I work hard for the money...:)

So this whole being pregnant, going to school full time and working part time (days I don't go to school) is no funny business.  This week has been a bit different since I've been training.  I've been there every day since Tuesday from 8:30am-6:30pm and although it's been an amazing learning exeperience and super fun, I've experienced some firsts in this pregnancy.  First, was exhaustion.  I had no idea what that meant.  I have been misusing the word for years.  I now know what it truly means lol.. I come home, shower, put my Burt's Bees Belly Butter on, get in my jammies and lay in bed staring at the ceiling.  Since I eat every few hours through the night I've just laid in bed waiting to eat at 11pm so I can go to bed for a few before my next feeding. lol  Exhaustion is..well...exhausting. I've also experienced swollen legs/ankles for the first time the other day thanks to my killer high socks and high top converse (I know...I got style:)) lol... So I switched those out for some low rise nikes and some ankle socks.  Someone at work pointed it out when I was showing them my hair growth (what little I have thanks to waxing!!:)) and they were like oh my gosh you're swollen.  Yeah.  It was gross.  Since I hadn't noticed for half the day, the swollen area above my socks was hard as a rock.  Not sure if that's normal. lol... I'll have to check with the doc when I see him in a couple weeks.  Haven't noticed much swelling since I made the switch, but I'll be honest.  Being on my feet for 10 hours every day this week has been tough.  I didn't think it would.  I don't get a lot of down time, but when I do, I try to put my feet up if I can, even if it's only for a few minutes.  However, I haven't had time, or rather the energy, to make it to the gym, so I'm sure once I hit the gym next week I'll have better circulation.  And starting next week I'll have my Saturdays and Sundays back so I'll catch up on rest then.  :)

So yes, tomorrow is my last day of training and I am so excited!  I have my test out/evaluation and I am confident I'll do well.  Then Monday I start my first real shift!  I feel so grateful, humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to not only work AND go to school, but to have the health and strength TO work and go to school and be able to save and provide for my son.  It's a wonderful feeling and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the gospel, my faith and testimony and my love for my Savior.  Through Him, anything is possible.

Time for beddy bye...Well, a nap at least.  Goodnight everyone!

Loves to all,
Liss

Bring your child to work day....or week...or the rest of the year...:)

So as I drove into work this morning I thought, man I'm lucky to have my bundle of joy keep me company all day while at work.  Is this how parents feel when they bring their children to work?  :)  I know it's not the same, but I swear I carry myself with more pride, almost purposely sticking out my belly a little more so people can see just how lucky and blessed I am to have my son with me.  As a parent, I'm sure we all worry on a daily basis whether or not we're giving our children everything they need and deserve and whether or not we're keeping them safe from all the yuck in the world, but right here and now and, I feel so blessed and grateful to know that I am able to keep Noah safe from that yuck and the closest to my heart every day and night.  I'm 24 weeks today and honestly being 6 months pregnant is just as if not more amazing than being 5 months pregnant.  It just keeps getting better.  His constant moving in response to me reading to him, singing to him or simply saying good morning when I wake up or goodnight at the end of a long day, is all I need to press forward every day and keep trying to prepare a life that will allow me to give him everything he needs and will need.

Thanks for always keeping Mommy company little one....Love you to forever and back...

Crib...check!

I bought my crib today and can't wait for it to arrive so I can put it up!  (Pic below)  One step closer in preparing for my sweet little one to arrive.  I didn't realize that there were so many options with cribs and mattresses; convertibles, standards, organic, cotton or mini foam mattresses and spring ones, beds that cradle your child and rock them to sleep so you don't have to, and those that leave your child suspended in air hovering inches above the mattress so as to get a true "weightless" feel.  Ok, those last couple obviously don't exist, but come on.  Shouldn't this process be simple?  After all, we already have the joys of getting monstrous in size with an ever running mind and hormones that frighten most small children not to mention what it does to grown men that find themselves in our path of destruction.  For everyone's sake, why not figure out what works best for most infants and make a universal crib.  And then as an added bonus, make one mattress that fits that one crib!  Hahahha... I know, we need to have our million options so that we can feel uber special and unique.  I support that I suppose.  I do like the fact that I got to choose an espresso finish on my crib rather than just white, black, cognac, oak or cherry.  And I love that the crib I chose has the word Venetian in it; sounds and looks so classy.  And I love the fact that the espresso finish will go better with the colors I've picked for Noah.  Oh and I love the fact that the convertible option will allow the bed to grow with him and not cause me to buy seven different beds by the time he's five.  Ooh ooh and I love the fact that I was able to search nine different stores to find the best price that included free shipping and NO tax...Ok, so I AM that Mom after all.  ;)  And I'm dang proud of it.

A round of applause goes out to all you Mommies and Daddies out there that have already battled your way through crib, boppy, bumbo, bouncer, binky and any other kind of baby shopping there is to do.  This parenting stuff is no joke and in all seriousness I thank you for always doing what's needed to find what works best for you little ones in keeping them safe and loved.  You all deserve WAY more credit than you get.

Happy parenting!!

Loves...

Right On Target at 23 Weeks!!

I went to the doctor today and my little one and I are as healthy as can be.  I've gained 20lbs so far this pregnancy which my doc says is perfect.  In fact he said that since I'm so small/petite, it would be A-OK to gain a total of 40lbs if I wanted to.  I have to say at first I thought how in the heck am I going to pack on another 20?  Where will it go?  When will I have time to eat?! And then I remembered oh yeah, that's right.  I get up a couple times a night to feed my face so I'm sure it will be pretty easy to start packing on the poundage.  :)

Noah's heart rate was 154 today and sounded so precious I cried.  I know, I know, I'm so emotional....but how could I not be?!  How could I not cry at the sound of his heart beating within me? How could I not feel overwhelmed with love for my son every time I feel him move? I feel like I'm among the norm.  In fact my hormones have been in check and I might be the first woman to admit that and feel confident that my actions have backed it up. hahah  I don't cry at random tv commercials whilst eating a tub of chunky monkey, I don't run fellow shoppers over with my cart at the grocery store for grabbing the last spicy yellow lentil hummus, nor do I find myself locked in my room playing Celine Dion's greatest hits over and over as I look through old yearbooks, crying over my first lost love.  I don't know if that actually happens with anyone, but shoot, if you did I wouldn't blame you.  Celine Dion has some serious pipes!  I have had some situations that I nipped in the butt the minute I knew it would bring negative drama, so that could be viewed as irrational behavior, but I like to think of it as being oh so wise and not allowing negativity in me or my son's life. ;)  Over the past year or so I've slowly been transitioning into a lifestyle of peace, patience, love, tranquility, compassion, service and continuous self-improvement.  I only listen to classical music or LDS Hymns of Worship on Pandora (this station actually plays other music that isn't LDS, in fact it plays a really nice variety of uplifting music:)), I exercise, eat healthy, do a little yoga here and there, and consistently try to focus on the good and never dwell on the bad.  I truly believe that it has not only helped me, but has created a safe and peaceful home for my son as he grows and develops.  Ok, ok, I'll stop rambling....for my weekly check in....

Next week I'm finally in my third trimester and three weeks following that will be my next check-up.  I get to do the glucose test which I have to admit I'm kind of curious to see how the glucola tastes. lol...  November 6th, however, is a big day.  I'm getting a 3D ultrasound of little Noah and cannot WAIT to see what he looks like.  I need to start packin on the good weight so he can get all cute and chubby for his close up! :)

Life is good...I have so much to be grateful for.  I have a testimony that if you keep moving forward, focus on the good even if you have to search to find even a sliver of good, and never give up, anything is possible!

Loves from Mommy and Noah....

Prenatal Yoga...Yay or Nay??

I just completed a half hour of prenatal yoga and I must say I wish I had been doing this the whole time!  I'm trying a 30 day free trial at DailyBurn.com and it's not too shabby.  They recommend yoga blocks and a bolster which I thought I'd be fine without, but I was wrong.  Some of the poses need the blocks and bolsters to best accommodate the body and growing belly so you're not on your back.  I'll definitely be picking those up as well as a couple more prenatal yoga DVDs to add some variation.  I'm excited to add this to my weekly routines.  I really feel that it will be extremely helpful in preparing for my delivery emotionally, mentally and physically.  After all, natural child birth from what I hear can be a beautiful experience so I want to make EXTRA sure that I'm feeling comfortable with my body, my inner-self and my connection with my son so that it can be beautiful.

Has anyone else done yoga during their pregnancies??  Did it help?  Any favorite poses or DVDs that you recommend?

Hope everyone has had a wonderful start to their week!!

Loves...

P.S. Here's a link to that site in case anyone wants to check it out.  I haven't explored the site quite yet but apparently they have all different kind of workouts on there.

Little Blessings From Above...❤

So as I sit and watch Forces of Nature with my little Noah tucked safely in my womb, I think to myself how much I love this life. How much I'm going to love being a mom. I heard someone say recently that they never get to go out anymore and were pretty much forced into a situation where they had to be with their kids seven days a week. It broke my heart that someone can't grow up enough to see how much of a blessing children are. How lucky they are to have children. They are gifts from our Heavenly Father. Who wouldn't want to be with their children? I get emotional just thinking about holding my son, with his tiny little fingers with dimples for knuckles and precious little toes, his beautiful eyes and teeny nose. I know I've only been an Aunt in the past, but I know how hard it can get and I can only imagine that's its even harder being a parent 24/7, never a break in sight. But I also know that they are a loan from our Heavenly Father and we've been chosen and trusted with these sweet precious spirits to rear, nurture and provide them with all that they need. I know with all of my heart that my son chose me to be his mother and knows and trusts that I will love him with all that I have, care for him, protect him and provide for him. Sure there will be times when I'll need a break, who doesn't? But I know that every time I look at my son I'll be saying a prayer of thanks to my Father above for sending him to me. 

Hold your children close. This life is so short and they depend on us to guide and direct them. To love and protect them. Even if its for a short while. Stop and smell the roses with them. Memories are priceless. 

Here's to you Noah...Mommy loves you and can't wait to meet you...❤

22 Weeks and still going strong!

I had a rough few days due to sleep deprivation and lack of food.  I wasn't hungry because I was tired so anything I ate felt like it was going to come back up:(  And I was probably tired because I wasn't eating enough.  Vicious cycle!  But I've added pasta to my food selections and it has been helping with the constant empty tummy:)  We'll see how it helps tonight during my slumber.  Lack of sleep definitely plays a part in how you feel but let's be honest.  I need to get used to not getting any sleep because once baby boy is here there will be no sleep for this girl!!  ahhahah...  That's perfectly fine.  It's exhausting and being a single mommy will be no easy task, but I know I can do it, I want to do it and it will be oh so worth it.  To hold that little one in my arms will be all I need...

So here we are at 22 weeks!  And I'm still gettin it done at the gym! :)

It wasn't the best lighting and it's nighttime for one of the pictures, but at least I can track my progress.  I'm not getting any bigger muscle wise, however I am maintaining.  My doctor said I really need to focus on gaining so I'm trying to increase my caloric intake and reduce the weight when I work out to try to keep a healthy balance without losing the muscle I've built, but we'll see.  This is all new to me and trial and error isn't exactly an option lol...

Stay strong everyone!  The weekend is almost here!! :)

Epidural?? I'd rather not...

So I have long decided that I'm going to have a natural birth.  I know, I know, I know.  Trust me, I've heard it all from all the women who have gone with the traditional birthing method with epidurals.  But what it really comes down to is what works for me and what I am most comfortable with.  I've chosen to deliver naturally for a couple reasons and not just because I hate hospitals and all of the unnecessary interventions they tend to use, or because of the fact that I hate I.V.s and the meds that course through them that always make my skin crawl, but for the mere fact that one, I don't want my son to experience more intense and longer contractions due to Pitocin, and two, I trust my body to do what it was meant to do, what it knows to do.  Now I know many of you out there are thinking I'm crazy but I have to say this brings me the most peace.  I'm looking forward to my delivery and know without a shadow of a doubt that it will be harder than I can possibly ever prepare myself for, but it's totally doable.  Completely possible.  Now of course if for some reason I end up being high risk, or there are serious complications where it's critical for the baby to come out sooner rather than later, then I will do what the doctor suggests I do.  After all, I'm having my baby at the hospital (my insurance doesn't cover home births), but without interventions like epidurals, Pitocin, etc.  And I know that a lot of times these interventions are absolutely necessary.  I am not knocking the traditional hospital birthing experience, I just don't feel comfortable with those methods.  But I am trying to be proactive by drinking enough water, eating right, exercising and gaining a healthy weight.  My stress levels are almost non-existent which I'm grateful for, but again, I am doing what I need to do to weed out unnecessary stress and complications.  I feel in my heart that this is what I need to do, so I'm following my instincts.  :)

So after meeting with one of my best friends that I grew up with who happens to be a doula (anyone who lives here locally in AZ, message me and I'll get you her contact info:)), I feel even more excited and ready to start preparing myself for delivery mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.  She recommended a few books, two of which I picked up today at Barnes and Noble and the other I ordered from Amazon.com.  Included a pic for anyone who wants to check them out.

Here they are:

1. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
2. HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method by Marie F. Mongan, M.Ed., M.Hy. (Includes a CD with relaxation and breathing exercises)
3. The Birth Book by Dr. Sears (this one I ordered from Amazon - here's the link since the copy won't cut/paste: http://www.amazon.com/The-Birth-Book-Everything-Satisfying/dp/0316779075/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378788804&sr=8-1&keywords=the+birth+book)



I will be videotaping the birth and no... I will NOT post it for all to see...!  hahahahh Now THAT would be crazy. lol  But I will go back post delivery, watch the video and document the basics with what worked for me and what didn't, how the pain levels were, and so on.  (Baby Noah is kicking like crazy right now...I think he's kicking with approval on this whole idea of natural birth lol)

For anyone who has questions about home births or natural births, I recommend watching The Business of Being Born.  It's a documentary on Netflix, and now has a few more series that they have added to the original doc and it is amazing!  Really opens your eyes to a whole new world that has been long forgotten but seems to be making its comeback recently.  Again, this isn't for everyone and those who are high risk or have other complications, wouldn't be able to go this route.  But it's at least a good piece to bring awareness of what goes on with the meds that are administered both inside the womb with that sweet baby and yourself.  And even more importantly, just make sure you have a plan.  Whether that is to do natural or not, c-section or home birth, having a plan and even a back up plan will make the experience less frightening and will give you the control that you need to have during your birthing experience.  After all...it's YOUR body.  Don't let anyone else tell you what's best for your body.  Only you could possibly know that.  :)  If anyone has an experience of a home, natural or traditional birth they would like to share, please feel free!  I love baby stories:)

Ok, well this Mama is going to bed.  Well, after I feed myself yet again..hahahh...

Goodnight to all!!

LOVES...

Tender moments...

Every morning and night I read scriptures with my son. Yes, I read them aloud so he can hear them in the womb and be a part of the spirit that is felt. :) And I gotta tell ya, I can't go more than five minutes without tearing up. The sweet spirit that is felt is overwhelming and I'm overcome with humility and gratitude that I can share these tender moments with my son even now. 

Life is good... ❤

21 Weeks and counting...!!

I am 21 weeks and 4 days today and am counting down the weeks til I get to meet my beautiful baby boy, Noah.  On this beautifully overcast sabbath day I have reflected on my life and am grateful that out of a dark and chaotic situation, I have been blessed with a gift that has brought me only peace and love;  my son.  I see the world in a different and brighter light.  My desire to serve others has increased and I find myself holding the hope for not only my son and I, but others I know and love.  I have a newfound strength that must only come from motherhood and it has given me the courage to do things I would have never done before.  I have since moved on from that day many months ago that I walked away from what I knew would only bring further pain, and I know that through forgiveness and following the promptings and answers to my prayers that I received and continue to receive, I have been blessed more than I could have ever asked or hoped for...

Just want to give a shout out to those who have been my beacon of light and held the hope for me while I figured things out.  Your love and support and Christ-like examples have lifted me up to a place where I see new beginnings on the horizon that are full of joy, peace and love.

To my sweet son...Noah, Mommy loves you with all her heart...to forever and back.

Beautiful ending...

This has been a beautiful ending to a crazy busy yet productive day. :)  And baby Noah is kicking like crazy right now. (Yes, that's right.  I've come up with a name!  I think I'm going to go with Noah Benjamin Cohee for my sweet baby boy's name.  It just feels right.  For now. :))  hahaha  I've got the beach waves from the soundscape going and all is well.  It's amazing to me how quickly you can jump into the motherhood role.  The love, protective instinct, worry and hope is automatic...at least for me and I understand now why women do this over....and over....and over again.  Well maybe not four times. lol... I have to say my back pain is pretty bad at times, but as he kicks and responds to my voice and the jalepenos I eat (I know, he's gangster...or wait I'm gangster... and he's.. well.. you get the point lol) and the pain is but a mere passing thought.  I wonder how labor would be.  I've seen a few at the hospital and watched documentaries of homebirths and no matter where the delivery is, it looks excruciating!  But then you witness the immediate and overwhelming love and bond between the mother and child and you get it.  You get why they underwent that pain.  To give life to their precious child.  I can't wait for my time.  Only 4 months away!!

As for my gymie gym gym progress posts and what not, the old blog I was posting on was deleted so I will continue, or rather start fresh here.  I'm in the third week of Phase 2 of the Jamie Eason program and will just pick up where I left off on the previous blog.  I apologize for the break up, but it won't happen again.  On here, my very own blog,  I have the comfort of knowing that I will not delete it.  ahahah  So stay tuned for this beast of a mother's continuing transformation!!  I think I may try to post a baby bump progress pic tomorrow and pick up on the work out progress pics next Sunday due to lack of photographers. lol...Or maybe I'll just start doing front pics...eh, not sure.  We'll see how it plays out. :)

I hope everyone has had a killer week!!  Stay strong!!

Goodnight....

Love,
Liss

You Won't Bring Me Down!!

Isn't it funny that when you start succeeding in life and things start falling into place that others around you start to cause drama and try and bring you down to their level?  My heart is full of sadness that those who are trying to bring me down can't see beyond their own misery.  You can't bring someone down to your level who doesn't view the world as you do.  Those who are weak must hang on to those that are strong in order to hold themselves up and normally I would be happy to hold them up, but enough is enough.  I'm living for my son and myself.  Period.  I hope and pray that those individuals who are so miserable with who they are and where they are in life find their way to true happiness;  the happiness that isn't bought with fancy clocks and the latest trends.  I hope they find their inner self and learn to love and accept themselves for who they are no matter what life hands them.  I have by no means lived an easy or glamorous life.  I've made plenty mistakes, some I'm proud of and some I'm not.    Some individuals like to remind me of how I've struggled or lived less than, but their jealousy and hatred only hurts them.  They don't realize that that jealousy and hatred is only holding them back from growing and being happy.  And all of my mistakes?  It's because of these mistakes that I'm so much stronger and wiser.  I have compassion for those who struggle, love for those who hurt and hope for those who try.

May we all free our hearts of hatred, greed, pride, jealousy, anger and hate and make room for love, compassion, joy, forgiveness, and hope.

May we learn to truly love our neighbor....for those who won't allow us to, may we have the strength to move on with our lives without them and hope that through our example they'll find their way back.

Thank you to all those who have and continue to support and inspire me to try harder every day!!

Love,
Lissa

I GOT THE JOB!!

I am feeling so very blessed and excited right now... I interviewed for the Wax Specialist position this morning at European Wax Center in Chandler and I got the job!!  I absolutely love this industry and can't wait to start building my clientele.  :)  I'll go through their training they provide, September 24th-29th, from 9am-6pm and then once completed I start working!!  I know.  I know.  Lots of exclamation points, but I can't tell you how grateful I am to start working so soon after being licensed and so soon after leaving my soon-to-be ex-husband and moving back to Arizona with just the clothes on my back.  As a parent, it is beyond comforting to know you will be able to provide for your children.  I've come a long way and the journey has not been easy, but I know once I hold my sweet little boy in my arms it will all be worth it and it will all make sense.

To all you parents out there.... keep up the good fight!  I know at times it's hard.  In ways I don't even know about yet, but I know with all of my heart that it is all worth it.  Every struggle, every tantrum, every tear, every heartache, every hurt will all be worth every precious moment with our children.  The Lord has blessed us with these sweet little ones and as long as we keep moving forward and do all we can for them, teach them and protect them, then we will be blessed for it.

My heart is full.

Liss