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Baby Diamond – Week 37

 

Week 37

Happy Sunday! I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful weekend thus far. I’m checking in today with a bump update. As you can tell from the picture above, I am definitely in the final stretch. In fact, today we hit the 38 week mark which means that Baby Girl Diamond could greet us anytime during the next three weeks. Her due date is two weeks from today but my doctor induces at 41 weeks. I can’t imagine having her inside me for another three weeks as I’m so excited to meet her and things are starting to get pretty uncomfortable.

This past month of pregnancy has been a whirlwind and while I’ve shared lots of updates on Instagram I haven’t shared as many posts on the blog as I initially planned. This was due in part to the fact that I didn’t realize so many people were interested in addition to just being a bit overwhelmed by work, getting ready for Baby Girl and trying to squeeze the most out of each day and week. But, after hearing feedback from you guys that you’d love to read more about pregnancy, I have a few posts going live this week including my third trimester favorites and a peak into our nursery. In addition, I have lined up ten wonderful guest posts featuring healthy recipes that you all will be able to enjoy later this month when I’m too focused on Baby Girl Diamond and recovery to blog very often.

Let’s dive into the latest and greatest details of this pregnancy, focused on how I felt last week, May 28th through June 3rd during Week 37 of pregnancy.

Baby Size: The most exciting moment this month was when I hit 37 weeks and our doctor shared with me that at this point forward, if Baby Girl Diamond decided to greet us, she most likely wouldn’t have to go to the NICU as she is fully developed! I breathed the largest sigh of relief when I heard this news. As of Week 37 she’s around 6.25 pounds and 18.9 inches or, as The Bump app stated, as big as Romaine lettuce.

Weight Gained: After only gaining around 20 pounds the first two trimesters, I’ve been a bit shocked by the weight I’ve gained during the third trimester. As of Tuesday I’ve gained 33 pounds, which I worried was cause for alarm but my doctor reassured me that I’m right on track. In addition,  the warmer weather and visible swelling could mean that some of this is water retention. Since I’m still staying active and am not experiencing any other side effects, she has no issue with the fact that I’ve gained 33 pounds.

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Workouts: I am still enjoying working out and moving daily whether that is in a class setting or getting out of the house for a long walk.  I took one preantal pilates class at Aline Pilates, three Orangetheory Fitness classes, did one at home YouTube Prenatal Strength workout and enjoyed two long walks. This week was the first time that I chose to use the spin bike as my cardio during Orangetheory versus incline walking as Friday my body just wasn’t feeling the incline. I love that Orangetheory has so many options (elliptical, treadmill, rower or spin bike) for the cardio portion. Based on how swimming felt today when I went to the pool,  I have a feeling that Week 38 will include at least a few swim sessions as the weightless feeling and the ability to get my heart rate up while staying cool was a welcome change.

Cravings: I am craving ice cream EVERY single evening. Luckily, as I discussed on Instagram stories last night, there are many wonderful, local ice cream shops within walking distance of our apartment. I am really enjoying the evening stroll each night around our neighborhood while cooling off with a scoop of ice cream. While some people have questioned this amount of sugar, I have no issues with it since it is far less processed than other options and it’s what I’m craving. After this pregnancy I think I have done enough research to share my favorite South Brooklyn ice cream locations as I’ve done plenty of research. Until then, I can say that right now Milkmade is my absolute favorite spot! Other than ice cream, I’m craving smoothies and yogurt for breakfast, salads or sandwiches for lunch and trying to ensure that both lunch and dinner have plenty of protein.

Food Aversions: Since the warm weather is causing my entire body to swell, I’m trying to avoid salty foods as much as possible. Other then that, I’m not really having any aversions other than the fact that I still can’t manage to finish a cup of coffee which blows my mind. I find it easier to drink iced coffee than hot coffee but I’m still not finishing a small iced coffee until hours later.

Symptoms: If you’re pregnant, and REALLY want to know the symptoms I’m experiencing, then read this section and click the links. If not, skip over to sleep. During brunch today, I joked with my friend Mary, that ignorance was bliss. I didn’t know many of these symptoms existed until I reached the Week 37 and 38 section of pregnancy books or apps this week. Sure enough, I’m experiencing many of them including lovely things like lightening crotch and cheeseburger crotch.  I’m thankful that Doctor Google, and my doctor, both recommended Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads for quick relief.  In addition, I’ve had some contractions this week, but nothing at a regular interval.  When I visited my doctor on Tuesday she said that my cervix was fully softened but I wasn’t dilated yet. It seems like Baby Girl wants to keep baking, but we’ll see what happens.

Sleep: Sleep has been either amazing, like last night’s ten hours, or horrible. I have started listening to my body and taking a nap around 3pm each day. At this time each day I feel as if I could fall asleep standing so instead of having caffeine or trying to push through, I move from my home office to the bedroom and close my eyes for 30 minutes. The three days I was able to do it last week were amazing and this short nape left me feeling energized for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Wearing: Anytime I see people multiple times in a week, I laugh to myself as they are most likely seeing me in one of three outfits – this versatile yet stylish black dress, this striped dress, or these soft, thin leggings and a v-neck t-shirt. I am so thankful for these pieces as they are comfortable and somewhat flattering. I’ve stopped wearing my underwire bra and instead am wearing nursing bras as they are more comfortable at this point while also providing support. As I’ve shared on Instagram and Insta Stories, my ankles and size 10 feet are a thing of the past, so I’m wearing compression socks at night and one of three shoes during the day – my Rose Gold Birkenstocks which can thankfully be adjusted, my new Sperry shoes which I’m loving and my Brooks PureFlow 6 which I ordered in a larger size during my second trimester.

Other Random Thoughts: Now that her nursery is fully stocked and we have finished everything on our list, I am so excited to meet her and can’t imagine waiting another three weeks, if I have to get induced at 41 weeks. We are really hoping that she comes sooner versus later but until then, we plan to take everyone’s advice and enjoy as much sleep and relaxation during the weekends and evenings as possible. I am so thankful with how wonderful this pregnancy has been thus far. I know so many people who have experienced difficult pregnancies and had no clue what to expect when we started this journey. Some weeks have felt longer than others but the joy of the journey and sharing it with Bo and our friends and family has been incredible.

Your turn – I want to make this as helpful as possible for you guys so please let me know if you have any questions at all. As you know, nothing is off limits.

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Friday Favorites–June 2nd, 2017

2017.06.02_Ash in Bed

Happy Friday! While this was a short week due to the Memorial Day holiday, there was still a lot packed in as I tried to close out a few work projects and personal projects since we know that Baby Girl Diamond could surprise us and arrive any day. I’m thrilled that Bo nor I have any plans Friday night or Saturday. I’m looking forward to lots of relaxation since we’ve finally finished the projects around our house.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • The picture above captures one of my favorite moments this week. As I shared on Instagram this morning, for years I’ve forced myself to wake up for early morning workouts, using negative self talk, shame and guilt to convince myself that a day without a morning workout was a failure. Luckily, during this pregnancy I’ve learned to love myself and give myself the space to love my body and mind. This morning at 5:30 when the alarm went off I felt exhausted and sore. Even though I was booked for an Orangetheory class and knew cancelling would mean getting a “late cancel fee” I cancelled the class and set my alarm for two hours later. Bo was so amazed by this that when he woke up around 7 he snapped this picture as he thought I looked so calm and peaceful.
  • Just in time for Summer, this protein pasta recipe looks like a great, easy option to whip up for dinner or lunch.
  • I wish I had a reason to order this gorgeous dress, especially since it’s on sale for less than $100 right now! It would be perfect with heels and statement earrings for a Summer wedding or paired with gold Jack Rogers for an evening date night.
  • A few people have asked what protein powder I’m using these days in my smoothies during pregnancy. Instead of using an actual protein powder, I’m getting protein via Vital Protein’s Collagen Peptide Powder. The one ingredient powder adds 18 grams of protein to my smoothies and promotes healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, and bones without any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
  • I’ve used Gmail for years but didn’t know many of these shortcuts.
  • Most days I let my hair dry naturally and the Hairstory Hair Balm has helped make the air dry result look SO much nicer. The balm hydrates while minimizing frizz without weighing down my hair or leaving it looking or feeling greasy. In fact, I look like I have beach waves when my hair dries, which is something I never had before! 
  • I treated myself to a few new Diptyque candles this week including my favorite scent, which I often burn on my bedside table before bed or at my desk while I work.
  • In between parenting books, I’ve been reading at least 2-3 other books each month and I can’t wait to dive into a few of the books on How Sweet Eat’s Summer Reading List.
  • Hilary’s Spicy Island dressing is a healthier take on Thousand Island and has a delicious, spicy kick that added flavor to my lunch salads this week. Now that I’ve discovered Hilary’s dressings, I can’t wait to try the rest of their line-up especially the ranch chia and kalamata olive!
  • While I know our Summer is going to look a lot different this year, I still pinned the Infatuation’s Summer Guide to NYC in hopes that we can enjoy at least a few of the spots this Summer.
  • Makeup has been minimal recently but I never leave home without a caot of this mascara, this lip gloss and a swipe of this brow gel.

Your turn – Tell me, what are you loving this week? Favorite new book? Makeup product? Fashion Item?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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The Chef And The Doctor Dinner Series at Bouley Botanical

Over the years, I’ve walked by the unassuming door of Bouley Botanical, never wondering more about the space.

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However, earlier this month when Bo and I had the opportunity to walk through the door of David Bouley’s private event space, we felt as if we’d walked into a greenhouse versus a restaurant.  Th space is elegant but open and filled with a floor-to-ceiling herb garden!

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When we were invited to join David Bouley’s lecture and dinner series, The Chef and the Doctor we quickly discovered that David Bouley’s passion is health and wellness. In fact, the chef recently retooled his restaurants and himself after recently becoming obsessed with health issues and taking nutrition classes at NYU and getting his executive MBA at Harvard. 

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Based on his health adventures over the past year, this series seems like a natural fit for his brand. The series of collaborative health- focused lectures bring together world renowned doctors and experts with a multi-course dinner curated by Chef David Bouley. This clearly would not be your typical tasting menu or meal that would leave us in a food coma or feeling sick to our stomachs. Instead, we were intrigured to learn about the evening’s lecture topic, Linking Agriculture to Human Nutrition Through Cuisine, and see how David Bouley would weave health and wellness into the menu.

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The lecture, led by Dr. Ray Glahn, an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at Cornell, shared his research related to how nutrients, taste and cooking time were related to the poulatrity of certain beans in Africa. They were trying to figure out, through the research, whether there was a way to optimize the nutrients relative to cooking time since a shorter cooking time is what makes beans popular. However, typically the beans with the lowest cooking time have the fewest nutrients.  It was so interesting yet so out of our typical consideration space.

Following the lecture, it was time to dine. The menu for The Chef and The Doctor with Dr. Ray Glahn is below.  IMG_2931

Malibu Sea Urchin with Green Apple, Meyer Lemon

Wild Coho Alaskan Salmon Fingerling Rosti Golden Oscietra Caviar, Salmon Trout Roe

Porcini Flan Golden Princess & Alaskan Dungeness Crab, Black Truffle Dashi

French Provence Jumbo White and Local Green Pencil Asparagus  Spirulina, Pumpkin Seed, Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Grass-Fed 100% Organic NY State Black Angus Steak Tartare

Harry’s Berries Mara des Bois Strawberry Parfait, Dairyless Almond Cloud

Valrhona Bitter Chocolate Soufflé (Traditional) Tahitian Vanilla

Bouley Botanical’s The Chef & The Doctor Series Tasting MenuFirst of all, let me recommend to any pregnant readers, that you not participate in a tasting menu during your third trimester. Regardless how healthy the food was, it was too much food for my cramped stomach. But, Bo’s experience, on the other hand was very different. This was one of his favorite food experiences in recent memory and he is still talking about his favorites from the evening – the sea urchin, crab and the steak tartare.

the chef and the doctor

If you are interested in attending one of the future Chef and the Doctor Dinner Series events at Bouley Botanical, you can find out more information on their special events site. There are seven events coming up in the next few months including topics such as Eating for Immunity and Inner Balance as well as Healing Arthritis through Food.


Thank you to the team at Bouley Events and Dining for inviting Bo and I to participate in this special evening of learning, food and community. As always, all opinions are my own.

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