I can't believe it's the end of another year... looking back I feel like although I'm in the process of a life changing event... my year has been somewhat non-eventful to this point! Maybe that's just what I needed to happen this year. I have definitely experienced the joys of 'having to slow down'. I don't even see it as a negative thing either, there's always so many things we could be doing... being forced to step back allows us to see what the most important and worthwhile things to focus on are.

 

I'll go month-by-month to recap 2007... it seems to be the easiest way for me!

 

January 2007:

* Booked all of my travel plans to compete in Columbus at the Arnold.

* Basically panicked the whole month about competing while trying to combat thyroid troubles and a bit of overexhaustion.

* Had to give up our dog Maggie. Still sad, but happy to hear that she is doing well.

 

February 2007:
* More panic and distress getting prepped for the Arnold, but giving up or bailing out was not an option.

* First Wedding Anniversary. I have the greatest husband in the world.

* My 25th Birthday and the day I left with my good friend Mel for the Arnold in Columbus.

 

March 2007:

* Competed at the Arnold and placed 5th in Fitness Tall.

* Had a blast with Mel in Columbus at the Expo and watching the Pro Fitness and Figure Finals.

* Took a break from dieting, but began pre-contest dieting for Nationals later that month.

* My girls gymnastics Provincials in Grande Prairie... good times!

 

April 2007:

* A month of absolute frustration as my body DID NOT respond to any dieting or training I was doing.

 

May 2007:

* A reason for my frustration is revealed as I find out I am pregnant.

* Taso and I are extremely excited but are trying to keep the first twelve weeks private.

* I have a big mouth and it's not really a secret by the end of the month!

* My client Trina competes at the FAME Prairies competition in the Fitness and Muscle Model categories and places 2nd and 3rd respectably.

* I volunteer my services as a manager at the 2007 Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Regina.

 

June 2007:

* I am sick every day of this month - all day long. It's lovely.

* Kelowna gymnastic competition. Good times, don't think we're allowed back! Thanks Sarah!

* My client Cindy places 2nd in Provincial Fitness and qualifies for the Nationals where she places 8th.

 

July 2007:

* My friend Mel has her beautiful baby boy, Tanner.

* My first ultrasound shows that there is actually a little person inside of me. A little person who is still making me unbearably sick all month long once again!

 

August 2007:

* My 18 week ultrasound reveals we are having a baby boy!

* I am still sick every day... wondering when it is going to end!!!

* I finish up with my final clients at World Health Club... I realize I can only handle coaching at this time.

 

September 2007:

* Heather turns 26 and has another one of her infamous Mayland parties!

* My first day of NOT being sick happens... it's surreal!

 

October 2007:

* My third trimester begins.

* My good friend Teisa gives birth to her baby boy 10 weeks early... scary stuff, but he is beautiful and doing just fine now.

* We finally sell our house!

 

November 2007:

* I start contemplating competing at the 2008 Fitness Nationals... what the...?

* We move into our new home... I love it, and we have lots of room for baby Michael!

 

December 2007:

* I have a baby shower with some close friends and family, they spoil me way too much.

* A quiet Christmas... probably the last quiet one for a while!

 

And that is that. I don't really have any resolutions... I have things I would LIKE to do, but it will all depend on how balancing life with a baby works out. I would definitely like to get back into shape and compete in August if I can. I would also like to read more and become more involved with different activities. Don't ask me what yet... because I'm not sure I know! Regardless, 2008 is looking to be an exciting year.

 

Happy New Year everyone!  

 

Less than 8 weeks to go. I can't say I want this whole pregnancy to be over with quite yet, because I definitely want this baby to be full-term and healthy... but I do hope these next 8 weeks go by somewhat quickly!

 

Baby's room is almost ready, I have a few more things to pick up but they're pretty minor. I have been spoiled by my family and friends with almost everything this baby is going to need and I am very lucky for that.

 

I am seeing the endpoint now... I am longing for the day where I can go to Hot Yoga, sit in a hot tub, eat a sashimi dinner with a glass (or two) of red wine and fall asleep on my stomach. All those little things! Right now I am fat, waddling and short-of-breath. My neck and back are a mess, no doubt from being out of shape and carrying 60 extra pounds. And I am so swollen at the end of the day that sitting on the computer or watching TV seem to be my only viable options.

 

I admire those women who can stay in great shape during pregnancy and don't gain an exorberant amount of weight. Unfortunately that was not me this go-round. Laziness is a tempting and comfortable cycle to get in to, and at the end of the day I allowed myself to be here. I could be worse I am sure, but I could also be much better and hopefully next time I will be. I've definitely set myself up for some hard work this Spring!!!