Last Trimester....the expanding belly!

I'm not going to lie, normal life is not as easy to maintain as it once was.  I guess I haven't fully given into my maternal state and all the changes that come throughout these 9 months.  I've made it 6 months and feel that's been a major accomplishment :)  But, now I know the real changes are yet to come. 

More than half my wardrobe is outgrown.  That alone is enough to be depressed.  I embrace my expanding and moving belly with lots of love and anticipation.  But she is taking over my life!  My thoughts, dreams, and conversations!  I realize I cannot control the physical changes that must take place, and still I try to.  I am able to maintain my active lifestyle, yet at a much slower pace.  If I get nothing else but a healthy baby from it all, I consider myself very blessed!

Sleep has never come easily to me, and now that luxury is even more challenging.  I am never comfortable.  I just got a body pillow, and that helped.  But I am afraid there is no cure....at least I can get a head start on what it will be like with a new born. 

This has been an amazing journey.  A learning process.  I just think, "If all those other women can do it, I can too!"  Wouldn't it be nice if the doctor could gaurantee that if I do this, this and that, I will have a perfect and healthy baby, with no complications or surprises!  I will just do my best, that's all I can do.

Needed Change

I have been very pleased with my pregnancy so far!  But my doctor experiences have not been my favorite.  With everything being new and foriegn, I guess my expectations for my prenatal care have been pretty high.  Just a note to doctors working with first timers, keep it private!  No need to let those in training have VIP seating to watch in on uncomfortable exams.  Geese!

On the brighter side, Tanner and I have decided to switch doctors to one we feel very comfortable with and confident in.  I never knew I could be so picky, but it is my baby we're talking about.  And if I'm not happy, the baby is not happy (or Tanner)!

I am now 18 weeks and can't wait to find out if we're having a boy or girl!  But I am afraid with this recent change and with Tanner's finals coming up, we may have to wait until 21 weeks!!  Not like it changes anything, Right??  But I want to know!  Oh well, it's ok......it will be a Christmas present!

YAY for CHRISTMAS :)


Speaking of Christmas, check out my mom's art work on Etsy!!! She is so talented!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RanchMamaStudio?ref=top_trail


This is one of my favorites!

Baby Ultrasound 13 weeks

I never really believed I was pregnant until I saw the baby on the monitor.

Now everything that I am feeling has a purpose!

It was the coolest thing!  The baby is kicking and moving all over.  Tanner and I just watched in awe.

We saw every limb and every organ!

A boy or girl??  Any guesses?

I waited 10 days to take a pregnancy test, just to make sure.  And it was sure :)

I am now about 16 weeks, and doing good!!

New things I am Learning

Just made it though my first trimester!  However, I am still needing extra sleep and naps.  I have felt good for the most part.  There were days of nausea, queasiness, and just not feeling good.  But I found that running helped me feel better and the fresh air was refreshing.  Teaching my running classes also helped me get up in the morning and get moving when I didn't want to!  Exercise is really the best medicine!

There are times I feel 9+ months is a long time to make a baby!  But then I think of all the things to get ready for a baby, and I guess it is the perfect amount of time.  At first I was counting the days of how far along I was, and it seemed like I would never have this baby!  But now spring seems so close and the holidays will fly by!  Every couple I talk to with a baby tell me what they recommend to get for this or that.  There is just so many things you have to think about with a baby!  Stroller, jogger, carseat, craddle, crib, swing, breat pump, bottles, pacifier, diapers, blankets, toys, clothes for every month, changer, diaper bag, lotion, powder, wipes, medicine, and the list goes on and on!!

I am so excited to have a baby and for Tanner and I to be parents!  Crazy!!  This is really the most exciting thing to worry about :) 

So far Tanner is having a successful first semester in Medical School.  He loves everything he is learning and feels the program is perfect for him.  While Tanner has not decided on a specific field of practice, he is discovering more of his interets.  It is fun to talk about our future and how many kids we will have when he is done with everything.  Having no kids yet, I really have no idea what I am getting into.  But I know we are moving forward and learning as we go. 

Happy November! 
P.S. Today it is snowing!  What???

The Jouney Has Begun!

School has finally started and also the reality of what is to come.  The first couple days in class over viewed the whole semester.  Which is helpful and also overwhelming; you get to find out all the many assignments and papers you will be completing in a short amount of time. 

Before the first day of teaching my Jogging Class, I had a nightmare that the students didn't like me and everyone got lost on our run.  Well, that came true. OK, only part of it came true.  With the wide variety of fitness levels and those new to the area, many did get lost.  Despite only running out 1 mile and then back, and despite my efforts running back and forth between groups to direct them to our destination, I even got lost navigating through campus, and then being on a hill added an extra challenge to an "easy run." 

Aside from my interesting first couple days of school, my husband is getting hands on experience meeting patients at the hospital and beginning the loads of studying. Tanner is a patient and kind person.  He already has all the qualities of a good and successful doctor.  I know Tanner will only further mature and develop into a great leader in health care.  He is my example of dedication and diligence.  Tanner knows that hard work pays off, and he will give it his all. 

Left on our list of things to come, is having children and becoming a real family.  This I am most excited about.  Yet, I am afraid there is no news to report at this time. 

Thanks for reading :)

Pictures from Tanner's White Coat Ceremony



Tanner after getting his White Coat and Stethoscope





Mark, Tanner, Kassi, Robin







Tanner, Kassi, Kathy (mom)





Exiting the Hospital and entering the school







The new Medical School building



Salsa Bean Dip

This recipe makes the best snack, side, or meal.  Salsa Bean Dip is my go to recipe whenever I need to bring a side to some group function!  It's so easy to make and it's really healthy!!

2 cans (14 oz cans) Black Beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (14 oz cans) Garbanzo Beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (14 oz) Sweet Corn, rinsed and drained
8 small Tomatoes, or 6 big ones, chopped up into small pieces
1 bunch Green Onions/Chives, use only the green part, chopped up
1 bunch of Cilantro, rinsed and diced
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1-2 Tbsp Distilled Vinegar
2 dry packets of Ranch Dressing mix

Add all ingredients together in a big bowl and mix together well.
Chill for an hour before serving. 
Serve with chips, or just eat with a fork! 
Will stay good in the refridgerator for a few days. 

Makes 12 servings

Life's Lessons of Endurance





A marathon is nothing short of eduring pain



 

Thriving in the face of difficulties 

Sustained will and drive without yielding

 



Resist fatigue and suffering despite the challenge





Persist to the End

If it doesn't kill me, it will make me stronger.  My marathon experience taught me that through life's struggles comes growth and greater understanding.  The tests of this life are like a refiners fire.  In order to be purified, we must withstand the heat of the flames.  This process will not only strengthen our character, but it will mold our very souls.

As hard and difficult as a marathon is, I know there are many more challenges to come.  A major source of strength comes from the continued support of my husband and family.  They believe in me.  Now from my past experiences, I am only more prepared to again withstand the flames that life will bring.

There are moments I think in the middle of a trial "it couldn't get any harder" or "I can't push anymore." It is then when a greater source of help sustains me and enables me to endure to the end until I have completed the task at hand.  This has be evident throughout my life, of this I'm sure. 

Time for Changes

Little by little it is feeling more like Summer! A seasonal change I have waited for 7 months! As I think about this summer, I face many new changes. My first marathon June 11th, preparing for Tanner to start med school, plans to move to SLC, and hopefully start our own family.

Life is meant to challenge us and push us to grow..... Grow closer to our Heavenly Father, our family and ourselves. I have learned (and keep relearning) it is my perspective that determines my desires to be happy.

I am excited for the future, and scared. But mostly excited, and wonder if I should be more scared for what I don't know is yet to come... None the less I look forward to and welcome the changes that will come.

I have goals to become a well balanced wife and mother through developing my talents and skills. And I have come to realize that there are thousands of other women just like me who want to become the best wife and mother they can. We do not have to do big or great things to improve the world, but small and simple things within our own community.

I have created this blog in effort to reach out to other med school wives who are in the same scenerio I am. With my background, I want to focus this blog on health and fitness topics...... exercise, diet and meal plans, and healthy lifestyles.

My future plans are to organize 5k/10k road races, create individual meal plans, lead group exercise classes, provide personal training, prepare bake sale days of only healthy and organic foods, inform recent finding for healthy living, and much more!

Please feel free to give feedback, comments and suggestions. I want to provide what is needed, and make it fun! I am excited to meet the many other med school wives and encourage eachother through the next best years ahead!