After reading Denise's and Brooke's post on how they balance life and work, I decided I too wanted to share how I do it.  This is something that has changed drastically for me in the last few weeks.

Up until a month ago I trained clients from 5am - 12pm and that was it.  From noon on I was Dominics mom, we played together, went to the park together, grocery shopped together, you see where I am going with this.  He had me all day every day. 

I recently opened my schedule up to evening clients again (which I have not done in 2 years) fortunately I am working but it is extremely difficult to be away from my littleman for so long every day. 

Trying to run your own business, run your household, be mom and wife all at once is not an easy task as any mom out there will attest to.  Im sure when some women read Brook and Denise's post there first thought is "they are celebrities and have tons of help how hard can it really be?" I have to say I have worked with Brooke on a few occasions and she is one of the MOST hands on moms I have had the pleasure of knowing. 

We all need help, I am lucky to have a babysitter that Dominic loves so I don't have to worry about his well-being while I am at work. 
I keep a daily planner with all of my appointments in it to keep my work on track. 
I make lists at the end of each night for what I need to accomplish the next day, I don't always accomplish everything on my list but it helps to know what I have finished and what is left to do.

When I am with Dominic I make it special, we go for walks, we play at the park or go to the beach.  Sometimes we just play on the living-room floor and read books.  Whatever I can do to let him know that mommy is still here for him.

Right now I am really missing be around for his dinner but I try to make sure I am home to put him to bed.  I even have the sitter keep him up a little late sometimes just so he can see me (or so I can see him).

There is never true balance in all areas of my life, and I have to admit that right now my relationship with my husband is suffering a little.  Nothing bad or relationship ending, just not enough time together and it leaves us both feeling a little sad.  The best thing we can do is acknowledge it and try to have our own special little moments together.

Being a working mom is always going to present challenges but knowing that you can't do it all, all of the time and asking for help is half the battle.

Moms-to-be anxiously await the first flutters from their unborn baby as a sign that all is ok.  It also can give you a sense that the pregnancy is "really" happening.  Usually you will feel the first kicks between weeks 18-25, if you are a first-time mom-to-be it might be closer to the 25 week mark.  Women who are pregnant with their 2nd or more can sometimes identify the first movements as early as week 15. 

Don't worry if your not "sure" that you are feeling the baby move.  The first movements are very light and can feel more like little butterfly movements.  In fact the first kicks are often mistaken for gas bubbles.  Soon you will begin to learn your baby's movement patterns as well as their sleep patterns.  Before you know it they will be moving and kick so much you will be praying the stop playing the bongos on your bladder.

Now that you recognize your baby's movements you can use it to help you gage how your baby is doing.  This is done with Kick Counting.  Baby's are usually most active after you have eaten or later in the evening.  Try to use the same time of day if you are doing kick counting on a regular basis. 

Start by finding a comfortable position, either sitting with a good back rest or lying down on your left side, which ever is more comfortable and relaxing for you.  Place your hands on your belly if you would like and wait for the first movement.  Once your baby gives you the first movement time how long it takes to feel 10 more movements.  This can be kicks, flutters, swishes or rolls.   Ideally, you want to feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours. You will likely feel 10 movements in much less time.

Kick counting is great way for women with high risk pregnancies to check in on the well-being of their baby, but it can also be used after you exercise.  You should feel your baby move at least 10 times within 2 hours of finishing your workout.  Remember when you move around it can put your baby to sleep so if you don't feel your littleone moving very much try drinking a cold glass of water or juice to wake him/her up.

Have fun and use this time to relax and bond with your baby. 
Happy Counting

You are what you eat.  Well this is true for your unborn baby.  What you eat is what your baby will eat. Now more than ever it is so important to get the proper nutrition.  You may want to eat for two but put the breaks on and remember you only need an extra 300-500 calories a day for your growing baby.  You may want to throw caution to the wind and indulge in everything you NEVER eat but your pregnancy is NOT the time for careless eating.  Did you know that poor food choices can mean unnecessary pounds for you and leave your baby malnourished?

Here are 10 Tips for eating right During your pregnancy.

1.)Don't Skip Breakfast:  You've been asleep for several hours, which means you haven't given your body or your baby fuel in a lengthy period of time.  Your baby needs the nutrients and so do you.  Aim for  a combination of whole grain carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean protein.  A good example would be: An Egg, a piece of whole wheat toast with a little bit of butter and a glass of milk.

2.)Eat 5-6 Small Meals A Day:  As your belly grows you will get full faster and off of less food.  So you will need to eat more often to get enough calories for you and your growing baby.  Try eating 3 small meals and 2 snacks.

3.)Eat a Variety of Foods: During pregnancy you may have times where you can only stomach a few things or where you are only craving 1 type of food.  This is normal and cant really be avoided, but when you are feeling good try to eat a variety of foods.  Chicken, fish and lean red meat as well as many different fruits and veggies.  This will help you get ALL of the vitamins and minerals that you and the baby need. 

4.)Avoid The Unsafe Foods: This one shouldn't be to hard as long as you know what the unsafe foods are.  Raw fish is a nono, also avoid fish high in mercury like swordfish, tile-fish, and albacore tuna.  Deli meet should be heated (until it steams) and you should also avoid any unpasturized food.

5.)Water Water Water: Its very important to stay hydrated when you are pregnancy.  Dehydration can cause preterm labor.  Carry a bottle of water with you at all times,  If you are exercising try to have 6-8oz of water for every 15 min of exercise that you do.

6.)Don't Diet:  Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. This is not the time to cut calories.  All though you don't want to overindulge, restricting calories is not good either. An average weight gain should be between 25 and 35 pounds.

7.)Get Your Fiber:  Eating fiber is important to "keep things moving" during pregnancy.  Progesterone relaxes your stomach muscles, slowing digestion, fiber helps to start things flowing again.  Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

8.)Get Your Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium which is very important for women ingeneral but even more so during pregnancy.  The baby needs calcium for it's growing bones, if you're not getting enough the baby will take it from your bones.  This can lead to osteoporosis for mom later on.  Good sources of vitamin D include dairy, prenatal vitamins and the sun.

9.)Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Babies born to moms who ate plenty of Omega-3 Fatty Acids during there third trimester have better visual, cognitive and moor development compared to those born to moms who didn't eat enough Omega-3s.

Salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
 
10.)Don't Eat Empty Calories:  Desert is ok during pregnancy and of course there will be times when you are CRAVING the junk but remember everything in moderation.

Stick to these 10 Tips and you and your baby will be on track to a healthy life together.  Best of luck on your journey.