Big Announcement: New consulting job!

That's right! Remember when I said I had some big news I was keeping under wraps? Well, here it is! After a lot of deliberation and research, I have signed on to be a Rodan and Fields skin care consultant! 

Sorry, the internet is not ready to have my phone number!

I mentioned in my big news post that I would be staying at home during the next school year. My husband and I have thought long and hard about this, and have planned for it, but it will definitely be a financial sacrifice. I was looking for opportunities to earn an income to ease the burden of losing my salary, and this company seems like the perfect fit! Why? Here are a few reasons:

• REPUTATION. These doctors are the very women who created Proactiv. Come on, we ALL used it! They are SMART business women. They decided to take their products from the shelves of stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstroms and put them into the hands of direct sales consultants. Their company has grown exponentially and will soon be going global. 

• RESULTS. Their products WORK. They have a 60 day (no strings attached) money back guarantee because they are so confident in their product. This company has endless support for its consultants and clients, providing a client satisfaction driven business. 

• RECOGNITION. R&F Receives millions of free media impressions. Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields are two of the most quoted skincare experts in the industry. Their products are often found in magazines and tv beauty segments, including their most recent Ellen spot! 

I am truly excited about this opportunity. Although you will be seeing a few posts here and there about some of the great products, I will mostly be sticking to running/health and wellness posts, don't you worry! However, skin care IS part of wellness, especially if you grew up like a sun baby like me (Sunblock? Was that around in the early 90's?).

How about you? Do you have a skin care regimen? Have you used the same thing for years? What's your favorite skin care product? TELL ME ABOUT IT!

Week 28 Update

Well, it's finally happening! I am finally being asked by students and parents if I'm pregnant! Although for students it has been pretty obvious for several weeks, they haven't openly asked me until this past week! Parents, on the other hand, usually see me in a jacket, so it's hard to tell! No hiding it now, baby and I are on our last leg in the toggle red Gap coat!

Classy bathroom selfie with my ever shrinking coat!

Energy level: I have risen from the land of the tired! I was feeling really run down weeks 25-26. I think it had something to do with the never ending winter (which reared its ugly head yet again this morning!). Last week I finally felt my energy coming back, and seeing 4- or 5- in the beginning of the temperature is definitely a fabulous thing!

I got out for a 3 mile run with minimal walking on Thursday! Winning!

Exercising: I ran my first (and last) race pregnant! I don't have any intention of running any more races (Let's be real, money doesn't grow on trees, and I'm not setting any PR's here!), but this was fun! I have run 13.1 NYC half marathon for the past four years, and was slightly sad that I wouldn't get my fifth year in a row medal. However, it turned out to be a wise decision with the polar vortex/weather we had, training was non existent! I also returned to NTC, which was awesome. A group workout is always good for the athletic soul!

 This cute guy ran with me the whole time!

We went to cheer for many friends who were running my beloved 13.1! It was so fun!

So much fun squatting it out with the NTC Crew!

Cravings: Girl Scout Cookies? Haha, I've certainly had my fair share since my order came in! I've been obsessed with my veggie burgers with avocado. Grilling season (40 degrees and above!) is upon us!

Veggie burger, provolone cheese, avocado, siracha an baked potatoes! 

Weight gain: I didn't weigh myself! I actually feel smaller this week than last week. Maybe baby boy changed position? I guess we'll know next update! Edited to add: I didn't gain any weight for the past two weeks. Still 21lbs going strong! I'm sure he'll have a growth spurt now ;-)

Mental status: ANXIOUS. My fabulous friend Ashley went and had a beautiful baby girl (Go congratulate her!). For some reason this made having a baby WAY more real to me! I guess it's because we have talked/tweeted/texted/emailed at length about all things baby that I figured we would have one at the same time! I need to calm myself and my ideas about the "what ifs" and my fears of blood/anything medical, AKA labor. I've been reassured by many moms that when the time comes I will be able to power through, but eek the build up is nerve wracking!!!

Best advice: I read an article called "7 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became a Parent". I knew 5 out of 7, I've been repeatedly told most of this advice by my four older siblings, all of whom have children (My child is the 14th grandchild!). However, "Enjoy sleep now" was the theme of the weekend! After running a 5k and full contact cheering for two hours, I was exhausted Saturday! Mr. Miller and I took a 2 1/2 hour nap, and it was pure bliss. I woke with the thought, "This won't be happening much longer." CRAZY to think about! I am also not the best with change, so "Be ready for the unexpected" is about to become a lifestyle for me! I tend to drag my heels and freeze when there is abrupt change...babies don't do well with that attitude! So, I will be sleeping when I feel like it and be more relaxed about changes for the next 12+/- weeks!

How about you? Are you one to drag your feet at change? Anyone race this weekend? Do you abhor bathroom selfies? TELL ME ABOUT IT!

Big things are coming!

Can you believe tomorrow is SPRING?! Let's count that as the FIRST big thing coming. Although it is just a day which doesn't force the weather to oblige, I've been secretly praying for optimal weather. Seems like tomorrow will begin an upswing into the 50's...but I will ignore the return to the 40's starting Sunday!

Dreaming of warm weather running...although there's no way I'll look like this!!! 7 months pregnant and growing....

This weekend I'll be doing a big thing: running a 5k 7 months pregnant! That's right! I'm running my 5th annual 13.1 NYC event; however, I will not be conquering 13.1 miles. I made the decision a while back that I didn't want to put that pressure on myself, and I am SO glad that I made that choice! This winter has been horrible for training, especially with ice. I will be running the 5k then cheering my little bump off for the fearless runners taking the course! I am partnering with Team World Vision again to raise money to provide clean drinking water for villages in Africa. Feel free to donate if you want! 

Successful PR/Failed Goal attempt last year. Don't think I'll need the fuel belt for the 5k...

Another big thing coming: the baby. Baby boy is due to arrive on or around June 16. School doesn't end until June 27 (Yes, NYC goes LATE), but I will obviously be making an early exit. In addition to this big arrival, a big decision has been made: I won't be going back to work for the 2014-2015 school year. I will be taking a full year off to be with my little gentleman. It won't be easy, but we have decided that this is the best decision for our family and are willing to make the financial sacrifice. 

Looking forward to summer with a bunch of cute little people. Crazy to think mine is joining the mix!

My last big thing: it's still under wraps. I will tell you that it is a new adventure that will be helping offset the financial sacrifice. It MAY also be something you are interested. Stay tuned for April where I will tell all!!!

How about you? What big things are happening in your life? Are you looking forward to spring? (Stupid question. EVERYONE is looking forward to spring!) Any races coming up? Tell me about it!

Having a "no excuses" attitude

Trust me, this post is NOT what you think it will be. This is not like my previous post about excuses. It is not to tout things like this:

via

via

No my friends, I'm talking about down playing successes. I've caught myself doing it a million times. As a pregnant runner, I do it basically every time I workout. I say things like:

"I ran three miles...they were slow, but I ran them!" 

or

 "I only got in a mile today." 

or

 "I had to start doing girl push ups." 

Isn't that insane? I'm making excuses for why I can't perform at my peak performance level. I'm carrying an extra 20lbs, have a bladder that is continually losing space, and lungs that are overcrowded! Yet, how often did I do this BEFORE I was pregnant? Sadly, in retrospect, fairly often. I could usually be caught saying things like:

"I can't believe I didn't hit my splits in that six mile run."

or

"I could only hold the plank for 45 seconds."

or 

"I ran a marathon in 5:08, I'm so mad I didn't go sub 5."

Now, most of us would pat each other on the back over a glass of wine concerning complaints like these. We would say things like "Hey, you ran six miles! That's great!" or "Not everyone is a superhuman plank person!" or "YOU RAN A MARATHON. THE END." If we can say these things to our friends, why is it so hard to live with no excuses about ourselves?

Via

As I've gone further along in my pregnancy, I've begun to appreciate my body more and more. I've realized how much it is capable of, and I haven't even pushed a human out of it yet (My head is still in the sand on that one. May come up for air around week 35 or so...). I find myself reading some of my favorite running mom bloggers archives (Like Lauren, Meghan, Michele and Danielle) and thinking "Sheesh, that's amazing!" concerning their physical prenatal activity. What I've come to realize is, just as in running, your body will do what it can do. I'm learning to accept this. I'm learning to have a "no excuses" attitude, do the best I can, and be proud of what I accomplish.

I will whine less and be proud more. Via

So, if you hear me complaining, set me straight. I'm going to make a conscious effort to be proud of everything my body allows me to do. I'm going to be proud if I run, walk, or crawl a mile. I'm going to do what makes me feel good, rather than what is expected of me. This is the "training season" I am in. I appreciated Dorothy's candor, who is an incredible runner, when she discussed how "2014 is the year for being okay with doing these things", things that I think are less what I usually do (like how I'm running a 5k instead of a half marathon next weekend). Pregnant or not, a positive attitude will only help your training. Getting hung up on a bad run or a bad training week can really disturb your flow. I know I was crippled mentally in my second marathon, and I guarantee I would have done better if I had fought the mental demons and stayed positive in spite of a tough race. It won't be easy, but I am going to do my best to appreciate my body for what it can do and what it will do. 

Via

How about you? Are you willing to have a no excuses attitude? Do you find yourself in a downward verbal rut? What tricks do you have for staying positive? TELL ME ABOUT IT!

Week 26 Update

This is a post I had written in my mind over the weekend. However, it will  have a VERY different final product. Things were going great until this weekend, on to the update for the details!

Energy level: I fear I am reverting back to the first trimester energy trap. It's definitely not as bad, but coming off a full week off from work at the end of February, coupled with more cold weather, equaled me wanting to hibernate. We've also been very busy, including a Super Sweet 16 this past Friday night, and a first birthday party Saturday afternoon! So many fun things to do, such energy needed to do them! I hope that this will change with it being light out later, but this weekend was another energy hit in massive proportions.

 My lovely coworker and her BEAUTIFUL 16 year old!!!

Baby A turned 1! The Donut themed party was OBVIOUSLY yummy!

Exercising: welcome to the struggle bus. I feel like I can break through this lack of energy, especially with the weather becoming more optimal (I'm ignoring the high of 26 degrees tomorrow). I've been enjoying Beautiful Belly Yoga, as well as a couple of runs and walks with Lambeau Puppy. I'm doing what I can, when I can, and that's what matters.

Lambeau Puppy thinks yoga time is puppy play time. Oh puppy boy, you have so much to learn!

Cravings: sweets. So bad. I made a box of brownies (the best kind, in my opinion) and gave 3/4 of them away because I KNEW I would dominate them. I've also been craving carbs, and with a lack of activity, I know I need to even this out! (Note: My Girl Scout cookie order arrives tomorrow. Danger zone. Beep beep beep!)

Weight gain: 21lbs. I finally found the courage to get on the scale. 

From Sunday...hours before I would get very sick.

Mental status: I was scared for the first time in my pregnancy. After a long weekend, Mr. Miller and I spent Sunday having a great day. We relaxed, organized, cleaned, and spent quality time together. We got one of our favorite deli sandwiches to split for lunch. Now, I haven't had ANY deli meat in my pregnancy, but I REALLY wanted this sandwich. I've read several accounts that deli meat is not harmful in small doses, so we got the sandwich. Well, about 4 hours later, we regretted that decision. I was finishing up making an elaborate meatball, spaghetti and roasted cauliflower dinner to set us up for the week food wise when I started feeling sick. I laid down, and suddenly my better half began to feel the same way. What ensued was 12 hours of the worst throwing up I have ever experienced. It went from once an hour to twice an hour, and I had no idea where this stuff was coming from, or how I had anything left to give up. The whole time I was sobbing thinking about the baby. This could NOT be good for him. I was dehydrated, weak, and couldn't hold even a sip of water down. My hero husband, equally as sick, rubbed my back when he could, held my hand, and prayed for our baby. We finally went to the ER around 9am. I was a hot mess; crying every time I had to talk to a doctor or nurse, solely concerned about my baby boy. They checked him out and he was doing great, kicking me as much as ever. I received anti nausea via an IV, followed by a beautiful fluids bag. The hospital was amazing, despite being overcrowded (I was in a bed in the hallway!). I survived my first IV and have been home resting since. The verdict was it was either severe food poisoning (We called the deli and no one else had called to complain of a similar situation) or a stomach virus (which has been making the rounds in my school).

I put on my big girl pants and got an IV in my hand. Big steps for me, the needlephobe/bloodphobe.

It has taken me a lot longer than I expected to get over this. I've been out of work for three days. I plan to return to work tomorrow, which should be interesting. I'm usually a tough cookie about being sick, but this was a tough recovery. It's more difficult for me to stay hydrated since he needs so much, and I usually drink a ton of water (about 80oz at work alone) each day. Being pregnant during this was very scary, and I am thankful to be coming out on the other side of this. I am especially thankful for all the family and friends who have reached out to help and sent check in texts. Mr. Miller was so strong, which has given me so much more confidence for the scariness of labor ahead of us!

My puppy baby and human baby kept me company for the past few days. Lots of snuggles. And kicks.

Best advice: STAY HOME IF YOU'RE DIZZY. Sad but true, I had to be told this. You are superwoman to the little life inside, but no need to be a hero if you're not up to it. 

How about you? Are you the type to go to work regardless of how you feel? Have you enjoyed the nice weather lately? What are your bounce back from sickness tips? TELL ME ABOUT IT!

Week 24 update

Happy March! Can you believe we are in the month where spring officially begins? No, I cannot, as we have ANOTHER "big snowstorm" headed our way Sunday-Monday! Alas, this is what we must put up with here in the northeast. It's a small price to pay for NYC summers that are filled with hot days and cool nights with endless activities in between! Although, this summer will be a BIT different with a new Miller in the world! Here's the scoop on how he (And I) have been doing:

My three boy loves between these two pictures: my man-boy, puppy-boy, and baby-boy. 

Energy level: this week was tough. Last week was our February break, and no school for a whole week was BEYOND relaxing! I got to see some really fabulous friends like Ashley and Beth, visit Mr. Miller at his new (as of December) office, and watch the Today Show every morning (aka my dream come true). We also enjoyed the "heat wave" this past weekend; the temperatures reached above 35! Miracle! We were abruptly thrust back into the 20's this week. You win some, you lose some! ;-) Alas, going back to work this week was a bit tiring, including working after school twice. I was more than tired each night. I hope I can acclimate back to being "pregnant yet still part of the land of the living"!

After an awesome NTC Sweaty Saturday workout, I met up with future NYC Marathon Finisher Mrs. Gray for 3 easy miles in Central Park while Mr. Miller ran some speedier miles!

Exercising: my energy level definitely affected this. I got in a few workouts, but it was a struggle each time to get started. I got to hit up NTC a few times, got in some runs, all while benefiting tremendously from the Gabrialla band that Ashley passed on to me! It's made a big difference in the discomfort in my lower stomach. I'm carrying low, so this was the perfect addition to my workout attire. Thanks Ashley! 

Post NTC Upper East Side workout! I'm on the right, below the guy with the chain....yea...I was there. Promise.

Cravings: things that don't cause heartburn. These past couple of weeks were plagued with a bit of the dreaded H. I think they were due in large part to some "digestion" issues. I think I've finally made it over the hump and am back to enjoying most yummy things, including breakfast for dinner! (This picture was taken right before I insanely put the plate of pancakes on the counter and didn't quite get the plate securely placed....yes, the plate fell to the ground, shattered into pieces with all 8 perfect pancakes. Tears.)

Oh little pancakes, how you made me cry.

Weight gain: 18-19 lbs. I, again, haven't weighed myself, so this is a guess. Avoidance? Maybe. 

Old Navy maternity that is a bit fitted.

Mental status: a bit touch and go. Things are getting REALLY real. I finally felt him move (very late, according to all the information I've read), and he hasn't stopped! That made me realize "HE'S IN THERE!" He's an extremely active baby. Kicks me all.the.time. I've also been struggling with some growth spurts, "popping", and feeling larger than ever. I know I will be double, possibly triple the size of what I am now. However, it doesn't make it any easier to struggle to get off the couch or "propel roll" myself out of bed. As I've said before, my heart knows this is for a reason, but my mind is still catching up. I love this little boy more and more each day, and I will continue to strive and keep my body as a good host for him to the best of my ability. I also registered at Target and Babies R Us today, which was very exciting! My friend Joan joined me to give me the ins and outs of what babies need since she's fresh off the whole first time parent thing (And everything she has already has an updated version!).

Joan's almost 1 year old!!! We got to babysit her last Saturday, what a little snuggle bug! Can't wait to celebrate Baby A next weekend!!!

Best advice: Register for bath toys with big holes. Whaaaat? Joan said this was important because the little holes tend to not squirt out the water etc, creating a smelly/moldy situation resulting in discarded play things. I opted for some cup/scoop options and a rubber ducky that has a sealed plug.

These sea inspired stacking cups are super cute!

How about you? Are you a creative or registry gift giver? Did you take advantage of "warmer weather" post polar vortex? Has any dropped food brought you to tears lately? TELL ME ABOUT IT!