Too cute!!

Who wants to get Baby Jack one of these?!?! 

24 weeks!

After this weekend we are definitely ready for the Holidays!  I can't believe next year we'll have our first Christmas with our baby boy.  Matt and I have both been talking about traditions and how we want to celebrate Christmas with our own family.  As you know, we're not exactly ones to celebrate the Christ in Christmas, but still value the holidays as a special time to celebrate.  To us Christmas is about being appreciative for what you have, from family and friends to good health, while doing something to help others that aren't so lucky.  It's about spending time with loved ones, playing games, eating yummy cookies, and playing in the snow.  I feel sad when I see the focus for children being on what toys they are going to get and a me, me, me attitude.  Don't even get me started on commercialism!  Mass quantities of gifts, while thoughtful and provide immediate gratification, do not equal love. 

One tradition we've started as a couple is to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program through the City of Phoenix.  This was our 3rd year, and once again we were so happy to make Christmas a little bit more special for a family.  We start our tradition by going shopping, which is both fun to do together and a reality check.  These families want items like towels, cleaning supplies, sheets, and other items that most of us take for granted.    After shopping we come home and wrap the presents, while having some wine/beer and watching a movie.  Yesterday, we delivered the presents to the family - which is always a special experience.  We drove to a "bad" area of town and met a huge Hispanic family that you could tell was close as can be and worked together to support one another.  The children were so excited, and the mother was quietly grateful.  This year, we both talked about how meaningful it will be to take our little one shopping and let him pick out toys and clothing for another child that needs the items much more than he does.  I hope each and every one of you find a way, no matter how big or small, to give to someone in need this year!

On another note - we had a gorgeous weekend and I enjoyed Prenatal Yoga on Saturday and a 6 mile run on Sunday in sunny, 70 degree weather!  Love Arizona this time of year!  I'm still feeling great and happy to be out and active.

 

On Friday, we head home to Michigan for a few days and hope to make the 4 hour drive to Madison, Wisconsin (unpredictable lake effect weather permitting!) for a few days as well.  Merry Christmas everyone!!

The 12k's of Christmas!

This weekend we participated in the 12k's of Christmas in Gilbert!  It consisted of a 12k run (7.8 miles), which we did, as well as a 6k and 1.5k walk.  This race was to raise money for local dog rescue groups, so dogs and costumes were welcome.  In our gift bag we were given a dog toy and Santa hat, and of course I had to get into the theme with my outfit!  Can't say the same for Matt.  :)

The race started at 10:00am and by then it was in the 70's with the sun shining bright - making it a warm race, especially for those of us in Santa hats!  We brought Clifford with us, where he met with his BFF Athos and Athos' dad and our friend Ricky.  Ricky was nice enough to take Clifford while we ran - he's the best!  I had a great run for 23 weeks pregnant, although I could definitely feel Jack when he moved on top of my bladder!  The pictures say it all......!!

Names!

We've finally chosen a name (well, at least we think so)!  It took a lot of thought, research, and baby boy iPhone apps.  I wanted a name that fell between traditional and trendy, but Matt was not too keen on the "trendy" part of that equation.  In the end, we have decided on.........

Jack Matthew Zernicke

At least, that's what we've been calling him lately!  I can't imagine we'll come up with a name we like better at this point - but you never know!

Happy Anniversary to Us and Half Marathon!

On Saturday, December 4th we celebrated our first Anniversary and what a memorable first year of marriage it was!  We went to the delicious Italian restaurant Marcellino in Scottsdale, where I chowed down on homemade gnocci and a salad.  The food and experience made for a special night.  We came home to dig into the top of our cake from a year ago, and unfortunately it looked better than it tasted!

On Sunday the 5th Matt ran in the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon - which was special because last year a group of us ran the 5k during our wedding weekend!  We brought Clifford and I spent my first race as a spectator and cheerleader.  Not an easy task for me!!  However, I couldn't have been more proud to see Matt cross the finish line at 1:54 - a PR for him and he has now taken over as family half marathon champion!  Now Matt's sister Missy, my sister Carrie and me all have a time to beat to reclaim the title!   Yea for Matt!!!!!

Where have I even been?!?!

Geez, we find out we're having a boy and then disappear off the blog, huh?!?!  Well, it has been a busy holiday season already and I'll share some of the favorite moments.....

We traveled to Seattle for Thanksgiving where we met my parents, sisters, and brother in law.  My mom's side of the family lives in the Northwest, so it's always a tradition for them to do Thanksgiving at my Aunt Janice and Uncle Rick's house.  We were lucky to all be able to join them this year!  The weekend started out with a fun family 5k - since we all love to run/stay active!  Matt and I braved the cold weather and snowy roads - but it was great to get some exercise in before eating!

After lots of yummy food and a walk down to the cove, we had a baby shower that my wonderful Aunt Janice arranged!  Matt and I haven't bought anything for the baby, so it was exciting to get some adorable clothes and cute accessories!  Makes us more excited, that's for sure!

Other weekend highlights included the Underground City tour, shopping downtown, vegan donuts, Pike Place market and a Wisconsin football win!  All in all, a great weekend with lots of my favorite people!

It's a...........

BOY!!!  I'm not sure I can believe it, but as you can see below it was clear as day!  Of course we're super excited!  The ultrasound went great and we got to see lots of little parts.  Afterward we met with the doctor who had no concerns, which is always a good thing.  I've gained 6 lbs too, in case you were curious.  :) 

 

Well, Matt leaves on Friday to work in Alaska for a week or so, which may be the perfect excuse for me to go shopping for some boy clothes!  Feel free to leave us some ideas for names!

Novemberfest and 18 weeks!

Oops, it's been awhile.  What a nice, busy weekend we had!  Saturday was our annual Novemberfest, where we have people over to sample dark beers and eat lots of "fall" food.  This year we had a ton of food......queso, lil smokies, pumpkin bars, puppy chow, homemade chex mix, brats, pigs in a blanket and of course Luis' famous chicken pot pie!  The boys enjoyed some football and beer while I enjoyed holding my favorite baby Cooper, hanging out with the wives, and eating way too much puppy chow! 

 

Sunday morning we were up bright and early for the Phoenix 10k, which was held downtown.  It was a gorgeous morning!  Of course, Matt and I both had to set goals for ourselves at the start.  Matt wanted to do the 6.2 miles in 54 minutes or less, which I had my doubts about because I knew how much he had drank and ate the day before!  I've been running 6 miles several times a week and usually do those around 1:10 (see! I'm taking it slow!) so I was aiming to finish at 1:09.  The course was two loops, which got exciting when I got LAPPED by the top 4 men's finishers as I was starting the second loop and they were finishing at around 30 minutes.  Wowsers! 

I was feeling great on the run and forcing myself to take it easy, but was so happy to finish with a 1:03 - woo hoo!!  Pretty good for being pregnant!  I found Matt at the finish and was so proud of him when he told me he did it in 52 minutes!  Impressive!  Doing these races together certainly has made our relationship stronger, and it's so enjoyable to cheer for and support each other. 

Well, Tuesday is the big day - we have an ultrasound and hopefully find out the sex!  I am 90% sure it's a girl, and I wish I could explain why.  It could be because I have about 5 girl friends that have had babies in the last few months, all of which were boys.  Several of my friends are thinking it's going to be a girl too.  Of course, I don't have a preference and would be thrilled no matter what!  I think Matt hopes it's a boy....but don't all fathers-to-be feel that way deep down?!?!?!  Check back on Tuesday night for an update! 

1/2 Marathon at 15.5 weeks!

What a great race we had through South Mountain park!  We've ran here several times, so we kind of knew what to expect, but it was a HILLY course.  It was a gorgeous, chilly 7:00am start in the high 50's - perfect running weather!

 *Before the start*

Matt wanted to get under 2 hours (like his fast wife and fast older sis) and I knew I'd be a lot slower, so we parted ways at the start.  After several miles, I figured Matt would have a hard time making his goal because it was just so HILLY.  Definitely the hardest course I've done.  It was a nice out and back, so I was able to wave at Matt as he started his trek to the finish and I was approaching the tough hill to the turn around. 

I didn't really have a goal time, but a realistic expectation of around 2:30 - 2:45 based on my recent past runs.  Despite the hills, I felt pretty good until about mile 9 when I was sick of the hills and was ready for a much needed gel.  Once I got the gel at mile 10, my second on the course, I was feeling good!  It's amazing what happens when you don't have any caffeine for 15 weeks and then all of a sudden take gels with some caffeine - wowsers - I was off!  I surprised myself and finished with a 2:29!!  Matt greeted me at the finish, happy with his 2:05.  All in all, I was ecstatic to meet my goal of doing a half marathon while pregnant.  Matt has his under 2 hour sights set on the Fiesta Bowl race December 5th, which some of us did last year after our wedding.  We'll see if I'm up for that one!

 *2:29 Finish!*

*Matt enjoying a massage at the finish*

Yummy treats!

A fabulous surprise showed up on our door step this morning - COOKIES!!!  Thanks to my Grandma Martin and mother in law for getting us my favorite molasses cookies and Matt's favorite peanut butter chocolate chip!  I'm going to try to exercise some portion control, but we'll see.  Luckily, I did run 6 miles this morning...so I've got some justification there right?  Yes, I have a little bump too - part baby, part molasses cookies!

15 weeks!

I feel like my belly has popped out over the weekend!  Matt seems to think it's not that noticeable, but I'm sure noticing!  I think a shopping trip is in order soon.  :)

We ran 10 miles yesterday and it was a great feeling!  We got an earlier start than last week, so the weather stayed pretty cool the whole time.  It took 2 hours with my pace, but Matt was able to run ahead of me and do push ups, dips, sit ups, and sprint intervals.  I think I worked him pretty hard!  We're both signed up for the YMCA Half Marathon (13.1 miles) next Saturday, so I'm looking forward to that.  It was a big goal of mine to be able to do a half marathon while pregnant, as motivation to keep in shape and not veg out on the couch.  Last year my goal was to do a half marathon in under 2 hours, and I did a 1:58 in June at the Rock N Roll Seattle Half Marathon!  Next weekend, I think I'll be doing it in 2:30 - 2:45....quite the change but I'll still be proud of myself!  Hopefully Matt will be able to break 2 hours.  I'll post some pictures next weekend and maybe show my growing belly!

On Sunday we went to Joe's Farm Grill with Matt, Kourtney and baby Cooper - where I splurged on french fries and a chocolate shake.  Yummmm!!  Between keeping up my running and being pregnant - I think it's well deserved! 

8 miles!

What a nice, relaxing weekend we had with no plans!  I was excited to do an 8 mile run on Sunday, especially now that it's getting cooler outside.  We slept in a little (someone had a little too much to drink Saturday night!) and the late start meant we would finish in high 80 degree temps.  Like usual, Matt starts out at my pace (slow!) and then goes ahead and does some fast intervals.  That way, we both get in a great workout! 

I know there are some people that are skeptical about running being safe for pregnancy.  Trust me, I did lots of research and talked to my doctor.  Benefits include controlled weight gain, better muscle strength, better sleep, better mood, and faster recovery from labor.  The general consensus is to listen to your body and don't push it.  I know 8 miles may seem like a lot to some, but you have to keep in mind that before pregnancy I was doing 8 miles several days a week and then 12+ miles on the weekend.  It's all relative. 

Paula Radcliffe, the marathon world record holder pictured below, was featured in a great article in Runner's World about her experience running while pregnant.  I won't go into too much detail, but you can check out the article here.

 

Today is Columbus Day so I have the day off, and started the morning with a nice 3 mile run and then a 4 mile walk with my friend Kourtney and baby Cooper.  Happy Monday!   

Almost 14 weeks!

What an exciting couple of weeks!  And yes, I'm almost 14 weeks because the due date has changed to April 11th! I had an ultrasound last Friday - which was so amazing!  The little guy wasn't moving around much, because apparently I didn't get the memo about eating sugar prior.  I'm not sure if I'd want to do that anyway....you know how I feel about giving young children extra sugar!  Ha!  The test results from the NT test were normal, so no worries there thank goodness.  Then on Tuesday I had a doctor's appointment and he measured my stomach and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat using a Doppler - 166 bpm!  What do they say about a high heartbeat?  Boy or girl?  Check out the ultrasound picture below...he/she is waving! 

Last weekend my parents were in town - which was just great!  I love having them here!  It was their first time meeting Clifford, and I think it was love at first sight for both of them.  My mom can barely live across the country for Clifford, so hopefully we'll be headed back to the mid west in the future.  My mom and I also ran an Oktoberfest 5k while Matt ran a 5 mile race and my dad brought Clifford - good times!

As for how I'm feeling - well - I'm a new woman!!!!  What a difference a few weeks makes.  I'm happier (just ask Matt), not craving tons of food, not sleeping 12 hours a day and not feeling like I'm going to puke!  Makes me worried that something happened and I'm not pregnant anymore....but again, all we can do is trust in science.  :)

Today I went for a nice 3 mile run to meet my friend Kourtney and her new baby Cooper.  We walked almost 4 miles - and it was so nice to chat with someone who knows what I'm going through.  Hopefully we can drag them to the mid west with us!

Well, we have a half marathon in 2 weeks - so I'm hoping to fit in a nice long run now that the weather is cooler!

11 weeks!

I think I need some new running shorts!  I've felt a little bigger in the belly lately, but it might have something to do with the Tootsie Rolls I've been addicted to lately.  I'm trying to cut down on sweets, I swear!

After a busy start to the week with coming back from Wisconsin and Matt going out of town for work, I was finally able to get in a 5 mile run on Friday and a 6 mile run on Saturday.  Today, I had all intentions of heading out for 7 miles.  I ended up sleeping in until 7am, and by the time I headed out at 8am it was 90 degrees!  Not ideal running conditions for a pregnant woman.  The old me would have pushed through in the heat, came home half dead, and loved it (no pain, no gain!) but the pregnant me came home after 1.5 miles.  Sigh.  Matt will be home tonight and I hope to get more workouts in.  As someone that was previously so active and almost addicted to working out, I've found it hard to not be able to keep that up and be faced with weight gain.  I just have to keep the bigger picture in mind!

On Friday I went over to our friend's house to babysit their 1 month old.  He is absolutely precious!  Just holding him and feeding him made me feel so amazed at what's to come.

We are so very excited for my ultrasound on Friday!  I'll also be having the nucal translucency screening test to assess the baby's risk of having Down syndrome and some other chromosomal abnormalities, as well as major congenital heart problems.  We hope to be able to share some exciting news with more people next weekend!

10 weeks, 1 day!

Double digits - yesssss! In the past week or so I've gotten in several great, albeit slow, 6 mile runs that I hope to continue to do regularly. It's hard to get going but if feels so amazing once I'm finished. I guess 6 is the new 12?

I've been a little sloppy on my eating lately. If you know me, you know that I eat the same bean burrito every single night. Well, that's been the last thing I've felt like eating over the past 3 weeks. I have a hard time finding other low carb options, and end up having a bowl of pasta. I moved away from carb overload when I wanted to lose weight training for my Ironman, so I'm not happy to go back. Hopefully I'll feel like eating my beloved black beans again! As for weight, I've gained maybe 2 or 3 pounds and I'm convinced it's all in the boobs!!

We had an exciting weekend in Madison visiting Matt's family and finally sharing the exciting news! It will be Matt's parents' 5th grandchild, but they are excited nonetheless! Our nieces and nephew made us some very cute and thoughtful "Congratulations!" cards too. I'm thinking of framing 2 of them and saving them for Baby Z's room...they are too adorable to not save!

Well, Matt is leaving me for the week to launch a rocket! I hope to still get in some runs in between work and taking care of Cliff - I've got a half marathon to train for!

8 weeks!

Time sure is moving slowly!  I guess that's a good thing, when we think of how much our lives are going to change in 32 more weeks.  Yesterday we went and saw our good friends' baby, Cooper.  He's absolutely adorable, and you can tell that they are all so happy and proud.  It makes me excited for our future with our baby Z!

This week has been pretty good in terms of keeping active.  I fit in two 4 mile runs and several gym days.  Today, Matt and I did a 5 mile run in the 90 degree heat.  It felt good to get out.  My pace is a lot slower than usual, so Matt has had to do intervals to get a good workout in.  I'm just happy he's still running with me at all!  I know when I was in tip top Ironman shape, I had a hard time being patient when we'd run together and he'd struggle.  Lots I can learn from my patient husband. 

Later this afternoon we watched "The Business of Being Born".  What an eye opener!  I'm so glad we watched it this early in my pregnancy.  I'm sure those who know me best will think I'm crazy, but we've decided to look into using a mid wife and having a natural pregnancy at a birth center rather than a hospital.  No, we haven't turned into radical granola's, but the idea of a more natural experience is very attractive.  I hate hospitals, I hate needles, and the thought of even getting my blood pressure checked makes me want to pass out.  The anxiety of being in a hospital for several days?  Through the roof!  Besides, did you forget I'm a Ford Ironman Finisher?!?!?!  Can giving birth be much different than competing in a 14 hour Ironman in hilly Wisconsin?  And to think - I'd get our gorgeous baby Zernicke instead of a medal and a finisher's t-shirt! 

All I can say is this:  keep an open mind with us, and check out the movie if you get a chance.  At least watch the trailer below.  Happy 8 weeks! 

7 weeks!

My body must be hard at work!  I'm feeling okay most of the time, but spending the rest of the time feeling tired, nauseous and bloated.  Luckily, no throwing up yet though! 

I've been trying to get back to a regular gym schedule.  I worked out 4 times last week, but I'm anxious to get back up to 6.  I still haven't felt comfortable enough to run.....sigh.....but have been doing 30-40 minutes of stair stepper followed by an hour of weight lifting.  I got permission from the finance department (my amazing, yet frugal husband!) to get a better aka bigger sports bra so hopefully that will help.  There's a half marathon that I'm hoping to do at the beginning of October, so I need the mileage! 

In doing some reading on pregnancy, I'm finding a lot of discrepancy in the amount of food to eat.  One thing I do know - I'm definitely not "eating for two".  Don't a lot of Americans already eat for two?  The consensus is that you don't need any extra calories during the first trimester if you're already eating a well balanced diet and are a healthy weight.  That's me!  Luckily, I haven't had any major cravings and have been consciously trying to eat extra healthy....with the occasional frozen yogurt or organic cookies!  My motto is that if I can't pronounce all the ingredients, I shouldn't be eating it! 

We're heading to Wisconsin in a couple weeks and my mother in law always has some delicious treats for us. Luckily, I can pronounce all the ingredients in her recipes....which means I can ignore the fat and calories, right?!?! 

First Ultrasound!

What an exciting morning!  I must admit, I was nervous.  I think I've been doing too much reading on miscarriages and woman's experiences with them....which has to stop! 

Matt went with me again, the amazing husband that he is, and upon beginning the ultrasound we were immediately shown the baby, the sac, and the heartbeat!  Matt reached over and grabbed my hand, as the ultrasound tech zoomed in and turned up the volume.....all I can say is WOW!  Seriously....WOW!  Baby Z had a solid 122/bpm heart beat, which was pretty amazing to hear.  It's so surreal that this fetus with a beating heart is inside me. 

The tech also did some measurements and determined me to be 6 weeks and 1 day with an estimated due date of April 17th, 2011.  Sure does seem like a long way to go!! 

Now that everything is going great, I'm looking forward to running more again.  Yesterday, I ran a mile then had to stop (you know how it feels to have two bouncing watermelons on your chest?) and did 20 minutes on the stair stepper.  It felt good to workout, but when you're used to 1 - 1 1/2 hour workouts 30 minutes feels like nothing.

Remember the girl friend I got a pedicure with on Friday?  Yep - she had her baby!  We're off to see the little guy tonight and congratulate our friends!

Body Adjustments

Wow - has this been an eye opening week!  I finally feel pregnant, as in I feel like I'm carrying around 2 watermelons on my chest.  Sounds fun, right?!  I've taken mid afternoon naps 2 days in a row - which is a big deal coming from someone who never naps and doesn't even like to nap!  I'm asleep on the couch by 8:30pm.  I feel a little sick to my stomach if I don't eat something small every couple hours.  Growing a baby is tough work! 

I've also been extremely lazy, which is definitely not like me.  I've used pregnancy as an excuse this week and besides, my doctor did tell me to take it easy until several test results were back.  I have my first ultrasound on Monday, and will be anxious to see that everything is okay and I can start my regular running again.

I'll tell you what's also been hard - keeping this a secret!!  I went for pedicures with a girl friend who is due to give birth any day now, and boy did I want to chat and share symptoms about early pregnancy with her!  Then Matt and I went to happy hour, and I think I was getting a few second glances when I was sucking down water.  Let's face it, I always enjoy at least one drink when we're out to dinner or at happy hour.....so me with a water is definitely something new!  Today we're headed out to go tubing down the Salt River, also a drinking event, but my excuse is that I'm the designated driver.  Valid, right?!  

Say WHAT?!?!

Matt and I got married in December 2009, and knew we'd want to start thinking about children soon after.  Let's face it, I wasn't getting any younger - and approaching the big 3-0!  We had an amazing honeymoon trip planned in June, and thought this would be the perfect time to start "trying".  What does that even mean anyway?  Well June came and went, and a trip to the OB/GYN confirmed that my late period must be due to the time changes and traveling.  Bummer.  Here comes July, when I decided to take control and step up the "trying".  I peed on ovulation sticks to find that right time, only for that right time to come when Matt was in Kodiak, Alaska!  Luckily, he was able to get on an early flight home and the rest is history......!!!!!

In the beginning of August I experienced a few days of what I thought was my period, but when it wasn't like a normal cycle I took a pregnancy test and saw a faint POSITIVE!  I called my doctor's office, concerned that I was going through an early chemical pregnancy, and was told if the spotting doesn't continue and I still get a positive test to come in on Monday August 9th.  Monday morning came, I got another big fat positive, and headed to the doctor's office with my wonderful husband. 

The doctor was concerned about the early bleeding and on top of wanting me to stop running, he ordered a blood test of my hcg (the pregnancy hormone) that day.  On the following day, I learned my levels were at 391 - a great start!  Unfortunately, I had to return on Wednesday to test the levels again to ensure they were doubling every 48 hours.  I got the blood test and headed to Michigan to see the fam - hoping we'd have good news to share!  On Friday, after lots of nervous waiting, I got the call to learn my levels were at 808!!  That night, we shared the good news with my parents, aunt and 2 sisters....and the reaction was priceless.  Absolutely priceless.

My doctor still wanted to check on my hcg levels, so after my return from Michigan I went back for a blood test on Monday the 16th.  The results were in today.......hcg level was 7,524!  We are officially having a baby due in the middle of April!!  

It's early and I'm in shock about what's going on inside my body.  I'm comforted by the fact that Matt and I are believers in science, and if something were to happen to the embryo it's because it wasn't developing properly.  We can only trust in my body, nature, and my health.  The human body is an amazing thing!