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Saturday, July 24, 2010

So I left off on my last post, July 7th when we were on our way to Chicago for Brecken’s first Rush concert at Northerly Island. Well, unfortunately after standing in the rain for about 1.5 hours, the concert was canceled and Rob was deeply saddened. Thankfully, we did have a nice walk through the city as it actually cleared up and ended up being a beautiful night. After a stroll through our old stomping grounds downtown and a busy Thursday in Chicago we headed up to Madison to get ready for our Ironman Wisconsin Training Camp.

The camp was a huge success! With Baby Brecken in my belly, we spent all day driving the Ironman Wisconsin bike course and sagging as Rob lead the group on the ride. The day was hot and sunny and the ride was epic – over 120 miles in their saddles! Unfortunately, during Friday night’s group dinner, I must have ingested some soy or something. I had a very rough night and a major itching attack. After sleeping in while the crew went out for another ride and transition run, I finally felt a bit better and caught up with everyone on the run. I did enjoy a nice long run/walk through my favorite trail system in Middleton and then we had fun shopping at Endurance House and hitting the pool for a swim session. Sunday Rob and I road our bikes alongside the athletes while they ran one full loop of the Ironman Run course. After-wards, it was time for Ian’s Pizza on State Street! Our athletes did amazing! They are Ironman ready! To read more about the amazing weekend in WI, please click here: Success in Madison.

I admit, I was pretty tired after the camp but very happy that I was able to do as much as I did being 8 months pregnant. From Wisconsin, we went back to Chicago for some one on one coaching sessions and finally ended up back home late Monday night/early Tuesday morning. It’s always good to be back in our own bed and cooking healthy meals.

My 32 second week went well. We caught up from the travel and were able to get back into my biking riding on the path. I felt a lot of big movements this week. She really seems to favor lying sideways and slightly head down, across my belly. Her bottom really pushes outward at times on my right side all the way to my side obliques. Then her head seems to push just below and to the left of my belly button. I seem to feel little knees and elbows or feet and hands just under my stomach, just below my ribcage. I feel like she rolls internally a lot and then when she gets kicking, it feels like she is playing the harp with my bladder! She cracks me up!

Well, back from the Chicago/Madison/Chicago, we prepared for upcoming camps and clinics. With 80 to 90 degree, hot and sunny days in Ohio, we enjoyed various clinics and one on one session on top of bike rides and even a family evening on the boat. But soon after we settled in at home, it was off to Toronto for the make-up Rush Concert. On Saturday, July 17th we drove to Toronto and Brecken finally got to experience her first Rush Concert! She did great! Daddy had a blast air guitaring and air drumming while Brecken and I enjoyed the talent and the musicianship but I did have to work not to fall asleep at times. Once back at the Westin, tired from the long day, we quickly fell asleep but were awoken at 4a.m. in morning to the hotel fire alarm. After suspense and drama, it was confirmed a false alarm and finally by 5a.m. we were back to sleep. Upon awaking we had a quick breakfast and enjoyed a fun run/walk along the lakefront, pizza and even a trip up the CN Tower. It was a fun day. We drove home later in the afternoon and I enjoyed feeling Brecken’s big movements the whole way home.

The 33rd week went well. I am up to 129lbs and at almost 38 inches around my belly. She is moving a lot, more like shifting a lot as she is running out of room to really move too much. We have been riding religiously on the bike path and it’s really been the best thing through this pregnancy. I believe it’s preventing swelling, various veins and a lot of other unpleasant side effects that pregnancy can bring. I’m really having a great pregnancy and I believe it’s the exercise and good nutrition. Although due to all the travel, we haven’t been able to keep up with the functional strength training, core work or pull-ups, I am very grateful for all the bike rides and the run/walks now and then too. Sleep continues to get more challenging. Not only with the numerous bathroom trips throughout the night, but just the big belly in the way and inability to really move easily. Rob has been great with his frequent back massages. I’m so lucky! The only bad thing that has happened lately is a food allergy that did have me throw up one night and break out in hives. So, I’m still not sure what we are missing, but it maybe Safflower and Sunflower oil?? And I think the itching may just be outdoor related – the grass, trees and soybeans in the air?

I had my OB appointment on Friday, July 23rd so we could make sure all was going well before Rob rolled out to Alaska. Well, the good news is, all is good! Brecken’s heart beat is strong and steady, my cervix is solid, uterus is the right size and the baby is shifted in the head down position. Dr. Confer-Seeley thinks we have about a month to go! So, she gave Rob the go ahead on the fishing trip with his dad, brother and uncle in Alaska. He leaves Sunday and returns the following Saturday. I must admit, we still both are a little nervous about him being gone this late in the game. Timing and luck have never really been on our side, so we are praying and keeping our fingers crossed for the next week!

-Kel