29 Weeks

I am finally in my third trimester! Her kicks are very strong these days. You might notice that instead of a quick fluttering in your stomach, you feel strong jabs and may even identify a hand or foot! But, along with the elation of knowing I only have a little over 10 weeks until I meet my second daughter, the final trimester brings more aches and pains. My hips hurt, my lower back hurts (that might be due to the heels I refuse to give up!), and my feet ache each night. All the research that I've done tells me that exercise helps prepare the body for the final push of the third trimester. I know I've preached the benefits of exercise during pregnancy before, but Wallis and I discovered a great class when we were pregnant with our first children. Fit4Baby, offered by Stroller Strides, is an excellent class to get your body ready for the stress of carrying a baby and is offered throughout the Chicago city and surrounding suburbs. According to the website, "Fit4Baby® is a program designed to strengthen the body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. The class includes cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training. Fit4Baby is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels." If you are interested, act fast! Classes fill up quickly.

Check out www.strollerstrides.com for all of the details on class times and a location near you. While you are there, be sure to look into the post baby classes like Body Back and Stroller Strides. They are a great way to get in shape after your baby arrives, but most importantly, they help you develop of network of new and experienced moms in your area. You'll love swapping swaddle secrets while you tighten your core!

Good Luck!

Gina

27 Weeks

I hope all of you had a wonderful Mother's Day! I had an amazing day just relaxing with my husband and daughter. Thinking about all my husband does for me and his family, it reminded me of how focused all of the attention is on me during pregnancy. In reality, this pregnancy affects my husband just as much as me. Besides dealing with my mood swings, lack of energy, and ice cream cravings, he is also coping with how his life will change once our second daughter gets here. He is far from alone. Many soon-to-be fathers are left to cope with their fears and worries internally.

Some fears that many men have:

1. Will I be a good father?

2. Will I be able to provide adequately for my family?

3. Will she love the baby more than me?

4. Will I be able to be strong during labor and delivery?

5. Will I ever get my old life back?

What helped us get through the first pregnancy? I suggest getting daddy-centered books. While your partner could peruse the same books you are reading, the ones written for a man/by a man will speak "his language". Many of them are filled with humor and don't go into the nitty gritty details of every stage of labor. Does your partner need to know about passing the mucus plug? Maybe not.

Also try to spend some time talking about his fears of pregnancy and raising a baby. Listen without judgement and try to be supportive. If your partner isn't the type to bring the topic up, try broaching it when you two are alone and able to talk freely.

This is a great time to grow stronger as a couple and start focusing on the new family you are forming!

All the best,

Gina

Happy Mother's Day!

We just wanted to send a sincere Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and soon-to-be mothers from Baby Blueprint! Hope you have a chance to celebrate this Sunday in a way that makes you feel happy and loved.

All our best, Wallis and Gina