Mum on a mission

2012-02-01T19:41:00.003+07:00

1st Feb - Photo a day challenge

Your view today - 3 of the 4 (bubba was napping)

Decided to try and get back to it......

2012-02-01T05:12:00.001+07:00

Hi! Wow its been a while.
Im going to try and get back to it by doing the fatmumslim photo a day for feb.
Here I will do a photo a day from my mummy viewpoint, on my other blog it will be from the health and fitness perspective.

Day 1 - your view todayWill be back later with that.

Nothing really..........just dropping by....

2011-11-04T17:07:00.002+07:00

I dont really have one thing to write about or a focus to this post, just felt like I hadn't been here for ages so Id drop in.

Im fighting to get everything into a day, some days I dont stop, literally up at 5.15am and bed at 11pm, other days I have a bit of quiet time in the evening once the kids are in bed and the next day things are done but then I seem to waste it doing shit on my i pad or laptop............mmmm.....note to self stop wasting that time, its valuable.

The babies are growing up 7 months and 20 months now!! its starting to get interesting :o
the big kids are growing up too, 8 in a few weeks and 16 in Feb!!

I'm currently trying to decide what it is I really want to do, be involved in and experience and happened to be catching up on a few blogs and Katie over at head, heart, health has a great exercise that I'm going to sit and do tonight in my unwasted time, it might shed some light.

Anyway, that's 10 mins I didn't really have as I need to get dinner ready for my little gymnast who has just done 3 hours of training, get the boys ready for bed and then go out and do the food shopping before they shut at 9pm.

Catcha xx

Favourites

2011-10-21T14:07:00.002+07:00

I was thinking earlier, after teaching my 3rd Bodyattack of the week last night and 2 more to go, I LOVE teaching Bodyattack and its my favourite Les Mills programme, which got me to thinking about other Favourites of mine.

Favourite workout - Bodyattack
Favourite food - Carrot Cake
Favourite clothing - PJ's or Coochies as we call them in our house
Favourite day - Sunday, its our family day
Favourite month - December, we got married in a winter wedding in the UK, Christmas either a hot one in Oz or a traditional one in the UK.
Favourite place - Bed :)
Favourite colour - Yellow

Why not copy and paste this into the comments and let me know your Fav's.

Pics of my results so far........

2011-10-11T20:46:00.004+07:00

So its mid October and my win in the monthly Bodyblitz is online and will be in the mag released on the 13th, so I figured I may as well stick it on here too.

I am still releasing weight, although it has slowed considerably on the scales but the CM's are still coming off easily.

I was 92.1kg when I started my journey (89.8kg at the start of the 12 weeks) and I'm close to 30kg off now. So since the end of the 12 weeks I've released a further 8kgs.

Here's my before picture.........................

Here I am now.........................

Here's the link direct to the piece that will be in the mag.

http://bodyblitz.net.au/monthly-winners/sharleen-twyman/

Still trying to decide whether to run my own half marathon (see previous post) and just deciding what my next fitness related goal will be.

Have changed my training up a bit as of this week to suit the fact that Im back teaching 4 Bodyattacks in a week now.

Have a great week, Shar x

Half Marathon

2011-10-04T21:25:00.003+07:00

So the date I wanted to run an official Half marathon has changed/moved or I got it wrong in the first place.

I was um-ing and ah-ring and just decided to do it, started looking at accommodation and then went to check the website for exact details and I must of got it wrong in the first place.

I'm a tad disappointed as there are no other options, due to heading into summer obviously they are tapering down and will re-start next March/April time.

I don't want to put it off as the training I have put in is all geared to doing it on the date I had planned, so here's my question - I DO KNOW, that it wouldn't be official but can do a official one in the future, I have a Garmin GPS, maybe I could run a 21.1km route and take a pic of my GPS to have as a record of doing it?

Thoughts?

Whats been happening........

2011-09-24T21:19:00.002+07:00

Lots!! Here goes in list form ......

Had Maddi go through her 3 gymnastics comps, so proud of her. At 7 to train how she trains is amazing.

Had Bryce get to the preliminary finals and just miss out of the Grand Final.

Both Maddi and Bryce have made it to the interschool athletics so we have those coming up to watch. Maddi in the sprints and Bryce in the 100m, 200m & Long jump.

Finished my 12 week challenge - total losses - 20.1kg for 12 weeks (22.4kg total) / 18cm off my hips / 28cm off waist at belly button / heaps of skinfolds / lots of negative talk

Continued on the journey which is 3weeks since finishing the challenge - to date Ive released another 4.2kg so sitting at 26.6kg total and Ive released another 2.5cm off hips.

Continue to get back to teaching. Now teaching 3 Bodyattacks a week, 4 from next week, 2 bodybalance and return to Bodyvive on Tuesday for 1 a week.

Been asked back to present for Les Mills again, said yes and am very excited.

Did my CXWORX training, passed and cannot wait to teach this class, working hard on my strength at the moment though.

Interviewed and got a GFM job that fits in well with the Family, only 5 hours per week (which is a hard gig for a GFM) and for a different company.

Did a big programme launch for Sh'bam in to a centre, went well and they liked the new class.

Was notified I am the November Bodyblitz winner.

Have thrown away my clothes that are too big, don't need them anymore, you know 'just in case'. Also thrown all my maternity bras, clothing etc, no more babies here.

Commenced my half marathon training, going OK, still undecided if we will make the trip to run it though, but will continue to do the training, decision to be made in the next few weeks.

Have set my next phase of training out and getting excited to see the changes in my strength and fitness.

There's probably more but hey, I'm exhausted typing that lot!! :)

Babies are well, Freddy is 19 months tomorrow and Chi is 6 months on Tuesday.

Paul is amazing as usual and has been there supporting all I do, day in day out. xx

So that's a quick run down on whats been going on, no wonder I haven't had time to blog a bit more.

Have a great weekend, Shar x

Love this and Goal check in updated

2011-09-07T09:41:00.002+07:00

Love this track.....it's a bodybalance Twists track so have it in my mix at the moment. The lyrics are awesome, thought Id share.

All is good, great in fact, have updated my goals on the right to reflect where Im at currently.

Lyrics | Rob Thomas - Little Wonders lyrics

The time has come.........................

2011-08-25T14:27:00.004+07:00

So Ive been participating in Bodyattack again for about 7 weeks now and team teaching Bodyattack for the last 3 weeks to ease back in.
Tonight I go solo again after a few years off from teaching Bodyattack due to having babies.

OMG! I can't wait........... but in the same breath I'm a little nervous and scared, its tough teaching the whole lot. I taught 8 of the 12 last week which included both peak tracks, I suppose when there's no-one on stage with me to buddy with it will happen......whats four extra tracks anyway!!?

BRING IT!!!!!!! See ya on the other side :)

Missions accomplished, stats so far and my boys.

2011-08-21T10:06:00.005+07:00

So I have updated my missions for the year, adding a few more to the mix and having a look at what I have achieved so far since I planned the year, June to December.

I have completed some of my August missions but wont be crossing off until month is done.

Added in is the Half marathon training, I plan to run a Half marathon on November 5th, so with a solid bit of pavement pounding behind me now and quite a bit of weight released I will commence specific training for that this week. I can't wait, its been on my to-do list for years, as has a full marathon but I'll get the half done first me thinks :)

So my stats so far are still great, kilos are releasing consistently and my CM's and skinfolds are dropping to.

Total loss so far 19.5kg

12WC loss so far - @ 10 weeks completed 17.2kg

Hips - 17cm lost so far

Waist (Smallest)- 20.5cm lost so far

Waist (At Belly button) - 26cm so far

Fitness stats - on day one of my 12WC I tried to go for a 'run', which now looking back would have looked bloody hilarious! anyway.....This is the honest truth and at the time I was devastated, but I started out with the intention of jogging 1km, 1km, yep that's all, but, it had been a while, I had just had my 3rd and 4th bubs back to back and not only was I carrying extra weight it wasn't used to moving alot during the last bub.

So wanting to be realistic I thought 1km was doable, so off I set down the road.......I made it 0.2km !!! and I had to walk and pretty much I walked the rest, I was bright red in the face and ashamed at how out of condition I was.

So fast forward to now, 10 weeks later and I ran for 9km this morning.

My KM's per minute have dropped heaps, my heart rate is heaps lower as an average and I really have to push to get it high.

I have done my jogs/runs in all weather (and we have had some bad weather the last month or so) and I absolutely LOVE it.

At week 4 I went back to participating in classes, Bodystep first, then Bodyattack in week 6, seriously I thought I was going to die and had a major panic that I was supposed to be teaching in week 9, but with some hard work and focus (which wasn't a chore and I enjoyed it) I made it to team teaching for the last 2 weeks and will teach alone this week coming.

Teaching is way different to participating, you work WAY harder than your participants, this I can guarantee and its still a struggle to get through the class with good technique and enough energy and motivation for everyone but I will get there sooner rather than later.

I have 2 weeks left of my 12WC and will need to continue to work towards my goals for maybe another 3-4 weeks after that, then I move into unfamiliar territory in that previously I hit a goal and then it all goes pear shape (literally), but due to some extremely important motivating factors (i.e my kids, Paul, living life), some thought pattern changes I have made and regular fitness pursuits it will be a territory I will enjoy being in .

I have enjoyed the process of releasing it this time, no internal fight, no mind games, it feels as if its just meant to be the time for me to do it or maybe accepting where I was and taking responsibility for it was the change this time, whichever its all good, I am fitter and mentally clearer and that in itself helps me cope with the demands of having 4 kids, a husband, a house to run and being a Group Fitness Instructor.

Oh I forgot to mention, Ive decided to go back to work part time and have been successful in gaining a position as a Group Fitness Manager again :) its only 5 hours a week initially but that works for us and I get to do all the things I love.

Anyway, Ive rambled on enough, ill leave you with a picture of my youngest 2 babies having a bit of brotherly love under the baby gym.............

Catch up and making the change......take responsibilty

2011-08-10T21:26:00.004+07:00

Wow, this year is just flying by!! Really I can't believe we are mid august, anyone else think the older you get the quicker it all seems to go??

So I thought it about time I got on and did an update, that’s if anyone is out there still reading....its been that long between posts!

KIDLETS
All are good. Big boy will be 16 in Feb and I freak myself out every time I think about that, so I try not too :) He;s having a great season of footy.

Princess is going to be 8 in a few months. Her gymnastic comp season starts this weekend. They had their control test last weekend (have to be tested on all moves/routine components to see if they will make the level entered into)for this weekends comp. Will be really interesting to see what a year of training 4 x a week for 3 1/2 - 4 hours at a time does, bless her she works hard week in week out and is very dedicated, the Institute of sport expect quite alot from them at such a young age, BUT she never moans, says she doesn't want to go etc so while she wants to go then we support her, she does say she will make the Olympics, so watch this space ;)

Freddy is coming up to 18 months this month, can't believe it. He is at the real cutey age, love it.

Archie will be 5 months this month and just adores Freddy, watches him run about, play etc and Freddy was even making him giggle a few weeks back.

ME
Im doing ok and returned to teaching Bodyattack last week, 4 months 1 week after having my fourth baby, I’m very proud of myself for achieving this and getting back to doing something I love.
Im coming to the end of week 9 of the 12 week challenge I set myself, so a few more weeks left to hit the fitness and weight loss targets I set myself and then continue on with both the fitness goals and the releasing the weight goals then into maintenance which is something I have yet to learn about.

I have continually yo-yo'd my whole life, whether it be by 5kg or 40kg and Im really looking forward to allowing my body to just settle, nourish my body by eating good food, eating everything in moderation and just being.

I must say it has been a relatively easy process this time. The weight is just releasing from my body and I have had no inner turmoil regarding what I can and cant eat, no fighting it.
I feel the difference this time, as I have said in a previous post, is that I accepted where I was at, took responsibility and moved on.
If you don’t truly accept where your at right in that moment you can’t take responsibility for where you are and where your going.

I stood quite a few times in front of a full length mirror, accepted that my body was holding excess fat, that my fitness was non-existent, that I was tired and poisoning myself daily. It was painful and embarrassing that I had allowed my physical form to get this way, but that is all it is, my physical form and I had the power to change this.

So I took responsibility for it, no-one else had made me stop being active or stop exercising, certain factors contributed to it but still I made the decision not to be active.
No-one else had force fed me excess, processed food, each and every time I ate I had the choice.
It was time to lose the excuses and front up, take responsibility for how I got to this place. This was hard for me, admitting that I had done this to myself was hard but until I had done this I couldn’t move forward and learn from it this time as Im never going back to not only the physical discomfort but the mental pain and turmoil that came with it.

Then came the moving on!!! :)
In the beginning it was freaking hard, daily I would catch myself in the mirror and start the negative self talk or walk to school and have to ask Maddi not to chat to me whilst we were walking up hill as I was so out of breath.
BUT day by day this happened less and if it did occur I focussed on replacing the negative with a positive.
A lot of the time my positive was ‘I have accepted, taken responsibility and now I’m making the change’ OR ‘your doing your best given your circumstances’ (a 6 week old bub and a 14 month old plus 2 bigger ones makes for interesting juggling when your trying to find time to do something for yourself!)

Next post will be more about what I have done to get to this point and the results I have seen so far as I have had a few e mails asking me what I have been doing, but I will say in advance, it aint rocket science, just hard work, trusting yourself and the belief that I am creating a WES (Wonderful Evolved/Evolving Shar – THANKS Katie).

Have a great weekend people!

BELIEVE
Believe in your heart that something wonderful is about to happen.
Love your life.
Believe in your own powers, and your own potential, and in your own innate goodness.
Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover each day the magnificent, awesome beauty in the world.
Explore and embrace life in yourself and in everyone you see each day.
Reach within to find your own specialness.
Amaze yourself and rouse those around you to the potential of each new day.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect; this is the essence of your humanity.
Let those who love you help you.
Trust enough to be able to take.
Look with hope to the horizon of today, for today is all we truly have.
Live this day well.
Let a little sun out as well as in.
Create your own rainbows.
Be open to all your possibilities; all possibilities and Miracles.
Always believe in Miracles.

Whats happening........

2011-07-07T09:57:00.009+07:00

I really want to get back to blogging regularly but hey, with all that I'm fitting into a day it has to be prioritized and I think its more important to feed the kids than blog ;)
So, what going on with me, well I'm definitely a mum on a mission.

I'm on a mission to not only to care for my 4 kids the best I can and of course my hubby, but I'm in the process of 'releasing' the excess weight (Thanks Shelly) and changing my thoughts that used to always tend to the negative, into trying to be proactive and positive.

So after a 4 good weeks, by good I mean finally getting my body moving and eating to a plan of better choice foods, the wheels fell off and I had about 2 weeks of eating in excess and started to feel crappy again as the foods I were choosing weren't agreeing with me in the amounts I was eating.
After a rough few days I decided to sit with it and ask my body and soul for help. I am pleased to say that I got my answer and its been another 4 weeks and the kgs are coming off without much effort at all. My energy is good, I am wanting to exercise, its not a chore that you have to do to lose weight, I'm not feeling deprived and I don't have the internal fight going on that has accompanied me most of the time when trying to release the kgs.

I had a 'moment' and its been a much more pleasurable journey since.

The main changes I have made are -
1) going back to my previous post..... accept where you are, take responsibility and move on,
2) trust yourself, get in touch with yourself and trust,
3) Believe in yourself.......really believe,
4) don't look for answers elsewhere, look within, do what you know, do what works for you.

I'm 4 weeks into my 12 week mini goal and I hope to do measurements etc this weekend to see how my new found approach (or not so new) is going.

In other news,
- we are moving this weekend,
- the school holidays start,
- I'm booked to do the new Les Mill Sh'bam training in a couple of weekends,
- the job I want to apply for is edging nearer and I am starting to prepare my application documents,
- I start teaching again in 3 and a half weeks and I can't freakin wait, Yeah yeah BODYATTACK, - I am trying to decide on a whether to do another training module but it would take a bit of work to get my strength up in 7 weeks so I have to be realistic, we'll see.
- Gymnastic comps start in 6 weeks
- babies are growing up - Freddy, not really a baby anymore :( is 16 months now and Archie is 3 1/2 months, both are amazing. Archie has been sleeping through since 8 weeks and by sleeping through I mean sleeping through, 8.30pm - 6.30am, doesn't stir, just sleeps! it makes all the difference.
- Paul is working hard and is the most amazing husband and dadda, daddy, dad (we have varying names due to age range!)
- my big boy (15) is back playing footy and seriously, it the best season he has had, amazing attitude, effort and of course natural ability, its amazing watching him on a Sunday :)

There's more but that's enough for now, here's so pics of my gorgeous babies, smallest to biggest :)

Accepting, Taking Responsibility and moving on

2011-06-25T13:14:00.003+07:00

So the title says it all really, in relation to where I was at with my self esteem, body image, weight and fitness level.

You first have to be open to accepting where you are at. Whats the point in fighting it, it only causes more inner turmoil.
Paul has a saying that he uses a lot - 'we/you are where you are, what can we/you do to make better or improve the situation', I have been trying to adopt that.
I accept my body, my lumps and bumps, my aches and pains.
It has carried and birthed 4 beautiful children, that process alone, never mind what else we do day in day out, is such a precious & amazing thing.
Having the last two very close together put a lot of stress on my body, physical stress that I haven't felt before and emotional and mental stress too.

I then have taken responsibility for how I got to where I am. No-one stopped me from doing exercise, no-one made the choices for me or put food into my mouth.
My choices, my decisions, my responsibility.

Moving on - learn from the past, don't repeat things that cause you pain, adopt a positive outlook on every situation (this is still a work in progress for me) and try and be in the now.
Now is all we have, we have to enjoy every moment, there may not be a tomorrow.

Have a great 'Right NOW'

To the point......

2011-06-10T12:32:00.002+07:00

Couldn't think of a post title so just thought Id get to the point :)

So my mission to get fit and healthy had been going ok for the first 4 weeks then I had a few slips with nutrition over a weekend. Had been struggling to get back to better choices but managed to string a few days together to get back on track.

I was feeling the need to work towards something or have a goal etc so when I got offered a few classes back in 8 weeks I decided now was the time to say yes, jump in and kick things into gear a bit.
I also decided I would do a 12 week challenge to lead me to my birthday and the next lot of Les Mills quarterly workshops which I cant wait to go to.

Theres no way I will achieve all I want to achieve in 12 weeks but its a realistic amount of time to get a chunk of KG's off and help me focus on pushing my fitness levels up.

I will be writing a journal of the 12 weeks so I can keep track/record of everything as I do intend on pushing hard and it will be cool to read back over the journey.
I may post a few bits in this blog too, we'll see.

In other news, Archie is 11 weeeks on Sunday! need to move to months soon as the weeks are ticking by! He is a good boy, and amazing sleeper and has just done 5 of the last 6 nights right through from 8/9pm to 6am.

Freddy is teething his incisors, his gums are red and swollen where they are pushing through so he hasn't had the best of nights recently but my gorgeous hubby has been seeing to him!

My little girl has her comp season approaching for gymnastics. It will be very interesting this year to compare to her first comps from last year, her training increased up to 4 sessions per week (3 sessions of 3 1/2 hours and 1 session of 4 hours) this year and she will go up a level.

Big boy decided he was going to play footy this year and has had 2 great games since going back, watching his game is the highlight of my week.

Apart from going back to classes I am also hoping to return to Group Fitness Management. We have a new Fitness First club opening in October so I will apply for that when applications open, it looks like it will be a great club and I would love to get the job, not holding my breath though.

So that's about it for now, Day 1 of the challenge is tomorrow :) Ill let you know how its going.

Back to blogging, getting back to it, stepping it up and another new baby

2011-05-19T14:13:00.007+07:00

Wow that's a big title! so lets break it down...........

Back to blogging - explains itself, I have decided to blog here, in one place and wont continue the private blog (not that it really got started). I really don't care what people think and if I have something to say, a subject to post about or I want to write about my exercise and weight loss etc etc I will, my blog, my choice :)

Getting back to it - exercise and eating well that is. So bubs was 5 weeks old and I finally got my shit together with some guidance. I am feeling so much better, eating a range of food, such as lean meats, good fats and lots of salad and fruit.
I have 2 weeks under my belt and my losses have been 2.5kg and 1.2kg so far as shown on my sidebar. I have lots to lose to get to where I want to be, which is a realistic weight, but my first aim is to get back to pre preg weight.
I am loving walking outdoors with the babies, also have used my treadmill and did a jog on day one around the block by way of a mini fitness test/start point.
I have listed my 2011 missions on the right, these are all things I want to achieve or timelines to get me back to teaching Group Fitness etc.
I'm also doing a lot of work on my mindset with help from Liz.

Stepping it up - So with nearly 3 weeks of 2 x daily power walks I am ready to step it up a bit. I am planning on starting my jogging next week and cant wait. I have some other activities to incorporate and will see when I can fit them in .

Another new baby - (MUM DON'T FREAK OUT, not a human baby!!!) Just take a look at my investment, it is my new baby, I love it already and its on its way, it left America on Monday and Singapore yesterday and will arrive tomorrow......

After alot of research I went for the BOB Ironman Duallie, a proper running stroller.
I have had a Babyjogger running stroller before but didn't like the 20inch wheels, although great to run with it was just to big, so this one has all sorts of fancy features and smaller wheels at 16 inches.
I am ready to jog, I have time at home in the day with the babies so rather than try and juggle my training around Paul's hours, the gym runs, the footy runs etc I will make use of the daytime.
The boys will love it and be getting out in the fresh air, what better.

So that's my update, I'm hoping to get on a little more often, but then again I might be out jogging!! ;)

Mummy Guilt

2011-04-23T21:04:00.001+07:00

Motherhood is amazing, no two days are the same.......hard for me the control freak, kids teach you something new everyday, they do something new everyday, When you think you got it all aorted you are thrown a curve ball, but the main thing I'm finding is that i feel guilty alot as a mum.

For example, Freddy has been quite poorly and I have taken that on board as my fault, as I write that I know it sounds stupid but still could it have been prevented? Did he get sick from going swimming in a cool pool? Did he pick it up from daycare? (probably! he goes one day a week but more than likely he will pick up all sorts) am I feeding him a good enough diet to help him stay strong? I could go on and on.

Another example......last night I was home alone with the two babies, Freddy got upset and was more than likely in a bit of pain, so I was trying to resettle him and Archie started crying, it was feed time.
I basically had to run between the two of them trying to make right for both, neither of whom understood why mummy kept running away into another room, my heart was wrenching for the other bub whom I wasnt with at that moment, I felt guilty.

When I was working And I couldn't attend some of the school events etc I felt guilty then.

Any mums out there, do you get the attack of the guilts for whatever reason?

Adapting to being mum of 4, new blog thanks and grateful in April

2011-04-08T04:58:00.002+07:00

Hi all, so I was taking a break from blogging here but now Ive decided I have 2 blogs this one will as it says in the description more about my day to day mummy adventures and my other one, see right sidebar, is training / getting back into shape focused.

Firstly, Thanks to all those who e mailed me that wanted to read the other blog, its great to have your bloggy support :) Anyone else that wants to read, just e mail me at the address to the right.

So anyway, I'm slowly adapting to being a mum again, this time its very different for me in that theres not the big gap as is between the first 3 and Freddy and Archie are back to back.
It has been a tough week or so and Paul went back to work on Monday but actually since then I seem to have got into the swing of things and all is good so far.
Freddy is adapting well and has gone from not liking Archie crying and being a bit put out to giving him kisses and stroking gently, which is amazing for a just 1 year old that really doesn't understand what a new baby is. I must say I am glad the gap is no bigger as I wont get the jealousy or any of the behaviour changes that can sometimes come with that.

Archie is great, breastfeeding well and sleeping lots of course, he is back at birth weight already and is a very calm baby.

So with all the above said it is obvious what I'm grateful in April for, a healthy and happy family, a wonderful husband who is a wonderful dad.

Have a great day all.

If you want to read..........

2011-04-02T10:57:00.003+07:00

.......My 'your not the boss of me' blog, Please let me know by e mail and ill invite You.

Before you decide, here's what will be going on in that blog.

- My journey in 2011 to regaining fitness to allow me to teach my fav group fitness classes, including my beloved Bodyattack.
- attempting to train for a 1/2 marathon
- other training / exercise related chat

For those not wanting to read or trying to remove themselves from 'dieting / weight loss ' maybe not for you because eventually it
will include (once I can ensure breastfeeding is established etc)
- 'weight loss' talk, numbers including exercise stats and maybe food stats,
- me dealing with / learning from whats going on in my head relating to the above areas

So if you wanna follow or be around to give feedback, in a constructive manner, then please drop me an e mail to sharleyinoz@yahoo.co.uk and when i get in there (within the week) I can send out an invite.

Hope your all having a great weekend

Introducing.................

2011-03-31T14:14:00.002+07:00

Archie George

Baby boy arrived!

2011-03-29T12:55:00.002+07:00

We are pleased to announce bubs arrived safe and sound Sunday 27th March at 3.32pm.
Another quick delivery and both bubs and I are doing great.
He weighed 3.2kg '/ 7lb 1oz, is feeding well and of course sleeping alot as newborns do.
He hasn't got a name yet but we are slowly getting there by process of elimination.
Pics to come :)

Wow, Im having a baby tomorrow!

2011-03-26T21:53:00.002+07:00

Bubs hasn't made his appearance so for medical reasons I'm to be induced tomorrow!

Feels kinda weird to know its going to happen, but hey, it has allowed us to plan and prepare
And with no family here except my dad it has helped.

He will be arriving 1 week, 1 day, earlier than edd, funny as I always thought he'd be a March bub.

See ya when I'm a mum of 4!!!!!!

Having a break....

2011-03-18T09:04:00.002+07:00

Due to a few reasons, which I am not going into, I have decided to take a break from my blogging for a bit, not sure how long but have to assess why I blog and more so why I read other blogs and what I get from them.

I might drop back in and announce new bubs arrival in the next few weeks but other than that I'll see ya when I see ya.

20 days or less and the happiest days of my life

2011-03-15T11:50:00.002+07:00

So yep we are certainly getting to the pointy end now..........20 days to go (or less depending on the medical people) until I get to meet our new addition.

I can't explain what being pregnant, labouring and birthing means to me and I couldn't even try.

I have a scan today to check if my fluid levels have changed in anyway, obviously they are concerned with more, then I have an Ob appt tomorrow so will get a better idea of what way the end may go.

Anyway, linking into the most amazing event that I'm about to experience again, for the 4th time, I would say that the happiest (individual) days of my life that stand out so far have to be -

- Meeting and Marrying Paul

- Bryce's Birth

- Maddi's Birth

- Freddy's Birth

Obviously there are other happy days, daily happy moments etc but these for me are the 4 moments in my life so far that make me smile and feel warm and fuzzy.

What are yours?

Is there a day / event that stands out, that brings you that smile? you know the one that warms you deep inside.

Care to share....................

Thanks!!

2011-03-08T07:55:00.002+07:00

So a big thanks to those that came and told me what they thought, so many valid points that stood out -

1) Michelle, Hilds - yep keeping up 2 blogs is not really doable especially as I want to become a bit more consistent in blogging so I can have a full record of my year of change :)

2) Shelley, Liz - I have come to the conclusion that yes I can write what I want and honesty is the best policy, so writing from the heart it is and as Shelley put it - if people don't want to read about a certain thing they can 'bugger off' :)

3) Nicole, Magda- public versus private - I hear whet your saying Magda but not having work colleagues or family (only my mum who knows me inside out anyway) reading makes it a little easier to stay public I think and Nicole, good point,yes I know I have to risk the 2 cents worth crew coming along but decided I'm a big girl now and should be able to ignore or deal with so public it stays, I also think its nicer for readers not to have to sign in all the time?

Barbera and Maryanne, thank you for your support and I would love to you continue to follow.

Ive got a feeling its going to be a bumpy ride this year, along with 4 kids, 2 under 13 months!! I have to deal with hormones post pregnancy, probable sleep deprivation, the huge desire to get my body back to a healthy state with not alot of time for exercise, 2 older kids to be mum too, be a wife and try somewhere in there to find me and time for me.
BUT 2011 will be my year and as stated in another post this blog will now be about, weight loss after 2 babies, fitness goals I have, finding a way back to doing what I love - teaching Bodyattack, alongside those things all the emotions, feelings and thoughts that go with it.

I will be using a phrase I learnt from my little girl a few years ago when she was 5/6 going on 21, I might even get the t-shirt :)
To my negative self....... negative thought patterns.............
'YOUR NOT THE BOSS OF ME' this year and onwards, I'm the boss, I make the choice.

Can't wait to share 2011 with you.

Come tell me what you think?

2011-03-04T13:40:00.002+07:00

Ok, so 2011 is going to be my year.
I have lots of little goals I want to achieve both personally, in health and fitness and professionally.
All of these alongside being a mum for the 4th time.

I was going to start a new blog where I would blog about only health, fitness, weight loss goals and the whole journey about really trying to get my head right surrounding this.
Then keep my mumsie stuff, day to day stuff here on mum on a mission.

But I'm wondering, isn't what I'm embarking on this year my day to day stuff?
It will be what I do each day, how I cope with everything I'm planning etc that will be the journey.

I was tempted by the 'new blog' as I was going to make it private as I really want to let loose, be brutally honest, allow people to follow a
Real journey, can I do this on here, am I willing to let it out and not know who's reading?

So here I am, what to do -

A) Have 2 blogs and invite to the 2nd one.

B) keep it on here, go for it and be open to who may be reading

C) have 2 open blogs but it will allow me to keep it separate, not everyone want to hear about weight loss etc

so drop me a comment and let me know what you would prefer to read and how.

Part 2......

2011-03-02T13:34:00.002+07:00

So here's PART 2, recap below and read on :)

...........So double check she did and indeed there are two things that needed attention and further checking.
1) I have borderline too much fluid, I have been told that better to have too much than not enough and that bubs is not affected by this but I haven’t been told what implications this has, I have done a few searches but will follow this one up on Wednesday.
2) I have a raised SD ratio, this is the Systolic/diastolic pressure from placenta to bubs (from how they have explained it to me) and I have a resistance of the flow between placenta to bubs, this is the more concerning one of the two so this will be monitored at a scan once a week from now on.

so from the above being found I then had to have the placenta checked and had to have an internal scan to do so.
The good news here is that the placenta has moved well away from the cervix so I can have the vaginal birth I want!!
I then find myself being referred up to the Maternal Fetal Assessment Unit (MFAU) for monitoring.
Sit on the monitor for an hour or so and its not the reactive trace they are after, they give me a sandwich and cold water and then bubs starts to play !! J
All good, sent home with a scan booked for a week and a half time along with monitoring.

Tuesday morning comes and after restless night up and down with ‘period pain’ and backache I do the morning stuff, school run etc and get back, pop Freddy down for his morning nap and go to the toilet only to find in bleeding!?
So I can’t get Paul, sit and stare at the wall for a bit, wonder what to do and decide given the circumstances – 34 weeks pregnant, a few probs discovered yesterday and bleeding not being normal unless maybe in going to go into labour, I decide to ring the hospital.
Of course, told to go in, Paul comes home and drops me to the hospital (its so hard this time, Paul cant be with me for most of the appts at the hospital now as children under 7 aren’t allowed to attend with you) to go to be checked.

They pop me on the monitor again, bubs is ok, but I'm contracting every 5 mins, I can only feel tightening's but the doctor assures me they class as contractions.
Cervix check – closed and high, good sign.
Bloods taken and scan done to check bubs is head down as I couldn’t remember from the scan the day before.

Just as I think I'm good to be told to go home and rest as Ive had no more bleeding, in come the doctor and tells me they will be admitting me as a small bleed can preceed a big bleed or labour and given I'm contracting and how fast Freddy came I am better to be at the hospital as bubs is classes as pre term.

Totally not prepared for that and then get all emotional cause I'm on my own, worried about bubs and cant not be at home I have 3 kids to look after!
Anyway so we don’t go into a part three, the contractions stopped that evening, the bleeding stopped and all was looking good.

But they kept me in until Thursday!! Still worried about the big bleed that may come and wanting me to rest.
They wanted me to continue to stay but I managed to strike a deal! J They agreed on Thursday morning that if I had a good reactive trace of bubs I could go home as long as I rest and go straight back if I got tightening's, bleeding or reduced movements.
There was no way I wanted to stay another night and wake up on Freddy’s first birthday in hospital!

So I am now on 2 x weekly ctg monitoring and 1 x week scans to check the placenta and fluid.
I went Sunday and got a good trace, so on Wednesday I have monitoring, scan then clinic.

I have lost my birth centre birth as you can’t have any risks which I do now, but having stayed in the ante Natal ward which is also the postnatal ward and will be the same middies I am feeling more positive about being in the main hospital.
I can have my vaginal birth, can still do it drug free and be discharge all being well from 6 hours after so really all that has changed are the location and middies……its all good as long as bubs is ok and we are looked after.

Paul did an amazing job whilst I was missing for 3 days and two nights! We had no planning, he had to pack a bag for me, pick up on Freddy’s routine (communicated via text) and he even did Maddi’s hair in a ponytail for school!!
I missed them all soooo much and as tough as it is being a mum and everything that comes with it, I wouldn’t change it, it’s the hardest job in the world but the most satisfying.

I am a little worried about the placenta but will know more after my appointments on Wednesday and I think worse case I will have to have more monitoring and maybe have him earlier than due date.

Part 3 to come!!

Routine Scan PART 1, New Bub Pic & Freddy Turns 1

2011-02-26T12:35:00.009+07:00

So I have had an interesting week to say the least.

PART 1 - Monday started with the prospect of going for my scan and being told I could not deliver new bub vaginally due to my placenta still being low, which, as mentioned before is my worst scenario.

So we got there spot on 10.30am and the waiting room was full. We sat....... and sat......... and sat, an hour passed, a very uncomfortable hour, 8 months pregnant sat in a chair with people either side.....not good for the back.

Paul would need to leave at 12pm to get back to work for a 12.30pm client, so there I am willing people to be called (by this time I had worked out who was there prior to us therefore knew we still had 4 women to be seen before us) so that Paul could be in with me and not have to leave.
But as I watched the clock it was looking more and more unlikely and at 11.55 when there was still 2 to go in before us we decided for Paul to leave and head back to work.
So i sit there disappointed Paul won't get to see bubs, nor hear the news we were hoping for about the placenta.

Then unexpectedly I get called, like 4 mins after Paul had left!!! Knowing he had a little way back to the car and the hospital grounds are quite big, I hurriedly text him - 'going in, can you rush back?' whilst walking to scan room.
Anyway Paul had gotten to far so on with the scan.

The sonographers were great, apologies were given for running late (not their fault) and i explained about Paul and that he may come running back but it wasn't looking likely as he hadn't responded.
As soon as she put the screen on, I saw bubs profile and was in tears, I don't know about anyone else but the love just overwhelms you even seeing them on the screen, the lady said to me 'oh hunny, sorry your husband had to go, we'll get him a nice 'face shot', on went the 3d and she got the cute face shot I've posted here!! I can't stop looking at it.

They couldn't get to the placenta with a 'normal ' scan so decided to do other routine checks, bubs size, bubs position, fluid measurement, heart, S D ratio etc.
Whilst going through these there were two things that flagged up as not normal, I only knew this as one lady said to the other 'oh, that's a bit high, ill just double check that' so she proceeded to re-check it again and confirmed to her assistant that indeed yes it was no within normal range, then this happened again for something else and its at this point you really want a hand to squeeze yours and give you some reassurance, come back Paul!! ..........PART 2 to follow.

Yesterday was Freddy's 1st birthday!!!! He had a great day with a few pressies and lots of fuss throughout the day then the little family ( yep just us and my dad!) party in the evening with more pressies.
Of course he had a birthday cake, he hasn't had chocolate or cake before so it was interesting to watch him it his thin slice of cake, the progress of mess was also cute, here's the before, during and after pics of Freddy's first piece of cake!

Reaching for the first piece

Half way through

After

And all clean after bathtime

Happy Valentines Day, 49 days to go and the truth hurts.

2011-02-14T12:40:00.008+07:00

Happy Valentines Day................

............ to my gorgeous hubby who is caring, loving, THE best dad, never judges me, never puts conditions on our relationship, is my best friend as well as the love of my life, who gives everything but expects nothing in return, I could go on and on......I am so blessed.

I love you

_____________________________________________

49 Days to go

So another week down and I have 49 days (7 weeks) to go.

I had my 33 Week appointment at the Family Birth Centre on Thursday and all is well. Strong regular heartbeat, BP all good and low as normal, bubs has turned head down so all good with him.

I just need to have my scan next Monday and fingers crossed my placenta has moved up away from my cervix so I can have a natural vaginal birth again and not a C-Section.

The truth hurts

I will be starting another blog relating to this, keeping it private for now and when I feel comfortable I will open up to those that want to read and follow my journey. I did have some not so good news from the Birth centre and that is my BMI has just touched the limit they put on their mums having so that they are able to birth there. I have until 38 weeks to reduce it slightly to bring it back in range.

I have no doubt that by getting my shit together and stopping the crap and extras I have been having that I will be able to do this sensibly and all will be well......BUT the truth hurts right?

I know this pregnancy hasn't been ideal, the weight gain has run away from me. I have no-one to blame but myself of course and will not make anymore excuses.

My journey to get to my 'ideal' (realistic ideal that is) weight and body shape will begin. Unfortunately it is in my quest to find 'balance' that things have gone pear shape (pardon the pun) for me, I will deal with 'balance' issue once I get there, I know what works, I know what to do, I have support and assistance so will be doing this my way.............now to actually do it!

I will be blogging about it all here but letting a few more of my innermost thoughts etc go in my new blog, so yes, this will become my 'weight loss' journey (again) so if you don't wanna read that kinda 'stuff', don't, if you wanna judge, go somewhere else, but it will be real and I guess it wont all be fun.

As I said last post, I'm going longer term, by December 1st I will be there, 2011 is mine, pics to prove it and this is it ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Have a great day xx

32 down, 8 to go, 2011 My Year?

2011-02-07T11:58:00.007+07:00

Wow I'm 32 weeks pregnant today, only 8 to go and we all get to meet our little man, my ~~bum~~ belly is huge, people think I only have a few weeks to go, but bubs is on the right track, not big for dates.
Here's a pic -

My big boy is 15 tomorrow!! that scares me so much and makes me feel sooooooo old, 34 isn't old right??
Not long til Freddy's 1st birthday either, going too fast.

2011 My Year -
So my challenge to myself is coming together.............by 1st December, 1st day of summer, I will be a Slimmer Mumma for Summer :) Corney I know but you get the idea.

Ive been pregnant since May 2009 until April 2011, all except 4 months, in which time I had a newborn. So its time for me to make this year the year I get my mojo back and end it in style, feeling great, looking great and being great.

A long haul challenge, not 8 weeks, not 12 weeks, not even 6 months - 11 months to get real, meet lots of little mini goals -
- start jogging after bubs and complete a half marathon at the end of August,
- shift the excess baby weight I have gained this time
- shift plus some :)
- Return to Bodyattack first as a participant then as an instructor again, aiming for Spring roster that starts September
- be the best mum I can be to 4 children
- nourish my marriage to a simply amazing man

..............I'm sure there's more to come but you get the idea.

I'm going to record every single week here, no missing weeks or 'starting' again because they
weren't to my OLD all or nothing standards, I must admit, I am was tempted to just sit out the 8 weeks on my merry way and 'start' after I had had bubs, but the way my body is responding to the end stages of pregnancy at the moment I know I could easily have an extra 5-8kg to contend with if I don't bring a bit more regular exercise in again and choose to eat a little less and make better choices.

I few bits to organise and I'll be back with some more regular updates and find some way to log this on my blog.

Here's me and Baby Freddy, had to call him that as apparently he becomes a toddler from 12 months onwards..........as us mums know though, they are always or 'babies' :)

Nearly Feb???? and update

2011-01-27T13:10:00.005+07:00

WTF???
Seriously I have no idea where the time goes. I used to think time passed by quickly when I had 2 kids but it is just speeding by since I had Freddy so I have no idea what will happen when this new bubba boy arrives shortly.

I have had moments of guilt associated with the fact that early on in this pregnancy I sometimes forgot I was pregnant and also this time the appointments have seemed a hassle to get to and get through, especially with bubs and kids to sort etc, luckily I have a great hubby and he has been to all of them with me, well apart from my 2 hour Glucose Tolerance Test as he was at home on Freddy duty :)

Freddy was 11 months yesterday, a few weeks and the big first birthday will be here, he's just too cute at the moment, dancing, speed crawling, standing (wobbling) like a drunk at the furniture, starting to speak proper words (yes he did do a full and proper MUMMY yesterday instead of mum-ma), communicating in cute ways like pointing at stuff or crawling to stuff.

He just adores his big brother and sister and the feeling is totally mutual, they just dote on him, it so gorgeous to see.

I am under no illusion that the new bub and Freddy being so close in age will be such hard work to start with but am so excited to see them grow up so close in age and have no doubt they will be best buddies.

It will be great to experience both having kids with a bigger age gap and also a very close age gap, we are blessed.

So other than the weeks speeding by I haven't really been up to much since we got back from the UK, speaking of which, was, apart from time with family of course a trip I am stating as a disappointment.

In short, apart from Paul, my lot were sick, I spent 3 days in bed and a few days each side of those feeling ill and then trying to get better for the flight home, then my family - my sisters kids, my nan, my step dad were all sick at different times which made things hard to co-ordinate so we didn't share different germs......ANYway, the days we did get together were of course great and I am missing my mum and step dad heaps and it doesn't seem to be getting easier.

I also had forgotten how it feels to be in a true British winter!!! I know Paul and I were feeling the shut away in a house feeling, it was too icy to walk in, to cold for Freddy to be out for any length of time and Maddi had heaps of energy to burn and nowhere to do it!!

I will never moan about an Aussie winter again that's for sure!!

In saying that I had a few pluses that came from the trip one of those being that although I would love to be closer to family (it is extremely lonely here with no family or support network) I do now feel I am 'home'.

This is the country I want to be in, the country I want to bring up my kids in and the country to build our base in................ for them and the generations to come. We are extrememly lucky to be here and Australia is an amazing country with amazing people.

I now have 9 weeks 4 days left til the ever awaited due date of bubs number 4 and as I said it has gone quickly.

I feel he will be on time maybe even a little early, given my due date the Family Birth Centre are working from is a week later than my dates date. If given the choice the midwives there take the later date so as you get the opportunity to birth there as if you are to be induced you can't birth there you have to go to the main hospital.

In saying that I had a low placenta at my 20 week ultrasound and have a 34 week scan to confirm where it is then. if it has cleared I can have my normal birth, if not I will have to have a C-Sec which in all honesty, in my opinion, is the worst thing that could happen. I have spoken with my friend Mr.Google and he reliably :) tells me 95% of those who have placenta low at 20 will be fine by 34 weeks and able to birth normally. So trying not to get worked up about it and will know in a few weeks.

In other news from Shar, I am struggling with a few areas at the moment and they are causing me or rather, I am allowing them to affect me more than needed and trying to figure a way to pick myself back up and just get on with it.

I have a very wise, calm, centered hubby who has for about the past 2 years been developing himself not only professionally but spiritually aswell and as usual he has wise words, writings for me to read and unconditional love, all of which are helping me, more than he knows.

I am working on loving me and trying to believe and see the good things others see in me, then and only then will I be able to move forward.

I'm also setting goals, both physical and emotional, that are long term, as the short term shite I have done over and over are not for me anymore, especially if I want changes to be permanent.

I am thinking I will set the end of 2011 as my re-assessment date and maybe start a diary style daily (if possible with 4 kids) blog post so I have the journey recorded and can share honestly the good and bad days............because there are days that aren't so great aren't there? and it would be kinda refreshing to read some real stuff not all the fluffy stuff that smells of roses.

Back from UK, being sick sucks, so does jet lag, 12 weeks till new bub :)

2011-01-10T07:18:00.003+07:00

The End...........for now

YEAH, REALLY FUNNY................

2010-12-20T16:48:00.003+07:00

...........NOT!!!!!

Heathrow Airport......was closed, open for limited flights now, more bad weather expected.

Come on weather person, give us some good news, we're supposed to be on a plane tomorrow,

don't make me tell my kids we might not make it for Christmas.

Update - all departments

2010-12-18T05:53:00.004+07:00

Update time -

UK TRIP - 3 sleeps left!! Cant wait and as soon as Paul is home after his private clients this morning we will be starting the packing process, which, will be quite simple up until hand luggage when it needs a bit more thought for Freddy.

Bryce is obviously easy, he will sleep and watch films, listen to music and play apps on his i touch.

We have small gifts to give Maddi (mainly activity stuff for her) on the flight, she has the in flight entertainment to use and I have looked at the films and there are a few she will enjoy so that's good, Paul has also loaded her i touch with a few films and we are getting her a few new apps to play.

We have got a small bag of new bits and bobs for Freddy, I call them 'save the day' toys! so those along with sleep, other playing, walking about, smiling at people (his speciality as he knows it gets attention!) we may just manage!

I have booked the flight so that the 14 hour one ties in with what would be our night time so he hopefully takes a chunk of that one asleep.

Anniversary - Thanks to those who left a comment, we have a nice evening.

Finding a way - I have been processing alot of info and decided the way to go for me was to work on the mind (this was brought up in comments by quite a few) I have been listening to a valuable audiobook by Dr Wayne Dyer. I love him and have a few books, podcasts etc. I will be listening to it again and hope to post the most powerful bits that have helped me, lets just say I'm learning to love me, its not about the body, it about loving me.

I have also continued with my power walking and averaging 6-7km each time I go out which is about 5-6 times a week.

Both Freddy and I enjoy this, I get my exercise and yes I am working hard (says my heart rate monitor) as every activity becomes a little harder when you have a belly and a bit of weight to carry! I also love being out in the gorgeous surroundings, fresh air and sunshine.

Freddy loves watching the trees, dogs and generally being outdoors.

I have decided on a way of eating that is a compromise between logging every calorie and g of food, trying to be 100% and at the opposite end, just eating whatever whenever so this will hopefully help me settle.

I ended up at 40 weeks pregnant having a 9.5kg gain with Freddy and would love to keep this pregnancy within 'guidelines' too so am aiming at 12kg gain at 40 weeks, this is the top end of guidelines but I personally believe a realistic goal for me this time and also a goal that makes afterwards more doable in the get back into shape department.

In saying that there will be no 'beating up' or 'failure' if this number increases :)

With regards to fitness goals, obviously nothing major planned at the moment, apart from another quick, natural and fab labour and birth! :) although I don't know I can beat 1 hour 9 minutes can I??

I will continue to walk lots but later next year I am really, no I mean really, looking forward to going for a jog!! (more like a plod!) so I am setting myself a goal for 2011 of covering 2011 km's!!

Break that down and it isn't as easy as it sounds! that's an average of 5.5km a day!! now I wont be able to walk everyday due to various reasons etc so will have to clock up more when I can and when I can start jogging again I can get through a few more.

I will be aiming for that but lets just say I'll get as close as possible, I'll log it in my sidebar so you can see how I'm going.

Christmas - Fast approaching and obviously I have a very special time coming up!

Freddy's first Christmas and hes at a gorgeous age, he will be 10 months on Christmas day.

Maddi is extremely excited and is still praying for snow whilst we are in the UK, I think she could be in for a flurry going on the forecast that is being given.

Bryce is a typical teenager, hes looking forward being with Family and his Christmas list consisted of 'Money'!! Hes saving for a APPLE.

Paul and I are really looking forward to being at home with family but also spending some quality time together.

I might get one more post in with some Wayne Dyer info before we depart but if not, have a great Christmas and New year. Spend it with those you love, stay safe.

Shar x

Happy Anniversary Bestest Husband In The World :)

2010-12-14T12:15:00.003+07:00

Paul and I with Best Little Man Bryce getting our rings

Signing the register

LOVE YOU xxx

2010-12-10T11:51:00.005+07:00

Hands up who loves mummy???

Here's my little guy at 9 months, where is the time going?

At the moment, apart from the normal smiles/giggles he also communicates that he likes something by either raising his hand or clapping like crazy. Cute.

Finding a way - Part 2..............

2010-12-08T12:29:00.000+07:00

So following on from my last post, I am very grateful to those that took the time to comment with both there own experiences and also encouragement.

I didn’t want it to be a ‘poor me’ post but more so a realisation that if you keep doing what you’ve always done you will get what you always got and for me this meant a lifetime of yo-yo dieting which mentally has left me exhausted and craving some balance, physically has left me looking great/looking crap/looking great/looking crap, never just somewhere that I feel good that’s fits with me and my lifestyle and ultimately doing that to your body over and over will have a detrimental effect.

I have various Fitness related qualifications (cert 3, cert 4, pre post natal etc etc) and I would say I could train someone else, help someone else, BUT I will never do that again or re-enter the industry until I am happy I can help myself, do it for myself and be an inspiration (not just physically) to someone else.

I could easily go with what I have always done and seek help (yes even when I’m preg) BUT If I do not learn this for myself now as I said in my previous post I will be back to the same spot over and over.

The other thing is I need to do this for myself to discover me again, I am quite sad and ashamed to say I haven’t been the real me for quite a long time, a version of me, snippets of me but not 100% me.
This isn’t just attributed to weight, self image etc but I have allowed others to influence me in a way that I wouldn’t normally, not allowed myself to have the self belief to be the true me, its time to find me again, to have the belief in myself in ALL areas.

A few things that came up from you lovelies that commented –
Most of us have been there – this isn’t obviously what I want for others but it does help to know others have been there.
A few if not all of you have logged or do log - it has worked for me and I do believe it is right in some circumstances But for me right now it is controlling me and working in the opposite for me, so maybe I move to just writing my day out in a notebook, just so I’m aware of what I’m choosing but not totally consumed by calories and macro’s.
Positive thinking – I totally agree Thoughts become things. Liz, Magda and Samo mentioned this. I do believe if you look in the mirror and think ‘fat cow’ that is what you will be, if I look in the mirror and think ‘curvy, pregnant and healthy’ , even with some cellulite ;) then that’s what I will be.

So I am looking at a Action Plan , NOT a plan to follow, be restricted by, do 100% or nothing, a few guidelines to help me along this new journey that is ‘Finding The Real Shar.

I want to eat for health, energy and vitality
I want to exercise because I love it
I want to spread love everyday
I want to laugh so much it hurts :)

So looking at the wants above I will draw up my guidelines and be back soon.

Finding a way...........

2010-12-06T06:06:00.000+07:00

I've been struggling a bit at for the last few weeks with a few things, one being the same old same old mentality with my weight, how I look, self worth etc etc.

I don’t think I have ever really revealed the depths to a lot of my issues on my blog and nor will I now, just to say I have had a life long struggle with all things image, weight, confidence etc. Most of you have seen the ‘big’pics.

When I say life long I think I remember feeling ‘chunky’ from about 10 or 11, actually I think I was told that? Anyway so maybe 25 years now, seriously WTF!!

I do believe being in an industry that is image focused since I was 16 has not helped and maybe even contributed, being 100kg plus and down twice brings it own issues and also competing twice has screwed with my expectations of myself mentally plus also physically had an impact.

Anyway…..to now, having lost most of Freddy weight that I gained after his birth (yeah, I know, who does that, gains after they’ve had the baby) I was sitting 3 kgs above my pre preggy weight when I fell preg again with Baby No.4.

The pregnancy started well, I was exercising and eating well then the dreaded Morning Sickness and Fatigue that comes in early pregnancy hit me and unfortunately those two things along with looking after a 4 month old baby got the better of me (for those excuse police out there and saying ‘yeah excuses’ ‘Morning sickness and tiredness shouldn't stop you’ I say WTFEver! Nicely of course J) I could only just make it through the day let alone exercise and my eating tended towards what I could stomach and that was carby type snacky stuff more often than not.

So in that 6 week period, thank god it didn’t carry on longer, I gained a ‘few’ kilos, to say I was pissed was an understatement and my whole shitty mentality around food, weight returned, looking in the mirror would set me off.

Luckily I reined it in and had a period of eating well and have been back to clocking up the KM’s, powerwalking with my bubba.
To help me focus I returned to Calorie King and logging cals in and cals out, sticking to a adequate limit to maintain pregnancy and build a healthy bubba, calorie logging works for me and the excess started to drop little by little each week BUT there was something different about the logging thing this time.

I started to feel controlled, anal and restricted and just generally it brought a huge focus to food, it was all about how much this, eat this then, don’t eat this, bad choice, good choice blah blah…..which I can’t stand anymore, its like freakin comp prep all over and last time I checked theres a belly with a baby in and no way I’m wanting to step on stage.

So in my wisdom I thought ‘you are doing well Shar, making good healthy choices, exercising, so why don’t you just eat like this but not have the analytical side of it and stop logging’

So stop logging I did, but I did jot down what I was having at each meal so I could visually see what my day looked like, fruit, veg etc.

This worked for me for a bit………feeling when I was hungry, not eating to numbers, choosing good foods, I even stopped getting on the scales everyday (yep I said everyday!) then came a day when I was tired (normal when you have 3 kids plus other stuff to do right?), hormonal (normal when your pregnant right?) and just generally having I can’t stand myself day.
I was getting dressed and caught myself in the mirror, then come all the ‘habit thoughts’ that are so programmed in that I just have no control over them, they defeat me every time.

From there its not been a great place for me.
I have been basically making shitty food choices and generally abusing myself using food, beating myself up for heading in the same direction with this pregnancy as I did with my 1st two kids and gaining in excess of 30kg, beating myself up for not being ‘normal’ (although my husband assures me there is no ‘normal’), worrying about people judging me etc etc

Then comes the want to design a plan, calorie count and be ‘in control’ (or be controlled) follow a plan, go 100% or nothing, etc etc to try and fix what I'm seeing as a big disaster in the mirror, but again this is just habits I have formed over many years and I do know this isn’t the way for me anymore.

I have done some work on my thoughts and am aware that it has nothing to do with the food and has all to do with loving myself enough to respect and honour myself.

I have a lot to work through but my main aim is to come to the understanding that food really doesn’t have a lot to do with it, I have to be content and love myself enough that I don’t use food to abuse myself if the scale doesn’t tell me the right thing.

I also do not want to have to log every calorie everyday for the rest of my life or follow a plan to get to a place and stay there on the scales, its all well and good having something that works for you, a plan, a way you do things, following the latest diet etc but are you really able to follow that for the rest of your life to stay at the place you get to?

There are times when calorie counting, planning, having someone coach me will be of use to me, for example I may want to run a ½ marathon/marathon (always been a goal of mine, I LOVE running) and knowing that I am fuelling my body adequately would be an advantage………..I may want to compete again one day (almost 100% sure I wont but never say never) and then a plan/knowing the ins and outs is essential……
but to be
- a mum,
- to function well each day,
- to be a healthy role model,
- to be a size 10-12 and look good in my clothes not skeletal

do I need to be anal?
do I need to log everything?
do I need to deprive myself of a Chai latte (insert daily treat here)?
do I need to be thinking what the next meal is because I’m hungry?
do I need to say we can’t cook to my little girl because I cannot resist having a dip and how the FU%^ do you log that?

I crave getting to a place with my ‘weight’ and how I see myself in the mirror where I don’t over analyze and I just let it be.
I over think / analyse a lot and just need to keep it simple as posted by Alicia and Nicole last week.
Eat when hungry, stay active and do exercise because I love it and look after me and my true self.

I am overweight right now (for the stage of pregnancy I’m at) there is no excuse for gaining more than recommended in pregnancy, I do want to be healthy and fit, I do want to ‘look’ good and wear my fav clothes but I just need to work out the way of getting there this time (yeah again…yawn) that is doable without pain, suffering and restriction and that is maintainable long term, because at the end of the day if its not long term, I’ll be here again over and over, year after year and that is what I am not willing to do anymore.

Lets see what happens……………………..but one things for sure, I have more important things to focus my energy on and maybe if I do things will fall into place for themselves?
Thanks for listening xx

Scan pictures & 21 days

2010-11-29T19:45:00.006+07:00

Im now 22 weeks and 2 weeks ago we had our 20 week scan.
Bubs is doing great, measuring a bit ahead (which puts me back to the first date I had anyway).
Here's a few pictures of bubba boy.

21 DAYS TIL WE FLY TO THE UK FOR CHRISTMAS!! HELL YEAH!!

Just the way you are......

2010-11-25T12:17:00.004+07:00

My gorgeous hubby told me the other day this song was for me...........the words really fit where i am in my life right now, that and the fact that I know 110% he means it is all I need as a pick me up when old thoughts, behaviours and doubts creep in.

I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE TOO xxx

Oh her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful and I tell her every day

Yeah I know, I know, when I compliment her
She wont believe me
And its so, its so, sad to think she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look okay I say

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing just the way you are

Her lips, her lips
I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh, she hates it but I think its sexy
She's so beautiful I tell her every day

Oh you know, you know, you know
Id never ask you to change
If perfect is what you're searching for
Then just stay the same
So don't even bother asking
If you look okay
You know I say

I love the Bruno Mars Version but this version by Boyce Avanue is pauls Fav.

Wowzers.....

2010-11-16T12:19:00.005+07:00

I'm 20 weeks pregnant!!! where the hell did that go?

I guess looking after Freddy (8 1/2 months now) plus my 2 others, doing all the running around for Maddi's gymnastics now she has moved up to a group that trains 4 x week for a total of 14 1/2 hours per week, general wifey stuff, house stuff blah blah is not allowing me much time to breath let alone think about being pregnant!!

Its all good, pregnancy can be a long journey and you can get caught up in every little thing, but at least this way as long as I get to all the correct appts and bubs is growing well and healthy I will be at due date before I know it!!

What else has been happening? (taking a leaf out of Maryanne's book) I will list in point form -

- WE ARE GOING TO THE UK FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how excited I am (apart from the plane with a 9 1/2 month old!) we only decided maybe 3 or 4 weeks ago. Initially I was going to go with just Maddi and Freddy but luckily we are all going now which will be wonderful. I get to see all my family and meet my nephew! :) more to come on this.

- I have been back to exercise for a bit now and I'm loving it, I hate getting into the rut I got into when the Morning Sickness hit and glad I dragged myself out. I am a Power Walking Machine!

Another post to come on this.

- Freddy is gorgeous, nearly crawling, has a cute smile with his teeth (just 2 left to come on the bottom before we get a break), eating big boys food, still an angel in every way, here's a recent picture.

- I have finished up my GFM job as you know but also decided it was a chance to take a break from teaching group fitness, with the view I will reassess and return after bubs.

I have vowed to be true to myself from now on and only do the things in life that bring me joy, that I love etc.

I can't teach Bodyattack being pregnant (well I could and did last time but choose not to this time and now I have a bump its hard!) and this is what I love, so it seemed and appropriate time to take a break.

Having been in the industry in some way, shape or form since I was 16, I cannot tell you how cool I am with not having to go into a gym and the environment that comes with it sometimes.

I do however miss the members and delivering the experience.

- I have the most amazing husband.

- I am making headway in learning to just 'be', slowly but I am getting there. The Ah-ha moments are becoming more frequent.

- My big kids are as gorgeous as Freddy, here they are -

- HAVE A GREAT WEEK

Shar x

Out of the mouths of babes.........

2010-11-09T08:19:00.002+07:00

...........or a 6 year old

Me and my girl walk to school every morning, I started this a way of getting extra quality time with her, Freddy gets to see lots and gets fresh air, and I get to push 21kg and powerwalk for exercise, win win.

Along with all the above benefits is the fact that my girl and I have so much fun, generally we talk about fairy's, looking at all the different fairy gardens etc plus I hear all the details of school etc.

Anyway yesterday I was cracking up as the following conversation occurred, about 3/4
of the way to school, along a quiet side street, we see a baby magpie -

Me - Oh look there's a baby magpie
Her - Where?
Me - On the grass there look *pointing*
Her - How do you know that's a baby?
Me - You see its all fluffy and grey, the colours of its feathers aren't sharp, its smaller as well
Her - Whats he doing there?
Me - Well they have to learn to survive on there own, so they leave their mummy and have to learn everything for themselves
Her - Really? That's very sad
Me - Whys that sad?
Her - Well I wouldn't want to be born in a hedge on the side of the road and have to leave you to survive on my own, poor Magpie.

Eco Tankas

2010-11-05T12:13:00.002+07:00

You may or may not know that we stock Eco Tankas the stainless steel drinks bottle, of course I'm sure your all aware of the benefits of not drinking from Plastic and also the fact that these bottles last forever pretty much! Anyway I am nearing the time to put in a new order but need to clear out the remaining first so we know where we are at.

As a few of the blogger girlies have ordered from me previously I thought I'd place on here my remaining stock so all your health conscious peeps out there can get one from me if you need.
It s a great time to get sorted before the weather heats up and the koolers really do help keep cool water cool!

I need to clear stock so have lowered the cost from the RRP (rrp in brackets). This is what I have left to clear -

2 x Teeny Tanka 350ml with Screw in Loop Top - $ 15.00 ($17.90)
1 x Teeny Tanka 350ml with Pop up Sports lid - $15.00 ($17.90)
TEENY KOOLER - 1 x PINK - $6.00 ($7.95)
Teeny Tanka Adapter and Avent Sippy Spout - $10.00 ($14.95)

1 x Mini Tanka 600ml with Screw in Loop Top - $18.00 ($22.00)
1 x Mini Tanka 600ml with Pop up Sports Lid - $18.00 ($22.00)

1 x Supa Tanka 1.2l With Pop up Sports Lid - $23.00 ($27.50)
SUPA KOOLER - 1 x DARK BLUE - $8.00 ($10.95)

1 x Mega Tanka 2.0l with Screw in Loop Top - $29.00 ($34.75)
MEGA KOOLER - 1 x Black - $9.00 ($11.95)

If your interested, please e mail me and I can confirm postage, pretty much they all go in a $6.00 pre-paid Satchel and can get 2 of the smaller ones in one satchel, apart from the MEGA TANKA!!!! which has to go in a big satchel or I can send as a parcel a bit cheaper I believe.

Here's a picture for those that don't know what they look like -

And one with some of the koolers, colours I have are listed above -

Why not grab someone you care about who is still drinking from plastic a Chrissie pressie?

Shar x

Joining In - Nailing November

2010-11-01T12:19:00.003+07:00

I'm jumping into November with Liz and alot of others and Nailing November

The things I will nail in November are -

- My bedtime - been getting to late, back to earlier nights to ensure I have the energy to work full time (SAHM, Wife and Housekeeper), be pregnant! and train as well as possible.

- Try really hard to work on, as Paul puts it, my 'throw my hands in the air' habit when things get hard / tough / get on top of me etc etc.

- Be confident enough to pursue my current project

- Appreciate everyday, everything I have.

Well, nothing to hard there but just need to revisit these daily to ensure I'm on top of them and you never know November could bring some great new habits!

THANKS Liz and good luck all that are nailing!! :)

Shar x

I forgot!

2010-10-28T09:38:00.003+07:00

Thanks for the reminder Nicole, I had forgotten to post it here, I have had a mad week (thats another post) and totally forgot to blog it here!

Yes we had our gender revealing scan on Saturday gone and we are very blessed to be having another BOY!!!! So I am mum to 3 boys and 1 girl (princess!) AMAZING!!!

Here's a pic to prove it :) Looking up between the thigh bones......theres a doodle in the middle.

Why do I let flies bother me so much??

2010-10-25T09:32:00.002+07:00

So the change in weather has come in Perth and so with that comes the flies when I'm tryingt o get on with my powerwalk each day.

I cannot explain why the bother me so much!!!! Seriously I get really pi%#ed at them.

Why do they have to land on on my lips?
Then just up my nostril, then my eyelid, then sometime if they really wanna pi%# me they land right in the corner of my eye!!!!!

Anyway, had a great walk and I suppose th epositive of the flies is my heart rate goes higher from trying to wave my arm around getting them off me and the fact im all wound up at them!
BONUS - Extra fitness and calories :)

1 sleep & getting back on track

2010-10-22T05:19:00.002+07:00

So the results of the poll show those that commented (thanks by the way!) think I may be having a girl, or have at least guessed girl :)
I must say I do feel Im having a girl too, I can truly say I have no preference, Im glad bubs is so far fit and healthy, but I am every excited to find out as I hate surprises and am sooooo impatient.

1 sleep til we have our scan on Saturday at 9am, I am not only excited to see what the result is but also the fact that we get to see the bubs.
When Preg and its a normal preg, you get your 12 week scan which you are relived about as unless you have alot of early symptoms and even those could have disappeared by 8-9 weeks it the first time you are reassured that there is actually a baby in there and its the first time you get to see bubs.
Then the next time is 20 weeks, 8 whole weeks later!! Unless your lucky and feel bubs early, at this stage you still want the reassurance everything is ok.
Then there are no more scans, but you get the doppler each ob/midwife visit and you hear heartbeat.
Im lucky enough that Paul has a client that's a Ob's Doctor so we will get a 'extra' scan at about 30 weeks.
Also I have hired a doppler for the next month so the kids can hear bubs and bond a bit and it helps me until the movement become regular and stronger.

Anyway, enough about bubs, onto my training and nutrition. As with Freddy's pregnancy I have bad Morning sickness and fatigue, this disappeared at about 10 -11 weeks, then I got sick with a bad cold and then cough which stuck around for 4 weeks. These two combined left me inactive and the MS had me reaching for whatever seemed to ease that which sometimes wasn't such great choices.

So my aim last week was to start with my powerwalking again and I got 3 in 2 x 4km's and 1 x 6km.
This week my aim was to clean up my nutrition a little and start to focus again on being prepared a bit more, focus on eating organic/free range and look at the different stages of preg and what bubs needs when.
Also to increase my exercise a bit more to at least 4-5 sessions per week.

I am please to report it is going well and I'm at 4 sessions, hoping to finish on 5 or maybe 6.
Nutrition is good and choices have been better although I refuse to give up my small serve of green and blacks each day and love having that with my cuppa in the evening :)
I will also not give up having a treat here and there when out with hubby, meeting friends for coffee etc.
My aim with regards to my weight is to keep my preg weight gain to the 'guidelines' like i did with Freddy but mainly this time it is to learn from my choices after bubs last time as this is when I saw some excess kilos load on for various reasons, lessons learnt.

Have a great weekend and I may pop on and reveal the colour of bubs once we have had the scan tomorrow!

Random thoughts - Question time........

2010-10-21T11:44:00.005+07:00

1) What should one call a male ladybird?

2) Do fish ever get thirsty?

3) Do you wake up or open your eyes first?

Yes!! I'm done!..........

2010-10-11T19:37:00.002+07:00

...........with my Group Fitness Managers job!! no maternity leave, finished! YAY!!

Never say never and I may be a GFM again one day but it will be a good 2-3 years at
a minimum and the way I am with it at the moment, I would say I wouldn't return.

Tomorrow see the kids back to school and loving routine, this suits me and Freddy just fine.
I am looking forward to getting settled back into my exercise routine, enjoying the spring weather with lots of outdoor activity and catching up with a few friends whilst my older ones are at school.

12 sleeps and we find out what sex bubs is!! So at the top I have put a poll like I did last year with Freddy.
We have Boy, Girl, Boy now, so just for fun (humour me!) what do you reckon this one will be??
If you have the time have a vote.

Shar x

A busy week, Baby No.4 & my update

2010-10-02T05:22:00.006+07:00

So the first week of kids holidays was a busy one.

Stated with a public holiday here in WA, which was great, an extended weekend with Paul and the kids.

Since Paul has been working full-time in the city weekends have become a bit more precious and I love it when we get to Friday's.

Maddi had a day out with her friend on Tuesday which she was excited about.

Wednesday we had Bryce playing away for the 14's WAFL Development Squad (made up of all the good players from the whole district).

He has been training with them since being put through by his coach and then on Monday we found out he made the final squad that would go on to play in the carnival through the holidays.

They won and he said it was a great experience although he was a little nervous. He has a game on Sunday which Paul will get to come to so that's good.

Here's a picture I took of him before the match, they have to go dressed in dress trousers, shoes and the Subiaco FC Polo shirt, he looked very smart and old!!!!!, still my baby though, I don't think he will ever be anything else :)

Maddi started in her new group at gymnastics on Thursday, she was excited as she has been working hard to make it to the next group. So 3 and a half hours of training later she came home shattered. Training today again, 4 hours this time, she will probably walk out asleep :)

As you can see from the picture of Freddy in my last post hes getting a big boy and I cannot believe he is over 7 months now. He got his two bottom teeth at 4 1/2 months which I think is early, I can't remember my other two having teeth that early, anyway the others have just come in a steady flow and hes got 5 now, the top ones look so cute when he smiles.

As for the bubs on the way, we had a scan a couple of weeks back and all is well. Growing strong and sitting on dates just nicely.

I have booked in (as we did with Freddy) for a 3d/4d scan in 3 weeks and will find out what we are having, some might remember I hate surprises so just have to find out, I also love bonding with bubs a bit more and also getting organised.

I did initially think we may be seeing another blue bundle on the way (had a feeling from the very first scan at 7 weeks) but now both Paul and I think we are having a girl. All exciting and it doesn't matter either way.

Here's a picture, back view of head and arm up waving :)

AFM - I'm a little frazzled if I'm honest, being pregnant whilst having a young baby (plus 2 others!) is tough but luckily Freddy is an angel. I do need to focus on getting a little more sleep, but I have been finding that by the time that everything is done in the evening and the kids are in bed I like to have a bit of chill out time rather than just fall into bed, I'll have to just find a balance, sit and chill for a set period of time and then make myself get up and go to bed.

I returned to my Part Time Group Fitness Managers job on August 1st, returning on flexible work arrangements, 2 club days when Paul could have Freddy and the rest from home. When I realised how easy Freddy was I started getting a bit fidgety and wanted to get my teeth into something again but i soon realised I have come full circle with that job, its not for me anymore, its a hassle not a love.
I also found working with a baby is not for us, well not working for someone else anyway, I am now looking into doing something from home, starting my own hobby/business etc, no rush though my time with Freddy is precious and even if I do start/find something it will allow me the best of both worlds.
So I am currently working my notice and finish next Sunday !! FOR GOOD, no maternity leave, finishing up for good, it feels great.

Anyway, that's about all my news, off to read some blogs that I need to catch up on.
Shar x

My big boy!

2010-09-20T09:50:00.003+07:00

I cannot believe Freddy is 7 months this weekend coming?

Where has that gone?

Here's a pic from a couple of weeks back

No idea.......

2010-09-15T16:50:00.002+07:00

..............where the last few weeks have gone.

I just bumped into a friend called Barbara at the shops, whom I met when she did my classes a good few years back now, she asked how I was going and said you haven't been blogging!!

So I come on here and check when I last posted and it was the 21st August!! and even that was a short post.

I just don't know where to start to be honest, with no exaggeration, life just feels crazy day after day for me right now.
I have very sporty kids as you know and with Bryce's footy season coming to an end and them making Grand Final plus him making the district development squad and the extra training that goes with that, he has kept us busy running around getting to the right place at the right time.

Then Maddi's gymnastics Competition season hit in with 3 comps in the last month and a bit.

So add that to returning to my 20 hour part time GFM job, teaching, Baby Freddy and being pregnant..............all that makes me feel like I'm a crazy woman day after day.

Not complaining, but you can see that when I do get 30 mins to sit down blogging hasn't been high priority.

Aaaaaannnnnyway, a few things are changing over the next few weeks that should see things calm down a little. Plus I should be coming out the other side of fatigue/exhaustion and all day sickness of the first trimester. YAY!!

We have our 2nd scan next week, can't wait.
Then we will pay to have a 3d/4d one again to find out the gender, as we did with Freddy, I'll pop a poll on the top of my blog and you can all vote again, although last time I think we had about 28 said girl, 6 said boy :)

I hope to be back to blogging soon, will try and post a few videos of my sports stars and a recent pic of my big boy Freddy!

Shar x

No whingeing here, todays a good day.............

2010-08-21T05:21:00.005+07:00

Because ..........

I woke up.
I kissed my husband goodbye as he went to do 4 clients.
I am lucky enough to lift my baby boy out of his cot and hug him.
My daughter walks into the lounge looking sleepy tired but smiling, it lights up the room.
I pop my head in on my eldest and he's snoring, precious, my big baby :)
My all day sickness kicks in already....a good sign.......grow strong baby, grow stong.
We are all together.
We are all well
We have love.

Todays a good day................Have a great weekend all

Baby No.4, Busy Weekend, Motherhood & Weekly check in.........

2010-08-07T05:21:00.003+07:00

BABY NO.4
Thanks f0r all the comments to my last post which I revealed that we are expecting baby number 4. We are all over the moon.
I totally agree with the people that said 'congrats but your a little crazy' :)
After having an 8 and 6 year gap it will now be a year between Freddy and his Brother / Sister.
This will be a whole new experience for us but Freddy has enhanced our family (as each bubba has) so much that we decided we would love one more and this time close together, I'm too old for a big gap this time ;)
It will be great to have you along for the ride again, as I focus on a fit and healthy pregnancy again.

BUSY WEEKEND
So the weekend kicks off on a Friday night right??
So Friday night saw Maddi have an extra Gymnastic session purely to practice routines for her competition today.
TMI Alert - Unfortunately Maddi became the next victim of the sickness we have had run through us all - Me on Monday, Paul Thursday arvo, Bryce Thursday night and Maddi last night!! Basically sudden onset of feeling dodgy, get really tired, then wake up and vomit until empty, feel better, eat drink and back to normal!! SHe feels fine this morning and is adamant she competing.
This morning we have a bit of shopping & running around to do which will have to be as soon as the shops open, then we start the 'procedure' of getting ready for the competition, in particular the hair has to be a certain style and stuck in like no tomorrow with product!!
Then its off to see Maddi compete, will get some video and pics so maybe post some soon.
We then have some baking to do for the cake stall to support Bryce's footy club.

Then Sunday see us go to footy again, due to a loss a few weeks back Bryce's team are needing to do well in the last 3 games to make finals in the top 2 spots to get a week off.
So the games have been a little more tense :0

All the normal stuff to do to get ready for the week ahead then needs doing and we will be good to go for another week.

MOTHERHOOD
I'm just gonna jump in and post a small amount responding to Nicole a week or so ago and also Alicia as they both wrote some valid points and maybe I have something else to add because I'm going through it a 3rd time.

Like Nicole I had body issues after Freddy, mine was more related to what I did to myself after birth not during pregnancy but the feeling is the same, no-one can prepare you for that moment you stand in front of the mirror and see your reflection and you just don't recognise it.
Your body can totally change, things happen to your boobs, maybe stretch marks where you weren't expecting them etc etc and seeing this at a time when your mental strength isn't quite at its best due to lack of sleep, proper nutrition, worry etc can be devastating.

Like Alicia I found it a very lonely experience early on, I had visitors here for a substantial amount of time (9 weeks), they go home, Paul was at work, in a new full time position instead of being his on PT and being home throughout the day and although I was probably not as alone due to my other kids being home before and after school that time in between can feel very long and some days I found myself just wondering how long a day could feel when normally the days flew past.
Once I got a routine established and started to get back to the gym and going to classes each day I found it alot better, just like Alicia does now shes back working.

The thing is, as has been said - no-one tells it like it really is, what to really expect.
I have had 2 previously so wasn't going in blind and I have found it easier each time but every baby is different, every situation is different and although I have got a very clam and contented baby and have found him and his need relatively easy, this time for me is the first I have had no family living close by, no support network as such.

Everyone is different, how we respond to motherhood can be totally different to how we thought we would or how we are 'expected' to BUT ultimately as long as you make it through yourself, care for your baby and ask for help if you need it, really it doesn't matter if you don't do what you are 'supposed' to.

As for people giving you their two cents worth - they are always going to do that, unfortunately people think they know best but as I said everyone is different and they are not experiencing what you are experiencing, as long as you are truly happy with what you are doing you just have to get tough and say '**** um'.
In saying that there are some genuinely caring & helpful people out there that will give you suggestions or let you know what worked for them and if given in the right manner, this info can help sometimes.

WEEKLY CHECK IN
So this week has seen a loss of 0.9kg, putting my total at 11kg, which I am over the moon about and I'm nearly back a Freddy Pre preg weight. Although at some point I need another pre preg weight :) I am focused on keeping a check on excess weight gain again this time and for sure will learn from the past and not put on weight after I have had the baby this time!! :)

Exercise has been power walking and classes this week trying to still clock up my KM's.
Plan on starting training with Paul 2 x a week, we just need to work those 2 sessions in somewhere!.

Anyway, thats all for now, gymnastic hair to do!! have a great weekend.
Shar x

And the winner is..........

2010-08-04T16:01:00.003+07:00

Nicole!! Well spotted girl!!!!

Yep that's right Nicole dropped by and read my last post and left me a comment (along with Chelle and Frankie) BUT she was also on the ball enough to notice my little gadget thingy on the right hand side, the one under Freddy's age gadget........................

I was playing a little game, 'how long for someone to see my news!!' game
It took 2 days, I thought it would take longer for someone to notice as not often do we note anything but the actual post on a blog.

have a great week all, LOVE LIFE.
Shar x

Flying visit............

2010-08-01T19:52:00.002+07:00

Woah...... I was going to get back to blogging and its been over a week since my last post!!
Anyway I'll throw a quick update in.

Training and nutrition was good last week and I got a small drop on the scales of 0.3kg, which after a 1.6kg loss the week prior I was happy with.

This week was good although I enjoyed some extras this week as I have been ravenous, new rule of mine, listen to the old bod and respond accordingly. Hungry = eat :)

Still saw another 0.3kg loss so happy with that. As you can see on the right hand side I am sitting at 10.1kg off so far, 4.3kg to get me back to my pre preg weight, I really want to try and shift as much of this as possible in the next 4 weeks, Freddy is 6 months then and its also my birthday.

It was always my aim to be back down by the time Freddy was 6 months, for me I think 6 months is a realistic timescale to go by, not expecting to much to soon, when your still finding your feet, but not allowing it to drag out past the point where you can't really say 'Ive just had a baby' because 6 months ago isnt really JUST had a baby.

Will up my walking this week as I'm a little behind on my KM target so batter get striding!
I also hope to get into a few classes, maybe a Bodystep and a Bodycombat.

Start back to my Group Fitness Mangers position tomorrow and back to teaching classes (having given up 5 weeks ago, missed it too much but that's a whole other post!).

Bryce had a great game of footy today and they beat top of the league, they are on track to make final this year.
Maddi has her 1st of 3 gymnastics competitions starting next weekend, has an extra training session this week in preparation.
Freddy is now 5 months 1 week and is just a cutie, I love this age they are so interactive. its great to see him with the other 2, they just adore him and he adores them.

Anyway, that's the weekly wrap up and I hope to be back sooner than next weekend.

Have a great week everyone
Shar x

Trying to get back to blogging.....

2010-07-24T06:40:00.002+07:00

So post before last I linked to KEK’s blog and something she had written in regards to having a bloggers block. Taking on her advice, here’s Kek’s point number 1 – JUST WRITE.

I have decided its best for me to just to put all that’s been going on for me in list form –

- After having a really healthy and happy pregnancy with regards to keeping my weight gain to reasonable level (9.5kg total at 40 weeks pregnant) I had a rough time post baby with weight gain, putting on a lot in a very short space of time.

- Having tried to discover why this is and having done some soul searching, I have come to the conclusion I obviously don’t (didn’t) have enough self worth to value and look after myself.

- I did it in pregnancy because I was looking after my bubs, giving him the best start so to speak, then once he was born, it was just me again.

- Now, I am more aware of why I have been doing this and I can see this has been the case for quite a while. Not anymore, I am worth it and I do not need to do this for anyone else, only me.

- Knowing I was on a mission to be fit and healthy I jumped onto the team that are doing the BFFM challenge. It’s a 14 week challenge and it has been great to be a part of a team with like minded individuals that encourage and support you, we have our own thread to chat in and update each other.

- At the start I did see this as an opportunity to go hard and lose as much as poss in 14 weeks and although I have been doing well and got some great results so far, at about week 5 I realized this is my life style, slow and steady wins the race, this is longer term than 14 weeks so although there is an end date for the challenge, there is no end date for me and I will continue on.

- I have been embracing balance, a positive attitude and a focusing on whats important to me for 3-4 months now and it is getting easier.

- Professionally I had to make some changes to discover what it is I actually love and where it is I want to be and have come out the other side knowing who I am, what I want to do and who I want to be associated with.

- I had a spell after Freddy was born where it got a little tough to get everything together and put in the effort to eat well, train regularly etc but I did it and didn’t make excuses and we are all better off and I’m a happy mummy

- After training up to day of Labour I had a few weeks off and I have been back training consistently since Freddy was 5 weeks and I love it.

- One thing I have discovered is as time goes by and I’m around health focussed individuals, I read and communicate with others that are challenging themselves and I educate myself further I really can’t tolerate excuses……..I’m tired, I’m busy, I work, its raining etc etc, I still have understanding and compassion but there is no room for excuses, this is a whole other post but simply put....... regarding nutrition - we choose what goes in our mouth and regarding exercise / activity - I would challenge anyone who says they can’t find 20-30 minutes a day to get outdoors in the fresh air and walk.

I have updated my sidebar with my weekly stats both weight and my skinfolds, I don’t do skin folds weekly but have done a little further apart.

My other challenge on my sidebar is to cover as many KM’s (either power walking or jogging) for the second half of the year as I can, I started logging this on July 1st and will try and update as much as possible.

I think I could go on but will leave it there saying that I have had a great few months, happy and healthy family, happy and healthy Shar, yes my life feels crazy some days, baby of 5 months, two other kids, school runs, gymnastics 3 x week for Maddi, Football training and game 3 x week for Bryce, Hubby working, me teaching, training and returning to my Group Fitness Managers job on August 1st……….. I wouldn’t have it any other way and I will never make EXCUSES as they take you further away from your goals and dreams.

Have a geat weekend everyone
Shar x

I Love this........ read it, hear it and feel it..........

2010-07-17T22:00:00.003+07:00

Believe in your heart that something wonderful is about to happen.
Love your life.
Believe in your own powers, and your own potential, and in your own innate goodness.
Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover each day the magnificent, awesome beauty in the world.
Explore and embrace life in yourself and in everyone you see each day.
Reach within to find your own specialness.
Amaze yourself and rouse those around you to the potential of each new day.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect; this is the essence of your humanity.
Let those who love you help you.
Trust enough to be able to take.
Look with hope to the horizon of today, for today is all we truly have.
Live this day well.
Let a little sun out as well as in.
Create your own rainbows.
Be open to all your possibilities; all possibilities and Miracles.
Always believe in Miracles.

Back to Blogging (soon) and I'm proud of my hubby!

2010-07-13T20:17:00.003+07:00

So here I am, Thanks to KEK for this great post, I will find my way back to blogging by the end of this week and will be taking on board Kek's tips.

But for a start I'm going to post about my Hubby, I'm going to big him up!!
You may or may not know Paul started as a Personal Trainer but has now developed and educated himself through the C.H.E.K practitioner levels.
Most recently returning from Melbourne with his CHEK Practitioner Level 2, making him the highest qualified CHEK practitioner in Western Australia!!
He is now working in a studio in the city which has a strong focus on CHEK philosophies, along side his boss Brady Anderson (Ex-North Melbourne Player) who is a CHEK Exercise Coach and Holistic Lifestyle Coach.
I am also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach, I trained a while ago now and I definitely used alot of the principles during pregnancy and have recently been revisiting and incorporating into my life, its a direction I am hoping to head in professionally eventually and I believe its not enough to know your 'stuff' but you need to live it, so my first step is to get it right for myself.

Anyway, back to Paul :) I asked him for a bit more info on where he's at and what exactly he is doing and he e mailed me the following from across the lounge (all of 3 metres!! LOL)

Also he said if anyone in Perth is interested in a CHEK Assessment they can leave me a comment or e mail me.

CHEK Practitioner Level 2 Assessment and Program Design Services

Below is an overview of whats involved, they are great for truly understanding your bodies imbalances, correcting any niggling aches or pains or to increase work/home/sport performance.
CHEK Practitioners build sustainable health and performance through treating the core not the symptom.

The CHEK Assessment and program design is for anyone wanting to move without pain or dysfunction.
The CHEK assessment involves:
A 2hr session evaluating
o Static and dynamic posture
o Musculoskeletal strength and range of movement
o Core Function
o Foundation principles: Sleep, Hydration, Movement, Nutrition, Thoughts and Breathing
Analysis and individualised program design

A second 90min session to review the assessment findings and teach the program.
The assessments are completed at a private Perth city studio

Details of CHEK Practitioner Level 2
C.H.E.K Practitioner Level 2’s learn how to identify red flags as a necessary system of preventing injury through exercise. C.H.E.K Practitioner Level 2’s learn spinal bio-mechanics, neurological screening, essential orthopedic screening tests, length/tension assessments, corrective stretching, specific corrective exercise technologies, and how to refer to allied medical practitioners. Advanced level postural assessment using goniometric technology gives the C.H.E.K Practitioner Level 2 the ability to design highly specific corrective exercise programs.

The C.H.E.K Practitioner Level 2 is an invaluable addition to any medical practice treating work, sports, and recreational orthopedic injuries. They are also key contributors to the professional sports medicine and conditioning teams.

I'm so proud of Paul and his work ethic, the knowledge he now has is amazing, the continuous study and want to be the best he can be is inspirational.
Love you Paul and I am one Proud Wifey xx

End of June already, Changes and 4 Months

2010-06-25T05:08:00.005+07:00

WOW, its been ages since I updated on here!! I cannot believe it is nearly the end of June already and this year is half way through!!

I have had quite a few happening for me and have had a few Ah-ha moments over the last few weeks.

This time I have choosen to act upon them as I have ignored before and things just come round full circle and never change.....whats the saying -
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got."
-- W. L. Bateman

so this has brought some changes for me, some tough decisions but ultimately I knew/know in my gut they are the right ones and will see me walking the path I want to, I am very excited.

I will get back to update about these changes soon but Freddy is calling so I'll leave you with a picture of my little man who is 4 months today!!! I am truley blessed, he is just such a calm contented baby and has brought such joy to our already amazing family.

This is Freddy with monkey (his fav toy) I had to get a pic as it was like I'd sprung him!! He was having a sleep in his pram and I'd left Monkay hanging from the hood bit, I heard him almost growling so went to see him, peeped round the corner of the pram and found him eating his tail.

In this moment.........

2010-05-16T07:55:00.002+07:00

Do not wait to be beautiful. Be your beautiful, authentic self right now.

If the world offers up negativity and despair, surprise the world by giving back love and kindness.

Send out the energy that you wish to experience, and you are certain to experience it.

Happiness and fulfillment are alive in this moment. Allow them to flow freely and creatively through your life.

Fall in love all over again with the miracle of being. Your imagination is great and magnificent, yet it cannot hold even a fraction of the possibilities.

You'll do, say and act your best when you feel your best. Feel the limitless wonder of this very moment.

Be beautiful, alive, aware and filled with the energy of the possible. In this moment, is every dream made and fulfilled.

-- Ralph Marston

Quick catch up

2010-05-13T12:22:00.002+07:00

11 weeks ago today I gave birth to this booootiful bubba boy..............

Yep that's right Freddy is 11 weeks old today!! So whats been happening......................

It has been a very busy 11 weeks, my mum and step dad arrived 2 days before I had Freddy and were just a god send to have here in those early days, taking and picking up from school, cooking, cleaning, washing, packed lunches, looking after baby Freddy so I could do bits for myself, playing with Maddi making up plays and shows for us to watch each evening and basically allowing me to get Freddy into a routine from the get go. I did struggle lots when they went back to the UK and I'm still missing them everyday but I have to just get on with it.

Then the kids were on Easter holidays and my In-laws were here visiting from the UK, they got caught up in the Volcanic ash issue that stopped flights so they ended up with an 9 days here on top of their 3 weeks.

So now with an empty house (well not really but you know what I mean), the kids back to school, I have been throwing myself into motherhood which I must say has been great, Freddy is an angel, seriously, I am shocked, I didn't know babies could be as contented as he is, he self settles (I implemented this from Day 1 so he knew how too) plays and interacts, has awake time, will just fall asleep anywhere, I could go on, amazing!

I do think it babies react/respond to their mums mood etc and I have been far calmer, confident etc with mothering this time so maybe that has helped.

Unfortunately I am not in a good space for myself mentally, struggling again with old habits that re-surfaced in the last 4-5 weeks, when having a house full and trying to accommodate and get into a routine seemed to get on top of me, this has seen some kilos creep on and I am quite pissed at myself. Now we are back into our initial routine that's helped but I am struggling to get myself straight, with my thoughts, with my actions etc. I'm busy working on it and feel the switch will flick soon and there will be no stopping me.

I am trying to not let it consume me as there are far more important things. I am sooooooo grateful for my precious family, Bryce continues to be Bryce, I find his energy just amazing. Maddi is infectous, a bundle of energy that never stops!! Freddy is my little man, so calm and happy and Paul is just completes me. I am one lucky chicka-dee!!!

Have a great day all xx

Blogger Buddy/Buddies Wanted

2010-04-30T10:04:00.002+07:00

So, after my post about getting right back into it after having Freddy and setting myself my little missions, I am still pretty much in the same spot, maybe a few steps further forward as I am now back to classes and have been for 4 weeks now and have been for 2 short jogs this week.

I haven't however nutted out the nuts and bolts about specific goals, time lines etc and being a goal orientated person, that's bugging me a little.

I have had a challenging few weeks, reasons I won't go into here, which has unfortunately seen some old habits rear their ugly head again which I am very disappointed about and suffice to say I am now up a few more KG's on top of the few I had to shift after bubs.

I am now ready to step it up a notch and finally get onto establishing my routine further and making headway into the KGs.

To get back to my Pre Preggers weight I don't consider it to be a huge amount but to get to where I would sit ideally I need to lose a few more Kgs as I was sitting a little higher than I should have been when I fell. So I have a good chunk to shift and I am actually looking forward to the changes coming again.

Anyway, to my title................

I was wondering if there is anyone out there that would be interested in joining me, not necessarily in losing weight but for any goal you have, any goal you might want to set yourself, it can be over any time period, for any reason.
So a Buddying up type thing, the more the merrier.

No set dates, unless you want to add your own time scale of course or have an event/goal you are looking towards, no failure.....if you have a bad day, blog about it and use the others to help move you on and carry on.

I was thinking more to provide motivation, support etc should anyone need it along the way.
Was thinking I would set up a new blog so we could post motivation articles, quotes, thought for the day, bits and pieces like that or if you have had a bad day and want to reach out then blog about it and hopefully some kind words will come back and help keep you focused.

We could either stay on our own blogs to record our weeks activity and results or do it on the new blog. We should have our name and goals listed down the side though and update them as we go so we can all see how we are doing.

Anyway, leave me a comment if your interested or feel you would have something to contribute or wanna join in maybe as a way of having some accountability in working towards your health or fitness goals.

Shar x

Mission #1

2010-04-08T06:04:00.002+07:00

As my blog title states.........

'I'm a mum on a mission to be Fit, Healthy & Strong both in mind & body. Jan 2010 will finally see me fulfil what I believe is my purpose in life......to be able to be a full time mum to new baby and my other two gorgeous kids. A healthy and happy mum to my healthy and happy kids.'

..............so its time to live this fully.

Ive got the full time mum bit happening now. Ive left my Group fitness Managers job and couldn't feel more relieved, I don't miss it and don't think I will start too.
I still have a few GF classes (4 at the mo) each week, which I returned back to 2 weeks ago, but am in the process of trying to decide if its my time to step away from teaching for good or maybe just a short while, but that's a whole other post!

The other part of my blog title states -
I'm a mum on a mission to be Fit, Healthy & Strong both in mind & body.

I consider I had an exceptionally healthy and happy pregnancy, I exercised to 40 weeks exactly, have an extremely easy labour, a healthy bub, limited my weight gain to the 'guidelines' only gaining 9.5kg on top of my pre-preg weight at 40 weeks pregnant.

What I need to do now is continue all my good work into the now, get my full fitness back, exercise, eat well and continue to work on the mindset I found during my pregnancy journey.

So I need to commence 'my mission', being one that likes a goal, I will be deciding on my mission and setting small goals to achieve.
Bearing in mind I have a new baby, 2 other kids, a husband and a household to run I will be making the goals very doable and realistic I am not gonna bust it all for x weeks, not achieve and end up feeling like shite, I would rather keep setting ongoing small realistic goals and make changes gradually.

Mission #1 -
(Date range of Mission #1 to be decided, but probably leading up to my next Les Mills
presentation)
- Exercise regularly and consistently for mission period
- Eat a balanced diet (Organic/Free Range where possible)
- Reduce scale weight (realistic goal weight to be decided)
- Reduce Skinfolds from 7 sites (realistic goal mm to be decided)

So just a bit more descision making to be done and I'll be set for blastoff! :)

Loving reading about everyones preps and also other challenges that are happening at the moment, keep blogging all, you provide inspiration!!

Shar x

This bubba loves chillin'...........

2010-03-30T20:24:00.004+07:00

Such a chilled out bubbs, here's Freddy chillin' on my lap and in his hammock....

Anyone got any tips?

2010-03-22T09:20:00.002+07:00

I just thought I'd put this out there to see if anyone has any tips that can help me.

Do you have a certain way / process you go through to make decisions?

Obviously I have had to make decisions before but I can normally go with my heart, deep down you know what the right decision is but at the moment I am finding that my heart and head are clashing and that along with my life change recently are not making things black and white like I like things to be (the virgo coming out in me).

So if anyone has a process they go through - i.e writing pro's and cons etc then please let me know as I have a few decisions I need to make as my indecision is aggravating me!!

Cheers, Shar x

Doesn't time fly!!!!.........

2010-03-18T15:02:00.003+07:00

Wow where have the last 3 weeks gone?

Freddy is 3 weeks old today, amazing where the time has gone.

We are all adapting to having an extra little person in the house and so far so good.

Freddy is such a chilled out bubs and I count myself lucky.

Of course no bubba has all day every day as good as gold and Freddy had a fidgety/cryey/upset day a few days back, which turned out to be a belly ache and then he got overtired, but a good ol' poo and he was back to his normal self :)

I have been very lucky in that my mum and dad have been here helping me with the other two kids, lunches, school runs, dinners and playing, here 'hold the baby' moments etc etc, it has been so good to have and I don't know what I would have done without them.

BUT they head back to the UK tonight and I'm already feeling super sad, just coz I know it will probably be another 2 years before we see them again.

This has been and still is a major upset for me daily and was so hard to make the decision to live here in Australia, even knowing we have a better life here. :(

Anyway, I have plenty to keep me busy and will just try and get on with it and not let my emotions out too much as Freddy will pick up on it and I don't want him feeling it.

My busy week ahead -

- Maddi has her 1st Gymnastics competition Saturday, very exciting and she looks so cute all leotarded up (not a word !!)

- Bryce has footy pre-season training started again and school camp next week

- I have a few friends to catch up with to introduce baby Freddy

- then I have to keep on top of all the wonderful cleaning, housework and washing my mumma has done for me to keep the house ship shape for the arrival of my in-laws a week on Monday, staying for 3 weeks.

- start to get everything coming together now my mum and dad aren't here to help out

- kick off my 'haven't got a name for it yet' back to fitness/shape extravaganza, name ideas welcome, leave me a comment :)

- start attending some classes to get help me back to teaching my classes im scheduled on again in 2 weeks!!!

So a few things to do alongside caring for my new bubba, kids and hubby, but hey its all in a days work right? and as you know, its what Ive been looking forward to................no-one is happier than me to finally (after 14 years) be a Full-Time Mumma and wife!!!!

Have a great weekend if I don't get back before

Shar x

You know I'm gonna be posting pics for a while so here's Freddy at 2 weeks..............

Introducing...............

2010-02-27T15:36:00.005+07:00

Freddy George Twyman

Arrived on Thursday 25th Feb 2010 at 3.14am,

in a very quick! and natural labour.

Weighing 3.1kg / 7lb and 49cm long

Me and Freddy - 20 seconds old

Dad and Bub

Big Sister

Big Brother

Our moment

______________________________________________

What an amazing few days it has been and will continue to be.

We are all over the moon that Freddy is here safe and sound with us and of course all besotted by this little man that is just so perfect.

As you may or may not know I was only two days over but more than ready to have this bubba, I was just so keen to meet him. My last post late Wednesday night I posted I was having what I thought could be slight contractions for about 4-5 hours.

Well I went to bed and don't remember being woken by them, I did wake up to go to the toilet and realised that I hadn't felt anything significant so presumed they had gone away and I was either imagining the earlier ones or it had just stopped.

Anyway, after getting back into bed after the loo, I noticed my i phone glowing so I rolled over to see why. After rolling over I felt a distinct leaking feeling so immediately jumped out of bed to save the mattress!! then all of a sudden once upright.........GUSH, then just a flowing of my waters followed, luckily all caught by towels that Paul basically threw at my feet in a daze as he was awoken suddenly by me.

This was 2.05am, strong 'proper' contractions came immediately at only 2 minutes apart, called the Birth Centre told them the situation and they said they would call the yellow team in, I then stated I would sit it out at home as long as possible and call when I was leaving.

It took two more contractions for Paul and my mum, then me, to realise we didn't need to sit this out at home for any longer!!! Contractions were intensifying and I had a strange feeling coming on, woke Bryce to say bye, said bye to mum and in the car we were for the 20 min drive to the birth centre.

I soon started to panic a little and so did Paul, I got to the point I had to hold myself up off the seat as I couldn't sit down and wasn't really coping with the pain to well, a few red lights and a bit of excess speed later (was very careful of course and luckily the roads were empty at 2.20am in the morning) we arrived at the Birth centre.

Once in our room after 2 contractions, one in reception and one just in the corridor it wasn't long before the midwife told me the baby was on its way...........very soon. Maybe the clue was my saying 'I really need to poo'!!! and my voice and groan deepening when in contraction.

Anyway, once she 'had a look' there was a flurry of activity from her, I was down on the matting on the floor, up against the bean bag, gas and air in one hand, Paul and a flannel in the other and she indicated the babies head was crowning and I can push anytime I like!!!

WHAT!!!!! 'I want to go in the birthing pool' I kept saying and she laugh and try and explain it takes a long time to fill it and I really wont be long.

About 2 contractions later 'the stinging 'came............OMG!! that meant the head was coming out right??? right said Paul and the midwife!! 2 more and he was born!!

3.14am - 1 hour 9 mins after my water broke and contractions started. Initially I was in shock, then amazement my body and mind had coped with the intensity and pain, then happiness and then of course absolute unconditional love.

No stitches, no tears due to slowing down the pushes when told to, baby just perfect, feeding well (yep my boobs operate even after implants) I was all well and after pead checks and obs done on me and bubs regularly we were up and out of the birthing centre 12 hours later, what an amazing experience.

Baby Freddy is truly amazing, he doesn't cry, he is sleeping, having awake time and feeding well, I am under no illusion that all can change but all is good right now and its the right now we should live in.

My two other babies are besotted with him and Paul just stares at him with the same love as I feel. My Mum and step dad are all over him too of course.

Hope your all well, see you soon with more pics and updates no doubt!! :)

Shar xx

Hoping this is the beginning............

2010-02-24T22:16:00.002+07:00

So it seems the next few days may see us joined by our bubba boy.

Been having what I would call minor contractions, been logging them in my i phone app - 'Contraction master' :) and there is some pattern to them so its a good sign.
Don't want to get excited but at least we are on the move.

See ya soon xx

Let the show begin!!

2010-02-22T21:02:00.002+07:00

My mum and dad have arrived safe and sound from the UK, time for bubba to make an appearance!!!

Come on baby boy, come see your wonderful siblings, mumma, dadda and Grandparents!

Due date is here, will we be in the 5% that come on 'THE DAY'???
Highly unlikely but I can hope :)

Gavin & Stacey

2010-02-20T14:14:00.002+07:00

Any pommies or non pommies out there watch and love GAVIN & STACEY??
Its on UKTV on foxtel and also can get all the Boxsets.

Series 2 was, in my opinion the best.

Just wondering if I 'get it' and find it funny cause its a UK comedy and I know the types of people (Welsh and Essex) they are portreying or whether anyone else has watched it and like it.

Here's a clip that has been labelled a classic from the Christmas Special, you would need to know the characters maybe?

Anyway would love to know if anyone else has watched?

Comments, Weekly Update and Getting close now!!!

2010-02-17T12:53:00.003+07:00

Hey all, thanks for my comments to my last post girls ....................

Chelle – I am really pleased I carried on teaching and training, it has and will impact a lot of things from pregnancy, labour and after the birth and all in a positive way.

Liz – Thanks Liz!! Yes I’m with ya on the easy, fast and timely delivery!! Fingers crossed J

Hils – Yes I am so excited! I am longing to meet him so bad. Reading your blog is making me impatient, in a good way of course, I can feel the love oooozing out in your words, its just beautiful.

Frankie – I have worked hard and probably should have finished both my GFM position and teaching classes before 39 weeks but hey, all is good and I will enjoy the down time now.
Oh…and yes, I get the whole bowling ball thing, especially now the Braxton Hicks are coming in force.

Shelley – Thanks for the compliments, right now I don’t feel any of those things but I feel a damn sight better than my last 2 pregnancies that’s for sure!!

Nicole – The waiting game is horrid hey? Not long for you now either and you have that wonderful glow about you, very fit and healthy.

Tara – I am trying hard not to be impatient and enjoy the last bit of pregnancy as it may be the last one! And yes I will put my feet up now all but one class is done and I have finished my other job.

Bec – Thanks fro dropping by. I have really worked hard this pregnancy to stay fit and well, obviously trying to do the best for bubs and the bonus is I feel great too.

Kek – Poster girl!? Thanks J I am just pleased to have had an easy and blessed pregnancy and can only hope the labour, birth and beyond is so good.

Miss Tank - Thanks for the love and hugs I’ll use um up in Labour!! I so can’t wait to meet him!!! Will post you a pic asap.

___________________________________________________________

Weekly Nutrition and Exercise Update -
Week 38-39 Preggers
(Tuesday 9th Feb – Monday 15th Feb 2010)

Exercise
Tuesday – Bodyvive
Wednesday – Rest Day
Thursday – Bodyvive
Friday – Rest Day
Saturday – Rest Day
Sunday – Outdoor Powerwalk 45 mins
Monday – Bodyvive

4 Cardio based sessions
Approx 20 mins of Functional strength work included in each Bodyvive class

Nutrition
Had a few lunches this week and I did overindulge a little, other than that eating very well.

Feeling / Emotions
After finishing up GF Management role on Friday I have to admit I have felt a little lost? I have been doing it for nearly 4 years and set up ‘my’ club from opening which took a lot of work, my fav classes are there and I do truly appreciate each and every instructor that were a part of the team. I have been wanting to leave for a while due to various reasons so I have to remember those things and I’m sure its just the initial feelings.

Taught my last class yesterday (Tuesday ) and I am pleased that I found a cover to teach my Thursday class, tomorrow is probably pushing it 6 days from due date let alone 4 days!

Although I just got a call to cover a class tomorrow and was tempted!! WTF!!! I remained strong and said no as chilling in these last few days is way more important for me and bubba boy.

I am pleased I carried on teaching to this point, I feel the pro’s far outweigh the con’s and both me and the baby have gained numerous benefits from me staying active, I will continue to walk as much as poss until I have him too.

________________________________________________________

So I am starting to get a little fidgety as we approach Saturday (due date No.1) and them Tuesday (due date No.2), I am just bursting to meet him and Paul and the kids are very excited too.
My mumma and step dad arrive from the UK on Monday - 4 Days, 4 freakin days !!!!! YEEHHHAAAAA!!!
The big question is will it be the four of us picking them up at the airport or will we be five?????
or the other option will they need to get a taxi as I'm actually in labour!! :)

ONLY TIME WILL TELL, send labour vibes everyone!!
Shar x

Days to go, Latest Belly Pic, Weekly Exercise and Nutrition Update, Other stuff

2010-02-10T20:56:00.006+07:00

DAYS TO GO!!!!

Latest belly pic -

Me at 38 weeks, don't think there been alot of growth in the last 3 weeks although he is definitely heading on down and settling in so the belly wouldn't look bigger in that case.

Week 37-38 Preggers
(Tuesday 2nd Feb – Monday 8th Feb 2010 )

Exercise

Tuesday – Bodyvive

Wednesday – Bodypump

Thursday – Bodyvive
Friday – Outdoor Powerwalk – 45 Mins
Saturday – Bodyvive & Bodyattack

Sunday – Rest Day
Monday – Bodyvive

6 Cardio based sessions & a Bodypump
Approx 20 mins of Functional strength work included in each Bodyvive class

Nutrition
Still eating very well, increased fat calories to try and see an increase on the scales and this did help with a slight rise. Really happy with overall weight gain at this stage considering the gain I had with previous pregnancies, it seems the older you get the wiser you get!! J

Feeling / Emotions

Tired in the afternoons but when I’m 38 weeks pregnant and still working a part time job, teaching Group Fitness still and looking after two kids, I reckon I can feel a little tired in the arvo!
Feeling great about finishing my GF Management role on Friday at nearly 39 weeks, probably should have finished a week or so ago but hey if I am able then the extra weeks money is good.
Still teaching for a bit longer and do my last class 2 days before due date, may look to cover the last 2 classes so I finish 5 days before instead.

__________________________________________________

Other stuff

I get to see my mumma and step dad in 12 days!!!!!!! OMG I am so excited although I think I may be greeting them with babes in arms not in be!!!!

I'm sure hes coming sooner although this could be in my head and my other two have been overdue so I'm preparing for the long haul although the midwife will probably do a Stretch and sweep at my 40 week appt so if successful as with previous bubs I shouldn't go to far over.

Had to attend a random extra appt on Monday due to being called in by the family Birth Centre Doctor. They go through your notes thoroughly at 38 weeks to assess that you are still ok to birth there and not having to go to the main hospital.

Well they had record of a previous pregnancy related Heart Murmur and wanted me checked as no-one had this pregnancy.

As it turns out I do have one showing again but it isn't a concern to the doc due to the stats recorded through pregnancy, how active I am and have been and the fact bubs is all good.

BP was good at 90/50 and bubs is 3/5 engaged.

I have a few things in my hospital bag now but really should get it all sorted asap.

All bubs washing is done. Got all the little things now and just need to pack it all.

Still got a list of household jobs to get through, mainly cleaning and organising so will attempt to get stuck into those after Friday when I finish work and will see if a Marathon cleaning sesh can't bring on a few contractions!! :)

We are down to 3 names now but there is a clear leader that the kids and we love and it has been used a few times!!! so just gotta meet the little fella and see which one suits him the best. I CANNOT wait to meet him and am so excited about being a mum again and this time a full time mum to all of them.

Anyway, over and out for now, off to bed soon to lay there awake waiting to see if anything starts!!! HOW SAD!!!

Shar xx

Days to go, Excitment, Kids back at School and Weekly Update

2010-02-03T21:14:00.004+07:00

DAYS TO GO!!! (classed as Full Term and can have baby at the Birth centre even if he came now.......phew!!)

OMG!! I am sooooo excited to meet my new bubba boy!!! Had my first real dream about him last night, a nice one, not a horrid one like I have had in my other pregnancies.

A few things still to do, some cleaning, household organising etc. A few more items to buy but they are only small things and if I didn't end up getting them Paul can dash out in the first few days and get for us.

One thing I really should do...................pack my hospital bag soon!

I am also excited of course that I am 18 days away from picking my mumma and step dad up from the airport, 2 years is toooooooo long!!

_______________________________________________

The kids went back to school on Monday. Bryce went into year 9 at high school and Maddi into Yr 1 at Primary. Bryce didn't want to go back and Maddi couldn't wait. She seems so much older now than a pre-primary! they have their own desks, she just says goodbye and goes in sits down and gets on with it all.

_______________________________________________

Week 36-37 Preggers (Tuesday 26th Jan – Monday 1st Feb 2010 )

Exercise

Tuesday – Bodyvive / Wednesday – Rest Day / Thursday – Bodyvive / Friday – Outdoor Powerwalk – 38 Mins / Saturday – Bodyvive / Sunday – Outdoor Powerwalk – 47 mins
Monday – Bodyvive

6 Cardio based sessions
Approx 20 mins of Functional strength work included in each Bodyvive class

Nutrition - I dropped the ball a bit this week on the calcium serves, only getting 1 per day some days 2, still from Raw Milk , Organic Cheese and Bio-Dynamic Organic Natural Yoghurt, need to re-focus on this again.
Raised my total calories again this week and got a loss staring back at me on the scales??? Awaiting response from nutritionist regarding the way to go this week with food, bubba measuring ok so not affecting him.

Feeling / Emotions - Still been tired so made the effort and made sure I went to bed a lot earlier last night and I haven’t woken up so fresh and lasted into the day so well in weeks. Lesson learnt, bed early every night, this bubba needs me to feel like this everyday and thats that.

So another good week, feeling tired a bit more now but gettingt o bed early will help this and its probably to be expected at this stage of pregnancy.

Have a great week all, Shar.

26 days to go, Exercise and Nutrition Report 35-36 wks, Check up appt and latest belly pic

2010-01-28T20:57:00.005+07:00

DAYS TO GO!!!!

Week 35-36 Preggers (Tuesday 19th Jan – Monday 25th Jan 2010)

Exercise

Tuesday – Bodyvive

Wednesday – Rest Day

Thursday – Trained -TRX / Bodyvive
Friday – Rest Day
Saturday – Bodyvive

Sunday – Outdoor Powerwalk – 45 mins
Monday – Bodyvive

5 Cardio based sessions this week & 1 TRX Resistance Circuits
Approx cal burn in BV class – 350 – 450 now, harder on the Heart Rate moving this belly around.

Nutrition
Trying to keep up my calcium serves per day still from Raw Milk , Organic Cheese and Bio-Dynamic Organic Natural Yoghurt.
Raised my total calories this week as advised and had a 0.2kg increase in weight!! WOOHOO.
Should still be a bit more so same process this week, more cals via good fats, have been having Nuts, Avocado, Salmon, Coconut Oil etc.

Feeling / Emotions

Starting to get to the ‘exhausted by arvo’ stage but think alot of this is sleep related, I actually think I am sleeping better or maybe that I am getting used to being so restless, going to the loo 3 x per night etc etc so think I’m sleeping better?

________________________________________________

36 Week Check Up

All good, saw a new midwife from the team so that's 2 of 5 seen, hope we get different one at 38 weeks, then at 40 then Ive done 4 of 5, whats the betting I'll get number 5!! :)

Paul and I had a chat about it and its all good either way, they don't have a alot of intervention and you are pretty much left alone to labour if you want to be, I plan on being in the bath and that's cool with it just being me and Paul. Just want midwife around for the actual pushing and birth.

BP is its normal low self, bubs is lying just right, his heartbeat is bang smack in the mid of normal, movement is still frequent and strong and touch wood this will be how it all stays.

Here's the latest belly Pic and it added to the progressive belly growth pic from 35 Weeks so a week and a half ago.

So all is good and why wouldn't it be?

I am very lucky to have such a wonderful soul to

share my life with and have been blessed with my

gorgeous babies, all 3 of them.

34 Days, Weekly Exercise and Nutrition Update, Family Birth Centre

2010-01-20T07:05:00.002+07:00

34 Days til Due date.

Week 34-35 Preggers (Tuesday 12th Dec – Monday 18th Jan 2010 )

Exercise
Tuesday – Bodyvive
Wednesday – Rest Day
Thursday – Rest Day
Friday – Rest Day
Saturday – Bodyvive / Bodyattack
Sunday – Outdoor Walk – 35 mins
Monday – Bodyvive

5 sessions this week.
Had to take a few rest days this week, listened to my body. Not sleeping, its hot and my classes are taking most of my energy as they get harder week by week.

Nutrition
Feedback from last week from nutritionist was to up my calcium serves per day due to the skeletal development that takes place during this phase, so I am now hitting 3 serves per day.
Raw Milk , Organic Cheese and Bio-Dynamic Organic Natural Yoghurt.
Also was to up my total calories and add in some extra good fats, my food totals are OK but due to exercise (my job) and the fact it is challenging me more, the deficit that it is creating is more. So I need to up them more as my scale weight is not increasing (should be slight increases each week at this stage) nor is it holding, I’m still actually losing slight amounts each week, in fact this week was more than slight, so have to really focus on getting the fats in, I love being told to eat more!
One importent inclusion at this stage of preganancy not only for good fats but for Lauric Acid which is very importent in breastfeeding is Organic Coconut Oil - read here for the benefits whilst breastfeeding for benefits even if not pregnant and breastfeeding I have included below.

Feeling / Emotions
A little irritable (or just in the late stages of pregnancy?) and a lot of this is sleep related I think. Still got to focus on getting more, no better this week and the temps Perth are having aren’t helping, 42.9 yesterday and 42.7 today, WT!! My other two pregnancies were winter due dates in the UK!!!! Might have to sleep in the lounge with the Air Con tonight as the low is sitting at 24-26 degrees and that’s not until about 4am.

______________________________________________

My Birth Choice - The Family Birth Centre - KEMH Perth
Well we actually managed to getto the Multi- refresher evening last night at the Family Birth Centre where we will have bubba boy.
Basically It is for parents in their 2nd or 3rd in our case pregnanacy.
You get to hear everyones past birth experience, the midwife comments on how it would / may be dealt with differently in the Birth Centre etc.
She also covered, when to call, when to go in, their approach - which if you have done your research is minimal intervention and natural active birth hence the reason for choosing there over a hospital, the minimal pain relief choices they do offer, length of stay, the role of your support person/people and procedures at due date as you cannot be induced there.

I had a few questions answered just listening and feel great about the whole thing. Originally we were booked at the Hospital but when attending my first appt there at 20 weeks started crying in the wait room! I knew I did not want to be in that setting.
I researched a little more and gained a refereal to the Birth Centre, THANK GOD!!!

Its located in the hospital grounds, so if a transfer is needed it take 1 min to move you, medical teams available or if you are unlucky enough to hit 42 weeks you would have to do the hospital for an induction, in saying that the midwife last night says thats very unlikely that will occur as they have lots of tricks they start trying :)
It has 4 rooms, which are quite large, each with own bathroom, huge shower, seating area, big bed (NOT a hospital bed!) sofa and chairs for family, crib, outdoor patio area and just a generally realxing open feeling.
Pain relief offered is only - Water by way of the huge birthing bath - which from my birth with Maddi is straight where i'll be heading when in the throws of the contractions and maybe I'll stay there this time, I laboured there then got out to push last time. Gas and Air. Morphine, on occasions they use this depending on your situaton, has to be given only if you have longer than 2 hours left before delivery or if labour has been long and you need to rest.
Length of stay can be anywhere from a coupl eof hours after birth to max of 24 hours from birth time.
You can basically have how ever many people in the room as you want, including kids!! and for the record I have asked Bryce (14) and got a very funny stare back!!! :)
Maddi is keen but I feel she should just be in the kids play area/family lounge area ready to come in once her brother has made an appearance.
Of course Paul will be there everystep of the way and I'm tryingto get him in the pool with me, but I think hes keen to do the same as last time and hang over the side or be behind me.
If my mumma makes it off the plane, I don't come early and isn't caught up with maddi, which we can sort out as my step dad could have her, I would love for her to be there for the birth too, fingers crossed.
I love going there for my appts and get a great feel from the place and the midwifes, I am actually looking forwaard to labour.
___________________________________________

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and w hy the demand is growing for it?

New research is verifying that organic extra virgin coconut oil is the best oil for your health, weight managenment and has the potential to cure many of the ailments that have manifested in our bodies through having a highly refined diet.
Aclara Health Pty Ltd is dedicated to bringing to you the wonderful health benefits of organic extra virgin coconut oil.

What Coconut Oil DOES NOT do:
it does not increase blood cholesterol level
it does not contribute to heart disease
it does not contribute to weight problems
it does not contain trans fats & is NOT hydrogenated

What Coconut Oil DOES do:
it supports healthy metabolic & thyroid function that promotes weight loss.
it Coconut oil is the only natural source of beneficial Lauric acid other than human breast milk
it has a mild delicate flavor.
it is highly resistant to spoilage due to the antioxidant nature of the oil it is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking).
it helps prevent premature aging it functions as a protective antioxidant which may reduce risk of cancer and degenerative conditions.
it supports immune system function.
it helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections.

Extra Virgin coconut oil is not the same as inferior Copra (or Cophra) oil which is produced under industrial conditions with high heat, requiring bleaching,deodorizing and refining to produce an edible product.
Extra Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is produced under low heat conditions (< 27 degrees C) from fresh coconut, retaining a natural fragrance and taste. It also retains all the inherent qualities associated with its remarkable chemical makeup, qualifying it as the healthiest and most stable food oil on the market.
Coconut oils chemical structure remains intact and resistant to mutations when heated to high temperatures making it the safest oil to use for cooking. It has a long shelf life because it is so stable.

Have a great day everyone, Shar x

Nesting Continues, Rest Days ,some 'Baby Stuff' pics and a new blog

2010-01-17T10:59:00.007+07:00

Nesting Continues

So yes the nesting has continued pretty much all week, have been sorting and throwing lots of my crap away, it feels good to throw stuff away hey?

Had 3 bin bags of mine, Maddi's and Bryce's clothes and took them to the clothes bank.

Continued hemming curtains and also took the Sun/Black out material down to my friends to be hemmed and finished. Hung those last night and yes it is dark, just have to get Paul to finish the track length for overlap and bubba boys bedroom is done diddly done done!!

Rest Days

Had to take a few days rest this week, the heat was getting me and I didn't feel 'quite right' IYKWIM.

So have had a few days with no classes/extra exercise (apart from nesting) and a arvo nap and all good again, was back to exercise again yesterday, I actually did 2 classes :o Bodyvive then Bodyattack, powerwalk this morning early as its forecast 40 degrees here today! one class in the morning then that's another week complete.

I'm have been really listening to my body recently hence taking the rest days this week and I find the whole journey fascinating. I'm also really in a better place both mentally and physically this pregnancy for the period following birth.

I have been more focused this preggers on keeping my fitness up (important for labour and post natal period), continuing my classes (as thats what I love and that makes me happy), eating a wide variety of foods with guidance from nutritionist about what food types etc are important and when in bubba development, actually been told to up my food this week!! good food of course, but more food is always good! :)

I have also been monitoring (NOT OBSESSING.... it is different) my weight following guidelines taken from my pre-pregnancy weight not just general guidelines for everyone.

Also looked periodically - 12 weeks, 20 weeks and 34 weeks at my bodyfat via skinfolds, obviously only the skinfolds you can get an accurate reading from in preggers, not abdominal or supra reading :)

Both are sitting well at this stage of preggers......more on that in my weekly report on Tuesday.

Baby Stuff

As promised, here's a few Baby stuff pics. I have the Mammut range from Ikea, quite funky and cool and not traditional. Ive got the wardrobe to which is great with extra storage, perhaps I'll take a pic of the inside as its quite full! :)

A New Blog - I have done lots of researching, reading and have been working with a nutritionist whilst pregnant. As I have previously said it is an area that interests me alot (even when I'm not pregnant) and I have lots of bits and bobs I want to share but obviously not applicable for everyone to read. So back in June 09, yep June 09!! I set another blog up with the intention of putting some of the info in there and didn't get round to it.

I have finally started to post bits in there, so if your preggers, thinking of becoming preggers, know someone that is pregnant or are post natal please drop by and have a read, maybe even let me know if there's anything in particular you want put up or any questions we can post and put out there for all to respond to.

COME VISIT - THE PREGNANCY PLACE :) ( the link is on my sidebar too)

Anyway, thats about it from me for today, have a great weekend, Shar.

41 days, Exercise & Nutrition Weekly Update, Nesting has begun and having a 'Contented baby'

2010-01-13T06:40:00.010+07:00

DAYS TO GO

Week 33-34 Preggers

(Tuesday 5th Dec – Monday 11th Jan 2010 )

Exercise

Tuesday – Bodyvive

Wednesday – 60 Min Outdoor Walk

Thursday – Bodyvive
Friday – Bodyvive
Saturday – Bodyvive

Sunday – Rest Day (if you can call nesting all day rest!!)
Monday – Bodyvive

6 days training this week.
Back to walking and Bodyvive. Teaching challenges me a lot more than participating in classes and Bodyvive for the 55 min class is averaging 380 – 420 cals burnt per class for me, its creeping up the more preggers I get, obviously my systems have to work harder and harder.

Nutrition
Good week this week, probably need to eat a bit more having put my week into writing to e mail to my preggy nutritionist. Have also had instructions to up my calcium quite a bit from this week due to the skeletal development that takes place during this phase.

Feeling / Emotions

Feeling great in general, happy I’m sitting well with my weight to come in just under the guidelines for healthy preggers weight gain. Never looked into it in past two pregnancies, hence the 25-35kg weight gains I had!!! Not this time, which will make for a happier Shar after birth.
Got to focus on sleep, the disturbed nights are playing havoc with my energy. I fully know what its like to have a baby waking up through the night and I need to get used to it, but there’s a purpose to that, waking up for the loo 2-3 times per night or because you have a numb leg due to pressure on your hip cause you have to lay on your side is pissing me off!!! Oh well not long to go, small price to pay for my bubba boy :)

____________________________________________

NESTING HAS STARTED!! All day on Sunday I was hemming curtains, 4 pairs to be precise, Paul put up the curtain track in Bubbas bedroom, we had a clear out of some more stuff and it felt great!!

I have brought some blackout / sun out curtain materiel for the bubbas bedroom which my friend is going to hem for me as that's a bigger job and I'm not that great with sewing.

The reason for the blackout is that being on 3rd bubba and finding out what was good what wasn't quite so good with the first two kids when they were babies, I am giving 'The Contented Baby Book' routines and principle a go to help implement a routine and get bubs sleeping through sooner than 12 months old!!!

For me if sleep is of and ok (6-7 hours) duration and quality I can function in every other aspect.

Among other things, Gina Ford - author of the book insists babies sleeping space is as dark as possible to help distinguish sleep time from awake time, making a strong sleep/bedtime association.

So we have a curtain track no pole as it sits closer to the wall and doesn't let light in, we have gone longer past the window so as to limit the glimpes of light down the sides!! Obviously the other bonus to these curtains is that it will limit heat from the sun.

Yesterday I also washed and scrubbed down my 2nd pushchair down and dried it in the sun. I got this one locally 2nd hand. They are a fortune new, this one was in great condition and is a great option for walking which I will be doing alot of. So I after I basically dismantled the seating unit so I could get in all the nooks and crannies, a wash and scrub, dried in the fresh air, purchase a nice pushchair liner to make a little more accommodating to a baby baby, I am happy

its as good as new for my walking mission that will begin after birth.

The nursery is nearly there too, will post some pictures soon.

46 days, Birth Centre Check Up, 32-33 wks Training & Nutrition Update and Wonferful Evolved Shar (WES)

2010-01-08T06:20:00.005+07:00

Days (approx) til we meet bubba boy. Kids are excited, Bryce loves feeling him move and kick as they are so strong at the moment.

Had my 33 week check up at the Family Birth Centre on Wednesday. Each visit I get to meet a different midwife from the team (yellow) I have been allocated too, she was very nice and I had a few questions this time and she answered them fully and was really good with Maddi who had to come with us this time.

After doing all the normal bits - BP, urine, weight, checked in with how my moods/emotions were, tape measured from pubic bone to top of uterus, she asked Maddi if she wanted to hold the doppler to hear bubba boys heart rate, all good, she then asked to hear Maddi's heart, it was sooooo cool to hear Maddi's and the bubba, heaps of difference in speed and Maddi's was so strong, Haven't heard hers since I was pregnant with her! Maddi was so chuffed.

Anyway after we sat back down the midwife just stated that everything is excellent and I have pretty much the text book pregnancy. This is soooo good to hear and although I worry constantly (just natural I think?) I feel blessed I have had nothing to actually worry about and the process so far has been a dream, I feel great compared to last pregnancies for a number of reasons and I am sure the after birth experience is going to be smoother this time due to that. So for the next 6 weeks I just have to hope everything stays on track and bubba continues to grow strong.

___________________________________________

Week 32-33 Preggers (Tuesday 29th Dec – Monday 4th Jan 2010 )

Exercise

Tuesday – Rest Day / Wednesday – 60 Min Outdoor Walk / Thursday – Bodycombat /

Friday – 60 min Outdoor Walk / Saturday – Bodyattack / Sunday – Rest Day /

Monday – Bodyvive

5 days training this week. Changed it up a bit and did Bodycombat and Bodyattack, I am absolutely dying to get back to Bodyattack.
Weather is holding hot now with no real dips so when I go out walking I have to go early which is more limiting, may have to utilise the treddie again, but that way I can control my HR a bit more with consistent speed and incline.
Although 'watch' this space, I have a new toy coming!!

Nutrition
All back on track, scales reduced a little this week, must be the system clearing out the bloat from Chrissie treats, bubba biggest growth now so gotta expect the scales creeping up soon.
Paul did measure my hips and I have lost 5cm from last measure!! gotta be pleased with that.

Feeling / Emotions - Still feeling good with the whole preggy thing although back is starting to play up and sleep is difficult, but all part of the journey so you just adapt.

_________________________________________

When Katie posted this back in October I was fascinated with the concept and had a go for myself.

I do truly feel I am working my way to the WONDERFUL EVOLVED SHAR (WES), I have made alot of changes, I am still making changes currently and I still have planned changes to implement. Its a slow process and that is where I have slipped up before, trying to change everything (habits/behaviours) all at once, be perfect, all or nothing, give 100% or nothing.

Thinking in the mindset of 'what would the WES do in this situation?' really helps me to STOP, PROCESS and ACT in a rational, informed and empowered way. Please go and read if you haven't already and let me know if start to use your WONDERFUL EVOLVED SELF to implement changes. Lastly, Thanks to the W E Katie for sharing this concept on her blog.

Have a great Friday everyone!!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.........

2010-01-04T14:49:00.002+07:00

I am soooooooo excited about meeting this little bubba boy that I have kicking me to pieces, although I will be sad I'm not preggers anymore I love this too.
If you haven't popped in to Hilary's blog, check out baby skye, she is just gorgeous!! Alicia won't be long, then me, then Nicole, I hope I haven't forgotten anyone!! its all kicking off, YAY.

Anyway, for my exercise this week, I have had the usual Bodyvive, walking etc and I decided to mix it up a bit this week and went and participated in Bodycombat on Thursday and did Bodyattack on Saturday, both were big calorie burners for me, not hard when your HR get s straight up there and stays there for an hour!! they did tire me out for the rest of the day but both were great.

I have had the best Christmas and New Year, I just love being with Paul and the kids and cannot wait to finish up work as a GFM and spend more time with everyone, new baby and get back to just doing my 'love job', teaching Group Fitness.

Also being a mum (obviously I'm a mum already but I mean a FT mum) only is going to be great, I have wanted to do this since having Bryce. Yes I will be working in effect but teaching classes in my book doesn't feel like work, they will also give me just enough me time.

Just a quick post, back soon to post up my weekly exercise and nutrition as Monday is the end of my preggy week.

55 Days & Weekly Training/Nutrition Update

2009-12-30T16:35:00.003+07:00

DAYS TO GO!!!!!

Week 31-32 Preggers (Tuesday 22^nd Dec – Monday 28^th Dec )

Exercise
Tuesday – 40 Mins Outdoor Walk (On Holiday)
Wednesday – Rest day
Thursday – Rest day
Friday – Rest Day
Saturday – 60 mins Outdoor walk (with inclines)
Sunday – 60 mins Outdoor walk
Monday – Bodyvive

4 days training this week, decided to allow the bod to chill and relax over Christmas day and Boxing day also choosing to spend that time with the kids and Paul etc.
Weather has been hot in Perth 32-35 ish over Christmas and a 40 degrees on Monday so pleased I was teaching Bodyvive in a A/C studio!!

Nutrition
Treats over Christmas Day and Boxing day, choccies mainly, I had some Quality Street and Roses from the UK J and before you ask yes they are different and I absolutely enjoyed them, guilt free.

We went for a lovely Christmas breakfast that my dad organised as a treat, then he gets gastro and can’t come with us!! Felt the difference in my body from having a few foods that aren’t a part of my daily nutrition anymore and also ate un-organic food, so a combination of that left me feeling a but groggy/sluggish for a day or so, back to normal now though and feeling good.

Feeling / Emotions
Feeling great from a few days off exercise and am ready to get back to my classes and see the final stages of this pregnancy finish in the best way I can, eating well, exercising, resting and enjoying the whole wonderful process.

__________________________________________________________

Loving all the yearly reviews, the new year reso's, the regular posts and the normal inspirational stuff you can get from others blogs.

I am wondering how Hils is doing?? Anyone know? she is about a week and a bit overdue now, Ive dropped past her blog and left a comment but I bet blogging is the last thing on her mind!

Anyway, must dash, dinner to prepare and cook for when Paul gets home, kids will be chewing their fingers off soon :)

Live everyday being the best you can be.............

2009-12-28T11:39:00.006+07:00

Thats my message for 2010. As for 2009, I had a wonderful Christmas with my precious family and bubba in belly.

I love all the round ups that everyone is doing but I'm not going to try not to do a big lengthy one this year. I'm gonna try and keep it short and sweet and sum up as saying - I have had a great year!! lets see how I go.........

Personally - I have had alot of growth from within and cannot wait to continue this.

Professionally - I have exceeded my dreams to be a Les Mills Presenter and was signed off as a Bodyvive trainer, I continue to teach my group Fitness classes which I LOVE and I am looking forward to stepping out of the GFM role I have held for over 3 years now, this path has to change for me to progress and develop further in other aspects.

Family - I am truly blessed to have my husband and have such gorgeous kids. I also cannot put into words what an amazing journey it has been since Paul and I decided to add to our family further and I am sooooooooo thankful to have the opportunity to have another bubba.

What an exciting 2010 for us all.

Health and Fitness - this has been my year of really finding my way nutrition wise, my way to just be and I can honestly say I have, I am at peace with what to eat, how to eat, why we eat, the quality of what to eat. I have been working with someone especially focusing on pregnancy nutrition and also a holistic approach to eating, which has and still is invaluable, it has been so very interesting and stimulating to me and a direction I would love to go in.
With regards to training, I have some goals I want to achieve in 2010 and one of them is to get back to consistent training other than teaching my classes.

Well that kinda got lengthy!! :) anyway I'll finish with some of my Fav pictures of from this year then some Christmas ones (I love the pics everyone else has been posting up so thought I'd follow the lead).

My babies - One starting High School, one starting Pre-Primary!!

EASTER HOLS

Me and My Big Boy

THE most important people in my life

CHRISTMAS 2009

Me and Bump ready to go to our Buffet Breakfast at Kings Park Restaurant, Perth.

Closer look at the 'new do'

Me, Bump and Princess on the beach Christmas day

(stretch marks from previous pregnancy!)

HAPPY HANDSTANDS ON THE BEACH

Have a great new year and remember live everyday being the best you can be

Shar x

Days left, hospital appt, Weekly Training Update and HAIRCUT!!

2009-12-22T21:23:00.005+07:00

62 Days to go!!
Went to the Family Birth Centre for my ante natal appt on Thursday before we left for holiday.
All good, bloods came back fine, Glucose challenge test all good, baby is head down already and his back laying in a great place (not against mine!!) BP still low, no swelling etc I also love hearing bubba boy on the heart rate doppler at each appt.
Midwife even looked at me and said 'hi, you look well!' with a surprised tone in her voice!!
What is it, are you supposed to look and feel like shite when your pregnant???
My other 2 pregnancies weren't as good as this one but if I feel good now I will not hide it nor will I look for something to be wrong, feel crap or even succumb to some symptom the 'book' states you should/might be feeling for the sake of it.
All is well, bubba boy and I are healthy and doing great so far, so I'm gonna enjoy it while it lasts :)

Week 30-31 Preggers (Tuesday 15th Dec – Monday 21st Dec )
Exercise
Tuesday – Bodyvive
Wednesday – 30 min Outdoor Walk
Thursday – Rest Day
Friday – Rest Day
Saturday – 40 Mins Outdoor Walk (On Holiday)
Sunday – 35 mins Outdoor Walk (On Holiday)
Monday – 45 Mins Outdoor Walk (On Holiday)

5 days training. Please I kept up on Holiday, would have been easy to not do as weather was hot, flys were pissing me off and I got into chill out mode, but ensured we went early on in the day when cool, brought a fly net and decided chill out mode was an excuse and I’m not prepared to use excuses for anything.

Nutrition
Had a few treats over the 5 days whilst away, a breakkie out, a lunch out, a dinner out (all different days!) and a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate factory :) felt a bit off after eating certain foods and I find this very interesting to see how my body responds now.
Ate mindfully and am please with my progress in this area.
Back to eating ‘normally’ today, my new normal that is, remember whats normal for one isn't for another.
The next time I 'indulge' will be Christmas day. Again, indulging for one is different to indulging for another, but this year indulging for me is having a bit of what I fancy when I fancy it, not fighting it to try and be 'perfect' and not binging to the point im sick cause 'I'm starting again' on New years day.

Feeling / Emotions
A bit sad we arn’t with our family in the UK for Christmas but this is a sacrifice we make to live here and have our kids live the life they do. Not long til I see my mumma anyway, she arrives the day before my due date!! 8 weeks 6 days til I pick her up from the airport.

Other stuff
- Christmas shopping done, food shopping done, last day of work before Christmas tomorrow so can’t wait to get that done.
- Maddi and Bryce had a great time on holiday at the beach, swimmng and having family time playing games watching a film or two (was better to be in air con in a few points!)
- We all saw a dolphin swimming past the bay
- Maddi and Bryce are excited about Christmas, surprise, surprise.

HAIRCUT
I'm getting my hair chopped!! Yep I have had super long hair for about 5 years, then about 5 months ago I went to about 4-5 inches below my shoulders and today I am getting it chopped, into a bob, high at the back, graduated down to just below my chin or might just tell her to do something funky.
I'm sooooooo fed up with putting it back for classes, also I just do it out of habit all other times. I will still have to clip/tie back the fringe/front section so I can see when sweaty!! but the back can be left.
Since I dropped BA and dropped from 12 plus classes to 6-8 I have found there are days when I could do something else with it but don't. sso in honour of my new stage in life, my new approach to everything, my new schedule and the new year I am taking the plunge with a haircut.(...........wow normally its a new "kill myself' diet plan I start the new year with!!)
If I like it I'll post a pic, if I don't I'll be crying!!! :)

Familymoon and days left

2009-12-19T19:39:00.002+07:00

Wow, time is flying! Im on our family holiday and having a great time.

Accomodation is great, spa bath is great :) beach is fab, chillin out is great, the omly thing thats a little dissappointing is that this area has had an influx of flies in the past two weeks and they are freakin everywhere, i HATE them with a passion so am not to happy just walking about at the mo.

Days to go .......... 66 !!!! Although i am very excited to meet bubs and the countdown is on, I am actually loving pregnancy so dont want to rush that. Anyway must dash, updating on my i phone and it takes me a little longer.

Have a great weekend

70 days, Weekly Update and me and my bubba's

2009-12-15T20:58:00.004+07:00

70 DAYS TO GO!!!

Weekly report

Week 29-30 Preggers (Tuesday 8th Dec – Monday 14th Dec )

Exercise

Tuesday – Bodyvive

Wednesday – Rest Day

Thursday – Bodyvive

Friday - Bodyvive

Saturday - Bodyvive

Sunday – Rest Day

Monday – Bodyvive

5 days training, all BV, mix of cardio and functional strength.
Still working hard and burning anywhere between 350-450 per class.

Nutrition
All good, eating well, few treats each week, another small drop on scales this week. Really pleased with weight gain in this pregnancy, HEAPS better than the previous 2!!!! On track to stay within the ‘guidelines’ for total preggers gain.

Feeling / Emotions

Very excited. I just cannot wait to see him!!!! I am sooooooo blessed to have what I have. I am so blessed to be able to have my time to become a full time mum for the first time. Bubba and my other two will be better off for it.

Other stuff- ‘familymoon’ getting closer!! 2 days til we leave!!!

Me and my bubba's

(29 weeks preggers, last week)

Can I ??????.............

2009-12-11T22:37:00.002+07:00

.............start counting down in days???

Is it to early? there's 74 days to go to due date.

I am soooooooo excited, I have no apprehension at all this time, I am feeling so blessed and am really really really looking forward to finding what I believe is my true purpose for me right now and thats being the best mumma to my 3 bubs full time and being the best wife to Paul I can be.

Of course I do my best everyday for my kids now but having worked through (part time) with them, I can see now what will enhance my family and I and I'm hoping to embrace it with all I have and enhance what we already have.

So, hell yeah I'm gonna countdown however I want, when I want and carry on enjoying this fab journey that is pregnancy (whilst I'm still feeling good), so you know what....................

Days to go!!!!

Latest Belly Pic / Weekly Training Update

2009-12-09T06:18:00.006+07:00

Some growth has occured!!!! Wow this is showing a defo change in bubba size!! it has been longer between pics this time, from 21 wks to 29 weeks so 8 weeks and in a stage where growth is quicker.

Week 28-29 Preggers (Tuesday 1st Dec – Monday 7th Dec )

Exercise

Tuesday – Bodyvive / Bodyattack

Wednesday – Rest Day

Thursday – Rest Day

Friday - Bodyvive

Saturday - Bodyvive

Sunday – 35 min outdoor powerwalk

Monday – Bodyvive

Very cardio based classes and training, although BV has a functional strength section in each classes so lots of bodyweight stuff and resistance tubing used, but need to get back to so training with Paul, just been snowed under with ‘stuff’.
Not going to be too hard on myself, I’m 29 weeks preggers, training 6 times a week at a mod to hi intensity, all making labour easier, the actual birth easier and post birth recovery easier. All good.

Nutrition

A really good week, cals upped a bit, focus on veggies, a small treat everyday, a meal out with Paul and a loss on the scales again???? Go figure, consistency and eating wholesome nutritious baby growing food I guess.

Feeling / Emotions

need to get a bit more sleep which is getting harder and harder but have to keep on top of this for mine and bubbs sake.

Other stuff

- ‘familymoon’ getting closer!! 8 days til we leave!!!

Here's a pic of me and the most wonderful person in the world, my hubby (excuse my cheesy smile and his mouth, he was talkng as Bryce pressed the button!). xx

10 weeks 6 days to go!!!!!!

YAEAHHHHH BABY!!!!

Weekly Training / Nutrition Update

2009-12-02T20:38:00.002+07:00

Week 27-28 Preggers (Tuesday 24th-Monday 30th Nov)

Exercise
Tuesday – 35 min incline treadmill walk / Bodybalance
Wednesday – Bodyvive / Bodybalance / Bodyvive
Thursday - Bodyvive
Friday - Rest day
Saturday - Bodyattack
Sunday - Rest day
Monday – Bodyvive

Just incase you were wondering (probably not one bit!! but) I am burning approx 400 cals in Bodyvive with max hr of 160 ish and average of 145 ish.

Bodyattack is a bit more at 500 cals, max of 170ish and average of 150ish.

I don’t wear it for BB although all the up and down, bending, folding, standing strength poses from yoga is starting to get challenging and I do find myself breathless in parts.

My 30 min incline treadmill walks get me to about 200-250 cals, max hr of about 135, average about 120-125.

Nutrition
Just loving where I’m at for the first time in my life. Very consistent, very focused on feeding bubs good, wholesome food, eating a very balanced diet.
Of course I’m real, not everyday is rosy, I still crave certain foods and if I allowed them to be, certain foods could trigger me, but I’m so much more aware now.

Feeling / Emotions
Feeling great in general, tired in the afternoon which can make me feel emotional but overall doing well considering my activity level is at the higher end for someone that’s in 3rd tri of pregnancy and the fact that sleep is starting to get difficult!!

Other stuff
- little girls birthday was great, she said she had the best day ever, don’t you love kids!!
- Launched Bodyattack on Saturday and Tuesday, the more I do the new one the more I love it. Lay’s me out afterwards though!!
- I am SOOOOOO looking forward to our ‘familymoon’ that we are having before bubs arrives, 14 days to go.

Weekly Training / Nutrition Update

2009-11-27T20:55:00.003+07:00

A bit late, should have done on Monday night once my preggy week is up, but hey, better late than never :)

Week 26 - 27 Preggers (Tuesday 17th - Monday 23rd November)

Exercise
Tuesday - Bodybalance / Bodyattack
Wednesday - Bodybalance / Bodyvive
Thursday - Bodyvive
Friday - Rest day
Saturday - Bodyattack
Sunday - Rest day
Monday - 30 min Incline Treadmill walk

Nutrition
Consisted of mainly Organic / Free Range food.
Averaging 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, some days this week I had a 3rd snack, this was due to hunger which I put down to the amount of exercise I'm doing at this stage of pregnancy.
2.5 - 3 lts water per day, managed to get most days to 3lts
As an average I got 2 fruits per day and 2 veg this week

Feeling / Emotions
Feeling great still, very controlled with nutrition, feeling great for staying active and know that this is such a bonus for later stages of pregnancy and labour, plus the other side.
Our class rosters have been done from Dec to Feb and I have myself finishing up classes 5 days before due date.

Other stuff
- little girls birthday this weekend so we are busy sorting pressies, party etc.
- we have our new releases being launched from this weekend, I am launching Bodyattack with two of my instructors tomorrow and I can't wait the new BODYATTACK ROCKS!!! if your a BA'er and you have done the new release, what do you reckon!!??? Good or what?
- some exciting stuff happening for Paul, will have more on that next week.
- and just something random ...........I love our Guinea Pigs :)

ECO-TANKA's
- Rae ordered an ECO -TANKA and cool KOOLERS from us earlier in the week, she has posted here about them and also included a picture of the KOOLER we are both a bit partial too, the camo one.
We still stock, at a competitive price, a wide range of ECO-TANKAs for anyone that's interested, they would make a cool Christmas pressie, especially with a Cool Kooler :) for any friends that are exercisers or anyone that is interested in stopping drinking from plastic.
Also I had info come in yesterday that they are now making a great new size, specially for us active peeps, that like to drink lots - a 2l MEGA TANKA!!
Anyway, for info sheets, other sizes available, kooler colours and prices please feel free to e mail me on shar@pureenergyfitness.com.au :)

Have a great weekend
Shar x

Yeah Yeah - 3rd Trimester baby!!!!

2009-11-23T18:53:00.003+07:00

BABY

Your baby now weighs nearly 2 pounds/ and measure's 36.6 centimetres from head to toe.

His eyes open and close, he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and he may suck a finger or thumb.

Sweet dreams, little baby! Some experts believe that babies begin to dream by the 28th week. What do they dream about? No one knows for certain but the brain is active this week as well.

The characteristic grooves on the brain's surface start to appear and more brain tissue develops. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of the hiccups, which are common this week and throughout the pregnancy. Your baby has them but is breathing in amniotic fluid rather than air.

YOU

Since your uterus is now up near your rib cage, you may now find yourself short of breath if you haven't already. Starting now and continuing through the last three months of pregnancy, you may be plagued by leg cramps, haemorrhoid's, varicose veins and an itchy abdomen.

So thats bubs and me this week as we head into the final trimester!! I luckily am not experiencing any of the above complaints, if anything I'm just a bit tired but hey, that could be due to not getting enough sleep!! :)

I love feeling him moving and so does Paul, he kicks/punches that hard now that he moves my/Paul's hand (arm if its resting on belly).

Names are down to a select few now but free free to randomly comment if a cool, funky or classic name comes to you suddenly and you feel the need to suggest it!! :)

So 92 days to go!! talking of days to go, i have an app on my i phone called days until.

6 days until daughter birthday

24 days until our Familymoon

32 days until Christmas

77 days until big boys birthday

91 days until my mum and stepdad arrive

92 days until bubba is due

I reakon that's a very exciting / love filled / family enjoyment time ahead!!!

......................but for now enjoy the moment that is now!

Weekly report.............

2009-11-21T16:58:00.004+07:00

A bit late, should have reviewed on Tuesday!! Already 2/3 of the way through this week, oh well here's last weeks Weekly health and Fitness Round up......

Week 25 - 26 Preggers

(Tuesday 10th - Monday 16th November)

Exercise
Tuesday - Rest day
Wednesday - Bodyvive a.m / Bodyvive p.m
Thursday - Rest day
Friday - Rest day

Saturday - Presented for Les Mills - Bodyvive
Sunday - Bodyattack

Monday - Rest day

Nutrition
Consisted of Organic / Free Range food.
Averaging 3 meals and 2 snacks per day
2.5 - 3 lts water per day
As an average I got 2 fruits per day but only 1 veg this week

Feelings / Emotions and then some!!!

Was a highly stressful week for me, what with preparing for the Les Mills Presentation and having Paul away.

Dealt with it all better than I would have previously so good to see trying to embrace the positive a bit more is helping.

One major break through for me is that normally I go hell for leather trying to lose as much weight as poss before a LM quarterly workshop (normally starting from the day after one, to the next scheduled date, 12 weeks just enough time right :) ???) but without success and following my lifelong habit of binge/starve/cry and cry for 'failing'/find focus/start gain/binge /starve/cry and cry......................... but I am soooooo excited to say I am finally embracing, (and succeeding) in being what I used to term 'normal' eating/training habits, although I now understand there is no normal, as whats normal for one isn't normal for another.

BUT for me, I am in a place where.....

I no longer fight,

I no longer fail,

I no longer crave,

I no longer cry (about my self image and food relationship)

I no longer punish

I no longer want to eat like others eat,

I no longer judge others for what they eat,

I no longer have good and bad foods (there are of course 'better for you' foods and 'not so good for you' foods) but nothing is right or wrong or banned

I no longer allow food to control me

I no longer binge

I no longer have an all or nothing mentality

I could probably go on and on listing destructive behaviours I have finally rid myself of.

I am also not saying that any of the above are wrong to have as behaviours, some might thrive on having food control them, some might enjoy judging others for what they eat, may really love to binge and you know what thats cool for them and I wouldn't judge but I'm just saying I don't want them in my life anymore, they have caused me to waste time, energy and emotion.

I am also not saying I will not ever have any of the above return, I'm not perfect, old habits die hard but the main thing is that I have been following a journey that feels cleansing, allows me to feel free not trapped and I am learning something everyday, I can ask for nothing more.

This is the place I have wished for, cried for ''I just wish i could......be'' I would think as I mentally abused myself for failing again. FAILING FREAKIN WHAT!!!!!! 'the plan'?, the new diet?, the new approach?, the bust my ass for 8-12 weeks to get to 'happy' place?

You can never fail if you learn something from every situation you go through.

I still want to look great, feel great, by no means does the above mean I don't care anymore, that I don't strive to be a healthy and fit role model for my kids, to be a role model for my members that are trying to achieve an active lifestyle, it means I have found a way to do all of this in a soul nourishing way and that to me is really living it, really enjoying and embracing the process.

OMG!!! This is getting to be way more than I was going to write!!!

Goals / Try to Improve for next week
- Water to 3 lts every day, really need to focus on this a bit more, always at least 2.4 lts but want to edge it up a bit more.
- Sleep - ensure I'm getting at least 7.5 hours, aiming for 8 per night, carried over from last week need to do this sooooo bad.
- didn't achieve my 2 sessions with Paul so thats still on the list for this week.

This week (started on Tuesday) has flown by and is going very well, if anything I need to eat a bit more and also up my sleep, my energy is flagging and because I have come to know my body and its reactions a bit more, thats my judgement call.

Anyway, i'll leave you with another fav Bodyattack poster in honour of the class i did this morning.............................

WOW..........what a whirlwind

2009-11-18T05:34:00.002+07:00

Well, I presented Bodyvive for Les Mills on the weekend and all went well.

Of course I have self assessed and received some on the spot feedback from the Master trainer
that heads up the WA team now and we always have stuff we can improve on, but having sat on it for a few days I'm please with how I went.

I still have the video to go to the specific Bodyvive Master Trainer for detailed feedback, then I have to implement that into next Quarterly workshop presentation (and my daily classes!).

Yes, you heard right, I'm on the line up for the first quarter in 2010!! 10 days before bub is due :) I will however have two others here presenting with me and will only be allocated 3 or so tracks, a lot different pressure wise to the whole release of 12 tracks.

Anyway, my GFM job is just coming through a heavy period of completing our 3 month roster, we had to survey members, get rid of classes that are at risk (under 30% capacity), make any timetable changes that improve our GF 'business', then we have to allocate classes to everyone for the next three months making sure we don't clash across the 7 clubs we have here in Perth, take any dates they are away, cover those classes for them, prepare the Christmas roster around opening hours, then complete the roster document to e mail out to each one, get it all double checked and then...........its set for 3 months!! PHEW.
+ and - to doing it this way but one major plus is its a heap of work over say a 2 week period then if classes need covering, instructors go away or are sick etc, they are responsible for sorting a cover for their class etc.

For me right now it is great, I pretty much just done my last roster (depending on when I decide to finish up GFM as I'm thinking of hanging on a few more weeks to get extra pay and some more holiday allocation) so I can sit back, relax and enjoy the next 3 months, which happens to be all I have left of pregnancy and it includes Maddis birthday, a 'Familymoon' holiday, the kids school holidays, new year, Bryce's birthday........... busy but great time ahead.

Paul is back from educating himself AGAIN!! all good as it can only enhance the business but I hate him being away! :)

I have had a great week of results from nutrition and training and am getting heaps of comments when people see me, with most saying I'm 'glowing', I really don't think I went through this stage with my other two and I must say it is down to nutrition, exercise and 'thoughts'.
I will do my weekly round up again later on tomorrow but already know my focuses for this week that started Tuesday.

Have a good one, Shar x

OH YEAH - FERN - Thanks for asking and I would love to read your blog please comment me your e mail so I can send you mine. xx

Send your positive vibes....

2009-11-14T06:04:00.002+07:00

...........as I am presenting for Les Mills again today and I'm feeling a little under the pump!!
I'm the type of person that puts so much pressure on myself that the negative thoughts start to edge in, this is one area I am trying to change and develop within myself.

Anyhooooooo, I'm presenting Bodyvive, I have a shadow presenter (someone who shadows the moves) as I was on my own but there are a few moves that I can't do due to having a baby belly.
A normal Quarterly Workshop I have 6 tracks to learn, script and present.........this quarter I have all 12 plus the education session!! Paul has been away since Thursday, he's away in Sydney and I'd normally have him handling the kids............. oh crap I'm starting to panic!! OK I'm going to get the last few practice runs in.....................
See you on the flipside, way less stressed and hoping to sleep well tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its gonna be OK, It gonna be OK, Its gonna be OK, just breathe Shar............

HIGH VIVE!!!!!

Training and Nutrition Update - Preggers week 24-25

2009-11-10T05:38:00.004+07:00

So the week that was - Week 24 - 25 (Tuesday 3rd - Monday 9th)

Exercise
Tuesday - Bodybalance
Wednesday - Bodyvive / Bodybalance / Bodyvive
Thursday - Rest day
Friday - Incline Treaddie Walk 40 mins
Saturday - Bodyattack / Bodybalance
Sunday - Outdoor Walk 30 mins
Monday - Incline Treaddie Walk 40 mins

Nutrition
Consisted of Organic / Free Range food.
Averaging 3 meals and 2 snacks per day
2.5 - 3 lts water per day
At least 2 fruit and 2 veg serves per day.
(small amount of organic choc each day too!!)

I am still weighing myself, I have a total gain for this pregnancy that I am
hoping to come in under as I gained alot (25 - 30kg) with Maddi (and Bryce for that matter) and do not want that happening again for a number of reasons including health, ease of labour,
recovery after etc.

I am please to say after a quick initial gain around the morning sickness time,
when I couldn't stop eating to stop me feeling sick, my weight stabilised and I have noted small losses for the last 6 weeks.
Both my doctor and the nutritionist I have been working with online (to gain knowledge about types of foods important etc) both confirm this is ok due to the initial gain, belly growth etc etc.

So the above has been the norm for a while, but a definite shift for the better since my energy kicked back in after sickness passed.

Goals / Improvements for next week
- Water to 3 lts every day
- Sleep - ensure I'm getting at least 7.5 hours, aiming for 8 per night.
- Get back into training with Paul 2 x week

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy week, Shar

Saturday Session - Yeah bring it on!!

2009-11-06T21:01:00.006+07:00

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, Me and bubba boy go and Bodyattack on a Saturday morning its my old class that someone has now taken on covering for me until I've had bubba boy.
I love this poster...........

Then I will teach my Bodybalance to lengthen and strengthen and to seal the workout.
Have a great Saturday morning all, Shar x

24 Weeks and Weekly Health and Fitness Update

2009-11-03T05:36:00.005+07:00

24 Weeks Today
What they say - Baby Stuff - He still has little body fat and his skin is thin and fragile, he's now well-proportioned. His brain is growing rapidly, and he is starting to fill the space in your uterus. From crown to heel he could measure 30 centimetres.

What I say - I am feeling great at the moment, sleeping well, with pillow for belly and leg support now though! I am easily getting up in the mornings, I an exercising regularly, eating with control from a full range of organic and free range products for health and wellness. No complaints, I love being preggers and I love baby boy growing strong, he is soooo active and there is no other feeling quite like it when he is kicking, punching etc.

Weekly Health & Fitness report - actually my health and fitness preggers so far.................

I haven't really updated in relation to my health and fitness, which is what I started this whole blogging journey was originally for (back in 2005!!!) so decided I might just throw in so updates each week alongside my preggy updates.

So as my blog is about being a mum on a mission, that I am!

I have to admit I went through a spell back in the first stages where i was sick for about 7 weeks (weeks 7 - 14) i nibbled on not so healthy food to find my way out of sickness as nothing seemed to help, I couldn't face sitting up without the nausea getting worse, let alone exercising and basically got a bit down on myself mentally. A 'few' :) excess kilos crept on and I definitely laid down those fat stores early on, not good, I'm all for the body doing what its gotta do to support the pregnancy but excess is just that and not required.

Then the belly growth sprouted, earlier in this preggers, (3rd bub and all may have something to do with it??) and I ended up not feeling so good. If i'm honest I ended up in a place where I was starting to return to binging habits, the oh well I'll do this now and deal with it later etc, when all I really deep down wanted was to just embrace pregnancy, allow my body to do all these wonderful things and sod everything else. I put alot of thought into how the past has been, what behaviours I have, what has caused them, the list is endless, but I spent a good few weeks just in thought.

I considered stepping away from Group Fitness, meaning giving up my Les Mill Presenter / Trainer position which is my dream and that I have worked bloody hard for and continue to do so, giving up all classes, leaving my GFM job sooner rather than later, all because I was blaming 'the industry' for the pressure to look good all the time. This was one of many 'solutions' I came up with to solve everything.

Of course nothing was just going to magically solve itself, I was feeling very hormonal and doing my whole 'I want this sorted now' 'all or nothing' 'I want answers' thing. I was over trying to solve 'the problem', I was over 'fighting' the same thing over and over.

Luckily my common sense and reality hit...........there is nothing to blame, there is no-one to blame, I am me, I am Shar, I have the power, strength and knowledge to live a happy, loving, wonderful, healthy life. If I do "MY' best, no-one else best, for 'ME' and my family, not for anyone else, everyday what more can you possibly want or need???? If I can lay in bed each night in the knowledge I have taken good care of me and my family, both mentally and physically what more could i possibly do.

This is just another journey, a very special one, one that cannot be taken for granted, not enjoyed, not nurtured.

I'm happy to say that as though a switch was flicked I have been living exactly that way ever since, doing what I can each day, making the most of what I have, the most of what I can bring to me and my family each day, enjoying my classes, exercising for health, eating for wellness and healing.

It has been a good couple of months now, consistency in both mind and the physical have me sat in a great place. It feels so cool, it feels right and feels like this is what I have been searching for for quite some time. Don't get me wrong I still have days where I have to work extra hard, where my energy is stretch, to be able keep the mind on an even keel, to feel great about me, to give all I can give to my family, but I'm damn sure I'd rather be doing that than killing myself with self criticism, self doubt and abusing my body with negative emotion and dead food.

I have found a way that works for me. I couldn't have done it without my rock, Paul. My beautiful children, that I only have to think about and my soul is nourished and at peace...... and of course just feel a kick from the 3rd precious gift I am looking after right now.

So from a quick update on bubs and my weekly Health and Fitness to a long post about other stuff!!! I'll have to come back later and update the week that was as we have school to get to!!!!

Thanks for listening, have the best day 'YOU' can have!! Shar x

Loving this book!

2009-10-29T06:14:00.000+07:00

I'm reading a really great book right now and even if your not pregnant if you are

a Personal Trainer it would make interesting Reading for you or even as a recommendation for any clients that are pregnant that just want more info than -' don't take your heart rate over 140', 'don't do any impact', 'just swim, walk and do yoga', 'don't start exercising during pregnancy if you weren't' etc etc.

Exercising Through Your Pregnancy - James F.Clapp III. M.D.

I am Pre and Post Natal qualified but I know how much the guidelines have changed since I did my qually and how much they continue to change.

As this is an area I want to move into more professionally and for obvious personal reasons I have been doing lots of research on the WWW but still had some questions, every site I can across (apart from the Medical ones, which still took a stand back stance really!) were just sticking to the old 'yes exercise is good, but keep it to swimming, yoga and walking' 'keep your heart rate here.....' etc etc and yes these are great guidelines for the general population but for those who were regularly active before its not really applicable or what we want to hear.

This is rightly so according to this book.

Chapter 1 starts with - CLARIFYING THE DEBATE OVER EXERCISE AND PREGNANCY, Dr Clapp received a call back in 1970 that was an inquiry about the effects of Mountain Climbing on a woman and her fetus during early pregnancy, the questions were such things as - would the decreased oxygen in the air induce malformations in the fetus? would the intense effort on climbing reduce blood flow to the womb and cause a miscarriage?

He states he had no answers, so went to the library and found nothing there!

Only finding that that pregnancy was a time for moderation, and women should not introduce new activity or attempt anything physically challenging.

This was clearly showing the traditional approach - if the risk is unknown just avoid it.

He was shocked by the lack of information and so in 1976 he embarked on his quest to answer any related questions to exercising in pregnancy and the effects on both t he mother and baby.

Then book then details all studies, tests and experiments with results, looking at benefits of exercising on different body systems, how it benefits mother and baby, exercise effects on placentae growth, labour, breastfeeding etc.

They studied two groups of women, an EXERCISE GROUP and a CONTROL GROUP. To be part of the exercise group the women had to maintain her exercise regimen above 50% of her pre-pregnancy level, secondly her level of exercise had to remain above that required to maintain basic fitness (3 x per week, 20 minutes at a mod to hard level).

Some of the EXERCISE GROUP exercised vigorously to within a week of delivery. The CONTROL GROUP was made up of women that rarely engaged in sustained exercise but occasionally played tennis, went for a walk or did the gardening and so on.

Then he shows in graphs and charts the result of areas studied of these two groups, the results are really interesting (to me anyway!). They cover week of delivery, effects of regular exercise on fetal growth, birth stats of the bubs, placentae growth, maternal weight gain of each group, skinfolds to show fat deposition, effects on labour - including pain relief, intervention, C-sec outcome, length of labour, I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea.

I am very focused on another natural birth, free of drugs and intervention, this time it will be even more so than Maddi was, as I am hoping to be accepted to the Family Birth centre and change from the hospital.

From reading and researching, knowing my body and how I feel, exercising at a mod to hard level from the outset and hopefully until the end will/has given myself and bubs the best opportunity to have the pregnancy, labour and delivery that is best for both of us.

I am actually looking forward to labour!!!!!!! a bit stunned by that myself :)

Over Halfway!!

2009-10-28T06:20:00.003+07:00

I'm just over 23 weeks preggers now and the time is flying!!

Feeling great apart from a little lull in energy in the afternoon, but I used to get that anyway!! :)

Baby now weighs a little over 500 grams and measures about 29 centimetres from crown to heel. WOW, nearly as long as a ruler!!

He can hear me so I am singing a sequence of three songs/rhymes daily. I used to sing to the first two kids which used to settle them at sleep time or any time they were upset, also good as Paul and the kids can do that too.

Having a few thoughts about names, a bit stuck, only one has grabbed me and I'm finding I'm a little reserved on using it for a few reasons. I like unusual or not common but not to out there. So got any you like and your done with your kids, throw me a comment and I can run it past the jury! :)

Got some other stuff to update on will try and get back soon, Shar x

Out of the mouths of babes........

2009-10-19T20:41:00.004+07:00

Classic..........................

My dad took Maddi and Bryce out for a milkshake after school today, they stop at a junction and Maddi looks at this road sign.................

then asks my dad......... ''Pops, does that mean no boomerangs''

HEADING TOWARDS A CHANGE

2009-10-12T19:35:00.002+07:00

Obviously I have lots of change on the horizon, becoming a mum of 3 not 2 is a major change, but alongside that is the change to my career/job/work situation.

My new career is that I will become a FULL TIME MUMMA!!! I have always wanted this to be the case with my first two but due to money, migrating to Australia etc I didn't have that opportunity. NOW I DO and I feel very blessed.

Jan 31st see's me finish up as Group Fitness Manager, I have chosen to take my 12 months unpaid maternity instead of just resign, this gives me scope should there be any unplanned financial change in our situation or maybe just maybe at a year old and Paul and I can work it I may (not likely!) want to return.

So in a little under 16 weeks I will be on my new journey, a couple of weeks at Christmeas thats quiet, a couple of weeks holiday will help this figure reduce a little!! YES I AM COUNTING!

I have changed my blog to show this change, I'm a mum on a mission, a mission of living a fit and healthy lifestyle and being the best I can be for myself and my precious family.