Mr. and Mrs. Got Knocked Up!

Perhaps you've been wondering why Mrs. hasn't been terribly upset at herself for not losing more weight in recent months. Well, I had a really good excuse: I'm pregnant!

Mr. and I made the decision earlier this fall that we would try for a second child, even if I had not yet achieved my goal weight. Why? Well, I'm not getting any younger (32 and counting). Our kiddo is finally getting more independent, so it seemed like the perfect time to add to our brood. And frankly, I know I'm going to have to lose weight after the baby arrives, so why not just use that opportunity to do the whole shebang?

The baby is due in early August, so I have about six more months to be Mrs. Get Fit While Pregnant. I'm proud of the fact that I haven't gained weight in the first trimester (though my belly already feels bigger).

But I'm more than a little nervous about sticking to our fit lifestyle for the remainder of my pregnancy. It was during my first pregnancy that Mr. and I both gained way too much weight and let our eating and exercise habits become absolutely horrible. We used my pregnancy as an excuse to indulge in any and every craving and to avoid physical activity altogether. I ended up gaining about 40 pounds, and after the baby was born, I gained back whatever I lost with the birth.

To make sure we don't backslide into old, bad habits, Mr. and I have continued eating pretty much as we did before I got pregnant. I say "pretty much" because, well, I have given in to a craving or two. And when I do, Mr. often joins in. I'm trying hard to keep those indulgences to a minimum -- for both of our sakes.

I continue to exercise, though not with the intensity or regularity of my pre-pregnant life. Every time I get on that treadmill or elliptical, I just think, "Hey, at least I'm being active," even if it's not hard-core like before. Mr. no longer goes to a personal trainer due to some issues with his hip and leg. But he is trying to stay active by working out at home.

Now, instead of watching the scale for lower numbers, I'll be weighing in weekly to monitor my gains. My OB said I should shoot for about 15 extra pounds during this pregnancy, given my current weight and goals. At that rate, I can gain a pound or two every couple of weeks (it changes as the baby grows) and be perfectly fit and healthy. Any more than that, and I'll know it's time to cut back on the indulging and ramp up the cardio.

I also hope Mr. will continue to work toward his goals. It would be nice to have a fit husband, full of energy and enthusiasm, to help out when Baby #2 arrives! Lord knows, we'll need it.