blow-out, 1st time being peed & pooped on....and on and on! I feel like I've been a mom for a long time now! I feel so comfortable with her and am learning her distinctive sounds, coos and cries! The dogs have adapted very well, after a rough first night, they're doing great! My mom goes home Wed. so I will officially have to start cooking and cleaning again. Words cannot express how incredibly helpful she has been!!! She will be missed tremendously, but I look forward to developing a good system on my own!
Here are some pix from the last 2 weeks-including my last belly shot @ 40 weeks + 2 days. My next post will include her birth story. (So i can have a record of it.)
LOVE

Vivian Alexandra! Already 1 Week old!!

2011-12-26T17:26:00.000-08:00

We were so very blessed last Monday @ 7:15am to welcome our baby girl into this world! I will blog more later, but the experience was fantastic and we are so in love! Here is a link to pix:

sorry you have to copy and paste: blogger isn't letting me link!

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=3eeb2631c6416455&sid=8AaNnLNo1cuWP2

LOVE!

39 Weeks! AND MY NIECES WERE BORN!

2011-12-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

Talk about major baby envy here!!!!!!!! My beautiful twin nieces Ruby Anastasia & Madelyn Brooke were born on Dec. 7th! GLORY TO GOD! I'll post pix when I get some good ones! THe girls and my sis are doing very well and go home tomorrow! I CANNOT wait to meet them when we travel home this spring!!!
In other news, I'm still preggers!!!!!! I say this to everyone who keeps checking in...but I'm still feeling really good! My dr. appt. yesterday indicated my body is progressing (YAY!) and it really could be any time now!!! Im about to keel over with excitement!!! I don't really do much now-a-days....I've pretty much done all my projects so I've been resting a ton. I try and bundle up to take the westies for a walk. We've been going about every other day for 25-30 mins. Which is funny because the same walk used to take only 20 mins. I used to walk a much quicker pace! :)
I really find it hard to focus on anything. Especially with my nieces being born, and my good friend had her baby boy on tuesday as well! It's like the calm before the "storm" with said storm being the most amazing experience I've NEVER had! :)My doctor did mention she's on call this weekend, so maybe I'd be seeing her! I like that foreshadowing potential! :)
Alright, that's it for now! Perhaps the next post will be introducing my lil Bambina Vivian!
Lots of love~
EM & Baby
39 weeks preggo belly shadow

More Maternity Pix

2011-11-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry to overload with pics, but we took some more maternity yesterday! :) So fun, but kind of limiting with poses...what else can you do beside hold the belly??? :)

37 WEEKS! Just pix...

2011-11-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ME & MY lil TURKEY!

The Yiayia's Emma, Vivian, Kathleen

Baby Shower + 35.5 weeks

2011-11-14T21:43:00.000-08:00

Wow! I've gotten really bad @ keeping this updated!!! I will certainly try to update more often, especially as this will be fun to look back on when God-willing we have more babies! :)
This past weekend was Vivian's 2nd baby shower with family & friends. Wow did she ever get showered! This girl is gonna be dressed to the NINES! I just finished untagging and organizing, now I've got to do some laundry!
I've been feeling pretty good still! I do still experience heartburn...le sigh.....and oh geez my nose has permanent residue from breathe right strips...pregnancy congestion has been no joke for me!
The other notable symptom has been the wonderful practice contractions known as Braxton Hicks. I've had some randomly but Sunday I had them pretty much all day...I did everything they suggest to quell them, but ended up calling the Dr. monday morn and she got me in right away. They just want to be sure the BH aren't causing any change in the cervix--which it wasn't, so that's great!
So our due date has remained Dec. 16th the whole time-but we're having fun trying to "GUESS" when she's going to grace us with her presence....My guess is Mon. Dec. 12th and my hubs guess is Tues. Dec. 13th. I know I know I know most 1st time babies come later than sooner, but hey, that's why it's called a Guess! :) I just want her to come when she's good and ready!
Here are a couple pix from the shower. I'll update later this week, a few things on my list yet is Hospital tour and packing my hospital bag.....
Lots of love!!!

One Full Month + ? days

2011-10-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hey THere! Happy Halloween!!!!!!! Wow, the time just continues to fly by here on PRoject Baby! :) Tomorrow marks the start of the FINAL full month that I'll be pregnant. I figure, once December is here, it's fair game and she could come anytime! Also, I'm considered FULL TERM (37 weeks) on thanksgiving. I'm still really enjoying this final stretch. Of course, some minor discomfort is experienced here and there, but over all I'm good!

This past weekend was a BUSY one for Vivi & I! We were honored with a brunch saturday morning with some family member, and then Sunday was my 1st of 2 baby showers. This one was with my clients & friends from work and man was it fun! THere were 20 some women there and we ate, chatted, opened a ton of gifts, and ate some more! This party was bittersweet as it is the last get together with my "studio fit" family. We have sold the business!!! It was a few months in the making, and originally we thought we would just have a trainer or two cover for me, but in the end, it worked out to sell the business to another trainer. I'm thrilled for my next role as a stay @ home mom! :)

So while bittersweet, we still had a ton of fun at the party. And the brunch on Saturday was lovely as well! Can't go wrong with quiche + cinnamon rolls!

Here are a few pix--a couple weeks apart. The green shirt is from 31.5 weeks and the other ones are from yesterday ~33 weeks!

31 Weeks!

2011-10-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 31 weeks, officially in single digit weeks for the countdown
Size of baby: 16 inches and 3 pounds 11 ounces
Gender: A GIRL!!! Vivian or Vivi
Maternity Clothes: Well, my nike fitness pants size L are fitting still, but they're a little snug! I have some good yoga roll-down pants that will last me the rest of the way. Plus, my girlfriend Renee gave me two pairs of jeans to borrow so they've worked perfectly for the rare time I do were denim! :)
Weight gain: 15 pounds
Belly Button: Weird. It's not in, it's not out, it's in limbo I guess..it looks quite funny! I'm pretty certain it will pop before the end!
Movement: Oh the movement I LOVE the movement! According to the growth scan ultrasound I had two days ago, she is head down and her little torso is favoring my right side, she's in a C position. Now, I know they move and sommersault around until it gets too tight in there, but she has favored my right side for a long time now.
Sleep: It's pretty good still! It's a rare night that I don't have to get up and go to the bathroom, which is expected...but i fall back to sleep very easily. I'm still taking advantage of afternoon powernaps which help my energy since I work mornings, but then again from 3p-7p mon-thur.
Symptoms: O...m...g...Heartburn baby. Eye yi yi! When I hear that babies can suffer from acid reflux, it makes me so sad because I've seriously never experienced this...its' so uncomfortable. The typical tomato based soups set it off, but so do bananas and some breads...so anyway, Tums have helped and staying elevated with two pillows @ night.
Cravings: Cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs! We made it for breakfast last sunday and it's been on my mind since! Also, lots of salty chips, which taste so good with my chicken tortilla soup....yum.......

Best moment this week: BY FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! was my ultrasound on wed. This was an optional growth scan mainly to put my mind @ ease. I had measured behind two weeks @ my appointment the first of october, but I've since "caught up" Also, my weight gain, while my doctor is fine with it, has been on the low end......so, I opted for the ultrasound to make sure she was growing like she should! ANd YEP!! Sure enough, she is thriving in there! Weighing in at approx. 3# 11ounces! And, everything is fine with mamma, too! :)

Here are some pix: I LOVE her 4D pix with her hands up by her cheeks and her pouty lil lips! :)

30 Weeks!!!

2011-10-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

We're off to the lake for some rest and relaxation! Just wanted to update with a current pic! I'll recap the last few week when we get back! Feeling GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Third Trimester!

2011-09-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

HEY THERE!!! Hope the week has started off well for ya! Well, I'm offically in the third trimester.....holy WOW has the time flown by! This friday I'll be 29 weeks. Almost in the thirtys....again, holy WOW!!!!!!!!
To be a broken record, I feel great! I mean, I certainly have a few minor annoying symptoms that happen, but just like everything in life, if that's all I think about, of course I'd make it worse than it really is!
I pretty much rely on my nasal strips to get me thru the night.....
I have random bouts of restless leg syndrome...
My cardio is in the dumps.....
I grunt when I sit down, stand up.......
I cannot bring the full laundry basket up and down stairs.....
I really miss sprinting at 9.0mph, especially when 3.5 is sufficient now.......
again, not MAJOR issues, just minor stuff that will likely continue for the next few months, and then magically disappear! :) YAY!

OHhhhkay, on to my lil babe Vivian....She is dancing up a storm and I'm getting kicked all thru out the day! I love it! It's so funny to watch it from the outside, too! So errie but awesome!!! We're getting closer on her room. I just ordered a corner unit changing table that's really pretty cool! I'm excited about it! It can be used as a bookshelf and storage after we're done with it. Just a few projects left to finish it up!

I've read about other women doing this, but it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO funny now to look back at my "progress pix" from day one....wow, I certainly have changed! I have a couple pix from 27/28 weeks. I still am not HUGE, in fact I measured a week behind at the doc last week, but she was not concerned at all. It all depends on how Vivi is laying in the belly with the fundal measurements. I have my next appt. this friday, so we'll see how we're doing then! My blood pressure has been excellent every appt. and weight is on point too.

Alright, have an awesome and productive week!

Family Visit--25 Weeks!

2011-09-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hey ALL! Well, this post is a little late, as I'm already 26 weeks, but my family was here last week and man did we have fun!!! My mom, Dad, sees, nephew & brother in law were so incredibly helpful in getting Vivivan's room set up! My mom & Dad painted, my B-I-L hung blinds, valances & shelves, and my sis and I were project managers! :) The rest of my house got a facelift as well! My dad organized our garage so I can actually open the door enough for the carseat (while both cars are in the garage) and he hung our bikes and tools on the wall. So much more room!!!! We also had an accent wall painted in our Master bedroom and some lovely drapes & new bedding in there! I'm telling ya, in just a couple days, our house is now looking fabulous! :) A huge huge huge thank you to my Family! Even with all the hard work, we were able to have some fun at the lake! My nephew swam, tubed and "drove" the boat! My Dad wakeboarded & my mom attempted wakeboarding! GOOD JOB!! My sis and I layed on the dock the whole time and just relaxed! Here are some pix:
Love,
EM & V

23 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS!!!!!!!! HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!
Just a quick check in! I'm 23 weeks along and still feeling quite fantastic!!! I had a check up yesterday and all is well! Her heartrate was 145 and my belly measured right @ 23 weeks! Weight wise I'm up 8lbs and the doc said from here on out expect about a pound per week!!!!! Hey yoooooooo!!! :) Bring it on, I'm all about my body doing whatever is necessary for this lil girl!! Oh, I wanted to note on my last post about the lack of filter people have! I absolutely didn't take it the wrong was when someone said "Ohhh you're barely showing" (this was a while ago) But along the same lines, I've had someone question whether everthing was ok, and had I seen the doctor and make sure she was growing properly! :) Anyway, I think people are very interested in the progress of pregnancy, and even though they may not know the "right" way to say something, they are truly interested and excited......and luckily I"m not super sensitive....
ALTHOUGH!!! On that note again, my emotional front....oh my oh my....Here we go again! I was shopping @ hobby lobby this week and the piano version of How Great Thou Art started playing. Ok, cue tears......That song was sung @ both my Mimi & Papa's funerals.....Yeah, i seriously had to compose myself before I checked out! :) I do love that song though!!!

Her nursery items and bedding came in this week. It is so cute! It's a safari animal scene with Pink/purple and brown animal print. Pretty sweet! My mom is gonna paint for me when they come visit Labor Day! YEAY!!!!!

Well, that's all I have for updates! My tshirts have officially became skin tight so I've had to start altering the wardrobe!! :) It's all in the name of pregnancy!!!! :)

p.s. Krissa~~ girl, are you blogging right now or not?? If you are you gotta add my email if ur blogging private! And yeah! Sending babydust your way for the new year! :) xOXo

LOVE!!!
Em & Vivian - 23 weeks along!

Sobbing, Grunts & Dancing

2011-08-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS!! Just checkin in for an update this week! I'm almost 22 Weeks! WOOHOOO!!! We went to a wedding last friday and the dress I wore made it totally obvious I'm 'with child'. It's funny though, as much as people make rude comments to pregnant women, like, "Whoa, you sure you don't have two babies in there..." or "Are you sure you're not due next month..." which I think are obviously rude statements, I've gotten a lot of "Oh you're FINALLY showing!" Um, I don't think that's exactly nice either! It makes me feel like i have to defend myself of justify things, like that I'm right on track and she's measuring right on the money....And yes, I'm AM FINALLY showing and I'm so thrilled! YAY!!! Ok, rant over, but seriously, people lose all filter when dealing with us preggers!! :)

On the emotional front, which is rearing it's face more frequently, I pretty much lost it again Saturday. We watched Soul Surfer...OMG fantastic movie! But, I freaking LOST IT when they were driving to the hospital and Helen Hunt the momma, had to meet her daughter in an ambulance, near death. Ohhh, my gosh---Seriously, the type of crying where you are sobbing, and then start laughing because you're sobbing...Yeah, my husband was like, Ummm, are you ok?????!!! I just couldn't imagine a mother having to witness her daughter near death...Whoa. But I composed myself and really enjoyed the rest of the movie! We also watched Lincoln Lawyer (again) and really liked it!!

My next appt. is a week from Thursday. I'm feeling great. It's funny, I find myself grunting when I'm moving around, either in and out of bed, or from a seated position to standing. It's humorous because I don't MEAN to, but it sure happens! Also, Miss Vivian is dancing up a storm!!! I can feel her every single day and just LOVE it!!! So crazy! Gene can feel it more frequently too! :)

Alright, that's my update! have an excellent rest of the week!
Love~
EM & V
PS: Here's her Stroller/Carseat and Crib! WOOHOOO!!!!

Babymoon in Seattle!

2011-08-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS!! Well, almost 21 weeks pregnant here! We just got home from Seattle where we went on our "babymoon" aka: last get-away before baby! (My fam comes to visit labor day, but other than that, we're staying home for a longgg while!)
We drove over Saturday and stayed til Tues. It was such a fun, relaxing, gluttenous, fabulous weekend!!! We walked all over downtown Seattle, went to the EMP, the piers (CRAB POT!), did lots of shopping and went to a Mariner game that they actually WON!
PREGO UPDATES!
THE BELLY: Yes, I swear it's obvious! In the morning its not super prominent, but by evening she's visible! Especially at night when I lay on my back (for just a minute!) I can totally feel where she is, and she's where she's suppose to be because I can feel my uterus under my belly button! So weird/crazy/awesome!
WEIGHT: I haven't weighed since coming home from Seattle, but I'm thinking it's 6 or 7 pounds total, which last check with the Doc was right where "I" should be!!
SYMPTOMS: While some days I don't necessarily NEED a nap, a 30min. powersnooze sure does make me feel a LOT better!! It's funny, it's officially challenging to get situated in bed, which yes I'm aware will get much much more difficult! :) Pillows and lots of pillows are lovely!
WORKOUTS: Not much recently!!!! :S We did walk a TON in seattle, and tmrw I'll be back to teaching Butts N Guts. My goal is 4 days of walking anywhere from 30-45 mins. outside ideally, 2 upperbody circuit X week + 2 Butts N Guts classes X Week. Plus a ton of stretching!!!
MOOD: Well...........I am certainly more emotional. Two things that *ALMOST* set me off (crying, which seriously makes me laugh now!!!!) is that we got locked out of our room (TWICE!!!) and had to go ALL the way down to the front desk to have them fix it. Seriously, Sheraton Seattle is a bigass hotel and that was no small walk! And I'm pretty sure one of those times this pregnant bladder about bursted! The OTHER time I seriously almost burst into tears is at the Mariners game....I wanted some water, but didn't want a $4.50 bottle of avaian. So, I kindly asked for a cup so I could fill it up at the water fountain...he said he'd have to charge me $3.50....ummm....okay I get that they have to take inventory and whatnot, but I was dehydrated and come onnnnnn....so, I rinsed out my hubs beercup and filled it up from the water fountain........so so silly I know!!!
Here are some pix!!! MUCH LOVE!!!

BABY VIVIAN

2011-07-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! THanks so much for all the kind thoughts on our baby gender/cake cutting party!!!!!!!!!!!!! I keep saying this, but it was the BEST day!!! I would do it 100X over again & again! The emotion that overcame me when I saw that we were having a girl was indescribable! I still get teary when I think about it! ok, blame that on the pregnancy hormones! :)
The other exciting news last week was my sister found out what she was having! They did a cake cutting for the twins and found out they're having TWO GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooo much fun!!!!!!!!!!! So I'll have two neices coming in December! :) I already sent them headbands with big 'ol flowers on them! :)

Back to my baby girl: We've decided to name her after her Great Grandmother (Gene's YIAYIA) Vivian. It funny because the 1st thing people ask is whether it's a family name! It's an older name, but I think it's so beautiful and there are lots of nicknames too. I've been calling her lil V or Vivi. Her greek name is Vasiliki which shortens to Vasi. We're still working on middle name, though, that ones a little tougher!

I'm almost 5 months preggers and cant believe it! I'm still feeling really great although I do have some pregnancy related symptoms. I still have nasal congestion every night, and swear I have permanant residue on my nose from my breathe right strips! :) Also, I've experienced some Restless Leg Syndrome when laying down for bed, which omg sucks! I understand it can be related to a slight calcium/magnesium deficiency, so I'll address that and see if it helps! On the flip side, I HAVE felt her rolling around in my belly! Not so much kicks or punches yet, but definete flipping around!

We started registering yesterday @ Babies R Us and my goodness, where do you start and where do you end???? :)

Alright, off to clean & maybe go on a nice long walk!
Have a great week!
lOVE, Em & Vivi

my In-Laws

(Great Yiayia VIVIAN!)

BABY GENDER PARTY!

2011-07-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Thursday was one of T.H.E. B.E.S.T. days of my life. For now, that is! :) I'm not exagerating.....it was such an amazing way to find out the sex of our baby. I'll let you watch the video...I hope you enjoy it as much as we all did! Warning, there's LOTS of screaming!!! :)
Love,
EM & BABY V

(Sorry, blogger is wacky...you may have to copy & paste this link to watch it thru youtube.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGgLHV00nN8

Gender Reveal.........almost.....

2011-07-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

In just 2 short hours my lil baby's identity will be revealed. I'm trying to keep myself busy so I don't think about it too much! I've had nervous stomach alllllll day-I am just soooooo stinkin excited! I leave town tomorrow at 6am, so I won't post again until next week, but I will do a full recap of our Gender Party! My ultrasound appt. was this morning @ 10am. The tech knew I didn't want to see or know, so she showed me the face and other features besides the "GOODS" then wrote the result in a card. I took the card to my friend/baker, and she made me an AWESOME cake....it's sooooo cute! However, the inside icing is either pink or blue, and my husband and I will cut it tonight with a bunch of family & friends! Holy cow I'm so ready to find out!!
I also will be suprising my family tomorrow with the gender....sooo, no talking to them on the phone tonight after the party or I may burst! :)
See ya next week!
Love, Em & Baby Arger

(Here are some pics from last week)

17 WEEKS! And T-5 days.....

2011-07-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

HEY THERE! Hope you're having a great weekend! We're heading to Outback for dinner and then home for movies! Can you say PARTY ANIMAL!?? :)
Here are some pix from today....17 weeks and moving right along. I can officially NOT suck in anymore! There's certainly something in there!! And by Thursday evening we will knw!!!!! BOY OR GIRL!!??? I'm thinking boy, but will be thrilled either way! I just wanna know!!!
Here are some pic updates!

MUCH LOVE!
EM & Baby Arg

4 months!

2011-07-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS! Happy 4th of July Weekend! Hope you have plans to relax and enjoy time with fam & friends! We're heading out to the lake here in a while for a couple nights. Should be exciting! We have a big group coming out on Sunday for the fireworks show Sun UP Bay puts on. I am bringing lots of goodies--rice krispies, no bakes, rotel/velvetta cheese dip, hummus, veggies, watermelon, cowboy caviar bean dip, chips and that's it! Not very healthy, huh? The main dishes will be planked Salmon + Pastisto, so I think I can manage to feed me and baby pretty well and avoid all sugar comas! :)

Speaking of, I am 16 weeks!!!!!!!!! 4 months my goodness it's flown by! I had my 4th month check up and all is well! Baby Argers heart rate was 160bpm and hearing that lil heart beat will NEVER get old! I understand why women by their own doppler! My weight is still only up about 3 lbs, but the doc it not concerned about that because #1 I started higher and #2 I'll catch up the rest of this 2nd and 3rd Tri! I'm feeling REALLY good, I know I keep saying that, but I'm so serious. Pregnancy + Me = Good Time!!! =)
Here are a few random thoughts:
-We're having a GENDER PARTY thur. July 14th. We have an ultrasound that morning-will have the ultrasound tech write the results on a card and we won't look--I'll take that card to the baker (one of my bootcampers!) and she will make us a cake! The inside layers will have pink or blue and the outside will be gender neutral---that evening, we're heading to my inlaws for the CAKE CUTTING!!! I'm sooo excited! Kinda cheeseball, but I'm all about it! My in-laws will be there, my S-I-L will be there, YiaYia will be there and our cousins Greggie, Robin & Baby Ava will come as well! It will be a suprise to us all! Plus we'll have the laptop set up so my Kansas fam can watch via Skype! :) I'll keep ya posted.....I'm still thinking BOY??
-I have pregnancy induced nighttime congestion......either THAT, or it's the copious amounts of pepper jack cheese I've been adding to my eggs....I really don't consume any dairy, so I wonder which is the culprit??? Either way, It makes breathing thru my nose a challenge...ughhh...breathe right strips anyone?? ;)
-I've been doing incline cardio @ a moderate pace which really helps loosen up my lowback pain. Then, I roll around on the foam roller for a while afterwards--so far so good on keeping the lowback pain minimal!
-My "PCOS" face as I refer to it, is better at times, and the same at times. I still get mild breakouts, but they seem to heal quickly. I really, really, REALLLLLLY Hope that pregnancy will "RESET" my entire reproductive & endocrine system and put my PCOS in remission!!! A girl can hope, right?
-My sister and I decided all we think about is babies. Can't blame us, but it's soooooooooo true! I find myself daydreaming about the baby ALL freakin DAY!!!!!!! :) And, I maybe premature, but last night I'm Pretty sure I felt flutters!!!! And it wasn't gas! :) haha
-Okay, lastly, and this one sounds kinda bad, but it's not. It's soooooooo weird and admittly RELIEVING to not be losing or TRYING to lose weight. Lets be honestly, most of my 20's have been spend trying to lose weight, spending a little time at maintanance, then trying to lose again.....I'm so over that. I have so much respect for my body and the fact it's building a LIFE!!! I'll let it do whateverrrr it needs to make that baby as healthy as possible!!!!!

Alright, sorry for the novel, that's what ya get when I take too long to update! Pics will come in the next post...my camera USB cable is not cooperating!
SO much love to you all,
EM & BABY! :)

Make room 4 MULTIPLES!!!!

2011-06-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No, Not ME!!!!!
MY SISTER IS HAVING FRATERNAL TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy crap, how exciting is that!!?? THREE "reed" babies in December! Seriously amazing!!
So yesterday was her 12 week ultrasound. I was waitttting for her to call me and give me the deets....Well, finally she calls and this is what she says,

"Do you know what 'gemelos' means?" *she asked in spanish*

"Huh?? What do you mean? No, I have no idea what that means!!!" *I thought she was trying to tell me she already found out the babys' sex!*

"Gemelos is spanish for TWINS!"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
___________________________
I am sooo freaking excited for them! Our maternal Grandmother (Hi G'ma Diana!!!!) is a fraternal twin. Fraternal twins, I do believe, are genetic only on the maternal side. I about 4 weeks I think they'll find out what they're having!! Hopefully she gets a least one girl out of this!! My nephew Gavin will be sooooooo helpful and just the best big brother!!!
___________________________
My clients are so awesome. Some of them are like family! So, sharing the news that I was preggers.......then my sister was preggers......now she's expecting Twins.......Ohh, it's just so fun to share these AWESOME moments with them!!!!
___________________________
I'm already counting down to Labor Day (68 days...) when my Mom, Dad, Seeter & nephew Gavin come up to visit! She and I will be on the brink of starting the third trimester, so crazy to think about!!! I'm still super super super sad that we can't be with each other during EITHER deliver/recovery period.....BUT! We will certainly make a Spring trip work!! No doubt about it! Also, maybe I can get her to start a BLOG!!!!

Alright, I'll upload pix this weekend! Tomorrow I'm 15 weeks! Still pretty thicky thick thru the middle, but no bump yet......why do have a feeling it's just days away from popping!!!?? Hey I can't wait! BRING ON THE BABY BUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love love love~
EM & Baby!

(Hey, Krissa, if you're blogging right now, email me! I want to follow your blog but I think it might be sign-in only....Lemme know!)

13.5 Week Update!

2011-06-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

HI THERE!!!!! Hope you're all doing well!

All is FANTASTIC on the Pregnancy front! Here's a fun little list:

Days till due date: 184
Doctors appointments: 4
Average heart rate: 165bpm
Pounds gained: 3 (Side note: I am leaving it to the dr. to monitor my weight, I won't be stepping on the scale @ home. Hey, that's just me! :) She said she'll keep on eye on it and let me know if it needs addressed!)
Ultrasounds enjoyed: 4. I know, crazy huh? I had one @ 6 weeks to check for twins, one during my 8 week appt. with the OB (just a dinky old one in the room, not with an actual ultrasound tech.) One for genetic screenings @ 11 weeks, but the baby wasn't in the correct position for measuments so, they twisted my arm and made me go back yesterday for another one! Baby cooperated this time and was flipping all over! AWESOME!)
Movements felt: None yet, just GAS! :) ha
Favorite breakfast: Hmmm, toss up. Some days oats + blueberries, others Ezekial Egg Sandwich
Favorite lunch: Usually leftovers from dinner--if I'm lucky some quality source of protein...I still find protein a LITTLE hard to eat consistently.
Favorite dinner: Annie's Mac + Cheese. Ok, kid you not, my husband LOVES pasta, esp. mac + cheese. I could make it for him all the time before and not have ANY desire AT ALL for it. Just wasn't my cup of tea. Well, boy how that has changed....I should buy stock in Annies.......so yummy and filling--perhaps it's the calcium????
Favorite drink: ICED ICED ICED water with a splash of Tea or Lemonade or Cranberry Juice. LOVE!
Number names picked out: If it's a girl, it'll be VIVIAN after hubs G'ma. Hmm....boy names, we have about 4, but go back and forth! (Greek boy names are hard!!!! We don't want anything Too ethnic or hard to pronounce!)
Headaches suffered: Actually 2 or 3. Def. not something I ever suffered from. Talked to the doc and since a nap or TONS of liquid seem to help-she is not too concern-nor am I, assuming it's just shifts in hormones!!
Days missed from work: NADA!! I'm happy to say I haven't missed one Butts N Guts class that I teach throughout the whole pregnancy! I was thinking at the beginning I might have to change the format so I was coaching and not TEACHING, but, I've felt great enough to keep doing it!
Current complaint: NONE! I love being preggers!!!
Items of maternity wear bought: 2. Motherhood Maternity! 1 pair of shorts + 1 pair of capris!
Average bed time: 930pm
Most embarrassing guilty pleasure: Seriously the Mac + Cheese. SOOO unlike me!! HA, i'm just embracing it!
Days till anatomy scan: About 5 weeks, I'm HOPING the week of July 18th. My next OB appt. is July 6th and she'll set the appt. then!

Weekend Recap

2011-05-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

HEY THERE!!!!!!!!!
Hope Memorial Day Weekend has treated you well! We were busy busy busy! We bought a lovely crimson king maple for our front yard. We had a spruce out front that had died last year and we really needed to replace it. It's gonna be beautiful! Hard work though! Well, hard work for Gene! :)
We also swept the garage and rearranged some things in there. Successful weekend capped off by Italian food and WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such an amazing performance indeed. I really loved it and would watch it again for sure! I got choked up at the end when they all come out for their bows....you can just imagine the hard work they put into it!!!!! AWESOME date nite!
I also took a belly pic--11 weeks and a few days. Friday I'll be 12 weeks and am sooooooo excited to get into the 2nd tri! Starting @ 12 weeks I'll recap how I'm feeling, what I'm eating and do a once-a-week recap so I'll have something to look back on!
Here are some pix:

11 Weeks!

2011-05-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS!!!!!!!
Thanks so much for the kind congrats! Oh my goodness we are sooo excited!!!
Everyday I'm just so thankful to be preggers! We had a "little" journey due to the PCOS & annovulation---and the journey certainly felt like it lasted a lifetime---but finally getting pregnant made me forget the stressful times!!!!! It REALLY is a miracle!!!!!!
I want to keep this blog to remember the feelings and the path from a family of 2 to 3!!!
We found out April 8th and were able to share with my immediate fam because they knew we were trying. Then, on Mother's Day we shared with my in-laws and most of Gene's fam. Then, last week I finally shared with my clients! It has been SOOOO amazing re-living and re-telling the GREAT NEWS!!!!! :)
So far, I have been blessed with virtually NO morning sickness. Praise The Lord! I certainly had moments of nausea and upset tum, but no puking or dry heaving! Also, I have the luxury of working in the mornings, have a break mid-day, then head back for an afternoon/eve session--So, I was/am able to take some SERIOUS afternoon naps! And suprisingly, those naps have not affected my sleep--I still sleep HARD (minus having to go to the bathroom @ about 4am. Awesome.)
Other randoms symptoms are tender gums, feeling dehydrated, and feeling like I might have to tell my clients I got a boobjob for my bday (i didn't of course, just a lovely symptom!)
Wanna know the most exciting part of my pregnancy journey!?!?! My Seester is just 3 weeks behind me!!!!!!!!!!!! Her son/my nephew Gavin will be 4 June 7th and their 2nd will be here Jan. 5th 2012!!!!!!!! WHOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!! It's been SOOOOOOOOOOO amazing sharing this journey with her!!!!! Words can't even describe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright, that's my update for now! We're heading to WICKED this weekend for our anniversary. We're thinking Italian before hand.....YUM!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love~!
EM & BABEEE

1st Comes LOVE!!!

2011-05-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Then Comes Marriage! (3 year to be exact!)Then Comes the Baby in the Baby Carriage! YAY!!!!!!!! I'm pregnant! 10 weeks down, 30 to go!! I'm 7 weeks in the 1st pic, 9 weeks in the 2nd!!! GLORY TO GOD!!! Due 12/16/11

VEGAS, yaaa VEGAS!

2011-01-02T16:34:00.001-08:00

HAPPY 2011!!!!!!! WOW, another year come & gone! 2010 was full of ups and some downs, but I've learned SO much this past year I certainly wouldn't change a thing!
So, the week between Xmas + NYE, Hubs & I went to VEGAS! That week is typially a little slower for me at the STudio, since many clients take Vacation and hit the slopes for skiing. Also, funny enough, I probably would have had a ton of cancellations due to the fact that Spokane got over a foot of snow while we were gone! Bummer, sad I missed that! (NOT)
So, here's a picture recap of Vegas. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!! :)
LOVE,
EM

Update?

2010-11-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS!!!!!!!
well, in case I have any followers left....... :)
Here are some pix to keep ya in the loop--all is well and I plan on doing a full update this weekend--I'm crazy busy with work and taking some time off from blogging!!
Hope you all have an AWESOME weekend!!
love~
EM

:)

Zip, Zilch, ZEROOOOO

2010-09-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Thats the number of Fitness Girls at our local level Fitness/Figure/Bikini/Bodybuilding show yesterday. I had a client competing in bikini (she got 3rd in her class-hollaaaaa!!!) BUT--no Fitness girls. So sad, the sport is fading away.........That being said, I would have been disappointed to prep hard for it, then show up with no competition. An uncontested win isn't a win in my books! It was very bizarre being at a show and not being schlacked in tanner, all dolled up, thirsty/hungry/tired......I only stayed for prejudging, and the figure and bikini gals looked great. I text my husband after and said I REALLY REALLY REALLLLLLLLLLY wanna compete again. We've (hub & I) have chatted lengths about my health, my goals, the business, future pregnancy and when we feel ready to "try".....I like the quote, "While we're busy making plans, GOD laughs...." so while I do believe we can't time everything, it's still good to have gameplan. My personal training and group fitness STUDIO is awesome. If you wanna see the place, check out my website www.studiofitspokanevalley.com

Update on the Fitness front, I'm 2 weeks down for the TT Transformation. I lift 3 times a week and HITT 3 times a week. Plus I do zumba and yoga. I'm feeling good. It's funny how I am not necessarily at a healthy weight or BMI but I feel like I look GOOOOOOOD. :) Curves are NOT a bad thing! :) Anyway, I love the program and am getting it done!

Have a great sunday!
LOVE~
EM :)

p.s. LAUUUUUUUUUREN MY LOVE! Yes, I must see you when I'm in VEGAS! That's so great you're there, hope all is well! Lets chat! XOXOX

Hi my name is Em....

2010-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

and I simply cannot pass up a challenge.
Enter Turbulence Training transformation contest #9.
***HOLLLLLAAAA***
I'm so excited! I just finished workout A followed by HITT.

I'm feeling good. I did baseline measurments & pics and like we all know--theres a reason they're called "BEFORE" stats! :) :)

We had a lowkey Laborday weekend--went to the lake but it was less than stellar weather!

I'm looking forwards to working hard thru sept...going to Kansas the 1st week of Oct. *YAY!!!* posssibly going to Phoenix for thanksgiving and then heading to VEGAS Dec. 27th Ohhhh yeahhhh. So, this challenge takes me up to the 11th of Dec. I think. It will be fun--I'll keep ya'll updated!

Have a great rest of the week!
love~
EM :)

Vegas 2008

It's the WEEKEND!

2010-08-28T12:17:00.001-07:00

HEY GUYS!!
I hope the past week was a successful one for ya!
It was pretty good for me! I got in a couple great workouts! I lifted, did Zumba(x2) and Yoga. I'm still lacking that morning cardio I love soooo much! Perhaps its the new down comforter/duvet we got........it's so luxurious--I can't hardly get out of bed!!!!!!
Now here's something interesting--I MUCH prefer the DOMS "muscle" soreness as opposed to "sleeping too long in funky position" soreness. You know the difference, one simply needs a nice warm-up & workout....the other needs a massage or chiropractic visit........I firmly believe I function better on 7-8 hours of sleep...when I go past 8 I start getting sore. I need to remind myself that...

I've been reading "The Energy Addict" by Jon Gordon before I go to bed. It has some pretty great tips, including:

*PRACTICE THE 90-10 RULE: Depriving doesn't work because it doesn't flow with natural lifestyles & rhythms.

*ELIMINATE CLUTTER: INSIDE & OUT! It blocks precious new energy from flowing into your life by filling up your space with old stagnant energy.

*RELAX INSTEAD OF TALKING: The diff. between talking unnecessarily & relaxing is the diff. between having energy & losing energy. -Try this next time you drive. Shut your phone off and focus on relaxing & positive thoughts while you drive-

*THE GIFT OF PAIN: There are 2 ways to process energy during difficult/painful situations; either though TRUST & LOVE or thought fear & doubt. Richard Bach quotes, "Every problem has a gift for you in its hands."

That's only 4 of the 101 physical, mental & spiritual ways to energize your life. I really enjoy the book-it's great to just flip though daily!

Well, after a relaxing morning, I'm about to tackle laundry, dusting, bathrooms and get my massage room all set for tmrw-I'm doing 4 massages!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading, and thank you all for your super nice comments, I really appreciate it! XOXO
EM :)

Success!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-23T15:36:00.001-07:00

Nicole & I finally made our 6am YMCA workout. We've been trying, boy oh boy we've been trying......... :)
It was SO nice to knock out an awesome workout first thing. And it's always nice to watch the sun rise on my way there!! We did chest & tri's and I did about 20 mins. of upright bike intervals. Felt Goooooood!
This evening we're going on a bike ride after I teach cardio bootcamp. My group fitness schedule at my studio is so awesome right now! Everything from Cardio bootcamp, to butts & guts, zumba, yoga....much to offer! Between that and personal training clients-I'm staying plenty busy. And like always, I thrive on being busy---downtime is actually when I find it hard to stay motivated-but when you're go go go, it's easy cuz you have to!!! :)

I'm finally at full dose for my meds. I don't know if it's mental or not, but I have felt a little more tired. (or was I feeling tired because I wasn't getting my workouts in and fueling my body properly...) probably the latter..........
Anyway!
My G'ma & her twin bro celebrated 80 years this past weekend---how freakin cool is that?!? I wanna be healthy and surrounded by family when I celebrate 80 years!!! (LOVE YOU G'MA!!!)
Well, back to work, hope you all have had a productive and enjoyable Monday!
I'll add some recipes I've been fond of lately, and perhaps some pix! Yay!
Much love~
EM :-)

Thankful!

2010-08-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

HEY ALL! I hope this week has been treating you well!!!! I've decided i have GOT to keep this blog updated. How many times do I say that? Well....all the time, but What I've decided will work, is to just text my post from my phone. I intend on tracking workouts, mood/feelings, and general stuff! :)

SO, while this isn't' your typical "CONTEST PREP" blog, i do hope to offer some insight and HOPEFULLY some inspiration.

What's been bothering me the past few weeks (well, since PCOS diagnosis) is I've forgotten this is LIKELY something I've been "conquering" for a while now. SO, why would my feelings/actions/demeanor change simply from a diagnosis? Okay, maybe I can explain this better (bear with me, I'm just thinking as I type...)

I perhaps have done myself some disservice by OVER RESEARCHING & OVER ANALYZING this disorder. My head was so full of the negative parts--the symptoms, the fertility issues, the long term effects.....when REALLY I just need to focus on the now. I pride myself on being one of the most positive people I know, so I will continue that no matter what!
My poor husband even said, "Em, I don't like having to be the positive one, you're so much better at that!" :) Bless his heart, he's been awesome through all of this!

So i guess my point is that I've let PCOS hinder my physical/mental outlook in a not so good way. I wallowed. Yep, I wallowed and sulked. I didn't workout. I ate randomly and crappy (?) I didn't enjoy it. I was tired (perhaps the new meds?) and lackluster. But again, I'VE LIKELY BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR SOMETIME!!!!! Shit, I did one MAYBE 2 contest preps with PCOS, why would living a healthy lifestyle (being fit) be any different now? In fact, it should be BETTER with the meds that will help regulate my hormones!!!!!

In conclusion, (or in restarting?) Okay, I have PCOS. I've probably HAD PCOS. I contest prepped with PCOS. I got trim (took a while!) and felt awesome! so, I intend on getting trim again (because right now I feel anything thing BUT trim) getting trim will only help my symptoms and I need to be the healthiest I can for a future pregnancy! (GOD WILLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Alright, if you're still with me, bless you! :)
I'm out, hope you feel thoroughly updated! :)
Lots of love~
EM

New challenges

2010-08-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well, for the time being, I'm putting competitions on the back burner.
This will now be my journey with PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
I was diagnosed this past week-- although I've known for some time that something wasn't exactly right with my hormones. I'm hopeful and excited to begin my new treatment plan and feel that because of my healthy lifestyle, I will have great success. I will try and blog about my experience and will give more details about my symptoms and how I eventually was diagnosed. Perhaps my journey can help other women!!!
I'll leave you with some pix from when my folks were here.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, I'll update more tomorrow! :)
Love~
EM

Yeah yeah yeah, I'm still here!

2010-07-27T18:52:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're in limbo? I gotta say I'm no fan of this feeling, no fan at all, but......everything happens for a reason!
I need to upload the pix from my folks visit to the inland northwest! We had so much fun-much needed family time indeed!
I'll blog more later, and I don't mean to be melodramatic...hang with me!
Love~
EM :)

(The hubs & I--gosh we look young! I think this was 5 yrs ago!)

10 miles + Stairs!!!

2010-07-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Whooooohoooo!
This 4th of july was so much fun! Granted, the weather was poo (think cloudy and 60 some degreees....really??) but with the addition of Ping Pong and a dart board-we were plenty busy!
Also, I never fail to kill it with the workouts at the lake. I get up super early (our "bay" is Sun Up Bay and it's awesome to sit on the deck at 6am with a cup (pot) of coffee!! Glorious!!) There is a trail that clocks in at 2 miles and I did it 4 times this weekend (plus a 1 mile cool down; done twice) I also talked one of our buddies, Kevin, into doing stairs with me one morning. We did 25 sets. Every stair for 5, facing right/crossover 5 times, facing left/crossover 5 times, slow skipping stairs (like lunges) 5 times, 5 everystair FAST. Holy crap. Then we went down to the dock and iced our legs (yeh, no joke, it was an ice bath, the water is like 50-55 degrees)
Food intake was wonderful. SOOOOOOOOOoo much salmon. I think I had 4 or 5 servings! Plus, I make my protein pancakes twice! And pushed the H20 as well!

Yesterday I didn't lift but I ran 5 miles outside. Today I did upperbody work (back with Nic) went to work and taught Butts N Gutz then worked out again with my bikini girl Soooooooo, I'm pooped!
I anticipate a hot epsom salt bath tonight. holy schnikes! (oh BTW, we watched step brothers & Tommy Boy this weekend---what the heck, I'm telling ya we weren't outside that much--tooo cold!!)

Alright, I gotta go try and find some hikes for Glacier National Park! My folks will be here a week from Friday and we're heading to Montana to the park! soooooooooooo pumped!!!

hope you're all well!
Thanks for checkin in on me~
LOVE,
em :)

I'm HERE!!!

2010-07-01T20:34:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness how is it JULY 1st?!?!
I'm so excited for this prep. I've had a successful week and plan on keeping my momentum (yes, even thru the 4th).
Today I got a spray tan (and lost 5 lbs.) so the plan is to take progress pix (11 weeks out!) in the morn. I may or maynot have mentioned that I will be doing both fitness & bikini. I anticipate this may be my last show for a while (babies? yes? No, maybe so??) I'd really like to go out on TOP and not hear the typical critique of "not lean enough" sooooooooooooo, here we go. EM GET LEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! EM GET LEAN'er
:)

Hope ya'll have a super safe and fun 4th of July~!
I'll post pix this wkend!
Love love~
EM

SoOooooooo....Sooo...Funkdafied!

2010-06-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

I was in a FUNK!!!!!!

I was in a Funk. And now I'm not. :)

Dang, I usually NEVER struggle with energy levels and this past few weeks have been a lil off for me.

Although I could claim it was an array of things---it's all good now. I'm out of my funk.

Thats it for now! :)
I will resume regular blogging next week!
Hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend!
Lots of love~
EM

Welllllll

2010-06-06T18:05:00.001-07:00

So, plans have changed---isn't that inevitable?? :)
Just kidding, but I am stoked to say that I am now prepping for another hometown show! Sept 18th Night of Champions here in Spokane will be my 4th show. I really considered the arizona show, but it was just too rushed. I love prep, but its always my goal for it not to intervene on life and family. Well, with 4th of July, visit from family, and maintaining my AWESOME business, it just wouldn't work. I will take my sweet time and prep for 15 weeks, just like I did for the Empire Classic. I plan on doing the Bikini division as well, just for fun!
My critique from one of the judges was *shocker* that I wasn't lean enough. This is exactly why I never foresee "PRO" status in Fitness. It's honestly a physique I don't ASPIRE to attain. I do plan on being more lean this time around, but I just don't desire a shredded, ripped physique. I like a lil cushion! It looks better on me! :)

For now I will continue eating clean and getting pumped for our 4th of July BBQ--it's always a good time! :) 5 weeks!

That's it from this side, hope you're all well!!!!!!!
Lots of love and thanks for reading!

XOXO~
EM

It STILL Fits!

2010-05-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last monday we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. A girl I knew from bookclub told me how she always puts her dress on and takes a pictures with how ever many years they celebrated! I totally loved the idea, so last year I did it, and this past monday I did it again! So fun to see my dress again, I really really love it!!

Also, here is one tuckered puppy. Check out the green tint to the paws....daddy must have mowed today! :) :)

BACK & BUSY

2010-05-25T20:25:00.001-07:00

HEYYYYYYYYYYYY GUYS! Thanks sooooo much for your kind words. I have such amazing memories of my Mimi. I was blessed to live with them while I was in limbo (before moving up here from PHX). She was such a character, I only hope people see a little of her in myself! :) :)

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, back to PHOENIX I GO!!!!!!!! I am, indeed, competing again, JULY 24th in Mesa. I will be doing Fitness & BIKINI!! WHAOOOHOOOO! I am just over 8 weeks out--and luckily this past 4 weeks haven't been too hard on me body! :)

I am confident and thrilled to "ENTER" prep again. I am training with my girl, janelle, she did the April show with me. We have a blast working out and she's so positive and fun!

Monday was Lower body, Today was Upper body and tmrw will be lower body again. Thursday is off, Friday is plyometrics and abzzzzzzzz. :) oh yeah........

off to watch the biggest loser-------what the heck, one of the clients just weighed in at 119. Ummmm, I'd had to cut off a damn appendage to even come close to weighing that...... :)

Lots of love, and bless you all for you kind words and prayers.
A rested and rejuvenated EM :)

Baklava on my Bday...yummmm

whirlwind

2010-05-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

what a crazy, sad, emotionally and physically draining few weeks it has been....I am sitting at the lakehouse in couredelane with my hubz (its our 2nd wedding anniv!!!) and the 2 pups. this weekend i am debriefing and trying to re-energize myself.
its so tough to write this--but last sunday my dads mom (my mimi) passed.....
she'd had a stroke the previous tuesday and by friday was in a hospice situation...she was surrounded by lots and lots of love and passed at her home-which is def. how she would have liked it. we flew home monday and didnt get home until yesterday. we stayed at a diffferent place each nite and drove all over southwest/central kansas. it was wonderful to see all my family--but never under those circumstances....
im so sad that she no longer will be following my crazy adventures on my blog. she read it religiously and was probably my biggest fan!!! =)
off to rest and relax....ill update u on my next adventure (which will sort of be 'in her honor') MISS YOU MIMI!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxo

Even MORE pix!

2010-05-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'm getting the most out of life---

2010-05-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

and...my NPC 2010 membership. :)
Yep---I'm going to compete again. and possibly again.
So here's the thing-when you compete-you join the NPC organization for 1 calender year (jan 2010-dec. 2010) I'm going to make the most of this and attempt a couple more shows before I hang my heels up for good!!! I was soooooooooo entirely thrilled with my last performance, that I would be content being done for the long run.......but then a HUGE part of me missed the process......so I started researching more shows. Unfortunately-the last show I did was not a national qualifier-so I must 1st get my national qualification before I can move on. What I'm thinking is--Compete July 24th in MESA ARIZONA!!!! with hopes of gaining nat'l qualification-then Compete Aug. 28th in Texas at Nationals!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT???!!!!??!?!!!? :-0 Shoot for the MOON, EH???!!!!
So, please feel free to follow me again!! This prep will be fantastic considering I already have my suit (no more spending sunday afternoons at with my seamstress) my routine is complete (with much room for more sassiness) and my sis in law lives in Phoenix (and quite possibly will compete in the bikini division). Now, I understand this prep occurs during summer--which to me makes perfect sense--I want to maintain my health over summer!!!!!!! When I am not in prep, I find I get a little too lax with the diet, so structure works well for me. My goal is for the "dieting" if you will, not affect anyone but me. This is my choice and I'm ready to push thru! (The one thing I don't enjoy about prep, is when people say---ohhh, you're dieting.....but really-that doesn't affect them. People can eat whatever they want-it shouldn't affect them if I bring my own food or opt out.......I hate that!! :( )

Looks like saturday puts me 10 weeks out from AZ and 15 weeks out from TX. Holy cow!!!!!!!

I'll keep ya posted!!!!!!
Much love~
EM

Update Below--pix right hurrr

2010-04-27T20:58:00.001-07:00

3 down............

2010-04-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I can say I've prepped and competed in 3 fitness shows.
The first one had the "NEW-NESS" and the unknown factor of attempting something new.

The 2nd one was post wedding/honeymoon and I can say I half-assed my training.

This show I worked hard. I trained with my buddies Nicole & janelle. I had healthy eating habits entering contest prep. I had a plan! I did my own training and my own nutrition. Did it all on my own and I am pleased with how I did! 2nd place!!!(out of 3) But DAMN if I didn't ROCK my routine at the night show! I had so sooooooooooo much fun! I will get it uploaded and link it as soon as I can! This week I'll get some pix posted, too! I'm too busy doing laundry and cleaning house to get all of them uploaded!
All in all it was such a wonderful experience. I had my family there, 20 of my clients there, and it was in my own backyard! And, I'm a year older. :) Life is GOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love love~
EM

So soooooo close!

2010-04-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well well well........peak week is here! I cannot believe it!
I've wanted to hop on a post, but dang, everytime I think about it-something else comes up-----or perhaps I subconciously don't want to see the countdown clock on my page.......... :)
I'm so ready. So excited. So organized (thanks to nicole) So pumped!

I get my suit tonight. I've finalized my routine outfit (still finetuning routine transitions) my posing feels/looks good, nutrition/h20 is fine-I've plan out my days to the hour basically!
My family gets here Thursday night (after my photoshoot!) and I'm off work thurs/fri/mon (my bday!) so I am hitting it hard the next couple days then I'll be coasting into SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm having my makeup done by the BEST makeup artist in town-cant wait!

Alright, I'm here there and everywhere in my head right now-forgive me-but do check back this weekend for updates/results!!!
Thank you all for your AWESSSSSSSSSSSEme support! I truly appreciate it!
Lots of love~
EM :)

2 week peek

2010-04-11T19:54:00.001-07:00

These are a few of my fav. things!!!

2010-04-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

HEY THERE!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe how close I'm getting to stepping on stage infront of family & friends., I'm so sooooooo excited I can't stand it! :)
So, with a couple modifications here and there, I'm still able to enjoy my top 10 foods: In no particular order- :)
Pumpkin Seeds, Apples, Eggs, Beans (garbanzo/black), Romaine/Spinach, almond Butter, Berries(all), Oat Bran, Flax/Chia seeds, Chunk lite Tuna.

I relying on REAL food. Very little protein powder supps-opting for fish or eggs for that

I'm feeling great. This is a very excxiting time in contest prep because you can really see little changes each day. I'm happy with my 3 week out pix--especially because I'm not tan. We all know how helpful a tan is!

I'm used to being a sore old lady. I'm doing epsom salt baths, glutamine and magnesium supplements but i'm still crazy sore!!!!!

Tomorrow afternoon is dedicated 100% to routine practice and posing! :) :) yay!!!! Maybe I'll post some pix or video!

Hope you're all doing great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE~
EM

3 weeks ta gooooo

2010-04-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hey THERE!!!!! Christos Anesti!
Hope you're all having a lovely Easter weekend with family and friends!
Nicole & I visited our suit lady yesterday and boy does that always make me sweat! :) It went pretty well, although I do have some major modifications to my suit........I'll explain that later!

Here are some progress pix from today. We worked on posing and presentation. Good stuff! lots of fun! :) Monday morning is SERIOUS routine work. I've got it all down in my head, but I've still gotta nail it down!! :)

Lots of love~
EM

2010-03-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Progress & half Tan :)

2010-03-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS!!!!! Took pix before cardio this morn. Last night I experimented with Pro-Tan's overnight tanner (not stage formula) just for fun---and pretty much just did my arms and tummy. :) And I possibly slept with one arm over my head and got it on my cheek-no worries :) nothing bronzer can't hide!!! haaaa!

Google is being lame and not letting me upload more---so check back lataaaa! LOVE!!! EM

Tough LOVE!!!

2010-03-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

First off---all is well in contest prep land! I'm ONE MONTH OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAHHHHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is such as awesome post, I really don't link something unless I really think it's juicy! :) So if you have a chance, PLEASE read this!! (click below)

PRIDE & EATING HABITS

love!!!
EM :0)

Zi Ahhsessz

2010-03-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

That title only makes sense if you were my workout partner bright and early monday morning.

Holy. Asschecks. Batman.

:) Pardon the language, but(t)............whoaaaa

We did glute and hamstring work and I am STILL feeling it. Lots of step-up. That gets me everytime!

I'm feeling F.A.B. seriously. Can't believe I felt like absolute CRAP last week.

This morning we mimiced (sp?) a Monica Brant Shoulder workout. It was AWEEEESOME!

Tonight I'm teaching Turbokick and I pray my leg fibers don't rip!!!!

Today is March 24th. April 24th I will compete! YAY! (31 days!)

Ahhh, I just got goosebumps......no, really, I did! :)

Hope you all have a rockin day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love~
EM :)

Pix time-Puppies-Progress

2010-03-21T11:14:00.001-07:00

FEELING MUCHHHHHH BETTER!!!!!!

2010-03-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

YAY! For Good Health!!!!!!! BRING ON THE NEXT 5 WEEKS!

Preview of my suit: Should I be concerned by the debris of SPARKLES all over me?? That could be problematic...we shall see--hopfully I don't have to choose a new material!

BUGZZZZ BE GONE!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

Whatever SuperBugg has invaded my body--please remove yourself in a timely manner---meaning RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!
oh gosh you guys-coming from someone who never gets sick----this sucks. I've been less than 100% since last friday. First flu-like, but then cough and congestion. Me NO LIKEY!!!!!!!!!!!
Did I mention I'm 5 1/2 weeks out. Am I panicing? I plead the 5th.
I'm waiting for my bootcampers to get here, give them a rockin class, then I'm heading home for some moderate cardio before I call it a night. Sleep is good.

Hopefully my next post will be FULL of good health, good workouts, and great progress!
:)

Love you all and wish you MUCH great health always~
EM

Tag you're it!

2010-03-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Soooo, not contest related....but as I sit here blogging, I'm watching my 2 westies play tag outside. They're hilaaaaaarious! Their tails are going crazy.....one chases the other, then speeds off-oh the life of a puppy! :) :) Too fun!

Alright, workouts then a 'health' update
#69 Taught Turbokick *3/10/10*
#68 Legs & Back with Nicole + 15 min. on bike *3/11/10*
#67 Cardio Circuit at Studio with Janelle *3/11/10*

Then comes thursday evening bootcamp classes that I taught.....I had about 5 cups of herbal tea I was sooooooooooooo cold-couldn't get warm. Feeling achy, just thought it was from the workout that morn. After bootcamp I took a hot epsom salt bath---that helped but then I couldn't cool down. I ended up having to sleep with a icepack.......ughhhh....no joking.

Soooo basically Friday was written off as a complete REST day. Havn't had one of those in a while so I must have been due. I was achy all day and had a mild headache........not awesome

Anyway, today I'm feeling much better. Not 100%, but close!
TOmorrow Nicole and I are going to try on our suits. Ohhh, goood, ness................6 weeks to keep shedding fat!!

I'm off to do some mild elliptical work!
have an awesome weekend~
LOVE~EM

Moving right along!

2010-03-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

#72-PLYOmetric with Nicole + 55 min. cardio circuit *3/8/10*
#71-Shoulders with Nicole (no cardio--too hANGRY!!! :) ) *3/9/10*
#70-Circuit cardio @ the Studio with Janelle *3/9/10*

Hope you're all having a great week thus far!!

love~
em

Worrrrrk It

2010-03-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

I love practicing posing!!! Today nicole & I practiced at the YMCA. It's so funny, we're in the aerobics rooms and there are random people that use the same area, peek it, probably wondering what DA HELLLLL are those girls doing in their sky high heels?!?! :) I love it!
It was a successful posing session and next time we will video and take lots of pix (I feel a VLOG coming soon! :) )

Yesterday I continued with the 80 in 50 workout series.
#76---Pure Cardio (from Insanity, hubs bday present) and Cardio Abs
#75---90 min. POWER walk outside in the sunshine! (jammin to the ipod)
#74---45 min. easy elliptical
#73---20 min. stairmill/20 min. bike/20 min. EFT

HOLLAAAA!!!!!! i'm so pumped with all the workouts! Tomorrow we will do Plyometrics in the gym and I'll do some easy cardio in the afternoon! I'm working a lot on stretching and my strength moves. Gotta perfect them!!!!!!!!!!

Have a WONDERFUL week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE~
EM :)

80 in 50.

2010-03-05T21:04:00.001-08:00

Yesterday marks my 50 day countdown. And.......in 50 days, I will complete (at least) 80 workouts. Now, those aren't all crazy lifting sessions or high intensity workouts, but they are workouts that I will make C.O.U.N.T. call me crazy, but I've already done 4! :) :)

Sooooo, I'm taking progress pix this Sunday. It's getting closer and I'm getting more and more excited. The point I'm at right now is basically where I was at my last show. (uhhhh, if that says anything about my conditioning for my last show....) ANYWAY, I will keep plugging away, doing the work, and can't wait for April 24th!!

I'm tracking all 80, starting with yesterday:::
#80-H.I.T.T. on the tready followed by LEGS workout with Nicole. (yowzaa) *3/4/10*
#79-45 min. cardio circuit (stepper, ellip, tread) at Studio with Janelle *3/4/10*
#78-45 min. upperbody & yoga in Schwetty's *3/5/10*
#77-45 min. TurboKick at Studio *3/5/10*

Off to check the Arnold results!!!

have a fab weekend! I'll be posting #76, 75, 74 and 73 by Sunday eve! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Rock it don't stop it!
LOVE~
EM :)

Ewwwwwww..pink slime

2010-03-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

HEY GUYS!!!!! HAPPY MARCH!
Just wanted to throw this link out there..........yikes! Hope you didn't have a fastfood hamburger for lunch or anything............ :)
Ewww-weee

On a better note- I'm off to bed because this BG is getting up yet again at 5am to meet my fellow contest prepper nicole for our LEG session. Yikes, I anticipate not being able to walk for a few days. A.w.e.s.o.m.e.

MAKE IT A FAB WEEK!!!!!!!!!! 212 degrees!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE~
EM :)

Holy Meatballs!

2010-02-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Bless my husband (and all other significant others' who support a physique athlete in training...)
He has been SUCH a trooper the last weeks as I stay bound & determined on my diet. He has kept all "off plan" food out of the house. Healthy things: like NutThins, Popcorn & Baked Lays...TOTALLY 100% acceptable unless you're planning on stepping on stage! :)
SOooooooo, tonight, I made him a treat meal. Greek Meatballs with Spaghetti (gluten free) and yes, I did have a little bit.....holy cow it was so stinking good! I was suppose to use breadcrumbs but used oat bran instead and you couldn't even tell! It's definitely a dinner I need to make for my in-laws! (it's called Greek because of the spices/seasoning, and because you're suppose to use ground lamb---nope, we used lean ground B.E.E.F!!!!)

Today was such a crazy busy day! Nicole and I did back and Bi's (we did chest/tri on friday morn) and then I stayed for ZUUUUUMBA!!!!!!! LOVE IT!
After that, I did a massage, then we went and bought a new mattress, went to the mall, went to BestBuy, came home, took a gametable to Goodwill, went grocery shopping, then finally came home for the day. Hubs totally re-arranged Schwetty's so I'll have to take pix. It looks much bigger and more open! Love it!!

Ohhhhhh, did I mention while I was preparing the meatballs, I made a Funfetti cake for the birthday party tmrw?!?!? (for my hubs, m-i-l AND f-i-l) Yep, I sure did, and I wrapped it all up and foil and got it out of my sight. I'm not TOUCHING that cake tmrw! I will be disciplined. I will be disciplined. I will be disciplined :) :) :)

Tomorrow I'll do cardio before church, and another round before zi partaa (party)
Hope you've all had a wonderful weekend thus far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going strong for 2 more months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
XOXO~
EM

Tanorexia

2010-02-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

HEYYYYYYY!

Hope the weekend has treated u well thus far!

It's been soooooo so gorgeous here the past few days! The sun is bright and my mood is high!!! :)

Yesterday Nicole and I kicked butt for over 2 hours at the gym. Plyos followed by slow state cardio. THEN, we went to see our suit gal again! I cannot WAIT to have a suit that actually fits to MY body---what a concept!!! :)

After a powernap and a long epsom salt bath-I went and got spray tanned!!!!!!! WAAAHOOO!!
I love spray tan. LUV IT. I don't tan in the beds because frankly-I turn RED, and then right back to white. Never works. And i have no desire to do it..........but........insert spray tanning and I'm alllll about it! I think I'm gonna buy a kit so I can do it at home! :)

Here are some pix of the pups and my progress pix. Have a great evening! :)

MUST READ MONDAY!! :)

2010-02-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

LOVE THIS!

Hope ya'll are having a fab monday! I love the above site: so if you have a chance, read it and browse the other articles, too!

Off to take the puppies to get groomed. It's their 1st official "WESTIE" cut, so I'll post pix. Love them lil guys!!! :)

XOXO~
EM

2.5 months to go......:)

2010-02-14T09:40:00.001-08:00

Headin to Schwettys for am cardio, but wanted to post my 10 weeks OUT pix! I feel like my waist is getting smaller---that and my lowback "lubdub" always like to hold on tight for dear life-thus making my job a little more challenging! :) :)

have a fabulous Sunday!

SUCHHHHH a good day!!!!!!!!

2010-02-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!! SUCH AN OUTSTANDING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of those days that you wish you could replicate day in and out.....and I should, really, I should!

Funny, wednesday was a low day. I was just kinda blahhhhh feeling. Not sick-i'm over whatever was trying to come on last week--but just a little crampy, crappy, ya know...........ANYWAY, after being a complete and utter blob, I woke up and TORE IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did 1 hour of cardio before work---trained 2--did 45 more mins. of cardio with my bikini girl, did 2 massage, trained 1 more, then instructed 10 in bootcamp!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I felt good and energetic all day long!

Tomorrow Nicole & I are training at 6am. Then I'm doing another session of cardio before 530 bootcamp! Sunday morning I'm taking progress pix. I def. feel tighter! That's all I can ask for!
TIGHT & TINY-TIGHT & TINY-TIGHT & TINY! That's my mantra right now.........

Have a fabulous Friday! Don't forget to watch the Opening Ceremonies! YAY!

Love love~
EM

SUIT DECISION TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-07T16:56:00.001-08:00

Alright: Here we go: Big decision time!

Nicole & I went to our 1st meeting with our seamstress. We each got swatches of our color choice.......now we just have to come to a decision! Nicole is likely going to use this REALLY pretty aqua/turquoise blue that will look sweet with her eyes & dark hair..........I swatches of ALL different color: Feel free to chime in on choices:

*Dark Blue with sparkles

*Blueish Purple

*Pink Crushed Velvet

*Gold Hologram (think Nicole Wilkins)

Of course with all the above, there will be plenty of colored and sworaski stones to make it pop......but I just can't decide!

Another thing I need to finalize ASAP is my routine. I have never done a theme and I'm thinking this year I may! Any ideas?!?!?!? I would love to do a salsa/hip hop/flashy routine. That would be lots of fun and would appeal to the audience......so, I gotta get that figured out! Also, I need to either buy a premade copy of music or choose songs of my own and have someone mix it........eye yi yi!!!!!!!!!!

Oh by the way---training and such is going very well! Last week was a little trying with some work "issues" and I got rundown and stressed-----BUT I FEEL GREAT NOW!!!!!!!!!! So, perhaps set back by a day or so, but I will make up for it this week!!!!!!!!! 75 days to go!!!!!!!

Gotta get back to the superbowl......2nd half here we go!

Have a lovely week!!!!!!!!
XOXO~
EM

Body Buggin'

2010-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

HEY HEY HEY!!
Its FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wowzers! Gotta love when a new month falls on a monday (I know I say that everytime it happens! ) But come one, what better time to start executing goals then NOW, on a MONDAY, FEB. 1st!?!?!!?
Over the weekend, I activated my BODYBUGG! One of my clients is no longer using hers, so I'm testing it out. I gotta give it to them, it's Saaaaaaweet! No joke. I've set my goals for calories burned per day, steps taken, and activity time--and I've hit them everyday!
Now, it says it's up to 90% correct on its tracking. And, since I'm progressing like I want, it's just an additional tool to keep me motivated! I seriously can see/feel changes everyday. It's very liberating to be in control. I know I can do this all the time, but without a set goal, I def. lack motivation, and settle in maintainance mode. But wow, I'm just loving working my booty off and eating clean clean clean!!!!!!!!
Today Nicole & I hit our 6am workout with a vengence. If Nicole ever asks you to do an AB workout with her...........Emphatically tell her NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
Just kidding, it totally kicked my butt, and that was AFTER we toasted our shoulders! EYE YI YI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm heading to bed early tonight! Gotta let that body heal!
Love ya'll, make it an ahhhhmazing week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
EM :)

2 weeks of change.....

2010-01-30T09:44:00.001-08:00

Here are my latest pix. These were today, 2 weeks afterthe pix below. I'm happy with my progress, especially without spraytan, cuz we all know that helps! HOLY CRAP I HAVE 12 WEEKS!!!!!! YEAHHHHH. Don't stop--git it, git it! :) HAPPY SATURDAY! GO K-STATE!!!!!!!!!!!

Motivation

2010-01-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Love this stuff!

Progress

2010-01-27T21:44:00.001-08:00

From Yop-corn 2 Salad

2010-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

Gosh this thing is not getting updated enough. I will work on that! I love looking back and seeing my progress.

So we used to consume a TON of popcorn (nicknamed Yopcorn) in this household. Well, since 2010, my popcorn bowls have turned into my salad bowls. Yep--I'm eating 1/2 my weight in salad. :) :) Okay, maybe not THAT much but yes, I'm stuffin the gut with all sorts of wonderfulness that is veggies!!! I'm learning to love more veggies than ever! My mom would be soo proud! :) My husband tells me my tastebuds are still developing! I may have to agreee!

Alright, life in the world of a biz owner and contest prepper is going swimmingly! :) I love it. I know I can do more, and WILL!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow Nicole & I are headin to the studio for a 6am workout. I may post it tomrw. It's a modified Turbulence Training blog post from a couple years ago. It's killla!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lastly........I'm gonna post a progress pix. Like heather bear said, theres are reason they're called "BEFORE" pictures.......so.....here ya go:

Obtaining the Title

2010-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

In trusting this journey I am on.....for the third time.....I really feel that everything is going as planned. I WILL GET LEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YA YA YAAAA

I am almost 3 weeks into my prep and I'm finally feeling on track. I have been nailing the workouts, getting about 80% of total cardio I shoot for, but now I feel like my body is responding!! :) No panic.......nooooo panic here.......... :) :) *laughs nervously* :)

I take progress pix this weekend. last night my hubs told me I am TOTALLY ahead of the game. Especially compared to the last 2 preps. Not that you can compare one prep to another, but I do agree I'm on a better track!

Today I've done some bike intervals and will lift this afternoon! Tonight we're heading to the casino (actually, the casino where my show will be) for a Scottish Dinner... ??? Don't really know what all that entails, but there will be bagpipes, and kilts.......and me passing on dinner.... :)

Tomorrow I'm heading to Z.U.M.B.A. instead of bootcamp so I can sleep in a little!!

Have yourself a fab friday afternoon and restful weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Possible posting of pix this weekend.....we shall see!

LOVE~
EM :)

PRETTY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

HEY GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you're having a wonderful week thus far!
Just to update---I didn't end up needing assistance moving my arms after mondays workout! :) I felt pretty good thanks to some super stretching and a HOT epsom salt bath. YAY for homecare!! I say you have no choice to complain if you haven't done everything in your power to do home-preventative care (i.e.: foam rolling, tennis ball work, yoga/stretching, hot bathes, contrast hot/cold treatments, biofreeeze)

So, today I have glutes & triceps (random I know..) and cardi-yo

I'm off for a powernap right now--then I'm gonna go bust out some jams, open the sun roof and prepare myself for a killa workout! :) :)

Love love~
EM :)

Stay tuned tmrw for a recap of yet ANOTHER 6am workout starring Em & Nicole! :)

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.....

2010-01-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Holy cow, I need a personal assistant to assist me in ANY over the head motion. Particularly brushing my hair! My lats are soooooooo stinkin sore I can't even lift my dang arms!! PLUS, this morning Nicole & I lifted heavy shoulders (plus abs & cardio) soooo, my arms don't have a chance!!
It felt amazing to get the workout done at 6am this morning! I'm LOVING getting up at 5-5:515!!! My body has honestly adjusted to it-who knew!!! :)

Tonight I had 11 in my bootcamp (Nicole included!!) and had them doing some serious stations! IT's so much fun they totally motivate me! I wanna jump in and train with them!!!

I'm 3 days into week three and I'm rockin and rolling! I'm applying that "EXTRA DEGREE" everyday. Family, Work, Business, FITNESS. That's my life and I'm absolutely blessed!!!

I hope you're all rockin thru the week already! Stay determinded and treat your body well!!

Lots of love~
EM :)

WEEK RECAP!

2010-01-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

Whoa, didn't realize i forgot to hop on & update!! (good thing i'm tracking elsewhere too)
Soooo, I left with tuesday bomb.com workout bright in the morning. That afternoon I mustered another 40 mins. of cardio between the elliptical & stairstepper. Anyone who talked crap about a stairstepper (as opposed to the stair "MILL") needs to use it without holding on and basically "running" on the dang thing! It shoots my heartrate up REAL quick!!! :)
Wednesday was an off day (CrAzY busy day, in a good way) and thurs we did another workout bright & early *6am* hitting a lil legs again. I did more cardio yesterday afternoon, too! YAY!!
Today was HITT in the morning on the tready. Crazy enough, this morning I woke up at 504 with NO alarm........so, instead of laying back down until 530, I fought HARD against that little demon and GOT UP!!! I headed straight downstairs and got to work. It felt really good!

Tomorrow is ACES BOOTCAMP (agility.core.endurance.strength) held by my collegue Marissa. She no doubt with hand me an ass kickin! :) :) In true prep mode, Nicole and I are meeting to get 20 mins. of cardio done prior. Actually, I'm thinking its gonna help get me sufficiently warmed up for the brutality! :) Still contemplating ZUUUMMMBA right after.....we shall see!!

i hope you all wrapped your week up nicely and are ready for a fabulous weekend! I KNOW I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, and me & my hubbies "HOT DATE" tonight was the grocery store. We're so romantic! :)

LOVE YA'LL~
EM :)

The best news @ 615 AM!!!

2010-01-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

What was that new?!?!? Welll.....................

My seester called on her way to work to let me know that She, my b-i-l, and MY MOM & DAD are coming to my Competition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY CRAP I'm soooooooooooooo pumped! I cannot wait to see them!!! The countdown isn't just for the show, it's to see my favorite people, too! :) :) :) After they see the show they're gonna think, what the hell?!! just kiddin...

So after that FABULOUS news on the phone, we started out Leg workout. (SIDE NOTE: anytime I refer to "WE" I'm talking about Nicole & I. She my permanant workout buddy & I couldn't be happier. She's an ex-athlete, a multi-marathoner, MA in Exercise Physiology...basically she knows what the hell shes talking about!!! I definetly push myself harder when I workout with her! We're doing 2 workouts + 1 bootcamp per week. The workouts are spaced so that I maintain my motivation the whole week!!!!!!!!!!! YAY FOR TEAMMATES!!! :)
Okay, so we sufficiently ripped up the hammies and the glutes! It felt awesome, lemme tell ya! I cuddled with the foam roller for 15 mins. after! :) :)

Tomorrow is upper body work and 45-60 min. cardio. Yeahhh!

Hope you're all making it a fabulous Week! It's in your hands to make a day positive!!!! SO DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :)

Love love~
EM :)

That Which You Hate....

2010-01-10T11:37:00.001-08:00

IS THAT WHICH YOU SHOULD DO.

That's the tough love I tell my clients regarding particular exercises they really don't like. For the most part, I believe the reason we don't love an exercise is because we're not good at it/haven't mastered it--Therefore, if you hate it, do it more, master it, and you will no longer hate it.................Insert the beloved BURPEE.
Many variations to this beast of an exercise. Is it strength? Is it Endurance? I can't decide if my lungs are gonna blow up before my quads give out. The variation we did in bootcamp yesterday morning was chest flat on the ground, and explode up into a jump. Think the 'worm' dancemove, because that's what it ended up looking like! :)

Okay, enough on my tangent about burpees. My point is that, yes, I really hate them, but thats because it seems like an un-master-able (new word) exercise!!!!! :) :) But, they sure made for a hell of a bootcamp!
After bootcamp Nicole & I went to ZUMMMMBBAAA!!!!!!!! Fun times! The rest of the day consisted of a nap and our 1st puppy kindergarden class! :) The pups did awesome!!

Today I have already done 1 hour of treadmill walking and will head to Power Yoga this afternoon. Boy does my body need it!

Hope you're all having a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!

love~
EM

CAR-DEE-YOOOOOOO

2010-01-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

HEY GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
This week is winding down quite nicely! It's been a successful 1st week of prep if I do say so myself!!!!!! :) So happy!
My workout with Nicole yesterday morn (at 6:30, A.M.) was once again tough, tough, tough. My poor body better get whipped into shape REAL quick with the intensity I've been at!! Think lots of plyos and an occasional Clean & Jerk or Snatch with the olympic bar. Ohhh my!!
Today has been busy with trainings, cardio (car-dee-yo) and business marketing stuff! :)

My cardio will consist of one of my favorites

I hope ya'll have a FANTASTIC weekend!! I'm heading to bootcamp in the morning followed by ZUMMMMMMBBAAAAA!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the nice comments, ladies, I really appreciate it! :) :)

LOVE!
EM :)

4 Days down!!!!!!

2010-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

GOOOOD MORNING!!

We have a beautiful sunny day here and it puts me in such a good mood! I've been driving with my sunroof open and the heater cranked! :)

After our crazy leg workout Monday, I recovered very well! Yesterday morning I did HITT on the treadmill followed by some incline walking. No weights.

Today I will do FULL upperbody workout: Back/Chest/Shoulders/Bis/Tris. I'm looking forward to it! I got a new punching bag @ the studio so I will use that for a circuit. SUCH a good workout!!

Then tonight before my last training, I'm thinking about doing a trekking workout on the treadmill. That one kicks my butt everytime!!!!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!

Food has been ON ON ON. I'm feeling great and unlike the other two preps, I actually have no desire to "stray" because lets be honest, that hurts no one but myself!! I'm in this 100%!!!

Make it a fabulous day! SOAK UP SOME SUN if you can!!!!!!!!!!!!

love love~
EM

SHE'S GOT LEGzzzz

2010-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

GOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING! Hows everyone? Hope the weekend treated you well and you've started off 2010 with a bang!
I sure started my week of right with a Leg workout at 7am. Nicole & I met at the studio for some mega leg damage. I mean really, we didn't punish them enough saturday morning?? Glutton for some Glutes :) :) :)
Anyway, the workout was crazy good. She's emailing me exactly what we did so I will post it. Lemme tell ya, it was brutal, but in a good way! So, with that out of the way, I have a busy day ahead of me! Lots of business stuff to finalize, 4 more trainings, I'm running a 6pm bootcamp and coming home for PM cardio in Schwetty's with my hubz. I'm thinking 20 min. quick run, 20 incline walk.

Yesterday I was sooooo productive getting tons of food prepped for the week. I also did 2 massages and we walked B2 (bella & blitz) so all in all it was a great day. (And yes, I did end with an epsom salt hot bath with truly helps!!)

That's it for now! I tell ya, I'm on a roll. I'm really feelin it and can't wait for the results to start showing! :)

Lots of love~
EM

oh BTW; is anyone else truly BAFFLED by the new commercials for the Taco Bell Drive Thru Diet? Are they SERIOUS?!?!? Yikes....

LAML

2010-01-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

Laugh At Me Legs
That's what bootcamp at 8am produces. Legs sooooo stinkin sore that you laugh at yourself as you do anything. Walk, sit down, stand up, tie your shoes.....all the above. No joke!
Bootcamp this morning was crazy challenging for me. We did a little bit of everything. Burpees, squat press w/ pushups, Squats, split lunge jumps, lots of abs, turkish get ups.......ey yi yi!!!! It was awesome! Then, Nicole & I went to coffee and discussed our plan of attack!!!!!!!! I'm sooooooooooo thrilled I have someone going thru prep with me! It will make it so much more fun!!! Yeahhhhh!

On the docket for tomorrow is AM cardio and YOGA! I'm thinking foam rolling and an epsom salf bath will occur as well!

Ohhh, Cynthia---:) Nope, that pix below is from a week out from my 1st show. However, I do plan on getting there again, and leave time for refining my physique even more! YAY!! CAN'T WAIT!!!

We're taking progress pix tmrw, and goodNESS I'm so due for this prep!!!

Hasta Manana~
LOVE~
EM

Bootcamp

2010-01-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Hello again! I had to blog real quick and record that I'M GOING TO 8am BOOTCAMP TOMORROW!!!!!! (last week I was suppose to go, and, well, that didn't happen...)

So, I will report back tomorrow about how I survived! I have been doing cardio lately, but the lifting has been very sporatic, so tomorrow will be good for me! My collegue is running the class and it's an athletic based hour long bootcamp class. My two other figure/bikini competitors are coming as well, and after we're gonna grab a coffee to finalize the game plan. Take the Stage 2010 has commenced! :) TIME TO GET LEAAAAANNNNN!!!

Love~
EM

HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!

2010-01-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

HEY THERE!!

Well, this marks my THIRD contest prep. I can say that this will be my best of all. I understand my body much more and am healthier than I've ever been.

I have 16 weeks until my show. Sooooooooo, once again the purpose of the blog is to hold myself accountable and track my progress. Wish me luck and I hope that I can inspire YOU as I make this journey!

Lots of love~
EM